Then there was chocolate…and it really helped!

Posted October 12, 2011 at 8:36 am by

Judy Logback (above, with work from the collective) and Leonor Cayapa will share the story (and skills) of their cooperative next week on the island....

Linda from the Slow Food Land & Sea Cooperative has a great presentation series ahead, starting next week on Tuesday – here’s the deal:

Making chocolate...

I wanted to let you know about about visitors we are bringing to the island from Ecuador’s Kallari Cacao and Chocolate Cooperative.

Judy Logback is an activist and the founder of the Kallari Cooperative. Judy will be traveling with a young Ecuadorean woman of the Kichwa tribe, Leonor Cayapa, a cacao grower and chocolate maker who is also the financial director of the Kallari Cooperative. Marion Melville and Doug Bison have generously made their Bison Guest House available for the visit.

Judy and Leonor will be giving a presentation about the Kallari Cooperative at the Friday Harbor Library on Tuesday, October 18 from 10:30 am to 12 noon, sponsored by Land & Sea Friday Harbor Slow Food Chapter.

They will talk about the cooperative, sustainable farming practices and fair labor practices used by the cooperative’s farmers, the improved environmental changes, and improvements in the local economy after formation of the cooperative. They’ll be talking about lessons from the formation of the cooperative that our islanders can relate to. They will also talk about the making of chocolate, and Judy and Leonor will also have chocolate to sample.

Leonor speaks primarily Spanish and the Kichwa language. Judy will also speak and interpret.

The public is welcome, and the presentation is free. (Donations will be happily accepted from anyone wishing to help defray the cost of the chocolate.) This will be an incredible presentation!

Thanks to Adrienne Bourne, library program director, for helping us to arrange this visit. For more information, go to the current events calendar for October 18.

Leonor and Judy will also be giving a truffle making workshop Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 18 from 1:30 – 4:30. Class size is 14 people. Class is already filling fast, but some spaces are still available. Cost is $25 to cover cost of materials and travel. Call Linda at 317-5890 and leave a message with contact info if youwould like to take the class.

Monday, Judy and Leonor will be visiting Friday Harbor High School Spanish language, current events, and cooking classes, also sponsored by Land & Sea Slow Food chapter. FHHS’s wonderful and energetic Spanish teacher, Brook Landers, helped schedule Monday’s visit and will be our Kallari visitor’s main ambassador during their visit, along with Linda.

Monday evening, Judy and Leonor will do a Kallari chocolate tasting/demo at the SJ Community Co Op sponsored by Land & Sea and the SJ Co Op. Caffe Femenino coffee will also be available, sponsored by the Soroptimists.

Wednesday Oct. 19,  Judy and Leonor hope to go to the Community Dinner at the High School, which should be delicious! The dinner will be prepared with many local ingredients, by the Chef 101 and 201 culinary students, and Liz, Andy, and Ruthie Paull and her class. (With the help of students we hope to harvest the Ozette potatoes now growing in the Land & Sea Youth/Community garden across from the school for this dinner. Let’s hope for no rain!)

Judy and Leonor have a Kallari event Thursday morning in Seattle and must leave that morning on the early ferry, so their attendance at the Community dinner depends on the ferries running on schedule. (Let’s also hope the ferries are running on time by then!) Thanks to Brook Landers, Ruthie Paull, Jim McNairy, and Liz, this will be a great visit for our high school kids!

When the moon looks huge…

Posted October 12, 2011 at 2:19 am by

Did you see last night's moon?

I got to see the moon over Griffin Bay last night before the clouds & rain swept in & it’s always beautiful when it’s full over the water….

My photos, however, sometimes show it as a different size than I expect (not yesterday…too many clouds!), so I looked up a little write up about why this happens – click here to view the story, with pictures.

All that moon talk reminded me of Connemara Lullaby by Fionnuala O’Donovan – give it a listen if you want a gentle song echoing in your head for the morning….

Ferry re-schedule in place….Yakima, Hiyu under repair

Posted October 11, 2011 at 11:43 am by

The Hiyu, tied up at the Friday Harbor dock this morning....

Last week, when the Yakima went to the repair dock & our tiny Hiyu was added to the interisland routes, kicking the Evergreen State up to the Anacortes run, a friend said….”Whoa, what would happen if one of the ferries breaks now? Do we have any more backups?”

Not today, as the Hiyu (above) called in sick this morning & is getting worked on here in Friday Harbor.

The result is this schedule which is in place to help pick up the slack with all the ferries pitching in to make interisland runs – here’s the schedule.

Fall Harvest Party at the distillery this coming weekend!

Posted October 10, 2011 at 4:06 am by

Just heard from Haley – looks like fun!

The owners of Westcott Bay Cider and San Juan Island Distillery are opening their doors, and their orchard, for a weekend-long Fall Harvest Party. Locals and visitors are invited to come by the orchard, roll up their sleeves and help harvest some of the apples that are the foundation of the distillery and cider works’ award-winning products.

Grown and then harvested by hand in an orchard on Westcott Bay, over a dozen varieties of antique apples are washed and pressed on site as the first step in the cider-making process. Several of these varieties of antique apples are expected to be ripe and ready for harvest, including Yarlington Mills, Dabinetts and Brown Snouts.

The party will take place October 15-16, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and will include tastings of a selection of products. Party goers are encouraged to register in advance by calling 360-378-2606, although last minute helpers are always welcome! Continue Reading

Fall’s here….

Posted October 7, 2011 at 8:21 am by

The leaves are turning along Yacht Haven Road as the island breaks into song & color....

Sunday – come to the Safety Fair!

Posted October 7, 2011 at 5:31 am by

See you there, rain or shine on Sunday!

Great event for the kids – don’t miss it! Here’s more from Carolyn:

Games, a coloring contest, a rescue demonstration, food and lots of fun are on the agenda at the Safety Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, at the Mullis Street Fire Station.

Participating agencies include the San Juan Island Fire Department, San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Firewise and the Red Cross.

Kids’ games include a bean bag toss, 911 twister, shooting the flames with a real fire hose and more. Participants may also use a fire extinguisher to put out a real fire.

A rescue demonstration will be held at 12:00 p.m. where emergency workers will show how they operate at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. They will use the Jaws-of-Life to cut up a vehicle and will show how efficient a child safety seat is in protecting a child in an accident. EMS will also provide information about child safety seats and will make arrangements to check anyone’s car seat.

Kids will able to sit in the fire engines, dress in firefighter gear and tour the fire station.

There will also be a coloring contest with prizes for children preschool age through grade 5. Entries must be turned in by 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Mullis Street Station. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. The coloring page will be passed out at the schools during fire prevention week or you may pick them up at the Mullis Street Fire Station.

Emergency workers will also cook a hotdog of your choice – beef, turkey or tofu. Other free goodies include chips, cookies, soda pop and juices.

The Safety Fair is held during Fire Prevention Week each year as a reminder to people about fire safety, in addition to safety and emergency preparedness in general. The 2011 Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-15) theme this year is “Protect Your Family From Fire”

Fires can strike anywhere – in buildings, automobiles, and the outdoors – but fire that affect our homes are often the most tragic and most preventable. Over 75 % of all fire fatalities occur in home fires.

You can protect your family by:

  • Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home.
  • Testing smoke alarms once a month.
  • Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, and
  • Making and practicing a home fire escape plan.

For more information about home fire escape plans or other fire safety, please call the San Juan Island Fire Department at 378-5334.

CSA meeting on Tuesday….

Posted October 7, 2011 at 12:59 am by

Sure would be good to have broadband in the islands!

Posted October 6, 2011 at 6:16 pm by

Here’s a note from Tom about how you can help:

The San Juan County Economic Development Council is seeking input from the community on how we use the Internet today and what they need in the future.

I know you have a large following on SJ Update, and was hoping you could help us get the word out about our little surveys, to encourage participation by our friends and neighbors. Our message is:

Broadband (high-speed Internet) is important to our community, and could help us grow and diversify our local economy. Please help us bring fast Internet to San Juan County!

Take the Survey at www.sjcbroadband.com

There is one survey for residents and one for businesses. Anyone who runs a business, please take both!

Many thanks,
Tom Schramm

PS: A little background if you are interested:

I recommend Victoria Compton’s excellent piece in the Journal last week:

Some key points:
– Broadband (high-speed Internet) is increasingly part of the fabric of society worldwide

– The FCC defines broadband as connections over 4Mbps, and 10 Mbps is common in most of the USA, yet most of San Juan County is limited to only 1.5 Mbps at best because of our current infrastructure

– Experience in other communities has shown that true broadband can support economic growth, and it enables green businesses (such as IT-related) compatible with our value

Around the island…

Posted October 6, 2011 at 1:58 pm by

Ray Sheffer caught the rain on the flower just perfectly....thanks for sharing, Ray!

Let’s see what’s up around here:

• Pam wants to remind you….it’s this Friday!

The Writers’ Café open mic will be held from 5:00 – 6:30 PM at The Bean on Friday, October 7th. Bring your fiction, nonfiction or poetry to read or just show up to listen. Please show our appreciation for Eric and the staff at The Bean by purchasing from the menu of coffee and pastries and such. See you there!
Pam Herber
472-1442

++++++++++++++++++

Morning thought....

++++++++++++++++++

• Get to know your town better with Sandy this weekend:

Walking tour! An insider’s look at Friday Harbor’s historic downtown. Hear stories about some of the colorful people, organizations and businesses that shaped early Friday Harbor. Rain or shine. Walking shoes are recommended.

Date of Event: 10/08/2011
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at Memorial Park, at the intersection of Front and Spring streets, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Contact: Sandy Strehlou, Town of Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Coordinator
Phone: (360) 378-2810
Admission: Free

++++++++++++++

Paula's hands at work...photo by Jenn Furber

• It was inspiring to read Jenn Furber‘s visit with Paula West, which she posted in her well-written blog earlier – here, check it out! You’ll be glad you did!

+++++++++++++

It was fun to catch these folks taking pictures of each other on the ferry....

+++++++++++++

• Debbie at Roche Harbor says it’s time to sign up!

February 2-4, 2012 marks the Ninth Annual Salmon Classic Invitational at Roche Harbor Marine & Resort.

A three-day sport fishing event with 100 boat limit; daily cannon starts; 3 nights of hosted dinners and prizes awarded all under cover in the Derby Headquarters in beautiful Roche Harbor Resort. With over $30,000 dollars in cash & prizes this event brings out fishermen from all walks of life to fish our island waters. Cash Prizes include $10,000 First Place; $5,000 Second Place; $3000 Third Place; $2,000 4th place; $1,000 5th place; $2,000 Mystery Fish and $2,000 Best Boat Total weight ~ all in CASH!! In addition Roche Harbor draws, by boat, a free entry into the next year’s derby, must be present to win.

Each night donated prizes are drawn from the Northwest’s favorite fishing tackle and accessory companies ie.  Frabill; Scotty; Shimano; Laminglass; Simrad; Berkely. In addition, each Angler qualifies for the grand prize drawing: A top of the line Sport Fishing Boat package as a part of the Northwest Marine Trade Association Derby Series!  Derby entries are limited to 100 boats with 4 anglers per vessel. $700.00 per boat (plus sales tax $54.60), which includes moorage and angler’s dinner all three nights, with Roche Harbor’s Finest Prime Rib Dinner on first night of Registration.

This derby has sold out the past 6 years ~ !

For more information & derby registration packets please contact Debbie Sandwith or Debi Frazier,  Roche Harbor Market, at 360-378-5562 or email at [email protected].

+++++++++++++++++++

It was awesome to see Enso playing for the Scupture Park as part of Artstock last weekend!

++++++++++++++++++

• JB Herren & Glenda Edwards offer these two gun safety classes this weekend – here’s more:

Greetings from Northwest Safety First!

We are offering the Utah CFP & Oregon CHL class on Saturday, October 8th in Friday Harbor.  Continue Reading

Don’t miss it! “The Ladies Man” at the Community Theatre – opening tonight!

Posted October 6, 2011 at 3:24 am by

Last night I got the chance to swing by and check out the Community Theatre‘s new production of Charles Morey’s play The Ladies Man before it opens tonight for a two-week run.

Chris (left) and Merritt (who longtime islanders haven't recognized, lately) are ready for tonight's show.

This is one you are going to like. You’ll see audiences leaning forward to catch the wordplay in this amazing, somewhat farcical, somewhat classical production.

The play is one big misunderstanding, which leads the characters to find someone else to blame for their problems, even as they try to hide their own indiscretions. Things start off with an unremarkable little lie which snowballs into unintended consequences, slamming doors, sneaking around for love, and which whirls everyone’s world into frantic confusion.

Director Chris Jorie says weaving the broad action together with the language of the script is a challenge which the actors meet well. “There is a lot of information to get across in a short time, with a lot going on. This cast does a good job of storytelling, finding the intricacies and nuances in the script.”  It’s easy to see that the actors create an incredible synergy onstage and Chris says it comes from within. “It’s my style to invite collaboration with different people in the cast. This means I have to learn everyone’s language, and honor their process, and I feel it really worked here.”

Islanders get a special treat as the theater’s director Merritt Olson takes the stage as Doctor Molineaux, who gets himself in a jam right from the start trying to explain why he didn’t come home last night. His maid (Shannon Kelly) doesn’t understand, his gentleman’s gentleman (Mason Turnage) doesn’t understand, and his young & beautiful wife (Penelope Haskew) sure doesn’t understand. The doctor looks for help with his serial lisper, clumsy friend Bassinet (Bo Turnage), but that makes things so unbearable that his wife can do only one thing: bring on her mother. Deb Langhans plays an intense, commanding, and downright scary mother-in-law…you can see why the others refer to her as Medusa.

Things heat up as one of the doctor’s patients (Susan Williams) shows up in hot pursuit of him, followed by her husband Gustav (John Davis) who will take a duel anywhere he can find it, and speaks kinda backwards, like Yoda, but with a Prussian accent. You’ll hear what I mean.

The action spins out of control from there, with a pretty good workout on stage for everyone, leading to the doctor’s redemption at the end.

Newcomer to the stage Mason (Bo’s son) looks comfortable in his first show (“I was looking for someone like Dick Van Dyke,” says the director; he got him). He fits right in with the experienced and talented folks on stage. The cast features three directors (Susan, Merritt, and John), actors with extensive experience (Deb, Susan, Merritt, Bo and Shannon) as well as a director/writer/actor in Penelope, who wrote next month’s elementary school and middle school play, currently in rehearsal under her direction. Watch for surprise dance appearance by the talented & amazing Julie Hagn, too! It’s an amazing group.

Chris Jorie came to the island just to direct this play, but has also been working on a screenplay and novel while he is here. He also has conducted a playwriting unit with the eighth-graders at the middle school over the past five weeks. He’s looking forward to opening night: “When you put actors in front of the audience, a switch goes on. It is going to be great to see.”

It’s fast-paced and it’s fun, and this is one you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now for this weekend, and be careful–you just might want to see this one twice.

Opening tonight!

From the e-mailbag….

Posted October 6, 2011 at 1:11 am by

Well, it’s time to check in with the people who have been writing to the editorial staff here at the San Juan Update. First of all I want you to know, we read everything that is sent to us. Second, I want you to know we answer some of it. And most importantly, it is way cool that you are there, reading this each day.

Let’s see what is going on:

Q. How often do you update the updates in the Update? Jim G. from Cape San Juan

A. In the footer of the Update till just four years ago, it said “Whenever something happens.” Since then, I’ve discovered that a lot is happening, so now it would be more appropriate to say, “When I feel like it.” What’s cool is that there is so much to tell you about, it makes me feel like it most of the time.

The dark green ones are readers, the black one has the most, and the light green ones read the new York Times instead.

Q. I have been in Europe for 3 years now and love reading your news–electrons (I know it’s not a news paper, because there’s no paper). Are there a lot of ex-pats and ex-islanders who check in with you? Terry P. in Germany

A. Yes, there’s a bunch. According to our Google analytics thing, we have readers all over Europe (although I don’t know what’s going on with Tony’s folks in Finland, or friends I thought I had in Switzerland). So far, I haven’t heard from anyone in Antarctica, but otherwise we have friends in each of the other continents.

Q. The other day I was talking to my friend Sam downtown and he said he had been updated. I asked him what he meant by that, and he said that whenever somebody gets their picture in the Update, the rest of the day people say, “Hey, I saw you in the Update!” That’s what it means to get “updated,” I think.
Gail from the middle of the island

A. That is correct.

Q. This is a serious question. What do you think is the business climate of the island, as we head into the winter? Jenny C from Friday Harbor

A. Needless to say, things are a bit slower than a few years ago, and we’re all working harder to make ends meet. In spite of that, I continue to hear downtown merchants who are optimistic that people, even in hard times, want to get away to the peace of our island. I believe that we will all land on our feet if we keep two things in mind:

The first is that the island has seen economic change throughout the past 140 years. At times, making lime was a major industry; at others, more energy was put into fishing, farming, and cutting trees. Lately, of course, tourism has been a big deal. Part of being an Islander is being able to handle change, and ready to set sail in the best direction provided by the winds that blow us. We are creative, energetic, resourceful people on this rock, and we will tackle the changing times with the determination the times require.

The second thing is simple: Islanders have always worked together. Keeping our lines of communication well-oiled and our spirit of neighborliness fired up, and welcoming our visitors with open hearts, open arms, and a smile, we can get the job done. Caring for each other – it’s the island way. Always have, always will.

Evening sets on town as the days grow shorter.....

Q. Who is that little elderly lady who always nearly hits you in the street, when you’re crossing? She has a blue car. Troy B from just out of town

A. Not sure. I’ll let you know if we ever run into each other.

Q. You told me a story about a mom with a bunch of kids in the car that I can’t remember…do you remember? It was funny, I think. Cara F, now in Seattle

A. Was it this?

There was a mom heading down Spring Street with about seven or eight energetic & playful & noisy kids in the back of her station wagon. She turned to tell them to settle down, then turned and slammed on the brakes because there was someone in the crosswalk. He yelled, “Jeez, lady, don’t you know when to stop?” and she said, icily, “They’re not ALL mine.”

Q. How come no one on the island wears a tie? Stuart T from the southern part of the island somewhere

A. We have a dress code in the courthouse, so generally wearing a tie means you got indicted or something. Not wearing a tie is our way of saying “Wasn’t me!”

The Blessing of the animals is this weekend….

Posted October 6, 2011 at 12:09 am by

The Feast Day of St. Francis was earlier this week (the fourth), so the blessing will be this weekend so folks can come & bring their furry or feathered friends….

Happy St. Francis Day to you!

This Saturday!

Run Walk Wag was a winner!

Posted October 5, 2011 at 7:27 am by

And they're off!

Here’s the report from Rebecca at Island Rec:

Jon & Kris with Junior - ready to go!

We had our very first RUN, WALK, WAG 5K this past Sunday and it was a HOOT (or should I say howl)….Dogs and people walking and running in a huge pack (in costume)…it’s hard to beat!

Island Rec wants to give a huge thanks to the following sponsors: Roche Harbor, Car X Doctor, Animal Inn, Cask and Schooner, Island Vet Clinic and Prevention Coalition!

The little dogs (under 15 lbs) KICKED BUTT at the event!  The event took place out of Roche Harbor and the race went around White Point Rd for a total of 3.1 miles.

Here are the places and silly awards:

INDIVIDUALS:
1st John Pachuta & Sheiba (Dachshund/Papillon Mix)
2nd Jacob Wagner & Agnes (Aussie Mix)
3rd Carrie Unpingco & Stretch (Dachshund)
4th Bronwyn Bacon & Bella (Yorkie/Poodle mix)

FAMILIES:
1st Magnusun Family w/Tommy (small breed mix)
2nd Roberson Family w/Chewy (chow/husky mix)
3rd Tuchluk Family w/ Hannah (German shepherd)

Prettiest Pack Award- Jon and Kris Zerby w/Junior
Owner/Dog Look-a-like Award- John Pachuta w/Sheiba
Daintiest Dog Award- April Lalande w/Lily
Colorful K-9 Award- Susan & April Esposito w/Timber and Edgar
Judges Choice- Nancy & Jenny Young w/Milo

Oktoberfest – this weekend!

Posted October 5, 2011 at 7:17 am by

San Juan Island Oktoberfest
Celebrating the 17th Anniversary of this Island Tradition
Saturday, October 8, 2011
5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
San Juan County Fairgrounds Pavilion
Tickets: Adults $8, Age 12 & under admission is Free!
Scrip for Meals and Beverages will be sold at the door and advance purchase through the SJI Chamber.

The Pavilion at the county Fairgrounds will take on a Bavarian Alpine atmosphere for this celebrated Island tradition. Islanders of all ages will dance the Chicken Dance and polkas to the lively music of the fabulous Blaskapelle Oktoberfest Band, and enjoy delicious Bavarian style food and beverage specialties.

King’s Market will provide a traditional selection of Oktoberfest menu items, “including Brats, German potato salad, Schnitzel and more. Guests will also enjoy locally made Apple Strudel assorted Beers, and local wines. Oktoberfest is continuing a tradition that started on October 17, 1810 in Munich, Germany after the wedding of Princess Theresa of Sachsen-Hildburghausen and Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. The 40,000 party guests had such a good time that the event was repeated every year. Now Oktoberfest is celebrated all over the world as a “People’s Festival ” or “Volkfest.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local service clubs and non-profit organizations of San Juan Island.

2011 San Juan Island Oktoberfest is presented by:
San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, Inter Island Medical Guild, Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor, San Juan Lions Club, Rotary Club of San Juan Island; and is also Sponsored in Part by: Browne’s Home Center, Islanders Bank, and San Juan Propane.

Contact the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce for more information:
(360) 378-5240 / www.sanjuanisland.org

Jewelry sale on Sunday to help the new hospital….

Posted October 5, 2011 at 6:28 am by

Lenore wants to invite you:

Jewelry Sale to Benefit Peace Island Medical Center

A trunk sale of Silpada Designs Sterling Silver handmade jewelry will be held to benefit the Peace Island Medical Center. The event will be hosted by Lenore Bayuk and Kathie Arcide from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday October 9, 2011 at 555 Park Street, Friday Harbor and sponsored by the Medical Center Guild. All profits from the sale will be donated to Peace Island. Silpada offers a distinctive line of fine sterling silver jewelry handcrafted by international artisans. It makes an ideal holiday gift or addition to a personal jewelry collection.

“This will be a perfect opportunity for Islanders and their friends to get a jump on seasonal shopping, enjoy time together and support the Peace Island Medical Center,” said Kathie Arcide and Lenore Bayuk, hostesses of the event. “We’re pleased to share this unique and lovely jewelry with our neighbors as we all support the new Peace Island.”

Silpada’s collection of handcrafted sterling silver jewelry is complemented by natural materials, such as semiprecious stones, rich woods and leather. Each piece of Silpada jewelry has been touched by six to eight skilled artisans. Silpada’s international goal is to ‘decrease the poverty level in other countries.’ The Silpada Foundation is focused on Children’s Health, Education and Women’s Health. Silpada offers a lifetime guarantee on its jewelry against manufacturing defects.

Please RSVP for each group or request additional information from Lenore Bayuk at [email protected] or 378-3636.

What’s happening….

Posted October 4, 2011 at 9:02 am by

And the wait is over for those in need of a pumpkin fix...Connie and Guard Sundstom's patch on Beaverton Valley Road opened for business last weekend! Photo by Update reporter Tamara Weaver.

Sunny day to you….it’s there, whether you let the clouds get in the way or not…. 🙂

• This week the Ladies’ Man opens at the Community Theatre…it runs till the 16th. I’ll try & catch dress rehearsal tomorrow so I can report to you about it. I sure liked the script…

Fresh off the vine at Heritage Farm...great photo by Val Curtis.

++++++++++++

• Every so often I tell about the CSA deal at Heritage Farm & how cool it is to get fresh vegetables each week till November – last week I saw Val Curtis there picking up her share & shooting pictures  – she tells the story way better than me in her Mental Chew blog.

Check it out. And sign up, whether it’s at Heritage Farm or any of the farms on the island. Or whether you get your food once a week at The Farmers Market. You’ll be glad you did.

++++++++++++

That's Connie admiring a baking pumpkin--perfect for pie, or jack-o-lantern! Photo by Tamara Weaver.

• Tomorrow Tony and his band T:FLO are doing dance tunes at The Rumor Mill…it starts at 7pm!

++++++++++++++++

• One of my favorite nonprofits on the island, which possibly spreads the widest net in helping people, is the United Way. Elli Gull wants to invite you to be part of the story:

How can you do over $10,000 worth of good for the people of our county in only one and a half  hours? That is what United Way board members do every month! United Way of San Juan County is inviting people interested in service and community leadership to find out more about the difference they can make while serving on the board.

United Way of SJC is comprised of local volunteers and funds only local programs; helping people throughout San Juan County. Our next meeting is October 12th. For more information, please call 378-4121 or email [email protected].

++++++++++++++++

Artstock last week was a nice celebration of the creative spirit of the island, as folks went from gallery to gallery, and visted studios, as well as the Sculpture Park out next to Roche Harbor (above).

++++++++++++++++++++

• Karie over at San Juan Healthcare sent over this nice note: “The Staff of San Juan Healthcare wants to thank Dr. Gossom for a great 10 years.” On October 1st San Juan Healthcare celebrated its 10th Anniversary.”

Saturday night was a happy get-together for a sad thing, as friends came togther to see Adnan as he closed Maloulas Restaurant for good...his well-reviewed Mediterranean menu & smiling face will be much missed as he returns to Syria this fall.

++++++++++++++++

A County truck rolled into the water at Roche Harbor yesterday & stayed underwater for a couple of hours – here’s more from the County’s Stan Matthews in his report yesterday:

A one-ton Public Works Department truck rolled into the water at Roche Harbor between 10  and 11 A.M. this morning and was completely submerged for approximately 2 hours until it was hauled out by a contract tow operator. Workers from Public Works and Roche Harbor stood by in case fuel or oil leaked out, but acting Public Works Director Russ Harvey said there was no leakage.

The truck was on the ramp at Roche Harbor in the area where construction will soon begin on a new dock, when it was bumped by a large piece of driftwood that was being loaded onto it. Continue Reading