Mary Kate Berger

The holiday season and new year is an especially good time to stop and take a moment to reflect upon the love that surrounds each of us.

I have been reminded of that personally over this past year. With the love and faith of family and friends, the understanding and loyalty of clients, compassionate care and encouragement from dedicated medical professionals, and the kindness and support of the entire community I have been blessed to have all of your strength to draw from on my cancer journey.

I wish to sincerely thank each and every one of you for everything that you have done. I feel very fortunate to have all of you in my life.

Happy Holidays!
Mary Kate Berger

Parliament Building in Victoria, B.C. – Tim Dustrude photo

Ian and Josie are great tour guides and said specifically that you are invited to go visit them when you can – Tim Dustrude photo

Shannon and I took a quick trip to Victoria last weekend to chill a bit before the holidays and to visit with Ian and Josie before the ferry stops running for the winter.

By the way, Saturday this week is the last international sailing until the Spring schedule comes out, so if you want to do the same, you’d best get moving.

We had a great time despite the rain, and we wandered around looking at all the tourist stuff and taking pictures.

Here are a few favorites from the bunch…

These benches are tucked up behind some trees at the sea wall at the Inner Harbour – Tim Dustrude photo

Doing our own little “pub crawl” we worked our way through the rainy streets reflecting all the holiday decorations – Tim Dustrude photo

San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) is the recipient of nearly $5,000 from the Island Arts League (IAL), which discontinued operations this year after 18 years. IAL offered local classes in pottery, wood, textiles and painting. The donated funds are earmarked to help support the museum’s Family Art Days, summertime outdoor art classes taught by local artists, and art programs at San Juan Island School District public schools.

Operation of the IAL’s Art Raffle booth at the San Juan County Fair was also handed over to IMA. The fair booth raises money for scholarships to graduating Friday Harbor High School seniors who show promise in the arts.

The donation was given in honor of IAL founders Teri Cooter, Trudy Dallas, Nancy Maron, Joe Miller, Pat O’Shea, and Gloria Upper.

“The Island Arts League is happy to contribute to the children and families of San Juan Island in an effort to broaden participation in the arts,” said IAL president Diane Martindale.

Marina Sunrise – Click to enlarge – Kevin Holmes photo

Kevin Holmes shares this beautiful view of the sunrise over the Friday Harbor Marina on Monday morning. Thanks Kevin!

Yes Martha, there is a San Juan Islands Audubon Christmas Bird Count this year!

The holidays are such a busy time of year we chose to do the count when folks are not so busy so mark your calendars for Saturday, January 3rd for the count. Join other birders around the county in counting birds in your area. Even if you are new to birding come along and meet others on this one day event. There are routes to cover, backyards and feeders to count and even a couple of boats going out to find birds in our 15-mile wide circle.

Call Barbara Jensen for info. 378-3068

Mrs. Santa Claus visited the kids at Stillpoint School – Contributed photo

This just in from SJ Update correspondent Minnie Knych…
Mrs. Santa Claus stopped in at Stillpoint School to see the children. She brought candy canes and chocolate chip cookies and read a story before leaving to report to Santa that all the children were nice.

Mrs. Claus reads a story to the kids at Stillpoint School – Contributed photo

To the San Juan Islands Community: Thanks to support from islanders, we have raised over $120,000 in community contributions and grants, and are well on our way to meeting our goal of $200,000! By spring of next year, most students in the islands will have hands-on learning opportunities in creating renewable energy. This is our future.

In addition to generating solar power for the schools, the Community Solar for Our Schools project will also immerse our students in renewable energy education. The educational value of this project is perhaps even greater than the panels themselves. Consider the impact of creating inspired island students who will know that solar is power. These students will expect that renewable energy technology will be a part of our community energy independency solutions. They are our future.

If you have already contributed to this project, your support is much appreciated. If you haven’t, but would like to, there is still time. This is truly a community project and we cannot do it without you! You can make a tax deductible donation or you can purchase solar units and receive an annual production incentive credit, anticipated to pay back your contribution in full over ten years.

To donate or sign up, go to our website or call us at 378-6621.
Consider the difference your support can make, here locally for our schools and our students. Imagine a renewable bright future on our islands. This project is a partnership with the San Juan Islands Conservation District, OPALCO, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and the local school districts.

The Lucky Strikes, L-R: Reuben LaLoata, Gary Weybright, Mary Hicks, Richard Pederson and Kelly Keranen – Tim Dustrude photo

This week marked the end of Fall bowling leagues at Paradise Lanes, and that means awards & fun night for both the Wednesday night “Merchant’s League” and the Thursday night “Rockin’ Bowlers” league. The Lucky Strikes took the championship for Wednesdays and the Frame Killers won Thursdays, and there were a lot of other awards given on both nights for things such as most improved average, highest handicap game and best scratch series, to name a few.

The Frame Killers, L-R: Scott Olinger, Susan Anderson, Reuben LaLoata (not pictured, Kittie LaLoata) – Tim Dustrude photo

“This marks the halfway point for these leagues this Fall/Winter”, said Scott Olinger, owner of Paradise Lanes and the league manager. “The next half starts on Wednesday, January 7th and Thursday, January 8th and we can always use more bowlers. Beginners are always welcome and it doesn’t matter whether your average is 80 or 200 – it’s all good fun”.

Susan Anderson added “Bowling is a fun social activity and a great way to meet new friends.”

The Alley Katz having fun on awards/fun bowl night: L-R: Charlie Sink, Cammie Sink and Dana Bune (not pictured – Sharon Kain) – Tim Dustrude photo

Sidewalk under construction on Carter Avenue – SJ Update photo

The Friday Harbor Town Council has authorized a $10,000 contribution to the Friday Harbor Athletic Association to defray a portion of the cost to construct a public sidewalk on Carter Avenue.

Completion of the sidewalk located on the west side of Carter Avenue is a condition of the Friday Harbor Ball Field’s conditional use permit. “While the Athletic Association is responsible for this project, we felt this was the right time for the Town to offer financial assistance,” said Duncan Wilson, Town Administrator. It is anticipated that the sidewalk will be completed in December 2014 or early January 2015.

A quarterly review of County finances by County Auditor F. Milene Henley
Third quarter 2014

F. Milene Henley, County Auditor – Contributed photo

This is a very late third quarter financial report. It’s been a tough one to write, in part because I’ve been busy with the 2015 budget. But more than that, this report has been tough because it conveys a mixed message.

The good news is that the local economy has continued to perform well this year, and as a result, County revenues have outperformed projections. Sales tax revenue will come in around 5% above budget. The Land Bank’s real estate excise tax has topped $2.1 million, and will likely finish the year 50% above budget – though still barely more than half its historic high of $3.9 million. Lodging taxes have hit a record $1 million, running about 15% above budget. Planning and permitting activities did not experience the drop-off expected earlier this year, and will also finish 12-15% above budget.

The bad news is that revenues to the County’s general fund are still not keeping up with needs. In such a good year, one has to ask why. Continue Reading

New Year’s Eve with Island Rec – Contributed photo

Island Rec is offering its annual New Years Eve Community Celebration, a FREE event to count down to the New Year with family, neighbors, and friends!

It is an all ages affair filled with games, Wii station, crafts, dancing, wild hat making/parade/contest, bingo, twister, snazzy photo ‘booth’, outdoor fire pit, and much, much more.

Bring a pot-luck savory or sweet snack. Wednesday, December 31st from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Brickworks.

For more information call 378-4953 or visit www.islandrec.org.

Lighted Boats on the Harbor – Contributed photo

Update – Since there’s construction going on over at Spring Street Landing, Santa will land over at the Port’s Loading Dock (first ramp on the right from the Main Pier) instead of the traditional location over at the Spring Street pier.

There will also be complimentary hot cider, cookies and Christmas Carolers at the Port’s Waterfront Park.

The Friday Harbor Sailing Club & the Port of Friday Harbor are proud to announce the 23rd Annual Lighted Boat Parade and Santa’s arrival to Friday Harbor. For more than 40 years Santa has brought gifts to children in the islands. At 6:30 pm, the parade of lighted boats begins and helps guide Santa to the dock at 7:00.

This is a great time to bundle up the whole family and come down to the waterfront for cider, cookies, carolers in song, and some warm holiday and community cheer. Boaters from elsewhere are invited to the Port for a free night’s moorage with parade participation and local boats that participate will receive a nice Port retail goodie.

When: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm.

Where: Port of Friday Harbor loading dock (first right on the main pier)
Admission:  Free

One of many drawings in the Sunshine Alley plan

The Town of Friday Harbor has unveiled preliminary plans for urban improvements to the Sunshine Alley area and they are now available for review on the Town’s website.This is the result of months of research and collaboration by Town staff, the Public, Sunshine Alley stakeholders, and the Beckwith Consulting Group.  The process included interviews with property and business owners, focus group sessions, public design charrettes, surveys, and open houses to determine the best uses and improvements for the area.

The preliminary plans include a concept summary displaying possible improvements for the alleyway. In addition to expanding the Brickworks area with a performance stage and seating, an outdoor dining area, and conversion of existing private cottages to retail, the potential improvements suggest adding an outdoor dining deck off of Haley’s, a clock tower on the public restrooms, walls of greenery, freestanding kinetic art, and light standards throughout.  The three major gateways to the alley—First Street, Nichols Street, and the walkway from Spring Street—would be highlighted with pavement accents, overhead lighting, murals, and plantings. Continue Reading

The Bolshoi Ballet in The Nutcracker – Contributed photo

San Juan Community Theatre’s partnership with Bolshoi Ballet Only in Cinemas gets a holiday start with screenings of The Nutcracker on Monday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 28 at 2:00 p.m.

Considered one of the greatest classics in the world with iconic music by Tchaikovsky, this choreographic version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story (created for the Bolshoi by Yuri Grigorovich) is full of romanticism and philosophical reflections on ideal love. Masterfully interpreted by the Bolshoi dancers, it will enchant the whole family as a wooden nutcracker and other toys magically come to life on Christmas Eve to protect young Marie from the Mouse King and his army.

Tickets for the screenings are $20 for adults, $18 for SJCT members and $10 for student reserved. The SJCT box office (378-3210) is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are also available on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

Direct from the Moscow stage to the big screen, Bolshoi Ballet Only in Cinemas is the latest HD partnership for SJCT. It also screens plays from Great Britain’s National Theare Live and operas via The Met: Live in HD. The HD programs were made possible through a generous bequest from the late Dodie Gann and underwriting from The McGee Foundation. A complete schedule of the HD-live events is available at www.sjctheatre.org

L-R: Pete Dawson, Tia’s Tacos; Project Contractor Mike Carlson, Mike Carlson Enterprises; Mayor Carrie Lacher; Town Councilman Steve Hushebeck; TIB Project Engineer Greg Armstrong; Town Public Works Director Wayne Haefele; Foreman Brandon Baney, Mike Carlson Enterprises; Project Engineer Tamara Nack, Gray & Osborne; Town Administrator Duncan Wilson – Matt Pranger photo

Mayor Carrie Lacher was joined by those involved in and affected by the Blair Avenue improvement project as she cut the ribbon to officially mark the substantial completion of the street renovation.

Mayor Carrie Lacher receives award – Matt Pranger photo

Pictured at right, the Mayor also accepted a plaque from Greg Armstrong, Project Engineer with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board memorializing the Town’s partnership with the TIB in completing the Blair Avenue improvement project. Contractor Mike Carlson of Mike Carlson Enterprises is also pictured.

A Sunday afternoon of holiday family fun is on tap at San Juan Community Theatre on Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m.

The festivities start with free popcorn and soda from concessions and then move into the Whittier for a screening of the 1994 Disney classic, The Santa Clause, featuring comedian Tim Allen. Allen plays a divorced dad who has custody of his son on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that he must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. He thinks he’s dreaming, but was he?

Following the movie, islander Kate Schuman leads a holiday sing-along in the Whittier—complete with cookies, cider and songbooks.

Tickets for the afternoon are $5 each. The Box Office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or tickets may be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org.