Here’s a thought…
“To be clear, we don’t know if A.I. models are conscious. I don’t know. I’m genuinely uncertain.”
CHRISTOPHER OLAH
Orcas Issues Thanks our Generous Supporters!
-- by Margie Doyle, Editor -- At Orcas Issues: News and Views, we're dedicated to providing valuable community information. But we think that's more than just the daily "news." We value the history and background of our lifestyle, government and pleasures; the nuances and differences in our highest-held principles; the
Fire Chief’s Report: Oct 7 – Nov 10, 2013
— from Kevin O’Brien, Chief, Orcas Fire and Rescue — Notable Alarms Deceased Patient Monday, October 13, OIFR responded to the Raccoon Point neighborhood to assist Evan’s Funeral home with moving a deceased patient requiring a mortuary transport. Multiple Vehicle Accident Friday, October 18, OIFR responded to a three-vehicle
Athletic Center Pool Getting an Overhaul
-- by Cara Russell -- Orcas Athletic Center pool ready for a re-tile. Photo: Cara Russell The Athletic Center building is getting some much needed repairs and updates. Starting November 18, through the next two months, Owners Clyde and April Duke have shut down and drained the Orcas
Last Farmers’ Market of the Season
— from Robin Duis — Flowers and vegetables for sale this Saturday at the last Farmers Market of the season This Saturday will be the last Orcas Farmers’ Market of the season. It takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall. “This will
Editorial: Fifty Years Ago This Very Day, on a Friday
-- by Lin McNulty -- There are some unfortunate, startling events in life in which we remember exactly where we were when we heard the news. The JFK assassination is certainly one of those moments in my life. I have never before revealed my initial reaction; in retrospect, within a
OPALCO Board Enthusiastically Supports Broadband Acceleration
-- from Suzanne Olson -- In front of a packed room at their regularly scheduled meeting in Friday Harbor, the OPALCO Board issued and approved the following motion: Our island communities are suffering economic damage and safety issues caused directly by inadequate phone and Internet infrastructure. Therefore, OPALCO shall accelerate
Eastsound Stormwater Street Project Begins December 2
-- from Stan Matthews, San Juan County Information and Internet Manager -- Crews will begin work on A Street in Eastsound in front of the Post Office the week of December 2, weather permitting, to install stormwater collection piping and catch basins. This project will begin to alleviate longstanding drainage
No More PO Junk Mail Collection: What Now?
-- by Lin McNulty -- Local Post Office patrons received a notification in their mailboxes on November 20 informing that the recycle contract had been cancelled, that Seattle is no longer accepting any recycle mail. With that said, the notice continued, "You need to take all mail home." Pete Moe,
Islands a Cappella Presents a Gift of Song
-- from Bev Leyman for Islands a Cappella -- Friday Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. at Rosario's Music Room: Islands a Cappella to sing this Friday in the Rosario Music Room Join us to begin your holiday season joyfully. Islands a Cappella presents choral works composed by artists
Orcatrazz Evening to Benefit Orcas Family Health
-- from Ken Speck -- Friday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m., Orcas Center: The Sixth Annual Orcas Family Health Center (OFHC) dinner show, dance, and auction gala is scheduled for Friday, November 22 at Orcas Center. The incredible big band sounds of Orcatrazz will entertain again and provide great music for
CenturyLink Considers Options for Bill Adjustments
-- from Meg Andrews, CenturyLink Marketing & Media Relations -- Because of the recent outage caused by the undersea fiber optic cable cut, CenturyLink is actively working on a solution for out of service adjustments. We know and understand that the outage was a hardship for all impacted customers in
Celebrate Indian Island and Five Years of Community Stewardship
— from Russel Barsh of Kwiáht — Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center Adopt an Indian Island “foster child.” Indian Island volunteers make their annual report on the health of Indian Island and celebrate five years of community monitoring and stewardship on Thursday evening
Flamboyant Artist Dee Dee Rainbow Passes
-- from Catherine Pederson -- Do you remember Dee Dee Rainbow? A woman who showed up in Eastsound often during the 70’s 80’s and maybe later – sashaying down Main Street -dressed in flamboyant “clothes of many colors,” make-up to match and a big smile. She loved being a sensation.
School Board Chair Announces Superintendent Selection Process
-- from Chris Sutton, Orcas Island School District Board Chair -- This is an exciting time of transition for our school. Barbara Kline has announced her retirement effective June 2014. For more details regarding her retirement and long dedicated service to the district see recent articles on Orcas Issues and
Cathy Beth Loyd Passes Nov.13, 2013
-- from Page Bristow -- Kind. Lovely. Optimistic. Caring. Fun. These are words that Cathy's huge circle of friends and family use to describe her. Early in the morning of November 13, Cathy lost her brief, hard-fought battle with cancer peacefully. Cathy was born and grew up in Chehalis, Washington,
Letter to the Editor: Help a Special Fund Help School Families
Bake Sale Benefit this Saturday, Nov. 23 at Island Market: The generosity of Orcas Islanders in helping their fellow islanders in times of trouble is legendary. We see it every day, and particularly in times of crisis. For many families with school-aged children, those crises happen without notice and without
