Topic: People

Meet the New Owner

Written on January 20, 2022 at 12:23 pm, by

The San Juan Update has a new owner! I am very happy to introduce the new Owner/Editor of the San Juan Update to you – Jeff Arnim. Jeff is currently working on a post to introduce himself and family to you – that should be published here within a few days I think, but in  Continue Reading

I’m Late!

Written on December 31, 2021 at 5:08 pm, by

“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date -Happy New Year” John Miller shares yet another photo of beautiful swans at Lakedale. Thanks John!

Letter from Sarah Werling Sandwith

Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:46 pm, by

Dear Editor, On February 8, 2022, the community of San Juan Island will be asked to vote to renew a local property tax. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy funds our local public schools, 100% of which stays in our community, supporting our students in programs not funded by the state. This levy is renewed  Continue Reading

Letter from J. Michael Edwards

Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:44 pm, by

In the mailbag this afternoon we find this letter to you from J. Michael Edwards… The PHD #1 Again ‘Missing the Boat’ In their press release of Nov. 24, 2021 the PHD #1 stated: “On November 2, 2021, residents voted for San Juan Island EMS to remain under the jurisdiction of San Juan County Public  Continue Reading

SJIMA Introduces Its New Board Members

Written on December 31, 2021 at 4:38 am, by

Joining the board of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) are Lisa Brooks, Barb Snider and Rob Ray who all share of love of the arts. Join us in welcoming them to our art museum board. Lisa Brooks is a 3rd generation Seattleite who was introduced at a young age to Pacific Northwest art  Continue Reading

Goodbye Cafe Demeter

Written on December 29, 2021 at 9:46 pm, by

Marilyn O’Conner shares this photo of Jordyn Magnuson (left) and Alex Hayes (right), two of the crew on either side of Pam Stewart, owner of Cafe Demeter, as they hang the “closed” sign on Christmas Eve.   The bakery is closing permanently.  It has been a beloved community gathering place for many years, not just  Continue Reading

Artists’ Registry Show Celebrates Its 10-Year Anniversary With a Peek Behind the Scenes

Written on December 28, 2021 at 3:45 pm, by

Volunteers at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) have been busy over the last few weeks, preparing for the annual Artists’ Registry Show, which opened its doors December 17.  The show is the much-anticipated event highlighting the recent works of artists from each of the San Juan Islands.  A bit of history follows.  Continue Reading

Response to Fire Chief Norvin Collins

Written on December 27, 2021 at 4:25 am, by

In the Mailbag today we have this letter from Nathan Butler, Superintendent and EMS Administrator… We have seen the recent letter from Fire Chief Norvin Collins regarding our agency and merger talks. He badly misrepresented our agency, and his letter is an object lesson in why we have opted not to try again at merging  Continue Reading

Swan on Dream Lake

Written on December 20, 2021 at 10:03 am, by

Local photographer John Miller shares this image he captured Saturday of a swan on Dream Lake (Lakedale). Thanks for sharing John!

Letter to the Community

Written on December 20, 2021 at 5:50 am, by

Dr. Frank James wrote this letter to share with you… Just to be clear. This is the quiet before the storm. Be wise and prudent and don’t go out to eat, don’t travel for the holidays, love the ones you are with now and have been with all along. January will be the hardest time  Continue Reading

Freezer Burned: Tales of Interior Alaska

Written on December 18, 2021 at 5:22 am, by

Freezer Burned is an ongoing series on the San Juan Update, written by Steve Ulvi… (Authors note: this fictional tale of Alaska bush life adventure, grief and redemption, circa the 1980s, will be continued founded upon two previous stories.  See Freezer Burned: “No Matter What” and “The Confines of Heaven” for character background.) The Confines  Continue Reading

The Organ at Christmas

Written on December 17, 2021 at 1:56 pm, by

Richard Lind will present a recital of Christmas music for the organ on the Second Day of Christmas, Sunday, December 26, 2021, at 2:30 PM. There is no admission charge, however, donations to the Friday Harbor Food Bank and/or the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center will be accepted. A reception of Christmas cookies and  Continue Reading

Swearing In

Written on December 17, 2021 at 1:13 pm, by

Dick Grout shares this photo of Dwight Colley being sworn in earlier this week as the new commissioner of San Juan Fire District 3 by Judge Kathryn Loring.

2021 “Volunteer(s) of the Year”

Written on December 17, 2021 at 4:28 am, by

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor (APS-FH) is pleased to announce our Volunteer(s) of the year – Renee Koehne and her daughter, Brittany Koehne. Renee and Brittany volunteer as expert cat trappers for APS-FH’s TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program as well as experienced kitten foster parents through our Foster Program. These angels recently moved  Continue Reading

Bob Ferguson at the LWV December Meeting

Written on December 15, 2021 at 5:20 am, by

Story by Louise Dustrude… Washington state attorney general Bob Ferguson spoke at the December meeting of the League of Women Voters on Monday about the great variety of issues currently being confronted by his office. Speaking to the group on Zoom, he called his office “the largest law firm in the state,” and said they  Continue Reading

Lions Zoom Invitation

Written on December 14, 2021 at 10:26 am, by

Just got a call from Bruce Martin with the Lions club. They’re having a guest speaker at their meeting today at noon – Dr. House from Eventide Health will be talking about the future of healthcare on the island and you’re invited to attend via zoom. Here’s the info you will need to join: