Here’s a thought…
“Deep breath. Deep breath. The air is free. You can take as many as you want.”
BUDDHIST MONK
In Memoriam | David Ker Schermerhorn, 1929 – 2018
-- from Kate Schermerhorn and David Schermerhorn Jr. -- It is with immense heartache that we are writing to tell you that our father, David Ker Schermerhorn, who in 2008 made history sailing on the first foreign boat to enter Gaza Harbor in 40 years, died on Monday August 27
Health & Community Services Partners with School District for Back to School Clinic
-- from San Juan County Communications -- San Juan County Health & Community Services will be providing FREE immunizations for Orcas Island School students at the Orcas Island School District’s Back to School Kickoff/BBQ on Tuesday September 4th. Immunizations will be provided to Orcas School District K-12 students in the
WSF Launches First Ever Writer-in-Residence Program
-- from Iris Graville -- Iris Graville, Writer-in-Residence, Washington State Ferries (photo credit - Robert S. Harrison) Recently, Washington State Ferries launched its first-ever “Writer-in-Residence” on the interisland route in the San Juan Islands. Lopez Island author Iris Graville began her term in this new role on August
Letter to Editor | Vote Yes for Homes
-- from Steven Jung -- By now, I expect most Orcas Issues readers are keenly aware of San Juan County’s extreme lack of affordable housing, especially housing for lower income families who provide the basic services on which we all depend. And that this lack has a huge impact on
Health Commission Focuses on UW Agreement, Financing, Communications
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- Three major topics took up most of the time at the August 28 meeting of the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD). First was the process of reaching agreement with the UW Neighborhood Clinics (UWNC) management on medical services to be provided
Letter to Editor | Thanks for Rockin’ the Salish Sea
-- from San Juan County Fair Staff -- Thank you for making this year’s “Rockin’ the Salish Sea” themed Fair a splashing success! We’d like to pacific-ly thank our many volunteers, exhibitors, performers, vendors and sponsors who are otter-ly fin-tastic. We dolphin-ly couldn’t have done it without your support. Check
Comp Plan Community Workshops in the Offing
-- from San Juan County Communications -- The Department of Community Development (DCD) will hold community workshops to gather community input on the Comprehensive Plan update. Provide input on policy issues that will guide the County through 2036. Discussion topics will include: Housing Transportation Land Use Water Resources Economic Development
Dog Days of Summer Event at Mount Baker Farm
Sunday, September 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mount Baker Farm -- from Marsha Waunch for Orcas Animal Shelter -- The Orcas Animal Shelter is presenting The Dog Days of Summer on Sunday, September 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with shows by the K9 Kings. There will also
Canadian Appeals Court Quashes Construction Approvals for Trans Mountain
-- from CBC News -- In a stunning blow, the [Canada] Federal Court of Appeal has quashed the government's approvals to build the Trans Mountain expansion project — a major victory for Indigenous groups and environmentalists opposed to the $7.4-billion project. In the decision released Thursday, and written by Justice Eleanor
No International Sailings For a Few Days
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Due to ongoing repairs on the M/V Hyak (one of the domestic San Juan Islands vessels), all international Sidney, B.C. sailings are cancelled through Saturday, Sept. 1, while the M/V Chelan is reassigned to the domestic route. We apologize for any inconvenience this may
Power Line Clearing Work in Progress
-- from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO -- OPALCO tree trimming crews are at work throughout San Juan County clearing vegetation from around power lines for safety and to prevent outages this coming winter. This work is part of OPALCO’s routine annual line clearance program – also called Right of Way
School Board to Meet on Thursday in Special Meeting
Thursday, August 30, 1:30 p.m., Orcas School Library -- from Orcas Island School District -- Orcas Island School Board is convening a special meeting on Thursday, August 30, at 1:30 p.m., to review/approve the District collective bargaining agreement. AGENDA 1:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER– School Library *1. Approve attached Consent
Letter to Editor | Vote Yes for Homes
-- from Howard Barbour -- There can be no argument that we live in one of America’s most celebrated beauty spots, and that we may be heard to congratulate ourselves on our good fortune. [perfectpullquote align="right" bordertop="false" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]The list of those who have much to offer
Fire Commission Oversees Department’s Continued Growth
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- The professionalism and enthusiasm of Orcas Fire & Rescue (OIFR) volunteers is impressive, the department is making progress on its administrative improvements, and the overall financial picture for the year is good. Those were the main take-away messages from the Board of
Annual Kaleidoscope Fundraiser Dinner Auction
Saturday, September 8, Morning Star Farm -- from Vala Ross for Kaleidoscope -- Kaleidoscope's Annual Island Grown, Island Raised Dinner Auction taking place Saturday, September 8 at the picturesque Morning Star Farm. This outdoor event will feature a tasting of wine from Lopez Island Vineyards and beer from Island Hoppin'
Burn Ban for Campfires, Barbecues Lifted
-- from San Juan County Communications -- As of noon today, August 29, 2018, the burn ban for campfires and charcoal barbeques is lifted in San Juan County. Recent humidity levels, rising fuel moistures, and precipitation in the county have warranted a lift on the burn ban enacted last week.
