Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
WSF Weekly Report | Ferry workers added to public transit state law; Wenatchee now in full service
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Our workforce is our most valuable asset. It’s important that all our employees have a safe, respectful environment to serve our customers. That’s why I’m pleased to share Senate Bill 5716 takes effect this Sunday, July 27.
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.
Interested in writing ‘against’ statement for Library?
||| FROM INGRID MATTSON for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY DISTRICT ||| Orcas Island Library District is seeking applications from persons interested in being appointed to a committee to write the “against” statement for the San Juan County Local Voters’ Pamphlets related to the District’s Levy ballot measure to be considered at
Town Council special meeting July 25, 2025
||| FROM JENNIFER KREMBS for TOWN OF FRIDAY HARBOR ||| On July 25, 2025, the Town Council will hold a Special Meeting at noon. Location will be at Town Hall; the public is invited to join in person or online via Zoom. For more information and the agenda, visit www.fridayharbor.org/2202/Agenda-Meeting-Info-Video
Ready to de-clutter? Donate to Grannie’s Corner
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| If you’ve been meaning to tidy up but aren’t sure what to do with your extra stuff, donate it to Grannie’s Corner at Orcas Senior Center! We’re currently accepting clean, usable items such as: kitchen and household goods, tools, collectibles, CDs,
County introduces new sensory-friendly ways to enjoy the fair
A “calm down” tent and a “sensory-friendly” morning will help provide an environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorder to join in on all the fair fun! ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan County Fair strives to be an event for all
Public scoping meeting for San Juan Island’s Beaverton Marsh Preserve
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Join the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank for a public scoping meeting on July 31, 2025, and help shape an updated Beaverton Marsh Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan (SMP), which includes the recently proposed trail project to connect the facilities at John
Orcas Family Caregivers | Need an afternoon off?
||| FROM SUSAN GORDON BENTLEY for ORCAS LIONS CLUB ||| Knowing your care partner is in good hands and enjoying themselves in a safe environment, will give you the peace of mind to take a few hours for yourself. The Orcas Lions Club, with support from the Orcas Senior Center,
OIFR seeks for/against statement applications for bond ballot measure
||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan County Fire Protection District No 2 (dba Orcas Island Fire and Rescue) is seeking applications from those interested in being appointed to write the “for” or “against” statements for the San Juan County Local Voters’ Pamphlets related to
Orcas Housing Focus Group | New resource guide for renters and landlords
||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| Finding and keeping stable housing on Orcas can feel overwhelming, especially when resources are scattered and rental laws can be hard to navigate. That’s why this spring, a dedicated group of community members, renters, and advocates came together to change that story. In
Driftwood, a poem from Wasakalobo
||| FROM W. A. SCHMIDT (WASAKALOBO) ||| Driftwood By wasakalobo The morning fogs, thicker than shrouds Wrapping intriguing shapes Not unlike those encircling clouds That cling to mountainscapes Theirs is but an ephemeral state Until the warming sun Makes them all slowly dissipate Their end has thus begun As
Ferry Alert | Vehicle reservations for fall sailing season open Tuesday, August 5 at 10am
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Vehicle reservations for the fall 2025 schedule (Sept. 21 through Dec. 27) will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5. To ensure a smooth and fair experience during this high-demand period, we will also continue using a virtual waiting room during the
In Review | County’s marine transport services pilot project
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| After 10 weeks of service, the County’s Marine Transportation Services Pilot Project is complete. These services included emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily
Jurors excused, July 28 – August 1, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JULY 28 - AUGUST 1, 2025 All jurors summonsed for jury duty beginning Monday July 28th through Friday August 1st, are excused. Thank you.
Orcas Island Public Library secures state funding for renovation
||| FROM INGRID MATTSON for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| Orcas Island Public Library has secured funding of $294,000 in the 2025-2027 Washington State budget for capital improvements via a Library Capital Improvement Program (LCIP) grant administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce. “We are incredibly grateful to our local
County Council to surplus gravel on Waldron Island
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| This spring, the County Council has been considering a plan to make gravel available for public sale from the County's gravel pit on Waldon Island. Councilmembers discussed the potential plan during the April 15, 2025 meeting along with the feedback received from Waldron
