Letter to Editor | A Physician’s Perspective
-- from Dale Heisinger, M.D. -- After attending the University of Washington proposal for a Neighborhood Clinic on Orcas Island, I began reflecting on my experiences with my association with UW as a practicing pediatrician. I want to make it clear that our group was not a Neighborhood Clinic but rather
Guest Opinion | Open Letter to President Obama
-- from Lyman Griswold -- Dear Mr. President, I am appalled by your continued silence and the silence of the mainstream media on the situation at Standing Rock. I urge you speak up about it. In fact, if you really care, I urge you to visit Standing Rock and tell
Navy Awards Larsen Highest Civilian Honor
-- from Congressman Larsen's Office -- Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) has been awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award, the Navy’s highest civilian honor for courageous or heroic acts, or outstanding service of benefit to the Navy or Marine Corps. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” said
Person of Interest | Melinda Milligan, Midwife
-- by Lin McNulty -- "Bittersweet" is how Melinda Milligan characterizes her upcoming retirement as a midwife after nearly 40 years of attending more than 1,000 births. "I probably should have counted," she says now. She grew up in California's San Fernando Valley and obtained a degree that brought her to West Seattle
Need a Flu Shot? Orcas Family Health Center Taking Walk-ins
-- from Aaimee Johnson -- Influenza (flu) vaccination is available at Orcas Family Health Center for Orcas Island residents and visitors. Walk ins are welcome on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Appointments are also available by calling the office at 376-7778.
Local Companies Donate $24,000 to Orca and Salmon Conservation
-- from Brian Goodremont -- San Juan Safaris and San Juan Island Outfitters, two local whale watch and sea kayak tour companies, are giving back to killer whale and salmon conservation and research. As highlighted by the recent decline in the Southern Resident Killer Whale population, the commitment to conservation
Orcas Stands with Standing Rock with Walkout
Thursday, December 1, 11 a.m., Village Green -- from Bob Phalan -- On December 1st, 2016 at 11 a.m. community members on Orcas Island who support the Standing Rock Movement will walk out of their schools, jobs, and homes to show their support and solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux
OIFR Offering Responder Academy 2017
-- from John Ahrens -- Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is excited to host a Responder Academy starting January 10, 2017. The academy is designed for interested members of the community to explore the various aspects of emergency response, helping others and becoming involved with their Fire Department. Upon completion
Yes, Island Kids, You Can Write a Letter to Santa
-- from Donna McNeil -- Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And the Postal Service™ can help you prove it when Santa replies to your child’s letter to Santa — complete with the North Pole Postmark. The Letters from Santa program adds to the excitement of Christmas and is
Orcas Center to Bring Louisiana Music to Island
Saturday, December 3, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Orcas Center -- Orcas Center is amped to bring The Revelers to our island for the first time to share their musical culture with us. Bring your family and friends and join us on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. for
Cha Cha in December
Monday, December 5, 7 - 9 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall -- from Bill Gincig -- Local instructors are again offering their community dance class on Monday, December 5, from 7 to 9 pm at the Odd Fellows Hall. We will offer another session of Cha Cha. We will review previous
Festival of Trees to Light Up Rosario Resort
-- from Holly Southern -- Christmas trees return to light up the Moran Mansion at Rosario Resort and Spa during the month of December, decorated by seven local non-profit organizations. Sponsored by the resort, the Festival of Trees is designed to be a fundraiser during this holiday season for participating organizations,
Crafts, Goodies, Baskets Highlight Legion Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 3, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., American Legion Post -- from Judi Resch -- American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 93 will hold their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the post facility, located at 793 Crescent Beach Drive, from 10:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. There will
Your Dog Wants a License
-- from SJC Communications -- Canaan, a five-year old border collie, received the first 2017 dog license of the season at the San Juan County Auditor’s Office. Canaan is a champion agility dog, and has won many awards along with his owner Bob Anderson. Dog tags will be sold beginning
Guest Opinion | Nine Reasons to Support UW Neighborhood Clinics
-- from Alison Shaw -- I worked at OMC as its Clinic Manager from 2008 to 2015, which included the transition to working with Island Hospital. Before that, I worked at the UW for 17 years as a Research Administrator in Medicine. With these insights, I urge all Orcasians to
“Celtic Christmas” Concert Coming to Community Church
Friday & Saturday, December 2 & 3, 7 p.m., Orcas Island Community Church -- from Meredith Griffith -- The community is once again invited to attend our annual "Celtic Christmas" concert at Orcas Island Community Church, held on December 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature the
