Let’s check to see what’s up:

• Cynthia Burke says there’s makeup Zumba class from Winter Enrichment at FHES:

Zumbatomics will be 3:00 to 3:50 today (Wednesday, March 2) – 4 to 7 years old – at XYZ Movement Arts Studio, next to San Juan Healthcare!

This is also a make up class for any of the winter enrichment Zumbatomic kids – see you there!

• There’s the Farmers’ Market this Saturday at the high school – 10am-1pm – see you there!

• Just heard John Cohen‘s coming next week to perform with the Dustbusters on Monday at the Community Theatre…details soon, but wow! He’s one of the founding members of the Lost City Ramblers & Mike Cohen‘s brother. This is awesome.

• Angel Michaels sure liked the play at the Comunity Theatre – here’s what she says:

This show is EVERYTHING you want in live theater, and it is served up exquisitely by this cast and crew.  Susan Williams found a vehicle that perfectly frames the moral, financial, and ethical dilemmas that overwhelm us today, right at home. Like anything well-done, it seems effortless; from the first sentence, you find yourself willing to crawl down any rabbit hole with this cast of creative free-thinkers.

Go see this play.  You’ll laugh, groan, wonder, worry, maybe cry secretly–you’ll enjoy it and walk out smiling.

• Speaking of creative free thinkers – how about karaoke with a live band? Tony & T:FLO are on hand at the Rumor Mill on Friday to back you up when you sing, if you’re brave enough.

Got a couple of activities coming up:

• The San Juan Dragon Lacrosse Spaghetti Dinner will be held Thursday March 3rd from 5:00 to 7:00pm, with the Dessert Auction starting at 6pm. This annual event at the Masonic Lodge is open to everyone – adults $12, 12 and under $8. See you there! This is a fundraiser for the Lacrosse Team.

• Paul from the Fitness Club has something special for this weekend:

San Juan Island Fitness, in cooperation with the FHES PTA, offers another “Kids Night Out.” The second one for 2011 will be held on Saturday evening, March 5, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for Elementary School grades 2 through 6. The fun includes swimming under the watchful eye of approved life guards and court games under adult supervision. Hot dogs, side dishes and beverage will also be served, so no need for dinner. This Kids Night Out will also include ice cream with toppings for desert! Parents are welcome to hang out and enjoy the kids or simply drop them off. Cost is only $8.00 per person. Please remember to bring your tennis shoes and a towel. A portion of the proceeds go to the FHES PTA. For more information, call 378-4449 or visit www.sanjuanislandfitness.com.

It's Sara Bareilles (left) and Ingrid Michaelson...

Here are Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson with the key question -is love alive? This is called “Winter’s Song”….

Found this chilly weekend: A downy woodpecker here on San Juan Island...photo by Katie Jones (thanks, Katie!)

Hope your week is off to a good start (including that you’re warm this morning!) Check the weather forecast for this morning & then let’s get going:

• Remember those two labrador retrievers who were looking for a home? They found one! Here’s more from Debbie Sandwith:

Thought I would share that much to our surprise we found that Toni was looking for loving home & we had been keeping a ‘quiet’ ear open for adult dog needing a new home (ours) – a perfect match was made today between friends!

Katie's new shirt - now available...and Happy Birthday, Granny!

• I know you’ve seen Katie Jones‘ great pictures (here’s her photo portfolio with Skyhopper Photography) – did you know she also sells shirts? Here’s one that you can get to celebrate Granny’s 100th birthday this year (right).

• If you don’t have Kels’ new albulm “Life Is Too Sweet” it’s time for you to get it – you’ll be glad you did! Drop by Harper Poesy, Compost It, Funk & Junk, and Isle Be Jammin’ and get yours today.

• There’s a good match: Sally at Island Rec tells me Conrad is coming on board to direct Camp Eagle Rock this summer…he’s the talented husband of Library Director Margie Harrison.

• Lunch for you today: It’s Noodle Bowl Monday at the Backdoor Kitchen!

The Chameleons (that's Dave, left, Dan, Kira on vocals, and Carl, with Michael behind Kira on drums) packed the Rumor Mill on Saturday. Photo by Janice Peterson (thanks, Janice!)

• It was good to hear from Judy Adams, and even better to receive a reminder that it’s not always winter here on the island:

Just received this photo that my brother, Steve Garrigan, took last summer when he visited us on the island.  Thought it might be a good reminder that although the snow pics have been beautiful, we still have the wonderful spring and summer to look forward to!

The ferry coming in last summer...photo by Steve Garrigan.

Last weekend, TeriLyn Brown went to see Madwoman of Chaillot and she came away very impressed. Here’s our writeup from last week before the show opened; here’s more from TeriLyn:

Deb, as the Madwoman

Wherever he is, Jean Giraudoux must surely be smiling this week. Giraudoux was a playwright who began writing after the first World War – an era of terrible disillusionment and cynicism.  The extremely high casualty rate and horrific psychological toll of World War I on the youth of the period caused a time of despair perhaps unparalleled in literary history.

While many writers at the time turned to the “shock and awe” of realism, portraying the consequences of the “War To End All Wars” in horrifying detail, Giraudoux turned to a theater of ideas, to make direct political and social statements with a sense of high style.  In Madwoman of Chaillot, currently in a gorgeous and utterly faithful production at the SJCC, he was able to make arguably the most profound statement of his belief that imaginative dis-order, rather than the rigid control of absolute order, is the only road to human happiness and salvation. I am not sure how the theater was able to see current events unfolding on the horizon, but I cannot imagine a more prescient piece of theater.

Unbelievably, the play was written in 1945.  How destruction of the planet by oil drilling, stock market scams, and corporate greed made their way into a play written almost 70 years ago is a question with no answer that I know of.

SJCC’s production is directed by Susan Williams, with an eye for detail and narrative easily lost or deflected in a play this long and large.  The cast numbers 29, the set changes are huge, and there are lots of words.  But I was never bored, the plot line was always clear, and, best of all, Giraudoux’ ideas were always lucid and accessible, attaching themselves to the story as lightly as Aurelia’s iris corsage.

It is impossible to compliment the entire cast and crew here, but the ensemble work is remarkable.  Deb Langhans, as Aurelia, and her fellow Madwomen are delicious; Ken Serratt, as The President, and his gang of four are a worthy counterpoint; the inhabitants of Chaillot are each a full and fascinating character study by themselves.  The costume and scene design are a visual feast. The design is described as being influenced by “steampunk,” but it is perhaps more accurate to say that steampunk with its detailed mechanical intricacy is used to contrast the antagonists with the colorful humanism of the people of Chaillot.  The overall collaged design, a technique known as “bricolage,” perfectly suits the feeling of chaos turned to sanity, of new ideas out of old.

Giraudoux’, in his own life, turned gender upside-down/inside-out.  Williams’ casting does the same; at times it is hard to tell who is playing whom, so to speak.  Giraudoux loved humor and irony and “Style” with a capital “S”; Madwoman of Chaillot has all of these in abundance.

It is very rare to have the opportunity to see theater that integrates form, design, narrative, ideas, and entertainment to this degree.

Remarkable.  Bravo!!

Here’s the word from Keri Talbot & Sally Thomsen at Island Rec:

Poster Contest for 21st Annual Children’s Festival and recruiting New Activity Providers

It’s time for San Juan island kids to let their imaginations fly high with this year’s Children’s Festival’s Theme: CIRQUE DE SAN JUAN

The 2011 Children’s Festival’s poster contest lets San Juan Island children show off their imaginative and creative skills.

Official entry forms are available starting February 20th, 2011 for artists of all ages ready to share their talents in the San Juan Island 21ST Annual Children’s Festival. Winning entries will be used to promote the Saturday, May 7th festival and its 2011 theme: Cirque De San Juan.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries. The first prize is a Whale and Wildlife Tour for four aboard San Juan Excursion’s boat The Odyssey.  The second prize will be a gift certificate to the Toy box, and the third place poster will receive a gift certificate to Osito’s. Continue Reading

The Chameleons are playing at 7:30pm Saturday at the Rumor Mill - that's Kira Sable (top), Dave Ryan (at 2 o'clock), Michael Linehan (bottom right), Carl Blake (bottom left), and Dan DeShon.

What’s happening:

Wednesday's snow at Lime Kiln...photo by Alan Niles (thanks, Alan!)

• Moving to a new place…Peter Goddu & Margaret Langlie are re-locating their office from 310 Spring Street to 435-A Argyle Street in March…so look for them over there!

• Closed: Looks like Jimmy’s (next to the bowling alley) is closed…I’ll try & get more details for you. That’s sad, as it’s been a steady & reliable meeting place for islanders for years.

• Get your plants in a week – here’s more from Jody Burns:

Hi, Ian!  The Master Gardeners wanted to let everyone know that the Native Plant Sale has been postponed to Saturday, March 5, 9am to noon at the 4-H Building, San Juan County Fair Grounds. Sub-freezing temperatures and snow don’t go well with plants needing to be put in the ground!  Or with folks getting there safely.

We’ll have lots of native plants for sale as well as the pre-orders waiting for pick up.  Questions:  Call Jody Burns at 378-2780 or Kris Bayas at 378-4414.

Hard to believe it was just last weekend - here's another shot of the sunny Shaw Island Winter Classic, by John Miller (thanks, John!)

• Here’s the word from folks wanting to work with the hospital project:

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center:
Bidders & Vendors Briefing
Howard S. Wright Constructors (HSWC) will host a bidders and vendors briefing for the Peace Health Peace Island Medical Center project on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the San Juan Fire District #3 Building located at 1011 Mullis Street in Friday Harbor. All interested potential bidders and vendors are invited and encouraged to attend.

At the meeting, HSWC personnel will describe the construction project for the Peace Island Medical Center complex. They will discuss their goals and expectations for local subcontractors and suppliers. The timeline for the overall project, and for the availability and due date of bid packages will be provided.

Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to HSWC and to provide information on their skills and capabilities as well as their contractor demographics. Continue Reading

The lighthouse at Lime Kiln, snow-blanketed on Wednesday afternoon...photo by Norris Palmer

Over the past three days, we’ve had the chance to see how a beautiful place looks when decked out in white…and it’s pretty cool. Here are a few photos that friends have sent to show the island with its different aspects….hope you got a chance to get out & play in the snow!

Stay warm, my friends!

That's the anchor at The Oaks on Wednesday's grey & snowy morning....photo by John Nelson Simonto

Making his way through the snow...photo by Cyndi Brast

All this snow, which way do we go? Photo by Alan Niles

Late afternoon sun in the west on Wednesday...photo by Alan Niles

Wednesday's sunset, lighting the skies...photo by Alan Niles

There are a couple of horse-related events coming up – here’s the deal:

Joanna Mendl-Shaw is leading a free equestrian's mini-clinic on March 10th.

Mariya Masters is organizing this mini-clinic:

Join us for a Free Equestrian’s Mini-Clinic with Joanna Mendl-Shaw on Thursday, March 10 from 3-6 pm. The clinic is open to everyone along with equestrians. Joanna Mendl-Shaw, the Juilliard School and Alvin Ailey Dance Faculties, is the artistic director of The Equus Projects.

Using Brain Gym® activities and Ball Work we will focus on fun ways to work on the strength and body integration that equestrians need. Some anatomical information will be given. The more “exercise” oriented work will transition into a short creative exploration with a partner that focuses on leading and following.

There is no cost to participants for the clinic ~ humans only this time. Bring an inflatable exercise ball. Pre-registration is required, Contact Mariya Masters to register 378-1032 or [email protected]

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The kids have a great time!

Meanwhile, Jenny Rice has ongoing classes and training – here’s more:

HORSES! HORSES! HORSES!
Natural Horsemanship, trail riding, jumping, dressage, eventing… and PONY RIDES!
All ages and experience levels welcome.
Our all-season facility includes a beautiful covered arena that allows for fun in any weather.
Sweet Water Farm is internationally-known. We specialize in breeding, training, marketing, and competing purebred Akhal-Teke horses… one of the world’s rarest breeds!
Check out our website and blog for more information about our dynamic program:
www.akhalteke.cc
www.eventingakhaltekes.blogspot.com/

And here’s a video of Lilah Savlen, one of our dedicated students, showing the amazing things she has learned to do with Napoleon the Pony:

Visit us at:
Sweet Water Farm Akhal-Teke
2097 West Valley RD
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Contact Jenny:
(360) 378-8580 • [email protected]

Looking for a home....

A shot from yesterday's morning snow...photo by Alan Niles

If you can’t see the forest for the trees, or the snow for the flakes, then you’ll want to know:

• Toni LoBue has a couple of free dogs – here’s the deal:

Yellow labrador retrievers (Brodie & Lily). Free to a loving home, two purebred yellow labrador retrievers.  They are seven years old, brother and sister, who may  be separated to good homes.  Both are very sweet and friendly, love kids, great for a family or as a companion. Spayed/neutered. They need more attention and playtime than I can provide. Please contact me: Toni LoBue at 378-7767 or tlobue (at) centurytel.net.

• The story behind the weather – check Cliff Maas’ weather blog this morning.

• Judy Chovan is in Ghana…she tells me:

While 80% of Ghanans speak English there are still comprehension problems. I asked to go to the coffin-makers shop, instead I was driven to a coffee shop. Twice. Until I figured out how to pantomime it.

Arielle (center) is celebrating her first year in Rwanda...

• Meanwhile, Arielle Mancuso is in Rwanda with the Peace Corps…her mom Yvonne is heading there to work with her a bit – here is their report:

Seems to me Arielle makes friends everywhere she goes....

From Yvonne: Arielle sent this along … and I thought that her one year anniversary and the Peace Corps 50th year anniversary arriving at the same time was cause for celebration and recognition.  I will be heading to Rwanda next month to work along side of her, so this is a “heads up” for anyone wishing to send her good wishes and/or some island spirit in the form of cards or small tokens for the children are welcome to get in touch with me.  Thanks, Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso, [email protected]

From Arielle: Greetings from Rwanda! This year marks the fiftith anniversary of the Peace Corps. The first Peace Corps Volunteer arrived in Ghana in 1961. This month also marks my first anniversary in Rwanda. A year has passed since I disembarked the plane and commenced my service as a community health and organizational capacity building volunteer in Rwanda. In the past year, I have faced the greatest challenges, taken pride in the small successes, and altered my worldview to match the reality I witness. What an experience it has been! I miss my family and friends and am always thinking about home, so I just thought I’d write a quick update. For more reading, visit my blog.

Damon & Lindsey & baby Collins

• Vic Woodward‘s son Damon & his wife Lindsey have made Vic a grandpa -here’s more from Vic:

Collins was born on Feb. 15th, 8 lbs. 4 oz., 21 inches (shooting guard size, I think )… probably be a Razorback. They live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Collins is all over Facebook, and may even have her own page. She and mom are doing great, dad Damon is a very proud papa. Collins is our first grandchild…so…you can call me grandpa. Yahoo!

• The Spring Street International School kids are in Asia and in Costa Rica….here are their blogs – check out what they’re up to!

• Jane Cable sent over this little press release to clear up a misunderstanding:

Common Sense Alliance (CSA) recently produced a blue and white postcard (click here to see it) entitled “Have you heard about the CAO?” which was distributed via the U.S. Postal Service to San Juan County shoreline property owners.  We understand that some people may have misconstrued a statement in the postcard regarding “a proposal to move houses 150 to 200 feet or more away from shorelines and wetlands.”  The postcard addresses the pending CAO update, which will affect property owners in two ways.

First, for new construction within a shoreline setback or wetland buffer, an owner may be required to locate the structure an increased distance from the shoreline or designated buffer zone from what would be required under the current 50 to 100 foot setback

Second, existing homes and structures found to lie within proposed new buffers or setbacks will likely become “non-conforming,” a designation that brings with it potential limits on expansion, renovation, and replacement.

CSA in no way intended to imply that an existing home or structure would be required to be physically relocated because of current or proposed regulations.  If you have any further questions or comments about this matter, please address them to Common Sense Alliance at [email protected] or to the County.

It will be a blur of color & fun...opening this week! Photos by Keith Busha

You know, I love everything director Susan Williams does, so I’m already predisposed to think The Madwoman of Chaillot is going to be a winner….now’s your chance to find out! Here’s more about the show from the Community Theatre’s Jan Bollwinkel-Smith:

Deb as the madwoman....

Eccentric characters, a variety of zany European accents and out-of-this-world sets and costumes (think: Steam Punk–description below). Jean Giraudoux’s 1942 satiric comedy, The Madwoman of Chaillot, comes to bright and vividly comic life on San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier stage this Thursday through Saturday, February 24-26.

The play is a classic tale of the good guys vs. the bad guys. It’s set in the Chaillot district of Paris, where the bad guys — a group of money-grubbing, power-hungry capitalists — have sniffed out an underground oil deposit and are willing to destroy the city to get at it. The good guys – a countess, a few madwomen, and a motley crew of street people – hear about the plan and decide to kill all the bad guys to preserve the Paris they love. But who wins? You’ll have to find out for yourself!

Buy tickets now online at www.sjctheatre.org, or the box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm (360-378-3210).

The Madwoman of Chaillot continues March 3-6.

The CAST

“When I first read The Madwoman of Chaillot, the eccentric characters stole my heart,” said director Susan Williams. Susan adds: “The cast exemplifies some of the strongest acting talents of San Juan Community Theatre!”

The President Ken Serratt
The Baron Lorie Narum
The Waiter Joseph Adams
The Doorwoman Shannon Kelley
Irma TaShawn Moore
Little Man Tanja Williamson
Prospector Dana Rice
The Flower Girl Elizabeth Schubert
The Shoelace Peddler Elizabeth Schubert
The Broker Roberta Leed
The Deaf Mute Merideth Block
Countess Aurelia, The Madwoman of Chaillot Deb Langhans
The Sergeant Susan Williamson
Pierre Johnny Pachivas
The Policeman Therese Finn
Dr. Jadin, Second Prospector Warren Baehr
Third Prospector  Keith Keyser
Second President Pete Dawson
The Street Singer/Magician Joy Van Camp
The Ragpicker Rev Shannon
Mme. Constance, The Madwoman of Passy Therese Finn
Mlle. Gabrielle, The Madwoman of St. Sulpice Patti Bair
Mme. Josephine, The Madwoman of La Concorde Gretchen Gubelman
Sewer Man Karrie King

Magician’s Apprentice McKenzie Serratt
Townspeople Ann Marie Molinar, Anessa Knowles, Teppei Nguyen, Fiona Small

Steam punk in the show....

Steampunk!
When you see the Madwoman set and costumes, they are definitely unique. Director Susan Williams, her cast, costumers and set crews have designed the production in a theme of STEAMPUNK–a cultural movement that started to grow in popularity in the 1980s. According to Wikipedia:

“Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction … Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history.”

A poetry-slam poem...

Teacher Taylor Mali has made some inspirational vids of his thoughts about his profession, and I sure appreciate the way he sees things. This will give you an idea…and when you get a chance today, thank a teacher. 🙂

The snow in town had accumulated on the trees in Friday Harbor by mid-morning; it was still snowing well after lunch time...photo by Kevin Holmes.

The light dusting of snow began last night but really opened up this morning, making the island a winter wonderland for most of the day. The forecast has a storm, more snow, and freezing weather ahead for this late afternoon, tonight & tomorrow.

Norris & Karen Palmer's dogs were out playing in the mid-morning snow...photo by Norris Palmer.

Paul & Marty Ahart just got back from a 3400-mile, 3-week road trip to California & back - they tell me they had a blast. Paul says this next month is a super time to get over to Island Bicycles & get your wheels tuned up for the year...I know I'm going to.

It was a busy weekend, and even with the holiday yesterday, there’s a lot going on:

• Looks like Ruffles (J1 in J pod) hasn’t been seen since November…it’s still early, and the pod’s largest male sometimes wanders away from the group, but now people will be watching extra carefully to try & see where the 60-year-old killer whale might be.

By the way, by most people’s counts, this will be Granny‘s 100th year – yes, the oldest orca in the resident groups was probably born in 1911.

Broach, during the Shaw Island Winter Classic this past weekend. Photo by John Miller (thanks, John!)

• The Shaw Island Winter Classic was this past weekend, and John Miller was there:

Hey, Ian – went racing on Saturday – good day for mad dogs and Englishmen – wind was 15 – 20 with gusts exceeding 30. This picture (above) is soon after the start. The boat, a Santa Cruse 27, is “broaching”, i.e., excessive weather helm and subsequent knockdown – there were others!

It's tonight!

• Tawny from the Animal Shelter has an idea where you can eat tonight, and bring the fam…classical guitarist Amanda Brast & traditional folk dude acoustic new age songwriter & singer me will be playing tonight for the dinner – here’s more:

I wanted to remind everyone that Tuesday night from 5pm-8pm is the Annual Spay-ghetti Dinner.  Adults only $10, and kids only $5!

Where can you feed a family of four for $30.00 including dinner/deserts and FUN while supporting the low income spay and neuter program on San Juan Island? See you there!

• Teens at the Bean: Last Friday, Eric & Sheila at The Bean Café had a few friends over, and it was great! Here’s the story:

Dancing the night away....

Friday Night was Teen Night at The Bean Cafe. We had about 40-50 highschool students stop in for some fun.

They set up an XBox360 and did Dance Dance Revolution competitions all night. They played card games, had hot chocolate and cookies, and just enjoyed having the place to themselves. It was so nice to get to know more of the Friday Harbor teenagers.

We were really impressed by how polite they all are and by the respect they showed our restaurant.  We will be happy to make this a regular event at The Bean Cafe so our teens have a safe place to socialize. We hope you can post a picture in the Update and let the kids know we think they’re great and we’d love to have them back!

It was great to catch up with Melonie & Chris from Tif & Gif & share some laughs on the ferry last week - they were on their way to a concert in Seattle. Good to see you guys!

• Over at the Presbyterian Church, Sylvia has a class coming up in a couple of weeks:

Sylvia

Beginning Wednesday evening, March 9th at 6:30 pm, FHPC’s Youth Director Sylvia Sullard will be hosting a four week mini-seminar on current culture and youth.

Topics will include technology & cultural attitudes, styles of communication for generation Y and reasons for apparent lengthened adolescence.

There is no cost for these seminars and we will gather in the main hall at the Presbyterian Church.

If you have questions, please call the Presbyterian Church @ 378-4544.

That's the folks after the 8:30am Zumba class at XYZ Movement Arts - ready & happy for the day! Wahoo!

• Cynthia at XYZ Movement Arts says they’re filling the space with classes all day long – you can see what yoga class, dance session, kids’ program, and more fits your schedule by checking the website’s listings here.

On the walk: The Brann Homestead Cabin

• Eileen says about 75-80 people came last time, and this one should get a crowd, too:

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1:00pm is the next Know Your Island Walk. Meet Dona Wuthnow, Director of County Parks, to walk the San Juan County Park and learn about its natural and cultural history.  Hear about the Brann Homestead cabin and its restoration; the national wildlife refuge just off the shore; see the film site of the 1998 movie, Practical Magic; learn of the early people who lived there; the trees and flowers to be seen, and the camping possibilities.

Meet at the San Juan County Park Office, just off Westside Road. The length is .25 mi. and one hour, the terrain is road and rustic trail, and the rating is moderate. Dogs are welcome on leashes. Rain or shine.

Twin sons of different mothers - it was good to catch up with Steve Keys (right) at Kings last week & see we were both wearing our IPS hats (there's a plug for ya, Jim & Kate!)...Louisa & Steve are off to Mexico this week for a couple of months - we'll miss you guys!