From San Juan County Since the last update on Friday, Feb. 8, the total cases in San Juan County have increased from 123 to 126. Two of these new cases are on Lopez Island and the third is on Orcas Island.     Approximately 43 close contacts of positive cases are currently in active quarantine. Orcas  Continue Reading

Friday Harbor Mayor Farhad Ghatan signed the following proclamation on Feb. 4. WHEREAS, the mission of the SJI Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of our community and support its membership through educational programs, networking opportunities, visitor information services and community events which reflect our unique island culture; and WHEREAS, our island  Continue Reading

From the Center For Whale Research The team at the Center For Whale Research wants to hear your whale love stories. Is there a whale that holds a special place in your heart? Or a whale encounter that still makes your heart go pitter-patter? Or perhaps you developed a special friendship with someone because of  Continue Reading

Store To Close Feb. 14-March 2 For Vacation By Nancy Larsen, Griffin Bay Bookstore We at Griffin Bay Bookstore have you in our hearts as we turn our uplifted spirits to thoughts of deep appreciation for our customers, to the gratitude we hold for your encouragement and support, and to the joy we feel knowing  Continue Reading

From San Juan Island Library The San Juan Island Library will bring Magician Jeff Evans to host “The Amazing Magic Show” by Zoom at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18. The show is a just-for-fun virtual magic show with family-friendly comedy and audience participation.   Jeff Evans is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented and  Continue Reading

By Louis Dustrude, San Juan Update After 40 years of operating San Juan Kayak Expeditions and 33 years of guiding multi-day trips, Tim Thomsen has sold the business to Todd Starnes, owner of Washington-based adventure companies Bicycle Adventures, Evergreen Escapes and Sacred Rides.  Cole Wilson, a long-time guide with the company, has been hired as  Continue Reading

By Bob Jarman, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, San Juan County Fire District 3 At our last San Juan County Fire District 3 meeting, San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Chief Norvin Collins told the board he was not going to take his contracted cost of living increase. In the course of his report  Continue Reading

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

From Island Rec Join Annalee Dunn, owner of Tiny Onion Cooking in Bellingham, for a one-hour live Zoom kids cooking extravaganza. Kids will learn to make scones and herbed egg cups. For those less independent in the kitchen, parent accompaniment is encouraged. The Zoom link to class, as well as an ingredient list, will be  Continue Reading

From the Friday Harbor Food Bank Islanders can purchase groceries from the Friday Harbor Food Bank online at fridayharborfoodbank.weebly.com. Purchasers can pick up items bought online from noon-6 p.m., Thursdays. Volunteers also extended their hours for in-store shopping to 4-6 p.m., Thursdays, so customers can shop after work. You can still shop in the store,  Continue Reading

From Cynthia’s Bistro Grab a free dinner from 4:30-6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, at Cynthia’s Bistro, 65 Nichols Street in Friday Harbor.  The bistro is offering free takeout meals on the restaurant’s front porch to anyone who needs a meal or wishes to have a home-cooked meal; no questions asked, just free food. The meals  Continue Reading

From San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau This Valentine’s Day, give some love to our island communities and support your favorite shops, restaurants and lodgings. This last year has been tough on business owners keeping up with changing restrictions. A candlelit dinner is a Valentine’s must, and there are so many takeout options to choose from  Continue Reading

By Jennifer Swanson, [email protected]; Anne Wysocki, [email protected]; Learner Limbach, [email protected], Save the Shaw Store Board of Directors Save the Shaw Store has gotten off to a terrific start. Within just a few days of the first public announcement, enthusiastic responses have come from across the islands, as well as from the rest of Washington state,  Continue Reading

From San Juan County Join San Juan County’s Environmental Resources Division for the event “Community Virtual Gathering: Stormwater Projects in Lopez Village.” This virtual gathering will update the community on the long-awaited stormwater projects scheduled for 2021. These projects help improve water quality draining from the Village and entering Fisherman Bay. See the project plans  Continue Reading

By Katherine Bryant Ingman, program director, Leadership San Juan Islands The Leadership San Juan Islands 2021 community seminars will begin on Jan. 29. Three informational community seminars will be held virtually for our island community throughout the first half of 2021. The public is welcome to these free community seminars. Visit www.lsji.org for more information  Continue Reading

Age: Approx 5-6 years Sex: Female Breed: Chihuahua mix Application: www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/canine-application Ginny has traveled a long way to find her forever home, and she is now ready for her special family. Ginny is initially very reserved and will need a patient person willing to work with her to gain confidence. But don’t let that deter  Continue Reading