Topic: Community

Spend a Dollar, Donate a Dollar, Volunteer an Hour!

Written on April 23, 2020 at 1:17 pm, by

Stimulus Checks for Local Recovery— Since government stimulus checks have started to arrive in bank accounts, many of our most vulnerable islanders have already spent their funds, need to hold onto their checks, or are not receiving any stimulus funds. We fully support everyone who needs to spend or hold on to their stimulus checks  Continue Reading

Our Islands Together Posters

Written on April 22, 2020 at 7:25 am, by

Celebrate those in the islands working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response with these posters. Anyone in community who wants to print and hang one can feel free to do so.  Click here or on the image above to see the posters available online and then click any one you like to download  Continue Reading

Mullis Center Update – April 2020 Responding to the COVID-19 Needs on San Juan Island

Written on April 22, 2020 at 7:24 am, by

What We’re Doing While the Doors are Closed: As you know, the Mullis Center is closed for regular services during this time of social distancing and stay-at-home directives, but staff and volunteers are still facilitating essential senior services such as foot care, general client assistance, case management and the production, coordination and delivery of Meals  Continue Reading

Virtual Sewing Bee Stitches Beautiful Protection for San Juan Islanders

Written on April 21, 2020 at 2:13 pm, by

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., April 21, 2020 – It started with a simple request for support. In late March, Beth Williams-Gieger, director of administration at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, emailed Peggy Cregor, chair of the Peace Island Volunteers (PIVs) asking if they would be interested in sewing masks for medical providers at PeaceHealth Peace Island.  Continue Reading

HOT TOPIC #17: April 21st – Helping Islanders in Need

Written on April 21, 2020 at 2:11 pm, by

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders Neighbors caring for neighbors is a fundamental part of life in the islands. This has become even more true during the COVID-19 pandemic where community support, especially of our most vulnerable residents, is a core part of the local response. It has  Continue Reading

There’s Still Help

Written on April 19, 2020 at 9:11 am, by

By Louise Dustrude – These are challenging times for everyone, and for some individuals and families the challenges are made worse by alcohol or other drugs. Alcoholics Anonymous has long been a resource for those who acknowledge that they are “powerless over alcohol”; Al-Anon is a well-established resource for those impacted by another person’s drinking;  Continue Reading

Thank You San Juan Island!

Written on April 19, 2020 at 8:48 am, by

The pig at Brickworks says “Thank You” to San Juan Island for all of your exemplary self-distancing and your selfless response to this Covid-19 crisis. And please remember to wear your mask when out and about where you’re likely to be near others (but not nearer than 6 feet!) Photo by Kathleen Nelson.

Farmers Markets Are Essential Food Providers and May Operate Following State and County COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Written on April 17, 2020 at 6:55 am, by

Farmers markets in San Juan County are essential providers of locally grown, healthy foods. Our farmers markets have an important role in sustaining the local food chain, and have been working with San Juan County Health & Community Services to ensure safety precautions are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Decisions around  Continue Reading

“COVID-19 Community Conversations” Round Two

Written on April 17, 2020 at 6:51 am, by

This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with three short videos that highlight efforts from organizations and people peoviding key services and crucial leadership in our community. You can find these videos on our YouTube channel at  San Juan County COVID-19 Response. Or click on the videos below: Norvin Collins, Chief of San Juan Island Fire  Continue Reading

SJI Community Foundation Raises $145k for COVID-19 Response

Written on April 16, 2020 at 10:56 am, by

In the last three weeks, SJICF has raised $145k for the newly established SJICF Community Emergency Response Fund. The fund was created to meet the increasing community needs as a result of COVID-19 response. In March, a goal was set to raise $100k in the first few weeks and an additional $150k to continue to  Continue Reading

Island Senior: What’s on the Bookshelf?

Written on April 16, 2020 at 9:27 am, by

Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… On Monday the Mullis Center Book Club met for the first time using Zoom. This was also my first time using Zoom so I was happy to discover how easy it was. The Book Club is facilitated by San  Continue Reading

Remaining Rooted: A Sense of Place

Written on April 15, 2020 at 11:38 am, by

In the San Juan Update mailbag today we have this letter from Brandon Cadwell and Erin Wygant… When we’re faced with uncertainty, we seek a sense of rootedness. How do we ground ourselves? We might ask, “What is it that gives me a sense of place?” For some, it’s the sweeping views of the Olympic  Continue Reading

2020: A Fair Odyssey

Written on April 15, 2020 at 6:56 am, by

Planning for the San Juan County Fair occurs year round.  As planning continues for the 2020 San Juan County Fair, each day presents new situations, issues to explore, and opportunities for creative problem solving.  In case you haven’t heard, the San Juan County Fair Board selected a futuristic theme for this year – “2020: A  Continue Reading

A Note From the Visitors Bureau

Written on April 13, 2020 at 1:00 pm, by

San Juan Islands Strong: The Visitors Bureau is Here for You FRIDAY HARBOR, WA… The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau acknowledges and is concerned about the far-reaching impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on our small community. All around us we see acts of kindness and cohesiveness that make us grateful to be part of  Continue Reading

HOT TOPIC #14: April 9th A Light-Hearted Look at Caring for your Introvert/Extrovert Significant Other While Staying Home

Written on April 10, 2020 at 9:19 am, by

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders Disclaimer: Authors Courtney and Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey are in no way relationship experts. They are not therapists. They have BEEN to a lot of therapy. (They find it’s an essential part of maintaining a healthy relationship. You’ll probably understand why when you finish  Continue Reading

How’s THIS for Island Commitment to Keeping Germs Contained?!

Written on April 8, 2020 at 12:33 pm, by

The following notice was submitted by a San Juan Update reader who wishes to remain anonymous… KUDOS to (symptom-free) Sheilah Mezzo who created the mask for this rooster and is making more for any interested islanders. Her contact number is: (541) 575-5612. The masks are quality cotton with a layer of tighter-weave flannel next to  Continue Reading