Around the isle….

A Christmas house on Argyle Street...

I hope you’re having a nice sunny day…let’s see what’s up:

• The Washington State Ferry folks say the schedule will be the regular one for the San Juan Islands/Anacortes route:

On Saturday, Dec. 25 and Saturday, Jan. 1 this route will operate on a normal weekend schedule. On Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31, this route will operate on a regular Friday schedule. Please check our website for the exact schedule at the top of our favorite website about the San Juans. (I made up the last part. But I do believe they read the Update, because they decided to paint the Hyak after I ran embarrassingly rusty pictures of her. Coincidence? You decide.)

• Ferry tales II: It was fun to get back on the Orcas ferry yesterday and have the announcement with a live voice say something about we were in Friday Harbor. The Anacortes ferry has a recording that says something about “We have now arrived at our destination.” When they play that as you stop at Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, & then Friday Harbor, ya gotta be careful where you get off the boat, or you’ll have to spend the night at the Motel 6 on Shaw.

• Ferry tales III: One of the great island moms I know reported that yesterday’s ferry trip included this announcement:

“IF YOU TWO LITTLE BOYS, DON’T STOP RUNNIN’ AROUND… SANTA *WILL NOT* BE COMING THIS YEAR!!!”

They stopped.

Friday morning Santa dropped in on storytime at the Library - wahoo! Photo by Maddie Smith.

• Jandira wanted me to tell you that the Akashic Records Group Opening of Records meets tonight from 6-8 in the conference room at the library and it is open to the public.

At Be Chic Boutique's Open House & Holiday Party last night, it was Teri's mom Carol's birthday, too!

• Hey – San Juan Interiors is opening a shop on Orcas in Eastsound…

• You know the Farmers Market is happening this weekend at the high school, from 10-1 on Saturday? Now you do.

• Gail & Randy have a deal at the store this weekend – here’s the scoop:

Cotton Cotton Cotton is having a special holiday sale this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Mystery Discounts of 10% – 40% off (excluding some consignment items)!

You know those cute KLOGS boots you have been looking at??  Come in this week and get them 20% off starting today!!

We have lots of cute Christmas themed shirts, and gifts for that special someone!  Don’t forget Brighton Jewelry and we now have Brighton charm bracelets and Christmas charms! Hope to see you soon!

Sierra, the big winner!

• It was fun! Here’s the results of the kids’ art show at Gallery San Juan last week, from Barbara & Matt:

Hi, I just wanted to give you the results of the 13th annual Kid’s Art Show, which was held December 7th. Attached is a picture of Sierra Fitts, our youngest winner of our Peoples’ Choice award. A great time was had by all and we thank everyone that participated.
Thank you to all and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

2010 winners in the following categories will have their artwork framed by the Gallery:

4 Year olds – Sierra Fitts
5-6 Year olds – Katie Holmes
8-9 Year olds – Weston Warfel
10 -12 Year olds – Vida Wright

Valmark steps up!

• Here’s the scoop from the Lainey & the EMS folks:

VALMARK Accepts Community Safety Partner Award

Lainey Volk, Prevention Officer for San Juan Island EMS, presented the Safety Committee of VALMARK (King’s Market, Market Place, King’s Video, King’s Marine Center) with a certificate for their partnership in Community Safety.

The corporation purchased 3 AEDs (automatic external defibrillator) and placed them in Public access locations.

Cardiac-caused cardiac arrest is the number one cause of death for adults in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) 1,000 adults a day dies from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA): a result of arrhythmia where electrical conduction gets out of control. Shocking the fibrillating heart is the only cure. CPR preserves the brain while awaiting the EMTs with defibrillating equipment. The AHA estimates that 20,000 – 100,000 SCA deaths could be prevented if defibrillation is readily available. Defibrillation in the first minute of sudden cardiac arrest can save up to 90% of its victims. However with each minute of delay to defibrillation survival rates drop by 10%. VALMARK is an important partner in increasing our community’s life saving abilities. They trained all their employees in the use of CPR and AEDs. The AEDs are located in King’s Market at the bottom of stairway below Marine Center (next to ATM), at the Market Place customer service counter and at King’s Video back hallway below the corporate offices.

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