Donny's upbeat about the store's future....

Last night I got the chance to see behind the red door coverings & see what’s been going on inside Ace Hardware. Gotta say – wow. Donny Galt has hired a friendly staff, the shelves are nearly all stocked, and it’s pretty impressive what he & the Anacortes store (they work together) have pulled together. Project manager Lynn Danaher says this new store will have 30% more products on the new shelves.

Last night’s sneak peek was sponsored by Ace & the Chamber of Commerce, as Ace hosted the evening’s member meeting. The red stuff on the doors comes down on the 15th when the store opens; there will be a Grand Re-Opening in mid-April.

Saturday was beautiful....

Ever wonder what the marina looks like on a sunny day from the air?

Art Smith from Argyle House went flying with Todd Gardner on Saturday…he tells me Jennifer (his wife) and son Rick were along, too. He shot this with his little Nikon SLR. Rick said he had never been up in a plane like that, but says he liked it a lot after this trip.

According to Oregon State researchers, the growing “dead zones” in the oceans of the Pacific Northwest reflect oxygen depletion, the ocean adjusting to climate change, and a decreased fish catch.

Here’s more from the McClatchy Newspapers.

Nick Wainwright (FHHS '04) chats with Richard on the ferry yesterday.

One of my favorite blogs to regularly check in on is the Bitter End Blog that Richard Rodriquez keeps up. He has a Captains Course in April you might want to sign up for – he has only four spots left!

Check it out – just this past couple of weeks he posted a picture of the USS Constitution when she visited Anacortes in 1933 (cool stuff!), an octopus cake, an expalanation of how rogue waves are formed, and more.

Doug Bison is re-locating Bison Gallery into the old Garuda & I spot, and is making great progress toward his Grand Re-Opening on the 15th. It was fun to see the kayak on the wall, to hear him working to Joe Bongiorno's first album, and to see how cool it's going to be when he's ready.

Little things going on:

Drums - tonight at the elementary school!

• Remember that tree that got split at English Camp back in 2008 by lightning? This fellow posted a picture of it – check it out. That reminded me of the tree that sank two feet into the ground on the trail after it split off in a windstorm. Tim Dustrude’s picture told the story.

• Kings Market has switched over to completely using recycled paper – way to go!

• It’s gonna be great – there’s a Community Dinner tonight at the elementary school at 5, followed  by a free community drum event at 6:30. Last year there was some 300 folks drumming at one time…way cool. Hope to see you there! Here’s more.

Matt Rothlisberger

• Former Wolverine (’07) Matt Rothlisberger‘s off to good start as baseball gets underway at Claremont McKenna College, where he’s a junior switching between the outfield & first.  A week ago, he scored a run as CMC beat Willamette, and had an RBI this past weekend in a loss to Cal Lutheran.

• Speaking of sports, FHHS’s spring seasons get going this weekend…after one of the nicest spring training weather weeks we’ve had in recent & far-back memory.

• Doug isn’t the only one re-opening – Teri & Be Chic Boutique are aiming toward a March 12 re-opening at the spot where Dominique’s House was, and Lynn Danaher says March 15th is when the new Ace Hardware opens its doors.

Gabe Scott (FHHS '09) drops by to say hey his mom Rhonda at Vital Elements, her store next to the Toy Box. Gabe's been working at Roche Harbor this winter & spring.

Deer in the sun at Wildwood Manor...

What to do, what to do:

• The last couple of days, folks have asked me what there is to do this weekend. Easy – look outside, and then think of something. It’s blue & clear & warm enough. Get outside!

Here’s my idea of a perfect day:

– Two hour walk this morning.
– Go hang & buy food at the Saturday Farmers’ Market at the high school (10am-1pm)
–  Walk around town & visit folks. Pretend you need something at Marketplace or Kings & hang out in the produce department & visit with friends. Then buy an apple.
– Walk on South Beach or the westside or Eagle’s Cove or Jackson’s Beach. Good day to climb Mount Young & have a picnic.
– Take a run to get ready for the Run Ladies Run 10K in two weeks.
– Don’t miss the hypnotist at the high school tonight. I’ve gone for 4-5 times & it’s always fun. You’ll see. Great for kids.
– If you haven’t seen “The Dining Room,” tonight’s your last shot. You’re gonna have to choose. Great play vs. hypnotist.
– I know you like music – Ed Wilson‘s singing at Pazzo Vivo at 8pm. More choices: Ed vs. play vs. hypnotist.
– Then there’s the opera performance at the Presbyterian Church at 4. Where else are you going to get to hear Debussey & Bartok live?
– Of course, there’s the Doctor’s Office’s open mike from 6-8pm…that’ll get you off to a good start for the evening.

Let me know how it turns out for you. Sunny skies…you can’t go wrong.

Ruffles & Granny... by the way, it's common at Sea World for them to say that orcas can live to be 30 years old in captivity & that this is cool somehow...ask Granny, who turns 99 this month. Way better to live in the wild....photo by Sandy Buckley.

Works with baseball teams, right?

This is a photo of Ruffles (J1, the big one) and Granny (J2) from 2006, by Sandy Buckley.

Jaida in the sun....

That’s Jaida playing at the playground, in a photo by Jodi Calohan.

Sunny days – get outside & play!

And I knew that if I got the chance, that I could make those people dance....that's Greta three years ago at the Fair, dancin' to the one man band.

I have been writing songs since before I can remember, and almost every song I’ve written has a phrase in it that I later remember as, “Oh, that sounds like Going to a Garden Party,” or “is that Mandy?” or “Whoa – that kinda sounds a tiny bit like Puff The Magic Dragon!”

Reminds me of when Arlo Gurthrie said something like, “Writing songs is like sitting next to a river & grabbing the good ones when they come by. ‘Course it helps if you’re downstream from Bob Dylan…”

Or John Travolta when he says, “I heard it, then I made it up.”

Here ya go – this is fun:

A couple of Kenmore planes land in the marina....photo by Josie Byington.

Just got a note from Craig at Kenmore Air…they have a deal for you this weekend:

Shopping? See a museum? Visit with friends? Saturday, March 6, is a great day for a Seattle daytrip! Limited seats on all Kenmore Air Express flights between Friday Harbor, Eastsound and Seattle are on sale for only $89 each way. Call 866.435.9524 or visit KenmoreAir.com.

Now that Monica Van Appel-Percich has her real estate license, she & husband Bill Percich have teamed up at Windermere. Photo by Marie DiCristina.

Let’s check & see what happening ’round here:

John will show you....

• John Sinclair at Concepia says he has a beginners’ class coming up – here’s more:

Photography Classes: Concepia will be offering one day photography classes starting on Sunday April 4th. Aimed at the complete beginner to serious novice, this classes will focus on the core elements of digital photography. From composition to post production, I’ll try to cover all the bases and bring your creativity and confidence up a notch.

$79: includes class materials to take home, a lovely packed lunch, one 12×16 matted final print from your day’s work, and a 10% discount for any future purchases. Sign up Now as space is limited.

That's Rich Peterson with Linda Guernsey at Relay for Life last year...photo by Janice Peterson.

• Rich gives it a go, again: Rich Peterson is running for County Council again this year – he just announced it this weekend. At this point, I haven’t heard of anyone who might be running against him…it’s still early in the process.

• Wendy Meyers at Friday Harbor House wants to see you for lunch – she says:

The Bluff Restaurant-Bar-Terrace is now open for Lunch.  We are open Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00am – 9:00pm. Come on by!

Jenny, makin' cofee at the Bean

• Speaking of open eating places AND Petersons… Gordy & Lori Petersen have completely remodeled the Naked Bean & have re-opened as “The Bean”…I dropped by yesterday & Lori Guard had an incredible array of baked goods (she cooked ’em!), the place is re-painted & has new chairs & tables…check it out!

• Vernadel from the Chamber of Commerce is collecting stories from the last month – here’s more:

Since the Winter Olympic Games have wrapped up (the Paralympic Games take place March 12-21), we’d love to hear any anecdotal stories you have about people who stayed with you, or spent money with you (retail, restaurants, activities, etc.), as a result of traveling pre- or post-Olympics.  The Washington State Tourism Office has also asked that we collect such information for their records.  Thanks!

Rebecca & Bryn, avoiding the paparazzi (me).

• Off to Seattle…Rebecca Parks Barnard is getting ready to go off to the big Northwest Women’s Show at Qwest Field this weekend. Her business, LimbaSlim, has a tiny table there, but she tells me – she we will be heard! Or at least, have fun. Good luck, Rebecca!

• Hey, the Blood Drive is in a couple of weeks, on St. Pat’s Day…plan ahead!

• This is so cool – this hypnotist was awesome last year, and he’s back this year. It happens at the FHHS gym on Saturday night – don’t miss it! (Partly becasue it funds Grad Night for the Class of ’10, and mostly ’cause it’s so fun!) Here’s the scoop.

See you there!

Hiding...

• I decided to look for more people on the island who aren’t pregnant (to balance all the notices of people who ARE), and found one person who isn’t. She allowed me to take her picture, as long as I don’t tell you who she is.

I always honor my sources’ wishes, that way.

• This is going to be fun -here’s the word from Emily Reed about a photo contest:

Peter Fromm, noted island photographer, and I created the “Island Scenes” project.  We would appreciate your adding this information to San Juan Update for the next few weeks.  The San Juan County Fair Board is very supportive of the project and has promised us display space for the 2010 fair.

The project description follows with the deadline of April 1. Thank you very much!

Emily

Island Scenes
“What is Here Today to Preserve for Tomorrow”

In San Juan County, we see historic rural and small town views becoming suburban.  The “Island Scenes” project is an effort to record images of what we have now which represent “old island” and what we hope will be here in the future.

Artists of all ages and skills are asked to portray a scene (one image/person) which strikes them as “old island”:

1)  In any two dimensional medium – photography, oil, pastel, watercolor, etc.
2)  Size: minimum 8″ x 10″ up to maximum 16″ x 20″.  Ready to hang.
3)  Description of the scene’s location, including the island and the season.
4)  No jurying. No prizes.

These works will be a major display at the 2010 San Juan County Fair.

Deadlines:
1)  April 1
Phone Peter Fromm at 378-8378 or e-mail Emily Reed at oatmeal (at) rockisland.com to confirm that you will have a scene for the display at the fair.
2)  August 1
Artwork will need to be delivered.

The County Conservation District has an election between now & the 16th – here’s how it works:

The San Juan Islands Conservation District election for one position on the Board of Supervisors will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2010.

There are two candidates running, Ed Kilduff of Lopez Island and incumbent Henning Sehmsdorf, also of Lopez Island. Candidate statements are published on the SJI Conservation District home page: http://www.sanjuanislandscd.org/

All registered voters in San Juan County are eligible to vote in the SJI Conservation District election.

Voters may vote in person on March 16, 2010 at the SJI Conservation District office, 540 Guard Street #150, Friday Harbor, between 10am and 2pm. Identification is required.

Voters may also vote by mail. Requests for mail-in ballots must be made by March 8, 2010 to Josie Byington, Election Officer, by e-mail: j.byington (at) sanjuanislandscd.org, by phone: 360-378-6621, or in person at the SJI Conservation District office, 540 Guard Street #150, Friday Harbor.

The San Juan Islands Conservation District is a local organization committed to protecting and enhancing the natural resources of San Juan County ecosystems for the future of us all. Your Conservation District is dedicated to providing natural resources education, information, and technical assistance free of charge to citizens of, and organizations, in San Juan County. Services offered by the San Juan Islands Conservation District include: water quality monitoring, habitat preservation, farm and forest plans, and low impact development.

Sign up, anyway... 🙂

It’s easy to sign up as a Friend of the San Juan Update…just click here. (I course, you have to have a FB account.)

Keith Busha brings the awe & wonder of the underground art of Damanhur alive in his new film. This is the Hall of Metals. Photo by Keith Busha.

Dreams of Damanhur website | Ordering the film | About Damanhur

You already know Keith Busha as a heckuva musician around the island…he’s been playing at Roche Harbor and around Town for years. He’s also a heckuva filmmaker & storyteller, as you’ll find out when you see his new film Dreams of Damanhur.

Besides telling the story, Keith has put together an incredible visual experience as well. Photo by Shel Bedsole.

This is a film you’ll talk about…. when Josie & I finished it last week, we started making a list of people who we were sure would find it fascinating (you’re on that list, you know.) When Keith starts showing it, people will hang around afterward with questions – you can count on it.

Imagine people in a land dedicated to the advancement of social, spiritual, and artistic development. With its own constitution, social and political structure, schools and monetary system, Damanhur has many industries and businesses, creating an economic engine that supports their society and contributes to the villages and communities that surround them. They strive to create a self sufficient and ecologically sustainable lifestyle that contributes to, and encourages, global health and well being.

The film’s website reports: “Founded in 1975 by a group of Italian visionaries led by Oberto Airaudi, Damanhur is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, 52 kilometers (32 miles) north of Torino. Their many nucleos, farms and facilities are spread throughout the beautiful Valchiusella and the Alto Canavese area and collectively cover an area of 500 hectares (2 square miles). Following their philosophy of sustainable self sufficiency, Damanhur has many farms and food processing facilities where they produce vegetables, wine, cheese, olive oil and meat for their own consumption and for sale in their various businesses.

You can purchase the film online...

“Damanhurians also produce much of their own energy through the use of solar panels and highly efficient wood burning furnaces. Their scientists and inventors have done significant research and have developed numerous patented devices and procedures that are used in the medical, energy, scientific and spiritual fields. Their studies and experimentation in time travel, communication with aliens, and quantum physics have made Damanhur one of the foremost authorities in paranormal and metaphysical research. Although the accomplishments of the citizens of Damanhur are too numerous to mention here, their most visible and awe inspiring achievement is the building of the amazing, subterranean Temples of Humankind.”

(Click here to see the larger, beautiful version of The Hall of Metals above; click here to see the Hall of the Earth below).

I hope you get a chance to see the film soon! You can buy a copy at Griffin Bay Bookstore, or get yours online.

You’ll also enjoy Ross Robertson’s article in EnlightenNext magazine, called “Atlantis in the Mountains of Italy.” Check it out.

The pillars of the Hall of the Earth, in Damanhur. Photo by Keith Busha.

Cooking with Saci....

I heard that Saci was having a couple of cooking classes coming up soon, so I figured you would want to know so we get you signed up – here’s the deal:

“Let’s cook together!” – In the Kitchen with Saci!

Have a fun filled evening in the kitchen, learn some new recipes and enjoy a vegetarian dinner amongst friends.

Middle Eastern Cuisine
March 13th, 2010 – 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Pita Breads, Falafels, Souvlakia, Baba Ghanoush and more!

La Cucina Italiana
March 20th, 2010 – 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Homemade Pasta, Ravioli and Gourmet Pizza.

Classes will be held at Annette Schaffer’s home on Pear Point.

$40 per person/per class. Limit 8 persons per class.
Call Saci at 378-3243 or e-mail: sacirani (at) yahoo.com

Happy birthday!

Over at the Library yesterday, some 75-100 kids & parents collected after school to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, and reading, too!

Lucy and a ton of other kids had a great time decorating & playing...the Cat was back!

The event was sponsored by the Early Learning Consortium, in partnership with the San Juan Public Library, the San Juan Island Community Foundation, with funding from Thrive by Five. This was the local birthday celebration of Dr. Seuss, who would have been 106.

It’s been neat to watch as events like this have grown in both number & attendance since youth librarian Melina showed up last year…the kids tell me they really like her & it’s fun to see so many of them show up!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Happy Reading everyone, everyday!

Carolyn & Merritt dressed up as a couple of Dr. Seuss characters....