Here’s a thought…
“I don’t know why we are here, but I’m pretty sure that it is not in order to enjoy ourselves.”
LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN
Center for Whale Research encounters J Pod in Haro Strait
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 10:05 AM ObservEnd: 01:05 PM Vessel: KCB III Staff: Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss, Katie Jones Pods: J IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J26, J27, J36, J38, J39, J40, J41, J42, J44, J45, J46, J47, J49, J51, J53, J56, J58, J62, and J63
Early Childhood Education Initiative launches new website
||| FROM ED ANDREWS for EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INITIATIVE ||| The Early Childhood Education Initiative is excited to announce the launch of its new website at theecei.org. The redesigned site offers a new look with an easier way for families, donors, educators, and the community to learn about the mission,
Disposing of unwanted prescription medication
||| FROM INGRID MATTSON for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| You may know the Orcas Island Library provides notary services, wi-fi hotspots, and board games, but did you know we also distribute envelopes for prescription drug returns/take-backs? In partnership with the Coalition for Orcas Youth (COY), you can grab a mail-back bag
The Whale Museum announces open house event
||| FROM CONOR AGNEW for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| The Whale Museum will be hosting an Open House event on Friday, May 1, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for the community to meet the new faces at The Whale Museum and learn more about
Center for Whale Research honors L25 with new logo
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| As we celebrate our 50th year, we’re proud to share our new logo for the Center for Whale Research. Our new logo features L25, the oldest living matriarch in the Southern Resident orca community. She is not just an individual whale, but a
WSF fare changes begin Friday, May 1
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Starting Friday, May 1, there will be changes to our fares and multi-ride pass expiration: Passenger and vehicle ticket prices will increase by an average of 3%. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved these changes last summer. A 35% peak season surcharge for
We’ve been busy at Orcas Island Pride
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND PRIDE ||| We hope the month of April has passed by well for you! We at Pride have been busy tinkering away on the details for our annual Pride Fest this June. We think you’ll love this year’s theme (here’s a hint: the colors match the
Larsen releases statement on attack at White House Correspondents’ Dinner
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I condemn the attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and all politically motivated violence. I am grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who acted quickly to prevent
Free magic workshop for all ages coming to Odd Fellows
||| FROM DIDIER GINCIG for ODD FELLOWS HALL ORCAS ||| This May 2 at 4:00 pm, the Orcas community gets to particiate in an inspiring magic workshop at the Odd Fellows Hall led by second generation award-winning performer/magician, Phina Pipia. “This is a program that’s as fun as it is educational, with an impact
Larsen statement on Trump administration denying flood mitigation funds following December floods
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “This is an unacceptable decision for the families and businesses that I represent," said Rep. Larsen. “The disaster declaration helps people recover from the last flood, but hazard mitigation helps people survive the
Sheriff’s Report | April 15 – 20, 2026
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 26-002080 DUI 13:55:08 04/15/26 Deputies responded to a report of a DUI at the Orcas Landing. The driver was arrested for physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. 26-002089 Civil Problem 17:39:36 04/15/26 A Deputy on Orcas
Spring GiveOrcas kicks off with party at Orcas Center
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| Spring GiveOrcas is a few weeks away! Please mark your calendars for our GiveOrcas Kick-Off Party at Orcas Center on Tuesday, May 12 from 4-6pm. All ages are welcome to celebrate spring and meet the 31 nonprofits taking part in
Larsen leads bill to expand access to flu vaccines
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) reintroduced legislation to strengthen the federal response to seasonal and pandemic influenza (“The Influenza Act”). "Catching the flu can mean long-term health consequences, lost time at work and school, missed time with loved ones and in
What is San Juan Community Health Network?
||| SUBMITTED BY THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS CENTER ||| There's something special about what happens when a community decides to show up for itself. That's exactly what is at the heart of the San Juan Community Health Network — neighbors, providers, and organizations across our islands coming together to make
Center for Whale Research celebrates Earth Day and 50 years
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| This Earth Day, we're celebrating the Southern Residents and the beautiful, interconnected ecosystem in which we have been studying these extraordinary whales. Since 1976, the Center for Whale Research has cataloged every individual in the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population. Their survival,
WSF: Tour de Lopez is tomorrow
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| The annual Tour de Lopez bicycle ride on Lopez Island is this Saturday, April 25. Please plan for more traffic on our Anacortes to Lopez sailings as attendees make their way to the island. Added stop on Saturday, April 25: On the morning of the event,
