Join Island Rec and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition to ring in 2012 at this alcohol-free community party! Music, entertainment, dancing, games, contests and activties for all ages. Bring a snack to share! All ages, FREE! Saturday, December 31 from 7-9 pm at the Mullis Center.

Are you caught up with your thank you notes yet? Me, neither….maybe we’ll get to them today… • Yep, it’s tonight at the Rumor Mill – The Duotones (Bob Leytze & Mike Adams) will also be joined by special guest Avery Adams (FHHS ’08) – see ya there! ++++++++++++ • It was great to wander  Continue Reading

A piece of our island’s spirit has passed away….former Town Councilman & Mayor Jim Cahail is going to be mightily missed by a town that was lucky to have him around for so many years…he was a great one.  A commemorative Mass for Jim will be conducted at St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, Dec  Continue Reading

You know why I like this holiday? Because it celebrates Someone who offered some pretty good advice for making things good in the world. In honor of the day & the One who gave that advice, here’s the whole Sermon on the Mount, from the Gospel According to Matthew: And seeing the multitudes, he went  Continue Reading

++++++++++ Let’s check in before we get this long holiday weekend going… • I heard that Lori Stokes was interviewed by Where To Retire magazine (they have over 500,000 readers) recently, so I asked her what was the scoop: In the November/December issue of this magazine (which I haven’t been able to find on any  Continue Reading

• Thanks to Randall, and xkcd.com

Here are some places that are celebrating the holiday, ’round the island: • At Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, Torrey reports: CHRISTMAS SEASON WORSHIP SERVICES Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec 24th: Family Candlelight Service 4:30pm This will include carols, scripture lessons, praise team, choir, and children’s time. Communion Candlelight Service 7:00pm This will be a quieter, more  Continue Reading

Let’s see what’s going on around the island…. • Gregg told me yesterday that Mi Casita is opening today (Thursday) for sure…and I got this nice note from Carol just now that after 15 years at the other place – they’re ready! It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years!  Now the old will be  Continue Reading

It’s always cool to hear about islanders doing things to make our place a little better, and some make it a lot better. My friend Teresa wrote this little story & sent some pictures to give you the idea about what they did to improve a trail – you’ll love this: Favorite Trail Improved by  Continue Reading

You know the twelve days of Christmas start after the 25th, right? Used to be you got a gift a day till Epiphany on the sixth…kinda like an Advent calendar gone post-retro. Anyway, here’s a little version of the song that’ll tickle you, I bet:

Yep, there’s a new calf in J pod – wahoo! Here’s the word from Howard Garrett at the Orca Network: Big news! It’s been kept quiet to make sure all parties confirmed it, but NOAA’s NW Fisheries Science Center and the Center for Whale Research have confirmed that on December 17, 39-year-old J16 (Slick) gave  Continue Reading

It’s great to have a day that you know means….more light! From here on out (for a half year, anyway) the days just get longer – wahoo!

I love the way our Community Foundation pulls different parts of our community together  – here’s another super example: Women’s Fund Makes Grants to Enrich Lives for Island Residents The Women’s Fund (WF) of the San Juan Island Community Foundation announced its 2011 grant program after counting the ballots. The recipients are Friday Harbor Food  Continue Reading

Richie Havens in 1971…..

Happy Tuesday to you! • Oren at The Rumor Mill wants to invite you down tonight – he & Peggy are offering a Hanukkah menu with Chicken Matzo Ball soup, Latkes, Beef Brisket, & much more. Menorah lighting at 7pm, followed by live music with OPA. The celebration of traditional Hannukah food starts at 4pm  Continue Reading