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
Point Blank Students Join “Draw the Line” Campaign
By Julie Pinardi The passage of Initiative 1183 that privatizes the sale of spirits will result in many new stores selling hard liquor. This change provides an opportunity to involve local stores in reducing alcohol advertising and its availability to young people. As the advisor of the high school leadership
Winners All at Kaleidoscope Pet Parade
By Margie Doyle The warmest, certainly the furriest, parade in Orcas Island's parade-filled calendar is the annual Kaleidoscope Pet Parade, held today under bright skies. Almost as many spectators as parade entrants filled North Beach Road today as the line-up of dogs, cats, chickens, goats, ponies and
A Way Forward: Builders Prompt School Levy/Bond Discussion
At the May 24 Orcas Island School District (OISD) Board meeting, the ongoing situation of maintaining middle school buildings (the 1980s buildings) was again scrutinized by the board as they considered community support for bonds and levies. Following two bond defeats to rebuild OISD structures, community members came together to
Community Band Brings European Marches & Big Band Classics to Orcas Audiences
By Moana Kutsche The Orcas Island Community Band will present its spring concert on Saturday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Orcas Center. The program will feature lively American dance arrangements, and movie and big band classics. In a departure from its traditional Sousa selections, the Band will play several
OICF Annual Grants Award over $100,000 to Island Non-Profits
Youth Grant Awarded to Island Medical Collaboration The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) Grant Awards Ceremony again distributed over $100,000 in grant funds to 24 island non-profit ; the awards included a new OICF Focus Area Investment Grant of $14,000 to increase access to physical, mental and dental health care,
The Homestead Tour Serves Up History and “How-to” along with Beauty
June 23 and 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. By Sue Lewis The Orcas Island Garden Club has raised the bar for this year’s garden tour by including lectures on island history and horticultural “how-to.” At George Orser’s Orcas Farm, homesteaded in 1882 and still a working farm,
Rainwater Catchment Will Reduce Watering Costs at School Garden
A rainwater catchment system for the expanded school garden which would be located next to the Orcas Island School District Office building was proposed to the school board by Madie Murray of Farm to Cafeteria, and was unanimously approved at the District board meeting last night, May 24. The proposal is for a
Lots of Low-tide Days Call to Community Scientists
From the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory Coming up: Indian Island Marine Health Observatory (IMHO) Field Research Days, Join local scientists and community volunteers at Eastsound ‘s Waterfront Park in conducting surveys of fish and inter-tidal creatures on low tide days during the spring and summer. The next
This Weekend: the Infinite Variety of Orcas Events
Friday, May 25 Spring Shredding Event from Noon – 4 pm @ Islanders Bank Parking Lot. Paper documents will be destroyed for FREE. Watch as it is shredded live by our secure vendor CINTAS. Sponsored by Islanders Bank’s Relay For Life Team. Donations are gladly accepted. Orcas Museum Season Opening
Friday Morning Ferry to Islands Full — Heavy Holiday Weekend Expected
From Washington State Ferries As of 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, the Anacortes/San Juan Islands/Sidney BC sailing at 8:30 a.m. is full. Customers are advised to plan for heavy traffic and long wait times during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. For Friday, May 25, expect high traffic volumes from
Guest Column: OPALCO Reviews Goals of Broadband Initiative
By Foster Hildreth, Assistant General Manager Orcas Power & Light Cooperative We want to thank everyone who attended the five community forums we recently held in partnership with the San Juan County Economic Development Council on Orcas, Shaw, Lopez, and San Juan Island to discuss the countywide broadband initiative. As
Observe World Oceans Day (early) with “The Celtic Mass for the Sea”
Celebration of The Celtic Mass for the Sea, a choral piece performed in the past by the Orcas Choral Society on Orcas Island and elsewhere, is planned for June 2 as an observance of "World Oceans Day." This observance of the modern choral work will be by singers who have
Council Salutes Administrator Pete Rose
By Stan Matthews County Website and Communications Manager Donald “Pete” Rose was honored for his service to San Juan County yesterday, Tuesday, May 22, at his last Council meeting as County Administrator. After six years as Administrator here, Rose is leaving to become City Administrator of Lake Forest
Jacqueline Kempfer Paintings at the Artworks
The Orcas Island Artworks features miniature landscapes in oil by Jacqueline Kempfer through the month of June. A professional painter for more than twenty years, Jackie has been developing her miniature painting techniques since 2008. She refers to these works as “little gems” reflecting the beauty of nature
Orcas’ Marta Branch and Michael Budnick Among Good Stewards Receiving Recognition in County
Sunday, May 27 from 12-3 p.m. at the Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island From the Stewardship Network of the San Juans Six islanders and one local group have received awards for their environmental leadership from the Stewardship Network of the San Juans this past week. The Stewardship
The Joy of Student Art — a Highlight of OIEF’s “Picnic and Barbeque by the Sea”
By Madie Murray When kids are left to their imagination -- nudged by a little help from a professional -- some of the most delightful creations occur. “Party Birds by the Sea” created by Mathew Chasanoff’s Kindergarten students for the Food for Thought Benefit this Saturday night is
