Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
How was your summer?
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| In these final weeks of summer, a common question we ask each other is “how has your summer been?” Often the answer includes a mix of exhaustion and joy, and a bit of sadness and excitement for the turning of
Last chance to apply for this Marine Resources youth position
||| FROM SONORA TATE for MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE ||| There’s just one week left to apply for the Marine Resources Committee’s new Youth Position! Gain hands-on marine conservation experience. Learn about local marine issues, explore career paths, and build your resume, all while earning volunteer hours and senior project material.
A Review | Deathtrap, a comedy thriller, opens tonight at the Grange
||| FROM KATHI CISKOWSKI ||| Featuring more twists and turns than you can shake a sword (or a pillow) at, the long running, Tony nominated play by Ira Levin, “Deathtrap”, makes it way from Broadway to the Orcas Island Grange for a two --weekend run starting Friday, Aug. 22 and
WSF Weekly Update | Contract signed for 3 new ferries; pets onboard policy trialed; best kudo ever
||| FROM JOHN VEZINA for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from John When we do essential maintenance on our system, the impacts can be challenging for our customers. We take our job as an essential connection for the communities we serve very seriously. We know that even a small
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.
News Brief | Trump says ‘no’ to protected right to burn U.S. flag
||| FROM CNN ||| "Trump to sign executive order to punish those who burn American flags" Originally reported by CNN A 1989 Supreme Court ruling determined that burning the American flag in political protest is protected under the First Amendment. Read the full article
Six-month trial of an updated pet policy begins in WSF passenger areas
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| We are trialing an updated pet policy through February 2026. Dogs on leashes are now allowed in all passenger areas, except onboard food galleys. Other pets must be in a crate or carrier. Service animals are welcome everywhere, as required by law. Livestock must
Orcas sings Broadway | Coming to the Grange October 25, 2025
Call for talent ||| FROM CATHY FERRAN for ACTORS THEATER OF ORCAS ISLAND ||| What’s the Broadway song you like to sing in the shower? Is it a showstopper from Les Mis? A touching ballad from Fiddler on the Roof? A brilliant piece from Hamilton? Well, now you’ll have a
Orcas Island Jazz Festival celebrates 10 years this Labor Day weekend
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| The Orcas Island Jazz Festival returns this Labor Day Weekend to celebrate a decade of world-class jazz. Under the artistic direction of Martin Lund and presented by Orcas Center, this beloved event continues its tradition of showcasing top-tier talent across a variety
School District readies for new school year
Our students experience a sense of belonging and will graduate fully equipped to meet life’s challenges - confident and independent life-long learners and passionate in pursuing their dreams and in bettering the lives of others. ||| FROM ERIC WEBB for ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT ||| This week’s cooler air and
2025 Fall Native Wildflower Sale
Save the Date – the 2025 online sale goes “live” September 14 ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Do you dream of creating wildflower habitat in your backyard? Are you looking for sustainable landscaping to support pollinators and other wildlife? Mark your calendar for the San Juan County Conservation
Meeting Recap | Community members discuss County’s potential purchase of Decatur Island property
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The County’s potential purchase of a Decatur Island property was discussed at a community meeting last week and during today’s August 19 Council meeting. Many community members provided comment during both meetings, providing valuable feedback for the County’s ongoing due diligence period. Background On June
Port of Orcas Monday meeting cancelled; no quorum
||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS ||| Commissioner and staff availability has the Monday 8/25 Port of Orcas Regular Meeting short of a quorum, the decision’s been made to suspend our August meeting, resuming September 22nd. As always, any questions or you require Port assistance please reach out
News Brief | ICE seeking gold-detailed SUVS
||| FROM THE WASHINGTON POST ||| “ICE aims to spend millions on decked-out vehicles for D.C. operation” Originally reported by BBC Scotland News Immigration and Customs Enforcement is seeking to spend millions of dollars on SUVs and custom, gold-detailed vehicle wraps emblazoned with the words “DEFEND THE HOMELAND,” according to
Revitalize your body and mind with Tara Plank’s yoga workshop
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Join Tara Plank for an energizing LYT Yoga Workshop on Saturday, September 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Orcas Senior Center. This core-focused vinyasa practice, inspired by LYT Yoga and developed by a skilled physical therapist assistant, follows a
This site doesn’t run on magic (sadly)
||| FROM LIN MCNULTY, theORCASONIAN EDITOR ||| Just a quick note from me, not the usual headlines. This site has always been a labor of love, meant to keep our community informed and connected. I do it because it matters, and I know many of you feel the same. But
