THE SKAGIT WEEKLY
Deception Pass
Welcome to The Skagit Weekly
This is The Skagit Weekly — a simple, local newsletter covering news, events, and updates from around Skagit County.
No clickbait. No noise. Just what’s worth knowing.
This Week in Skagit
Explore the hidden world of Harbor Porpoises with Cindy Elliser, researcher and director of Pacific Mammal Research.
Harbor Porpoises are among the most common marine mammals in the Salish Sea, yet they remain one of the least understood. Over the past decade, Pacific Mammal Research has carried out long-term behavioral and photo-identification studies to better understand how these animals live, move, and interact with their environment.
Only a handful of organizations worldwide are doing this kind of detailed work on Harbor Porpoises. Dr. Elliser’s presentation offers a rare look at the individual behaviors and life patterns of these often-overlooked cetaceans—and shows there’s far more going on beneath the surface than most people realize.
Event details
Friday, January 16, 2026
NWESD 189 Building — 1601 R Ave.
Reservations are required and will open at 9:00 AM on Friday, January 2. Seating can be reserved through the Friends of the Salish Sea lecture series website.
Doors open at 6:15 PM
Please check in by 6:50 PM
Lecture begins promptly at 7:00 PM
Attendees arriving after 6:50 PM may forfeit their reserved seats.
Northwest Educational Service District 189
Events Worth Knowing
Biosphere
Biosphere - presented by Bellingham TheatreWorks
Bellingham TheatreWorks presents Biosphere by Steve Lyons, directed by Mark Kuntz - a comedy/drama inspired by the dramatic story of Biosphere 2, a controversial environmental experiment in 1991/1992.
Four people are sealed in an airtight dome in the desert. For two years they must survive debilitating hunger and dwindling oxygen. But mostly, they must survive each other.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Jan 16 to Jan 25
Rock Fish Grill
North Country Highway
January 17 - 7:30PM - 10:00PM
320 Commercial Avenue
Anacortes
98221
North Country Highway is one of the region’s most popular Americana bands, blending twangy guitars, driving rhythms, and rich harmonies.
Their sound pulls from country, folk, and roots rock, with multiple band members sharing lead vocals and songwriting.
The result is an upbeat, heartfelt live show that often invites the crowd to sing along.
Around the County
Willowbrook Manor
From $60 - https//teaandtour.com
27420 Minkler Road, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
(360)218-4585
Now, I’ve ridden by this mansion on many occasions while cruising down the Cascade Trail that goes from Sedro Woolley to Concrete. I always wondered what they did there. I always assumed they were like a wedding destination. It turns out they are a bed and breakfast English Tea House. In Sedro Woolley?
I decided I wanted to research this place and find out more about them. It turns out this B&B has been voted the best of the best 2 years in a row. Now, I am not sure when those two year were, but by the looks of the establishment, its been pretty recent. You can stay in the Rosemary room from $250 a night, but that is not what I want to talk about.
They have their Winter Tea this weekend on the 17th. Winter tea includes what appears to be lunch. They will have sandwiches, salad, sweet cream scones, and a host of fresh-baked sweets. The weather is supposed darn near perfect for this event.
From the Editor
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR
The weather this weekend is going to be fantastic to get outside and explore. I have a great suggestion for any of you adventurous folks out there. One of my favorite passtimes used to be hiking, and mountain biking the trails around Mount Erie. I also used to climb the rock slabs there like the bookshelf and have even climbed the face a time or two.
If you are wanting to get outdoors this weekend, Anacortes is probably the best place to be. Once you are done with your adventure, you can head in to the Rock Fish Grill and enjoy good music, good beer, and a great atmosphere that is Anacortes. Until Saturday, have a great rest of your week.
Until next time,
