may my heart always be open to little
birds who are the secrets of living
whatever they sing is better than to know
and if men should not hear them men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry
and fearless and thirsty and supple
and even if it’s sunday may i be wrong
for whenever men are right they are not young

and may myself do nothing usefully
and love yourself so more than truly
there’s never been quite such a fool who could fail
pulling all the sky over him with one smile

~ e.e. cummings ~

It was nice to meet Brian & Rachel Goodremont's new girl Aurelia (and Forrest's sister!) the other day at the post office.

Let’s see what’s up ’round the island…

Doug & Roxy

• The Kirk House has new owners – Doug & Roxy Kasman open up for the season today. Here’s the word from the “About Us” section of their website:

Proprietors Doug and Roxy Kasman, spent 30 years in Spokane, Washington prior to making their dream of owning a Bed and Breakfast come true. Their children, Kyle and Emily, encouraged them to change up their lives and give “island time” a try. Doug worked as an architect doing primarily commercial projects like schools, recreational facilities, and higher education buildings.  Roxy, a CPA, was Controller at Gonzaga University and, prior to that, spent 10 years in Public Accounting. Kyle manages a banking branch in downtown Spokane.

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The Peace Arch in the mirror, waiting to go through customs at the border last weekend...

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Sunset a couple of days ago at Roche Harbor...photo by Kevin Holmes

• Tonight, Karen Vedder is offering a presentation entitled “The Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Search for Pu’er Tea”…starts at 7 at the Library.

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• Tomorrow’s soccer game got moved up from 4pm to 3:15pm….didn’t want you to miss the Wolverines’ first half, so I’m tellin’ ya….

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Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys

Zydeco, Y’all!

The energetic and toe-tapping world of the American roots music, Zydeco, shakes up San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, March 24 in a performance from one of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern Zydeco music.

Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys promise both their own brand of contemporary Zydeco and inspiring renditions of Creole classics when they perform on the Whittier stage at 7:30 p.m.  Before the show, the island’s own Bill Ament will teach free Zydeco dance lessons in the Gubelman Theatre starting at 6:30 p.m.*

Zydeco, which evolved in southeast Louisiana in the early 19^th century, combines elements of Cajun music, comprising French fiddle tunes, Irish Celtic fiddle tunes, German button accordion, Latin rhythms and Appalachian styles.

Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Broussard started his music career at the age of eight when he played drums in his father’s band, the renowned Delton Broussard & The Lawtell Playboys.  By his teen years, Broussard had taught himself to play the accordion, and he began singing as well as playing. He moved on to develop the nouveau Zydeco sound in the band, Zydeco Force.

The Mayor of Opelousas, Louisiana (the so-called Zydeco Capital of the World) calls Jeffery Broussard “one of the greatest accordion players to ever grace our beautiful Creole culture and for that matter, the world.”

The Business Partner for the concert is Best Western PLUS Friday Harbor Suites.  Tickets are $27 for adults, $14 for student reserved and $5 student RUSH at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coho Restaurant is offering a special Creole dinner package the night of the show—call for reservations at 378-6330.

*While there is no cost for the lesson, ticketholders are requested to confirm with the box office that they’ll be attending the class.

Coach Scheffer and seniors strike a pose for team photos. Photo by Collin Williamson.

The home track season continues with a meet tomorrow (Friday) beginning at 3:30pm…..Update reporter Collin Williamson has more:

Folks, we’re talking Track and Field. And our FHHS student athletes have their sights high this year with lots of young talent, as well as a few returning athletes that competed in last year’s district meet at Kings.

Head coach Darrin Scheffer has high goals this season: “We have several athletes on the team returning from last year’s trip to the Tri-District meet at Kings – my desire is to see some of them make it to state in Cheney this year.” (He mentioned Lucas Jagel – 400m, Sean McLaughlin & Carson Brown – 100m,  Mandy Turnbull – 300m Hdls – to name a few).

But with so much new talent on the team their first meet was a success. Winning discuss and 300m hurdles (Willie Blackmon, a sophomore at FHHS, is second in 1A for that event). The track team will have nine meets this season, with two of them being larger than normal.

There is much to appreciate about Track and Field. It’s not just running. It’s diverse, and entertaining to watch! The Update would encourage all fans to come out this season to support your local athletes!

Wolverine goalkeeper Michael Barsamian controls the ball in a crowd in front of the FHHS net in the first half of Friday Harbor's 3-0 loss at home Monday afternoon....photo by Susan Mazzarella (thanks, Susan!)

Let’s see who is up to what….

• Looks like the lifeguarding class is kicking off at the Fitness Center – here’s more from Amy Wynn, who says The Red Cross has come out with a re-vamped, streamlined course that is amazing:

San Juan Island Fitness is now taking registrations for their spring American Red Cross Lifeguarding class. Successful completion of this 26 hour course results in 2 year certifications in First Aid, CPR and Lifeguarding.

Cost is $150 and includes classroom instruction, pool time at SJI Fitness, access to on-line course materials and Red Cross fees.  $50 is due at registration, balance due by May 10.

Class will meet Sundays from April 15 – May 20 from 3-6 pm with a few midweek sessions determined by class participant availability.  For more information on the course, stop by San Juan Island Fitness or contact Amy Wynn at 378-4449 or e-mail her at swim (at) sanjuanislandfitness.com

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Cyndi Brast caught this closeup of a friend she calls Cubbie...thanks, Cyndi!

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RD

• In her blog, island writer RD Larson‘s last two posts touched me – one talks about caring about what we eat, and the other is a beautiful bit about the 49 years that she & Larry have been married. You’ll love it…

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• Photographer Cyndi Brast was letting me know about a new online thing that she & a few million other people are doing – here’s more, from Cyndi:

I have another “story” idea….Have you been on Pinterest yet? It is taking over the country!

I had a friend today that wrote she needed a “Pintervention!” It’s addictive and every housewife, college student, etc. is getting “on Board.”

The way Pinterest works is you create your own “Boards” to “pin” things on. It’s like a magazine with all kinds of stuff right at your fingertips. Amanda and I have both created Pinterest boards and we have ones promoting the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, etc. You should take a look. Feel free to share our links – we’ve even “pinned” the Update! Take a look at mine: http://pinterest.com/cyndibrast/

It’s a great advertising venue…and it’s free.

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• It’s that time of month! Here’s more about this month’s Know Your Island Walk, from Eileen Drath – the walk is from 1-4pm on Saturday the 24th:

Meet Marilyn O’Connor, Director, Port of Friday Harbor, to “Walk the Port” (airport to boat harbor), learning history and local color.  Meet and park at Skagit Valley College parking lot.  Length is two miles, round trip. Terrain is sidewalks, wooded trail and pavement.  Rating is moderate.  Dogs on leashes are welcome.  Rain or shine.  Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.org.

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• Barb Jensen mentioned there’s a nice writeup about our new park superintendent, Lee Taylor in Pierce County’s News Tribune…sounds like we got a great one!

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• San Juan County Republican chair Michelle Loftus says GOP Congressional candidate Dan Matthews will be on-island for the county convention this weekend, and will be available at a meet & greet at Mi Casita on Friday night at 6:30pm…

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• I hear Subaru was filming on the south end of the island yesterday & today, and wrapped up this morning. It’ll be fun to see the island in commercials during the hockey playoffs (only time I sometimes watch tv…we’ll see how the Canucks do!)

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I think it’s gonna be fun – I’ve been to the rehearsals & am looking forward to hearing everyone sing on Saturday…and it’s a little fundraiser for a good cause…here’s more from Monique Woodward:

This evening is in support of a local team of adults and young people who are going to the Dominican Republic in June to serve with Children of the Nations, an organization that is seeking to provide impoverished children with hope, education and courage to become leaders and influencers in their communities.

As part of the evening, there will be a short presentation explaining what the Friday Harbor group has been doing in the Dominican Republic these last few years. Come on by!

As I post this, this mama eagle is about to hatch her third egg (she’s on top of it)….click here to see the Eagle Cam….

I know it’s in Iowa, but I thought you might like to see how our eagles get born.

Happy new life! 🙂

Third eaglet about to be born...

A couple of days ago, Tracy Roberson let me know her mom, Carol, had passed away peacefully at her home on the evening of March 18, 2012 after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Carol did so much for the island that the list is long & the thanks could probably never be enough – she did what so many of us would only hope to do – she left San Juan Island a much, much better place. We’re all going to miss her…here’s a writeup of her life, from the family:

Carol Marble

Carol Ellen Dockstader Marble passed peacefully in her home on the evening of March 18 having battled the debilitating lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Carol’s faith in God and her commitment to making a difference for people in need have been guiding forces in her life. Her positive spirit and joy for life was an inspiration for those she loved and touched in her community.

Born in Everett, Washington on Christmas day, 1942 to Albert and Dorothye Dockstader, Carol loved to sing and play the violin. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1961 and attended Willamette University on a music scholarship where she sang with the traveling choir; she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority; and was elected Willamette’s Associated Women’s President. After graduation in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Carol drove coast-to-coast around the United States with college friends before returning to Seattle to begin her career as a Case Worker for the State Public Assistance Department.

She met Dale Marble in Seattle and on August 18, 1966, they eloped to Coeur d’Alene Idaho to be married followed by a move to Dale’s hometown of Friday Harbor to start their family. Soon the city girl was living on Mitchell Bay gardening, caring for farm animals, and raising daughters Christy and Tracy.

As the girls headed off to college, Carol pursued community activities as an outlet for her desire to do something meaningful. Carol recognized the need in San Juan County for help in growing the skills and abilities of non-profits and boards, and local volunteer based programs. Working with Skagit Valley College’s newly formed San Juan campus in the early 1990s, she helped develop the Volunteer program and coordinate community college workshops encouraging volunteerism and non-profit management. She also developed a Service Learning class and curriculum, and many community workshops, teaching some herself, bringing in well-known trainers for others.

Carol served as a founding board member for several local organizations including the San Juan Island Celebrity Golf Classic, San Juan Island Community Foundation, San Juan Island Family Resource Center, Leadership San Juan Islands, and United Way of San Juan County. She was also an Elder at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church and a member of the San Juan County Health and Safety Network. In recognition of her work, she was appointed to the Washington State Council on Volunteerism and Community Service and served as president of that state board for several years.

Over the years Dale and Carol enjoyed many wintertime adventures including cruising the west coast of Mexico, the US and Canada in their 49’ pleasure boat, SILVER SEA; sailing in Florida and the Bahamas in their 38’ sailboat PLEIADES; and traveling the southwest and Mexico by RV. Most recently, they enjoyed river cruising in Europe, and exploring Italy with their children and grandchildren.

The most treasured part of Carol’s life has been the time she has spent with her four precious grandchildren, Dylan Roberson, Nicholas Roberson, and twins, Skylar and Teagan Burkhart. Carol is survived by husband Dale Marble, daughter Tracy Roberson (Jeff) and grand children Dylan and Nicholas of Friday Harbor, Daughter Christy Marble (Joe Burkhart) and grandchildren Teagan and Skylar of Woodinville, her sister Harriet “Skip” Dockstader of Bellevue, cousin Bob Dockstader of Federal Way, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Carol and her family remain eternally grateful to the dear friends and neighbors who generously and selflessly shared their time, support and love when it was needed most.

At Carol’s request there will be no memorial service; a celebration of her life will be scheduled by family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Carol’s name to United Way of San Juan County (PO Box 3181, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250)

Kerry & Boo Boo take a moment from their planning meeting at The Bean on Tuesday to update us: yep, there are more people signed up for the two races this weekend than before - wahoo!

It was cool to catch up with Kerry Andrews & Boo Boo Keane yesterday and ask how the race is shaping up for this weekend…the Run Ladies Run Half Marathon & 10K Run is set to go at 9:30am on Sunday morning (with temperatures in the 50’s predicted).

Haven’t signed up yet? They’ll be at the Earthbox (where the race starts & ends) on Saturday from 11am-6pm…great time to get signed in!

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It’s a fun run….here are photos (you know EVERYBODY in this vid) from the Half Marathon, last time:

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And here is the start of the first 10K a couple of years ago (and one of my favorite videos – I like all the smiles in spite of the rain, that year & the video of everyone taking off at the first!):

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This is the cool bracelet that half marathon runners will receive this weekend....

Dawning of a new spring on the island...

As the island comes alive again this spring (hoping you had a happy vernal equinox, yesterday!), I seem to always hear this poem in my head, watching the birds come out & the buds & the sprouting of things & the smiles of people on Spring Street, which today feels like it’s named after a season & a feeling – from one of my favorite Unitarians, e. e. cummings (and I added a YouTube recording of him reading the poem in 1953…wow! Amazing to hear these words, in his voice….)

Happy Spring!

i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun’s birthday; this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any–lifted from the no
of all nothing–human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

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Sofya & Micah are making the steps needed to get an AED located at the gym...

This spring, students in the Community projects class at FHHS are meeting the community’s needs in a variety of ways – here’s an innovative project by Micah & Sofya, reported by Update reporter Collin Williamson:

Imagine you’re playing in an intense ball game. The score is close, and your chest is pumping rapidly. All of a sudden, your heart stops. You’re hypothetically having a cardiac arrest, and now your only hope is an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). But if you happen to be playing at the high school’s Turnbull gym, you’re fresh out of luck. Due to financial troubles, buying an extra AED for our gym has not been an option, and the closest one is about a minute away by the office.

Relax now, you’re not really having a cardiac arrest, but this should get your heart beating a little bit harder. Think about it, one of your kids, one of your family members, a coach, anyone could have heart complications during physical activity. Take it from a writer who’s gone through 2 heart surgeries due to heart complications…it’s nice to have reassurance.

And that’s exactly what FHHS students Sofya Prewitt and Micah Powell are doing for their Community Project. Their goal is to make our facilities a safer environment by installing an AED in Turnbull gym. Sofya says, “No one can afford one extra minute when it comes to life or death. It’s an absolute necessity for our school to have an AED where most of the sports are played.”

Myself being a student athlete I can see where these two are coming from. I would encourage these two to follow through with this project. And wish them good luck.

If you would like to help out with this project you can donate to them directly. They will need about $1,200 dollars to buy an AED for the school. Feel free to contact them at sofya.prewitt (at) gmail.com

Somewhere, over the rainbow....bluebirds sing. Somewhere under it, there's this island, which we live on....photo late last week by Update pot-of-gold reporter Tamara Weaver.

Hey, good morning to you! Hope you had a great weekend (I know you did) and let’s see what’s going on this week:

Time to sign up for St. David's!

• There’s still room at St. David’s Day School – here’s more from Margaret:

Saint David’s Day School Now Accepting Registrations for Kindergarten and Pre-K Programs

Registrations for the 2012-2013 school year are now being accepted by St.

David’s Day School. Small class sizes and high teacher to student ratios limits our available spaces, so be sure to secure yours today.

St. David’s offers morning and afternoon programs that follow the SJI District public school schedule, including:

•  – A Kindergarten Readiness Program for children who will be at least 4 by August 31st meets from 8:15am-11:00am Monday-Thursday.
•  – The Kindergarten Enrichment Program for children who will be at least 5 by August 31st meets from 11:00am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday.

Applications may be picked up at the Day School between 8:00am-3:00pm Monday-Thursday, or downloaded from the Saint David’s website, www.saintdavidsepiscopal.org.

For information on our programs please call: Margaret Barker, 298-4161.

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Norm Stamper,

• There’s a presentation this coming weekend called “Paramilitary Policing: From Seattle WTO to Occupy Wall Street,” a talk by Seattle’s former police chief, Norm Stamper, who is also the author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop’s Expose of the Dark Side of American Policing.

It’s this Sunday March 25 from 4 to 6 pm at Skagit Valley College…refreshments served, and no charge.

Sponsored by San Juan Island Political Action Network  & the San Juan County Democrats. For further info:  378-2648

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• Becky Phillips tells me the next ADHD meeting is set Wednesday, March 21st at 6:00 pm at San Juan Healthcare.

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• Put this one on your calendar & get your bike ready – here’s more from Sally at Island Rec:

Bicycle Tune Up – March 31, 2012

The Bike Paths group is excited to announce the 2^nd Annual Bicycle Tune Up event, featuring a community Swap meet, scheduled for Saturday March 31 from 10am to 1pm at the Elementary School play shed. With gas prices at over $4.50 per gallon, you cannot afford to miss this free event!

Get a jump start on the bicycling season and ride in on your bicycle wearing your helmet for a variety of fun stations and activities including basic maintenance, cycling videos, demonstrations, and a bike and helmet sizing and fit.  Free basic tune ups are offered by volunteers, along with Island’s Bicycle Shop and Travel Light Cycle. There will be a variety of safe cycling educational materials, maps and a limited supply of helmets for a suggested donation.

This year’s event will also feature a bike swap – attendees are encouraged to bring quality re-usable bicycle related items to trade or share. Just remember what you cannot trade or give away goes home with you. Unfortunately, helmets, tires, and tubes cannot be accepted.

Light refreshments will be provided. The Bike paths group is part of the SJ Island Trails Committee of Island Rec. Learn more about us at: http://sanjuanislandtrails.org/biking ,or contact Island Rec at 378-4953 or www.islandrec.org

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A March sunset last week from the west side...photo by Tamara Weaver.

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• Rob Simpson & his Conscientious Projector series continue this week at the Library … he’s a bit cryptic when he told me what the film tonight is, but it was great last time, so it’s a good idea to check it out:

Tomorrow’s film poses an interesting question. In a world where we’re often led to feel powerless, can we bring about real improvements by having a really good meal?

After examining all the details, the  film makes a strong case for YES. There is just so much going on that is connected to food. (Because of legal restrictions, I’m not allowed to mention the title.)

But, I can tell you it has been thumbs up by The Washington Post, The San Francisco Examiner, not to mention Oprah.

As with last month’s film, we have to show this one in the library conference room…

So, come on in to our library side door at 7:00 Monday, to find out about FOOD. After all, it’s pretty much “what’s for dinner.”

All the best, Rob Simpson

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You're not the only one on the island with spring fever....photo by Update wildlife photographer Tamara Weaver.

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• Callie McKay tells me it’s garage sale season, so here’s what the American Legion has on tap for this weekend:

Good Old Fashioned Garage Sale at the American Legion

March 24 at 9:00am until 3:00pm

   March 25 at 9:00am until 3:00pm – everything 1/2 off  and other deals.

Hot Dogs and Soda will be available to purchase for a snack

Donations Wanted!!!

Drop any donations off up until March 23rd at the American Legion.

If there are any questions or you need any help with your donations contact Deb at the Legion 378 5705.

All proceeds go to the Legion for needed improvements and some outdoor furniture for our new outdoor deck.

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The teachers at Lighthouse Preschool: Katie Chevalier, Autumn Hallock, and Amy Pauls.

• There are openings at Lighthouse Preschool – and they have an Open House in a couple of weeks – here’s more from Alisa:

Lighthouse Preschool Open House: Enrollment is open, scholarships available

It’s time to register for Fall Preschool!  Lighthouse Preschool is hosting an Open House on Friday, March 30^th from 11:00 am- 1:00 pm.  This is an opportunity to see the school, meet the teachers and board members.  While you’re there, enter the drawing to win half off your first month’s tuition.

Enrollment is now open for all THREE Preschool Programs at Lighthouse Preschool.  School begins on September 4, 2012.  Applications are available at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church Office located at 425 Spring Street.

• Toddler Group (2.5 yr olds by 9/4/12) – Tue.-Thurs. 8:30 am-11:00 am / $150/mo.

• Morning Preschool (3 yr olds by 9/4/12) – Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 am- 11:00 am / $185/mo.

• Afternoon Preschool (4 yr olds by 9/4/12) – Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 am- 2:30 pm / $205/mo.

Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information call 378-4544.

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• Last week, I asked Helen what was up next for Island Stage Left, and she said she’d let us know this week about the show which opens the 5th…here’s the scoop:

“Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” opens April 5th and closes April 29th.

An Englishman, an Irishman and an American are taken hostage in Lebanon. Stripped of their own clothes, belongings and contact with the outside world, they must rely on humour, 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.

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• Hey, we’re a good influence!…the Preservation Trust’s Western Bluebird Reintroduction Project is the model for a similar project in the Victoria area, on Vancouver island…here’s the story in the Times-Colonist.

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Dan Matthews

• San Juan County Republican chair Michelle Loftus says Dan Matthews (R) plans to announce his candidacy this week for the second district (that would include the island, by the way), opposing incumbent Congressman Rick Larsen (D). Here’s a bit more about Matthews, from Michelle’s press release:

Mukilteo resident and Boeing 747 Pilot Dan Matthews is set to announce his candidacy for the newly redistricted 2nd Congressional District as the Republican opponent to Rep. Rick Larsen. Dan’s friend and fellow Republican, John Koster, is running for Congress in the new 1st Congressional District.

On Wednesday, the 21st, Matthews will lead a “Caravan With Dan” tour of much of the new 2nd Congressional District as he embarks on a six city, eleven hour tour – speaking first at the Mukilteo Light House, then Lynnwood, on to Everett, Mt Vernon, Bellingham and then Oak Harbor. Continue Reading

You remember Kyle Steneide, who graduated from FHHS (’08)….well, turns out he’s not only a heck of a skateboarder, but also a heckuva a filmmaker, too. Here’s the trailer for his film About Time, which premieres May 22nd at the Historic University Theatre in Seattle, with 7pm and 9 pm showings! Pre-order tickets available soon!!

Starring: Will Kromer, Joe Andrews, Kyle Nolan, Rich Colwell, Travis Usselman, Ethan Anderson, Sam Perales, Chris Cowell and David Perry

You & 11 million other people have already heard this song, so let’s sing along with the Plain White T’s:

Ray Sheffer

A quick note from Torrey at the Presbyterian Church that former sheriff & longtime islander Ray Sheffer‘s memorial service is this Saturday (the 17th) at 1pm at the church.