He would have been 69 today…

Tons of demos & cool activities at the Safety Fair....

Carolyn over at the fire department wanted you & me to know the Safety Fair is happening THIS weekend – be sure & drop by & take both the kids & the kid in you:

Safety Fair Saturday Filled with Fun

Games, a coloring contest, a rescue demonstration, food and lots of fun are on the agenda at the Safety Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Mullis Street Fire Station.

Participating agencies include the Friday Harbor Fire Department, the San Juan Island Fire Department, San Juan Emergency Medical Services, the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Marshal, the Red Cross, Firewise, OPALCO, San Juan County Health Dept. and the San Juan Ham Radio Operators.

Kids’ games include a bean bag toss, 911 twister, shooting the flames with a real fire hose, the Passport to Safety activity and more.

A rescue demonstration will be held at noon where emergency workers will show how they operate at the scene of a motor vehicle accident in a scenario involving a downed power line. They will use the Jaws-of-Life to cut up a vehicle and will show how efficient a child safety seat is in protecting a child in an accident. EMS will also provide information about child safety seats and will make arrangements to check anyone’s car seat.

The Friday Harbor Fire Department will have their ladder truck there and will talk about its importance in firefighting on the island.

Kids will able to sit in the fire engines, dress in firefighter gear and tour the fire station. Also McGruff the Crime Dog will be there.

There will also be a coloring contest with prizes for children preschool age through grade 5. Entries must be turned in by 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Mullis Street Station. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. The coloring page will be passed out at the schools during fire prevention week or you may pick them up at the Mullis Street Fire Station.

Red Cross workers will also cook you a hotdog of choice – beef, turkey or tofu. Other free goodies include chips, cookies, soda pop and juices.

The Safety Fair is held during Fire Prevention Week as a reminder to people about fire safety, in addition to safety and emergency preparedness in general. The 2009 Fire Prevention Week theme this year is “Don’t Get Burned.” We ask that families develop a home escape plan and practice it regularly.

Melina (in the Library's children's section) comes on board....

I got a chance to drop by yesterday & meet Melina Lagios, who started this week as the new assistant librarian.

She last worked at the Iowa City Public Library, and told me that she was excited to be working in a place that’s both smaller & with a sense of community (yep, that would be us, if you ask me).

Drop by & say hey – looks like we got us a good one. (By the way, two other notable islanders – head librarian Laura Tretter & Matt Pranger – are from Iowa, too.)

The colors of the season...

This year’s mild autumn has kept the leaves on the trees just a little longer this year, and the colors are wonderful…brightens up the island in the nicest way.

In one of his books, Dan Millman decries the usual “Have a nice day!” that we say in favor of “Create a good day!” I kinda like that, and would wish that for you, my friend.

A scene from the film...

This is something that matters, and that most folks know so little about – where DOES our food come from? Aaron at the Palace has agreed to run Food, Inc. starting tomorrow, and it’s a great one. I found this bit in a review from Newser.com:

Food, Inc., which opened in June 2009 in limited release, is a super documentary that’s good for you—unlike the profit-driven food-production practices it exposes.

Director Robert Kenner highlights and expands on work by authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation).

• 

  It starts Friday...

  David Edelstein, New York: “The sheer scale of the movie is mind-blowing—it touches on every aspect of modern life.”

• Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: “A big-picture vision of conglomerate duplicity and control, Food, Inc. is hard to shake because days after you’ve seen it, you may find yourself eating something and you’ll realize that you have virtually no idea what it actually is.”
• Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: “An essential, indelible documentary that is scarier than anything in the last five Saw horror shows.”

+++++++++++++++++

Locally, here’s more from Linda & Maureen & the local Slow Food group (which you’re part of, just ’cause ya live here):

Hey, Ian! Just a quick note:

The movie “Food, Inc.” (98 minutes long) will be playing at the Palace Theater in Friday Harbor this weekend and possibly through the week, matinee times to be announced!
Details at: http://slowfoodlandandsea.blogspot.com/

Here are links to reviews from imdb, Rolling Stone, and the NY Times:

http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0830973/
http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/24044311/review/28631104/food_inc
http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/movies/12food.html

Please, tell your friends!!! Visit the Palace this week for “Food, Inc.”, and know your farmer!

Happy Fall!

Maureen and Linda

It opens tonight!

It’s Opening Night tonight for the Odd Couple at the Community Theatre…see ya there!

Here’s more.

Every so often people send ya an e-mail that you want to share, so you send it to YOUR e-mail list, and that’s how the internet goes ’round! My buddy Tim sent me this yesterday & I thought it was fun – see what you think:

Philosophy of Ambiguity

1. Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.

2. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor….

3. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

4. If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes?

5. The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.

6. I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, “Where’s the self-help section?” She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

7. What if there were no hypothetical questions?

8. If a deaf person swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap?

9. If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

10. Is there another word for synonym?

11. Where do forest rangers go to “get away from it all?”

12. What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

13. If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

14. Would a fly without wings be called a walk?

15 Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?

16. If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

17. Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?

18. If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?

19. Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines?

20. How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs?

21. What was the best thing before sliced bread?

22. One nice thing about egotists: They don`t talk about other people.

23. Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra?

24. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?

25. How is it possible to have a civil war?

26. If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too?

27. If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?

28. If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

29. Whose cruel idea was it for the word “Lisp” to have “S” in it?

30. Why are hemorrhoids called “hemorrhoids” instead of “assteroids”?

31. Why is it called tourist season if we can’t shoot at them?

32. Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

33. If you spin an oriental man in a circle three times does he become disoriented?

34. Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God?

Getting down near Matia & Sucia....photo by Jim Maya

That’s the fluke of a killer whale…Jim Maya says that Monday evening there was a lot of socializing and having fun over near Sucia and Matia Islands. Amazing evening.

Getting down near Matia & Sucia....photo by Jim Maya

That’s the fluke of a killer whale…Jim Maya says that Monday evening there was a lot of socializing and having fun over near Sucia and Matia Islands. Amazing evening.

Emergency access to the airport....

You’ve seen the construction along the airport’s fence on Mullis Street – that’s to provide emergency access to the field if needed, not to give you an easy way to cut over to the college (I know that’s what you were hoping)….

Airport manager Dave Ryan told me this morning that he’s expecting the project will be completed this week.

Helen from Island Stage Left dropped me a note & wondered if you’d like to be part of the upcoming show – here’s what’s happening:

Hello Ian,
I wonder if you’d be kind enough to add the following message to your site: We have lost Thom Pence (who moved back east) and Malcolm (who is in Alaska for 2 months) so we need some more set volunteers and general help! Please call at 378 5649 or write to stageleft (at) centurytel.net if you can lend a hand.
Thanks for your help.
Cheers, Helen

Island Stage Left is looking for bakers, builders and furniture!
Our upcoming show is “Rabbit Hole” (October 29th – Nov 29th) and we are looking for:

Bakers:
A full birthday cake for each performance. Anyone willing to bake one or two would be welcomed with open arms! We’ll need 20 cakes altogether  – also 20 zuchini bread loaves!

Builders:
Anyone interested in helping us build our set, please call us at 378 5649. Some projects can be done at home on your own time.

Furniture:
We are looking for a nice sectional sofa, an oriental rug, 2 side tables and a round or oval dining table with at least 3 chairs. We will look after these items as if they were our own and return them promptly.

Duck Soup Inn, in the late spring (photo taken by me on the way to Happy Hour on a Friday....)

Just got a note from Anna Lisa about what DSI has going for the rest of the season, and it’s a lot! Here’s the deal:

Hi Ian,
I thought I should fill you in on the events at the Duck Soup Inn for the rest of our ’09 season.

On the 14th of October  at 6:30, we are hosting the 20th Annual Doggone Good Dinner to benefit the animal shelter. Gretchen has been cooking up a fine 5 course meal for the supporters of the Animal Shelter for 20 years now! Our whole crew donates their time so that all the proceeds go to directly supporting FHAS. Because this year is so special we are featuring “Rover’s Rescue Revue”, dinner theatre and music to entertain our diners, lots of local talent is involved and there are still some seats available! Reservations are being taken at the restaurant, 378-4878.

Also, the next few Friday’s before we close on Nov. 1 we are offering Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6pm. We are offering half price cocktails, wine and beer and appetizer specials. This have been a popular event and a fun way to spoil our local customers, so I hope you can make it!

We are down to just Thursday through Sunday for dinner before we close. Thanks to all for a great season!     ~Anna Lisa

Duck Soup Inn, in the late spring (photo taken by me on the way to Happy Hour on a Friday....)

Just got a note from Anna Lisa about what DSI has going for the rest of the season, and it’s a lot! Here’s the deal:

Hi Ian,
I thought I should fill you in on the events at the Duck Soup Inn for the rest of our ’09 season.

On the 14th of October  at 6:30, we are hosting the 20th Annual Doggone Good Dinner to benefit the animal shelter. Gretchen has been cooking up a fine 5 course meal for the supporters of the Animal Shelter for 20 years now! Our whole crew donates their time so that all the proceeds go to directly supporting FHAS. Because this year is so special we are featuring “Rover’s Rescue Revue”, dinner theatre and music to entertain our diners, lots of local talent is involved and there are still some seats available! Reservations are being taken at the restaurant, 378-4878.

Also, the next few Friday’s before we close on Nov. 1 we are offering Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6pm. We are offering half price cocktails, wine and beer and appetizer specials. This have been a popular event and a fun way to spoil our local customers, so I hope you can make it!

We are down to just Thursday through Sunday for dinner before we close. Thanks to all for a great season!     ~Anna Lisa

Vernadel Peterson came to work as the Chamber's new ED this week....that's her (right) with outgoing ED Debbie Pigman Tuesday morning.

I dropped down to the Chamber office this afternoon to say howdy to the new executive director, Vernadel, who was reviewing things with just-retired director Debbie Pigman. She strikes me as incredibly well-informed (she’d heard of the San Juan Update) & friendly to boot. Here’s more from Joy Sevier, this year’s Chamber Board prez:

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Vernadel Peterson as its new Executive Director.  Vernadel has extensive background in both business and chamber activities. Vernadel, previously the Executive Director of the Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, is very excited about being the new Executive Director of The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce.

The San Juan Island Chamber began searching for a new Executive Director in August. The previous Executive Director, Debbie Pigman announced her retirement effective as of September 15, 2009.   The Chamber Board Executive search committee’s  intent was hire to locally. and many excellent local candidates applied. Vernadel’s credentials set her apart as the leading candidate to help strengthen and elevate both the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce and the San Juan Island business community.

Verndadel’s first day is Monday, October 5. Please stop by the chamber office to introduce yourself and to welcome her to our community.

The film is Saturday at 6pm....

Just heard about this film, which is getting good reviews as a discussion about our country’s involvement in Afghanistan – here’s the scoop:

Screening and Discussion of Rethink Afghanistan on Saturday, October 10th at 6:00pm. Join us at the Library for a free screening and discussion of the film Rethink Afghanistan.

This film “features experts from Afghanistan, the U.S., and Russia discussing critical issues like military escalation, how escalation will affect Pakistan and the surrounding region, the cost of war, civilian casualties, and the rights of Afghan women.”

For more information on this film please visit:
http://rethinkafghanistan.com/

Kate Brooks

My friend Kay Kohler sent me this little writeup about Kate Brooks, who owned Kensington Kennels & helped get the Animal Shelter going…Kate passed away last week in New Jersey. Her tireless work for women, especially, will be missed.

Here’s more:

Kate Johnson Brooks died on Thursday, October 1, due to complications from ovarian cancer at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ. She was 66.

Born “Mary Catherine Johnson” on Christmas Day 1942, in Bellingham, Washington, She was the daughter of Joe and Betty Johnson. Betty was born in Friday Harbor. Joe was the prosecuting attorney of Pacific County. Both are remembered as exceptional bridge players at the senior center.

Kate was a graduate of Annie Wright School in Tacoma and followed her parents to Alexandria, Virginia when Joe took the job with the IMF legal department. She ran a preschool center is Virginia until her parents retired and returned to Friday Harbor in retirement.

She became a tireless activist in Democratic politics as well as the Women’s’ Liberation Movement, volunteering with many political campaigns over the years and working with her mother-in-law, Kathryn Brooks, for the ratification of an equal rights amendment.

In 1988, she moved to the San Juan Islands in the state of Washington, where she owned and operated Kensington Kennels, and helped to establish the San Juan County Animal Rescue Shelter. She was active in the Saint David’s Episcopal parish. While on island, she helped many single women start businesses and find accommodations.

She returned to the East Coast in 2001 to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
Kate is survived by two children, Jay Brooks and Betsy Brooks Craig, four grand children, a brother in Front Royal, Virginia, and another brother in San Juan, Costa Rica.