Here’s a thought…
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
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
Meeting Tonight to Discuss Immigrant Crisis
Wednesday, June 20, 5 p.m., Emmanuel Parish Hall -- from Eleanor Hoague -- As everyone is no doubt aware, the Trump administration is taking children away from parents when they seek asylum in the US. For most of us, this is the most repulsive action our government has ever taken.
State Upholds San Juan County’s Shoreline Master Program
-- from San Juan County Communications -- San Juan County adopted a new Shoreline Master Program (SMP) in November 2017. Friends of the San Juans appealed the SMP to the Growth Management Hearings Board (Board) alleging seven issues Friends claimed did not meet the requirements of state law. Friends asked
Don’t Leave Your Dog in Your Car in Hot Weather
-- from Sheriff Ron Krebs -- The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office just wants to remind everyone that with the warmer temperatures, it is especially important to remember to not leave your animals in your cars. The temperature today hit 86 degrees but was listed as “feels like 90 degrees.”
Senior Center Looking for Programs and Activities Coordinator
-- from Sarah Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- The Orcas Senior Center Nonprofit is hiring! We are looking for a new Programs and Activities Coordinator with a deep appreciation for our islands elders and a desire to help our members stay healthy, independent, and active in the community. This
Library Gathering Books for Library Fair
-- from Madeline Sheplor for Orcas Library -- Orcas, we want your books. Right now, The Friends of the Orcas Island Library (FOIL) is accepting books for the upcoming Library Fair. We want hardcover and paperbacks in good condition no matter the topic …. from Poetry to Pets, Cookbooks to Children’s
County Will Join National Opioid Lawsuit
r-- from Tamara Greene for SJC Prosecutor's Office -- News outlets nationwide have described the problems arising from the epidemic in the use of opioids. Whether it is the overuse of powerful addictive prescribed painkillers or the illegal use of a cheaper cousin, such as heroin, there is large human and
Letter to Editor | Hail From the Chief
-- from Orcas Fire Chief Scott Williams -- Responding to multiple incidents on Friday, June 15 was a powerful example of what long hours of training, effective communication, balanced coordination of resources, and invaluable medical direction can produce. Orcas Fire, SJC Dispatch, Island Air Ambulance, Airlift Northwest, and the Navy displayed
Funders Promote Locally Grown Foods for WIC, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
-- from San Juan Communications -- San Juan County Health and Community Services is partnering again with Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, Orcas Island Community Foundation, and the Honeywell Foundation, to offer Market Bucks at Farmers Markets on Orcas and San Juan Islands. The Market Bucks Program provides additional dollars
