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
Peace Island Medical Center Receives Donation to Cancer Care Garden
-- from Hilary Andradev for PeaceHealth -- A rare spring sunshine cast shadows in the PeaceHealth Peace Island Cancer Care Garden in late March illuminating a beautiful new addition to the space. Nestled near blossoming hellebores, the smooth granite Oki-gata lantern appeared to be in the spotlight as sunshine washed overhead
Looking for a Job? Attend Upcoming Job Fair
Saturday, April 28, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor -- from Minnie Knych for NW WA Workforce Council -- Are you unemployed? Looking for a summer job? Want to start a career? Whatever you are looking for, the Job Fair on Saturday, April 28 is
Chamber Hosts Employment Specialist
-- from Lance Evans -- The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce invites the public to attend a Business Essentials seminar, aimed at assisting small businesses. Our topic: Initiative 1433 - Paid Sick Leave - Employer Requirements & Employee Rights. On Nov. 8, 2016, voters in WA State approved Initiative Measure
April Poetry | Breakaway
Breakaway by Jill McCabe Johnson A Steller’s Jay caught his tail in the fishing line we’d draped over our thistle feeder to foil the sparrows. I grabbed kitchen shears and tiptoed beneath the birches where his mate scrawed warnings of my approach. What is a pendulum, if not the desperate
Letter to Editor | Grazie Per la Cena Degli Spaghetti
-- from Orcas Middle School ASB -- What a fantastic Spaghetti Dinner we had this year. We would like to thank all of our donors, especially Island Market for donating all the foods and supplies needed to make this happen, as well as Camp Orkila for cooking the pasta, and of
April Poetry | Do not approach fearfully
Do not approach fearfully by Margie Doyle Approach lightly, bravely As a sure-footed animal Accustomed to climbing the perilous Heights of home when you go through the door Unexpected love awaits With a kiss for your hurt With stalwart defense With a healer’s cool or warm hands –whatever you need
Support Solar Energy — Locally
-- from the San Juan Islands Conservation District-- The San Juan Islands Conservation District would like to present OPALCO's Community Solar Project. The project opened for member participation on March 21st and, to date, we have about 85% of the units committed. However, we may not have heard from you,
3% Thursday for the Food Bank
-- from the Orcas Island Food Bank -- Even if you are not a member of the Orcas Island Food Co-op you may still shop there, and 3% of any purchase you make on Thursday, April 19 will be contributed to the Orcas Island Food Bank! The Food Bank Board
Reminder – Property Taxes Due April 30
-- from San Juan County Communications -- San Juan County Treasurer, Rhonda Pederson would like to remind county property owners that the first installment of property taxes and personal property taxes are due April 30. Property tax payments must be federally post marked by April 30, or may be paid
Letter to Editor | Vote Yes to Re-shape Our Ideal Health Care
-- from Vincent Shu, MD -- Through many years, I have been privileged to converse and speak to people from whom I have learned the art of listening. This has helped me to be aware of "life's whispers." I have read numerous comments published on the Public Hospital District (PHD)
Guest Opinion: Choose Your Future
-- from Natalie Menacho for Plan Ahead San Juans -- Planning Commission continues Vision Statement Deliberations The Planning Commission is working hard to crowdsource resident ideas about the future of San Juan County. Even if you have commented previously, please read the current draft of the Vision Statement and make
April Poetry | When I Was Small
When I Was Small by Jens Kruse When I was small my grandfather would take me by the hand and walk with me for hours through his beloved city, Hamburg. I liked his calloused hand, his steady stride, but mostly I liked his voice. As he walked He would tell
Yes on I-1631: Support Clean Air and Clean Energy
-- by Rosalinda Guillen, executive director of Community to Community Development; and Ander Russell, Clean Water program manager for RE Sources for Sustainable Communities -- The work of protecting people and the planet is a roller coaster of wins and losses. Lately, we are playing a lot of defense against
Letter to Editor | How to Convey Gratitude to EMTs?
-- from Sigrid Mather -- “Thank you” doesn’t adequately convey my gratitude to our community EMTs who so consistently and professionally answer our calls for help. Over the years they have responded to my 911 calls quickly, always allaying my fears with calm and reassurance. I’ve not found an adequate
Verdi’s Heart-wrenching Luisa Miller Streams Live
Sunday April 22, 1 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Margie Doyle for Orcas Center -- Luisa Miller a precursor to La Traviata, singing of hypocrisy and tragic love Verdi’s heart-wrenching Luisa Miller centers on the bond between a father and his daughter as they stand together against a hostile world. Soprano
Letter to Editor | Diane Boteler Uniquely Qualified for Hospital Board
-- from Catherine Pederson -- Dr. Diane Boteler brings over 20 years of experience serving medical needs on Orcas Island. She is uniquely qualified to assess the needs of both patients and medical providers in our isolated – not always readily accessible – island location. We are neither suburban nor
