The Family Umbrella Group (FUG) will hold its 19th annual Spring Luncheon and Auction at the Mullis Center on Friday, April 28th. This is the FUG’s only fund raiser for the year and it’s your chance to help some island kids who might not otherwise be able to attend preschool.

In 1998 Florence Harrison started the organization to provide scholarships to island families who needed financial assistance for their preschoolers. Florence knew that preschool plays an important role in academic achievement, school readiness, social/emotional development and social progress.

Putting money into preschoolers is an effective way to invest in the future of this country.

The luncheon begins with a silent auction at 11:00 am, lunch at noon and a live auction at about 12:20. The luncheon is being catered by Coho restaurant. There will also be a no-host wine bar. Advance tickets are available at the Mystical Mermaid, 270 Spring Street for $30, or at the door for $35. You can send a donation to the Family Umbrella Group, Box 392, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. A portion of the price of each ticket is tax deductible.

EDC offers free workshop on Advanced Writing for Business

Effective business writing is not only a key tool, it defines one’s image as a business person or entrepreneur. Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on the topic of Advanced Writing for Business, on Wednesday, May 10th from 10-11 a.m. on San Juan Island. Advanced registration is required.

The secret to effective writing for business purposes is organization, directness and simplicity. Noted management consultant and author, Mike Sanders will present five tools to allow you to double writing speed and reader’s comprehension – to write powerfully and fast. These tools include clear, familiar words, short sentences with a single point, active voice sentence construction, using paragraph headings, and employing journalistic style. Free handouts including laminated quick reference cards and Business Writing Certification are included.

Details: San Juan Island, Wednesday, May 10th from 10-11 a.m. at Windermere Real Estate, 50 Spring Street in Friday Harbor. Free workshop; advance registration is required. Please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: [email protected].

The EDC thanks Windermere Real Estate, San Juan County government, our ports, the Town of Friday Harbor, Heritage Bank, Islanders Bank and the Department of Commerce for their support of this workshop.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community. The EDC works to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs. We serve business: linking organizations and resources, providing valuable information, rendering assistance and advocating for an improved island business environment.

Bob Jamieson at the controls – Contributed photo

A reception will be held at the Roy Franklin Terminal at Friday Harbor Airport on Sunday, April 23rd at 2:00 p.m. to honor the Featured Pilot for 2017: Bob Jamieson. Islanders are invited to celebrate the occasion of this annual addition to the San Juan Aviation Museum. This project, started in 2008, is jointly sponsored by the San Juan Pilots Association and the Port of Friday Harbor.

The Museum records the history of aviation in the San Juan Islands since the early years after World War II when Roy Franklin first established scheduled air service linking San Juan Island with our neighboring islands and the mainland. As a living museum, displays are added each year to honor featured pilots who have made major contributions to this community and to aviation.

On this occasion, we will recognize and pay tribute to Bob Jamieson.

Bob’s first flight was at age 13 and the flying bug was set. After soloing on his 16th birthday, Bob had 600 hours by the time he graduated from Edmonds High School. Continue Reading

David S. Gow, new director of Home Trust – Contributed photo

The Board of Directors for the San Juan Community Home Trust is pleased to announce that Mr. David S. Gow will take the helm as Executive Director on the first of June. David has called this island home since 2012 and resides here with his partner, Heather Mueller, a teacher at Friday Harbor Elementary.

David has extensive experience spanning two decades, holding professional positions within a number of non-profit organizations in the Puget Sound region, where he has been responsible for grant and contract writing, administrative functions, event planning, volunteer coordination and budgetary/financial management. He has a BA in Political Science and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington and is a native of the Seattle area.

David will begin his tenure on May 1 in order to overlap with Nancy DeVaux, our current Executive Director, who decided last fall to retire on June 1, after twelve very successful and rewarding years with the Home Trust.

Please stop by the Community Home Trust office on Argyle Avenue to share your thoughts on our mission and to welcome David (and personally thank Nancy!) during the month of May. We are thrilled to employ David’s energy and skills to begin a new era of developing permanently affordable housing for low and moderate income families on San Juan Island.

Mash is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

Single White & Black Male seeks long term relationship with someone who likes the same things I do… McDonald’s drive-thru windows, playing with other dogs, sniffing cats from behind, going for walks, a soft, cozy bed and frequent belly rubs.

My name is “Mash” and I’ve been told I’m perfect in every way. Don’t be intimidated by my rugged good looks. I guess Mother Nature was just kind to me. I don’t care what you look like as long as you have a kind heart and know how to have fun.

Call me here at the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor. We belong together!

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158

Click to enlarge

The Northwest Workforce Council Career Center is hosting a series of free Brown Bag lunch seminars.

On April 20 Budget, Finance and More is presented by Islander’s Bank. The seminar assists with managing your budget, snowballing debt pay off and planning for future expenses.

On April 27 it’s: Ace the Interview – Get the Job
Are you able to handle an employment interview? Learn valuable interviewing tips and have the chance to practice answers to frequently asked and sometimes difficult questions in a supportive, realistic environment. Guest interviewers from local employers will provide mock interviews for those who sign up in advance.

Seminars will be in the American Legion basement, at 150 First Street in Friday Harbor. To accommodate the ferry schedule, seminars will begin at 11:45 and end at 1:30. Bring your brownbag lunch an learn while you lunch.

To register for any or all of the seminars email:
[email protected]
or call (360) 378-4662.

On Thursday, April 20 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm the public is invited to attend an art opening in celebration of the middle school art program.

Come see artwork created by middle school students and meet the art instructor, Leisha Holmes.

Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Melina Lagios at the Library at 378-2798.

Xtreme Fitness has a seasonal, part time position available to an active and personable individual looking to add a few more hours to his or her workweek this summer.

Position is limited to 3 hours in the morning for at least 3 days a week from mid April through August.
$11 / hr + Complimentary gym membership!

Job duties include maintaining cleanliness of the facility and signing up new members.

Please send resumes to [email protected] or stop by in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 11:00am or 4:00 – 7:00 pm.

Starting Monday, National Park Service maintenance staff will begin Phase I re-striping and clearing road edges of Cattle Point Road to better accommodate bicycles, mopeds, and motorist. Phase I will be complete by April 25. There will be no work on weekends. Phase II will begin in mid-June and should be completed by July 28. Thank you for your patience.

For more information email park Chief of Facilities, Julie Cowen.

A beautiful day for an Easter Egg Hunt. Check out these photos below. Continue Reading

Kris Drain, new owner of Island Studios – Tim Dustrude photo

Island Studios has a new owner. Kris Drain just moved to Friday Harbor a little over a week ago and took over ownership of the gallery on Wednesday the 12th.

She was a gallery director at Martin Lawrence Gallery in Dallas from 2012 – 2015 selling high end art pieces like Andy Warhol and Picasso. She had a career selling title insurance before that.

Kris and her partner Phil have had a friend on Lopez for a long time and have always loved the islands and so are very happy to call this place home.

As far as plans for Island Studios, there will be no major changes. Maybe some rearranging of store fixtures and displays, and  the website may be down for some reworking. But she’s keeping all the artists who are currently showing. The gallery will continue to be open 7 days a week and hours may extend later in the day in the summer season.

In her memory, Kelli Ashcraft’s family is running a campaign to make the island a safer place for all residents. Kelli died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and her family is raising money with a GoFundMe account to provide CO detectors for people on the island who can’t afford to buy one themselves. 

Check out this site and donate what you can…

There’s a new store in town. It’s Milliken Mercantile over on A Street, across from Serendipity Books and the Market Chef. It just opened for business last Saturday by Sara Larson who along with her husband Chuck just recently moved to the island from Portland, Oregon where they ran a preschool business.

Sara Larson at Milliken Mercantile – Contributed photo

Originally from the Seattle area, they’ve been visiting the islands for most of their lives and now finally decided to “slow things down a bit” and try out the island lifestyle.

“Milliken” is Sara’s maiden name and choosing that for the name of the store is in recognition of her family’s long tradition of business owners starting with her great-great-grandfather, who owned a mercantile in Oregon years ago. The script on the sign/logo is actually her father’s signature.

With a mantra of “Your legacy begins at home”, the store sells goods for your home and lifestyle, and offers products for every price point. Hours are not yet set in stone but will likely extend as the busy season approaches, but they are open 7 days a week.

More photos below – click on any one to enlarge. Continue Reading

Click to enlarge

Hundreds of organic vegetable starts and perennials, all lovingly grown and nurtured by San Juan County Master Gardeners, will be on sale at the Mullis Center, Saturday May 13th at 9am – just in time for Mother’s Day!

The Master Gardeners choose vegetables they love. They love them because they grow well in our climate, often producing heavily and early. Some are unique heirlooms, they serve a variety of uses, and all have exceptional flavor.

Fifteen tomato varieties are available, including cherries of all colors. There are tomatoes for canning, sauces and drying, and for a pure taste of summer, eating right out of hand. There are hundreds of vegetable starts of all kinds, all ready for a new home. Because these plants succeed in Master Gardener’s gardens, they’re very likely to succeed in yours. Master Gardeners will be at the sale to provide care and growing advice. Continue Reading

WSU Extension Coordinator for Youth Development Program

This position is located in Friday Harbor, WA.
Summary of Duties:
This position provides oversight and leadership, including volunteer management, for Extension work in the 4-H Youth Development Program of San Juan County, which currently serves over 125 youth members enrolled in over 15 active clubs led by over 60 volunteers.

This position is responsible for community outreach efforts and efforts serving youth outside of the 4-H club system. This oversight includes the development and implementation of programs and activities within the policies and procedures of WSU Extension, and specifically, 4-H programming under the direction of the 4-H Regional Specialist and the State 4-H Program Leader. This is a 100%, temporary, 12-month position. This position has been re-posted to close 04/17/17.You may find the complete job description and application here.

One of the greatest challenges in running a successful business is positive cash flow – managing how much cash a business generates versus how much cash it spends. Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on the topic of Cash Management for Business, on Monday, April 24th from 1-2:00 p.m. on San Juan Island. Advance registration is required.

Noted Fortune 500 business leader and author Charlie Bodenstab will present the keys to successful business cash management, keeping track of accounts receivable and accounts payable, analysis of cash flow, and much more. This workshop is relevant for startups and established businesses.

Details: San Juan Island, Monday, April 24th from 1-2:00 p.m. at the San Juan Island Library in Friday Harbor. Free workshop; advance registration is required. Please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email:
info [@] sanjuansedc.org.

Continue Reading