Getting Siri-ous.... If she looked familiar in the story, that's because she is - FHHS grad Siri Thorson is featured in this month's BUST magazine - you can read the online writeup (with pictures) on their website (scroll down to the January 29th entry). She's at university in New York City studying film, and says in her blog that she enjoyed meeting the BUST people & that she's happy with the way the article turned out.
Farmer's Market!! Grisha from the Market has news:
The San Juan Island Farmers' Market is moving to the Fairgrounds for the remaining winter market days. Locally grown produce, meat, eggs, and cheese will be available along with an assortment of fresh baked goods and hot drinks.
The Market takes place from 10 am to 1 pm in the fruit and vegetable exhibition adjoining the Main Building at the Fairgrounds. The next winter market is Saturday February second.
Lindley's coming back.... When Mike Adams told me that Jackson Browne sideman David Lindley was coming back this year, I put it on my calendar, and I hope you put it on yours. If it's got strings, David can make it sing. Here's more from the folks at the Community Theatre:
Get ready for one wild musical Monday night when David Lindley returns to the Theatre this coming Monday, February 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Ask anyone whose seen David in concert and they might have to pause a moment when you ask them how it was…it’s hard to describe someone who has a powerful instrumental talent (from lap steel guitar to the Turkish saz and chumbus), writes and sings songs with titles like“Catfood Sandwiches,” and “Alien Invasion,” has a slightly demented sense of onstage humor, and wears lots of bright colors!. As his website proclaims, David is redefining the word “ECLECTIC”.
Local musician Mike Adams of Uncle Otto is a big fan of David and was here last year for his first visit to the Theatre. He says it was great to watch David’s impact on those who weren’t as familiar with him. “A David Lindley concert is a musical awakening for a lot of people,” said Adams. “He’s as good as it gets—a world class string wizard!”
Well known for his many years as a featured accompanist with Jackson Browne, David has been one of Hollywood's most in-demand session musicians, lending his skills to the recorded works of Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, Crosby and Nash, Warren Zevon, and many others.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH tickets available at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm and one hour before each performance. Call 378-3210 or surf to www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org
The VAM lecture is Saturday! Gu Xiong speaks on the second at the Theatre - this is something you won't want to miss. Here's more.
Sale at Dominique's Teri tells me it's their winter clearance sale:
Yes, it's that time of year - the weather may be yucky but the deals are incredible! We need to move out some winter merchandise to make room for Spring. Select items are now up to 75% OFF!!! Now is a great time to treat yourself to a beautiful new coat or gorgeous sweater. Remember, we still have plenty of chilly weather ahead!
Quote Guys are simple... women are not simple and they always assume that men must be just as complicated as they are, only way more mysterious. The whole point is guys are not thinking much. They are just what they appear to be. Tragically. Dave Barry
January 30, 2008
Cinda Sue's website - it's up! Cinda Sue Dow (right, with friend) has a new site to tell you about her art & interior design services - check it out!
Where whales eat lunch..... Looks like L pod has been spending at least part of the winter down in California's waters, off Monterey...Ken Balcomb says it takes them eight days to swim that far, but that's where the salmon is. Here's more, from the Seattle P-I.
Sandy, when it counts.... It was cool to hear from a friend after the weekend's freeze:
Ian - I could not find where to send this email, so I thought you would be the best contact to get the message out.
I just wanted to thank the appropriate parties involved for taking the time to sand Terrace Drive on Hillview Terrace. We were concerned about getting to work today and I was very relieved to see the road had been sanded. It is our first winter on the hill and it was my understanding that this road was not sanded. I tried to find somewhere on the internet on what roads are planned for sanding, scheduling, etc. I was unsuccessful.
Thank you, Town of Friday Harbor & the County for your continued effort for our safety on these hazardous streets of our beautiful island. Regards, Wil Oliver
What a wonderful world...... Terry Fator (ventriloquist, impersonator, singer, and comedian) offers a nice bit, with kermit, Louie, and a smile....
Quote
What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy? Mohandas Gandhi - the Mahatma was murdered sixty years ago today, although his quest for peace continues
January 29, 2008
No snow, Joe - The weather guessers had us with freezing & some snow today, but warm winds & a little rain came instead. The forecast is for warmer temps for the rest of the week, so maybe it'll snow then.
Who knows....
Twenty & still counting..... Did you know Julie Greene (famous loan specialist for Wells Fargo & even more famous local actress) and Ian Walt (famous sea urchin diver) have been together for twenty years? Wow! Congratulations, you two!
Island vocabulary: I'm trying to put together a little dictionary of island expressions so that foreigners, visitors, relatives, and people from Lopez know what the heck we're talking about. Here are some samples from this emerging work:
There's nothing to do on this island. Translation: I didn't feel like helping my friend with his roofing, or helping my friend move, or watching someone's kids so they could go to a movie. I didn't feel like working in the garden, or taking a walk down at South beach, or playing with the dog, or painting the office with the guys at work. Didn't wanna go to the play, or the basketball game, or the high school play or band concert. Didn't meet a friend at the pub, didn't work on my boat, didn't call a friend to get a beer. Definitely didn't go to the movie theater or go bowling. Who says this: People who are gonna move within the year.
Sorry I'm late. Got stuck in traffic. Translation: Came down Second Street towards the movie theater, and tried to turn left at King's Market. Any time of day, it takes a half hour to turn. Who says this: Amazed visitors.
Ugly house. Translation: Your house, not mine. You built your two million dollar house between my house and the water. Who says this: People who thought this would never happen, even though they built their house between someone else's house & the water.
Does the water go all the way around the island? Translation: I just don't get how islands work. Who says this: Visitors who didn't get past eighth grade science or locals who haven't been to the west side lately & forget.
Off-island. Translation: This is both time & place. When someone here says, "I'm going off-island," it means they're going somewhere else in the known universe, possibly as close as Orcas, or as far away as Seattle, Taiwan, or Bath in the UK. It's also time - saying "I'm going off-island on Saturday," means they probably won't be around most of the day. Who says this: People on-island.
Ladies on horseback, naturally.... My friend Lillan Roquet teaches Natural Horsemanship during the summers on the island (and usually participates in their demonstartions at the County Fair, and other times). She sent a couple of videos that'll give you the idea - here's her note, too:
Hi, Ian! This winter, I decided to put together a little highlight tape of some of my students out at States Ranch on the island. This is footage from a summer demo we did out there. All of these girls ride AT LEAST 4 days a week - rain, hail, and shine - and deserve all the recognition they can get for the hard work they put in. Thought people might enjoy to see some of the youtube footage. Hope all is well - Lillan
Orca recovery plan reviewed..... Last week's orca recovery plan is certainly a step in the right direction - here's more of a discussion about it from marine biologist & photographer Fred Fellerman's blog.
Whoa! Protect the waters! There's a nice site called Protect Your Waters that spotlights that nice article the San Juan Islander wrote about the invasive sealife Nick Brown ID'd when he was diving....here's more.
A song for you.... Here's a song for you, just because I like you. You belong, among the wildflowers...click here.
Salaam - peace & music on Thursday..... Jan from the Community Theatre has a treat ahead on Thursday - here's the scoop:
A world of magical sounds awaits you THIS Thursday, January 31, when famous musical talents from the Middle East grace our Whittier stage at 7:30 pm.
The five-person Salaam Ensemble, directed by award-winning composer and artist/educator John Zeretzke, uses powerful vocals and ancient instruments to represent a variety of musical cultures from such countries as Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia and Israel.
John’s name is probably familiar to many of you since his brother, Dave Zeretzke, has been living on the island since 1980 and works for the San Juan County Administrators office. John is quite proud of his little brother and is looking forward to seeing the ensemble in person (he’s only watched them on DVD). Like his brother, Dave believes that “music is the language that unifies people” and that Salaam (translated into English it means “peace”) is a great example of that. Plus, says Dave, “They’re great musicians!”
Our vote is ahead - here's more details.... Last week, I mentioned that the League of Women Voters had written up an explanation of how the caucuses (Republican & Democratic) worked, and how the primary connects to all that - here it is, for you to look at. Democrat Ruth Fleming wanted to add a bit more for the Demo side:
Ian, that is great! There has been a change though. The 15% no longer exists - in other words, if your precinct votes for a candidate and it is less than 15%, there can still be a delegate elected depending on how many delegates are available in that precinct. Also, I would love it if you could just put a blurb in about the time (1:00) on Feb. 9 and the place (Friday Harbor High). Thanks, Ian! Ruth
And - support your schools! As you know, the Update is generally pretty un-political, but there some things that, in my mind, aren't political, but there ARE votes involved with 'em. One of them is doing the right thing for our kids.
On the 19th, you get a chance to approve the renewal of the Four-Year Capital Projects and Technology Levy for the schools on the island. And, because I know you're really busy & want to pretend you don't have time to read this fine web page that explains why it's a fine idea to support the kids in this communnity by approving the thing, I'll just go ahead & tell ya - vote YES on this one.
It's good for the schools, it's good for the kids, it's good for the communty, it's good for the future.
Another way to support the schools - go to the Knowledge Bowl next week! The San Juan Public Schools Foundation puts on the K-Bowl every year, and it's great fun. Here's more about the SJPSF (click here), and here's more about a great evening, from Kelly Snow:
The annual Knowledge Bowl will be held on Tuesday, February 5 at the Community Theatre. Our fabulous Friday Harbor Jazz Band will begin performing at 6:40 p.m. in the lobby, and the Friday Harbor Middle School PTA will offer delicious bake sale treats.
The competition begins at 7:00 p.m., with teams consisting of 8th grade students, a 9th and 10 grade team, and a 11th and 12th grade team going head to head with four local community service groups: Kiwanis, Soroptomists, Lions, and Rotary Club. Teams will match wits to answer tricky trivia questions on a range of topics, from physics to local history. The event is emceed by Ralph Hahn, with entertainment during intermission by the Friday Harbor Jazz Band (along with some special guests).
The Knowledge Bowl is presented each year by the San Juan Public Schools Foundation. Through its two main fundraisers, the Phone-a-Thon and the Business Partnership Program, the Schools Foundation raised $56,900 in 2007. These funds were used to enhance local public education programs, such as High School Spanish (textbooks), 4th & 5th grade Social Studies, Middle School Special Education, and the Auto Shop and Biology Lab at the High School, as well as other projects throughout the year.
The tickets prices for this community event are just $5 for adults, and $3 for kids. Come and cheer on your favorite team!
We need a new playground at the elementary school - here's how we can do it.... There's a happening this weekend to help raise the funds to put this in place (click on the picture for a bigger version). Here's more from the PTA:
Swingin’ music, gourmet food and tantalizing auction items make for an evening of fun aimed at keeping Friday Harbor children’s bodies and brains growing through safe and interesting play.
“Party to Play,” at the Roche Harbor Pavilion on Saturday, February 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., will benefit the Friday Harbor Elementary School PTA’s Playground Fund. The PTA’s key campaign for the 2007-2008 school year has been to raise enough money to replace the school’s aging (20+ years) playground equipment.
“Party to Play is a great chance for adults on our island to really make a difference for our children,” said PTA co-president Kim Ott. “Healthy and physically active children are important for the whole community and updating our playground will provide a wonderful environment for our children to learn and play.”
The PTA needs to raise at least $50,000 in hopes of getting the playground ready and installed by the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. So far, more than $10,300 has been raised.
The evening is also a chance to relax and enjoy an elegant time with old and new friends. The dinner includes a gourmet buffet presented by Roche Harbor Resort chefs.
The island’s own One More Time Band has volunteered to swing things up a bit with their “sounds of the swing era and beyond.” The band includes: vocalist Jill Urbach; Janet Olsen, Tom Starr and David Eden on trumpets; bass player Jeff Clark; Scott George, Rich Barker, George Johnson and Jim Francis on saxophones; drummer Kit Dohrman; Jeri Ahrenius playing piano; and Ken Davis, Joe Tein, and Sven Bune on trombones.
Boo Boo Keane will act as auctioneer for the evening, offering several major live auction items, including a beach house in Mexico for Spring Break, a private tour of the Friday Harbor Marine Labs, "A New Year and A New You!" pamper package with more than $1,000 in Arbonne premium skin care and wellness products, and much more! A silent auction with even more donations will take place during the cocktail hour (No-host bar) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Event sponsors include San Juan Masonic Lodge #175, Claire and Keith Grinstein, Luxel Corporation, and Roche Harbor Resort.
A limited number of tickets are available; tickets are $50 per person (21 years and older) and can be purchased at Islanders Bank, Griffin Bay Bookstore or by calling Kim Ott at 378-8735 or Liz Seaton at 378-7291.
Quote We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future. George Bernard Shaw
January 28, 2008
It's pretty around here.... The dusting over the weekend & last night has made the landscape of the island bright & cheerful, with more snow called for today & tonight & tomorrow before things warm up (the forecast says it won't be above 32 today, either).
School has late start (like we do on Wednesdays) and the buses are doing their snow routes.
And I think the buds on this camellia bush, which were getting excited about blooming early with last week's relatively warm weather, are cooling their heels, at least for the next few days.
Drive slowly & carefully - there's no rush today. If you're late for something, I'll write ya a note.
In photo, from left to right: Robin Dyer – Firefighter of the Year, Ron Garner – Support Volunteer of the Year and FireWise Leadership Award, Harry See – Station 31 Firefighter of the Year, Michael Henderson, Station 33 Firefighter of the Year, Jerry Henderson – Rescue Technician of the Year, Ken Clark, Rookie of the Year and Stations 34/35 Firefighter of the Year, and Tad Lean – Officer of the Year. Photo by Steve Marler - click for a larger version.
Two parties in one - firefighters honored, and the fire district is 50 years old....
It was a good idea to hold the party at one of the oldest gathering places on the island - the dining hall at the Marine Labs was built in the early 1920s. The fire department has been keeping us safe for a half century now - Chief Steve Marler has more:
In a birthday party theme with colorful balloons and streamers, San Juan Island firefighters and their guests celebrated the 50th anniversary of its fire district while paying tribute to the 2007 contributions of its members.
The annual awards banquet was held Saturday at the University of Washington, Friday Harbor Labs dining hall. The firefighters, logistics and Firewise volunteers were honored for their dedicated service in 2007. The group also viewed a slideshow of the fire district’s membership, responses and training over the past five decades.
San Juan County officially recognized San Juan County Fire District #3 as a fire district on October 6, 1958. The fire district covers about 55 square miles, which includes San Juan Island outside the town limits, Brown and Pearl islands.
The following firefighters were honored with special awards for their service in 2007:
Officer of the Year – Tad Lean
Firefighter of the Year – Robin Dyer
Rescue Technician of the Year – Jerry Henderson
Rookie of the Year– Ken Clark
Support Volunteer of the Year – Ron Garner
The following firefighter of the year station awards were given:
Station 31(Mullis St.) – Harry See
Station 33 (Little Mountain) – Michael Henderson
Station 34/35 (Sunset Point/ Roche Harbor) – Ken Clark
Station 36 (Eagle Crest) – David Howitt
The San Juan Island Fire Department would also like to recognize Friday Harbor Fire Department who stood by to respond to any emergency calls that may have occurred during the banquet.
Quote
We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is already disappearing. R. D. Laing
January 25, 2008
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.... The weather report calls for a pretty cold weekend, with a bit of snow...let's see how it goes. You know the report is serious when it says "6-10 inches expected" or "make a snowman" or, earnestly, "really, it's gonna snow - really." This one sounds kinda half-baked, like "flurries that might stick, if you're lucky", but be careful out there, anyway.
Movies at the ...Sail Loft? Yep! Sounds like Patrick & Andra have a nice evening planned weekend after next (I'm telling you now so you can plan - I know how busy you are). Here's what they tell me:
San Juan Canvas is hosting a "Sailing Film Night" to benefit the San Juan Island Sailing Foundation. We're featuring three classic sailing films (see below) on a large screen format with surround sound on January 25th, Friday at 7:00 pm. Tickets available at the door, suggested donation $5 child and $10 adult. We'll have popcorn and water, bring your own Milk Duds and soft pillow to sit on.
Around Cape Horn ~ Captain Irving Johnson recaps his voyage around Cape Horn in 1929 aboard the massive bark Peking. In this film he narrates the passage in the style that has made him a favorite around the world.
Jesse Martin Story ~ At 17, Jesse sets out to circumnavigate the world in his 34 foot sailboat, Lionheart, becoming the youngest person in history to sail around the world solo, nonstop, unassisted,
Stormy Weather ~ 1998 Round Britain and Ireland Yacht Race. Excellent footage of sailing in violent seas along rocky lee shores.
For more information, contact San Juan Canvas 378-4119.
Quote “I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?” Robert Redford
January 24, 2008
Port of Friday Harbor selects new director.... In late November, Steve Simpson stepped down as the Port's director after a good 20-year run, and the selection process to replace him was underway.
Today it was announced that Marilyn O'Connor has been chosen to take his place - she's the acting director (since Steve left) and Port auditor, and is a great choice since she has the long view - she's worked there 22 years. That's her with her senior son Kevin after the Loop Run at the Fair a couple of years back. Here's more about the selection process, in a press release from the Port.
Congrats to her & to the Port - I've worked with Marilyn for years & she's a great choice - way to go!
How to vote, for Dems & Republicans... Are you as confused as I was about how this year's primary stuff works? We have caucuses & a primaries, both (they're really the same, but with typical American enthusiasm, we have two of 'em), and it's got folks a bit confused.
So I asked Janna Gingras from the League of Women Voters to send me the Truth - so click here for an explanation about how we get to participate. By the way, this stuff is only for two parties - the so-called minor parties have different ways to do it. See whatcha think.
The Oscars tap James again..... "Sari's Mother" by former islander James Longley has been nominated for an Oscar this year, it was announced earlier this week...here's the nominations. Last year the FHHS grad's "Iraq in Fragments" came in second to Al Gore's film for best documentary.
Doggone cold: That's Pepper & Cayenne saying hey, out the window of their truck (right) yesterday morning on the coldest day of the year....
Big Winter Sale! Peggy at the Garuda and I tells me she's got this happening:
20% off all beads, findings, books and tools, 50% off all other inventory items (except consignment jewelry) Don’t miss this once a year sale. Now is the time to buy that special item you’ve had your eye on!
Music & Dance at the Community Theatre..... You'll recognize a lot of familiar names here - Jan from the SJCT has more:
Hi SJCT Friends!
Imagine a stage filled with talented professional opera, folk and torch singers, plus modern, ballet, Argentine tango and Ballet Folklórico de México dancers, and you are imagining one exciting "must see" island experience of 2008.
The Winter Song & Dance Festival shines at the San Juan Community Theatre this Saturday, January 26 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 27 at 2 pm.
There are so many familiar and new talents to see. Here are the highlights:
· Members of the Puget Sound Concert Opera, including island favorite soprano Corrine Stevens
· Island folk singer and composer Debbie Nash Strasser
· Folk singer Daniel Finn and torch singers Therese Finn and Devora
· Violinist Hanneke Kleinrobbenhaur and pianist Stella Joh (classical duet)
· Professional modern dancer Michael Blue (former islander)
· Members of Dance Gallery of Bellingham
· Ballet Folklórico de México dancers, including Lizette and Javier Mora and Carmen and Humberto Orozco
· Dancer Michelle Mullin of Cornish College of the Arts
· Ballerina Leslie Lott
· Dance Workshop II members, choreographed by Anthony Manuel and Melissa Mortensen
"We are truly blessed as islanders to be able to attract so many wonderful professional performers to us,” Festival producer Linda Downes noted. "I encourage families of all ages to come and see this great variety of multi-cultural talent.”
Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH tickets available at the door. The SJCT box office is open today through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and one hour before each performance. Call 378-3210 or surf to www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org
Some of it is news, some of it is old news, and all are just things we wanted to mention, with most of it about the things that make living here great.
There will be more next week, if anything happens.
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Ask anyone whose seen David in concert and they might have to pause a moment when you ask them how it was…it’s hard to describe someone who has a powerful instrumental talent (from lap steel guitar to the Turkish saz and chumbus), writes and sings songs with titles like“Catfood Sandwiches,” and “Alien Invasion,” has a slightly demented sense of onstage humor, and wears lots of bright colors!. As his website proclaims, David is redefining the word “ECLECTIC”.
saying hey, out the window of their truck (right) yesterday morning on the coldest day of the year....