And they're off! The eighth edition of the San Juan Island Marathon & Half Marathon took off under cloudy, rainy skies...good running weather in the Washington mist.

This past weekend’s San Juan Island Marathon was another smoothly run affair that brought nearly 250 runners and their support teams to the island for a nice run around the island.

Kate & her dad Tony ran the half together & finished with the same time.....

This year’s race featured a nice contingent of local runners mixed with mostly folks from off-island. I’ve always thought this is a great shoulder-season deal for attracting people here who will come regardless of the weather.

Good way to start the summer season! (I think the lodging people on the island think so, too.) Good job by organizers Clark Gilbert & Paul Hopkins, who have been involved with the run since it began in 2003.

The fun part about looking over the results is seeing friends in there & seeing how well they did. Here – take a peek here.

The contingent from Run Ladies Run was pumped, excited & ready to go!

The Kids’ Race is part of the day’s action, and starts right after the big people take off. Organizer Jane Hutchison had a bit of low turnout (it was pouring right before the race), but they more that made up for it with enthusiasm and cheering for each other. Here’s how they turned out (and thanks, Jane, for putting it on!):
1. Tyler Davis 9:16
2. Wade Swirtz 9:49
3. Shiloh Metcalf 10:29
4. Darcy Ayers 10:40
5. Aaron Metcalf 11:16
6. Cameron Sinclair 12:11
7. Mira Houck 12:17
8. Ava Hoffman 12:18
9. Lauren Ayers 12:19
10. Weston Swirtz 12:37
11. Moriah Metcalf 12:52
12. Kai Miniken 15:10
13. Raylee Miniken 15:22
14. Fionnoula Bourne 15:29

The kids blow out of the starting gate....

A poem for the day for you…..

I Have News for You
by Tony Hoagland

There are people who do not see a broken playground swing
as a symbol of ruined childhood

and there are people who don’t interpret the behavior
of a fly in a motel room as a mocking representation of their thought process.

There are people who don’t walk past an empty swimming pool
and think about past pleasures unrecoverable

and then stand there blocking the sidewalk for other pedestrians.
I have read about a town somewhere in California where human beings

do not send their sinuous feeder roots
deep into the potting soil of others’ emotional lives

as if they were greedy six-year-olds
sucking the last half-inch of milkshake up through a noisy straw;

and other persons in the Midwest who can kiss without
debating the imperialist baggage of heterosexuality.

Do you see that creamy, lemon-yellow moon?
There are some people, unlike me and you,

who do not yearn after fame or love or quantities of money as
unattainable as that moon;
thus, they do not later
have to waste more time
defaming the object of their former ardor.

Or consequently run and crucify themselves
in some solitary midnight Starbucks Golgotha.

I have news for you—
there are people who get up in the morning and cross a room

and open a window to let the sweet breeze in
and let it touch them all over their faces and bodies.

Ricarda has some pretty amazing woodwork - check it out next weekend at the Saturday Market at the Courthouse parking lot!

Sunny days ahead….

Lori, just arriving for the evening....(right)

• The Pavillion at Roche Harbor was packed last night with folks who came by to wish Lori Holforty well…there was music (the Jesus Chords) & an auction (way to go, auctioneer Boo Boo & all the people who donated!) & great food (awesome job, Bill Shaw & the crew) and a lot of hugs and a few tears. There was a lot of love in one place for Lori…once again, the island comes together for one of its own.

• Relay Idol champ picked: Saturday night at Herb’s the new Relay Idol (this is all for Relay for Life) was chosen: Travis, who works in the meat department at King’s. Congrats!

• Local boy makes the big time: Yep, that was Bobby Tangney in People magazine commenting on the Barefoot Bandit story they insisted on running. Funny how the media guys seem to want to suggest that islanders think it’s somehow cool that the BB is still on the loose… I haven’t talked to anyone yet who thinks getting their space broken into is all that cool….

• Spring Street International School held their graduation on Saturday…later this week Skagit Valley College (2:00 on Thursday), Friday Harbor High (5pm on Saturday) and Griffin Bay have their ceremonies…FHHS is graduating 84+ kids this year, after 48 last year and 56 the year before.

Charlie & Randy this past weekend....

• Candidates on the island….over the weekend, Kris Lytton came by, candidate for the state House of Representatives, 40th District, Position 1, to replace Dave Quall, who isn’t running for re-election.

Meanwhile, Randy Gaylord was showing Charlie Wiggins around – Charlie is running for Washington State Supreme Court.

• Hey, parents – have you registered your kid for soccer yet? Hey, kids – have you gotten your mom & dad to sign you up? Here’s the spot.

• Speaking of soccer, the World Cup starts this week, on Friday… looking at the schedule, I’m already thinking about lunch at Haley’s on Saturday to see the USA/England match.

The Mullis family at the ferry terminal a week ago - that's Cindy & Jerry with daughter Kristy & Ellie, waiting for the boat.

Lisa

• Looks like Lisa Anderson‘s moving over to Chicago Title to do escrow with Lori Ronhaar and her crew…she’ll be phasing out Friday Harbor Escrow over the next few weeks.

• Tomorrow, the County Council will take public comment on and discuss the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO) work plan. Check with them if you want to  offer comment about how to….

• The whales are back…here’s more from Debbi Fincher:

We are looking forward to seeing Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales on Monday, June 7th at FHES. Here’s a photo of Kelly Payne last year with an orca skull that Jeff brings as one of his props.

Kelly & friend....

Through storytelling, Jeff, will take our students on a journey with J Pod, as they view slides and listen to actual Southern Resident vocalizations, they realize Jeff is dreaming he’s a whale! At 8:30am the all school assembly will start. Then, new breakout sessions will be offered to our 5th graders (9:35am), 4th graders (12:35pm) and 2nd graders (1:35pm). Jeff created these sessions from the actual research that is going on here with prey selection for J, K & L Pods. The students become orca researchers for that hour and the knowledge they gain will be powerful. Parents are welcome, too.

Please thank our sponsors for this amazing event: San Juan Excursions, John & Sharon Boyd, Western Prince, China Pearl, Blue Water Grill, Pepper Mill Restaurant and www.killerwhaletales.org.

• Washington State beat back two challengers and now has to beat Arkansas tonight in the Fayetteville Regional to progress towards the College World Series (here’s the sched) – former FHHS standout Richie Ochoa pitches for the Cougs, so we’re watchin’…..

It was packed at Laurie Burns' studio down at Cape San Juan on Saturday for the Artists' Studio Tour on a sunny weekend (till Sunday, anyway....) 🙂

An actor from FHHS & a soccer/softball player for the Wolverines....

Towards the end of this month, it’s time for Leisha Holmes’ Club Mud workshops for kids…these have been going for years, as you can tell by the pictures here.

So, for fun, I put together some photos from past years that I got from Leisha, which include some kids who are sophs & juniors in high school now, as well as kids who are out of college. See who you can identify, and add your list to the comments below (I numbered the pictures, so you can say – “Hey, #16 – that’s Sam!” and so on.)

Here’s the portfolio of 36+ kids you probably know now!

See who you know!

And…for more about this year’s sessions, and to signup for Club Mud, click here.

He's a football player at Eastern Washington now; she's a junior at FHHS

The house rounds the corner next to the Jehovah Witnesses' Kingdom Hall, into the field...photo by Anne Francis, who uesd to live in it.

The big house move was today, as Lynn Danaher & Nickel Brothers moved that house from Franck Street the back way past the elementary school, onto Argyle Street (where these pictures were shot) to the spot next to the Surina Business Park which will be its new home.

Some people move mountains; Lynn moves houses...photo going down Argyle by Debbi Fincher

The Island Chordsmen Plus will be there!

Jan at the Theatre wanted you to know:

Sweet Harmonies on the Whittier stage June 6

The popular Barbershop Bonanza returns to the San Juan Community Theatre on Sunday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Off-island crooners and our own homegrown singers, including hosts Island Chordsmen Plus, will fill the stage in the finale of this annual finger-snapping and toe-tapping extravaganza.

But first each group will showcase its own talents.  In addition to the Chordsmen, also featured this year is San Juan Island’s female “barbershoppers,” Sound Vibrations; the mixed octet Lopez Sound; and First Capital Chorus from Langley, BC.

Director Angel Michaels adds that there will be community singing and a complimentary afterglow reception inside the Gubelman Theatre.

The evening’s Business Partner is Roche Harbor Resort. Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH one hour before the show.  The Box Office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or tickets may be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

• Hey, Monique Woodward‘s 40th birthday is this week! Happy birthday, Mo!

Studios...all over the island!

• On the Artists’ Studio Tour this weekend: Music! I heard Kate Schuman is playing from 11am-2pm at Mary McCulloch’s on Sunday, and that Amanda Brast is playing classical guitar from 1-2pm at Laurie Burns’ studio on Saturday. Here’s a map of the studios – see ya there!

• Watch for the runners on the road as the 8th San Juan Island Marathon/Half Marathon begins Sunday morning at 8:30am. Miles tells me Battery D will be there as the Color Guard for the sendoff when the race starts at the Fairgrounds.

• It has been fun watching Pablito’s Taqueria take off in the past two months – I keep hearing people who tell me, “Have you eaten there yet? It rocks!”

I HAVE eaten there, and do speak verily: it doth.

So, if you’ve had trouble making it at lunch, now you can go in the evening – here’s more from Paul:

Pablito’s Taqueria has expanded its hours, and is now open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 till 9.  We will be serving the same menu of tacos, tamales and empanadas, with the same prices as lunch.  We have also, finally, gotten our beer and wine license so have a drink with your dinner.   As a dinner exclusive we have nachos, High Seas Tuna, Olives, Scallions, and Pasilla Peppers atop crispy chips, smothered in cheese, and served with our housemaid salsa.

"Urban Tradition" by Rande Cook

• Lee at Arctic Raven has big news for this weekend:

Rande Cook will be on the Island June 4th and 5th to demonstrate that nothing stays the same in life.“ At one time our villages were surrounded by totems that we built to honor families and tribes. Today I am surrounded by high rise buildings.”

Watch his concept piece entitled “Urban Traditions” transform once again as Rande spends two days painting these columns at Arctic Raven Gallery.  He will apply his contemporary vision of new native color schemes to his red cedar carvings during his two day visit.

• Writer’s Cafe is tonight! Here’s more from Pam:

Hi Everyone,
Writers’ Café is coming up tomorrow. Already! Where: The Bean! When: 5-6:30pm! Join us to listen, or to present your fiction, poetry or nonfiction. I hope you can make it!
Pam Herber, 472-1442

• You know Jazz at the Labs is coming up in a couple of weeks, right? They sold out the last three years (that I know of), so get your tickets now. That’s why I’m tellin’ ya. The scoop: Here.

Among the celebs at the Islanders Bank Celebrity Golf Classic today & tomorrow: three of the Seattle SeaGals are coming to the island

• Tomorrow night you have a great chance to eat out – it’s a great salmon dinner –  & help the community in this longtime fundraiser (I hope to see you there!) Here’s more from Becki Day:

Once again the generous San Juan Seafoods/Trident Seafoods is donating 500lb of Alaskan King Salmon for the Islanders Bank San Juan Celebrity Classic. The infamous and awesome chef John Vejvoda and his team will be cooking the salmon. Come at 5:00pm… Come out early and view the silent auction items, have an appetizer. Dinner starts at 6:00. Live auction will be at 6:45. Cost is $25 per dinner and are available by contacting Becki Day, 360.298.0458.

• Randy Gaylord wanted you to know that we have another candidate in town to see us:

Charlie Wiggins

Charlie Wiggins, who is running against Justice Richard Sanders for election to the Supreme Court, will visit Friday Harbor on Saturday June 5.    You are invited to meet Charlie and join him for refreshments from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Friday Harbor House, San Juan Meeting Room, 130 West Street in Friday Harbor.

Charlie has 34 years experience as a lawyer, primarily handling hundreds of appeals in every type of case that comes before the court.  He has served as a Court of Appeals judge, and as a pro tem judge in a variety of cases in King County and in Jefferson County Superior Courts.

“We are very fortunate to have a State Supreme Court candidate visit Friday Harbor,” said Prosecuting Attorney Randall K. Gaylord.  Mr. Gaylord added “I encourage folks to take a few moments from their morning to stop by and meet Charlie.”

Amy is looking for a few good volunteers….

Can you help?

The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN) is currently recruiting volunteers on all islands in preparation for the upcoming stranding season.   Members of the Network respond to calls on both live and dead marine mammals that come ashore or wash up on local beaches. Amy Traxler, Coordinator of the SJCMMSN, states that “even though we do response work year-around, June through August is the busiest time due to all the harbor seal pups that come ashore.”

There will be two classes offered – one in Friday Harbor and one at the Lopez library.  Attending one of the classes is mandatory for volunteers, both old and new.

The first class will be held on June 15 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm at the Lopez library.  The second class will be held on June 17 from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm in the upstairs classroom at the fire station across from The Whale Museum.

If you’d like to reserve a space in the class or would like additional information on what’s involved in being a volunteer, please contact Amy at The Whale Museum at 378-4710 x27 or via email at [email protected].

Every so often, the expression “can’t see the forest for the trees” kinda hits me over the head as I get caught up the day’s details. The worst, of course, is when I think I have my act together & I can prove it intellectually. Here’s one of my favorite stories:

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.

Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, “Kemo Sabe, look towards sky, what you see? ”

The Lone Ranger replies, “I see millions of stars.”

“What that tell you?” asked Tonto.

The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, “Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

“Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning.

“Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.

“Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

“What’s it tell you, Tonto?”

“You dumber than buffalo shit. It means someone stole the tent.”

Time to get signed up!

It takes a lot to get organized for our fall sports – when there is over 250 kids who need to get set into teams & uniformed & all that. Our soccer board (The San Juan Island Soccer Association) does a super job year in & year out getting things going…and there’s one small thing you can do to help out & make it happen. Here’s more from the SJISA’s Travis:

Greetings!

Here is friendly reminder that our substantial registration discount ends June 25th.  Please go to www.islandsoccer.org and register NOW! Any trouble at all, please email me.    Thanks to all of you who have already registered.

More important news:
We are going to have an experimental age group for U6 (5 years old by July 31, 2010).  A few parents have expressed interest in this, but the early sign ups and parental involvement will determine if this will happen this fall.  So please register your player early and pass this email on to anyone who might have a child interested.

A referee clinic is scheduled for June 12th and 13th basically all day.  E-mail Kevin Porter ([email protected]) if you are interested. Minimum age is 12, and students are free.  Adults only have to pay to get licensed, if desired.  We always need more refs!!

Lastly, we have eliminated paper registrations, and strongly encourage registration online.  We will have limited in-person options coming up at Island Rec at 580 Guard St.  These will be Tuesday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.  The registration will still take place online, but I will be there to help anyone figure it out and also take cash or checks if needed.

Thank you,
Travis Ayers

Remember that lost cat yesterday? Here’s the way that story turned out:

Hi Ian!
Just wanted you to know that our cat Sammy made it back home last night a little after 11:30pm.  Apparently she wanted to explore the island before we had a chance to show her around!!  A little wet and dirty, but she is fine and now seems to be content to cuddle on the couch.

My wife and I thank you for your help in getting the word out so quickly, and thanks to all the people who offered suggestions and support.  It is wonderful to live in a place where people care.

Michael Rolfe and Lee Tarsitano

Amy will be reading from her book on Saturday....

If you’ve heard Amy’s poems at the open mike poetry readings around here, or any of her stories, you know she’s a heck of a writer.

Now she introduces her new book just in time for Father’s Day. Here’s the scoop, from Griffin Bay Bookstore:

Looking for a special Father’s Day gift? Amy Harold will be at Griffin Bay Bookstore on Saturday, June 5^th from 2 to 4 pm to sign copies and read her train story from A Cup of Comfort for Fathers.

Stories from other authors include a hike up Yosemite Falls in coincidentally matching boots, the Zen of money in a drawer, outsmarting the tooth fairy, a tornado, and even Vietnam.

Amy Harold

This book has a little something for every dad.

Amy Harold is a local writer, mom, and daughter who finds the man who has everything still loves a story.

Lori

Time to help our friend….Lori Holforty has been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and needs our help.

On Sunday, June 6th from 3-9pm at Roche Harbor Pavilion there will be a fundraiser for her. Tickets are $20, sold at the door or can be picked up at both Market Chef or Haley’s. (Check in on her Facebook event page.)

-live music by the Jesus Chords
-appetizers
-silent and live auction emceed by BooBoo
-handmade earrings by Lori
-a chance to lend a helping hand….

You know her from when she’s been your server at restaurants on the island, most recently at Roche Harbor. She’s been your friend, made you laugh, served you meals, laughed at your bad jokes…so let’s get together and show a little love.

A bomb's about to go off in this episode of "MacGyver"....I believe it's the only show Merritt's been connected with that "bombed."

If the minister in the scene above from a 1987 episode of MacGyver looks familiar, good – you’ve met Merritt Olsen (you can see the whole show here – Merritt shows up around the 44th minute or so).

Well, as far as the island is concerned, he’s having a great run as the Community Theatre boss as he celebrates ten years at the helm – we’re sure glad he’s here! Here’s more from Jan Bollwinkel-Smith at SJCT:

Merritt & Janet (she directs the FHHS & FHMS bands, and teaches music) have brought a lot to the community in the last ten years....

SJCT’s executive director-extraordinaire, Merritt Olsen, is celebrating 10 years as the leader of this very special Theatre that COULD…!

Merritt’s first day was June 1, 2000, arriving straight from the Midwest where his most recent post was directing South Dakota’s Black Hills Community Theatre.  Also a veteran actor and director (he appeared in over 35 films and TV shows), Merritt brought with him a variety of skills to lead the Theatre through a decade of growth and change.

David Bayley, a trustee at the time of the search and board president when Merritt arrived, considers being part of the group that hired Merritt his greatest contribution to the Theatre.  “Merritt combines artistic credibility and arts management and is a pretty solid financial guy,” said David.  “His long range vision and people skills, plus a good balance of his left and right brain have made him a great fit for the community.” (Plus, David shares, he’s extremely fond of Merritt as a person).

Veteran director Andrew V. McLaglen, who was also part of the search committee back in 2000, calls Merritt a hard worker (“I see him walking to work early in the morning… and he doesn’t leave anything unturned,” said Andrew).

Andrew says one of the keys to Merritt’s success is his being a good planner and communicator:  “He has to satisfy lots of people–the public, the board, actors and volunteers–he has been very successful and it’s been to the Theatre’s advantage.”

Congratulations, Merritt!  If you’d like to share your anniversary thoughts with Merritt, shoot him an email at [email protected]

Always smiling - it was good to see friends Isla (left), Lucy & Fela on the ferry on Monday...

Looks like a rainy day or two ahead…stay dry! Here’s what’s going on….

• Lee & Mike lost their cat Sam – can you help? Here’s more:

We just moved here from Denver two days ago and somehow our cats got outside during the night. We have one and we are looking for Sammy. She is a tuxedo cat with a white belly and mustache. She has a butterfly collar. She is a sweet girl – if anyone sees her, please call us at 378-2094. We are at 507 Terrace Drive . Many thanks.

• Seen a fox lately? Check this one.

That's former UW quarterback Sonny Sixkiller (right) with his team last year at the Golf Classic....

• The San Juan Celebrity Golf Classic is this weekend – should be fun! Click on their website to see who is coming – see you there! (Here’s a list of probable participants.)

• If you’ve wondered what the next big quake looks like, the folks at Dot Earth explain it really well, with graphics. What has that to do with us? Well, it’ll be centered pretty much here – check the story here.

• I’ve always thought Yogi Berra‘s line: “It gets late early here” applied to the island, mostly. It’s nice that the later sunsets are breaking that up a bit – but it still feels pretty late to call someone after 9pm….

Of course, it's Cynthia....

• I love Cynthia’s new website for her food/catering business – check out Cynthia’s Of Course & see what you think. I’ve always liked Cynthia’s work (I sing at a lot of weddings, so I get to review her food a lot), and I really like the super job web designer Mary Kate did on this site.

• A note from Hobbes: “If you’re looking for all natural organic body lotions, household cleaners and much more, then check out this site or go to my blog page, these products are really good and free of animal products and testing on animals...

• Stephanie & Bob have been married for seven years now, and I love the way she celebrates the event in her blog.

Jenny (left) and Julie have a cool calendar in the works....

What a cool idea – Whale Museum director Jenny Atkinson & Eagle Home Mortgage owner Julie Corey put on a contest to make a calendar of the best photos of killer whales that people might send in.

Michele Wassell's photo of orcas in the mist won first place, which means it'll be the cover shot. Wahoo!

Last night, they showed off the winners at a showing onscreen at The Whale Museum, and they picked some great ones! Here’s the link to the winners that will be used in the calendar, which will be printed soon & available at The Whale Museum in August, with sales as a fundraiser for the museum.

Jenny tells me special thanks goes to everyone who submitted a photo or two, photographer Mark Gardner for serving as one of the judges, Cindy Hansen for writing the stories that go with the photos, and Desiree Bridgmon for designing the calendar. Eagle Home Mortgage is sponsoring the 2010-2011 calendar.

You’re gonna love it!