Here’s a thought…
“If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don’t have to worry about the answers.”
THOMAS PYNCHON
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
Pamela Wright to Bring Students to Carnegie Hall
-- by Deborah Sparks, Orcas Issues reporter -- Pamela Wright with island students in May 2017 (perhaps destined for Carnegie Hall in the near future) Orcas Island is a Mecca for musicians and Pamela Wright, the veteran music teacher of 19 years at Orcas Public School, embodies the charisma and
FREE Community Seminar: Eat Healthy for Less $$
Saturday, February 9, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., San Juan Grange -- from Laura Jo Severson for Soroptimists -- Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor will hold its annual free Life Skills Seminar on Saturday, February 9, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at San Juan Island Grange #966, 152 First Street North. This year’s
County Knowledge Workers Schedule Informal Meetup, Establish Network
Wednesday, February 6, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., San Juan Library -- from Mickey von Dassow for Economic Development Council -- The EDC is working to create a knowledge worker network for islanders who work with code, data, graphics or words. Knowledge worker jobs include computer programming, editing, web design, engineering/scientific consulting, and others that primarily
Arts Mentoring Flourishes at Funhouse Commons
-- from Ali Walker for the Funhouse Commons -- In November 2018, an Arts-focused Mentor program was launched through a collaboration between San Juan County Arts Council and Funhouse Commons. In Spring of 2018, San Juan County Arts Council (SJCAC) reached out to the Funhouse with a vision: to create and support mentoring relationships between
