The Town of Friday Harbor has contracted with San Juan County to perform chip sealing services on Second Street later this summer. In order to prepare this road to be chip sealed, it is necessary that we repair those areas that have degraded over the past 20 years. The areas impacted run from Spring Street to Blair Avenue on Second St.

The Town has hired Richard Lawson Construction to make these initial repairs which will include saw cutting and asphalt patching, crack sealing, and the installation of communications conduit. This work is anticipated to commence before April 20.

This Town project may commence as it is deemed an authorized government construction project pursuant to the order of Governor Inslee. The Town has consulted with the Contractor and requested that their crew practice social distancing to the extent practical during construction.

The Town is happy to have this work performed by an on-island contractor which minimizes the need to bring in crews from the mainland. “We feel it is important to keep local employees working during this economic crisis, to the extent it can be done legally and safely” said Friday Harbor Mayor Farhad Ghatan. “It is also a good time to do the work as there is currently minimal traffic on a street that is usually extremely busy.”

Please expect intermittent closures along this portion of Second Street and use alternative routes when you can. Please drive safely and give your courtesy to flaggers that will be working as part of the project. They are there to keep you safe.

Additional information can be obtained by calling Duncan Wilson at 360-378-2810.

As of today, April 10, 2020, Friday Harbor Drug is operating as a closed door pharmacy. We will be utilizing curbside pickup completely.

We will gladly do personal shopping for everyday items. Call us at 360-378-4421 and use option 4 (Retail Department) if you are only picking up retail items.

We ask that you give us at least an hour to complete your order. Please call before parking to either put in your prescription refill or to pay for an outstanding order. This keeps the spaces open for as many people as possible.

For those that don’t have access to a phone, we have installed a temporary intercom at the front door to allow us to communicate. If you have access to a phone, please utilize it and plan ahead. The intercom while seemingly convenient, pulls us from the work we have to do.

It was shared previously but I’d like to remind everyone that we also recently shortened our hours. This was done to ensure that if part of the staff becomes ill, we can still operate. Many people rely on this pharmacy and we aim to be here for the long haul. I’ve listed the hours as a reminder.

• Mon-Fri 9:00am 5:00pm
• Sat 10:00am 5:00pm
• Sun CLOSED

We know that these changes are inconvenient and might seem extreme, but we thought they were necessary to keep the community and our staff safe. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

Josh
Pharmacy Manager

While a majority of San Juan County residents have been doing all they can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, there are  reports of individuals or businesses choosing to ignore the recent orders from the Governor and the San Juan County Health Officer.

In an effort to improve the County’s ability to learn of and respond to violations, Sheriff Ron Krebs has rolled out a hotline and dedicated email to receive  complaints. “We are ensuring we have an orderly process to receive islanders’ concerns and respond in an appropriate and consistent manner,” said Sheriff Krebs.

The approach will focus on education first.  “I applaud all of those who are complying with the stay at home order of Governor Inslee.  Voluntary compliance is our first line of protection against the coronavirus,” added Sheriff Krebs. 

Please call (360) 370-7609 to lodge a complaint for a violation or to seek clarification of the meaning of the Governor’s Order or the San Juan County Health Officer order. The Sheriff has also created an email to receive complaints and questions at [email protected].  People who phone or email should expect a response within 24 hours.   Do not call 911 for this purpose.

“Our goal is to contact individuals and businesses to ensure  they are aware of the order and to check whether  the activity in question is allowable exception. We recognize  the rules here are complex and are not always obvious,” said Sheriff Krebs. Continue Reading

Land Bank Preserves remain open despite other public land closures because we believe people need access to nature close to home, especially when nothing else in life seems normal.

Early evidence suggests that dogs don’t spread COVID-19. However, current social distancing rules apply to both people and their pets. To that end, we want to remind visitors that ALL Land Bank preserves require dogs to be on leash.

Many of us love dogs and understand the desire to let them run free, but leash rules exist for good social and ecological reasons. Keeping your pup on leash protects your dog, protects wildlife, and it protects your neighbor.

• Many people simply aren’t equipped for encounters with even the friendliest of off-leash dogs. Even dogs that like other dogs seldom appreciate being rushed up to by a strange dog.
• The elderly and people with back and joint issues can face injury when pivoting quickly from a rambunctious off-leash dog.
• Those with hearing issues may not understand even positive messages being communicated by an owner.
• To many children, an encounter with a loose dog can be terrifying and have lasting effects.
• Wildlife perceive dogs as predators and this causes them to move away — temporarily or permanently – and reduces the amount of available habitat in which to feed, breed and rest.
• Repeated stress causes long-term impacts on wildlife including reduced reproduction and growth, suppressed immune system and increased vulnerability to disease and parasites.

We recognize that you and your pets may feel unusually cooped up during the COVID-19 crisis so we reached out to Suzanne Bryner, owner of Lucky Fido Dog Training, for recommendations on how to wear out your dog without breaking leash rules: Continue Reading

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 reading.)

Second disclaimer: It should be noted that Courtney and Nathan ARE both professional playwrights. That’s why this Hot Topic is written as a dialogue.

Nathan:           I think I’m just going to add disclaimers as we go.
Courtney:        That works.
Nathan:           So, you’re an introvert.
Courtney:        Very much so.
Nathan:           And I’m an extrovert.
Courtney:        That’s an understatement.
Nathan:           What advice would you give to your fellow introverts who are currently under quarantine with their extrovert partners?
Courtney:        Step 1: Invest in headphones.

Third disclaimer: This Hot Topic is sponsored by headphones.

Courtney’s first disclaimer: I was made to take off my headphones to write this article.

Nathan:           Ok, what’s Step 2?
Courtney:        Step 2: Extroverts get energy from being around other people. That can be exhausting for an introvert if they’re the only person around. So I recommend finding ways of getting your extrovert to interact with literally anyone else. But in a way that makes it sound like you’re taking care of their mental health.
Nathan:           Can you give us an example?
Courtney:        “Nathan, why don’t you call up your brothers and do a video happy hour together?”
Nathan:           That’s a good idea!
Courtney:        I’m just thinking of you. Step 3: Sleep in. Your extrovert will probably entertain themselves for hours before you get out of bed.

Courtney’s second disclaimer: However, when you DO get out of bed, they will be VERY anxious to talk to you.

Courtney:        What’s your advice for all the extroverts trying to take care of introverts?
Nathan:           Give them cheese.
Courtney:        I think that might just be me.
Nathan:           Cups of tea?
Courtney:        That’s better.
Nathan:           I think I’m getting the hang of this. Wait ‘til I tell everybody!
Courtney:        Sure, Nathan… once we’re out of quarantine.
Nathan:           What about exercise and getting out of the house?
Courtney:        Well, there’s a balance, right? You and I are in this together, and we have to take care of each other, but also take care of ourselves. Exercise and getting out of the house are great for you. And I will do them with you sometimes, because we’re partners, and we’re in this together. But sometimes, I need you to go do your thing so I can have introvert time.
Nathan:           What is ‘introvert time?’
Courtney:        Introvert time is time to myself. Quiet time to watch a show, read a book, work on a project. By myself. It recharges my metaphorical batteries.
Nathan:           Whereas I get my energy from being around people.
Courtney:        Exactly. One of the things I try to do for you is keep you from thinking about how lonely you are. Or how long it’s been since you’ve seen our friends. Or how many days you’ve been in quarantine.
Nathan:           Approximately four hundred twenty-seven years at this point.
Courtney:        Sure.
Nathan:           That’s what it feels like.
Courtney:        I’m sure it does.
Nathan:           And I try to create space for your introvert time.
Courtney:        If the golden rule is ‘Treat others the way you want to be treated,’ it might be better to think of the platinum rule during marital quarantine as: ‘Treat others the way THEY want to be treated.’ Because something that helps you during Stay Home Stay Safe won’t always be helpful for me and vice versa.
Nathan:           Yeah! That’s a good point. And probably a solid place to wrap it up, don’t you think?

Final disclaimer: it WAS a solid place to wrap it up.

Courtney:        Maybe. Anything else you want to tell people?
Nathan:           It was fun writing this with you.
Courtney:        I love you, handsome. (putting her headphones back on)
Nathan:           Aha! It’s introvert time!

M/V Samish arrives in Friday Harbor  – SJ Update file photo

Washington State Ferries is temporarily reducing service on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route beginning Friday, April 10, due to the M/V Samish being out of service due to needed rudder repairs.

Until further notice, the route will operate on a three-boat schedule instead of its usual four-boat service. Reservations will also be suspended through April 25. However, all passengers seeking to travel should be able to do so without reservations due to declines in ridership increasing the amount of available standby space.

These service changes will allow us time to repair the vessel while also ensuring that we are providing an appropriate level of service based on passenger demand, crew availability, and state and federal guidelines for responding to COVID-19. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to maintain our fleet.

During the COVID-19 crisis the San Juan County COVID Response Team have made a real effort to keep the public informed through our website (www.sjccovid.com), via local media, through Facebook (@sjcpublichealth), Twitter (@SanJuanCountyWA), through several video updates, and in both Spanish and English, in a unified effort to speak with one voice to as many islanders as possible.

Now, we are pleased to present a series of video updates:

“COVID-19 Community Conversations.”

These short videos of ten minutes or less will highlight specific efforts from organizations and people in our community that provide key services and provide crucial leadership around the county.

This week we are releasing three initial videos from community leaders, each serving the islands in different but essential ways. In the weeks to come we will release more, so check back to our YouTube channel “San Juan County COVID-19 Response”.

Christa Campbell, Director of Lopez Chamber of Commerce: (link to video)

“Lopez is proving to be remarkably resilient, and that’s about all I need to say about the virus.” Fortunately, she went on to elaborate. “Lopezeats.com on Facebook connects our restaurants and purveyors of food with the public while Lopezshops.com is connecting non-food centered businesses through websites.” She also recommended Lopezisland.recovers.org as “a hub to help coordinate those who need services with organizations that can provide them.” Campbell closed by saying, “I would ask everyone on Lopez to just hang in there and support each other.”

Scott Williams, Chief of Orcas Fire and Rescue: (link to video)

Chief Williams’ dedication to his community is always evident, saying “We couldn’t ask for a better community to serve… I see great efforts being taken around social distancing, and I am also aware of the efforts of people taking precautions, and still providing food, shelter, and other daily needs to those in need.” Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for first responders, and Williams explains what fire and EMS service is like during this crisis. “We are working with the local clinics to coordinate healthcare between our organizations.”

Rick Hughes, Chair of San Juan County Council: (link to video)

Acknowledging the difficulties that social distancing poses, Councilman Hughes invites county residents to “Care for your neighbors and try to take care of those in need.” After outlining some of the challenges that the county is addressing, he discusses efforts county residents and companies are making to fight COVID-19, “The ingenuity in this county is amazing!”

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a new Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant (WWSBEG) program to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Businesses which qualify for the grant program and are located within San Juan County must go to the Commerce site at http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/covid-grants/, download the application, fill it out electronically and email it to the San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) at [email protected].

The San Juan County EDC will prioritize applications based on the severity of the impact the business is facing due to COVID-19, including being forced to close by the government-mandated closures, social distancing measures or illness.  Continue Reading

Deb Langhans – Contributed photo

Deb Langhans shares some thoughts with you on grief…

Last April 3rd, the San Juan Update posted an “invitation” for me about an online “ITM (In This Moment) Circle” I hope to start soon as another way fellow islanders can “come together” and co-create a “glass half full” virtual gathering each week during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Today I wanted to write from a different vantage point. During times like these, feelings like anxiety, loneliness, fear, disappointment, depression, hopelessness… are fairly easy to identify. There’s another emotion that’s often harder to recognize, especially since our culture tends to overlook, avoid, minimize and even deny its existence: grief.

Grief is the natural and normal response to an amazingly broad scope of losses experienced within our emotional heart, body and spirit. A client of mine recently shared that a dear longtime friend just died from COVID-19, bringing this pandemic very close to home for her… A mother of three I saw on a news story last week said her final goodbyes to her 42 year old husband over her cellphone as he lay on a ventilator miles away.

Such profound losses–and the grief that accompanies them– are readily discerned. But the solitary elder whose beloved grandchildren can’t come to visit… the casts and crews no longer able to mount stage shows… the high school seniors missing out on all the traditional graduation festivities… the unsheltered who can no longer rely on hunkering down together for warmth and safety… all those anticipating or experiencing births, weddings, funerals, memorials and other special occasions that can’t materialize now and, in some cases, ever… All these millions of people across the globe–including every one of us– are dealing with such losses that are just as real and powerful as the worst-case scenarios. Continue Reading

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 the face for additional protection & a softer feel.

Donation only requested.

Due to the closure of all but essential businesses the Friday Harbor Film Festival has cancelled the Best of the Fest series for the remainder of the year.

Island Artists and Businesses Create a Virtual Art Walk for a night of art & beauty 

Dozens of artists and retail businesses on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island will use social media to virtually open their doors and studios on April 16^th, 4:00-8:00pm

Friday Harbor, Wash. … The first “Third Thursday” San Juan County Virtual Art Walk will take place on Thursday, April 16^th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Artists will post to social media during that time, using the hashtag #VirtualArtWalkSJIS.

The SJI Chambers of Commerce and a group of independent artists invite all retail businesses, artists, and musicians to virtually open their doors and studios for a night of art, beauty, craftsmanship, fashion, décor, music, wine & cheese, and more! 

How can Businesses and Artists Participate? Continue Reading

Superintendent Kari McVeigh – Contributed photo

Dear Staff, Parents and Community,

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Inslee announced that all schools were to remain physically closed until the end of the school year. For San Juan Island school District, this means June 12^th.   Although this does not come as a surprise, the finality is a little emotionally laden.

However, because of great teleschooling learning experiences, we know that our students will be prepared to meet next year’s educational challenges. I continue to be amazed by the incredible breadth and depth of learning experiences that are being offered to our students.

For this, we owe our Teachers, Para educators and Administrators much thanks. We remain grateful, also, to the steadfastness of our parents in keeping their children moving along this path.

We do not yet know what promotion and graduation ceremonies will look like as the governor left a glimmer of hope for something that will resemble past years. We will follow this guidance, hope for the best and begin planning alternative ways to celebrate our students’ milestones, if needed.

SJISD kitchen staff Kerri Starr and Kate Stone preparing bagged breakfasts and lunches for delivery to island children, ages 0-18 – Contributed photo

So far, we continue to serve almost a thousand meals a week to our families. We will provide meals in bulk this Friday for next week’s Spring Break. We are so happy to provide this critical service at such an important time for our island. Remember anyone can sign up. Look for the online form on our website:

www.sjisd.wednet.edu, then navigate to Families, then Food Service. Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders

We want to check in with the islands, share thoughts, and help with general expectation setting. Obviously this has been an incredibly challenging time, and clearly there’s more sacrifice to come.

What is the current situation?

There is some good news. If you take a look at modeling for Washington and case numbers reported from across the state, it would appear that there is a good chance Washington is nearing the peak of COVID-19’s impact and the severity will be less than initially feared. Your commitment to aggressive social distancing has helped to flatten the curve.

IHME projection for WA State as of 4/7/20

That’s a big relief for the islands since it means that the likelihood of the mainland medical system being overwhelmed is much less than what we feared a month or even two weeks ago. It also means that Washington can begin looking at sharing resources with other parts of the United States that are being hit much harder. 

Make no mistake, if these trends continue, it will be a major victory for the State of Washington. Also make no mistake, there will still be significant, ongoing impacts. You are doing a great job, but it is not time to pause or take our foot off the gas. Some Washington residents are getting sick, some are dying, and that will continue for months to come.

A few critical clarifications: Continue Reading

The San Juan Islands’ Firefighter Association will host a special, safe, social distancing edition of the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 12.

This year the association is offering a family scavenger hunt. Your Firefighter Association, in cooperation with the Easter Bunny, will have six special Easter decorations viewable at each of our Island’s fire stations.

The annual family Easter Egg Hunt has been hosted by the Firefighter Association for more than 25 years and has historically been held at Jackson Beach. Instead of cancelling this tradition due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, the association created a safe, fun, socially distanced outing for families.

You may know that our main Fire Station is on Mullis Street, but do you know where the other five stations are? There will be special Easter decorations at each of the six SJIF&R fire stations that you will be able to see as you drive past on the road.

In the next day or so, a special scavenger sheet will be available for you on the San Juan Island Fire and Rescue website to download – http://www.sjifire.org/ (or use blank piece of paper and make four big boxes on one side and two on the other side). Continue Reading

Dear Valued but Socially Distanced Patrons,

San Juan Island Library is excited to announce the creation of a new eCard, available to all Island residents who don’t already have a regular library card with us. In this difficult time of social distancing and quarantine, access to online resources such as streaming video, ebooks, magazines and more has become essential for our mental health.

Many of you already have access, with your library cards, to the Library’s collection of digital resources when you visit our website. But do you have family members or friends who don’t have library cards and are missing out on these fun, important resources? Why not let them know they can access all of our digital offerings by registering for our new library eCard at www.sjlib.org? It’s fast and easy, and once they have registered, library staff will email them their new account number.

If friends or family don’t know what they’re missing, tell them all about these popular favorites: Continue Reading