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
Fire Dept. Exceeds 2018 Budget Goals, Will Soon Launch New Community Health Program
-- from Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter -- Attending (1.22.19): Commissioners: Wesley Heinmiller, Amanda Montague (by phone), Jim Helminski, Tim Fuller, Rick Christmas. Chief Scott Williams, Secretary Marla Johns, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue staff, and several community members. The Orcas Board of Fire Commissioners had much to celebrate at its
To Help Salmon Migrate, Ecology Issues Proposal Allowing More Water to Spill Over Dams
-- from Colleen Keltz for Washington State Department of Ecology -- The Washington Department of Ecology is issuing a proposal to allow more water to spill over eight federal dams along the lower Columbia and Snake rivers. The move could help improve the survival of juvenile salmon migrating to the
Imagination. Talent. Insight. County Artists Exhibit at SJIMA
-- from Diane Martindale for San Juans Islands Museum of Art -- Talent and imagination describe the art in the Sixth Annual Artists’ Registry Show at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA). The show in Friday Harbor proudly exhibits artists’ work from all our islands. More than 70
Climate Change and Community Ag Summit This Weekend
Climate Change and Community and the 7th Annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit, February 2 & 3, Friday Harbor, WA -- from Kelsey Leigh Green -- The San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit returns to San Juan Island February 2 and 3r for the 7th year of education and celebration of islands’ food and
Letter to Editor | Streetcar Named Desire Production is Stellar and Real
-- from Luann Pamatian -- I am writing with two “hats” on: as a Community Advocate for SAFE San Juans and as an actor in community theater productions. I have been providing support for people experiencing all forms of domestic violence and sexual assault for over two years. Both of
Community Foundation Announces Call for Proposals
-- from Kate Long for Orcas Community Foundation -- Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) is excited to announce a call for proposals for the 2019 GiveOrcas Grant Program. Any nonprofit serving Orcas Island is invited to apply now through March 8, 2019 for an Annual Grant (go to www.oicf.us to
Health District Hopes to Coordinate with County on Assessment of Health Needs
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- The topic of a community health assessment occupied much of the January 22 meeting of the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD). Mark Tompkins, Director of San Juan County’s Department of Health and Community Services, described assessments that have been done in
Three County Councils Will Meet to Discuss Ranker Replacement
-- from San Juan Council -- Tuesday, February 5, 2:30 p.m., Skagit County NOTICE OF SAN JUAN COUNTY COUNCIL, SKAGIT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS HOLDING A SPECIAL JOINT MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that members of the San Juan County Council, the Skagit County Board
Orcas Island Lit Fest Announces Featured Artists for Upcoming 2019 Festival
Festival attracts lineup of award-winning and best-selling authors in its second year -- from Jule Treneer for Orcas Island Lit Fest -- The Orcas Island Lit Fest (OILF) today announced its 2019 featured artists. Highlights include best-selling memoirist Terese Marie Mailhot, Nebula Award winner Nicola Griffith, National Book Award winner
Climate Rehabilitation on Orcas
New way to clean up plastic pollution on the beach, promoted by Buck Bay Shellfish A new sign at Buck Bay encourages people to pick up some of the plastic debris that pollutes the oceans' beaches. This trend is picking up in Europe and Scandinavia. Now, where should all that
School Board Recognized, Programs Expand, Projects Begin
-- by Kimberley Kimple, Orcas Issues reporter -- The Orcas Island School District Board January meeting opened with students, teachers and the Music Advocacy Group honoring the board with handmade gifts, chocolates, and words of kindness in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month. With preconstruction meetings out of the way,
Youth Soccer is Back
-- from Brooke Bruland for Orcas Park and Rec -- Youth Soccer Winter League starts next week, February 5 at Buck Park for ages 8 - 13. Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. through March 14. Click on the link to register now. https://apm.activecommunities.com/oiprd/Activity_Search/790 After Winter Soccer there will be more soccer. Please look at the
A-OK Garage Sale Will Soon Be Accepting Donations
-- from Jane Heisinger for A-OK -- A-OK (Art for Orcas Kids) will be having their Second Annual Garage Sale on March 16 at the school cafeteria from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. We will be accepting items in February on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning on February 6 from 11 a.m. - 3
Historical Museum’s Dinner Honors Volunteers
-- from Carol Kulminski -- Richard Rodgers received Volunteer of the Year Award from Brittney Maruska An afternoon of interesting programs and good food was enjoyed by almost 70 members of the Orcas Island Historical Society at the Senior Center on Saturday, January 26. The afternoon started with a long-time
February’s Ocean Night Focuses on Salish Sea
Wednesday, February 6, 7 - 8 p.m., Sea View Theatre -- from Justin Cox -- On Wednesday, Feb. 6, head out to the Sea View Theatre on Orcas Island, where SeaDoc Society Science Director Joe Gaydos will take the audience on a multimedia journey through the incredible Salish Sea ecosystem. The free live show will feature the top photos
Eastsound County Advisors Look Forward to 2019
Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) starts the year with public suggestions, review of 2018 projects and plans for 2019 projects EPRC Committee members present at the Jan. 10 regular meeting of the county advisory committee were: Yonatan Aldort, Terry Gillespie, Paul Kamin, Margaret Payne, Leith Templin, Brian Wiese. Absent: Charles
