Posted January 27, 2010 at 10:13 pm by Ian Byington
Ron Garner just wrote with the sad news:
Susan Meredith, of San Juan Island, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 26th, 2010. She has loved the San Juan Islands for most of her life and has been a resident and enjoyed living in the island community for 30 years. Susan was 91 years old.
An obituary will follow when available.
Posted January 27, 2010 at 9:50 pm by Ian Byington
I heard from Grisha at Spring Street International School that this is gonna be fun, this weekend on Saturday the 30th:
Spring Street International School Presents South American Dinner and Concert at the Mullis Center!
All proceeds go towards travel scholarships and to an orphanage in Cusco, Peru. Food prepared with the guidance of Chef Paul of Coho Restaurant and Pablito’s Taqueria. Concert features jazz and rock by Enso, Grisha Krivchenia, and Robin Lohrey. Tickets available at the door of the Mullis Center and at the school: 378-6393.
Dinner begins at five, concert at seven.
Posted January 27, 2010 at 9:50 pm by Ian Byington
I heard from Grisha at Spring Street International School that this is gonna be fun, this weekend on Saturday the 30th:
Spring Street International School Presents South American Dinner and Concert at the Mullis Center!
All proceeds go towards travel scholarships and to an orphanage in Cusco, Peru. Food prepared with the guidance of Chef Paul of Coho Restaurant and Pablito’s Taqueria. Concert features jazz and rock by Enso, Grisha Krivchenia, and Robin Lohrey. Tickets available at the door of the Mullis Center and at the school: 378-6393.
Dinner begins at five, concert at seven.
Posted January 26, 2010 at 7:19 pm by Ian Byington
It was supposed to be a prank, but islander Colleen Bennett’s cousin made a half-court, blindfolded shot at halftime of a basketball game…here’s the scoop:
The prank was set up perfectly. A high school girls’ basketball coach in Kansas was told he’d win tickets to the Final Four if he hit a half-court shot while blindfolded. The crowd was instructed to scream wildly when his attempt inevitably failed (because, really, that shot is nearly impossible) so the coach would think the shot went in. For an instant he’d think he was Final-Four-bound and then the joke would be revealed. There was just one problem, though: He made it.
The students at Olathe High School in Kansas may have picked the wrong foil for the joke. Joel Branstrom, the popular girls’ basketball coach at the school, was a walk-on for the University of Kansas basketball team in 1997. Clearly he had the basketball chops to make such a prank risky, at best.
That Kansas team, by the way, was ranked No. 1 headed into the NCAA tournament but lost one game short of the Final Four. Branstrom was hoping he’d finally get to go this year. Instead he received a gift certificate from a Mexican restaurant from students who felt guilty about setting up the prank.
To his credit, Branstrom took the joke in stride. He said he thought something was in the works (initially he feared he was going to get hit with a pie) and figured the crowd would cheer after any shot he attempted. He didn’t believe that it actually went in until a good bit after.
One student told USA Today that since this story has gained national attention there have been offers pouring in from people willing to donate Final Four tickets to Branstrom. Maybe his miracle shot won’t be unrewarded after all. – Chris Chase, for Yahoo News
Posted January 26, 2010 at 2:25 am by Ian Byington
Just heard that Richard Lawson passed away today…I’ll post more soon. In the meantime…what a loss to the community.
Posted January 26, 2010 at 12:09 am by Ian Byington
Matthew's elephant - now in the wilds of Virginia....more below.
Just don’t tell anyone there’s nothing to do around here….
• Maude Cumming from the School District says the fellow they’re looking closely at to be the new superintendent is here tomorrow for you to meet – here’s more:
There will be a Community Forum to meet Superintendent Candidate Rick Thompson from Lynden on Tuesday (tomorrow) at the Middle School Commons from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. All are welcome. The San Juan Island School Board values your input and encourages participation from our community members. Please feel free to join us Tuesday, Jan 25th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm in the Friday Harbor middle school commons.
• That was Matthew Palmer’s elephant in the ferry line last month (here’s the picture)…and I know you’ve been wondering where it ended up. Here’s the scoop from Danielle Dean Palmer:
Matthew Gray Palmer’s sculpture All Things within All Things was safely delivered, installed and dedicated in Norfolk, Virginia last weekend. Heartfelt thanks to all in our island community for your outpouring of support and interest in the project.
More images can be viewed on Matthew’s website.
It's easy to see that the basketball players work hard in their games - the cheerleaders do, too. Mari & the girls are cheering for both the boys & girls each evening.
• Got this nice note from Nancy Ballmann to share with you:
I just want to say thanks to the E.M.T. who helped me on 12/31/09 get to the hospital on time and the medical personnel who realized that there was something wrong and called them.
Also I want to thank all the people who have gone out of they way to help me in my time of need. I haven’t lived in Friday Harbor very long. But you all should be proud of the people in this community. If there is anything I can ever do to help any of you I hope that you will contact me so I can help. I want to send blessings to all of you. And again – thank you so much for all your help and support.
• There’s another showing of Food, Inc. at the Village at the Harbour tonight (Tuesday) at 6:30pm…with popcorn.
• Did you see there’s a big Inventory Sale down at Daisy Bloom? Check it out!
Posted January 26, 2010 at 12:08 am by Ian Byington
Harbor seal pup at Wolf Hollow...photo by Sahale Casebolt
It always good to hear about the good work the Stranding Network does – here’s more from Amy:
The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN) would like to thank the community for all their assistance in reporting stranded (live and dead) marine mammals over the past year.
Amy Traxler, Network Coordinator, says they received over 230 calls in 2009 reporting a variety of marine mammals on shore including harbor seals, harbor porpoise, elephant seals, and Steller and California sea lions. With the fresh carcasses that were collected, 33 complete necropsies were performed, primarily on harbor seals and harbor porpoise.
“We depend on the community to be our ‘eyes and ears’ to let us know what’s happening along our shorelines,” states Traxler. “Only by documenting these strandings, gathering the pertinent information, collecting fresh carcasses for necropsies, and recording all this information in our long-term data set can we monitor diseases, contaminant levels, and the impact we humans potentially have on our local populations.
To report marine mammal strandings or sightings, call the Whale Hotline at 1-800-562-8832. If you would like more information on the Stranding Network, please contact Amy at The Whale Museum at 378-4710, ext. 27.
The Stranding Network is authorized by NOAA and administered through The Whale Museum.
Posted January 26, 2010 at 12:07 am by Ian Byington
Nana Eisenhauer
We have great kids around here, and here’s one of ’em – the Soroptimists’ Marie DiCristina has more about Nana:
Diana (“Nana”) Eisenhauer received the 2010 Violet Richardson Award for her ongoing community service as an after school tutor. Nana, a Friday Harbor High School junior, was honored at the Soroptimist club meeting on January 13.
Nana began tutoring as a middle school student, assisting children in the Friday Harbor Elementary School After School Study Club. As a high school student, she continued her tutoring service in the Friday Harbor Middle School Study Club. “Lots of kids need those extra minutes of explanation or just one-on-one attention.” Nana received help from a tutor in elementary school, and knows personally what a difference her assistance makes in children’s lives. “. . . I am glad that I can give back.”
Soroptimists established the Violet Richardson Award to recognize young women between the ages of fourteen and seventeen who provide volunteer services to their community.
For further information, go to www.sifri.org.
Posted January 25, 2010 at 4:29 pm by Ian Byington
Desi
Carol Whalen just sent over this little writeup about her ace daughter Desi, who you’ll remember played Sandy in Grease last year at FHHS (she was awesome, by the way)…look likes she’s a state finalist – here’s more:
FHHS junior Desi Whalen of Friday Harbor has been selected as one of the four finalists to represent Friday Harbor Post 163 of the American Legion in the Washington State American Legion Oratorical Contest.
The contest began with the preliminary round Friday, January 23, 2010, at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, WA. Desi and the other three Washington State finalists will compete in Pasco on February 6, 2010.
Sponsored by the National American Legion, Continue Reading
Posted January 25, 2010 at 2:34 am by Ian Byington
Although a week's spring-like weather gave way to sprinkles & rain on Sunday, it's been a glorious month weather-wise lately, hasn't it? Maybe NOW it'll snow...
There’s plenty happening….
• Penelope Garrett from Friday Harbor will be one of the posthumous recipients of the Congressional Gold Medals for service during World War II for her service as a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). The honor was approved Congress & the President last year. Here’s more, from the Seattle Times.
Caitlin Keys & Steve Keys singing for the Concert for SSIS & Haiti Sunday night at the Naked Bean. The place was full from 4-10pm with continual music...awesome! Kudos to Zach Milkis for pulling everyone together!
• Claudia’s painting the walls at Island Studios this week – looking good for the spring!
• The EMS Awards! Here’s more from the Emergency Services folks:
San Juan Island EMS members were acknowledged with special awards at the annual EMS Banquet on January 16. The EMT of the Year Award and the Chief’s Award went to Herb Mason. Rebecca Smith was the Officer of the Year. The Rookie of the Year Award was presented to Humberto Orozco. The physicians of the Inter Island Medical Center gave the Frank Wilson Service Beyond Self Award to Emily Hallock.
“It is a privilege to recognize these awardees for their service in 2009. They each made special contributions and extra individual efforts, beyond their regular responsibilities, to provide exemplary personalized care and emergency medical services to their fellow Islanders,” said EMS Chief Jim Cole. “We also want to acknowledge all the volunteer and career personnel and their families for their service and support. In 2009, we responded to 980 calls. Each and every member of San Juan Island EMS responded diligently, at all hours and in all conditions, to serve our residents and visitors.”
Ten San Juan Island EMS EMTs were recognized for fifteen years and more of EMS service, including Lainey Volk (25 years) and Brad Creesy (15 years).
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.
Martin & Jill
• Wendy and Dave Picinich are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jill to Martin Whitfield.
Jill is a 2001 Friday Harbor High School graduate and is employed by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Martin, the son of Mattie & Bobby White and David & Robin Whitfield is employed by the Clark County School District. A July wedding in Las Vegas is planned.
That was Saucerful (from left - Robin, Chris, Zach & Grant - playing the last set at the Naked Bean last night.
• Don Galt, Jr. is hiring at Ace – here’s the deal:
ACE TEAM MEMBERS WANTED! The new Friday Harbor Ace Hardware is looking for friendly and energetic people who find helping others rewarding and challenging.
Do you have a positive attitude, are you motivated, energetic, and friendly? Are you a self-starter that pays attention to detail? Do you like to learn, and try new things? Are you responsible, honest and dependable? Whether you want part-time or full-time, can you can be available and flexible to meet the scheduling demands of a retail operation? Do you have previous experience in retail hardware, or the building trades? Can you can provide truly superior customer service? If so, please download an application HERE and send it to:
ACE of Friday Harbor
PO Box 882
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
• IMA present a Helen Loggie Retrospective – and it opens this week! (Here’s a website that will give you a good idea of her work.) Here’s more:
San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA), at 28 First Street in Friday Harbor, will open A Retrospective of Helen Loggie, 1917-1956, on Friday, January 29th, 5-8 p.m.
Helen Loggie
Helen Loggie, a nationally recognized artist, lived most of her life in Bellingham and on Orcas Island. This exhibition links San Juan Island and Orcas Island in a unique manner, for The Lambiel Museum on Orcas is generously loaning its Helen Loggie Collection of over 60 pieces, the largest private collection in existence, to IMA for an exhibition that will run through March 7th.
Helen Loggie was born and grew up in Bellingham, studied at the Art Students League in New York City followed by trips to Europe, and in the late 1920’s returned to her home in Bellingham. In the early 1930’s she had a house of her own design built on Orcas Island. The Islands became a place that held a special meaning for her and would become the main focus of her work in later years. It was here in the Northwest that she created many of her acclaimed drawings and etchings. Throughout her career, there have been exhibitions of her work including solo exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., Continue Reading
Posted January 25, 2010 at 2:02 am by Ian Byington
Got a couple of babies to tell ya about…
I wrote Thlayla Potter after her bro Jesse told me she had her baby (the due date was, I believe, on the 7th), and she replied with the story, which I believe she keyboarded with one hand while holding Camden:
Baby Camden Lee Potter was born on 1/15/2010 at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett at 2:29am. He was 7lbs, 7oz 19 inches. My husband Jeff and I are home now and doing well with our little man!
Camden poses with mom Thlayla & dad Jeff
Meanwhile, Jo Sandwith had a Christmas baby to proudly tell you & me about:
On Christmas morning at 6:37 Amy Sandwith and Robert Bowers were blessed with the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Phoebe Gwen.
Phoebe!
She weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces and was 19 inches long. She was welcomed by her proud and ecstatic grandparents, Jo and Rob Sandwith.
Later Christmas day she was visited by her great-grandmother, Ruth Huard, her Uncle Robbie and Aunt Melissa Sandwith who were visiting from Germany and close friends Chris and Larry Stack (Melissa’s folks) and Amy’s god family, Carol, Kristen, Brian and Ann Linde. Later that evening Phoebe was visited by her ten year old sister, Aliah Rose Bowers.
What an amazing holiday for all of us!
Posted January 25, 2010 at 1:16 am by Ian Byington
Dropping off the books at Friday Harbor Elementary....
Last week kids on the island got a surprise when folks showed up at school to give them a free dictionary…here’s more from the Grange’s Frank Penwell:
On Friday, January 22, 2010 when passing out dictionaries to the 3rd grade students at Friday Harbor Elementary School, Paideia School, and Stillpoint School, Pomona Grange Master Richard Civille told the students about the Grange and then Pomona Grange members Kay Kohler, Pat Ball and Frank Penwell assisted in presenting the dictionaries to the students.
Delivering the books at Stillpoint School....
These dictionaries contain much more information than a typical dictionary.
Kids at Paideia get theirs...
Each is a handy reference guide with lots of details. For example, you can look up historical information about our Presidents and the Constitution. You can look up details about countries all over the world, details about our solar system, or look at some handy maps. The Grange
proudly sponsors this learning resource.
Many Granges all over the United States, in cooperation with the Dictionary Project NH, yearly provide 3rd Graders with dictionaries. The San Juan Grange Continue Reading
Posted January 25, 2010 at 1:05 am by Ian Byington
Crosby & Nash & Stills, in that order...
It’s always good to hear from old friends…here’s one from Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1983 to start your day:
Posted January 24, 2010 at 10:34 am by Ian Byington
Snow geese in flight...photo by Sandy Buckley
Did you know….?
• I hear our new postmaster is Randy Bennett – he’s been in & out as he settles in on the island, but drop by & say hey! I also hear that our old postdude Dan Fleming likes it in Oak Harbor but misses us – he was spotted putting plants out, there…like he did when he brightened up our place.
Chris, then me. Hard to tell apart.
• Ran into my friend Chris Cassidy & she was wearing the SAME WHALE MUSEUM pullover thing as me! Cosmic! So we took pictures of each other for proof.
• You’re writing your love story, right (click here!)…I have two already, and in answer to your questions: No, you don’t have to be married & yes, please send a photo if you can (or I can scan one for you) & yes, it can be an “old love” & yes, it doesn’t have to be funny. I mean, no, it doesn’t have to be funny.
I mean, if you’re not laughing, are you sure it’s love?
• Just got this from Wes & Paul who are doing the San Juan Island Directory: Happy 2010 from us here at www.Friday-Harbor.net!
We want to make sure we are up to date for the summer of 2010 and request that you look at your free listing on www.Friday-Harbor.net and reply with any changes you would like to see. Your listing also appears on all relevant sections of http://www.sanjuandirectory.com.
Hank (left sax), Ryan & Gavin lay it down at open mike....
• Great fun to drop by the open mike at Pazzo Vivo last night – it was Anna’s birthday (she’s 30!) & Steve Dyer did a good job of mixing & matching the music, which ranged from budding new talent like FHHS frosh Gavin Guard to Ryan Browne & Hank Schuman on guitar & sax to faves like Don Yankovitch & Kate Schuman & Ian Bolton & Steve himself and more. Steve & Bill Cooper have been doing a super job hosting this over the past few months, and it’s cool Mari has it happening!
I got to sing with Hobbes (mouth harp), Ryan (guitar) and Ian Gatley (pedal steel) last night...that's us doing "Homefree"....
Posted January 24, 2010 at 10:34 am by Ian Byington
Snow geese in flight...photo by Sandy Buckley
Did you know….?
• I hear our new postmaster is Randy Bennett – he’s been in & out as he settles in on the island, but drop by & say hey! I also hear that our old postdude Dan Fleming likes it in Oak Harbor but misses us – he was spotted putting plants out, there…like he did when he brightened up our place.
Chris, then me. Hard to tell apart.
• Ran into my friend Chris Cassidy & she was wearing the SAME WHALE MUSEUM pullover thing as me! Cosmic! So we took pictures of each other for proof.
• You’re writing your love story, right (click here!)…I have two already, and in answer to your questions: No, you don’t have to be married & yes, please send a photo if you can (or I can scan one for you) & yes, it can be an “old love” & yes, it doesn’t have to be funny. I mean, no, it doesn’t have to be funny.
I mean, if you’re not laughing, are you sure it’s love?
• Just got this from Wes & Paul who are doing the San Juan Island Directory: Happy 2010 from us here at www.Friday-Harbor.net!
We want to make sure we are up to date for the summer of 2010 and request that you look at your free listing on www.Friday-Harbor.net and reply with any changes you would like to see. Your listing also appears on all relevant sections of http://www.sanjuandirectory.com.
Hank (left sax), Ryan & Gavin lay it down at open mike....
• Great fun to drop by the open mike at Pazzo Vivo last night – it was Anna’s birthday (she’s 30!) & Steve Dyer did a good job of mixing & matching the music, which ranged from budding new talent like FHHS frosh Gavin Guard to Ryan Browne & Hank Schuman on guitar & sax to faves like Don Yankovitch & Kate Schuman & Ian Bolton & Steve himself and more. Steve & Bill Cooper have been doing a super job hosting this over the past few months, and it’s cool Mari has it happening!
I got to sing with Hobbes (mouth harp), Ryan (guitar) and Ian Gatley (pedal steel) last night...that's us doing "Homefree"....
Posted January 22, 2010 at 11:50 pm by Ian Byington
Wolverine Maggie Anderson (white) battles for the defensive rebound in the fourth quarter....
Both LaConner & Friday Harbor brought their one-loss records to the gym Friday night, and the Wolverines delivered the goods to beat the Braves 48-34 & take sole possession of the league’s top spot. FHHS played the game at full-throttle for three quarters, then cranked it up in the fourth to control the end of the game by breaking the Braves’ press, outrebounding them at the defensive end, and hustling from buzzer to buzzer.
It was a total team effort from a squad that seems to be peaking at the right time, as they face two-loss second-place teams Orcas & Darrington in the next two weeks.
The boys jumped out to an impressive 7-2 lead by shutting down the Braves for the first four minutes, but then LaConner roared back to lead at the half 20-19 before settling things at the end, winning 49-41.
Both teams travel to Nooksack Valley today (Saturday) to play at noon.