Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Explore the rich history of Patos Island in engaging talk at Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Join us for a discussion led by Denise Wilk, the President of the Keepers of the Patos Lighthouse, as we delve into the fascinating history of Patos Island on Wednesday, January 17 at 1 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center. Nestled at
In this brrr, severe weather shelter is open
||| FROM HILARY CANTY ||| Well, this is quite a swift shift. The drop in temperature accompanied with gale force winds ensures winter has arrived in full force! Hopefully you are safe and cozy. For those folks who need some help staying warm and safe, the Orcas Community Church and
Orcas student sailors are California dreamin’ after Rose Bowl winter regatta
||| FROM JULIA SOES ||| Waking in the dark on a winter morning when it’s raining sideways isn’t an uncommon experience for year round residents of the Pacific Northwest, but it’s made significantly better when you know you’ll be sitting under palm trees later that day. The Pacific Northwest is
Letter to Editor | We need to have resources available for our students’ education
||| FROM ANNE FORD MCGRATH ||| My name is Anne Ford McGrath. I have been an educator for over 25 years and am so grateful to live in a community that has continuously supported education levies. As an educator in the Orcas Island School District, I have seen many changes
WSF Year-End Report | It’s not all bad news across the system
||| FROM PATTY RUBSTELLO for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| In my third year at the helm of Washington State Ferries, there were many exciting highlights, including dynamic workforce development plans and the completion of major construction projects. However, as we continue to juggle both limited crewing and vessel availability, our
Register now for Winter Birding Workshop coming up in March
||| FROM TATE THOMPSON for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| Increase your birding skills through field trips and presentations! This year's Winter Birding Workshop, a collaboration with The Whale Museum and San Juan Islands Audubon, will take place the weekend of March 8-10, 2024. This workshop is ideal for those wishing
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.
Weather Alert | Brrrrr only begins to describe it; it might even get below Brrrrr
||| FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ||| Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Seattle WA 1251 PM PST Thu Jan 11 2024 San Juan County-Western Whatcom County-Southwest Interior- Western Skagit County-Everett and Vicinity-Tacoma Area- Admiralty Inlet Area-Hood Canal Area-Lower Chehalis Valley Area- Olympics-Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca- Western Strait of
Brrrrr | Wind chill advisory issued thru Saturday morning
||| FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ||| Wind Chill Advisory Thu 9:37 AM - Sat 7:00 AM URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Seattle WA 937 AM PST Thu Jan 11 2024 San Juan County-Western Skagit County-Admiralty Inlet Area- Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca-Western Strait of Juan De
Alaskan Chinook in peril; a plea for protection under the Endangered Species Act
||| FROM EMMA HELVERSON for WILD FISH CONSERVANCY ||| Wild Fish Conservancy filed a petition today calling for federal protection of Alaskan Chinook, also known as ‘king’ salmon, under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. This emergency action is being taken in response to the severe decline and poor condition of
2024 Legislative Session | Protecting tenants, ferries & other priorities
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. ALEX RAMEL ||| It’s with excitement and sincere honor that I welcome you to the 2024 legislative session. Commencing on January 8th, your legislature is embarking on a 60-day journey to continue addressing issues facing our communities and pass this year’s supplemental budgets. As
New state building codes delayed until March 2024
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is alerting the public of a revised timeline for the implementation of new state building codes. The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) voted to delay the effective date of the 2021 codes until March 15,
Eastsound Water Users to meet at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM DAN BURKE for EASTSOUND WATER ||| We will be holding our 2024 Board Meetings in person. That's right, we will be live and direct at the Orcas Senior Center this year so please come and participate. Details are as follows: January 16, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM February 13, 2024 from 5:00
Register today for Orcas Youth or Orcas Junior Youth Chorus
||| FROM MUSIC ADVOCACY GROUP and ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY ||| The Music Advocacy Group and Orcas Choral Society invite all Orcas Island youth to register with Orcas Island Parks and Recreation for the upcoming Spring sessions for Orcas Youth Chorus (6th-12th grades) and Junior Orcas Youth Chorus (2nd-5th grades).
San Juan County is prepared for inclement weather – and you should be, too
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS ||| San Juan County is pleased to provide the public with a reminder of Public Works services, priorities, and mission during inclement weather. Additionally, there are several ways in which the public can support snow removal and safety efforts by following simple guidelines.
Mount Vernon awarded $12.5 M bipartisan infrastructure law grant to install 78 EV charging ports
Larsen, Donovan and Boudreau applaud game-changing investment in MVLC project ||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. RICK LARSEN ||| MOUNT VERNON, WA – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding the City of Mount Vernon a $12.5 million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant to install 78 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports
