Here’s a thought…
“The belief in the possibility of a short decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions.”
ROBERT LYND
Where’s Tahlequah?
And how do we clear the glass? ||| FROM THE CLIMATE ACCORDING TO LIFE ||| In my last post I shared the tragic story of Tahlequah, the bereaved mother Orca who, for a second time, has carried a starved calf on her nostrum through the waters of the Salish Sea
Lawsuit filed over delay of federal protections for Olympic Peninsula Steelhead
||| FROM EMMA HALVERSON for WILD FISH CONSERVANCY ||| Edmonds, WA – On January 17, 2025, The Conservation Angler and Wild Fish Conservancy sued the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) for delaying Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) protections for Olympic Peninsula steelhead. Olympic Peninsula steelhead are a distinct population segment of
Town of Friday Harbor shares highlights of 2024
||| FROM JENNIFER KREMBS for TOWN OF FRIDAY HARBOR ||| At the January 16, 2025, Town Council meeting, Mayor Raymont Jackson highlighted the Town’s 2024 achievements, significant projects, and programs serving the Friday Harbor community. “I’m proud of the Town’s community partnerships, initiatives, and other positive achievements over the past
Scientists make disturbing new discovery while studying human urine samples: ‘We urgently need to classify [this]’
This common item is responsible for 25% of all microplastic pollution — and it's worse than we thought. ||| FROM THE COOL DOWN ||| What's happening? A recent study found high levels of two potentially deadly chemicals in human urine. The study sampled the urine of 150 people and had "detection frequencies
Coming up at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Join the Needlework Circle at the Orcas Senior Center Join our weekly gathering for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and all needleworkers at the Orcas Senior Center, every Friday at 2 p.m. Come hang out—no project required! Whether you haven’t knitted in years,
Two jazz greats at Orcas Center: Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| The incredibly versatile guitarist Frank Vignola teams up with rising jazz guitar star Pasquale Grasso to create a unique and intimate musical experience on Friday, January 31 – Presented by Orcas Center and the Orcas Island Jazz Festival! Frank Vignola is one
Twelve Songs for Twelve Poets
Live Music and Poetry Special Event ||| FROM ELLEN ROBERTS for FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL ||| On Friday, January 31 at Brickworks from 7 – 8:30 pm, immerse yourself in an evening where the power of music and the beauty of poetry converge. The Friday Harbor Film Festival invites you
The other Washington State Ferry
The Keller Ferry is a service connecting State Route 21 on the Columbia River between Lincoln and Ferry Counties ||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| The Keller Ferry, M/V Sanpoil, is a ferry service connecting State Route 21 on the Columbia River between Lincoln and Ferry Counties. Hours of Operation
Should Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission be dissolved?
It’s one of the possibilities raised in a new report that describes the citizen-led panel as “dysfunctional.” Lawmakers and commissioners are weighing next steps. ||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD ||| The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is under scrutiny after a report last month found the organization’s structure was “dysfunctional”
Port of Orcas meeting
||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS ||| The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, January 27th at 5:00 p.m. online via Zoom and in-person at the airport terminal conference room. 01_27_2025Agenda.1 Access information can be found at portoforcas.com.
Simple Buddhism through an interfaith lens
||| FROM SUSAN SHANNON for EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL ||| An engaging series for those new to Buddhism, seasoned practitioners, or those simply “Buddhist Curious” at Emmanuel Parish Hall. In each class, Rev. Susan Shannon will present the basic teachings of Buddhism in accessible and inclusive language and offer tools and perspectives
Midnight Mutterings | How circumstance might influence our behavior and ethical choices
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| We are all, I assume, paying attention to the Senate Hearings for the Confirmation of President Trump’s Cabinet. Also, I assume, we are all noting the difference in this year’s hearings as compared to those of President Trump’s choices when he assumed office
Sheriff’s Report | January 15 – 21, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 25-000246 Prowler 06:56:34 01/15/25 A Lopez Deputy responded to an unfounded complaint of a prowler on a person's property. The caller is nearing 50 unfounded and false complaints to the Sheriff's Office. A report was forwarded to mental health
Resource Center supports mental wellness
||| FROM MEGAN METCALF for ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER ||| As we begin 2025, January—designated as Mental Wellness Month—presents an ideal opportunity to focus on our emotional health. After the holiday season's whirlwind, this natural pause allows us to turn our attention inward. While we often prioritize physical health, nurturing
Getting together to get creative
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| Undoubtedly, this island is full of creatives. Artists and artisans of all kinds, yes, and also so many people who enjoy lifelong learning and getting together to find creative solutions to care for the community. I listened to an
Inspiring Young Minds | Angie Millen’s impact at Orcas Christian School
||| FROM THE STAFF AT ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ||| Angie Millen Angie Millen has been a teacher at Orcas Christian School (OCS) for eight years, working with first through third-grade students. She enjoys teaching younger grades and appreciates the peacefulness, natural beauty, and supportive community that Orcas Island
