Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
Grim Budget Picture from State Ferry Chief
By Lance Evans, Executive Director, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce The financial picture for the Washington State Ferry (WSF) system is not good, and Governor Gregoire's budget (due today) may make matters worse. That was the takeaway from the presentation by WSF Chief David Moseley, speaking last evening before the
Letter to the Editor: The Lions Christmas Ship Return
The Orcas Island Lions would like to thank all of our sponsors that contributed to the return of the Lions International Christmas Ship. A special thanks to the all the crew on the Victoria Express, owned by San Juan Cruises of Fairhaven, Washington, and the Lions from District H and
Community Band’s Concert Saturday Celebrates Season of Giving
By Karen Speck Saturday, December 18 at 2 p.m. at Orcas Center a wonderful event takes place. It is the Orcas Island Community Band’s “The Holidays Are Here” concert. The Band feels music is for everyone and no one should be turned away due to finances. The concert
Noneman Selected to Port Commission
The commissioners of the Port of Orcas wish to announce that after interviews during the regular public meeting of December 9, an Executive Session to discuss the qualifications of each candidate, and voting during open public session, they have selected Dave Noneman to fill a one-year term for Commissioner Position
Donor Underwrites Bilingual Library for Orcas Montessori Students
Orcas Montessori School recently received an anonymous grant to support burgeoning literacy among the school’s students. The $550 donation was used to establish a library of 58 books written in both English and Spanish, allowing children to hear books in their native tongue while they broaden their exposure
Doe Bay Plans New Year’s Eve Festivities
From Doe Bay Cafe Come ring in 2011 at Doe Bay! There will be regular dinner service from 5-9 p.m., and cocktails and a small plate menu from 9-midnight. The $10 cover includes live music and a free champagne toast at the stroke of the new year! The
Mal Gross, Orcas Aviator, Dies at 77
Contributed by Bea von Tobel Written by Emma Brown Malvern J. Gross Jr.. an accounting executive and small-plane pilot who set at least two world flight records before serving as president of the National Aviation Association, died Dec. 5 at his home in East Windsor, N.J. He was 77 and
Workshops, Sneak Peeks and Reminder Ribbons This Week
Monday, Dec. 13 Mt. Baker Road & Trail Improvement Project Open House, 4 to 6:45 p.m. at the Easound Fire Hall. Project progress, show road and trail design details, share right-of-way and cost information, and answer questions. Construction of the Mount Baker Road and Trail Improvement project is scheduled for
Community Sing Along to Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 21
Everyone is invited to a community sing along of Handel's "Messiah" on Tuesday evening December 21 at 6:15 p.m. in the Community Church. A small group of your neighbors wanted to sing the "Messiah" this season in an informal group setting and has organized a Messiah sing-along open to the
State Cuts $588 Million from Current Budget in Special Session
By Chris Grygiel From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer [In a special session of the State Legislature last Saturday, state representatives] addressed $588 million of the $1.1 billion deficit. The cuts they did make - including $50 million from public schools, $51 million from higher education, $28 million from the health insurance
Ranker Votes Against Cuts to Public Service at Special Session
By Senator Kevin Ranker Today [Saturday, Dec. 11] was the first of several incredibly difficult days that we will face in the coming months. I fully recognize that we face many hard choices, but we have an obligation to bring the budget back into balance. I further recognize that
This Year’s Flu Vaccine “An Excellent Match”
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Health Department is re-emphasizing its call for all County residents to get flu vaccinations soon – and it is asking for a special effort to get young children, ages 6 months to 35 months vaccinated. In the U.S. last
McLachlan Bench Dedicated at Deer Harbor
Orcas Island Pioneer Family Honored Contributed by Clay Parsons On Sunday afternoon, December 12th, a six-foot long, custom designed cedar bench was officially dedicated by the Deer Harbor Community Club in honor of the many contributions to the community of long-time residents Clarena and Cal McLachlan. When it
Point Blank Gives Out “Reminder” Ribbons
The students from Point Blank, a high school prevention leadership club, will again be at Island Market next weekend, December 18th and 19th to pass out Red Ribbons with a message to "Have a Safe and Happy Holidays". This is the club's way of reaching out to the community with
Celebrate with JP and the OK Rhythm Boys
Contributed by Anita Orne Come join JP and the OK Rhythm Boys for a celebration of local music, including the release of their new CD "JP and the OK Rhythm Boys Don't Sing (much)" on Saturday, December 18, from 2-4 pm at Darvill's Bookstore. The CD features the
There’s Going to be FIRE in the School Cafeteria!
Fire Smokehouse and Grill, that is! Everett Brooks, chef and co-owner of Fire will be the next Celebrity Chef in the school cafeteria on Thursday, December 16 applying his signature flavors and culinary secrets into the school lunch menu consisting of BBQ chicken sandwiches, Fire’s famous 3-cheese macaroni,
