Got a thing or two you’d like to say about the new Ferry Reservations System? Maybe this is your chance… The Washington State Transportation Commission is asking members of the Ferry Riders Opinion Group (FROG) to provide their views on the WSF reservation system. The results of this survey will be delivered to WSF leadership and will help inform them  Continue Reading

EDC presents 6th Annual Economics Luncheon with Noted Economists Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for the 6th Annual EDC Economics Luncheon with Dr. Hart Hodges, Director of Western Washington University’s Center for Economic & Business Research, and Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Regional Labor Economist at the State of Washington. Drs. Hodges and Vance-Sherman will take a look  Continue Reading

Editor’s note – This post covers material that is not your happy, good news type of stuff that you usually read on the Update. Jen’s story is disturbing, but it  definitely illustrates why this upcoming community education event on June 24th at SJCT is so important. More on that at the end of the post… Jen’s Story  Continue Reading

Pulitzer Prize Winner in Next Readers Theatre Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance is featured in San Juan Community Theatre’s On Book! Readers Theatre series THIS Tuesday and Wednesday, June 2-3 at 7:30 p.m. The winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1967, the plays brings us to the home of Agnes and Tobias. A long-married  Continue Reading

Here’s a note from the good people at Nana’s Holiday House… Nana’s Holiday House was started as a place where kids could afford to buy Christmas gifts for their families and learn about the joy of giving. This year, 100’s of kids of all ages felt the joy, as did the recipients of their gifts. 100%  Continue Reading

Due to current fuel conditions and the long range weather forecast, San Juan County has changed its fire risk status from “LOW” to “MODERATE,” effective immediately.  This will limit permit burning to mornings only.  At the current rate of fuel moisture trends, it is possible that the status will move to “HIGH” within the next  Continue Reading

In hidden drives and private workshops, artists on San Juan Island ask that you join them in celebrating the anniversary of the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio tour. The San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour is a free self-guided tour. Hundreds of people attend this free event every year. We are a group of mutually  Continue Reading

“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” ~ Kahlil Gibran Ah MUSIC! Twenty years ago, San Juan Island was treated to a new style of local music at the first “Barbershop Bonanza.” Before that, there had been concerts by the San Juan Singers and various  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 Commissioners will be forming a search committee to find a new EMS Chief Administrator for San Juan Island EMS. The committee will include two hospital district commissioners, Lenore Bayuk and Dr. Michael Edwards, San Juan County EMS Medical Program Director Dr. Michael Sullivan, two volunteer EMTs to  Continue Reading

When in Rome, they do as he does. Sharks have a week dedicated to him. Superman has pajamas with his picture all over them. His mother has a tattoo that says, “Son”. He has taught old dogs a wide variety of new tricks. Roses take time to stop and smell him.  He is Blake, the  Continue Reading

Here’s a note from the folks at the animal shelter… Lots of folks and their four-legged friends gathered at Skagit Community College Saturday morning for the 2nd Annual Dodie Gann Dog Walk.  8-year old Shelby Montana (seen in photo) won the grand prize, a Microsoft Surface Tablet, for gathering the most money in sponsorships. Thanks to  Continue Reading

New Opalco Surcharge To Correct Revenue Shortfall; Rate Structure Discussion Ongoing OPALCO leadership pledged to continue to work toward a better rate structure while, in the interim, a surcharge will appear on bills beginning in July to address the revenue shortfall. More than 20 members representing four islands attended OPALCO’s special board meeting on Thursday,  Continue Reading

Boxing the Compass – Recent Paintings The working side of the maritime world presented as abstracted ideas painted on canvas. The partial plimsoll marker, the depth lines and the pock-marked hulls.. all these marks are the icons that Melinda translates into paintings, some real, and some created are the icons/symbols translated from the freighters, tankers  Continue Reading

Barbara Jensen to Give Nature Walk at American Camp San Juan Island bird expert Barbara Jensen will give a guided nature walk beginning at 7:30 am, Sunday, May 31 at American Camp. The walk is free and meets in the Visitor Center parking lot. Birders are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring sun block.  Continue Reading

The Friday Harbor Film Festival and the FRIENDS of the San Juans are sponsoring the screening of the film, Coal Road to China on June 2 at 7:00 pm. This visually powerful film gets to the heart of coal company plans to strip mine Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming and transport the coal  Continue Reading

Deb Nolan shares this invitation with you to sign up for the San Juan Island Special Olympics Golf Team… Hello Editor, I have attached a flyer about the San Juan Islands Special Olympics program starting June 8th. I hope that you can help spread the word. The photo above is of last years team. Jack  Continue Reading