Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
Parents and kids form new playgroups
Salmonberry School on Orcas Island invites parents and their birth to 4/5 year old children to participate in two different kinds of parent/child gatherings. The first is a drop-in group which meets on Wednesdays, from 9-11 a.m., every week that Salmonberry School is in session. Mothers, fathers, caregivers and even
Journalism 101 for Orcas Issues Contributors
Be sure to let people know at the beginning that you’re writing an article for public posting. Double-check that it’s okay to publish contact information, like phone numbers, addresses or emails. Some quick and easy (if you practice a lifetime) tips on writing for journalists.
The week ahead Jan. 12-18: Ferries, 4-H and Pudd'n Head Wilson
4-H starts up on Orcas Island, led once again by Kathy Morris. The informational meeting is at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12 at the Orcas Christian School cafeteria. Sometimes island life doesn’t seem that rural, but for introducing our kids to the outdoors and animals and their other
Ferry chat: Desperation leads to abuse
Orcas Islander Suzan Chamberlayne recently published the following letter. On an interisland ferry commute, Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Director Marta Nielson and others discussed the content of the letter. These opinions and discussions are what Bullwings: Orcas Issues finds valuable for publication to the Orcas Island community. We welcome the
More affordable housing off North Beach Road soon
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, the county Hearing Examiner found nothing objectionable in an affordable housing development on Shady Lane, according to Orcas Islander John Campbell. The binding site plan for six family homes, proposed by the non-profit organization, Homes For Islanders (HFI), was reviewed by the Hearing Examiner in 12
Whence came the wet weather
These lenticular clouds, spotted over Mt. Rainier last Friday, Jan. 2, are harbingers of wet, rainy weather such as we've experienced the past week. Photos by Scott Sisek.
Affordable “workforce” housing – possibility or illusion?
San Juan County Senior Planner Colin Maycock came to Orcas Island on Jan. 6 to present his version of the Housing Needs Assessment, and to hear public input on revising it, before presentation to the Planning Commission on Jan. 16. Following that meeting, there will be future public hearings before
Environmental Center at Moran Park closing means less revenue
On December 19, 2008, Linda Sheridan of the Environmental Learning Center at Moran State Park, wrote the following:"I wanted to give you an update about Moran Outdoor School, Moran State Park, and the Washington State Parks budget plan .... On December 18th the Governor sent out her budget proposal for
Noxious Weed Control charge increased
By Stan Matthews, County Communications Program ManagerIn a special session Monday, Jan. 5, the San Juan County Council voted 4-2 to grant a three dollar per parcel increase in the Noxious Weed Control Levy, a flat charge on each parcel. The new annual levy will total $6.25 per parcel of
Gifts of the 12 Days of Christmas
As Christmas celebrations extend from expressions of spiritual faith to commercial excess, and as the “New Reality” of uncertain income and finances spreads across the land, even to Orcas Island, the spirit of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is still upon us. Not so much about lords-a-leaping or swans-a-swimming, The
Freedom of speech seen in Anacortes
Freedom of speech means freedom from fear when differing points of view are expressed. We haven't seen protest marches in the streets in quite a while, but in Anacortes, the turnoff corner to the ferry often is populated by war protesters, troop supporters, and government protestors. This is what the
New Year – New Writing – Poetry Jan.6 and Roundtable Jan. 10
Start a new habit with the enjoyment of poetry - spontaneous bursts of thought and emotion that can be refined or not. JoEllen Moldoff leads the class through appreciation and exploration in poetry, starting with recognized poets and including participants in her classes.Beginning this week: Three Tuesdays of Poetry for
The week ahead Jan. 5 – 10
Beginning Monday, it's back to normal with meetings and hearings:Monday, Jan. 5Special County Council Meeting from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor. The public hearing and discussion items will include: An Ordinance Amending the San Juan County Code to Increase the Noxious
Post Office glitch holds mail since September
Back in September, my regular statement from two credit card companies, plus my oil bill, never showed up in my post office box. When I got assessed a late fee in my October billing, I called the credit card companies, who said they’d mailed the bills three weeks prior to
You said it! Orcas quotes in 2008
January“Our first interest is for public safety and preservation of the land.” Chris Guidotti, Moran State Park Manager on the trails being constructed by extreme bike riders.“To be a resident on Orcas is to immediately become part of island past, present and future.” Historical Society President Margot Shaw.“I’d like to
Big stories of 2008
2008 – for just one little year, it was a doozie!Maintaining the level of service of San Juans’ route ferries was an ongoing challenge, with the “Steel electrics” pulled from service, and the FAC chastised for failing to announce their meeting. Chair Alex MacLeod was fired by the Council midst
