Here’s a thought…
“The propagandist’s purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human.”
ALDOUS HUXLEY
Burn Ban Enacted For All of San Juan County
All burning is closed except charcoal or propane BBQs for the county. State Parks has additionally shut down the use of charcoal so they are only allowing gas or propane BBQs and cook stoves. -- from San Juan County Fire Marshal -- As of today, August 31, 2017, there is a
Living With Chronic Disease? Here’s a Free Workshop
Wednesdays, September 6 - October 11, 1-3:30 p.m., Orcas Senior Center -- from Jami Mitchell for Orcas Senior Center -- Do you live with a chronic disease like arthritis, diabetes, depression, COPD, obesity, back problems, or another chronic condition? Or are you the caregiver for someone who does? The Orcas
Team Island Girls Needs Support for Upcoming Susan G. Komen Walk
-- from Dottie Cornelius -- For nine years, team Island Girls has represented Orcas Island in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walk in Seattle. Each team member is required to raise $2,300. Team captain, Dottie Cornelius says, “While some think this to be a very high standard, the truth
Coalition Pursues Hospital District Petition
-- from the Coalition for Orcas Health Care -- In several days, volunteers for the Coalition for Orcas Health Care (COHC) may respectfully request your signature on a petition for a Public Hospital District on Orcas. Who? What? - you might ask. The COHC is a diverse group of Orcas
Guest Opinion | Why Is It OK for the County Council to Protect “Illegal Immigrants”?
-- from David Turnoy -- Now that the council has passed an ordinance protecting undocumented residents from being asked their documentation status by our local deputies, a number of folks are questioning why this wasn't allowed to go to a vote of the people. Others are questioning the council for
Poetry, Writing, Molecular Biology Among New School Custodian’s Passions
-- from Cathy Ferran for Orcas School District -- Welcome to our new Orcas High School Custodian, Bruce Van Noy. Bruce was born in Seattle, raised in North California, and educated in genetics and molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He also studied poetry with Barney Childs at
Hyak Out, Kitsap In, Capacity Reduced for Some Sailings
After taking the vessel out of service to investigate an issue on M/V HYAK, maintenance crews have found a failure in one of the vessel’s ship service generators, which must be replaced before returning the vessel to service. The 144-vehicle HYAK will remain out of service for up to 2
UW Medicine Names Chief of Orcas-Lopez Island Clinics
-- from Brian Donohue, UW Medicine Public Information -- UW Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael D. Alperin has accepted the position of chief of the UW Medicine Orcas Island and Lopez Island Clinics effective November 1, 2017. Alperin is currently chief and clinical director of primary care at
Community Church to Host Community Fall Party
Sunday, September 10, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Orcas Island Community Church -- from Meredith Griffith -- Come one, come all. Orcas Island Community Church is throwing a party for our community on Sunday, September 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come join us for a free barbecue lunch and
Samish Indian Nation Marine Debris Clean Up Map Honored
-- from Amber Benson -- The Samish Indian Nation announced today that its map tracking marine debris clean up in the tribe’s traditional territory has been honored with a second place award in the 2017 Esri Storytelling with Maps Contest. The map was created using geographic information systems (GIS) technologies by Casey Palmer-McGee, GIS/Database
What is the Difference Between a Bond and a Levy?
-- from Orcas Island School District Staff -- The funding of schools is complicated and often misunderstood. The bulk of the operating revenue comes from the state, the federal government and then through local property tax levies. None of those cover capital projects (that’s why we need bonds). We also
New Para-educator Drawn to Working With Kids
-- from Cathy Ferran for Orcas School District -- Jessie Housman was born and raised in the Bay Area of CA. Jessie has always been drawn toward jobs working with children. She was a Youth Rock Climbing instructor; Pre-school Teacher; and most recently she has been working at the Funhouse
Thousands of Atlantic Salmon Recovered as Clean-up Continues
-- from KOMO News -- KOMO Photo Thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon have been pulled from Puget Sound as the clean-up of a collapsed fish farm continues in the waters off the San Juan Islands. Cooke Aquaculture, which owns and operates the fish farm just off the island
Adey Bell’s Powerful, Mesmerizing Music
-- a review by Margie Doyle-- Adey Bell, dressed in a flowing red "steampunk" dress, fingerless lace gloves and a black top hat, came to Orcas Island on Saturday night and romanced the audience with the songs of her generation. With a true and fullsome voice she gave her heart
Guest Opinion | Where is OPALCO Heading, and Why?
-- from Tom Owens -- Friends of the San Juans recently published its Community Conversation about growing local economies, ecologies and connections. It is well worth your time to read this information. It contained an article by OPALCO explaining how they plan to grow local energy abundance and resilience in
Songwriter Mary Lydia Ryan Returns for Final Music in the Park
Sunday, September 3, 5 - 7 p.m., Village Green -- from Mary Ryan -- Music in the Park has been extended this season for one more performance, Sunday, September 3 from 5 - 7 p.m., featuring singer-songwriter, Mary Lydia Ryan of Seattle, with bassist Trent Wagner. Here is what the
