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
A Special Community Envisioned for Orcas
Orcas Issues readers: Today is the last day to contribute to the indiegogo campaign to start this new island enterprise. Go to the donation site and consider helping out: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/concerto-a-life-spectrum-residential-project -- by Margie Doyle -- The Concerto Project: a residential program for developmentally vulnerable individuals and autistic young adults.
Ferry Schedule Revisions Through Thursday
-- from WSF -- UPDATE: Monday, February 17, 9:02 a.m. The 87-car Evergreen State will continue to sail in the #3 sailing position through approximately Thursday, March 20. The 34-car Hiyu will operate as the interisland vessel during this time. There is no passenger elevator on the Hiyu, but there
Tides of March Honors the Marine Microcosm
-- by Margie Doyle -- Russel Barsh speaks to the public at the 3rd Annual "Tides of March" report. They are beautiful and they are gruesome: the Frosted Nudibranch and Porcelein Crab, the Haemobaphes diceraus parastice penelid copepod, viral hemorrhagic septicemia and the Blue-eyed Mary wildflower. And they
Scheduled C-Link Maintenance May Affect Service Wed. A.M.
Wednesday, March 19, 1 – 5 a.m. -- from Jan Kampbell, , CenturyLink Public Relations & Market Development Manager for Western Washington -- NoaNet, a nonprofit broadband provider, will perform scheduled routine maintenance of its fiber in the San Juan Islands on March 19. During this scheduled maintenance, CenturyLink customers may
WSF’s Moseley to Step Down
-- from Jim Corenman, San Juan County FAC Chair-- At the end of each work week, WSDOT Ferries Division Assistant Secretary David Moseley emails a report to staff, colleagues and stakeholders. The following was posted on March 18, 2014: Six years ago when I came to Washington State Ferries it
Repair Crew Punches Hole in Walla Walla
Investigation forthcoming -- from WSF -- BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – During routine annual maintenance at the Washington State Ferries Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility, crews unintentionally breached the hull of the M/V Walla Walla Saturday, March 15. Crews and divers stopped the leak immediately, and WSF is developing a full repair plan
Letter to the Editor: Price is Too High
-- from Suzanne Morrissey -- The Orcas Island Fire Department does a very good job of handling emergency services for this small community. According to SJC dispatch numbers for 2013, they respond to about 2 calls a day. Voters are now asked to approve a new levy to replace the
Health Insurance Deadline Approaching: Help Still Available
Saturday, March 22, 12 - 3 p.m., Library -- from Pegi Groundwater -- March 31 is the last day to buy health insurance on the new health exchange for coverage this year. Do you need help applying for insurance? Are you having trouble using the Washington HealthPlanFinder? Have you tried
Watoto Children’s Choir to Perform on Orcas
Thursday, March 20, 6 p.m., Orcas Community Church -- from Vicki Tweddell -- A globally acclaimed children’s choir from Uganda-based nonprofit Watoto will present “Beautiful Africa: A New Generation” next week at the Orcas Island Community Church. “Through the choir’s Concert of Hope, a message of transformation is shared by
Jarman Withdraws from OPALCO Board Race
Bob Jarman had been asked if his name would appear on the ballot for District 1 OPALCO Board. He withdrew his name on Monday, March 17. by Bob Jarman It is with regret that I am withdrawing my name for the District 1 director’s position on the OPALCO Board. I
Letter to Editor: Increased Maritime Traffic = Increased Risk
-- from San Olson, member of the San Juans Alliance -- Recent articles and letters about the 25th Anniversary of the Exxon Valdez spill in Prince William Sound might have you wondering why people in the San Juans should care about that old, but tragic event. It’s because our islands
State Accepting Grant Apps for Outdoor Rec & Conservation
Competition is tough! -- from Susan Zemek -- The state has begun accepting grant applications to build parks, trails boating facilities and shooting ranges, as well as grants to conserve wildlife habitat and working farms, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office announced Monday. These grant programs are the largest
Letter to the Editor: Pete Would Say, “Carry It On!”
by Sharon Abreu & Mike Hurwicz Sharon Abreu welcomes the overflowing crowd to remember Pete Seeger's legacy Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Celebrate Pete Seeger Concert on March 16. The turnout and response were overwhelming and very heartening. The sound of our community, young
Sun Shines on St. Patrick’s Parade
-- by Margie Doyle -- Doe Bay resident Harry Patton led the parade with historic parade master and song leader Tony Lee. Parade Marshal and Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin O'Brien, with his son Colin on his lap, manned the stern vehicle of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Community
Renewable Energy Project Workshop in Mount Vernon
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Mount Vernon -- from Melanie Drecksel, USDA Rural Development -- Renewal Energy Projects such as solar panels and Energy Efficiency projects such as energy efficient coolers, weatherization, etc. may be eligible for a grant from USDA. Grants can be up to
Letter to Editor: OIFR Skill Worth the Cost
-- from Carol Jo Enge -- Years ago, when I moved to Orcas Island, we knew the fire department was limited in abilities and skill, but we were young and it seemed like that was good enough. Today, it matters even more that we have a more professionally managed organization
