San Juan Island Update - serving San Juan Island, Friday Harbor, and Roche Harbor

October 12, 2007

Peace Dance on Tuesday....
My friend Anna Lisa sent me a bit of a story about a cool happening earlier this week:

Hi Ian, I wanted to share a picture of Gretchen & her young friend/dance partner at our first annual "Give Peace A Chance Dance". Many folks danced and shared food at the Duck Soup Inn on Tuesday night to benefit The Peace Alliance. It was a great success as we raised almost $1,500 to benefit The Peace Alliance's campaign to establish a United States Department of Peace. The Peace Alliance is a non partisan citizen action organization with a mission to empower civic activism for a culture of peace. We are so proud and thankful for those that braved the severe wind storm warning and danced for peace! A special "thanks" as well to Chris Minney who provided great dance tunes for the evening. We are so blessed here in our corner of the world! The evening left many of us feeling inspired. - Anna Lisa Lindstrum

Getting it right.....
I cracked up when I got this note from Ary Hobbel, straightening out my lack of German in the note from Julie Corey I posted about tomorrow night's Ocktoberfest - thanks, Ary! (I looked it up - and "prosit" usually means a "toast to you!"):

Ian, Julie Corey and you may be forgiven for not mastering the German language. I
cannot claim that myself either, but in the land of the blind, one-eye is
king. Unfamiliarity with the language does not mean that spelling errors
must be displayed to the public at large. Below you will find bits and
pieces of the "Update" article covering Oktoberfest with suggested
corrections in bold purple font.

Bavarian menu- Bratwurst, kilbasa kielbasa, (kielbasa is the Polish version,
with a small slanted line through the 'l'), sourkraut Sauerkraut
(capitalized as are all nouns in German), snitzel Schnitzel and gravy, red
cabbage salad,
Beer specially brewed by Front Street Ale House, San Juan Brewing Co.

Weiner wiener, (with i-e; capitalizing not needed) dog parade on Saturday
October 13th at Friday Harbor High School football field, parade starts at
3:00. All weiner wiener dog's dogs, (NO apostrophe for the plural) welcome.
Prize for best costume. Owner's Owners (No apostrophe) will be walking
around the track for our weiner wiener dog parade. If you have any questions
please call Julie Corey at 370-5303.

Doug Bison- Master of Ceremonies. Music by Van Alen Blaskapella Blaskapelle
(an e-ending). Stimmung Lieders Strolling Accordians Accordions, with an
'o'- Dave Pratt and Terry Lush. Clog Dancing, Polka and Waltz dancing,
Chicken Dance, jaegers Jaegers or Jägers (note the capital 'J') march.

Childrens Children's (possessive, therefore with the apostrophe) games,
adult games, Keg rolling contest, costume prizes, event t-shirts on sale.
I think I'll quit now; one can go only so far before becoming arrogant, a
nuisance and/or a pain somewhere. Prosit!

Ary

FHHS sports update: Yesterday's soccer match was cancelled when our opponents missed the boat or something. I say that's a forfeit, but the girls really wanna play the game, so they're gonna re-sched the thing. I hear that keeper Hannah Snow messed up her knee last game & may be out for the year, which opens up a problem in what has been a solidly played position this year.

Meanwhile, tennis played Coupeville last night, and welcome them back again today (they shoulda spent the night.)

Meanwhile, our football team plays its last regular-season game Saturday here at two against Sequim.

Meanwhile, here's an update about our Friday Harbor youth football guys & what they're doing this weekend - they won 36-0 last weekend. Here's more....

Get your card for first aid, next week....
Island Rec is offering both a First Aid Class on Tuesday October 16 and CPR on Thursday October 18. Both classes meet at the Aid Unit on Spring Street and run from 5:30-9:30pm. Participants can register for either or both classes. Cost is $20 per class and pre-registration is required. Registration forms are available in Island Rec’s Fall/Winter Program Guide and from www.islandrec.org. Call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information.

Quote
The pursuit of peace and progress cannot end in a few years in either victory or defeat. The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned.
Dag Hammarskjold


October 11, 2007

It's time to talk about the world situation with everyone we see.
That's the line from the trailer for What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire, which is showing at the Library at 5:30pm this Saturday.

This is the most important film you'll see this year.

Filmmakers Tim Bennett & Sally Erickson will be here on the island Saturday after the film to discuss it with folks, and I want to see you there, with me, to begin the discussion we've been putting off.

I bought a copy of the film to review a week ago, and I've been thinking of little else this week. It's time to talk about the world situation with everyone, and I can think of no better place & way to start. It's a path to hope, that best begins by looking the situation in the eye, and by telling the truth about what we've all hoped would be centuries into the future, but isn't.

Here's some more info about the film, and the incredible opportunity to have an nationally released documentary's film makers here to visit with us. See you there.

The Library's site
The film's site
The film's trailers
Reviews of the film

Quote
I believe in the imagination. What I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see.
Duane Michals


October 9-10, 2007

She's in the BIG band....
This weekend, I got to hear four different bands on the island play, and now Christopher Burke sends me a note about my favorite tenor sax player, playing for Oregon State's band:

Hey Ian – thought you would want an update on Hanna – she is loving Oregon State U, marching about to the enthusiastic Beaver fans – a bit overwhelming, but an all new adventure. Guess we won’t need to worry about a Halloween costume or Christmas decorations!!

The Internet's back.....
For about three hours today (Tuesday) the Internet was unavailable to CenturyTel (and affiliate) subscribers as there was a cable accidentally dug up in Oak Harbor that knocked us & a chunk of western Washington out of business. If you're reading this now, that means it's back, now.

Energy from the wind...
And...there's a strong wind warning on, for tonight. Here's more from Brendan Cowen, at the Department of Emergency Management:

High Winds Forecast for San Juan County: The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a gale warning for the San Juan Islands and surrounding waters (click here for the forecast). For Tuesday afternoon, winds are forecast to be in the 40-45mph range, with gusts up to 70mph. It is expected to stay gusty well into the day on Wednesday.

These winds are the result of a major depression that has developed in the Pacific. Fortunately the center is forecast to pass well to the west of the outer coast, sparing Western Washington from the full brunt of the storm. For a sense of what this storm might have looked like if it had come ashore in Washington, look at this summary of the 1962 Columbus Day windstorm.

If you have any questions, or need help with any aspect of your emergency preparations, don’t hesitate to contact the Department of Emergency Management at 378-9932, or review the winter weather tip sheets on our website by clicking here.

Announcements!
Here's some things you simply gotta know about, 'cause it's the stuff that makes living here fun...read on!

First, from John at the San Juan County Association of Realtors:

The San Juan County Association of Realtors have committed themselves to a community-wide food drive to benefit the hungry. Realtors plan to distribute “Care and Share” food collection bags, courtesy of King’s Market, beginning Monday, October 15th. Bags will be collected Thursday evening October 18th for delivery to the Friday Harbor Food Bank. The SJCAR food drive collected 2000 lbs. of food in 2006 and hope to exceed that total in 2007. Dorothy Lawson, head of the local food bank, wishes that you donate un-dented canned goods, toiletries and non-perishable food items. To make the pick-up easier on the night of October 18th, please leave the bags at the end of your driveway, or drop them off at any local realty office before October 19th. If you wish to donate money in lieu of food, please make checks payable to Friday Harbor Food Bank.

Through the efforts of local realtors, we hope to not only increase the food stock at the Friday Harbor Food Bank, but also, to increase everyone’s continuing concern for the hungry in our community. Thanks go to King’s Market and Printonyx for their continuing support and to all those who donate.
Thanks!
John Bostrom SJCAR Community Services Chair

And Julie Corey says this is the weekend for Oktoberfest, and related activities (photo by Marie DiCristina from last year's event):

Hi Ian,

Here's all the information on the Oktoberfest. Can you write up a little something about this to put on your website? If you have any questions, give me a call. Here are the highlights:

Oktoberfest at the fairgrounds Saturday October 13th 5:30-9:30

Bavarian menu- Bratwurst, kilbasa, sourkraut, snitzel and gravy, red cabbage salad

Beer specially brewed by Front Ale House, San Juan Brewing Co.

Weiner dog parade on Saturday October 13th at Friday Harbor High School football field, parade starts at 3:00. All weiner dog's welcome. Prize for best costume. Owner's will be walking around the track for our weiner dog parade. If you have any questions please call Julie Corey at 370-5303.

Doug Bison- Master of Ceremonies. Music by Van Alen Blaskapella. Stimmung Lieders Strolling Accordians- Dave Pratt and Terry Lush. Clog Dancing, Polka and Waltz dancing, Chicken Dance, jaegers march.

Childrens games, adult games, Keg rolling contest, costume prizes, event t-shirts on sale.

Admission: $8.00 at gate or $12.00 for Oktoberfest passport. Children $8.00, 12 and under FREE.

Oktoberfest is proudly presented by the Kiwanis of Friday Harbor, Lions Club of Friday Harbor and the Medical Guild. This is a community service fundraiser for all three groups.


Julie Corey

Next week - Dollars for Scholars goes bowling! Here's more from Frank Penwell for DFS:

The owner and the manager of Paradise Lanes, Roger Owen and Scott Olinger, are promoting a Bowling For Scholars week. Paradise Lanes will donate 25 percent of the proceeds from bowling between noon and 5 p.m. Oct. 15-18 to 2008 graduates through Dollars for Scholars.

To help create extra interest and competition, the Lions Club, The Kiwanis Club, The Rotary Club, The Soroptimist Club, Friday Harbor High School, Friday Harbor Middle School, Friday Harbor Elementary School and Spring Street International School are challenging each other for a certificate and bragging rights. Here's more & how you can join in....

Next week - a forum by the League of Women Voters! Janna says here's the scoop:

October 16, 2007, Tuesday – San Juan Island Forum – 7 pm at the Friday Harbor Middle School, to be moderated by Lee Sturdivant. Contested positions include Town Council Member #2 and SJ Fire Commissioner #3. Persons representing positions for and against the Stormwater Referendum will also speak.

This Saturday, it's the Safety Fair! The Fire Depatment's Carolyn Hudson has more (that's firefighter Brent Johnson with Caden Garver, in a photo by Ron Garner):

Safety Fair Saturday Filled with Fun: Games, a coloring contest, a rescue demonstration, food and lots of fun are on the agenda at the Safety Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, at the Mullis Street Fire Station.

     Participating agencies include the Friday Harbor Fire Department, San Juan Island Fire Department, San Juan Emergency Medical Services, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, the Fire Marshal and the San Juan Ham Radio Operators.

     Kids’ games include a bean bag toss, 911 twister, shooting the flames with a real fire hose and more.

     A rescue demonstration will be held at 12:30 p.m. where emergency workers will show how they operate at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. They will use the Jaws-of-Life to cut up a vehicle and will show how efficient a child safety seat is in protecting a child in an accident. EMS will also provide information about child safety seats and will make arrangements to check anyone’s car seat.

     The Friday Harbor Fire Department will have their ladder truck there and will talk about its importance in firefighting on the island.

     Kids will able to sit in the fire engines, a Sheriff’s squad car, dress in firefighter gear and tour the fire station.

     Emergency Management will provide disaster preparedness information and will be there to answer any questions you might have.

     The Ham Radio Operators will demonstrate how they can relay messages to your family and friends when other means of communications are inoperable.

     There will also be a coloring contest with prizes for children preschool age through grade 5. Entries must be turned in by 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Mullis Street Station. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. The coloring page will be passed out at the schools during fire prevention week or you may pick them up at the Mullis Street Fire Station.

     Emergency workers will also cook you a hotdog of choice – beef, turkey or tofu. Other free goodies include chips, cookies, soda pop and juices.

      The Safety Fair is held during Fire Prevention Week as a reminder to people about fire safety, in addition to safety and emergency preparedness in general. The 2007 Fire Prevention Week theme this year is “Practice Your Fire Escape Plan.” We ask that families make a home escape plan and practice it regularly. 

Popcorn for the Scouts! Diana O'Brien reports:

October is scout popcorn sale month: Soon you will see members of San Juan Islands Cub Scout pack 90 selling scout popcorn. The scouts plan on having popcorn available at select locations over the weekends, from now until November 1st, which is the last day to purchase popcorn.

Look for our scouts at your local market over the coming weekends. Orders can also be made online at: http://www.orderpopcorn.com/ contact any scout leader for details or call 378-3014.

The new flavor this year is butter toffee caramel, which is scrumptious. We also have other flavors such as cheddar, Carmel, chocolate, as well as select flavors of microwave popcorn. There is something for everybody.

Money raised from popcorn sales are used to support the pack all year. By supporting scouting, you are supporting the future of the community.

New this year, we have a gift pack available for purchase to send to a military soldier and their family, for a taste of home during the holidays. Support your troops while you support scouting.

Cub scout popcorn in decorative holiday tins also makes for great gifts for the holidays or just for snacking holiday guests to enjoy.

Quote
The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.
Isaac Asimov


October 8, 2007

Reflections of the light in the night...
When Clark Gilbert & Jane Hutchinson cruised by the other night on an evening run, I used my flash to shoot their photo & to see if their reflectors worked...they did.

In other running news, a posse of islanders ran the Portland Marathon yesterday. Here's a list, with their times: Paul Hopkins (3:51), Shannon Miniken (4:11), Adrienne Bourne (4:50), Laura Tretter (5:14), and Kerry Andrews (5:15). San Juan Island Running Commentator Clark Gilbert noted in his blog before the race:

My running buddies Paul and Laura, with other islanders, will toe the Portland line. Paul is wanting to run in 3:25 and Laura is running as a socialite.

Meanwhile, across the water in the Royal Victoria Marathon yesterday, islanders Carrie Lacher (3:30), Jan Steckler (3:30), Vikky Dauciunas (3:47) and Shannon Calverley (3:47) did the half marathon.

Meanwhile, in the Bellingham Marathon yesterday, Cere Demuth reports on our island runners:

Hey, Ian - BooBoo Keane ran the Bellingham Marathon yesterday in 4:35…she was amazing!!!! Her running buddies, Jen Fleming and Kim Erickson ran the half marathon and Jane Hutchinson won her age-group in the 10K. I was there and ran mile 21 and 22 with Boo Boo and she was running strong! Cere

It's way cool to see this many runners out this past weekend - way to go, you guys!

Other sports news....
Over the weekend, the FHHS football guys lost a close one at Lynden Christian 7-3 - they'll be home this weekend for their only home game the rest of the regular season.

Meanwhile the tennis guys got rained out on Saturday, and the ferries were 1 for 3 on Saturday as the international route wasn't run and the Anacortes-Friday Harbor routes were hours behind; the interisland was pretty much on time, though.

King's opens it up....
Have you been by King's Market to see the way they opened up what used to be the variety store, with all the drinks & such back there? Looks somethng like this, just past the wine section (right).

Artstock kicks off first weekend....
It was ambitious - galleries all over the island. with artists all over showing both their work and how they do it (like Darleen Nixon with her glass at Island Studios.) With hopes to add music and more galleries next year, it could be bigger & better...this weekend was a great first step.

The kids are alright, tonight....
Good concept: High school musicians ask the school if they can use the drama space at FHHS for a little concert...and it worked.

75 folks packed in the room on Friday night to hear solo acoustic work by Ian Cooper, followed by a couple of hours of Anthemology (Avery Adams on guitar, keyboards, and vocals; Miles Cobos on bass; Christian Carter on keyboards, guitar, and vocals; and Shay Byington on drums).

The show was a sellout, which translated to nearly $400 donated to the high school drama program. The band is in action again in a couple of weeks playing a set each evening at my album release concerts at the Benefit Players Theater on the 26th & 27th - more on that soon. You won't want to miss them, that's for sure.

Hear, hear....
Did you know about the cool hearing help Dr. Stacie Baisch has been offering at the Mullis Center? It's free & a nice first step to meeting the best hearing doctor around...here's more:

Audiology services are available at the Mullis Community Senior Center through Island Hearing Healthcare one day each month. Free services include hearing tests, hearing aid evaluations, hearing aid repairs and hearing aid programming. All services are provided by Stacie Baisch, Au.D., an audiologist and resident of Friday Harbor. Island Hearing Healthcare is located at 545 Spring Street, across the street from the Inter Island Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, contact the senior center at 378-2677. 

Stacie Baisch, Au.D. specializes in emerging hearing aid technology and aural rehabilitation. Hearing solutions are available in every price range and most insurance plans are accepted for diagnostics. Financial assistance and sponsorship by San Juan Lions through the Lions Hearing Aid Bank and Audient is available. To learn more, contact Island Hearing Healthcare at 378-2330. 

Quote
Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.
Auguste Rodin



The information here is simply stuff we here at By Design think is important around Friday Harbor or on San Juan Island.

Some of it is news, some of it is old news, and all are just things we wanted to mention, with most of it about the things that make living here great.

There will be more next week, if anything happens.

Ian Byington


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