This alert just came in from WSF… Wind storm throws wrench in early holiday sailing schedule The ongoing wind storm has already had several impacts on sailing schedules across the region today. And more changes could be on the way. Therefore, passengers will need to plan ahead and potentially alter their travel plans accordingly depending  Continue Reading

This December, FANS’ (Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec) generous donors helped the group contribute $10,000 to Island Rec, for a 2018 total of $15,000. These funds bolster Island Rec’s capacity to provide scholarships for programs like swimming lessons and teen adventure camps, and to bring the community activities like Music on the Lawn and  Continue Reading

Island Stage Left’s Traditional holiday show has been cancelled this year due to illness. Originally it was cancelled only for Thursday, Dec. 20, but now we’ve learned the entire show is cancelled.

New art installation features Marjorie Walker: Artist, Bohemian, Islander The Town of Friday Harbor is pleased to announce a new outdoor public art history installation in the Sunshine Alley breezeway. The exhibit honors late artist and San Juan Island resident Marjorie Walker (1906-1992) and will be displayed through 2019. Walker was born in 1906 in  Continue Reading

Northwest artist Gareth Curtiss is bringing his bronze sculpting project to Friday Harbor December 17th through 21st so that the public may share in the creation of the Ed Warbass sculpture he is making for the town. The public is invited to watch and interact with the artist in a temporary work space being created  Continue Reading

Bills are Going up in January – 2019 budget includes a 5.2% revenue increase Pending board approval at the December 20th board meeting, OPALCO members will see a rate increase when they open their bills in January. The bills will be on average, $9.50 higher. OPALCO is raising rates as a necessary part of providing  Continue Reading

Cotton Cotton Cotton & Island Studios are having a Holiday Open House  on Friday, December 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Come over to Spring Street for some last minute shopping! We are staying open until 7:00 PM and will have refreshments and snacks! Island Studios will be offering “Draw your Discount” and get 5% –  Continue Reading

Island Rec –Adult Tennis: Intermediate Skills and Drills Island Rec is offering another session of Intermediate Tennis Skills and Drills for Adults this January and February with Caroline Hansen. Classes will be held on Sundays; January 13th through February 3rd. Adult lessons for ages 16 and up are from 2:00 to 3:30 pm indoors at  Continue Reading

The Fairgrounds Master Plan is currently being developed and the first draft is complete!  It is now available for review online at: www.sanjuanco.com/1552/Fair-Master-Plan-Update (under “Latest News”).  A printed reference copy is also available at the Parks & Fair Administrative Office for in-house review.  The intent of the draft is to give the countywide community an  Continue Reading

Town of Friday Harbor utility customers have once again shown their holiday spirit by contributing to the Harbor Life Ring program to benefit the Friday Harbor Food Bank. The Town distributed a letter in the October utility billing statement informing customers that any donations they made in November would be contributed to the Food Bank.  Continue Reading

This just in from WSF… Governor Jay Inslee unveiled his “Clean Transportation” (PDF) proposal last week and it includes investments in electric-hybrid state ferries. This announcement gives us a peek into state investments in the 2019-2021 biennium and many of them focus on fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. The governor has budgeted $64.3  Continue Reading

Looking for Love? Me: Youngish Tabby Girl. Love Fancy Feast, bird-watching, designer handbags, banana cream pie and books on tape. Adore Hallmark Christmas Movies and a good cuddle on the sofa with someone who shares my opinion that dogs are inferior to cats. You: Discerning individual with exquisite taste in friends, a generous heart and  Continue Reading

The Pacific Whale Watch Association issued the following statement… Whale watching and responsible no/low-impact ecotourism is critical to education and conservation efforts that we all are engaged in to protect all whales in the Salish Sea. As the Legislature, the Governor’s Task Force, and the public continue working towards ensuring the safety of the Southern  Continue Reading

On Wednesday Dec 19 2018, the San Juan Island School District Board of Directors will hold a regular School Board Meeting at 5:00 pm in the high school library.  This is an open public meeting.   All public comment, with the exception of public hearings on policy, budget or other specific items, will be heard  Continue Reading

Holiday Desserts and Port/ Sherry Wine Tasting Friday Harbor Chocolates & Cakes by Felicitations Friday Harbor Chocolates & Cakes by Felicitations are pleased to announce that due to popular demand, we will hold another Holiday Desserts and Port/ Sherry Wine Tasting event on Thursday, December 20. The event will take place at Friday Harbor Chocolates  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… Family traditions are something we value especially at the holidays. I’ve been thinking about how family traditions evolve and change over time. Three of my four sisters will be visiting me next week for a Pre-Christmas gift exchange party.  Continue Reading

To address the crisis created by the closure of the Life Care Center of the San Juan Islands, the Community Long-Term Options Task Force was created. Immediate Need: We are asking for donations and looking for passionate people who have shared their concerns about the lack of long-term care options in our county and are  Continue Reading

Three First-Time Activities at SJIMA On December 20, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) invites everyone to enjoy the public art sculpture of Gareth Curtiss, art from students at Spring Street International School (SSIS) and paintings of beloved local artists Mary Ann Rock and Sam Connery. The reception is open from 4:30-7:30. Visitors  Continue Reading

Calling all couch potatoes! Did you know that Friday Harbor’s new animal shelter has an “Enrichment Room”? This is a magical room where volunteers, staff and prospective adopters can spend time in a cozy, home-like setting with an adoptable dog or cat.  Shelter volunteer, Elizabeth Farr, is seen here with dogs, Tucker and Anna, enjoying  Continue Reading

EDC invites San Juan County knowledge workers to informal meetup The EDC is working to create a knowledge worker network for islanders who work with code, data, graphics or words. Knowledge worker jobs include computer programming, editing, web design, engineering/scientific consulting, and others that primarily involve creating, manipulating, or analyzing information. Projects often involve combinations  Continue Reading

Village at the Harbour, in conjunction with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 163 is pleased to announce our first annual Holiday Extravaganza/ Festival of Lights. This free event is to be held from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at The Village at the Harbour on Thursday, December 20th, 2018 and is open to all of the  Continue Reading

It is time to register for the Island Rec’s Girl’s Basketball League, open to all girls in grades 2 through 8. The focus of this league is development and improvement of individual and team skills. Previous basketball experience is not required. All games are played on Island, Sundays in Turnbull Gym. Participants practice twice per  Continue Reading