Anacortes Chat

An Update on the Anacortes City Fiber Project: Capacity, Rollout, and Installations.The Anacortes Community Series is Underwritten by the Kiwanis Club of Anacortes.Episode 06: Show Notes.Fiber optic is coming to Anacortes, and while we are all excited about what this means, hopes are high that the technology and implementation procedures are sound and trustworthy. Jim Lemberg, Municipal Broadband Business Manager for the city of Anacortes returns on today’s episode to answer any questions on the subject and put our doubts to rest. Our conversation begins with some exciting information from Jim about the power of the broadband as well as its competitively priced options. Jim explains that with the uncapped symmetrical packages that are going for relatively cheap, choosing to sign up with the city as their WiFi provider should feel like a no brainer. We then dive deeply into the intricacies of the installation process, hearing initially about the schedules for the rollout. Jim then explains the architecture of the fiber pipes from the backbone cable to the MST, and thereafter the largely areal distribution of the cables to residences. Jim talks about the process whereby the cable will be led from the edge of the property into the actual home, stressing how quick and unobtrusive the process will feel. No dangling cables or gaping holes, we can assure you! Lastly, we touch on some of the underground solutions to getting cables distributed across the town, hearing about directional boring technologies as well as a service that leads the cables through water pipes. Jim weighs in on how well-vetted this pipe-in-water technology is, intending to settle a few worries about how it might affect drinking water. Certainly, the Anacortes fiber project will change lives in our beautiful town forever, so tune in to get a great update on the progress.Key Points From This Episode:Encouraging the use of Anacortes WiFi with the competitive prices of the two packages.One-off installation fees and how the subsequent monthly invoice will appear on the utility bill.Features of the package: no data caps, symmetrical packages, and more!Minutia of the unobtrusive installation process: pipe locations, areal drop cables, drilling, etc.How especially unobtrusive the Invisilight fiber optic cable along the baseboard will be.Details about the interactions between the installation teams and the homeowners.Successful installations and phasing of the rollout from the CBD to the old town and more.Directional boring, pitting and molding, and other underground installation procedures.Pipe-in water-techniques using a Craley solution to carry the fiber through water pipes.Assuaging health concerns with thorough vetting that pipe-in-water processes have received.Tweetables:“We also are very pleased to offer what are called symmetrical speeds. That is the speed at which our customers receive internet bandwidth is the same at which they are able to send information to the internet.” — Jim Lemberg [0:02:23]“We work with each customer to choose the exact point at which we are going to enter the home. All of that is developed with the principle of being as unobtrusive as possible.” — Jim Lemberg [0:05:26]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:InvisilightCraleyAnacortes CityAnacortes Chat

Anacortes Community Series - City Fiber Project Part 2: Logistics, Cost, Installation PhasesEpisode 05: Show Notes     The Anacortes Community Series is Underwritten by the Kiwanis Club of Anacortes.This two-part series is an in-depth conversation about the Anacortes Fiber Optic Project. In Part Two, we continue our conversation with Ian Houben and Jim Lemberg. We discuss the logistics of the project as far as cost, installation phases, and when the Anacortes municipality, who is funding the project, intends to make its money back. In case you are worried about what unbundling might mean for your cable TV, the team shares a ton of resources available for smoothly transitioning into the world of streaming. While the applications of the internet can’t be predicted even 30 years into the future, the one sure thing is that having sound infrastructure to support it will prove indispensable. A fiber optic network is described as “future proof”, meaning as technology advances to more efficiently transport bandwidth, the system can be upgraded without having to be replaced.Key Points From This Episode:Why strong fiber optic infrastructure is vital despite its unforeseeable applications.The meaning of ‘future proof’, a description given to fiber optic infrastructure.Installation phases and schedules for the FTTH project.The cost of the project and how much of it will be funded by the Anacortes municipality.Who might request the fiber service and how this affects the municipality’s investment.Predictions for when the municipality expects to make its investment back.Percentages of signups at the time of recording which have since doubled.How to access the order form and why it is important to fill it out if you are interested.The bandwidth plans, pricing, and setup configurations for the fiber service.Resources for unbundling and streaming local TV provided on the Anacortes website.Joe’s great experiences with streaming using Roku and YouTube TV.Tweetables:“The one thing that is needed is big fat pipes that go absolutely everywhere, and at the bottom line that is what we are trying to do. We are trying to set up big fat pipes all through the community of Anacortes.” — Jim Lemberg [0:02:27]“We have a business plan in place to cover the entirety of the footprint of the city of Anacortes.” — Ian Houben [0:04:52]“In the last six months, I decided to cut the cable and go to streaming all my TV. If you’ve only watched cable, streaming is a whole new ball game.”  — Joe Huston [0:14:43]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Anacortes City Fiber Home PageAnacortes Access Fiber Internet-Residential Order FormAnacortes Access Fiber Internet-Business Class Order FormSpeedtest by Ookla, Check the Speed of your current Internet Connection Resources for unbundling your TVSupposeTV - What streaming services offer the current channels you like to watchBroadbandNow - How much bandwidth do you need for all your internet connections.The Streamable - Where to find local Seattle TV Stations,AppleTVRokuYouTube TVmagicJack – Voice Over Internet (VOIP) Telephone ServiceIan Houben on LinkedInJim Lemberg on LinkedInAnacortes ChatMore Links - YouTube Streaming Related VideosCord Cutters Need Better Internet . . . We Have Charts!!The Future of Streaming 2020 and BeyondYou can ditch traditional TV! Yes! Even you Mr. Sports FanaticIs Fiber Internet Really Better for Gaming?

Anacortes Community Series – City Fiber Project Part 1: Paving the Way for The Future of the Internet.Episode 04: Show Notes.   The Anacortes Community Series is Underwritten by the Kiwanis Club of Anacortes.This two-part series is an in-depth conversation about the Anacortes Fiber Optic Project. Host Joe Huston talks with Ian Houben and Jim Lemberg as they discuss all aspects of this important city project. Part One explores the history, initial installation, roll-out and the details of fiber optic technology coming to Anacortes.Key Points from This Episode:Discover just how much the internet has expanded into American homes in the past 23 years.Find out how Ian and Jim came to be involved in the Anacortes City Fiber Project.Learn how the FTTH project came about and developed through the initiative of city leaders.Why the availability of affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is key to Anacortes’ future.The benefits that the FTTH project will bring to the education system of Anacortes.How the FTTH project will empower businesses through symmetrical upload speed.The opportunities that the FTTH project will create for healthcare and telemedicine.Explore the fiber optic paths running their course beneath your feet in Anacortes.The inner-workings of pipe-in-pipe technology (running fiber optic through the waterline).The backbone infrastructure that makes the FTTH project of Anacortes unique.Tweetables:“In the not so distant future, the internet will be used in ways few can envision today.” — Joe Huston [0:03:00]“We are now becoming the cutting edge, most reliable, highest-speed internet service available throughout Anacortes.” — Jim Lemberg [0:09:50]“The ability to access the world at a very fast speed can allow entrepreneurs to start new businesses from their homes.” — Ian Houben [0:12:50]“The FTTH project will create a greater quality of life within the community.” — Ian Houben [0:14:22]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Fiber Project BackgroundCrayley Group Innovators in Smart Infrastructure, Fiber Optic in existing city water pipesAnacortes Access Fiber Internet-Residential Order FormAnacortes Access Fiber Internet-Business Class Order FormIan Houben on LinkedInJim Lemberg on LinkedInAnacortes Chat

Full Circle with Rob Skelton. Episode 03: Show Notes.   Today we welcome Anacortes gem, Rob Skelton, on to the show. Rob is here to share a story of going full circle and never forgetting his roots in Anacortes, despite all the trappings of wealth he found far away. Rob speaks about growing up wild and free in Anacortes and then heading up north to do gillnetting in Alaska. After a classic winter spent snowboarding on Mount Baker, Rob got pulled by the spirit of adventure all the way to Malibu. Once there, he rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous during a high profile real estate career. While Malibu was incredibly meaningful for Rob in all kinds of ways, he found himself dreaming about his childhood home again. After a few more twists and turns, such as a switch in career sparked by an unexpected life incident, Rob has ended up where he is today. Back in Anacortes, Robs tells us about how his childhood is reflected back to him in all the adventures he has with his family, and in his missions to preserve its magical woods. This unexpectedly became one of the most interesting and inspirational stories told on this show, so join in for the wild ride!Key Points From This Episode:Rob’s family history and how he was born in Hawaii but grew up in Anacortes.More about Rob’s childhood exploring the rivers, woods, caves, and slopes of Anacortes.As a teenager, Rob snowboarded and worked at the marina and at a woodworking shop.Rob’s adventure to Alaska after graduation, a gillnetting stint.Gillnetting was a taxing job and Rob got thrown in the deep end but loved it.Rob made money to buy a 1987 Volkswagen Golf with snow tires and a sound system.How after buying his car, Rob spent a record snowfall winter snowboarding on Mount Baker.Moving to Malibu and excelling in a private property management company.Rob’s transition into real estate after that, becoming Chris Cortazzo’s assistant.How Rob met his wife Nicole while helping his sister during her move.While Rob loved Malibu, it didn’t ever feel like home to him.Rob’s journey of moving back to Anacortes and getting an EMT license.His experience of working in the ER at Island Hospital once back in Anacortes.After finishing nursing school, Rob got back into real estate in Anacortes.The story of how Rob sold his first house in Anacortes to Joe Huston.How Rob is able to provide his children a similar childhood to his.Rob’s passion for volunteering for Friends of the Forest teaching woodland best practices.Tweetables:“I called my brother. It was his 30th birthday, and I said, ‘Well, I didn’t get you anything for your 30th but I did name my son after you.’” — @ Rob Skelton [0:03:36]“I was able to buy my first car, a 1987 Volkswagen Golf with studded snow tires and good sound system. I took that winter off and snowboarded about 80 times.” — @ Rob Skelton [0:08:53]“Personally, I never felt like Malibu was home. It just did not resonate. It felt like we were in a Vegas Casino where years were going by. It was good and fun but maybe lacking substance.” — @ Rob Skelton  [0:18:24]“Theres a lot of teachable moments in almost anything that we’re engaged with in Anacortes. Whether it be paddleboarding or hiking through the forest, or out on the boat, or up at Mount Baker. There’s eagles soaring over your head.” — @ Rob Skelton [25:36]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Anacortes Chat – http://www.anacorteschat.com/Rob Skelton – http://anacortesestates.com/Homes and Land Malibu – http://www.malibuhomesandland.com/Chris Cortazzo – https://chriscortazzo.com/Pepperdine university – https://www.pepperdine.edu/Island Hospital – https://www.islandhospital.org/The Lutheran Church – https://www.anacorteslutheran.org/Friends of the Forest – https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/Asa Deane – https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/staff-boardMelissa Courtney – https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/staff-boardRichard Ridell Interview – http://www.anacorteschat.com/

The Unexpected Origins of The Good Stuff Art Gallery with Kat Peterson.Episode 02: Show Notes   Today on the show, we welcome the Founder of The Good Stuff Art Gallery, Kat Peterson. Kat had a fascinating upbringing on a farm in rural Colorado where she learned how to ride a tractor at the age of eight and studied at a one-room schoolhouse in an open pasture! Life on the farm made Kat who she is today and inspired her love for art (although she didn’t know it back then!) Kat’s interest in an art career grew much later in her life and was ignited by her grandmother who was a self-taught, small-town porcelain painter. After 15 years of working in corporate, Kat decided to move to Anacortes, where she continued to learn the art of porcelain painting and open-up an art gallery and an art supply store. In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of Kat Peterson and how her life led her to run the vibrant art gallery we know and love today. Kat also shares the patient process of porcelain painting, her journey with learning to see color, and why she believes that art is something that connects us to our souls and to the world.Key Points from This Episode:Kat’s upbringing on a Colorado farm and attending a one-room schoolhouse in a pasture.Why Kat decided to start her own art supply business after 15 years in corporate.Continuing her grandmother’s legacy: the influence of Kat’s grandmother on her art.Discover the fascinating art of porcelain painting and how the process typically works.Teaching painters how to see color and the process of learning through layers.How Kat learned how to paint with no formal artistic training in college.Discover why The Good Stuff Art Gallery was started in Anacortes after a vacation.Find out what makes the artwork and the community of artists in Anacortes special.Learn what porcelain canvas is and what makes this surface unique for painting.The patient art of porcelain painting and how it challenges the fast pace of modern life.Discover how porcelain canvas painting is similar and different to watercolor painting.The Power of Color: Discover what’s currently happening at The Good Stuff Gallery.Tweetables:“My grandmother painted on porcelain. I always admired her but never thought I had any talent.” — Kat Peterson [0:05:55]“My grandmother always said, ‘You don’t have to paint a straight line, you just have to paint!’ Finally, I took her advice.” — Kat Peterson [0:06:05]“I had to really learn how to see, and teaching painters how to see these colors too, has been a great honor for me.” — Kat Peterson [0:07:45]“Everyone can teach you something if you’re willing to learn.” — Kat Peterson [0:08:38]“Art is something that connects you to your soul and to the world. That’s why I have the gallery.” — Kat Peterson [0:21:20]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Good Stuff — http://www.thegoodstuff.com/The Good Stuff Arts — https://www.thegoodstuffarts.com/The Good Stuff Arts on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thegoodstuffarts/Anacortes First Friday Artwalk — https://www.anacortesart.com/Anacortes Studio Tour — https://www.anacortesartscommission.com/98221-studio-tour.html/Anacortes Chat — http://www.anacorteschat.com/Suzanne Powers — https://suzannepowersart.com/Gerald Balciar — http://www.bighorngalleries.com/balciar.htm

The Town Crier of Anacortes, Richard Riddell  Episode 01: Show Notes    Originating from the medieval period, town crying is a profession with a great deal of history and culture in its wake. On today’s episode, we have a conversation with a former world champion, the town crier of Anacortes, Richard Riddell. Unaware of it at the time, Richard’s years of acting and musical education and his time as an opera singer in Zurich turned out to be the ideal training ground for this position. He shares about becoming the local town crier, being surprised at enjoying it as much as he does and then he discusses what competitions involve and the different types of cries that can be heard at these events. While there are only a small number of town criers in the world, they are a group of people with thorough respect for what they do, holding fast to their traditions and the nostalgic role they play in their communities. Richard talks about the uniforms they wear, being mistaken for a pirate and the story behind his bell. Be sure to join us for this historical adventure!Key Points From This Episode:Richard’s move to Anacortes in his childhood and his training in acting and music.Working as an opera singer in Zurich, meeting his wife, and returning to town.More about Richard’s opera career and when he discovered that he could sing.How Richard became the town crier, what it involves, and getting into competitions.The nature of competitions, different types of cries, and the guidelines.An actual presentation of a humorous and advertising cry!The town crier championships hosted in Anacortes and the only downside for Richard.Open versus invitational competitions and the special event planned for 2021.The number of town criers in the world and where most reside.The traditional attire of a town crier and the events they typically open.Being mistaken for a pirate and the rich history of his bell.And much more!Tweetables:“What was found in the past is that Anacortes just opens their homes and all the town criers away from home stay here and the restaurants will give away meals and the brewery will give away beer. It’s a good time to be had by all, I can tell you!” — Richard Riddell [0:24:49]“But really, it’s all about performance, it’s all about standing and delivering and bellowing. A good amount of noise.” — Richard Riddell [0:12:08]Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Anacortes Chat — http://www.anacorteschat.com/Eddie Bauer — https://www.eddiebauer.com/National Shakespeare Company — https://www.nyc-arts.org/organizations/2004/national-shakespeare-companyThe Hartt School — https://www.hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/hartt/default.aspxZurich Opera House — https://www.opernhaus.ch/en/Anacortes Sister Cities Association — https://www.anacortessistercities.com/Kenny Podmore, Sidney Town Crier

Hey everybody and welcome to the first Anacortes Chat podcast! This short episode is a quick introduction to the show, its founding ideas and how it came about. Anacortes Chat is centered around the small community of Anacortes and its members. Episodes will feature stories and discussions with residents and public figures and in some ways, it is just an excuse for Joe to meet and get to know more of the beautiful town of Anacortes! The idea of the show began on the fourth of July and grew slowly into what you are now listening to. There was a fair bit of fun research that went into the initial stages but we are very excited to be bringing you this premiere episode and the all the rest to follow, so stay tuned for our first full interview and beyond!