Guest Opinion | Gimme Shelter
-- from Joe Symons -- Someone seeking refuge is a refugee. My dictionary defines refuge as a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. A refuge is also something providing shelter: the family came to be seen as a refuge from a harsh world. Prior to 1970, one might imagine that those
Senior Center Offering Advanced Directive/Living Will Workshop
Wednesday, October 25, 1 - 3 p.m., Senior Center -- from Sara Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- Join us for a hands-on tutorial Wednesday, October 25, from 1-3 p.m. for step-by-step instructions in filling out an Advanced Directive/Living Will. The workshop is led by RN Libby Garcia who has
New Shoreline Regulations Effective Monday, October 30
-- from San Juan County Communications -- On Monday October 16, 2017, Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) announced official approval for San Juan County’s updated Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The updated shoreline regulations go into effect on Monday October 30, 2017. After this date, a pre-application meeting is required prior to
Don’t Miss Eat Island Grown This Sunday
Sunday, October 22, 12 - 4 p.m., Friday Harbor Brickworks -- from Barbara Marrett for San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau -- This Sunday, October 22, don't miss "Eat Island Grown." This mouthwatering event celebrating the islands’ unique cuisine will feature the best tastes of the San Juan Islands, showcasing local chefs and
Free Tai Chi Class at Orcas Senior Center
Wednesday evenings, 6 - 7 p.m., Orcas Senior Center -- from Sara Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- Join Robin Kucklick on Wednesday evenings beginning October 25 at the Orcas Senior Center from 6 - 7 p.m. for a free Tai Chi class. Robin has taught classes for years in
Letter to Editor | Vote Yes on School Bond and Levy
-- from Lisa Byers -- The school board has put forward a bond that will address the remaining major renovation needs on campus. This makes me happy. I think it was wise for the school board to include all of the deferred maintenance needs into this one final bond request.
Get Your Boo On at the Odd Fellows
-- from Tom McDonough for the Odd Fellows -- Odd Fellows Dance, 2014 To quote Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: “It’s Alive. Alive! It’s Alive!” The votes are in: The Orcas movie pick is “Young Frankenstein” as the Odd Fellows Halloween Movie for Saturday October 28 at 6 pm! And
Doe Bay Open Mic Will Benefit Orcas Film Fest for October
-- 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 pm and Open Mic begins at 7:30 pm. Come out and support O.I. Film
A Mostly New School Board Coming this November
-- by Ayn Gailey, Orcas Issues reporter -- In November, there will be three Orcas Island School District (OISD) school board candidates on the ballot, all running unopposed. The candidates, John Fleming (District 1), Diane Boerstler (District 2) and Josh Culp (District 3) should bring interesting and diverse points of
AARP Smart Driver Course Offered
Thursday, October 19, 1 - 5 p.m. AND Friday, October 20, 1 - 5 p.m., Orcas Senior Center -- from Sara Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- Many insurance companies offer reduced rates for senior drivers that have completed safe driving classes, and you are invited to participate in the
Senior Center Announces New Hearts and Hands Director
-- from Sara Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- The Orcas Senior Center (OSC), the Orcas District of the Senior Services of San Juan County 501(c)3 nonprofit organization continues to grow. Starting November 1, 2017, Tom Eversole has been hired to direct the Hearts and Hands Program (H&H), which provides home visiting
Washington Hunters Reminded To Be Aware of Noxious Weeds
-- from Washington Recreation and Conservation Office -- As hunters head into the backcountry this fall, several state agencies are asking them to watch out for noxious weeds, to report any they find and to take easy steps to prevent their spread. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Noxious
Letter to Editor | Ayers Withdraws Candidacy, Supports Guss
-- from Greg Ayers -- Because of my interest in supporting the Port and our community, I decided to become a candidate for the Port of Orcas Commissioner #2 position. I was under the impression that Dwight Guss was not going to run for reelection as he had not filed
Letter to Editor | It’s Optimal Time to Support Bond, Levy
-- from Senator Kevin Ranker, parent -- When I write to the paper it is often to keep you up to date on decisions being made in Olympia. Today I want to discuss an important matter that will be decided right here and have significant benefits to our entire Orcas
Eastsound Water Attains First-in-State Water Quality Recognition
-- from Paul Kamin, General Manager, Eastsound Water Users Association -- Eastsound Waterhas recently achieved a State of Washington Water Treatment FIRST. During the period of Sept 11-13 Eastsound Water underwent an extensive review of our Purdue treatment plan by contractors for both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State
Letter to Editor | Join Me in Supporting School Bond, Levy
-- from Betty Corbett -- While my direct student involvement was several years ago, I strongly believe we need to support our children and our public school. I ask you to join me in a confident vote of YES for both the Orcas Island School District Bond and the Levy.
