Here’s a thought…
“If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”
SAMUEL ADAMS
The New Middle School Farm-to-Classroom Digs and Pitches
...and so many other things! -- by Madie Murray -- Some of the most memorable experiences for young people on Orcas Island are those found on a working farm, whether it’s digging clams, pitching hay, shearing sheep or gathering eggs. These types of learning experiences, among others, are a reality
Letter to Editor: Suburbanization?
-- from Peg Manning -- On Tuesday, May 20, at 10 a.m., County Council will be meeting at the Eastsound Fire Station and taking public comment. There will also be presentations from Public Works about their plans for Orcas. This is an important opportunity for the citizens of Orcas to
Dislike Airplane Noise? Here’s a Webinar for That
May 29, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT Transportation Research Board of the National Academies sponsors Webinar: The Effects of Aviation Noise -- from Bea vonTobel -- TRB will conduct a webinar on May 29, 2014, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET that will cover the potential
Farish Organizes TEDx on Orcas
-- by Margie Doyle -- Last week Adam Farish spoke to a roomful of Orcas Islanders about bringing the internationally-known TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) talks, seen over 1 Billion times (1,000,000,000) on YouTube, to Orcas Island. The TED talks have grown into a significant "X factor," the X standing
Change A-coming to Fern Street Extension Parcels
-- by Margie Doyle -- One lot down, two to go as the Fern Street "Extension" parcels are developed by business and government The look of "downtown Eastsound" is changing at the three adjacent parcels that meet at Fern Street between Prune Alley and North Beach Road. Now,
Naturalists Notebook No. 8: Oystercatcher Blues
-- by Russel Barsh -- Privacy please! Nesting Oystercatchers need an undisturbed nest-nursery The Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is one of the most charming residents of Indian Island. With its somber black feathers, carrot-colored beak and large red feet, the Oystercatcher looks curiously out of place on a
“The Handmade Garden” at the Garden Club
Wednesday, May 21, at 10 a.m. in the Madrona Room of Orcas Center -- from Jan Jacobson -- Come hear Lorene Edwards Forkner share her passion for the Handmade Garden! Lorene will focus on the inspirational, lively and sometimes quirky profiles of "hands-on" gardeners and the personality-infused gardens they create.
Recognize, Celebrate, and Honor During EMS Week
May 18-24, 2014 is 40th Annual EMS Week -- from Pat Ayers -- In 1973, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate Emergency Medical Services, its practitioners and the important work they do responding to medical emergencies. Coming on the heels of Congress passing the Emergency Medical Services Systems
County Clarifies CAO Info Access
-- from County Development and Planning Staff -- A May 2014 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) bulletin pertaining to critical area regulations is now available to the public via the following link: San Juan County -- Community Development and Planning Department Some folks have indicated that the critical area regulations are
Funhouse Commons Appoints New Director
-- from Mary Wachter -- The Board of Directors of the Funhouse Commons is excited to announce that it has appointed Krista Bouchey as Executive Director. Since last August, Krista has served as the Interim Director before that serving the organization as the Program Director. Krista's keen intellect and heartfelt
Gaylord Files for Another Term as Prosecutor
-- from Randall Gaylord -- This week Randall Gaylord filed for the position of Prosecuting Attorney. “Serving as the public’s attorney has unique challenges which I enjoy,” said Gaylord. Gaylord says he has been leading the office in the right direction for the past 20 years and he intends to
Actors Theater Announces Auditions
Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m., and Thursday, May 29, 7 p.m., The Grange -- from Doug Bechtel -- We have scheduled auditions for our upcoming play "Love Song" by John Kolvenbach. "Love Song" will be directed by Doug Bechtel. "Love Song" is a laugh out loud comedy with roles for
The Library Looks at Books and Beyond
An interview with JoEllen Moldoff -- by Margie Doyle -- Lots and lots and lots of books --- but wait! Should there be more? where? Yes, it's a beautiful building with a proud history, our Orcas Island Public Library. Since it was built in 1992 with local fund-raising,
Lutheran Church in the San Juans Welcomes New Pastor
-- from Bea vonTobel -- Effective May 15 The Reverend Elizabeth Purdum will begin serving as the Pastor of The Lutheran Church in the San Juans, a unique multi-island congregation with a presence on Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Islands. Pastor Purdum, a native of Seattle, is returning to familiar
Town Hall Comes to Orcas This Tuesday
Additional Afternoon Sessions on Orcas Recycling Services and Repeal of Flow Control Ordinance -- by Margie Doyle -- Rick Hughes, at left, leads Orcas Town Hall last year. To Rick's right are County Auditor Milene Henley, County Manager Mike Thomas, EPRC chair Gulliver Rankin and Senior County Planner Colin Maycock
Time to Celebrate: OPAL is 25!
Saturday, May 17, Noon, OPAL Commons -- from Judy Whiting -- Saturday, May 17, islanders are invited to celebrate with OPAL supporters, visiting dignitaries and OPAL homeowners, apartment tenants and staff at a barbecue picnic, beginning at noon at Opal Commons. “Food will be catered by the Orcas Village Store;
