The blockhouse at English Camp is possibly the most iconic structural link to our island’s Pig War history. Recently, in a box of old family papers, I found an old photograph of English Camp from a time when the blockhouse looks about to collapse into the bay. I asked David Harsh who worked with the  Continue Reading

The Toy Box was created in 1993 with the mission to have as much fun as possible while stocking the shop with creative, imaginative, educational and FUN toys, games and novelties. Over the 25 years in business, I have listened to our loyal local customers as well as the summer folks who come back every  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) will offer free training in electrical basics this spring, funded by the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Kiwanis,  Islanders Bank and Heritage Bank. The course will be taught at Orcas Island High School by Vocational Instructor Brett McFarland and others.  The training will include core electrician skills,  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we find this letter from Gay Graham… To the Editor: “They tell you in this country that you have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.  And we all believe that.  But first you’ve got to have the boots.” The San Juan Community Home Trust is grateful for  Continue Reading

After ten years of public service as Friends of the San Juans’ staff attorney, Kyle Loring will be leaving the organization in June to pursue other endeavors. Starting this month, Friends will conduct a search for a talented environmental attorney to serve the people and wildlife of the San Juans. Since Friends hired Kyle in  Continue Reading

Cynthia’s restaurant has a special Valentine’s menu served in conjunction with Island Stage Left’s Words of Love… Delicious food, wine, live music, soft lights and words of love that will make you smile, touch your heart and encourage you to leave the outside world behind for a while. We hope to share this wonderful evening  Continue Reading

Ruth Offen, proprietor of Waterworks Gallery, invites you to visit the gallery (see dates the gallery will be open below). “Jewelry, (the perfect size present for everyone!) paintings, and lots of other beautiful pieces” will be on view. “These works are fabulous to see and even better to be chosen for your collection! I have  Continue Reading

The Community Foundation is honored to announce an anonymous matching grant in the amount of $50,000 to go toward the San Juan Island Family Resource Center’s Building Expansion Project. All donations will be matched up to this amount in memory of Joyce Sobel and her 43 years of dedication and service to the San Juan  Continue Reading

The string wizards of Canada land in the San Juan Community Theatre Whittier Theatre THIS Friday, February 9 at 7:30 pm. The band described by the CBC as the “hottest” guitar ensemble in Canada rocks their concerts with virtuosity, rigor, creativity, and an impressive stage presence. And for the Montreal Guitar Trio, humor and interacting with the public  Continue Reading

“Now is the TIME for Advocacy and Action” is the topic of the League of Women Voters meeting February 12 at 12:30 pm in the San Juan Island Library meeting room.  Geared especially to those members who are new to League Advocacy as well as information for all members on what and how to take action,   Continue Reading