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
Orcas Community Band Continues to Bring Holiday Cheer
-- by Lin McNulty -- Sunday, December 16, 3 p.m., Orcas Center On Sunday, December 16, 30 local musicians will pack up their instruments at home and head on over to Orcas Center where they will unpack their instruments and bring holiday tunes once again to islanders. They have been
State Awards Nearly $18 Million for Salmon Recovery Projects Statewide
-- from Susan Zemek for Washington State Recreation and Conservation -- OLYMPIA – The Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board today announced the award of nearly $18 million in grants for projects to restore salmon habitat in an effort to bring the iconic fish back from the brink of extinction. An
Business Spotlight | Boutique Cannabis Shop Opens in Eastsound
-- by Deborah Sparks for Orcas Issues -- Launched just two months ago, in October, 2018, the dispensary boutique, Orcas Island Cannabis, was designed and is run by local businessman, Heinz Brand who also owns and runs Enzo’s. Heinz is a pleasant, soft spoken man with a sense of humor,
It Was a Merry Humpback That Came For a Visit
-- from Peter Hamilton for Lifeforce Ocean Friends -- On December 2, as Christmas time approaches, Lifeforce Ocean Friends found a four year old humpback named “Lorax” playing with a log off Comox Harbour, BC. “Logging is a term referring to when whales and dolphins are resting. This rare type
Editorial | Islanders’ Best Excuses
-- by Lin McNulty -- I've long been aware that one of the best excuses on Orcas for not getting something done, for not being where I was expected, for not meeting a deadline is "I was off island." Not only does that cover the actual time that you were
OPALCO Seeks Candidates for Board Election
-- from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO -- OPALCO is seeking nominations for board candidates from Districts 3 (Lopez,Decatur, Center and Charles islands) and 4 (Shaw, Bell, Canoe and Crane islands). To nominate a candidate (including yourself), go to www.opalco.com/elections and use the nominations online portal to fill out the candidate application forms.
EDC to Offer Free Plumbing Basics Training
-- from Economic Development Council -- The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) will offer free training in plumbing basics this January, sponsored by Walt Corbin, the Orcas Island Community Foundation, and the Orcas Island Kiwanis Club. The course will be taught at Orcas Island High School by Jeff
Here’s Agenda for Deer Harbor Plan Review Meet
-- from Colin Maycock -- Deer Harbor Plan Review Committee has scheduled their next meeting for December 12, 4 - 5:30 p.m., at the Deer Harbor Fire Station. The public is invited as the Committee addresses the following agenda: Chair: Call to Order, establish a quorum, approval of the minutes from
Sheriff’s Report | November 28 – December 4, 2018
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Editor's Note: Orcas Issues does not normally print details of routine traffic stops, but there are a couple here that are noteworthy. 52 mph in a 35? 45 mph in a 25 zone? Slow down, people! November 28, 201818-008962 Traffic Stop 08:37:12
Kwiaht Releases Evaluation of National Monument Plan
-- from Russel Barsh of Kwiaht -- The Lopez-based scientific organization Kwiaht has released a critical evaluation of the Bureau of Land Management’s Draft Resources Management Plan for the San Juan Islands National Monument. To read Kwiaht's full evaluation, go to: www.kwiaht.org/documents/Kwiaht_comments_on_SJINM_draft_RMP_EIS.pdf According to Kwiaht director Russel Barsh, the draft
Join Unitarians in Fellowship
Sunday, December 9, 11:30 a.m., Benson Hall -- from Suzanne Olson for Unitarian Universalist Fellowship -- Please join us for a Chalice Group to explore the topic "Vessel of Light" just as we approach the shortest day of the year. Led by Debi Gibson. Some food for thought: Winter inspires
Guest Opinion | Getting a Handle on Military Growth
-- from Rhea Miller -- Washington State’s Department of Commerce has published a guide called the Growth Management Civilian-Military Compatibility Guide. The Guidebook is part of a master strategy laid out by the consulting group, the Spectrum Group, whose leadership is comprised of retired military, regarding Growth Management issues in WA State.
Giving Tree Continues a Long Orcas Tradition
-- from Erin O'Dell for Orcas Community Resource Center -- There's still time to select a child from the Giving Tree. In fact, there are still more than 30 children left on the tree. Please stop by Island Market to ensure there are gifts under the tree for every Orcas child.
The Exchange Celebrates Holiday and Anniversary
Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Exchange -- from Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange -- Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange announces it will be holding a holiday and one-year anniversary event to celebrate the re-opening of the reuse center following the devastating fire in 2013 that destroyed the original
Holiday Square Dance
Friday, December 7, 7 - 9 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall -- from Nik Schulz -- Two Hands Furniture presents Kelsey Nelsen and The Shadies for a holiday square dance. After the Christmas tree lighting in town, come to Odd Fellows to join us. No experience necessary. Kelsey will walk the
Celebrate the Holidays With Choral Society at “Making Spirits Bright”
Saturday - Sunday, December 8 - 9, Orcas Center -- from Lynn Baker for Orcas Choral Society -- Brighten your holidays December 8 and 9 at the Orcas Choral Society’s festive winter concert, “Making Spirits Bright!” Artistic Director Marianne Lewis has assembled a holiday concert program rich with fresh, new
