San Juan Island Community Foundation now accepting scholarship applications
Posted April 14, 2022 at 8:31 pm by Jeff Arnim
The San Juan Island Community Foundation has announced that scholarship applications are now being accepted for eligible San Juan Island 2022 graduating high school seniors. All applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university as full-time students in the 2022–2023 academic year.
Eligibility requirements vary depending upon the program. For details and application forms, visit the Community Foundation website. Completed applications and supporting materials must be received by the Foundation – either by email or postal mail – no later than Tuesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. Any materials received after the deadline will not be considered. Contact the Foundation at 360–378-1001 if you have questions.
If you are interested in setting up a scholarship fund or donating to an existing scholarship program, contact Executive Director Carrie Unpingco at 360–378-1001.
A look at the first quarter real estate market results
Posted April 14, 2022 at 11:56 am by San Juan Update
Merri Ann Simonson sends along an update about the state of the San Juan Island real estate market.
This seller’s market continues to be very strong. The first quarter results in San Juan County and on San Juan Island were as expected for a first quarter. Per the NWMLS, the dollar volume in San Juan County was $87,735,644 with a total of 88 transactions. The numbers reflect a 7 percent increase in dollar volume and a 34 percent decrease in the number of transactions as compared to the same period in 2021.
For San Juan Island the transaction volume was $36,984,387 with a total of 39 transactions. This was an 8.5 percent decrease in volume and a 40 percent decrease in number of transactions. Orcas Island’s volume is dictating the County numbers as San Juan isn’t contributing at the same level.
It is very clear in both the County and on San Juan Island that the prices have increased considerably and therefore fewer number of transactions can create volume greater than the same period in 2021 for the County and with a slight decrease for San Juan Island.
It is also very clear that the lack of inventory is hindering both volume and number of transactions. As of March 31, San Juan County had a total of 138 listings for all types of properties. The County had 41 pending and 97 active listings. This is a 36 percent decrease in total listings, a 50 percent decrease in pending listings and a 28 percent decrease in active listings
For San Juan Island, the decreases were 44 percent in the total inventory, 39 percent in pending and 50 percent in active listings. Continue Reading
Island Jobs: Starr Excavation is hiring for multiple office positions
Posted April 14, 2022 at 8:36 am by Jeff Arnim
Starr Excavation is looking for two people to assist with office duties and administrative work in either a part-time or full-time capacity. Learn more in the Island Jobs section of the San Juan Update.
Notes from the Island — April 14
Posted April 14, 2022 at 6:00 am by Jeff Arnim
- The Firefighters Association is hosting its annual Easter event this Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance, and there’s a stamp collecting challenge (with prizes) for kids that you can learn more about on the Fire Department’s website.
- After a snow-out on Tuesday, the high school baseball and fastpitch teams returned to the diamond on Wednesday with home games against Orcas Island. Baseball won 10–0 to improve to 9–1 on the season. Fastpitch won 17–7 to move to 5–3.
- The American Legion is hosting the 12th annual Bobby Boyce Memorial Scholarship fundraiser this Saturday at 5 p.m. There will be barbecued salmon and ribs to eat, followed by a raffle. They ask that you bring a dessert to share. Guests and members are both welcome — tickets are $30, and you can either buy them in person or by calling 360–378-5705.
- The San Juan Preservation Trust’s bluebird blitz — where volunteers count as many Western Bluebirds as they can in a two-hour period — takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Register now, then meet at Red Mill Farm on Friday, and be sure to bring your binoculars.
- Miles Crossen and Thomas Ashcroft are looking for volunteers to help with the photography exhibition at this year’s County Fair. They need judges, people to receive and hang photos, and people to staff the booth for two- to four-hour shifts during the Fair. Email superfairphoto@gmail.com if you’re interested.
- There’s only a week and a half left for high school seniors to apply for the San Juan Preservation Trust’s Climate Leadership Scholarships. This year SJPT will award two $4,000 scholarships to two graduating high school seniors from the San Juan Islands — $2,000 per year for each recipient’s first two years of higher education. The deadline to apply is Earth Day — Friday, April 22.
Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!
You can go around me
Posted April 13, 2022 at 8:00 pm by Jeff Arnim
Senior Services Council Board to meet April 21
Posted April 13, 2022 at 1:05 pm by San Juan Update
The Senior Services Council of San Juan County shares news about their upcoming meeting.
The Board of Directors of the Senior Services Council of San Juan County will meet Thursday, April 21 at 1 p.m. over Zoom.
The Board will discuss future directions for the Council intended to improve services for seniors and people living with disabilities on the islands. As senior centers look toward resuming in-person activities including congregate meals and classes, it is an opportunity to adopt ways each center can conduct services that would serve each community better.
The full meeting agenda, Zoom link, and dial-in instructions are available on the Mullis Center website.
Pet parade takes place April 23
Posted April 13, 2022 at 10:24 am by San Juan Update
Island Rec sends along the details about the pet parade they’re hosting a week from Saturday.
Grab your favorite pet and join us for a community pet parade on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m to noon at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.
Well behaved pets of any kind can register to participate. Prizes will be given for best costume, best personality, and most unique! All are welcome to come and watch the fun. Pre-registration is required and the number of parade participants is limited to 30, but all are welcome to come and watch the fun.