Here’s a thought…
“It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.”
JIM ROHN
Letter to Editor | Why vote against the islands?
||| FROM MARNI ZIMLIN ||| I am new to San Juan Island and am happy to be joining this incredible community. One of the many things I value about the San Juan Islands is the communities overwhelming support of the environment, land, shores, and sea are all protected. I don’t
Community Clothing Bank accepting donations
||| FROM JERREMY FOSS for ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ||| With mounds of clothes already building up, this year’s Community Clothing Bank is bound to be epic! Doors will open Saturday, October 26th from 2-5:00 PM and Sunday, October 27th from 10:30-5:00 PM. Hosted in the Orcas Christian School’s Gym (107
Letter to Editor | O’Day has integrity, compassion, capability, effectiveness
||| FROM LINDA GORING ||| I am writing in support of Stephanie O'Day for County Council District 1. I have known Stephanie for decades and have a lot of respect for her integrity, compassion, capability and effectiveness. As a lawyer she works to bring understanding to both parties' positions and
Your Vote, Our Island: Shaping Orcas’ future together
||| FROM MEGAN METCALF for ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER ||| At the Orcas Community Resource Center, their mission is to support and strengthen our island community. As an organization dedicated to providing essential services and fostering community well-being, they understand firsthand the impact of local policies on our residents' lives.
Letter to Editor | Rick Hughes builds bridges
||| FROM GREG WHITE ||| Don’t worry, he is not going to build a bridge from the mainland, it is a metaphor. I support Rick Hughes for County council because he is the best person for the job. There is a reason that Rick is supported by all our legislatures
League of Women Voters urges voters: Know your ballot
||| FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ||| Seattle, WA — New and infrequent voters may find themselves overwhelmed by the array of issues and candidates on their November 5th General Election ballot. The League of Women Voters is here to help. LWV of Washington President Mary Coltrane and Civic
Letter to Editor | O’Day is, hands-down, the better candidate
||| FROM NICHOLAS POWER ||| Given our choices, Stephanie O'Day is the hands-down better candidate to serve on San Juan County Council. As a practicing attorney, I can attest that the County's regulatory appurati -- are in most cases -- entirely dysfunctional. Stephanie knows where these problems lie and
WSF Weekly Report | Recognizing our life-saving heroes; visitors from Tasmania
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve As a seafarer, I’ve participated in several search and rescue operations during my time working aboard ships. There’s an unspoken bond among us; when someone is in distress, we instinctively drop everything to offer our assistance. This
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.
Interactive program guide online for Friday Harbor Film Festival
||| FROM ELLEN ROBERTS for FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL ||| The new 2025 FHFF program guide is now ready for viewing at fhff.org/programguides. Each year they publish a comprehensive 60-page guide that brings you closer to the heart of the festival. FHFF is thrilled to introduce the fully interactive online
Letter to Editor | Justin Paulsen is right leader for SJC future
||| FROM ED ANDREWS ||| I believe that Justin Paulsen is the right person with the right experience to represent us— our friends and neighbors of this little group of islands in the Salish. Governance is fundamentally about caring for people in a way that upholds their rights, promotes their
‘Thank you’ from Woman in the Woods
||| FROM MICHELL ("MITCH") MARSHALL for WOMAN IN THE WOODS ||| Sadly, Woman in the Woods Productions has decided to end our operations, after seven years of bringing first rate artistic productions to the Orcas Island Community. We are very proud of the type of events we have been able
Letter to Editor | SJI Grange says ‘yes’ to Land Bank renewal
||| FROM ROGER ELLISON for SAN JUAN ISLAND GRANGE ||| San Juan Island Grange enthusiastically endorses a yes vote to renew the Land Bank. Starting our own farm has been a dream of the Grange for quite some time, and we are grateful to the Land Bank for helping us
Reminder: Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey still open
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Customers are encouraged to participate in the current Ferry Riders Opinion Group survey to share your thoughts on all things Washington State Ferries. The survey is hosted by the Washington State Transportation Commission to hear feedback and suggestions directly from ferry riders. Those looking
Medicare open enrollment begins October 15
What You Need to Know for 2025 ||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Starting October 15, Medicare beneficiaries can select new Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans for 2025. Notices have already been sent by some insurance companies, informing recipients if their plans will not
Letter to Editor | Paulsen perceives the call, and answers
||| FROM THOMAS BRIDGE ||| The story of Community Water Taxi Group (CWT) is intertwined with Justin Paulsen. Simply put, without Justin, CWT would never have happened. The recent success of a $1,500,000 emergency transportation grant from Governor Inslee to the County, would not have happened. On Saturday morning Aug
