Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Kids Got Talent is back for another year of joy and community
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Come cheer on your friends and neighbors as they sing, adance, twirl and shine across the stage during Orcas Center’s beloved youth talent show — by kids, for kids. There are two chances to catch this year’s incredible line up on
News Brief | Oregon says ‘no’ to troop deployment, files suit
||| FROM SEATTLE TIMES ||| "Oregon has filed a lawsuit to block Trump from deploying the National Guard to Portland a day after Trump authorized federal troops to protect what he dubbed “War ravaged Portland.” ORIGINALLY FROM SEATTLE TIMES "The facts cannot justify this overreach says the 41-page suit filed
Center for Whale Research update on J42 and J64
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| On September 23, CWR researchers were finally able catch up with J pod in Georgia Strait for a photo-ID encounter. During that encounter, we were thrilled to get our first look at the newest calf J64, who was originally reported to us by
News Brief | Extended fall sailing schedule for Anacortes/San Juan Islands route returns after 20 years
||| FROM KOMO-TV ||| "For the first time in 20 years, the fall sailing schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will stay in place through winter and spring, according to Washington State Ferries (WSF)." ORIGINALLY FROM KOMO-TV "According to WSF, keeping the schedule the same for nine months gives
New piece installed at SJI Sculpture Park
||| FROM KATE BRUMSICKLE for SAN JUAN ISLANDS SCULPTURE PARK ||| San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is proud to welcome Mother and Child, a new bronze sculpture by artist Lucy Congdon-Hanson. The abstract figurative work, representing two figures, now stands among the Park’s meadows, trees, and shoreline views. Lucy’s celebrated Abstract
Drumming, needlework, watercolors at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Experience the Joy of Drumming! Discover the joy of drumming with the Spirit of Drumming Group at Orcas Senior Center Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.! This beginner-friendly group focuses on exploring the elements of drumming. There’s no cost to participate—just bring a
Community leaders to share findings on Orcas Island health care needs
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Island community is invited to attend a panel discussion titled "Building Better Community Care – Together" on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the Orcas Island Public Library. This important community event, hosted by the Orcas
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue launches new community website
||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is pleased to announce the launch of its redesigned website at www.orcasfire.org , now live and serving the community with enhanced features and improved accessibility. The new site offers streamlined access to important community
Threads of Inspiration | A quilting exhibition at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Visit Orcas Senior Center this September and October for a colorful celebration of local quilting talent! Stop by any weekday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to view a stunning collection of handcrafted quilts, each one a unique expression of creativity
Whale Museum announces new Salish Sea Explorer Kit Program
||| FROM CONOR AGNEW for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| The Whale Museum and The Salish Sea School are partnering to launch new, exciting take-home kits for educators, parents, and community organizers! These new Salish Sea Explorer Kits will be available through both organizations, and deliver three unique, hands-on experiences that
News Brief | Trump sending troops to Portland, Oregon
||| FROM SEATTLE TIMES ||| "The White House did not immediately respond to a request for details on Trump’s announcement, such as a timeline for the deployment or what troops would be involved." ORIGINALLY FROM SEATTLE TIMES He made the announcement on social media, writing that he was directing the
Rep. Larsen | Democrats holding fast to avoid a health care crisis
Republicans would rather see a government shutdown than bargain on restoring health care coverage. ||| FROM U.S. REP RICK LARSEN ||| At a time when families are already struggling with high prices and a weak job market, Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their
Strum along with the Legacy Ukulele Ensemble and Peter Luongo
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| On Friday, October 17 at 5:30 p.m., Orcas Senior Center welcomes the internationally acclaimed Legacy Ukulele Ensemble from Langley, BC, led by master teacher Peter Luongo, for a lively and inspiring performance. Known for his dynamic teaching style and ability to
As the Paradigm Shifts | Knitting as a metaphor for how I do life (or want to do life)
||| AS THE PARADIGM SHIFTS by ROSIE KUHN ||| Among the many ways I create in the world, one of my go-to’s is knitting. I usually have at least one or two projects on my needles at a time, with a few more gestating in my imagination. A Support
Sheriff’s Report | September 17 – 23, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 25-006410 Wanted Person 12:46:37 09/17/25 A Friday Harbor female was arrested on her San Juan County arrest warrant for failure to appear for a hit and run from an earlier case. She was arrested and booked into the jail.
Systemwide WSF community meetings rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 14
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| We’ve rescheduled our upcoming virtual community meetings to Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. WSF staff will answer questions and provide updates on the latest at Washington State Ferries. Registration is required. To learn more and register, visit: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/about-us/community-participation.
