Here’s a thought…
“I am so convinced of the advantages of looking at mankind instead of reading about them, and of the bitter effects of staying at home with all the narrow prejudices of an islander, that I think there should be a law amongst us to set our young men abroad for a term among the few allies our wars have left us.”
LORD BYRON
Auditor Seeks Writers of Argument Against Lopez School Measure
-- from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor -- In order to ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees to write voters’ guide arguments both for and against the proposition. If a district
SJIMA Scheduling Free Family Arts Days for Summer
-- from Diane Martindale for San Juan Islands Museum of Art -- Children and families create fun-tastic works with local artists at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. Family Arts Days are a summertime island tradition, where local artists teach island crafts in a fresh outdoor setting. Materials will
Groups Challenge Army Corps of Engineers’ Refusal to Protect Puget Sound Shorelines
-- from Katie Fleming for Friends of the San Juans -- A lawsuit filed [May 21, 2018] against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) charges that the agency has refused to assert its Clean Water Act jurisdiction over most shoreline armoring in Puget Sound, and that endangered species and
Annual Food for Thought Event Supports School Programs
Saturday, June 2, 5:30 p.m., Four Winds Camp -- from Janet Brownell for Orcas Island Education Foundation -- The Orcas Island Education Foundation (OIEF) hopes you will attend its annual “Food for Thought” fundraiser on Saturday, June 2. This is it. OIEF’s shot at raising enough funds to support a
Application Deadline for Artsmith Residency Approaches
-- from Jill McCabe Johnson for Artsmith -- Each year Artsmith awards Artist Residency Fellowships of time and space in the San Juan Islands for artists, scholars, and writers to create new works. The 2019 residency will take place the week of January 4-11. The deadline to apply for Artsmith's 2019
Ferries Sets Sail on New Summer Service Plan
-- from Washington State Ferries -- What happens when a ferry goes out of service and there are no relief vessels available to take its place? How Washington State Ferries would handle this scenario and various other service disruptions are outlined in the Summer Season Service Plan released [Monday, May
Airport Developing Plan for Next 20 Years
Tuesday, June 5, 1 - 2 p.m., or 5 - 6 p.m., Eastsound Fire Station -- from Orcas Island Airport Master Plan Team -- The Orcas Island Airport Master Plan is focused on analyzing current demand and forecasting future need to develop a plan supporting the needs of the airport over
Health Commissioners Set Agenda for Weekly Meeting
Tuesday, May 22, 4 – 6 p.m., Eastsound Fire Station -- from Patty Miller for Orcas Health Care District -- Orcas Health District Commissioners will convene a regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 22, from 4 - 6 p.m., at the Eastsound Fire Station to address the following agenda: Call to Order
Master Gardeners to be Available for Plant Consultations
Wednesday, May 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Driftwood Nursery -- from Dianne Macondray for Orcas Master Gardeners -- The Master Gardeners of Orcas will be available on Wednesday, May 30, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Driftwood Nursery to answer plant problem questions. Please bring samples of your
Ian Lister, 1961-2018
-- from the Lister Family -- Ian Lister Ian Lister, beloved husband, father and brother, died on April 19, 2018. Ian was born February 16, 1961, to Margaret (Baird) and Roderick Lister at Madigan Hospital at Fort Lewis, Washington. The youngest of five children, he grew up in
State Parks Announces Three Free Days in June
-- from Washington State Parks and Recreation -- The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to enjoy three free days at state parks in June. On free days, visitors don’t need a Discover Pass for day-use visits by vehicle. The first free day is Saturday, June 2, in
Orcas Elementary to Offer Kindergartners Wednesdays in the Woods
-- from Krista Bouchey for Orcas Elementary -- Next year, kindergartners at Orcas Elementary School will have the opportunity to spend more than half the day outside on the campus of YMCA Camp Orkila. Students will benefit from a weekly outdoor experience led by professional educators and naturalists and supported
School Board to Meet
Thursday, May 24, 5 p.m., Orcas School Library -- from Orcas Island School District -- The Orcas School Board will convene in a regular meeting on Thursday, May 24, at 5 p.m., in the School Library to address the following agenda: CALL TO ORDER IMMEDIATELY ADJOURN to a CLOSED EXECUTIVE
Former Mayoral Candidate Has a New Agenda
-- by Lin McNulty, Managing Editor -- Hi, I'm Toby and I'm looking for other Bernese Mountain Dogs to march alongside me in the Pet Parade. Last year, Toby, an attractive Bernese Mountain Dog was a candidate for Orcas Mayor, campaigning as “Another chance to vote for Bernie." He lost.
No New Business on Fire Commissioner Meeting Agenda
Monday, May 21, 5:30 p.m., Eastsound Fire Station -- from Board of Fire Commissioners -- Fire Commissioners Wesley Heinmiller (Chair), Barbara Bedell, Amanda Montague (by phone), Jim Helminski, Tim Fuller, Chief Scott Williams, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Staff, and the community are invited to attend a meeting on Monday,
A Songwriting Class in the Afternoon, Then a Concert in the Evening
Class: Saturday, June 2, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Library Concert: Saturday, June 2, 7 p.m., The Grange -- from Mandy Troxel -- On Saturday, June 2, local singer songwriter Mandy Troxel is bringing two songwriting friends, Jaspar Lepak and Avery Hill, to the island for two unique opportunities for island
