Holiday guide 2013

GIFT IDEAS | EVENTS | STORIES | RECIPES

A supplement of the Journal of the San Juan Islands, Islands' Sounder, Islands' Weekly

A season to share; shop at home for the holidays

By Steve Wehrly

A

ll of us at the Journal, the Sounder and the Island’s Weekly extend to you our warmest wish that your 2013 holiday celebrations are joyful, loving and blessed.

This special holiday edition is aimed at informing you of the many events and celebrations, some of them long traditions here, that you and yours might enjoy from before Thanksgiving to after New Year’s.

One of those traditions that our community has observed during this season is the generous spirit of giving to the less fortunate in our community. We encourage you to support the many organizations that devote their time and talents to making all of our lives better – especially at Christmastime.

Another tradition is represented by the advertisers that make the holiday edition (and every other edition of the paper) possible. Your friends and neighbors in their shops, stores and restaurants want to make your holidays merry, and they need your patronage to make the season a merry one for themselves and their employees and families.

Islanders support local businesses because those businesses sell quality products at fair prices, and because islanders know that if they don’t buy locally, those businesses simply can’t continue. Every October, local shops and restaurants are forced to close their doors, some for months and some forever. Even the bigger establishments have to furlough employees or even lay people off for good.

Merchants in the San Juans are much more dependent on you for their livelihood

San Juan Holiday Tree Lighting 3 Holiday Recipes 6 New Year's Celebration 8 San Juan Holiday events 11-12 Christmas Bird Count 12-13

Colleen Smith Armstrong photo

Handmade ornaments on Orcas Island

than those on the mainland. Two-thirds of the money you spend here stays here. For most merchants and their families, that money puts food on the table and clothes on their children.

One hundred dollars spent in Friday Harbor, Eastsound or Lopez Village means a lot to those communities. That same one hundred dollars doesn’t have anything close to the same effect on the mainland.

And the five or 10 percent you think you’re saving simply goes into ferry fares and fuel. Plus, you get the exhilarating seasonal experiences of crowded parking lots, empty shelves and long lines at the cash register.

Do yourself and your fellow islanders a big favor: shop locally.

If you really want to take a ferry, take it to one of the other islands. Tell them the newspaper sent you.

Orcas Holiday Events Holiday Reads Orcas Giving Tree Lopez Holiday Events Lopez Spirit of Giving

Contributors

Publishers: Roxanne Angel, Colleen Smith Armstrong Writers: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Scott Rasmussen, Steve Wehrly Advertising Sales: Roxanne Angel, Colleen Smith Armstrong, Phil Hankins, Howard Schonberger Graphic Artists: Scott Herning, Kathryn Sherman

Publication Information The Journal of the San Juans 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 P: 360‑378‑5696, F: 360‑378‑5128 - www.sanjuanjournal.com The Islands’ Sounder 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245, P: 360‑376‑4500, F: 360‑376‑4501 - www.islandssounder.com The Islands’ Weekly 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245, P: 360-468-4242, F: 360‑376‑4501 - www.islandsweekly.com

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Holiday spirit sparkles in Island Lights Festival

I

t begins at different times for different people.

But in the town of Friday Harbor, the holiday season springs to life with the flip of a switch and a whole host of holiday happenings featured as part of the Annual Island Lights Festival.

Sponsored by San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, the Island Lights Festival, known by many as the annual tree lighting ceremony, is Friday, Dec. 6.

If history holds, anticipation will run high as the crowed awaits that electrifying moment when the stately elms in Memorial Park are illuminated with the glow of 4,000 decorative, twinkling holiday lights. Still, the lighting of the trees is just one of many activities in store for the evening.

The festivities get under way at about

4:30 p.m., as the Island Chordsmen take to the streets to add a ring of harmony into the early evening air while strolling the sidewalks to sing a variety of holiday favorites in their homespun "barbershop-style" best. Island Rec adds to the mix of activities with an ornamentmaking workshop tucked inside the cozy corridor of the atrium in the building on the corner of Front and Spring streets.

And there's caroling, of course.

The Friday Harbor Elementary School Choir will lend their voices to the evening's holiday cheer, and festival-goers can gather around the illuminated elms for a community sing-a-long of timehonored Christmas carols.

So, bundle up and bring the family to Memorial Park to help kick off the holiday season in the family friendly, heartwarming holiday event.

Journal file photos

Left; the Friday Harbor Elementary School choir draws enthusiastic applause; top right, candles add to the evening's ambience, bottom right, making ornaments proves a popular event activity.

Holiday Market: Island Artisans celebrate 35 years

I

t all started a month after my late wife, Ottley and I arrived on San Juan Island... I can't remember missing the Holiday Market's 2-day event one time in those 34 years.

The first time, the booths of artists coming from all the islands on invite from Island Artisans covered only a small part of the cafeteria at the old Friday Harbor High School building. The Artisans also were Howard Schonberger Journal Columnist renting a tiny place at Churchill Square.

They were a few retirees and as their ranks (mostly retirees) weakened, they asked Sunshine Gallery to incorporate the Island Artisans as part of their activities. This worked well until 'Sunshine Gallery also lost members to Father Time (I think we have two founding members left on the island).

Nonetheless, we kept going with Island Artisans which was quite successful in raising an average of $5,000 a year for art scholarships for six or seven graduates of Friday Harbor, Lopez, Orcas and Spring Street High schools. In fact, I believe that Rachel Van Hyning-Domico, now president of Island Artisans, was a scholarship winner some years ago.

Now there is no Mickey Mouse about this benefit. The scholarship winners, voted in by Island Artisans each year, come from all the islands and their grants come when they submit their application to their school of choice. The total amount raised to date is over $150,000.

It has been well worth it, helping to launch and to enhance many exciting careers.

Come out to Friday Harbor Elementary School Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and Nov. 30, and see for yourself what it's all about. Music, art, crafts, clothing and talent by the bushel.

Good food and friends, too.

Friday Harbor 340 Argyle Ave • 378-4622 Open 7 Days a Week 8-6 Mon - Sat • 9 -5 Sun

Holiday lights recycling program

Drop off your old light sets or extension cords and 100% proceeds go to help children in our area with cancer Info: www.lightsforlifeinc.com

Entertainment sparkles on 'Night of Stars' O

ld friends and familiar faces will share the spotlight at San Juan Community Theatre's 2013 Holiday Festival: A Night of Stars.

The Community Theatre welcomes back former executive director Merritt Olsen as master of ceremonies for this year's winter time celebration, the theatre's biggest, most elaborately orchestrated and most entertaining fundraiser of the year, and kick off to its 25th anniver-

S A

sary year.

The theatre also welcomes back hometown auctioneer extraordinaire Trish Lehman, protege of the iconic Burl Osbourne, to choreograph

the ever-popular live auction.

As always, a long list of tantalizing items will be featured in the live and silent auctions: fine art, the return of CATS' "Magic Bus", an aerobatic plane ride and stay in an Italian villa, to name a few (for a list of auctions items, www.sjctheatre.org).

Chef Bill Shaw will be back with his Roche Harbor Resort crew to offer a wide array of gourmet appetizers and fine wines at their popular live cooking stations, con-

veniently situated in the theatre foyer.

And what would any theatre event be without a little song and dance?

Theatre mainstays Penelope Haskew, Amanda Smith, Jill Urbach and Scott Mapstead will perform an assortment of musical numbers before the

evening winds to a close with dancing on stage to the sounds of the San Juan Island Jazz Quintet, accompanied

by Urbach on vocals. Doors

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ing h t o l All C Off

50%

Contributed photos/SJCT

Merritt Olsen returns to emcee the "Night of Stars", a Theatre fundraiser, featuring live and silent auctions, gourmet appetizers, entertaiment, and dancing on stage.

IMA art extravaganza

Acces 30%sories

Off

4 Hour Sale Fri. Nov. 29 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Be Chic Boutique 360.378.6454

125 Spring Street

open at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets ($100 per person) are available by calling Chance Earle at 3783211, ext. 32.

Join us all Thanksgivng Weekend for Hot Cider.

Contributed art/IMA

Above; "Reflections," a painting

by Alison Engle

A

rt lovers, your ship has come in, and just in time for the holiday shopping season, too.

Artistic creations of no fewer than 37 local artists will be featured all under one roof, as the Islands Art Museum presents a multimedia exhibit showcasing the work of many of its regular artists for the second straight holiday season.

Entitled "Echoes of the Tides," the month-long

Enjoy some cookies and personal visit with your neighbors!

130 First Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360.378.3433 www.arcticravengallery.com

exhibit of visual art, featuring paintings, pottery, textiles, photography, sculptures, jewelry, and more, gets under way Saturday, Nov. 23, 5-8 p.m., with an opening reception at the museum's new home, 540 Spring Street.

The exhibit will be open weekends, Fridays and Saturdays, 4-8 p.m., and Sundays, 2-5 p.m., Nov. 23 through Dec. 22. Various artists will be on hand over the course of the monthlong run and exhibit-goers are encouraged to browse the art on display and to linger, and to enjoy complimentary cookies, coffee and conversation with fellow art enthusiasts. Pieces of art on display are also available for purchase, and may prove to be the perfect gift for that someone special on your holiday gift list.

For more information, contact IMA, 370-5050, or, visit www.imaartistregistry. com.

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Together to celebrate on Thanksgiving Day

Contributed photos

Far left; Pecan or pumpkin pie for dessert? Below, volunteer cooks at your service; above, dinner is served.

A volunteer crew of 30 islanders is getting ready to cook and serve the 16th Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.

No fewer than 400 San Juan islanders regularly attend this free, all-community event at the Grange Hall on First Street in Friday Harbor.

Organized by Minnie Knych and founded by Kerwin Johnson, the dinner features service, clean-up and dishwashing by San Juan Island Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H members and member of the high school's Leo Club.

The dinner is free. Island service clubs contribute money and volunteer time, and King’s Market provides the turkeys - 25 last year. Volunteer cooks pick up the turkeys already in cooking bags and baking pans and then roast them on Thanksgiving morning.

For more info or to volunteer, call Minnie Knych at 378-7040.

9th annual 5K Turkey Trot

Y

ou can work up an appetite for Thanksgiving Dinner and assist the Friday Harbor Food Bank and the Friday Harbor Animal Protection Society by strapping on those running shoes and participating in the 9th Annual San Juan Island Turkey Trot.

The weather forcast is favorable.

Friday Harbor Suites is once again the starting and finishing points for the five kilometer (3.1 mile) run, sponsored once again by Kings Market, Friday Harbor Suites, and San Juan Island Fitness.

Day of the run registration begins at 8 a.m., at Friday

Contributed photo

Above; turkey trotters braved snow and ice, and a 5K course, in '09.

Harbor Suites; the Trot gets under way at 9 a.m.

Adult registration: $5 plus two cans of food; children

under 12, $2 plus two cans of food.

For more information, 378-4449.

Warmest Holiday wishes from Roy, Anne, & Angela

t th e Suppor e Center c R e s ou r Family ith our w ree Angel T

Furniture • Printers • Ink • Fine Art Supplies • Cards Children’s Arts & Crafts • Party Supplies & Balloons

Thank you for shopping locally!

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Buy 2 or more child ren’s gifts for a chance to win the large Sea Turtle! drawing at end of Jan. ‘14

Theatre triple-play of holiday entertainment Family Film Night: "The Muppet Christmas Carol" in HD! Be sure to take time out to enjoy the lighter side of the holidays, and in highdefinition, no less.

San Juan Community Theatre will present the 1992 family musical classic "The Muppet Christmas Carol", in its Holiday Family Film Night, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m.

The film, starring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and actor Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, will be

shown in high definition (blu-ray) in the Whittier Theatre, using the theatre's new sound and projection equipment that was made possible through a generous donation by the late Dodie Gann.

Based on the timehonored story by Charles Dickens, the Muppet movie adaptation features contemporary songs and a good deal of humor, while faith-

fully following Dickens' story line to its heartwarming conclusion. And to add just a bit more holiday cheer to the afternoon, free popcorn and soda will be available during the matinee.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students. For information, 378-3210, or www.sjctheatre.org.

Contributed photo/SJCT

San Juan Singers

Gallery 9 LOCAL

San Juan Singers Holiday Concert It's the annual winter time concert that's so nice that they do it twice.

San Juan Community Theatre will host back-toback performances by San Juan Island's very own San Juan Singers, Saturday, Dec.

ARTISTS!

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LOCAL ART BY LOCAL ARTISTS! 60 First Street FH WA 360-378-9193 online at: www.gallery9art.com

'Christmas Carol', the lighter side Writer Christopher Durang puts a different spin on Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" by asking a simple question: What if Mrs. Cratchit wasn't so goody-goody, but instead was an angry, stressed out modern day American woman who wanted nothing more to do with her harsh London 1840s life?

San Juan Community Theatre presents Durang's parody of the classic Christmas tale in its holiday season production of "On Book! Readers Theatre," directed by John Davis and featuring a cast of local actors.

Performances are Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19-20, at 7:30 p.m.; admission is free.

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14, and the following day as well, Sunday Dec. 15.

Tailor made for the holidays, Saturday's performance of "A Night Before Christmas", begins at 7:30 p.m., and will be followed by a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

With a little bit of storytelling, a little bit of audience-choir sing along, and a cup of hot cider perhaps at intermission, the show promises to put you in the mood for a rousing holiday celebration at your own home. The choir, directed by Angel Michaels, welcomes special guest appearances by island carolers and cameos

by Mary WillAllen on the harp, Jenepher Reeves on keyboards, and Nathaniel Leonard and Guthrie Burnett-Tison on the flute and the penny whistle, too.

Admission is $17 for adults, $9 students, and $5 RUSH, day of the show.

For more information, contact SJC Theatre, 378-3210, www.sjctheatre.org.

Business sponsor for SJ Singers holiday concert is Lake Kennedy McCulloch CPAs.

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Tradition on display in Dance of the Elders Cultural customs from south-of-theborder featured in back-to-back events Easter, Christmas and the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe are the most important Catholic Church holidays for Latinos in America and in Mexico.

The feast of the apparition of the Virgin Mary on Dec. 12, preceded by the Dance of the Elders procession through Friday Harbor on Dec. 11, is a major Catholic holy days for the Spanish-speaking community in Friday Harbor.

More than 100 Latino and Anglo parishioners join pastor Fr. Hung Nguyen and retired pastor Fr. Raymond Heffernan in the colorful and meaningful ceremonies.

Wooden clogs, colorful sarapes and “old man” masks accent the Dance of the Elders, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the Port of Friday Harbor parking lot.

The dozen or so dancers make a distinctive clacketing sound as they execute a variety of folk dance routines to mariachi music, with a four-foot tall statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe hefted by four young men following along behind.

The Dance of the Elders is an ancient pre-Columbian ritual celebrating Huehueteotl, a fire god associated with the sun and often depicted as an old man. Sometime after Cortez, the Catholic missionaries appropriated the

dance of the old men as part of the vigil of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The dances, which are practiced by the young dancers for weeks before the celebration, still carries the idea of rebirth or rejuvenation of the cane-carrying, bent-over “old men” who come alive by dancing,

using the canes as dancing props and becoming progressively more lively as the procession follows Spring Street to Price Street, then down Price Street to St. Francis Church, where the Lady is presented to the Church and everyone proceeds indoors for celebration of a Mass.

The mass marks the beginning of a vigil ending at first light, followed later in the afternoon with a Mass celebrating three appearances of the Blessed

Journal file photo

A statue of the Virgin Mary is carried by the procession of the Dance of the Elders, a south-of-the-border holiday tradition.

Virgin to a newly converted man named Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, later sainted by the Catholic Church.

The entire area of the apparition is now a major pilgrimage site and contains the original chapel commemorating the apparition, a 16th century “old basilica” and a new basilica, constructed in 1974-1976, that can hold 50,000 worshippers.

The image of the Virgin surrounded by roses and other symbols is now a major religious and cultural icon, emblematic of the struggle for independence and carried by the armies of Miguel Hidalgo and Emiliano Zapata in the wars for independence.

After the mass on Dec. 12, celebrants will enjoy a Mexican fiesta, with southof-the-border foods, music and entertainment, starting at about 6:30 p.m. at the San Juan Fairgrounds.

St. Francis Church will also observe a traditional holiday Mass on Christmas Eve, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and Christmas Day, beginning at 9 a.m.

Journal file photo

The Dance of the Elders features colorful costumes, wooden clogs.

—Steve Wehrly

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Ring in the New Year Stage Left sparks fly in flair with Island Rec in 'Other Desert Cities' Get an early start to 2014 at the Community New Year's Eve Celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Brickworks.

Co-sponsored by Island Rec and San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, the

family friendly celebration begins at 7 p.m., and will feature a whole host of time-honored new year's traditions and activities for all ages, like music, dancing, entertainment, contests, and more.

Clocks will be set to Eastern Standard Time, so party-goers will ring in the new year at 9 p.m., three hours before the clock strikes

midnight on the West Coast.

The celebration is free and open to the public. Children 13 years of age or younger must be chaperoned by an adult. Party-goers are encouraged to bring a snack to share or sweet treat to contribute in potluck style.

For more information, contact Island Rec, 3784953, or visit www.islandrec.org

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from your friends at…

Serving all the islands P.O. Box 815 1385 Beaverton Valley Road Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone: 360 378-1900 Fax: 360 378-1901 Cell: 360 378-7842 dave@igswa.com

Give the Gift of Island Art this Holiday Season

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270 Spring Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360 378-6550 www.islandstudios.com

T

here's a painful secret at the heart of Jon Robin Baitz’s award-winning dramatic production, “Other Desert Cities,” one that certain members of the fictional Wyeth family would prefer to stay tucked away and out of sight.

Other family members are prepared to share it with the world, however; and strife erupts over the Christmas holiday in the ensuing, enlightening and entertaining tug-ofwar that sets the ambitions of liberal-minded daughter Brooke, a oncepromising but now struggling novelist, against the wishes and vulnerabilities of her highly successful, unflinchingly intelligent, conservative parents, living a life of ease while basking in well-earned retirement in the comforting climate of Palm Springs.

Beginning Friday, Nov. 15, Island Stage Left presents “Other Desert Cities,” winner of the 2011 Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play award and 2012 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, in a six-week slate of performances in the Marie Boe Building of the county fairground in Friday Harbor.

Baitz, creator of the acclaimed televi-

sion drama "Brothers & Sisters", infuses his award-winning drama with provocative characters and a captivating, healthy dose of both humor and wit (as well as a happy ending).

The compelling and intriguing combination earned the play sweeping critical acclaim: “superbly crafted,” “funny, cutting and illuminating,” “smart, entertaining”; and the praise goes on.

Filled with clever, biting exchanges among family members who know precisely how to push one another's buttons, Other Desert Cities is widely hailed as a sizzling comedy with banter that dazzles and disturbs, making it one of the most thought-provoking and fulfilling grown-up plays of the past decade.

Evening performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees, 4 p.m. (Wednesday, Nov. 27 performance in lieu of Thanksgiving).

For more info, production schedule, visit, www.islandstageleft.org.

Ideas for recycling your Christmas Tree Soil erosion barriers • Bird feeders Mulch • Recycling program

Roche Harbor 'Holiday Block Party' The annual Roche Harbor Neighborhood Block Party, now an invitation-only event to comply with state liquor regulations, will once again occupy the late afternoon and early evening of Saturday, Dec. 14. The festivities include a lighted local boat parade, a visit from Santa Claus and seasonal music and treats.

On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, the Roche Harbor Chapel will celebrate Midnight Mass.

Once again, Roche Harbor is planning a special New Year’s celebration on New Year’s Eve. For location, kick-off time and other details, call Roche Harbor after Dec. 1.

For more info, call Roche Harbor at 378-2155 or go to rocheharbor.com.

Embrace the season of giving The Friday Harbor Food Bank each week provides basic, necessary and healthy food to an average of 120 households.

That translates into providing basic and healthy food to about 1,100 individuals on a monthly basis. The number of those seeking assistance continues to increase as the economy is slow to recover - especially for the working poor.

And in the winter months, the Food Bank sees the most need for its services.This winter promises to be more challenging than ever due to the reduction in programs that help children and families, such as Food Stamps, Women-Infants-and-Children, child care assistance, etc.

The increase in the cost of food affects

all of us. Surely you have noticed how much more you are paying for food. The Food Bank certainly has. This increase in the cost of food—no matter where you buy it—is something everyone experiences.

The Food Bank runs an efficient, bare bones operation; volunteers do the food ordering, shelf stocking, and staffing Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 2 p.m.

Donations are accepted 11 a.m. to noon, or by appointment. Volunteers are needed to assist on days open. Leave a message, 3784640, or stop by during open hours.

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Ahoy! Santa Ship, Lighted Boat Parade in the harbor

T ®

Originals

Holiday Wish List

50 First Street

360-378-2051

Friday Harbor

® LEVIN Registered Copyrighted Designs ©

he Santa Ship will make its 53rd sojourn to San Juan Island, Saturday, Dec. 21.

That's not a misprint. It's No. 53.

For more than half a century the Jolly 'Ol Elf has sailed into Friday Harbor to grace the island with the special sort of holiday cheer that only he can deliver, collecting Christmas wishes and mingling with a throng of adoring fans as he goes, and to doublechecking to make sure who's been naughty or nice. If you're not sure which of the two lists Journal file photo you're on, it might be wise A Santa fan gets a touch of magic from Jolly 'ol St. Nick himself. to get down to Spring Street Landing early to have enough But plan ahead, because the festivities time and space to make a good impression. begin even before Chris Kringle and comLook for Santa and his merry band of pany arrive. elves to make landfall at about 5:45 p.m.

The opening act of the evening's doubleAfter a meet-and-greet at the landing, it's bill is the indomitable Lighted Boat Parade. off to the convalescent center and Friday Sponsored by San Juan Island Yacht Club, Harbor Middle School for Father Christmas the annual parade features a flotilla of boats and crew, hitching a ride onboard a shining — large and small — decorated and illumired and white fire engine and under escort nated in their holiday finest. The fleet sets of Friday Harbor's finest. sail from Shipyard Cove shortly after 5 p.m.

The longest-running holiday tradition on and will make two tours of the harbor, passSan Juan Island, bar none, the Santa Ship ing twice within a few feet of Spring Street is co-sponsored by the Lions and Kiwanis Landing, before setting course back to the clubs. cove, or safe harbor beyond.

Browne’s Home Center wants to thank you for shopping locally Channelock tools and toolboxes make great gifts!

Don’t forget to prep your vehicle for the winter.

Check out our Carhartt section! We have men’s and women’s winter outer wear.

Wide selection of power tools for the do it yourselfer.

Warm up your life with this toasty electric fireplace…

We have a large selection of Holiday gifts, decorations and wrapping paper

w w w. b r o w n e s h o m e c e n t e r. c o m 860 Mullis Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 | Open Weekdays 7am - 6pm, Weekends 8am - 5pm

Wednesday, Nov. 27 Tuesday Dec. 24

•Island Studios Annual Holiday Ornament Challenge. Every day, island artists create unique holiday ornaments and Island Studios customers vote for their favorites. Voters are entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate; the artist whose ornament receives the most votes will have a $100 donation made to the artist's favorite charity. Ornaments can be purchased for pick-up on Christmas Eve.

Thursday, Nov. 28

•15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Free, The Grange, Friday Harbor, Noon to 5 p.m. Info: Minnie or Jim Knych, 378-7040.

Friday, Nov. 29 Saturday, Nov. 30

•10 a.m. to 5 p.m., & Sat., Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. San Juan Island Artisans 35th annual Holiday Marketplace.

Free at the Friday Harbor Elementary School on

Grover St. The 'best of the best' creations by fifty-five San Juan Island artists who sell their unique, hand-made arts and crafts just in time for holiday gift giving. Soaps, lotions, jewelry, clothing, cards, paintings, island-made foods, scenic photography and much more. Delicious snacks by Cynthia's of Course. Fundraiser for the Island Artisans Scholarship Fund. For more info, Rhonda Scott at 298-0300 or email: retrorose@rockisland.com.

Saturday, Nov. 30 Tuesday, Dec. 31

•The Annual Waterworks Gallery Amazing Holiday Show. Sun. Dec. 1 - Sun. Dec. 8, "Color It Red" annual holiday promotion; 10% off. 315 Argyle Street. The best works at Waterworks Gallery come together for the Amazing Holiday Show, Features new works by gallery artists including Georgia Gerber, Amanda Richardson, Michael Dickter and many others. Jewelry Amazing Holiday Reception Saturday November 30th, 4-7 PM. Info, call Ruth, 378-3060; www.waterworksgallery.com.

Saturday, Nov. 30

•Noon - 4 p.m., Wine tasting holiday event, San Juan Vineyards, 3162 Roche Harbor Road. Info: sjvineyards@rockisland.com, 360378-9462.

Saturday, Nov. 30

•Gallery 9, 60 First St., 4 p.m., Men's Night Out and Holiday Show.

Monday, Dec. 2

•11:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Annual League of Women Voters Christmas Lunch and silent auction of holiday food and baked goods at The Brickworks. $28 per person.

Lunch is catered by Coho Restaurant; wine is available. Program: The Politics of Food by Boyd Pratt. Food and GMO issues in local farming context. Info, reservations: Clare, 378-3373.

Thursday, Dec 5

Ian Byington Barbershop Singers. Info: 378-3949, sjmuseum.org.

Thursday, Dec. 5

•5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Matt Gano poetry reading.

Brickworks.

Friday, Dec. 6

•4:30 p.m. Island Lights Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony, Memorial Park, foot of Spring St. Christmas Decorating Contest winners announced and prizes awarded. Caroling. Info: Chamber of Commerce, 378-5240.

Friday, Dec. 6 Saturday, Dec. 7

•Resurrection Salmon Derby, $10,000 first prize.

100 boats. Weigh-in at Friday Harbor Seafood on the dock.

Info: Kevin Klein, 317-4161; Jay Field, 293-6450.

Saturday, Dec. 7 •5 to 8 p.m. Annual Saturday, Dec. 21 old-fashioned Holiday Celebration, San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price St. Chili and Ivar's Clam Chowder, hot cider, bonfire, singing, music by

•10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Farmers Markets.

Saturday, Dec. 7

•Craft Fair and Flea Market, Main Exhibit Bldg.,

Journal file photo

Creating holiday ornaments is a favorite activity at SJI Library.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Unique bargains and holiday shopping.

Vendor space available. Info: 378-4310 or jennifer@sjcfair. org.

Saturday, Dec. 7

•English Camp Barracks, San Juan Island National Historical Park. Oldfashioned Holiday Social, noon to 3 p.m. Merriment, carols, contra dancing, treetrimming and cooking potluck.

Saturday, Dec. 7

•5 p.m. San Juan Community Theatre annual Holiday Festival & 25th Anniversary Season kickoff, Whittier Theatre, $100 per person. Fundraiser, with live and silent auctions, Trish

Lehman and special guest Merritt Olsen, auctioneers.

Live cooking, fine wines and gourmet appetizers by Roche Harbor's Bill Shaw and staff.

Entertainment by Penelope Askew, Amanda Smith, Jill Urbach and Scott Mapstead.

Dancing to San Juan Island Jazz Quintet. Info & tickets, Chance Earl, 3878-3211 ext.

32.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

•Dance of the Elders, 5:30 at Port of FH parking lot, parade up Spring Street to St. Francis Church.

Thursday, Dec. 12

•St. Francis Catholic Church. 5:30 p.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe mass followed See CALENDAR, Next page

360-378-8260 Check out iPhones Our shop is filled with the latest high-tech and iPads goodies & fun stocking thestuffers.

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Happy Holidays from all of us at Harbor Rental & Saw Shop www.harborrentalandsaw.com • 890 Guard Street • Friday Harbor • 378-2220

Serving the San Juans since 1994 • www.sanjuanwireless.com • 360-378-8260 Fax: 360-378-8261 • 818 Mullis Street • Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Calendar:

Continued from previous pg. by a Fiesta at Mullis Senior Center.

Saturday, Dec. 14

•Roche Harbor. Annual Roche Harbor Christmas Block Party, Roche Harbor Village. Lighted boat parade, free photos with Santa, complimentary seasonal hors d'oevres. Info: 800-451-8910.

Don’t forget the boat-lover on your list this year

Saturday, Dec. 14 Sunday, Dec. 15

Beauty-Full Gift Certificates!

Beauty Technicians for your every need

... for those who have everything:

Manicures • Pedicures • Ear piercing Hair Cuts • Styling for that Special Day! 300 Spring Street

378-2222 for appointments

•(7:30 p.m.) (2 p.m.).

Whittier Theatre. San Juan Singers Holiday Concert, "A Night Before Christmas."

Directed by Angel Michaels.

Old and new favorites, Santa invited, hot cider.

Adults, $17; students, $9; RUSH, $5. Info: 378-3210, sjctheatre.org.

Sunday, Dec. 15

• 1 - 4 p.m. Lime Kiln State Park. 10th Annual Tours to the Top of the Lighthouse and open house at Keeper's Residence. Hot chocolate, cookies, campfire, caroling. Info: 3782044.

Saturday, Dec. 21

• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday

Harbor House, Christmastheme interactive cooking demonstration with Chef Aaron Rock. $55/person; $95/couple. Reservations, 866-722-7356.

• 5:00 p.m., Lighted boat parade and Santa ship in Friday Harbor. Leaves Shipyard Cove to Spring Street Landing, followed by children's toys by Santa at Middle School Commons.

One night free moorage for lighted boat participants.

Sunday, Dec. 22

• 2 p.m. The Muppets Christmas Carol in HD. Whittier Theatre. All the favorite muppets and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Adults, $5, students $3. Free popcorn and soda. Info: 378-3210, sjctheatre.org.

Sunday, Dec. 29

• 2 p.m. Whittier Theatre. Verdi's FALSTAFF live in HD from the Met. James Levine, Director.

Adults, $20; students, $10.

Monday, Dec. 31

• Island Rec's New Year's Even Community Celebration, Mullis Center.

Alcohol-free celebration with music, entertainment, dancing, games, contests.

Youths 12 and under accompanied by adult. Time set to

Eastern Standard Time.

Sat., Jan. 4

• All islands. Annual Christmas Bird Count.

Extra counting days three days before and after Jan. 4. Looking to count all birds, but esp. small hawks, mourning doves, owls, hummingbirds, sapsuckers, shrikes, jays, and western bluebirds. Info: Barbara Jensen, 378-3068. More info at birds.audubon.org/ christmas-bird-count

New Year begins with Christmas Bird Count S an Juan Islands Audubon began their count in 1984 and now 114 years later the birding continues.

The annual Audubon event is Saturday, Jan. 4. The count area includes most of Lopez, all of Shaw, about a third of Orcas and most of San Juan Island. Hundreds of people have participated over the years by either walking, driving, or going by boat.

Some routes are established and some people just monitor their own backyard, neighborhood or bird feeder. Young and old, experienced and inexperienced birders are welcome. We always need more people to cover many areas.

From bird hunts to bird counts In 1900 ornithologist Frank Chapman along with other conservationist were disturbed at the slaughter of birds in the annual holiday event called the "side hunt.” The team that shot the most birds and other small animals was the winner. As a protest, Chapman organized 27 friends in 25 locations on Christmas Day, 1900 to count live animals instead of shooting them. The CBC became an annual event and chapters across North America started their own count.

Each Audubon chapter chooses a 24-hour time period from the middle of December to early January for their count. The area covered is a 15-mile diameter wide circle of about 177 square miles. Every bird seen or heard is counted. There is also a threeday period on each end of the count day to record birds not always seen on the day of

Contributed photos, top left, bottom; Journal file photo above

Above; Trumpter swans are a familiar sight among the marshes and lakes of San Juan Island’s Lakedale Resort. Left, a blue-wing teal can be identified fairly easily because of the color of its tail feathers. A cross bill sports markings of autumn orange and gold.

Birders can take a bit of a break in the waning days of the year. The 2013 Christmas Bird Count, an annual tally of all species of birds across the nation and in San Juan County, will take place Jan. 4, 2014, in the San Juans.

See COUNT, Next page

Thanksgiving Sale r e t f A

November 29 thru December 3, 2013

KINGS MARINE CENTER

Santa Claus

will be here

Sat., Nov. 30 10 am to 1 pm Upstairs in Kings Marine

SHOES, JACKETS, CLOTHING HATS & GLOVES

Storewide

30% Off

9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. DAILY • OPEN FRIDAY, Nov. 29 to 7 p.m.

ALL FISHING TACKLE

RODS & REELS TOO! CAMPING GEAR MARINE SUPPLIES KAYAK ACCESSORIES BOOKS

Use our Elevator on the corner

5

Days Only

ON THE CORNER AT...

JOE FRIDAY’S EVERYTHING

40% Off TEES & SWEATSHIRTS

Layaway Available!

Sales Are Limited To Supply On Hand • First Come, First Served • 378-4593

Meat, Cheese & Veggie Trays from our Deli …for your holiday festivities, football-viewing parties & get-togethers with friends.

Contributed photos, at top , far right; left, Journal file photo

Above, a pair of surf scoters ply the waters in the nearshore; far right, a Western blue bird keeps a watchful eye; far left, an adult bald eagle finds a perch by a San Juan Island pasture.

Let us do the preparation for you!

Stop by our Bakery Department for traditional pumpkin pies & try our delicious specialty breads.

Count:

Continued from page 13 the count. More information about the CBC can be found at National Audubon’s website: http://birds.audubon. org/christmas-bird-count

Check out the Deli Department for fresh, homemade salads & pick-up a party tray brochure. Great accompaniments to your holiday feast!

We’ve got ALL the Holiday Trimmings!

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-9pm Sunday 10am-8pm

376-6000

Why count birds?

Books, Calendars, Journals Music and Intriguing Gifts for all ages & interests Serving Batdorf and Bronson coffee Open Daily 7:30 ~ 5:30 376.2135

FREE GIFT WRAPPING

So why is this data important? Bird populations are indicators of the overall health of our environment.

As the database continues to grow and becomes long-term, it is possible to monitor the abundance and distribution patterns of wintering bird populations.

Results from the counts can be found at http://netapp. audubon.org/cbcobservation/.

Even if you don’t count please let us know if you see any of these species three days on each side of the count, or let us know ahead of time so we can look for them: small hawks, mourning doves, owls, hummingbirds, sapsuckers, shrikes, jays, and western bluebirds.

If you live on the shoreline we need your help with shorebirds and marine birds.

For more information and to join call Barbara Jensen at 378-3068.

bistro, raffle for gift baskets.

•Friends of the Library Holiday Tea, 1 to 4 p.m., enjoy tea and cookies while you listen to music or make a craft. At 2 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit.

Dec. 7 and Dec. 8

Contributed photo

The Orcas Island Community Band will be in concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Orcas Center at 2 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 28

• O d d f e l l o w s Thanksgiving Dinner, 4:30 p.m. Turkeys and tableware provided; bring a beverage and a dish: A-M – favorite side dish; N-R – salad, bread or rolls; S-Z – dessert.

Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30

•Olga Symphony’s annual big show on Orcas Center's main stage, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.

Saturday, Nov. 30

•Holiday Festival of the Arts at the Orcas Senior Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gifted island artists are offering arts, crafts, live music, food and more – plus a visit from Santa.

•Children’s Christmas Market, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salmonberry School. It is an opportunity for young crafters to sell their wares.

Sunday, Dec. 1

•Orcas Off-Leash Area will host its annual holiday photo shoot for pets, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the vacant space next to Pawkis on Main Street.

Dec. 1, 6 and 22

•Advent worship servic-

es, 9:30 a.m., Orcas Island Community Church.

Dec. 1 to Jan. 1

•Third Annual Rosario Festival of Trees, local non-profit organizations decorate holiday trees in the Moran Mansion for the public to vote on their favorites. All $1 tickets are entered into raffle drawings for two nights in Seattle, spa membership and dinner for two at Rosario. All proceeds go to non-profits along with a donation from Rosario.

Dec. 6, 7, and 8

•Kick off your holiday shopping with Shop the Rock on Orcas Island, special discounts for shoppers.

Friday, Dec. 6

•Artisan’s Faire at the Odd Fellows Hall, featuring arts, crafts, gifts and food. Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m., Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

•Orcas Choral Society holiday concerts, Orcas Center, featuring old and new favorites. Dec. 7 performance is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 is at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15, $5 students.

•Celtic Christmas and Orcas musicians, 7 p.m., Orcas Community Church, Windham Hill artist Jeff Johnson, Irish flutist Brian Dunning and American violinist Wendy Goodwin.

Dec. 9 to 13

•Open house at San Juan Propane (1593 Mt. Baker Road), all proceeds go to the food bank. Refreshments from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., buy a raffle ticket to win a propane-powered generator or give a food donation and receive a raffle ticket to win 100 gallons of propane.

Dec. 12 and Dec. 13

•Annual tree lighting ceremony, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Eastsound Village Green, music by the Orcas Island Community Band, cider and cookies, visit from Santa with toys for children.

Tree lighting is at 5 p.m.

•Pianist Viktor Valkov and Cellist Lachezar Kostov in the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s “Leaves of Gold” Fundraising Concert, Rosario Resort, 6 p.m.

Tickets are $150; call 3766636.

•American Legion Auxiliary’s Holiday Bazaar at the legion post home, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring local vendors, bake sale and soup

•Orcas Island Community Band in concert at Orcas Center, 2 p.m., admission by donation. The band performs a wide vari-

Saturday, Dec. 7

Saturday, Dec. 14

ety of music. Join in the carols sing-a-long and the free dessert party afterwards.

•The 22nd annual Candlelight Spiral Walk, 1 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall.

Sunday, Dec. 15

•The Met: Live in HD presents Verdi’s “Falstaff,” 1 p.m., Orcas Center.

•Lions Club Christmas Ship at the Orcas ferry landing, 11:30 a.m. Santa, pirates and clowns.

•An ecumenical candlelight reflection of contemplative prayer and music, 5 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal

Parish.

•Annual kids Christmas musical, 9:30 a.m. Orcas Island Community Church.

Friday, Dec. 20

•Rock on the Rock Singers and Musical Theater Youth Troupe will perform holiday favorites at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22

•Festival of Lessons and Carols, followed by cider and cookies, 5 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Parish.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Traditional Christmas Eve service with Eucharist at 8 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Parish.

•Christmas eve candlelight service with carols and more, 6 p.m., Orcas Island Community Church.

Wednesday, Dec. 25

•Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Parish.

Friday, Dec. 27

•Yuletide Baroque Concert with Jeff Cohan, Martin Lund and Linda Tsatsanis, 4 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Parish.

•Family Service at 5 p.m.,

Christmas at your

Orcas Island Community Church

Celtic Christmas

Saturday, December 7th & Sunday December 8th (6 PM) Windham Hill composer and keyboardist, Jeff Johnson; Irish flutist, Brian Dunning and American violinist, Wendy Goodwin join us both nights. $10 suggested donation per person. Register online Friday: http://www.orcaschurch.org/#/home/events or Saturday: http://www.orcaschurch. org/#/home/events or call the church office (360-376-6422).

Annual Kids Christmas Musical Sunday December 15th (9:30 AM)

Nothing says Christmas like kids and this year is no exception. Join us for a joyous celebration of Christmas music with kids of all ages!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24th (6 PM)

An island tradition for 130 years, with all your favorite carols, candlelight and more.

Advent Worship Services

Sunday December 1st, 8th, & 22nd (9:30 AM) “The Paradox of Christmas”

For more info call Orcas Island Community Church office 360-376-6422 M-F, 10-3PM • www.OrcasChurch.org

Emmanuel Episcopal Parish of Orcas Island welcomes you to the season of Advent and Christmas!

December 15

An ecumenical Candlelight Reflection of contemplative prayer and music as we journey to Christmas at 5:00 p.m. in the Church.

All are welcome.

December 22

Festival of Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m. in the church, followed by cider and cookies.

All are welcome.

December 24

December 25

Family Service at 5 p.m.

Christmas morning!

Traditional Christmas Eve 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist service with Eucharist at 8 p.m.

December 27

Yuletide Baroque Concert with Jeff Cohan, Martin Lund and Linda Tsatsanis at 4 p.m. in the Church.

Terry Johnson Student Art Show – December The Olga Symphony – November 29 & 30 Orcas Choral Society – December 7 & 8 Orcas Island Community Band - December 14 Falstaff (The Met: Live in HD) – December 15

Fill your holiday with art!

www.orcascenter.org 360.376.2281

Premier Media Sponsor

Open House and food drive at San Juan Propane on Orcas Island • Come see the latest propane appliances.

• Local cookies & refreshments served daily.

• Enter to win a propane powered generator (tickets are $2 each or 3/$5, proceeds benefit the food bank) • With any sized food donation, get in on a raffle to win one of three 100 gallon gift certificates for propane. Donations accepted through the week. Let’s fill ‘em up!

We hope to see you at 1593 Mt. Baker Road from 10 am to 3 pm on Dec. 9-13, 2013

Holiday reads for under your tree

By Alfred Bentley of Darvill's Bookstore

24th ANNUAL

“Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown ($28.95, Viking)

This best-selling biography of the 1936 University of Washington crew team has been flying out the door. This year's must read true story.

Lonely Planet's “Real Wonders of the World” ($19.99, Lonely Planet) A “not-for-parents” gift book full of great graphics and facts about the coolest places on the planet.

“Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives” by Lola M. Schaefer

Lonely Planet's “Beautiful World” ($39.99, Lonely Planet) This gorgeous coffee table book is full of surprising, wonderful pictures and will inspire you to double-click on that travel ticket this winter.

($17.99, Chronicle)

For those who like a good read-aloud nature story, Lola M. Schaefer's Lifetime is just the ticket. A fun fact picture book for all ages.

“History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time” ($24.95, Workman)

This is a fun, interactive book based on some familiar and some maybe unfamiliar mysteries of the world: The Kennedy assassination; Roswell; D.B. Cooper; and the Spear of Destiny, just to name a few unsolved head-scratchers.

Honor your pet this season

Just in time for the holiday season, the Orcas Animal Shelter is offering bricks in its "Faithful Friends" garden.

With prices ranging from $50 to $150, you can honor or memorialize a pet or person with an inscribed brick.

Organizers say it's a great gift idea.

Visit the shelter at 84 Hope Lane or call 376-6777 for more information.

Time for holiday pet photos

Orcas Off Leash Area’s annual holiday pet photos are taking place on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the vacant space next to Pawkis on Main Street. No need to make an appointment and admission is by donation.

Bring your pets and come have a holiday pet photo made with Karen Greene and Damien Stark.

Everyone will leave with a glossy print in hand and with a link to download photos. Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated.

The event is an annual fundraiser to help with the See PET PHOTOS, Page 19

7th 8th

Let the spirit of gift giving begin

By Cali Bagby

L

ast year the Giving Tree at Island Market had a record number of tags hanging off its green branches.

“We were just shy of 200 tags, the biggest year we’ve ever had, which we kind of expected with the unemployment rate,” said Judy Lindgren, cashier at Island Market, who has helped with the Giving Tree for the last 13 years.

Each year forms are sent out to local schools for fami-

lies that are in need. They can request any items, but donors are asked to not exceed $100 when making purchases. Monetary items and very gently used items are also accepted. The forms are turned into anonymous tags or wish lists that adorn the Giving Tree located at the market.

The idea is to make sure that every child wakes up with presents under their trees, said Lindgren.

And every year the Giving Tree helps that vision become

a reality.

Lindgren is assisted on this task of giving with Erin O’Dell of Orcas Family Connections and Amber Paulsen of Kaleidoscope.

Since Nov. 22, islanders can pluck a tag from a tree and will have until Dec. 19 to return the presents back to the market.

The idea is that customers pick a tag and can purchase the items listed, but Lindgren said you don’t have to buy every-

Orcas Island Senior Center presents

Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join in the spirit of the season Gifted island artists are offering arts, crafts, live music food and more! Plus visit with Santa!

Ad paid for by Windermere Real Estate/Orcas Island

Monkey puzzle

One of a Kind. Wearable Art. Instant Style.

new location and new offerings The new Monkey Puzzle retail location and workshop is now open in Eastsound Square at 109 North Beach road, across from Templin’s Center, just in time for the holidays! We feature Sallie Bell’s one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing, furniture, home accessories and affordable gifts. Mention the magical number “7” when you come in, and we’ll give you a 15% discount on your purchase! We’re open 7 days a week, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come design your own jewelry and clothing in our workshop! Our “Men’s Night” will be on Thursday December 12th, 4-7 – so ladies, come in and make a wish list so that your husband or partner can get you the perfect holiday gift!

Stay tuned for our 2014 workshop schedule.

109 North Beach Rd. Eastsound, WA 360-376-2275

thing on the tag.

“If you get one item, we will do some shopping to finish it and that’s where monetary donations come in - like the donations from the Lions’ Club Chili Cook off,” she added. “We try to all work together.”

A new addition to the Giving Tree at the market this year is the Santa Mailbox.

The mailbox serves as a way for families to turn in wish lists for the Giving Tree or for children to write letters to Santa.

“The letters will be answered,” said Lindgren with a smile. “We just need a name and address.”

Shop locally at the holiday fairs

Enjoy a community Thanksgiving

Every year there are three big events on Orcas where you can find most of your Christmas gifts. They feature the work of island artisans and vendors – all at great prices.

Holiday Festival of Arts The Holiday Festival of Arts on Saturday, Nov. 30 will feature 45 artists this year with a variety of merchandise, ranging from candles and jewelry to woodworking and glass etching. Some of the artisans are new to the fair this year. The event is at the Orcas Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a bake sale with coffee and hot cider and panini sandwiches for lunch. Santa will make his first appearance of the season from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be available for pictures. Admission is $1 or a donation to the food bank.

Colleen Smith Armstrong photo

Locally made food items at last year's Festival of the Arts at the Orcas Senior Center.

The community is once again invited by the Oddfellows for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m.

“It is a community function that allows for a gathering of people to share a meal and enjoy the company of their fellow islanders,” said long-time organizer Bill Gincig.

The Oddfellows will supply the turkeys and tableware.

Everyone else should bring a beverage of their choice and a dish to share from the following list. A-M: Favorite side dish N-R: Salad, bread or rolls S-Z: Dessert “Feel free to bring your famous specialty dish instead of the suggested one from above if you so desire,” Gincig said.

Tables are arranged for eight and can be reserved for groups wanting to sit together. Plates of food can also be picked up by friends or family for shut-ins; call 376-8857 to arrange.

Holiday Bazaar The American Legion Auxiliary will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the legion on Crescent Beach Drive.

There are local craft vendors, a soup bistro with homemade soup, a bake sale and a raffle for three baskets. The baskets have a theme each year: holiday, bath and beauty and kitchen. The auxiliary members donate the items for the baskets. Auxiliary member Barbara Wieberg assembles the baskets each year.

“She is very talented, and the baskets are beautiful. We wouldn’t be as successful with the ticket sales if it wasn’t for Barbara,” say organizers.

Raffle tickets are on sale now and the auxiliary will be selling them at Island Market on Friday, Nov. 29 and Friday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m as well as at the bazaar on Dec. 7. The drawing for baskets will be at 3 p.m. that day.

All proceeds from the bazaar help fund scholarships the auxiliary awards to graduating seniors each year.

We make Christmas EASY! One-Stop Shopping

Artisan's Faire

Artisan's Faire returns to the Odd Fellows Hall, featuring arts, crafts, gifts and food. Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Kitchen will once again be serving up yummy food downstairs. There will be several gift baskets raffled off, anyone who makes a purchase at the fair will be entered in the raffle. This will be the 24th annual fair.

Pet Photos:

Monday-Saturday 11-5

Continued from page 17 operational costs of OOLA. Some of those costs include: weekly garbage collection year-round; dispensers and bags for cleaning up after pets; hand sanitizer dis-

pensers; wood chips; mowing in spring and summer; insurance for the board of directors. The expenses are around $5,000 per year.

Salt, honey, olive oil, vinegar, sweet and savory condiments line the shelves along with French ceramics, botanical dishes, candles, soaps and body creams.

Colorful French linens, cookbooks, house accessories and letterpress stationery round out the collection at Chez Chloé.

Cards, Wrapping Paper, Bows, Boxes, Decorations, Ornaments and…

A Glorious Selection of Gifts & Specialty Wine, Cider and Stocking Stuffers!!

Open Christmas Eve, Dec 24th 9 am - 5 pm

CHRISTMAS HEADQUARTERS

376-2230 376-3693 (After Hours) Templin Center Eastsound

Mon. – Sat., 10 – 5:30 Sun. 11 to 4

376-4580

ACCENT ACCESSORIES Antiques, Gifts, Jewelry, Orientalia, Persian Rugs

Elegant amaryllis, sweetly scented paperwhites, one of a kind gifts and floral arrangements 18 Haven Road, Suite 110 • Eastsound, WA 98245

“Treasures of the Heart” Open 11-6 • Our House Building Eastsound • 376-4538

Annual Christmas tree and wreath sales on Orcas

Montessori wreath sale

JILLERY …has handmade jewelry, slingshots, scarves, hats, handbags, gloves, glassware, garden art, local art, votives, vases, vintage baseballs, baskets, blackboards, bird-feeders, kaleidoscopes, keychains, candles, lanterns, lamps, local discounts, nightlights, masks, mirrors, mobiles, music boxes, floating balls, funny frogs, fancy hooks, faux books, driftwood angels, doorstops, treasure boxes, trash art, wind-chimes, wine flutes, soap, scoops, spoons, salad servers, paddles, ponchos, picture frames, giraffes, ornaments, owls, toucans, totem bowls and wooden bowls and a duck tape door knocker.

Contributed photo

Wylie Rose Haug, pictured above, is a current Montessori student.

The school's wreath sale is an Orcas Island holiday tradition.

Now in its 19th year, the Orcas Montessori School wreath sale is an Orcas Island holiday tradition, providing islanders and their friends with holiday décor while bringing vital funds to the Montessori school.

The wreaths are handmade of noble fir and decorated with blue-berried juniper, yellow tipped

incense cedar, pinecones and a festive red velvet bow.

Two sizes of wreaths are available: 24” wreaths for $26 and 36” wreaths for $36 each. Shipping service, for the 24” wreaths is available for an additional fee.

Order forms can be found at Orcas Montessori School, 1147 North Beach Rd. Online ordering is available at www.orcasmontessori.org.

Eastsound, Orcas Island 376-5522

American Legion Auxiliary's

Holiday Bazaar 10 am to 3 pm

OUR MUCH AWAITED ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE –SALE 20% OFF HOLIDAY – 20% OFF *just about everything, ** except Christmas Eve

Saturday, Dec. 7

Crow Crow Valley Valley Pottery Pottery “In “ In Town” “In Town”

HOLIDAY SALE!

American Legion Auxiliary's Friday, Saturday, Sunday Friday, Saturday, Sunday Holiday Bazaar at the legion Nov. 26, 27, 28 10Nov. tothrough 20% OFF* 26,Christmas 27, 28 post home. Local vendors, bakeOpen Late Fridays and Saturdays th Regular hours: Open daily 10 to 5Late 376-4260 • 296 Main Street, Downtown Friday, November 29 thruEastsound New Years Eve! Open Fridays and Saturdays through Christmas sale and soup bistro, raffle for daily 10 10 toto5,5Sundays 4 •Main **Closed Tuesdays RegularOpen hours: Open daily 376-4260 til’ • 296 Street, Downtown Eastsound amazing gift baskets.

376-4260 • 296 Main Street, Downtown Eastsound

Those who prefer to order by phone may contact Jamie Donatuto at 3762941. There will also be a rack of wreaths at Ray’s Pharmacy for the duration of the sale.

Salmonberry tree sale

Are you looking for a beautiful Christmas tree to brighten up your home for the holiday season?

Starting on Thanksgiving weekend, Salmonberry School is presenting its 4th Annual Christmas tree sale.

Look for the trees and the toasty wood stove at the corner of Henry Lane and North Beach Road. There will be several species to choose from including Noble, Grand, Douglas and Frasier firs in sizes from table tops to towers. While most of the trees are harvested from small family farms located in the Skagit Valley and Snohomish, this year the Lum Farm on Orcas will be offering live and u-cut trees from their Christmas tree farm as well.

“We strive to find healthy, sustainably harvested trees with no chemical treatment,” say organizers. “They are hand selected and freshly cut to ensure that needles stay on your tree right through the season, and they smell wonderful.”

As a part of this fundraiser, Salmonberry students made a pledge to replant at least one tree for every tree they sell. This November they visited the Beaverton Marsh wetlands rehabilitation project. This site, purchased by the San Juan County Land Bank, is being restored from a domestic cattle mono-crop grazing pasture to its original diverse wetland habitat.

Salmonberry students have twice previously visited the site and helped to plant willows, hawthorns, salmonberries and other shrubs.

This fall they checked on their previous plantings, some now five years old, and planted more trees.

Christmas trees will be available for purchase at Salmonberry School, 867 North Beach Rd., starting Saturday, Nov. 30. Hours will be 3 to 5 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. For more information, call Amy and Eric Lum at 376-4454.

make candle luminaries from up-cycled paper like music scores and children's books. Organic hot chocolate and cookies too.

Saturday, Dec. 14

•Christmas Cookie Sale 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Woodman Hall. Come and buy your holiday cookies, cakes, or pies. Cookies will be sold by the pound. All funds will go to operating expenses at Woodmen Hall.

•Women’s Christmas Tea 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Community Church Fellowship Hall. All women

are invited to attend, and there will be a Giving Tree set up to allow women to donate to the community in that way as well.

Saturday, Dec. 21

•Winter Solstice Concert with with Stanley & Kip Greenthal, Christos Govetas and Kim Goldov, 7:30 p.m., Lopez Center for Community and the Arts.

More info: www.lopezcenter.org.

Saturday, Jan. 4

•Christmas Bird Count.

The count area includes most of Lopez, all of Shaw,

about a third of Orcas and most of San Juan Island.

Even if you don’t count please let us know if you see any of these species three days on each side of the count or let us know ahead of time so the counters can look for them: small hawks, mourning doves, owls, hummingbirds, sapsuckers, shrikes, jays, and western bluebirds. If you live on the shoreline counters need your help with shorebirds and marine birds. For more information and to join call: Barbara Jensen, 378-3068.

Contributed photo / Audrey Rasmussen Bordvick

Friday, Nov. 29 Saturday, Dec. 7

A snow covered trail on Lopez Island. to

•Lopez Union Cemetery Christmas Wreath, Craft and Gift Sale.

•Lopez Cemetery workshop at Center Church, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Proceeds go to support Center Church and Union Cemetery.

Friday, Nov. 29

•Friends of the Library Book Sale; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Lopez Center for

Community and the Arts More info: www.lopezcenter.org.

•Lopez Village Lighting Gathering at 4:30 p.m., Village Lighting at 5 p.m.; Lopez Village Park More info: www.lopezisland.com.

Saturday, Nov. 30

•Lopez Island Preschool Holiday Bazaar; 10 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Lopez School Gymnasium •The Fifth Annual Jingle Bell Dinner; 6 p.m. at the

Lopez Community Center.

More Info: www.lopezcenter.org.

Saturday, Dec. 7

•Wreath making 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Lopez School Art Room.

Register at www.lopezislandfamilyresourcecenter. sportsites.com.

•Kids Make Ornaments 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Lopez Island Library - meeting room. Make ornaments for your tree and ours! Also

Holiday line-up makes Lopez glow bright

By Cali Bagby

C

hristmas is not just about unwrapping gifts and eating yummy food, it’s about building memories with the people you love. On Lopez those memories come in different shapes and sizes, but one important event that makes the holiday season special is the Village Lighting.

Started in 2003 with an informal group of islanders gathering together to drink hot chocolate, eat cookies, sing carols and watch as the holiday lights were turned on – it is still going strong today, no matter what the weather.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, Nov. 29, 4:30 - 6 p.m. at the Lopez Village Park and is the official kickoff of the holiday season, and is considered a destination event for tourists and part-time residents who come to Lopez as part of the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The gathering starts at 4:30 p.m. in the Lopez Village Park at the Water Tower. The event has fires to heat you on the outside, hot chocolate and cookies to toast your belly, and caroling to warm the heart. At 5 p.m. the park is lit, and the surrounding businesses, who stay open for the evening, also light up their shops.

Here are a few other big Holiday events to attend:

The Friends of the Library November Book Sale is at the Lopez Island Community Center, Friday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Red Bag Sale – you buy it for $20 and fill it for free – is back this year by popular demand.

There will be a huge selection of used books and videos and all proceeds benefit the Lopez Island Library.

The Holiday Wreath Sale is Nov. 29 - Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lopez Cemetery workshop. Decorations, evergreen swags and wreaths sales benefit the Lopez Island Union Cemetery and Center Church. Pre-orders are available at 468-3032. Proceeds go to support Center Church and Union Cemetery.

The Fifth Annual Jingle Bell Dinner is Saturday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m. at the Lopez Community Center. All proceeds benefit Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support.

This year special emphasis has been placed on acquiring special items, including the crown jewel of the auction, “Magnolia Blossom Tower of Jewels 1925,” an estate print by famed photographer Imogen Cunningham. Tickets to the Jingle Bell Dinner are $50, available exclusively at Paper Scissors on the Rock. All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will benefit Lopez Island Hospice & Home Support.

For more info, contact Lynne Keeley at 4684446, admin@lihhs.org.

See GLOW BRIGHT, Next pg. 23

Look for the newspaper insert flyer with Lopez Holiday business hours & more!

(360)468-4664 P. O. Box 102 Lopez Island, WA 98261

www.LopezIsland.com

Grab a tag, enjoy the spirit of holiday giving

A Store Store full of great

Giftt ideas Gif

By The Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Burton Holiday Open House Saturday December 7 - 9:30am to 6 pm We invite you to come in and discover beautiful and interesting ideas in jewelry and gifts that we provide or offer.

Featured Jewelry Show with Special Extended Displays from Some of Our Favorite Sources with Wonderful Savings Offered on Each Collection.

New Burton Custom Designs By Doug and Philip.

Dozens of Engagement Ring Styles from the Sholdt Design Collection.

Hundreds of Blue Sapphires from Sri Lanka presented by Shehan Stephen.

Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds including Yellow, Chocolate Colored, Pink, and Green.

Sirius Star Canadian Mined and Cut Diamonds with new faceting pattern that maximizes brilliance.

Extensive Gold Chain & Earring Collection displayed by Loren Leong.

Shimmering Diamonds Collection, a new setting technique, makes the diamond come alive!

Presented by Kim Stanger.

$1000 Shopping Spree Raffle To benefit the Anacortes 100 Food Bank. Tickets are $10 and on sale now in Burton Jewelers. Winner will be Drawn at Noon Saturday December 7.

G

ood shoes. Jackets and warm blankets.

Kid’s toys for the holidays. Cookware and food.

These are just a few of the many items that financially struggling families on Lopez need but are often unable to buy. To help address this need, the Lopez Island Family Resource Center will once again launch its Spirit of Giving Program.

The idea behind this program is to help relieve financial and emotional stress from parents and to bring joy to kids during the holidays. The holidays can be especially hard for financially struggling families.

Winter brings higher household expenses for things like heat, just at a time when the income stream for many families is less favorable than the warmer summer months when crops are growing and tourism is higher. Currently 52 percent of the children enrolled in the Lopez School District qualify for the federally funded Free and Reduced Lunch Program. During the two week school holiday break, families must provide breakfast and lunches for their children without this assistance. The LIFRC would like to make sure that all families are able to enjoy their holiday season, rather than be burdened by it.

Last year, 40 families including 92 children received help from the Spirit of Giving Program, and 48 households, including 182 individuals received Thanksgiving baskets.

Contributed photo

Lopez Island Family Resource Center will once again launch its Spirit of Giving Program.

Many volunteers have traditionally stepped up to help the LIFRC fund and coordinate these projects.

According to Celia Marquis, LIFRC Executive Director, “We would not be able to do this without the support of the local churches, grocers, and our giving community.”

This year, through the generosity of local church groups, participants in the Spirit of Giving Program will be entered in a drawing for one of twelve special baskets. These baskets include items that are both fun and useful for the family, such as candles, soaps, flashlights, tea and coffee, jams, gloves, family movies, drawing supplies, and more.

Additionally, quilts will be donated by The Enchanted Quilters to families that are in need as a part of their Comfort Quilts Programs.

Baked goods are also provided to families as a part of the program. Women that attend the annual Women’s Christmas Tea are asked

to donate a baked good that will go toward The Spirit of Giving Program.

The Women’s Christmas Tea is sponsored by the Community Church and will be held at the Community Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. All women are invited to attend, and there will be a Giving Tree set up to allow women to donate to the community in that way as well.

So how can you help?

There are several ways! We’d love for you to “Grab a Tag!” You can find these tags on Giving Trees that will be set up around the island.

Look for them at the Lopez Library, Islander’s Bank, The Bay Café, The Galley Restaurant, Sunset Builders, Lopez Village Market, the Women’s Christmas Tea, and the LIFRC office. We’ll also have a booth at the annual Preschool Bazaar.

Bring or mail items listed on the tag to the LIFRC office See GIVING, Next page

7TH & COMMERCIAL • ANACORTES • 293-6469 • TOLL-FREE 1-888-293-6469

"Holiday Art Walk” Friday Dec. 6 - 6 to 9pm

for your tree and ours - organic hot chocolate and cookies too!

Celebration of Scorpios Art Show…

Featuring the paintings of Guy Anderson, famed Northwest Mystic Painter and the sculptures of Philip McCracken, nationally acclaimed artist

Saturday, December 7th • 11-1 Lopez Library

Glow Bright: Continued from page 21

Lopez Island Preschool Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Lopez School Gymnasium. The annual arts and crafts show benefiting the Lopez Island Preschool will have lunch as well as a bake sale. Local Artisans and craftspeople will be there plus photos with Santa, as well as hourly raffle drawings for amazing prizes.

Check out the calendar of events for more winter events on the previous page.

Safe Holiday Travel tips By the Lopez Prevention Coalition

H

oliday travel can be tricky particularly if you find yourself heading for snow or get caught in icy rain. Make sure you’ve weatherized your vehicle. Check the tires, battery, brakes, hoses, radiator, wipers, heater and all those parts that could compromise the safety of your trip.

Keep the fuel tank full, don’t let it drop below half just in case you find yourself in less than favorable road conditions and make sure you’re prepared with jumper cables, chains, road flares and a good spare tire.

Most islanders carry extra blankets and water, just “in case” they miss the ferry but add to that list a flashlight, snacks, warm gloves, boots and a first aid kit during this time of the year. A five gallon

bucket with a lid makes a great “car kit” and keeps all the items from rolling around in the trunk.

It’s always a good idea to do a practice drill with your teens on how to safely change a tire; “jump” start a battery or put on a pair of chains. If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, double check the installation of their safety seat, and bring along a few extra diapers and warm change of clothes. As we close out the old year and greet the new one, The Lopez Island Prevention Coalition would like to remind everyone to drive and be safe, particular community members making plans to travel and celebrate with friends and family. This is a great time to gather friends and family and reflect on the past and share dreams of the future. As you celebrate, be responsible with your plans. Let friends and family know where you’re going. Think ahead

Lorna Reese / Contributed photo

A snowy Lopez in 2011.

when alcohol is involved and designate someone to remain sober. Above all, may your celebration be the beginning of the best year ever.

Giving:

Continued from previous pg.

by December 16th.

If you prefer, LIFRC can do the shopping for you.

Cash donations can mailed to LIFRC at PO BOX 732, or made online at www.lifrc. org. Or stop by our office in the village. We are on the top floor of the yellow Children’s Center Building.

New this year…All donations from new donors that are received by January 31, 2014 will be matched by the Medina Foundation up to $10,000. “It’s a great way for people to help others in need right here on our own island,” said Patsy Haber, LIFRC program coordinator. “We need the help of the community and hope you will Grab a Tag!” If you are interested in sponsoring an entire family, please feel free to call the LIFRC for more details at 468-4117.

REDUCE REUSE RECYLE

Happy Holidays from Lopez Village Properties!

Barbara Pickering Karlena Pickering 360.468.5055

Thank you for not driving distracted!

A message from The Lopez Island Prevention Coalition Lopez Island WA 98261 360-468-3770

HOMEWARD BOUND A Gift Store with Flair

Toy’s Games, Books & Puzzles

•Wonderful Christmas Selection • Great Gifts • Gift Certificates • Complimentary Gift Wrapping

• Lego’s • Calico Critters • Playmobil • eeBoo • Thomas • Melissa & Doug and so much more…

406 S. First Street Downtown Mount Vernon 360-336-9530 • M-Sat. 9:30-5:30 • Sun. 11-5

Never Ordinary.

Mon – Sat 9:30-5:30, Sun 11-5 408 S. 1st Street, Mt. Vernon 360-336-2244

Never Ordinary.

Simon G. • Jewels by Star • Steven Kretchmer Diamonds & Custom Design 401 South First • Downtown Mount Vernon www.straussjewelers.com • 360-336-2843

Simon G. • Jewels by Star Steven Kretchmer Diamonds & Custom Design 401 South First • Downtown Mount Vernon www.straussjewelers.com • 360-336-2843 Traditional • Contemporary • Inspirational • Yarn

knit, create, relax

Yarn and supplies from Tosh, Rowan, Shibui, Blue Sky, Cascade, Berroco, Knitters Pride & more Open 7 days • We ship anywhere. www.WildFibers.net or our facebook page for more info and classes 706 S. 1st, Mt. Vernon, WA • 360-336-5202

A recent observation from 5-year-old Aiden upon experiencing downtown Mt. Vernon “Mom! There's toys all over the street!!”

We must report that no Furbies, Legos, or Barbies literally littered the pavement of First Street, causing great havoc with traffic flow. No, little Aiden was simply pointing out that there are several fine purveyors of kids' desires, toys for the wishlist, toys for the mind, toys for the active and toys that are one-of-a-kind.

Toys for those a bit older, too, like artisan handbags, styled all in leather. Uber designer clothing.

Or that perfect, matching sweater …

Gently-worn party dresses (does New Years require something ritzy?), wedding dresses on consignment, some stately, some glitzy ...

Keepsakes for the home, floor to ceiling. Scarce antiques. Artwork Phil Hankins photo with feeling ...

Even knitting classes and special yarns galore. Even jewelry that's a must, for those in love, for those adored ...

When hunger pangs hit you, well, anything goes! Award-winning menus in warm cafes and artsy bistros.

So, for baubles and gadgets and whirlygigs and whatnots. For whimsies and rareties and collectibles and whatchamacallits. For those “oohs” and “aahs” that can be so endearing and sweet …

Shop Mt. Vernon this season, because “there's toys all over the street!”