Seems like if it’s time for Valentine’s Day, ya gotta kiss somebody.

So here:

Here they are, all in one place, thanks to the Chamber of Commerce. Check ’em out! (And thanks, Vernadel!):

Valentine’s Specials or Events

Coho Restaurant – We are open this week from Thursday – Sunday 5 – 9:00 p.m. Join us for a special Valentine’s Dinner on Sunday featuring the 7 Deadly Sins for Dessert! There are only a few tables left. For more information or reservations, call 360-378-6330.

Jimmy’s Paradise Cafe – From Dave: We have been asked repeatedly if we are going to do a Valentine’s dinner again, and I am happy to say we are. Once again we feature Chef Dave’s Beef Wellington or this year a boneless, herb roasted and stuffed game hen, as the main course in our 5 course dinner. Our crew really enjoys putting on the dinner and goes all out with roses for each couple, candles on the tables, and Valentines decorations in the dining room.

Merle’s Stove Store: Announces the Feb. In-Store Monthly Special:  fat wood and firestarter 15% off.  Stop by our newly reconfigured show room in the Surina Business Park, 301 Tucker Avenue, Suite 5A or call (360) 378-5357 office or (360) 317-5122 cell.

Be Chic Boutique – We are getting ready for the big move down the street and are having a BIG clearance sale!  50% to 70% OFF all 2009 inventory (lots at 70%!!)

Sale dates: Thursday, Feb. 11th through Sunday, Feb. 14th (Valentine’s Day) and Thursday, Feb. 18th through Sunday, Feb. 21st.

Cotton Cotton Cotton is having a 50% off sale on select merchandise, jackets, fleece scarves and hats and some t-shirts!  Also come over and check out our new totally recycled socks – Solmate Socks, mismatched and recycled from old t-shirts.  So cute and bright!  We also have some new scarves and t-shirts and will be getting more in the store every week. February Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10 am – 4 pm. 165 First Street South, 360-378-3531 or www.cottoncottoncottononline.com

San Juan Vineyards – Red Wine and Chocolate – February 13 and 14, 2010
Enjoy a special tasting and complimentary Chocolate treats at San Juan Vineyards.   Great wine prices for the Holiday week-end.  3136 Roche Harbor Rd., 360-378-WINE

Waterworks gallery celebrates 25 years as San Juan Island’s premier gallery. We showcase contemporary artists living in the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest including British Columbia. The northwest experience is reflected in the work of our gallery painters, printmakers and sculptors. The gallery will open for Valentines Weekend, February 12 – 15, Friday thru Monday at 315 Argyle Street. Although the gallery is closed February thru March, we are available by email [email protected] or telephone 360-378-3060. www.waterworksgallery.com

Lavendera Day Spa’s message is to encourage people to get the self care they need. Massage is not a luxury. It is a regular habit of “preventive care” to support health and well being during challenging times.
– Valentines Day…Romance is in the air… A Foot Bath with Roses and a Godiva Chocolate… added to every treatment over the Valentines’ weekend at Lavendera Day Spa.
– Touch for Two…a side by side massage for you and your Valentine! A Valentine massage for your sister, mother, friend and brother. Or…and the most important Valentine,,,, a massage for yourself.
Lavendera Day Spa is open 7 days a week.
Our local discounts are available and now extend to visiting family and friends.
We also have a coupon available taking an additional $10 off. A 60 minute Swedish massage normally $65 is now $55.
This coupon is available also for B&B and hotel guests applied to our regular price.
A Valentine Gift of Well Being… Lavendera Gift Certificates available on line at www.lavenderadayspa.com Or hand written at Lavendera Day Spa, 440 Spring Street, 360-378-3637.  Come in and mention the coupon! We look forward to seeing you!

Mirabella Skin Care & Massage introduces two new services in time for Valentine’s Day.  The BT Cocktail Lift is a series of 5 (once weekly) facial treatments that combines cutting edge microcurrent technology with innovative products to tone facial muscles, and reduce the visible signs of aging.  In addition, the new Serenity Glow Facial is a deeply relaxing Massage Facial treatment that leaves you glowing inside and out!  For pricing and more information about these facial treatments visit the “Promotions” page at www.mirabellaskincare.com  Mary-Brooke Barger, licensed aesthetician and massage therapist, is a certified Bio-Ultimate Platinum technologist, specializing in results-driven skin care.  425 Argyle Ave, Suite PS3 378-4250

Afterglow Spa is now open Thursdays – Sundays 10 am – 5 pm. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with our February Special. Begin with a eucalyptus bath for two, while you sip a glass of champagne in your private tub. Next, retreat to our couples suite where you and your partner will enjoy our 60 minute signature massage side by side. 90 minutes total $225. View our entire menu at www.rocheharbor.com 360.378.9888

Tom with Emily (she played Wendy) and Alaina after the FHHS production of "Peter Pan" this year....

A couple of weeks before Marcia passed away back in 2007, I had asked my good friend Tom Schultz if he’d write up how he & Marcia had met, for the Valentine stories thing I was doing in the Update. He told me the long version, and said he’d get it to me next year. Little did we know how little time was left… I asked if he’d send me something this year, and it gives me a warm feeling to share this with you.

Marcia with little Alaina & Emily, in a photo taken as a Father's Day gift for Tom...

It was the winter of 1980 in Pullman WA.  She was my teacher, I her pupil. Music was our common love, and the reason I was taking her class.  When she played her guitar and sang, I knew I had to know more about this amazing woman. Eight months later we married. I was incredibly blessed with 27 wonderful years and the gift of two beautiful daughters. No one could ask for more from life.

Tom Schultz writing about his life with Marcia Zakarison

Folks have sent in their stories of how they met, for Valentine’s Day – here’s the first one I wanted to share, in which Heather Clark tells how she met Ken:

Heather & Ken

I had been hired to do the animal show at a theme park (Knotts Berry Farm) in Southern California.  It was May of ’92.  I had just turned twenty.  He was the star of the stunt show.  And had quite the entourage.  He was extremely handsome, talented and looked like trouble.

I was so not interested.  He broke two of my main rules…never date someone prettier than me and never date someone that is the center of attention.  Bad news all the way around.  A few co-workers had mentioned he had asked about me and were surprised when I said he wasn’t my type.  I seriously was not interested…another self-possessed, ego driven, Hollywood type who thinks the world revolves around him, I thought…I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Another Knott’s employee, Dave, was in a band and had a gig.  He invited a girlfriend of mine and me to see him.  We went, and Dave had to sneak me in.   It wasn’t long before I was kicked out for being underage.  As my friend was really enjoying herself, I offered to wait in the car for her.  Next thing I know, the supposed egotistical stuntman (a friend of Dave’s) is out there offering me a ride home…smooth right?  Well, I suppose sitting in a car outside a bar in L.A. is not the safest of places to be in the wee hours of the morning, so I accept. Continue Reading

Early next week, FHHS grad/McGill University grad Arielle Mancuso takes for a couple of years of Peace Corps duty in Rwanda - she's a champ! That's her with her dad Bob last night at Pazzo Vivo... more about her work below the jump, below.

Here’s today’s update of the Update, to get you up to date:

Randy arrives in Friday Harbor...

• It’s great to have a replacement for the departed Dan Fleming – Randy Bennett is our new postmaster, and he’s off to a good start in our community. He’s here from Coupeville – drop by the p.o. & say hey!

(Let’s tell him about the pig kissing stuff later…he just got here…)

• Let’s see if we can get all this coffeehouse, restaurant stuff straight…

The Naked Bean will close this Sunday for remodeling & re-open in a week & a half as simply the Bean.

Meanwhile, the former Warehouse Coffee is now Solid Grounds, while the former Mi Piace is now Churchill Coffeehouse. (Roy’s is still Roy’s, and the Sweet Retreat is still Sweet, and the Skinniest Coffee Shop still is.) Griffin Bay Books’ coffee spot is still happening, with wi-fi & literary ambiance, and the Doctor’s Office is the place to be Saturday nights for open mike. And of course, San Juan Coffee down on Cannery Row!

Opening in Steps' old spot....

Now…Pablito’s Taqueria is set to open in Steps’ old spot in mid-March (and they’re hiring!) – you may have had their chow at Farmer’s Market & been persuaded they’re great. If not, you will be.

And…the Backdoor Kitchen re-opens next week!

• I asked Arielle Mancuso’s mom Yvonne to fill me in on the journey her daughter has ahead – here’s more:

At this point, there is a group of about 24 volunteers that Arielle has connected with online, three of them from Washington State, all assigned and going to serve in Rwanda, Africa.  All these volunteers have been thoroughly scrutinized and passed the rigorous steps to qualify and be accepted as volunteer members of the Peace Corps.

These recruits will be meeting in Philadelphia for several days for orientation and bonding, and then flying into Kigali, the Capital of Rwanda to begin an in-country orientation. From there, she travels to southern Rwanda to live in a group housing situation for ten weeks while she learns the local language and African customs indigenous to the region.

Arielle...

Once this immersion period is completed, she will be sworn in officially as a Peace Corp volunteer and assigned  to a location somewhere in the country where she will be working as a Organizational Capacity Building and Community Health Volunteer directly under the tutelage of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda. Her job will focus on HIV education and prevention, especially as it relates to young children and women.

As you can see, this assignment is a huge commitment and we are very proud of her dedication and desire to help those less fortunate than herself on an assignment so far away from home.  We will miss her. For those of us that wish to follow the trials and tribulations of her work in Africa, Arielle has set up a blog at www.confessionsofatraveloholic.blogspot.com .
Yvonne Buijs-Mancuso & Bob Mancuso

Help out...

• Helping Wolf Hollow….Val Curtis just sent me this, to see if you want to help out:

Volunteer Coordinator wanted
Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is looking for someone who is organized, can work well independently and can support our volunteers.  Computer skills are needed (email, Word and Excel) as well as good phone skills.  The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruitment, facilitating orientations, scheduling, data management and support for the volunteers. Average of 8-10 hours a week with some hours occurring on-site. If interested, please contact Val.

• Sally Thomsen from Island Rec says it’s time to get drawing:

Poster Contest for 20th Annual Children’s Festival

It’s time for San Juan island kids to let their imaginations take off and fly with this year’s Children’s Festival’s Theme: 2010 SPACE ODYSSEY.

The 2010 Children’s Festival’s poster contest lets San Juan Island children show off their imaginative and creative skills.

Official entry forms are available starting February 12th, Continue Reading

Hey – this is cool, and you-know-who will think it is, too! Singin’ valentines rock!

Holly Harbers has more:

Island Chordsmen offer Singing Valentines!
The Chordsmen will show up at home or business, etc., singing 2-3 songs and presenting a rose to the recipient. Usually 15 – 18 Chordsmen (not a quartet).  It is a special way to say “I Love You” even to parents or children. We are available to sing from 9:20am to 9pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Friday and Sunday are best.  Bonnie at 378-5370 is our contact person.

And…interested singers are welcome to come check us out after Valentines Day.

In a nutshell:

• The EMS & school’s M&O levies passed. That’s why there’s celebration in the streets last night. Wahoo!

• FHHS basketball beat Concrete last night, boys & girls. Wahoo!

• The good folks at San Juan Fitness report: “We’ve heard there’s more folks hanging around town this year during midwinter break looking for stuff to do.  Paul at San Juan Fitness has decided to offer a $5 special for island children to swim during lifeguard swim from 3-4:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. That’s February 15, 17 and 19.  Parents are just $5, too, if they are swimming with their child.  Come enjoy the liquid snow!

• Did you see Kris & Tito’s house for sale?

• And this, from Bob Stavers:

Free to any Non Profit Organization! HP Design Jet 130 Large Format Printer

This inkjet, professional quality, 24 inch printer is available for any appropriate non profit organization free of charge.  I will even help set it up for you.

The HP DesignJet 130 printer is a six-color, multi-format printer that produces prints up to 24 inches (625 mm), postcard-size images, full-color pages, or banner-style pieces. This is a professional printer and is not suitable for general use.

Call Bob Stavers at 378-0815 or email him at bob (at) galleriehare.com if you are interested.

• Finally -what’s is the playoff picture for basketball this next couple of weeks? The #1 girls & #2 boys (in league) now know what the schedule looks like – here’s more from FHHS athletic director Rod Turnbull: Continue Reading

Britt at the Doctor's Office last weekend...

It was nice to hear Britt Arnesen singing at the Doctor’s Office last Saturday.She’s from Alaska & is living here with her great son Canyon, who is in kindergarten, I believe (not sure, ’cause I didn’t have time to check his driver’s license.)

She told me she has an album coming out this spring, which she’ll debut & release at the Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau in April. She told me that she had a video of a song that didn’t make it on the collection, so here it is (thanks, Britt!):

Stewart Bell, Hannah Snow, Nick Roberts, and Audrey Olshefsky are all smiles as they claim the state title. Matthew Skeels is also part of the winning squad...photo courtesy of Audrey (thanks!)

It was cool to hear that FHHS took the state Orca Bowl again (last time was 2006 or so), which means the kids will be heading for the national title competition later this spring. The team comes to its talent honestly, with an ocean sciences pedigree – Stewart’s dad is the Marine Labs director, Hannah has done summer research there, and Nick’s mom works there, too, with the K-12 program. Another thread…all five are soccer players, so if they have an Orca Soccer Bowl, we’re looking good.

Way to go, you guys! Wahoo!

Just talked to Coach Neil about what the FHHS wrestlers’ post-season looks like… the wrestlers head to Bellevue Christian for the regional tourney this Saturday at 10am (drop in, if you’re in Seattle!) We have seven guys who qualified for regionals, who hope to advance to the state tournament in the Tacoma Dome the next weekend. Good luck, Wolverines!

Our wrestlers & their weight divisions:

135 – Pate Brumsickle
140 – Dylan Korth
145 – Michael Davis
152 – Justin James
160- Shawn Cutting
215- Calen Meyer
Heavyweight – Willie Dunn

Books in the Griffin Bay Books window, with a winter day prescription for a good life....

Stuff happening around the island & around town:

• Tonight singer/songwriter Ian Cooper is at Pazzo Vivo, and this Friday Concepia’s Secret Salon presents Whiting Tennis at 9pm (here’s more about that.)

• Taco Tuesday! It’s a great way to do lunch – here’s more from Maureen & Matt from Compost-It! (The lunch part is a fundraiser from SSIS, by the way):

Just a quick reminder: Its TACO TUESDAY!  Matt and I will be preparing FISH TACOS today in front of Spring Street School from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.  $7.00 each, made from Skagit Bay pinks that Matt caught himself.

We will bring the remainder of our frozen sockeye fillets, pink fillets, and smoked pink fillets to sell at Spring Street School as well.  If you just want fish, please come before or after fish taco hours, but if you’re there for a taco we’ll happily sell you fish as well.  Matt should be there by 9:00 a.m. setting up the taco stand.

This should be the last fish email until the halibut and rockfish are for sale at the end of April.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for buying local.  Think fish!!!

• Jurassic Parliament – Are you involved in lots of meetings that seem to have no direction, get off topic or just don’t run smoothly?  Liz Illg says there is still room in the class – here’s more:

Roberts' Rules for Order come to life with Ann....

Can I tell you about this very neat woman who’s coming to San Juan Island next week to teach parliamentary procedure? Her name is Ann Macfarlane, registered parliamentarian, and she leads fun and informative workshops for state associations, nonprofit groups, and local government.

The workshop entitled “Jurassic Parliament: Fundamentals of Parliamentary Procedure” will be held Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Earthbox Motel from 8:30-noon. A few spots are still available. Register now by calling the Chamber at 378-5240. In the afternoon the group will make a pilgrimage to American Camp to visit the Redoubt and the plaque commemorating Henry Martyn Robert, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer who supervised the building of the fortifications. Robert is the very same Robert who wrote the famous (infamous?) Robert’s Rules.

• Make your Valentine early! At the Library on Wednesday, at 3:15 p.m. It’s After School Valentine Card Making – use paper, old flower catalogs, doilies, ribbons, stickers, and bits of this and that to make old fashioned valentine cards to give to your loved ones.

• It’s the last week of the Playwrights’ Festival this weekend! Here are the shows & the times & the days:

A lesson for today - try to see things in different ways....

Thursday-Saturday, February 11-13 7:30 p.m.  And…Sunday Matinee, February 14 2:00 p.m.

Tangled Memories
Written by Don Pollard Directed by Jane Maxwell Campbell
– Memory, dreams and reality meld at Memorial Park.

Charlie Holds a Meeting
Written by Chris DeStaffany Directed by Ed Wilson
– An imaginative recounting of Charlie McKee’s speech on the vices of drink.

Light at Limekiln
Written by Jennifer Beck Furber Directed by John Davis
– An episodic poem about the long-time residents of the Limekiln lighthouse.

• Rhonda opened up during the Christmas season, and now the re-opening is this Friday:

Hi,
Thought I would let you know that Vital Element’s Holiday Shop was a wonderful success.  Now it is phase II. Vital Elements is opening again on Feb. 12th!

It is going to be full of wonderful gifts, jewelry, beads, and unique craft supplies and paper!  I, along with a few other jewelry artists and crafts people will be giving workshops regularly. Vital Elements will be the home to the soon to be Island Beaders a monthly meeting group for people who make, collect, use, love or play with beads.
Stop in and check in out.
Sincerly,
Rhonda Scott

• Kris at the WSU Extension says now’s the time to start planning for planting: Annual Native Plant Sale will be held on Saturday February 27th from 9-12 at the SJC Fairgrounds and at the Orcas Grange. Preorders are being taken now, but you may come on the day of the sale to purchased limited quantities and varieties. You can find order forms online at http://sanjuan.wsu.edu or by calling WSU Extension 378.4414, or email kbayas (at)wsu.edu

• Tonight (Tuesday) is when Aunde Cornely offers “Love…Notions, Potions, and Lotions” at Celtic Herbcraft – here’s more:

Use herbal love lore to create luscious, natural Valentine treats–aphrodisiac infused body scrubs, linen sprays, edible warming lotions, chocolate body paints and sensual massage oils. Fee: $45 includes all materials for your lover’s gift basket. Pre-registration required. 6 -8 pm
Celtic Herbcraft, 50 Malcolm Street, Suite 507 (in Surina Business Park). (Here’s more.)

• Hey, think about volunteering for the Children’s Festival this year – here’s more from Keri:

It’s time for San Juan Islanders to mark their calendars for the 2010 Children’s Festival: 2010 SPACE ODYSSEY. The event is slated for May 1st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Fairgrounds.

This year’s committee is underway with preparations for the 20th annual celebration.  Please, mark your calendars.

At this time we would like area activity providers to think “Space” and begin to plan for this year’s theme, 2010 Space Odyssey.  It is an opportunity for established businesses to embrace our island locale and see what’s above and beyond when it comes to celebrating children.

We are exploring and welcoming new organizations to participate in this event.

For more information call Island Rec at 378-4953 and ask for Sally.  Or call 472-0884 and ask for Keri.

• After Maureen said to think fish (above), I remembered that a friend from Missouri had sent me the picture below & called it a “fish bump“…had to tell her that whales ain’t fish, and she said, “No prob, then it’s a whale’s fist bump.”

Fishbump, kinda...

Susan Meredith

Susan Meredith’s daughter Jeannie sent along this remembrance of her mom – a fine lady, much missed:

Susan Meredith has left this world but she has also left a host of memories in the people who knew her. She was not a person who could easily abide a quiet life.  Despite contracting polio and losing muscles in her legs at a very young age, she led a very active life.

She was always a part of the childhood football games in the Seattle neighborhood where she grew up, partly because of her vibrant personality and partly because she was the only one who owned a football. She played center and she would hike the ball and then try to tackle the person right in front of her. As she grew, she developed a strong affinity for water sports. She was a member of  the Girl Scouts and was a waterfront counselor at camp Robinswold on Hood Canal.  She also enjoyed other sports such as horseback riding, skiing and bicycling.

After graduating from Broadway High School, Susan attended the University of Washington, where she received a B.S. in bacteriology. During World War II she worked at Fort Lewis as a civilian, testing the rations that were being sent over seas.

The most fondly remembered and life-changing job in her working career was on a public health ship in coastal Alaska. Continue Reading

Angie has her her American Sports and Fitness Association Water Aerobics Instructor certification now...photo by Margaret Bell

When it comes to all things swimming, Amy Wynn knows what’s going on around the island. She dropped you & me this little note about a big deal:

Ian, I was wondering if you could send a big “Congratulations” out to Angela Morrison for achieving her American Sports and Fitness Association Water Aerobics Instructor certification.   Angie teaches the Monday-Wednesday-Friday 11:15 water-walking classes at San Juan Island Fitness.  I’ll send a photo along so folks know which Angie Morrison it is!  It’s “used to work on ferry” Angie not “used to run the Cannery House” Angie.  Thanks!  Amy Wynn

Can’t believe it’s the seventh one already – here’s how the prizes went in last weekend’s Salmon Derby Classic at Roche Harbor, from Debbie Sandwith:

Selling out December 1st 2009 and with clear blue skies leading into the derby ~ 100 boats arrived to Roche Harbor Resort & Marina for the 7th Annual Salmon Classic Invitational.

The results from the derby are as follows:

100 Derby Boats; total 346 Anglers
31 fish weighed in on Friday February 5, 2010
12 fish weighed in on Saturday February 6, 2010
Total Fish weighed in: 43

$25,000 cash prizes awarded:

$10,000: 1st Place – Raymond Francois, Mt. Vernon, WA (16.4 oz)
$5,000: 2nd Place – Neal Kamrin, Bellevue, WA (15.13)
$3,000: 3rd Place – David Arnold Ferndale, WA (15.12)
$2,000: 4th Place – Scott Veitz Everett, WA (15.11)
$1,000: 5th Place – Richard Price Ferndale, WA (14.12)
$2,000: Mystery Fish – Matthew Rose Bellingham, WA (5.4 oz)

$2,000 Best Boat Total Weight 26.10 lbs

Mike McAuley Bellingham, WA; Kirk Hawley Bellingham, WA; Pat Phillips Pateros, WA

Peyton Moss –  Youngest Angler (11 yrs old) from Bend, OR

Jens Johanson, Mukilteo, WA – 2011 Boat Entry winner, sponsored by Roche Harbor Resort

Gabe & Sydney had a good time....

Last Friday’s Father Daughter Dance marked the fifth year that Island Rec offered the event, and it went great – there were carnations & pictures for all the girls & their dates (who ranged from very small to adult-sized – there is no age limit). Doug Rhine kept everybody dancing the whole time, and a great time was had by all.

Here is a portfolio of photos of folks who were there – there are about 80 photos, so see whom you know!

(And here are the pix from the previous four years….see how they grow!)

Kiana & Fred hit the floor dancing...

Yep, it’s the last games of the season…the girls’ JV has their last game – they were winners of Tuesday’s game against Concrete in which foul trouble found the Wolverines with only three players on the floor but came away with a victory anyway.

The boys’ JV wraps it up, too, while the varsities warm up for the playoffs. League champ FHHS plays tonight, then Saturday at home against district foe Meridian’s girls for playoff seeding.

The boys are second in league, and they travel to see where they play next week on Saturday.

Go Wolverines!