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
Washington State Ferries recognizes Tillikum’s 60 years in service
-- by Ian Sterling, Washington State Ferries' communications -- The word Tillikum means “friends and relatives” in Chinook dialect, and on Wednesday, Feb. 27, friends of the ferry Tillikum, including crew, engineers and maintenance workers, unveiled commemorative emblems to recognize the ferry’s 60 years in service. Washington State Ferries Assistant
Port Commission Will Meet in Executive Session
Thursday, February 28, 4:30 p.m., Port Office -- from Anthony Simpson for Port of Orcas -- The commission will meet in executive session to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment AND to review the performance of a public employee for a time not to exceed ___ minutes
Health Care District Negotiations with UW Make Slow Progress
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- Negotiations on the contract between the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) and UW Neighborhood Clinics (UW) remain slow as a result of delays (thank you snow!), lack of clarity about specifics, and ongoing issues. At their Feb. 20 meeting, the OIHCD
Big Weekend Planned by Whale Museum: Gear Up Workshop, Hazwoper Training
“Gear Up” Workshop for Marine Naturalists on March 15, 2019 and a 2-Day (24 hour) Hazwoper Training on March 16 and 17, 2019 -- from The Whale Museum -- You are invited to join The Whale Museum for two special events in March: the “Gear Up” Workshop for marine naturalists
When Newspapers Close, the Cost of Government Goes Up
A first-of-its-kind study looks at how local news outlets shutting down impacts cities' and counties' finances. -- from Governing.com -- Mass layoffs and downsizing have decimated many newsrooms over the last two decades as the way people access their news has changed in the internet era. But new research shows that the
Orcas School Board Will Convene on Thursday
Thursday, February 28, 5 p.m., Orcas School Library -- from Orcas Island School District -- Orcas Island School District will convene in a regular meeting on Thursday, February 28, 5 p.m. in the School Library to address the following agenda items: PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Members of the community, parents, staff, administrators
Lecture Series: Garry Oak Prairie, a Unique Habitat
-- from Katherine Dietzman -- What are Garry Oaks and how do Garry Oak habitats support the ecology of the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest? Join experts from San Juan Island and beyond March 8,15, 22 and 29 at the San Juan Island Grange to learn about the
SJC Planning Commission Begins the Year by Discussing VRs, Agriculture, Pot Growing, and Tourism
-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter -- On February 15 the San Juan County Planning Commission met for the first time in four months and got right to it by extending Tim Blanchard’s position as Chair for another two years and approving the minutes from their October 2018 meeting.
Rep. Jeff Morris: Making Life Decisions More Affordable
How will you pay for long-term care? -- from Rep. Jeff Morris -- More than 10,000 people in the US turn 65 every day, according to the federal Department of Health and Human Services, and the department anticipates our elderly population will grow from 13 percent today to 20 percent
Let’s Talk About Race at Orcas Library
Wednesday, February 27, 6 p.m., Orcas Library -- from Mary Pugh for Orcas Library -- Racism thrives in silence. It’s when we stop talking to one another about our beliefs that prejudices go unchallenged, and the gap between us widens. Yet race is one of the most difficult topics to
Calling All Tree-Loving, Bunny-Hugging, Dirt Worshipers
-- from Amy Nesler for San Juan Island Visitors Bureau -- Don’t forget -- it’s award season here in the San Juans! The Oscars have nothing on the Finnies. Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! Since 2008, the Good
Last Week to Get Early Bird Tickets for April’s Lit Fest
-- from Paula Treneer for Orcas Island Lit Fest -- This is the last week you can benefit from early bird pricing for weekend passes to the Lit Fest, April 5-7. You'll get access to two days of amazing panel discussions and on-stage interviews with an incredible lineup of prize-winning
Guest Opinion | It’s Supposed To Be the Choice of OPALCO Members
-- from Alex MacLeod -- The decision last week by the OPALCO Board to disqualify Dwight Lewis’ board candidacy in the upcoming election stabs at the heart of what it means to be a cooperative. Dwight has lived on Lopez since 1974 and has more than 40 years of OPALCO
Orcas Women’s Coalition Will Celebrate International Women’s Day — You’re Invited
Friday, March 8, 4 p.m., Emmanuel Parish Hall -- from Cindy Wolf for Orcas Women's Coalition -- Orcas Women's Coalition is hosting an International Women's Day Celebration on Friday March 8 starting at 4 p.m. at the Emmanuel Parish Hall. Come check out what women in your community are doing
Monthly Orcas Veggie Potlucks Continue
First Sundays, Mar 3 and Apr 7, 6 p.m., Odd Fellows First Sundays, Mar 3 and Apr 7, 6 p.m., Odd Fellows — from Lili Hein — This monthly gathering on the first Sunday of every month celebrates a compassionate, healthy and sustainable plant-based lifestyle. Join in on the lively conversation,
NEB Says Trans Mountain is in Public Interest, Despite Threat to Resident Orcas
-- from iPolitics.ca -- Although the [Canadian] National Energy Board acknowledges the Trans Mountain expansion project will have “significant adverse environmental effects” on critically endangered Southern resident killer whales and produce considerable greenhouse gas emissions, it said [February 22] that it’s in Canadian public interest and should be approved. On
