Opinion: Orcas Rec — Our Kids, Our Community
A group of Orcas Islanders concerned with the health and safety of our island kids and maintaining our vibrant community have begun an initiative to create “Orcas Rec”, a Parks and Recreation District on Orcas Island. We hope you will sign our Petition at the Farmers Market and other places
Henrickson leaves County Planning as Government Reorganizes
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Administrator Pete Rose announced Wednesday, July 8, that the Director of Community Development and Planning Department (CDPD), Ron Henrickson, has left the County’s staff in a departmental reorganization which will move elements of CDPD into the County Administration and the
Eastsound Village Green Users asked to Pack out Their Trash
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Trash receptacles will be removed this week at Eastsound Village Green to cut costs and compensate for sagging park use revenues. “We expect our use fees from the Farmer’s Market will be $2500 less than last year and we’ve lost a couple of
State Ferries' Long-Range Plan finalized
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division Assistant Secretary David Moseley recently announced that the Final Long-Range Plan for Ferries has been completed and is available on the web at wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358 In a statement issued June 30, Moseley said, "The Plan guides WSF services and investments for the next
Deer Harbor Community Saves Local Post Office
In a blitzkrieg effort, the Deer Harbor community has rallied to the cause to purchase the Deer Harbor Post Office building in order to renew its lease with the US Postal Service. Erik Smith, owner of Cayou Quay Marina and a member of the Deer Harbor Community Club
Council names Ingrid Gabriel new clerk
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Ingrid Gabriel starts work as the new San Juan County Council Clerk on Monday, returning to Friday Harbor after spending four years in Texas and obtaining her Masters degree in Legal Studies from Texas State University in San Marcos Texas. Gabriel
Orcas Rec to bring art and music classes to a neighborhood near you this summer
Beginning next week, the Orcas Recreation Program begins art and music classes to Orcas Island kids and visitors -- and adults are welcome to attend too! On July 13, artist Cheryl Jackson will be offering "You Can Make It!" art classes at the public school cafeteria for three consecutive Mondays
Dakota voted first-ever Mayor of Eastsound
In a come-from-behind race, Dakota, the Great Dane from Aesthetica, was elected Mayor of Eastsound, a fund-raising campaign conducted for the benefit of Children's House. Children's House Board President Dale Heisinger said, "Although Dakota is mayor, the real winner were the children of Orcas Island. The campaign generated $9,685, close
Letter from Iraq: Adam Fohrman writes home
Adam Fohrman is working for a private contractor in Iraq. He wrote home in the following letter on June 17: Hi everyone... been a long time since I've written. Time here has way of flying by... I spent 6 weeks at camp Liberty in Baghdad... it was awful. We spent
A Tale of Two Cryptologists: Dave Richardson publishes book of Orcas pioneer
Dave Richardson prefaces his new book, Shamrocks on the Tanana: Richard Geoghegan’s Alaska, saying, “When I was a small boy growing up in Friday Harbor, Washington, I loved to visit the little country newspaper shop with its clutter and clamor, and those delicious old-time smells of printer’s
County Council to meet early Tuesday Morning
The San Juan County Council has canceled its regular Monday Morning worksession and declared its Tuesday Session to be a "Special Session" so that it could get underway earlier than usual.It will begin its meeting on Tuesday, July 7 at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers in Friday Harbor. The Council
Orcas Island Library Volunteer Appreciation Week coming July 13-18
By Kathy Stribling The Orcas Island Public Library is choosing the week of July 13-18 to honor our many volunteers. Currently we have over 40 islanders of all ages and walks of life assisting the staff. Our volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks, including gardening, building maintenance, cataloging new
You Tube video contest to promote San Juans
A video contest managed by sanjuanislandsTV.com will give islanders and visitors alike the chance to wine more than $6,000 in prizes. The San Juan Islands Vacation Video Contest is open to videos made from time spent in the San Juans from January 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009. “People already
Dragonfly Garden presents Women's Wellness Retreat
A Women's Wellness Retreat with Joleen Kelleher will come to Janice Richardson's Dragonfly Garden in Deer Harbor the weekend of July 24, 25, 26. The retreat is entitled, "Intentionally Living the Life You Love - The Process of Waking Up." Kelleher has presented talks and workshops for the Saturday Sunrise
A Picturesque Fourth
All photos by Gail Johannes
Funhouse Sponsors Summer Indie Rock Show!
Correction: By Zach Lefton The Odd Fellows Hall will be rocking on July 11 at 8:30 p.m. when Princeton, a Los Angeles-based countrified indie rock band, and Orcas’ own Blue Tarp turn their amps to eleven and launch an ALL AGES benefit show for The Funhouse! Princeton, comprised
