Just got this note from Charlie Anderson at the Community Foundation:

Foundation Awards $5,000 to Local Non-Profit Projects in Fair Booth Donation Matching

The San Juan Island Community Foundation profiled eight of the most important local non-profit projects at its fair booth this year.  Locals and visitors stepped up to the plate and “bought a dot” which they allocated to one of those projects to show their support.  The Community Foundation matched those dollar for dollar resulting in just over $5,000 being given to those eight projects.

The following projects received awards:

The Food Bank gets a hand....

Friday Harbor Food Bank:  Supporting the dramatic increase in food bank users.

Community Broadband: Expanded high speed internet access will promote economic recovery.

Dollars for Scholars: Helping the organization’s ability to sustainably fund local scholarships.

Public Transportation: Planning a local public transport system.

Career Training Scholarships (Healthcare): Training locals for island healthcare jobs.

Arts Education (K-12): Bringing budget cut art education back to our children.

Healthy Community Fund: Broad support for our local non-profit projects.

Youth Leadership Initiative: Empowering our children to think for themselves.

“We sincerely thank all of you who donated.  These projects reflect our highest and best purpose in community giving,” said, Charles Anderson, Foundation Board Chair.

If you are interested in more information about these and other critical community projects please contact the Foundation office. Continue Reading

Mike Taylor

Just got this note from Michele Morton at Islanders Bank – she says Islanders has hired Mike Taylor as their senior loan officer and vice president.  Mike was formerly vice president for Whidbey Island Island bank in Friday Harbor, where he worked in commercial lending for the past 10 years.

She says Islanders’ CEO Brad Williamson is excited that Mike is coming aboard.  “Mike Taylor brings a wealth of experience and a tremendous reputation in banking and finance to our bank. His knowledge of banking, finance, and credit administration is exceptional and as the only bank with headquarters in the San Juans, we highly value his local experience and reputation.”

Mike has been involved in the community these last few years, and currently serves on the boards of the whale Museum, San Juan Public schools foundation, and the San Juan pilots Association (he’s the president there).

Check with your friends to make sure they're signed up!

Well, fall is in the air (actually, it has been all summer, this summer), so it must be time for kids’ soccer.

Have your kids signed up yet? Last chance – Soccer association prez Travis Ayers tells me that Wednesday (tomorrow) registration officially ends, with late registrations accepted on a space available basis. Sign ’em up!

Travis says they could also use a coach or two at the U-8 level (that’s under 8 years old) – drop him a note at ayers.travis (at) gmail.com. Games start on the tenth!

Other gigs & ways you can help: On Monday the fifth at 9am: Field repair at FHES!  Bring shovels and rakes if you have them.  A great chance to earn Dollars for Scholars hours!

Then, on Wednesday the seventh, there’s a 6pm referee training workshop with Kevin Porter, tentatively at the community meeting room in the back of Whidbey Island Bank.  All experience levels are welcome, from novice to advanced.  SJI Soccer pays refs for older age bracket games depending on the ref certifications.  Alternatively, reffing is another great way to earn hours for Dollars for Scholars!

This little video that Devon Schwinge shot of me singing my favorite song on my favorite island is closing in on 10,000 views (and listens)… it humbles me to think that Kate Wolf’s beautiful song has touched that many more hearts. Thanks for listening! And…give yourself to love….

It was cool that nearly 400 people (probably an undercount) showed for the benefit for Terry Ogle last Friday….

One of the organizers of the event, Megan, has a few words of thanks, and then I put Marie’s pictures into a nice little video for you….see what you think!

What an incredible show of love and support by our community was seen last night, at the Terry Ogle Benefit! Nearly 400 people attended; enjoying dinner and live music, bidding on the auctions, and joining together to show how much they truly care for Terry.

Dave Hall not only reached his goal, but raised over $5,000 by the end of the night, and the crowd cheered and celebrated his generosity as his head was shaved by Dana Bune (this is shown in the video below!). The event truly exemplified how lucky we are to live in such a giving community! Thank you so very much to all who attended, and who donated their items, time, and talents, and worked so hard to make it a truly amazing event!

Megan Kilpatrick-Boe

Lining up...photo by Kevin Holmes (click on the photo for a much larger, cooler version!)

Looks like the folks with cars for the Concours d’Elegance are getting ready for Sunday…they were driving around the island on Saturday, and Kevin Holmes shot these photos of them lining up today at San Juan Vineyards.

Getting ready for the Sunday show....(click to enlarge!)...photo by Kevin Holmes

Transient orca off the west side of the island yesterday (not L90!)...photo by Jim Maya

Was she hit or not?

There were reports & rumors yesterday morning that an 18 or 19 year old killer whale (L90) was struck by a boat Friday…since then, it appears more may have been involved (she may be pregnant) and less (it appears she wasn’t struck). Here are reports from different observers:

Ken Balcomb’s Center for Whale Research report

KING 5’s news story for TV, including some nice aerials of the orcas & Fred Fellerman speaking

The Kitsap Sun’s report by Christopher Dunagan, which includes talking to the CWR’s Erin Heydenreich

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In other whale news, a pod of transients was hugging the shore at Elliot Bay yesterday (near Seattle), which of course got the city a bit giddy.

And…rescue efforts to help an entangled humpback in the Strait of Georgia continue…here’s more on that.

Things are happening:

• Judy McManus tells me a new cooking club, Vibrant Vegetarians, San Juan Community Garden and the Friday Harbor Seventh-day Adventist Church are putting on a documentary film tonight at the Library at 6pm: It’s called Forks over Knives…it’s free – take a peek at their website (The top of which says: “warning: This movie could save your life!”)

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• Eric at The Bean has an opening:

Barista needed  at The Bean Café. Permanent part-time position available now. Please stop by to complete an application.

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The FHHS fall sport seasons get underway next weekend...

• Good to see the kids out getting ready for the seasons – last night the football guys were working late, getting ready for their home opener next Friday night with LaConner. Girls soccer has their first game the next Tuesday here with Cedar Park Christian (the day after Labor Day), while the volleyball team gets things underway next Saturday at the Mount Vernon Christian Jamboree. Tennis has their first match on the 22nd. Go Wolverines!

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• Speaking of school – you know the kids go back to school on the 31st, right? Now summer’s REALLY over…. 🙂

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• Eileen Drath told me to remember that today is the Know Your Island Walk:

Know Your Island Walk, Sat. Aug. 27, 2011, at 1:00pm.
Meet Mike Vouri, Chief of Interpretation and Historian of the San Juan Island National Historical Park, to walk at newly-acquired Mitchell Hill.  Meet at English Camp main parking lot to car pool.  Length is 1.5 mi, terrain is dirt.  Rating is “moderate plus.” More info here.

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• Community projects rock! And Jenny & FHHS could use more mentors! Here’s more:

Drop Jenny a note - get involved!

Mentors needed for High School class

The first semester Friday Harbor High School Community Service class will begin August 31st.  This class utilizes committed adult mentors who will guide students through completion of a service project related to community improvement.  This is a great opportunity for a   “win-win” partnership between students and local organizations.   If you have a community improvement service project in mind and can use some “youthful energy” behind it, a fifteen minute in-class presentation time can be arranged on September 6, 7 and 8 from 9:30 – 10:15 am.  Please contact Jenny Wilson at jennywilson (at) sjisd.wednet.edu for more information.

It’s “Riding The Storm Out” by REO Speedwagon:

Lookin’ around…

• There are a bunch of garage sales this weekend – here are three I heard about:

Callie J Mckay says:

FINALLY!! Cleaned out parents’ and grandparents’ garage so the biggest and baddest Garage sale could happen. We have so much stuff that we are having it for 2 days! Too much to list! 406 Timber Lane – Follow signs on Beaverton Valley Road…Friday 2-7 and Saturday 8-???????

Kristi Richardson says:

Moving on up Sale: It is time to clean out the early childhood gear. 530 Hemlock Court on Sat from 9am to 2pm. Stroller single with car seat, double doll house, lots of gear, books, baby ergo carrier and lots more….

Megan Gurske-Flierl

MOVING SALE: Fri, Sat, and Sun. at 215 Crow Valley, off Boyce Rd. 9-3pm. Boy clothes/stuff like crazy, antiques, books, movies, cool glass, and cute clothes for Mom too…..

• She’s moving -need a place for your horse? Nancy says:

Hi – I just want to let everyone know that I am moving to Saddle Road off of BlazingTrail Road. The reason I am telling you this is because I have horse stalls to rent. So if anyone is looking for a place to keep their horse, you can contact me at 360 298 2343 or you can email me at nlbnlb2 (at) yahoo.com Thank you!

• Jennifer tells me this is going to be fun (some 500-600 people showed up for the show’s opening:

Kurt

IMA Museum and Sculpture Park is proud to announce the August 27, 2011 Book Signing Event: “Asphalt Renaissance” by Kurt Wenner – Master Artist & Master Architect at the Museum in Friday Harbor.

Kurt Wenner, famous for creating three-dimensional drawings and revolutionizing sidewalk art, will host a reception for the public on Saturday, August 27, 5-8 pm, at the Museum on Spring Street.

• Meanwhile, Haley’s excited about their new brandy – here’s more from San Juan Island Distillery:

San Juan Island Distillery has expanded its product line from gins and apple brandy, to now also include a locally inspired liqueur. Pelindaba lavender and locally foraged wild roses at their peak bloom are combined with our delicious apple eau de vie. The resulting liqueur captures the essence of the fragrance and color of these beautiful flowers.

This liqueur can be enjoyed as after dinner drinks or drizzled over fresh peaches and ice cream for dessert. In addition, San Juan Island Distillery’s master mixologists have created a menu of specialty cocktails, including the crowd favorite Suzy’s Garden:  2 oz Spy Hop Gin, ½ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, ½ oz dry vermouth, ½ oz Lavender and Wild Rose Liqueur.

To close out the summer season, both the distillery and Westcott Bay Cider will be open for tastings from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day Weekend.

• Passing: Sorry to hear about NAPA Auto Parts’ Gary LeGate passing away, in a car wreck in Eastern Washington…

• Are you ready for the Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace? Here’s more from Rhonda:

It’s time again for the Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace Arts and Crafts
Screening Sunday, Sept. 18th. 1:00 pm, at the San Juan Island Library.,

Artists & Craftspeople wanting to be screened for the Holiday Marketplace, which occurs annually Thanksgiving Day Weekend, need to bring 3 items per medium to the library at 1:00 Sunday Sept 18th to be screened for acceptance to the Market.   At 3:30 items need to be picked up and if accepted, booth payment and a signed contract will be due at this time.  You will also be assigned a booth number.

Forms are available at Vital Elements at  30 First St. Friday Harbor or at the Library. If you have any questions please call Jana  317-5746 or Diane 298-0637
See you there!

Cars like this Packard will be on display...

This is the weekend for car nuts here on the island – I love this show! If you like cars, or want to take a trip back in time to see the cars you grew up with (that have been taken care of by th epoeple who love them!), you’ll love it, too! Here’s more from Sue Corenman:

The Concours d’Elegance of the San Juan Islands is this Sunday, August 28, at the San Juan Vineyards on Roche Harbor Road.   This annual event is organized by the Sports Car Club of the San Juan Islands and the Rotary Club of San Juan Island. Spectator entry is free although a $10 donation is suggested with the net proceeds distributed to the Family Umbrella Group, Hospice of San Juan and Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Project through the SJ Rotary Foundation.

This years featured marque is Mercedes and will be well represented by a newly resorted 1957 Binz bodied Kombi from Orcas Island.  This is a rare vehicle and is being shown for the first time.  Sports car fans are eagerly anticipating seeing a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS traveling from the mainland. Motor Trend Classic named the 275 GTB/GTS as number three in their list of the ten “Greatest Ferrari’s of all time”. Along with these fabulous foreign cars, there will also be some classic American automobiles. Those who lived through the fifties will enjoy this 1955 Packard Caribbean Convertible, pictured here.

Lunch will be available from Cynthia’s Of Course. This is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, so don’t miss it. More information can be found at http://www.sanjuanconcours.org

Aesthetics blend with ease and functionality in growing in the garden...photo by Vicky.

Have you been by Mossy Knoll Garden? You’re in for a real treat! Here’s more:

Islanders on the west side can now really shop locally for their produce. Frank and Vicky Giannangelo (you might remember their formal gardens on Limestone Pt. Rd. from 1986-1993) have, after 17 years of gardening adventures in the southwest, returned to the island and opened a new garden to the public.

The design of Mossy Knoll Garden serves not only to provide aesthetics, but ease and functionality in growing. The raised beds are 2’ wide with 2’ gravel paths in-between. The sides of the beds are made of rubble and concrete, allowing them to sinuously wind around the garden and provide the gardener a place to sit on the sides, step over to the next pathway without fear of collapsing the side and the knowledge that they will be there for many years to come.

A bonus in the garden is that it can be walked as a labyrinth, the center destination being a honeysuckle covered trellis with a small wrought iron bistro table and 2 chairs, perfect for a “Tea for Two” in the garden, surrounded by vegetables, flowers, and vines.

All the beds are intercropped with flowers for cutting, vegetables, culinary herbs, berries, and fruit trees. They grow many lesser known salad greens such as French sorrel, endive, dandelion greens, edible flowers, and golden Purslane, along with 7 varieties of kale, red and green chard, lettuces, beets, carrots, parsnips, artichokes, snap peas, beans, summer and winter squash, and much more.

At present a pond area is being developed. It will be featured with a pergola, a waterfall, and a gift shop. The gardens are open to the public daily.

A sign at the driveway indicates if they are open/closed, or you can call for an appointment to see the gardens and/or have a “Tea for Two” at 378-3535, or you can contact them by email via a contact form on their website:  Avant-Gardening: Creative Organic Gardening.

Every so often, folks have people to thank, and the island is a better place when folks can share their grateful hearts, I think. Here are some folks’ postings:

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Dr. Fishaut

from Dr. Mark Fishaut:

In the midst of a busy work week, too often those of us who provide service fail to take the time to step back and offer our thanks to those who have chosen to come to us.  It does not matter what our job, profession, or trade may be or how good we think we may be at doing it- it is you, the customer, the patient, the client who really determine how well we have done our job.

Many of you living in this wonderful community of ours have entrusted me with the care of your most valuable asset-your children. In my capacity as a pediatrician, a coach, or both, it is both humbling and gratifying to have received your trust Your ongoing support encourages and motivates me to try to improve what I do every day. Again, thanks to you all.

Mark Fishaut MD FAAP

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from Susan and Steve:

The Fair was awesome! Rev & his crew and all the people who volunteer & work to make it happen are the best!!!!!!! Please tell them thank you!

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Lisa & Darren

from Lisa & Darren O’Brien:

As the organizers of this year’s 10th annual Latitudes & Attitudes NW Cruisers Rendezvous, Darren and I would like to express our gratitude to the community of Friday Harbor for being so welcoming. There are several we should thank, starting with the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce for their sponsorship and quick response to our need for a venue. Thank you to the Town Council for granting us permission to host the Saturday night event in Sunken Park. Without that, more than 360 people and 100 plus boats that came to the island for this event would have gone elsewhere (the concert in Sunken Park entertained approximately 600 people throughout Saturday night). Most of all we can’t forget the Port of Friday Harbor and their awesome staff for all their hard work! It’s not easy adding 100 plus boats to the always popular Marina.

To each of the other local sponsors of the event, Thank You: Naknek Charters and Diving, The Paw Spa & Resort, Susie’s Mopeds, Ace Hardware of Friday Harbor, Classic Cab, Hillside House B&B, Dockside Treasures, and sanjuanislandsTV.com.

A very special thanks to Consignment Treasures, The Grange, Kiwanis, Chicago Title, San Juan Anglers, The Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary, and Soroptimist; each of you helped make this a memorable event.

To Naoni Zarvis from Hillside House B&B, thank you for taking on the Treasure Hunt, without you it would not have happened! Thanks to those businesses that participated in the Treasure Hunt: Funk-n-Junk Antiques, Island Studios, Griffin Bay Bookstore, Cotton Cotton Cotton, San Juan Vineyards Tasting Room, Joe Friday’s Shirt Co, Pelindaba Lavender Friday Harbor, The Toy Box, The Whale Museum, Lavendera Day Spa, Isle Be Jammin’, and San Juan Florist & Sweet Shop. Naoni reported that the groups spent an average of 3 hours on that activity walking throughout downtown. The winner received a wooden Treasure Chest filled with goodies worth over $250. The winner was Ellie Brosius, age 8, and her mom, Angela of Seattle.

From all accounts this was great event – worthy of the 10th Anniversary – and everyone had a fantastic time. Thanks again to all of you and we hope you had the opportunity to join in the fun.

Best Wishes to you all,

Lisa & Darren O’Brien
sanjuanislandsTV.com
Port Townsend, WA

Jeanine & Mark with their book, Marriage Works

(Update late Wednesday: Jeanine just wrote to tell me the show called today & is shifting the piece to next week, probably Tuesday, as they cover the earthquakes & Steve Jobs resigning….)

Shelley VanSkyHawk works with Jeanine & Mark Earnhart over at San Juan Holistic Healthcare, and she dropped me a note this morning telling us that Mark & Jeanine are going to be on the Today Show in the morning (Thursday – the piece was scheduled for today, but got bumped by earthquake coverage)….I read my copy of Marriage Works & was thinking, “Man, it would be cool if more folks could read this!” Maybe now they will.

“It’s been a crazy ride,” said Jeanine when I called her this morning. “First the book was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, then Good Morning, America expressed interest, and then the Today folks came to the island.

“They spent the day shooting all around the island – it’s going to be a beautiful piece – and the crew and reporter were really wonderful to work with.

“The bottom line, though, is Mark and I hope people find the book useful in staying together.”

That’s the part I like about the book – it’s grounded, practical, and written by two people who know from forty years of ups, downs & hard work that it’s all worth it.

Check it out in the morning!

Ann Walbert-Yelverton

Ann Walbert-Yelverton died at her home near Friday Harbor on the morning of Tuesday, August 23, 2011.  She had suffered from the effects of ovarian cancer.

Ann was born to Nelson and Gladys Cummins in Dix, Illinois, on May 25, 1930, and was raised on her family’s country property where they grew and shipped apples.   While she was still a child she developed a passion and talent for art.  Art became the focus of her interests and shaped  her life.  After high school in Mount Vernon, Illinois, she enrolled at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where she received a degree in fine art, graduating in 1952.   She received additional training at the Chicago Art Institute.  Ann began her professional career as a commercial artist and then taught painting and sculpture at the Wheaton, Illinois high school.

Ann and her late husband, Richard Walbert, lived for many years in Chicago before moving to Carmel, California upon Richard’s retirement in 1984.  In Carmel, Ann established the Ann Walbert Studio and she became one of the leading painters in that vibrant art community.  She gained particular recognition for her “atmospheric abstract” paintings, a signature style that offers reflective expressionist treatment of landscapes.  She also created scores of realistic plein aire and still life paintings.  Most of her work was executed in oil on canvas, though she did many watercolor paintings as well.  Richard Walbert died in 2002.   She married Jack Yelverton in 2006 when Ann and Jack moved from Carmel to Friday Harbor. Continue Reading