From Randall at xkcd.com…..

Lots happening around here – here’s a sampling from around San Juan Island:

The kindness of kids: Nine-year-old Emily Atwell is a two-time donor to the Locks of Love program…she’s an inspiration to us as she cut her hair so that folks who have lost their hair to cancer can have wigs made from the donated locks. Way to go, Emily!

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Smiling faces in town, with hats….photo by Aaron Shepard (thanks, Aaron!)

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Thanks to Donovan Williams – he & his wife caught this harbor seal at Lime Kiln having dinner (yum octopus!) a couple of weekends ago.

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This week’s Road Scholar program focuses on hiking in different parts of the islands…yesterday they ate lunch on Mount Constitution after a four mile trek around Mountain Lake on Orcas, with Mount Baker in the distance after the morning fog mostly lifted. The program is run by Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center here on the island, and brings some 900 participants to the islands from April to October each year.

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Knitting on the ferry….good to see how Jeannie’s coming along, on the interisland ferry yesterday.

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Come get your copy!

It was great to hear & see that Wendy has released her delightful book – you can find out more about it & get yours on Saturday – here’s more from Nancy at Griffin Bay Bookstore:

Griffin Bay Bookstore and The San Juan Island Library are pleased to host a book talk and signing for Lucky to be Alive: A Love Story by local local playwright, journalist, and author Wendy E. Shepard on Saturday night, September 29, 7:00 pm at Griffin Bay Bookstore.

The book is fiction, but inspired by true happenings. It is a lilting, philosophical journey through the seasons of life as Lucky, a Border Collie with an exuberant will to live, searches for home on a Pacific Northwest island. Along the way, unbeknownst to him, he teaches his human companions what it means to live Together – with all of Nature’s living things.

“Lucky always showed us how to be in love with life,” said Shepard. “True love cannot be reduced to a feeling, for feelings are temporary things. Lucky embodied the unchanging, unconditional kind of love that is essential for commitment, whether it is to ourselves, to another, to our planet – to whatever crosses our path, whether or not we like it!”

She will read from Lucky to be Alive: A Love Story, and be available to sign books and answer questions about it and about writing and self-publishing.

Wendy

About the author 

Brought up in rural New England, Wendy E. Shepard worked for over thirty years in New York City and Los Angeles. Television, theatre, music, and dance production captured her attention at first. Noticing the positive effect of the arts on children, she turned to programs in arts education, administering those of inner city public schools as well as those of private colleges such as Bard College and California Institute of the Arts.

Longing for a rural setting like that of her roots and for the opportunity to create her own art, Shepard migrated twenty years ago to San Juan Island to write. Trained in dramatic literature and musical theatre, many of Shepard’s plays have appeared in the Playwrights Festival at the San Juan Community Theatre. Local residents might also have read her early articles and guest columns for the Journal of the San Juan Islands. Lucky to be Alive: A Love Story is her first book.

Lori Miller tells me the U-15 boys soccer team is off to a good start: “These guys on Saturday, beat Arlington 6-1. They have won 2 in a row and are now 2 and 1. These guys are on fire, having a blast and a lot of fun to watch.”

Bits of this & that:

• The Wolverines had a good weekend, as they improved their season record to 4-0 with a 32-0 win over LaConner in Friday night’s football game at their place. The soccer girls dropped a 3-0 decision with a talented Bear Creek squad on a sunny Saturday, but looked good, even in defeat, both with their passing, chances to score, and grit as they kept at it for the whole game. They next play on Thursday…

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• The inside scoop about Pat O’Day’s successful brain surgery….he’s told me how happy he is with how it turned out, and this sums it up nicely.

Drop by & say hey!

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• Set up in the old Friday Harbor Realty/Crystal Seas Kayaking spot, next to Herb’s, there’s a new coffee place in town – here’s the word from Jon & the crew about The Crow’s Nest:

There is a new coffee shop in town! Crow’s Nest Coffee Shoppe opened on June 29th at 70 Spring Street, between Herb’s Tavern and Windermere Real Estate and across from the China Pearl.

The owners and professionally-trained barisatas, Jon & Mary Hurley and Ashley Buccanan, live and breathe coffee. With a combined 22 years of coffee experience and five and six generations of family on the island, they are no strangers to Friday Harbor.

Crow’s Nest will be offering award-winning Café Vivace espresso drinks. Some consider Café Vivace one of the best espresso blends in the world. They also serve an array of housemade syrups exclusive to the Crow’s Nest. The food menu will impress foodies everywhere with its wide variety of choices, from breakfast sandwiches and wraps to lunchtime artisan sandwiches, hot dogs and burgers, all featuring island-grown or island-made ingredients.

Crow’s Nest keeps up with technology. They offer a curbside delivery service with all the convenience of a drive-thru without the line of idling cars. They blend the nostalgia of an old-fashioned diner with the convenience of being able to phone or text in your order from your car. Kids, come on in and be part of the Little Crow Club for discounts at lunchtime and after school. Adults, become a punchcard holder and receive local discounts menu-wide.

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• Emily Reed reports the IMA has a deadline:

FINAL CALL to register for Islands Museum of Art Local Artists Registry in order to show work in the upcoming museum exhibition, “Winter is the King of Showmen,” November 14-Dec. 22. All island artists wishing to be a part of this exhibit are eligible, but must register by October 1. For information view www.imaregistry.com  or contact Yvonne Buijs  378-6725 or Beth Hetrick at 378-8375.

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• Did you see the iridescence in the clouds the other day? Chris Teren did, and KOMO news showed his photo to the world….

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• Just spoke to Justin Roche & he tells me that Homes for Islanders is looking for folks to get into the next round of homes – check out the website & get the application materials, and there’s even a way to make $1000 if you have a friend:

Be ready when the call comes…it helps the kids!

It’s time again to help the schools…and here’s a great place to start. And…they could use a few more volunteer callers…got time?

Here’s more from Nancy & the San Juan Island Public Schools Foundation:

The San Juan Public Schools Foundation will hold its annual Phone-A-Thon on Tuesday, Oct. 2 and Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 4:00-8:30pm. During this time, volunteers will be calling to ask for your donations.

The Foundation is a group of volunteer parents, business leaders, educators, and community sponsors who raise money to make a difference in the classroom. Proceeds from the Phone-A-Thon, the Knowledge Bowl, and the Business Partnership Program, go directly back into the classrooms at Friday Harbor Elementary, Middle, and High schools.

Every bit helps…

Quality education is everybody’s business. Friday Harbor High School was ranked 9th in Washington state this year by US News and World Report. This recognition includes designations of gold, silver, or bronze medals to top ranking schools. FHHS earned a gold medal, based on achievement in state assessments, college readiness, and a ranking in the top 500 schools in the nation.

In addition, Friday Harbor High School has recently been recognized for achievement in the areas of Marine Science, Robotics, Athletics, Drama, and Art.

“I am pleased, but not surprised, given the quality of our district as a whole.” Principal Fred Woods claimed.

We hope the community responds generously again for our kids. This year celebrated the 100th graduating class from the Friday Harbor High School. There are only a few schools in Washington who can say that! And, we are close to reaching the One-Million-Dollar mark for donations to the Foundation. Help us get to the One-Million-Dollar mark in our centennial celebration

Matthew & friend, shrinkwrapped….ready to ship, last week.

This 1:38 time-lapse video shows the 250 hours it took  Matthew Gray Palmer & his crew to make a bull elephant, one of four sculpted pacyderms who were shipped to Colorado Springs last week…I’m hoping this is the first thing you see this morning that makes you go “Wow!”…it was for me.

The time is growing short for dealing with the folks who want to run coal from Montana to the coast here…some islanders might be wondering why there’s mayors & townfolk & mamas & papas of both & all political parties all along the way who are energetically opposing it, and there are a number of good reasons. The one that got my attention is the way coal dust poisons the towns (and people) that the train goes by & through…you’ll notice that’s not mentioned in this pretty good article reviewing the situation & the fight ahead.

Bellingham singer/songwriter & island favorite Dana Lyons helps sum up the reasons, in his new video “Sometimes”….

It’s time again – get ready for the Nature Institute’s dinner & entertainment – here’s more from Fiona:

San Juan Nature Institute will celebrate 18 years of education and stewardship at a gala event at the Mullis Community Senior Center, Friday Harbor, from 5:30-9 p.m. on the evening of September 29, 2012. Tickets are $35 per person and reservations are requested. Reservations can be made on line at www.sjnature.org or by e-mailing [email protected] .

Chef Farhad is planning a special menu with a Persian flair featuring Queen Charlotte Coho Salmon with herbed rice. For vegetarians he is preparing an exotic frittata. Music by a duo from the San Juan Jazz Quintet will entertain guests as appetizers are served. Silent and live auctions will include opportunities to fund-a-need.

San Juan Nature Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public appreciation of the unique natural history of the San Juan Archipelago.  Friday Harbor residents enjoy the annual winter lecture series and adult field workshops, but children will be more familiar with the Young Naturalist summer porgrams, and the school programs Partners in Science. The Nature Institute, in collaboration with UW Friday Harbor Labs Science Outreach program and Lopez-based Kwiaht, offers Partners in Science to provide science enrichment programs in schools on all four ferry-served islands. These give students the opportunity to work side by side with scientists on environmental projects of relevance and interest to us all.

Funding for the Nature Institute comes from grants for education projects and from public donations. The annual dinner is a major source of operation funds to support our education programs. For more information, please visit our website www.sjnature.org.

Wolverine Isabel Place (left) puts the defensive pressure on in the second half of Friday Harbor’s 1-0 loss to LaConner yesterday….the Braves’ Ashlyn Reinstra scored the only goal, in the first half. The game was a non-league match, with the re-match counting in the league standings.

Hope you have a great plans for the weekend…here it comes!

• Come see the movie Thrive at the Library today at 5pm….sponsored by The Conscientious Projector group & Rob Simpson. (Here’s the trailer….)

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• Eileen Drath & the Trails Committee want you to come check out the new piece of trail:

Know Your Island Walk, Sat. Sept. 22, 2012, 1-4pm.
Meet Mike Vouri, Historian and Chief of Interpretation, San Juan Island National Historical Park, to walk Mitchell Hill, the newest piece  of our island’s National Historical Park.  We will see work done by the Trails Committee and Island Rec in conjuction with the Park and generous volunteers.

Meet and park at the English Camp parking lot to walk up toward the cemetery and cross the south face of Young Hill, using the new connector trail, a part of  the Mitchell Hill Trail Network. Length is 3miles, round trip. Terrain is wooded trail. Rating is moderate.  Dogs on leashes are welcome.  Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.org.

See you there!

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Photographer Aaron Shepard calls this one “Never Out of Style,” shot on Spring Street….

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They’re back!

Tomorrow night at the Community Theatre – Pearle Django is back! Here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

September sizzles with Pearl Django’s hot club style of gypsy jazz live in the Whittier.

This form of jazz originated in Parisian jazz clubs of the 1930s—a string-centered, toe tapping, rhythmic style pioneered by Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt and French-Italian violinist Stéphane Grappelli.

Though still strongly influenced by the music of Reinhardt and Grappelli, the band’s repertoire now includes many original compositions and reaches out across the divides of taste to a wide variety of audiences.

While the band celebrates more than 17 years in existence (including several stops in the Whittier), the band members have changed throughout the years. Founding member Neil Andersson resigned in 2010 to pursue music more leisurely and to allow more time for painting.  The quintet of esteemed musicians visiting Friday Harbor in 2012 are Michael Gray, violin; David Lange, accordion; Rick Leppanen, acoustic bass; and Troy Chapman and Ryan Hoffman, guitars.

Artist information: www.pearldjango.com

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The fog over Griffin Bay, as it receded in yesterday’s midday sun…I thought it made things look a bit Scottish…this view is from the campus deck at Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center.

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• The San Juan Island Stammtish German Group is set to kick off this year’s series at the Library this week on Sunday – here’s more from Molly:

The series….

On Sunday, September 23rd from 7-9 p.m. in the SJI Library Community Room we begin a 53 hour Journey with the film, HEIMAT.

We will watch HEIMAT exclusively throughout this year. An explanation of the film (from Wikipedia) is below.

Heimat is the overall title of three series of films in 30 episodes written and directed by Edgar Reitz which view life in Germany between 1919 and 2000 through the eyes of a family from the Hunsrück area of the Rhineland. Personal and domestic life is set against glimpses of wider social and political events.

The combined length of the 30 films is 53 hours and 25 minutes, making it one of the longest series of feature-length films in cinema history.

The title Heimat is a German word meaning “homeland”. Its use is partly an ironic reference to the film genre known as Heimatfilm which was popular in Germany in the 1950s. Heimatfilms were noted for their rural settings, sentimental tone and simplistic morality.

Aesthetically, all three series are notable for their artful switching between colour and black-and-white film to convey different emotional states.

Contact: Molly O’Neil 378.9671 ([email protected] or Karin Woldtvedt 378.4961 ([email protected]) for information

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The island’s hospital is on track to open in late November…looks like the landscaping is going in, this past week.

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• Our state rep will be in town to talk about the charter school initiative next week – plan to drop by & say hey! Here’s more from Lee Sturdivant:

State Rep. Kristine Lytton will answer questions on the charter schools ballot initiative (I-1240) on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 5 pm at the local Democratic Headquarters, next to Marilyn’s Garden Path Café in Friday Harbor. This will be the fourth time the charter schools issue has appeared on the Washington State ballot, having been voted down in 1996, 2000, and 2004.

Charter schools would be exempt from some government rules but would receive public tax revenues. I-1240 would allow up to 40 independent public schools to operate in the state.

According to public records, the primary donors in support of this initiative have included members of the Bill Gates and Paul Allen families, the Walton families and Amazon owner, Jeff Bezos.

The Friday Harbor discussion, part of the local Democratic Party Issues series, “Come & ask ‘em”, is open to all; refreshments will be served.

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You saw the elephants, ready to ship, earlier this week – Matthew Gray Palmer is sending them to a place in Colorado Springs this week. Friday Harbor Marine’s Mike Close reports: “Here are some pictures we took while Friday Harbor Marine staff shrinkwrapped the local elephant herd for shipment to the winter grazing lands. We usually shrinkwrap boats and we have done gerbils and pot bellied pigs before, but this was the first herd of elephants we ever shrunkked. “

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Sunset over Roche Harbor last night, with sky ablaze in color….photo by Kevin Holmes

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• It’s been nearly twenty years, and it’s still going:

Rumor Mill Trivia starts its 18^th year Thursday, Sept. 27^th, 7PM.  The original startup date was set back a week due to this fantastic weather. Trivia Night is an island institution, Oren & Peggy have written the questions & hosted trivia since the fall of 1995, first at the Front Street Ale House, now trivia has found a new home at the Rumor Mill.

The third season at the Mill will once again be team league play, but of course there is always room for an impromptu team or two. $5 entry, prices for top placing teams, Jo George will once again host,  and fun should be had by all. To sign up your team, or more information, contact Oren & Peggy at the Rumor Mill, 360-378-5555, contact us on facebook, or at [email protected].

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• Kris Bayas (kbayas (at) wsu.edu) is setting up the class for next year – you in? Drop her a note:

Hi Ian,

Just wanted to send you a note that WSU Extension will be having another Master Gardener training class coming up this winter. Can you help spread the word?

Be part of an enriching experience as a WSU Master Gardener Volunteer in your community. Join us to learn about composting, botany, soil science, diagnosing plant problems, noxious weeds, and more!

A new class for WSU Master Gardener Training is coming up! Class will meet once a week in Friday Harbor for 8 weeks during Feb. and March 2013, and will include some online instruction.

Thank you!

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• Support Brickworks! Here’s more from Stephen Robbins:

To celebrate the launch of the physical renovation of the Brickworks building—the SJI Ag Guild is holding its Annual Dinner Auction on Sunday, September 23rd at Two Barn Farm (off Bailer Hill Road) on San Juan island, starting at 4:30pm.

This year’s Dinner will feature Moroccan cuisine made, of course, from local ingredients.  Tickets are available at the Saturday Farmers Market at Brickworks and Griffin Bay Bookstore.

If you can’t attend, but would like to donate items for the silent auction, please contact Jane at [email protected]

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From Randall at xkcd.com….

It was sad to bid goodbye to our friend Teri McPadden back in August, as she & Skip & the fam moved to Florida, but it’s cool that she left her awesome clothes shop Be Chic Boutique in the capable hands of Kim Wickman (above). Drop by soon to see Kim & cheer for her – her enthusiasm & energy are contagious!

Lots afoot on our emerald isle…let’s take a look:

• Ciely & the good folks at Lavendera Massage Center invite you to come by tonight:

Don’t forget to stop by at Lavendera this Thursday for free 15-minute treatments during our Community Health Service night. 7-9pm.

Emily Guard settles the ball in front of the Evergreen Lutheran goal last week….(click for a larger picture!)

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• It’s today: The LaConner soccer team comes visiting for a 4pm game…our high-flying girls lost 5-0 at Mount Baker on Tuesday, and plan on getting back on track today.

See you there!

Meanwhile, the volleyball girls knocked off Mount Baker on Tuesday – way to go!

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• The WSF folks say things are a little behind, this Thursday morning:

Ferry alert: All the boats in the San Juan Islands are running 10-25 minutes late due to fog. Expect delays on all sailings throughout the day. Updates will occur as conditions change.

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• Did you know sperm whales have names for each other (and NOT Moby….)…here’s more.

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The island’s most famous elephants stand ready to get shipped out, yesterday…the sculptures by Matthew Gray Palmer are heading off to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado…Matthew will be heading that way to help install them. Photo by Mike Martin (thanks, Mike!)

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Keith

• It’s about time you worked that garden all year, don’t you think? That’s the idea with Keith Keyser’s workshop which gets underway next Tuesday at Skagit Valley College and runs for eight weeks – here’s the scoop. Call 378-3220 today & sign up (don’t miss out!):

Gardening for Year-Round Harvest

Raising much of your own food locally poses some challenges as well as rewards.  Drawing upon 35 years of organic gardening experience in WA state, Keith will show you how you can succeed.  He’ll describe how to employ low impact and low cost approaches to being more food self-sufficient.  This class will cover everything from soil fertility and plant succession to season extenders and cultural practices for the maritime Northwest. The class runs 9/25-11/13, 8 weeks – Tuesdays 6:00 to 8:00pm.

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• I hope you get a chance to help out at school….here’s one way, from Kris Brown with FHHS’ Purple & Gold:

Are you an adult looking for a way to contribute to your community and enjoy Friday Harbor High School football, soccer and volleyball? Then consider volunteering to sell tickets, concessions or merchandise at an upcoming home games. Whether you have a child in school or are retired, this an easy way to help out the High School and have fun at the same time.

Ticket takers arrive when the visiting team gets to the field (or gym) from the ferry and sell tickets through half-time, leaving time to watch the second half of the game. Concessions and merchandise sellers have a good view of the action from their post and work from the beginning of the game to the end. A Purple and Gold board member or school district staff acquaints volunteers with their duties and has everything ready.

Purple & Gold, the extra-curricular activities booster club), manages the tickets and concessions which benefit the District’s sports budget. The merchandise sales benefit Purple & Gold which provides two scholarships each year, one to a boy and one to a girl, for exemplary academic and extra-curricular achievements.

Sign up on-line at www.purplegoldfh.org or contact Kris Brown at 360-378-3432, today!

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What the organs look like, afterwards….

• There was a guest speaker last week for the kids – here’s the report from The San Juan Island Prevention Coalition’s Debbie Fincher:

If you wondered what it was like to have the drug education program Choice and Consequence in Friday Harbor this week for some of our local youth, then this photo might be of interest (right).

Nearly 400 students heard the stories that go with these human organs.

Unfortunately, not all of them were healthy organs. Some were damaged by unhealthy choices like alcohol and drug use. The students could see firsthand the damaging effects that unhealthy choices can have from the inside out!

The presenter Colleen Williams, PMHRNP, travels with these human organs to educate youth about the consequences of their health behaviors. It was amazing!

We thank our sponsors for funding this full day of learning! The San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, Rock Solid Youth Group,  Islanders Bank, Sweet Retreat and the Mullis Family. And, the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church for use of their space.

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Pedego electric bikes come to Friday Harbor…that’s them, shown off at the County Fair last month. It’s a new business started by Lynn Danaher based at Surina Business Park that currently has a pilot rental program with 123 Island Inn & sales from their shop at Surina. Call Lynn at 378-6692 with questions! (In the picture are Teresa, Ryan, Lynn, Jim, & Mikhail.)

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• You know the ferry schedule switches to the fall sched this weekend, right? Click on the “ferries” button in the masthead to see when you’re REALLY coming home Sunday….

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The “No Coal” Rally at the Fairgrounds a couple of weeks ago had a good turnout….the event, sponsored by the Friends of the San Juans, worked to educate folks about the need for protection from coal and tar sands exporting in the Salish Sea. Photo by Katie Fleming (thanks, Katie!)

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• This may seem kinda random (’cause it is), but here’s a little five minute slice of the future.

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• Theresa Mathews mentioned the other day that she learned how to use a chainsaw this weekend, and felt pretty good about it…quote for the day:

“She who cuts her own wood warms herself twice.”

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• Oktoberfest is coming! Here’s more from Rebecca Parks at the Chamber of Commerce:

It’s October 6th!

The 18th almost-annual San Juan Island Oktoberfest is a charity event on October 6. Time is 5:30 to 9:30. Venue is San Juan County Fairgrounds. Bavarian food and desserts (by Felicitations!), dancing to live local Oom-pah-pah band, kids’ activities, costume contest. Kids entry is free. Adults pay $8 – or $5 if they’re wearing a German/Bavarian costume.

This traditional Bavarian festival originated in 1810 and is played out all over the world. But it’s different on the island, where the fete is organized as a fun end-of-summer community celebration. Co-sponsors Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce have a grand party planned, with abundant traditional Bavarian food and the ever-fun Blaskapelle orchestra started by Bill Van Alen in 1995 (led now by Tom Starr). The Chicken Dance (with a BIG chicken!) and polka lessons make this a crazy fun event for the whole family. Food costs begin at $5 for a luscious dessert  – prepared this year by Felicitations Bakery.

And…Rebecca needs some dance-leaders:

We need someone to teach a couple of fun, casual Polka lessons. Lots of good food (FREE for Polka Leaders!) and San Juan Island’s own Oom-Pah Van Alen Blaskapelle band, led by Tom Starr.  Right now we need POLKA-ers!!!  Please ask your readers for me…have them give me a call (370 5177) or email rebecca (at) SanJuanIsland.org.

If you’re not adequately enticed: there will be island men in lederhosen, women in dirndls and the famous Chicken dance.  Thanks, Ian!

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Colors a-bloom at Roche Harbor last week….the Victorian garden’s looking great!

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Listening to a friend of mine the other day, who says the only thing we have to fear is fear itself…and CNN’s version of it.

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Dr. Laura Kastner

The Prevention Coalition is presenting this workshop on Friday night – here’s the scoop:

COMING this Friday, September 21st:
Dr. Laura Kastner at FHHS Commons from 6pm-8pm. 

Author of Getting to CALM, Dr. Kastner will discuss cool-headed strategies for parenting tweens and teens.

Please thank our partners on this informative talk with Dr. Laura Kastner: Griffin Bay Bookstore and The San Juan Island Library.

Our website San Juan Island Prevention Coalition | Islanders making healthy choices! has more information and a video clip with Dr. Kastner.

PLEASE COME JOIN US! Learn more about the teenage brain and how to manage your own emotions in the heat of the moment with your teen while maintaining and even gaining closeness!

Yesterday morning, the sun lights up the sky before it rose with a reminder of the wildfires in the eastern part of the state. Photo by Rick Galer, from the Lopez ferry landing.

That’s

The fire spreads above the shoreline, in this photo shot from the water by John Boyd. (Click to see the larger version.)

John Boyd reported this fire near Deadman’s Bay looked like it was being contained, but burned what he estimated as nearly two acres….

The scene, from the water. Photo by John Boyd.

Betty Anne (left) and Ed from Colorado visit the island last week as part of the Ferry Tales/Road Scholar program, run by Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center. They dropped by the ice cream place at Roche Harbor as part of the trip, and were holding hands much of the trip, and many of the 66 years they’ve been married.

There’s a lot going on….let’s check in:

Barbara (left) at the show in Anacortes, with Enid…

• Barbara Dollahite reports that she & Matt have a show in Anacortes:

Last Friday,  I opened with four other artist (including my artist husband Matt) at Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, Wa.  I was pleased when a representative of Islands Hospital, Enid  Oates, chose to select my piece “Wild Iris Pond.”

This  piece will join the permanant collection in the Labor & Delivery Ward.  What an honor to have my piece selected for this collection.  The  show will remain up until the end of September.  Open Mon-Sat 10:30-4:30, located at 420 Commerical St., Anacortes.

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Dana (right) takes a photo of a couple of his riders (Classic Cab!) who were here for the weekend last Sunday….

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• The hospital is due to be opened in November, and as part of the transition, it looks like Saturdays will be scaled back – here’s more from the IIMC’s Carrie Unpingco:

During the months of October and November, all Inter Island Medical Center staff will be involved in comprehensive training. During this transition we will be discontinuing our Saturday urgent care/walk-in clinic. Our medical staff will continue to provide emergency after-hour services to our community.

We look forward to serving you in our new facility on November 26th and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions please contact Beth Williams Gieger, Administrator at 360-378-2141 ext. 23.

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A new islander: Here’s the word from proud mom & grandma Nancy Fusare: “Just wanted to let you know that my daughter Jessica Chaffee Bartlett and her husband Tim Bartlett welcomed their second daughter on Sept. 13th at Island Hospital. Capri D’Elyce Bartlett was born at 9:34 a.m. and weighed 8 lbs., 6 ounces with lots of dark hair! Mom and daughter are doing great and the entire family welcomes the new addition to our island family (we’ve been here 25 years now, time flies!). Big sister Sienna is looking forward to teaching her little sis all about life on the islands!

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The leaves are turning on the island, as we head to the equinox this week….this photo is from last weekend….

The celebration of life for Barbara Fry last week at Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center was a fitting testament to her long life of service, and to the way she left behind many who celebrate her spirit & giving heart. This is her original medical bag when she first became a doctor…part of the display put together by her loving family.

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• Sheila Harley with the Red Cross says they have a new director – here’s more:

Mary Frances Close has been named Executive Director of The Islands Chapter of the American Red Cross. Ms. Close began work on September 10 for The Islands Chapter, which serves Whidbey, Fidalgo and the San Juan Islands.

Mrs. Close has worked in military settings since 1996, most recently as the Family Readiness Officer at Quantico Marine Corps Base, VA. She also has a teaching and communications background, including work at The White House in the Office of Cabinet Affairs in 1986-87.

She recently returned to the Northwest with her family when her husband was transferred to NAS Whidbey. They now live in Anacortes with their three children.

The Chapter’s main office is in Anacortes at 2900 T Avenue (or PO Box 249) with a satellite facility on the Seaplane Base in Oak Harbor.

“We are delighted to have Mary Frances’s wide experience working with us on Red Cross issues of community preparedness and response, volunteer recruitment, and Service to the Armed Forces,” said Barbara Atterberry, board chair of The Islands Chapter. “I hope the community will welcome her as she settles into her new job.”

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Taking a short break before the ferry arrives on Sunday – Ken & Suzy with San Juan Taxi (378-TAXI) are ready when the visitors come….

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• Larry has an idea – you in? Here’s the deal:

Friday Harbor Film Society

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new group which intends to present a weekly series of independent films at the Palace Theater in beautiful Friday Harbor.  The movies will be shown each and every Wednesday at 6:30 pm beginning sometime next spring.  Admission will be by a punch card system.  Before committing to this venture, we need to know that there is sufficient community interest.  We need a minimum of 200 islander members to begin.  I am therefore asking that you email me at [email protected]  indicating your interest and, also, that you forward this invitation to ALL of your island friends who might want to join.

Here are some particulars:

1.    Annual memberships will include a punch card good for 10 admissions and will cost $100.  Whether single admission tickets will be available is still under discussion.

2.    Members will receive emails describing coming attractions.   We also hope to have a sign at the Palace announcing the current movie.

3.    The focus is on fairly recent films from independent studios both domestic and foreign (think Sundance, SIFF, Telluride, Landmark Theaters) that otherwise would not make it to Friday Harbor.  Classics (Bergman, Fellini, Woody Allen, etc.) may also be included.

4.    A committee will select movies from suggestions submitted by islanders.  Please email us if you would like to be part of this group.

5.    We hope to identify restaurants that will provide light dinners for film society members after each weekly showing.   This is not intended to be “one big table so we can discuss the meaning of life” rather, just a chance for you (and your friends) to “make an evening of it”.   Some of the restaurants may offer a special menu or reduced pricing.

We are not asking for money at this time, but we do need to know that there are enough people who will participate before taking the next steps so please respond ASAP.  Questions or suggestions are also welcomed.

Larry Soll
Friday Harbor Film Society
[email protected]

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• It’s coming….and Boyd Pratt has more:

The Great Island Grown Festival  – October 1-31, 2012

CELEBRATE THE HARVEST! Join us in October for The Great Island Grown Festival. This month-long celebration offers a rare glimpse inside the unique world of food and farming in the San Juan Islands. Come together with farmers, restaurants, the island community, and visitors to celebrate a vibrant farming community, pastoral landscapes, food, and the island way of life. Enjoy a variety of events, classes and workshops. From a farm tour and talk on the wizardry of permaculture to scarecrow making; to old island historic barn tours and farm-to-table feasts; sheep dog demonstrations and how to farm with horses, vineyard harvests, a barn dance, pig-roast and more – it’s bound to be a deliciously good time on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands.

Some highlights include: The Fall Farm Parade (Saturday, October 6^th) – Tractors, Old Farm Trucks, and Horses, Oh My! This old-fashioned parade has it all! If this funky, homegrown production of island produce and producers doesn’t turn your head, what will? Continue Reading