Catching up with the island…

It was especially great to see Tina Jones (center) at the Relay for Life last night; her presence reminded me of how wonderfully the community banded together to support her last winter at the S-Club’s Fundraiser at the Mullis Center. More Relay stuff will be coming soon!

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Glassblower & artist Darlene Nixon tells me that Roche Harbor has been going full swing with one wedding after another. Maybe they’ll get over 80, which was the magic number from last year…

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Rhiana modeling for me at South Beach last week…

• Rhiana Franklin and Trent Roberts are shooting a music video out at the West Side near Lime Kiln on August 4th and need an island audience! The song is called “Crazy Girl” and its on the EP album Rhiana will be releasing in September. So swing by and show your support for these two great musicians! The Facebook event will keep you updated on specifics.

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• Victoria at the Economic Development Council says the deadline has been extended:

Marine Tech Training Scholarships from EDC – Deadline Extended

The San Juan County Economic Development Council has been awarded a grant for marine tech training scholarships from the US Department of Agriculture.  The deadline for applications has been extended to August 10, 2012.

The scholarships will cover full tuition for marine engine repair training, and for composite technology training and certification.  The training is ideal for recent graduates and for those looking to begin a new career – applicants must be over 18 years old.  For more information, please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/marine.htm

The grant was awarded through the Rural Business Enterprise program of the USDA, which was created to provide adults with job skills training in rural areas.  The official “big check” award ceremony was held at the Port of Friday Harbor, and was attended by Jim Hooper (SJC-EDC President), Melanie Drecksel and Sharon Exley (USDA), SJC Councilmember Lovel Pratt, Town Councilmember Steve Hushebeck, Port of Friday Harbor Commissioners Mike Ahrenius and Greg Hertel, Don Wick (EDASC), Ron Nelson (ICEDC), Victoria Compton (SJC-EDC).

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.  We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.  

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The Enactment was a definite highlight of the weekend – the lady next to me almost dropped her camera at the sound of the cannon firing! That shows how authentic the event was. Plus, there was a free shuttle from town and Roche Harbor from San Juan Transit, so everyone had the option of going green! More pictures to come.

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Allison & Bryan & the kids….

• Bryan (above) could sure use a hand….here’s a website that describes what he & his family are going through, and how you can help.

Islander Barbara Dollahite was one of the artists at the Bellevue Arts Fair this past week – she tells me she had a great time!

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• The Fair is only a couple of weeks away, and it’s time for you to sign up to help! Here’s an idea, from Judy Chovan:

Everyone’s favorite week of the year – Fair Week – is fast approaching. The week where we get to see friends and neighbors we sadly see but once a year, enjoy elephant ears (without guilt), and wonder at the creativity and green thumbs of all.

The Photography Department is, by far, the largest department of the fair. With well over 800 photographs from talented and eager photographers, both young and old, to check in, it is a daunting task. Bob agreed to coordinate the department again this year with the caveat that I would help line up volunteers.

For those of you have helped in the past, you know Tuesday check-in requires many, many hands to process the hundreds of photographs. I am asking for anyone who is able to volunteer for a shift, to please respond to this email or call me at 378-0815.  We need volunteers from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. For those working over dinner, pizza will be provided and snacks throughout the day.  Please let me know if you can work two hours, three hours, or even longer.

Thanks in advance – the County Fair is a great symbol of what these islands are about – helping out and making things happen. With your help, the photography display will once again showcase the best of our creative islanders.

Judy Chovan

[email protected]

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