Writers of the world, unite!

Posted February 10, 2011 at 2:21 pm by

Alice - sign up for her workshops this weekend!

There are a lot of gems on the island that have collected here from different palces, and one of them is Alice Acheson and her experience & knowledge about what it takes to get published.

She should know – she was the publicist for the Clan of the Cave Bear series, and many more. She presents all over the country, but remembers her roots & has a couple of workshops this weekend. I’ve sat in on her workshops & she’s awesome – you’ll come away with the knowledge you need, and fired up to get the process started…here’s more about what she’s offering:

Our Islands abound with talented writers.  However, most one-on-one professional advice on how to market their books to agents, publishers, and the public requires expensive trips to the mainland.

“You’re Writing the Manuscript, Now What?” is one such resource and will be presented on San Juan Island, Saturday, February 12 (noon-5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, February 13, 2011 (noon-5:00 p.m.) by Alice B. Acheson, a publishing professional with four decades of experience, half in New York City.  Geared for authors, illustrators and/or photographers searching for a publisher, the aim of this workshop is to empower the writers with publishing and marketing knowledge, including:

●    strategies for finding — and impressing — an agent/publisher,

●    industry procedures — from signing the contract to post-publication,

●    what to do — and when — to gain realistic control over the marketing process and publisher support,

●    specifics relating to individual project(s),

●    abundant handouts covering all stages of publication, and

●    “a thorough destroying of illusions, replaced with real tools and great methods to deal with actual situations.”

— Janice Crow, workshop participant

Additionally, on Friday, February 11 (8:45-11:45 a.m.), Acheson will also present “The Greatest Marketing Tool of All,” a three-hour workshop on the verbal pitch.  All potential authors need to spread the word about their work early in the process.  You never know who is listening. It could be an agent, publisher, bookseller, or future reader.  No writer should be unprepared or blow the opportunity with the wrong description.  Having “pitched” hundreds of books, including many on the New York Times bestseller list (four simultaneously), Acheson will share what works, what doesn’t — and why?

Both workshops require an assignment to be completed prior to the class, with instructions provided upon registration.

For further information and cost, contact Alice Acheson at 360/378-2815.

FHHS falls in playoffs; boys’ & girls’ basketball seasons end

Posted February 10, 2011 at 10:16 am by

Last night it looked pretty promising: The Wolverine boys were ahead of a tough Lynden Christian team by one at the half, and by six early in the third, but the Lyncs roared back to win 61-47 to win their district playoff game and move on to district play. The Wolverines wrapped up a successful 11-3 league season (second in league) earlier this week, and overall played very well for a pretty young team…watch out for next year! This is a team that is going places!

Meanwhile, the girls (2nd in league, 10-2 in league) traveled to take on a tough King’s squad in Shoreline, and lost 56-36, ending one of the program’s more successful years. Congrats to Eric & the girls for a great year!

Wednesday’s news…

Posted February 9, 2011 at 12:08 am by

Hope you got out in the sun yesterday! Let’s see what’s going on:

Kels...

Friday Harbor basketball heads to the playoffs today with the boys taking on Lynden Christian and the girls headed for Kings High in Shoreline. Both teams won Monday in their last games with Cedar Park Christian, as the girls stormed ahead & stayed ahead to win, and the boys hit the last basket to win by one.

Kels Boreen’s debut album release for “Life Is Too Sweet” is Friday & Saturday this weekend at the Grange – here are the details. I’m sure liking his music – it’s easy to listen to, and easy to be around. Here’s the song Well from the album – it’ll give you an idea of where he’s heading with his music.

• Just heard from Trish Smith – congrats to her & Patrick (they are now Mr. & Mrs. Smith-Smith)!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith-Smith....

Patrick and I got married after 9 years being together. We moved to Montana 4 years ago after many years on the island. We miss the island and everyone very much but love Montana. Kelly and James Crichton and Staci and Dana Baker are my cousin’s. Patrick’s sister, Kelly Williams still lives on the island.

• The turmoil continues: The paperwork for a recall of the San Juan Island School Board has been filed, with a decision about whether it can be on the ballot to be handed down by March 2…meanwhile, the board will meet in executive session tonight to discuss its legal defense. I hear that efforts to picket that meeting are being organized…

Rowan (left) and Erin in Egypt over New Year's....

• When I saw Erin Braybrook last week she told me she just came back from Egypt…wow. Here are pictures & a little bit of the story on her daughter Rowan‘s blog – Rowan met up with her mom for the holidays in Egypt, before she returned to Madagascar, and her mom came back to the island.

SSIS reports in from Asia…

Posted February 8, 2011 at 11:28 pm by

In Thailand: Joan, Robin, and Dylan (right) feed the carp....

Each winter, a contingent of students & staff from Spring Street International School takes off for Asia for nearly two months from late January to March…here’s their report how the trip is going so far.

The San Juan Island Food Co-Op moves to larger space….

Posted February 8, 2011 at 11:19 pm by

There's way more elbow room in the new place...drop by & check it out!

The Co-Op has spent most of the last month moving, and now is located in the other end of the building which houses Bakery San Juan (it was located in Surina Business Park.) Last weekend, there was a soft opening, and now the Grand Opening is set for Saturday, February 19. General manager Anna Spears tell me last weekend went smoothly, and members are pretty happy about having 6-7 times as much space.

Want to help out? Want to join? Here’s more about how you can join up & help: http://www.sanjuancoop.org/

And here’s the hours the Co-Op is open to the general public:
Monday: 11am-1pm
Tuesday: 5:30-7:30pm
Wednesday: 11am-1pm & 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday: 11am-1pm
Friday 11am-1pm
Saturday: 11am-3pm

See you there!

Little earthquake this morning….

Posted February 8, 2011 at 9:32 am by

There was a 3.2 magnitude quake on San Juan Island this morning – did you feel it? Here’s the data

What’s happening here….

Posted February 8, 2011 at 12:36 am by

It was good to catch up with Summer last night at Haley's - she and Nicholas dropped in to get a bite after the FHHS game. She & Taylor are expecting (congrats!) with the due date in mid-summer. Or mid-Summer. Or July.

I think since last week was mid-winter break, folks saved up a bunch of things to do this week…let’s see what’s going on:

Dr. Baisch

• When was the last time you had your hearing checked? I’ll say that louder – WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU GOT YOUR EARS CHECKED??? If it’s been a while, or people like me keep yelling at you, drop by and see Doctor of Audiology Stacie Baisch and she’ll check you out. You’ll be glad you did….here’s her website & contact info.

The Dining for Scholars deal for Dollars for Scholars took the week off last week because of the break, but it’s back this week for the final week – here’s more from Jamie:

This Thursday (February 10) will be the last Thursday to go out to eat to support Dining for Scholars!  The two restaurants to participate this week are Vic’s Drive-In for lunch & dinner and Coho Restaurant for lunch. Thank you!

Remember Sara Totten who used to work at the Rocky Bay and Jimmy's Paradise Cafe? She married Jared Segebartt this past weekend - congrats, you two!

Alice is offering a class this coming weekend – she mentioned to me that she has a fee, but that no one would be turned away for lack of funds:

Country Western Waltz: Valentine’s Weekend Special
XYZ Movements Arts, Airport Center Rd
Saturday February 12, 4:30-5:30 (arrive at 4:15)
Sliding Scale: $4-$8 per Dancer; $8-$15 for Couple

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to waltz…maybe you’d just like to practice waltzing to some great County Western music with a loved one, friend or your own teenage child. Come join Alice Hibberd for an introductory lesson. You are encouraged to bring along someone to dance with but don’t be shy to come on your own. Someone else will need a partner! Teens grades 6+ are welcome. Please wear dancing shoes/boots that won’t mark up the floor. RSVP to Alice at 378.9722 or [email protected], please.

There will be a free demo of Country Western Two Stepping from 5:30 to 5:45 if you want to see more. Then head over for a “Chocolate Friendzy” desert after class to support the SJI Library (6-7pm).

Stanwood's Derek Floyd weighed in with the winning fish in last weekend's Roche Harbor Salmon Classic, setting the all-time Roche Harbor Derby record with this 28.1 pound salmon, and taking home $10K in prize money.

San Juan Preservation Trust hires Director of Philanthropy….

Posted February 8, 2011 at 12:04 am by

Just got the word from Kathleen over at the PT:

The San Juan Preservation Trust has announced that it has hired a new Director of Philanthropy. Orcas Island resident Barbara Courtney will manage the organization’s fundraising program, which includes developing major donor and planned giving strategies, leading capital campaigns, managing public and private grants, and oversight of membership and annual giving programs, all of which are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Preservation Trust’s conservation work in the San Juans.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Barbara to the team,” said Tim Seifert, executive director of the Preservation Trust. “Her deep appreciation for the places and people of our islands will elevate the quality and pace of our conservation work.” Continue Reading

Now here’s a place to stay….The Longhouse B&B

Posted February 6, 2011 at 11:55 am by

Jerry & Patty Rasmussen have a warm, comfortable place for you at Longhouse B&B.

Last week, I had some work to do over on the west side…

It was sunny day...

During my travels I dropped in to say hey to Patty & Jerry at The Longhouse Bed & Breakfast, which is at the end of Mitchell Bay Road, just a bit past Snug Harbor Resort.

Their place looks over the marina at Snug, and they showed me around & you know, it’s a warm inviting place off the beaten track.

If you get a chance, check it out, and if you have folks coming to visit this summer, be sure & put this on your list of cool places to stay.

Warm...

Early Music Concert on Sunday…

Posted February 6, 2011 at 12:02 am by

David over at St. David’s rent over this reminder for  tonight:

On Sunday February 6, Saint David’s Episcopal Church and The Salish Sea Early Music Festival will present the second of four monthly concerts in Friday Harbor. This program of Irish and Scottish Baroque and Russian Guitar Music will feature Oleg Timofeyev from Iowa City, Iowa on lute and Russian 7-string guitar with Jeffrey Cohan on baroque fluet and an 8-keyed flute made in London in 1820.

The concert begins at 7 pm in the church sanctuary. 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.

FHHS basketball update…

Posted February 5, 2011 at 11:35 pm by

The Wolverines played games Friday & Saturday this weekend – here’s the results:

Friday
Boys: Shoreline Christian 53, FHHS 45
Girls: SC doesn’t have a teamt his year…

Saturday
Boys: La Conner 61, Friday Harbor 41
Girls: Friday Harbor 55, La Conner 41

The Salmon Classic winners…

Posted February 5, 2011 at 11:27 pm by

Debbie just sent over the list of winners & the prizes – here’s the scoop:

8th Annual 2011 Roche Harbor Salmon Classic Invitational

100 boats arrived to Roche Harbor Resort & Marina for the 8th Annual Salmon Classic Invitational.

The following results from the derby are as follows:

100 Derby Boats; total 337 Anglers
43 fish weighed in on Friday February 4, 2011
25 fish weighed in on Saturday February 5, 2011
38 boats weighed in a total of 68 Fish

$25,000 cash prizes awarded:

$10,000 • 1st Place • Derek Floyd •  Stanwood, WA • 28.10 pounds
$5,000 • 2nd Place • Richard Sakuma • Bellingham, WA • 22.04
$3,000 • 3rd Place • David Arnold • Bellingham, WA • 20.16
$2,000 • 4th Place • Kirk Hawley •  Bellingham, WA • 19.15
$1,000 • 5th Place • Tony Petosa • Bothell, WA • 19.0

$2,000 • Mystery Fish • Neal Kamrin • Bellevue, WA • 9.0

$2,000 • Best Boat Total Weight •   108.04 lbs
Derek Floyd Stanwood, WA
Julie Floyd Stanwood, WA
Scott Bumstead Everett, WA
Shannon Bumstead Everett, WA

Jager Boyd • Youngest (only) Angler • 9 yrs old • Monroe, WA

Geoff Christensen, Bow, WA 2012 Boat Entry winner, sponsored by Roche Harbor Resort

Around the island…

Posted February 4, 2011 at 6:14 am by

Looks like a rainy one today….Stacy over at Cake Junkies tells me Longfellow says, “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” Agreed….

Alisa

• Over at Jensen Shipyard they have a deal till March 4th – Alisa tells me they have 10% off haul outs, wash and block – all you have to do is bring in the coupon that will be in the 2/9 Journal.  Check it out, and take your boat with you!

• Pam Herber invites you to come share, or listen:

Writers’ Café is coming up this Friday. Bring your fiction, nonfiction or poetry to read, or join us to listen. The Bean Café will have coffee, pastries and such for sale for our enjoyment. 5:00 – 6:30 pm, tonight (Friday!) I hope to see you there!

Earlier this week, Bill & Shannon Bailey went out for her birthday at the Rumor Mill - happy birthday, Shannon!

Sam at San Juan Fitness has a plan for the kids this weekend:

San Juan Island Fitness, in cooperation with the FHES PTA, offers another “Kids Night Out.” The first of 2011 will be held on Saturday evening, February 5, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for Elementary School grades 2 through 6.

I got a chance to thank Annette Crosby for the fine haircut she gave me this week at Spa D'Bune. She does a super job, and obviously loves her work!

The fun includes swimming under the watchful eye of approved life guards, court games under adult supervision and a TBD movie projected onto a sheet in the aerobics room.  Hot dogs, side dishes and beverage will also be served, so no need for dinner.  Please remember to bring your tennis shoes and a towel.

Parents are welcome to hang out and enjoy the kids or simply drop them off.  Cost is only $7.00 per person.  Parents can pick up a coupon good for 10% off any one time purchase at Café Demeter.  A portion of the KNO proceeds go to the FHES PTA. For more information, call 378-4449 or visit  www.sanjuanislandfitness.com

One of the awesome things that happened in & to the Town of Friday Harbor this past year was the hanging of the art on the side of Ace Hardware that faces Nichols Street, by Annie Howell-Adams. I love it!

Here’s a video without a whole lot of talking but with a whole lot of color that tells how the pictures were made:

Awards at the Fire Department Banquet…

Posted February 4, 2011 at 5:50 am by

Together the Town of Friday Harbor Fire Department and San Juan Island Fire Department (District #3) celebrated the 2010 contributions of its members for the first time in history last Saturday at the University of Washington Dining Hall. The firefighters and support members were honored for their service and dedication to the community.

Elvis was in the house....photo by John Miller.

The banquet held many wonderful surprises, including a mock wedding between the two departments that was officiated by Elvis Presley. There were cheers and laughter throughout the ceremony from the approximately 130 attendees. Firefighter Jeremiah Lord presented a film showcasing the great work of the firefighters with the newly combined department, the firefighter contributions in the previous months, and the continued goal of effectively and efficiently serving the community together.

The following firefighters were honored with awards for their service in 2010:
-Outstanding Service Award: Tom Eades
-Town Firefighter of the Year: Randy Skeels
-District #3 Firefighter of the Year: Harry See
-Town Officer of the Year: Tony Smith
-District #3 Officer of the Year: Brad Creesy
-District #3 Rookie of the Year: Jeremiah Lord
-District #3 Support Volunteer of the Year: Diane Ludeman

The following District #3 firefighter station awards were given:
-Station 31(Mullis St.): Jeremiah Lord
-Station 33 (Little Mountain): Harry See
-Station 36 (Eagle Crest): Tom Odegard, Tender Operator of the Year
-Station 36 (Eagle Crest): Dave Smith, Tender Operator of the Year

Awards recipients on Saturday night...photo by John Miller. Back row, left to right: Brent Johnson, Tom Odegard, Mark Tompkins, Harry See, Jeremiah Lord, Ted Noll.Front row, left to right: Tom Eades, Dave Smith, Tony Smith, Diane Ludeman, Susan Risser

The Special Leadership Award was presented to Susan Risser and Mark Tompkins for their exceptional work in bringing the two departments together.

Retiring Firefighter Jim Guard was honored for his dedication to the fire service for 22 years (1988-2010.)

Kyle Davies, Harry See, Francis Smith and Rebecca Smith were recognized for 15 years of service. David Howitt and Jason Wood were recognized for 5 years of service.

The San Juan Island Firefighters Association gave special awards to Joan Byrne and Ted Noll for their dedication to the fire department and its support activities.

The San Juan Island Fire Department would like to recognize the Orcas Island Fire Department for providing a crew of firefighters to cover initial response in the unfortunate event of a call during the banquet.

The department is always looking for new volunteers for both fire and support services. For more information about the San Juan Island Fire Department please contact us at (360) 378-5334.

– by Jenny Benedict

Get your tickets for the Playwrights’ Festival

Posted February 3, 2011 at 10:57 pm by

The shows continue this weekend & next...

It was great to watch the shows last night (here are all the players, and the plays – all eight of them). This year’s Festival at the Community Theatre features eight scenes written specifically for the evening: On the ferry & in an island hotel room. I loved it.

The night moved along quickly, and you’ll find the night to be a series of inside-joke references to the island (The ferry announcer: “This is Washington State Ferries. We don’t care. We don’t have to.”) It helps to be an islander, but there’s more – a look inside why we live here & why we leave, a look at love, and other love, a little music, a little quirkiness and a little politics. Just like the island.

Here’s the schedule of shows for this week & next…tickets are selling well, so be sure & get yours soon. You’re gonna like this one!

Remember the sunset at New Year’s?

Posted February 3, 2011 at 10:31 pm by

False Bay on New Year's at sunset....photo by Steve Martin (thanks, Steve!) - click to see a larger version!

If you don’t remember it, this will help – Steve Martin (the real one, not the actor) forwarded this to me to share with you….that’s False Bay at the change of the year.

You can see more of Steve’s work on his site: http://islandmediastudio.com/