Betty Makoni

Jill Hopkins wanted you & me to know about this ahead of time, to make plans – it’s pretty cool that Ms. Makoni (who has been named a CNN Hero) will be here on the island – here’s more:

Betty Makoni, poet, activist, radio host, founded Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of abuse in her native country, Zimbabwe. GCN Worldwide is now in 8 countries, reaching over 300,00 girls. Betty’s life’s work is dedicated to empower girls…one girl at a time! Admission is free to this event on Saturday, January 15 · 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Community Theatre, with donations to Girl Child Network appreciated.

Sponsored by: Spring Street International School, San Juan Community Theatre and Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor. For more information, contact: Jill Hopkins 378-5390

Yep, I'm telling you a week early so you'll plan it - The Friday Harbor High School Drama Group's "Still Life With Iris" runs Thursday-Sunday (13th-16th) next week - got your tickets yet? You betta....

Let’s see what’s happening around the island…

•  A friend wrote last night looking to see if anyone had any information:

There was a burglary at the Narcotics Anonymous meeting room of the former Kids Club, discovered around 6:40 tonight (Wednesday.) The money cupboard was broken into and the money bag was taken…no one seems to know how much was in it.

Audrey

• I found this photo from five years ago (right)…at FHHS, one of the kids in the child development class was supposed to cheer at a basketball game AND was supposed to look after the “baby,” so she asked Audrey Espinoza to hold it, and I caught Audrey’s smile. Now Audrey’s beautiful Violet has turned one month old, I think she’s still smiling.

• Did you see John Lackey‘s picture of the snow & Lawson’s Pond? Check it.

• Peggy at the Rumor Mill tells me they’re gonna close on the 10th for a couple of weeks, so everyone can have a vacation…meanwhile, Cotton Cotton Cotton is away till the first part of February, and Island Studios has gone to four days a week for the winter season.

In Monday's leftover snow...

Earlier this week, I caught a glimpse of the Churchill House in the setting sun, with the snow still around the grounds…it reminded me of when it was located above the ferry lines, before it was moved to its present location – see if you can find it in the picture below:

Before the move...click on the photo to see a larger version.

Here’s the press release from the SJICF, helping bring the medical center closer to reality:

San Juan Island Community Foundation Awards $2,000,000 To PeaceHealth for the new Peace Island Medical Center.

The San Juan Island Community Foundation is pleased to announce an award of $2,000,000 to PeaceHealth for the construction of the new Peace Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor.  The project will provide comprehensive medical care to residents of San Juan including a significantly expanded family practice clinic, 24/7 emergency and urgent care, a full suite of digital imaging and laboratory services, out-patient surgery center, in-patient hospital and a cancer care center.

The new medical center will be located adjacent to the Friday Harbor airport on a 22 acre site purchased with a prior $1.2 million grant to Peace Health from the Community Foundation.  Continue Reading

The numbers went up last year, and could be expected to rise again this year – here’s the County’s plan to count the islands’ homeless folks, according to Stan Matthews:

San Juan County Health & Community Services will participate in the state’s annual Point in Time Count of Homeless Persons (PIT) on Thursday, January 27th. Prior to that date it will contact and enlist the cooperation of local agencies and organizations that come in contact with homeless members of the community.

The annual count was mandated by a state law passed in 2005 which seeks to reduce homelessness in the state by 50% by the year 2015.

Last year the number of homeless individuals counted increased from 73 in 2009 before the recession really took hold, to 79 in 2010, an increase of eight percent; although organizers expect that increase will be larger this year due to the continued difficult local and national economic situation. Continue Reading

Late afternoon on the westside on Monday...photo by Jim Maya

Lots going on…let’s see what’s happening:

University of Montana freshman Ryan Guard (FHHS '10) took mom Sandi to lunch yesterday at the Bean Cafe...

• In the FHHS basketball games last night, the boys had an easy time of it, riding a 29-point second quarter to a 78-51 win over Darrington to go 3-0 in league; the girls lost against a tough Loggers team. The girls & boys play at Mount Vernon Christian this Friday night…

• The Journal of the San Juans reports this morning that editor Richard Walker is moving to become editor of the North Kitsap paper after 11 years, and reporter Scott Rasmussen takes over as editor. Congrats & good luck, Richard! And I think Scott’s a great choice for the job – way to go!

• Did you know that Tim Thomsen‘s starting his 31st year with San Juan Kayak Expeditions? Here’s more!

• This weekend you won’t want to miss Kate & Tom & Tami – here’s the scoop from Kate:

Happy New Year everybody!

Rewind (Tom and Tami Doenges, Kate Schuman) will be playing at The Rumor Mill this Saturday, January 8th, starting at 7:30.  We take turns singing the leads on a wonderfully fresh mix of tunes you know and love, with emphasis on vocal harmonies and Tom’s excellent guitar work.  And . . . we’ve finally found a sound system we LOVE (thank you, Bose!) that provides a balanced, pleasing volume no matter where you’re sitting.  We are very excited about this!

Oren and Peggy have been putting out some great food (last week I had their Italian Wedding Soup, best ever!), using lots and lots of locally grown meat and produce, always reasonably priced.  They will have some special menu items on Saturday night.

So come join us for a fun evening of music and food.  We’d love to see you!  As always, we thank you for supporting live music in Friday Harbor.

• More music: There’s Open Mic at the Rumor Mill from 7-10pm on Friday – see you there!

Have you been by the Animal Shelter's shop in Cannery Landing yet? There are treats there for you & your friend....

• It was sad to hear that Sally Browne‘s closing her shop, but she’s still around – here’s a note from her:

This email is to inform you that Friday Harbor Souvenir Company has lost its store location and will not be opening next season. I wish to thank you for your support over the past five years – referring your customers and guests in to purchase their island memories, luggage storage and internet needs.

My next venture is as “inn sitter” and “shop sitter,” so if you need any help running your business during busy times, vacation times, sick times, or just need extra help — feel free to call. You will know with confidence, your business will be cared for just as you care for it.

Sally Browne – 378-4106

• JB Herren has a couple of firearms classes this weekend – they have a deal that island residents with paid registration by January 6th can bring a buddy for free -call 378-1776 for more info. Here are details for the Saturday class (30 State Utah Concealed Firearm Permit) and here are details for the Sunday class (Gun Runner Guide to Gun Laws in Washington).

Rain downspout in Anacortes...sent over by Rick Galer (thanks, Rick!)

The lodge, from across the lake....photo by Scott Hale

Lakedale Resort‘s Scott Hale took some photos that show how nice the place looks with a little spontaneous snow, last Wednesday – thanks, Scott!

Snow falling on cedars....

Reflections on a snowy day...

Maria, now in Africa!

It was good to hear from Liza Michaelson that her daughter Maria‘s show went well, and that that set her up for traveling…here’s the story, from Liza:

After completely selling out at her art show in Friday Harbor in November, Maria made enough money to travel indefinitely in West Africa. She also raised $450 at her show from selling handmade African toys, enough to purchase a projector for her planned Skyped charades games between American and African school children.

Also, 47 San Juan island residents donated $10 each to sponsor an interview with a West African artist for her blog. She has no clear itinerary, and plans to stay as long as she is healthy and has money, visiting Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and possibly Senegal.

For Christmas, Maria asked for and received a series of rabies shots to go along with all the other immunizations…Last time she was over there she had a pet bat and a pet monkey and was always fearful of the rabies issue…

Maria left SeaTac on Dec 26, in the middle of the blizzard delaying all flights on the east coast. After five days of pretty intense travel, including  an unplanned layover in Tunis, she has arrived in Bamako, Mali, where she will be living in an art center called Ko Falen for the next two months, studying French and making art.

She has made two entries to her blog.. I was astounded to hear stories which include happily consuming a VARIETY of MEATS!! The first in 19 years!  Evidence of her desire to be a polite guest…

To visit her blog, click here. Once there you can subscribe by clicking on “Subscribe” in the gray bar at the top. I just subscribed today myself.  I think it means you get an email alert every time she uploads a story or video.

Flying into Mali - artist's representation... 🙂

Gigi (left) with Margaret & Kerwin

Just heard this from our friends at Islanders Insurance:

As of January 1, 2011, Gigi Zakula joins Kerwin and Margaret Johnson as co-owner of Islanders Insurance. Gigi has worked at Islanders Insurance since 1991, as an agent/ underwriter/ claims handler and as agency manager since 2007.

Islanders Insurance was established by the Gregory Family in the early 1950’s. Over the years, there have been several owners, including the Buck, Reed, and Stockamp families. The Johnsons purchased the agency in 1983. The Johnsons are thrilled to have Gigi as a partner, continuing the tradition of being a locally owned and operated business.

Kerwin will continue to work at the agency, although on a more part-time basis. Gigi, Kerwin and staff members Mary Wade, Ian Boulton, Vanessa Johnson and Jodi Logsdon are committed to providing the caring, professional customer service our clients expect.

Please stop in and see us!

People call it entertainment, but I'd call this a prison - if free, Lolita would swim around 75 miles a day in the ocean, instead of 75 feet at a time in the Miami Seaquarium.

Shondala, Mallory & Kayla have a show at The Whale Museum this Thursday you’ll want to check out – they will present the critically acclaimed documentary about Lolita, the killer whale captured near here in 1970 who is still alive at the Miami Seaquarium. The evening includes an appearance by Howard Garrett, who starred in the film, and Susan Berta who co-founded the Orca Network with Howie. Here’s more from WM education curator Cindy Hansen:

Do you want to learn more about Lolita, (aka Tokitae), the missing L Pod whale?  Lolita, the only survivor of the orcas captured from the Southern Resident community, has been living and performing at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970.  Friday Harbor High School students Kayla Drummond, Mallory Dahlquist, and Shondala Scott have decided to dedicate their community service project to educating islanders about Lolita.

Please join them at The Whale Museum Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 6:30 pm for a presentation and a showing of the documentary ‘Lolita: Slave to Entertainment.’ There is no charge for the program but the students are asking for donations which will help support Orca Network’s Lolita campaign and The Whale Museum’s Education Department.

The new year's sunset on the west side of the island, with Chris Teren - photo shot by Traci Walter (tahnks, you guys!)

This is a photo I asked Traci & Chris if I could share with you – if you missed the sunset the other day, now you see what you missed!

A new year's beauty...photo by Heather Callin (thanks!)

I love Heather Callin’s pictures – they always see to find a different perspective on the world. For this one, which she shot at Wolf Hollow where she volunteers, she remarked:

“I had a good day at Wolf Hollow. I was fascinated by what the cold temperature did to the outer layer of snow there….it seemed to crystallize it. The geometric patterns it formed, when viewed close-up, made it look like ice feathers covering the ground.

Polar bears! Shelley Alan, Sharyn Columna, Francie Hansen, Derek Steere, and Roger, the ranger at County Park (as well as Abby, the lab) all took a quick dip on New Year's Day at County Park - brrr! Photo by Lauren Cohen, who stayed warm.

Hope your new year is off to a good start! Let’s look around the island & see what folks are up to….

Event co-chairs, Kim Galton (left) and Nancy DeVaux, with their flamingo assistant, Pink Floyd, are getting ready for the 14th!

• One of the great things about the Soroptimists is when they hold a fundraiser, it’s pretty fun. Here’s the next one – here’s more from Barbara Sharp:

It’s back!  Another “girls’ night out” at the Soroptimist Para-dice Bunko Party January 14, 2011 at the Mullis Center from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, $20 per person, and include the evening’s bunko games, appetizers/desserts and an opportunity for prizes.  Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase, as well as opportunities for raffles items.

Buy your tickets now at the Toy Box or Spa D’Bune.  Tickets will also be available at our tables at Marketplace January 7 and 8, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; and King’s January 7, 8, and 9, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Space is limited!

Hobbes & Deborah (back) & Sammantha (left) & Hannah had a nice hike up Mount Finlayson on New Year's Day....

In keeping with our theme, we encourage everyone to dress in their favorite tropical/Hawaiian gear for an evening of escape with fun, games and food.  For additional information, contact event co-chairs Kim Galton, 378-1924, or Nancy DeVaux, 378-9460.

All proceeds from this event will go to the Soroptimist Cancer Treatment Program, which provides ferry tickets to islanders who must travel to the mainland for their treatment.  For more information on this project and other Soroptimist events, go to www.sifri.org.

• Matt & Jill Flint from Kirkland came for the weekend to the island for a get away, and besides taking some awesome pictures, said some pretty nice things about the places they ate – check out their blog here.

The view over Cattle Point....photo by Hobbes (thanks!)

Dave Ross

Thanks to Dave’s family for sharing this with us:

David E. Ross was born 7/05/1945 on Mercer Island, WA. He passed away peacefully with Judie Ross at his side on 12/24/2010 at University of Washington Hospital in Seattle, WA. He developed Pulmonary Fibrosis several years ago and had a successful lung transplant on 10/06/2010. Unfortunately, he was unable to win the fight against a virus.

Dave was an avid skier and traveled the world to enjoy the sport. He was also a race car driver who won many awards. His love of boating and diving brought him to the San Juan Islands in the 1970’s. He moved to San Juan Island in mid-1980’s where he met and married his current partner, Judie Jarrell Ross in 1988. Continue Reading

The Hyak at the shipyard being painted last week - wahoo! Photo by Rick Galer (thanks!)

Everybody has the top ten stories of the year, this time of year – I was just watching the CBC and they had all the disasters; NBC had all the scandals; and E! had all the fashion disasters. I guess that’s good…someone has to do it. For me, though, I’d rather see if we do things just a little better here on the island. Here are my Top Ten Hot Ideas for the island for the coming year:

• People need to get creative with the present economic climate. Complaining doesn’t cut it, and besides, it’s unbecoming. I liked it when one of the restaurants downtown popped out a “power outage sale” sign for cold sandwiches at lunchtime a month ago; it was great when the Cotton Cotton Cotton folks (Randy & Gail) took their shop’s clothes & goods over to the folks at Village at the Harbour a few weeks ago.

There ARE customers – take the game to them. Don’t keep doing the same thing & hoping it’ll somehow work.

• Paint the ferries. Even if we have to sneak over & paint ’em ourselves in the middle of the night (the Ferry Paint Avengers strike!), it’s good for business.

• “Friendly” matters. We can paint the town, we grow plants on the side, we can re-pave the streets, but the one thing that will create return visitors to our island is smiles. Cheap, easy to use, and effective for customer retention.

And if things are really that bad for you, then fake it for the rest of us. Smile.

• Get involved in our awesome schools. We have fields to build, kids to mentor & tutor, work to do, food to serve, games to cheer at. We have a good deal – get involved & make it better.

• Woo the Canadians, so they want to come visit. Shoot, there’s 330,000 people in the greater Victoria area…six miles away!

It’s easy – make our Canadian friends feel welcome! Accept Canadian currency, be ready to convert it (hint: today the Canadian dollar if 99.94 cents on the American dollar. Really close these days), talk metric if needed, and put a flag out. Ask about their cool islands & the way they do things – you’ll be glad you did.

• Talk – and act – on parking in Friday Harbor. It’s time. Done right, this can help both the visitors AND the merchants. It’s time.

• As we address budget cuts for the coming year at all kinds of levels – county, state, town, and schools – please put the most vulnerable & hurting in the front row of your deliberations.

• Enjoy your island! It’s new year’s resolution time anyway, so add to the list: walk the beaches, watch the wildlife on our beautiful westside, stroll through town when you’re not shopping, walk the docks in the marina, call a friend & connect for coffee, today.

• Get creative this year – you’ve put it off long enough! Write those stories, draw that picture, paint the canvas, and write that song…it is in expressing your heart that your spirit will sing.

• Finally, love each other. It was cool to have a civil, deliberate sheriff’s race this fall; the local elections were so much more civil than the national stuff. We have a number of pressing & difficult issues in front of us, which we need to solve together. Take the time to listen & learn from other islanders, and let’s run this race together.

Have a good New Year’s Eve tonight, and then let’s get this new one going!

Peace,
Brother Ian

Avery in action....

It’s been a great year, in a lot of ways, and there are little bits left:

• It was sure nice to hear Avery Adams‘ set Tuesday night at the Rumor Mill – I’ve had the pleasure of listening to him sing & grow as a musician just about all his life, and he’s doing a super job of overlaying the musician gene he got from his dad Mike with the artistic gene from his mom Annie.

His songs are growing in maturity, form, and lyricism, and it was no accident the room was full to hear him play. Now in his third year at Evergreen State, I hope he plays more around here.

• Want to take a moment to reflect on the new year? Islands Community Church has a New Year’s Eve service, with refreshments – here’s more.

• Did you know the Cut Throats of the San Juans have their OWN web page? Check it out! Arrrgh!

The Cutthroats!

• Are you planning for New Year’s Eve? Here are some ideas:

* Be Chic Boutique has a 50% off SALE on New Year’s Eve from 8:30am to 4:30pm!

* Island Rec’s New Year’s Eve Party at the Mullis Center – here’s more.

* At the tavs downtown, there’s NPO (No Particular Order) playing at China Pearl; The Sliders are at The Rumor Mill; and The Tease are at Herb’s. And there will be parties all over the island.

An oystercatcher at White Point a couple of days ago....photo by Cyndi Brast (thanks!)