Mary, ready for the weather....

It was good to see musician / archeologist / historian Mary Doerflein at the bookstore the other day, all ready for the rain….

Mark (left) and Patrick have been buddies for over thirty years....

Hey, I just heard that everybody’s favorite salsa teacher is taking off for California. Patrick Honeywell hopes to wrap things up & hit the road in a couple of weeks.

He and his good friend Mark Sheppard started Bakery San Juan last year, and they make a great team: the store has simply taken off & grown since it opened its doors. Mark & Patrick have been friends for 30 years, but it’s gonna be hard to imagine the bakery without Patrick. Drop by & tell him goodbye!

St. Francis Church

Our local Catholic Church just happens to be named in honor of St. Francis, and this Saturday (the 3rd, at 11am) just happens to be his feast day, so it’s a good time for the blessing of the animals.

The rite for the Blessing of the Animals is held in front of the Church in honor of St. Francis’ feast day.  Donations will be collected for Wolf Hollow Rehab center and the Animal Shelter. See ya there!

Deb Langhans offers therapeutic reflexology & wholistic health coaching

On Thursday this week, Deb Langhans is opening up her new space next door & upstairs from San Juan Fitness – this is a chance to go by & visit – here’s her press release:

Drop by for my ‘OPEN STUDIO’ on October 1st!

Who: Deb Langhans & ‘Wholistic Health Options’
What: ‘Open Studio’
When: Thursday, October 1st, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Harbor Village Suites, 351 Spring Street, Suite F, Friday Harbor (entrance at 425 Argyle Ave.)

Why: Two reasons!

1) To celebrate Deb’s services (therapeutic reflexology & ‘wholistic health coaching’) now being offered in one downtown location, and…
2) So the public can check out Deb’s cozy new space, join her for a cup of hot cider, learn about her affordable, effective services, pick up a brochure for future reference, AND take home a complimentary sample of her custom-formulated ‘Therapeutic Foot Soak.’

For more information, contact: (Deb at) 378-8907

The fundraiser to raise awareness about organ transplants & blood donating, using Greg Sawyer’s kidneys for the educable moment…it’s picking up steam. And…it’s moving to Roche Harbor for next Friday (the 2nd). Here’s more from FHHS senior Hannah Waite:

NEW LOCATION: Roche Harbor Pavilion!

Hello, Everyone,

What a great response there has been to help our friend and teacher Greg Sawyer who is in need of a kidney transplant. Thank you.

This event is growing daily. Purple and Gold and Roche Harbor have generously offered to make this event even more successful, and our dinner and auction will now be held at the Roche Harbor Pavilion in order to accommodate everyone.

So far we have many wonderful donations that will help our auction become a success. There is everything from travel accommodations and dinners to art work and business services. Thank you to everyone who has already generously donated to our cause. We are still gladly accepting more donations; please feel free to contact Hannah Waite 298-0579, Genevieve Iverson 378-4653, or Catherine Bevens 378-5023 we can also be reached by email [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> .

A huge thank you to everyone who is making this event successful!!! The support is amazing and it reminds us that we live in such a caring community.

See you on October 2nd at 5:00 at our new venue: The Roche Harbor Pavilion.
Hannah Waite, Catherine Bevens, and Genevieve Iverson

Sunset from Mar Vista....

Monika Wieland had a great weekend last weekend when she took this picture – she says, “It was taken out at Mar Vista this last week when I had friends/family visiting and staying out there.”

Her pictures simply rock…check ’em out at http://orcawatcher.blogspot.com/ .

Wow.

One of the cool things at the schools here is the announcement (at FHHS & SSIS) of a scholarship that pays a deserving student’s four years at a university. It’s always been kept quiet about where that comes from, but the program just got an incredible boost from the generosity of islander Jerry Inskeep, who passed away this year.

This is major. This is huge.

Here’s the press release from the Community Foundation at its Breakfast of Champions Breakfast this morning:

San Juan Island Community Foundation Announces a Major Legacy Gift for local Scholarships

The San Juan Island Community Foundation is pleased to announce a legacy gift from Jerry Inskeep (and family) to support the Foundation’s local scholarship program.  The gift is in the amount of $4,000,000.

“We are saddened by the loss of Jerry Inskeep and overwhelmed by the generosity of this man, whose gift will forever change the educational opportunities for our island’s children,” said Charles Anderson, chair.

Jerry was a resident of San Juan Island.  He graduated from Yale University in 1953 and went on to co-found Oregon’s first mutual fund company which he built into one of the country’s most reputable investment firms.  He was an avid skier, enjoyed tennis, bridge, golf and managing the design and construction of his homes.  He received great pleasure from helping others and provided education opportunities through scholarships for students in Oregon, California, Connecticut and Washington states.

Bev Tietjen, Foundation board member, said, “As chair of the scholarship committee I had the pleasure to work with Jerry as he ‘paid it forward’, establishing scholarships awarded to many of our San Juan Island graduates.  Jerry was also a very dear friend.  When he graduated from high school without the funds to proceed on to college, a gentle man stepped up and helped him fulfill his dream and changed his life.  Jerry’s hope was to make that kind of difference in other’s lives and I am proud to say he has done just that.  Because of his kindness, his legacy will continue on in perpetuity.”

The Community Foundation supports island nonprofits working in the areas of Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Education, Environment, Health & Wellness and Community.  The Foundation hosts a number of scholarship funds and makes grants for education from preschool through college.

For more information on the Community Foundation’s Scholarship programs or the Legacy Gift Program, please contact Susan Matthews at 378-1001 or visit the office at The Technology Center, Suite 104,   Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, WA.

At this morning’s Breakfast of Champions, The Community Foundation announced its awards for the coming year – here’s the scoop:

San Juan Island Community Foundation Awards Grants to Local Non-Profits at Annual Breakfast of Champions Ceremony.

The San Juan Island Community Foundation today made new grants of $66,883 to twenty seven local non-profits at its annual “Breakfast of Champions” award ceremony bringing the Foundation’s annual total to over $800,000.

As is the custom, the event began with a sumptuous breakfast served by the Foundation’s all volunteer Board of Directors. Recognition of special annual grants and scholarship awards were also made.

The Foundation especially wishes to express its deep regard for the many donors who made today’s grants possible. “In tough economic times the citizens of our very special community have come out in force to help our local non-profits and public institutions.  While many areas of the country saw up to a 40% decline in charity contributions, our local donors have stepped up to the challenge allowing the Foundation to significantly increase total grants above last year’s $700,000,” according to Charles Anderson, Chair.

The following new awards were made today;

Chamber Music San Juans — $1,250 for a Free Classical Music Concert for Friday Harbor School Aged Students

Island Stage Left – $2,000 for a Community Outreach Program

San Juan Community Theatre – $5,000 for the Merry Firebird production

The Friday Harbor Veterans Museum – $2,000 for their capital improvement project

Friends of the Library – $3,000 for Audio-Visual Equipmen

San Juan Historical Museum – $1,000 toward the purchase of a color copier

San Juan Islands’ Museum of Art and Sculpture Park – $1,000 toward Art in the Schools K-12

WSU Extension of San Juan County – $6,250 for a workshop and high tunnel installation

Washington Trust for Historic Preservations – $1,000 for San Juan Island Historic Barn Inventory

Friends of the San Juans – $1,000 toward a new server for the Natural Resources Database

Islands’ Oil Spill Association – $1,900 for new protection strategies and safety training for responders

San Juan Nature Institute – $675 for the Young Naturalist Program and $343 for a digital camera.

Friday Harbor Labs – $1,500 for their Science Outreach Program.

The Whale Museum – $2,555 for a computer and $1000 toward new engines for the Stranding Network boat

Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – $2,500 for a maintenance equipment shed, Stage 1

San Juan Island Prevention Coalition – $1,000 for Youth Leadership Summit

Senior Services Council of San Juan County – $3,600 for the Friends of Neighbors In-Home Assistance.

Hospice of San Juan – $4,000 for Education and Volunteer Training

San Juan Community Home Trust – $1,700 for radiant heaters and $5,000 for solar hot water heating units for the Sun Rise project.

San Juan Island Family Resource Center – $1,500 for the “Read to Your Child 20 Minutes a Day” program

Lighthouse Preschool – $1,310 for upgrades to their interactive play area

Griffin Bay Learning Center – $4,500 for technology expansion

Camp Invention – $800 for Camp Invention Scholarships

Family Umbrella Group – $5,500 for Preschool Scholarships

Friday Harbor Athletic Association – $1,000 for helmet repairs and equipment purchase

Friday Harbor Elementary School PTA – $2,500 for musical instrument acquisition

Stillpoint School – $500 for theater scripts and overhead projector

The Foundation wishes to express its sincere thanks to Chef James Kearse; King’s Market; Jackie Perry, Heather Eytcheson, & Leslie Byron; Mullis Senior Community Center who helped make this event possible.

For more information on the Breakfast of Champions or the Community Foundation, please contact Susan Matthews at 378-1001 or visit the office at The Technology Center, Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, WA.

Janet & Connie at last week's volleyball match.

Two of the most familiar faces at Friday Harbor High are also among the most hard-working. Janet Chamberlain & Connie Biggers (and others!) do a super job of helping keep the FHHS front office moving along smoothly, for students & parents, and, as you can see, go the extra mile with the extra smile – helping at school events, including working as line judges at volleyball games.

Good folks to have around, and part of why it’s great to live here. Thanks, you guys!

Sports update….

• The Wolverine soccer team made it five in a row as they clipped Mount Vernon Christian 7-0 last night at their place. FHHS (5-2) got goals from Alex MacDonald (her first goal!), Jenny MacDonald, Lola Elford, and Emma Ytander. The girls will be tested by a tough Meridian team tomorrow, in Bellingham; in the meantime, we’ve registered five straight shutouts and outscored our opponents 28-0 in that stretch.

• Tonight’s football game was moved up to 6pm against Nooksack Valley (I didn’t want you to miss half of it!) See ya there!

Leadership San Juan Islands is on the move – here’s more from Cynthia:

Hello Ian!  Leadership San Juan Islands is now recruiting for the year six applicants.  The awesome sessions on the San Juan County systems will commenced in January 2010.  All the information about the class, and the application can be found on the website, www.leadershipsanjuanislands.org

Last year, we had full class of 20, so we encourage interested applicants to get their applications in by the deadline of November 13.

We are excited to have Amy Windrope as this year’s Program Coordinator.  Amy will be working closely with the Curriculum Development Committee headed up by Liz Illg.
Amy can be reached at [email protected]

We also are excited to announce this year’s LSJI Coordinating Council:

Chair Bill Watson of the San Juan County Economic Development Council, (2007 LSJI Alumni)
Alumni Coordinator Anji Ringzin of MindPlace, (2008 LSJI Alumni)
Secretary Katie Loring of Skinner and Saar, P.S, (2009 Alumni)
Curriculum Development Committee Chair Liz Illg, (past Chair, Program Coordinator 2007 and 2008, and aka LSJI “Mother”)
Treasure Kyle Loring of Friends of San Juan, (2008 Alumni)
Publicity Pal Cynthia Stark-Wickman, (2007 Alumni and 2009 Program Coordinator)
Director Bill Evans, (2007 Alumni), and
Director Steve Gresham, (2009 Alumni)
Webmaster Steve Hussey (2007 Alumni) will keep our website full of news and updates

We also have a super group of alumni assisting with the development and implementation of the retreats and challenge days.  We encourage folks to check out our website and get a colleague, friend, employee, or employer on board!

Here’s the word from the Fire Marshal:

The burning level will be lowered to LOW on Oct 1, 2009 which means you will be able to burn again. Please stop in or go online to get your burn permits.

Robert Low
San Juan County Fire Marshal

Swing Fever

Jan from the Community Theatre says these guys are fun:

California’s Swing Fever will likely get the island temperature rising and lots of feet moving at the San Juan Community Theatre on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.

With its more than 1,000-song repertoire of swingin’ jazz from the ‘30s and ‘40s, the “small swing band with a big band sound” (five players and one vocalist) will keep the Whittier stage jumpin’. A special dance floor will be provided on stage for those audience members ready to cut a rug.

Swing Fever has been a popular San Francisco Bay Area group since 1978 Continue Reading

Swing Fever

Jan from the Community Theatre says these guys are fun:

California’s Swing Fever will likely get the island temperature rising and lots of feet moving at the San Juan Community Theatre on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.

With its more than 1,000-song repertoire of swingin’ jazz from the ‘30s and ‘40s, the “small swing band with a big band sound” (five players and one vocalist) will keep the Whittier stage jumpin’. A special dance floor will be provided on stage for those audience members ready to cut a rug.

Swing Fever has been a popular San Francisco Bay Area group since 1978 Continue Reading

Roy Cope

When I heard that our old friend Roy Cope passed away last week, a wave of memories flooded in – Roy calling a folk dance, Roy singing, Roy on stage as an actor (he & I played father & son in a Garth McArdle play for the Playwrights Festival), and all of them were the way Roy was – you had to smile. I loved watching him work with kids, and he was a joy to be around.

The Seattle P-I has his obituary posted with a place for folks to leave comments here, or you can post your regards here as well.

Nan Simpson passed on this little writeup from Nancy Cope, which she says Roy himself wrote for this occasion. Thanks, Roy…we miss ya.

Roy F. COPE  (1925 ~ 2009)
He died peacefully on September 15, 2009.

Roy was preceded in death by children Siri Ann and Shea, first wife Gert and brother Phil. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, Children Bret, Kennison, and Kevin, stepdaughters Kristin and Rebecca, brother Paul, and his large, loving extended family.

Growing up years in public education and WWII service time were followed by G.I. Bill at U.W. for higher education degrees. Then on to a successful career as teacher and principal in the Renton and Bellevue School Districts.

Roy and Nancy, as best friends, enjoyed marriage, family, boat life, literature, travel, music, dance, hiking/camping and volunteering. Many friendships on San Juan Island and Horizon House are treasured as well as those in recreation, teaching, and square dance. At his request, there will be no formal service.

Kudos to Group Health – its mission, staff, and Hospice team. Donations and recognition will be appreciated by the UW School of Medicine Willed Body Program (Box 357420, Seattle, Wa 98195-7420) and the Group Health Community Foundation (Dept. 4194, PO BOX 34936, Seattle, 98124-9847).

(signed)
R. Cope

Coming this weekend...

The Friends of the Library and the Friday Harbor Soroptimist will co-sponsor an award winning, inspiring documentary “A Powerful Noise” for the community this Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 6:30pm.

The free showing is at the Library at 1010 Guard Street.

This film will move and inspire with its incredible story and imagery.

A POWERFUL NOISE takes you inside the lives of three women – a girls’ education crusader from Mali, an HIV-positive widow from Vietnam, and a peacemaking survivor of the war in Bosnia – who each overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to bring lasting solutions to their communities.

For info contact the library at 378-2798 or go to www.apowerfulnoise.org or www.sifri.org