Solo piano player Joe Bongiorno

When I first heard Joe Bongiorno‘s new release, The Flight of a Dream earlier this month, I knew that he had a winner on his hands. I’ve listened to it now maybe six million times…but that’s been a couple of weeks, so I had time. It’s great! (Click here to hear samples – you’ll get it!)

Joe graduated from FHHS in ’87, and lived here for ten years before moving first to Seattle & now Sedona, AZ, where he records internationally known pianists at his home studio…he’s on the rise.

I discovered that he had put a song called The End of the Road (Mabel’s Song) on the album, and although I know Joe well, I didn’t know of anyone named Mabel in his life. His response touched me deeply:

Been asked ALOT about the story behind this song from the new album…. You might remember a post of mine about 9 months back.

This song was inspired by that experience. Here it is from Feb 3rd of this year:

The new album…

The doorbell rang this morning. A sweet elderly lady standing there with a worried look. I greeted her and she asked for Mabel. Mabel was the lady who lived in our house previously (we had just moved in four months before), and I knew she had passed away.

I really didn’t want to bear this news to the kind lady. She then told me that she had driven two days from Texas to come to the house to see her. She had written Mabel a letter and it had been returned to sender.

I remember this letter coming before the holidays. She had no other way to attempt contact than to come in person. With a frog in my throat, I let her know that Mabel had passed away. She sighed, as if almost with relief that what she feared was true, and then her eyes welled up sadly.

She looked to her husband still sitting in the car and shook her head sadly. He understood the look & turned away as if to hide his emotion. I invited her in for a little visit but she said sweetly, “It’s time to go home”.

Perhaps this is a reminder to me to reach out more often to friends and family. It’s a reminder, too, that life can change at any moment, for any of us… for someone my age, I have lost very few people who were dear to me.

I am quite sure that I’ll get my fair dose of this in the days to come….

Here’s the song (click here to listen).

As the time draws ever closer, more information about events at the Friday Harbor Film Festival is becoming available. Check out their latest announcement:

Click for larger poster

Plan to come and have some fun, learn about making movies, telling stories with film and see some other kidz movies at the KIDZ CINEMA

This is an exciting program of films for the kidz in all of us, all ages! Kidz Cinema will feature a variety of just-for-fun animated tales and short documentaries that are either about kidz or of particular interest to kidz or great films made by kidz, just like you!! Topics range from saving the environment, tales of their own communities and families, experiencing outdoor adventures, to stories from the native peoples of Alaska and the Pacific NW.

Kidz Cinema will feature some films created by kidz just like you!!! Lets all get together see some films and talk about what we could do to make a difference and the power of film to tell your story!!

We want you plan to make a movie for our 2014 Friday Harbor Film Festival, we need you to get involved and become a film maker so you can submit your film for our next festival!!!
What a great fun project to share with all of us!! We know you can! It would make a great senior project!!

Some of the films to be shown include the following:

• Animated shorts:
  • Butterflies
  • Alien
  • Robby
  • I Am a Paleontologist
• Nature and the environment:
  • A Honu Experience
  • The Ocean Hounds
  • Well Fed
  • Aqua Kids – Kenai Fjord Wildlife and Orcas
  • Aqua Kids – Alaska Wildlife and Biodiversity
  • Aqua Kids – Seabirds of Hawaii
  • Trust Project Oregon
  • Trust Project Alaska
  • The Little Earthlings
• Amazing kids and adventures:
  • 5-Year Old Golf Phenom
  • Rock Wall Climbing
  • Pascal’s One Day in Paradise
  • Cookies for Sale
  • Amaqqut Nunaat: The Country of Wolves

Don’t forget to attend the other films we will be offering, be sure to tell your parents and go on line to check out all the other great films we will be screening, make a of plan what you want to see during the entire 3 days, Oct 11-12-13 of the Friday Harbor Film Festival, so its very soon!! www.fhff.org

Plan to see:

• Blackfish
• Kon-Tiki
• Girl Rising
• Keiko; the star of Free Willy
• Shining Night
• Baraka
• Wayfinders
• Awim
• Red Gold and Coal

there are so many great movies you will want to see them all!

Purchase your ticket for the Kidz Cinema at the SJ Community Theatre Box Office, only $12, or buy a day pass for only $45 and see movies all day, plus the Kidz Cinema!
Bring a friend or Mom or Dad! Spend a day watching great films & learning too!

Lynn Danaher, director of the Friday Harbor Film Festival has some more detailed information for you about the Film Festival. It’s starting next week! Check this out….

That’s Karen Palmer, producer (L), and Lynn Danaher, FHFF Director (R) standing in front of the FHFF office

For a small town like Friday Harbor, WA to launch their inaugural Film Festival with such a high quality selection of films, is in and of itself is quite remarkable and well beyond the usual small town Film Festival line-up.

The Friday Harbor Film Festival features 5 first run films currently showing in theaters and generating buzz where ever they play: Shining Night, Girl Rising, Pandora’s Promise, Kon-Tiki and Blackfish. In addition, award-winning documentaries like Red Gold, Taylor Camp and Honor and Sacrifice (winner at the 2013 Port Townsend Film Festival) will be featured among the 25 films to be screened.

Check out movie information, ticket information, volunteer opportunities and more on this press release (PDF).

This press release just came in from Lee Taylor, Superintendent of San Juan Island NHP:

Friday Harbor, WA – Because of the shutdown of the federal government caused by the lapse in appropriations, the National Park Service (NPS) has closed all 401 national parks, including San Juan Island National Historical Park. All visitor facilities including visitor centers, picnic areas, beaches, park roads and trails are closed. The park will remain closed until the government reopens.

Pickett’s Lane is closed at Cattle Point Road. The access roads to American Camp and English Camp are also closed. Visitors may not access the park on foot, bike, or horse during the closure, even if they park outside the park.

In addition, all park programs and special events have been canceled, including Junior Ranger programs at the library, Earthcorps volunteer work at American Camp, installation of a trail puncheon by the San Juan Island Trails Committee, and more.

Nationally more than 715,000 visitors a day frequent the National Park System. Nationwide the NPS stands to lose approximately $450,000 per day in lost revenue from fees collected at entry stations and fees paid for in-park activities such as cave tours, boat rides and camping. Gateway communities across the country see about $76 million per day in total sales from visitor spending that is lost during a government shutdown.

In San Juan Island National Historical Park, eight employees are on furlough because of the shutdown. Two employees remain on duty, providing security and emergency services.

Nationwide the shutdown has also furloughed more than 20,000 National Park Service employees; approximately 3,000 employees remain on duty to ensure essential health, safety, and security functions at parks and facilities. About 12,000 park concessions employees are also affected.

Because it will not be maintained, the National Park Service website will be down for the duration of the shutdown. NPS.gov has more than 750,000 pages and 91 million unique visitors each year.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.

About the National Park Service. National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.

Dave Halloran of San Juan DEM sends over this bulletin to share with you…

“O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall
Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild
Should waste them all…”

So wrote Robert Frost in his poem “October”. Recognizing vulnerability to October winds and potential for other natural disasters in Washington State, Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed October to be “Washington State Disaster Preparedness Month”.

Along with the change of season, October usually marks the start of our wind and winter storm season. We had a just a hint of that on Sunday Sept. 21st with the wind gusts peaking at 40 MPH at the Friday Harbor airport. The winds of October can be quite extreme, with record gusts of 113 MPH in Bellingham during the Columbus Day storm in 1962. Another record storm occurred October 21, 1934 when gusts of 87 mph and 20 foot waves were recorded in the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Strong Northwest windstorms have occurred from October thru April with the majority striking in the winter between November and February.

Please join the San Juan County/Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management and residents throughout Washington in observation of Disaster Preparedness Month.

What can you do to be prepared? Here are some easy steps to start with:
Review and renew your store of supplies – have 7 days of easy to prepare food and water on hand. Here is our calendar with recommended supplies.
If you are planning trips, or will be away from your island home, arrange to have a neighbor check on your place in case of a winter cold snap and power outage which freezes pipes. Getting the water turned off can prevent damage and leaks in the water system. See these tips.
Have plenty of flashlights on hand and a corded phone. These will work in a power outage – and remember the number to report an outage to Opalco is 376-3599.
Keep informed, have a battery operated radio on hand and sign up to receive Island Alerts at the DEM website.

In addition, October is named as “NOAA Weather Radio Month”, and also marks the Great Washington Shakeout when residents of 37 states and British Columbia will participate in earthquake/tsunami drills.

You can find more information at the DEM website http://sanjuandem.net or contact the DEM office at 370-7612, 370-0587, or email:
dem [@] sanjuandem [.] net. DEM is available to speak with you about your personal and neighborhood preparedness or any of these October preparedness events.

School’s out early on Friday, October 11th, and kids of all ages are invited to come out to the Elementary School playground to Touch A Truck!

This FREE, all ages event offers an impressive line-up of specialized road machines for kids to explore – from emergency service vehicles to public works trucks, and more! It’s a great opportunity for youngsters to see big rigs up close and learn about their various features and capabilities. Come climb behind the wheel of a fire engine, explore the inside of an ambulance, and check out cool trucks of all shapes and sizes! We’ll be raffling off some great prizes – including a chance to ride to school in the Sheriff’s patrol car!
Kids get a free hotdog provided by the Kiwanis K-Boose! Come join the fun Friday, October 11th, from 11am to 1pm at the FHES playground.

Sheila Harley of San Juan Fire and Rescue sends over this note about Firewise Communities…

The San Juan Island Firewise team would like to thank Harbor Rental for agreeing to participate in the first Chipper Fest program. The program is easy and straight forward, each of our San Juan Island Firewise Communities has the opportunity to rent for one day a 6 inch chipper, one time during Chipper Fest 1 and receive a 25% discount at checkout. The 25% discount will be reimbursed to Harbor Rental by the San Juan Island Fire Rescue. The first Chipper Fest will run from September 23 to November 30, 2013.

If your community has not yet joined the many Firewise Communities on the Island and wishes to do so, please contact Brent Johnson at 378-5334 or by email at:
BrentJfirewise [@] hotmail [.] com.

Firewise is under the auspices of San Juan Island Fire Rescue. Firewise Communities ensure that their space on the island is clear of brush and items that may be an obstacle when fire fighting. You may have seen the Firewise signs in some of the communities you visit throughout the Island. The goal is to have every community join the Firewise program in order to make our Island spaces as safe as possible.

Larry Meyers shares this beautiful photo of a rainbow over the Friday Harbor Marina. Thanks Larry!

Before the Deluge – Larry Meyers photo

“Funkalicious” Duo at SJCT October 5

Fall in Friday Harbor heats up with an eclectic fusion of samba, funk, soul, blues, bossa, jazz and Spanish flamenco at San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, October 5.

Humberto Oliveira Sales and Madeline Holly Sales bring their unique blend of the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic riches from North and South America to the Whittier stage at 7:30 p.m.

Humberto, native to Brazil, pursued a formal education in classical guitar. His knowledge of Brazilian rhythms and study of Spanish Flamenco add to his unique finger-picking style. Madeline brings with her the strong influence of soul, jazz and blues. Madeline sings in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Her sensual, rich voice, playful interpretations and strong stage presence indeed make the duo’s combination of styles “funkalicious.”

“It’s exciting to introduce more World Music to our community,” said SJCT Artistic Director Susan Williams. “Madeline has such a gorgeous voice, Humberto’s guitar skills are awesome, and they both are very personable on stage.”

Based in Virginia, the duo has been performing throughout the United States, Brazil, Turkey, Austria and Central and South America.

The Business Partner for the evening is Islanders Bank. Tickets are $23 for adults; $12 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or buy on-line at www.sjctheatre.org.

Beachwatchers And Birders Wanted For Coastal Observation And Seabird Survey Team (Coasst)

On Saturday, October 19th, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver free training sessions in Lopez Island, WA and East Sound, WA. COASST volunteers help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality on North Pacific beaches. Data collected helps address important marine conservation issues and protect marine resources.

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will become acquainted with the custom COASST field guide, Beached Birds, and have a chance to try out their newly acquired identification skills on seabird species common to the Puget Sound. The COASST training provides volunteers with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources.

COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal, and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups. COASST believes citizens of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with citizens, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions. Currently, over 800 volunteers survey more than 500 beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska. Continue Reading

Meet Ronnie! He has come a long way to join us here at the shelter – all the way from Ecuador, where he was rescued from a life on the streets. He is about a year old and full of energy and fun. He gets along well with dogs and cats and loves people. He has had all his vaccinations, has been neutered and is patiently awaiting his new home. If you would like to meet Ronnie, please give us a call at 378-2158 and we will set up a meeting time and place for you, as Ronnie is being fostered in a private home.

Island Arts League sends this invitation to you…

Click for larger poster

Greetings SJI Artists and Art Lovers,

IAL invites you to the Reception for the Artists next Friday evening. Stop in and say hello to the exhibiting artists, take time to meet other local artists and art lovers. This will be a elegant, fun, free art/social event for everyone. Light refreshments will be served. See attached pdf flyer for time and details.

Hope to see you there!

The Island Arts League

Elemental Senses

October 5 – 27

Dana Roberts – Paintings

Matthew Gray Palmer – Mixed media Sculpture

An exploration in painting & sculpture by two San Juan Island based artists.

Dana Roberts, painter in her early 60’s believes that painting is a conversation, a talking with the unknown. Dana paints shapes colors and patterns which shift and jump off the canvas.

Matthew Gray Palmer, a self taught artist since the age of 6, believes in the wonders of the exploring matter/energy and transformations. Matthew’s unique perspective and vision allow his sculptures to appear organically grown, adding the juxtaposition of time and space.
Art is a communion between the artist and the observer, sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t. We are all different.

Reception for the artists, Saturday October 5, 4 – 7 PM

Show online at www.waterworksgallery.com

Don’t you wish you could do this?

Sue Ross, ‘Auntie Suz’ was diagnosed with metastisized lung cancer. The docs have sent her home. Well wishers and supporters and LOVE bugs, PLEASE come and give her love, support, big hugs and funds to help her as she deals with this sad and challenging diagnosis.

The 1st of 2 fundraisers will be at the American Legion on October 4, at 6:00 PM
There will be a Raffle for many wonderful items including a meat raffle. Hamburgers and chips will be offered.
Then at 7:00 PM, the band “On The Fly” will play!

The 2nd fundraiser is on October 19th, 3:00pm – 10:00pm. There will be dinner and drink tickets sold along with a live and silent auction. Please come out and join us for some music, food and celebration.

There is also a fund set up at Islanders Bank for donations, it is under Patricia Gaylard.

Jim Maya shares this photo of Killer Transient Orcas enjoying some beautiful September weather. Thanks for sharing Jim!

Frolicking Transient Orcas – Jim Maya photo – Click for larger version