Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Today starts the 10 Days of GiveOrcas with a party
||| FROM A*OK ||| Welcome to the first day of the 2025 Holiday GiveOrcas Campaign As we head into the 2025 GiveOrcas Holiday Campaign, we want to thank you for helping make weekly hands-on art instruction possible for more than 200 K–8 students this year. Your ongoing support has filled
Avian Influenza in domestic flock confirmed in San Juan County
There are no reported human cases of avian influenza in San Juan County. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| A local backyard flock and a wild bird have tested positive for avian influenza. San Juan County Health & Community Services is contacting people with exposure to avian influenza-infected birds
Join us for another evening of Drag Bingo
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND PRIDE ||| DRAG BINGO Round 2! Dec 14th, 1PM to 4PM, at Odd Fellows Hall! With returning superstar Bubblegum B and island favorite UhOh XOXO, this event is all-ages and a great way to spend a cold winter Sunday on Orcas! A ticket gets you 6
Garden Club presents language of flowers & holiday tea party
||| FROM PERRI GIBBONS for ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Orcas Center when we welcome Kimberly Wilder of Botanical Bar and Gemma Glasser of Primavera, as they guide us through the hidden meanings and symbolism embedded
Friends of Library hosting Annual Holiday Tea
||| FROM MICHAEL ARMENIA for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| In joint collaboration this year, the Library and FOIL (Friends of the Orcas Island Library), bring you the annual Holiday Tea, an island tradition for over 60 years! Come to the library on Saturday, December 6, from 1 to 3 PM
Fill your heart with holiday joy at Choral Society concert
||| FROM MILLIE NOVAK for ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY ||| “Two hearts are thrillin’ in spite of the chill in the weather” – come warm your heart with “Winter Wonderland,” one of many familiar carols you will delight to hear in Orcas Choral Society’s holiday concert, Midnight Light, Saturday, December 6
Notice of Recount | Lopez Park & Rec. Dist. Commissioner No. 5 & Recount Certification Meeting
The County Canvassing Board has scheduled the recount to begin on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. The recount will take place at the Elections Office at 55 Second St, Suite A, in Friday Harbor. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Office of the Secretary of State
Library to host ‘Love’s Cauldron’ author with new book
||| FROM SAM GAILY for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| Looking for a little magic this winter? Join us at the Orcas Island Public Library this Thursday, December 4 at 5pm, for a special book talk with local author Jennifer Lehr. Her new book, Love’s Cauldron, blends memoir, spiritual reflection, and
Orcas Online delivers holiday cheer with free speed upgrades
||| FROM RON CLAUS for ORCAS ONLINE ||| Orcas Online, the island's dedicated high-speed wireless internet provider, is spreading holiday cheer this season by announcing that all of its service plans will receive significant speed upgrades at no additional cost to subscribers. "This is our way of saying thank you
Island Health currently finalizing a contract with Ambetter
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| Are you an Orcas Island or San Juan County resident who seeks care at Island Primary Care - Orcas and purchases insurance through the State Exchange? San Juan County/Orcas Island Patients can go ahead and enroll in Ambetter; a contract with Island
CWR logs two encounters with J Pod
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 10:42 AM ObservEnd: 03:15 PM Vessel: KCB III Staff: Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss, Katie Jones Pods: J IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J22, J26, J31, J35, J36, J37, J38, J39, J41, J44, J46, J47, J49, J56, J57, J59 LocationDescr: Admiralty Inlet
Bring a drum, join the fun at Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Experience the Joy of Drumming! 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
Lopez author releases new novel about Southern Resident Killer Whales
||| FROM GENE HELFMAN ||| I’ve done it, a sequel to Beyond the Human Realm. Meet In the Realm of the Whales, a novel of transformation, tragedy, and triumph. Beyond the Human Realm explored the life of Makai, a captive male orca released into the wild, and the people and
Children’s Holiday Craft Fair coming to Library
||| FROM SAM GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| Sunday, December 7th, 2025 • 12–2pm 500 Rose Street, Eastsound, WA Kick off the season by supporting our island’s youngest makers! At the 12th Annual Children’s Holiday Craft Fair, kids ages 6–18 will be selling their own handmade, naturally crafted creations—everything
German magician returns with holiday magic special at Odd Fellows Hall
Local performer brings family-friendly show to historic venue between Christmas and New Year ||| FROM HENRY 'OZ ||| After his November performance at Sea View Theatre (135 guests, 4.95/5 stars from 21 reviews), professional magician Henry 'Oz - The German Magician returns with a special holiday show at Odd Fellows
Color, imagination artwork at Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Make time this November and December to visit the Orcas Senior Center, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and enjoy the vibrant artistry of local talent Chanda McKeaver. A resident of Orcas Island since 2001, Chanda showcases
