UPDATE: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington State

March 22, 2005

Sunny days: Beautiful this morning, don't you think?

Band tonight: Carol Ford tends to remind me when the bands are playing. I know I don't want to miss them - see you there! Here's the scoop:

The Friday Harbor High School Concert Band will perform for the public on March 22nd at the San Juan Community Theatre at 7:00 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to hear some of the finest music on the island. Support our young musicians and fill the theatre by bringing family and friends. Take advantage of the free admission before they all become famous and very expensive to see.

The Friday Harbor Middle School 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Concert Bands will fill the stage with music at 7:00 pm on March 24th at the San Juan Community Theatre . Plan to attend and enjoy three great performances rolled into one evening. There is no admission charge.

Little ones - sign up! Marty from FHES sends this along, if you have a little one:

Friday Harbor Elementary School welcomes the Kindergarten class of 2005-2006! Registration for next year’s Kindergarten class will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 5 and 6 in the school office. Parents who wish to enroll their children for the 2005-06 Kindergarten session should call the school to set up an appointment. To be eligible, students must be five years of age by August 31, 2005. Please call the elementary school at 378-5209 to make an appointment.

Quote: Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart ... Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. - Carl Jung

March 21, 2005

Sprung: Seems kinda anti-climatic to say spring's here, after the sunny & somewhat warm weather over the island since the first of February, but now it's here. As we pass equinox, the days are longer than the night - seems like that's the most universal metaphor for hope there is.

Doug's work on display: Bison Gallery, Art & Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest....Doug Bison's opening a fine art gallery in Friday Harbor in April in Neil's Images' old spot. That's his otter to the right - you'll love his other work.

On the run: I know you're already getting in shape for the Marathon in June, or maybe you'll run the half marathon, but here's a warmup - the OrcaFest folks are planning a 5K fun run at 8am on Saturday, May 21. That's 3.1 miles for all you math majors. See you there. Proceeds go to the Whale Museum.

Paddy's: It was great fun to drop by the Paddlefest on St. Patrick's Day put on by Patrick (I'm detecting a repeating theme, here.)

Seven businesses - Patrick Pillsbury's Bon Accord Kayaking (that's him with Andra), Body Boat Blade, Discovery Sea Kayaks, King's Marine, Friday Harbor Inn, Island Athletic events, and Northwest Kayak - set up at Friday Harbor Inn's pool & fed everybody pizza, did demonstrations, showed off boats, gave out pizza, gave talks about how to right yourself when you've gone under, gave a lecture with slides about circumnavigating Iceland in a kayak - it was great.

Did I mention the pizza? It was a very kid-friendly event, with them having a good time as well. One more pleasant gathering of the tribe.

Acquired: Island Dive has just merged with Orcas Island's Sound Dive and Dock Repair. You can read about this and more on Island Dive's blog they post. Check it out.

Stage Left needs help: I got this note from Stage Left's Helen, which I'd like to pass on to you: "A big plea for actor housing..... I need one place for an actor April 11th - June 4th and two places for actors June 21st - Aug 20th. Please call Helen or Dan at 378 5649 if you have, or know of, a boat, a trailer, a cabin or an apartment that could be used for an actor.

It would be tax-deductible and deeply appreciated.

Flight training: You know how parents play with their kids - a papa might go out and throw a football with his son, or kick a soccer ball with his daughter. You can do it for hours. It's a important bonding time.

At the Paddlefest the other night I saw San Juan Airlines' Paul Hopkins throwing paper airplanes with his Hannah (right). Same idea. What else would he do?

Sign up! Sonja Zarek has been teaching her exercise classes at Skagit Valley College here for years, and has some openings this spring! This is news, because her classes are usually WAY full, with people registering a couple of months ahead. This is your chance to get in on one of the best things going. Here's the scoop:

Stretch Into Spring with Sr. Fitness @SVC; Instructor Sonja Zarek, MA, Kinesiology......
A unique fusion of Hatha Yoga, T'ai Chi, Qi Gong and Western Physical Therapy Exercises with an emphasis on proper form and body allignment. These gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to music will enrich the quality of your daily life. They provide an ideal complement to aerobics, free weight programs and sports activities as well as relief from the physical stresses of gardening.
Classes begin March 28..10 weeks only $52.20.. MWF-8-8:50 TThF-8-8:50 or TTh-9-10 To register call SVC@ 378-3220 or drop by the campus at 221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor.

March 15, 2005

Sweets: Let's say you were out to sea for weeks and weeks. Imagine you just came ashore & hadn't had anything chocolate or that looked like a donut or like cake the whole time you were away.

Imagine that.

Now imagine dropping by Pelindaba's display case (right), and maybe getting some tea or coffee or something, to go with it.

That's why they're there.

Good idea: You know, I was really glad to see the Mullis Center get going - it seems like a good idea to have another meeting place on the island where people can get together & do things, with the added benefit of lightening the load put on the schools, the Grange, teh Legion, the theatre, and the churches around here who give people places to gather.

My soccer teams have had end-of-year potlucks there - great spot for meeting to eat, with the kitchen & cleanup you need to do that.

So, imagine my surprise when I asked (couple of years ago) if I could have a non-commercial meeting there for my business, and was told you had to be a non-profit to do stuff there. That's why the soccer team potluck's OK - we're under the non-profitness of the San Juan Island Soccer Association. That's struck me as odd - why have a community center that everyone in the community can't easily use?

Well, Georgia Baciu and some others are trying to change that with a bill before the Legislature to make it easier for folks in small communities like ours to do this kinda thing. Here's her letter to explain what they're up to - they explain it better than I can - and I sure hope they're able to work it.

Music this weekend: There's a Marimba Concert & Jam March 19th, 6:30, at the Grange
$7.00 per person, 12 & under free. Sponsored by Kubatana as a Benefit for the Community Relief Fund. For more info, call Jeanine 278-2598. (Thanks, Jeanine!)

Paul does it again: You know Paul Chadwick, the guy who draws Concrete the comic book (right)...well, he just finished developing 'The Matrix Online" (yep, THAT Matrix) which launches the 31st. He does great stuff, and you'll never meet a nicer guy, with a nicer family in Stephen & Elizabeth. Here's the story in the Seattle Times.

DVSAS site is online: There are some things that, when you need help, you may not know where to look. Take a look at the DVSAS site & see what's there. If you know someone who needs help, send 'em to the site & see if that's a good starting place.

No one deserves to be treated like that. No one.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of the San Juan Islands is a non-profit agency whose mission is the prevention and elimination of domestic violence and sexual assault through victim services, education, community awareness and cultural and social change.

Quote: "Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." - Mark Twain

Sunny days: Hope you got out this weekend - it was way too nice to stay in, don't you think? The photo above was shot by ace Update photographer Shay just below American Camp, looking northeast toward Mount Baker over Cape San Juan. It was that kind of day...

Rocky Bay Cafe remakes itself: You may have noticed the windows covered through the week last week - the Rocky Bay did a bit of a touchup, and it looks great, as you can kinda see in the photo to the right by Update photog Cameron.

You can see it even better when you drop by - the walls are painted in a color that owner Monica calls kahlua & cream, there are new hanging lights, they did something with the ceiling, and the whole places feels like a place you'd want to eat.

Something Monica & Bill & Jacoba didn't change: Getting the food out fast, with a smile.

The Laramie Project: It would be understandable if you had trouble getting to the theatre this past weekend to see the show because the weather was just too nice, especially yesterday afternoon during the matinee. But you gotta go - the boys & I went Saturday night, and it's what you want in live theatre - thought & feeling-provoking, compelling, and at times, emotional. Get your tickets for this next weekend.

Watching the light: Ran into Bruce Conway (left) the other day & asked how things are going with his online producation of Lightwatcher, which he calls an oasis for the heart, mind, and spirit. I like the quote he has on the top of the page today: "There is a destiny that makes us brothers: None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others comes back onto our own." - Edwin Markham

I asked him if there was anything I should say when I mentioned him here, and he laughed and said, "Send money!"

Sprung: It's a bit grey this morning, but that always burns off...have you seen all the flowers that are starting to come up all over the island? The daffodils at right were shot by Update photographer Shay in front of the Blair House on the way to the post office.

Heading south: Ran into Sarah Staude earlier this week - the '96 FHHS grad has been living in Portland the last few years, and left yesterday to work with an eco-tourism outfit in Costa Rica, where she intends to live as well.

Park's in good hands: Did you know that the Tower House B&B's Joe Luma is also serving as the manager for San Juan County Park? Now that's a good idea...Joe and his wife Chris have the hospitality thing down - I hear nothing but good things from people who stay at their place - and Joe can fix anything. The County's lucky to have him.

Swinging, climbing and sliding: You can go play on it now, but there will be a celebration for the re-opening of the new playground over at Family Park, in the Fairgrounds on Monday, March 21 at 3:30pm.

Free mammograms: There are going to be free Women’s Health Screenings in Friday Harbor next Wednesday, March 16, and Thursday, March 17. These free Women’s Health Screenings and Mammograms are for women who are un-insured and under-insured. Mammograms also available for women with insurance, Medicare, Medicaid.

To make an appointment or to find out more, call 1-888-651-8931. If you need help with inter-island ferry transportation, please call Elaine at 360-378-4474. Sponsored by:
WA Breast and Cervical Health Program (WBCHP),
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and
Positive Women’s Network

Tell somebody you love.

Open House: Kristy Gjesme & Ron Bates invite you to their Open House for their place, Green Winds Studio, on Saturday, March 12th from 11 to 4, above San Juan Gallery & Framing on Nichols Street in Friday Harbor. Stop by for refreshments & appetizers. Please use entrance at rear of gallery, adjacent to the laundromat. For information call 378-3558.

Quote: "The real questions are the ones that obtrude upon your consciousness whether you like it or not, the ones that make your mind start vibrating like a jackhammer, the ones that you "come to terms with" only to discover that they are still there. The real questions refuse to be placated. They barge into your life at the times when it seems most important for them to stay away. They are the questions asked most frequently and answered most inadequately, the ones that reveal their true natures slowly, reluctantly, most often against your will." - Ingrid Bengis

Library set to re-open March 15th: " When it is all over, you'll think it was worth it!" That's the word from head librarian Lauren last week about the ongoing renovation. Here are details on what's been happening, and what's ahead.

FHR gets some elbow room: Friday Harbor Realty has expanded into the newly-remodeled San Juan Inn next door, and Friday night's open house gave people a chance to see what a tasteful re-do can look like.

Keeping the spirit of the third-oldest building on the island was no mean task, and the new office space fits right in. Owners Natalie (right, visiting with Barbara from Gallery San Juan up the street) and Greg King have worked hard since long-time owner Dorothy passed away to do her proud, and Friday night's well-attended opening showed they're well on their way.

Agent Annette Schaffer showed me her street-facing office, and how she can see the water & the ferry come in. I also got a chance to visit with Travis & Sybil - they're operating out of the old FHR office downstairs with their San Juan Property Management company, which is growing steadily. Sybil is also a realtor for FHR. I'm not sure how many offices she gets for all that, but that should make her easy to find around there.

There were surprises. too: It was fun to see Lee Bryant visiting, and talking about moving back to the island with her new husband, and a real surprise to see the island's favorite ex-pat Tracy James, who is stateside wrapping up her house to permanently move to Paris, where she's been since last summer.

Long time Friday Harbor Realty realtors Diana Clark and Linda McMahon were beaming about their new digs, and should...it's a fine place.

Irish Music Camp wraps up: By all accounts, the Irish Music Camp went well this week over at the Friday Harbor Marine Labs. They finished up with a concert at the Community Theatre Saturday night, followed by the music spilling into town & going late at the Place & at Pelindaba's store (photo, right).

The Laramie Project opens: The Theatre offered a preview of its latest show on Friday, and opens this week. The play is based on the events, feelings, and sensibilities surrounding the beating death of gay student Matthew Shepherd in Wyoming. Got my tickets; see you there.

Spring Street School Auction: Jillian Hopkins tells me the auction is set for Sunday night the 6th. Here's the deal she sent me:
It's at the San Juan Community Theatre from 5-8pm. There are Door Prizes, Culinary Events, Mariner Tickets, Spa Treatments, Landscaping and Gardening Services, Adventure Trips to Mexico, Alaska, Victoria, Seattle & Whistler, Works of Art by Dennis De'Murillis, Tom Small, Bruce Botts, Richard SingerTaylor Bruce, Kristy Gjesme and many more wonderful surprises. Music with Steve Keys and Friends! Elegant edibles will be served
$15.00 Admission. bring your friends and enjoy a guaranteed fun and exciting community event and support Spring Street School.
Monies raised go toward the scholarship and development funds.

New signs:That's the new signage unveiled at Friday Harbor Suites, now more properly called the Best Western Friday Harbor Suites.

Quote: For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of our tasks; the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation. - Rainer Maria Rilke

In leather, looking for dirt: Is it a coincidence that all three Port Commissioners like to ride motorcycles?

Islanders rallied: Did we make a difference? The Washington state Ferries hearing yesterday focused on telling islanders about money that isn't there to support the ferries, and islanders made a strong case that a lot of what makes our island special won't be here if people can't afford to get here, and if working people can't afford this way we get around, on & off the island.

A parade of between 80-100 folks made signs and chanted variants on the theme "Ferry rates aren't fair" as they went to meet up with folks at the Mullis Center who got there so they could get a good seat.

In the photo to the right, that's the gorilla on the left, and Liz in green with the bullhorn directing the parade to the Mullis Center. Below is Robin Jacobson from the Visitors Bureau, shooting me, and there are also some photos by Michael Bertrand for the Town of Friday Harbor's web site.

As they tend to, Sharon & Matt covered the meeting for the San Juan Islander in a balanced, detailed article that suggests there's some hope the WSF ferry authorities will re-think this one.

All ferry systems aren't the same, of course, but did you know there's a free one run by WSF in eastern Washington? This posting on the WSF site notes that the ferry across the Columbia River between Lincoln County and Ferry County makes the 1 1/4 mile trip for free, and is an integral part of the region's highway system.

Legacy: The word on the street is that the home Etta Egeland lived in for so many years until she died in 2002 at the age of 105 is re-opening next month as a sandwich shop, with drive-through service and a varied menu. I'll let you know more as I find out more....

Roche welcomes Kevin back: FHHS coach Kevin Carlton & Colleen are back from Hawaii in time for softball season. Here's proof.

Quote: If we discovered that we had only five minutes left to say all that we wanted to say, every telephone booth would be occupied by people calling other people to stammer that they loved them. - Christopher Morley

Businesses around town: Dolphin Arts on First Street has re-opened for the season - people who buy Vivian's all-cotton clothes always look more relaxed when they wear 'em. Get down there & see what's new....

Meanwhile, Frontier Building Supply's experiment in competing with island locals' Browne's Home Center ended this week, as they closed their store in the old Pope Building Supply spot Monday. They opened early last year (as noted in the Feb. 5, 2004 Update) as an extension of the services they offer through their Anacortes operation.

Mending: Ruth from waterworks gallery is on the mend after rotator cuff surgery a couple of weeks ago - if she bounces back like she did a couple of months ago from knee surgery, she'll be as good as new in no time.

Museum opens: The Westcott Bay Art Museum in the old Springtree Restaurant opened last Friday with music, lots of food, wine, and a reception for the inaugural show by Annie Adams and Peggy Sue MacRae. That's Liz Illg from the Chamber of Commerce chatting with young art reviewer Cameron right before he found the cookies.

Lexicon continues: After offering their first writing workshop of the year last weekend, Susan & Cinda Sue at Lexicon Symposia have their second this weekend. Details at Lexicon Symposia.

Music in the air: This weekend the Irish Music Camp is happening, with music at the Theatre and at Pelindaba - hope to see you there!

Meanwhile, Carol Ford from the high school tells me there's a big jazz band event this weekend as well:

Voting irregularities reviewed: The second Progressive Potluck on Tuesday night heard from Janet Thomas and Agi Vados, who went to Columbus, Ohio as observers at a precinct that, by all accounts including theirs, had a voting experience that wouldn't pass muster in most developing countries, and which raises troubling questions which will hopefully be answered before the next election.

The group also launched a website that lists sites that explain people's concerns that Ohio's experience spotlights larger concerns.

Hitched: Keri Eathorne and Jeremy Talbott (right) were married on February 21st, 2005, in Las Vegas Nevada. The couple was joined by their daughter Dahlis and family and friends. A reception on the island is planned for June 18th, at the Talbott's property.

Quote: The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings. - Buddha

March on: You know, "march" is a good word, because it's time to get out & march.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) there will be an assembly of folks at 2:30pm at the Family Resource Center to protest the proposed ferry changes, which universally will screw us up here. An hour later, the WSF people have a meeting 'round the corner to hear what people think. Here's details from the San Juan Islander...see you at the rally!

Doggone dog is now dog found: Franchesca called to tell me that Enah the dog was discovered...on Brown Island. She said her boyfriend Todd heard howling from over there & went & rescued it from across the water. Best they can figure, Enah swam over & didn't feel like swimming back.

Lost dog: My friend Franchesca over at Friday Harbor Suites tells me her dog has been missing since yesterday - here's a photo of Enah the dog...give her call at 3031 if you have any ideas.

Basketball comes close: According to an eighth grade friend of mine who went down yesterday to Coupeville, it was fun because it was close, but an exciting game ended with Seattle Christian winning by four (he didn't remember the score.) The girls also lost, so both squads are done.

Great seasons don't always have great endings, but it sure was fun. Way to go, guys! Way to go, girls!

New species: A new species of seahorse was discovered on South Beach this week, possibly because of winter break & so many people watching for things. Click here for a photo of this.

More info about the island:

San Juan Island: The Web Directory
Everything. Simply everything about the island.

More info about the island:

San Juan Island: The Web Directory Everything. Simply everything about the island.

San Juan Island: The Web Directory
Everything. Simply everything about the island.