Photographer extraordinaire Shannon Bailey from the Pacific Catalyst (and now the Westward as well) has sent over some of her beautiful images to share with you. These are just a few of them. Really good stuff. Thank you Shannon!

Shannon Bailey photo

Shannon Bailey photo

Shannon Bailey photo

Chef Hobbes has another winner with this one. And don’t leave anything out he cautions – this is out of this world when done correctly:

Hobbes’ awesome new Tuna Melt

This is the best ever, trust me! Just an awesome sandwich, full of flavor, texture and a little crunch!

Recipe for two big sandwiches:

1 can good quality island tuna, drained
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 stick celery, finely chopped
1/4 c sweet apple, finely chopped
1/4  c red bell pepper, finely chopped
mayonnaise
salt and pepper
pinch cayenne

8 slices cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
2 slices sourdough bread
2 T olive oil
2 T butter

Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.  Spread the mixture onto the bread, and put some cheese on top.  Put the oil and butter into a skillet over medium heat.  When hot place the sandwiches into the pan and slowly brown both sides.

Serve with soup of your choice.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Calling Class of 2030 High School Graduates!

Future Class of 2027

If you have a child that was born between August 31, 2011 and August 30, 2012 please bring your baby for a group photo on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2013 at 11 AM to the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Photographer Kathleen Ballard is donating her time to capture the bunch; a similar photo was taken of the babies in the Friday Harbor High School Class of 2006 (see below, courtesy of Kathleen Ballard Photography).
If you would like to purchase a copy of this year’s photo, come to the photo shoot with a check made payable to Kathleen Ballard Photography. Prices are $15 for an 8 X 12 or $10 for a 5 X 7. Please bring your baby to the photo shoot even if you do not wish to buy a photo.

Babies of the FHHS Class of 2006

This photo shoot will be a busy place and needs to happen quickly. To help keep the short event organized, please contact Alisa Schoultz in advance (if you haven’t heard from her via email already) at 378-4102 or scott_alisa [@] hotmail . com and plan to arrive 10 minutes early, the day of the photo.
Most children are five when they start Kindergarten. If your baby was born slightly before August 31, 2011 and there is a chance you will wait to start your child in Kindergarten when he/she is 6 years old, please join us. Likewise if your baby was born just after August 30, 2012 and you think you might apply for an exception for early enrollment please also come to the photo shoot. Most babies in the photo shoot will be 5-17 months old on February 23, 2013.

Yappy Hour is Thursday!

2nd Annual Yappy Hour tonight at the Rumor Mill

Hope to see you this Thursday, February 7 at the Rumor Mill for our second “Yappy Hour” to benefit the Animal Shelter!  Stop by any time between 4:00 and 5:30 pm, enjoy an appetizer and your favorite libation and Peggy and Orren will donate a percentage of your tab to The Animal Protection Society.  Sorry – belly rubs not included.

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Winter Ride

John Pachuta has the lowdown on the ski bus again:
Four down, two to go. The Mt.Baker Winter Ride Bus still has two Saturdays left on their six week ride program to the Mt.Baker Ski Area. This Saturday, Feb. 9th and then again on Mar. 2nd. Catch a ride in a nice charter bus to the top and relax in comfort and style. Pick up and drop off is in Anacortes. Any islander is eligible. Cost has been lowered from $50 to $38 for the roundtrip. Register atwww.orcasparkandrec.org.  Call 376-7275 or 378-0886 for more information.

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STEM Award Presentation

On February 13, 2013, a representative from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will attend a special meeting of the SJISD Board of Directors to present an award for STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

Six Schools and one District were named by OSPI as STEM Lighthouse Schools and each will receive $19,000 and will mentor other schools. San Juan Island School District is proud to be singled out as the one district in Washington State to receive this distinction.

This is an open public meeting and all are welcomed to attend. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, at the Friday Harbor High School library. The full agenda will be available on Friday February 8th.

Please see this link for additional information.

Brian Rader sent this note over about Helen Venada leaving her position as Waste Reduction and Recycling Coordinator:

This week marks the end of an era in San Juan County. After 24 years of service, both as a contractor and as an employee, Helen Venada will be leaving employment with San Juan County.

As I travel around the islands visiting with local businesses concerning waste and pollution issues, it has always impressed me how many folks appreciate and praise Helen’s commitment to environmental issues, especially her efforts in waste prevention: helping people find creative ways to use and re-use unwanted items, aggressively promoting recycling, and reducing the amount of materials that we send to landfills. This, along with her work with kids in our schools, is her passion. Continue Reading

Image: “Be Mine” by Jaime Ellsworth, oil 8″ x 8″

Just in time for Valentine’s Week /President’s Weekend,  WaterWorks Gallery is OPEN. Wednesday thru Monday,  Feb 13th – 18th. Hours are 10-5 daily

Stop by and see works by Jaime Ellsworth, Melinda Hannigan, Danielle Dean Palmer, Georgia Gerber, Tom Small and Catherine Skinner. With jewelry by Dianne Coe, Tana Acton, and Peggy Hunt to mention a few. Complimentary gift wrapping or shipping.

The WaterWorks Galley is San Juan Island’s première gallery for contemporary artwork. Established 1985, showcasing artists based in the the Pacific Northwest and the San Juan Islands, the work of the gallery’s painters and sculptors reflect the unique Northwest experience. A recent addition is Art jewelry.

Jimmy Feliz of All the Above Construction

If you popped into King’s Market on Tuesday and  were stopped at the bottom of the stairs to King’s Variety by the barricade saying “please enter from our street entrance”, here’s why: They’re doing some remodeling up there – That’s Jimmy Feliz in the photo from All the Above Construction, working as a sub-contractor for San Juan Interiors laying the new carpet.

Jan from the Community Theater sends this notice:

Danny Boulet will star as The Prince in Lina Downes’ new ballet “A Fairytale Romance”

“Amazing” Dancer Stars in New Ballet from Island Choreographer

La Danse et La Musique, a “grand” evening of music and movement at San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m., brings a chance to see more mesmerizing moves from an internationally-renowned Seattle dancer.

Event director and choreographer Lina Downes has cast Danny Boulet in the role of the prince in her new ballet, A Fairytale Romance, which will make its premiere on the Whittier stage that evening.  Downes says the island is very lucky to see the very busy Boulet perform again (Boulet and his twin brother, Sylvain, had dancing roles in Downe’s 2011 and 2012 production of The Birthday Boy).  “All the people that watched him perform then were amazed and stunned by his dance expertise,” said Downes.  “I’m very pleased to present him in this classical ballet role.”

Boulet will be joined by former New York ballerina Caitlin Ross and members of Downes new youth dance company, La Danse de la Mer—including 12-year-old Joely Loucks who has performed in several SJCT productions such as last year’s The Sound of Music.  Not wanting to give away the story, Downes calls it a traditional ballet for all ages that is full of romance, beautiful lifts, elegant costumes and some humor.  And in that tradition, a folk dance will be performed in the middle of the story by the island’s Ballet Folklorico Monarca.

In addition to the ballet, the evening includes light classic and opera from “The Golden Voice” of Daniels Recital Hall lyric soprano Angela K. Morgan; Seattle singer, actress and musician Mary Lou Mills; and piano solos from San Juan Island’s Stella Joh.

The Business Partner for La Danse et La Musique is Coho Restaurant.  Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for student reserved and $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.

There’s lots going on around here. Let’s take a look. First off, Sandy Strehlou mentions the following about ballet:

Considering Ballet? We are very fortunate to have inspiring ballet instruction on island. Lina Downes teaches children as young as 5 up through beginning and intermediate adult, as well as private classes for serious advanced students. Ballet is art, athletics, balance, grace and focus.

Sandy goes on to mention the production coming up this weekend at the Community theater:

For a taste of what local dancers are learning right here in Friday Harbor, join Lina and local dancers young and adult at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 9th at the Community Theatre. Be inspired to dance, inspire a child and support our local dancers.

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Volunteer Musician Wanted:
Jan at the Animal Shelter is looking for a musician to entertain for the shelter’s Spay-ghetti fundraiser event later this month. Give the shelter a call if you or someone you know is interested in helping out –  378-2158.

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School’s Out Camp — Feb 19th-22nd!
Hey kids and parents! Looking for something fun to do (and a convenient childcare option) while school is closed? Island Rec will be offering a fun-filled day-camp for K-6th graders during mid-winter break!
School’s Out Camp will run Tuesday through Friday, Feb 19th-22nd, at the Elementary School from 8:30am to 3:30pm daily, with optional extended hours from 3:30 to 6:00pm. Children may enroll for specific days or for the full 4-day session.
Space is limited for this program and parents are strongly encouraged to register by Feb 7th!
To register, or for more information on camp fees and scholarships, please call 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org.

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Dodgeball and Basketball
Speaking of Island Rec… they are now offering Adult Dodgeball as a drop-in program. Thursdays, beginning February 7th at Turnbull gym at the High School from 8 – 10pm. Ages 16&up.
Adult Basketball will be moved to once a week on Tuesdays from 8-10pm at Turnbull. For more information or a complete drop in schedule please visit www.islandrec.org or drop by the office at 580 Guard St. Monday – Friday 1-5pm

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Valentine’s Gift Idea
The Whale Museum’s Orca adoptions make a great gift for all ages – Fun to give, fun to receive! Check this out.

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Whale Museum Reopening
And speaking of the Whale Museum, they will be reopening on Feb. 14th. Kinda fitting, considering the Valentine thing mentioned above, huh?
After six weeks of closure for renovation and installation of new exhibits, The Whale Museum will re-open on February 14, 2013. The Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

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Marty Huleatte just sent over Part One of the League of Women Voters’ February Newsletter. So that’s at this link if you’d like to read it.

Figherfighter awards received by L to R: Harry See, John Miller (in back), Michael Hartzell, Mark Wagner and Tad Lean – Steve Marler photo

Firefighters and support members were honored for their dedicated service in 2012 at the annual awards banquet on Saturday night at the Rumor Mill, which was attended by about 100 people including guests. Ken Clark and Harry See received San Juan Island Fire Department’s highest awards when the department celebrated the 2012 contributions of its members.

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 all of San Juan Island, as well as Brown and Pearl islands.

The following firefighters were honored with special awards for their service in 2012:

• Firefighter of the Year – Harry See 
• Officer of the Year – Ken Clark
• Rookie of the Year – Mark Wagner
• Support Volunteer of the Year – Sheila Harley

The following firefighter station awards were given:

• Station 30/31(Downtown/Mullis St.) –Mark Wagner
• Station 33 (Little Mountain) – Harry See
• Station 34 (Sunset Point) – Michael Hartzell
• Station 36 (Eagle Crest) – John Miller

Tad Lean and Tom Odegard were recognized for 20 years of service. Noel Monin was recognized for 15 years of service. Joan Byrne and Jerry Henderson were recognized for 10 years of service. Camolyn Armstrong, Sheila Harley, Christy Hinkle, Connie Odegard and Ben Waldron were recognized for five years of service.

The San Juan Island Fire Department would like to thank the Orcas Fire Department for providing a crew of firefighters to cover an initial response in case of a call during our banquet.

The department is always looking for new firefighters. To volunteer, call the San Juan Island Fire Department at 378-5334 or stop by the Mullis Street Fire Station.

Meet Percy – this week’s Pet of the Week

Little Percy is a party waiting to happen!  At about a year old, he is full of energy and loves to romp and play.  He’s also a terrific snuggler and is very affectionate and lovable.   He gets along great with dogs of all sizes and would love to live in a home with other dogs to play with.  We believe he is a Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua mix. Once you meet him, we know you’ll love him!
Come and visit at 111 Shelter Road or give us a call at 378-2158.

Notes on last week’s movie, “Breaking the Taboo”

Rob Simpson of the Conscientious Projector movie series has compiled a list of notes from last week’s showing of Breaking the Taboo, a film about our 41 year old War on Drugs. Here’s Rob with more:

Hello again Conscientious Ones,

Rob here with a summary report:  Everyone viewing Monday’s film found it quite provocative and well-produced. Here are some random notes from the film:

• A 2011 Global Commission on Drug Policy has declared the 41-year War on Drugs a complete failure.  The “war” has created a network of criminal supply lines throughout the world.
• It has made wealthy some of the world’s most violent criminals.
• It costs US taxpayers over $10 billion every year. Continue Reading

Dave Ryan

It’s always cool to know the author of a book when you read it, and I love it when our friends crank out a good book….that’s what Dave Ryan has done with Bring Me The Head Of El Monte Slim: The Order of Chaos (Volume 1).

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Dave is the airport manager here in Friday Harbor, and he tells a good tale.

El Monte Slim reminds me of a mix of Don Quixote & the Confederacy of Dunces, with a little Tom Robbins thrown in. All of which means whatever he does next is going to be noble, well-thought out (possibly overthought), quirky, and part of what holds a cast of characters together – his companions & opponents really prove Dave has a heckuva imagination & can tie a pretty complex plot together, while creating characters the reader cares about.

The book itself…

And there’s the small matter of taking down a conspiracy to take over the world….

It’s a fun book!

It’s awesome to read a book which grabs ya by about a third of the way in. Dave’s wry wit, grasp of the way things work (and don’t work), mixed in with a clever mix of plot-turns, memorable characters, and people making the kinds of mistakes you would make too, if you were on the run from the law, your past, and your demons…..brilliant stuff.

I told some 10-12 friends about this just as soon as I was done, so I guess I want to tell you, too. Don’t miss this one!

Travis Goff promoted to Petty Officer

Did you know Travis Goff was promoted to Petty Officer in the Navy?  February’s newsletter from the Legion has information on local families in the military and a calendar of this month’s events.

Also – did you know the Korean War was not really a war? It is referred to officially as “The Korean Conflict.” There was no victor. War was never declared. Peace was never declared. The newsletter includes a brief history of the conflict with some interesting facts. Click here to check it out.

Generations: Last year’s dance included elder of the tribe Dave Champlin, 101-year old dad with Jan (Dave passed away in June last year, and is much missed), as well as Casey with Gabrielle, who was just born in November ’11….and all ages in between! This year’s dance is at 7 at the Mullis Center on Friday the 8th.

This report filed by reporter-at-large & Update archivist Ian:

The Father-Daughter Dance is coming up this week on Friday, starting at 7pm at the Mullis Center…. sponsored by Island Rec, this is the dance that was started in 2006, and it just keeps getting better! Sally & her crew do an awesome job….

Nearly every year, we shot a portfolio of pictures or a movie of the dads & their girls (some of whom have graduated from college already), and it’s always fun to see the kids grow up! For your walk down memory lane, here are the stories in the Update with scads of photos from the dance, through the years.

And one thing stays the same – the smiles.

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Smiles, at the 2006 dance….

First dance – held at the Grange in 2006 (with me & Shay & Cam as DJs) and a great group of high schoolers helping with leading the dances: 2006 (scroll to the middle of the page for the story)

Neal & Ally had a great time at the 2007 dance…

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Second dance – moved to the Mullis Center & sold twice as many tickets! The tradition is off to a great start, with lots of age groups represented : 2007 (at the top of the page)

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Third dance – it just keeps rolling, and it’s fun to start to see kids who are back for their third year!: 2008: (in the middle of the page)

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Fourth dance: 2009 (here’s the portfolio)

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Fifth dance: Great fun was had by all: 2010 (top of the page)

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Sixth dance: I was away for the first time….sorry to miss it!

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And finally, here’s the video from last year’s dance (which I called the eighth year at the first of the vid, which is actually this year), with additional photos by Kevin Holmes: