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December 2005, Volume 7 Issue 9

JIM’s STORIES
Jim Jennings was truly a special man and as I begin to collect the stories about him, I realize more and more how special he was.  Originally I thought I would collect one story each day and then put them in a book.  It occurred to me that Jim would probably prefer the format that he originated.  Printing them first in the Island Breeze and then publishing that collection as a book.  So this month I will start with a story Jim Jr. sent me that I think fits this time of year the best; no matter what faith you are.

This story comes in the form of a letter written in December,1999 to the Reverend Father Hugh Barbour, St Michael’s Abbey, Silverado, Ca.

Dear Hugh:

I want to share with you this dissertation as we reflect on this most Holy Christmas Season.

I was driving off the Island with my neighbor Jim Jennings last Saturday morning sharing with him my pride of the beautiful renovation of our St. John Vianney Chapel.  Jim has lived on Balboa Island and owned the Union 76 Station on Marine from the 1950s until its demise to the Fire Station that now resides on our block. 

Jim is known for his great story telling and genuine friendship and help to everyone he meets.  He knew and took care of Mrs. Dickey, deceased parishioner, original owner and 55 year resident of my home at 120 Marine.

Jim reflected as we drove over the bridge and shared with me a great story.  He told me that in his early years he was baptized both Presbyterian and Baptist as a result of conflicting parental beliefs.  Jim ended up being very confused about religion until he we enrolled at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas.

Jim reflected on the impact the Catholic Brothers have had on his life.  The way that they taught him life’s lessons.  He felt that they were the single most important influence of his life.  He was most moved by the way he was warmly taken in by the brothers.  Jim feels the way he understands his life and the faith he has today is a result of the dedication of the Catholic Brothers.

As we approach this most important time of the year, I reflect on the great impact 16 years of Catholic Education has had on my trials and me through this worldly life.  I am truly blessed.

Please accept this gift of xxx to continue the great teaching works of the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey.  Please use this offering to impact the life of one more fine Christian like Jim Jennings, the best neighbor anyone could ask for.

Yours in Faith,
Anthony F. Stillino

If you would like to see your story published here please send it to the Island Breeze, 118 Agate Avenue, BI, CA 92662 or
.  P. 949.422.8570.

SHOOTING THE BREEZE . . .Carolyn Carr
Congratulations to all you Islanders that are making a difference.  So far we have collected three boxes of phones to send to Phones4lLife and are working on the fourth.  We even had one person donate a blackberry!!  Or is it a strawberry . . a raspberry?  I talked to Phones4Life founder Dr. L”Archeveque who is opening a Recycle and Learn store in La Cresenta.  She told me NBC had donated 90 blackberries—I guess we have a little ways to go—but not far.  Keep those phones coming.  The seniors need and appreciate them. 
Phones4Life lists Island Flooring as a drop off site on the Internet and we have people from off the Island actually come here with telephones in hand.  Don’t forget you can get a 2005 Tax Deduction if you donate your phone this year—there is a Downloadable Form at http://www.Phones4Life .

Thanks to my friend and new columnist, Faith Bowlus.  For her memories of the island in years past.  The Island and Newport Beach are rapidly changing—it is good to look back and reminisce in this our 100th year.

I really appreciate Faith’s input the last two issues—and apologize for leaving her out of the table of contents in the first issue and then leaving the table of contents out it its entirety last issue.  There is always plenty of room for improvement here at the Island Breeze

And a very sad note to end this year.  Last winter I did an article in the Island Breeze about a very special Golden Retriever named Maggie who worked at J.P. Maxwell’s.  Maggie was the official greeter for the store. Maggie passed away on Saturday, December 3rd.  She will be missed by everyone who knew her, but especially by her owners, Shirley and Roger Van Pelt.  Maggie makes me sure there is a doggie heaven.

The Island is changing.  This year we lost Jim and Maggie.  Our greeters.  One a human—one a dog.  But both embodied the welcoming, loving spirit of Balboa Island.  Let’s keep that spirit burning as we go into a new year.  Happy New Year Everyone!!!
Hug your Children, Kiss your Spouse, Love your Friends and neighbors. 

Dee’s Balboa Island Talk . . . . Dee Dawson
Christmas, the most magical time of the year has returned once more to Balboa Island!  Marine Avenue becomes positively luminous, as our local storefronts transform into a twinkling wonderland.  Hope most of you were able to make it out to the 1st Friday Night “Island Stroll”, December 2nd. I stopped in several shops and got some truly marvelous gift ideas—many, many unique items are carried throughout the village.  I was absolutely astounded at what is right here underneath our noses!  Who needs to leave Balboa Island for the mall? 
First I wandered into Sally Huss Gallery at 222 Marine. There were so many delightful items.  Owner Audrey wanted me to pass on that she has added several local artisans to the store.  Dottie Siemens is widely recognized by Islanders.  Look for her hand-painted canvas Tote-bags for beach or overnight!  All styles feature colorful waterfront scenes of Balboa Pavilion at only $42.00.  I also liked the hand-painted trivets and other ceramic holiday ware by artist Leslie Hunt.  Finally, you can’t miss the unique assortment of tree ornaments, priced $3.75—$9.95, with a free personalization. All Balboa Island inspired scenes.
My annual Christmas favorite is the Gift Box.  This is your one-stop shop for Byer’s Choice Christmas Collection.  This year the collection has added the very charming Mr. and Mrs. Claus figurines, both seated in rocking chairs and complete with milk and cookies at a table nearby!  Too cute!!  I especially loved the ceramic “Santa coming out of the chimney” Salt & Pepper shaker for $18.00.  There were also some lovely Christmas red dishes in the window which would liven up any holiday entertaining.  So many more great gift and collectibles. The Gift Box is at 208 Marine Avenue, 949.675.2307.
I dropped in at Martha’s Bookstore—famous for their great small-town selection of Holiday merchandise, year after year!  Once Kathy had poured my “courtesy” Champagne (cookies and organic Green Tea are offered visitors also) she wanted to let me know that Martha’s offers Free Shipping on all orders
ders over $25.00.  AND, a big plus this time of year, Complimentary Gift-wrapping! 
Where can I begin, there were so many wonderful novelties.  You can start with the hot new item in-store this Christmas—Singing Stuffed Animals.  These animated little critters were so adorable and can really belt out a variety of Holiday tunes at only $24.00 each. 
Then, there were Christmas Beanies all decked out in red at green at a meager $2.95 each.  Perfect idea for stocking stuffers!  Or how about the “Snappy Sounds” holiday Pop-Up Books?  These were absolutely the best and would no doubt be entertaining for small kids.  Reminder:  Martha’s is the exclusive carrier on the Island of “nautically themed” ornaments for your tree!!  Drop in soon and tell Kathy I sent you!!  308-1/2 Marine Avenue.
We all know we are going to overeat during this season—boat parties and related festivities.  Plan ahead and give the “gift of good health” this year.  Gift Certificates to Balboa Island Pilates, that is!!  Owner Karen Leto tells me that you can purchase them in any denomination—for her mat or other exercise classes.  Great gift idea!  Get back in shape—Fast!!  Island Pilates is located at 307 Marine Avenue, Jubilee Plaza Courtyard.
Agate Avenue is enjoying a bustling Christmas season.
The Park Avenue Café is serving up its wonderful homemade cooking.  The Park—as we call it—is just like having a secret mom right around the corner.  From it’s pot roast on Wednesday to Prime Rib on Friday and of course the awesome Eggs Benedict on the weekends.  Be sure to make reservations at 949.673.3830.
Island Style still has a good stock of all sorts of college rugs for your favorite guy or girl—student or grad.  These are wonderful gifts for the person who has everything including a favorite football or basketball team. 
Island Style also has the cutest little Santa and Snowman fabric bags for $7.50 to put a gift certificate or toy in—they make an easy wrap for a hectic holiday season.  They also have holiday wine bottle wraps.  Just dash on down to the Island Market, grab a favorite wine, pop it in a fancy holiday bag and off you go to your Holiday Bash.  Easy and fun. 
Finally, they carry those Balboa Island and Little Balboa Island License Plate Frames in Brushed Aluminum and Brass—with key chains to match.  A great gift for your favorite Balboa Islander.
Walk into my favorite boutique, Let’s Go Shopping, 114 Agate Avenue and the wonderful smell of a Tyler Candle will greet you. All kinds of fashion treats await you.  Jogging suits, boots, shoes, tops, designer purses . . . the list is endless.  Make this a must for your Christmas shopping experience.
At days end, don’t forget to relax with a massage or an adjustment at Island Chiropractic, 128 Agate Avenue, 723.0702. — owner Christie or masseuse Kim will be booking up quickly during the holidays.  Escape the stress—relax and enjoy.  Happy Holidays!!!