‘Twas the night before the night before Christmas….

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Let’s check in before we get this long holiday weekend going…

• I heard that Lori Stokes was interviewed by Where To Retire magazine (they have over 500,000 readers) recently, so I asked her what was the scoop:

In the November/December issue of this magazine (which I haven’t been able to find on any magazine rack on the island), there is an article entitled “8 Treasured Islands for Serene Living.”

San Juan is one of the featured islands, and I was interviewed by the writer (after being referred by the Visitors Bureau) so am quoted quite a bit in the article.  I have a hard copy of the magazine, and looked at their website to see if you can access the article online.  It doesn’t appear to me that this is possible.  So let me know if you have any interest in looking at the article, and I can get you a copy.

I feel a bit like a celebrity, although I doubt most people who know me will ever see it!

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• I knew you were gonna ask, so I went & checked…Mi Casita opened last night at their new location in the Best Western, and they were slammed. There were people waiting to be seated in a line out into the lobby pretty much right after they opened. While we were waiting in line, I asked everyone leaving how the food was, and the answers ranged from “Great!” to “Awesome!”

I think Gregg has a winner on his hands. Drop by & see what he’s done!

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• The Golden Triangle is open 12 noon – 8pm on Christmas Eve, if you’re looking for a great meal for the evening….

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• From 7-11pm tonight at The Rumor Mill:

Big Band Christmas music! Featuring Jill Urbach & Jim Moe. With guest trumpet, Dave George! Also guest baritone sax, Teddy Deane! Great Music, Great food! See you there!

• My friend Marie Dicristina says here’s a way for you to help our friend:

Elizabeth Welch Medical Fund now established

The friends and family of Elizabeth Welch have set up a fundraiser account at Wells Fargo Bank to help with the overwhelming medical costs from her cancer surgery and treatments.

Elizabeth is known by many as President of the Island Arts League as well as for her passion for drama and theater.  She is a gifted artist, holds a master’s degree in History, lover of music, and is kind soul who now needs the community to assist her in her battle and medical costs. She has been involved with the San Juan Singers, a San Juan Library volunteer, worked with the Library beading group and has made many friends with many islanders and artists.

Any kind gift would be appreciated.   Please make checks to the Elizabeth M. Welch Fund account and take or send to the Wells Fargo Bank, P. O. Box 189, Friday Harbor, WA 98250  360 (378-2128).  Many thanks to those of who can contribute and best wishes to all this holiday season!

The friends and family of Elizabeth Welch

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• Check this out, from Deanna at the Port of Friday Harbor – it’s something new at the Airport:

The island’s first public street lights using LED technology have been installed at the Friday Harbor Airport.

These energy efficient streetlights are located at Airport Circle Drive. The lights incorporate the latest LED technology, including “Dark Skies” shading to protect airport neighbors from unwanted light. As part of the Standby Generator, Electrical Vault and Gate System Project these fixtures will illuminate an otherwise dark stretch of road near Aeronautical Services, Ernie’s Café and Westwind Aviation. The Friday Harbor Port Commissioners are committed to reducing the use of electricity at Port facilities through projects designed to take advantage of the latest available technology.

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• It’s good to hear from Arielle Mancuso!

She is serving in the Peace Corps in Rwanda, and has a Christmas that includes sister Ayanna coming to Africa to visit, and her dad Bob dropping by in the new year (here’s more on her blog)…her mom Yvonne reports:

It’s Arielle’s Christmas Card from Rwanda (above).  This is what you do when there aren’t any Christmas decorations to buy … you make your own using the Currier & Ives nostalgia of being home for the holidays.  Her latest blog tells it all … :>)

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• You knew this, but I’ll remind you:

The San Juan County Charter Review Commission will convene its first meeting at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 7,  2012 in the County Council Chambers, 55 Second Avenue in Friday Harbor.

The County’s Charter calls for a review by an elected Charter Review Commission after five full years of operation under the new form of government, and at least every ten years thereafter. The County’s home rule charter was adopted by voters in 2005 and put in place in 2006.

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• Just got a note from Chance Earle about her adventures in the streets of town – here’s more:

I had to share this.

Today I went up to Franck Street to loan a DVD to a friend. At the top of the hill in another friend’s driveway are 5 goats. My friend doesn’t own goats!

Anyway I notified the friend that goats are chewing down big time on their shrubs. Other neighbors (Carole & Jack Woolsey) said they had called the sheriff and “help was on the way.”

In the meantime I walked down to Virginia Otto’s house to deliver the DVD and guess what – the goats followed.. Virginia was very surprised with the extra “company,” who liked her shrubs as well. I tried to detour them up Maple Steet, and I thought I had shaken them but they found me again at Timmons’.

Good grief… the sheriff did arrive and eventually the owner. He leashed up one, they all followed, so he headed over back to Grover Street where they came from.

Only in Friday Harbor. Got to love this place.

Merry Christmas from Chance

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Categories: Around Here