All state-run liquor stores will be closed on Friday, in observance of Christmas. Most state stores will be open on New Year’s Day. Contract liquor stores may be open on both holidays. Contact contract stores directly for their holiday operating schedules.
Warehouse Coffee has a new name: Solid Grounds Coffee Shop. Solid Grounds is located at 301 Tucker Ave. It is owned by Clinton Mills, who bought it in September from Dwight Ware.
The San Juan County Association of Realtors presented $2,433 in real estate agent donations to the Friday Harbor Food Bank, Tuesday. The association presented the money in lieu of its annual canned food drive.
OPALCO plans to use the settlement funds to support Project PAL, the energy assistance program that gives co-op members a hand up with their heating bills when times are tough; and to support a new weatherization program that will launch in early spring 2010.
Proposed changes to San Juan County’s Critical Areas Ordinance could change how we build, and where we build, in the San Juan Islands. Two community meetings are planned regarding those proposed changes.
The Friday Harbor Town Council on Thursday agreed to stay the course in the proposed purchase of the Friday Harbor Electric Co. site, touted as the future location of a year-round farmers market and public town square. But the council may not stay the course for long.
The San Juan County Economic Development Council and Agricultural Resources Committee will host an open house on Dec. 16, 3-5 p.m., at their offices, 540 Guard St., Suite 110. Refreshments will be served. The EDC will introduce its new executive director, Victoria Compton. She is the founder of At Home magazine and former director of Westcott Bay Institute. She succeeded Bill Watson, who retired from the position. Her first day on the job was Dec. 1. The ARC will introduce its new coordinator Peggy Bill. She succeeded Eliza Buck, who left to pursue a master’s degree.
This second grant is specifically for the development of a corridor management plan, an essential element in Scenic Byway development. The process will bring together citizens, businesses, organizations, and local, state and federal government agencies to define the community’s vision, goals and branding of the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway. It will also develop plans for interpretation, define the infrastructure development needs, identify resource protection areas and methods, and define marketing approaches.
Loving Hands, a pet grooming service, has moved from 1021 Guard St. to 385-B Carter Ave., below Hillside House. Melody Rice employs the use of chemical-free shampoos and conditioners. Her grooming is hands-on, no cage drying. Her services range from nails to full grooms to clip downs.
Sweet Retreat — 264 Spring St., Friday Harbor — is now owned by Dave and Michele Morton, who purchased the business from Dave’s mom, Kathie. Dave Morton worked alongside his mom since the business was founded in May 1998 and is “thrilled” to keep the family tradition alive.
Griffin Bay Bookstore is celebrating 30 years of book selling in Friday Harbor with an open house No. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is selling all books 20 percent off, and offering complimentary treats from Bakery San Juan, Cynthia’s of Course and the bookstore’s signature coffee, Caffe Umbria.
Grand opening is Nov. 13, beginning at 4 p.m., for Mary Oettinger’s San Juan Vacation Rentals LLC, located at 100 First St., Suite A.
Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
The building and land that’s home to Ace Hardware in Friday Harbor is back under local ownership. And a new tenant is expected to be announced by the end of the week: an extension of the Ace Hardware in Anacortes, owned by Randy Burgess and Pat Strand.
