Cynthia’s Bistro is offering free take-away meals to anyone who needs a meal or wishes to have a home cooked meal. No questions asked, just free food. Stop by Cynthia’s this Thursday -December 5th from 4:30 to 6:00 to pick up your meal. You may pick up 2 meals per person. When we run out  Continue Reading

Nana’s Holiday House has opened it’s doors for the 7th year at 175 First Street (formerly the Rumor Mill) with hundreds’s of new and island crafted items, ranging from $1.00 to $10.00. Nana’s house was started to provide our island kids (1-18 years of age) a place to buy affordable gifts for their families, teachers  Continue Reading

The following announcement was submitted by Nathan Butler, public information officer for SJI EMS… On November 26, 2019, the staff of San Juan Island EMS honored outgoing Board members with a special presentation. Outgoing Board members Mark Schwinge, Michael Edwards, Warren Appleton, and Rebecca Smith were all in attendance. Though they were also honored at  Continue Reading

Here’s this month’s history column from the San Juan Historical Society and Museum… This image was labeled “Hotel de Haro Christmas 1924” when it came to the San Juan Historical Society and Museum. We know little else about it, save for what we can see here. It’s hard to miss that big tree, which we know was  Continue Reading

Helen from Island Stage Left writes: Three top notch veteran actors and a dynamite, incredibly relevant script for our time. Yes, the subject is serious, but the performances have lots of humor, bravery and humanity in them. This really is a must-see show. Come early to get a seat. I have a feeling we may  Continue Reading

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 will be holding a special meeting on December 4, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at the Frank Wilson Memorial EMS Building. (Agenda linked below). This meeting will be chaired by Chair pro tem Anna Lisa Lindstrum. This meeting will begin with HIPAA training from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15  Continue Reading

Congratulations to Rock Solid prevention youth for their receipt of a national award for their Red Ribbon Week vaping prevention message posted on the Friday Harbor High School chemistry door.  See below for the official announcement and a picture of their entry.  They received one of ten Judges picks – the award for Educational entry.  Continue Reading

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7th from 9am-1pm and join us at the Winter Flea & Craft Market at the Fairgrounds! The American Legion Auxiliary booth will be open for breakfast & lunch from 8:30am – 1:00pm and proceeds will go towards their scholarship fund, which is open to all seniors. Friday Harbor Middle  Continue Reading

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: http://sanjuanco.com/641/Board-Committee-Vacancies. Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council  Continue Reading

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… There is a certain amount of hustle and bustle that inevitably accompanies the holiday season. Here are just a few ideas that may help limit the stresses and increase the joys of celebrating the holidays: Give the gift of shared  Continue Reading

Washington State Ferries is having their first ever online public meetings coming up soon, and you can register now. Then, on Saturday, December 7th at 9 a.m. and Tuesday, December 10th at 6 p.m., tune in and hear a brief update about 2019 accomplishments, find out more about what is next for implementation of WSF’s  Continue Reading

San Juan County Fire District 3 Chair, Commissioner Bob Jarman, shares the following letter to the  commissioners of San Juan Island Public Hospital District #1… Honorable Board Members: San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Commissioners wish to congratulate the newly elected Public Hospital District Commissioners as you are sworn in and begin the learning curve  Continue Reading

If I might take up a moment of your time I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Adelaide, named after a city my Mother once visited far away on the other side of the sea. Life’s travels have led us to this island and the lavender farm in the valley, where we have  Continue Reading

Join Grangers for our Annual Holiday Bazaar! Shop for a wide selection of gifts and useful items. Sellers Welcome: Tables are $10 each for Grange Members and $15 each for non-Grangers; tables provided; bring cash or a check. You may sell made, grown or used items. You’re welcome to donate none, some or all proceeds  Continue Reading

This December, FANS’ (Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec) generous donors helped the group contribute $6,000 to Island Rec, for a 2019 total of $12,000. These funds provide much needed support for Island Rec programs, parks and events, including Music on the Lawn, swimming lessons and vital scholarships to provide assistance for families, just to  Continue Reading

Hey Kids – Santa is coming to King’s Marine (upstairs from King’s Market). Come get your photo with him on Saturday, November 30 from 10am to 1pm. Santa will arrive at 10:00 am on a fire truck – Don’t miss it! Donations accepted – all proceeds go to the food bank.

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor is happy to announce that Kristall Detterbeck is the volunteer for the month of December. Krystall has been a loyal volunteer and spends much of her time pampering the shelter cats.  Thanks so much, Krystall, for making a difference in the lives of shelter animals. Your dedication and  Continue Reading

By Louise Dustrude Just over a dozen residents witnessed the swearing-in ceremony for three new Public Hospital District board members in the Superior Courtroom on Tuesday afternoon. Superior Court Judge Katie Loring swore in her husband Kyle Loring, Trish Lehman, and Gail Leschine-Seitz, elected earlier this month. The fourth new board member, Everett Clary, was  Continue Reading

San Juan County’s sole remaining wild salmon run may have been doomed to extinction until a last-minute agreement to increase water flow gave the fish a chance. A small population of coho salmon spawn in lower Cascade Creek near the Orcas Island hamlet of Olga. In 2016, the San Juan County Land Bank purchased a  Continue Reading

Mike Vouri – Hadrian’s Wall In July 2019 San Juan Islanders Mike Vouri and Jerry McElyea hiked the 84-mile path that traces the line of Hadrian’s wall, a massive fortification erected by the Roman Emperor Hadrian beginning in 122 AD. Vouri will discuss not only the purpose of the wall and the means and methods  Continue Reading

Taming Invasive Blackberry at Westside Preserve Work off some holiday calories with the Land Bank! Grab out of town guests, some gloves and water, and join Outreach Coordinator, Tanja Williamson, to clear invasive Himalayan blackberry along the trails of Westside Preserve. Friday, November 29th from 10 am to Noon at Westside Preserve, San Juan Island  Continue Reading

As we join around the table to give thanks, it is important to reflect on those in our community in need. Nourish to Flourish, a group of concerned community leaders meets monthly to address hunger and food insecurity on San Juan Island. A recent report found 40% of our residents struggle to make ends meet  Continue Reading