Swallows are wonderful to watch and they eat huge numbers of flying insects, including mosquitoes and other biting insects, so we all benefit from having them around. But they also like to build their nests under the eaves of houses, which can result in splotches of white swallow poop on our decks or patio  Continue Reading

At the invitation of the Community Foundation, directors and board members from thirty-five different organizations gathered to enjoy a delicious breakfast and to cultivate organizational and personal connections. “Our island is fortunate to have so many excellent organizations that contribute to our quality of life but there are times when the people who are dedicated  Continue Reading

The San Juan Community Home Trust would like to take islanders on a tour! Our two newest homes were barged over from Victoria B.C. in March and are on-site in our Sun Rise II neighborhood. This “ultimate recycling” project is supported by islanders to provide permanently affordable homes for island workers and their families. We  Continue Reading

Here’s the latest from WSDOT… Expect changes at Sharpes Corner for Friday commutes, weekend travel Contractor crews from Tapani are making amazing progress on this intersection safety improvement project. If you are a Friday commuter – most of you will experience new traffic control tomorrow. Tapani crews believe they’ll be moving onto the next stage  Continue Reading

Considered to be the most important African-American cultural contribution to the history of art in the US, the Quilts of Gee’s Bend are described as “Moving, Powerful and Abstract Masterpieces.”  Greg Kucera will discuss the quilts of Gee’s Bend, their artists, history, culture and their art on June 13 at the San Juan Islands Museum of  Continue Reading

A “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used in San Juan County for the August 7, 2018, Primary election is scheduled for June 18 at 10:30 a.m. The test works by tallying the results of a prepared set of ballots to see if the results match the votes cast. The test will take  Continue Reading

Here’s a note from Doug McCutchen of the SJC Land Bank… Hey Island(s) Friends – the Land Bank and Preservation Trust are hosting an open house at Zylstra Lake this Saturday from 10a-4pm. This is an opportunity to come walk through the property and more importantly ask questions AND provide feedback to the two organizations  Continue Reading

The SJI Historical Society checks in with their monthly History Column for June… This month’s column recognizes not an iconic islander but rather an iconic business. A favorite of many during its 60 years, Vic’s Drive-In opened on June 28, 1958. Call it a Drive Inn or Drive-In, it’s always been Vic’s and the hamburgers  Continue Reading

From the SJC Dept. of Emergency Management… At approximately 7am on June 5th, San Juan County Dispatch received a report of a vessel on fire in Judd Cove near Eastsound on Orcas Island. Personnel from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, San Juan Island Fire, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue and the United States Coast  Continue Reading

A Discussion on Contemporary Coast Salish Canoe Journeys Sam Barr, Lopezian, Samish tribal member, and canoe skipper for Stillaguamish tribe, will be sharing information on Tribal Canoe Journeys with some perspectives on historical and contemporary practice. He will discuss the  importance of canoes as a vessel of cultural revitalization within Coast Salish communities. June 6th  Continue Reading

San Juan Community Theatre is bringing grassroots folk to the stage, this Friday. Described as everything from indie-roots to chamber-folk, West My Friend has an acoustic blend of instruments and three-part harmonies that challenges the conventions of popular music. The band features pure and thrillingly elastic vocals with catchy arrangements of guitar, mandolin, and accordion  Continue Reading

Community Development Office Closure Due to increased volume in permitting activity, DCD will be closed to the public on Wednesday, June 13, for uninterrupted plan review.  Please plan accordingly, and thank you for your patience.

Tom Starr shares this announcement about the One More Time band… The One More Time band celebrates 40 years  Friday Harbor’s ONE MORE TIME big band is celebrating  its 40th year. The band was started in 1978 by then music teacher Paul Dossett and some musicians in the community, along with some of Paul’s former  Continue Reading

Considered to be the most important African-American cultural contribution to the history of art in the US, the Quilts of Gee’s Bend are “Moving, Powerful and Abstract Masterpieces.” Several artists across many mediums have been invited to express their own dialogue with the women and work of Gee’s Bend in the summer exhibition at the  Continue Reading

Listen. We did not get out of bed this morning to be mediocre. We got up to face the world head on, with a smile on our faces and a zest for life! I, for one, think you’ll find life “zestier” with a true friend by your side. Plus, let me remind you; a good  Continue Reading

On Friday June 1st, a pretty good sized crowd showed up to help celebrate the grand opening of the new facility for Sound Maintenance, LLC, an aircraft maintenance company. Wielding a huge pair of scissors, owner Dean Riley cut the ribbon marking the official opening of the location at 774 Franklin Drive. Dean and his  Continue Reading

The Art For Fun classes at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) in Friday Harbor have begun for the summer. Especially designed for those who think they can’t paint or just want to have fun, talented instructor, Kristen Abramson, leads the classes with attention to every student. Art for Fun is a two-hour,  Continue Reading

There is entertainment for everyone at this year’s San Juan County Fair – all ages and all genres.  Headline Entertainment: The San Juan County Fair is excited to announce the entertainment for 2018.  This year includes a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee – Alan White of YES and John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band fame  Continue Reading

Skagit Valley College will conduct the College’s 91st Annual Commencement in June. Family and friends are invited to attend; tickets are not required. The dates, times, and locations are as follows: San Juan Center Wednesday, June 13; 1:00 pm The Brickworks in Friday Harbor Mount Vernon Campus Friday, June 15 Dave DuVall Pavilion (gym); 6:30  Continue Reading

Lodging Tax grant funds available to promote 2019 tourism in Friday Harbor. The Town of Friday Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is now accepting applications for grants to fund tourism promotion of events and activities taking place within the town in 2019. Preference will be given to those operations and activities that encourage tourists  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

The San Juan Island Garden Club will be hosting another excursion next week. Sorticulture unites art and the garden in a celebration of creative outdoor living. Over 100 artists and nurseries gather to showcase distinctive hand-crafted garden art and unique plants to transform your backyard. Learn tips and tricks from top regional gardening experts. Date:  Continue Reading