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
Concerned members launch candidate questionnaire to aid OPALCO voters
Multi-Island initiative aims to differentiate record field of nine candidates ahead of board election ||| FROM CHOM GREACEN ||| In response to an unprecedented surge in members running for the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) board election, a group of concerned members from across the Islands has launched a
Films at Odd Fellows | Love and community
||| FROM DIDIER GINCIG for ODD FELLOWS ||| A one day film festival showcasing two films about the love between people and the uniting of communities during uncertain times that give us warmth and hope. Attendees are welcome to hang out after the screenings to participate in informal discussions about
Orcas Senior Center | April highlights
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times
Letter to Editor | Vote YES for county levy, save the services we value most
||| FROM JAMIE STEPHENS ||| I am writing to point out the importance of voting YES on Proposition No.1, the County's regular property tax levy lid lift. This levy is to continue funding valued community services that are not mandated by law. These services include foundational public health, senior services,
County pursues new state grant, congressional funding to support public safety, infrastructure
Applying for these new funding sources is just one of several ways the County is continuing to manage budget shortfalls in 2026 and 2027 ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| As San Juan County continues to manage budget constraints in 2026 and 2027, pursuing new State grants and congressional funding are key tools to help maintain public
Vikings show heart and grit as Orcas Island Middle School girls basketball season shines
||| FROM ALICIA WIGFIELD for ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTICT ||| The Orcas Island Middle School Girls Viking Basketball Team wrapped up a memorable season defined not just by wins and losses, but by resilience, growth, and unwavering team spirit. The season began with an impressive turnout of 23 players, a
Letter to Editor | In support of public safety
||| FROM BILL CUMMING ||| I am writing to express my strong support for voting YES on the levy lid lift that will be on the April 28 special election ballot. As the former Sheriff of San Juan County for 24 years, I have witnessed firsthand the vital role our
SJC Dept. of Environmental Stewardship hosts 2026 Hazardous Waste Roundup events across the islands
Residents and businesses invited to safely dispose of household chemicals, paints, and hazardous materials at collection events on Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas Islands ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship is hosting a series of hazardous waste round-up collection events this spring
News Brief | Neighbors push back against PSE microgrid on Samish Island
||| FROM KING 5 SEATTLE ||| A PSE-commissioned noise study recommended building a 14-by-18-foot wall to block the sound. That recommendation was made in October, but construction has not begun. READ FULL ARTICLE
Funhouse Commons is hiring a Development Director
||| FROM NICOLE SPINOGATTI for FUNHOUSE COMMONS ||| Development Director Children’s Discovery Foundation (Funhouse Commons) is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Development Director to lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts that sustain and grow programs serving young people from birth through age 18 on Orcas Island. Mission & Vision Our
The Island Gardener for March ~ 2026
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| March in the garden is always a bit of a tug-of-war between patience and pure excitement. Even after all these years, I still find myself getting swept up in the "spring fever" that hits right after a trip to the NW Flower and
Piano music and art together in concert at Orcas Center
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Pianist Marina Grozdanovic will be performing music composed in France from the Baroque to the Impressionist era, by composers Rameau, Couperin, Chopin, Debussy and Ravel at Orcas Center. Each piece will be accompanied by paintings or photographs on the big screen,
County to test vote counting equipment in April
Testing will take place on April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Elections office will conduct a “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used for the County’s April 28, 2026, Special Election. The test is scheduled for April 7,
Lions Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4
||| FROM MARY MEREDITH for ORCAS ISLAND LIONS CLUB ||| The Orcas Island Lions Club continues its long tradition of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, to be held this year on Saturday, April 4th at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. The Hunt will begin at 10am sharp. There will
No jurors needed for March 30 – April 2
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: MARCH 30 - APRIL 3, 2026 For the Jury Period beginning Monday March 30th through April 3rd, 2026, all jurors are excused. Thank you.
Share Your Feedback | County & partners developing tools to manage human/wildlife interactions
The County is seeking to define common messaging, identify strategies to manage wildlife/human interactions, and ways to educate the public. Your experiences and feedback are welcome! ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| In an effort to manage interactions between island wildlife and the public, the County is seeking public
