Around the island….

Renovations around town continued this month, as the drug store gets a new facelift with a new awning (that was yesterday), the Sandpebble will re-open after their re-model, and Lavendera Day Spa plans to open mid-month, in their new location next to the Little Store in the former BeChic Boutique spot.

Let’s take a look at what’s up around here:

• What are people talking about? They have to change their Facebook page! Here are three tips from a news report, as Facebook will switch your profile to the new timeline format after today. (Let me know if you need a “cover” picture…I have a ton, as you already know…happy to share.)

If you don’t know what I’m taking about, no big. Not THAT big of a deal….

• She did awesome things for the island for the past 18 years, so swing by & say hey at Kari Koski‘s retirement (from Soundwatch) party at the Whale Museum at 4 today…see you there! Here’s more from Jenny at the Whale Museum:

Kari, in action

For nearly 20 years, Kari Koski has been a significant member of The Whale Museum staff.  She began in September of 1992, immediately becoming a valued team member.  With her quick wit, intelligence and engaging, charismatic manner, Kari has held various roles from educator to research director and, most notably, director of the Soundwatch on-the-water boater education program.

Kari has worked passionately and tirelessly to provide a better, safer environment for the Southern Resident orcas and other marine mammals.  Her leadership and involvement with developing the Be Whale Wise guidelines, the Kayakers Code of Conduct as well as the county, state and federal regulations were invaluable.  Kari has been instrumental in so many of our local and regional marine issues and projects – and we thank her!  Kari cannot help but get involved because she cares so deeply.  As Kari retires from the Museum, we are all saddened and will miss her tremendously. It does come as a great relief that Kari is choosing to remain here. With San Juan being a small island and Friday Harbor a close-knit community, we look forward to seeing Kari somewhere on-island or on-the-water every day. We will always consider her a part of our Whale Museum family.

Please join us on Tuesday, January 31 (4 p.m. until 6 p.m.) at The Whale Museum as we celebrate Kari and wish her well on her “retirement.”  (Sharing of “Kari” memories, gifts and good wishes are welcome!)

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Coy at Windjammer Barber Shop (at the end of Jeri's Mall, down from the Hot Shop & Vinnie's Pizza) gives 19-month-old Jason his first haircut yesterday.

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• Next week there’s going to be special presentation called Rachel’s Challenge…and a chance for parents to get childcare – here’s more from Debbi Fincher:

We have more details now on the free childcare offered to parents of young children, ages 3-7, for the evening presentation of Rachel’s Challenge on Wed. Feb. 8th.

Please preregister your child by calling Alice Hibberd (Island Rec’s STAR Afterschool Program Director) at 378-9722 or sacredchildren (at) rockisland.com by Feb. 6th. We want to make sure all adults have a chance to see this powerful, live presentation! The program is not suitable for young children. Thank you!

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