Just heard from SVC’s Director Randy Martin that Bob has his workshop next week (it’s awesome!) and I teach as well – here’s the scoop (The following classes are Skagit Valley College’s Community Class offerings this winter.  Pre-registration is necessary so call now or stop by the San Juan Campus to register. 378-3220):

Bob

Fundraising for Small Non-Profits by Bob Schwartzberg is a one day workshop on Tuesday, February 7th from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Mr. Schwartzberg has spent his career raising money for non-profits professionally; most recently as the Development Director at Friday Harbor Marine Labs.  Cost is $75.00.

Ian Byington (right) will offer four workshops introducing computer skills.  Intro to Computing and Basic Word is offered on Wednesday 2/8/12 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Intermediate Word is Wednesday 2/8/12 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Intro to Excel is offered Thursday 2/9/12  from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  PowerPoint will be offered Thursday 2/9/12 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Cost of each of these classes is $46.00.

The 2007 Survivor's Lap

An important event from Elisa Howard:

The American Cancer Society will hold a Kickoff Rally for their annual Relay for Life on February 4, from 2:00- 5:00 PM at the Mullis Center. The Relay For Life® of Friday Harbor will officially get underway as volunteers and participants gather to launch their fundraising efforts and celebrate eight years of Relay For Life in Friday Harbor. With this year’s theme- The Magic of Relay- the kickoff will be a Magical Fun Fest with food available by Kiwanis for a fee and activities for all ages- games, prizes and more! This will also be the first opportunity to register a team for the overnight event to be held on July 28-29 at the Friday Harbor High School football/ track field.

The world’s largest grassroots fundraising movement, Relay For Life mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s vision of creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.Relay For Life began in 1985 with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours and raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, Relay For Life will take place in nearly 5,100 communities in the United States and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the Society’s mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and fighting back.

To join or for more information, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.relayforlifeoffridayharbor.org

Last week's snow is just a memory....with highs in the 40s over the next week, it doesn't look like we're getting more, too soon...

Let’s take a look at some of the things going on…hope you have a great weekend planned!

Kayla

• Got a note from my friend Jennifer that her daughter Kayla is an ace babysitter & caregiver – here’s more:

San Juan Island…. I thought I would let all of you know that my daughter Kayla Whalen is back on Island full time attending Skagit. She is 18, responsible, CPR certified and extremely experienced with children of all ages.

She is available Monday – Sunday, almost any times available. Depending on the # of children; her rates are between $10-$15/hour. Give her a call if you would like weekly care for your kiddos, date night with your honey or if you just need an afternoon to your self 🙂

Thank you, Jennifer Whalen

Kayla Whalen – 1-360-770-8170 cell
kaylawhalen8393 (at) hotmail.com

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• Both the boys & girls basketball teams won last night, as FHHS beat Mount Vernon Christian.

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Over at the airport, yesterday...Tom Doenges caught this photo through the fence....

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Principal Connie Martin, PTA Co-Presidents Roxanne Angel and Megan Hoffman, San Juan Trails Committee reps Eileen Drath and Dave Zeretze, and hard working members of the PTA Board show off the new passports. First grader Olivia Germaine smiles her approval. ...photo: Theresa Simendinger

San Juan Trails Committee “Trails Passport” Has Arrived
by Theresa Simendinger

During the PTA meeting January 11, 2012  the kick off for “Trails Passport” took place. This is the San Juan Trails Committee’s new idea to get families out and enjoying our natural wonders.

Many of us who who live in the San Juan Islands are surrounded by so much natural beauty we may forget to enjoy it.  People come from all over the world to enjoy the mystical beauty of the area. The “Trails Passport” is a booklet designed by Dave Zeretze to help promote families to use the trails of San Juan Island. After a family hike kids can place a sticker in the  area provided after each of the San Juan trials listed.

Connie Martin, Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School, emphasized, “Regular exercise in nature is proven to improve children’s physical and mental health. The SJ Trails idea is a great opportunity for parents to model and develop a more active lifestyle for their families.”

The idea started when Eileen Drath noticed the German hiking club; “Volks Walkers” had a “Volks Passport”  for adults to record their hikes in. Dave Zeretze saw them again in 2010 at Pacific Beach, WA. Zeretzke and Drath envisioned it as a way to introduce the young people of the San Juan’s to the adventures of the island forests and beaches. Zeretzke liked the idea so much he designed the San Juan Trails Passport with the help and enthusiastic support of Chris Brown at Printonyx.  San Juan Trails, a committee of Island Rec funded the Trails Passport. Island Rec Director Sally Thomsen regarded it as a great project for them to be onboard with.

At a time when the health of our computer preoccupied young is at stake this is a wonderful way for them to spend time with their families and or friends in the stress free environment of the unsurpassed beauty available here on the island which we are fortunate enough to call home. The Trails Passports are for everyone who would like to encourage their family to “Get moving!”

The small blue booklets are available through Mike Biggers, PE Teacher at the FH Elementary School or at Island Rec Mon-Fri 1-5pm.

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Look who's parked downtown...photo by Chris Terens

Beautiful inside & out...

Just got a note from Robin Jacobson at the San Juan County Visitors Bureau that Michael & John at the Wildwood Manor have been named as one of the top ten bed & breakfasts in the whole country – whoa! That’s awesome! (I’ve been over to the inn & they do a great job – check them out sometime!) Here’s more, from Robin:

San Juan Island bed and breakfast honored for fourth year in a row
with TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.

John & Michael

Wildwood Manor was chosen as one of the ten best bed and breakfasts in the United States by TripAdvisor® in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards. The awards mark the fourth year in a row that Wildwood Manor has been named one of the best B&Bs by TripAdvisor.

Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.

“Time and again, our guests comment on the beauty, serenity and restorative nature of the Wildwood property and San Juan Island,” said innkeepers Michael Bitterman and John Gallagher. “We’re fortunate that we can share this magical place with them.”

Located on a knoll with sweeping views of the San Juan Channel and woods, Wildwood Manor is a bed-and-breakfast with comfortably elegant interiors and an inviting Queen Anne-style exterior. The professionally designed home features three waterview and woodside view guestrooms and a romantic waterview suite.

Innkeepers Michael and John are committed to the comfort of their guests, offering delicious three-course breakfasts, fine amenities and insider tips for enjoying the island. With its unerring attention to detail, Wildwood Manor provides a relaxing and romantic retreat for guests exploring the San Juan Islands and the historic town of Friday Harbor.

Unlike any other hotel awards programs in the world, TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice® winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com™ and content from across the web. Continue Reading

Rhiana Franklin provided the opening set last night for the DuoTones - she played the last few with her guitar teacher & mentor Bob Leytze, who then joined up with partner Mike Adams for the Duotone set, with drummer Avery Adams sitting in, at the Rumor Mill.

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Looks like a sunny day ahead…let’s see what’s up:

• It was good to hear from Judy Adams that she got a good idea from reading here:

With the luxury of “snow days” and some time to myself, I was just thinking about an article you printed about two and a half years ago, when my husband Ray and I moved to the island.

It was talking about how great our  local economy would be for businesses if everyone who lived here made a concerted effort to spend a little money each month at the shops around town. WIth the snow days this past week I am sure local businesses could use some help, so why not run the article again?

We made it a goal to do just what your article suggested these past two years and, even when money was tight, jobs were not materializing and we were not sure we were going to make it financially here on the island, we did make sure to spend at least $30.00 per month at at least 3 local shops.

It may have been buying a hostess gift of napkins and a bottle of wine at the wine shoppe instead of the grocery store once in a while, or getting chips and salsa at The Hot Shop. We gave gift certificates for birthdays (which we would have to buy anyways) to Bistro Garden or San Juan Roasting Company.  I would also make sure to buy a birthday gift for one of my grown daughters (living far away) at Be Chic or Daisy Bloom.  I only mention these shops to give an idea of what we did, but we visited and purchased at many more.

We now have jobs and are slowly making a living here and feel blessed every minute we get to live in this beautiful place.  I hope this will remind others who are lucky enough to live here to also make a commitment to buying local when they can.

Judy Adams

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Great to hear singer/songwriter Laura Chorba at the Rumor MIll Sunday night & the Cask & Schooner on Monday...photo by Christina DeLorenzi

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Snowshoeing at Baker Lake last Sunday....photo by Sue Kollet

Passing: Just heard that shining point of light Camilla Woodbury passed away yesterday morning...she was pretty well-known for her work as a volunteer, Friend of the Library, and substitute staff at the Library....she'll be missed...

• Friday night at The Rumor Mill, the One More Time Band is playing – drop on by!

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• Paul Kollet reports that the Island Rec snowshoeing trip last Sunday was fun:

Sue and I just returned from the Island Rec snowshoe trip. Great day out in the winter wonder land at Baker Lake run by Island Rec using outfitters Recreation Without Borders. Great day trip with two guides and nine of us snow shoe adventurers. Lots of snow began to  fall  as we started up the trail with our great snow shoe gear and poles!

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• Jan at The Community Theatre says auditions are set for the Sound of Music…here’s more:

AUDITIONS! The Sound of Music

“Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’Ry Mountain.”

One of the most beloved musicals of all time stars as the San Juan Community Theatre’s spring musical in 2012.

Director Merritt Olsen is holding auditions for The Sound of Music  (music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse), on Monday and Tuesday, February 6 and 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Theatre, 100 Second Street.

Casting needs include:

Maria Rainer: age 20-40; soprano

The Mother Abbess:  age 40-70; soprano

Captain Georg von Trapp: age 40-60; baritone

The Children of Captain von Trapp:

Liesl: age 15-20; mezzo

Friedrich: age 13-15; soprano

Louisa: age 12-14; mezzo

Kurt: age 8-12; soprano

Brigitta: age 8-10; mezzo

Marta: age 6-9; mezzo

Gretle:  the youngest, age 4-7

Sister Berthe: age 40-70; mezzo

Sister Margaretta: age 40-65; mezzo

Sister Sophia: age 30-55; mezzo

Franz: age 40-70; speaking role

Rolf Gruber: age 16-24; baritone

Ensemble (neighbors, nuns, novices, Nazis, postulants); ages 16-106

A complete cast list is available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org  Continue Reading

The San Juan Island Garden Club will be meeting on February 7th at 1 p.m. at the Mullis Center.  Our special speaker is Elaine Kendall.  She will be speaking to us about the status and the future of the Brickworks Project. Elaine will provide an informal update about this project.

If you choose to attend, RSVP to Dot Vandaveer (378-8306) or to Joyce Harrell (378-6146) no later than February 1.  Seating is limited.  We welcome all.  You do not have to be a member to attend. RSVP  as advised and join us for tea, coffee, and a wonderful speaker.

Got a note from Erin Corra that a longtime friend’s spot at the park has been cut:

I wanted to send out a note to let you know, if you don’t already, that Ranger Billy Hoppe‘s position has been cut.  He does not know yet what Park he will be moving to.  All we know is that he is leaving San Juan Island and therefore, our community.  He has served and lived at Lime Kiln for over 17 years and will be sorely missed.

Please feel free to email him (billy at) interisland.net) with any words of gratitude, encouragement and well wishes as I am sure he can appreciate it now more than ever.  If you know someone he knew, please forward this along so to reach folks I may not have access to.

I would also like to offer an opportunity for those present on the island to come out to the Park this Thursday between 3 and 4pm if you would like to bid him well in person… Thank you!!

Have you been by to check out the re-model at China Pearl in the last month? Charles still has China Pearl, but also is offering pizza (!) and calls that part of the biz Kung Fu Pizza. People are telling me it's pretty good, too!

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Headed for Australia - Kirk Fuhrmeister & Chris Cassidy are gone this week to Down Under (where she's from) and are gonna come back married....congrats, you guys! (That's them snoggin' at the Community Theatre last Friday, where Kirk's band Opa was in the show....)

Lots going on – let’s check in:

• He’s got an eagle eye for the ways of islanders, and a great eye for shooting photos – check out Ted Strutz’ blog & his posting: “Things you see along Roche Harbor Road.” Fun stuff…and thanks for sending it along, Ted!

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• These are great, with sometimes as many as 80 people coming along – great way to get out & see the feel the island – here’s the next one, from Eileen Drath:

Know Your Island Walk; Sat. Jan. 28, 2012, 1-4pm. Meet Mike Vouri, Historian and Chief of Interpretation, San Juan Island National Historical Park.

Walk the trail from the American Camp visitors’ center to South Beach.  Learn cultural, historical and environmental history of the area.

Meet and park at American Camp visitors’ center. Length is 2 miles round trip, terrain is grass and gravel path.  Rating is moderate.  Dogs on leashes are welcome. Information at www.sanjuanislandtrails.com.

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It was great to drop in on Terry & Carol at Castaways last weekend...they moved their hugely successful consignment shop from Surina Business Park to Nichols Street (in the spot where Compost-It used to be, next to Funk 'n Junk) and they're doing great...the shop is filled with good ideas & color, and they are their usual cheerful selves. Drop by & say hey!

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• Lots of islanders getting into social media these days…here’s a cautionary tale you might find interesting….

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• Meanwhile, if you want, you can go to the San Juan Update Facebook page & “like” us, if you like….it’s here.

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• Here’s  a line I had in my head most of yesterday’s wonderfully windy day:

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.
~Kahlil Gibran

Now I gotta go pick up the yard…

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• Did you know there are paid internships at the Friday Harbor Marine Labs? Check ’em out.

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• I’ve always wondered what in the heck Pasta Puttanesca is..leave it to Hobbes to not only tell me, but show me & you how to prep it…here’s the deal.

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Dropped by to say hey to Bette & baby Clark (born early in December!) last week at LUSH...he's looking good!

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Hey! Curtis is employee of the month at King's Market! Always good to see his smiling face!

• Need a hand? Here’s an idea for you, for keeping the good things you have going going…here’s the note from FHHS’ Jenny Wilson:

The second semester FHHS Community Service Class will begin January 30th.  This class utilizes committed adult mentors who will guide students through completion of a service project related to community improvement.  This is a great opportunity for a “win-win” partnership between students and local organizations.   If you have a community improvement service project in mind, a fifteen minute in-class presentations time can be arranged on February 1st, 2nd and 3rd, from 1:15 – 1:55.

Please contact Jenny Wilson at [email protected] for more information.

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Lovin' it - it was great to drop by & say hey to Barbara & Matt at Gallery San Juan last weekend...Barbara is working on pieces for the new hospital, who has commissioned her & several other local folks to brighten up the new place, slated to open later this year...looking good!

When was the last time you saw & heard two people play one guitar? How about five people? Check this out – here’s Somebody That I Used to Know  by a group called Walk off the Earth (song is written by Gotye):

Pauli

Pauli’s celebration was set for last weekend, but was changed – here’s the update, as well as a remembrance (thanks, Jack, for sending this over) – she’ll be missed:

TIME CHANGE: 4:00 pm Sat, Jan 28 for the celebration of the life of Pauli Gavora, at the Friday Harbor American Legion. Dinner at 4:00pm, followed by the program…you can read a full obituary on the Island Guardian.

The practice pays off for the 35 members of the team....

I called Amy Harold yesterday to see what the swim team was up to these days & how the season is going, and I think you can tell she’s pretty proud of her charges – here’s more:

What’s 6:28.6, you ask?  That’s how much time 35 swimmers from San Juan Island have shaved off their team total – quite a feat since many events are over in half a minute!

This year they’ve traveled to several meets against Anacortes and Skagit Valley, hosted Anacortes, Skagit Valley, and Bellingham teams here in Friday Harbor, and are currently preparing for another mainland meet on February 18th.

If you want to see for yourself, come to our intra-squad meet on Feb 11th.  Whether you blame it on the ecstatic fans or the water acoustics; you’ll be surprised how LOUD it gets!

Too long to wait?  Come see us bright and early at the annual Swim-A-Thon, this Saturday, Jan 28th, 8 to 10am.  With individual goals as high as 5000 yards, swimmers are putting the miles in to raise money for pool time, equipment, travel expenses, and coach development.

If you’d like to make a pledge, catch one of the swimmers (though you’ll have to be quick—they’re awful speedy!) You can also stop in at the front desk this week at San Juan Island Fitness or email Amy Harold at happyraccoon (at) rockisland.com.

Come say hi to the swim team on Saturday at 8am for the swim-a-thon - they'll say hi to you!

You know how there’s usually a new quote over there (to the left) each day…I am kinda caught up with the Whitman line over there, and am going to leave it up for the week, because I think it says something a little different each day. See if you think so, too.

From this hour I ordain myself loos’d of limits and imaginary lines.
Walt Whitman

Saturday night’s fundraiser for FHMS teacher Tina Jones went very well, with a crowded Mullis Center-full of friends, colleagues, family, students, and community members surrounding our friend with love & support as she fights cancer…here’s a note from Tina:

Tina

Grateful to Live Here

I’ve lived many places in my life and I am so grateful to have landed here.

Last summer I was diagnosed with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer. I was frightened and very concerned about how I could cope living alone on an island. My family and friends off-island counseled me to re-locate, at least temporarily.  I’m glad I didn’t.

As soon as word spread, the support and information I received from “Islanders” was overwhelming.

Soroptimists provided much needed ferry tickets.

Food and nutritional advice were made available thanks to Barbara Marrett, Binney Haenal, Linda LoBue, Steve Smith, Jeff Altman, Greg and Carol Ford, Hobbes Buchanan, and the Friday Harbor School District Food for Thought program.

My alternative health team of Sandy Richard, Pat Gislasen, and Teri Gentry came on board keeping the aches and pains and much more at bay.

Paul Hopkins and Binney Haenel kept me exercising and, very importantly, oxygenating my system.

I’ve had time off thanks to the great staff of the San Juan Island School District and great incentive to get back into the classroom due to the encouragement and kind words from my current and former students and their parents.

I’ve had wood heat for my home thanks to Darrin Scheffer, the Ochoa-Garcia family, Kevin Roth and my neighbors, Jeff Altman and Bob Freeauf.

I can’t thank Melanie Cope and Isabel Gabriel enough.  These are the two young women who, through the Friday Harbor High School Soroptimist Club, spearheaded the fundraiser for me. With the guidance of Debbie and Dave Staehlin they pulled-off an amazing event.

Finally, I thank my community as a whole.  You have embraced me, prayed for me, and wished me well throughout this adventure.  I feel honored and blessed to be a part of this community.  Recently, I received the news that I am in remission.  (My treatment continues, as there is no cure for this yet.)  I know I am in remission partly because of you, my community.  Thank you for your generosity and support.  My life is sweeter and I am a more inspired person for living here amongst such gracious people.

Tina Jones

Hunter Blake, Carl Blake & B.C. Dolsen present A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix" this Saturday

From my friend & fellow musician Carl…there’s a big show at the Community Theatre this weekend! Here’s more:

The San Juan Community Theatre presents, ‘A Tribute To Jimi Hendrix’ on Saturday, January 28th, 2012, at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:30pm, tickets are $12.00 reserve seating, student rush tickets just $5.00. There will be a no host bar with beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks.

This will be the opening night for the band’s 2012 tour. A live recording and pilot video shoot will take place during the two-hour show. The set includes Hendrix smash hits such as Purple Haze, Hey Joe and All Along The Watchtower, performed authentically with vintage gear, in full costume + special surprises.

This is truly the first show of its kind to take place at the San Juan Community Theatre. A Tribute To Jimi Hendrix, is far and away the most outrageous rock & roll band ever to take the Whittier main stage in the theatre’s 23-year history. You get the whole seat for just $12.00, but you’ll only need the edge.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.sjctheatre.org or over the phone at 360-378-3210 or in person at the box office.

After Party will be at the Cask & Schooner. We’re ready to flog guitars, amps and drums in hilarious groovy garb to give you everything you are expecting. It’s Catharsis, baby!

The IMA had a great opening of their new spot (it's across from Market Chef & next to Gallery San Juan) with a show of Adonna Khare January 21 through April 29. She as created a life-size, surreal animal world in a 35 foot drawing using carbon pencil and paper.

A great weekend, with lots going on, and it felt to me on Saturday that folks had been cabin-bound long enough – great to see so many folks in town! Looking around:

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That's Elizabeth Clark with a tasty presentation on the villas of Venezia on Saturday at the Libary

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Boyd Pratt offers Nancy Young some of the dessert his table won in the dessert auction for the fundraiser for middle school teacher Tina Jones. Looks like her cancer is kicked, and the standing-room only crowd made sure she got help for all those medical bills with a dinner, silent auction, live auction & dessert auction, all put on by the Soroptimist Club's S-Club. Way to go!

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Leslie Lott (with sis Mica & mom Sally after the show) was part of an amazing show this weekend as the Dance Workshop II's Winter Carnivale put on three evenings of entertainment...Leslie's ballet performance was outstanding.