Here’s a thought…
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Newest COVID numbers from State Health Dept.
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 1,825,852 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 11. There have been 14,353 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit
‘Occam’s Razor’ | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Welcome to our weekly feature, Occam's Razor, from local artist S.C. Watson.
It’s back! Whale of a Show – A tradition of talent and “triumphant joy”
Whale of a Show returns to the Orcas Center Main Stage October 22-23 ||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| This October, there will be a flurry of activity behind the thick velvet curtains on Center Stage at Orcas Center. Children will be tuning their instruments, doing last-minute rehearsals
Compass Health announces $14 Million capital campaign to build state-of-the-art regional behavioral health facility
||| FROM CONNOR FLYNN for COMPASS HEALTH ||| EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 13, 2022– Compass Health is building the future of behavioral health care in the region and community members have an integral role to play. Today, the non-profit organization publicly launched It’s Time: The Campaign for Compass Health, a $14 million capital
In Memoriam | Marilyn McGuire, 1936 – 2022
||| FROM TOM PEARCE ||| Marilyn McGuire, 1936-2022 Jane Marilyn McGuire, previously of Eastsound, WA, passed peacefully in Atlanta, Georgia under the Full Hunter Moon with her family by her side on October 9, 2022. Marilyn was a woman of exceptional beauty, humor, determination, and intellect who ultimately
State ferries hit home run with Seattle Mariners-inspired name changes
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ||| SEATTLE – Gov. Jay Inslee has directed that the names of all Washington State Ferries be temporarily changed to honor the Seattle Mariners. All 21 vessels in the fleet will be renamed starting Thursday, Oct. 13, after team players and personnel. The names will remain in
Wildfire smoke will likely linger across Washington into the weekend
||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ||| OLYMPIA – Wildfire smoke is sticking around several parts of Washington and forecasts show smoke will likely get worse before it gets better. Breathing in smoke is not good for anyone. Days of consistent smoke exposure can take a toll on your health, making it especially
Lopez’s Village Road temporarily closed
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Public Works announces the temporary closure of Village Road on Lopez Island. The section between Washburn and Eads Ln is closed today through next Thursday, October 20. The closure is a safety measure to protect the community and crews
Letter to Editor | Krebs’ commitment to community earns my vote
||| FROM CRAIG BAILEY ||| With the upcoming elections in November, I wanted to take some time now to talk about our Sheriff, Ron Krebs. I’ve known Ron since I moved to the Island in 2012 and have always been impressed with his commitment to our community. Whenever we’ve discussed what
It’s Medicare open enrollment time
||| FROM PEGI GROUNDWATER for SAN JUAN COUNTY SHIBA VOLUNTEERS ||| Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity each year, October 15 through December 7, to review their insurance coverage and make sure that their current plans will be the right ones for them in the coming year. Why review your Medicare
OCS clothing bank is returning
||| FROM KATHY ROOSMA for ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ||| Clothing Bank is returning this fall! After taking a break because of covid, Clothing Bank will be held at the Orcas Christian School gym on Saturday, October 29 from 2-5 p.m. and on Sunday, October 30 from 10:30-5 p.m. This is
Letter to Editor | OI Booster volunteers helped make homecoming memorable
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND BOOSTER BOARD ||| The Orcas Island Booster Club recognizes those who helped make this year's Homecoming festivities successful and fun. We understand the power of traditions and Homecoming is a big one! We are so thankful to have dedicated community members who volunteer their time every
OICMF Musician-in-Residence Monique Mead Oct. 17-21
||| FROM LINDA SLONE for ORCAS ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL ||| Monique Mead Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is thrilled to welcome violinist and educator Monique Mead back to Orcas beginning Monday, October 17, as Musician-in-Residence for five exciting days of ensemble coaching, private and public music mentorship,
OIHCD releases draft of strategic plan for comment
||| FROM TOM EVERSOLE for ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) promotes the health of the Orcas community by funding island-appropriate facilities, services and staff. It works as a catalyst bringing together all health care stakeholders to support a community approach to care that
Letter to Editor | Rank Choice Voting: A really bad idea
||| FROM PAUL DOSSETT ||| Rank choice voting changes the traditional democratic principle that the candidate with the most votes wins. Under RCV, the ballot lets the voter choose multiple names in order of preference. If no candidate wins a majority, the bottom contender is eliminated and that person’s votes
Port Commission meeting to evaluate employment candidates
||| FROM JEANNIE SHARPE for PORT OF ORCAS ||| Topic: Special Meeting-Airport Manager Time: Oct 10, 2022 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) This Meeting will be on Zoom and in person at the airport terminal. When Executive Session starts participants will be asked to wait in lobby. CALL
