Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
No Place Like Loam | Growing olives in the Pacific Northwest
History, Survival, Struggle, and the Long Bet ||| NO PLACE LIKE LOAM by ALEX TAMAYO-WOLF ||| What it means to wager on olives in the cold edge of the Pacific. On the Greek island of Aegina, an olive tree still stands that began its life nearly 2,700 years ago. It
Free noxious weed disposal program ends Sept. 30
||| FROM ORCAS RECYCLING / THE EXCHANGE ||| La Eliminación Gratuita de Malezas Nocivas Termina el 30 de septiembre El condado de San Juan anunció recientemente que elúltimo día del Programa de Eliminación de Malezas Nocivas sin Cargo será el 30 de septiembre de 2025. Cualquier maleza nociva traída a
LWVSJ Observer Corps | County Council September 23, 2025
||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ||| The new director of the Department of Community Development, Sev Jones, introduced himself. A graduate of WWU he has worked in Alaska, Idaho and Eastern Washington. The county proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Month. The council continued a public hearing until October
Tickets now available for Empty Bowls Sunday Supper
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND FOOD BANK ||| Dear Friends of the Orcas Island Food Bank, We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now live for our first Empty Bowls Sunday Supper, happening Sunday, October 12th from 4–7 PM! This beloved fall gathering brings together the heart of our community—local chefs,
Have a garden question? Ask an Orcas Master Gardener
Now at the Market Garden Nursery ||| FROM JULIA TURNEY for ORCAS MASTER GARDENERS ||| Do you have a question about your soil, have a problem with your fruit tree, or are thinking about starting a garden? Is something bugging your plants, or you are curious about identifying a plant
Health Care District schedules upcoming board meeting
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| The Orcas Island Health Care District Board will hold a regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, September 24th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Orcas Island Library, 500 Rose Street, Eastsound. The Board Meeting Public Packet is available below. Agenda 02.
Jurors for 9/29 – 10/3 are excused
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 3, 2025 All jurors summonsed for the week beginning Monday, September 29th through Friday, October 3rd are excused. Thank you.
Memorial service for Judy Turksel
||| FROM MARTA BRANCH ||| Judy Turksel Please join us at a memorial service and interment of ashes for Judy Turksel at 11:30 AM on Saturday, October 4th at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish, with a social afterwards where we share stories and celebrate her life. Judy lived here on
Fire Commission special meeting agenda
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE COMMISSIONERS ||| Special Meeting Agenda San Juan County Fire Protection District No 2, Board of Fire Commissioners Special Meeting | Monday, 09/29/2025, 5PM In person: 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound, WA Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199976630?pwd=vB785WflFSwcuW9Y21YYHEvrROF21a.1 Call to Order Welcome Special Agenda 1. Town Hall meeting on
Ladies of Airhawks Series | Bethany Carter
||| FROM AIRHAWKS FLYING CLUB ||| In 2022, a Flight Training Scholarship from the Airhawks Flying Club was awarded to Bethany Carter. Bethany was in her sophomore year at Orcas High School (OHS) where she was an outstanding student, leader, athlete and in 2024 graduated as Valedictorian of her class.
New retail sales taxes begin October 1
The 2025 Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5814, which added new business activities to the definition of retail sales. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMUNICATIONS ||| Beginning October 1, 2025, multiple Washington businesses will be subject to new retail sales taxes. The 2025 Washington State Legislature
News Brief | Scientists reveal why orca have been attacking boats, and they are not targeting humans
||| FROM INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES ||| "Researchers monitoring Iberian pods say younger whales appear to mimic older individuals, turning rudders into interactive objects/ " ORIGINALLY FROM INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES "Some scientists have suggested that food availability, such as changes in tuna stock, might play a role, but consensus points towards playful,
Bob Nutt publishes book by local author Barbara Humes
||| FROM EDEE KULPER ||| Bob Nutt, local farmer, shepherd, and long-time volunteer firefighter who runs Warm Valley Orchard with his wife, Maria, has just published a book in honor of their deceased neighbor and friend, Barbara Humes. Barbara and her husband, Bill, founded and ran Warm Valley Farm across
Upcoming free training for child advocates
San Juan County is seeking volunteer Child Advocates to represent the best interests of children facing dependency. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Superior Court Services announces the next free training for people interested in serving as Child Advocates. Child Advocates represent the best interests of
Find OPALCO back at their headquarters starting September 29
||| FROM JO LANGE for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE ||| During the summer months, OPALCO worked on a critical maintenance project for the Eastsound headquarters. The roof of OPALCO’s 1970s built Eastsound headquarters office had reached the end of its life and needed to be replaced. Increasing structural issues
Hunter Bay portable toilet to be removed because of vandalism
Due to the unsustainable upkeep of managing the repeatedly abused facility, Public Works will be removing it from use, effective Wednesday, September 24. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Public Works Department maintains portable restroom facilities at some of our public shore access locations around the
