Fun and informative.

Those are the goals of the Eastsound Planning and Review Committee as it debuts two new events to encourage community involvement.

On Thursday, July 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., representatives from the San Juan County Planning Department, Public Works, Eastsound Sewer and Water, Eastsound Water Users Association, Island Stewards, Sustainable Orcas Island, San Juan Builders Association, and more will give “A Report to the People” on the stage of the Village Green.

“It will give people an overview of where the development in Eastsound is going,” EPRC chair Gulliver Rankin said. “And I’d like for people to understand where there is a need for volunteers. We want to make this topic a little more fun so people will want to get more involved and informed.”

The EPRC has also hired community theatre actor Freddy Hinkle to serve as a “town crier” who will provide a three-minute informational speech at various locations around town and at the farmers’ market at the top of the hour at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. He’ll talk about local issues and upcoming public meetings. Hinkle will be in town this weekend and on June 27.

EPRC is paying for this service as part of its community outreach, and no commercial or partisan content will be allowed.

“This is a trial run with input from the local business, farmers’ market, tourists and community to determine if this is a positive solution and should be continued,” Rankin said. “I’m hoping the business people will be able to stick their heads out of their shops and hear a little news. We’re finding an organic way to disseminate the information.”

Rankin got the idea from Nantucket, which has a town crier.

“It works well,” he said. “It’s the idea of the community coming together to discuss issues. Too many of these meetings are during working hours – we want to get it back to a public venue.”

To suggest content for the town crier’s speech, call Rankin at 622-6090.