Island News
News Brief | Neighbors push back against PSE microgrid on Samish Island
||| FROM KING 5 SEATTLE ||| A PSE-commissioned noise study recommended building a 14-by-18-foot wall to block the sound. That recommendation was made in October, but construction has not begun. READ FULL ARTICLE
Funhouse Commons is hiring a Development Director
||| FROM NICOLE SPINOGATTI for FUNHOUSE COMMONS ||| Development Director Children’s Discovery Foundation (Funhouse Commons) is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Development Director to lead fundraising and donor engagement efforts that sustain and grow programs serving young people from birth through age 18 on Orcas Island. Mission & Vision Our mission is to be a place of belonging and discovery. Our vision is a thriving community in which every young person is welcome, supported, and in
The Island Gardener for March ~ 2026
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| March in the garden is always a bit of a tug-of-war between patience and pure excitement. Even after all these years, I still find myself getting swept up in the “spring fever” that hits right after a trip to the NW Flower and Garden Show. It’s so easy to let a few sunny days lull you into planting early, only to have a sudden chilly night remind you Mother Nature’s in charge! But […]
Piano music and art together in concert at Orcas Center
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Pianist Marina Grozdanovic will be performing music composed in France from the Baroque to the Impressionist era, by composers Rameau, Couperin, Chopin, Debussy and Ravel at Orcas Center. Each piece will be accompanied by paintings or photographs on the big screen, which Grozdanovic personally chose to match the music. The concert is on Saturday, April 4, at 7 p.m. on Center Stage. Renowned for her insightful interpretations characterized by a
County to test vote counting equipment in April
Testing will take place on April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ||| 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 April 28, 2026, Special Election. The test is scheduled for April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Logic and accuracy testing is a standard procedure that occurs before elections. The San Juan County Elections Office performs this testing to ensure that both the […]
Lions Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4
||| FROM MARY MEREDITH for ORCAS ISLAND LIONS CLUB ||| The Orcas Island Lions Club continues its long tradition of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, to be held this year on Saturday, April 4th at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. The Hunt will begin at 10am sharp. There will be a face-painting station for kids and the Easter Bunny will make a personal appearance! Event parking prepaid by the Lions Club, no Discovery Pass needed. Mark your calendars and […]
No jurors needed for March 30 – April 2
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: MARCH 30 – APRIL 3, 2026 For the Jury Period beginning Monday March 30th through April 3rd, 2026, all jurors are excused. Thank you.
Share Your Feedback | County & partners developing tools to manage human/wildlife interactions
The County is seeking to define common messaging, identify strategies to manage wildlife/human interactions, and ways to educate the public. Your experiences and feedback are welcome! ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| In an effort to manage interactions between island wildlife and the public, the County is seeking public feedback to develop tools and resources. Since September of 2025, the County has convened a group of stakeholders, including land managers, federal, state, and local a
Bird Walks are back at the SJI Sculpture Park
Join us April 1st 8-10am for the first walk of the season ||| FROM MARITA HOLDAWAY for SAN JUAN ISLANDS SCULPTURE PARK ||| Great news bird fans! The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park will start hosting its monthly Bird Walk series beginning Wednesday, April 1, from 8–10 a.m. Led by local birder Tyler Davis, the Bird Walks will take place on the first Wednesday of each month through October, offering participants an opportunity to observe and learn about the island’s […]
Youth Sailing Lessons from Sail Orcas
For the past 25 years, Orcas youth ages 8–15 have been introduced to the sport of sailing through this popular program. The program focuses on teaching sailing skills in a safe, fun environment. With a variety of boats including Optimist Prams, Bics, Lasers, and V-15s, the program can accommodate beginners and experienced sailors anxious to expand their skills. The venue is the protected waters of West Sound on Orcas Island — a great place for kids because there is little boat traffic and the wa
This March, ‘spring’ into a new role — Multiple County advisory board and committee seats open
Submitted by San Juan County.
Foster youth guaranteed full-ride college tuition
By Annika Hauer
Thank you for making Soda Shop Sock Hop a success | Letter
Orcas Center held Soda Shop Sock Hop fundraising events before the last two Saturday performances of Grease, which would not have been possible without the donation of time and food from the Lower Tavern. Thank you to Katie O’Rourke and her team for cooking and cleaning and doing it all with a smile.
‘Story Night’ is back
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Orcas Island Market receives 2026 IGA USA Centennial Retailer of the Year award
By Darrell Kirk
Orcas Island’s Music Advocacy Group invites all to the March 29 concert
Did you know that 292 students participate in music programs at Orcas Island public schools?
Earth Day Orcas – Join in the fourth annual celebration
Submitted by Eye of the Whale Arts.
SJC requests qualifications from consultants for Human Services Transportation Plan update
Submitted by San Juan County.
Eastsound Water is hiring | Sponsored content
Eastsound Water is hiring. Build a career serving your community!
March 31: Humanities Washington Hosts Program Marking 50th Anniversary of End of the Orca Capture Era
SAMA: To Listen coming to Orcas Center
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| “SAMA: To Listen” follows filmmaker Darek Mazzone, composer Peter Culshaw and entrepreneur musician John Goodfellow as they journey through Turkey, Morocco and Malaysia, engaging with musicians, instrument makers, spiritual leaders, and community elders rooted in Sufi traditions. Through intimate conversations and immersive musical experiences, the film explores how music functions as a guide toward emotional clarity, humility and connection. A
Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee seeks youth & San Juan Island members
Apply by May 1st to help steer climate action in San Juan County ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is accepting applications for volunteer three positions on its Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee. District 1 (San Juan, Stuart, Brown, Henry) – 4-year term Youth Representative (age 16-19) – 2-year term The Climate and Sustainability Advisory Committee was established by the San Juan County Council in early 2022 to help steer the County’s climate action work b
Health Care District board to meet
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT BOARD ||| The Orcas Island Health Care District Board will hold a regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, March 25th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Orcas Island Library, 500 Rose Street, Eastsound. The Board Meeting Public Packet is available below. Please see Agenda for Zoom meeting link. Agenda 02. 2026_02_24 OIHCD Claims Payment Request_signed.pdf 03. 2026_03_10 OIHCD Claims Payment Request_signed.pdf 04. 2026_03_24 OIHCD
The Whale Museum opens registration for the 2026 Virtual Gear Up Workshop
||| FROM TRACIE MERRELL for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| The Whale Museum has opened registration for the 2026 Gear Up Workshop! This year’s workshop will take place virtually on Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and will prepare participants for the field season ahead. This event is open to the public, so anyone with any interest or knowledge level is encouraged to register. The workshop’s theme is: “Caught Up: Fishery Interactions & Entanglement of Marine Mammals.” In […]