A Poem: On the Occasion of the End of the War
Staff Sgt. Metz by Dorianne Laux Metz is alive for now, standing in line at the airport Starbucks in his camo gear and buzz cut, his beautiful new camel-colored suede boots. His hands are thick-veined. The good blood still flows through, given an extra surge when he slurps his latté,
Actors Theater Issues a Call for Plays
From Actors Theater of Orcas Island Once again it's that time of year when we call out to playwrights and aspiring playwrights to wake up their creative juices and begin work on the next big 10-minute play. The wildly popular, annual PlayFest highlights the talents of local writers, actors, directors
Song and Merriment Abound this Weekend
Friday, December 16 The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting on at the Craft Room, Mullis Community Senior Center, 589 Nash Street, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. Public comment time is scheduled for 9 a.m. The public is
Susan Osborn Christmas Concerts Start on Lopez & San Juan, then Journey to Victorian Valley
Susan Osborn extends an invitation to the public throughout the San Juan Islands for her traditional Christmas concerts, at churches on Lopez and San Juan Islands and at the Victorian Valley Chapelon Orcas. Joining Susan on at all concerts will be Carolyn Cruso, hammer dulcimer, guitar, flute
Darvill’s Hosts Strega Nona Party
Lynn Howe will give a "Strega Nona" Party at Darvill's Bookstore on Sunday, Dec. 18. Strega Nona is the title of the children's book written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola about a Witch (In Italian, Strega) Grandmother (Nona) who helps her fellow villagers out with their troubles, most
Guest Column: Grace and Hope in Christmas Story
By Anthony Robinson from Crosscut.com Perhaps it is worthwhile to remind ourselves that the first Christmas wasn’t all comfort and joy either. The Christmas story is a nuanced and complex one. It’s not a cover-up of all that is hard in life. It is rather perceiving an outline of
Serve on County Boards and Commissions
From Maureen See, San Juan County Council Deputy Clerk The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. The following is a list of current vacancies: Agricultural Resources Committee - (2) Positions Eastsound Design Review Committee – (1)
Fire Chief Search Committee Announced
Paul Turner approved as County Fire Marshal; Strategic Plan to be completed in 2012 Orcas Island Fire District Commissioners recently announced the makeup of the Fire Chief Search Committee. The members are Barbara Bedell, Fire District Commissioner and Chair of the Search Committee, Melissa Parnell, Art Lang, Rich Harvey, Dave
Orcas Rockfish: “Scorpion Fish in Your Back Yard”
Rockfish expert Dave Smith of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium speaks on rockfish at this year’s Family Night for the Marine Science Lecture Series, presented by The SeaDoc Society and YMCA Camp Orkila. There are about 26 species of rockfish in the Salish Sea. Some of
Cold Crispy Days Lead to Holiday Festivities
Tuesday, Dec. 13 Orcas Island Public Library Board meeting 9 to 11 a.m. Open to the public, at the Lbrary Conference room. Friends of the Library Board meet at 3:30 p.m. in the Library Conference room. Eastsound Sewer and Water District meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Sewer District Offices off
Orcas Montessori Families Find Relief through Scholarship Fund
In spite of an anemic economy, struggling families are finding some financial relief, thanks to Orcas Montessori School’s Appleseed Scholarship Fund and the community members who make the fund possible. The Orcas Montessori School is a three-year early learning program for children ages two-and-a-half to six. The needs-based
Handel’s “Rodelinda” Final 2011 Hi-Def Opera at the Center
Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Orcas Center Faust coming in January 2012 THE MET: LIVE IN HD’s fifth opera of the 2011 season, Rodelinda by George Fredric Handel, airs at Orcas Center on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 1 p.m. It stars Renée Fleming in
OPALCO Celebrates 75 Years in 2012
OPALCO is gearing up to celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2012 and has planned a fun-filled year of events, activities and recognition for the OPALCO co-op family. Kicking off the celebration, members may pick up a commemorative 1937-style calendar featuring the artwork of Orcas Island artist Frank Loudin.
Letter to the Editor: Chamber Offers Holiday Thanks!
The holiday tradition continued this past Saturday with the annual tree lighting ceremony at the village green. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of a great many elves ... Perry Pugh and Ron Gilleland for brightly trimming the tree; Scott & Judy Whiting (and their alter egos, Santa
Sing Solos and with the Chorus at “Messiah” Community Sing-Along
Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m at Orcas Island Community Church The second Annual "Messiah" Sing Along will take place Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at the Community Church. All are welcome to sing, hum, or listen. Roger Sherman will be playing accompaniment for the oratorio on the piano.
Sing Along to Familiar Carols with the Orcas Brass Quintet
Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Community Church In the tradition of the Salvation Army’s kettle-ringer brass ensembles, five Orcas musicians have teamed up to play a selection of “Caroler’s Favorites” at the Community Church on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2pm. Everyone who enjoys classic Christmas
