AmeriCorps NCCC Serves with Camp Orkila
-- from Grace Zokovitch -- From Mar. 27 to May 15, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team, Blue 6, is working in Eastsound, Washington on Orcas Island. The nine-person team is serving at YMCA Camp Orkila on various project around the camp. Camp Orkila was founded in 1906 and aims
Letter to Editor | Hope and Horror at Standing Rock
-- from Marlia Starwater -- There's still a chance, from now through May 6, to see this extremely powerful documentary, "Awake, A Dream From Standing Rock," which I saw at Odd Fellows Hall in Eastsound on Sunday night. It's available HERE for a donation of $1 or more. The film
April Poetry | Writing on the Rail
(This poem was inadvertently dropped from the April poetry line-up, while "Listen" was mistakenly attributed to Carla Stanley. The poem below was scheduled to appear on April 30. Our apologies to Carla Stanley). Writing On The Rail -- Carla Stanley -- The journal train going that way tonight now today
Community Foundation Seeks Partners in Philanthropy
-- from Kate Long -- GiveOrcas.org is live and open for donations. Over 20 organizations serving our community applied for funding; the Orcas Island Community Foundation Grants Committee has completed site visits, evaluated the proposals, and vetted the projects. Now the Foundation is seeking Partners in Philanthropy to help fund
Country Corner Combines Games, Hunger
Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Country Corner -- from Liz Longworth -- It must be Spring because here we are. Country Corner Day will be Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come visit us and let us say thank you for being our customer. We
BLM Seeks Nominations to Monument Advisory Committee
-- from Barbara Marrett, SJ Visitors Bureau -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced it is seeking public nominations for four open positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The nomination period is open until May 26, 2017. The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), of
Succession Planning for Small Business Workshop
Monday, May 15, 1-2:30 p.m., San Juan Island Library -- from Victoria Compton -- All business owners need to devote time and energy to developing a succession plan for their business. With a succession plan, business owners can identify a person or entity who can continue the business if tragedy
Need a Tooth Extracted? Free Clinic Scheduled
Monday, May 15, Dr. Triplett's Office -- from Terri Triplett -- Dr. Triplett’s dental office at 445 Madrona Street in Eastsound is reserving Monday May 15 for free tooth extractions for our Orcas and Shaw residents in need. Services are limited to both routine and surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth).
In Memoriam | Mary Schoen 1925 – 2017
-- from Steven Schoen -- Mary Schoen died peacefully at her home in West Sound on Orcas island on April 26. Mary was born in Seattle in 1925 to Dudley and Katherine Brown. She graduated from Juanita High School and attended the University of Washington where she was a nursing student. She
Ghazel to Retire from the School Board
-- from Tony Ghazel -- I will not be seeking reelection to the Orcas Island School Board this November. My term is expiring at the end of this year and I have had the utmost honor in serving the children of this great community for about 14 years as a school director.
Student Art Show Opens at Orcas Center
Reception: Friday May 5, 3 - 6 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Penny Sharp Sky -- "So colorful!" "So creative!" "It's my favorite show of the year!!" It's May and that means it's time for the Orcas Island Student Art Show!. Kindergarteners through Senior High students will be inspiring the
Letter to Editor | Winnie Wins a Finnie
-- from Suzanne Olson, OPALCO -- On Earth Day, OPALCO Board Member Winnie Adams was honored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans with a “Finnie” award for her commitment to environmental stewardship. According to the Stewardship Network, “Winnie Adams is considered a champion of local, sustainable power sources
Park & Ride Work Makes Headway
-- from Jesse Douglas-Seitz, Project Engineer -- Clearing and grubbing is substantially complete. A tub grinder was on site this week and processed all of the stumps and debris piles into wood chips. Construction Activities The contractor will be stripping and stockpiling topsoil and beginning roadway excavation next week. After excavatable
The Aging Dreamer – The Ageless Dreamer
-- from Rosie Kuhn -- "There are literally no limits to what you may now choose to experience within the context of this physical form.... One must now take total responsibility for the focused intent that underlies one's choices." --Oneness, p.299 As I read these words of "Oneness," I ask
April Poetry | She Still Thinks She Can Change Him
She Still Thinks She Can Change Him -- Bruce Adkins -- She walks loneliness tightroped between the desire for love and the constancy of despair Convinced this is her only chance for love she holds onto the long discarded ghost she met years ago like the molted shell of a
Don’t Miss Annual Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m., Mullis Center -- from Mo Sloane -- Hundreds of organic vegetable starts and perennials, all lovingly grown and nurtured by San Juan County Master Gardeners, will be on sale at the Mullis Center, Saturday May 13 at 9 a.m. – just in time for Mother’s
