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
Poetry | What Columbus Saw
What Columbus Saw -- by David Kobrin -- When I beheldnear-naked men,and women,And their children,Who took Us,And our Spanish Ships,For the godsthey expectedWe knew God’s gracein granting usThis placeAnd all soulsupon it. Who treated uswith kindness,and civilityAnd servilityBefitting ChristendomDespite their barren soulsand heathen ways. A timid peopleas God formed themDocileand
Health District Commissioners Review Mixed Progress in Clinic Negotiations
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- At their extended three-hour meeting on October 2, the commissioners of the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) spent most of their time on two main topics: progress on negotiations with the two major clinics -- the UW Neighborhood Clinic (UWNC) and
Letter to Editor | Brandli Focuses on Fairness, Honesty, Facts
-- from Katie Zwilling -- Steve Brandli represented me several years ago and has since become a dear friend. When I met him I assumed he might fit my preconceived idea about attorneys which included an attitude of winning the case and going after the opposing party. I was happily
Letter to Editor | Thanks to Community for Participation
-- from Board of Commissioners, Orcas Island Health Care District -- The Commissioners of the Orcas Island Health Care District extend our warm thanks to all of you for participating in the recent survey about healthcare services on Orcas. Your thoughtful responses and comments will help guide us as we
Their Message: No New Jets, No New Flights
-- from Cynthia Dilling -- Crowds of all ages came together at four different locations in NW Washington to send a message to the Department of Defense in Washington D.C.: No New Jets No New Flights. Approximately 700 people at 4 different events (500 Coupeville, and approximately 75 at each
Letter to Editor | Brandli Has What it Takes to be a Judge
-- from Mark A. Kaiman, Attorney at Law -- Being a judge is an extremely difficult and challenging job. I sit as a Judge Pro Tem in the Whatcom County District Court for several days each month, so I’ve got a pretty good idea of what the demands of the
Kurt Thorson Memorial Gathering
Sunday, October 14, 2 - 5 p.m, Cascade Lake Shelter -- from Robin Freeman -- Please join us in celebrating the life and artwork of Kurt Thorson; and honoring the memory of our good friend, father, and partner. This is an opportunity for those who knew Kurt to gather around
Letter to Editor | Vote YES For Homes
-- from Foster Hildreth for OPALCO -- The OPALCO Board of Directors unanimously supports the YES FOR HOMES measure on this November’s ballot. The lack of affordable housing effects OPALCO’s ability to hire and retain a qualified workforce to keep our islands’ power system up and running. We’ve seen candidates
EDC Invites San Juan County Knowledge Workers to Informal Meetup
October 24, 5:30 - 7 p.m., San Juan Island Library -- from Mickey von Dassow for Economic Development Council -- The Economic Development Council (EDC) is working to create a knowledge worker network for islanders who work with code, data, graphics or words, and they invite knowledge workers and those
Letter to Editor | Our Confidence in Our Port is Shaken
-- from Susan Malins -- In early 2018 many of us assumed that the Orcas airport was running smoothly, keeping it simple and providing good services. The Port of Orcas is loved and valued in this community, though our confidence is now shaken. The Master Plan process came to my
Letter to Editor | Gaylord Respected Throughout Legal Community
-- from Bill Cumming, San Juan County Sheriff, retired -- During my 24 years as the Sheriff of San Juan County (1987-2010) I worked with three different elected Prosecutors. Randy Gaylord was Prosecutor for 12 of those years. I have seen first hand and up close his professional and thoughtful
Be Part of Leadership San Juan Island Class XV
Monday, October 8, 4:30 -6:30 p.m., Orcas Co-op Commons -- from Gretchen Krampf -- Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) has begun recruiting for Class XV, with applications due by Monday, November 5th at 5PM. Orcas Island Open House at Co-op Commons on Monday, October 8th from 4:30-6:30 PM. Please join
Port Manager Tenders Resignation
-- by Lin McNulty -- Orcas Issues has confirmed that Port Manager Anthony Simpson tendered his resignation at the Tuesday, September 25 meeting of the Orcas Port Commission. Simpson referred our inquiries to Board Chair Brian Ehrmantraut, who says that the resignation is noted in the minutes of the previous
Sheriff’s Report | September 26 – October 2, 2018
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Wednesday, September 26, 2018 18-007467 Theft 08:16:27 09/26/18 A Lopez Island resident reported the theft of a road sign. 18-007468 Mental Health 08:23:43 09/26/18 A Lopez Island Deputy was asked to check on the welfare of a subject after an acquaintance was
There’s Still Time: Port Master Plan Comments Due Before Midnight
-- from Sadie Bailey -- These are only a few of the many questions, concerns, and suggestions that I and many others have, concerning this Preferred Plan Master Plan. The transparency issues and flawed public process have been covered extensively already and they still exist, from affected landowners not knowing,
Island Hoppin’ to Host Beer and Conversation
Friday, October 12, 5 p.m, Island Hoppin' Brewery -- from Becca Gray for Island Hoppin' Brewery -- The lack of affordable housing, including rentals, is a problem in San Juan County. Come learn about a solution. Island Hoppin' Brewery is hosting "Beer and Conversation" on Friday, October 12 at 5
