Topic: Around Here

MERT to Launch Duties on June 1, 2013

Written on May 29, 2013 at 5:35 am, by

The San Juan Island Fire Rescue has formed a new program, Major Emergency Response Team (MERT), to help neighbors in case of a major emergency on the Island. These folks will staff their neighborhood fire stations helping to keep track of residents, injuries, structural and property damage in their areas. When Emergency Services arrive at  Continue Reading

American Camp Archaeology Walk

Written on May 29, 2013 at 5:35 am, by

The University of Washington’s Dr. Julie Stein will discuss archaeological investigations of ancient cultures at American Camp and San Juan Island in a guided walk scheduled 10 a.m., Saturday, June 1 at American Camp’s South Beach site. The walk is free and meets at Alaska Packer’s Rock, located at the end of the gravel access road  Continue Reading

Our American Legion Auxiliary

Written on May 29, 2013 at 5:33 am, by

Minnie Knych shares this tidbit about Memorial Day in Friday Harbor and how they’re helping local families: The American Legion Auxiliary distributed poppies for all who attended the Memorial Day ceremony in Friday Harbor.  Funds collected from the poppy program all remain on San Juan Island and are used to assist veterans and veteran families  Continue Reading

Dateline: Victoria – what’s going on across the water?

Written on May 28, 2013 at 11:35 pm, by

It’s been a while since you & I checked in. I’m happy to report that Victoria remains THE tourist destination for you, this summer. Only $6.90 to walk on the WSF ferry, and $2.50 to ride the bus from Sidney to Victoria, which leaves plenty of money for ice cream. Tens of thousands turned out  Continue Reading

Congratulations! Emily & John get married last weekend!

Written on May 28, 2013 at 6:10 am, by

Great news! The sun came out & the sky cleared for the event: longtime islanders Emily Reed & John Geyman were married Saturday, and met up with a couple hundred well-wishers for a reception at Ernie’s, which ended with John flying Emily in his plane around the island, to the delight of the cheering crowd.  Continue Reading

American Camp Trail (ACT) Grand Opening

Written on May 28, 2013 at 5:42 am, by

Join the SJI Trails Committee for the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the American Camp Trail (ACT) on Saturday, June 1st at 11:00 am at the town trailhead at the top of Spring Street near the Office Center. Enjoy refreshments while hearing from Trail partners – Island Rec, Land Bank, Public Works, National Park  Continue Reading

Jazz at the Labs

Written on May 28, 2013 at 5:27 am, by

On Saturday night, June 1, 2013, Friday Harbor Laboratories will hold its 13th annual Jazz at the Labs, an evening of great food, a silent auction and GREAT MUSIC at the Friday Harbor Labs. All proceeds from Jazz at the Labs will benefit the Friday Harbor Laboratories K-12 Science Outreach Program in the San Juan  Continue Reading

Ghosts Among Us

Written on May 28, 2013 at 5:20 am, by

In observance of this month’s historic preservation theme, the Town of Friday Harbor has scheduled a new walking tour with a twist: ghost stories.  Come to “Ghosts Among Us,” with or without experiences to share, when we meet on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Park at the bottom of Spring Street. We’ll  Continue Reading

Signs for Cautious Optimism for SJC after the Bridge Collapse

Written on May 27, 2013 at 11:31 am, by

Just got this notice from the office of Emergency Management Director Brendan Cowan: A diverse array of local elected officials, government staff, and business representatives from each of the San Juan Islands have been working hard this weekend to monitor and manage impacts from the I-5 bridge collapse on the islands’ economy. Said San Juan  Continue Reading

Pet of the Week

Written on May 27, 2013 at 5:41 am, by

If you liked Tyrone, last week’s Pet of the Week, you’ll also fall for his brother, “Chester”, shown here.  Like his brother, Chester is about 8 months old and a Chihuahua mix.  The boys are pretty bonded and have so much fun playing  together, we would love to see them go to the same home,  Continue Reading

A Bridge Fix by Mid-June?

Written on May 26, 2013 at 11:24 pm, by

There may be a temporary span across the Skagit River for Interstate 5 by mid-June… Check out this article on Crosscut.com.

Kayakin’ Kitty

Written on May 26, 2013 at 11:21 pm, by

How many kitty-cats do you know that go kayaking? Even here in the San Juans? (and no – if you duct tape them to the deck it doesn’t count). I’m guessing you can easily count them on one hand or less. But look at this one. Kirsten took him out for a sea cruise and  Continue Reading

Humpback in San Juan Channel

Written on May 26, 2013 at 1:58 pm, by

San Juan Safaris shares this incredible photo from their Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour aboard MV Sea Lion. This humpback breached over 30 times, and traveled right past Friday Harbor in San Juan Channel. The photo was shot by Naturalist Kevin Culmback. Thanks for sharing!

New Chef at the Rumor Mill

Written on May 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm, by

Oren and Peggy Combs have a new chef! Matt Colony has returned to Friday Harbor after several years away. You may rembember him from 2006 to 2008 when he worked at various places including Friday Harbor House and the Front Street Ale House. He’s here now at the Rumor Mill using his talents and skills  Continue Reading

Say Bye-Bye!

Written on May 25, 2013 at 1:46 pm, by

A couple of items here sent over from Phyllis at Public Works: 1. The county has scheduled the demolition of the Frits building, across from the Courthouse on Second Street, to begin on Tuesday the 28th of May with completion by the 31st. The original building was a kit home from the Sears Catalog. With  Continue Reading

Business News

Written on May 25, 2013 at 1:27 pm, by

Let’s see what’s happening around here… More TripAdvisor awards – Becki Day mentioned that Vinny’s Restaurant also won a Certificate of Excellence Award, and  Pete and Erin Ancich of San Juan Excursions as well. San Juan Excursions is entering into its 21st season and running daily tours out of Friday Harbor. Tom Ashcraft is looking  Continue Reading