Skip McPadden caught this shot off South Beach two nights ago, with the sea in the strait flat & calm....

Here’s Jackson Browne in 1978 with his “Rock Me on the Water”……

The road is filled with homeless souls…..

Coming home: Sunset from the Anacortes ferry at the dock...it always feel to me like I'm already home, when we're all settled in for the ride to Friday Harbor....

Hope your morning is off to a good start…let’s see what’s going on:

• Tonight’s the OPALCO power outage at 11pm…lights should be back on by 6am on Friday morning!

Great to see Carla & Dan at the Tooth Ferry's grand opening last weekend!

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• Elizabeth Schubert says: “I heard my dear hubby talking to our almost three year old daughter: ‘You can’t go outside naked. No, not even with your shoes on.’ ”

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• Kurt & Peggy Long tell me they closed the dive charter shop (NakNek Charters) a few months ago & took over Shu’s job as caretaker on Brown Island. They tell me Mike & Jan at Friday Harbor Marine are still filling tanks….

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• Yesterday & today, photographer Mark Gardner has shot over 800 kids at the schools…

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• Dave Calhoun: “When I was a kid, my mother said don’t take life too seriously. I might have taken that a little too far.”

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Always making things better: Ted Strutz is helping Regan move her shop & studio into the space next door, at the Corner Store. Drop by tomorrow, when the job's done & check it out!

• Denny & Joy Sevier at San Juan Wireless tell me Verizon now works with iPhones & iPads, and they will have them in the shop by tomorrow or so….

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• You know, I have heard nothing but great things about the job Stella & Pat have done with Zip San Juan this summer…all summer long when I would ask visitors what they did on the island, when they reported they went zippin’ they would light up & take out their cameras to show you pictures & just glow. Good to have that kind of thing happening here! Way to go, guys!

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Gabe & Jennifer Herda caught this nice shot of their girl Sidney at the beach....

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• What’s new: Jenny at the Bean just got her ears pierced. Really. Check when you go in.

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According my brother, an exchange between my mom & dad when I was home, with the tenderest of tone by Dad:

Mom: Did you let the cat in?
Dad: Yes, I let the cat in.
Mom: Did you close the door?
Dad: Yes, it’s closed.
Mom: Did you lock it?
Dad: Yes, it’s all locked up.
Mom: You’re sure?
Dad: I’m sure. I wouldn’t want anyone to come in here & steal you.

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He's coming -tickets are selling fast for David Bromberg, who will appear with the band, Ollabelle, at San Juan Community Theatre this Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 pm.

Let’s see what’s going on ’round here:

Kayakers & eelgrass, by West Howard

• West Howard is one of the guides at Outdoor Odysseys this past summer – and he’s a heck of a photographer! Here’s more, from OO’s blog.

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• Amy Wynn says it’s not too late:

Ian, would you mind letting your readers know that it’s not too late for folks to sign up their kids for fall swim lessons?  Stop by San Juan Fitness or give them a call at 378-4449.

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• Rhonda Scott says it’s this weekend – if you’d like a chance to sell at the Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace the two days after Thanksgiving, bring your arts and crafts items to be screened to the San Juan Island Library on Sunday, Sept. 18th 1:00pm. Screening Applications are available at Vital Elements at 30 First St. Friday Harbor, WA.

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• At Waterworks Gallery this Thursday at 7pm, there will be an artist talk with Sue Roberts – you can see some of her work here.

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• Notes from the kids’ soccer folks – Travis sent in these reminders:

We will have an informal cleat exchange at FHES this Saturday the 17th – bring your old ones & get new ones!

And…Hoodie and Scarf forms were previously emailed and are available on www.islandsoccer.org (soon to be kept updated by Amy Harold – thanks Amy!) they are due to a coach or Board Member by this Saturday the 17th.

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• Deb Nolan has a request (check out the vid – I think Kyle & Kyle have put together a pretty cool piece of work):

I am reaching out and asking for a little favor…my son Kyle is a finalist in a big competition on the Thrasher Website, a pretty big deal in the skateboarding world. The winner gets a spot on the Bones Team big deal to Kyle…he has worked hard. Kyle Stenide, another FHHS graduate did the filming and editing.

Follow the link to here…. check out his video and PLEASE vote for Kyle at the bottom.
You do not have to join the site , just click on Kyle and vote. Thanks!

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Happy 32nd wedding anniversary to Pat & Debbie Sandwith - married September 8th, 1979!

When I was visiting my folks in Tennessee last week, I had the chance to catch up with music buddies there in Nashville, who wanted to know what we had going on, on the island here. This little video by Rhiana Franklin was one of their faves amongst the tunes we shared (I had Kate Schuman‘s album with me, too)…filmed & recorded by Britt907 & Cecil last year:

Andrew V. McLaglen at the book signing...photo by Colleen Johansen (thanks, Colleen!)

One of the highlights of the month has been this event, earlier this month…Helen King was there, and offered to share her sense of what happened (with photos by Colleen Johansen):

There was a nice turnout Saturday evening  (Sept. 3rd) for the book signing of Andrew V.McLaglen’s biography at Griffin Bay Book Store with standing room only.

Author Stephen Armstrong described the three years he spent in interviews with Andrew researching his life which created a close friendship and relationship between them.  Much of that time was spent in watching his history in films and TV shows, together in Andrew’s den where there is a complete library of his works.

Stephen Armstrong...photo by Colleen Johansen.

In the crowd that night were friends, relatives, and many locals who acted under his direction for many years when Andrew directed plays and musicals at the Community Theatre.  At 92 years of age, and a towering 6 foot 7 inches, Andrew still has a hearty laugh, sharp memory for details even fifty years ago, and lots of dark hair with little gray showing.

He entertained the crowd with stories of his life, and actors and directors he has worked with over the years.  There was a showing of some scenes from one of his favorite movies with Jimmy Stewart, Shenandoah that he directed.  After the presentation, there were questions from the audience.  Andrew was never stumped for an answer and had no unkind words about anyone he has worked with over the years. He also would not divulge any rumors of scandal involving “Miss Kitty” in the ‘Gunsmoke” series when asked.

Andrew holds the distinction of directing the most episodes of “Gunsmoke” (1955).He also holds the distinction of directing the most episodes of “Have Gun – Will Travel” (1957). He is one of the few directors to have directed both Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. San Juan Island has been his home for over thirty years, and was always the retreat he came to between films and shooting TV shows.

His father, Victor McLaglen, known as a famous boxer, was the first in the family to enter the movie business, winning an Academy Award for his performance in The Informer (1935). Andrew has that Oscar on a shelf in the corner of his living room.  Victor was also nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for The Quiet Man (1952), He died about a month after his final role in an episode of “Rawhide” (1959), directed by his son Andrew V. McLaglen.

Currently, Andrew’s daughter Mary McLaglen and son Josh McLaglen have followed in the family footsteps as both are successful producers and assistant directors sometimes working together on films. Mary was in the audience and has a home next door to Andrew with an upstairs apartment for Josh and his family when they come to visit. Andrew’s daughter Sharon also lives on the island and attended the event and is now retired from her career in the film industry as well.

Audrey & Sam

Congrats to Sam & Audrey! Here’s the word from Shannon, the groom’s mom:

Samuel W. Bailey and Audrey C. Sowers, were married on September 10, 2011 at the groom’s parents’ property on San Juan Island.

Sam is the son of Bill and Shannon Bailey of San Juan Island, and brother to Eli, Ben and Kestrel Bailey. Audrey is the daughter of Cindy Grindell, formerly of Bellingham, WA and now living in Indianapolis, IN and David Sowers of Renton, WA. She is the sister of Liz and Alicia Sowers.

The couple is making their home in Bellingham.

In his third year at the University of San Francisco, Cameron has a added a new song to the set....

FHHS grad (’09) Cameron left last month to return to college, but on the way to San Francisco he dropped by Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven recording studio to record his new song Salt & Sand for you, with additional video from the beach next to Golden Gate State Park.

Give it a listen…you’re gonna love it!

It’s this weekend!

Danielle Dean Palmer had a show of folks' efforts with pinhole photography last weekend, and I found it fascinating... the inset shows how the photo paper inside the circular container receives the light. Cool stuff!

It felt like the first day of summer this weekend with all the sun & warmth & great reasons to get outside…hope you got a chance to play! Let’s take a look around:

• This is a great day to drop by the League of Women Voters’ meeting today at twelve at the Library. Always interesting, always topical…here’s more from Susan Dehlendorf & Sarah Crosby:

Learn “The Truth about Taxes” with the League of Women Voters September 12. The League of Women Voters of the San Juans invites members and the public to learn “The Truth about taxes: what choices do we have?” at noon, September 12 at the San Juan Library.

Economist Ed Dolan will discuss our current system of taxation and what options exist to make changes in how we fund our Federal government. Bring your questions!

San Juan County resident Dolan holds a doctorate in economics from Yale University and has taught in American and European universities. He has published extensively and maintains a blog, dolanecon.blogspot.com, focused on promoting economic literacy for both academic professionals and the general public.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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• From Dave Calhoun: “When I was a kid my dad said I was lazy, and I said I was just pacing myself. Turns out we were both right.”

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Getting the picture taken: These visitors from Ohio & Pennsylvania dropped by Victoria on the way to San Juan Island on the Sidney ferry last night.

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• Adrienne at the library has a special author coming this weekend who will fire you up, whether you’re a runner or a runner supporter:

Cami comes to San Juan Island next weekend...

“Second Wind” author Cami Ostman to speak at the Library!

The San Juan Island Library hosts author Cami Ostman Saturday, September 17th at 6:00 pm. Ostman will talk about her book Second Wind: One Woman’s Midlife Quest to Run Seven Marathons on Seven Continents. Second Wind tells Cami’s  story of “a woman edging toward midlife who decides to take on a challenge that stretches her way outside of her comfort zone.”

Cami's book....

After going through a divorce, a friend suggests to Cami that she try running to help take her mind off her problems. Upon discovering that running helps Cami deal with the ups and downs of life, she decides that her personal “vision quest” is to run seven marathons, on seven continents. Second Wind is not just a book for runners, about running. The author’s journey is one of self-discovery and a story about finding inner strength. For more information on Cami, or to see where she’s running now, visit her website.

All Library programs are free and open to the public; they are graciously sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Library hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. Library cards are free to island residents with proof of residency.

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Both on-island & off, it was great to see the soccer asssociation's new uniforms for this season...that's the U-15 boys (left) coached by Tim Barrett & Juan Lopez, and the U-13 girls (right) coached by Tony Fyrqvist before & after their games off-island.

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Just married....

• Congrats to Clark & Shelly, getting married this past weekend!

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• It was a close game, but the Vikings came back in the last couple of minutes to hang onto the Island Cup in Saturday’s football game over on Orcas. Friday Harbor was ahead 15–13 before Orcas’ last score.

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• You’ll remember that film called Saving Luna that won so many awards in Canada a couple of years ago, and had a wonderful, well-received showing at The Community Theatre two falls back…it has been re-done with a new narrator (Ryan Reynolds) and a new name (The Whale) and opened in Seattle last weekend.

A number of local folks (including Soundwatch’s Kari Koski and the Center for Whale Research) are featured in the story. Here’s more.

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Meg Carrier runs down the ball in her U-8 soccer match Saturday...it was a great day to begin the season for soccer and football over at the elementary field, with a zillion kids & the sunny day, and parents cheering for their kids.

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• It was great to drop in on Matthew Gray Palmer’s studio this past weekend (remember the elephant? Remameber the bass?) where he’s working on a wildcat for the University of Kentucky…I always find myself saying “Wow!” when I see his work…

That's one cool cat....

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Teddy & the guys are ready to play right for you!

• Teddy Deane says they have the new album ready for you! Here’s more about the CD release party:

The Play-Rite Boys CD Release party Thursday, Sept. 15 (better known as this Thursday) at the Rumor Mill, 7:30pm till just before they turn the lights out.

PRB is me, Jonathan Piff, Cecil DeMeerleer, and Dennis Willows, with the Brave Drinking Men of Battery D, the Rumor Mill Singers (shades of Uncle Otto), and Wendy Westerwelle ( an outstanding talent from Portland).

Sure, we’ll sing my “vaudeville” songs cause I love ’em, but I promise I’ll bring my sax and we’ll play dance music so you can dance your troubles away too. We also haven’t rehearsed to preserve spontaneity. This is only our 4th cd release party in 6 years so you may have to wait another couple years if you miss this one.

You never know, when in doubt, party now!
See ya there (I hope),
Teddy

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The grand opening at the Tooth Ferry's new office on Saturday gave people a chance to meet Michelle & Scott's staff: That's Scott with Juniper, Holly, Michelle with Skyler, and Jill in front of the entrance to the new building - drop by & visit when you get a chance!

Never forget...islanders gathered Sunday morning to remember & honor the folks lost ten years ago.

Sunday morning’s sunny morning was the backdrop as dozens of islanders collected at Memorial Park overlooking the marina for a simple, poignant ceremony to remember the events of ten years ago. So many people took the time time to remember, each in their own way, around the island, around the country, around the world…

No matter how much darkness, there will always be light. Here’s Paul Simon with The Sound of Silence yesterday morning:

The view from upstairs in the Brickworks building of the Farmers' Market's new space last weekend.....

Margaret Thorson told me, “It was such a great day.  The place had such a good feel about it.”

Wendy with High Seas Tuna says it was great to see so many people coming by the Market last weekend....

That seemed to be the consensus as I wandered around the different booths in the space behind the theater and a lease. The building for Brickworks looks pretty good from the outside, and the plaza that has been created outside provided a  welcoming feel for visitors, islanders, and passers by.

One of the surprises to me was how visible the market is when you’re coming down Second Street –  you can see the balloons, tents and people through the alley next to the theater. And I really like the way the vendors have the booths laid out, providing a path that allows people to explore what is offered and also visit with friends (that’s why we go to the market!) without blocking the booths.

Be sure and drop by this weekend and see which you think!

Paul from Pablito's checks out the produce at the market....

Seemed to me there was steady flow of folks the whole time the Market was open....

It was easy to see the Market from Spring Street....

Cheering for Kerry & Boo Boo...

Did you know:

• Boo Boo & Kerry are auditioning for the Amazing Race show today…

• Soccer starts today! Come see the kids at the elementary school as they start their season – and the Cleats Exchange is from 10am-2pm – don’t buy new ones! Ever!

• Kim Nibler says there is still room:

Just heard there is still room in the Love and Logic class starting this Tuesday. For all of you that like to wait until the last minute (like me), get ahold of Val Vucich Curtis to get registered. You will be glad you did!!!!!! I have taken this class three times, and love it!!!!!!

Bryn takes the wheel in Kuwait (their boats are bigger than ours in our marina....)

• Yep, Bryn Barnard has started his teaching job in Kuwait….

• FHHS football plays Orcas for the Island Cup today, there at one…see ya there! Go Wolverines!

• It’s been sad this last 2-3 weeks to hear of our friends passing away – Larry Chamberlain, Fred Hoeppner, Margaret McRae, Sandi Jackson, Judy Packard. Much missed….

• Did you feel the quake yesterday? It was a 6.4 (that’s 6.7, metric) off the west coast of northern Vancouver Island. Josie says she felt it on the 16th floor of a building in Vancouver…Kristina Ewing lives in Victoria these days & says she didn’t feel it.

• The Island Arts League Open House is 4-6pm at their place at 775 Mullis today!

• Tonight at the Rumor Mill – it’s Tony & T:FLO with live band karaoke! Starts at 8pm!

The new Tooth Ferry office is open!

Dear hearts, today is a great day to get out & see new things here on the island. I know you wake up, looking for new ways to see the world each day…here are a few ideas for this weekend:

• Drop by Michelle & Scott Reynolds’ new building at 305 Blair Street (that’s next to the school district, on the way to the post office) today from 2-5pm for their open house & grand opening. It’s where Michelle’s Tooth Ferry office is, now.

• It’s the Pinhole Photography Show at Palmer Studios at 835-A Argyle Avenue (across from the Fairgrounds front gate, like) – here’s the scoop:
We are proud to invite you to please come by and view our work from Danielle Dean Palmer’s Pinhole Photography Workshop. The works of Kaia Harper, Anna Spears, Susan Stehn, Cloud Oakes and Fiona Small will be presented. All photographic images were created using hand made pinhole cameras and developed in the darkroom. This process dates back to the earliest form of photography starting with the camera obscura. A public open house will be from 1-6 p.m. followed by a private reception for the artists with light refreshments from 6-9.

• The Farmers’ Market is at the Brickworks place this morning from 10am-1pm…check it out in its new home!

• You don’t have to get up so early to see tomorrow’s sunrise – we’re getting closer to equinox, and it starts getting light after 6 now. You’ll be glad you didn’t miss the show….

Bruce

• Every time a musician plays a song live, it’s a new song, alive in the world…tonight’s a chance to see Bruce Vogt play – here’s more from Jan & the good folks at the Community Theatre:

Piano soloist, recording artist and chamber musician Bruce Vogt headlines the Chamber Music San Juans concert in the Whittier Theatre THIS Saturday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Vogt shares his recital, Portrait of Liszt, Concert II: Spiritual Visions–part of Vogt’s series in honor of what would be Franz Liszt’s 200th birthday in 2011.  Appearing regularly in concert within Canada, Vogt has also inspired audiences in England, the USA, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, China, and Japan.

His Liszt series celebrates the Hungarian’s wide-ranging, powerful, and ultimately very moving achievement as a 19th century composer.  Vogt recorded two volumes of Liszt’s music, which have established for him an enviable reputation as a Liszt interpreter.  A critic from The Times of London said of Vogt’s work:  “I have never heard [Liszt’s] Norma Fantasy played with such consummate largesse…I was mesmerized by Vogt’s sheer control.”

Chamber Music San Juans (directed by Patricia Kostek) was founded in 1990 by the late violinist Andor Toth, whose dream was to bring world-class musicians to the San Juan Islands.

Oh I do believe
In all the things you say
What comes is better than what came before

And you’d better come come, come come to me
Better come come, come come to me
Better run, run run, run run to me
Better come

Oh I do believe
In all the things you say
What comes is better that what came before

And you’d better run run, run run to me
Better run, run run, run run to me
Better come, come come, come come to me
You’d better run

A reminder from Val Curtis that this is starting up – I’ve taken the class & love it…it’s practical &  useful, with an immediate impact on your family dynamic. The class focuses on effective & easy to use parenting techniques that I believe you’ll find apply to most families (even ones that are getting along well!)

Sign up now!

The classes will be Sept. 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4 and 11 from 6-8pm at St. David’s. The cost for the class is $70 + $10 for the workbook. The tuition cost is per family and we highly recommend that all primary caregivers attend since consistency is part of the key to success using this program.

To reserve your space, please send your contact info (including an email address) and a check payable to Nan Simpson to: Nan Simpson, PO Box 171, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

The check will reserve your space, so please send it ASAP. Thank you!