Around the island…

Watching for roadkill....this bald eagle was hanging out on Roche Harbor Road last weekend. Photo by John Miller

Let’s see if we can catch up with what’s going on ’round here:

• The Soroptimist Club’s 13th St. Patrick’s Dinner & Auction is this Saturday…have you got your tickets yet? Here are the details.

• You knew it – 1921 was a great year: That was the year Howard Schonberger was born, today. Happy 90th Birthday, Howard!

• Mariya has a mini-clinic tomorrow for all you horse-lovers:

Join us for a Free Equestrian’s Mini-Clinic with Joanna Mendl-Shaw on Thursday, March 10 3-6 pm. The clinic is open to everyone along with equestrians. Joanna Mendl-Shaw, the Juilliard School and Alvin Ailey Dance Faculties, is the artistic director of The Equus Projects www.dancingwithhorses.org.

Using Brain Gym® activities and Ball Work we will focus on fun ways to work on the strength and body integration that equestrians need. Some anatomical information will be given. The more “exercise” oriented work will transition into a short creative exploration with a partner that focuses on leading and following.

There is no cost to participants for the clinic ~ humans only this time. Bring an inflatable exercise ball. Pre-registration is required, Contact Mariya Masters to register 378-1032 or mariyairenemasters (at) gmail.com.

• The folks at the Land Bank need you to help get the job done – can you put this on your calendar for the 18th? Here’s the deal from Diane Kinnaman:

I’m happy to report the Land Bank had several volunteers contribute many hours in late February & early March, planting over one hundred gooseberry and native hawthorn out on the Beaverton Marsh Preserve (Roche Harbor Rd.), San Juan Island! Still many more bare root plantings to get in the ground, so another planting party will held on Friday, March 18th. The more the merrier! We are also thrilled to report Friday Harbor High School students are assisting with this restoration effort for their Community Service project, as well. There is much more work to be done throughout the spring, in addition to the plantings – if anyone is interested in volunteering or to learn more, please call 378-4402.

He's amazing & he's going to be here: The IMA & Spring Street International are bringing Kurt Wenner here for a presentation at 3:30pm on Saturday and a presentation and artist's reception on Sunday at 2, both at the Community Theatre. Check the Calendar (sanjuancalendar.com on those dates) for details.

• Just got this note from children’s librarian Melina:

Friday, March 11th from 6:30-7:15pm – Pajama Storytime!
Wear your favorite PJs & receive a free book from the San Juan County Early Learning Consortium.  Light refreshments served.

• Kerwin at Islanders Insurance tells me you can add the kids’ insurance – here’s the rest of the story for this:

Just a heads up: the individual insurance market in the State of Washington will have two open enrollment periods for children this year.  Parents who want to add their children to their individual health plans “or” buy child-only plans can do so from March 15 – April 30, 2011 and again from September 15 – October 30, 2011.

This individual health insurance market is for people who do not have access to employer sponsored health insurance.

During open enrollment times, children under the age of 19 cannot be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition.  They will not be required for complete the health screening questionnaire.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Gigi, Ian, or Kerwin at Islanders Insurance.  We represent Regence, Group Health, and Lifewise of Washington for these valuable products.  Our phone number is 378-2195 or you can reach us by e-mail.

It was frozen & cold a couple of weeks ago...thanks to Erin Ancich for this photo from the westside.

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