Perch at the Pass

Haven't been here for awhile. Thought I'd experiment with a photo.

Sharing the Chamber spotlight

http://www.anacortes.org/newsletters/November%202011%20newsletter%20FINAL.pdf

I enjoyed just one of the many benefits of membership in the Chamber of Commerce recently when my website, AnacortesToday.com, was spotlighted on page three in the business organization's monthly newsletter. This vibrant Chamber organization now boasts almost 500 members. Its website, http://www.anacortes.org/, introduced our community to more than 13,000 "virtual visitors" last month alone. If you're in business in or around Anacortes, you'll want to consider membership in the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. Check out the website for details, or call Executive Director Stephanie Hamilton at 360-293-7911.

Fall colors

Seasonal decorations are not among my priorities ... but I always enjoy others' efforts.

Exciting changes ahead

I had a great day today, a day spent primarily in preparation for days to come. If this entry seems vague, it's because surprises lie ahead. Suffice it to say, those surprises will include words and pictures.

One pleasant element of my day was the opportunity to watch a creative young man do his thing at his computer. Another was to have an artist friend give his blessing to a story after suggesting just a few "tweaks." Finally, I was pleased to discover that my antiquated system of filing still works (though not without some degree of anxiety). After pulling a few drawers and moving a few stacks, I succeeded in locating a collection of photographs taken thirty years ago!

The wonderful world of technology can be a minefield, to be sure. But I am grateful for the opportunities it affords people who want to communicate, collaborate and create things worth sharing. I look forward to the exciting days that lie ahead.

Be a boardwalk superintendent

When I was young, I remember hearing the term "sidewalk superintendent" to describe folks who posted themselves on the perimeter of construction projects to observe progress. Well, the removal of E and F docks at Cap Sante Boat Haven offers the opportunity to be a "boardwalk superintendent" as contractor crews are busy this week with removal of old wooden docks and pilings. This bright red unit "caps" a piling, shivers its way to a solid grip, and then pulls the piling from the harbor. Good stuff.

Amazing photographs

http://www.shorpy.com/
If you like vintage photography, you're going to love this site! (Above photo by Shorpy member "Canada")

Town Criers a delight

http://www.towncrierchampionship.com/The community of Anacortes rose to the occasion last weekend in hosting the North American Town Criers Championship. Current and past Anacortes Town Criers Richard Riddell and Judy Jewell did a marvelous job of leading activities and an impressive team of sponsors and volunteers. A welcoming event was held Friday evening at the Anacortes Brewery, Mayor Dean Maxwell and Sisters Cities representative Duane Clark among those in attendance. Saturday's activities included competitive "cries" at historic Causland Park and How It Works' "Heart of Anacortes." Sunday events included a final competition and awards banquet at the Port of Anacortes' Seafarers' Park on Fidalgo Bay. Another great weekend for this great Northwest community!

Anacortes mayor greets town criers

http://www.towncrierchampionship.com/

Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell (left) greets Al Witcombe of Brentwood Bay, British Columbia -- one of many town criers who arrived in Anacortes Friday for the North American Criers Championship competition. The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, with the first competition Saturday, 10 a.m. at historic Causland Park.

Anacortes Antique Engine & Machinery Show

http://amshow.org/Anacortes_Antique_Machinery/Welcome.html

Mark your calendars for the Anacortes Antique Engine & Machinery Show Saturday, September 10 near the W.T. Preston in downtown Anacortes. Click on link to see photos, video and details about this fascinating show.

Anacortes Town Crier Richard Riddell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwIdNBIA4yo

Big news in the Town Crier category: On October 1 and 2, criers from across the U.S. and Canada will visit Anacortes for the 2011 North American Town Crier Championship. Pictured here is Anacortes Town Crier Richard Riddell. Follow the YouTube link to see Riddell do his thing at the recent Anacortes Work Boat Races and Pirate Faire.

Commercial Avenue from above

It's always fun to see this fair city from a different perspective...at the bottom of the frame is the Penguin coffee shop on 22nd. At top, right is McDonalds, and on the right you can see the new marine tech center on "R" Avenue.

Burrows Island and Skyline

Burrows Island, as viewed during a recent flight over Fidalgo Island.

Pirate mayor at Work Boat Races

Last weekend's Work Boat Races (and Pirate Faire) drew a huge crowd to Port of Anacortes facilities on the Guemes Channel. Among locals enjoying the free event were Mayor Dean Maxwell and wife Lisa. Dean, who attended both WSU and the UW (a clear indication he had politics in mind), apparently fancies himself a pirate as well, if the black T-shirt is any indication. For more photos from the races, see anacortestoday.com, both Gallery and Activities sections.

Taking the camera for aerial tour

I often note that it takes a boat or airplane "tour" to fully appreciate the wonder of this little corner of the world we call home. On Thursday I took a flight with a friend, flying this Cessna out of North Whidbey Island. In coming days I'll be sharing images from the air, ranging from Deception Pass to the Skyline Marina and the Swinomish Slough. Except for one bug-splat incident on my camera lens, things went well. Will have to do it again, sooner than later.

Photos galore from naval aviation centennial

https://www.facebook.com/NASWICoNA

Check out this collection of incredible photographs and information from the recent Naval Aviation Centennial event at NAS Whidbey.

Navy aviation throws great party

My thanks go out to those responsible for the U.S. Naval Aviation Centennial event held last weekend at NAS Whidbey. It's been years since the air base threw open its doors to the public ... but it was obvious those in charge of community affairs have not forgotten how to host a great event. In this photo an NAS Whidbey based "Growler" buzzes the crowd at Ault Field. It was impressive to hear AND feel the jet blow by! See www.anacortestoday.com for more photos from this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Restored fire engine on parade

In the news these days is a beautifully restored 1924 American LaFrance fire engine owned by the City of Anacortes (pictured above at 2011 Fourth of July parade). The following is an article I wrote in 1997 about the beginning of the restoration process:

By Steve Berentson

One of the star attractions at the 1924 World’s Fair found a home in Anacortes 76 years ago. Now you are invited to assist an enthusiastic group of admirers eager to restore her beauty.

The star in question is an open cab American LaFrance fire engine, purchased directly from the display floor at the World’s Fair in San Francisco. Her specs include 1,000-gallon water capacity, 6-cyclinder motor, triple combination pumping, chemical and hose car.

Because the truck was on display for the world to see, it boasted just a couple of weeks ago guests at the Anacortes Fire Department’s annual open house discovered several restored classic fire trucks including the 1921 LaFrance pictured on this issue’s front page. That truck was purchased and restored by a group of Mount Vernon firemen. They also saw pieces of the 1924 Anacortes LaFrance, currently disassembled for restoration work.

When long-time Anacortes resident and classic car buff Loren Knutsen heard Tidrington was seriously pursuing the Anacortes restoration project, he offered his assistance, including a trip to the mayor’s office to seek “seed money” for the project.

“My thought was, Chuck’s knocking on doors … he’s going to need some help,” said Knutsen. “This fire truck is an asset to the city. It’s a way to preserve history and it’s a great way to get kids interested in the fire department and the job they do.”

Tidrington, who discovered the truck in the cinderblock fire hall addition known by firemen as the “museum,” quickly accomplished his initial goal of getting the truck running. It has since attracted admiring eyes once again in local parades and at the Vintage Car Show held in conjunction with the Anacortes Arts Festival.

Even though it was running, however, the fire engine was in dire need of renovation. Over the years rust has done damage to the body. Several coats of paint were applied over the top of intricate gold leaf detail work. Upholstery was torn, parts and accessories were ravaged by the elements.

“I started talking to people about renovation,” noted Tidrington, “and the responses I got were good.”

Mayor Maxwell and the City Council agreed to provide $5,000 seed money to get the project rolling. Skilled restoration volunteers lined up, including Knutsen, Bill Blix, John Greenwald, Jack Richardson, Clay Leming and Bill Cox.

Local businesses offering materials, equipment and expertise to date include Stewart’s Auto Body, Piston Service, Anacortes Auto and Grace Towing (to pull the engine from the chassis and replace it when it’s been restored).

“Professionals,” noted Knutsen, “will be utilized to do specialized work like upholstery, gold leafing and chrome plating. It will be authentic when it’ done.”

Tidrington notes that the fire department still has the original owner’s manual for the truck, a hardbound book complete with driving instructions and schematics. There is also an original parts list that will be invaluable when it comes down to details like matching the original red paint.

Full restoration involves painstaking work from the chassis on up. Those who visited the fire hall open house saw the 1924 American LaFrance chassis “separated” temporarily from the body that is being sanded and painted.

“This truck is the property of the citizens of Anacortes,” noted Tidrington. “It is the only (1924 LaFrance) fire truck I know of that was done to this level of detail. The city has agreed to partially fund the restoration, and many businesses and individuals have also stepped forward, but we need more financial help to do the job right.”

“This is a neat project,” said Knutsen. “But at the same time, restoration of the degree we’re talking about is expensive. We’re going to need some help.”

Donations can be made to the Anacortes Antique Fire Truck Fund through City Hall or the Fire Department. Call Tidrington if you have any questions.

Published October 29, 1997

Fidalgo Magazine

NAS Whidbey part of naval air centennial

http://www.facebook.com/NASWICoNA?sk=app_4949752878

Anyone who has any interest in naval aviation will want to mark their calendars for the last weekend in July, when communities throughout the world will commemorate the centennial of U.S. Naval Aviation. Here in our neighborhood, NAS Whidbey will host several days of activities including an action-packed Saturday, July 30 open house split between Ault Field and the Seaplane Base (downtown Oak Harbor). More later on this extraordinary opportunity...

Blast from Past: 2010 fireworks display

http://vimeo.com/13136788

A fun video of 2010 fireworks display in downtown Anacortes. Look for opportunities to support this year's show.

Zane photo "splash" grows larger

http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/rainbow-cirrus-clouds-circumhorizon-arc-1639/

Anacortes resident Del Zane's incredible "sky shot" from last Sunday has taken another step on an international web adventure. See "Our Amazing Planet" dot com link, and/or AnacortesToday blog entry from yesterday.