The categories and winners of the 2008 Island Lights Fest Decorating contest …
A statue of baby Jesus, reported stolen Nov. 30 from the nativity scene in front of Second Act, was returned Sunday. Employees found the statue at the store, wrapped in a bag, with a note that read, “Sorry, I just needed a little Jesus in my life. Merry Christmas.”
Jill Peacock lost her red iPod shuffle Sunday morning on Turn Point Road, within two miles of Shipyard Cove. Her name is engraved on the back. If found, please call 298-0376.
Viola “Vi” Lorraine King, age 91, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. She was born to Walter and Hattie (Messenger) Andrus on Oct. 6, 1917 in Blaine, Wash., where she spent her childhood years. She graduated from Blaine High School in 1935 and, shortly thereafter, moved to Friday Harbor to work as a nanny. In Friday Harbor, she met Blair King and they married Oct. 1, 1939 in Blaine. They made their home in Friday Harbor, where together they owned and operated King’s Market for 40 years. In 2001, Vi and Blair moved to Lynden to be near family.
Faced with declining enrollment and early predictions of significant statewide reductions in education funding, the Lopez School District has determined that the position of superintendent should be reduced to half-time, as a cost-saving measure, beginning with the 2009-10 school year.
Children’s author Lois Harris will speak about and sign copies of her book, “Mary Cassatt: Impressionist Painter,” Saturday, Dec. 6,
2-4 p.m., at Griffin Bay Bookstore. Inspiring for all children, but especially appropriate for those with artistic interests, this book shows how one girl’s lifelong dream to become an artist came true due to an independent spirit, determination and commitment to her craft.
The San Juan Island Trails Committee/Bike Trails Group is sponsoring a community bicycle ride Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10:30 a.m. Participants will start at the Friday Harbor High School gym parking lot for a 10- to 12-mile bike ride to False Bay and back to town. Participants will take Blair Avenue to Market Street and then Mullis Street/Cattle Point Road to False Bay Road. The return will be Bailer Hill Road, Douglas Road, San Juan Valley Road to Blair and back to the high school.
Friday Harbor’s sales tax revenue in September was $68,792 less than in September 2007, according to figures from the town treasurer’s office. September’s revenue of $113,538.18 — generated that month and received in November — was the second best September ever, albeit a distant second: the town received $182,330.09 in September 2007.
The San Juan Island School District may reduce staff and programs beginning as early as the 2009-10 school year, because of a decline in enrollment and reduction in state funding. A special board meeting will be held on Dec. 10, 6 p.m. in the Friday Harbor High School library. The meeting will address long-range planning options needed to address an anticipated $717,2000 budget shortfall.
The San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee meets Dec. 8, 8:30-10:30 a.m., in the Large Conference Room of the County Legislative Building, 55 Second St., Friday Harbor. The date of the meeting was incorrect in the Nov. 26 Journal.
The San Juan Island School District is proud to announce that Beth Spaulding has met the rigorous National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She is the first to earn such certification in the district.
Jean McLeod, who during her 20 years in Friday Harbor enjoyed sailing, gardening and doll making, has died. She passed away suddenly Nov. 17 in Atlanta, Ga. due to lung failure. She and her husband, John, were building a home in Hayesville, N.C., where they moved to be closer to family.
Maybe the person who took the little statue from its crib was motivated more by a spirit in need than by a mean spirit. Maybe, just maybe — Lori Narum of Second Act wants to believe — the person who took the little statue from its crib really needed Jesus.