School Budget Process: Bond, Enrollment, Budget Activity Hold Strong
At the monthly Orcas Island School District (OISD) board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, the $11.9 million bond implementation, current school construction projects, enrollment, fund balances, budget extensions and 2013-14 budget formulation all painted a picture of steady progress through the complex world that is public education. Bond The Orcas
Guest Opinion: Compliance with CAO Problematical
By Brian McClerran Many well-meaning citizens groups have decided that the best way to protect our precious resources and unique island life is to add to the laws, draw participation of outside authorities, and create a maze of paperwork. Unfortunately, changes in the law do not directly correlate to changes
Guest Opinion: OPALCO Members Propose Bylaw Change
By Winnie Adams A group of co-op members on Lopez Island, organized as the Lopez Chapter of Citizens for Safe Technology, recently submitted a petition asking for a change to the OPALCO bylaws related to the construction of wireless facilities. The number of signatures was adequate to meet the bylaw
Letter to the Editor: Thanks, Rick Hughes!
Every Friday night, the children of Orcas Island have a treat in store for them.Councilman Rick Hughes and his wife Marlace organize a safe, fun night of roller skating. In the winter, there are few family activities. As everyone knows, this time of year can be cold, dark and gloomy.
March Marches in Like a Lion
Monday, March 4 Special School Board Meeting for Bond reporting, 3 p.m. at the School Library Bond Advisory Committee Meeting, following the above meeting at the School Library Tuesday, March 5 Providing Best Library Services Discussion, 8 to 10 a.m. at the Orcas School Library EDC Workshop "Business Finances" 9
Letter to the Editor: Bob Jarman’s Feeling Fine
Bob Jarman -- photo taken this weekend I would like to address the question of my health and whether or not I am fit to run for re-election to the County Council. To quote Mark Twain, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”. I am alive and
County Broadband Forum Set Up on Internet
From Chris Sutton The San Juan County Broadband Forum was just launched a few days ago. This forum is a result of the cumulative effort of five community members from Orcas and San Juan. Our goal is to provide a nonbiased platform to discuss Broadband in general, and to also
Orcas Ceramicists Hold Second Annual “Soup Bowl” Fundraising Dinner
Penny helps students, Soeth Quintero and Jeiri Velazquez make their bowls from scratch. By Madie Murray “Feeding souls and bodies by giving to each other on multiple levels.” Friday, March 15 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Public School Cafeteria. Inspired by an International project called “Empty
Letter to the Editor: Students Benefit from Aldorts’ Generosity
To the Editor: Thanks to the generosity of Naomi and Harvey Aldort, on Friday, February 15th, Orcas Island Middle and High School students in grades 8 to 12 were given the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Abraham Lincoln and the passage of the constitutional amendment to abolish slavery. We
Nominate a Neighbor for a Good Steward Award
From the Stewardship Network of the San Juans Do you have a friend or neighbor that you’ve noticed takes exceptional care of their land? Perhaps you know a teacher that inspires their students to understand and care for the environment or a business that has been a leader in sustainable
Community Breakfast at the Senior Center
Wednesday, March 6, 8-9:30 a.m. Join the Whatcom/ San Juan Senior Nutrition Program and Orcas Island Senior Center March 6th, for a Community Breakfast at the Center to benefit Meals on Wheels, and help ensure that no senior on Orcas Island goes hungry. The breakfast is part of March for
Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company — Fantastic!
Paul Taylor Dance Company again visits Orcas Island --next Saturday night! See dance world’s legend Paul Taylor’s Taylor 2 Dance Company at Orcas Center on Saturday, March 9 at 7: 30 pm. Choreographer Paul Taylor is the last living member of the pantheon that created America’s indigenous art
Letter to the Editor: Substitute Locale for Exchange Needed
Don’t know about you, but I feel separation pangs when the Exchange comes to mind. Where can I take left-over items from the Fidelis Flea Market? Surely someone would like my too-small sweaters, and this extra mixing bowl; I’d like to pick up some seed trays for my spring planting,
April Poetry: Lush April Rains
In recognition of Poetry Month, and to celebrate our treasure trove of Orcas Island poets, Orcas Issues is pleased and honored to offer daily poetry during April. LUSH APRIL RAINS by Elizabeth Myhr lush april rains a river bends through the grass and so the grass flows and so the
March: It’s Science Fair Month, and Not Just for Kids
Aiden McGregor stands in front of the trebuchet made with his brother and friends under the direction of their father. They won first prize in the 2011 Science Fair. Thanks to Jodi Luft! from Funhouse Commons Pete Moe, Krista Bouchey March 30th is the 10th annual Funhouse Commons
Letter to the Editor: Shop at Homegrown
I am writing to ask those who enjoy Homegrown, to please shop there in the next few weeks.Homegrown is open 10 to 6 week days and during the day on weekends. Spend $20, $30, $40, $50 or more. We need to help out this store... they are great people and are
