Here’s a thought…
“When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.”
ALANIS OBOMSAWIN
San Juan Fire & Rescue swears in 6 new firefighters
||| FROM SAN JUAN ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan Island Fire & Rescue proudly welcomed 6 new firefighters into the ranks during a swearing-in ceremony held at Station 31 on Mullis Street. All of them are neighbors across San Juan Island. Fire Department leadership, firefighters, and family members attended the
An open letter to the EWUA board members
||| FROM EASTSOUND STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE ||| At the recent Board meeting on May 19th, over 75 members attended and delivered a clear and urgent request through public comment and applause: We need a 3rd party investigation into the workplace environment at EWUA. This meeting was also attended by EWUA’s operators,
Orcas Community Band to present music for America’s 250 anniversary
||| FROM KAREN KEY SPECK for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY BAND ||| The Orcas Island Community Band is proud to announce a special musical tribute to the United State’s 250th anniversary. Taking place on Friday, June 19 at 7:00pm at Orcas Center, the performance will celebrate the nation’s history through iconic
Larsen fights to make housing more affordable in Northwest Washington
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U. S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to make housing more affordable across the United States (the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act). “Families in Northwest Washington are struggling to afford their skyrocketing
No jurors needed for May 26-29
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: MAY 26-29, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Tuesday May 20th through Friday May 29th, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
Orcas Island seniors urged to take action following Bank of America data breaches
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER FINANCIAL LITERACY TEAM ||| The Financial Literacy Team at the Orcas Community Resource Center is alerting Orcas Island residents — particularly seniors — to a series of data breaches affecting Bank of America customers and urging immediate protective action. Bank of America is formally warning
Union responds to EWUA Board claims about staff communication
||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON ||| For months, EWUA members have repeatedly been told that the Board could not communicate directly with staff or move forward with an outside investigation because of the ongoing union negotiations. Today, I received a letter from IBEW Local 77 dated May 20, 2026 directly addressing
WSF All Routes | Service during Memorial Day weekend
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of our busy season, and we expect 350,000 riders over the holiday weekend. Please prepare for long lines and extended wait times if you are traveling starting Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, the following
In Memoriam | Larry Hughes: A life of service on Orcas Island
||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM||| Our community has lost a treasured Orcas Island presence. Larry Hughes was a quiet, steady light for so many on Orcas—the ones who felt unseen, unheard, or already forgotten. Where others saw obstacles, Larry saw a person with a life worth living. He met
Orcas Island Garden Club grows plants, friendships
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Over the years, our club has grown into something truly special by focusing on cultivating friendships and genuine connections. It’s amazing how much the club has grown, too. We are 267 members strong. Just like a garden, these relationships bloom when we look
Reminder | WSF online meetings next Tuesday
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| We’re hosting two online community meetings on Tuesday, May 26. This is a great chance to share feedback and ask us questions. We’ll cover topics including the upcoming FIFA World Cup, an updated pet policy, new vessel construction, and our Service Contingency Plan. Both
Have a garden question? Ask an Orcas Master Gardener!
Orcas Master Gardeners will be at the Market Garden Nursery Saturday May 20, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm ||| FROM JULIA TURNEY and JAY LUCAS 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
Larsen honors law enforcement during National Police Week
Fights to expand funding to combat opioid epidemic ||| FROM THE OFFICE OF. U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to defend Northwest Washington communities every day. This week and
I’m not the church lady | Always look on the bright side of life
But what if this is as good as it gets? A slightly irreverent inquiry into responsibility, acceptance, and what comes after that ||| I'M NOT THE CHURCH LADY by ROSIE KUHN ||| For most of my life, I insisted that my serenity depended on someone else doing things my way,
Update | Gathering of the Eagles returning soon to Orcas
Orcas to Welcome Native American Canoe Journey May 20-21 ||| FROM CHE BLAINE for GATHERING OF THE EAGLES ||| For the last four years, we have had the honor of hosting a Native American Canoe Journey on Orcas, and we have this special opportunity again this year. There will be
Midnight Mutterings | Radical acceptance
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| I really look forward to Saturday Morning radio on NPR. First, there’s Scott Simon on Weekend Edition. It’s always interesting to me. Simon’s laugh, like a raucous crow, tickles me each time I hear it, and his enthusiasm when when he says, ‘Now,
