Posted November 1, 2009 at 10:46 pm by Ian Byington
Brenna & Tony are dressed up & ready to help you....
You could tell they were ready have fun…the folks at Islanders Bank decked the place out as The Cob Web Casino, with everyone who works there all dressed up for the day, last Friday.
Lotsa smiles there.
Everybody dressed up!
Posted November 1, 2009 at 10:39 pm by Ian Byington
Cleaning off during a timeout in the first half....didn't even try in the second half.Sports news over the weekend:
• Last time the Friday Harbor football team played Lynden Christian, about a month ago, the two teams took the game into overtime and settled thing with an overtime field goal by the Lyncs in a 23-20 thriller.
The rematch last Friday felt similar…both teams took the ball to the opponent’s one-yard line but couldn’t punch it in (FHHS held LC in the first half; LC held us late in the game), before the Lynx hit a 25 yard field goal in the last couple of minutes to win, 3-0. It was pretty awesome to see our guys working so hard on a field that was working hard against them – no footing in the middle of it, and ankle-deep mud in places.
The Wolverines play their first playoff game on Thursday (I’ll get details for you) this week.
• The volleyball girls went to the playoffs over the weekend and played tough but lost. FHHS ended their season with what captain Jenny Gustafson (according to her mom Mary) and assistant coach Michele Mayer described as the team’s best game of the year.
• The Wolverine soccer team went to Oak Harbor to play Lynden Christian for the chance to continue in this year’s playoffs, and with high hopes: We had a strong comeback in early September as we came back from a 5-1 hole to lose only 5-4 with LC. Looked like we were on the right track Saturday afternoon, as we held the Lyncs to a 0-0 halftime score, but they scored halfway through the second half, and FHHS was unable to answer, losing 1-0 in a heartbreaker.
This team has much to be proud of, and created memories for the soccer program that will help create good things in the years ahead. The bar has been set pretty high – way to go, girls!
Posted November 1, 2009 at 10:39 pm by Ian Byington
Cleaning off during a timeout in the first half....didn't even try in the second half.Sports news over the weekend:
• Last time the Friday Harbor football team played Lynden Christian, about a month ago, the two teams took the game into overtime and settled thing with an overtime field goal by the Lyncs in a 23-20 thriller.
The rematch last Friday felt similar…both teams took the ball to the opponent’s one-yard line but couldn’t punch it in (FHHS held LC in the first half; LC held us late in the game), before the Lynx hit a 25 yard field goal in the last couple of minutes to win, 3-0. It was pretty awesome to see our guys working so hard on a field that was working hard against them – no footing in the middle of it, and ankle-deep mud in places.
The Wolverines play their first playoff game on Thursday (I’ll get details for you) this week.
• The volleyball girls went to the playoffs over the weekend and played tough but lost. FHHS ended their season with what captain Jenny Gustafson (according to her mom Mary) and assistant coach Michele Mayer described as the team’s best game of the year.
• The Wolverine soccer team went to Oak Harbor to play Lynden Christian for the chance to continue in this year’s playoffs, and with high hopes: We had a strong comeback in early September as we came back from a 5-1 hole to lose only 5-4 with LC. Looked like we were on the right track Saturday afternoon, as we held the Lyncs to a 0-0 halftime score, but they scored halfway through the second half, and FHHS was unable to answer, losing 1-0 in a heartbreaker.
This team has much to be proud of, and created memories for the soccer program that will help create good things in the years ahead. The bar has been set pretty high – way to go, girls!
Posted November 1, 2009 at 10:12 pm by Ian Byington
Last week, our soccer and football teams ran into field conditions on our high school field that were sufficiently bad that our last home soccer game was moved because the field was deemed unplayable, & our football game Friday was played in a mudbath.
After going and watching the soccer girls on Thursday at Oak Harbor High’s artificial turf field, I found myself thinking about ways to do things better. I know we face daunting financial problems in our school district, and I would be the last one to want to support a new field before we balance the budget to support our good schools’ core curricula.
In the meantime, I’d like to re-post some remarks I made in 2004, as FHHS headed for the State Final Four in boys’ soccer:
Field of dreams: OK, one last thing about outside stuff with round balls and banana-shaped balls.
In case you didn’t notice, we have a problem with our athletic fields here on the island. For the number of folks who use ’em, we simply don’t have enough, and we overuse the ones we have…
I remember in the football playoffs in November 1998 when our linemen couldn’t go into a three point stance because their arms would sink into the goo of our field up past their wrist. I remember the high school girls trying unsuccessfully to pass in the mud when I coached ’em those years…the field is not an all-weather, all-season deal, even though we use it like one.
The artificial turf field at Mount Vernon in the pouring rain, in the 2004 playoffs...
It was pretty cool to see this field last night (right) at Mount Vernon High School. Yesterday morning it started raining, and it rained all day. I’m not making this up – I checked. I was watching the games in Burlington all day, and the whole game last night…the rain didn’t let up. I walked the field to take these photos for you, and it was raining. But the field itself was very playable, and the boys who worked so hard to get to this level of play actually had a field that let them USE the skills that make for high level ball.
I don’t know the finances of it – I’m pretty sure an artificial turf field is pretty expensive, and I’ve heard million-dollar price tags thrown around – but what if we spend the money we pay each year anyway to pay off a loan for a field we CAN use, a low-maintenance (maybe no-maintenance) field that could be used all year regardless of the weather?
Where there’s a will there’s a way. There sure is a need…
Posted October 30, 2009 at 5:37 pm by Ian Byington
Senior forward Emma Ytander settles the high pass in front of the Meridian goal in the second half.
Friday Harbor High (12-5) made it look easy as they scored five minutes into Thursday’s playoff game with Meridian, but the Trojans notched three in the next ten minutes & then made it stand for a 3-1 victory. Junior forward Elle Guard beat Meridian’s keeper for the early putaway, and after that the Meridian defense kept FHHS out of the net.
The loss sets up a match with Lynden Christian (4-13, and a 3-1 loser to King’s on Thursday) in Oak Harbor tomorrow, with the winner continuing in the postseason.
Posted October 29, 2009 at 12:11 am by Ian Byington
That's the Junior Tigers after their win over Concrete earlier this year - they play in Anacortes for their first playoff game at 11am on Saturday; the Seniors play at 1pm at the same place.
Kris Brown says that two out of three of the Tiger football teams are on a roll:
After eight weeks of the regular season, two out of three Tiger Football teams will be headed into the playoffs of the North Cascade Youth Football League. The freshman team (ages 8-10) with a season record of 1-6, will not advance. They ended their season with a 24-12 loss to South Whidbey.
The junior team (ages 11-12) were undefeated in conference play but had to forfeit this week’s non-conference game against Orcas Island after two confirmed cases of Type A flu on the 14 man team and two players with similar symptoms. Before last week’s non-conference 31-20 loss to Oak Harbor, the junior Tigers were already guaranteed a spot in the playoffs with a 5-0 conference record.
With one player out with the flu and another out with broken fingers, the senior team (ages 13-14) went to Mt. Vernon for their last game of the season and soundly defeated the Bulldog’s 34-14. In conference play, the 18-member senior team was 6-2 with close losses to Bellingham (7-1) and Arlington Gold (6-1).
Friday Harbor Athletic Association which runs the Tiger football program, posts playoff schedules on their blog as soon as they are available.
Posted October 29, 2009 at 12:03 am by Ian Byington
Lighting up the branches & autumn leaves....
Remember on Monday afternoon when the sun came out for a bit? There was light through the leaves, with those trees that are out front of Wells Fargo….
Posted October 29, 2009 at 12:01 am by Ian Byington
Sean poses with mama Kim....
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Kim NOT smiling, but she seems to be smiling even more now that baby Sean is here…he is Kim & Jeff’s fourth, and was born back in August & is doing great!
Posted October 29, 2009 at 12:01 am by Ian Byington
The work continues....
You’ve seen all the work in the street on Argyle Street this week…I asked what they were up to, and the guy says they’re extending the sewer up that little street next to Cahaill Park, and that there’s all kinda rock under there. I’m pretty sure you can’t use dynamite there, in the middle of town…
Posted October 29, 2009 at 12:01 am by Ian Byington
The work continues....
You’ve seen all the work in the street on Argyle Street this week…I asked what they were up to, and the guy says they’re extending the sewer up that little street next to Cahaill Park, and that there’s all kinda rock under there. I’m pretty sure you can’t use dynamite there, in the middle of town…
Posted October 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm by Ian Byington
Devon Smith joins Art & Morgan Lohrey (right) to load up at Ace Hardware's Half-Off Sale on Wednesday...it was crazy - the lines went back to the paint section in the back.
Here are some bits of things that are going on, on the island & around us:
• Carol Ford wrote to tell me that NOW you got lunch options:
Gregg, on the street, dressed & ready to COOK! 🙂
Hi Ian;
Would you mind mentioning that, beginning Nov. 2nd, Mi Casita will be open for lunch. Our new lunch schedule is: Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 1:30. Of course, we’re still serving dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:00 to 8:00. We’re hoping for big lunch crowds to keep Gregg and the crew busy and off the streets!
Thanks so much!
Carol
• That series of classes at Village at the Harbour (547 Spring Street, across from Dr. Horn’s dentistry office, which is next to the EMTs, and over near Spring Street School but kinda behind the Mullis Center, you know where I mean) continues…Burk & Joann from San Juan Health Associates are talking about “The Basics of Blood Pressure” as they discuss What IS blood pressure? What causes high blood pressure? How do we control our blood pressure? Learn the benefits of the DASH diet program!
This is all on Thursday at 5:30pm – come by, it’s free!
• Help send the FHHS Band to Hawaii! Butter Braids, the famous frozen pastries, are on sale now through November 3rd. Just contact your favorite school band member, or Nancy Fusare at 378-0940. The pastries will be delivered on November 19th, just in time for Thanksgiving!
• The FHES PTA Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser is on!
Get yours now!
Now through November 6th, the Friday Harbor Elementary PTA is taking orders for 6” ($11), 8” ($22) & 10” ($35) red and white poinsettia plants, ready for pick up Thursday, November 19th or Friday, November 20th—Just in time for your Thanksgiving table! Contact Tanja Williamson at 378.6004 or email [email protected] for your order form or more information. Thank you for supporting Friday Harbor Elementary!
She's everywhere... Deanna, the Adventurous Wench
• You’ve probably heard of The Adventurous Wench – they just finished their season of women-only trips to Costa Rica, Ireland, Patagonia, Belize, Santa Fe, Sedona, Napa Valley, the Virgin Islands…and the San Juan Islands!
Deanna does a good job of bringing interested, bright, energetic groups to the island (just like Randy does, with the Skagit Valley College Elderhostel program the second biggest in the state!)
• You can sign up to be a Friend of the San Juan Update on Facebook (if you’re a Facebook nut)…click here for more info!
• My friend Sandy shot these great pictures & then put ’em in an Animoto slide show that is one of the better ones I’ve seen – on the water from Port McNeill to Friday Harbor. See what you think…it’s a dream maker…
• It’s your chance to give the Washington State Ferries folks your feedback in person – the Ferry Advisory Committee meeting is set for next Thursday (the fifth) from 2:15-4:15 p.m, aboard the San Juan interisland ferry (departing Friday Harbor at 2:15 p.m., Orcas at 3:05 p.m., Shaw at 3:20 p.m., Lopez at 3:45 p.m.)
The Battlefield Band
• Yep, the Battlefield Band is back this Friday at the Community Theatre! Here’s more – I got to see them last year, and they’re pretty awesome. Check ’em out!
• Did you hear about the deals at Printonyx? Here’s the scoop, from Kris (the caps are hers – she’s pretty excited about this stuff!):
PRINTONYX.COM is up (and nearly complete) with special savings for EARLY BIRDS. We’ve checked our prices against the mainland on on-line and are confident we can compete in price and quality, but most of all in convenience. There’s nothing better than seeing your product ahead of time and keeping business local.
GREETING CARDS & CALENDARS AT THE LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR (Calendars as low as $10 each) Our website has everything you need including how to send files, samples backgrounds, favorite typefaces, simple clipart and more.
For do-it-yourselfers, send us finished PDFs or come in to use our simple to use our IN-HOUSE CALENDAR & CARD CREATION program which allows you to pick your format, drag and drop photos, add special event dates, captions and more. Just e-mail your images, bring them on disk or as hard copy. We can help (or do it for you), all at great prices!
FREE SINGLE SIDED BLACK & WHITE COPIES WITH HOLIDAY BORDER PAPER purchased by December 12 – We’ll be ordering for the last time on November 7th (with delivery after Thanksgiving). You can order your favorite ahead of time, or wait to see what we order. Check out the 79 sheets available at very affordable prices and guarantee you get the paper you expect.
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:36 am by Ian Byington
There's pirates & Vikings (or buffaloes, not sure) and all kinds of characters this weekend.....
Well, the crazy season is upon us – seems like everyone is planning their Halloween costume for the past couple of weeks, because that’s what we DO around here.
Checking the pulse of the Town....
It’s even better this year, since the 31st is on a Saturday, so the candy-loaded kids & everyone else can sleep in the next day.
Here are pictures of people in their costumes in years gone by – see who you know, if you can tell!
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2002
(it’s fun to see this year’s high school kids in this bunch!)
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2005
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2006
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2007
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2008
• Friday Harbor High School Costumes 2008
• People in costumes at the tavs & in the streets 2008
(if you’re easily offended you’ll like this!)
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Parade is at 1pm on Friday!
So – what is there to do? Here’s a short list:
Friday, October 30th: Come see the entire Elementary School on parade in their costumes through Town at 1pm (that’s when they leave the school & start walking in their classes toward the big city. Don’t worry about working – most of the island isn’t, because of this. Come on down.
Saturday, October 31st:
Halloween at the Animal Shelter
Leslie says: “If you’re around on Halloween and not too busy…stop by the shelter for our Halloween Open House…Saturday, Oct 31st….12 noon – 3pm…..dogs and humans alike welcome…costumes encouraged! Lots of Halloween treats….hope to see ya there!”
The Harvest Party offers safe, fun, and dry trick or treating!
This is the 14th year! Dress up your children in kid-friendly outfits (nothing ghoulish or bloody) and bypass the crowded streets for a fun and rewarding evening at Islands Community Church, Saturday, October 31, from 5-7p.m. Every child receives a sturdy trick or treat bag with prizes inside and can sit for a free photo. The free carnival games with candy prizes include mini-golf, bowling, glow in the dark target shooting, Spin and Win, pin-the-bug on the frog, and dart dare. There is no limit to the number of times children can visit each game.
Happy Halloween!
The food area offers free hot popcorn, cookies, slushies and apple juice. Hot dogs and corndogs are sold for $1 as a fundraiser for mission programs. Adults can rest in the pie area while their children have fun in a safe environment. For more information, call 378-4154. Islands Community Church is located at 127-A Gilbert Lane, off San Juan Valley Road.
The Teen Halloween Party (by Island Rec!)
Teens grab your friends, get into your best Halloween costume and come join the fun at Island Rec’s 10th Annual Teen Halloween Party on Saturday, October 31st from 7:30-10:00 pm at the fair grounds. This free party is open to teens in 6th through 12th grade. There will be music, dancing, food, activities and a costume contests with some great prizes. Come out and play!
Adult volunteers are needed for this event. Please call Rebecca at 378-4953 if you are interested in helping out.
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:36 am by Ian Byington
There's pirates & Vikings (or buffaloes, not sure) and all kinds of characters this weekend.....
Well, the crazy season is upon us – seems like everyone is planning their Halloween costume for the past couple of weeks, because that’s what we DO around here.
Checking the pulse of the Town....
It’s even better this year, since the 31st is on a Saturday, so the candy-loaded kids & everyone else can sleep in the next day.
Here are pictures of people in their costumes in years gone by – see who you know, if you can tell!
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2002
(it’s fun to see this year’s high school kids in this bunch!)
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2005
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2006
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2007
• Friday Harbor Elementary School Costume Parade through Town 2008
• Friday Harbor High School Costumes 2008
• People in costumes at the tavs & in the streets 2008
(if you’re easily offended you’ll like this!)
+++++++++++++++++++++
The Parade is at 1pm on Friday!
So – what is there to do? Here’s a short list:
Friday, October 30th: Come see the entire Elementary School on parade in their costumes through Town at 1pm (that’s when they leave the school & start walking in their classes toward the big city. Don’t worry about working – most of the island isn’t, because of this. Come on down.
Saturday, October 31st:
Halloween at the Animal Shelter
Leslie says: “If you’re around on Halloween and not too busy…stop by the shelter for our Halloween Open House…Saturday, Oct 31st….12 noon – 3pm…..dogs and humans alike welcome…costumes encouraged! Lots of Halloween treats….hope to see ya there!”
The Harvest Party offers safe, fun, and dry trick or treating!
This is the 14th year! Dress up your children in kid-friendly outfits (nothing ghoulish or bloody) and bypass the crowded streets for a fun and rewarding evening at Islands Community Church, Saturday, October 31, from 5-7p.m. Every child receives a sturdy trick or treat bag with prizes inside and can sit for a free photo. The free carnival games with candy prizes include mini-golf, bowling, glow in the dark target shooting, Spin and Win, pin-the-bug on the frog, and dart dare. There is no limit to the number of times children can visit each game.
Happy Halloween!
The food area offers free hot popcorn, cookies, slushies and apple juice. Hot dogs and corndogs are sold for $1 as a fundraiser for mission programs. Adults can rest in the pie area while their children have fun in a safe environment. For more information, call 378-4154. Islands Community Church is located at 127-A Gilbert Lane, off San Juan Valley Road.
The Teen Halloween Party (by Island Rec!)
Teens grab your friends, get into your best Halloween costume and come join the fun at Island Rec’s 10th Annual Teen Halloween Party on Saturday, October 31st from 7:30-10:00 pm at the fair grounds. This free party is open to teens in 6th through 12th grade. There will be music, dancing, food, activities and a costume contests with some great prizes. Come out and play!
Adult volunteers are needed for this event. Please call Rebecca at 378-4953 if you are interested in helping out.
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:30 am by Ian Byington
A reminder that the rights we take for granted didn't come easily...
Susan at the League of Women Voters tells me this film starring Bellingham native & Oscar winner Hilary Swank will be shown this weekend – and I think it’s a pretty important one to remind us that less than a hundred years ago, women couldn’t vote in the USA…here’s more:
Reliving the Battle for Women’s Suffrage
Hilary stars in this one...
Millions of women will cast ballots in the current election. Many of them have no idea how hard it was to gain that right.
“Iron Jawed Angels,” a film to be shown at 7 p.m. Sunday, November 1 at the San Juan Island Library, vividly recaptures the battle a few heroic women fought 70 years ago to gain female suffrage through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans, the free presentation is a “must see” for young women who don’t know the history and other women (and men) who may not fully appreciate it.
The film focuses on two defiant women, Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O’Connor), activists who broke from the mainstream women’s rights movement and created a more radical wing and dared to push the boundaries of political process to secure women’s voting rights in 1920.
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:30 am by Ian Byington
A reminder that the rights we take for granted didn't come easily...
Susan at the League of Women Voters tells me this film starring Bellingham native & Oscar winner Hilary Swank will be shown this weekend – and I think it’s a pretty important one to remind us that less than a hundred years ago, women couldn’t vote in the USA…here’s more:
Reliving the Battle for Women’s Suffrage
Hilary stars in this one...
Millions of women will cast ballots in the current election. Many of them have no idea how hard it was to gain that right.
“Iron Jawed Angels,” a film to be shown at 7 p.m. Sunday, November 1 at the San Juan Island Library, vividly recaptures the battle a few heroic women fought 70 years ago to gain female suffrage through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans, the free presentation is a “must see” for young women who don’t know the history and other women (and men) who may not fully appreciate it.
The film focuses on two defiant women, Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O’Connor), activists who broke from the mainstream women’s rights movement and created a more radical wing and dared to push the boundaries of political process to secure women’s voting rights in 1920.
Posted October 28, 2009 at 12:01 am by Ian Byington
That's Indigo, Lilah, and Olivia with their noodles at the Backdoor Kitchen...
People have been telling me for ages that I should go by Backdoor Kitchen‘s Noodle Bowl Monday, so this week I finally made it & it was great! There are different bowls – they have noodles & vegetables, and you can get it with shrimp or tofu or chicken or halibut (those are the ones I remember – there were more).
So I got a bowl with halibut, and it was awesome – and I hope you have a chance to have a great lunch there, too, some Monday soon. You’ll be glad you did.