Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
State Gets Federal Funds to Improve School Tests
From the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction The 31-state SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium, or SBAC, was awarded a four-year $160 million Race to the Top assessment grant on Sept. 2, 2010 by the US Department of Education to develop a student assessment system aligned to a common core
The Funhouse is 10 Years Old!
Hard to believe it, but the hand-painted doors of the Funhouse opened a decade ago this month, after more than a year of construction and incredible volunteer commitment. In honor of this anniversary, The Funhouse is having a Fall Birthday Party and Open House, September 10th from 3
The Sun Shines Bright on the Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, September 4 “Arty Party” Benefit and Silent Auction to benefit Dorothy Austin will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Odd Fellows Hall, Eastsound Actors Theater production of Arthur, the Begetting at the Grange. Tonight and next weekend through Sept. 12. All performances will be at 7:30 pm
T’ai Chi Chih Starts with Free Class Sept. 13
By Joan Roulac Better Balance in 8 weeks! Ready to experience less pain, nd develop more balance, flow and ease in your daily life? What if I promised you will feel better after your very first class…better yet, what if I guarantee it? T’AI CHI CHIH is a slow moving
Endow Orcas/Community Foundation Offers Stewardship Symposium Oct. 8
The Endow Orcas Committee of the Orcas Island Community Foundation is sponsoring a workshop this Friday morning to focus on stewardship of organizational donors. Sharon Holden – a development professional from WSU and the architect of many successful fund raising endeavors, will headline the program. The workshop will be an
Horns for the Whole Family with Dallas Brass
This Sunday, Sept. 5 Orcas Center announces the return of the Dallas Brass with a performance for the entire family. This event is priced accordingly -- all tickets to the September 5 show are $10. Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass has become one of
Orcas Crossroads Lecture Series Announces 2010-2011 Season of Events
Updated Sept. 3 at 10:45 p.m. The Orcas Crossroads Lecture Series announces its 2010-11 season of lecture events. Now in its fourth season, Crossroads offers diverse topics, of local and global relevance, explored by expert speakers of some renown. All lectures will be held at Orcas Center and
Fadem’s Class to Explore Jewish Protaganist, Daniel Deronda
Richard Fadem will offer a literature class this fall focusing on the novel Daniel Deronda, by George Eliot. The class will meet on Thursdays, 10:00-12:30 at the Senior Center, from September 30th until November 18th. The Oxford World Classics edition, available at Darvill's, will be used for the class. Registration will
Come to the “Save Our Salmon” Picnic Sept. 12
By Fiona Norris Science Director, San Juan Nature Institute Jim and Kathy Youngren have graciously agreed to host a benefit fundraiser for Salmon in the Classroom at Orcas Elementary School, on Sunday September 12 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Supper will be barbecued salmon from the Queen Charlotte
Energy Grant for School Repairs Lowers Utility Costs
Elementary School Needs Funding (matching or otherwise) to Fix Utilities Work was completed this month at the Orcas Island High School for the energy conservation upgrades provided by the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction grant awarded earlier in the year. Now the Orcas School Board must decide
A Page From Our History: Alden, the “Active” and Goldseekers
By Tom Welch The United States Exploring Expedition, commanded by Charles Wilkes, was the first government expression of interest in the San Juan Islands. Surveying the islands in 1841, Wilkes and the Expedition (also known as the U.S. Ex Ex) named many of our local features and landmarks.
United Way of San Juan Seeks Island Coordinators
United Way of San Juan County is seeking three Volunteer Coordinators – one each for Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Island. Each coordinator will be responsible for recruiting and training volunteers to help with the annual giving campaign that gears up in September. Two hours per week from August through
Eastsound Committe Reviews Impact of Plans Tomorrow at Fire Hall
The Eastsound Planning and Review Committee (EPRC) holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month. This Thursday, Sept. 2, it will change locations to meet at the Eastsound Fire Hall from 3 to 5 p.m. The agenda calls for filling empty positions, updates from County Council Members
Letter to the Editor: FAA Bullies Port, Property Owners & Taxpayers
Not long ago the Sounder had a cartoon caption entitled, “In The Argument Over Airport Access Rights.” It was a two panel drawing of “The Losers,” and “The Winners.” The “Losers” were the Port of Orcas and property owners adjacent to the airport. The “Winners” were the “Lawyers.” A new
Jumpstart! Mixes Up the Arts at Writers Festival
Jumpstart! Classes: Hybrid Forms with Nance Van Winckel panels and evening event still open The Orcas Island Writers Festival is fast approaching -- it's third annual festival will take place September 17-19, 2010. The Festival was born in 2008, the brainchild of writer Barbara Lewis, as "a way to
Letter to the Editor: In Support of the School Board
In the last election I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people who willfully subject themselves to public scrutiny simply to provide for the educational needs of our children. First, as a critic of the School District’s bond proposal and then after due consideration, a supporter,
