Here’s a thought…
“I am so convinced of the advantages of looking at mankind instead of reading about them, and of the bitter effects of staying at home with all the narrow prejudices of an islander, that I think there should be a law amongst us to set our young men abroad for a term among the few allies our wars have left us.”
LORD BYRON
Orcas Center Announces Resignation of Executive Director
-- from Tom Fiscus for Orcas Center Board of Directors -- The Board of Trustees of Orcas Center announced today that Brian Kemp has elected not to renew his second-year option as Executive Director, and has submitted his resignation, effective April 30, 2018. “Brian has worked tirelessly the last year
Join Second Annual International Women’s Day Celebration
Thursday, March 8, 4 - 7 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall -- from Cindy Wolf for Orcas Women's Coalition -- International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic,
Author to Donate Book Proceeds to Art for Orcas Kids
-- from Janet Brownell -- Hello!! I’m so glad you’re alive!!! Now lean in really, really close… Because I’ve got a secret to tell you. So begins Robert Kerstetter’s enchanting tale, “The Invisible Cloud of Ouch.” This is a story for children of all ages, and beautifully reveals an important
County, State, Federal Study Shows Visitors’ Preferences
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- How many people visit the San Juan Islands each year? Why do they come? Where do they go, and what do they do? These were among the questions asked for the San Juan Islands Visitor Study, which researchers conducted over several months
Pre-order Native Plants Before March 12
-- from Mo Sloane for San Juans Conservation District -- This year’s selections include 18 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials like the ever-popular Red Flowering Currant and Blue Elderberry. Natives supply important food sources and shelter for birds, insects, and mammals, enhance biodiversity, and require less water
Senator Ranker Sponsors School Safety Bill
-- from Senator Kevin Ranker -- This morning, the Senate Ways & Means Committee heard testimony in a public hearing on a new proposal, Senate Bill 6620, which would enhance school safety and raise the age for purchase of a tactical rifle. No family should be fearful to send their
Take the San Juan County Civic Campus Plan Community Survey
-- from San Juan County Communications -- San Juan County is exploring options to centralize and streamline government operations in an efficient and community-centered Civic Campus located near the courthouse in Friday Harbor. As County services have grown over the past decades, staff and operations have become spread across many
Letter to Editor | Healthcare Coalition Role Clarified
-- from Dale Heisinger for Coalition for Orcas Healthcare -- When Island Hospital departed Orcas Island, a coalition of citizen volunteers organized an election to allow voters to establish a Public Hospital District (PHD). The goal of the PHD is to ensure access to primary/urgent care for all the members of
Island Aerial Acrobatics “Connected” Coming to Orcas Center
-- from Maria Bullock -- On March 30th & 31st, the final Island Aerial Acrobatics performance, called “Connected,” is scheduled at the Orcas Center. Community support is needed to make this performance a reality. The Island Aerial Acrobatics program, also known as “silks class,” is in its 9th year of
Guest Column: Groups Appeal Anacortes Petrochemical Expansion
-- from Alex Ramel of Stand.earth -- A December 2013 view of the Tesoro refinery across Fidalgo Bay from March Point. (Photo by Dana via Creative Commons License) On Tuesday, February 27, the Board of Skagit County Commissioners heard an appeal made by six local and regional environmental organizations
Legislature Votes to Protect Net Neutrality
-- from Dave Pringle for Senate Democratic Communications -- "Corporations should not control how Washingtonians use the internet or what information they seek. We value free and open access to information," said Sen. Kevin Ranker, prime sponsor of the Senate net neutrality legislation. "In December 2017, President Trump's administration reversed
TechTalk: Use Unique Passwords
-- from Lisa Steckley for 376Tech.com -- One for One Don’t re-use passwords. Rule number 2 to keep the data doors locked. Why? The bad guys know we have a bad habit of re-using passwords. The sites we use those passwords on have a bad habit of getting hacked. The
Doe Bay Open Mic Supports Senior Center in March
-- from Doe Bay Music -- Join island visitors and residents to share music, spoken word, and other performances on the night when we come together in that ancient ritual of community and communion. The Café is open from 5-10 p.m. and Open Mic begins at 7:30 p.m. Come out
Orcas School District Will Hold Open House
Tuesday, March 6, 5:30 p.m., Orcas School Cafeteria -- from Orcas School District -- We welcome you, our community, to join us in the pre-planning and scheduling updates for the Orcas Island School District 2017 Bond and Levy Projects. This Community Open House will take place on March 6, at
Auditor To Conduct Logic, Accuracy Test of Election Equipment
Wednesday, March 14, 11 a.m., County Elections Office -- from Milene Henley, County Auditor -- In the upcoming April 24 Special Election, voters on Orcas Island will decide whether to approve a proposed hospital district. Also on the ballot will be the election of five hospital commissioners, who will take
Senate Democratic Legislation Protects Schools, Strengthens Gun Purchase Regulations
-- from Dave Pringle, Senate Democratic Caucus -- The Washington state Senate Ways & Means Committee heard testimony in a public hearing on a new proposal, Senate Bill 6620, which would enhance school safety and raise the age for purchase of a tactical rifle. "No family should be fearful to
