A Canadian mountie and American town crier greet San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce executive director Vernadel Peterson on Sunday to open the fiftieth year of the Anacortes-Friday Harbor-Sidney ferry run.

Yesterday the ferry schedule switched into its spring edition, which included the re-opening of the run to Sidney, British Columbia after taking the winter off.

I got the chance to go along & see the festivities, as folks from Sidney welcomed the mayor of Anacortes and Washington state senator Kevin Ranker with a band and food and speeches as the Washington State Ferries began the 50th year of offering the run to Canada.

The run was saved the last couple of years by “Save Our Ferry” campaigns on both sides, but face rough waters in the present belt-tightening at both the provincial & state levels. One of the ways you can help: Take a trip over to Sidney & Victoria this spring, and see what our neighbours are up to.

Friday Harbor was represented by Town Council Member Felix Menjivar and his daughter Samantha...

On the way home, former county council member Kevin Ranker checks in with Lovel Pratt, who replaced him on the council when he successfully ran for the state senate. Kevin promised the crowd in Sidney he would continue the fight to keep the international run in place.

It was cool - we were welcomed by cheering folks from Sidney, and given buttons....

Torrey put in twenty good years....

She’s been there since the beginning…

Yesterday afternoon as Torrey Prescott finished her last shift as a lifeguard at San Juan Fitness, she found a small mob collected upstairs on the way out with cupcakes & a big sign & a card & a lot of a appreciation for two decades providing water safety at the club. There are hundreds of island kids who know how to swim because of her…the longtime We Care & Headstart teacher now works with the Presbyterian Church…way to go, Torrey! You’re the best!

From Jill: "Mom sharing her plans with the Oasis Africa staff before we set out to Mashaka. Gladys is on the sofa and Gershon is admiring one of Mom's quilts."

Wednesday, the folks that Jill Urbach & her mom Kitty Sorgen have been working with are dropping by the island in between getting awards in Chicago & LA…Jill tells me they’re amazing & inspirational. Here’s the scoop, from Jill:

Drs. Gladys and Gershon Mwiti of Nairobi, Kenya will be speaking at the Mullis Center Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 PM.  They will be discussing the current state of the Mashaka Quilting Project which was started last year by Kitty Sorgen and Jill Urbach with lots of local support.  The Mwitis will also discuss future plans for Mashaka.

Drs. Gladys and Gershon Mwiti are the founders of Oasis Africa, a nonprofit organization with a purpose and commitment to bring healing to many hurting communities in our world, and to build leadership committed to integrity and accountability.  Dr. Gladys Mwiti is an internationally-acclaimed speaker.  Dr. Gershon Mwiti is a Leadership Consultant and CEO, Leadership Institute of Kenya (LIKA) who has recently been brought in to work with the Kenyan Parliament.

The Mwitis meet Jill & Kitty at the airport in Nairobi last August....

Matthew (left) and Stewart close down the Forks attack...

You know Forks – yep, that’s the place the “Twilight” movies were filmed…

Well, the Friday Harbor boys soccer team got to finally get their season underway with Forks Friday afternoon after their first three opponents postponed matches till later in the year…and they got off on the right foot for the first three quarters of the game.

The Wolverines found the passing lanes & completely controlled the first seven minutes of the game before the Spartans began to find the other end of the field. From then on it was an even game of back & forth for the half, with neither team getting great looks at the goal. Forks managed to sneak one in at 29 minutes to make it 1-0 at the half, but things felt manageable.

Six minutes into the second half, junior midfielder Nick Roberts bent a fifteen-yard blast into the corner of the net to tie things up for FHHS, but the Spartans jammed home three goals in the next fifteen minutes to win, 4-1.

Stars for the home team? It was more of a team effort than that, but seniors José and Oskar kept creating chances with freshman Brett, while junior defender Matthew & soph keeper Ben are communicating well on defense. (I’m using all first names, like they do in Brazil. It’s cool there – maybe it will catch on here.)

FHHS keeper Ben rises above the crowd to take the ball away from the Spartans on a corner kick.

Bald eagle on the west side...photo by Kevin Holmes

People always say how cool it is to live here on the island, and yep, they’re right. Here are nine little & big things I’ve noticed in the last week or so that I think make it just a little nicer:

• I like the way that, when you’re waiting at Friday Harbor Espresso (you know, that used to be Uptown Espresso), Mark & the folks who work there will come out to the cars in line & get their orders. Nice touch, and nice way to treat people.

Getting to you fast, with compassion....

• Just last night someone was telling me their story of how they had a medical emergency, and the island EMTs came to the scene, dealt with things intelligently & professionally & swiftly & compassionately, and how we’re so lucky to have ways to get people quickly to the care they need (he liked it that the helicopter got him to the mainland so fast.) Our EMTs rock, big time.

• Check it every morning – I like the way Sharon at the San Juan Islander posts islanders’ birthdays at the top of her page. It’s fun to tell people “Happy Birthday!” for the rest of the day when you see them.

• I like how people driving along in the street stop to let you pull out backwards when you’re backing out from in front of King’s Market on Spring Street, whether they want your spot or not.

Nancy at the Toy Box

• Isn’t it cool how Nancy & Dave & Charlotte are always so welcoming at The Toy Box, and how when kids (and their parents) are playing with the toys, they show ’em how? Love that.

• When you go to a ball game, it’s cool to see most all of the parents there, whether their kid is playing or not. The sports offered on the island far outstrip what a place this size oughta offer – and it’s a great way to come together with friends.

• Most towns have a town square, but we have another place to meet – the ferries. It’s cool to see people hooking up & catching up on the boats with each other, moving table to table like it’s a potluck where you try to touch base with your friends.

• The wildlife is amazing… Where else could you live where, most days, you can see deer, foxes, rabbits, birds, marine mammals, and bald eagles (click here for larger, cooler version of the picture above by Kevin Holmes)?

• This is a pretty kid-friendly island, with a lot of parents choosing to live here because they prefer beaches to malls, teachers who care, and plenty of chances to get to know other parents so we can do the parenting together.

Why I Wake Early, by Mary Oliver

Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –

best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.

Kerri Goff fires it for the Wolverines as Maggie Anderson at first base watches....

Yesterday the softball girls edged South Whidbey 9-8 in a game that saw FHHS up 5-1 at one point (Kerri Goff had a 3-run homer), then see sawed back & forth until the visitors had to catch the ferry after six innings.

Kevin keeps the team on an even keel....

Great fun…I like the way the team stays loose no matter what the score is, which is partly because we have an older, calmer team and partly because of Coach Kevin Carton, who seems to get a lot out of his teams each year.

In the three games I’ve seen this year, the infield just gets tighter & tighter, and it’s cool to see outfielders who take a one-hopper & fire it home to prevent runs.

The girls head for Lynden Christian this weekend for their next one.

I always like dropping by Harbor Rentals when my lawn mower is busted, partly 'cause they fix it so well, and mostly because Donna & Sheila are always smiling.

Let’s see what’s happening around here….

Stephanie with Adam in the restorative yoga class...

• Stephanie Hubber got Shantaya Yoga going the first of last year, and gave it a good go – she tells me that she’ll be closing up shop this week, though. This is sad for her & her instructors, as well as the foks for whom Shantaya became a regular part of their week.

In her last e-mail to folks, Stepanie says, “It’s been a wonderful ride and a lovely experience practicing and growing with all who have supported the studio over the months.  I look forward to a new chapter and embracing change as an ever-constant force.”

• Today’s Carolee Maya‘s 70th – happy birthday!

• Marita at the IMA says they’re looking for new art for the park:

Call for Sculptors: San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) and Sculpture Park is seeking submissions of large, outdoor sculptures for the IMA Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor. The IMA Sculpture Park is a major Northwest art destination, located on over 19 acres in the San Juan Islands, adjacent to the Roche Harbor Community on the shores of Westcott Bay. The Park received over 25,000 visitors in 2009, and sold over $50,000 of sculpture during the last three months of the year. With new plans for the IMA Sculpture Park, the Park plans to quadruple this amount in 2010, and the artist’s commission has been increased to 70%!

Sculptors may submit up to three submissions by April 30, 2010. A non-refundable entry fee of $20 is required, covering up to three submissions. Early submissions are encouraged. The deadline for installation of accepted work is June 15, 2010. Entry forms and further details are available at www.sjima.org.

Silver duck: I have some leftovers at Haley's the other day, so Sarah wrapped 'em up to go - lookin' good!

• Nancy Vejvoda says there’s a Purse Party she’s hosting at the Legion on the 27th from 3-6pm.

• Speaking of deals – Troy at Afterglow Spa says this is the weekend to come by:

During the month of March, locals save 20% at Afterglow Spa. Just present your 98250 drivers license to receive 20% off any spa service or retail purchase! The spa is open Thurs – Sun 10 – 5. Please visit our website to view our spa menu and other specials www.rocheharbor.com 360.378.988

That's Shannon, Meghan, Stacie, and Susan in the middle of the run, in a photo by Jimmy Farrell. The four came in first in Sunday's run.

The times from the Run Ladies Run 10K were posted yesterday on their site – here they are (scroll down a bit to see them)!

A quote for the day...in the window of Softwear, one of the best-smelling shops in town

Bits of news, here & there:

It's one of the strongest middle school drama groups in the state - be sure and catch the midle school's plays this weekend at the Community Theatre, directed by Fred Yockers.

• Teresa Degraaf wanted to invite folks over to the airport to honor Bob – here’s more:

Island Pilot Bob Nichols Honored at Franklin Terminal: The San Juan Pilots Association (SJPA) and the Port of Friday Harbor have chosen Bob Nichols to be featured on the Pilots Honor Wall at the Roy Franklin Terminal for the year 2010.  Selection for this tribute is based on contributions to aviation in the San Juan Islands. Nichols flew for Island Sky Ferries (later renamed San Juan Airlines) from 1960-1980.

He then flew for Aeronautical Services until 1986.  Nichols will accept public recognition of this honor on Saturday, March 27, from 4-5pm at the  Franklin Terminal at Friday Harbor Airport.

• The Health Fair is this weekend! Alisa Schoultz has the scoop:

If you are going to highlight fun things going on around town this weekend, can you please include a reminder about the Health Fair on Saturday?

As you know, San Juan Healthcare is sponsoring this event which is at the Mullis Center on Saturday from 10am-2pm.  All ages are encouraged to come and it’s FREE!  There are several exhibitors and over a dozen speakers are scheduled to present at two different “stages.”  There will be healthy food samples and you can get your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure checked.  Massages, body fat analysis and other free health screenings as well. Here’s more. See you there!

But...open today!

• Today’s the day to clean up – with the gradually shrinking hours at the dump, you gotta really plan ahead to get there…but it’s open today. See ya there….

• Marilyn Goff told me the softball girls looked good in their game with Darrington yesterday (the game was called when FHHS had a 15-run lead after three), but they’ll have their hands full when they face 2A South Whidbey today here on the island. Meanwhile, the baseball team beat Darrington 17-0…

Meanwhile, our soccer boys remained unbeaten as Anacortes canceled yesterday’s game at the last minute. The guys hope to play their first game (finally)  at home on Friday & get this season started!

• If things seem a little quiet around town at 4:30pm tomorrow, it might be because folks are settling in to watch the Washington Huskies‘ game in the NCAA Basketball Tourney. Pac-10 tourney champs UW are in the Sweet 16 of what used to be called the NCAA Tournament, and then was called the March Tournament, then became March Madness, and now is called Mega March Madness.

It’s scheduled to be called Extreme Mega March Madness in 2012, I believe. It’s still cool the Huskies are still alive in it, regardless how crazy it gets.

They're baaaaack!

Jan from the Community Theatre says here’s someone who can help you with your baking for Easter – here’s the scoop:

Baker Boys Return to Elegant Edibles

San Juan Island’s fabulous Baker Boys are back–still cooking and baking, and sharing their talents at CATS’ Elegant Edibles bake sale at the San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Baker Boys–volunteers from the community– return for the second year in a row, providing their own special homemade goodies for sale in this annual fundraiser for the Theatre.  Members of the Baker Boys include David Bayley, Dave Nichols, John Aberle, Tom Barrett, Jim Specht, David Ralston Ron Thurman, Howard Schonberger, Chris Nelson, Jason Wood, Ted Soares, Charlie Bodenstab, Jack Yelverton, Jim Corenman, George Johnson, Roy Clausen, Jim Schuman, Brad Brown, Rich Peterson, Mark Aberle, Ed Greub, Don Pollard, and Dave Vanderwal.

In addition to the Baker Boys’ treats, a variety of goodies will be available, including breakfast casseroles, breakfast rolls, coffee cakes, condiments (sauces, jams, jellies, etc.) candy, breads, cakes, cheesecakes, pies and cookies–all just in time for those family holiday brunches on Sunday.

In addition to baked goods, CATS members have put together a raffle basket to help out a busy host or hostess.  More than 20 items are in the basket, including a spiral cut ham, pumpkin butter, garlic and rosemary mustard, gorgonzola crackers, decadent molten chocolate cake mix, dark chocolate truffles. Also included is a gift basket from Mirabella Skin Care and Massage which contains a classic facial and several items from their product line.

Raffle tickets will be for sale at Kings on Saturday, March 27^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Marketplace on Monday, March 29^th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as at the Theatre the day of the sale.

For more information, call Joann Aberle of CATS (Community Arts Theatre Society) at 378-2853.

Open House! This weekend at Village at the Harbour! Saturday from 2-4pm...

Let’s see what’s up:

• Village at the Harbour offers senior assisted living, and you can check it out this Saturday from 2-4pm as they host their second anniversary’s open house. I sure like what Seanene & her crew do there…drop by & say hey!

• The Conservation District‘s final tally in their election for a board member: the incumbent Henning Sehmsdorf: 262 votes, challenger Ed Kilduff: 229 votes.

• Did you see John Sinclair‘s photo gallery from the Run Ladies Run 10K this past weekend? Check it out here.

• Word on the street is that Paul is gonna open Pablito’s Taqueria the first week of April or so, in the spot where Steps was.

• They’re showing Beth Hetrick‘s paintings over at Lavendera – drop by & see ’em! Here’s her artist’s statement:

Beth at work!

I have been painting in earnest now for many years, after teaching art to all levels and ages of students for almost 20 years before that. I love art, and it has been a vital part of my life always. My son, my sister, and my mother are all artists as well, We live in the perfect spot, where beauty of form and of place is a big part of our life. The Pacific Northwest is truly a special locale which is often brimming with just such beauty all year round.

Farmers and Fishermen: It is a pleasure to share this spectacular, naturally rich island chain with so many islanders whose family roots remain grounded in our historic past. The fishermen work out of our harbors, the farmers work their farms throughout the islands.

Britt lights up the Bean, last Saturday....

• Sure was fun to play with Britt on Saturday night! Her new album is selling well & if you heard her this past weekend, you know why!

You can get your copy of her album (and listen to the songs – try before you buy!) here.

• Speaking of eating places opening, the Duck Soup Inn opens for the season on April 9th, Friday through Sunday for April.

They will begin their popular Friday Happy Hour on April 16th through the end of June. I hear that Gretchen spent a lot of the winter traveling in Argentina and Chile and her spring menu reflects some of her favorite foods from that region.

Bob Boo tells everyone it's time to line up....

Where they went...

Click here for pictures from on the course by Jimmy Farrell.

Even though it was raining at 9:30am and misting at the 10am start, spirits were high for the 114 runners in the inaugural Run Ladies Run 10K Sunday morning.

Organized by dedicated runners Boo Boo Keane & Kerry Andrews, the course started in front of the Hotel De Haro & ran a bit more than six miles (10K) through the nearly neighborhood (see the map).

There something of a four-way tie for first, with Shannon Minikin, Meghan Hoffman, Stacy Tagney & Susan Stehn crossing the finish line within the same second.

I’ll have the overall results later, but for now, here’s the video of the start of the race – see who you know!

The new Mr. San Juan - Dan Deshon! He won! It was fon! (See it all rhymes...) Photo by Cere Demuth.

Click here to see the evening.

You know it’s fun – to make a little coin for the PTA at the elementary school, last year they held the first Mr. San Juan Contest, which John Sable won. This year’s contest featured Bob Benz, Patrick Minney, Scott Zehner, Geody Howden, Donny Galt, and Dan Deshon as the six contestants who had a chance to impress voters (each dollar donated was a vote, so it WAS possible to buy this election without being an actual corporation).

They answered MC Boo Boo Keane’s trivia questions, they sang & showed off their talents, they worked the crowd, they had “can-girls” begging everyone to put money in their cans, and a great time was had by all. I the end, Dan Deshon was named the new Mr. San Juan, and everyone came out a winner, raising money for the kids. Way to go, with special thanks to great moms Kerry & Boo Boo, who organized things, and all the moms & dads who volunteered to make this fun. Wahoo!

Here’s a portfolio of folks having fun – the candidates, as well as the people who came to have a great night.

A lot of smiling faces on Friday night...

Granite Fall has a 6'4" inch center, so the Black Tigers Sean Hill (in orange) had to jump a little higher.

This past weekend, the two eighth grade teams hosted off-island squads – the Black Tigers played Granite Falls twice in a double header (winning both by 15), while the Orange Tigers took on Orcas, coming out on top by 8.

Both teams are fun to watch. They play an up-tempo game that exploits both the lane with our big guys & the floor when passing lanes are open on the break. We like to shoot, and we like to make ’em.

The Orange Tigers completed their season with the weekend’s game; the Black Tigers take their show on the road in the Tulip Tournament in Mount Vernon this coming weekend.

Then…next year, FHHS basketball coach Rod Turnbull welcomes a great bunch of freshmen. It’s gonna be fun to watch.

Coach Fred Woods gets the guys ready for the second quarter of the Granite Falls game.

Young calf and mom. They were teaching the calf the art of the hunt, according to Jim Maya.

I ran into Jim Maya, and asked him how the wildlife on the west side has been doing, and he said, “Gotta send you some pictures.” So I thought I would share them with you – here’s his report:

For the second time in two days, we were lucky enough to find transient orcas on the west side of San Juan Island. Yesterday, at dusk, we got help from a call from Sandy Buckley, and today, perhaps instincts and a sharp eyed passenger. These are pictures taken late this afternoon (3/18), on the Canadian Side of Haro Strait. We were just leaving the Kelp Reef marker, after watching eagles and sea lions, headed south toward Lime Kiln, when Jonathan shouted out, “What’s that?”

“Orcas!” I said. They proceeded to kill and eat a Steller’s Sea Lion, weighing perhaps 2200 lbs. It was an amazing sight that I have seen only two other times, and both times right in this area. One other time the sea lion got away.

Finishing the job. The whole process took over an hour.

Sea lion between two female Orcas.

Sea lion flipper, motionless, at the left of the Orca.