May 22nd, 2013
The Mobile Dental Clinic from Medical Teams International will be returning to Orcas on May 31st and June 1st. The Clinic will provide care to qualifying community members. Services provided during the clinic will be free of charge, thanks to the donation of skills and resources by our local dentists and hygienists.
Applications are available on line at www.oicf.us , or can be picked up at the Food Bank, the Public Library, Orcas Family Connections or the County Health office at the Senior Center. Applications will be reviewed and prioritized based on severity of dental needs and pain. Completed applications can be dropped off in the Dental Box outside the Public Library. If you have questions regarding the application or available services, please contact Barbara Ehrmantraut, 376-3395.
The dental clinic is funded and coordinated through the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Both Dr. Ivans and Dr. Bailey and staff members are volunteering to provide care. Jim Biddick is coordinating volunteers to provide check-in support and can be reached at 376-2488. The Orcas Community Church is hosting the van and housing for the van drivers has been contributed by the Gudgell family. Breakfast snacks and lunch for the volunteers are needed on both days; if you are interested in contributing, please contact the Orcas Island Community Foundation, 376-6423. Working together, we keep the community healthy.
May 22nd, 2013 |
May 21st, 2013
The public is invited to join family, friends and alumni in celebrating the graduation of Cohort IX, the 2013 class of Leadership San Juan Islands.
The event will be held on Friday May 31 at the San Juan Island Grange 152 First Street in Friday Harbor.
A local foods potluck will commence at 11:30 a.m. Guest Speaker is Jan Levy, Leadership Tomorrow.
Cohort presentations at 12:20 p.m.
Ceremony to conclude by 1:45 p.m.
May 21st, 2013 |
May 21st, 2013
The San Juan County Council announced their unanimous decision today [May 21] to offer the position of County Manager to Michael Thomas, currently the City Administrator for the City of Enumclaw, Washington.
Council member Bob Jarman praised Thomas for his background in economic development and community planning, citing that it will be critical in addressing the land use and planning issues the County faces. Jarman also said that Mike Thomas will be a great addition to the Council team.
Member Rick Hughes spoke of Mike’s experience and familiarity with the laws of Washington State – and said he was very pleased that Thomas will be moving here with his family, including two school age children.
Council Chair Jamie Stephens detailed the steps that had been taken in the recruitment process, citing the strong roster of finalists provided by the recruiter. Stephens thanked the members of the community and staff who participated in the selection process and said he hoped Mike will be able to join the County staff the last week in June. Stephens said Mike’s collaborative team approach will work well here, and that he appreciated that Mike’s style was to work with councils and department heads to help them get their work done, rather than directing them.
Michael Thomas will be the first regular County Manager under the changes to the County Charter approved by voters in November, 2012. Bob Jean has been the Interim County Administrator, then the Interim County Manager, since last June.
There were 44 applicants for the position, with 5 currently residing in the County. The recruiting firm of The Prothman Company screened the candidates and presented the County Council with a list of semifinalists. The Council selected a list of finalists to interview, including one local candidate who then withdrew from consideration prior to the interviews.
On Monday, May 13th, the five candidates visited County facilities and met with islanders and answered questions at open houses held on Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island. On Tuesday, May 14th, the candidates were interviewed by separate panels made up of County residents, County staff, and the County Council. The Council then held an executive session on Wednesday, May 15th, to interview the two top candidates. The Council met today in executive session to discuss the qualifications of the top candidates and then moved into open session for their deliberations and selection.
May 21st, 2013 |
May 21st, 2013
“Person Who Makes a Difference” honoree, Louisa Nishitani, flanked by Diane Martindale, LWV president elect and Ann Jarrell, board member.
The League of Women Voters of the San Juan’s elected their new board of directors for 2013-2014 at their Annual Meeting at Vinny’s Ristorante on May 13, 2013.
The featured speaker, Necia Quast of San Juan Island, presented a riveting account of her experiences in the US Foreign Service and whose tenure included notable hardship postings such as the Republic of Tajikistan, Nigeria and Guyana.
The League also recognized two individuals as “Persons Who Make a Difference”, Louisa Nishitani for her volunteerism, outreach and activism most recently regarding potential damage to our marine environment should the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point be permitted.
Also honored was Friday Harbor High School teacher Jim McNairy for his focus on civics education and responsible citizenship.
May 21st, 2013 |
May 20th, 2013
To Pizzeria Portofino & Little Angels,
Thank you so much for your generous donation of your facility and wonderful staff to Orcas Angels last month. It was above and beyond to loan us your restaurant, equipment, and staff for the night to help us with a fundraiser to assist a family in need. We greatly appreciate all your help and support in our continued goal to benefit our fellow Orcas Islanders.
To all the little Angels who showed up to buy a pizza that night THANK YOU!
Our community is an amazing place….we sold over 103 pizzas that night….Whew! It was amazing. Once again Orcas Island community you ROCK!
Melissa Lowry for Orcas Angels
May 20th, 2013 |
May 20th, 2013
Norm Stamper, Orcas resident
By Kathy Lunde
Norm Stamper Ph.D., retired Seattle Police Chief, will be speaking at The Orcas Center Wednesday, May 22nd, 5:30pm. The general topic will be “Community Policing in the 21st Century,” focusing on The War on Drugs, Guns and Gun Violence, and Domestic Drone Use.
Now retired and living on Orcas, Mr. Stamper’s professional experience makes him uniquely qualified to speak on these subjects. While serving as the Chief of Police for the City of Seattle, he implemented a major restructuring of the organization, created a Domestic Violence program, developed numerous community advisory councils and outreach programs, and created new bureaus of Professional Responsibility, Community Policing, and Family and Youth Protection.
He previously served as the Executive Assistant Police Chief for the City of San Diego, among other significant positions with that city. Mr. Stamper holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Human Behavior, Masters in Criminal Justice Administration, an Associate Degree in Police Science and is a graduate of the National Executive Institute, sponsored by the FBI.
Since moving to Orcas, he has been involved in the San Juan County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Board, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Community Safety Initiative, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Death Penalty Focus.
Please join us for what promises to be an informative and lively discussion. This event is brought to you by the Orcas Island Library and the Friends of the Orcas Island Library. This is a non-ticketed event, and is free to the public.
For more information, please contact Kathleen Lunde at the Library, 376-4985 or klunde@orcaslibrary.org.
May 20th, 2013 |
May 20th, 2013
From UW Medicine and PeaceHealth
UW Medicine and PeaceHealth have signed a groundbreaking Letter of Intent to create a strategic affiliation that will provide patients throughout much of Washington and Alaska with access to the most comprehensive care available in the Pacific Northwest.
The Letter of Intent, which was signed today [May 20] is expected to be memorialized in further definitive agreements by Sept. 30, 2013. The agreement will bring together two mission-driven, not-for-profit health systems – each with a focus on evidence-based medicine, community health improvement and cost effective care – to provide a full continuum of services as envisioned under health care reform.
The two organizations will remain legally separate and independent; governance will not be affected. No government regulatory approval is required.
“This affiliation allows us to coordinate care and services with a respected health care organization that has deep roots in the region and shares our passion for serving everyone in the community regardless of their ability to pay,” said Johnese Spisso, Chief Health System Officer for UW Medicine. “Together, our systems provide an extraordinary amount of charity care to patients across the state of Washington.”
Read more…
May 20th, 2013 |
May 20th, 2013
Golf Tournament and Silent Auction June 30
The Orcas Christian School is sponsoring a Golf Tournament (Orcas Open) and Silent Auction on June 30 at the Orcas Island Golf Course. The tournament is to raise money for scholarships and academic programs. We would greatly appreciate your participation in the Orcas Open and/or a donation to the Silent Auction.
Annual advertising is available at each golf tee, the advertisement would be on the Hole of your choice for 1 year. (The Holes are on a first come first serve basis.)
Please contact Eric Whitehead at 376-8294 or Orcas Christian School at 376-6683.
May 20th, 2013 |
May 20th, 2013
Tues., June 4, 1:00 – 3:30 PM, Eastsound Fire Hall
from Heather Trim
Futurewise, Director of Science and Policy
Topics: Importance of trees and shrubs in the shoreline | Economic value of shorelines
Sound Shoreline Science Forum is free forum about shoreline health. You will learn about wildlife and other needs of the shore edge of Puget Sound as well as the Shoreline Master Program process for San Juan County. As our population increases, it is important to do what we can to ensure clean water and habitat for salmon, crab, shellfish, orcas and the myriad of other sea creatures that make our way of life so special.
The forum will include presentations by leading scientists on topics related to our beaches, bluffs, wildlife, and economic value and will also offer an opportunity for you to ask questions about our shorelines and about the upcoming Shoreline Master Program for the county.
Hosted by Futurewise in partnership with FRIENDS of San Juans.
For more information and to register, visit HERE.
May 20th, 2013 |
May 20th, 2013
Updated May 20 at 9:30 a.m.
May 22, 23, and 24, 2013
From Stan Matthews
County Interim Information Technologist and Communications Manager
A special three day filing period will be held in accordance with RCW 29A.24.171 only for the offices listed below. The special three day filing period is being held because no candidate filings were received during the regular filing period.
Candidate filings can be made in person or by mail Monday May 22, 8 a.m. until Friday May 24 at 4:30 p.m. Online candidate filings will be accepted Monday May 22 at 9 a.m. until Friday May 24 at 4 p.m. If there is still a void in candidacy after the special three-day filing period, the office will not appear on the November 5, 2013 General Election ballot.
More information about filing for the offices listed below may be obtained by contacting the Elections Office at 55 Second St, PO Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, by calling (360) 378-3357, or by e-mailing the elections office at: elections@co.san-juan.wa.us. Information can also be found at the San Juan County Elections Office web-site at www.sanjuanco.com/elections.
THE ONLY OFFICES FOR WHICH FILINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ARE:
- San Juan County Fire Protection District 5 (Shaw Fire) Position 3
- Orcas Island Park & Rec Commission 2
- Orcas Island Park & Rec Commissioner 4
- Orcas island Park & Rec Commissioner 5
- San Juan Cemetery District 3 (Orcas) Commissioner
- San Juan Island Cemetery District (Stuart) Commissioner 1
- Cape San Juan Water Commissioner 1
- Cattle Point Water Commissioner 1
- Cattle Point Water Commissioner 3
- Eastsound Sewer and Water Commissioner 5
- Fisherman Bay Commissioner 3
Candidate filings for the above positions only, can be made in person, by mail or online. If there is still a void in candidacy after the special three-day filing period, the office will not appear on the November 5, 2013 General Election ballot and the current incumbent will remain in office.
May 20th, 2013 |
Barbara Keller 
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This was, for me, an extraordinary evening. I have never known anyone in law enforcement and, being a graduate of the liberal ’60′s in New York City, and an artist, have retained the predominate attitude of that group and that era, which categorizes all members of the police force in this country as bullies and thugs. Any serious thought would expose the very serious flaws in this ill-considered stereotype, but I never really gave it the serious thought that it deserves. Listening to Norm talk about the realities confronting this body of men and women, and the relationship of that body to the communities they serve was moving and humbling. Not only do I have a greater appreciation and respect for this body of men and women, but I am awed by the thoughtfulness, sensitivity, intelligence, courage and profound humanity of this man who served in the position of highest responsibility in the police departments of two major cities and who continues to work to insert sanity, intelligence and integrity into a system that so many of us have come to fear and distrust.
Thank you, Norm, for sharing your thoughts and experiences in such a way as to inspire hope for the future of law enforcement in this country. I am especially grateful to have had my eyes opened a little bit wider to the realities of the personal experiences of men and women in this work who actually do care and who put their lives on the line everyday to accomplish the extraordinary task of keeping the peace.