Here’s a thought…
“There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything; both ways save us from thinking.”
ALFRED KORZYBSKI
Library Progress: Starting the “Next Chapter”
-- by Margie Doyle -- The Orcas Island Public Library Board met on Wednesday, Aug. 24 to finalize documents for the Levy Ballot that Orcas Islanders will vote on this November. They also reviewed the timeline for fund-raising for completion of the "Next Chapter" the expansion to the northwest of
Center for Whale Research: J14 Considered Missing, Possibly Deceased
-- from Center for Whale Research -- J14, a 42-year old female in J pod, is considered missing. Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research last saw her on July 31. Center for Whale Research staff members have since had three on-the-water encounters with the rest of her matriline
Public Meeting on Updated Deer Harbor Hamlet Plan
Wednesday, August 31, 4 - 6 p.m., Deer Harbor Community Club -- from Colin Maycock -- San Juan County Department of Community Development will host a public meeting on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Deer Harbor Community Club, 4319 Deer Harbor Road, Orcas
Flotsam & Jetsam | That’s Hot
— a semi-regular humor column by Maurice Austin — Recently I had to sweat a few joints under the rental unit, and since I’m clumsy and always end up dripping hot solder all over the place, I raked up a bunch of dead madrona leaves, which are nice and light
Coffin Resigns from Fire Commission; DiCaprio Appointed
-- by Margie Doyle, Updated Aug. 23 at 9 p.m.-- Commissioner Jim Coffin, far left, announced his resignation at the OIFR commission meeting. He will be replaced by TJ DiCaprio (next to him). Barbara Bedell and Wes Heinmiller also serve on the elected board. Fire Commissioner Jim Coffin
Guest Opinion: OPAL Working on Local Home Mortgage Fund
-- by Alexander Conrad -- A recent guest opinion by Ken Wood suggested one approach to increasing the affordability of housing. The [opinion] illustrated how the cost of capital (i.e. interest rates and terms) impact affordability. Comments to the opinion also called for a local organization to step up to
Tea by the Tree with New Interim Principal
-- from Orcas Island School District -- The public is invited to meet the new interim Elementary Principal, Lorena Stankevich on Monday, August 29 at 3:30 p.m. under the Maple Tree. This "Tea by the Tree" will give parents, friends and relatives of the school the opportunity to socialize with
Entering Phase III: School District Starts Community Discussions
-- by Margie Doyle, updated Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. -- The Phase III School bond is discussed on a tour through the high school weight room with, from left, "Way Forward" Facilitator Fred Klein, Business Manager Keith Whitaker, School Superintendent Eric Webb Should the Orcas Island School
Hard Workers Abound on Orcas Island: Let’s Honor Them!
-- by Lin McNulty and Margie Doyle -- For a tourist, vacation "paradise," many year-round Orcas Island residents are renowned for their work ethic, which seems to be "Life is uncertain, get your work done first." With many businesses and non-profits being entrepreneurial start-ups and artistic manifestations, islanders throw themselves
Deer Harbor Hamlet Plan Update Set for Public Review, Comments
Wednesday, August 31, 4 - 6 p.m., Deer Harbor Community Club -- from Colin Maycock, SJC Community Development -- On Wednesday, August 31, 2016 between 4 pm and 6 pm at the Deer Harbor Community Club, 4319 Deer Harbor Road, Orcas Island, San Juan County Department of Community Development is hosting a
Friends Plus Synergy = Frienergy Art Show
-- by Margie Doyle -- Friends Michelle Reed, JoEllen Moldoff and BJ Arnold celebrate their artistic synergy in "Frienergy" art show at the Orcas Center through SeptemberAlternate Headline: "Artists Three Show Frienergy" BJ Arnold, JoEllen Moldoff, and Michelle Reed are artists whose creative, joyful friendship will be spotlighted
Eastsound Visioning Statement Now Has a Survey
-- from Jim Jonassen -- The EPRC Task group "to help enrich a community dialogue on the future to inform the [County Comprehensive] plan update,' will again have an information booth at the Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day Weekend). That task group has created a report and
OPALCO Awarded Grant for $1 Million for Grid Modernization
-- from Suzanne Olson -- OPALCO’s spirit of innovation was recognized this week as the Co-op was awarded a $1 million grid modernization grant by the Washington Clean Energy Fund (CEF). OPALCO is the smallest utility to ever receive a CEF grant. Other recipients include Avista, Seattle City Light, Snohomish
Inslee Declares Wildfire Emergency in 20 Counties
-- from Tara Lee -- Gov. Jay Inslee today proclaimed a state of emergency for 20 counties in response to multiple wildfires in Eastern Washington threatening homes, businesses, public infrastructure and natural resources. Inslee toured the Spokane-area fires this morning. The proclamation covers Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry,
Public Library Board to Hold Special Meeting
-- from Phil Heikkinen for the Orcas Island Library Board-- The Orcas Island Library Board will hold a Special Meeting in the Library Community Room at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016. The agenda includes the November 8 levy lid lift ballot measure, building project update, and public campaign.
Whale Museum Lecture | Screening of Sonic Sea
Tuesday, August 30, 6:30 p.m., The Whale Museum -- from Jill Berger -- Update: The venue has changed for the Sonic Sea screening to the San Juan Island Grange. Thanks to the Grange for their generosity in helping make this important film available in a larger space with excellent acoustics
