Here’s a thought…
“We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we don’t like?”
Elementary School Year Begins with Back to School Kickoff
Drop-In Tuesday, September 6, 4 - 6 p.m., Orcas Elementary School -- from Cathy Ferran -- Attention Orcas Island Elementary Parents, Grandparents, and Guardians: Did we mention lately how much we appreciate you? Your commitment to our school and children is nothing short of amazing! In an effort to make your life
Person(s) of Interest | Vietnam Vets Remember the Battle They Survived
-- by Lin McNulty -- The last time they were all together was 1968. February 14, 1968. Valentine's Day. And this week six members of 9th Infantry Division, 3-47th Battalion, Bravo Company reunited at the home of Bill Wulff on Orcas to remember, in their own way, a life-altering battle in
Letter to the Editor: Does Eastsound Still Need Architectural Design Standards?
-- by John Campbell, Chairman, Eastsound Design Review Committee-- History: 25 years ago there was a general outcry in favor of minimum architectural standards in response to a big dowdy building that engulfed a treasured old landmark. There are two legal bases for community architectural design standards: good design and
Lopez Deaths Ruled Murder – Suicide
-- from Sheriff Ron Krebs -- At approximately 12:30 p.m. on August 25, 2016, a kayaker reported a deceased male on the beach at the 3500 block of Fisherman Bay road on Lopez Island. The Sheriff’s Office responded and discovered a second male also deceased. The cause of death was from a gunshot
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
