Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Honoring Our Heroes | Orcas Island’s commitment to veterans
||| FROM MEGAN METCALF for COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER ||| As November ushers in Veterans Day, Orcas Island stands united in its dedication to those who've served our nation. This small island community exemplifies the power of local support for veterans, offering a tapestry of services that weave together care, respect,
Midnight Mutterings | Jeff changes his mind
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| When Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post in 2013, he reportedly said he would not interfere with the editorial aspects of the paper, and for the next eleven years, he seems to have followed his plan. However, just days before the 2024 election,
Clocks shift back for daylight saving time Saturday night
Get ready for sunsets before 5 ||| FROM KOMO NEWS ||| Well, it's that time of year to say goodbye to afternoon light. When Americans go to bed Saturday night, they will have an extra hour of sleep. Clocks will shift around the U.S. early Sunday morning at 2 a.m.
Sheriff’s Report | October 23 – 29, 2024
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 24-006889 Parking Problem 21:01:00 10/23/24 An Orcas Island Deputy observed a parking problem at the County dock. Located at 1955 Obstruction Pass Rd., Eastsound, WA. A 72-hour warning notice of abandoned vehicle tag was issued. 24-006892 Agency Assistance 22:41:42
Washington’s voters have already returned more than 1.75 million ballots
||| FROM KOMO NEWS ||| With the general election less than a week away, Washington voters are making their decisions early. As of Tuesday, more than 1.75 million Washington ballots have been returned. That's more than 35% of the nearly five million voters in the state. More than 500,000 of those ballots
Tara Plank’s Yoga Movement Class
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Join Tara Plank's active vinyasa-style yoga sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center. Classes emphasize the science of yoga, with attention given to moving from a place of stability. Each class addresses core strength in a
Kicking off the season of generosity & light
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| As the daylight hours get shorter, I find myself looking for new sources of light. Light in the literal sense, with cozy fires and candles, or the metaphorical, with seasonal gatherings, gratitude, and giving back to our community. Here are two
Leadership San Juan Islands celebrates its 20th year
||| FROM GRETCHEN KRAMPF for LEADERSHIP SAN JUAN ISLANDS ||| The board of Leadership San Juan Islands is recognizing its 20th Year by hosting November Alumni Gatherings and announcing Class XVII will begin in late 2025. More than 240 alumni have participated in our countywide program, designed to educate and
UPDATE: Sea wall repairs temporarily close MacKaye Harbor dock and boat ramp
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department is conducting repairs on a sea wall near the MacKaye Harbor dock area on Lopez Island. Construction was initially scheduled for October 29, however, crews discovered surf smelt on the beach shortly before construction began. This discovery
Letter to Editor | Thanks to all who made Halloween Dance a fun night
||| FROM DIDIER GINCIG for ORCAS ODD FELLOWS ||| On behalf of the Orcas Island Odd Fellows, thank you to everyone who participated in the annual Halloween Dance at the Odd Fellows Hall. Great fun was had by all. We’re thankful to all who attended; it was a really fun
WSF Weekly Report | Morocco conference; 2 rescues; high school trades; readying for Standard Time; Happy Halloween
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve This week, I went to Morocco to attend the 48th Annual Interferry Conference, a global event that’s an important investment in our system’s future. As a public agency, we’re judicious with taxpayer money for travel. But this conference
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.
Letter to Editor | Paulsen showcases dedication to our county
||| FROM ATHENA MOORE ||| I am Athena Moore, a senior at Spring Street International School and a resident of Orcas Island since 2018. As a student pilot with the Airhawks Flying Club, an employee at Island Market, and an active member of our community theater, I am proud to
Letter to Editor | Hughes champions diversity, inclusion
||| FROM KEVIN CARTER ||| As a long-time Orcas Island resident and Vice President of Strategy and Assessments at The Winters Group—a firm specializing in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice—I have worked closely with Rick Hughes over the past several years. During that time, I have witnessed Rick’s unwavering dedication
Lions Club announces $25,000 matching grant for Senior Center renovation
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| The Orcas Island Lions Club is proud to announce the establishment of a $25,000 matching grant through the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) to support the Orcas Senior Center’s (OSC) renovation project. This grant is available for the month of November,
Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN ||| This year, we have seen the devastating repercussions of the far-right's attacks on reproductive freedom. An untold number of patients have had to seek care under duress, cobble together money for out-of-state travel, go without the care they need, and, in
