Here’s a thought…
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
ANNIE DILLARD
e-Biking to beautiful gardens on annual tour
||| BY EDEE KULPER, theORCASONIAN REPORTER ||| This past weekend was stunning. The clouds finally parted all day, both days, signalling the true beginning of summer for us islanders. It couldn’t have been a more perfect time for the Orcas Island Garden Tour. The idea of driving on such beautiful days immediately
In the month of May, Funhouse kids celebrated at Camp Orkila
||| FROM EMILIE GINCIG for FUNHOUSE COMMONS ||| On a sunny Sunday in May mentors and mentees from around the county came together for a day of fun and celebration at Camp Orkila. As our first large mentor gathering since the pandemic began it was such a treat to see everyone
The Whale Museum is looking for volunteers
||| FROM TRACIE MERRELL for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| The Whale Museum is holding an open house for anyone interested in volunteering with TWM’s Education Department. The open house event will be held on Monday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you have some spare time and
Community Foundation: Hooo needs meeting support?
||| FROM HILARY CANTY for ORCAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| As COVID continues to throw curveballs, the Orcas Island Community Foundation is at the ready with support. The Volk Family Meeting Room has been equipped with all the technology needed to hold hybrid meetings, where some participants are in person and
Independence Day travel rush to bring long waits for people driving onto a ferry
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| SEATTLE – Fourth of July travelers planning a state ferry ride over the holiday weekend should be prepared for long waits if boarding in a vehicle. In addition, all riders should regularly check online sailing schedules, as some timetables are dependent on crewing levels. Schedules are
Lions Club salmon BBQ and firefighters breakfast returns this Saturday
||| FROM STEVE SCHAEFER for ORCAS ISLAND LIONS ||| The Orcas Island fire and Rescue Pancake Breakfast and the Orcas Island Lions Club Salmon BBQ are returning this Saturday, July 2. The Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association will be serving pancakes, sausage, and eggs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Free tooth extraction clinic
||| FROM TERRI TRIPLETT for ORCAS ISLAND DENTISTRY ||| Dr. Triplett’s dental office at 445 Madrona Street in Eastsound is reserving Tuesday July 19 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).
Remember to protect your pets this July 4th
||| FROM ALINA HAUPTMAN for BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY ||| The food, fireworks, and festivities associated with July 4th are fun for most Americans, but the same can’t be said for our pets. Ask any pet owner - this holiday is often traumatic for four-legged family members, who can have a phobic reaction
As the Paradigm Shifts | Growing peace – who me?
||| AS THE PARADIGM SHIFTS by DR. ROSIE KUHN ||| I For One Am Tired of Being Afraid I’m so tired of being afraid. I’m tired of waiting for the sky to fall, like Chicken Little. I’m tired of waking up anxious about war, shootings, weather patterns or the virus.
Sacred sounds, tones, rhythm coming to Village Green
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| Get ready for a special double bill of music full of rhythm that is sure to get your feet moving! Youssoupha Sidibe and Drumspyder will be playing on the Village Green this Sunday, July 3 starting at 6 p.m. as part of
OIHCD commissioners to meet Tuesday, June 28 at 5 p.m.
||| FROM TOM EVERSOLE for ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| The Agenda and Materials (Board Packet) for the June 28, 2022 Board meeting of the Orcas Island Health Care District will be posted June 27. You can access the agenda and meeting materials HERE. Commissioners will receive a preliminary
Island Health class offerings
||| FROM RACHEL LAMBERT for ISLAND HEALTH ||| Island Health offers nutrition and exercise for osteoporosis class Dietary habits play an important role in your risk of developing osteoporosis. Join registered dietitian Amber Phillips, MS, RD and Island Health physical therapist Allison Blackwell, PT, DPT to learn what types of exercises
UPDATED: West coast states launch new multi-state commitment to reproductive freedom
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE ||| California, Oregon and Washington will continue to be a safe haven for all people seeking abortions and other reproductive health care services in these states. UPDATE: The day after the West Coast states announcement, Gov. Jay Inslee held a press conference
Sun Days on Orcas | Kate Jewell’s experience in Poland
||| SUN DAYS ON ORCAS by EDEE KULPER ||| In March, I interviewed Kate Jewell about her upcoming trip to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland (https://theorcasonian.com/sun-days-on-orcas-kate-jewell-is-headed-to-poland/). She has returned, and I asked if she would write about her experiences in her own words: My reason for going to Poland was to
San Juan Island National Historical Park opens new visitor center
||| FROM CYRUS FORMAN for SJI NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ||| Friday Harbor, WA – San Juan Island National Historical Park opened its brand new American Camp Visitor Center exhibits to the public for the first time. The visitor center exhibits examine the human history and living environment of the American
Orcas Rotary’s pickleball tournament to be held in August
||| FROM LINDA HAMILTON for ORCAS ROTARY ||| Let’s play pickleball! The annual Orcas Island Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for a full weekend of friendly competition August 6 – 7 th at Buck Park on Mt. Baker Road. The tournament offers fun for all ages and all levels of play
