By Joe Huston
The podcast currently has 7 episodes available.
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:
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:
Invisilight
Craley
Anacortes City
Anacortes Chat
Anacortes Community Series - City Fiber Project Part 2: Logistics, Cost, Installation Phases
Episode 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:
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 Page
Anacortes Access Fiber Internet-Residential Order Form
Anacortes Access Fiber Internet-Business Class Order Form
Speedtest by Ookla, Check the Speed of your current Internet Connection
Resources for unbundling your TV
SupposeTV - What streaming services offer the current channels you like to watch
BroadbandNow - How much bandwidth do you need for all your internet connections.
The Streamable - Where to find local Seattle TV Stations,
AppleTV
Roku
YouTube TV
magicJack – Voice Over Internet (VOIP) Telephone Service
Ian Houben on LinkedIn
Jim Lemberg on LinkedIn
Anacortes Chat
More Links - YouTube Streaming Related Videos
Cord Cutters Need Better Internet . . . We Have Charts!!
The Future of Streaming 2020 and Beyond
You can ditch traditional TV! Yes! Even you Mr. Sports Fanatic
Is 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:
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 Background
Crayley Group Innovators in Smart Infrastructure, Fiber Optic in existing city water pipes
Anacortes Access Fiber Internet-Residential Order Form
Anacortes Access Fiber Internet-Business Class Order Form
Ian Houben on LinkedIn
Jim Lemberg on LinkedIn
Anacortes 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:
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-board
Melissa Courtney – https://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/staff-board
Richard 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:
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:
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-company
The Hartt School — https://www.hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/hartt/default.aspx
Zurich 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!
The podcast currently has 7 episodes available.