Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
Orcas High School Wins Bronze Award in National Report
Orcas Island High School was again named as one of the country's top High Schools in US New and World report. The public high school received a bronze award this year. From the Report, "U.S. News ranks America's Best High Schools for third consecutive year" One major challenge all of
Soup & Chili Supper Served before Wednesday Performance of "A Christmas Carol"
The Orcas Center Board of Trustees offers a Holiday Soup & Chili Supper one night only, on Wednesday, December 16 beginning at 5:30 pm. The Soup & Chili Supper will be served in the Madrona Room prior to the opening night performance of A Christmas Carol, which benefits The Funhouse.
Guest Opinion: Orcas Rec Needs a Swimming Santa
By Linda Sheridan Orcas Rec Coordinator As our last week of swimming lessons finish up it is my job to decide if Orcas Rec can afford to host another session of lessons. Although we have a waiting list of children who want to take lessons, we struggle with the cost
Workshop Seeks Input to Set School Bond Terms
A workshop will take place next Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15 for the final planning stages of the upcoming school bond, which Orcas Islanders will vote on next February. Late in October, the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board selected Mahlum Architects to oversee the [intlink id="school-architects-meet-the-public-on-orcas-this-week" type="post"]building project[/intlink]. OISD Superintendent
County Health Officials: Get H1N1 Vaccinations Immediately
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Health officials report that the available supply of H1N1 vaccine is improving and urge all residents with chronic health conditions, regardless of age, to get a H1N1 flu vaccination as soon as possible. Shortages of vaccine have forced health officials
Trumpeter Swans Return for Winter
The Trumpeter swans, such as those pictured this week on Orcas Island, were hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers. Now they return to the Northwest from November to April in estauries and fields. Other flocks may be seen on Fir Island near Conway and at the Johnson
Letter to the Editor: Thanks Santa! and your Missus!
We’d like to send a special thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus for another wonderful holiday season! The two jolly friends visited the Children’s House Annual Holiday party on December 9 and made many children very happy.Santa and Mrs. Claus distributed wooden cars (thanks also to Orcas Kiwanis!), stuffed animals,
Choral Society Winter Concert Tickets Selling Fast
The Orcas Choral Society's Winter Concert, "The Joyous Sounds of Christmas" will be the last Christmas concert prepared under the direction of its Founder and Conductor Catherine Pederson. The Choral Society will sing a variety of holiday, seasonal and sacred music, with guest appearances by Charly Robinson, Robin
President Obama's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
Ordinarily, OrcasIssues concentrates on local news, view and issues only.But it is rare and historic in our lifetime that an American President receives the Nobel Peace Prize, initiated by the Norwegian inventor of dyanmite. Here is an excerpt from his speech, given yesterday in Oslo, Norway. I receive this honor
Hancock to Serve in Linde's Stead as County Judge
From Washington Supreme Court release Due to the death of Judge John Linde, the Washington Supreme Court has appointed Judge Alan Hancock of the Island County Superior Court to perform judicial duties in San Juan Superior Court, pursuant to Article IV Section 2(a) of the Constitution of the State of
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Recognizes San Juan County with Landmark Deeds Award
From news release On December 8th, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation announced San Juan County as one of six counties receiving the organization’s fifth annual Landmark Deeds Award for Public Service. The awards are presented annually to public figures demonstrating leadership on issues related to preserving and retaining Washington’s
Letter to the Editor: PTSA Book Fair/Reading Night Success
In these times of chronic state underfunding of our public schools, especially including our school libraries, we here on Orcas have yet another example of how fortunate we are to live in such a caring community. On December 3rd, the PTSA sponsored its third annual Family Reading Night at the
Letter to the Editor: Land Bank Thanks Volunteers
To the Editor: On behalf of the Land Bank Commission I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have helped to make this a year of accomplishment for the San Juan County Land Bank. With reduced revenues from excise taxes levied on the purchase of
OPALCO to Use Settlement Funds in Project PAL Assistance
Last week, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative received $24,495 from the Washington State Attorney General's Office as a part of a $9 million settlement reached with Enron in 2005. The funds are targeted for programs that benefit customers who were gouged by the manufactured energy crisis of 2000-2001, the AG's
Music Legend Willie Thomas starts “Jazz Experience” at the Funhouse
An early-start program designed to introduce jazz fun and fundamentals to children between the ages of 7-10 will be starting in January at the Funhouse. Local Jazz Legend Willie Thomas is the instigator behind this program, and he has been working with Orcas School Music teachers Lizz Hanks
Historical Society Resolution Honors Three Philanthropists at Annual Dinner
At the Orcas Island Historical Society's Annual Dinner on Dec. 7, three community philanthropists, "who came forward when we needed it," said retiring President Tom Welch, were honored with lifetime memberships in the Historical Society, a brick on the Historical Museum's entrance walkway, and a resolution from the
