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
OPALCO’s “More” Program Pays Dividends to Local Renewable Generators
From OPALCO Earlier this year, a volunteer group of OPALCO members built a new green power program in support of local renewable energy—electricity generated by our fellow co-op members and interconnected to OPALCO’s distribution system. OPALCO members contribute to the MORE (Member Owned Renewable Energy) Program with voluntary donations on
Doe Bay Dinner on Oct. 21 to Benefit Funhouse/Commons
"If one is seeking a great meal, at a great restaurant, for a great cause, then this dinner cannot not be missed." That was the comment of Tad Sommerville following last year's Benefit Dinner for the Funhouse/Commons at Doe Bay Cafe. This year the "sumptuous" four-course dinner, prepared by Chef
Letter to the Editor: Thanks to Many for “Leaves of Gold”
Find here a small thank you note for a hugely successful 3rd Annual Leaves of Gold Concert. This annual fundraising concert helps to support the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s artistic leadership as well as music education in the schools and community. Violinist Chee-Yun and pianist Andrew Staupe
Airport, like Ferry Landing, Now Has Webcam
Orcas Port District now has a camera installed which shows the airport from four different directions. Port Manager Bea vonTobel recently announced, "You can tune in now, bookmark the page, and use it to fly more safely to and from ORS [Orcas Airport]." The camera was funded by
Council Adopts Resolution Explaining Solid Waste Charge
By Stan Matthews County Website and Communications Manager At its October 11th meeting, the San Juan County Council devoted more than four hours to defining the issues surrounding the Solid Waste Charge proposal it placed on the November 8th ballot, and incorporating them into a resolution to inform voters.The resolution
Watch the Ballot Tabulating Equipment Put to the Test
October 26 at 10:30 a.m. in Friday Harbor A “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used in San Juan County is scheduled for October 26. The test works by tallying the results of a prepared set of ballots to see if the results match the votes cast. The test
Celebration of Life for Allan Spaulding Oct. 22 at Rosario’s Discovery House
Allan passed away peacefully on Sept. 22 at his home in Mt. Vernon with loved ones at his side. He was born in Seattle in 1948 to MaryAnne and Oliver Spaulding. He grew up on Lake Sammamish and spent a lot of time on the water sailing and waterskiing with
Trick-or-Treat for Books at the Public Library
By Nita Couchman Kids and parents are invited to stop by the meeting room at the Orcas Island Public Library for a chance to show off their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat for a book on Monday, October 31st from 3 to 5 p.m. Come in and pick out
Letter to the Editor: Waste Parcel Fee is Responsible and Fair
Dear Editor: I'm voting "yes" on the solid waste parcel user charge. The fee is fair and it assures that we control our solid waste system. To charge an annual user charge and also reduce the per-container "tipping" fee so that the total income is limited to the amount necessary
Guest Opinion: Reduce/Reuse/Recycle on the Islands
By Helen Venada Whether voters in the Islands decide on Plan A (parcel-based solid waste user charge) or Plan B (route collection), I hope we don’t lose sight of the over-arching goal to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill! We’re fortunate to be living in such a
Fire Dept. Will Start Search for New Chief with Vision Statement
Approach for new chief to be outlined in document at Oct. 25 meeting By Ken Brown The Board of Fire Commissioner for the Orcas Island District is involved with a new strategic plan. Three committees have been working on a vision for communication, finance and procedures and policies. The
The Week Ahead: Get Out and About in the Sunshine
Tuesday, October 18 County Council Videoconference for Public Access and CAO Hearing, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orcas Public Library on Rose Street in Eastsound. 376-4985. Orcas Speaks Toastmaster Looking to improve your speaking and leadership skills? Consider Orcas Speaks Toastmaster Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the
Letter to the Editor: Land and Discourse Give Value to Orcas
Editor/BullWings Readers, My wife and I are relative newcomers to Orcas Island. We purchased our property on the East side about 10 years ago, and built a vacation abode which recently became our primary residence. One of the main reasons for selecting Orcas as our home was the beauty of
Rena Patty Steps Down as Chair of San Juan County Democrats
By Sharon Abreu Endorsements Announced At the San Juan County Democratic Central Committee quarterly meeting on October 8, 2011, Rena Patty (Orcas) stepped down as Chair and 40th Legislative District Vice Chair, having served five years combined between her roles as the San Juan County Democratic Party Chair, Legislative District
Occupy the World: in Eastsound
Saturday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. at the Village Green By Morgan Meadows The public is invited to a one hour peaceful assembly in support of the Occupy Wall Street participants and similar events taking place nationally on Saturday, October 22, at 4 p.m. at the Eastsound Village Green, in
Guest Opinion: Solid Waste Considerations
By Joe Cohen First I wish to thank Patty Miller and Richard Fralick for their collective work on this issue. It is complex and for most of us confusing. Let’s not forget the great attention to detail and pure energy our two elected (Orcas) officials are contributing in our
