The marina at Friday Harbor on Sunday morning as the fog lifts...photo by Kevin Holmes.

Yesterday’s foggy morning burned off for the sun, then the afternoon downpour, then more sun….just another day in paradise. Hope you get a chance to get out in today’s warm & windy rain…cleansing before the autumn really kicks in.

It’ll be special: The San Juan Island Garden Club will be feature Karen Antia as their presenter for the October 4, 2011 meeting. Karen will demonstate how to select, start, and maintain bonsai plantings. The meeting is at 1pm at the Mullis Center – be sure & RSVP to Dot Vandaveer 378-8306 or to Joyce Harrell 378-6146 no later than October 1, 2011!

Deer me....the whole fam's on the lam...cutting across the apartment parking lot, just off Tucker Avenue.

Did you know?

• Drop by the Sandpebble on Saturday! Here’s more from Carolyn:

Join the Sandpebble this Saturday at 10 am for the First Annual Odds and Ends Sale located behind Sandpebble just off of Sunshine Alley. Shop these great deals of 50-80% off past seasons inventory and help us make room for all the fun new goodies. We will have glassware, rugs, linens, pillows, vases, stationary, clothing, kids items, and so much more. Really a TON of great stuff…spread the word!

• You saw that Iran released those two hikers this week that it had been holding – one of them may come to relax in the islands, here, according to this story. Tell him not to get too close to the Canadian border….

• Lost & not found, yet: David Bentley from St. David’s tells me they found something you may be missing: “A very unusual key with a number tag was found in front of Saint David’s Episcopal Church Office at 760 Park Street. The owner can call 378-5360 to describe and claim.”

• I stood outside with my baseball mitt last night, but the satellite bits didn’t land near me on the island. I just know that if I go to a Mariners game without a mitt, a foul ball will come my way (they don’t hit homers, usually.) Same principle.

Proof I've arrived, career-wise.

• When Neil McShea very nicely sent me the cameraphone pic of one of my CDs at the Thrift Store last week (I love recycled music, and for the tunes to find new homes), it reminded me of years ago when Julie was working at the transfer station & she told me, “Hey, I really like that song of yours, Flowers in the Sand.” I said, “Wow, that’s great! You must have the cassette, eh?” She said “Yep, found it in the landfill.”

I said it was great she rescued it, and she said there were two others with it….

Transient killer whale two days ago...photo by Jim Maya.

Just heard that King Fitch is stepping down after 24 years as Town Administrator for the Town of Friday Harbor. He has asked the Mayor to consider his retirement effective June 30, 2012…here’s more, from a Town press release:

Mayor Carrie Lacher annnounced today that King Fitch, town administrator, will be retiring during the 1st half of 2012. Mr. Fitch informed the mayor and council members by personal phone calls. “There just doesn’t seem to be a good time for difficult news,” noted the mayor. “Mr. Fitch’s dedication, knowledge, and expertise have been critical to ensuring the well-being of this town. His daily presence will be sorely missed.”

Mr. Fitch was selected as town administrator 24 years ago by then-Mayor Jim Cahill when King was a building inspector for the town. Among Mr. Fitch’s many significant accomplishments for the town include securing water rights for the town’s future growth, facilitating implementation of the growth management act, merging the island fire departments, and overseeing several major public works projects, including the recent replacement of the submarine sewer line.

“Council members, residents, local business owners, staff and crew all have benefited from and rely on King’s steadying hand at the tiller,” noted Mayor Lacher. “Mr. Fitch can be proud of his achievements and legacy of his tenure with the town.”

By town ordinance, the administrator is appointed by and serves at the will of the mayor. The mayor and administrator are currently working on a strategy and timeline for the upcoming transition period.

Last weekend saw a Gathering of Golden Rabbits at Illg Beach. Some of the dozens of islanders that celebrated their sixtieth birthdays in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit are, from left, Liz Illg, Jeff Iverson (back), Terrea Bennett, Nancy DeVaux, Joe Tein, Jeff Altman and Sam Buck, Jr. Some of the bunnies are sporting Golden Rabbit Tees which are available in limited supply from creator Terrea Bennett at Rising Tide Arts (risingtidearts.com).

Lots going on this weekend – let’s take a look:

• New record! You know how folks pull over on Tucker Avenue to make their cell phone calls because a) it’s a good move since you can’t drive & talk, it’s against the law, and b) you lose reception on the way out of town anyway….I counted six people pulled over yesterday to get their business done. Most I’ve ever seen….

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Betty Makoni

• Julie Hagn tells me there’s a workshop for empowering young women this weekend that will be a powerful experience as Betty Makoni comes to speak:

It’s 1:00-5:00 pm on Saturday the 24th at Spring Street International School – it’s open to girls 13-21. Cost is $30 per person and the proceeds go to Girl Child Network)…and there is a potluck afterwards for the girls who attend and their mothers from 5:00-6:00! See you there!

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• Wahoo! The FHHS soccer team beat Concrete last night 3-1 and the volleyball team won, too! Tonight: the football guys take on Nooksack Valley, there.

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• There’s photos of the musicians for this weekend’s Equinox San Juan show at the Shakespeare stage at Roche Harbor on Mike Adams’ Islands Music website….check it out! Here’s the rest of the story (click here)…we’ll get underway at 10am, with music from noon to 10pm.

Lots of musicians in one place – come early (so I can sing for you!) and stay late! Here’s the schedule:

OPA, At Large
12-12:30 Ian Byington
12:45- 1:15 Jesse & Nikki
1:30-2:10 Debbie Nash Strasser
2:20- 3:00 Kels Boreen
3:10-3:50 Daniel Finn
4:00-4:45 Duo-Tones
5:00-5:45 The Sliders
6:00 – 6:45 Loons
7:00-7:45 Julia & the Dream
8:00pm-8:45 Be Careful
9:00-10pm Deaf Pete

See you there!

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• Ruth dropped us a line that you can come dance tonight:

Join us this Friday, September 23, at 7Pm at the XYZ Movement Studio to learn a new dance WEST COAST SWING with Boston area guest instructor, Heather Conkerton. This basic lesson runs for approx an hour and the cost is $ 5.00 per person.

Stay after the lesson to practice your dance steps, from 8 – 10pm. Music provided for dances ranging from Swing to Cha Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot  and Waltz. Dance is by donation to cover the cost of the studio rental.

Any questions contact, Paul Barger, [email protected]  or  360.3784333

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Adam (left) and Aaron

• I asked Aaron D’Errico how he’s doing & what’s he up to these days – he’s got a contest he needs you to vote for him in, by the 26th…here’s the rest of the story:

I’m doing well, continually improving since my accident in February.  I’m walking every day and writing.  I’m also working with my mentor, comic book illustrator and writer, Paul Chadwick, once a week.

As you may remember, my last entry into a Stan Lee contest, in February, 2011 got # 14 out of the top 20 in the world.  I was hit shortly after entering.  My first entry got to #3, in October of 2010.

My latest project is another Stan Lee contest.  This time to write a graphic novel for Stan, who’s teamed up with MTV for “The Seekers”.  (Here’s more.)

Stan is the legendary creator of Spider-Man, and Marvel Comics. Continue Reading

Kyra (left) and Maggie show off one of Regan's creations - a graduation quilt, printed from Strand's textile printer.

When you drop by Regan Taylor‘s new spot for her shop (Strand!), it’ll be easy to locate her – she moved next door in the same building.

She opened Strand at the first of the summer last year at the Corner Store on Cattle Point Road at the top of the hill, up from Golf Course Road. The other side is lighter, brighter & somehow more cheerful…maybe because it faces the water. (I just said that….actually, every place on the island faces the water, eventually.)

This beautiful piece fills the wall....

There are two parts to Strand – Regan has an antique & collectibles part of the store which is amazing in its own right, and her studio in the back with her 72-inch printer which prints on all kinds of cloth (see the bike picture? Stuff like that, which is REALLY amazing in person.

She’s open each day except for Tuesday & Wednesday – drop by & see the shop, or call at 317-6936. You’ll love it! (And you’ll want to see what YOUR art looks like, huge!)

Explore the store...it changes weekly....

Drop by Regan's shop today!

Beau

It was cool to spend the last week listening to Beau Borrero’s new CD, “Well.”

Most of his songs tell a story of the fun of love, balanced with the hopefulness of it, as well as the awkwardness that always seems to accompany it (in his song Stupid, he says he’s so in love his heart leaps up to squirt his brain out his ears).

He has a poet’s ear for both the rhythms and rhymes that make a song do that magic thing you hope for: Draw a picture that is clear & easy to get your head & heart around. He uses the first person all the way through, which makes his personal connection to what he’s saying that much more direct…it works, as he connects to love (If I Had You, I Wanna Be Your Lover, Daydream Lover), as he connects to dreams & visions & the past (I’m Gonna Fly), as he connects to the darker part of his heart (Archangel – “I could use some help with this part of the game”) and as he connects the cello-underlined loss of love (Hole in My Heart).

Start by listening to songs on th website....

Beau seems to be a natural with the production values of the collection – the set is well-mixed & recorded, which makes it easier to listen to than most first-time albums I’ve heard. His acoustic guitar-based tunes make effective & sparing use of piano, banjo, dobro, cello, mandolin, even a harp with backup vocals that give each song its own voice. His warm, clear voice wraps the words in a baritone blanket that is easy to hear again & over again.

You can hear samples on his website…check him out!

Coho has been recognized for the third straight year....

Just heard from Stephanie for Coho Restaurant:

We are once again the proud recipients of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Our 2011 award marks our third consecutive year – pretty good considering we’ve only been in business three full years!

The awards are granted to those restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections that are appropriate to the cuisine served in the restaurant, and which appeal to a wide range of wine consumers. The Award of Excellence, typically given to lists that offer at least 100 selections, indicates a well-chosen selection of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Coho’s list of over 290 wines offers substantially more than “typical.”

Dave and Anna Maria are always tasting, always seeking out new producers to include on the list. Ask them “what’s new” and you’ll get an interesting answer every time!

Off Stuart Island yesterday...photo by Jim Maya

Beautiful days on San Juan Island ahead…let’s look around:

• There have been superpods of the three resident pods these last couple of days off the west side, and this might be a good to check out the talk tonight at The Whale Museum in The Whale Museum’s Lecture Series: Killer Whales of Western Alaska. Dave from the Center for Whale Research presents his findings…starts at 7pm.

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Time to head back to university...Dan English (FHHS '08) and his friend David came back from a couple of weeks in Alaska earlier this month - now it's time to head back to the books at the University of Washington.

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• Eileen says the next “Know Your Island Walk” is this Saturday – here’s the deal (these are fun!):

KNOW YOUR ISLAND WALK: Sat. Sept. 24, 1:00pm. Meet Marilyn O’Conner, Director of the Port of Friday Harbor, to “Walk the Port” (airport to boat harbor to Jackson’s Beach and back to the airport). Meet and park at Skagit Valley College parking lot. Dogs, on leashes, are welcome. Length is 3 miles. Terrain is sidewalks and pavement.  Rating is moderate. Information:: 360-378-5646.

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• Tough times: It’s been hard to hear about the passing of Gary Bryant and Bob Greenway this past weekend, and that Carmen Dixon had a fire at her house last week.

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• Mary Doerfliein & the German Club have a film on Sunday at 7pm:

The island will be saying “Goodbye, Lenin,” with a movie hosted by Dan Drath playing at the San Juan Island Library Meeting Room, a complimentary feature sponsored by the German Club, and first in a series of nine during 2011 and 2012. It’s free! And popcorn is permitted.

I saw someone from Bainbridge Island buying this shirt at Cotton Cotton Cotton this weekend....

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• At Island Rec, this is a good time to get your card (or get it updated) – here’s more from Sally:

First Aid & CPR Classes Offered
Be prepared for an injury or life-threatening emergency that could take place in your home or workplace. Island Rec is offering a First Aid Class on Monday September 26 and CPR on Wednesday September 28. Both classes meet at the Aid Unit on Spring Street and run from 5:30-9:30pm. Cost is $25 per class and pre-registration is required. Register for one or both classes on www.islandrec.og or in person at Island Rec at 580 Guard Street, between 1-5pm Monday through Friday. Call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information.

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Jim & Ruthie joined Ashley at her graduation from college last year....

• It was so cool to hear from Ashley Paull that her parents Ruthie & Jim had their 44th wedding aniversary last week!

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• Gordy Peterson checks in:

Hi, Your readers might want to know about the contest to name the new public works boat. Some of the names are are hoot. See them here on the Island Guardian.

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• It’s great to hear from the boys about the Greenhouse Project…here’s a bit of background from Linda Degnan-Cobos:

Cody & Parker & Ryan

This is a photo of Cody Pierce, Ryan Cole, and Parker Satin, the three boys from Jenny Wilson’s Community Projects class at the high school, who got the current grant for the greenhouse project to be located at the Land & Sea garden across from the high school/middle school.

They were mentored through the grant stage of the project by Scott Fitzstephens of Land & Sea, Slow Food’s Friday Harbor chapter, Scotts work on that part of the project was made possible by a grant from a generous local Friday Harbor couple. Marion Melville has since generously donated a great deal of time to help the boys navigate through the next part of the undertaking..

The project is now being taken to stage 2 by two students in Jenny’s 2011-2012 class, Steven Kelly and Julian Perren, and the entire project is once again being generously mentored by Marion Melville.

A greenhouse project was initially started about 3 years ago by a Community Service project student, Aaron Kendzoriak, from FHHS, but stalled when no site was available, but Aaron laid the groundwork for the success of this wonderful student/community effort.

Here’s the word from the guys:

Hello, Everyone!

Well our greenhouse group has come a long way since last semester. We’ve tackled many things that we never thought we would be able to, just high schoolers.

We were approved for our Greenhouse by the County Council with no rejections at all. We then obtained our building permit from the Town of Friday Harbor. Our final big presentation was in front of the Historic Preservation committee. The next step after that was to take the money that we successfully received from the Gates Grant Foundation for a total of $8,000, and actually purchase the greenhouse itself.

One day a lot sooner than expected the kit showed up! Now here we are today. We are offering to let a few students from the new Community Projects class to tackle this project with us head on. That’s where we are currently with our project and we feel very accomplished with where we are right now.

But it’s time to take that final step into the finalization of the project. We now have a volunteer Facebook page where you can sign up in a super easy way. Either search Community Project Greenhouse Page or go to the page here.

We would also like to say to those who volunteered previously at the Community Presentation we sincerely apologize, but unfortunately through all the work, commotion and hassle, we have misplaced that list. We so deeply apologize once again for the mistake. We would appreciate if you would sign up again if you are willing.

Thank you,
Ryan Cole, Parker Satin & Cody Pierce
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You can get yours at San Juan Wireless on Mullis Street - Denny & Joy are carrying iPhones now!

• It’s time for trivia! Here’s more from Peggy & Oren:

“Our’s is #966. What is it?” Hard to believe this bonus trivia question stumped 60 of Friday Harbor’s best trivia players for almost a week, but it did. Fall feels like it’s here, so it’a time to start Trivia again. Thursday, Sept. 22nd, 7pm sharp, team league play. We are already writing & researching questions for our 17th season of trivia in Friday Harbor. We are looking forward to spending an evening (or 30) with our returning players, as well as meeting new players. Returning teams are asked to drop us a line, 378-5555, Rumor Mill’s facebook site, or [email protected] to confirm attendance. New teams welcome, there’s always a little more room. Spectators welcome, if you promise not to yell out the answers. $5 entry, weekly prizes. Come on down before the game for dinner and avoid the 7pm rush.

What was the answer to #966? It was the number of Friday Harbor’s Grange Hall.

Happy Trivia-ing, Peggy & Oren

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In the past budget cycle for the school district, the ASK program at the elementary school was cut, which was a great loss, as it provided after-school care for kids at FHES for working parents. As it has so many times before, Island Rec stepped in to pick up the slack,  and is now managing an afterschool program – here’s the scoop, from Sally at Island Rec:

STAR is a supervised, safe enriching and nurturing after school experience for boys and girls ages 5-12.  The program includes a variety of enriching recreational programs that include sports and games, arts and crafts, hobbies, nature and life long leisure pursuits.  Daily the program includes time for kids to unwind after school with supervised free play, snack, structured recreational activities and home work time and assistance.

The daily rate is $12.50 per day with a 10% discount for those registered on a weekly basis.

Call me if you want more information at 378-4953.

Sign up today!

Here’s a little story from Derek Sivers:

At a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island, Kurt Vonnegut tells his friend, Joseph Heller, that their host, a hedge fund manager, had made more money in a single day than Heller had earned from his wildly popular novel Catch-22 over its whole history.

Heller said, “Yes, but I have something he will never have: Enough.”

Lots going on! Let’s take a look:

• Kirk has a show on Thursday – here’s more:

Carolyn Cruso

Greetings supporters and enjoyers of live local music!

Isle be Jammin’ Performer’s Showcase is presenting  Carolyn Cruso and Alison Post in concert Thursday Sept 22 at 7;00pm.  This concert will be sure to please as Carolyn shares her brilliant hammer dulcimer playing and  wonderful voice, guitar and stories.  She lives on Orcas Island and travels the country sharing her spirit and talents. She has received high accolades from cd reviewers and concert promoters.

“Cruso’s work is expressive and fluid…her guitar work is exceptional….this is passionate stuff!….” Victory Music Review, Seattle

Alison Post lives on Waldron Island and is a folk-roots singer with  sweet melodies and  sensitive lyrics. She plays guitar, and for this event, multi-instrumentalist Mark Minkler will be accompanying her. She has sung in rock bands and performed at the Seattle Folk Life Festival as well as small clubs through out the Northwest. Her newest demo cd with Orville Johnson is to be released in the near future.

There will be two individual sets with a combined finale of harmonic sharing.

Tickets  $10  on sale NOW at the store…..310B Spring Street.    378 5151

Thanks for your interest in keeping affordable live music ALIVE in Friday Harbor.

Kirk

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An Evening in Paris...right here on the island!

• Meanwhile, the Soroptimist Club always puts on fun fundraisers – here’s more from Judy Adams:

2011 “AN EVENING IN PARIS”  BUNCO FUNDRAISER!

Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor invites you to the Fall Bunco – An Evening in Paris Girls Night Out fundraiser on Friday, September 23rd, 6pm at the Mullis Center.

Event tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at The Toy Box and Spa d’ Bune.  Your $20.00 ticket includes Bunko games and appetizers.  This will be a fun night out so wear your fancy hat if you wish!  Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available.  There will be raffle items and lots of prizes too.  No Bunko experience necessary.  Bunko is a dice game that is fun, fast and easy to learn.  Invite your girlfriends for a great time!  Must be 21 to attend.

This event helps fund the Soroptimist Cancer  Treatment Transportation Project which provides ferry tickets for San Juan Island cancer patients to go to the mainland for treatments.  For more information about the Ferry Ticket Program please visit the club website at www.SiFri.org.  For more info on the Bunko Event please contact Judy Adams at 370-5538 or Carol Capps at 378-8539.
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 •  There are a couple of things going on at San Juan Healthcare:

Becky & Mark want you to know:

Please join Dr. Mark Fishaut & Becky Phillips, LPN at San Juan Healthcare for an organizational meeting for parents and teens who have ADD, ADHD, or other related issues on Tuesday, Sept. 20th at 7:15pm…for more info, call at 378-1338.

Meanwhile, it’s getting near flu time, so Karie has this reminder:

We would like to announce our 2011 Drop-In Flu Clinic Schedule: Flu Clinics begin Wednesday, September 21^st from 1:30 to 4:30. Walk in Clinics will run every Wednesday from 1:30-4:30 while supplies last. (except Wednesday October 5, 2011 Flu Shot Clinic will be held at the Mullis Center 1pm-4pm).

Flu shots will be available by appointment only outside of our scheduled Walk in Clinics.

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• Mike Adams & Friends have pulled together what looks like a fun end-of-summer show with tons of local musicians playing this Saturday…It’s only $10 & looks like a great time to me. Here’s the scoop (with more details), and here’s the basic picture – see  you there!

Farmers Market at 10am tomorrow at Brickworks!

If you’re looking to get out of the house this weekend, here’s some ideas:

• The Duck Soup Inn slides into its fall schedule this week, with Happy Hour Friday starting today from 4-6pm with discounted cocktails and appetizers. Anna Lisa tells me, “It should be especially fun with our new Forest Lounge as seating and mingling space.” The Inn will also have Wine on Wednesdays, with 25% off bottles of wine with your dinner.

• At the Rumor Mill tonight it’s the Tease (get your dancin’ shoes on!), with T:Flo & live band karaoke on Saturday and Ed Wilson on Sunday. The Chameleons are at Roche Harbor tonight and Saturday, and there’s contra dancing at the Grange on Saturday night.

• The football team plays at 6:30pm tonight at FHHS…nothing like an evening at the field. Go, Wolverines!

• Browne’s Home Center’s Customer Appreciation Day is from 10am to 1pm on Saturday! See you tehre!