Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
What if you’re aboard a ferry when a tsunami watch is in effect?
||| BY LIN MCNULTY, theORCASONIAN EDITOR ||| When a recent tsunami alert, following an 8.7 earthquake in Russia, began to show up on our screens on July 29, we were afforded the opportunity to view the progression across the Pacific and calculate potential impact to the Salish Sea. A watch
Call for Artists at Orcas Center | Friends and collaborations
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| The Visual Arts Committee (VAC) of Orcas Center is excited to announce the next community art show: Friends and Collaborations with Featured Artists Kathleen Youngren, Mary Jane Elgin, and Susan Singleton in the lobby. Installation Day: Thursday, August 21 from 10:30am –
Orcas Senior Center | Experience ‘Portraits in Pencil’ by local artist Mick Stevens
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| This summer, make time to visit the Orcas Senior Center, open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 7 through August 30, to explore Portraits in Pencil—a captivating art exhibition featuring the work of longtime Orcas Island resident
Proactive boat recycling saves Washington waterways and resources
||| FROM KGW-TV PORTLAND ||| Twenty-nine vessels were recently removed from the Salish Sea and brought to a Bellingham recycling facility to be broken down as part of a state program aimed at preventing a growing environmental crisis. Hundreds of broken-down, sinking boats are littering Washington's waterways. They often sit
Who wants to go to Seattle?
||| FROM STEVE BERNHEIM ||| Many of us in San Juan County have been unable to secure ferry reservations for a planned trip to the mainland or back. But if you cannot fit your car onto the ferry you want, maybe give public transit a try for your next trip
Midnight Mutterings | Competition
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| Tonight I had competition in writing this little column. Not with someone who wanted to write a better column than I could, though that’s certainly a possibility. No. Actually a probability. My competition tonight was with the full moon shining from my window,
Have a garden question? Ask an Orcas Master Gardener
Now at the Market Garden Nursery ||| FROM JULIA TURNEY and JAY LUCAS for 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
Get help with Medicare costs
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Are you on Medicare and struggling to afford care? You may qualify for financial assistance through one or more of the following programs: Medicaid (Apple Health), the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), or the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help). If your monthly income
Sheriff’s Report | July 30 – August 7, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 25-004994 Malicious Mischief 08:59:41 07/30/25 A Lopez Deputy responded to a vandalism call. Evidence was discovered of a late-night vehicle driving recklessly on the golf course. The course sustained damage to the landscaping, flag poles, and sprinkler system. The
The arts keep us connected
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| In a season when so many nonprofits are facing uncertainty—about funding, policy changes, and the ability to meet growing community needs—the arts on Orcas Island remain a steady source of connection, inspiration, and joy. Even in challenging times, the arts
County Council surpluses gravel on Waldron Island; Public bid begins August 27
The County will also negotiate a Gravel Extraction Lease with the successful bidder for purchase of the gravel. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| During the August 5 meeting, Council passed a resolution authorizing the disposal of surplus gravel by public bid. In addition, the resolution authorized the negotiation
Auditor seeks writers of arguments both ‘for’ and ‘against’ ballot measures
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven is seeking people interested in writing arguments for and against ballot measures for the 2025 General voters’ guide. To ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a
Healthy smiles, healthy community: Hot topics in oral health
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Oral health plays a big role in everyone’s health, but not everyone has the same access to the care they need. In our community, many people are building strong habits like brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist, but we also know that
2025 Comp Plan | Transportation, utilities, housing needs, capital facilities inventory, & maps
Public comments regarding amendments to the Comprehensive Plan can be submitted by August 14 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on August 15. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025
WSF Weekly Report | Birthday on board; bring your own cup
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Our crew members are highly trained as first responders to handle emergencies, like the birth of baby Arlo aboard Samish a year ago. On Aug. 6, 2024, just before leaving Lopez Island, a crew member was told
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.
