Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
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.
Grand re-opening of two Orcas Island preserves
Thank you for your patience during our temporary closures! ||| FROM CONSERVATION LAND BANK ||| The Conservation Land Bank is glad to announce the re-opening of Crescent Beach and Turtleback Mountain preserves this week, and to share our appreciation for your patience during these temporary closures. The trail through Crescent
Orcas Christian kicks off this year’s first Week of Worship
||| FROM ORCAS CHRISTIAN STUDENT LULA S. ||| Last week, Orcas Christian School (OCS) held its first Week of Worship of the year, an annual event where guest speakers share messages of faith with students. This year, a duo of college students from Walla Walla University spoke about their personal
