That's Nancy with baby Desmond & proud parents Susan & Joel, on the beach in Melbourne after eating fish & chips.

Great to hear from Nancy Hanson (from the Toy Box) – she’s in grandmother mode visiting her son Joel in Melbourne & his wife Susan & their new baby.

Thanks for checking in, Nancy!

The big sign on the corner tells it all....

You may have noticed the sign above at Friday Harbor High – it was erected in recognition of our being named as a high achieving school by OSPI, the state folks who oversee school performance.

I checked with FHHS principal Fred Woods (who I believe is a big part of our having an effective academic setup, with a warm learning atmosphere – glad he came here, three years ago!), and he says the award is a tribute to the students, the staff, and our incredibly supportive community working together to make consistently high achievement the norm at school. (Here’s the OSPI writeup about the designation.)

He mentioned we had also been named to a blue-ribbon group of three schools selected statewide by the Department of Education for overall excellence – even though we didn’t grab the top spot, that’s pretty good company!

Just arrived: Scott Sears!

I had heard that twins Dori & Kate Sears (who are married to twins Dennis & Jerry; they had a kid each about three years ago…you keeping this straight?) Anyway, they had their seconds late last month – here’s the scoop, from Dori & Kate:

And his cousin, Tiffany Sears, a day later!

The Sears Family is thrilled to announce two new additions to their families: cousins Scott and Tiffany! Scott Henry Sears was born April 28, 2010 to Dennis and Dori Sears. He joined his older brother John, who is 2 1/2. The very next day, Scott’s cousin arrived!

Tiffany Rose Sears was born April 29, 2010 to Jerry and Kate Sears. Her older brother, James, will turn 3 in July. Grandparents Chris and Peg Hodgkin are especially excited to have a new grandson and their first granddaughter.

Great-Grandma Sally Bryan is also excited to welcome the new babies! All the family members are doing well and are happy to be together.

Always there to take care of islanders....

Anyone who knows them, knows we have possibly the best emergency response setup anywhere – our volunteers are dedicated & well-trained, our incident commanders are solid, and our treatment is awesome. The County Council declared this as Emergency Services Week – here’s more from Alan Roochvarg:

“Anytime. Anywhere. We’ll be there” is the theme for the annual Emergency Services Week of May 16 – 20, 2010 proclaimed by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the San Juan County Council. EMS Week salutes the excellent services provided every day, under often daunting circumstances, by the 40 EMTs and paramedics of San Juan Island EMS and their 750,000 colleagues nationwide.

“People know that when they call 911 they’ll get help, no matter what their circumstance,” said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the ACEP. “Much of what you do isn’t nearly as dramatic as saving a life, but just as important to a patient or family who are facing the unknown with fear and pain. Your presence and caring can have an impact far beyond the expert clinical care you provide.”

“Whereas, the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 house a day, seven days a week; and Whereas, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates …,” stated the San Juan County Council Proclamation. “It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week.”

“I salute all the members of our EMS team for their continuous dedication to our community and to providing professional patient care,” said Jim Cole, Chief of San Juan Island EMS. “We are proud to be constantly increasing the range and volume of services we provide to the community. Newly acquired skills, further modernized equipment, additional transport options, expanded training, and community injury prevention programs are examples of the ever expanding scope of San Juan Island EMS.”

In 2009, San Juan Island EMS provided 980 emergency responses. “But that’s not all we did,” said Lainey Volk, EMS Prevention Education Coordinator. ”As part of our commitment to community safety, San Juan Island EMS trained over 1200 CPR students and 800 First Aid students. We provided 70 free children’s car seats and 60 bicycle helmets. Our marine safety program provided 90 loaner life jackets for use on the docks and boats at Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.”

San Juan Island EMS is the tax supported, county EMS agency serving the residents and visitors of San Juan Island, Town of Friday Harbor, Brown Island, Stuart Island, Johns Island, Speiden Island, Pearl Island and Henry Island in San Juan County, Washington. It provides emergency medical services, critical care transport, and injury and accident prevention. The staff of career paramedics and volunteer EMTs is available twenty-four hour a day.

Scene from the sidewalk in yesterday's early evening, looking towards the marina....

Let’s see what’s what…..

All smiles: Last night's production of "My Fair Lady" was awesome - I loved it, and I know you will, too! That's Desi Whalen (she plays Eliza, and does a super job opposite Daniel Finn's spot-on Higgins) with her best fan, her mom...Carol will see all of the shows in the run except for when she travels to see Bristol in HER show at PLU in Tacoma....

• That humpback caught in the crab netting is still wrapped up – here’s more about that, this morning.

• Sports! Track (at Lynden Christian), softball (in Sedro Wooley), and baseball (in Bellingham, at Sehome HS) are all sorting out playoff positioning this weekend, while the San Juan Dragons’ lacrosse playoff game is this Saturday here at 1:30pm.

• Toni Franklin says you’re welcome to come: “We’re having another free lecture on orchid care at the San Juan Library Saturday May 15th from 11am – 1pm.  Bring your questions, your orchids or just your curiosity and we’ll help unravel the mysteries around these amazing plants.”

• James Krall‘s photos for My Fair Lady are as awesome as the show – here’s a portfolio he sent over for me to share with you – check it out!

• About Islanders Bank….did you know Islanders Bank is the number one performing bank in Washington State and in the top 3% nationwide – based upon pretax Return on Assets? Now you do….

• In the wake of longtime Sheriff Bill Cumming‘s announcement that he won’t run this election year, deputy Felix Menjviar and detective Brent Johnson have both announced they’re running for the spot this year.

• Free clay workshops for kids! Here’s more.

• The Kiwanis Club surprised their guest speaker yesterday at Vinny’s – here’s their report:

Kiwanis VP Dave Eden looks on as Linda pins the award on Fred - way to go, Fred!

The Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor awarded our annual Everyday Hero Award to FHHS drama teacher Fred Yockers today at our weekly meeting at Vinny’s. Vice President David Eden presented the award to him in the presence of our members & guests. Fred was our featured speaker and we surprised him with the award, in the presence of his wife (Linda Cooper) and many friends.

The Every Day Hero Award is only given once a year by our  local Kiwanis Club to a person in the community who is recognized for rendering service beyond what is ordinary or expected and for doing so without regard for attention or recognition  in return for their many years of service and leadership/guidance to the youth of the Islands,  Fred easily qualified with his  guidance/service to the youth  over many, many years.

He has been there for the youth of our community because he wanted to be present for them and because there was a need to be fulfilled.   This qualified Fred Yockers as a recipient as a true “Everyday Hero” He  is so recognized by all in the” Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International”  and by the Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor.  He is a truly unique and unselfish individual who gives to the youth in a beautiful manner that makes them feel good about themselves and rewarded for being  “just themselves.”

• Speaking of Kiwanis: Kiwanis of Friday Harbor is holding its Annual Garage Sale on Saturday, May 22, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at San Juan Interiors, 22 Web Street, Friday Harbor. Benefits local scholarships. Many items for sale, and something for everyone. Pre-sale donations also accepted! Call Lisa at 378-3223.

• Janet Thomas tells me that Andrew Harvey is going to have a free lecture tonight at 7:30pm at the Yoga Path – it’ll give you an idea about his Sacred Activism workshop on Saturday. Here’s more.

• Tonight, it’s Britt907 at the Bean from 7-9pm…here’s a song called “Where’s Wayne?” she sang & videoed last week with Cecil on bass – check out the video & catch her at The Bean:

Drop by for a book & a bear....

Alice Acheson says it’s going to be fun:

“BOOK AND A BEAR”

Joy will reign at the annual Teddy Bear Picnic on Sunday, May 16 from noon to 2:00 in the Patio Garden of the San Juan Community Theatre.

This is the annual FREE event for all San Juan children sponsored by the Theatre’s CATS organization.  There will be face painting, crafts projects and, of course, teddy bears!  There will also be storytelling with Melina Lagios, the Youth Services Librarian, accompanied by puppets.  What more could children wish?

The refreshments will include PB&J or grilled cheese sandwiches, cookies in the shape of bears, fruit and juice.

To assure the event is even better than before, each child will take home a brand new Book — and a Bear.  The books are donated by the Early Learning Consortium in honor of National Children’s Book Week.  The bears?  Well, they are so cute each adult will want one as well!

Rain or shine, a good time is planned for all.

Jerry Spendiff

LouAnne sent me this to share with you….

Jerald Alan Spendiff
2/2/57-5/10/10

Jerry passed away peacefully in his home on May 10, 2010 surrounded by his wife LouAnne, daughters Tiffany and Ashley, and brother-in-law Paul Fantin.

As a boy, Jerry and his family would vacation in the San Juans every summer. They spent many days at Eagle Cove, beachcombing, and fishing. It was during these summers Jerry decided that San Juan Island was the place that he would someday raise his family.

Jerry and LouAnne were married on December 30, 1983 in Seattle, WA. They moved their family to Friday Harbor in 1988 where Jerry took his first job on the island as a chef at Downriggers Restaurant. Jerry enjoyed coaching many seasons of Little League softball and took great pride in his job as a maintenance employee at the Port of Friday Harbor. Jerry also enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for his family and friends and fishing with friends.  In 2005 Jerry travelled to Mississippi to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. He met and helped many wonderful people and it was this experience which helped re-establish his faith.

Jerry fought a brave, yet short battle against lung cancer which he was diagnosed with in October 2009. He had an abundance of support from his family, friends, and the community which helped him and his family through this tough time.

Jerry is survived by his wife LouAnne, daughters Tiffany and Ashley, mother and father George and Virginia Spendiff (Renton, WA), sisters, Shawn Spendiff (Ellensburg, WA), Susan Robinson (Everett, WA), and Shana Greggs (North Bend, WA) and many nieces, nephews, aunt, uncles and brother/sister in-laws.

A memorial service will be held at St.David’s Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor on Saturday, May 22^nd at 11:30am followed by a reception at Fairweather Park at the Port of Friday Harbor. In lieu of flowers Jerry’s family would like to request donations be made to the Soroptimists International of Friday Harbor or the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA).

Ran into Alana & Ryan in San Francisco last weekend - she's working at the Academy of Science there & he's sleeplessly doing his doctorate work - that's my son Cameron, me (in the Whale Museum shirt, which is the island's cool academy of science), Alana & Ryan...great to see them!

Around this town, and others….

Fox at South Beach...photo by Cyndi Brast

• The Bellingham Herald has some nice photos from the Wolverine soccer team‘s playoff loss to Nooksack last week – check ’em out! Our guys play hard – I’m proud of them!

• Monika Wieland reports she & Hobbes (on the Western Prince) spotted & photographed a gray whale here yesterday – check out her pictures & story.

• Speaking of major sporting news, here’s the article in the Seattle P-I by the island’s Clark Gilbert, explaining how serious runners do the Doughnut Run.

• Hey – did you hear that after 118 years, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham is changing its name: the new moniker is PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

• Farmers’ Market! This Saturday 10am-1pm at the Courthouse parking lot! Wahoo!

• My buddy Mary Kalbert tells me there’s going to be a film festival next year, but it’ll kick off on May 23rd – here’s more:

The  San Juan Island International Documentary Film Festival  will host its inaugural Kick-off Reception with Emmy award winning film maker Laszlo Pal on Sunday, May 23rd, at 3:00 p.m. at the San Juan Island Yacht Club.

The first film....

“This festival will draw visitors from all over the world to our islands,” Pal states. Pal’s award winning Three Flags over Everest, the record breaking expedition of the 1990 Mt. Everest International Peace Climb, will be shown.  An overview of the festival and future events, as well as opportunities to volunteer will be offered by event organizers.

Created by the San Juan Island Rotary Club, the Festival will be held April 1-3, 2011 and present noteworthy documentary films that entertain, provoke thought, and promote respect for the vast array of different opinions and perspectives.

• Diane from the Land Bank has a happening this weekend:

Back to the land...

Frazer Homestead Preserve Dedication Ceremony

The San Juan County Land Bank, National Park Service and the San Juan Island Trails Committee invite you to attend the official dedication of the Frazer Homestead Preserve on San Juan Island.

A brief ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, 2010. Parking will be at the preserve’s north entrance off of Rosler Road.

Thanks to the efforts of San Juan Island Trails Committee volunteers, the National Parks Service and Land Bank volunteers, over 1.3 miles of trail were constructed in 2009. Residents and visitors enjoy scenic views across historic farmland to distant islands and mountain before meandering through diverse woodlands and fields in American Camp. This segment is a portion of an effort by the Trails Committee to construct a trail linking Friday Harbor with American Camp. We are grateful for the help in completing an important part of this new trail on the south part of San Juan Island.

When: Saturday, May 15, 2010  ~ 2:00 pm
Parking: In will be at the preserve’s north entrance off of Rosler Road.
Ceremony Location: A short walk is required on the Frazer trail to the ceremony. Please contact the Land Bank for further info. 378-4402. www.sjclandbank.org

• Got a chance to congratulate Marilyn as Islanders Bank‘s new VP yesterday, but there were a number of other promotions as well – here’s more:

Bob Coleman, President and CEO of Islanders Bank is pleased to announce the following Officer promotions approved by the Islanders Bank Board of Directors at the April 29, 2010 Board Meeting:

ADMINISTRATION:
MARILYN CORRIE – VICE PRESIDENT AND CONTROLLER
JUDY CORNELL – LENDING SUPPORT OFFICER
ANGELICA HADEEN – ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT OFFICER
FRIDAY HARBOR OFFICE:
CARRIE BROOKS – ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT AND LOAN OFFICER
SHANAR FOX – ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
DAWN ADKINS OPERATIONS OFFICER

In the Peace Corps, in Rwanda....

• Proud mom Yvonne sent me this writeup of Arielle getting sworn in for her duty in the Peace Corps in Rwanda, with the photo above (she”s the one in the second row with her eyes closed, unfortunately):

A group of 34 American Peace Corps volunteers were yesterday sworn-in to serve in various sectors in a bid to help in the achievement of the country’s major development goals.

The swearing in ceremony was held at the residence of the US Ambassador, Stuart Symington.

According to the Country Director of Peace Corps in Rwanda, John Reddy, the group has undergone a 10-week training programme in Nyanza that mainly focused on learning Kinyarwanda as well as technical and cross-cultural studies. Continue Reading

Lolita, in her prison for the past four decades.....

Howie & Susan at the Orca Network have been lobbying, protesting & agitating for the release of Lolita for decades – here’s their writeup of the Free Lolita Campaign.

Meanwhile, locally, Debbi Fincher & friends are pulling together for Lolita, who has been captive in the Miami Seaquarium since 1971….here’s her story:

Please come show your support of the last surviving Southern Resident Orca left in captivity, Lolita! She’s been held for 40 years at the Miami Seaquarium. Her tank is 20 feet at its deepest point and 35 feet across. Lolita is about 22 feet long and 6,000 pounds. Does that sound okay to you? We will be joining an International Day of Peaceful Protest in Friday Harbor, Saturday, May 15th, 9:30am-12noon, at the bottom of Spring Street near the waterfront. It’s time to let her “retire from show business.”

Come show your support of her by wearing “black and white” or displaying something “black and white” at your home, work or car for that day! Make and bring a sign or banner if you can, some extra will be on-hand.

Lolita was born in the wild around 1966 and captured in Penn Cove off Whidbey Island at the age of about 4! Her mother is thought to be L25, Ocean Sun, estimated to be born in 1928, and still alive in L Pod today!! Ken Balcomb and Howard Garrett of Orca Network have developed a plan to return her to her home waters, (our home waters, too)! She’s worked 40 years for the Miami Seaquarium, in a tank who’s size is illegal by today’s standards! Coming home, she would receive professional care in a natural cove near her family’s foraging grounds.

In time, she would be given the chance to reunite with her family should she want to. Who are we to say no? We must convince the owner of the Miami Seaquarium, it’s time to “retire Lolita”.

Let’s see what’s going on around here….

• Liz Illg with Nonprofits Unlimited reports:

Hey, Ian! Just want you to know that Laura Tuttle just passed the bar in Washington State. Lots of people know her as a very generous community volunteer and active member of Soroptimists. I’m especially excited because she has an interest in laws pertaining to nonprofits. Way to go, Laura!

Megan Pollock tells me she's moving to San Diego this weekend....happy trails!

• Looks like Pelindaba is going to open a store next at Westlake Center in Seattle, on June 1st, according to Amelia Powell.

• Craig at Westcott Bay tells me: “Westcott Bay Sea Farms is partnering with San Juan Vineyards serving free half shell oysters with new wine release samples on Saturday May 15 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at San Juan Vineyards, 3136 Roche Harbor Rd. as part of the Farm to Feast Celebration.  Come join us!

“We are opening for the summer season on May 28th weekends until June 21st when we will be open daily through Labor Day, hours 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.”

• Carrie over at the Medical Center says they’ve hired a couple of folks: Dr. Litch, who started this week, and physician’s assistant Patricia Davis, who comes aboard in a couple of weeks. Here’s more about Jim Litch, from her:

Jim Litch, M.D.

Jim started scheduling patients May 11th, 2010. Jim will work two days a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) and will participate in the after hours call roster.

Dr. Litch is Board Certified in Family Medicine and holds additional qualifications in travel medicine, tropical medicine, and public health. He received a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan and completed his family medicine residency training with Swedish Hospital Medical Center and the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Litch continues his clinical faculty appointment from the University of WA School of Medicine and School of Public Health and Community Medicine.

Dr. Litch describes his practice style as one that emphasizes patient-centered care and wellness. He likes to take a personable approach with his patients, using shared decision-making to identify and achieve the individual’s own health goals.

• I know you like hummus (and like to eat well!) so here’s a recipe from Hobbes you might try & bring me some:

Not your everyday hummus!

2 1/2 cups dried organic Garbanzo beans, soaked overnight and cooked in chicken stock, until tender.

1 roasted red pepper
3 sun dried tomatoes
3 cloves garlic chopped
1″ piece of ginger chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
juice from a half lemon
1 teaspoon soy sauce
3 Tablespoons of Tahini paste
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
3/4 cup or so of chicken stock used to cook beans
1 Tablespoon sesame oil

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth, adding more of the cooked stock as necessary for a smooth paste…

• Here’s an old newspaper from Vancouver from 11 years ago, that I thought you might relate to. And this was BEFORE Homeland Security….

Here they come...

The first of some 400 loads comes to the island. Photo by Aaron Shepard.

According to Russ Harvey at the County, it’s going to take some 400 trips to get the gravel the County needs from the barge landing at Jackson’s Beach to the County’s storage area on Beaverton Valley Road today & tomorrow.

This kinda reminded me that there’s already a town in Washington named Concrete, and another called Granite Falls; maybe we could change ours to Little Rock or something.

Maybe not. Just brainstorming.

Here’s the rest of the story.

The barge comes in...photo by Aaron Shepard.

Desi Whalen (as Eliza) in My Fair Lady last week...according to Bob's review, "a star is born." Photo courtesy of James Krall

Sounds like a great show – everyone I know who caught the opening weekend of My Fair Lady had feedback that basically added up to: “Don’t miss it!”

Bob Stavers went last week, and he offered you & me this review:

Move over Julie Andrews, there’s a new Eliza in town!

The San Juan Community Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady is hands down the most exciting and professional musical to be seen on the island in at least the past ten years!

We are truly blessed to live on an island packed with the talent on display for the next two weeks (Thursdays through Sundays) on the Whittier Stage. This is truly an ensemble cast and every one on stage sings, dances, and acts their hearts out in a “loverly” performance that will send you out to the street where you live full of joy and wanting to come back for more.

Susan Williams has created a remarkable experience and with dance, song and dialogue coaches superb; everything comes together flawlessly. Space does not permit relating the wonderful performances of so many talented islanders, but everyone was wonderful.

Especially charming and engaging in leading roles, Ken Seratt lights up the house with his rousing “With a little bit of luck” and Dan Finn is as irascible as possible as Henry Higgins.  But if you miss the chance to watch the transformation of Eliza from scamp to champ you will have missed the opportunity of a lifetime to see a star being born. Desirae Whalen is absolutely perfect and so is this production – don’t miss it!

Bob Stavers

Here’s the word from Tracy about the bike parade on Saturday:

Reminder:
This Saturday May 15th is the Share the Road Parade, Celebration and Community bike ride at the fairgrounds.

The fun starts and 10:30, with helmet fitting, free children’s helmets, tire repair clinic & minor maintenance pit stop, a skills course, and socializing with other local bicycle enthusiasts.  The Parade begins at noon (a huge turnout for the parade is key to raising bicycle awareness), followed by celebration with food, beverages and two huge cakes, then burn off the cake with a group ride to the South end and back.

We are hoping to see each of you there to support the cause. Bring your bike, helmet and happy faces for any or all of the events, especially the parade!  A great way to kick off National Bike Week.

Getting ready...photo by Alan Roochvarg (thanks, Alan!)

Alan Roochvarg from Emergency Services sends over this report:

Emergency Services and USCG Train for Summer Season

San Juan Island emergency services personnel and a US Coast Guard search and rescue team conducted joint training in Friday Harbor on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The exercise included practicing patient transfer procedures to and from an airborne helicopter, and simulating loading critically ill passengers and necessary equipment onto the helicopter.

Personnel from San Juan Island EMS, Friday Harbor Fire Department Fireboat Confidence, San Juan Island Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Dive Team all participated.

A US Coast Guard MH-65C helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles joined the training crewed by LT Larry Santos, LTJG Kenneth Walton and AET1 Chas Lowmater.

The training included a review of the patient transfer Continue Reading

Jerry Spendiff

Sorry to hear about Jerry Spendiff‘s passing – regards & condolences to LouAnne & Tiffany & Ashley…

Also – heard that Shannon Smith (FHHS ’94) passed away….

IMA’s Wendy Smith says this was fun – here’s her story:

IMA’s “Green Summer 2010” Luncheon

Margy Rehn, IMA Advisor; Marilyn Luckman, IMA Board Administrative Secretary; Wendy Smith, IMA Museum Director; Joan von Weien, IMA Advisor.

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art & Sculpture Park (IMA), hosted a ‘Green Summer 2010’ luncheon Monday, May 3 at the Community Theatre’s Gubelman room.  The luncheon was to announce IMA’s upcoming summer exhibition Green: ON THE EDGE, a juried, visual art competition, with artists participating from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia.  The luncheon was also an opportunity to discuss and share ideas with community leaders, the media, local organizations and business owners on how San Juan Island might jump on the “Green Summer 2010” bandwagon.

IMA asked the guests to bring to the luncheon, a ‘Green’ idea that they could implement in their own organization for the summer, utilizing the ‘Green’ theme already in place with IMA’s exhibition, Green: ON THE EDGE, opening Friday, July 2.  IMA hoped this would be a great opportunity for the community to band together as a united ‘Green’ front this summer, sharing and promoting each others businesses with website links and brochures as well as getting ‘Green’ events on all the summer events calendars. Continue Reading