Here’s a thought…
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
Initiative Sustainability Task Force Begins Work
-- from Susan Anderson -- The new conference room at the Orcas Island Community Foundation was buzzing with excitement as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initiative convened its first Sustainability Task Force meeting December 7. Over the past four years, the ECE Initiative, comprised of educators from the three schools,
SJC: Wages, Employment, Housing, the Economy, Challenges . . .
-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter -- On December 5, the San Juan County Economic Development Council (SJCEDC)hosted its second annual “Datapalooza” to present the latest figures and projections on the county’s economic health and future .Joining Victoria Compton (director of the SJCEDC) in the two-hour workshop, titled “Growing
UWNC Senior Staff Agree Orcas Needs After-Hours Care
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- A recent discussion between Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) commissioners and UW Neighborhood Clinics (UWNC) regional officials took center stage at OIHCD’s December 4 meeting. The discussion produced the most positive results to date in OIHCD’s effort to achieve its desired
Rick Hughes to Address Islanders
Orcas Road near Nordstrom Lane On Monday, Dec. 17, County Councilman Rick Hughes will address Orcas Islanders from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center. Hughes will update attendees on the year's activities in Council legislation, and give progress reports on matters such as the Orcas Road improvements.
The Amazing Grandmothers of the Killer Whale Pod
-- from Center for Whale Research -- The Center for Whale Research (CWR) is excited to announce the release of a wonderful 5-minute animation that tells the incredible story about the importance of grandmothers in the Southern Resident orca community. Pods of killer whales inhabit the waters of every major ocean
Learner on the Road: Arrival at Mondragon
-- from Learner Limbach -- Yesterday I traveled by bus from Bilbao to Mondragon, which ended up taking most of a day because it was Sunday and buses were running less frequently. Oh and I got a little bit lost, at one point… But I made it! Today was Day
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
