Topic: Community
SJICF to Repeat Virtual County Fair Matching Grant Program
Written on August 12, 2021 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
In 2020, the San Juan Island Community Foundation quickly adapted to a “virtual” San Juan County Fair by taking their popular annual matching grant event online. Nearly $140k was donated by hundreds of generous community members during the 4 days of the fair. After matching grants by SJICF were added, more than $170k was granted Continue Reading
Soroptimist Bring Live Music to the Virtual County Fair
Written on August 9, 2021 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Summer Sounds of the San Juans Three local bands will perform on Saturday, August 21st at the San Juan County Fairgrounds, from 6-10 pm, to raise money for the Soroptimist Cancer Treatment Transportation Fund. Tommy Dale and the Dangerfields, Desolation Sound, and the Rocky Bay Band will have you moving to the beat. Refreshments will Continue Reading
San Juan Island EMS Signs Agreement with Fire District Regarding Integration
Written on August 8, 2021 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
The hospital district is happy to announce that it has reached agreement with San Juan Island Fire and Rescue to take over Emergency Medical Services on our behalf in 2023, pending voter approval. “It’s been a long process, but we’re ready to support the Fire District taking this to the public,” said hospital district commissioner Continue Reading
Doe Bay Water Users Association Joins Forces with Eastsound Water to Operate and Maintain the Doe Bay Water System in 2022
Written on August 8, 2021 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
On August 6, 2021, Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) and the Doe Bay Water Users Association (DBWUA) signed an agreement to work in partnership to manage the Doe Bay Water system. Eastsound Water will take over operations in Q2 of 2022 and perform all daily tasks including testing, monitoring and maintaining the Doe Bay Water Continue Reading
Resiliency Fair
Written on August 5, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In March of 2019 Transition San Juan Island left the radar as COVID 19 halted in-person meetings. Now, more than ever, it is time to revitalize our movement with a Resiliency Fair. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm as we reactivate our mission: To “create conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world.”
Friday Harbor RV Dump Station Re-opens with Limited Access
Written on July 28, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the town of Friday Harbor The RV dump station located in Friday Harbor on Harbor Street (across from the wastewater treatment plant) has been reopened with limited, secured access. The station has been closed due to a deposit of unknown chemicals in the sewage that proved harmful to treatment processes at the wastewater Continue Reading
Orcas Island Teams Up to Create New Playground
Written on July 27, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Parks and Fair A new playground will be dedicated to residents and visiting children noon Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Village Green on Orcas Island. The Playground-on-the-Green is a product of Orcas Island’s imagination, energy and funding, and was constructed by Orcas artists Chuck Greening and Zackarya Leck. The playground design, Continue Reading
Larsen Secures nearly $700K to Fix Eroding Agate Beach Lane on Lopez Island
Written on July 26, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From Rep. Rick Larsen’s Office July 21, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced he has secured $10,662,665 for ten Second District projects in the Fiscal Year 2022 House appropriations bills, including nearly $700,000 to repair an eroding Lopez Island road. “My priority in shaping spending bills is to invest in local communities to create well-paying jobs Continue Reading
Friends of the Library Hosts Book Sale at Library’s New Location in Old Life Care Center
Written on July 25, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan Island Friends of the Library The San Juan Island Friends of the Library will host its annual in-person book sale Saturday, Aug. 14 at the library’s new location, the former Life Care Center at 660 Spring St. in Friday Harbor. Friends of the Library members can shop from 9-10 a.m. and Continue Reading
Virtual San Juan County Fair is about a Month Away; Register Exhibits Online Today
Written on July 21, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Fair The countdown to 2021 “Lettuce Entertain Ewe,” the virtual fair, is underway. While staff has worked hard to host some recent, smaller in-person activities, the Aug. 18-21 event will remain online. There are two more weeks for exhibitors to register online. The goal for this year is to beat the Continue Reading
Island Senior: Are We There Yet? The Mullis Center Cautiously Reopens
Written on July 18, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
“Island Senior” is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae. UPDATE – We are monitoring developments with Delta and other COVID variants that may affect our Mullis Center onsite community meal re-opening. Everyone’s health safety is our top priority. Please stay tuned for more information via our newsletter, website, Facebook page Continue Reading
First San Juan Drug Court Graduate Leaves with ‘Tools to Maintain Sobriety’
Written on July 14, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Adult Drug Court The San Juan County Adult Drug Court awarded its first certificate of graduation to Jordan Lynn-Jefferson of Orcas Island July 7. After 697 days or almost 24 months in the county’s therapeutic program, Jordan emerges a more self-confident and mature young man with goals for his life and Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson to Retire in 2022
Written on July 14, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
By Hayley Day, San Juan Island Update After nearly a decade at the helm, town of Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson is hanging up his hat. Wilson retires Jan. 4, 2022. Current San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas takes over Dec. 13, so Wilson can train his successor and “smooth the transition,” he said. “Mike Continue Reading
Friday Harbor to Replace Three Downtown Trees to Prevent Tripping Over Roots
Written on July 10, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From the town of Friday Harbor The Town of Friday Harbor will replace three sidewalk trees on Spring Street at First and Second Streets due to significant sidewalk upheaval caused by overgrown root systems. Installation of new shade trees appropriate for downtown sidewalk areas will eliminate the potential for root intrusion and the resulting trip Continue Reading
When Pandemic Hit, County Braced for Recession-era Finances; the Opposite Occurred
Written on July 6, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
Negative Lodging Tax Funds in 2020, to the Best Year in Land Bank History in 2021 By F. Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor I have always been amazed by four-way stops. Drivers learn as teens to negotiate these tricky, cooperative intersections, and most of us never forget. It’s a marvel of social engineering. This Continue Reading
Donate to Food Bank, Family Resource Center During Fourth of July Parade
Written on June 30, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
By Gay Graham, Spontaneous Disorganization of Yankee Doodlers Our island’s Fourth of July parade may be small, but it will be mighty — especially if you all can lend a helping hand! A few of us crazy islanders will be pushing shopping carts — lent by Browne’s Home Center — to collect food for the Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Fourth of July Parade to be ‘Small but Mighty’
Written on June 28, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back our beloved Fourth of July celebration! Our chamber and community are working behind the scenes, getting ready for the big day. The parade entries are trickling in, more bunting is going up every day, the fireworks Continue Reading
UPDATE: Second Vacation Rental Forum Suggests 24-hour Complaint Hotline
Written on June 24, 2021 at 8:56 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan Islands Community Network San Juan Islands Community Network’s second forum on vacation rentals was held June 17 to a Zoom audience of about 45. The forum, entitled “Common Ground” focused on areas of agreement and the best next steps to take. Watch it at sjicn.org/forums. Common Ground brought back the same panelists Continue Reading
‘The Perfume Collector’ is the Next Mullis Center Book Club Read
Written on June 23, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan Island Library Read and Discuss “The Perfume Collector” by Kathleen Tessaro 1:15 p.m. July 12 over Zoom with the San Juan Island Library as part of the Mullis Center’s book club. Contact Beth Helstien at bhelstien@sjlib.org for the Zoom meeting link. Newlywed Grace Monroe doesn’t fit anyone’s expectations of a successful Continue Reading
Pick Up Bookmark Designed by Local Kids at San Juan Library
Written on June 21, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan Island Library The winners of the San Juan Island Library annual bookmark contest are in. Children from Kindergarten through 5th grade were invited to celebrate books, reading and art by participating in the contest. In conjunction with the 2021 Summer Reading Program theme, our young artists created illustrations representing “Tails and Tales,” Continue Reading
Land Bank Update on Leasing Coffelt Farm Preserve on Orcas Island
Written on June 19, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Land Bank The San Juan County Land Bank is entering into another phase in planning the future of Coffelt Farm Preserve’s agricultural use. According to the San Juan Island Preservation Trust, the Preservation Trust and San Juan County Land Bank acquired a 189-acre conservation easement on this historic working farm in Continue Reading
San Juan Island Fourth of July Fireworks, Small Parade Planned
Written on June 16, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce 4th of July parade and fireworks show will take place this year. We are going along with Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation that the state will have a complete re-opening June 30 and we are working feverishly to hold Continue Reading
SJICF to Repeat Virtual County Fair Matching Grant Program
Written on August 12, 2021 at 5:53 am, by Tim Dustrude
In 2020, the San Juan Island Community Foundation quickly adapted to a “virtual” San Juan County Fair by taking their popular annual matching grant event online. Nearly $140k was donated by hundreds of generous community members during the 4 days of the fair. After matching grants by SJICF were added, more than $170k was granted Continue Reading
Soroptimist Bring Live Music to the Virtual County Fair
Written on August 9, 2021 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Summer Sounds of the San Juans Three local bands will perform on Saturday, August 21st at the San Juan County Fairgrounds, from 6-10 pm, to raise money for the Soroptimist Cancer Treatment Transportation Fund. Tommy Dale and the Dangerfields, Desolation Sound, and the Rocky Bay Band will have you moving to the beat. Refreshments will Continue Reading
San Juan Island EMS Signs Agreement with Fire District Regarding Integration
Written on August 8, 2021 at 5:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
The hospital district is happy to announce that it has reached agreement with San Juan Island Fire and Rescue to take over Emergency Medical Services on our behalf in 2023, pending voter approval. “It’s been a long process, but we’re ready to support the Fire District taking this to the public,” said hospital district commissioner Continue Reading
Doe Bay Water Users Association Joins Forces with Eastsound Water to Operate and Maintain the Doe Bay Water System in 2022
Written on August 8, 2021 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
On August 6, 2021, Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) and the Doe Bay Water Users Association (DBWUA) signed an agreement to work in partnership to manage the Doe Bay Water system. Eastsound Water will take over operations in Q2 of 2022 and perform all daily tasks including testing, monitoring and maintaining the Doe Bay Water Continue Reading
Resiliency Fair
Written on August 5, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In March of 2019 Transition San Juan Island left the radar as COVID 19 halted in-person meetings. Now, more than ever, it is time to revitalize our movement with a Resiliency Fair. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm as we reactivate our mission: To “create conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world.”
Friday Harbor RV Dump Station Re-opens with Limited Access
Written on July 28, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the town of Friday Harbor The RV dump station located in Friday Harbor on Harbor Street (across from the wastewater treatment plant) has been reopened with limited, secured access. The station has been closed due to a deposit of unknown chemicals in the sewage that proved harmful to treatment processes at the wastewater Continue Reading
Orcas Island Teams Up to Create New Playground
Written on July 27, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Parks and Fair A new playground will be dedicated to residents and visiting children noon Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Village Green on Orcas Island. The Playground-on-the-Green is a product of Orcas Island’s imagination, energy and funding, and was constructed by Orcas artists Chuck Greening and Zackarya Leck. The playground design, Continue Reading
Larsen Secures nearly $700K to Fix Eroding Agate Beach Lane on Lopez Island
Written on July 26, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From Rep. Rick Larsen’s Office July 21, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced he has secured $10,662,665 for ten Second District projects in the Fiscal Year 2022 House appropriations bills, including nearly $700,000 to repair an eroding Lopez Island road. “My priority in shaping spending bills is to invest in local communities to create well-paying jobs Continue Reading
Friends of the Library Hosts Book Sale at Library’s New Location in Old Life Care Center
Written on July 25, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan Island Friends of the Library The San Juan Island Friends of the Library will host its annual in-person book sale Saturday, Aug. 14 at the library’s new location, the former Life Care Center at 660 Spring St. in Friday Harbor. Friends of the Library members can shop from 9-10 a.m. and Continue Reading
Virtual San Juan County Fair is about a Month Away; Register Exhibits Online Today
Written on July 21, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Fair The countdown to 2021 “Lettuce Entertain Ewe,” the virtual fair, is underway. While staff has worked hard to host some recent, smaller in-person activities, the Aug. 18-21 event will remain online. There are two more weeks for exhibitors to register online. The goal for this year is to beat the Continue Reading
Island Senior: Are We There Yet? The Mullis Center Cautiously Reopens
Written on July 18, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
“Island Senior” is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae. UPDATE – We are monitoring developments with Delta and other COVID variants that may affect our Mullis Center onsite community meal re-opening. Everyone’s health safety is our top priority. Please stay tuned for more information via our newsletter, website, Facebook page Continue Reading
First San Juan Drug Court Graduate Leaves with ‘Tools to Maintain Sobriety’
Written on July 14, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Adult Drug Court The San Juan County Adult Drug Court awarded its first certificate of graduation to Jordan Lynn-Jefferson of Orcas Island July 7. After 697 days or almost 24 months in the county’s therapeutic program, Jordan emerges a more self-confident and mature young man with goals for his life and Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson to Retire in 2022
Written on July 14, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
By Hayley Day, San Juan Island Update After nearly a decade at the helm, town of Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson is hanging up his hat. Wilson retires Jan. 4, 2022. Current San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas takes over Dec. 13, so Wilson can train his successor and “smooth the transition,” he said. “Mike Continue Reading
Friday Harbor to Replace Three Downtown Trees to Prevent Tripping Over Roots
Written on July 10, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From the town of Friday Harbor The Town of Friday Harbor will replace three sidewalk trees on Spring Street at First and Second Streets due to significant sidewalk upheaval caused by overgrown root systems. Installation of new shade trees appropriate for downtown sidewalk areas will eliminate the potential for root intrusion and the resulting trip Continue Reading
When Pandemic Hit, County Braced for Recession-era Finances; the Opposite Occurred
Written on July 6, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
Negative Lodging Tax Funds in 2020, to the Best Year in Land Bank History in 2021 By F. Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor I have always been amazed by four-way stops. Drivers learn as teens to negotiate these tricky, cooperative intersections, and most of us never forget. It’s a marvel of social engineering. This Continue Reading
Donate to Food Bank, Family Resource Center During Fourth of July Parade
Written on June 30, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
By Gay Graham, Spontaneous Disorganization of Yankee Doodlers Our island’s Fourth of July parade may be small, but it will be mighty — especially if you all can lend a helping hand! A few of us crazy islanders will be pushing shopping carts — lent by Browne’s Home Center — to collect food for the Continue Reading
Friday Harbor Fourth of July Parade to be ‘Small but Mighty’
Written on June 28, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back our beloved Fourth of July celebration! Our chamber and community are working behind the scenes, getting ready for the big day. The parade entries are trickling in, more bunting is going up every day, the fireworks Continue Reading
UPDATE: Second Vacation Rental Forum Suggests 24-hour Complaint Hotline
Written on June 24, 2021 at 8:56 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan Islands Community Network San Juan Islands Community Network’s second forum on vacation rentals was held June 17 to a Zoom audience of about 45. The forum, entitled “Common Ground” focused on areas of agreement and the best next steps to take. Watch it at sjicn.org/forums. Common Ground brought back the same panelists Continue Reading
‘The Perfume Collector’ is the Next Mullis Center Book Club Read
Written on June 23, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan Island Library Read and Discuss “The Perfume Collector” by Kathleen Tessaro 1:15 p.m. July 12 over Zoom with the San Juan Island Library as part of the Mullis Center’s book club. Contact Beth Helstien at bhelstien@sjlib.org for the Zoom meeting link. Newlywed Grace Monroe doesn’t fit anyone’s expectations of a successful Continue Reading
Pick Up Bookmark Designed by Local Kids at San Juan Library
Written on June 21, 2021 at 5:00 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan Island Library The winners of the San Juan Island Library annual bookmark contest are in. Children from Kindergarten through 5th grade were invited to celebrate books, reading and art by participating in the contest. In conjunction with the 2021 Summer Reading Program theme, our young artists created illustrations representing “Tails and Tales,” Continue Reading
Land Bank Update on Leasing Coffelt Farm Preserve on Orcas Island
Written on June 19, 2021 at 4:30 am, by Hayley Day
From San Juan County Land Bank The San Juan County Land Bank is entering into another phase in planning the future of Coffelt Farm Preserve’s agricultural use. According to the San Juan Island Preservation Trust, the Preservation Trust and San Juan County Land Bank acquired a 189-acre conservation easement on this historic working farm in Continue Reading
San Juan Island Fourth of July Fireworks, Small Parade Planned
Written on June 16, 2021 at 5:30 am, by Hayley Day
From the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce 4th of July parade and fireworks show will take place this year. We are going along with Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee’s proclamation that the state will have a complete re-opening June 30 and we are working feverishly to hold Continue Reading