Ben Waldron – Contributed Photto

Local firefighter Ben Waldron will be participating in the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb on Sunday, March 11th in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Says Ben, “For those that don’t know me personally. I’m a firefighter with the Seattle fire department, I am married with 4 kids, and make my home on Beautiful San Juan Island. I am climbing in Honor of my friend Anna Strickland.  I am also climbing in memory of a man I never met but wish I had, Tristan Smith.”

What is the the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb? Here’s and excerpt from Ben’s fundraising page… “The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb is the world’s largest on-air stair climb competition at the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle. We compete in full combat gear weighing close to 50 pounds.There are 69 flights of stairs, 1,356 steps, and 788 ft. of vertical elevation gain. Although it will be challenging, it pales in comparison to what blood cancer patients must go through. All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.” 

To read more about the challenge, about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and make a donation to this good cause please link to: Ben Waldron’s Big Climb fundraising page.

Here’s another find from the family archive, the Friday Harbor dock in horse and buggy days… click on the photo for an enlarged view…

Friday Harbor Dock – McRae/Mullis family photo

It’s cold out there tonight…

Celebrate the Oscars with the FHFF March 3 at Brickworks…

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!! Hurry, last year we sold out and had to turn folks away!! Come Celebrate the Oscar’s with the Friday Harbor Film Festival at the BRICKWORKS on Nichols Street in Friday Harbor MARCH 3, 2018. Doors open at 5:00pm!

We will be celebrating the Oscars by screening the Trailers of the Top Contenders for Best Picture and Best Documentary. Everyone is encouraged to select his or her winning choice, for great prizes!! The Documentary with the most votes will be selected for the 2018 FHFF. Festivities will begin with wine and an appetizers reception, allowing lots of time to preview the GREAT silent auction items; local products, services, art and jewelry. Dinner will follow while screening the trailers of the Oscar nominated films. Throughout the evening you will have the opportunity to bid on a Wonderful array of 12 Live Auction items. Getaways to Bellingham, Victoria and Yellow Island, a 3 day Cruise, Gourmet Dinners, Oyster Feed; just to name a few.

The talented Comic/Actor, Kent Loomer, a member of the Upfront Improv Theatre in Bellingham will host the exciting live auction. In 2004, Kent was selected by actor Ryan Stiles to be one of the original Main Stage Ensemble performers at his improvisational comedy club “The Upfront Theatre” in Bellingham, where he continues to appear regularly today. He has also worked in several professional acting roles in film and TV.

Celebration of the Oscars will be a black tie, formal event, so plan to dress in your finest Hollywood-inspired attire or as your favorite film character. PRIZES will be given for Best Costumes!! We have also notified Girlfriends, 2nd Act, the Thrift Store and the Costume Shop at San Juan Community Theatre (costume shop hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10-1) of the event and they are planning to help all attendees to be your most glamorous self!!!

All auction proceeds will help ensure our continued efforts to support the Friday Harbor Film Festival, documentary filmmakers, the free student tickets program, Best of the Fest Film Series, as well as the necessary upgrading of our software, sound and video equipment so that we can guarantee a high quality screening experience to all of our Festival attendees. Please join us for a truly fun and glamorous evening! For more info please email [email protected] call 360-298-1939 or stop by our office at

10 First Street; HOURS; Tuesday thru Friday 1 – 4pm; Saturday 11-2pm.

Cost is $65 pp, $125 for 2 tickets bought at once, $500 for a table for 8.

Debbie is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

I’m Debbie. My therapist says my mother was right, “I am beautiful inside and out”. She says I need to learn to embrace my inner goddess and let confidence flow through me like a river of light. She says if I love myself, others will love me too. And sometimes she says, “Debbie, I get the distinct feeling your father wasn’t around much.” I just say, “What time is lunch being served”? I’m pretty sure I’m well-adjusted enough to be adopted now. Just say the word and I’ll come home with you!

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158

English Camp As We Enjoy It Today – Contributed photo

The blockhouse at English Camp is possibly the most iconic structural link to our island’s Pig War history. Recently, in a box of old family papers, I found an old photograph of English Camp from a time when the blockhouse looks about to collapse into the bay. I asked David Harsh who worked with the preservation crew, including Ken Arzarian, Todd Narum, and Steven Ray, from the San Juan Island National Historical Park what it took to save this important marker of our colorful past.

English Camp Prior to Restoration – McRae/Mullis family photo

“Thanks to Jim Crook and his efforts at what is now called “stabilization” to prevent the demolition by neglect of the prominent buildings remaining from the English Camp, the Park Service had something to work with when they took over the historic site in the 1960’s.

The building on the left whose gable end is facing is known as the Commissary was used as a storehouse. They constructed this first permanent building at English Camp with a ramp going directly from a pier to its large doors.  you can still see the remnants of the piers pilings at low tide.  Today, you can still look into the building through the original single window next to those large doors.

The Blockhouse on the right has a unique design for defendable structures with the hipped roof porch which was a touch of class. The upper story has the original 150-year-old logs that were covered with siding and can still be seen from under the porch roof. The lower exposed logs many of them sitting in tidal water for much of day have been replaced a few times since the Park Service has cared for the site, the last time in the summer of 2012.  The piling standing on the bank close to the side of the blockhouse still remains today as a witness to those who have cared about these buildings and worked around it in their preservation efforts.”

Blockhouse Restoration – Contributed photos

Left Image: Jacking structures engineered by Cascade Hahn from North Cascades National Park, enabled the preservation crew to raise the upper story, dismantle the old and assemble the new precut logs without pouring concrete or creating any significant ground disturbance.

Right Image: In 2012 with training assistance in traditional log structure craftsmanship by Cascade Hahn and local Steve Ulvi, new logs were fashioned in two stages nearby on the parade ground and dry fit.  The logs were numbered and corners color coded for proper orientation in the assembly of the lower story.

Nancy Buechner, Toy Box Owner – Contributed photo

The Toy Box was created in 1993 with the mission to have as much fun as possible while stocking the shop with creative, imaginative, educational and FUN toys, games and novelties.

Over the 25 years in business, I have listened to our loyal local customers as well as the summer folks who come back every year. The product mix has continued to grow with the recommendations of these fabulous repeat customers. In addition, I gather great ideas at Toy and Gift shows.

The goal of The Toy Box is to create a friendly atmosphere, good customer service and FREE gift wrapping. I am very proud to have a wonderful staff who upholds these ideals.

Everyone is welcome to come by and share the fun.

Nancy Buechner, owner, The Toy Box, 20 First Street, 360-378-8889

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) will offer free training in electrical basics this spring, funded by the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Kiwanis,  Islanders Bank and Heritage Bank.

The course will be taught at Orcas Island High School by Vocational Instructor Brett McFarland and others.  The training will include core electrician skills, solar wiring installations, safety and more. 

The course will run after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 6 through April 12, 2018, from 3:45-5:45p.  There is no cost for training; pre-registration and a $10 filing fee is required.  The deadline to apply is March 1^st, 2018.  Space is extremely limited; participants must be residents of San Juan County to participate.  To apply, please visit the EDC’s website at www.sanjuansedc.org/trades. 

The EDC thanks our partners in the trades education initiative:  the Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Kiwanis, San Juan Propane, San Juan County Builders Association, San Juan County, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor, Islanders Bank, Heritage Bank, Island Excavating and Orcas Excavators.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.  We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.  

In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we find this letter from Gay Graham…

To the Editor:

“They tell you in this country that you have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps.  And we all believe that.  But first you’ve got to have the boots.”

The San Juan Community Home Trust is grateful for the many islanders who support its work with large to small donations.  They are believers in the Home Trust’s ongoing efforts providing permanently affordable housing opportunities—the “boots”—to islanders who are the fabric of our community, and yet are shut out of affordable housing by high prices.

Who are these islanders?  They are all of us:  artists; college administrators; teachers and coaches; construction workers; electricians; volunteers for the Film Festival, Food Bank, County Fair, Fire Department and our library; healthcare and eldercare workers; chefs and wait staff—to name just a few!

But we need to take a closer look.  It isn’t simply individuals that we are talking about.  We are talking about a community that is whole—one that is not just retirees and vacation home owners.  When we have healthy, productive, engaged islanders we all benefit.  We are a stronger community for our efforts at building the kind of neighborhoods where there is pride in home ownership and pride at being a part of the essential fabric that is San Juan Island. 

If there are any questions or concerns as to who and what the San Juan Community Home Trust is and does, your calls are welcome (360-378-5541) or stop by the office at 435C Argyle.

Gay Graham

Kyle Loring – Contributed photo

After ten years of public service as Friends of the San Juans’ staff attorney, Kyle Loring will be leaving the organization in June to pursue other endeavors.

Starting this month, Friends will conduct a search for a talented environmental attorney to serve the people and wildlife of the San Juans. Since Friends hired Kyle in 2007, when he was an attorney at K&L Gates in Seattle, he has represented Friends in many of its efforts to conserve natural shorelines, protect healthy seas, and support a thriving community.

Stephanie Buffum, Friends’ Executive Director, appreciates Kyle’s commitment to the organization and its members. “Kyle devoted himself to our community as soon as he landed here. With his help, we have preserved community treasures like fish spawning beaches, wetlands, and forest and farm lands. He has also contributed countless hours in his spare time to local endeavors like Leadership San Juan Islands, the Trails Committee, FANS, the mentoring program, and the Conservation District. We will miss his thoughtful and inquisitive nature, his sense of humor, and his willingness to play any role needed for our team.”

“It has been an honor to be able to dedicate myself to conserving the San Juans,” said Kyle, reflecting on his time with Friends. “I’m grateful that Friends chose me 10 years ago, allowing me to follow my passion and serve the people and the environment of this ecological jewel. While I plan to continue working for ecological preservation, I don’t yet know what form that will take. In the meantime, I think I’ll take a bike ride this summer. Anyone want to join me up and over the Rockies?”

For information about Friends of the San Juans please visit www.sanjuans.org

Cynthia’s restaurant has a special Valentine’s menu served in conjunction with Island Stage Left’s Words of Love…

Delicious food, wine, live music, soft lights and words of love that will make you smile, touch your heart and encourage you to leave the outside world behind for a while. We hope to share this wonderful evening with you.

Please join us! February 16 and 17 – 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Dinner served followed by Words of Love with Stage Left.

Valentine Dinner menu is $50 and includes 1 glass of champagne.

Valentine Salad

Entrée choice of Roasted Prime Rib, Seared Salmon with Leek Sauce, or a Vegetarian Entrée of Polenta, Black Bean, Roasted Vegetables, Balsamic Glaze

Entrée served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Seasoned Vegetables

Raspberry Souffles with Chocolate Sauce

Call Cynthia at 360-317-7178 or Email [email protected] to RSVP

Waterworks Gallery – Contributed photo

Ruth Offen, proprietor of Waterworks Gallery, invites you to visit the gallery (see dates the gallery will be open below). “Jewelry, (the perfect size present for everyone!) paintings, and lots of other beautiful pieces” will be on view. “These works are fabulous to see and even better to be chosen for your collection! I have selected a few pieces to intrigue you. Please feel free to go to the website for more work. And yes, we can gift wrap and ship for you!”

Open 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, February 10
Monday, February 12
Wednesday, February 14
Friday, February 16
Saturday, February 17

The Community Foundation is honored to announce an anonymous matching grant in the amount of $50,000 to go toward the San Juan Island Family Resource Center’s Building Expansion Project. All donations will be matched up to this amount in memory of Joyce Sobel and her 43 years of dedication and service to the San Juan Island community. The Building Expansion Project will add much needed space to the Family Resource Center’s facility and allow them to improve programming for our community’s most vulnerable.

Over the past year, the Community Foundation has partnered with the Family Resource Center to open the San Juan Island Family Resource Center Changing Lives Fund to support the broad scope of work of the Resource Center. Donors have the option to designate funds toward the Building Expansion Project specifically, or general support of the Family Resource Center.

You can donate directly to the Building Expansion Project on our website at www.sjicf.org, or send a check to SJICF, PO Box 1352, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Please make donations payable to the San Juan Island Community Foundation with a note in the memo line that the donation is for the Building Expansion Project/Joyce Sobel. If you would like to drop off your donation in person, stop by the office at: 640 Mullis Street, Suite 104. The Foundation can also take stock donations. For more information, please call Carrie Unpingco, Executive Director at the Community Foundation, at 360-378-1001.

The Community Foundation is unique among nonprofit organizations. They aim to be a resource for both our donors and our community nonprofit organizations, providing knowledge and expertise on both sides of the philanthropic exchange. SJICF distributes grants to support and advance local nonprofit activities and projects, identifies current and emerging issues and critical needs, finds ways to address short and long-term needs and helps support a healthy thriving community on San Juan Island. The San Juan Island Community Foundation is a federally qualified 501(c)(3) organization and is registered with the Secretary of State in Olympia, Washington.

To donate online: Community Foundation Building Expansion Project

“Now is the TIME for Advocacy and Action” is the topic of the League of Women Voters meeting February 12 at 12:30 pm in the San Juan Island Library meeting room.  Geared especially to those members who are new to League Advocacy as well as information for all members on what and how to take action,  this meeting will bring into focus the League calls to Action in the Washington state legislature. 

The legislature is in short session this year now until March 8.   League members will share highlights of important legislation including some high priority issues for San Juan County. State League efforts and also what we can do to influence outcomes will be emphasized.  The public is welcome to attend.

Pictured are three undated favorites from our archives. Do you recognize any of these men by their dogs? SJ Historical Society photos

February is a month known for two holidays, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. Since we don’t have any photos of visiting U.S. Presidents in our archives, we’re going with Valentine’s Day for this month’s column; just not in the traditional sense. Although it’s a holiday for sweethearts and friendship, this time in true island style, we salute “man’s best friend.”

Island dogs have always been popular here, and many have achieved a certain local celebrity status. Many of us will remember Dodie Gann’s Shadow or Joan May’s Freeway. Our dogs in general seem to be a cut above your basic furry companion, if you ask us. An island visitor was once overheard to exclaim while walking past well-behaved dogs in town, “Even the dogs are smarter here!”

Two other canine-related observances occur this month. Chinese New Year begins February 16 and 2018 is the Year of the Dog. World Spay Day is February 27, reminding us that spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted dogs (and cats) from living unhealthy lives of abandonment on the streets or in the wild.

Many of our canine family members have been included in formal studio portraits and still others into photo albums, some of which have made their way into our collection of photos at the Historical Museum. For the cat lovers reading this, please be assured we love them, too. It’s just that cats have not historically posed for photos as often. If you have a notable island cat that deserves a place in island history, shoot a picture our way. We don’t think the dogs will mind.