Here’s a thought…
“Half our life is spent trying to find something to do
with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.”
WILL ROGERS
Be the light
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| The holiday season is upon us, a time many of us gather with family and friends, reflect on the past year, or simply cozy up to the fire with a good book and a warm drink. Some head south to
Bird flu kills Olympic Peninsula cougars in WA
||| FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES ||| Two wild cougars on the Olympic Peninsula have been killed by bird flu, as the disease continues to spread to more species. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization, confirmed the deaths Thursday. One of the big
Orcas neighborhood concerned after suspicious male armed with a knife shows up on porch
||| BY LIN MCNULTY, ORCASONIAN EDITOR ||| On November 9, an Orcas Island neighborhood was rocked by a late-night incident that has left residents taking extra efforts to ensure their safety. A homeowner reported hearing a noise on their porch and, upon turning on the porch light to investigate, observed
Explore vibrant watercolors art show at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Join us at Orcas Senior Center for the colorful Watercolors Art Show, running through November and December. This joint exhibition features works from Robbie Walker’s watercolors class, held Mondays at 9:30 am at Orcas Senior Center, alongside pieces by local artist
Local partnership promotes safe hunting on Lopez Island
||| FROM BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ||| SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WA – The BLM’s San Juan Islands National Monument, San Juan County Land Bank, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) engaged in a joint outreach effort during the 2024 deer hunting season on Lopez Island. The partnership created
China overtakes US in captive orca numbers
Expanding Chinese ocean theme park industry continues to perpetuate conservation and welfare problems ||| FROM MARJORIE FISHMAN for ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE ||| Washington, DC (December 19, 2024)— Investigators have confirmed that, for the first time, China has overtaken the United States as holder of the highest number of captive orcas
WSF Weekly Report | New winter sailing schedule for San Juans; Holiday greetings
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to say thank you. You’re not just our customers – you’re part of the Washington State Ferries community. Whether you’re traveling to celebrate with loved ones,
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Welcome to our weekly feature, Occam's Razor, from local artist S.C. Watson.
OPALCO board nominations are open
||| FROM KRISTA BOUCHEY for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE ||| It’s that time of year when OPALCO members step up to run for the Board of Directors! Nominations are now open for the 2025 election. There are three positions open: one in District 1 (San Juan, et al), one
Orcas Island Garden Club prepares to accept grant applications from community
Grant process opens January 1 through March 1 ||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Anyone with projects which support the mission of the OIGC may apply, although non-profit organizations are given preference. The mission of the OIGC: Stimulate knowledge and love of gardening. Cooperate in the protection and conservation
Orcas Island School District announces job opening for Director of Operations
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT ||| The Orcas Island School District is excited to announce a job opening for the position of Director of Operations. This is a full-time, year-round position offering a competitive first-year annual salary of $98,300 and a comprehensive benefits package. The Director of Operations will
Muse Winter | A Community art exhibition at Orcas Senior Center
Calling all artists! ||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Share your winter-inspired creations at the Orcas Senior Center! Bring in your art on Friday, January 3, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., to be part of Muse Winter, a vibrant art exhibition running through January and February.
Health Care District looking to fill Board vacancy
||| FROM CHRIS CHORD for ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| Following the voluntary resignation of District Commissioner Pegi Groundwater effective 11/30/2024, Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) has formally nominated Alison Sanders for the appointment to fill that vacancy at a special board meeting held on 12/18/2024. The OIHCD
In Memoriam | Artha Freya Kass
||| FROM DEE HEIN ||| Artha Freya Kass (nee Artha Freya Schwartz) died peacefully in a beautiful hospice house following cardiac arrest on November 27, 2024, at the age of 84, with her daughter Julie by her side. Artha was the firstborn child of Jerome and Yetta Schwartz, soon followed
SJC Parks and Fair announces new camping software; delaying reservation availability
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan County Parks, Recreation, and Fair Department is pleased to announce updates to the camping reservation system that seek to provide an easier user interface, better sorting options of campsites, and more efficient administrative processing. These changes will delay the reservation
‘Murder Hornet’ has been eradicated from the U.S., officials say
||| FROM NEW YORK TIMES ||| The hunt for the “murder hornet” in the northwest corner of Washington State began like a criminal investigation, with bee carcasses creating a crime scene and the public being asked to send tips about the potential culprit’s whereabouts. Search grids were created. Traps were
