Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Letter to Editor | Greg Ayers has my endorsement for Port
-- from Rex Chadwell -- I endorse Greg Ayers for Port Commissioner. Our airport and other ports are a vital part of our island community. Ayers brings to the table a lifetime of experience, both in knowledge and hands-on experience, which is a rare combination. One can look to his
Your ultimate guide to Orcas Center’s Rocky Horror Show
October 31 - November 9, Orcas Center -- from Bethany Marie for Orcas Center -- The Rocky Horror Show is the only true audience partici-(SAY IT!)-pation show. People yell back lines at the stage, dress up in costume, sing and dance in the seats, and throw props at various times
County explains new assessed values and levy rates
-- from San Juan County Communications -- Assessed values are higher this year for many properties, but higher assessed values do not necessarily mean an equal increase in taxes. Taxing districts are limited to a 1% increase in their budgets, with some exceptions, so higher assessed values usually result in
Vacation rental working group enters action phase
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter -- At Wednesday night’s public meeting of the Vacation Rentals Working Group, chair Yonatan Aldort announced that representatives will attend the November 5 County Council meeting and recommend that the Council establish an immediate county wide moratorium on issuing vacation rental permits. This
Health District: 2020 budget draft, FQHC designation, LifeWise presentation
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- A long meeting on October 15 offered a lot of information for the commissioners of the Orcas Island Health Care District. The meeting began with a telephone discussion with consultants concerning the advantages of Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike status, and
Preservation Trust director tapped for elite group
-- from Craig Canine for San Juan Preservation Trust -- Angela Anderson, Executive Director of the San Juan Preservation Trust, has been tapped to join the Land Trust Leadership Council, an elite group of nationally recognized leaders in the land trust field. “As an exceptional land trust executive director, you
Letter to Editor | Guimond is faithful, rational
-- from Walt Corbin -- It is a fault in our society that most of us don’t get involved with local issues unless we perceived we are getting gored. Adding to that is the fact, many are just stressed out making a living. But we need citizens to act as
Emmanuel’s Halloween labyrinth walk tradition continues
Thursday, October 31, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Church -- from Karen Blinn for Emmanuel Episcopal Church -- All children 1-100 years are invited to walk the pumpkin-lined labyrinth to reach the Great Pumpkin at the center where they will receive a pumpkin stamp on their hands and are
World’s best performers come to Orcas Center screen
November 2 - 3 & 8 - 9, Orcas Center -- from Bethany Marie for Orcas Center -- This November’s on-screen lineup at Orcas Center includes a host of offerings from The Metropolitan Opera, Stratford Theatre, and National Theatre Live. Filmed live in HD, these on-screen events feature a diverse
Letter to Editor | We need to take a look at these new ESWD assessments
-- from Becky Flint -- Those of us that grew up in Eastsound when there were open sewer ditches that ran to the beaches have an extra respect and appreciation for the Eastsound Sewer & Water District (ESWD) although I am sure the folks that currently live, work and visit
Water system operators near course completion
-- from Paul Kamin for Eastsound Water Users Association -- There is a shortage of water system operators nationwide as a large number of today’s operators are nearing retirement age. Orcas Island is certainly experiencing this shortage. Eastsound Water has attempted to address this issue by offering a free training
Donations welcome as Olga Store approaches Nov. 30 deadline
-- from Friends of the Olga Store -- https://vimeo.com/366659792 At this point, we have raised over half of the funds needed to buy and renovate The Olga Store! We have from now through November 30 to match a generous $200,000 Grant! Every dollar you PLEDGE will be matched, and once
Results from summer reading program show successes
-- from Tom Owens -- The Early Reading Intervention Project (ERIP), created and taught by Orcas Island Elementary School (OIES) and funded by community donations was completed in August. Our goal was to eliminate the usual summer reading skills loss most children see over the summer. The measure we used
Great fun predicted at Community Church Fall Carnival
Thursday, October 31, 5 - 7 p.m., Orcas Community Church -- from Stephanie Moss for Orcas Island Community Church -- Orcas Community Church Fall Carnival The community church will be hosting its annual Fall Carnival on Thursday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m. Children and adults are all welcome, and costumes are encouraged.
Port candidates answer two Orcas Issues questions
-- by Lin McNulty, Managing Editor -- Over the past weekend, Orcas Issues asked the Port Commission candidates to answer two quick questions for publication: Why the Port Commission? and Why You? Following are the responses we received (in no particular order) with a deadline of Tuesday for publication. Michael
Adult art students will exhibit their lifetime of learning
Friday, November 1, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Kathleen Youngren -- The November art exhibit at Orcas Center will give Islanders a chance to witness the opportunities available on the Island for adults to study art. Five accomplished Orcas artists, who share their talents through their teachings,
