Here’s a thought…
“Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some, and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.”
ROBERT FULGHUM
EPRC Emphasizes Need for Public Input as It Plans Open House
by Lin McNulty Lots of Road Projects Ahead There are always lots of bits on the plate of the Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) as they continually work to provide thoughtful input to the County regarding how the island might grow and how to improve streetscapes, traffic flow, stormwater, and
Guest Column: Neighbors Serving Neighbors Shows Orcas Cares
by Kevin K. O'Brien “Neighbors Serving Neighbors Since 1948” has been the motto for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue for many years. When OIFR was established, its original purpose was to fight fires. Today, we consider ourselves “All Hazard Responders,” answering the call of duty when our neighbors ask for
Health Dept. Recommends Flu Vaccine for All
from the San Juan County Health Department Annual Flu Vaccine is the Best Prevention An annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and the flu-related complications that could lead to hospitalization and even death. Health experts across the country recommend that everyone 6 months and older
Gov’t Shutdown Cancels Weather Spotter Classes
from Dave Halloran San Juan Dept. of Emergency Management Due the the ongoing Federal government shut down the The National Weather Service has canceled the Weather Spotter classes scheduled for this Saturday on Lopez and Shaw islands. While this popular education program has fallen victim to the budget impasse, the
WA WIC Services Given 30-day Reprieve
from Tim Church, WA Department of Health Despite the federal government shutdown, Washington’s Women, Infants, and Children food and nutrition program has funding to continue service through October. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reallocated funding to cover the costs for the month. The reprieve comes just in time
Letter to Editor: Big Thanks for Discover the Gift
Thank you to all who came out to watch the documentary, Discover the Gift, on a magical, blustery Orcas Island evening. If you missed it, you can rent it online. I highly recommend anyone who didn't get out on Sunday night to watch it. Wow! What a beautiful time we
Salmon Recovery Funding Available
from Barbara Rosenkotter Lead Entity Coordinator for Salmon Recovery Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration funding is available for project implementation and development for salmon recovery projects in the San Juans. The funding can be used towards completing an existing salmon recovery project or towards getting a salmon recovery project closer
Olga Fires Investigation Still Ongoing
by Lin McNulty OIFR Chief Kevin O'Brien says he wishes he had more to report in the ongoing investigation of the suspicious fires in the Olga area this summer, that folks are often stopping him on the street to find out if there is anything new. The investigative team, OIFR
Food Master Classes
Saturday, October 5, Community Garden & Farmers Market In conjunction with the Great Island Grown Festival Food Masters will be hosting educational opportunities in Eastsound on October 5. “Walkabout Wild and Edible Medicinal Plants” with (Local Celebrity) Dr. Ryan Drum, PhD. Two sessions: 10:00-12:00, and 1:00-3:00 Meet at the Community
Mount Baker Road Improvements Complete
from Stan Matthews The ribbon has been cut on Mount Baker Road. Photo by County Staff District One Council Member Bob Jarman cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the completion of the Mount Baker Road road improvement project on Wednesday, September 25. The road upgrade project, primarily funded
Poets Teaching Poets Workshop
from JoEllen Moldoff, Facilitator Six Tuesdays beginning October 8, 1-3 at the Library Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry. —Mary Oliver In
Orcas Schools and Parks Differ on Buck Park Contract
School holds out for priority scheduling; Park and Rec maintains “public” claim by Margie Doyle On Thursday, Sept. 26 the Orcas Island School District (“School”) Board adjourned its regular meeting for a public hearing on the latest proposals to transfer ownership of Buck Park to the Orcas Island Park and
Storm Caused Flooding, but Constructed Wetland Worked
from Stan Matthews County Public Works employees checking on progress during second rainstorm. Photo: Margie Doyle A heavy, early-season storm drenched Eastsound in the morning hours of Wednesday, September 25th. Stations in and around Eastsound reported up to 2.2 inches of rain over a two-hour period. Widespread minor
Letter to the Editor: Congress Must Act Quickly to Restore the Voting Rights Act
As the summer heat began to build in Washington DC, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a much anticipated decision which gutted key components of the monumental Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. The decision in the case of Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder erased fundamental protections against racial discrimination in
Environmental Group Names Ranker Legislator of the Year
State Democrats announce Ranker honor. Washington Conservation Voters, the political voice for the environment, today awarded State Senator Kevin Ranker (D-40) its highest honor by naming him the 2013 “Legislator of the Year.” Senator Ranker was bestowed this award for his outstanding leadership during and following the
Guest Column: How OPALCO Should Evolve
by Islands Energy Coalition Thanks to competent, committed staff and board leadership, OPALCO has emerged as a strong organization. In the 75 years since its inception, OPALCO has overcome incredible technical, financial and geographical challenges to expand electrical service to its members. The bedrock of OPALCO’s local success has been
