Just got this note from the good folks at the League:

On Monday, March 12 at 12 noon, the League of Women Voters will hold their monthly meeting at the Friday Harbor Library. The topic of discussion will be preparing for a disaster. The program will be presented by Brendan Cowan, Director of the County Department of Emergency Management, and Arlin Rothouge, Unit Supervisor of the Red Cross.

Visitors are welcome.

Trumpeter swans near the inn...photo by Tamara Weaver

Update reporter & photographer Tamara Weaver took some lovely shots over the weekend, including a bucolic scene of visiting trumpeters near the Trumpeter Inn, another breathtaking sunset from the Land Bank property on the westside, and, my favorite, “The Mitchell Point Litter Ladies” beautifying the neighborhood on Saturday.

Great sunset last weekend...photo by Tamara Weaver

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Litter Ladies shown are: Nancy Miller, Karen Palmer and Susan Eckstrom. Litters Ladies not shown (they were working on the cold, dark section of road!) were: Marilyn Kline and Suzie Hendrix. Thanks Ladies! Photo by Tamara Weaver

A good crowd showed up three weeks ago to discuss the damage that coal deliveries to Bellingham will cause (and yes, that affects us!). Included in the Coal Hard Truth group: (from left): Katie Fleming, Joelle Robinson, Ginny Wolfe, Matt Krogh, Fred Felleman, and Lindsay Taylor

Let’s see what’s up!

• Friday Harbor High started spring sports practices this week – wahoo!

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•  Here’s the Whale Museum’s web store…and here’s the deal: Everything in is 50% off till March 7th!

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• And…at Be Chic Boutique, all their fall & winter inventory is 40% off! Check it out!

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Clearing the brush...Firewise!

• Is your community ready to become Firewise? Here’s how to start:

New Focus for the Firewise Program on San Juan Island

The San Juan Island Fire Department announces a new focus to help residents protect their homes from wildfire.

The Firewise team in previous years has aided communities in joining the National Firewise program which concentrates on communities as a whole. The new emphasis will aid individual property owners on surviving a major wildland fire and protecting their homes.

The team will start the program by canvassing Hillview III  Firewise Community. On March 3rd at 10 am, six Firewise Specialists will provide homeowners with free evaluations focusing on their home grounds. The evaluations will discuss the best way to maintain driveways, including fire department access; grounds immediately adjacent to the buildings; the outside of structures; and general fire protection of those areas. The team will not be going inside the home.

Several direct benefits of an evaluation are learning what inexpensive and effective actions the home owner can take to protect the family and their property. The actions of home owners help firefighters in the protection of the communities.

Residents of Hillview III or other Island residents, whether you live in a Firewise Community or not are encouraged to participate in this free project. Please call Firewise Coordinator Ron Garner at 378-7722 or email at rggarner (at) centurytel.net for more information or to request an evaluation.

Garner can also help communities join the national Firewise program at the same number.

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• Lots of islanders are using social media these days, which is something I consult with my clients & friends about. As a community service & helpful guide, here’s what you need to know:

All in one place...

Jim Hooper (left) will be working with Frontline manager Jill Blankenship to get the Friday Harbor center going - they had a well-attended open house last week.

It was cool to hear that Jill Blankenship’s call center on Orcas is thriving, with more than 40 employees, and that she’s partnering with Jim Hooper to open a spot here in Friday Harbor.

The company is located above the liquor store, upstairs from the bowling alley, and they’re still taking applications if you’d like to drop by. Here’s more about Frontline Call Center & the new place, from Jill & Jim:

Frontline Call Center Local Business Provides More Jobs

Frontline Call Center is pleased to announce its plans to expand its operations to neighboring San Juan Island, Friday Harbor. Frontline Call Center has been a key member of Orcas Island community since 2005. Frontline invites you to stop by our newest location and say hello.

Frontline Call Center specializes in providing inbound and outbound outsourced customer management solutions with an emphasis on tiered technical support and first call resolution customer service. Highly customized solutions allow us to provide extensive savings and increased revenue for our clients.

Frontline Call Center builds long-term client relationships, capitalizing on our expert response team and leveraging our depth of relevant experience. Our growing success is largely dependent upon the efforts, direction and guidance of our senior management who have years of proven call center experience.

A good way to help say goodbye to retiring Community Theatre director Merritt Olsen this week would be to drop by & see the show tonight, Friday or Saturday.

Well-written & well-acted, this show will get you thinking & feeling…I liked it a lot when I saw it last week. Here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith at SJCT:

Mathemeticians Catherine & Hal (Natalie King & Douglas Schirmer) discover a world beyond the numbers...don't miss this fine production! Photo by Matt Pranger/San Juan Islander for the Community Theatre.

There are only three performances left of David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Proof, in the Whittier THIS Thursday through Saturday, March 1-3 at 7:30 pm.

Thursday it’s Bargain Night.  Tickets are just $14 for adults and $7 for student reserved.

Then on Friday, Dr. Garrett M. Odell—an applied mathematician and theoretical biologist from UW Friday Harbor Labs— will speak after the show about “Mathematicians Language in Everyday Speech.”

And finally, Saturday is your last chance to see this Tony-award winning drama that delves into the question of what happens when there’s a possibility a child might inherit a parent’s genius—and their madness.

Four veteran island actors make up the cast of Proof:  Julie Greene, Michael Herber, Natalie King and Douglas Schirmer.

In addition to a stellar cast, director Merritt Olsen calls the set and technical aspects of the show “stunning” – something well worth the effort to leave home and make a visit to the Theatre.

Proof contains adult language.
Photo courtesy of Matt Pranger (www.sanjuanislander.com)

From kissing pigs for Relay for Life, to directing this week's "Proof" (excellent show - don't miss it!), to acting in "The Ladies Man" with Susan Williams, and more, much more....Merritt's done so much for the Community Theatre - but most of all he's made it a fun place to go. He'll be missed...

When Janet Olsen retired last year from the high school, it was hard to get used to her moving on…now Community Theatre Board president Pat Nieman says Merritt plans to step down as well – here’s her remarks:

Merritt Olsen, Executive Director of the San Juan Community Theatre, has announced his retirement effective June 1, 2012. 

The Theatre Board of Trustees and Staff are most grateful for the outstanding work he has done for the Theatre for the past 12 years.  The Theatre’s existing staff will manage the Theatre until such time a new executive director is retained.  Merritt and Janet Olsen will not only be missed by the Theatre, but by the entire community as they will be moving to Rapid City, South Dakota where they will be closer to family.

It was a great time Tuesday night at the Animal Shelter's "Spay"ghetti Dinner, raising money for spay/neuter services to help keep the wild pet population down...there's also a pet "food bank" at the shelter, and the donation period has been extended to the end of this week (that's what director Leslie Byron, left, board member Tawny Galligan & ace volunteer Cole are doing with the food. Drop by the shelter to donate food or money so the shelter can buy food for folks who need need help feeding heir pets!

It’s cool to have a new one-syllable month that starts a new season…feels like progress! Looking around the island:

• It’ll be fun to see how the kids do with their production – here’s more from Julie Hagn about next Tuesday’s one-day production:

The Spring Street International School Winter Shakespeare Season presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, March 6, 2012, 5:00 pm at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. Come see the show!

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Coach Kelsey & the girls had a good couple of games last weekend, as Island Rec's basketball league on Sundays heads into its last two weekends...come watch the up & coming stars!

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A friend waits in the car at the post office....

• Today is a good day to sign up for ball! Here’s more from Joel Arnold:

Hey, Ian! Can you help us get the word out? Registration is now open for the 2012 youth baseball and softball season.

We have something for everyone from age 5 to 14.  On-line registration is open at www.fhball.org and we will be available for in-person registration at the elementary school today (March 1) from 3:00 – 5:00pm.  Tryouts are scheduled for Sunday, March 11th at noon.  Thanks!

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• Got a nice note from a friend, who says thanks:

I just want to thank the Soroptomist Club for paying for my ferry tickets to go off island for cancer treatment everyday. Couldn’t have done it with out their help. I  also wanted to thank all my friends and clients for their love and support during this time. It has kept me going. I am so grateful to live in such a loving community.
Andrea

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• Yesterday, Josie saw J pod off Nanaimo (at Neck Point) & reported them to the killer whale guys there….Graeme Ellis confirmed it was our local group, just a little north of here.

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• Get out & read! Or listen! Pam Herber’s got more:

The Writers’ Café open mic will be held from 5:00 – 6:30pm at The Bean on Friday, March 2nd.

Bring your fiction, nonfiction or poetry to read, or just show up to listen. Coffee, tea, pastries and such will be available for purchase.

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• Hey, Kirk is back from getting married in Australia – here’s more:

I am happy to be back to resume store duties at Isle be Jammin’ Performer’s Showcase and Music Services Store. Darvis Taylor, musician, sound man, teacher and interim store keeper extraordinaire will be available as usual for private students in guitar and recording arts and band coaching. I will be offering classes in UKULELE, BEGINNING GUITAR, INTERMEDIATE GUITAR, MANDOLIN and very special new class called LEARN TO PLAY WITH OTHERS: JAMMIN’! Dates TBA. Please call store 378 5151 for details.

Our HOUSE CONCERT SERIES will continue on select Thursday evenings throughout the Spring and Summer. We have Linda Waterfall, Dana Lyons, Steve James, and a number of other superb artists on the calendar……….More on this next week!
Our store is full of some GREAT BARGAINS on instruments, books, accessories, musical toys, as well as a musical resource library, REPAIR SHOP and free musical advice!

Kirk Fuhrmeister: Isle be Jammin’

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Sure was cool to see that the Barking Bird is carrying (and displaying, because it looks so cool) Jan Murphy's art....get over there & check it out! This is my favorite - it says something about your soul is of my soul.

Getting ready for this year's trip! Some of the team, from left: Lizzy Starr, Monique Woodward, Ellie Woodward, Collin Williamson, Vinnie Carter, Mandy Turnbull, C.J. Woods and Vic Woodward.

For the past few years, Monique & Vic Woodward have taken groups to the Dominican Republic each summer, and they’re greaing up for this year.  (One of the groups’ activities was the food bagging project last fall, remember that?)

Here’s more from Update reporter Collin Williamson:

The Dominican Republic.

Known for its baseball talent, and being next door neighbors to Haiti, and for being one of the many countries struck yearly by harsh tropical storms.

What some news channels forget to add at times is that Dominicans struggle through the same circumstances as Haiti. The same daily hardships, the same grind. COTN (Children of the Nations) is a Christian based organization that is set up throughout developing countries all over the world, including the Dominican Republic.  COTN is established in the Dominican and is the organization a group of Friday Harbor student athletes are going through to host a basketball camp for teens up to 20 years old.

Group leader Monique Woodward has more: “This is a great opportunity for the teenagers not only in the Dominican Republic, but for Friday Harbor teens as well. We have gone down and done a basketball camp before (basketball being the second most popular sport behind baseball) and the teens keep trying to get us down there again for another camp.”

If you’re looking to donate, there are some options. Cash money is always acceptable, since all participants have about $2K worth of travels fees. But if that’s not an option, we will always take shoes. The kids down in the Dominican Republic often wear the same pair of shoes for years, and are often undersized.

If you would like more information on how to donate feel free to call Monique Woodward at 378-8435.

(Team members so far: Monique and Vic Woodward, Ellie Woodward, Otis Cooper-West, Collin Williamson, CJ Woods, Mandy Turnbull, Lizzy Star, Vinnie Carter, Austin Scheffer, Isaiah Hauck, Coach Woods.)

The cat's back....

Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 3:15-4:15 PM.

Hey, come by the library today! Her’s more from Melina:

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!  

All are welcome to come enjoy this free public event that will feature a reader theater-style story with Dr. Seuss-inspired characters, delicious cake provided by Cake Junkies, and fun craft making. Books to encourage reading and literacy building will be given out courtesy of the San Juan Island Early Learning Consortium.

We ask that people attending the Dr. Seuss Birthday Party try to carpool, or please park in our library parking lot or make use of street parking so that we can accommodate everyone in attendance. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Questions? Contact Melina Lagios at 378-2798.

Another way to get to know your neighbors....

Hey, I thought we might start today with a story within a story….

See all those little  boxes (like where the blue arrow at right is pointing) on the San Juan Update? What’s cool about them is each one is a story in its own right…

Sometimes it’s a cartoon, like Indexed & xkcd.com. Sometimes it’s an idea, like learning more about the dangers of GMO foods.

Most of them tell you about the things we do around here, with services we offer, shows to see, places to stay, things to do.

When you explore what’s there, you’ll learn a lot about the island. So, this morning, cruise through them & see what you find. Bet you’ll be surprised, at least a little…

You know & I know that the stuff Gail & Randy sell at Cotton Cotton Cotton is supposed to be made out of…cotton. But they’re the kind of people who not only think out of the box, they also sell really comfortable clothes.

The “Repair the World” clothing line of made of recovered plastic & polyester, and you’ll be surprised how good they feel (don’t take my word for it – drop by & feel it yourself!)

So I dropped by the store with Spring Street International School student (and dancer & actress & all around great kid) Julie Hagn to check it out, and here’s our report:

Griffin Bay Bookstore owner Laura Norris presents this year's prestigious Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association award to the island's Thor Hanson for his book "Feathers."

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Helen Phelps rips down the rebound in one of Sunday's 6th-8th grade basketball league games....

I hope you did NOT sit in front of your ‘puter all day yesterday, watching videos & looking for jokes to send your friends (and that’s just while you were at work!)

Nope, I hope you got outside & had a chance to play in the sun….

Let’s see what else is up:

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• The Animal Shelter’s Fundraiser to raise money for spaying & neutering pets is tonight at the Mullis Center…it’s the “Spay”ghetti Dinner, with dinner, an auction, live music (including me!), and it runs from 5-7:30pm…see you there!

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• They’re open! Here’s more from Lavendera (I love their new name!):

The new Lavendera Massage Center for Evolving Well Being opened yesterday (Monday) in our new location at 285 Spring Street.

Along with our usual massage services, we will host a variety of educational events. On Thursday evenings we’ll have presentations on topics concerning body, mind and spirit. We’ll also have an expanded retail selection for you in the coming months as well.

Lavendera Massage Center is open 12-5:30 Monday-Thursday, 9-5:30 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We are looking forward to welcoming you into this beautiful and magical new space! Call us for a treatment. 360-378-3637.

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Joy Sevier (left) was one of a bunch of people who collected at Downrigger's to congratulate Mitzi Johnson on the occasion of her 70th - congrats, Mitzi! Way to go!

• This is the last indoor Farmers’ Market – this weekend – before they go outside in April – here’s more from Candace:

This Saturday, March 3 is the last Winter Farmers Market, offering wonderful local goodies at the high school commons, 10am – 1pm.  The spring market season starts April 7 at the Brickworks!

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• Paul says it’s time to sign up:

Spring Sprint Triathlon Registration Open

Registration for the third annual Spring Sprint Triathlon at San Juan Island Fitness is open.  Race day is Saturday, April 14 with first wave start at 10:00am.

Triathlons are a multi-sport event including swimming, biking and running, in that order.  This triathlon includes a 500 yard swim, 13 mile bike and 3.1 mile run.  In the triathlon world, this is considered a sprint distance.

“This is a very laid back event, great for the first-timer or the veteran looking to compete after a long winter of training.  The swim is in our pool, the ride goes out to Eagle Cove and the run is around the airport,” according to Paul Hopkins, Race Director and owner of San Juan Island Fitness.  “The best part is the burrito bar at the end of the event,” he adds.

For more information and to register, stop by San Juan Island Fitness or call 378-4449.

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Photo by Phil Borges

• The IMA is presenting a show at the Theatre – here’s more from Emily Reed:

Tuesday, March 6,  at 7 pm, nationally acclaimed photographer and human rights activist Phil Borges will give a multimedia presentation and book signing at the San Juan Community Theatre: “Stirring the Fire: A global movement to empower women and girls.” This is part of the Art as a Voice series sponsored by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art & Sculpture Park .

Borges’ photography celebrates women and girls in developing countries who have broken through barriers of tradition and oppression to become catalysts for change in their communities.  Empowering women has been found to be the most effective strategy for addressing poverty and building stability in the developing world. In July 2010, the UN selected Phil Borges to photograph and document these projects of women worldwide.

Tickets: $12 adult, $7 student, $5 student rush. Available at the SJC Theatre Box Office or www.sjctheatre.org

Barbara Lord gets her copy of "Feathers" signed by Thor Hansen at Saturday's award ceremony at Griffin Bay Bookstore.

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• Whoa! There’s a Tack Sale & Swap this weekend – here’s more from Courtney:

Blazing Tree Ranch Tack (and other stuff) Sale & Swap
Saturday March 3  • 9:00am – Noon
Lots of horse tack, clothes, gear, barn & stable supplies as well as other flea market items. We have more than ten vendors signed up to sell and/or trade!
4-H Bake Sale Fundraiser & Free trailering demo by Sus Kellog
569 Blazing Tree Road off West Valley by Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm
**We still have room for vendors, please RSVP if you’d like to bring stuff to sell/trade. $5 fee for vendors**

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• If you’re looking for a new sport to take up, here’s a great place to start – here’s more from Rebecca at Island Rec:

Drop-In Pickleball Starting in March

Island Rec is introducing an all new, drop-in Pickleball program starting in March.  The program will take place on Fridays from 7-9pm in Turnbull Gym from March 2^nd– May 25^th.  Fee is $2 per player.  All skill levels welcome.

Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island and is rapidly growing in popularity nationwide among people of all ages.  It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.  Pickleball is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.  Drop-in participants are encouraged to bring their own paddles if they own one.  There will be a limited number of paddles available to borrow.

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Carolyn (left) left Mi Casita with her friend Katie after they went to dinner for "Dining for Scholars" last Thursday....this Thursday is the last day of the run, with the proceeds going to the schools' Dollars for Scholars program.

• Just got a note from Jill Urbach about this weekend’s hoedown:

Paideia Classical School is planning some good old-fashioned country fun and I wanted to let all your readers know about it.

Paideia will hold a Hoedown Under the Stars on Saturday, March 3 at the Mullis Center.  This annual fundraiser is a fun evening of dinner and dancing for the entire family.  Dinner will feature Memphis-style smoked ribs.  Silent auction begins at 5:15; dinner will be served at 6:30 followed by dessert and dancing.

Tickets in advance are $25 per adult, $10 per child age 6-12, age 5 and under are free.  To reserve tickets please call Tammy or Kori at 378-8322 or email [email protected].

Thanks for helping to spread the word!

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Amanda Taylor, left, and Julie Stein, co-editors of "Is it a House?

• This sounds like a fun one – there’s a new book out by Amanda & Julie (above) called “Is It A House?” about excavating structures at English Camp here on San Juan Island…here’s more about the book & what they did to pull it together.

You’ve been hearing about cuts to the postal system…here’s the word from Scott at the local post office, with his take on the situation:

Your Friday Harbor to Friday Harbor letter may now take 2 days!

Hi, my name is Scott George. I work at the Friday Harbor Post Office. I love my job, and this community.

Here’s a little story for you. One sunny day on June 28, Bob walks in to the Friday Harbor post office with a letter. It is a bill, which is due June 29. But, hey, no problem! He deposits it in the outgoing mail slot at 8AM. Guess when it arrives at POB 200 in Friday Harbor? If all goes well… June 30. Yep, TWO day local mail! Continue Reading

Hey, have you seen the photos from this year’s Father/Daughter Dance, put on by Island Rec? It was a great evening – this will give you an idea (photos by me & Kevin Holmes – thanks, Kevin!):