Here’s a thought…
“There is one tradition in America I am proud to inherit. It is our first freedom and the truest expression of our Americanism: the ability to dissent without fear. It is our right to utter the words, “I disagree”.”
NATALIE MERCHANT
Our Representatives Report: Inslee Signs Order Bringing Kids to the Big Table
Inslee announces transformative changes to children’s services -- from Lisa Harper, Governor's Office -- OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee today signed an executive order that sets in motion a transformative new structure for delivering services to the children of Washington state. Inslee intends to work with the Legislature to create
Caucus? Primary? Delegates? Convention? LWV Clarifies Presidential Procedure
-- from Clare Kelm, President, League of Women Voters of the San Juans -- This is a presidential election year so the election process is different than during other years. Prior to the November 8, 2016, general election, Washington voters can participate in the party caucuses, the Presidential Preference Primary election, and
Library Board to Convene Special Expansion Meeting
Tuesday February 23 at 8:30 a.m., Orcas Library -- from Mary Pugh -- The Library Board is having a special meeting Tuesday February 23 at 8:30 a.m. in the meeting room of the Library to discuss the building expansion.
Romance of a Mass Engages the Orcas Choral Society
-- by Lynn Baker for the Orcas Choral Society -- The title page of the Missa Solemn in C lists the instruments in its orchestra. After almost 200 years and more than 5,000 miles, a choral mass with orchestra composed in 1826 near Prague will come to life,
Community Reward for Information on Criminal Violence Against OPALCO Apprentice
-- from Suzanne Olson, Public Relations Administrator for OPALCO -- During the early morning hours of February 9, 2016, a newly hired Apprentice Lineman was held at gunpoint in his home on Orcas Island. The assailant made threats against his safety and that of his family. The following day, death
Hawaiian HAPA Group Heads to Orcas Center Stage
Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 pm with Burgers & Brew before the show at 5:30 pm. -- from Artha Kass -- The HAPA name reflects the diverse backgrounds of its musicians and the mix of cultures that converge in Hawai‘i. Brilliant guitarist Barry Flanagan has been the guiding force of HAPA since
Leadership San Juan Islands Launches 12th Year
-- from Liz Illg -- The Leadership San Juan Islands professional development program launched a new class on January 8, with an orientation day held at the Harrison House Suites in Friday Harbor. Eighteen islanders from Orcas, San Juan, Fidalgo, Whidbey and Lopez make up the 12th Cohort and will meet for
Library Ready to Turn the Page on The Next Chapter
-- from Phil Heikkinen, Orcas Public Library Director -- Sketch of Library from Rose Street, looking south with expansion to the north and west of current building With wonderful participation from the community, Henry Klein Architects, the firm that designed our current library in 1991, has finished the
Ferry Alert: The Yakima Is Back
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Friday, February 19, 2016 12:23 PM: Ana/SJs-Update-Yakima is back on schedule with the 3:05 pm departure from Anacortes. Thursday, 2/18/2016 at 12:51PM: The 144-vehicle Yakima is out of service due to necessary repairs. The 124-vehicle Chelan will replace the Yakima in vessel position #1 for
Our Representatives Report: Jeff Morris Updates
-- from Washington State Representative Jeff Morris -- Here we are almost two-thirds of the way through this short (60-day) session in Olympia. I’m honored to serve you as one of two representatives from the 40th Legislative District, and I wanted to give you an update on what’s happening here
Evaluate Grants for Parks, Trails and Wildlife Habitat
Volunteers Needed -- from Susan Zemek fro Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office -- OLYMPIA – The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking volunteers to evaluate grant proposals that will help decide which parks and trails should be funded and what wildlife habitat should be conserved in
Guest Editorial: Fielding Football Offers Alternatives and Discussions
-- by Justin Paulsen -- The issue of youth (age 6 – 18) football in a topic of major discussion in communities across America. The discussion is notable because of all of the comments raised in response to "Does Football Have a Future on Orcas?". The question as raised in
Sports Report: Vikings Basketball Season Over
-- by Ed Sutton -- All good things come to an end. And so it was for the Orcas Vikings basketball teams. Both the men's team and the Lady Vikings returned to Sedro Wooley on Monday, Feb.16, for the continuation of the District playoffs which lead to the regional round
Donate and Help at the Winter Book Sale
Library Friends Winter Book Sale -- Saturday, February 27th, 10AM to 2PM Public School Cafeteria -- from Leif for the Friends of the Orcas Island Library -- “Massive, End-of-Winter & Pretty-much-Spring-already” -Book Sale. For just a buck or two, sneak out with fresh treasure. Indulge caprice, make a haul of
Letter to the Editor: 17-year-olds Can Caucus in San Juan County, Too!
-- from Diane Martindale -- Mark March 26th on your calendars now for the Democratic caucuses in San Juan County. Attention 17 year olds! If you are turning 18 on or before November 8 you CAN participate in the Democratic caucuses. You can support your candidate and introduce resolutions to
Surfing Meets Conservation in Upcoming Talk
Wednesday, February 24, 7 p.m., Emmanuel Parish Hall -- from Jean M Lyle -- Conservationist Serge Dedina, co-founder and executive director of WILDCOAST, has dedicated his life to protecting the coastline of California and Mexico. Working on both sides of the border, Dedina has been instrumental in preserving more than 1.8 million
