The Rotary Club will hold its 12th annual Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 2nd at 3:30 PM at the San Juan Community Theater. Doors open at 3:00 PM. This year’s spellers include students from Friday Harbor Elementary School, Friday Harbor Middle School, and Paideia Classical School. All island schools were invited to participate. The contest  Continue Reading

After having to cancel last week due to weather, the Knowledge Bowl has been rescheduled… The 23rd annual Knowledge Bowl will be held on Monday, March 6, at the Community Theatre. Our fabulous Friday Harbor Jazz Band will begin performing at 6:30 and the FH High School PTA will be offering baked treats in the lobby before  Continue Reading

Volunteer tutors needed for United Way Community Pilot Program at Public School  After School Reading Program: Middle School Dates: March 7 – May 11, 2017 3:00 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Thursday San Juan Island School District Grades 3 and/or Middle School Must have a desire to work with children and, preferably, experience working with  Continue Reading

A new afterschool class is being offered for experienced island actors in sixth through eighth grades. San Juan Community Theatre’s Youth and Family Program Director Penelope Haskew is leading the “Intermediate Acting” classes in the Gubelman Theatre on Tuesdays, February 28 through March 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The five-session workshop will be  Continue Reading

EDC offers free workshop on retirement planning for business owners Small business owners have many considerations when running their businesses, but often don’t have time to consider future financial requirements. Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on retirement planning for small business owners, entitled Put your Retirement Plan to  Continue Reading

Decision on Sixth Grade Transition Postponed until March Board Meeting The decision by the San Juan Island School District Board of Directors on whether or not to move the sixth grade from the Friday Harbor Elementary School to Friday Harbor Middle School will be postponed until the regular school board meeting scheduled for March 29,  Continue Reading

WSU Extension Forestry offers class for Woodland Owners Woodland owners can build skills for caring for their trees by taking Washington State University Extension Forestry’s Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course. This course teaches owners of wooded property how to assess their trees, avoid insect and disease problems, enhance wildlife habitat, improve wood quality, reduce fire  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update mailbag this afternoon we find this letter from Amy Wynn… For a mighty long time Susan Williamson has been the go-to person for teaching children how to swim. She’s coached youth through their sailing float tests, gently nudged reluctant youngsters into loving the water, encouraged our swim team kids, and reached out to bring swimming  Continue Reading

A dynamic opportunity for networking and learning about farming & food systems Orcas Island, February 10 – 12 Join fellow farmers, regional experts, and local food and farm advocates this February 10th through 12th for two-and-a-half days of education, inspiration, and camaraderie at beautiful YMCA Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. The theme for this year’s  Continue Reading

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans will present a program with Victoria Compton, director of the county Economic Development Council, speaking about the establishment of the Trades Education Program in the county. This meeting will take place on Monday, February 13th at 12:00 noon in the library conference room at the San  Continue Reading

EDC offers free workshop on Cybersecurity for Business Cybersecurity is not just for large businesses: Small and mid-sized businesses are targeted just as frequently by cyber-crooks. Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on the topic of Cybersecurity for Business, on February 8th from 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Orcas Island, sponsored  Continue Reading

Greetings Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students and Community Members: Happy Chinese New Year! I love the word new because of its meaning. A new year, new beginnings, new semester, and new knowledge. In 2017, we are starting off the year with new learnings!! In January, we launched ParentLink. The District has partnered with Blackboard (Education and  Continue Reading

Get Back in the Left Seat – Once a pilot, always a pilot…but feeling a little rusty? Join fellow lapsed pilots for a *Free Rusty Pilots program. Join us at Westwind Aviation to learn about the latest topics including medical reform, flight briefing, weather, runway incursion, airspace and communications. Credit towards ground training for Biennial  Continue Reading

The 23rd annual Knowledge Bowl will be held on Monday, February 6, at the Community Theatre. Our fabulous Friday Harbor Jazz Band will begin performing at 6:30 and the FH High School PTA will be offering baked treats in the lobby before and during the event. The competition begins at 7 PM. Teams consist of the  Continue Reading

Nancy Ballman shares this news from the local 4-H horse club “Bits & Spurs”… Thanks to a generous donation from Islanders Bank and the helpful assistance of Alexandra Sherlock, Bits & Spurs was able to purchase new 4-H club hoodies which you will be able to see them wearing when they ride at the fair.  Continue Reading

Mark your calendar now for the FREE boating course coming up in February. The Friday Harbor Power Squadron will be offering instruction for this class for Free – the only cost is for  the course materials. Get your Boater Education Card (required to operate any boat with an engine of 15hp or more. What is  Continue Reading