The San Juan Island Library is seeking a Program Associate to design and implement innovative programming for adult library patrons based on priorities established with the Library Director. Continue Reading

There is still time to get tickets for this new play Thursday night. Diana Mancel attended a rehearsal last Wednesday at the Community Theater and she has this to report:

Friday Harbor High School’s production of Studs Terkel’s “Working”, opens this week at the Community Theater

Studs Terkel once said he was “celebrated for celebrating the uncelebrated.”  That is certainly an apt description of his play, Working, being presented by Jane Maxwell Campbell’s group of teenage actors, starting Thursday, January 17 and playing through Sunday the 20th.

The play is about, well, working.  There is the tie salesman who dreams of moving up the corporate ladder, and a woman who is getting arthritis from doing repetitive factory work in dreadful conditions; a steelworker,  a waitress, a firefighter, and several more intriguing voices on the stage.

Click for more of the story and photos from Wednesday’s rehearsal –  Continue Reading

Roving Update reporter Louise Dustrude got a chance to catch up with Jill, Ann and Louisa to find out what they were up to, and she turns in this report:

L – R: Jill Johnson, Ann Jarrell and Louisa Nishitani – John Dustrude Photo

Wearing orange safety vests, Louisa Nishitani, Ann Jarrell, and Jill Johnson were working the ferry lanes on Monday, handing out information about the proposed Cherry Point coal terminal and encouraging people to send in their comments before next week’s deadline.

Louisa and Ann and friends have been at it since Thanksgiving, passing out information in the ferry lanes both here and in Anacortes.

Their feeling is that most people have appreciated getting the information — and they hope their efforts have generated some letters.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required before the coal terminal can become a reality, and the public has been invited to suggest topics to be addressed in the EIS — such as property values, orcas and other marine life, clean air and water, boating safety, fishing, tourism, or anything people feel might be impacted by the shipping of coal.

On the mainland, most concerns center on the coal trains, but here in the islands the worries are about the ships expected to pass through our waters carrying coal to markets in China.

Unlike oil tankers, these ships would be single-hulled and are required to have tug escorts only while docking. They are expected to return empty, except for ballast water from Asia which may contain potentially harmful invasive species.

Oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill is still being found in the waters of Prince William Sound. The coal ships will run on bunker C oil, which is heavier than water, would sink and adhere to the bottom, and therefore be even more difficult to clean up.

Comments can be sent via email to [email protected] by 5 pm Tuesday, January 22nd. They should include your name and address, the significant adverse impact you’re concerned about, and a statement beginning “I request that you study ….” If you have several concerns, send a separate letter for each one.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council, in partnership with the Island County EDC and the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, has been awarded a grant from the US Department of Agriculture, for APICS training in supply chain management.

The grant covers full scholarships for Island, San Juan and Skagit County residents to attend a three-day workshop on the Basics of Supply Chain Management. The deadline to apply is January 21, 2013. Training will be held February 11-13, 2013 in Anacortes, WA. More information is available on the SJEDC website: sanjuansedc.org

San Juan Island sea salt, that is. You know Brady Ryan, right? Captain of FHHS Soccer team, in what was it… 2003? He’s created a new business on the island called Ryan Farm, LLC and his first product has just arrived at the Co-op… Sea Salt! Right out of Griffin Bay, dried on his farm in San Juan Valley and now packaged and for sale right here at home! Brady has more with the short version of his process…

I adapted vegetable hoop-houses that I learned to build working on a farm in Duvall to make solar evaporated salt.  We haul the water in from different spots on the island, and let the sun do the work.

This is the inside of one of the solar drying houses, with a batch of seawater slowly drying as it works its way toward your dining room table.

It comes out as relatively coarse salt, which we then grind, sift and sort to create a good finishing salt-trying to mimic a good fleur de sel in consistency. The way we make it allows a much greater range of minerals in than most sea salt, giving it a wilder, brinier taste.

Vivien Burnett is having a “Last Chance” sale at her studio this weekend.

Have you seen Vivien Burnett’s artwork? She has some really fun and beautiful stuff and this weekend she’s opening her studio for refreshments and offering great prices on selected prints. Here’s Vivien with more:

Come Join Artist Vivien Burnett at her studio
24 Hubbard Lane, Friday Harbor
this Saturday and Sunday January 19th & 20th, 2013  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a rare opportunity to own one of her unique serigraphs and prints at stellar prices. Refreshments will be served. Continue Reading

The SJCB alums gather at Jackson’s Beach last August: (L to R): Ramona Jones, Joyce Buffum (Lopez), Jan Champlin, Brian Brown, Linda Begnal, Maya Corrie (seated), Carma Avey, Leslie Brennan, Diane Buganski (hidden), Judy Cornell, Marlene Crosby, Marilyn Corrie

The island’s oldest bank merged with Key Bank twenty years ago, but it’s been a custom of the former employees to have periodic reunions to stay in touch. Here’s the scoop from Marilyn Corrie:

We thought your readers might enjoy this little bit of community trivia.

Many will remember San Juan County Bank (SJCB), which became KeyBank in 1993.  The staff members of SJCB were not only co-workers and a big part of the island communities, but are close friends.  With the KeyBank merger, many employees were retired out, laid off, and/or took jobs elsewhere.  Even though it has now been twenty years since the existence of SJCB, the group has remained close, gathering together for dinner every other month.  Sometimes with a special guest from off island, it is usually a potluck hosted at one of the homes, or a seasonal beach picnic, with an average of twenty or so in attendance.  Invitees span employment from the 1950’s through a few current day SJCB/KeyBank employees.

In 2003, which would have been the 110th anniversary of SJCB, a large reunion was held, with nearly 100 past employees and guests coming from as far away as Georgia, Hawaii, California, and Oregon.  We’ve supported, encouraged, and cheered each other through nearly every event life can offer.

You may be surprised to learn how many of the folks greeting you at your local retail store, professional office, county office, community service organization, and yes, banks are members of this special alumni.

Here are a few pictures of the last few gatherings.  Perhaps we’ll share more as time marches on.

Thanks!
Marilyn

Here’s are some more shots:

Everybody, together for Christmas last month: (L-R)  standing: Marlene Crosby, Beth Phillips, Carma Avey, Brian Brown, Maya Corrie, Marilyn Corrie, Cindy Mullis. Middle: Jackie Scherer, Linda Begnal, Diane Buganski. Front kneeling; Ramona Jones, Debbie Sutliff, Judy Cornell.

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The grooup meets at people’s houses….here’s everyone in the kitchen last April: (L to R) Jerry Mullis, Walt Cornell, Tony Fyrqvist, Lisa Fyrqvist, Maya Corrie, Marilyn Corrie, Cindy Mullis, Marlene Crosby, Gloria Ridge (seated), John Ridge, Brian Brown, Ted Buganski, Judy Cornell.

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Last June’s potluck: (L to R): Cindy Mullis, Walt Cornell, Judy Cornell, Diane Buganski, Ted Buganski, Sandy Roe, Linda Begnal, Marilyn Corrie, Debbie Sutliff, Ramona Jones, Brian Brown, Maya Corrie, Laurie Wangenheim, Marlene Crosby, John Ridge, Gloria Ridge.

A train carrying coal passes through Bellingham’s Fairhaven district on its way to the Westshore coal terminal in BC. With a proposed new coal terminal in Bellingham, train shipments through Washington State are set to increase dramatically. Thanks to coaltrainfacts.org and seattleglobalist.com for the information. (Photo by Paul K. Anderson)

Katie Fleming over at the Friends of the San Juans wanted me to pass along this invitation to attend their “Last Chance Coal Comment Party” for the Gateway Pacific Terminal:

The San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea will be at the center of the marine impacts resulting from increased shipping of coal exports. Concerned citizens will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed project until January 21, 2013. Continue Reading

Check out the beautiful new sculpture in town when you can. “Fluke” by local artist Micajah Bienvenu, was just installed Thursday morning on the rock outcropping just across from the ferry lanes. If you can’t get down there anytime soon, click on these photos. And be sure to read the Press Release from the Town below:

“Fluke” by Micajah Bienvenu – Click for larger view

“Fluke” by Micajah Bienvenu – Click for larger view

“Fluke” by Micajah Bienvenu – Click for larger view

Town of Friday Harbor completes purchase of public art

The Town of Friday Harbor is proud to announce that it has completed the purchase of a piece of public art that will be installed the week of January 7th near the ferry lanes at the corner of First and “A” Streets. Continue Reading

Jan Murphy over at the Animal Shelter sent over this notice about this week’s pets of the week:

MIke and Ike – This week’s pets of the Week

One look at Mike and Ike and you have to agree – these are handsome boys.  These guys are the best!  They are quiet, have perfect manners and are extremely good-natured, happy dogs.  They greet everyone with wagging tails and kisses and love to go for walks.  They get along well with other dogs,  and although they like to chase cats, they could probably be persuaded not to.  They are best buddies and must be adopted together, but once you meet them you’ll want to bring them both home anyway.  Stop by the shelter soon to get acquainted – 111Shelter Road or call 378-2158

So cute we couldn’t do just one photo

How to choose to suffer (or not) in day to day life

Suzie Thomas is offering a Free Workshop on how to choose not to suffer

Suzie Thomas, who recently returned to Friday Harbor after 30 years away, will be offering a free 3-evening workshop at Griffin Bay Bookstore. Suzie will teach three simple keys which, if practiced, will immediately lessen much of the emotional and mental suffering inherent to human life. You will be guided in some simple exercises designed to bring the keys home to you so you can practice them on your own. At the end of the workshop, you will have greater experiential understanding of how you choose to suffer, and how you can opt not to. Suzie brings to the workshop 20 years experience as a mind-body-spirit counselor and group facilitator.

Limited to the first 12 who sign up to keep the workshop small and intimate.
To register or for more info, call  (206) 406-3085 or send email to:
suziethomas [dot] journeys [at] gmail [dot] com

Free workshop at Griffin Bay Bookstore
Tuesdays January 15th, 22nd & 29th 6.00 pm- 7.30 pm – Registration required

Roving Update reporter Diana Mancel files this report:

Dateline: Browne’s Home Center, 860 Mullis Street – Kathy Rouleau says Hellebores are selling best right now!  I asked Kathy if it got lonesome out there during the cold, rainy winter days, but I looked around and could see she had plenty of company….

Keeping Kathy company

White Ducks

Red Ducks

Sounds like they had a pretty good time over at Mullis Center on Thursday for the big Meat Loaf cook-off and Wine Tasting gig. Stan the Wine Man files this report: 

Well, last night was a big hit at the Mullis Center. We had a lot of people and I want to thank all of you for being such a good group. It really made the night a success. For those of you who couldn’t stick around to hear who the the winner of the meatloaf cook-off was I will fill you in.

Shauna the Meat Loaf Queen Rand shows off her First Place Prize

First place went to Kings Market Deli which was meatloaf G in the line-up. This is the first cook-off won by our very own Deli. Trish & Dave (of the Deli) decided to step aside and let two more be chosen as #1 & #2 which was very gracious of them. So, #1 went to Shauna Rand who won the 3 liter bottle of Bogle Phantom. Her meatloaf was letter B in the line-up. Second place went to Teri Gentry ( letter F in the line-up). Teri scored on the bottle of Steele Stymie Syrah. Everyone told me the judging was really tough as all the entries were really good. I got to taste a couple, and I don’t know how you were able to vote for the best one.

Stan the Wine Man at his day job at King’s Market displays the very popular Colosi Rosso

I will have a full report on my blog soon (www.blucid.com) . The top two wines of the night (at least as orders go), were Colosi Rosso from Italy and Ventisquero Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva from Chile. Ted ran out of the Colosi rather quickly because everyone kept going back for more.

Cheers –
Stan The Wine Man

Ed. Note – If you would like to know about these things in advance, you need to get on Stan’s email list. Due to Washington State Liquor Control Board rules, that’s the only way he can advertise events like this. Send an email request to: stan [at] blucid . com

Liz Varvaro sends this mouth-watering invitation. See you there!!

The next Community Dinner is fast approaching! The end of the semester means it is time for an OPEN HOUSE. The students will be presenting their Community Projects in classrooms, the Jazz Band will play and the Art Walk-a-Bout has our young artists’ work on display around the school. The exhibition is free for all and the Dinner is by $10 donation.

Next Wednesday, January 16th enjoy a GREEK MENU prepared by the Food for Thought Program, Baking and Culinary Arts Classes.

Enjoy Chicken Gyros, Grilled Pork Souvlaki, Greek Salad, Rice Pilaf, Tzatziki, Hummus, Pitas and Baklava! A great meal for only $10! Join us in the High School Commons next Wednesday at 5:30.