Daniel

Becki & Julie asked me to tell you about spring kicking off at Vinny’s:

Vinny’s Ristorante owners, Julie and Becki, are welcoming not only the arrival of spring but the addition to their team chef Daniel Van Hamersfeld. Daniel‘s history in the culinary arts started at a young age when he was classically trained for five years in Europe. He has since worked around the world in a variety of venues and positions to include wineries, lodges, exclusive yachts, private chef, owned a bakery, taught a variety of classes and currently owns a successful wedding cake business.

Daniel was an integral part of the infamous Roberto’s Restaurant and for the past three years has been a valuable member of the Vinny’s catering team. “We are happy to announce Daniel as our restaurant and catering chef.  We are going back to our Italian basics with his knowledge and expertise and welcome his fresh new ideas to our Vinny’s menu. ”

Vinny’s is open Tuesday thru Saturdays, with Dinner starting at 4:00 pm. Happy hour is Tuesday thru Friday 4:00-6:00 pm. 378-1934 for reservations.

Orca in the mist, off Lime Kiln Lighthouse....photo by Shannon Bailey

Let’s see what’s up:

• Libby Oswald says the tickets are available now – get yours! Here’s more:

Tickets are now available for the Family Umbrella Group Luncheon on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Mullis Center.  All proceeds go to a need-based scholarship fund for preschool aged children.  The gourmet lunch will be catered by Market Chef, and festivities will include a silent and live auction.  Doors open at 11 am for the silent auction, with lunch beginning at 12 pm.

Tickets are available for $35 and may be purchased online at www.familyumbrellagroup.org, in person at Sandpebble (245 Spring Street), or by mailing a check to PO Box 392, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

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• Get ’em today – there’s a bake sale (Thursday) this afternoon! Here’s more from Alisa:

The Junior Class at FHHS is having a fundraiser today at Market Place from 3pm-6pm.  Stop by on your way home to show your support by bringing home an extra special treat from their bake sale!

Thanks,
Alisa (& Juniors Amy Dunaway, Lita Gislason & Paige Chanel)

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That's Louisa with her friend Shrek the donkey at Blazing Tree Ranch; Courtney Oldwyn nuzzles her friend Sterling when I went to visit the ranch yesterday.

• Courtney Oldwyn has a few spots (so call today!) left in next week’s horse camp (here’s the details).

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• The following two videos were made by someone here on the island who is so famous I can’t tell you who it is. (Partly because of the Witness Protection Program, and partly due to shyness.) I can’t suppress great films, though, so here they are, just for you:

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• You know, some people just don’t have a computer & the Internet, so they have to get information the old (but still effective) way…the San Juan Island Garden Club is raising money to make a hard copy version of the County Fair Premium Book, and could use a little help. Here’s more from Dot Vandaveer:

Hey, Ian, The San Juan Island Garden Club sent out 60 letters to local businesses soliciting support for the hard copy of the 2012 San Juan County Premium Fair Booklet.  The budget to produce and distribute this wonderfully San Juan County-friendly document is $3,000.

We have only raised $375 dollars so far and the deadline for fundraising is upon us.  We must have a commitment of $3000 no later than May 1 to make this happen.  The contributors so far are Islander’s Insurance $125; Roche Harbor Resort, $125; and the Friends of the San Juans $125.  Hope the community will come forth to help us out! Ask people to contact me to donate or for more information at dot (at) rockisland.com.

Thanks!

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Jenn Rigg & Tamara Weaver show off the new Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center shirts & sweatshirts....

• It was great to catch up with LoeaDesign’s Jenn Rigg last night the Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s fundraiser “Women Gone Wild” to see her new shirts – you can get yours (you know you want it!) at her website…and yes, part of the cost goes to help Wolf Hollow.

Makes it feel even better….

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• Just got this from Caroline at Spring Street International School – save the date (so you can go!) and get your donations in, to help the school’s scholarship fund….here’s the auction, next month:

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Roxanne Angel & Jersie are excited to sell their wares at "Women Gone Wild" yesterday....

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Not only is KO's Subs open on Sundays now, but they're open from 10am-5:30pm as well! Don't stay hungry!

Here are Journey, Ava & Megan with their winning poster ideas - click on the picture for a larger version (so you can see the cool designs!)

One of the great events of the year on the island is the Children’s Festival in May, and every good festival needs a good poster! Here are the winners for this year’s event:

22^nd Annual San Juan Island Children’s Festival Poster Contest Winners!

It was a difficult decision to determine who will win this year’s poster contest with so many fantastic entries!

Here are the results: 1^st place is Megan Wilson, 2^nd place is Journey Howden and 3^rd place is Ava Smith. Megan will experience a wildlife and whale watch cruise compliments of San Juan Excursions, Journey will enjoy a $25 gift certificate to the Toy Box and Ava will have fun with her $20 gift certificate to Ositos. The first prize winner will be featured on the Children’s Festival poster and will be framed to be admired by all in the Island Rec’s main office.  The Children’s Festival will be on May 5th this year from 10am to 2pm at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. The entire event is free and kids of all ages will enjoy over 30 activity providers centered around this year’s theme “Leap Off the Page” bring your stories to life!

Drop by Bakery San Juan to get your rhodies!

Mary & Smithy kick into gear & offer Ryan’s Rhodies this time of year – so now’s your chance to get yours! Here’s the deal:

Ryan’s Rhodies!

FOR SALE: ~ Rhododendrons!
Dozens of varieties, colors, & sizes • Prices vary according to the plant.

Many are in bloom right now. Some are fragrant! Most still have buds waiting to burst into color.

DEAL: Buy 2 Rhodies & get a $5.00 Bakery Coupon! Buy 1 plant and ask for a Cookie Coupon!

LOCATION: Bakery San Juan on Mullis Street
Stop by and see what’s on the porch & in the yard! • Pay for plants inside the Bakery.

Questions? Contact: Smithy & Mary at 378-2728 • Email:  meadsmith (at) centurytel.net
Call to make an appointment to visit our farm. Delivery of plants can be arranged. God Bless You!

Note: The memorial service will be held Friday, April 6 at 5pm
at the airport (Westwind’s hangar)

James W. Smith (June 26, 1944 – April 1, 2012)

Jim Smith passed away suddenly Sunday, April 1, 2012 at his home in Friday Harbor, Washington.

<p>Jim Smith</p>

Jim’s boat trips to the San Juan Islands inspired him to move to Friday Harbor in the early eighties. His ownership of the Discovery Inn allowed him to be in a setting he found magical and inspirational for both he and his family. While his life and entrepreneurial pursuits took him to many parts of the world, he loved the Islands more than any other place.

Jim will always be remembered for his great zest for life, learning and adventure. His greatest passions were his family and flying. Often described as a renaissance man, he had an artistic spirit and loved to read and philosophize. His appetite for knowledge and technology was insatiable. At various stages of his life he was inspired to create music, paintings and photography. His many talents, interests and hobbies were diverse and ranged from motorcycles and boats to skiing and scuba diving.

Born and raised in Idaho, Jim graduated from Idaho Falls High School and attended the University of Idaho. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering degree. He graduated summa cum laude.

He was courageous, generous, kind and loved to help others. He was dearly loved by all his family and friends and will be forever missed.

His loving and devoted parents, Tom and Mildred Smith, preceded Jim in death. He is survived by his wife, Beth; his daughters and their husbands, Heather Smith and Russell Normann and Kim and Chris Gabriel; his son and his wife, Tony and Lynn Rogers; his brother and his wife, Dennis and Donna Smith; his sister and her husband, Vivian and Ken Little and his many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 6 at 5pm at the Westwind Aviation Hanger, Friday Harbor Airport. Viewing will be at Evans Funeral Chapel in Anacortes, Washington on Saturday, April 7 from 9AM to 5PM.

To share memories of Jim please visit:
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/JamesWSmith/homepage.aspx

This week's full moon reminds me of this shot by Robert Stavers back in January on a clear, winter morning....Easter Day is always the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox, so here it comes, this week! Photo by Robert Stavers

What do you have planned for the holiday weekend? Here’s the scene around here, as the weather just gets better & better:

• Take a look at Tim Dustrude’s photos on his 365 (366 this year!) blog, as he posts a photo a day. This is the way to start your day right! Beautiful stuff…

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• It’s that time of year – the Farmers’ Market gets going this Saturday at Brickworks from 10am-1pm – see ya there!

Jim Smith

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• Passing: In this last couple of days I heard Gene Geyman passed away (she was remembered at yesterday’s Garden Club…my condolences to John & the family – she’ll be much missed)  & that Jim Smith passed away as well…the longtime owner of Discovery Inn was a big part of helping the town & community with his work over the past two decades here on the island. Gonna miss him…

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• Hey, wanna help our local band on their rise to the top? I know I’m going to vote for them… Here’s more from Tyler & The Good Husbands:

Hey Ian, Tyler Roberts here of The Good Husbands. So we are currently in a race against the entire nation called Artistsignal.com.

We have 90 days to get the most votes possible, the artist with the top votes wins $25,000. We are currently in 5th place.  Its a quick email & name, & you can vote ONCE PER HOUR. We believe we can win this with the help of our loyal, tight knit, awesome Island fans. If you could post something on your website we would be very thankful!

If we win, we plan to donate a chunk to the island, whether it be the ball fields or something else if it comes up (not to be published yet). But hope all is well, we plan to get very active on the website, facebook etc. We have new music, new videos, & plenty of shows coming up in the near future.

All best, Tyler

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Sunset at Roche Harbor, last week....photo by Kevin Holmes

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• Valery White wanted you & me to know:

There is a ‘crafternoon’ event at the library conference room from 1:30 – 3:30, Thursday April 5th, and every First Thursday of the month. This event is sponsored by the San Juan County Textile Guild and is open to anyone interested in spinning, knitting, weaving, basketmaking, you name it!  Bring a project to work on.  It’s a great opportunity to share ideas, get inspired and visit.

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Stillpoint School kids in action...

• Earlier this week, Dori & Kate at Stillpoint School had an open house so you could go over & check out what they’re doing – you can still drop by – here’s the scoop:

Spring into Success at Stillpoint School!

Stillpoint School invites prospective students and their families to come by & see the school…. Come tour the school, meet the teachers, and pick up an Application Packet for the 2012-2013 school year. Stillpoint School is State Approved and welcomes new students in grades K-6. For more information about the benefits of our small environment and brain-friendly program, please visit www.StillpointSchool.org or call 378-2331.

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A little preview of Pat's garden & gifts store, located behind The Mystical Mermaid (you go through the Mermaid to get there)...they're planning to be open this Friday - amazing stuff. Check it out!

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• Looking ahead to the end of the summer, it’s cool to see what’s planned – here’s the word from Tom Starr and our friends with the Lions Club:

The San Juan Lions are going to hold a music festival on the Saturday (Sept.1) of the coming Labor Day Weekend.  Many people have said how they miss the SJI Traditional Jazz Festival of the 80s and 90s, and wish we could have another festival of some type.

The festival will feature all local bands and include all genres – rock, jazz, country, blues, and folk  We are going to hold it under a big tent at the former Browne lumber Site, the fenced in parcel at 330 Spring Street.  There will be seating for 100 +- fans, tables, food and drink for sale, a proper stage, and a professional sound system. Ticket prices about $12 for an all day pass, with a break for kids.

The music will start at 11:00 am, with 1¼ hr. sets, lasting until 9:00 pm – this relates to about 8 bands. We are still getting confirmations on the band lineup. Promo and ticket sales will be done in advance, all Summer.  The proceeds will be used for Lions sight and vision assistance, with a goal of purchasing a digital vision screening system for the vision screening of preschool aged children. More information will be available as we get closer to the time!

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Wool, wool & much more....

• Island Wools has moved to the spot across from The Bean & next to Pablito’s, down the alley from Pelindaba Lavender, with new owner Julie Packard….

Julie at the yarn store

It sounds like she’s excited about the new spot:

The yarn store has moved!

Our new location offers the space needed to offer classes (coming soon!) and a kitchen in the back, so that I can continue dyeing my line of handpainted yarns (Whimsical Colors) which are for sale in the shop along with national brands like Cascade, Brown Sheep, Crystal Palace and Plymouth.

New yarns to the shop include Mountain Colors and soon to arrive Malabrigo.

I’ve also added a lot of new books to the shop and I’ve restocked all the knitting needles and crochet hooks.  We’re open 6 days a week (closed on Wednesdays). Come on by!

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•  A couple of weeks ago, the County Republicans held their Convention – here’s how things turned out, according to Chair Michelle Loftus:

The San Juan County Republican Party enjoyed a successful County Convention Saturday March 24^th at the San Juan Island Grange. Delegates selected from Precinct Caucuses gathered to elect Delegates to State Convention in May. State Convention delegates elected are Cindy Carter, Alex Gavora, Dennis Hazelton and Levi Rawls. Alternates elected are Mike Carlson, Nathan Carter, Curt Wikstrom and Brian Ehrmantraut. Automatic delegates are Michelle Loftus (Chair), Rebecca Johnson (State Committee Woman) and Nick Johnson (State Committee Man). Platform was also approved for the county and may be seen on the County Republican Party Website.

Guest speaker Dan Matthews (candidate for US Congress) enlightened us about his plans to take care of business in Washington. His confident leadership style supported by his experience as a military pilot should serve us well. Much lively discussion was presented concerning issues facing our county, state and nation.

2012  National Eagle Volunteer Award recipients were recognized for their contributions to the Republican Party. They are Cindy Carter, Rick Boucher, Rebecca Johnson, Nick Johnson, Levi Rawls, Darlene Demetrick, Rene Polda, Alex Gavora, Dennis Hazelton and Minnie Knych. The County Fair booth, community group leadership, community education and project support have been successful due to their efforts. “Patriotism and love for our country was evident. We have much work to do.” observed Chair Loftus.

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• It was good to hear from David Dehlendorf, reporting on the County Council decision yesterday:

Today the County Council unanimously approved the proposed letter to Secretary Salazar recommending National Monument designation for the BLM lands in the San Juan Islands.  There were approximately 50 supporters of the letter at today’s meeting, including a contingent of students from Spring Street School, several of whom spoke during the
public comment period.  There were another 50 or so on Orcas and Lopez who participated via video conferencing.  It was a wonderful example of democracy in action.

The next step is now up to Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Department of the Interior.  If you want to write urging him to recommend to President Obama that he designate the BLM land in the San Juan Islands as a National Monument, his email address is [email protected].

You can follow future developments at www.sanjuanislandsnca.org.

Thanks to all of you who wrote emails to the council, attended today’s meeting, or otherwise showed your support.

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• We have the Farmers’ Market, and now it’s time to get the Friday Harbor Art Market going! Here’s more from organizer Debbie Pigman:

“Call for Artists” Friday Harbor Art Market

The Friday Harbor Art Market is seeking artists for its 2012 season at the Brickworks Plaza on Sunshine Alley. The art market will feature local artists and musicians.  It will run once a week for twelve weeks, June 14 through August 30, on Thursday afternoons from 5:00pm-8:00pm.

The historic Brickworks facility was purchased by the San Juan County Agricultural Guild as a community center to house our local Farmers Market and to be used by organizations and individuals for events such as this.

“We are excited to bring this event to the community and to our visitors, providing yet another island experience in Friday Harbor.  We will now have Island Rec’s Music on the Lawn on Wednesday evenings, the Friday Harbor Art Market on Thursday evenings, Music at the Port on Friday evenings, the San Juan Island Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings and Music at the Port on Sunday afternoons.  Our hope is that people will come to town for the market, and, before or after, shop in the stores….many stay open a little later during the summer… and then settle down for a nice meal at one of our great restaurants,” says Debbie Pigman,  art market coordinator.

To obtain guidelines and an application, contact Debbie Pigman, at dpigman1234 (at) yahoo.com or 360 472-0216.  Applications are due by April 16, 2012.

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Did you know that Tim Thomsen’s San Juan Kayak Expeditions is celebrating its 32nd year in operation – congratulations, Tim!

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• Friday night will be a good time to check out Simona’s work at the new Lavendera spot:

“Living Passion & Serenity”

Join artist Simona Burla and enjoy an evening in the world of MANDALAS.  Her colorful and vibrant work features prints of watercolor paintings and jewelry, the WEARABLE MANDALAS, which she originally creates from her paintings and then adorns with metals, glass beads and semiprecious stones. Reception & Open House is on April 6, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at Lavendera Massage located on 285 Spring Street. For more information, please call 360-378-3637.

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I just heard about this evening that is set for tomorrow night (AND later in the month) with Ann Marie – check it out at Lavendera Massage Center:

An Evening of Dreamtime

Curious about dreams? Would you like to spend an evening participating in various methods of dream-work and dream-play? New dream journeyers and veteran voyagers welcome!
Please come join us Thursday April 5th 7 – 9 p.m. and April 26th 7 – 9 p.m.

Ann Marie

Since the beginning of time dreams have guided us in our evolution. Quantum Physics now explores what Australian Aborigines have believed all along, that the Dreaming creates and precedes our material world. Some believe that dreams access parallel realities. Arnold Mindel claims that not only body symptoms are an expression of dreaming, but also collective world issues, and that these can be worked with as such. Stephen Aizenstat of Pacifica Graduate Institute explores dreams on an ecological basis. “The planet speaks to us though our dreams,” he says. “It lets us know what it wants.” He advocates a kind of dream activism, using dreams as a way of “tending the soul of the world.”

Whether exploring your personal life or our collective reality, you can learn to use dreams for insight, creativity, problem-solving and guidance. No matter what kinds of dreams you experience, they always have something to teach you.

During the evening we will explore different facets of dreaming. Everyone who chooses will have an opportunity to share dreams and contribute to the spiraling magic of the collective dream.

Our Dream Group Evening will be led by Ann Marie Molnar:
Experience  MA. Hypnotherapist, Dreamtender, Tarot Reader, Dream group facilitator.
Taught classes on dream work, mythology, nature and writing.
Studied Lava Rock Symptom Clinic and World Work with Arnold Mindel,
Dreamtending at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

The Inn has reconstruction ahead...

Just got this note from Scott Hale at the Island Inn at 123 West about some sweet plans ahead:

Construction Restarts at the San Juan Islands’ Newest Hotel
The Island Inn at 123 West sweetens
Friday Harbor lodging with new guestrooms

The iconic Island Inn at 123 West development project in Friday Harbor, WA on San Juan Island continues to evolve as another round of development is revealed. “I can’t believe we’re at it again. Well, I guess I can, after all, this is round three!” joked Misty Todd, resident reimaginator of the project.

Take one for the Inn’s hillside in the heart of Friday Harbor was utilitarian through the ‘70s:  a fuel and oil storage facility.  Take two kicked things up to pedestrian in 2009:  silver LEED certified mixed-use condominiums.  Take three went refreshing in 2011:  an Inn with an ethos designed to blow each guest away each moment of their experience. Continue Reading

Just got a note from Leslie at the Animal Shelter – here’s something you’ll want to know!

Tickets went on sale today for the Costa Rica Dream Vacation raffle to benefit the Friday Harbor Animal Shelter.

Trip includes a 5-night stay at Villa Vigia, a private Mediterranean villa in Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica. It also includes roundtrip airfare for 4 people and 5 days car rental.  Dates of trip are subject to availability.

Ticket price is $10. Must be 18 years old to play. Drawing to be held on June 16, 2012 at the Wags to Riches ‘Monte Carlo Night’.  Need not be present to win. Contact the shelter at 360-378-2158 for ticket info and purchase, or email Leslie at islandtails (at) interisland.net. More pictures of Villa Vigia can be seen here. This dream vacation package was donated by the family of Dr. Tess Leonard, Lighthouse Veterinary Housecalls and the Pohlad Foundation.

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Appearing in Island Stage Left's spring play, from left: Jeff Allen, Dan Mayes, and Pierce Erik Gratton.

Island Stage Left presents its spring play Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.

The show opens April 5th and closes April 29th, 2012: Thursdays through Saturdays @ 7:30pm, Sundays @ 4pm.

The play, written by award winning Irish playwright and poet Frank McGuinness, is about an Englishman, an Irishman and an American who are taken hostage in Lebanon. Stripped of their own clothes, belongings and contact with the outside world, they must rely on humor, imagination and each other to survive.

For all its harrowing subject matter, the play is also blissfully funny. It is about a great deal more than captivity at the hands of an enemy.

It’s also about nationality, faith and its often strained relationship with organized religion, and the amazing capacity of the human spirit to endure, to find love, hope and tenderness in even the most desperate surroundings.

Mature theme not suitable for children under 12. As always, the play is FREE, but donations are appreciated.

Coming on the road away from the Marine Labs....

 Let’s see what’s going on around the island, and around the region:

That's Ann, to the left with the longer blonde hair - on hand as the governor signs the Discover Pass bill.

• Remember Ann Larson, who worked for the County Council for a while here on the island? She got a job working with Kevin Ranker when he became a state senator, and now works at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, where she’s the special assistant to the director, in legislative affairs.

She was on hand when the governor signed a slew of bills. One of the most watched bills she signed was the new law that allows Discover Passes to be used on more than one vehicle. It’s an attempt to boost sales to stop any more cuts, avoid parks going seasonal or even closing.

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• In the Edmonds paper, the island’s Ken Balcomb (The Center for Whale Research) addresses the horrific death of L112, a 3-year-old killer whale whose necropsy he attended…he contends she was killed by an explosion. Here’s more, from Ken.

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John Nelson Simon sent over this photo yesterday of visitors dropping in from Whidbey Island....

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• Nice writeup by the Yahoo! News folks about our local artist Kurt Wenner, with a nice display of his pictures – check it out.

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The folks at Windermere Real Estate & their furry friends....

• It was nice to hear from Tawny at the Animal Shelter how the food drive went – here’s her report:

The 2012 Valentine’s Day Community Pet Food Drive hosted by the Animal Protection Society/Friday Harbor was a huge success.  The APSFH pushed beyond their total from last year of just over 700 pounds to reach a new record of 1200 POUNDS.  “It is PAWsATIVELY humbling to see how committed our San Juan Island Community is to the betterment of the lives of people and pets. Their level of passion is what allows the APSFH to accomplish as much as we do,” said Leslie Byron, Shelter Director and Fundraiser Coordinator.

Collections of wet and dry pet food started on Valentine’s Day and commenced two weeks later till February 28^th at the 4^th Annual Spay-ghetti Dinner, an APSFH fundraiser and community outreach event for their Spay & Neuter Programs. The 1200 Pounds gathered by the APSFH will be handed over to the Friday Harbor Food Bank for distribution to families in need.  With the downturn of the economy there has been a significant increase in need at the food bank as well as an increase in the number of dogs and cats surrendered.  “We are trying to keep families together and happy pets in their homes,” adds Leslie.

On the last day of the Pet Food Drive, with only 600 pounds collected, the Brokers and Staff of Windermere San Juan Island tipped the scale bringing in a whopping 575 pound mix of cash, checks and pet food.  “Being in the business of homes, with 99.9% of our office pet lovers and our commitment to community, it was only natural we step up and help the APSFH reach its goal of 1000 pounds,” according to Gary Franklin of Windermere, when asked about their participation in the 2012 Pet Food Drive.

The APSFH sends sincere gratitude to their family and friends for all their help and support with the food drive and sends a special thank you to the local businesses who helped as collection locations: Islander’s Bank, Whidbey Island Bank, Friday Harbor Pet Supply, The Barking Bird, Island’s Veterinary, Harbor Vet and The Friday Harbor Market Place.

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The island is for lovers...it was cool to see the "XOOXOOOX" on this car's tags on the island, earlier this week....

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Paul

• Just got this my friend Wendy:

You may have heard that our island neighbour and friend, Paul Mercer, is recovering from a brain aneurysm.  While he faces this challenge, a benefit account has been set up at Whidbey Island Bank to help offset some of the medical expenses.

To learn more, please contact Whidbey Island Bank, and ask about making a deposit to the “Paul Mercer Donation Fund.”

Sincerely,

The Friends of Paul Mercer (The Bug Guy)

Nick at work...photo by Collin Williamson.

One of the ongoing community projects at Friday Harbor High you pass all the time, the greenhouse across from the high school, is doing well this spring. Update reporter Collin Williamson has more:

Master Gardeners, be afraid. There is another pair of green thumbs on the island to be in contest with, and those belong to FHHS student Nick Bey.

Nick is using his community project class to put in the spring crop at the greenhouse across the street from the middle school (built by students from a previous semester of the community projects class).

I gave Nick a visit on a sunny morning, camera in hand, and expectations high. I was not disappointed! Nick has multiple beds with various plants growing.

I asked him what he was really up to. Nick said, “Well, as of this moment I’m planting and caring for plants I’m planning to give to the kitchen to use for community dinners. But this project is just the beginning of the greenhouse’s future. What the community should really watch for is what’s happening with it in the next few months. There is tons of potential here. “

Nick is currently using all of his beds, and he would love any extra seeds or donations! For contact information please email me (Collin Williamson (williamsoncrw (at) gmail.com) and I’ll pass the message off to Nick!

This Saturday!

Looks like the Community Theatre is the place to drop by on Saturday – here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith at SJCT:

The Community Art Theatre Society’s (CATS) annual Elegant Edibles is this Saturday, April 7 from 10 am to noon at the Theatre.

This year it gives islanders a chance to find yummy holiday goodies, win flowers for a year, and help San Juan Community Theatre all at the same time.

The “Eggsquisite” bake sale features dozens of homemade treats prepared by CATS members and San Juan Island’s own fabulous “Baker Boys.” They’ll concoct a variety of goodies, including coffee cakes, breads and condiments (sauces, jams, jellies, etc.) — all just in time for those family holiday brunches on Sunday.

CATS members will also be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win flowers delivered to a home or office each month for a year.

All proceeds from Elegant Edibles help fund Theatre operations.

The organizational structure of the Community Theatre has been changed in the wake of the departures  (June 1st) of Merritt Olsen & Steve Judkins – here’s the way things will be set up, in this report from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

The San Juan Community Theatre board of trustees is pleased to announce new management roles for three of its current staff.  Mary Blevins has been named Chief Administrative Officer; Susan Williams, Artistic Director; and John Shaller, Production Manager.  The changes come after the resignations of both longtime SJCT executive director Merritt Olsen and production manager Steve Judson.

“The Board is pleased to create a new management structure by promoting within our Theatre Family.  We are indeed fortunate that our staff includes such qualified and outstanding people who have been part of the Theatre for years,” said SJCT Board President Pat Nieman.

Mary

Olsen announced his resignation effective June 1.  He and his wife Janet are moving to South Dakota where they will be closer to children and grandchildren.  Judson is moving to San Diego to resume his career in professional theater, as well as to sharpen his skills in automation console programming.

A graduate of the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Business Administration, Blevins moved to San Juan Island in 1979 with her husband Tom to become part owners of San Juan Canvas.  As they raised two sons, Justin and Colin, Blevins did part-time bookkeeping work for several local nonprofits, including San Juan Community Theatre beginning in 2001.

She became the Theatre’s full-time Business Manager in 2009 and is excited about her new position as Chief Administrative Officer.

Susan

“With the great staff we already have in place and the Board’s support, I’m looking forward to a smooth transition into this new phase of my career,” said Blevins.

Williams also graduated from University of Puget Sound; her degree was in Art Education.  She later studied painting at the Honolulu academy of Arts and acting at Freehold Acting Studio in Seattle. With her husband Keith Busha, she produced the independent film, Dreams of Damanhur, which has been featured in several film festivals.

Since 1975, Williams has acted, produced, directed and been costume or set designer for numerous plays on San Juan Island.  Her first island appearance was in a Straights Production of Guys and Dolls; she also acted in Stage Left’s Lion in Winter and this SJCT season’s The Ladies Man; and her directing credits include the 2010 production of Madwoman of Chaillot. Williams has also served on the SJCT board; and most recently, has been on staff as the costume mistress for the Theatre.

John

Shaller also has a long relationship with Friday Harbor.  His parents moved to the island in the seventies, when he was majoring in Technical Theatre at the University of Washington.

After completing his schooling, Shaller worked overseas as a computer programmer and I.T. manager-first in Zurich, Switzerland, then in Hong Kong, and eventually in Chiang Mai, Thailand where he lived and worked for more than 15 years.

In 2009 Shaller and his family moved to Friday Harbor to be with his mother who is still living in the same house Shaller helped build.  Shaller began volunteering at SJCT, working in all aspects of technical theater and was hired to be Judson’s production assistant in 2011.

Blevins, Williams and Shaller will assume their new positions on June 1.

That was the view from Mount Young yesterday morning as the day got blue & then more blue....that's the ferry making its way to Sidney, BC on its morning run. Click on this photo to see a larger one you can use as a screen saver....

I know you got out in the sun yesterday…I can tell by the almost-burn you get in the early spring.  It was a great day…here’s more, from around the island:

On Saturday, author & illustrator Sam Connery was on hand at Griffin Bay Books to sign his children's books & "You Know You're An Islander When..." which he prepared with Jan Jameson & Jeanie Rouleau Burns.

• Wasn’t Charlotte’s Web a great show? It was nice to see a show in which friendship is the story, and the good guys win in the end, and in which our kids shine. Reminds me of the old Lakota saying: “The ones that matter most are the children. They are the true human beings.”

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• You’re getting your garden going, so this is a great place to start – here’s more from Lenore & the Master Gardeners:

It’s spring and time to think about gardens!  The San Juan County Master Gardeners invite you to the Spring Gardening Workshop on April 21,2012 in the Friday Harbor Middle School.  Graham Kerr, internationally known author, chef (Galloping Goumet) and speaker will headline the event…….Want to know how to build a rain catchment system?  a year around vegetable garden?  arrange those flowers you’ve just cut?  15 workshops designed to give you practical gardening skills, fill out the day.

Registration Information:  http://sanjuan.wsu.edu and at the local WSU Extension Office, 360-378-4414

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Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center (and Road Scholar) Director Randy Martin & Angie Atwell congratulate Angie Raab (center, the amazing caterer who has fed people all these years!) for 15 years with the program last Friday at SVC.

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• Did you know that our Road Scholar program is one of the biggest & well-attended in the Northwest? Here’s more details about one of the island’s better kept secrets & one more of the great reasons people come here to explore & learn: www.skagit.edu/roadscholar and here are this year’s programs (on the national website). The program used to be called Elderhostel, and Randy & Angie do a super job with it. Check it out!

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Kathy's book is selling so well it's already in its second printing....

• Hey, I heard Kathryn Farron has a new book for sale at Island Studios & on her website – here’s more, from Kathy:

This is my sixth and last book.  Preceded by five boating cook books as “the Gimbaled Gourmet,” in this book, Landfall, I combine my unique culinary skills with practical experience from a life well lived on and by the water.

I share my passion for both boat and beach fare, as the two very often overlap.

With cover art by Kristy Gjesme and back cover photography by Mark Gardner, and consisting of over 250 pages of treasured recipes that capture and document the food of a specific era, Landfall is truly a tribute — a legacy left behind for the next generation.

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• Robin Jacobson at the San Juan County Visitors Bureau says Lakedale got coverage on the Today Show – here’s more:

Have you been by to see how nice it looks at the Lavendera Massage Center? Jane Buck helped decorate & design the experience when you're in the space, and it's a winner. Drop by & check it out! (Located next to the Little Store, across from Island Studios....)

I’m happy to report that we’ve begun to receive visitor calls for vacation planning after our great coverage on this morning’s Today Show on NBC.  It was during the Travel + Leisure magazine segment, in which “Glamping” was featured this time.  The focus and pretty pictures were for Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes — and even better, the San Juan Islands in general were also highly praised.  So was whale watching.  Congratulations, Lakedale and everyone!

We would have alerted you to it, if we had known in advance.  Here’s the link to the video.  Enjoy being in the spotlight again on the Today Show, for the second time in a year.

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• Checked in with girls tennis coach Dick Barnes yesterday, to see how the team is doing this year, and he says they’ve only gotten one of eight matches played this year, as seven have been scrubbed due to the weather…since they don’t play much this next two weeks (due to spring beak a the other schools, and our spring break next week), they’ll have a bunch of make-up matches in the middle of April….

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In softball last week, sophomore outfielder Isabel Place makes a beautiful catch, narrowly avoiding colliding with fellow sophomore outfielder Emily Guard. The Wolverines upset league-leading LaConner 5-4 in the game. Photo by Collin Williamson.