Here’s a thought…
“Even under the best circumstances, the transition to this new AI era will be one of the most turbulent times in human history.”
BILL GATES
Fire Chief’s Report: May 1 — May 31, 2014
-- from Chief Kevin O'Brien -- Fire Chief’s Goals and Priorities for 2014 Execute the mission of OIFR through the direction of the Board of Commissioners Improve and maintain fiscal accountability for all OIFR operations Provide positive leadership for OIFR and our community Improve reliability and performance for OIFR Execute
Library Meeting Tuesday
Tuesday, June 24, 8:30 a.m., Orcas Library -- from Rachel Newcombe -- There will be an Orcas Island library meeting tomorrow at 8:30am to discuss the building expansion. The meeting will be held in the community room at the library.
Good Steward Awards Presented
-- by Cara Russell -- Seven ‘Good Steward’ awards were presented to islanders and local organizations in recognition of exceptional environmental stewardship on Saturday, June 21 on the Village Green Stage in Eastsound. Youth Stewardship winner Zach Kostechko was presented with a “Finee” award—a glazed ceramic salmon made by Crow
Meanwhile, Elsewhere on Orcas
-- by Margie Doyle -- While many chose to watch or participate in the Annual Orcas Island Solstice Parade, it was not the only thing happening on the island that captured attention. The ongoing Soccer World Cup competition brought in a crowd to watch the game on the big screen
Here Comes the Sun!
-- by Cara Russell -- “Let us recite from the wise words of George Harrison,” announced Mark Padbury, Master of Ceremonies of Solstice Day Celebrations on the Village Green. “Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter... Here comes the sun, here comes the sun. And I say it's
Letter to Editor: Time to Stop the Eastsound Beheadings
-- from Carol Owens -- Time to address the issue of beheadings and mindless plunder occurring in our normally gentle Eastsound. Someone, presumably a village idiot lurking around in the evenings, is intent on beheading every bloom in every carefully maintained garden in Eastsound. Teri Williams' tulips were the first
Reminder: No Personal Fireworks in San Juan County
-- from Steve Marler, San Juan County Fire Marshal -- San Juan County’s emergency responders would like to remind everyone that personal fireworks are not allowed anywhere in our beautiful county. “Safe and Sane” fireworks sold on the mainland are intended to be used in the communities where they are
Summer Solstice! Orcas-Style
Saturday June 21, Noon in Eastsound Summer Solstice Parade & Celebration -- from Laura Gibbons -- Orcas Islanders and friends from near and far are invited to the 16th Annual Summer Solstice Parade on Saturday June 21 at noon in Eastsound. The theme this year is “Toys, Contraptions and Thingamajigs”.
Quit Dumping on Us, Inslee Tells Canadian Neighbors
-- by the News Tribune Editorial Staff (www.thenewstribune.com) -- Once again, a Washington governor has to remind our fair neighbor to the north that it needs to clean up its act and stop dumping 34 million gallons of raw sewage daily into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the waters
Orcas Montessori Teaches More Than Three “Rs”
-- from Teresa Chocano -- “Welcome to our classroom. How can we help you?” Knock on the door of the Orcas Montessori School and a trio of children will welcome you with this greeting. That’s just one example of many ways in which the teaching staff works to foster concepts
Guest Opinion: Sea Star “Near Extinction” Claim Disputed
-- from Russel Barsh -- The massive Heterosigma bloom around Orcas was still going strong twelve days since it was first observed on June 7. When local volunteers seined in the eelgrass meadow around Indian Island on June 16 they saw only a handful of distressed fish, however. Overall, fish
And The Music Goes ’Round and ’Round
-- from Kristen Wilson -- The last musical event of the school year took place on Wednesday when all the 4th graders from Orcas Elementary School tried out new instruments at the affectionately named “instrument zoo.” Four musical stations were set up for brass, woodwinds, percussion and strings, and approximately
New Xylophone Arrives for School Music Department
-- from Kristen Wilson -- Pictured, from left: Darren Dix, band director; percussionists Jo Gudgell and Keith Light; Pamela Wright, strings, choir and K-4 music director. The Orcas High School Band premiered its newest addition to the band, a beautiful new Adams xylophone, at the high school music
In Just One Month, They Could All Be Gone?!
This story comes to us with permission from EarthFix and its partner station, KCTS9. EarthFix is a collaboration of public media stations in the Northwest, dedicated to environmental journalism. Originally published June 16, 2014. One of the first signs of sea star wasting syndrome is stars begin to look
Port of Orcas Meeting Upcoming
Thursday June 26, Noon, Airport Conference Room -- from Anthony Simpson -- The next Port of Orcas meeting is scheduled for 12:00PM (noon) on Thursday June 26th in the Airport Conference Room. The primary agenda item is an executive session for the 6-month performance review of the Airport Manager, but
Softball and Baseball Players: Call to Action
Starting Monday, June 23, 6:30 p.m., Buck Park SOFTBALL REMINDER Adult softball starts this coming Monday at Buck Park at 6:30, not 5:30. IT DOES NOT COST ANYTHING! If you have questions, call David at 376-4165 or email at davidgeri@centurylink.net. -- from David Turnoy -- The sun is high in
