Here’s a thought…
“Deep breath. Deep breath. The air is free. You can take as many as you want.”
BUDDHIST MONK
Act now to save killer whales, urges new report
Rising marine noise as shipping increases is one key cause of the dangerous decline in the southern resident killer whale population. ||| FROM THE TYEE ||| In March, nearly three dozen scientists gathered over three days in Vancouver with a single focus — to evaluate the state of the southern
WCK serves families and first responders after historic Texas floods
||| FROM WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN ||| Historic flooding has devastated communities across central Texas, submerging homes, stranding families, and prompting widespread evacuations. Intense rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes. Within hours of rescue operations beginning, World Central Kitchen was on the scene. Our team
Beach cleanup at Eastsound Waterfront Park
Join the Fun, Protect the Shoreline ||| FROM JESSICA ARDIS ||| On Saturday, July 19th, community members and visitors alike are invited to roll up their sleeves for a good cause: protecting Orcas Island’s beloved beaches from microplastic pollution. The cleanup will take place from 11am to 1pm at Eastsound
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
Getting ready for Medicare?
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Is 2025 your year for joining Medicare? Medicare enrollment is not automatic for most people, so you’ll probably need to enroll with Social Security. Then you’ll have to decide what type of Medicare coverage you want. To make an informed decision
The largest bald eagle nest ever found in Washington State
||| FROM NEWSBREAK ||| In the majestic wilderness of Washington State, a remarkable discovery has captured the attention of bird enthusiasts and scientists alike. The largest bald eagle nest ever recorded in the state has not only set a new benchmark for ornithological records but has also sparked a broader
Chair yoga, meditation, ukulele, inspirational aging — all at Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Chair Yoga: Enhancing Balance and Wellbeing Join us for Chair Yoga, a soothing practice tailored for seniors and those with disabilities, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. This gentle technique incorporates the use of a chair for support,
It was never about the fence
In celebration of Independence Day, a reflection on our country’s foundational document and what it should mean to us today. ||| FROM HONOLULU CIVIL BEAT ||| There’s a story they used to tell out in the country — about an old man and a fence. The man had built it
Multi-disciplinary artist featured at Artworks for July
||| FROM B.J. ARNOLD for ORCAS ARTWORKS ||| Artworks featured artist for July, Natalie Menacho, is a multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for exploring the interplay between structure, fluidity, and spirit. She grows organic indigo on-island, ferments the leaves, and incorporates the pigment into her dye vats. On this month's
Fire Commission to meet on Monday
||| FROM JEN KRAUS for SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2 ||| San Juan County Fire Protection District #2, Board of Fire Commissioners Regular Meeting | Monday, 07/07/2025, 3PM In person: 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound, WA By phone via ZOOM: 253-215-8782 / Meeting ID: 816 8906 8095 / Passcode:
Why Mammograms matter
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Early detection saves lives—and mammograms are one of the most effective tools for identifying breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Women over 40 should receive a screening mammogram every one to two years, or as recommended by their healthcare
Music at Emmanuel series concerts
||| FROM JEFFRY STEELE for EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH ||| Lunchtime concerts featuring seasoned island performers in the historic church sanctuary. Wednesdays at noon from 7/2 through 8/20. Donations collected for the music scholarship fund sending promising high school students to music camp. Wed, 7/9/25 at noon: Turtleback Brass Emmanuel Episcopal
Shaw Island School District job opportunity
||| FROM DEANNA SHANNON for SHAW ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT ||| Shaw Island School District 10 has an opening for a paraeducator (classroom aide) for the 2025-26 school year. Time: 7 hours per day, Monday through Thursday Starting pay: $26 per hour Benefits: health insurance & sick leave For a job
As the Paradigm Shifts | Why I’m still a poopy-head sometimes
||| AS THE PARADIGM SHIFTS by ROSIE KUHN ||| The pitter-patter of rain on my roof woke me earlier than usual this morning. I turned up the thermostat, climbed back into bed, and prayed I’d fall back asleep. Before slumber returned, familiar thoughts floated in—my old story of feeling alone,
Sheriff’s Report | June 25 – July 2, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 25-003876 Boating Problem 12:24:20 06/25/25 A San Juan Deputy responded to a boating complaint at the West Sound County Dock. Two boats were found to be in violation of the overnight moorage law and were issued infractions. 25-003880 Theft
WSF Weekly Report | New vessels ordered; 4th of July sailings; study on passenger-only ferries
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve I’m excited to share big news on our journey to build new vessels. This week, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced we will award a contract to Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build our first new hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries. This
