The Communiy Marching Band pulled it together in a couple of weeks...and sounded great!
The Band sounded great in the parade on Sunday! Kudos to Janet Olsen for pulling it all together – and Janet has folks to thank, too! Here’s more:
The Community Band’s participation in this year’s 4th of July Parade could not have happened without a lot of help. Thank you high school and middle school students, former students, community members and visitors for marching with us. Special thanks to Rex Guard and David Eden for your leadership; to Printonyx and Kris Brown for making a fabulous new banner; to Lin and Pam Pearson for putting the Parade together; to Vern Howard for providing shirts for every Band member; and to the anonymous donor who picked up our entry fee. Finally, thanks to so many along the parade route for your expressions of support and appreciation. The Band appreciates YOU!
Most sincerely,
Janet Olsen, Director, Friday Harbor Community Marching Band
Over the past couple of days, I’ve talked to hundreds of people (it gets like that on the Fourth of July….you get out here on the island & see lots of folks & they tell you their stories.)
I heard a number of stories about loss – money, love, friends, dogs – and I can feel the hurt and pain that goes with that. It all feels to me to be echoed in this little essay by Derek Sivers, which I offer to you as you pass out of the shadow of whatever loss you may have experienced:
In one year: (2007)
* My wife divorced me, and took my life savings.
* 90% of my company was no longer mine, on a technicality.
* My apartment was destroyed, so I slept and showered in the warehouse.
* All my employees, led by my good friend and VP, led a mutiny against me. (I never returned, and never saw them again.)
* I invested everything I had left in a very conservative fund, which fell 50% immediately, and never came back.
* I invested everything I had left in a different conservative fund, which also fell 50%, and never came back.
* The woman I was madly in love with married the guy she would always complain to me about.
Two weeks after that year ended, three companies called asking if I wanted to sell my company. Though I had said no to that question for ten years, this time I said yes.
I had messed up so bad, I had to walk away. I had done everything wrong, and needed to cleanse myself of all those bad decisions. I needed to take some time to learn from my mistakes, and replace my thoughts with new ones. A self-made back-to-schooling.
I look back at that year, and know it won’t get much worse. If I can handle that, I can handle anything.
The company sale was announced. The first time someone said “congratulations” I said, “For what? I messed up so bad I lost my baby. That’s nothing to congratulate.” (For future congratulations, I just shrug.)
We all underestimate our ability to massively change our life when it’s gone off track.
Say “no” where you used to say “yes”. Say “yes” where you used to say “no”. Do the thing that scares you the most, then get up and go.
For those of you considering a massive change, I can tell you from experience:
One more press release for the Island Writers booth for the San Juan County Fair
DEADLINE!!!!
Calling All Island Writers!
For those of you who have not heard, the former Written Word booth at the San Juan County Fair has a new name: Island Writers
Island Writers wants YOU to write for us! So dust off the keyboard, tone up the fingers, ignite your imagination and start tapping those keys! Stories, poems, non-fiction; choose your favorite genre and share with us at the Fair. Island Writers invites you to submit new, previously unpublished works for 2010.
Please visit our website www.islandwriters.weebly.com for specifics on rules and submission information, or access the information at the San Juan County Fair website: www.sanjuancountyfair.org. Click on the links tab to access our website.
Submission deadline is July 10, 2010. Submit works via e-mail to: [email protected]
You’ve heard him on every Jackson Browne hit (and almost every song)…he’s the one with the slide guitar & pedal steel at the the end of Running on Empty, or Before the Deluge, or in The Pretender…
And he’s gonna be here tomorrow night.
Here’s more from Jan:
David Lindley takes a break from his world tour with Jackson Browne to bring his eclectic and diverse musical talents back to the Whittier stage tomorrow, Wednesday, July 7 at 8:00 p.m.
David last appeared at the Theatre in 2008, showcasing his wide array of electro-acoustic tunes that combine American folk, blues and bluegrass traditions with elements from Africa, Arabic, Asian, Celtic and Turkish musical sources. The island’s own Mike Adams of Uncle Otto and The Rhythmatics calls David “one of the greatest multi-instrumentalists around.” “It’s always great to see a performer of his caliber on the island,” he added.
A longtime featured accompanist with Jackson Browne, David’s legendary stringed-instrument virtuosity has been showcased on many of Browne’s albums, beginning with 1973s For Everyman, and on classics such as Late for the Sky and The Pretender. “What he played did as much to form my music as my writing those songs…This is one of the great slide players of all time,” said Browne in a 2010 Rolling Stone article.
Buy Now on line! or Box Office hours are 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday.
Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,
All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old,
Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,
Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love,
A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,
Chair’d in the adamant of Time.
Argyle House Bed & Breakfast is ready for the Fourth....
Let’s see what people are doing….
Jimmy Buffett redux: Dave Calhoun plays all your favorite Tropical Rock tunes on the West Lawn at Roche Harbor Marina and Resort. That's him last year at Roche Harbor...
• Dave Calhoun‘s singing this weekend from 3-6pm at Roche Harbor on Friday, Saturday & Sunday…here’s the details. See you there!
• Are you ready for the Fourth? Cool ’nuff…here are some memories from last year andfrom previous years….check out these online portfolios of folks I know you know. Notice how quickly the kids grow, and the adults stay the same.
• If you know football, you know San Diego Chargers Coach Don Coryell…he died yesterday at the age of 85. He and his wife (she died last year) had retired to two homes – one in Hawaii, and the other in the San Juan Islands. Here’s more.
• At the Community Theatre this weekend – a ton of kids you know! Here’s more from Jan:
More than 50 island youngsters were cast Monday in Missoula Children’s Theatre’s The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe at San Juan Community Theatre. That means they’re busy rehearsing this week and will be ready to show off their talents (and always cute costumes) on the Whittier stage THIS Saturday at 3 pm and 7 pm.
Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson & his crew were relaxing at Mi Casita last night after appearing on the Larry King Live show, broadcast yesterday evening...
Purposely varying from the plot of Daniel Defoe’s novel, MCT’s The Amazing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe teaches the lesson that reading invites more than observation. The play opens on Robinson’s island years after he and his sole companion, a goat named Wilson, are shipwrecked. We find that the island has turned into a tourist destination centered around a lovable singing leopard, a tribe of natives known for their colorful coifs, Friday’s Seaside Resort and, of course, the legend of Robinson Crusoe. In flashback, his story comes to life beginning with the shipwreck that marooned him and Wilson on the island.
Buy tickets on–line at www.sjctheatre.org or at the box office (378-3210). The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm.
Carrie & Archie are all smiles at Mi Casita last night....
• Last night was a big deal for Town Council member Carrie Brooks…. all in one night, she got to:
Greg Ford & the crew & her family sang "Happy Birthday" to celebrate Carrie's 60th at Mi Casita.
– ride the Town’s new fire truck off the ferry
– report back to the island after getting flown off in the past week, spooking us all…she says she’s OK, though – no prob.
– attend her last Town Council meeting (she resigned three weeks ago)
– go to dinner with her kids & Archie to celebrate her 60th birthday at Mi Casita
All in all, a great night. Way to go, Carrie!
Passing each other....that's Mount Baker & the BC ferry in the background. Photo this week by Jim Maya.
• The Island Stage Left production of Henry V gets underway next week on Orcas, Shaw & Lopez, then gets going on San Juan Island on the 16th…make your plans! Always free, with donations appreciated. And…always good. Don’t miss it!
Shakespeare under the stars...
• The Writer’s Cafe is tonight! Here’s more from Pam Herber:
Writers’ Café is this Friday already, same place, same time!
The Bean • Friday, July 2nd • 5:00-6:30pm
I’m off to a family event tomorrow so I won’t join you this month. No worries, Shannon Laws has graciously offered to host in my place. Have fun. Email me a photo so I can feel a part of it.
A bit of news: Welcome Eric, the new owner of The Bean while you’re there. He’ll set up an area in the back for us. Coffee and pastries and such will be for sale as usual (no sandwiches).
Pam Herber
472-1442
• It was neat to hear from Debbi Fincher about their trip to Canoe Island about a month ago…I had heard good things about the program there – here’s a first-hand report:
We returned from a most magical weekend at Canoe Island French Camp in cooperation with Orcas Island Rec. for their second year of “Young Writers, Artists and Scientists” weekend. 40 kids ranging in age of 10-12 years from various islands and even 2 kids from Seattle converged on Canoe Island with experts in their respective fields to open up the horizons of these young people. The kids created projects in their area of interest: cooking, digital photography, journalism, marine biology, oceanography forest ecology and theatre. They shared their “findings” with the other campers on the last day.
The camp directors, Connie and Joseph graciously opened up Canoe Island French Camp and all the topnotch facilities they offer during their regular summer camps, which will be starting soon, to the kids of this program. Connie and Joseph are what makes this camp so special! They have over 25 years experience in running camps, including OMSI, and they’ve covered every little detail to make your experience the best possible.
Friendships were made, learning was had and fun was for sure the theme of the weekend! I was fortunate to have been a chaperone for the Friday Harbor kids and saw firsthand how this program deeply impacted these young people.
The feedback from family and friends of these campers has been outstanding! I just thought you might like to share it with your readers… Thanks, Ian! They have a facebook site, too, with more photos from the weekend. Thanks again, Debbi
Heard from Maddie Leiren (FHHS ’09) the other day, and she caught me up with what she’s been doing… while she says she misses the island (especially the slower pace), she’s been crazy busy doing fashion work as well as some modeling. She’s been featured on Jackie B Showroom’s website, and she’s working in downtown Los Angeles.
Come fall, she’ll be attending fashion design school in Hollywood…good luck, Maddie!
....and another one.
On the cover of the Del Mar Village Voice - that's her in blue in the lower center....
If you haven’t seen one, you’ll be amazed….and you can check it out from the comfort of your own island! Here’s more:
Tesla Motors, maker of the pure electric high performance sports car will be in Friday Harbor for the first time this Saturday.
The zero-emission Roadster accelerates from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds without a drop of gasoline, making it faster than many sports cars yet twice as energy-efficient as a hybrid.
The hand-built carbon fiber Roadster takes no gas and produces no fumes. Already, Tesla owners have driven 4 million electric miles – saving more than 20,000 gallons of gas and almost 5,000 barrels of oil. It is quickly becoming the choice for discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.
As part of Tesla’s Summer Electric Roadster Tour, we will be in Friday Harbor to show that electric cars are a reality and don’t need to compromise in design, performance and engineering.
WHERE: Earthbox Motel and Spa
410 Spring Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
WHEN: Saturday, July 3rd, 2010. 10am – 4pm.
WHAT: The public is invited to check out the Roadster and Tesla will be hosting test drives by appointment. Contact Genny Carter at 206.682.2625 or [email protected].
New superintendent for the San Juan Island School District Rick Thompson.
Looks like we got a good one – I enjoyed listening to new superintendent Rick Thompson last January when he met with the community as part of the search process, and had a chance to visit with him yesterday at the end of a long day that saw him sworn-in at noon & diving into the job right away.
I like what I hear of his philosophy of education, and his feeling about the role our schools can have in positively shaping our kids. We have good schools here; I think the system just got better, with Rick on board. Welcome to the community, Mr. Thompson!
Letter from Superintendent Rick Thompson
Greetings! I am excited to begin work on San Juan as the new school Superintendent on July 1. For those of you I haven’t met yet, I am beginning my 25th year in public education in Washington State. I worked as a teacher and coach for several years and as a school principal for 12 years. I then served in district office roles including two years as the Superintendent in the Lynden School District in Whatcom County.
I am a product of the Renton Public School System and Western Washington University. I completed my graduate work at Western in 1989 and earned Superintendent Credentials through Western in 2008. My credential work included over 2,000 hours in an internship format where I studies school board policy development, state funding of public education, and instructional leadership. I enjoy our work and am highly committed to public education.
I believe deeply that a strong school system is an integral part of a healthy and hopeful community. Strong schools are also the foundation of a democracy and our way of life.
I was fortunate to be hired for the position a few months ago. Since then I have been studying and learning more about both the Island and the school district. I have been very impressed with the level of community engagement and commitment to the school district. Likewise, I have really enjoyed getting to know the school board members and the staff who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the work and mission of public education. I will continue to learn as much as I can about the challenges and opportunities in the district.
The school district budget for the 2010-2011 school year has been adopted. Once again, the district has taken measures to improve efficiencies in light of reduced state revenue. Over the last two years, this district, along with many others, has scrutinized many parts of the operating budget to maintain core educational programs. It is because of so many community partners that the exceptional work in the district continues to get done.
Thank you for your continued support of the school district. I look forward to meeting so many of you this summer and in the fall when the school year resumes.
That house that was moved a couple of weeks ago - it was set on its foundation last Thursday....
Good morning! In the next couple of days, there are things going on:
• Deputy Chief Tom Eades says the Town’s new fire truck is supposed to arrive this evening on the ferry, and will be in the parade Sunday, although it won’t be ready to use for a bit, while they get it ready.
• I’ve talked to four folks who say they’re going to apply for the Town Council position…we’ll talk about that later. Today is Carrie Brooks‘ last meeting…let’s celebrate that first – she’s had ten good years. Thanks, Carrie!
• New superintendent Rick Thompson will be sworn in at noon today (Thursday) at the San Juan Island Schools’ District office.
• Got friends coming this weekend? The ferries are expected to be jammed. You’ve lived here long enough – you know what to tell them.
• The Sculpture Park (run by the IMA) has Family Art Days each Saturday during the summer – this weekend:
“Have At It!” with Francie Hansen and Kevin Roth – Reusing, recycling and best of all, CREATING your own vision! Using junk to create anything from monsters to toys to dolls and more. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Gift to the grads - the wall in the parking lot at FHHS features the sigs of the just-graduated class....looks good! Photo by Shay Byington.
Several people in the past few weeks have asked me if I’d heard of this nice Canadian indie folk-rock band, so I’ve been listening to them lately…see what you think of them. Here’s the’ New Pornographers, with Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk (here are the lyrics, if you want to sing along):
The latest class is ready for the beach: In front, from left: Margaret Langlie, Win Rhodes, Paulette Brunner, Steve Porten, Kitty Dolan, and Rusty Cynthia Johnson. In back: Margaret Johnson, Shann Weston, Earnie Clifton, Ron Kinner, Chris Curtin, Josef Blanc-Ridings, Kay Keeler, Sarah Wixom, and Dandy Porter.
WSU Extension Beach Watcher Coordinator Shann Weston wrote to tell you & me that she just graduated her latest class of Beach Watchers…you can learn more about the program here, and follow their blog here. Here’s more from Shann:
San Juan County Extension is proud to announce the graduation of the 2010 WSU Beach Watcher Class. Students of all ages traveled the islands and
learned about the Salish Sea Ecosystem from many talented instructors. WSU
Beach Watchers give back to the community by assisting scientific research,
stewardship projects and by providing education and outreach to residents
and island visitors.
Captain Ivan from Western Prince says the Center for Whale Research used his picture of baby calf L113 (first seen last October) to identify her sex – here’s the picture. Great photo, Ivan!
The IMA’s Wendy Smith says this is gonna be a great one – and it includes local folks, too! Here’s more:
Ann Walbert
Green: ON THE EDGE,a visual arts mixed media competition,opens this 4th of July weekend and runs through the summer until September 12th at IMA, on First Street in Friday Harbor. A mix of many of the ‘best and brightest’ artists across Washington and Oregon State entered the competition to be juried by three top contemporary art jurors from Vancouver B.C., Eric Metcalfe; Seattle, Marisa Sanchez; and Moore, Oklahoma, Tom Toperzer.
The results are a fascinating collection of works by artists who have expressed what ‘green’ means to them. Everything from environmental statements, recycling taken to new and comic heights, futuristic worlds, nature in the abstract and stunning visual truths. Descriptions by the artists of their work in the show, takes you on a fascinating journey through Green. Your senses will be delighted with this eclectic, visually inspiring and thought provoking show!
Fifteen of the 27 artists accepted into the Exhibition were from the San Juan Islands: 12 from San Juan, 1 each, from Orcas, Waldron, and Lopez. Other areas represented were: Anacortes, Mt. Vernon, Port Townsend, Seattle and Eugene, Oregon.
Sandra McMorris Johnson
Two of the three Juror Awards were given to San Juan Island artists: Ann Walbert and Laura Bauer. Their work, along with the work of Sandra McMorris Johnson, a fiber/textile artist and photographer, from Eugene, Oregon, is featured on the beautiful IMA postcard and poster created for the show. There will be an Artist Booklet, accompanying the exhibit, available for sale at the museum, with photos of the 27 artists, their inspiring thoughts about their art and a brief Bio.
Make sure to include the Green: ON THE EDGE Exhibition in your plans this weekend or throughout the summer. Bring a picnic to the Sculpture Park this Saturday evening from 5pm till sunset and enjoy live music, the IMA Sculpture costume contest, a scavenger (sculpture) hunt for the kids and a special release a wish ceremony at sunset.
IMA’s free exhibitions, programs, and events are able to bring the organization’s mission statement: Connecting people with art that inspires, challenges, enlightens and educates, to life. Please visit our website for all information about the Green: ON THE EDGE Exhibition at the museum and the fun and exciting Family Art Day and Green Day events this Saturday, July 3 at the IMA Sculpture Park in Roche Harbor. www.sjima.org
Rhiana in action at the Colgate Country Showdown at Point Defiance Park Friday...she was the runnerup in the contest. The winner got $100K & a trip to Nashville....so close!
Let’s see what’s up….
• Remember we talked about how up-and-coming singer Rhiana Franklin was singing at that contest in Seattle (or somewhere that way….)…?
Well, the thing was on Friday, and out of 14 folks who sang, she was the runner-up to the guy who won.
Rhiana will be singing around the island (and Western Washington) this summer, and I sure hope you get a chance to catch her. She writes evocative songs, sings them and other covers in a memorable way, and isn’t afflicted with the usual ego problems of someone so talented…she’s a great kid who is easy to cheer for.
She continues to amaze….here’s your chance to hear her, with her original song, Cover Story:
• Shann sends in the word about a couple of great grads:
Elean (left) and Kylie
Elena Mae Porten and Kylie Foster graduated cum laude from Seattle University in June, 2010. Both girls paired Spanish with another major (Elena-International Studies and Kylie-Social Work).
Elena is working on island over the summer to prepare for travel and teaching. Kylie is working in Seattle at Child Haven in her field. Elena and Kylie and their families thank the wider community and circle of family and friends that supported and nurtured them into young adulthood.
• Fire Marshal Steve Marler over at the County Fire Department says the open burning season is ready to wrap – here’s more:
The open burning season comes to an end as of the first of July. All San Juan County burn permits expire at that time. Depending upon weather conditions at the time, burn permits will be available again starting in October.
Inter Island Medical Center had their Annual Staff Party this past Saturday at the Fairgrounds, with a huge BBQ/potluck for all the staff. And... Juan Unpingco won the 2009 Employee of the Year!
Recreational fires are still allowable and do not require a permit. To qualify as a recreational fire, the burn area cannot be more than two-feet in diameter, and be centered in a clear area at least six feet in diameter. Designated campfire rings at developed campsites meet this fire safety requirement.
Should weather conditions become very warm and dry this summer or fall, a total ban on outside fires may be instituted. Should that become necessary, signs will be posted around the County, and all media outlets will be notified.
The San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office is tasked with maintaining the fire safety of our beautiful County. Fire prevention services are provided throughout the entire County through a cooperative agreement between the fire protection districts based on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands.
Thought for the day.... 🙂
The Dock got rocked last year....wahoo!
• Mary Kalbert & the Rotary Club & the Lions Club wanted to invite you:
This is the ninth year the San Juan Island Rotary Club’s “Rock the Dock” street party on July 4th will be held on the waterfront at the main dock of Friday Harbor marina.
It began on July 4th, 2002 with a prayer for good weather, no foul-ups with the Timebenders Band getting here from Victoria, and an idea to give the community an old fashioned street dance and fireworks party for the entire family at an affordable price.
This year the Lions Club will provide the food, as they have done over the years, and make some bucks for their coffers as well.
In 2009 Bob Coleman from Islanders Bank recognized Rotary’s contribution to the community and Islanders Bank became the sole sponsor for “Rock the Dock”. All gate proceeds became available to the Rotary club to fund charitable projects. This is the second year Islanders Bank will sponsor this event.
On July 4th, Local band “No Particular Order” will play from 5:30 until 6:30. Then the Timebenders will “Rock the Dock” until the fireworks start. Children 12 and under free! All other tickets are ten bucks a pop. Come on down! Join us again this year for a drum-thumping good time!
The parade is at 10:30am, and the Pig War Picnic is right after....
• That’s not the only thing on the Fourth (besides the parade at 10:30am, but you already knew about that!) The Pig War Picnic is huge – here’s more from the Kiwanis Club’s Barry Jacobson:
Once again, Kiwanis of Friday Harbor is presenting the Fourth of July Pig War Picnic at the San Juan Historical Museum on Price Street, starting right after the parade ends, at about 11 o’clock.
This year’s celebration will have more games and activities than ever. Lunches are only $5 and there will be an abundance of food, including fresh BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, grilled hot dogs with all the trimmings, coleslaw, and chips. Drinks, including soft drinks and ice coffee, and hot fudge sundaes will also be available. There will be a beer garden, too, featuring both beer and wine.
Happy Birthday, Brenna!
Musical entertainment will be non-stop, and includes performances by, among others, Mallett, Rythmatics and The One More Time Band. Kids and adults will have plenty to do, with games and activities including bucket rides, face painting, an egg toss contest, a three-legged race, the bucket brigade, and a cakewalk. Mike Vouri will be re-telling the “Pig War” story.
Awards for entries in the Fourth of July Parade will be announced at 1:00 p.m. If families are looking for a way to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying themselves without spending a lot of money, this is the place to be. The fun begins when the parade ends and goes on until 4 pm.
• Next week, Duck Soup Inn is open six days a week – Tuesday through Sunday – for the season!
The re-do of the front of Kings Market is complete, and really brightens up Spring Street....
