What’s up….

Last week's snow is just a memory....with highs in the 40s over the next week, it doesn't look like we're getting more, too soon...

Let’s take a look at some of the things going on…hope you have a great weekend planned!

Kayla

• Got a note from my friend Jennifer that her daughter Kayla is an ace babysitter & caregiver – here’s more:

San Juan Island…. I thought I would let all of you know that my daughter Kayla Whalen is back on Island full time attending Skagit. She is 18, responsible, CPR certified and extremely experienced with children of all ages.

She is available Monday – Sunday, almost any times available. Depending on the # of children; her rates are between $10-$15/hour. Give her a call if you would like weekly care for your kiddos, date night with your honey or if you just need an afternoon to your self 🙂

Thank you, Jennifer Whalen

Kayla Whalen – 1-360-770-8170 cell
kaylawhalen8393 (at) hotmail.com

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• Both the boys & girls basketball teams won last night, as FHHS beat Mount Vernon Christian.

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Over at the airport, yesterday...Tom Doenges caught this photo through the fence....

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Principal Connie Martin, PTA Co-Presidents Roxanne Angel and Megan Hoffman, San Juan Trails Committee reps Eileen Drath and Dave Zeretze, and hard working members of the PTA Board show off the new passports. First grader Olivia Germaine smiles her approval. ...photo: Theresa Simendinger

San Juan Trails Committee “Trails Passport” Has Arrived
by Theresa Simendinger

During the PTA meeting January 11, 2012  the kick off for “Trails Passport” took place. This is the San Juan Trails Committee’s new idea to get families out and enjoying our natural wonders.

Many of us who who live in the San Juan Islands are surrounded by so much natural beauty we may forget to enjoy it.  People come from all over the world to enjoy the mystical beauty of the area. The “Trails Passport” is a booklet designed by Dave Zeretze to help promote families to use the trails of San Juan Island. After a family hike kids can place a sticker in the  area provided after each of the San Juan trials listed.

Connie Martin, Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School, emphasized, “Regular exercise in nature is proven to improve children’s physical and mental health. The SJ Trails idea is a great opportunity for parents to model and develop a more active lifestyle for their families.”

The idea started when Eileen Drath noticed the German hiking club; “Volks Walkers” had a “Volks Passport”  for adults to record their hikes in. Dave Zeretze saw them again in 2010 at Pacific Beach, WA. Zeretzke and Drath envisioned it as a way to introduce the young people of the San Juan’s to the adventures of the island forests and beaches. Zeretzke liked the idea so much he designed the San Juan Trails Passport with the help and enthusiastic support of Chris Brown at Printonyx.  San Juan Trails, a committee of Island Rec funded the Trails Passport. Island Rec Director Sally Thomsen regarded it as a great project for them to be onboard with.

At a time when the health of our computer preoccupied young is at stake this is a wonderful way for them to spend time with their families and or friends in the stress free environment of the unsurpassed beauty available here on the island which we are fortunate enough to call home. The Trails Passports are for everyone who would like to encourage their family to “Get moving!”

The small blue booklets are available through Mike Biggers, PE Teacher at the FH Elementary School or at Island Rec Mon-Fri 1-5pm.

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Look who's parked downtown...photo by Chris Terens

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