Here’s a thought…
“If you don’t vote you don’t exist. It is the only place where we’re all equal, the voting booth.”
GLORIA STEINEM
Orcas Park and Rec Strives to Standardize Operations
Orcas Park and Rec, a taxing district, was formed with Orcas voter approval in 2010 By Ken Brown At their regular July 12 meeting, the Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District (OIPRD) knuckled down to four significant issues in running the facilities and programs agency: how to handle existing
Letter to the Editor: Happy Birthday, Dan Kenney
Well Dan, you made it to 90 years old as you predicted when that loving, happy, friendly canine Buddy arrived in your life ten years ago. I remember that you said it to me in a grumpy way! He sure did perk you up Dan and we loved him for
OPAL Recognized for Exceptional Board Leadership
Allen Smith, OPAL Board President, with Wally Gudgell, recipient of the winner of the "Peter Fisher Award for dedication to the cause of fair housing on Orcas Island," OPAL Community award, in May 2011. Smith will accompany OPAL Executive Director Lisa Byers to the BoardSource Leadership Forum on Sept.
Interested in Marine Technology? Apply for Scholarships Now!
By Margie Doyle Thanks to the San Juan County Economic Development Council, scholarships in career change and advancement are available to eight motivated persons. Recent high school graduates and those workers looking for a career change are encouraged to apply for eight (8) full scholarships to Skagit Valley College's Center
Letter to the Editor: Mayor Murphy’s Election Benefits Children’s House
I'm Murphy, the new Honorary Mayor of Eastsound and I'm excited about my new position serving the Orcas Island Community. First, I want to thank April for her "outstanding" job as mayor and I wish her well in her retirement. In addition, I want to thank all of the candidates
County-wide Power Failure after Friday the 13th Thunderstorms
Summer lightening, July 13, Orcas Island. Photo courtesy of Patty Pirnack-Hamilton After molar-rattling thunderstorms and intermittent power outages on Friday evening, July 13, OPALCO power and light cooperative reported at 9:18 p.m. that there was a county-wide outage caused by a mainland substation failure. Power was
Letter to the Editor: Rutledge Family Benefit Thanks You!
Thank you SO much to everyone who contributed to the Rutledge Family Benefit Auction at Rosario Resort. It was incredible to see the turn out and support for Peter and his family. From donors to bidders, islanders were unbelievably generous. What a special place to call home. We raised over
“Translating Rilke” at the Writer’s Roundtable
The Writer’s Roundtable, monthly writer's group, will meet July 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Orcas Island Public Library. The topic for this month will be "Translating Rilke" by John Friedmann. Rainer Maria Rilke, a Bohemian-Austrian poet writing in German and French, was born in Prague 136 years
Guest Column: Thunder Makes for a Scairdy-Dog Story
By Bea vonTobel Last night, or rather this morning, thunder and lightning started through the area, reminding me of summers growing up in Ohio. We had house guests, long-time family friends, who had come for their now-annual visit. When the boomers started around 1am, one cat took refuge next to
Letter to the Editor: Children’s House Thanks All Participants in Mayoral Election
Congratulations to our new Mayor Murphy, the Portuguese Water Dog! And a huge thanks to all of the supporters, candidates, voters and businesses that helped make the Children’s House 4th Annual Honorary Mayoral Race a success. Voters spent more than $3,500 in support of our Toddler and Preschool programs. The
Prosecuting Attorney Refutes “Service Level” Approach in Budget Crunch
By Randall Gaylord, San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney Following are the County Prosecutor Randall Gaylord’s remarks to the San Juan County Council on July 12, 2012, regarding reductions to the prosecutor’s budget: “Objections to a ‘Service Level’ Approach to the Prosecutor’s Budget.” At your request, in May I prepared
Gaylord Argues in Favor of Public Safety Tax
Following are the prepared remarks of San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney Randall Gaylord Presented to the San Juan County Council on July 10, 2012: “On the Public Safety Sales Tax and Early 2013 Budget Discussion” I support the public safety sales tax. There are three aspects of it that
Sunny Weekend Ahead: Aren’t We Lucky?
Friday, July 13 Show opening reception for Annual Crow Valley Potter's Fest from 4 to 7 pm at "The Cabin". Live music (classical guitar by Joe Miller! & tasty treats too! Varied works of 50 potters. Call 376-4260 & visit us at www.crowvalley.com Deer Harbor Community Potluck at the Community
OIFR Responds to Fire on Turtleback Mountain
By Kevin O'Brien On the morning of July 13, 2012 at 4:04 a.m., Orcas Island Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a fire on Turtleback Mountain following an electrical storm that passed over Orcas. On location, crews found a small smoldering fire located on the East side of
Chamber Music Festival at 15 Years: Partnership with Library Enhances Outdoor Concert
Jack Prelutsky, whimsical children's poet. Photo by Yuen Lui By Margie Doyle "Carnival of the Animals" highlighted with two pianos and children's poet at Chamber Music Festival's Concert on the Village Green The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is partnering with the public library to make sure the
Orcas Shuttle Bus Back
From the San Juan Scenic Byway Project Missed the bus? No time to pick up friends at the ferry? Too busy to give relatives the island tour? Arrived by private boat or airplane? Don’t worry! An Orcas shuttle bus is back this summer with a bonus: two travelers can ride
