The revelations from the sheriff’s department yesterday regarding what happened in the early morning hours on Sunday are sobering, unsettling, and unnerving. There is still more to be learned, and maybe, to understand.

But for now, there’s no way to make sense of it.

In the absence of understanding, I hope we draw on the in-bred compassion most islanders share. We need to try to give our hearts to the memory & love of our lost friend, and to try to open our hearts in compassion to someone who would hurt her. The pain & lostness that person felt, that could lead to such an act, can never be known, or truly felt.

Our loss is too great. As we learn more, let’s stay open to the chance to heal. It’ll take time.

Eagle, on the lookout...photo by Kevin Holmes

Let’s see what’s going on…

• Did you see Monika‘s awesome posting about bluebirds & the Preservation Trust‘s reintroduction project? Check it here…her enthusiasm is contagious.

• Tomorrow (Saturday), County Council member Rich Peterson has a meeting set at Roche Harbor Pavilion to meet constituents at 10am…everyone is invited. Here’s more.

Johnny Moses

• It’ll be worth your time to visit with Johnny Moses tomorrow at the Library at 7pm…he’s an amazing storyteller – here’s and interview with him (click here), and here’s more about him:

Johnny Moses is one of the most popular storytellers in North America. With beauty, wisdom and humor, he shares both traditional and contemporary stories in a wide variety of settings, including festivals, libraries, schools, and private gatherings.

Johnny has shared stories with thousands of people, including audiences at the prestigious National Storytelling Festival, as well as at the Lincoln Center, University of California, University of Washington, Naropa Institute and the New York Open Center.

Combining his vast store of knowledge as an oral historian and his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Johnny also lectures on the subjects of Northwest Coast culture and spirituality in universities, colleges, and schools.

In his tradition there were no formal schools; wisdom and knowledge about all areas of life were handed down in stories. Johnny shares each story in English, traditional sign language, and one of the eight native languages that he speaks fluently.

His songs and stories delight all children, whether wide-eyed preschoolers or jaded high school students. As they listen to Johnny’s unique and authentic voice, the kids laugh, learn, and are uplifted. And they always ask him to come back again.

• Val Curtis passed this along & was pretty sure you’d want to know about it:

During the recent public meetings regarding the possible move of a Level III Sex Offender to San Juan Island, law enforcement officials stated several times that there are other sex offenders already here and that there are others who commit crimes and haven’t been caught. It is important to educate our children appropriately.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, together with the Prosecutor’s Office’s Victim Services Program, will present:

“Safer Communities, Safer Kids: How Parents Can Work Together, with Organizations, and with Children to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse”
Wednesday, April 13 @ 5:30 -7 pm
Thursday, April 14 @ 10:00 – 11:30am

Limited child care will be available. Call Sandi Burt to RSVP and pre-register for child care 370-7611.

When I saw Erin Corra last week & asked her what was happening, she told me, “Something really great!” She told me she’d write it up (which is below), and when she told me about the way the Center for Whale Research is expanding its outreach program, I knew you’d be excited, too – here’s the scoop:

Erin, showing how brown algae is important to our ecosystem...

The Center for Whale Research is proud to announce a unique partnership with Lime Kiln Point State Park. Local park management, with the approval of the State Parks Agency Headquarters, has accepted our proposal to operate a park-wide outreach and education program. The focus will be on killer whale and environmental stewardship as well as providing basic interpretive information about the park’s main historical attractions.

Also known as the Whale Watch Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park receives over 200,000 visitors from 40 plus countries each year to view and learn about our local killer whales. Because of recent budget cuts, the park was no longer able to support their own interpretive services. It was clear to the Center that this educational potential must be protected as passionately as the whales themselves.

Park management is providing a structure that will be converted into a CWR Information Station. The station will be managed by our Outreach Director, Erin Corra, former Park Interpretive Specialist.  In addition, several CWR staff, interns and volunteers will be circulating throughout the park to answer questions and provide information to the public. This is a perennial program that will operate seasonally, April through September.

That's a sea urchin lurchin' in the tidepool....

The park is an ideal location to promote the protection of Southern Resident Killer Whales on many levels. It is one of the few locations in the world where killer whales come close enough to shore to recognize individual pod members. The frequent and regular sightings from this unobtrusive land-based viewpoint inspire many park visitors to better appreciate the environment around them.  The unprecedented history of the Center for Whale Research coupled with the park as a platform for education will create a unique and meaningful experience for park visitors.  The goal is to inform the public and inspire action to assure a healthy environment for the killer whales and the entire Salish Sea.

We hope that our Outreach and Education program will prosper for years to come. If you are interested in supporting our program to insure its success, we respectfully accept donations of any amount. If you are not in the position to contribute, but know someone who might find this a worthy cause, help us by passing this news along. You can also support our program by becoming a park volunteer.  Please contact us with any questions or thoughts.

Thank you for being a part of the solution!  Here’s to good science, good education and an even greater cause.

Cheers, Erin Corra.
erincorra (at) whaleresearch.com

Jandira Shelley is setting up a class for islanders at the end of the month for folks to learn to access their Record – here’s more about the class, and Wendy Sue, who is coming from Kentucky to teach the class (and…the class will be held at my house!):

Wendy Sue Wahl will facilitate the class

The Akashic Record, a living, breathing, ever-expanding energy field, collects and records each individual Soul’s journey from inception forward. The Akashic Record constantly up-dates and records every thought, word, emotion and deed generated by your life experiences.

In the Akashic Record Level 1 Class you will learn to access your individual Records by the use of a Sacred Prayer, and withdraw information for your life:  past, present and future.  In working in your Records, you will begin to explore the multilayered nature of your human experience and discover the Divine authenticity of who You are.

This class will provide you with the tools necessary to begin to identify and release beliefs and patterns which may be blocking your personal growth and which no longer serve you.  Contained within this class are practical exercises that will assist you in attaining a comfort level with the material, while allowing you a safe place to conduct research into the very essence of you.

Facilitator:  Wendy Sue Wahl – Within Integral Healing – is a certified Akashic Record Teacher and Consultant, a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master Teacher, an APP Polarity Therapist and a seeker of her own Truth.

Contact Information for this class: [email protected] or [email protected] or 859-539-7281 (Jandira Shelley’s cell)

Checks payable to Wendy Sue Wahl and mailed to Words Within, Jandira Shelley, PO Box 3151, Friday Harbor, WA  98250
++++++++++++++

Date:  April 30-May 1

Time:  12:00-5:00pm

Location:  28 Apple Tree Lane, Friday Harbor

Cost:  $350.  Downpayment of  $150 is due by April 16^th.  If full amount paid by this date, the cost drops to $325.  Registration required.

The rainbow over Neil Bay on Tuesday night....photo by Cyndi Brast (thanks, Cyndi!)

Looks like a sunny day ahead…let’s see what’s going on…

"Late Afternoon" by Matt Dollahite (12x9) at Gallery San Juan

• Matt Dollahite has a couple of new works at Gallery San Juan, including “Late Afternoon,” which looks even better in person. So, swing by & check it out!

• This weekend the Mud Flat Band plays at the Rumor Mill on Friday night, and then on Saturday Kate Schuman gets the chance to make the people dance – here’s more from her:

Hey there music fans!  Doesn’t springtime make you feel like dancing?  I hope so!

I have a little something special for you this time around.  I asked some longtime friends to join me next Saturday, April 9th at The Rumor Mill to make a little dance music!  Roger on drums, Cecil on bass, Keith and I with our guitars, and Teddy Deane and Hank Schuman on saxophones.  This is sure to be a good time.  Fun tunes that you know and love.  Don’t be the one that just hears about it the next day – be there and make some good memories with friends!

The fun starts at 7:00 on Saturday night (April 9th) at The Rumor Mill!  Oren and Peggy have cooked up menu specials as well.

Thank you for supporting live music in Friday Harbor!  We truly appreciate you!

Getting covered in the major media outlets....

• Read All About It! The Pacific Catalyst II received a nice write-up in the April issue of Destinations Travel Magazine. To read the entire article,  click here.

• Michelle Loftus wanted folks to know this annual event’s off the calendar for the GOP:

Hey Ian! I need to announce a last minute cancellation for the San Juan County Republicans. The April 16th Lincoln Day Dinner has been canceled. Thanks for letting people know!
Thanks, Michelle

• You can get out on the water…Jim Maya runs all winter anyway, watching for the whales (and they watch for him!), and Western Prince is already running as well (Ivan started March 19th). Erin & Pete at San Juan Excursions get going this weekend, and San Juan Safaris‘s opening day is the 16th.

"Beach" by Leslie Cain

• There’s an artist’s reception for Leslie Cain at Waterworks Gallery this Friday from 5-7pm, with a talk & pastel demonstration set for Saturday from 11am – 2pm. Her show runs till the 24th, and is called “Pastels of the Island and Land in Proximity to the Ocean.” Here’s more about her, with samples of her work!

• Music on the 10th! There is an afternoon of Bach this Sunday at 2 – here’s more from David at St. David’s:

St. David’s Episcopal Church and the Salish Sea Early Music Festival will present Harpsichordist Hans-Jürgen Schnoor from Lübeck, Germany, baroque violinist and leader of the Seattle Baroque Orchestra Ingrid Matthews, and baroque flutist Jeffrey Cohan in a program of works by Johann Sebastian Bach on Sunday, April 10, at 2 pm.

In addition to Bach sonatas for violin and flute, the concert will feature the entire “Musical Offering.” This work includes a set of cannons, fugues, and a trio sonata which are all based on a theme given to Bach by King Frederick II of Prussia. The 6-part fugue is considered to be one of the most significant keyboard works ever written.

This performance of the Salish Sea Early Music Festival begins at 2 pm in Saint David’s Episcopal Church, on the corner of Park and Marguerite. The suggested donation, a free will offering towards expenses, is $15, with youth 18 and under invited to attend for free. For further information, call 378-5360 or visit www.concertspirituel.org.

• Zip San Juan is open! Here’s more from Stella & Pat:

Zip San Juan started offering tours April 1. We are really excited to offer the experience of soaring through the forest and hanging out in trees to visitors and residents of the San Juans.

We have 8 ziplines and a very fun suspension bridge. The tour is fully guided and lasts up to three hours. For the month of April, to celebrate our opening and to give everyone a chance to check us out we are offering a special two for one deal. For the price of one tour you can bring a friend or family member for free. All you need is proof of your residency here in the islands.

Call us at 378-5ZIP (5947) to book your tour and to ask any questions. Or check us out at www.zipsanjuan.com.  Come see for yourself what everyone has been talking about for the last year. We can’t wait to zip with you!.

Have you signed up yet? Swing by The Marketplace & get on the list!

Stephanie & Jana & a zillion others are doing it (they sent the info below) – pick a group to work with & let’s spiff this place up! Here’s how you can help:

The party is on! It’s the Great Island Cleanup calling all able bodied islanders to come out and clean our roads and beaches! Join service groups, organizations, parks, individuals, churches, schools and businesses by showing up this Saturday, April 9!

Sign up for a section of road or a beach at the Kiosk at Market Place now till 6:00pm on April 8th. If you would prefer to work with a group that has already adopted a particular area, you can sign up for that instead.

If you can’t sign up in person, call Lori Stokes at 378-4643 to sign up for a road (call to find out where!) or Jana Marks at 378-2319 to adopt your favorite beach (listed below).

Picking up litter in small groups is much more fun, so gather some friends or family members and make a party out of it! Let’s all join together and pretty up our island for a beautiful spring!

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

Clean a Beach Saturday, April 9th

South Beach
10:00am – 2:00pm
Meet Jana of Friends of the San Juans and National Park volunteers at the main beach parking lot. (378-2319).

Third Lagoon
10:00am
Meet Doug of the Land Bank at the trailhead – that’s through the park, past the light house and around the corner to the left, near the Fish Creek Marina. (378-7626)

Deadman Bay
1:00pm
Meet Doug of the Land Bank. (378-7626)

Jackson’s Beach
10:00am
Meet Margherita of Soroptimists. (378-5755)

Cattle Point Lighthouse
10:00AM
Meet Nick of BLM (468-3754) at Cattle Point, Interpretive Center Parking lot. After that look on the DNR beach just below the parking lot over the bluff. He will have plenty of trash bags so folks can peek over the edge and see if he needs help.  Once the DNR beach is done (probably 1-1/2 hours), Nick will be working below the lighthouse until 2:00.

Eagle Cove County Park
10:00-11:00am
Meet representative from SJ County Parks at the Eagle Cove parking area.

Senior Jerusha Turner receives the baton from FHHS freshman Mindy Brandli in the 4x400 relay....photo by John Boyd.

The track meet last Thursday was a great chance to get outside for a few hours & visit with team (there’s a lot of milling around at meets), the parents (they tend to know what the next event is), and coaches & friends.

In the next couple of weeks we’ll sort out who has a chance at regionals & state, but in the meantime it’s fun to see the kids on the move. The team’s next meet is at Lynden Christian next Wednesday.

Hucking the javelin: Maverick Blake (left) and Elwyn Pratt go long (photos by me)

FHHS senior Wilson Schubert turns on the speed for the last half lap of the 800....photo by John Boyd

Peter Basquin plays at the Community Theatre this weekend!

This weekend there’s a special treat as a world famous piano virtuos comes to San Juan Island – here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith at the Community Theatre:

Internationally-Acclaimed Pianist on the Whittier Stage!

For a “little ol’ island” we sure get some great musical talents to visit us…and this Saturday, April 9 keeps proving that point when classical pianist Peter Basquin plays on the Whittier stage.

The New York resident has performed in concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and throughout the United States.   He’s been a soloist with the Montreal, Quebec and Boston symphonies.

A past winner of the Montreal International Piano Competition, Peter has recorded music for Grenadilla records, Peters International, and New World Record and is heard in the premiere recording of Gerald Levinson’s Dreamlight, in Colin McPhee’s Tabuh-Tabuhan with the American Composers Orchestra, and on the soundtrack of Ken Burns’ films Baseball, Mark Twain and Brooklyn Bridge.

His Whittier stage program will feature keyboard masterpieces from Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Samuel Barber.

Buy now online! Our Box Office hours are 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Doug is featured in the magazine for his amazing bronzes...photo by Richard Walker

It’s pretty cool to pick up a magazine & see people you know…

The cover of Native Peoples....

Islander Doug Bison has been creating incredible bronze sculptures that honor his Native American heritage for decades, so it makes sense for Native Peoples to do a spread on him. These are scans from the article written by Richard Walker (who has a Native heritage as well) that Doug sent over – click here to read the article.

Doug’s background reaches back to his grandfather Little Bison, son of Big Foot, the chief killed at Wounded Knee, but lives on in his work today. Drop by Bison Gallery on First Street (where the Garuda & I used to be) and say hey!

Yesterday was a pretty grey day around the island, except at Waterworks Gallery, where Carla was brightening things up with a little flower planting....

Let’s see what’s up…

Waiting for someone to take us out for a run....

• Can you believe that Sherman Travel says the Top 10 Whale Watching Destinations includes Orcas, but not us? Here’s proof.

• Hey, Copy Cat: You knew that Printonyx is closed this week, right? It’s the time that Kris & the crew get to take a break (it’s spring break!) before the busy summer kicks in….

• Watch out – you’ll get hooked! Cynthia at XYZ Movements Arts has Zumba classes all through the month – and for the month of April, guys are free! (I think this means the guys don’t have to pay, although maybe she means she’s giving them away. Girls, check on that & let me know.)

Everyone I know who has tried Zumba tells me it’s awesome – great chance to check for yourself! Here’s the sched:

Tuesday & Thurs – 7:15 to 8:15am

Tuesday & Thurs – 8:30 to 9:30am

Tuesday – 4:00 to 5:00pm

Monday & Wednesday – 5:30 to 6:30pm

Dan Finn (on the left) called & said they were painting the part above the drug store, so I crossed the street to shoot the "before" (with primer) picture on Sunday....

• Want to keep up with your real estate efforts? There are two things you can do!

One is to buy my house! Click here!

The other is to check out this app that Sotheby’s has for your phone – here’s the scoop:

Island Group Sotheby’s International Realty Launches Mobile Real Estate Application for all Mobile Platforms

Island Group Sotheby’s International Realty in Friday Harbor today announced the launch of a free Sotheby’s International Realty^® mobile application and mobile web search, SIR Mobile, that works on standard cell phones and smartphones across all mobile carriers, allowing consumers to view all homes for sale in the San Juan Islands. Continue Reading

Next weekend on the 16th, Griffin Bay Bookstore is going to present author Judy Bentley with her new book, Hiking Washington’s History at 7pm – here’s more about the show:

Discover the state's history firsthand...

PRAISE FOR HIKING WASHINGTON’S HISTORY

“This book samples the landscape and history of the entire state, and is well organized, well researched, and well written. Its pages add a new dimension to hikes by linking our footfalls with those of the past.” –Ruth Kirk

“Judy Bentley has gathered a selection of favorite hikes from all over the state, then folded in just the right amount of historical context to make each of the treks pulsate through time.” –Jack Nisbet, author of The Collector

Hiking Washington’s History reveals the stories embedded in Washington’s landscape. This trail guide narrates forty historic trails, ranging from short day hikes to three- or four-day backpacking trips over mountain passes. Each chapter begins with a brief overview of the region’s history followed by individual trail narratives and historical highlights.

Judy Bentley

Quotes from diaries, journals, letters, and reports, as well as contemporary and historic photographs, describe sites and trails from Washington’s past. Each trail description includes a map and provides directions, so hikers can follow the historic route. Judy Bentley tells readers how to get there, what to expect, and what to look for.

Hiking Washington’s History is for hikers, amateur historians, newcomers unfamiliar with the state’s history, and Northwest natives who know only part of that history. Savor the vicarious experience of a hike from a cozy chair on a rainy winter day, or put your boots on and hit the trail when the sun shines.

Judy Bentley, who teaches at South Seattle Community College, is an avid hiker and the author of fourteen books for young adults. To see samples of the hikes included, as well as a video of Judy and images from the book, see this website.

Dan Mayes' portrayal of aging Judge Francis Biddle provides a spot-on counterpoint to Libby Barnard's Sarah in the Island Stage Left production of "Trying."

When Josie & I went to see “Trying” this past weekend, we realized later that, at some level, we had seen the Island Stage Left show from three different angles. The show revolves around 81-year-old Francis Biddle’s slowly evolving relationship with his new secretary, 25-year-old Sarah Schorr from Saskatchewan. The story is based on playwright Joanna McClelland Glass’ time with the American judge & Roosevelt’s attorney general in his last days.

First, there’s the “journey” that the bright young Canadian says she is on, which plays off the increasing evidence that aging Judge Biddle is on the last lap of his. As she starts the job, her sprightly, cheerful attitude takes on a coat of steel, armoring her from the judge’s treatment that sent away previous secretaries, and leaves them as better people together, doing the work they need to do. In doing so, she creates a working relationship with her past, as well as with the judge, and he becomes more functional in his last days, completing last tasks that are important to him. Sarah changes, and so does he, both for the better.

Second, this show is a heck of a display of real, authentic acting. We’ve been watching Dan Mayes for over a decade on the island, and he’s found new ground to break here in his spot-on performance of a nearly 82-year-old for whom (his own words) the exit sign is flashing, and the door is ajar. Newcomer to the island Libby Barnard is relentless in her portrayal of Sarah, and early on you find yourself cheering for her with her challenges with the judge, her past, and her own home life. Dan & Libby deliver the poetry of the play with the precision of wizards who know their spells well. And we were caught in that spell.

Lastly, I found the play to be incredibly evocative, and that’s the thing I keep hearing from people who have seen it. The judge is my grandfather, my father; Sarah is “the way I was, when….”; the 1960s were like that, it’s different (and the same) now…even the technology-poor staging of the office is a gentle reminder of simpler ways to communicate & collect our thoughts. It’s my guess that, no matter how old you are, you’ll find a genuine piece of your past, and your heart, in this show.

Director Helen Machin-Smith has another winner – don’t miss it. Trying plays Thursdays – Sundays till May 1st at the Fairgrounds.

It’s sunny & beautiful on the island…hope you get a chance to get outside & play! (With as much enthusiasm as the people around you….)

How was YOUR morning?

Found on the beach...kinda reminds me that the Hungry Clam is open this week, just above the ferry parking lot....

Let’s see what’s up…

SVC/SJ Center

• Did you know that the San Juan Center for Skagit Valley College celebrated their 15th year since the building above the airport opened? Classes began for the spring semester for 1996 after the ceremonies in March ’96…the school has been a gem of the island ever since.

Speaking of which, my classes still have room in them on April 19-21 – they include Introduction to Word, Introduction to Intermediate Word, Introduction to Excel, and Introduction to the Computer (PC). All classes will begin with students introducing themselves to each other. It would be great to have you in class!

• OK, so it’s spring break on the island, which is a great time for everyone to take their summer holidays with their kids, since we all have to work all summer. That may be why town looks a bit empty.

Let’s see who’s open & who isn’t.

Jim Maya says he saw J pod this weekend, but no sign of J1/Ruffles, still.....

First, The Duck Soup Inn re-opens for the season on Friday!

Have you been by? Homesteaders’ Restaurant is open again (opened last month!) at the Best Western….general manager Kelsey O’Day has the place open for lunch & dinner…drop by & say hey!

This week the Backdoor Kitchen is open Wednesday through Saturday, as they add on Wednesday this week to the schedule.

The Cask & Schooner (where the old Ale House was) hopes to be open this summer – I’ve heard opening dates that range from May on, but it sure will be good to get that corner lit up again.

First, here’s the word from Bill at Cafe Demeter:

It’s hard to believe that Cafe Demeter has been open for three years.  Our anniversary is April 1 (no kidding).  This generous community has kept us going and Pam is still excited to be doing work she loves … and work (pastries, pizza, soups, and more) that others seem to love too. But we’ll be taking a break while Sam and Joe are on the schools’ spring break.

We’ll close early (2 PM) on Thursday, March 31, and head to Pittsburgh to spend some time with Pam’s family.  The bakery will be open again on April 12.  Same hours: 7 AM-3 PM, Tuesday-Saturday.  And we’ll be back at the Farmers’ Market when it opens on April 23 at the Courthouse parking lot.

P.S.  Pam wanted you to know that she’ll be doing some research in Pittsburgh.  She has a list of bakeries to visit, with a keen eye turned toward Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery in Millvale.  I will be her research assistant.  Bill

• A Facebook page has been set up for friends to post memories of Sharon Hammel. Meanwhile, a donation account has been set up for her 15 year old son Taylor at Whidbey Island Bank.

Anna & Anne at D+A Design

• Been thinking about wind power to help pay the electric bill? Anne & Anna at D+A Design are offering consultations to help you fit it into your house…here’s their post. I like the way it says on their Design Banter page: “Designers are meant to be loved, not to be understood.” – Fabien Barral

• The Soroptimist Club, just a had a successful fundraiser, and now have another scheduled – here’s more from Barbara Sharp:

Spring Bling Bunko Event –  Coming April 16!

Bunko ticket sellers Laura Tuttle (left, event co-chair) and Ellen Roberts are selling tickets this weekend....

It’s Bunko time! Celebrate spring with another entertaining evening of bunko Saturday, April 16, 6:00 pm at the Mullis Center.  Spring Bling Bunko will feature goodies from the Mad About Chocolate Buffet (fruit available as a healthy touch) and a chance to peruse our Jewelry Bazaar for some new bling!  Beverages will be available for purchase.  All proceeds will help fund the Soroptimist Cancer Treatment Support Mission, which provides free ferry tickets to islanders needing treatment on the mainland.

Tickets are $20 each, which include games, prizes and food, and must be purchased in advance.  Tickets are available at the Toy Box and Spa d’Bune, at Market Place April 8 and 9, and at Kings April 10.

St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza a huge success!

Auctioneer Farhad Ghatan and Soroptimist President Patty Brightman had a great time at the St. Pat's Day dinner....

It was a very enjoyable and entertaining evening, highlighted by Becki Day’s delicious dinner and both a live and silent auction.  This year we made almost $14,000, after expenses, which will go directly into our fund for scholarships, awards, and other community-based programs to help island women and girls.

Special thanks go to the generous island businesses and individuals who donated their goods, services and skills for auction items and raffle baskets, as well as to the many community members who supported this event.  Also, thanks to co-chairs Becki Day and Debbi Staehlin for their tireless efforts in making this event such a success in a new venue, the Mullis Center; to Travis Potter for his entertaining bagpipe music;  Farhad Ghatan for his entertaining auctioneering skills; and the army of hard-working volunteers.

For further information Soroptimist activities and projects, go to www.sifri.org.

Eagle in flight last week...photo by Kevin Holmes (awesome, Kevin!)

Let’s look around the island a bit….

• It was great to see Ann & Credence’s little Hazel out & about at the Elephant Revival concert Saturday….born just this year, she’s recovering nicely from the just-after-birth surgery she underwent to repair her abdominal area. Great to see her!

The ladies at the Town offices wore lime green (and variations) to celebrate Luanne's last day....

• Friday was Luanne Spendiff’s last day at the auditor’s office, so folks at the County, the Town, and Port all wore various shades of lime green, her favorite color. Good luck, Luanne!

• That mob you saw down at the ferry dock Saturday is part of the reason the island looks so empty…after three years of fundraising, Janet Olsen & the high school band are headed for Hawaii for spring break, where they have a few gigs.

• Saturday was the last inside Farmers’ Market of the season, as the Saturday happening moves outside later this month….

• You knew it was spring break for the public schools this week, right?

• The Great Island Clean-Up is this coming weekend, but some folks already have a jump start – here’s more from Lori Stokes:

Cleaning up the beach...photo by Roxanne Angel

Well, the fun has begun!  Last Saturday, March 26th, Brownies, Girls Scouts and a few Boy Scouts helped kick off the Great Island Clean-Up at South Beach.

The kids wanted a chance to make a difference and participate since many of them will be gone over spring break on April 9th (the official day of the clean-up) and they did!   In about two hours they collected over 625 pieces of trash, many which were tiny plastic pieces that have been broken down and washed up to shore many times over.

They collected  just over 20 pounds of trash!  Pretty impressive for a bunch of 5-9 year olds! They found a coconut shell, a plastic shovel, and pieces of old wooden boats amongst other things.

If you’ve heard Tingstad & Rumbel, you know they make beautiful music. If you haven’t heard them yet, this is a good time to start…here’s “Galileo”….