Here’s a thought…
“Peace is not something we ask for — it’s something we practice, together.”
WALK FOR PEACE
Feeling a ‘holiday debt hangover?’ Start the year with a clean slate
||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The holidays are a wonderful time for connection and celebration, but they can often leave us with a financial hangover once the decorations come down. If you're feeling the weight of holiday spending or struggling to manage debt, the Resource Center is here
No jurors needed January 26-30
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JANUARY 26-30, 2026 For the jury term beginning Monday, January 26 through Friday January 30th, 2026 all jurors are excused. Thank you!
Larsen releases statement on Trump’s announcement of Greenland framework
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after Presidents Trump announced a “framework of a future deal” on Greenland with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: "If the President’s announcement of a future deal on Greenland results
Free tooth extraction clinic coming up
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF DR. TRIPLETT ||| Dr. Triplett’s dental office at 445 Madrona Street in Eastsound has reserved Wednesday February 4 for free tooth extractions for our Orcas, Shaw, and Waldron residents in financial need. Services are limited to both routine and surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth). To
HB 2489 | Shelter, not penalties act
||| FROM AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION ||| Washington HB 2489 aims to establish statewide standards for local governments regarding the enforcement of laws regulating public space for life-sustaining activities, particularly in the context of homelessness. The bill prohibits local governments from enforcing anti-camping laws unless they can demonstrate that adequate
Free virtual book launch event for ‘The Evolution of Cetacean Societies’
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| We’re excited to invite you to a FREE virtual event for the book launch of The Evolution of Cetacean Societies: Uncovering the Social Complexity of Whales and Dolphins. On Saturday, February 7th, we’re hosting an online webinar so viewers around the world can
County discusses upcoming road maintenance on Shaw Island
The County plans to undertake standard road maintenance throughout the spring of 2026, including clearing ditches, cleaning and replacing culverts, and managing roadside vegetation. This will set the stage for chip sealing Shaw roads in 2027. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| To kick off the new year, San Juan
Spring schedule reservations to be available February 10
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Vehicle reservations for the spring 2026 schedule (March 22 through June 13) will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10. We’ve moved out the reservations release by two weeks to finalize the spring schedule. To ensure a smooth and fair experience during this
Experience the soulful sounds of Stephanie Anne Johnson coming to Orcas Center
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Pacific Northwest Americana songwriter and performer Stephanie Anne Johnson’s (they/them) voice is like a prayer. It’s the kind of sound that makes you feel renewed, refreshed, and in love with the higher spirits of the planet. It’s a sound you can
Free Friday Harbor Film Fest Best of the Fest Documentary series starts
||| FROM ELLEN ROBERTS for FRIDAY HARBOR FILM FESTIVAL ||| Join us for a powerful evening of documentary film and conversation! Friday Harbor Film Festival’s 2026 Best of the Fest Series kicks off with a free double feature screening of Checkpoint Zoo, winner of the 2025 FHFF Audience Choice Award
OPALCO survey results are In
||| FROM KRISTA BOUCHEY for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE ||| OPALCO has been engaging the co-op membership in the realities facing the energy world. Things are changing due to climate impacts, carbon reduction legislation, and the transition to renewable energy. As our regional energy supply reaches capacity, utilities throughout
Island Primary Care-Orcas hiring for two positions
||| FROM ISLAND PRIMARY CARE - ORCAS ||| Island Health is currently recruiting for two positions at Island Primary Care - Orcas. The two positions being hired for are one Medical Assistant position and one Patient Appointments Coordinator position. For more information on the positions, please see the job page listings
Get your Washington State Boating Education Card
||| FROM U .S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY ||| The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla offers boaters four opportunities to take an online, Washington State Basic Boater Education Course. The course is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education
February 10, 2026, Special Election | Vote! Sign! Send!
The February Special includes a ballot measure for the San Juan Island School District No. 149. The measure is concerning a replacement enrichment levy. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan County Elections Office has mailed ballots to all voters living in the San Juan Island School
Eastsound Free America Walkout January 20 at 2pm
||| FROM BARBARA NESBET || One year into Trump’s second regime, we face an escalating fascist threat: raids on our communities, troops occupying our cities, attacks on immigrants, families torn apart, mass surveillance, and terror used to keep us silent. It is time for our communities to come together to
Larsen releases statement on Trump’s Greenland comments
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on Presidents Trump's comments about taking over Greenland: “The Arctic has always been a keen focus of Scandinavian countries, including the Kingdom of Denmark. The President’s latest comments
