It’s tonight! The San Juan Public Schools Foundation is having its annual Phone A Thon – this is the San Juan Public Schools Foundation’s main fundraiser to help meet the needs of the schools that the State doesn’t fund and the schools need more than ever this year.

Expect a call. And here’s why – here is the Foundation’s needs list that it is targeting this year – it’s good stuff for educating our kids better…check it out!

Here’s more from the SJPSF’s Lisa Anderson:

The San Juan Public Schools Foundation will hold its annual Phone-A-Thon, 4 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The foundation is a group of volunteers who work year-round on projects including the Phone-A-Thon, Knowledge Bowl and Business Partnership Program, which put 100 percent of the proceeds into public elementary, middle and high schools.

Send your donation to the San Juan Public Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1452, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. To volunteer at the Phone-A-Thon, call 378-2826.

Thanks for letting everyone know to expect our call!

The FHHS Girls Soccer Team & Coach Mark Fishaut have another game they want to help win…here’s more from Mark:

Working for a cure...

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

For the sixth consecutive season, the Friday Harbor High School Lady Wolverine soccer teams have taken this on as their way of saying “thanks for your support” to our Island.

We as coaches continue to view service to the community as an integral part of athletics, helping our girls mature into responsible young women. This is in accord with our core belief that sports doesn’t build character, it reveals it.

In 2011, 230,000 women and 2000 men will be newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,000 will die. The rate of new cases  of this disease in Washington is among the highest in the country. But statistics alone do not provide any real sense of its impact. Breast cancer is primarily a women’s issue but, as is the case of all serious illnesses, it is a human issue, and ultimately a family issue. This has become all the more personal this season because breast cancer has directly affected our own extended soccer family.

We have again chosen to team with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Puget Sound Chapter as 75% of the funds we raise stay within the chapter’s boundaries. These dollars provide support to those who are affected as well as underwriting screening promotion, education, and advocacy for our region.

Service is more than soliciting funds for a worthy cause. There must be value added and distinctly personal about it. To that end, the Lady Wolverines are again conducting mini camps for Island youth soccer players at the Friday Harbor High School field.

The co-ed sessions are on Saturday October 8 for ages 6-12 years, and on Sunday October 9 for ages 13-17. Both will run from 3:30 to 5:30pm. Coaches are most welcome. The fee is $25. See you all then!

Mark Fishaut
Sara Ware
Emily Carrington
John Carrier

Hope you got out in the sun some this weekend, and get a chance to get out in the rain today 🙂

Here’s what’s up:

Arnell was part of the movement that made the Mullis Center come to life ten years ago....

Caught up with Arnell at Haley's last year for her 60th....

• Seems like it just happened – I was thinking about how cool it is that we have the Mullis Center yesterday (I went over to visit folks during the pancake breakfast, held the first Sunday of each month). Do you ever look at the Update archives?

It’s fun to see what the island looked like a while back – here’s the report (scroll down a bit) about the Mullis Center opening in March 2011. Now, THAT was a quick ten years!

One of the driving forces behind making the dream come true was Arnell Haws, and it’s neat that one of the little plaques outside the place remembers that, too…

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

• The General Election Forum is tonight – see you there!

The League of Women Voters presents the forum on San Juan Island: Monday October 3, Friday Harbor Middle School Commons Room, 5:30p-7:30p.

Invitations have been issued to the candidates for the contested positions of School Board Director 3, School Board Director 5, Park and Rec Commissioner 5; Pro and Con speakers for the Land Bank and Solid Waste ballot measures.

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

Kari

• Can’t believe it’s been so long, and still so necessary…Kari Koski  is leaving the Soundwatch program later this year.

She has made Soundwatch a viable & active partner in protecting killer whales and marine mammals with its education program to let errant boaters know they’re getting too close. After some 19 years, she says it’s time to move on to new things…thanks, Kari, for what you’ve done to make this a better place for us & our animal friends to live!

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

• Welcome, Olsen! Here’s the scoop:

Olsen!

Scott and Alisa Schoultz are proud to announce the birth of their son, Olsen Reed. Olsen was born on September 27, 2011 at 5:25 pm. He weighed 8 lbs, 10 oz and was 20 inches long.

Olsen is welcomed by his big sister Vera, grandparents Mike and Jeri Ahrenius of Friday Harbor, WA, Dean Felthous of Lake Stevens, WA and Nils and Carolyn Schoultz of Hudson, FL.

Great-grandparents are Reed and Elaine Brockbank of Kentfield, CA, and Agnetta Felthous of Stanwood, WA.

What a great birthday! Jody Price was surprised when Lily (right) dropped into town for the occasion, and when they met at the Bean Café, Jenny Anderson (left) made a speacial treat for the day....happy birthday, Jody!

Hey, what’s happening….

• You knew it: Duck Soup Inn has Friday Happy Hour tonight, and is now on schedule for Thursday through Sunday each week….

+++++++++++

Ayana is ready to help you at Sweet Earth Farms' booth at the Farmers Market (that's her mom Amanda, helping out!) Photo by Cyndi Brast.

• Just heard that the FHHS girls soccer team nudged La Conner 2-1 in overtime last night, while the Wolverine volleyball team was passed 3-0 by the Braves. Friday Harbor meets Lynden Christian Friday night here on the island in football – see you there!

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

• Did you see the AP article that Canada has observed the loss of an entire ice shelf in the Arctic? Here’s more…pretty sobering stuff.

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

• The soccer dinner’s coming & it’s time to plan! Here’s the scoop from Travis & the youth soccer association:

Soccer Dinner!  We will be having a fundraising dinner at FHHS on Thursday October 27th from 5:30-7:00 pm. To help us plan, RSVP to Gail Seitz seitz74 (at) centurylink.net to let her know how many adults and kids will attend, and (of course) if you could help volunteer somehow!  We are also looking for folks to bring desserts and possibly drinks. More details to follow.

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

Proof summer is really over. If the cow & pig say it's so, it's so. Photo by Update photographer Tamara Weaver.

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

• You know, it’s always great to see friends on stage, and this one’s gonna be funny. I read the script before casting, and I think it’s been really well cast. Here’s more about next week’s opening for The Ladies’ Man at the Community Theatre, from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

Opening next Thursday!

Did you know our own executive director Merritt Olsen has taken on one of the leading roles in SJCT’s fall farce The Ladies Man, which opens on October 6?

This is just the second play Merritt has performed in at the Theatre since he moved here 11 years ago.  The first one, as the memorable Senex in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, came because he needed to fill-in for another actor who had an emergency.  This time, Merritt purposely sought out the role as a French physician (Dr. Hercule Molineaux) who tells “one, tiny, little, hardly noticeable lie” to cover an innocent but embarrassing indiscretion. From that single untruth tumbles a cascade of increasingly convoluted deceptions, misunderstandings and mistaken identities.

“I think our audience likes to see people take a risk on stage,” said Merritt.  “I used to make a living as an actor—I wanted to see if I could still do it.”

Merritt plays the lead in The Ladies Man, along with Bo Turnage (left) and Mason Turnage....

Merritt is joined on stage by Penelope Haskew as Molineaux’s suspicious wife, Deb Langhans as his mother-in-law, Susan Williams as an amorous female patient,  John Davis as Susan’s jealous Prussian husband, Bo Turnage as Molineaux’s  well-intentioned friend with a lisp, Mason Turnage as a valet with attitude and Shannon Kelley as a maid with a secret.

Merritt says the collaboration among the cast, crew and visiting director Chris Jorie has been terrific, with them focusing as a group on the play and the writing, which he calls “brilliant.”

Ready for the role...the "new" Merritt!

“I think it’s important as an executive/artistic director to be reminded what our volunteers—especially those who have full-time jobs—go through to get a production up and running,” said Merritt.  “It’s a very humbling experience.”

As to whether Merritt completely relates to taking the role of a “ladies man”?  Other than growing a mustache and perfecting a French accent… “I’d say those days are long behind me,” he laughs.

The Ladies Man is presented in the Whittier Theatre October 6-9 and 13-16.

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

Robin and Jesse the Wonder Dog get out in the sun on Thursday.....another sunny day on the island.

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

Open! Drop by at Creative Passions at Surina Business Park!

• Creative Passions is open! Here’s more about the store (right)….

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

• This is next week at Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center – sign up now to make sure you get a spot! Here’s more from Randy:

Richard Russell’s one day workshop entitled Island Living: An Owner’s Manual is on Saturday, October 8th.

It’s an engaging seminar designed to assist participants in finding cost savings and improving efficiencies in the operation of your home, collectively aimed at sustaining a comfortable island lifestyle while minimizing impacts.

Richard is a fourth generation carpenter, a mentor and master builder with forty years of experience and has served as general contractor for PBS’s show “This Old House.” He operates Soundhouse LLC, a design-build construction company and consults through the Building Consultants Group.  Cost is $57.00.

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

Katie Jones tells me J32 played with this kelp all afternoon yesterday...thanks for the picture, Katie! You can see Katie's work at Bison Galley and at spyhoppertravels.zenfolio.com. Thanks, Katie!

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

• Yoga for men only at XYZ Movement Arts Studio! It’s Wednesdays from noon to 1pm – here’s more from Cynthia:

Do you feel stiff, tired or achy? If you are a middle-aged or older guy, perhaps you remember those years when your body naturally felt supple and full of vitality? If you are a woman, perhaps you have a significant other who complains of tight, painful muscles or joints. Perhaps this constant discomfort makes him feel cranky or depressed.

The gym at FHHS was swaying to the beat of over 400 drums as part of the Youth Leadership Summit 2011 this week. Photo by Debbi Fincher.

Most of us have some idea of the great benefits Yoga can provide, yet not everyone is willing to give Yoga a try. But those who do try Yoga usually get hooked, because they feel so great from the practice, and naturally do not want to give this feeling up! Occasionally, it is true, there are people who have a not-so-great-experience when they try out a Yoga class. It may be that the class does not really fit their needs, or the instructor does not really understand exactly what their bodies can and cannot do. Very often, it is men who seem to have these not-so-satisfactory experiences. Sadly, they may quit before finding out what Yoga can really do for them. Continue Reading

Come see Tlingit carver Lonnie Acord (that's a beaver frontlet he made) at The Arctic Raven as part of Artstock Saturday.

It’s amazing to see Native artwork, but even more amazing to see it being created. Lonnie is here for Artstock, and I’ll be singing as well…here’s more from Barbara & Lee at The Arctic Raven:

Arctic Raven Gallery is pleased to host Lonnie Acord, acclaimed adopted Tlingit Native American carver. He will be demonstrating carving from 3:30pm – 7:30pm on Saturday, October 1 at the Gallery’s 130 First Street location, as part of Artstock. Music by local musician Ian Byington and refreshments will shared from 5:30-7:30.

The best work of Acord’s long, colorful, career will be on display Saturday only.  Surprising and evocative, Lonnie’s work is unique, whether a wide mouthed beaver frontlet or a raven dance wand with crouching figures along its edges. His latest creations feature a subtle color palette, knife finish, abalone, horse hair and ermine fur details which create mini worlds inhabited by transforming humans and critters.

With lids half closed and satisfied grins, each work is bursting with character, just like the artist. Come meet the Lonnie and enjoy some local refreshments.

Killer whale frontlet (with rider!) by Lonnie....

Camryn & the good folks from Heritage Farm bring good food to the Farmers Market each Saturday...the Market will run till the last weekend in October at its outside spot at Brickworks from 10am-1pm each Saturday....

Lots going on! Let’s check in:

• The Backdoor Kitchen shows fall is really here: Noodle Bowl Monday starts on Monday, October 3rd! 11:30 to 2:30. See ya there!

• Blood Drive! Today at the Mullis Center! Noon-6pm – see you there!

Nancy Wight celebrates helping Amanda Brast sign up to vote earlier this month, after Amanda turned 18. The League of Women Voters have a busy month ahead, with signups & the Candidate Forum next week; Amanda has a busy one too, as she just started working at the Rocky Bay Cafe.

• At San Juan Supplements, Jerry & Dennis have a deal to tell you about:

We’re offering a $60 per year membership that gives you up to 40% off on our high quality vitamins and supplements by NOW Foods and wholesale pricing on all sports nutrition products. If you’re not happy with a NOW Foods product, you can bring it back for a full refund!

Come see us at San Juan Supplements and sign up!!! (360)370-5570 or drop by: 335 Argyle Ave.

• Time to get back in the pool! Here’s more from Amy:

Hi Ian, There’s so much going on at the pool this fall!

American Red Cross Guard Start is a program for youth 11-14 who are interested in learning water safety and leadership skills that will prepare them for future lifeguard classes…and life in general! Tuesday, October 4 noon – 3 (it’s a half day for public school kids.) $20, bring your suit and towel, feel free to come right after school and eat your lunch at the Club.

After School at the Pool. Our next Monday set of 4 lessons and pool time begins October 10, but we’ll skip the Halloween lesson and go a week longer.  The Wednesday session begins October 12. $40.  Classes for all levels of school age kids.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding re-cert practice begins in October with testing in early November–hopefully!

For more information or to register, call 378-4449 or contact Amy Wynn at swim (at) sanjuanislandfitness.com

Scott says things are happening at Paradise Lanes these days...photo by Tamara Weaver

• There’s a lot going on at the bowling alley this fall – here’s more from the Update’s Tamara Weaver:

Stopped by Paradise Lanes to watch some pins fall and ask Scott how the leagues are doing.   He tells me it’s not too late to join in on the fun.  There are still a few spots available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.  Or, bowl on Monday nights for $22 and enjoy pizza and a pitcher of pop for $20!

As Scott says, for the rainy months ahead, the physical and social interaction is the best gig in town!

• Jill from the League of Women Voters reminds us the Forum is next week:

The Candidates’ Forum for San Juan Island: Monday October 3, Friday Harbor Middle School Commons Room, 5:30p-7:30p. Invitations have been issued to the candidates for the contested positions of School Board Director 3, School Board Director 5, Park and Rec Commissioner 5; Pro and Con speakers for the Land Bank and Solid Waste ballot measures.

The scoreboard tells the tale with 2 minutes left in last night's Orcas/Friday Harbor soccer game here on the island. The girls head for LaConner tomorrow, then play at Meridian this Saturday. Photo by Ted Strutz.

• Sounds like you’ll be able to hear this one when you go by school – here’s more from Debbi Fincher:

Just thought I’d share with you that the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition’s Youth Leadership Summit is tomorrow at FHMS/FHHS for the students. Kenya is returning with 400 drums for an assembly to build on our theme… which as you may know is Unity in Community!

If you feel the earth move or feel the beat pulsing approximately 9:20am-10:15am in the morning…  It’s a good chance it’s the jam with Kenya and students. If you want to come and “feel” it for yourself… we’ll see you there. We’ll take pictures if you can’t make it and send them to you.

Thanks again for your support of the SJIPC and the programs we can bring to our community. It’s a very exciting day tomorrow! The Summit will start at 8am with breakfast and continue through the day. The highlight might be the 400 drum jam with Kenya, but for some it might be the breakout sessions they participate in throughout the day. Their team building skills will be sharpened, new friendships will be made and a sense of community will reach new heights at this Summit!

Thanks again, Debbi

• Bonnie Turman is set for her fall classes here’s more:

Creative Passions craft supply house (FH) is offering crafting classes starting in October for those of you who want to learn some new skills or brush up some old ones. For class schedule and details visit… http://www.creativepassionsbt.com/

This bit of madrona bark got caught in the spider web on its way to the ground..love the autumn colors, don't you?

• The Update’s Tamara Weaver reports on where the Robin’s Nest is, now:

I discovered Robin Zemek’s now nesting just a couple doors up the street from her old location of 15 years—perfectly nestled under the “Spring Tree” at 310 Spring Street.  Robin tells me she’s tickled with the new location, and she’s “shakin’ things up a bit.”  Here’s to another 15 years, Robin!

Drop by & check out Robin at her new place!...photo by Tamara Weaver

Waves crashing on the southside...photo by Alex Shapiro.

Wow, what a ride!

Lime Kiln Lighthouse braves the strom on Monday...photo by Tamara Weaver

Monday’s stormy & windy weather sent a lot of islanders inside, but folks reported to me that the ferries were still running & rocking…apparently the Sidney ferry was a real adventure, with stuff sliding around, and by the end of the day, the boats were just a half hour or so off schedule.

Good day to be inside, as we head into autumn….

Larry Chamberlain

This was shared by Larry’s family:

Larry Allan Chamberlain, 68, passed away at home in Friday Harbor, WA on Monday, August 22, 2011. Larry was born on August 19th, 1943, in Janesville, WI to Samuel E. and Mildred M. Chamberlain.  He graduated from Janesville Senior High in 1961.  Following his graduation, Larry joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Tactical Navigator on an SP -5B seaplane with Patrol Squadron 40, stationed in the Philippines.   On August 7th, 1965, Larry married the love of his life, Janet Speers.

In the middle of a successful career in the machine tool industry, Larry decided to pursue his dream of building a sailboat and living aboard with his family.  In 1978, Larry, Janet, and their two children moved from Indiana to Bothell, WA where they spent the next three years building a 38 foot double-ended ketch.  In 1981, the Chamberlain family moved aboard their boat, Rainbow, and sailed to the San Juan Islands, making their home in Friday Harbor.  Over the next 30 years, Larry pursued many professional interests, including running his own machine shop, building two houseboats, product development and manufacturing, researching and writing patents, and, for the last several years, working for Browne’s Home Center in contractor services.

Larry enjoyed sailing, fishing, camping, hunting, and working in his shop, and he never missed an opportunity to tell a story.  However, the greatest joy in his life was his wife, his children, and his five grandchildren.   He will be greatly missed.

Larry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janet Chamberlain of Friday Harbor, his daughter, Jennifer Cutshall, her husband Neil, their children Ransom (16), Nathaniel (13) and Isaac (2) of Snohomish, WA, his son, Wolfgang Chamberlain, his wife Erika Zanobini, their children Noah (5) and Achille (2) currently living in New Zealand, a brother, Gary Chamberlain and a sister, Penelope Dunn, both of Edgerton, WI.

A Memorial service is planned for early October in Friday Harbor (details to be announced).  In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a contribution to the San Juan Sailing Foundation, P.O. Box 2464, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Here's Margaret Larson talking to Orcas Island's Allium Chef Lisa Nakamura on KING 5 yesterday....

Late Monday, I got this note from Robin at the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau that the cameras from Seattle were coming this way….I checked this morning & the cooking section AND Robin talking about Artstock & Savor The San Juans IS posted on KING 5’s website for us right here. It’s cool to see friends from here & Orcas in the footage from the islands.
Here’s Robin’s note about what’s happening (from Monday):

I just found out that NBC’s Today Show host Kathie Lee Gifford will also be a guest on KING TV’s New Day Northwest show tomorrow when I bring Orcas Island’s Allium Chef Lisa Nakamura on the show for a cooking segment.  Anyone who knows me will know that I am not helping on the kitchen set!

The SJIVB's Robin Jacobson got a chance to tell everyone about the upcoming specials in October on the show (That's a screen capture of Robin...)

But I will be talking to host Margaret Larson about “Savor the San Juans” month and all the great October events and dining specials on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan.  Plus the many lodging deals and packages we’ve assembled to entice visitors to come for San Juan Island’s Artstock weekend, the new month-long Islands Farm Fest and all the other great offerings in October.

The Visitors Bureau website page for “Savor the San Juans” month is www.visitsanjuans.com/savor.

Robin

This will be next Sunday – plan now! Here’s the word from Rebecca Clarke at Island Rec:

Run, Walk & Wag 5K

Come join the pack for a frisky, fun 5K (3.1 miles) on Sunday, October 2nd. A race where you can walk or run along side your 4-legged friend!

Fun prizes will be awarded to top finishers in different dog size categories as well as for best race costume! Register as an individual with a dog or as a family with a dog. The race will take place out of Roche Harbor Resort near the pool lawn area and loop around White Point Rd.

Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash (6 ft. max) and well socialized. Register early and save money! Cost is $5 for individual, $10 for a family in advance; $10/$20 day-of. Register the day-of from 11am-12pm. Race start is at 12:15pm. Register online at www.islandrec.orgor stop by the Island Rec Office at 580 Guard St. from 1-5pm Mon-Fri. Call 378-4953 for more information.

You & your pup in action! Artwork by Carla MacDiarmid.

Pretty windy Sunday & all day Monday….the weather people said there were gusts up to 50 mph. Here’s what it looked like, at a glance:

It’s happening! Here’s the scoop:

ARTSTOCK 2011

The 5th annual Artstock –  “a fall festival of art,” celebrating the diverse artistic culture of the area, is coming to San Juan Island on October 1st and 2nd.  Two days of open art studios, art galleries, museum and other events will take place to delight your senses and feed your soul.

Savor this unique self-guided art tour showcasing local artists in their creative environment throughout San Juan Island plus museum and gallery receptions and events into the evening in Friday Harbor.

Paula West

The museum and galleries will be open from 10:00am-8:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am-6:00pm on Sunday.

Participating museums/galleries are Arctic Raven Gallery – Native American art; Gallery San Juan – unique local art; San Juan Islands Museum of Art – local and regional art; Island Studios – original local artwork; and Waterworks Gallery – contemporary artwork.

The open studio tour runs from 10:00am-4:30pm both days. Participating studios include Spaulding Studios, Lewis and Nancy Spaulding – photography and pastel and oil paste; Green Winds Studio, artist Kristy Gjesme with guest artist, Margaret Thorson – painting, mixed media and fiber arts; Joyce Crain – painting and mixed media; San Juan  Glassworks, artist Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso – art glass and encaustics; Paula West Pottery – pottery; and Michael Stosic Studios, oil painting.

Artstock sponsors include the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor and Earthbox Motel and Spa.

Brochures with a map of studio locations and gallery information can be picked up at the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, Gallery San Juan, Arctic Raven Gallery, Waterworks Gallery, and Island Studios, all located in Friday Harbor.

Darleen Nixon

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

Special Events will include:

Island Studios will be hosting the following events:

Saturday, October 1^st:
Noon – 2:00pm Karyn King, Photographer
3:00pm – 5:00pm Darleen Nixon, Glass Artist
4:00pm – 7:00pm Reception with wine/hors d’oeuvres

Sunday, October 2^nd: 
Noon – 2:00pm Pat McDole, Watercolorist
3:00pm – 5:00pm  Kate Schuman, Song/Guitar Music

+++++++++

Arctic Raven Gallery is pleased to host Lonnie Acord, acclaimed adopted Tlingit Native American carver.

Lonnie Acord

He will be demonstrating carving from 3:30pm – 7:30pm on Saturday, October 1 as part of Artstock.

The best work of his long, colorful, career will be on display.

Frontlets, masks, and dance wands inlayed with abalone and horsehair will captivate viewers of all ages.

On Saturday at the Arctic Raven, singer/songwriter Ian Byington will play acoustic guitar for your pleasure from 5:30-7:30pm.

+++++++++++

Island Museum of Art will host “Sounds of Sculpture” October 2nd 5-8 pm at the IMA Sculpture Park in Roche Harbor.  Music, Beer Garden, Food, Art!  IMA Museum 285 Spring Street: Kurt Wenner Exhibition on Saturday, October 1^st and Sunday, October 2^nd.

+++++++++

Tom Small

WaterWorks Gallery is pleased to present the work of Tom Small. Tom has lived on the island for many years, building his reputation as a stone sculptor. In the past Tom’s interest has included stone, wood and steel. This year Tom introduced a major new element, cast colored glass. The intersection and interaction of these two materials creates a luminescence in Tom’s stone sculpture. For Artstock, Tom installed a few major sculptures outside the gallery  and inside will be a smaller scale collections of these works.

There will be video presentations running while Tom is demonstrating different stone techniques. He will talk at 3pm about his work on Saturday and on Sunday at 2pm. A gallery’s reception for the artist is Saturday 4-8PM. The gallery has represented Tom’s work for 23 years.

For more information call (360) 378-6550 or go to www.artstocksanjuanisland.com.

It's a parody of what Vincent might have painted, with a cat added - by Eve Riser-Roberts.

Love many things,
for therein lies the true strength,
and whosoever loves much performs much,
and can accomplish much,
… and what is done in love is done well.

Vincent Van Gogh

A good one, for parents who care....

It’s possible that our island happens to be one of the best-read communities around….it’s pretty common to see folks with books on the ferry, with bookmarks deep into 700-page novels. Similarly, and with as much passion, we have some of the most informed & involved parents you’ll ever meet.

Put ’em together & you get good books to read about parenting. Here’s a review by island writer & book reviewer TeriLyn Brown about a book that moved her:

I am feeling compelled to write this, a recommendation for a book just finished. There are many personal affinities that I have with it, but they are also elements that are common to  many other people, that I think it is worth the time to write something.  The book is “Raising Elijah” by Sandra Steingraber, now available at the FH library. Steingraber is a mom, a wife, a working woman (biochemist/writer), who lives in a small town in upstate New York, in circumstances many here in FH will find familiar.  She is also a well-respected advocate for environmental concerns, advising our government policy as well as that of the European Parliament.

Sandra Steingraber

Her compelling reason for writing is the silent and widespread poisoning of our environment, especially as it relates, in a disproportionate degree, to our children.  We hear much about so many studies and toxins that, as a public, we are tuning them out.

She has taken up the challenge of presenting the research, side-by-side with the story of her life and that of her small children, in a way that is familiar and accessible to everyone, presenting the subject in a political timeline that compares the current dangers with the successful remediations of the past, such as the federal ban on some pesticides and the use of lead paint.  Her point is that in our current political climate, these kinds of protections are no longer possible, unless there is a greater outcry by parents.

Included are the extremely disturbing pediatric symptoms of lowered intelligence, early-onset of puberty, increased miscarriage/early birth rate, and number of asthma cases — related through specific case studies involving proximity to coal-fired factories and chemical manufacturing plants —  as well as the spiraling, general concentration of hormone disruptors in American mothers with those attendant, increased pediatric concerns.

As a scientist, she is warns that some of these environmental concerns may indeed have negligible effects. But some are clearly and factually dangerous with many studies and reports to support the conclusions. Despite all this bad news, she has the hopefulness of a mother, believing that once we understand the dangers, our parental dedication will inspire action. How she manages to turn this research into hope is one of the most mysterious elements of the book – doing it mainly through inspiring the belief that if we advocate as well as model a different life for our children, then change is possible.

A wonderful and readable book, the only challenge, for parents, is when will we have time to read it.

TeriLyn Brown

Thought I’d share this with you for maybe three reasons….

I think the critical part of this presentation is the notion of the difference between “compliance” and “engagement.” How many times in our day are we just checking things off a list, rather than finding ourselves engaged with them? And…most especially with people & friends & clients & co-workers…do we do the things we’re “supposed” to do, or do we take the time & heart to go deeper?

Thing 2: It’s possible that this presentation might turn a business model that’s already in place on its head…but (if you’re the worker, not the boss) what will it take to change over to this idea?

Thing 3: I like the presentation, with the high-speed drawing. Neat way to tell a story, to make a point, to visualize.