Topic: Around Here

Island Senior: Simplify For A Meaningful Holiday Season

Written on December 2, 2019 at 5:49 am, by

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… There is a certain amount of hustle and bustle that inevitably accompanies the holiday season. Here are just a few ideas that may help limit the stresses and increase the joys of celebrating the holidays: Give the gift of shared  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on November 24, 2019 at 6:15 am, by

There’s no getting around it – the holidays are on our doorstep. I’ve only a few days until a motley crew of fourteen arrives for wild rice stuffed “Tofurky”, mashed cauliflower, and a plethora of other gems from PUP-KIN PIES to CHERPUMPLE; a triple layer ditty offering BOTH chocolate and white cake stuffed with a  Continue Reading

Island Rec’s Winter Break School’s Out Camp

Written on November 23, 2019 at 6:30 am, by

Are you looking for somewhere for your kids to be during their winter break from school? Our Winter Break Camp will provide structured, themed activities for your Kindergarteners-5th Graders in two day sessions at Friday Harbor Elementary School. We will operate camp in the following two-day sessions with the following themes December 26th & 27th (Survive the Wild),  Continue Reading

Time to Sign Up For Christmas Food Boxes

Written on November 23, 2019 at 6:00 am, by

Save the date and grab a Christmas Food Box! Saturday, December 14th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church deacons will be providing food boxes again for the holiday season. Christmas boxes include an assortment of fresh fruit, dry goods, canned goods and either a ham or packet of tofu for vegetarian  Continue Reading

Chardonnay Shopping in Friday Harbor December 5

Written on November 22, 2019 at 6:15 am, by

Save the date of December 5th for Chardonnay shopping in Friday Harbor.  This is an annual event where ladies shop local and perhaps have a beverage in between the stores.  Last year we had over 40 ladies starting off with lunch then the shopping began.   This year, many of the stores are offering discounts for  Continue Reading

Hooded Merganser From James Mead Maya

Written on November 21, 2019 at 6:25 am, by

Thanks to James Mead Maya for this great shot of a hooded merganser. Click on image to enlarge…

Cynthia’s Bistro Offers Kitchen Sink Dinners Thursday November 21

Written on November 19, 2019 at 4:53 pm, by

Cynthia’s Bistro is offering free take-away meals to anyone who needs a meal or wishes to have a home cooked meal. No questions asked, just free food. Stop by Cynthia’s this Thursday – November 21 from 4:30 to 6:00 to pick up your meal. You may pick up 2 meals per person. When we run  Continue Reading

Docks; Fun Facts to Know and Tell

Written on November 19, 2019 at 6:17 am, by

Thanks to Merri Ann Simonson for this informative article… During the real estate boom years of 2005 through 2007, waterfront homes on San Juan Island appreciated around 8- 10% per year and homes with docks appreciated around 13%. Docks have always been a coveted property amenity as they truly allow easy access to boating; the  Continue Reading

EDC Presents Datapalooza! on Orcas

Written on November 19, 2019 at 6:10 am, by

Need more data and information to make knowledgeable decisions about your business or as a community legislator or leader? Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) for their fourth annual Datapalooza! event, 1.5 hours of in-depth data and analysis of our economy and demographics, plus lunch and conversation, on Wednesday, December 4, from  Continue Reading

Pet(s) of the Week

Written on November 17, 2019 at 4:05 am, by

Fellow islanders, APS-FH has kitten madness and needs your help! We began our exploration with hundreds of careers and industries on our list. Narrowing down to the right career choice for each of us has proved a difficult task. Let us open with what we’ve crossed off on our “Make a Career Choice” checklist. With  Continue Reading

San Juan Island Library Board Of Trustees Seeks Candidates

Written on November 15, 2019 at 6:01 am, by

The Board of Trustees is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the five-member library board. The non-paid term of office is from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024, and the trustee is eligible for reappointment to another full five-year term. Recommendation will be submitted by the current Board of Trustees, and the appointment  Continue Reading

Welcome To The First Meeting of the SJI Gem & Mineral Society

Written on November 13, 2019 at 6:30 am, by

Keith Busha will be hosting a new club, the SJI Gem and Mineral Society, at the library on Sunday, November 17 from 2 – 4 pm. The meeting is free and open to anyone with a curiosity for precious and semi precious stones, rockhounding, or lapidary art. Here is a message from Keith… I first  Continue Reading

Local Authors To Have Booth At Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace

Written on November 13, 2019 at 6:01 am, by

Authors of the San Juan Islands, a community of local published writers, will staff a booth at the Island Artisans Holiday Marketplace this year. AOSJI, a non­‐profit organization, was formed in 2018 to help promote local authors and educate new writers in pursuit of better craft and business practices.  On the first Saturday of each  Continue Reading

Daylight Saving Time Ends Tomorrow

Written on November 2, 2019 at 5:55 am, by

November 3rd marks the end of Daylight Saving Time. Don’t forget to set your clock back tonight when you go to bed. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your home’s smoke alarms too.

Island Senior: Cooking With Kate, The Mullis Center’s New Cook

Written on November 1, 2019 at 5:49 am, by

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… The Mullis Center has a new lead cook. I was delighted to learn the new cook is my friend Kate Stone.  Kate recently returned to San Juan Island after moving with her family to New Zealand for a 5-year  Continue Reading

San Juan Bistro Will Be Closed This Sunday

Written on September 7, 2019 at 5:32 am, by

Dear Friday Harbor Friends, We will be closed Sunday, September 8. Chef Bill is off to the races! (Actually, he is running the Seattle Beast and Sprint!) We are open for counter service on Saturday.  Thanks, Richard, Sherri and Chef Bill

SVC Registration Open

Written on August 28, 2019 at 5:43 am, by

Skagit Valley College San Juan Center is now open for Fall Quarter registration The Skagit Valley College San Juan Center is pleased to announce that it is open for fall Quarter admission and registration.  Classes begin September 24. New and returning students are encouraged to contact the San Juan Center to make appointments with the  Continue Reading

CANCELLED: Author Event at the Library

Written on August 26, 2019 at 9:32 am, by

This event has been cancelled The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister San Juan Island fans of Northwest author Erica Bauermeister take note: She’s returning to the island on Wednesday, August 28, 7:00 pm at the Library to present her latest novel, The Scent Keeper. Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are thrilled  Continue Reading

Wreck It Ralph 2

Written on August 19, 2019 at 5:47 am, by

Island Rec’s Free Movie in the Park 2019 is right around the corner – this Saturday evening, August 24th, beginning at dusk in Sunken Park. We are showing Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. In this sequel to, “Wreck It Ralph” arcade residents Ralph and Vanelope, now friends, discover a Wi-fi router in  Continue Reading

Inter Island Healthcare Foundation Survey

Written on August 12, 2019 at 5:44 am, by

Long-term care needs in our community continue to be studied and the Inter Island Healthcare Foundation (IIHF) has sponsored a feasibility study to plan for present and future needs. A survey of county residents over the age of 70 will be conducted this month. Sponsored by IIHF and Health Facilities Planning & Development (206-441-0971), it  Continue Reading

OPALCO Wants You Safe

Written on August 5, 2019 at 5:45 am, by

OPALCO needs access to your equipment. Please make sure to keep your transformer clear of shrubs and brush. Right of Way clearing keeps service reliable and safe! We trim and remove trees and other vegetation under or near our power lines to reduce the frequency of power interruptions caused by overhanging branches and trees. This  Continue Reading

Island Senior: Bring Your Neglected Treasures to The Mullis Center’s Parking Lot Sale

Written on August 1, 2019 at 5:48 am, by

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… With a move in my future it is good timing for me to have the Mullis Center’s Parking Lot Sale on August 24 as further inspiration to selectively pare down my belongings.  I often think about culling my clutter but sometimes  Continue Reading