Tom Doenges, owner of Computer San Juans wants you to know about this new service coming to an island near you…

Calling all small businesses, schools, ports, town and individuals…

I am joining forces with a friend who runs an electronics recycling company in Bellingham called 1pc.com. Because I feel I contribute to bringing these devices to the islands by selling and servicing computers, etc. I want to help the ‘end of cycle’ and find the right disposal method.

Our planet needs all the help it can get and I hope this will in some small way contribute to a cleaner world for us all. I am so happy this came along, and I want folks to know I am doing this for free.

What can you recycle for free?
Televisions, Computers, Laptops, Monitors, Tablets, e-readers and portable DVD players. (Please note that computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and printers are not included in this program.)

Data will be securely destroyed and everything will be recycled, as well as becoming refurbished systems for sale when feasible.

A date will be set early next year for a truck to come to the island(s). We are working on getting the other ferry serviced islands in on this program as well so please spread the word and be thinking about items you have that will fit this e-cycle drive.

I will be starting an e-mail list so if you want to be included on the news: please send an email to: computersanjuans@centurytel.net with “FREE ECYCLE” in the subject line.

Lets keep the islands clean and green through safe and sane disposal. I could also use assistance to organize pick up and drop off locations on all ferry serviced. If you would like to help, contact me at your earliest convenience.

The San Juan Island Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $20,546 to local nonprofits in their third and final grant cycle of the year. The Foundation awarded $4,648 from its Healthy Community Fund, while generous donors and the SJICF Women’s Fund contributed a combined $15,898. The following local projects were funded:

• The San Juan County Economic Development Council was awarded $2,348 to launch their Construction Basics Training program on San Juan Island.
• Island Stage Left was awarded $3,150 to replace the flooring of their stage.
• Islands Oil Spill Association (IOSA) was awarded $3,590 to purchase safety equipment and boom trailers.
• PADs for Parkinson’s was awarded $4,858 to cover costs for their annual community newsletter.
• The San Juan Island Family Resource Center was awarded $5,000 to support a technology upgrade for improved outreach.
• Leadership San Juan Islands was awarded $1,600 for Class of 2019 tuition assistance.

In an effort to increase nonprofit collaboration and provide training, the Foundation staff recently hosted the first of a series of networking sessions for nonprofit leaders. Held at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor in November, nonprofit directors and development staff enjoyed an update from the SJICF staff and engaged in lively conversations over lunch to discuss current projects and to share ideas for specific topics like board development, fundraising and partnering with other nonprofits for events and programs. Read More »

Sometimes an idea takes on a life of its own, and that’s what has happened with the San Juan Singers’ winter concert, “The Brightest and Best of Christmas.” This concert will be filled with joyous singing and instruments playing.

John Rutter’s “Magnificat” sometimes dances, sometimes floats, and always delivers a melody that goes straight to your heart. The show continues with “Believe,” from the film The Polar Express, Celtic-inspired settings of “Silent Night” and “Now is Born the Divine Christ Child,” and a lush new setting of “See, Amid the Winter Snow.”

The lighter side of the program includes “There is A Santa Claus,” from the movie and Broadway show, “Elf,” “Eatnemen Vuelie” from the animated film, “Frozen,” Christmas-inspired spirituals and the traditional shape-note tune, “Brightest and Best,” gaily accompanied by fiddle and bass.

Be sure to come–this show will have you dancing through this holiday season!

Saturday, December 8 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 9 2:00 pm

Tickets:
Adults $20.00
Student Reserved $10 (tax included)
$5 Student RUSH at door only

San Juan Community Theatre (SJCT) held its annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, December 1^st, raising over $114,000 in support for the 2018-2019 season. Attendees were treated to 1920’s themed décor by Susan Williams, Anita Welch, and Cyndy Gislason and a menu inspired by popular dishes of the same era from Owner Anna Maria de Freitas and Executive Chef Ryan Lockhart at Coho Restaurant.

From Executive Artistic Director, Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey: “We are so grateful to all the folks who came out to support the mission of San Juan Community Theatre. Our Holiday Festival co-chairs Madelyn Busse and Susan Mazzarella did a wonderful job coordinating this event, Pat Nieman and the members of CATS were instrumental in preparing the silent auction and decorating, Cathi Nett led a gorgeous octet of Festival Singers, and a small army of volunteers all pitched in to make the night a great experience.”

“We were thrilled to see an increase in ticket sales of more than 15% over last year and we want to express our thanks to everyone who helped us raise over $114,000.”

(See photos of the event below) Read More »

The Christmas Market will light up historic Brickworks again this year! The popular event features a holiday crafts market, island food vendors, local farm products, live music, libations, and activities for kids and grownups alike.

The Old-Fashioned Christmas Market is produced by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild. Watch www.fhbrickworks.com for details.

The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild is a community-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, resilient and sustainable local food system in San Juan County, Washington.

OPALCO is seeking nominations for board candidates from Districts 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center and Charles islands) and 4 (Shaw, Bell, Canoe and Crane islands). To nominate a candidate (including yourself), go to www.opalco.com/elections and use the nominations online portal to fill out the candidate application forms.

Why run for an OPALCO Board Position? To participate in the governance of the company that you own. OPALCO is a cooperative owned and operated by its members. Directors set the policies, budgets and rates for the Co-op. Did you know that OPALCO Directors are paid a stipend for their time and board training – and are eligible for health insurance benefits?

There are two ways to be nominated for a board position: 1) by the member Elections & Governance Committee (EGC) or 2) by petition. The deadline for nomination by the EGC is January 9^th. The EGC will review nominations in the portal and recommend their slate of candidates for both districts. To be nominated by petition, a member in good standing collects no fewer than 20 signatures of bona fide members who reside in their district. Complete petitions should be sent to communications@opalco.com by February 13^th.

All voting will be by mail or online. The election opens on March 11^th, and each member will receive their ballot by email or by mail, depending on their stated preference. The deadline for ballots to be submitted is 10:30 a.m. (PDT) on April 12, 2019. Election results will be announced at the annual meeting on April 13^th on the interisland ferry.

OPALCO will host independently moderated Candidate Forums on San Juan, Lopez, Orcas and Shaw islands during the week of March 4^th. Stay tuned for more information.

Go to www.opalco.com/elections to learn more about nominations and the election process.

A few of this year’s shoppers, meeting up and getting ready to shop til they drop – Contributed photo

Here’s a note from Leasa Wangoe about this year’s Chardonnay Shopping event, happening on Thursday December 6th, and aimed at getting people into the holiday spirit and supporting local businesses.

Anyone can join and it’s a good time to take advantage of some good deals around town…

Ok, here is the current list of businesses and restaurants that are participating! Again, if we missed anyone feel free to post, not trying to leave anyone out! Wear your festive gear and be ready to shop til you drop: Read More »