Here’s a thought…
“We must do democracy. That goes far beyond simply casting your vote. We must all actively champion the causes that ensure the common good.”
MARTIN LUTHER KING III
Orcas Boy Choir Performs in Friday Harbor
Sunday, November 20, 4 p.m., Saint David Episcopal Church in Friday Harbor -- from David Bentley -- Saint David’s Episcopal Church welcomes Orcas Boy Choir under the direction of Mary WillAllen for their first appearance in Friday Harbor on Sunday, November 20, at 4 pm. This fall concert features a handful
Letter to Editor | Quid Pro Quo or Hobson’s Choice?
-- from Bea vonTobel -- The OISD board will place an interesting proposal on the February ballot. It will pit the concerns and interests of three major island groups against each other: those who wish to bring buildings and grounds to health and safety standards, music program supporters, and track supporters.
School Board Reaches Consensus on Bond for Phase III Development
-- by Margie Doyle, updated Nov.14 at 2:30 p.m.-- On Nov. 7 the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board, administration and public members met to deal with the nitty-gritty decisions facing them in considering a bond proposal to complete several projects cut from previous bonds for capital construction. First the
Deer Harbor Bridge Construction Continues
-- from John Van Lund -- Crews will place rebar and form the wing walls for the east and west abutments. The east and west abutments are the main structural supports for the bridge. The wing walls will extend off the ends of each abutment to contain gravel fill, which
How Are We Doing? A Quarterly Review of County Finances
-- from County Auditor F. Milene Henley -- Third quarter 2016 My first year of college I shared a landline (we called it a “phone” then) with 4 other dorm rooms. The phone sat in the hallway with a lock on the rotary dial (remember rotary dials?). We rarely used it,
Orcas Students Perform at Honor Music Festival
-- from Kristen Wilson -- Western Washington University’s 650-seat Performing Arts Center hosted a performance by students from this year’s San Juan Music Educators Association (SJMEA) Senior Honor Festival on November 11. Nine musicians from Orcas High School’s Strings and Band Classes attended this year’s Festival. Each year
Fall 2016 Precipitation Observations
-- from Paul Kamin, Eastsound Water -- The Seattle area experienced record rainfall in October. Over 9”, more than double the 3.5” average. On Orcas, rain was recorded on all but a handful of days last month, but our 6.5” of rainfall did not break any records. Below is a
Thankful for Orcas Community Resource Center
-- by Sally Buchanan -- The Orcas Island community has so many resources to be thankful for this Thanksgiving month. Highlighting the OCRC, Orcas Community Resource Center, seems especially appropriate. This non-profit organization has been active on the Island for many years as Orcas Family Connections helping families requiring assistance
Letter to Editor | Fears of Nazi Germany
-- from David Kobrin -- Of course no one knows what the future –even the near future – may hold. Still, there is the possibility that the treatment of many in our nation soon may be determined by factors such as country of origin, skin color, religion, disability or gender,
Sheriff’s Report | November 2 – 8, 2016
November 2, 2016 16-008251 Theft 13:24:52 11/02/16 A Deputy in Friday Harbor received a report of a theft of apples from a property. Currently there are no suspects. 16-008255 Trespassing 14:48:47 11/02/16 A Deputy was dispatched to an unwanted person incident in Friday Harbor. It was found the unwanted person
Fire Commission to Meet on Monday
Monday, November 14, 5:30 p.m., Eastsound Fire Station -- from Pat Ayers -- Notice of Special Meeting With Agenda Board of Fire Commissioners San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 Meeting Called by: Wesley Heinmiller, Chair, Board of Fire Commissioners Date: November 14, 2016 Time: 5:30 pm Location: Public Meeting
SJ Community Home Trust Seeks Executive Director
-- from Sarah Crosby -- The San Juan Community Home Trust announces the opening of the application period for the position of Executive Director. The Home Trust is a 501(c)3 non profit organization devoted to developing and building homes for ownership by low and moderate income San Juan Islanders in
Bolshoi Ballet’s Brilliant Comedy The Bright Stream at Orcas Center
Friday, November 18, 6:30 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Susannah Weaver -- The Bright Stream, Alexei Ratmansky’s brilliantly choreographed smash production bursts with vivid life and bright spirits in cinemas throughout the U.S. and Canada in November. Join us for a subversive night of dance streaming at Orcas Center Friday,
Person of Interest | This G.I. Joe Struggles Daily With Gulf War Illness
-- by Lin McNulty -- The first thing this 20-year-old soldier from Fort Bragg, North Carolina noticed was the smell, the overwhelming stench of human waste permeating the desert air as he stepped off the plane in Saudi Arabia in 1990. His grandfather, a British soldier, was a World War
Letter to Editor | Library Board Expresses Gratitude
-- from Tom Fiscus -- The Board of Trustees and staff of the Orcas Island Public Library wish to thank the Orcas community for their resounding support, reflected in the “YES” vote for the Library levy lid lift approved via Tuesday’s ballot. “We are so proud of our community for
Letter to Editor | Support Affordable Housing and Property Tax Equity
-- from Shireene Hale -- Next week citizens will have an opportunity to encourage the San Juan County Council to take actions that will support affordable housing and provide property tax equity. The county is holding a hearing to take comment on the 2017 budget and department goals, which will
