Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Senior Center | Take charge of your health today
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Life Line Screening will be at the Orcas Island Senior Center on Thursday, October 9, 2025, offering safe, painless, and non-invasive preventive health screenings—services not typically included in a routine physical. By participating, you can take a proactive step toward protecting
Sheriff’s Report | September 10 – 16, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 25-006257 Wanted Person 14:46:29 09/10/25 A San Juan Deputy located a wanted person at the end of Haven Rd on Orcas Island. The man was taken into custody and booked into jail for two warrants. 25-006262 Threats 20:44:16 09/10/25
Town launches “Be Seen” safety campaign
||| FROM JENNIFER KREMBS for TOWN OF FRIDAY HARBOR ||| To promote safety during shorter fall and winter days, the Town has launched a safety campaign for residents to “Be Seen”. The Town encourages everyone, but particularly pedestrians and cyclists, to wear visible clothing to increase their visibility to others.
Madrona Institute releases COMPASS final report
500+ hours of islander participation to generate 960 ideas to shape San Juan County’s future ||| FROM CHOM GRAECEN and FAITH VAN DE PUTTE for MADRONA INSTITUTE September 18, 2025 — The Madrona Institute has released the Final Report of the COMPASS Project (Comprehensive Plan for Meaningful Public Action & Sustainable
Embracing the Equinox
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| The equinox is upon us, with plenty of fall gatherings and activities to look forward to. At OICF, the shift into the cozy, slower vibe of autumn means that applications for nonprofits to be included in the Holiday GiveOrcas campaign
WSF Weekly Report | Online community meetings; Wenatchee back; Fall sailing schedules;
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Passengers aboard Tokitae can now see and feel what it’s like to steer a ferry thanks to some creativity by our engine room employees. The special helm was built for our customers on our Mukilteo/Clinton route. It’s
Guest Opinion | Thoughts on these turbulent times…
||| FROM JANE FULLER, SAN JUAN COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER ||| During these particularly challenging and sensitive times, I want to share my perspective on recent violent events across the country – the impacts of which are being acutely felt by members of our local community. I am writing this as
‘Tis the season for annual apple tasting, including fresh-pressed cider
||| FROM MICHELLE HASSEBROCK for ORCAS ISLAND. HISTORICAL MUSEUMS ||| Kwiaht will be joining the Museum on Saturday, October 4th from 12:30-2:30pm. Come and sample dozens of varieties of local apples, enjoy fresh-pressed cider (courtesy of Girl Meets Dirt), and learn about Orcas Island's heritage orchards. Apple tasting will end
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.
Larsen fights to expand health care access, lower costs
Republicans’ proposed government funding bill will drive up health care costs for all ||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is fighting for legislation that drastically lowers health care costs for working families in Northwest Washington state. “More
News Brief | Fast ferry service proposed for down-sound travel ahead of World Cup
||| FROM KOMO NEWS ||| "The one-year pilot program is estimated to cost $4 million, with half of the funding already secured from local tourism dollars." ORIGINALLY FROM KOMO NEWS "While the vision for the fast ferry service is clear, it remains uncertain whether it will become a reality in
Fall sailing schedule in San Juan Islands starts Sept. 21 thru June 13, 2026
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| For the first time in over 20 years, the fall sailing schedule for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will stay in place through winter and spring, providing additional service for island communities. The schedule will start this Sunday, Sept. 21 and go through Saturday,
Guest Opinion | Request by OPALCO for essential public facilities
||| FROM JOE SYMONS ||| I write to the SJC Planning Commission (PC) and if the email address so directs, to County Council (CC). I urge the PC to disallow OPALCO’s request for an EPF designation. I feel strongly that such a designation would not be in the best interests
News Brief | Once rare and seasonal, wildfires are now a year-long trauma
||| FROM SPOKESMAN REVIEW ||| "As of today, the overwhelming majority of Washington is experiencing drought, and our state is bracing for another devastating wildfire season." OrIginally reported by SPOKESMAN REVIEW, by Jay Inslee "Families who have spent their lives building homes and businesses now face the terrifying reality that,
OIFR Open House | Explore your community EMS, Fire & Rescue Team
Discover Volunteer Opportunities While Learning About Island Emergency Services ||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| Orcas Island Fire & Rescue invites the community to Station 21 on Saturday, October 4th from 12 PM to 2 PM for an open house and recruitment event. Located at
Fall back together: Join the Great Islands Clean-Up on October 4
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| “I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend a Saturday afternoon,” said Katie Johnson, San Juan County Marine Project Coordinator. She’s referring to the Great Islands Clean-Up (GICU); an organized event for anyone who wants to make a difference in the
