Here’s a thought…
“If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don’t have to worry about the answers.”
THOMAS PYNCHON
It Was a Two-Meeting Week for OIHCD Commissioners
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- The past week was busier than ever for the commissioners of the Orcas Island Health Care District, with a regular meeting on June 19 and a public hearing to confirm adoption of the interim 2018 budget on June 21. The hearing lasted only
Important Initiatives Need Your Signature This Weekend
-- from Mark Mayer -- This weekend is the final push for gathering signatures for these three initiatives. All of these initiatives have strong support from progressives throughout the state. Signature gathering will be taking place this weekend at the ferry landing on both days, the farmers market on Saturday and in front of the Co-op on
Grange Hosts Yiddish Music
-- from Carol Kulminski -- On Saturday, June 23 at 7:30 pm, the Orcas Island Grange will host the music of Lebedik Yankee, a new project from one of the world’s foremost Yiddish singers, Sasha Lurje (Latvia) and violinist Craig Judelman (USA), exploring the journey of Yiddish songs from Eastern
Learn to Capture the Greens of Nature on Paper
Tuesday, June 26, Around Eastsound -- from Caroline Buchanan -- Painting greens that look like nature is the downfall of many an artist. Caroline Buchanan will be teaching a one-day class on the subject Tuesday, June 26. You will learn how to see the greens in nature and how to
Orcas Center Welcomes Vincent Herring Quartet
Thursday, June 21, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Laura Kussman for Orcas Center -- The Orcas Center is proud to welcome saxophone master Vincent Herring, who returns this year to the international concert stage with a new quartet of top rated New York jazz men. Supported by singular pianist David
Orcas Elementary Honors Volunteers
-- from Krista Bouchey -- 3rd graders holding up thank you sign for volunteers On Thursday, June 14, Orcas Elementary held its annual volunteer appreciation assembly. Elementary students gathered to thank the many parents and community members who volunteer their time throughout the school year. Volunteers help the
Senior Center Will Utilize Grant to Help Seniors with Technology
-- from Sarah Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- Thanks to all that stepped up to support us for this year’s Technology GiveOrcas Grant in OICF’s 2018 Spring grant cycle. In result of your donations and OICF, we are building a program to help seniors gain and maintain technical skills
July 4th Celebration to Feature Songs, Stories
Wednesday, July 4, 11 a.m., Village Green -- from Cindy Carter for Eagle Forum -- Celebrate the 4th of July by singing Patriotic songs and hearing the stories of the wonders of Providence in our nation's history up to the present day at 11 a.m., July 4th, on the Village
San Juan County Health & Community Services Issues Varicella Outbreak Update
-- from San Juan County Communications -- Six cases of Varicella, or “chicken pox,” have now been confirmed in the Orcas Island community. San Juan County Health & Community Services is working closely with medical providers to identify additional cases in the community. We are also continuing work with the
Sen. Ranker Urges U.S. Congress to Reunite Families
-- by State Senator Kevin Ranker -- To the Washington State Congressional delegation: Washington State is home to thousands of immigrants and refugees and, like our nation, was built by courageous families looking for a better life, a better future. Today, this courage and determination remains a force for good.
Prosecutor: Teacher’s Case Against Detective Tossed
-- from County Prosecutor's Office -- Former Teacher Gerald Grellet-Tinner’s petition for a citizen complaint for a misdemeanor charge against former Detective Stephen Parker was rejected today by District Court Judge Stewart Andrew. Judge Stewart Andrew wrote that the “Prosecutor’s office has shown no bad faith or inappropriate reasons for
Learn Orcas History-Become a Volunteer Docent
-- by Carol Kulminski -- One of the Orcas Island Historical Museums, the Pioneer Museum, on North Beach Road How long have you lived on Orcas or did you just move here? Have you visited the Orcas Island Historical Museums? Are you interested in Orcas Island History and
Dinner, Dessert Just the Beginning of OPAL Gala
Saturday, June 30, at Orcas Center -- from Judy Whiting for OPAL Community Land Trust -- Housing touches everyone! That’s the theme for OPAL’s annual fundraising gala to be held on Saturday, June 30, at Orcas Center. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres and dinner prepared by Jon Chapelle, executive chef
Hearts and Hands Building for the Future
-- from Sara Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- Hearts and Hands is actively recruiting additional volunteers in an effort to respond to increased requests for in-home companionship visits and household assistance. Folks interested in “paying it forward” should contact Program Director, Tom Eversole at 360.370.0562. OSC staff receives requests
NAS Whidbey SAR Rescues Two Climbers in Cascade Mountains
-- from NAS Whidbey -- A Search and Rescue (SAR) team from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island rescued two people on Forbidden Peak in the Cascade Mountains, Tuesday, June 19, 2018. The SAR team of five was notified of two climbers needing rescue on Forbidden Peak late that evening.
Who Owns the San Juans?
-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter, updated June 19 at 7:30 p.m.-- On May 22 the San Juan County Council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the County to collect a one-half of one percent (0.5%) real estate excise tax (REET) on property sales to help finance affordable housing. The
