Here’s a thought…
“Peace is not something we ask for — it’s something we practice, together.”
WALK FOR PEACE
WSF Weekly Report | Holiday traffic; broken boats; Governor’s plan for new boats
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve We’ve had an unfortunate start to the new year and thank our customers for bearing with us as we get things back on track. Unexpected mechanical issues sidelined three ferries over the first three days of January,
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.
Beached bird training sessions coming up
||| FROM COASTAL OBSERVATION AND SEABIRD SURVEY TEAM (COASST) |||
San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild announces $32,000 available for FARM fund grants
||| FROM JULIE BOTTJEN for SAN JUAN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL GUILD ||| The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild Announces $32,000 Available for FARM Fund Grants. The application opens January 4, 2026! The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (Ag Guild) is pleased to announce the 2026 FARM Fund grant cycle. Thanks to
Resolve common Medicare concerns with SHIBA assistance from January – March
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| January through March is your opportunity to correct many common Medicare problems. Your local Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) volunteers can help you with the following problems: You didn’t receive your new Drug or Advantage Plan Card. Your doctor or
County now accepting Salmon Recovery project proposals
A one-page letter of intent is due February 13, 2026. Private residents, non-profit organizations, local, state, and tribal governments, and special districts are invited to apply. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department is eager to accept Salmon Recovery project proposals for the Salmon
Be a changemaker | OPALCO is powered by you
||| FROM KRISTA BOUCHEY for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE ||| It’s that time of year when OPALCO members step up to run for the Board of Directors. Nominations are now open for the 2025 election. There are two positions open: one in District 1 (San Juan, et al) and
The best protection against the flu
Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best protection against flu infection for everyone age 6 months or older. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Each year, respiratory illnesses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the
Jurors for Jan. 12-16 are excused
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JANUARY 12-16, 2026 All jurors summonsed for jury service beginning Monday January 12th, through Friday January 16th, are excused.
County to test vote counting equipment in January
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Elections Office will conduct a “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used for the County’s February 10, 2026, Special election. The test is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Logic and accuracy testing is a standard
Visual Arts group art show to start 2026 at Orcas Center
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| To start the new year, Orcas Center is pleased to announce an exhibit featuring the artwork of Orcas Center’s Visual Arts Committee members. This committee is responsible for organizing the community art shows and featured artist shows throughout the year, and
Experience the joy of drumming at Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Discover the joy of drumming with the Spirit of Drumming Group at Orcas Senior Center Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.! This beginner-friendly group focuses on exploring the elements of drumming. There’s no cost to participate—just bring a drum and join the fun!
My Favorite Trees of Orcas | Artwork by Sally Walker at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| The Orcas Senior Center will showcase the vivid artwork of Sally Walker throughout January and February, inviting visitors to stop by Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sally Walker, a former scientific illustrator, spent three decades in the
Early bird registration now open for 2026 San Juans Agricultural Summit
||| FROM REBECCA MOORE for SAN JUAN COUNTY EXTENSION ||| Early Bird Registration is now open for the 14th Annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit, taking place on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, 2026, on San Juan Island. Farmers, food producers, land stewards, and community members from across
Orcas Islanders Wanted | County seeks volunteers for Orcas Island-specific committee seats
There are currently vacant positions on the County’s Planning Commission, EPRC, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Noxious Weed Control Board. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Do you live on Orcas Island? Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community? San Juan County may have just
Planning for success in your home vegetable garden
||| FROM PERRI GIBBONS for ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, as we welcome Professor, Carol Miles. We are excited and grateful to have Carol come in person to Orcas to present how to create a bountiful vegetable garden
