Celebrate Mother’s Day with family and friends on May 9 at an “Art for Fun” painting class at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) from 5:45pm-8:00pm.

Artist and instructor, Kristen Abramson will guide folks through the process of creating a simple painting of a vase of flowers, titled “Picasso’s Bouquet.”

“Art for Fun” is year round program offered by the museum. It is a two hour, fun-filled art pARTy set in a relaxed, interactive atmosphere. It is a great way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, share a date night, create team building or just enjoy a night out on your own. Private parties can also be arranged.

Following step-by-step instructions from experienced artists, everyone paints the same picture, yet takes home his or her own unique creation. The cost of each class is $35. SJIMA provides all supplies.

For more information and to register, go to www.sjima.org.

Check the website throughout the year for additional classes – dates, times and selected painting or activity.

SJI Historical Society photo

As part of “History Lives Here” month, during the month of May and in preparation for the summer visitor season, the San Juan Historical Society and Museum will have two Open Houses to welcome the community and interested visitors to this popular attraction in Friday Harbor.  

The Museum’s eight buildings and grounds will be open free to the public on Saturday May 5 and Saturday May 12, from 11 am to 2 pm.  Bring a picnic lunch to share with your family and friends on our inviting grounds, take your time visiting the buildings and discover some island history along the way. Learn about a few of the exciting plans in the works for your Island Historical Museum. Read More »

Here’s a note from WSF with the lowdown on the Yakima ferry service disruption…

M/V Yakima at dock – SJ Update file photo

The M/V Yakima remains out of service for Wednesday, April 25 due to a bent propeller.  Underwater repairs have been performed, but the vessel still experienced some vibrations during subsequent sea trials.

The vessel has returned to the maintenance facility for additional adjustments to be completed over night. After repairs are complete, M/V Yakima will transit back to Anacortes, and is estimated to return to service in the late afternoon on Wednesday.

The following temporary schedule is in effect to start the day on Wednesday, April 25. Read More »

The Sun Shines at OPALCO Meeting on the Ferry; Struthers and Christmas Elected

OPALCO members boarded the ferry on Saturday, April 21st to participate in the 2018 Annual Meeting. This year the meeting was on the interisland ferry, resulting in significant cost savings for co-op members. With a hearty “Here Comes the Sun!” OPALCO celebrated the early success (~90% sold) of its first Community Solar project and gave members a last chance to participate before the project is fully subscribed.

The annual meeting reached the necessary quorum (at least 10%) with 1794 members (16%) casting ballots in the Board of Directors election. In an uncontested race, Rick Christmas and Jeff Struthers were elected to serve on the Co-op Board. Go to www.opalco.com for full election counts. Foster Hildreth, General Manager, shared his gratitude and appreciation for Winnie Adams and Randy Cornelius, whose board service ended with this election. Go to www.opalco.com/news to read Winnie Adam’s parting words to the membership.

The 2018 Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Scholars were announced: Henry Miller of Spring Street International School; Arlo Harold, Natalie Meenan, and Aida Must of Friday Harbor High School. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship and trip to the Youth Rally Co-op Leadership Camp in Idaho this summer. Zach Fincher of Friday Harbor High School will return as youth director.

The future is bright for OPALCO as the leadership emphasized 2017 accomplishments including: Read More »

The babies are back! Bigg’s killer whales abound in the Salish Sea this spring. Ocean EcoVentures, member of Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) recently captured video footage (video credit Ocean EcoVentures and videographer – Tasli Shaw) of one of the newest members of the population, T065A6, a young calf probably less than one month old. Watch closely and you will spot the calf popping up next to mom. (Click image below to view video)

With boating season opening day just around the corner (May 5, 2018), it is increasingly important for boaters to familiarize themselves with PWWA guidelines for operating a vessel around whales. These guidelines work for both commercial and private vessel operators. Those that are taking the boat out for a fun trip on the Salish Sea should familiarize themselves with these recommendations to protect our resident and visiting whale populations.

Read More »

Glenn Hendrick – Contributed photo

Island Rec is excited to introduce Glenn Hendrick as the newest addition to the team. Glenn will be responsible for coordinating the popular summer program, Camp Eagle Rock. She comes with a diverse background in camp programs, art, farming and community organizing.

Camp Eagle Rock offers a safe, affordable and enriching recreation experience for school age children for seven weeks each summer. Each week, 80 campers participate in a variety of unique and engaging activities based on a theme. Camp Eagle Rock fills a critical need for many working families and is appreciated by others as a desired recreational activity. “Glenn brings leadership and wonderful creative ideas to our program and we are looking forward to working with her this summer” stated Island Rec Director, Maddie Ovenell. Read More »

Island Rec is pleased to present the winners of the 2018 Children’s Festival Poster Contest, Starry Starry Night.

• 1st Place: Tasha Calverley
• 2nd Place: Sidney Herda
• 3rd Place: Jackson Widing
• 4th Place: Lyla Ovenell

Many thanks to all the young artists who submitted entries! We had some wonderful artworks to choose from this year. Keep an eye out for the posters around town. Island Rec would like to thank Vic’s Drive In, San Juan Florist & Yo Friday Harbor and The Toy Box for sponsoring prizes for the Poster Contest.

And don’t forget – The Children’s Festival is happening Saturday, May 5th from 10am to 2pm at the Fair Building. We hope to see you there! For more information, call 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org

Friday Harbor Grange #225 and Community Treasures have sponsored a 6-week Love and Logic program at Friday Harbor Elementary School.

In addition, the Grange has provided weekly dinners and babysitting for up to 41 parents and 15 children. A big thank you goes to Friday Harbor Elementary School Counselor, Terra Holmgren, for volunteering to facilitate the class, to the Friday Harbor Parent Teacher Organization for purchasing the Love and Logic workbooks, and the Friday Harbor Elementary School for providing their facility for the use of the Love and Logic class.

About the Friday Harbor Grange
Friday Harbor Grange #225 supports family values, leadership opportunities, and educational programs. They also model the Grange Motto:

In Essentials, Unity.
In Non-Essentials, Liberty.
In All Things, Charity.

Grangers are to find a need in their community, and to fill it. 

If you would like to become involved in our community volunteer work and educational programs, or if you have an idea for an important and meaningful program that you think would be helpful to our community, please contact us at 360-317-5130.