Topic: Around Here

State Awards OPALCO $1 Million For Solar Installations For Low Income

Written on March 4, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Washington State Department of Commerce The Washington State Department of Commerce Thursday, Feb. 26 announced $3.7 million in grants for nine solar energy projects across the state. The projects will result in a total $6.1 million reduction in the energy burden of low-income households and nonprofits serving low-income communities over 25 years. The Low-Income  Continue Reading

Hospitality Jobs Down In San Juans, But Trade, Construction Jobs Available

Written on February 22, 2021 at 5:30 am, by

By Minnie Knych, Northwest Workforce Council Career Center Despite the increase in unemployment in San Juan County, there is some good news. There are jobs available in several sectors of the economy.  As we all know, many San Juan County businesses are seasonal and thrive during the summer but start to lay off employees in  Continue Reading

Center For Whale Research Spots New Orca Calf

Written on February 20, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From the Center For Whale Research On Feb. 17, the Center For Whale Research had its eighth encounter with orcas in 2021. Members saw the J, K, L pods in Haro Strait. They report: “We were seeing young calves but it was hard to tell who the mothers were as saddles disappeared behind swells. We  Continue Reading

Animal Protection Society Volunteer Of The Month

Written on February 7, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

From Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor’s volunteer for the month of February is Pam Monin. Pam has been volunteering at the APS-FH Treasure Hounds store since July 2017. She has worked as a retail sales clerk for the store as well as being our visual merchandising and display  Continue Reading

Friends Of The Library Offers Online Valentine’s Sale

Written on February 4, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Friends of the San Juan Island Library The Friends of the San Juan Island Library are hosting a Valentine’s Day online auction. The Treasure Cove online sale includes books by the bag and specialty books. We are open through Feb. 15. You are cordially invited to shop for your valentine and support our library.  Continue Reading

Eventide To Vaccinate Existing Patients

Written on February 4, 2021 at 4:30 am, by

By William F. House, MD, Eventide Health We have received our shipment of the Moderna vaccine and will begin vaccinating established patients of Eventide Health. The vaccinations will be done at the county fairgrounds on Wednesdays as we join with the health department with their vaccination efforts. If you begin vaccinations with our clinic you  Continue Reading

Washington Health Benefit Exchange Opens Special Enrollment Period

Written on January 30, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Washington Health Benefit Exchange On Jan. 28, Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced it will open a special enrollment period that parallels the new federal enrollment period which runs from Feb. 15 through May 15, 2021. “Having health insurance is critically important in these challenging times of COVID,” said Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “Opening  Continue Reading

Island Stage Left’s Daniel Mayes Performs For San Juan Community Theatre Today

Written on January 29, 2021 at 5:58 am, by

From San Juan Community Theatre Daniel Mayes of Island Stage Left performs a series of monologues, titled “Interpretations,” that will leave you breathless. Introduced by Helen Machin-Smith, Daniel fills the San Juan Community Theatre stage with life through a variety of tales. The evening begins with a monologue from Shakespeare’s “Othello,” and then transitions to  Continue Reading

Lack Of Affordable Child Care Keeps Workers At Home

Written on January 28, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Washington State Department of Commerce Washington state’s economy is challenged by persistent gaps in the availability of affordable child care. According to the Washington Child Care Collaborative Task Force, lack of access to affordable child care keeps over 133,000 potential workers out of Washington’s labor force. The effects ripple through Washington’s economy, resulting in  Continue Reading

Port Of Friday Harbor Meets Wednesday

Written on January 26, 2021 at 9:49 pm, by

From the Port of Friday Harbor The Port of Friday Harbor Board will meet at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 27 online. Join the Zoom meeting here and enter the meeting ID 379 684 7063 and password 7063. The agenda includes discussions on a new hangar at the airport and replacing the restaurant at the airport. 

Skagit Valley College Pilots Program to Cover Books, Student Fees

Written on January 4, 2021 at 5:00 am, by

From Skagit Valley College Skagit Valley College has been awarded $32,270 for a one-year pilot program designed to assist SVC’s Running Start students by the Washington Student Achievement Council. The SVC Running Start Pilot Scholarship will support student success by covering the cost of books, course materials, and/or student fees for eligible students during the  Continue Reading

EDC Gives Stimulus Package Overview

Written on December 31, 2020 at 4:30 am, by

From San Juan County Economic Development Council The San Juan County Economic Development Council is continuing to analyze the details of the just-passed stimulus package. Our comprehensive summary with links can be found here. We are still days away from the Paycheck Protection Program applications reopening. However, businesses that qualify and are interested in doing  Continue Reading

Don’t Fear Calling 911 During Pandemic

Written on December 12, 2020 at 4:30 am, by

By San Juan Island EMS This has been a challenging year. COVID-19 has made many people reluctant to ask for help or see a health care provider, or even worse, caused some to think that they are an added burden if they ask for assistance. We want to reassure the public that you can continue  Continue Reading

Need Help With Zoom? The Library Can Help

Written on November 30, 2020 at 5:00 am, by

By SJIL The San Juan Island Library will host a virtual class called “Intro to Online Zoom Meetings,” at 3 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4. Learn the Zoom video conference application features in a low-pressure environment. During COVID-19, many of us have had to learn Zooming on the fly, or never had an opportunity to learn  Continue Reading

Kamin Retires from Eastsound Water User Association After 15 Years

Written on November 29, 2020 at 4:30 am, by

Dan Burke to Lead Association as New General Manager By Eastsound Water Association On Nov. 25, Eastsound Water User Association announced that General Manager Paul Kamin will be retiring from service on Dec. 31. Dan Burke, a longtime islander and former Rock Island Senior Vice President, is taking his place. “Paul’s written communications always include  Continue Reading

Free Virtual Pilates Class on Thanksgiving

Written on November 18, 2020 at 5:00 am, by

By Island Rec Celebrate community and the spirit of giving with a free pilates mat class via Zoom on Thanksgiving morning. The class is for beginner to advanced students and will run from 9-10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 26. Register in advance by emailing Morgan Johnston at [email protected]. The link will be sent out 30 minutes  Continue Reading