Here’s a thought…
“The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.”
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
OPAL’s Wild Rose Meadow Supports Local Economy; Open House Scheduled for January 9
Contributed by Judy Whiting, OPAL Outreach and Communications Manager Island workers are busy making 14 new homes in Wild Rose Meadow, across from the medical center on Rosehip Road so families seeking affordable housing will be able to move in to them in 2010. This construction will complete
Don't Call Them Sea Gulls: Marine Science Lecture
Contributed by Dr. Joe Gaydos What, there is no such thing as a sea gull? On the evening of Tuesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. biologist and writer Thor Hanson will engage you in the interesting facts about these opportunistic birds. You might not remember all the fascinating
"The Practice of Poetry" Begins Next Tuesday
"The Practice of Poetry: Reading, Conversation, Writing" will be the topic of a poetry class to be held the first three Tuesdays in January and February from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Library. InstructorJoEllen Moldoff describes the series as a class for poets, from beginners to experienced, who want
Letter to the Editor: Orcas Rec finds Swimming Sponsors!
We found our Swimming Sponsors just in time for the New Year! This past month I sent out a letter to the editor and several emails asking for a sponsor for the Orcas Rec Swimming Program for February. That request was filled, and my expectations were exceeded! We raised enough
San Juan County Building Official Nominated to Head Community Development and Planning
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Council is expected to confirm the appointment of County Building Official Rene Beliveau as Director of the Community Development and Planning Department (CDPD) at its January 5 meeting. The move would effectively combine the positions of department
The Gift of a New Year: Desiderata
Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and haste, remembering what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have
The Island's Jumping with New Year's Celebrations
Thursday, December 31 New Year's Eve Events Emmanuel Episcopal Candlelit Labyrinth Walk 4 to 6:30 p.m. Kaleidoscope Childcare offers Overnight Childcare from 6 p.m. on December 31 to 10 a.m. on January 1. The overnight will include dinner, New Year’s projects, slumber party & continental breakfast. Cost is
Immediate House-Sitting Position Sought
Lilli Rana Pavonis, Orcas Island cosmetologist, is seeking an immediate house-sitting position or rental opportunity. She has a dog and cat and is available immediately. She may be reached at 360-622-6121 or at lillirana@hotmail.com.
Farewell 2009 with the Wild Geese
Wild Geese By Mary Oliver You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees For one hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal Of your body love what it loves Tell me about despair, yours, and
Orcas Schools Receive $150,000 for Energy Improvements
The Orcas Island School District (OISD) was notified last week that they will receive $150,000 in a grant to provide for energy efficiency improvements to schools. The award was made by the State Office of Public Instruction, and the grant program is funded by the State Legislature. The Office
Vote counting equipment testing on January 5
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Logic and Accuracy Tests for vote counting equipment which will be used to tally mail-in ballots for the February 9 Special Election are scheduled for January 5. The tests will take place at 10 a.m. in the Elections Office located at 55 Second
Sea View Theater To Remain Open — Video Store to Close
The oldest single-owner business in Eastsound will remain open, thanks to John Mount’s decision to take the Sea View Theater off the market. That’s the good news. However, the adjoining video store will close in two days, at the start of 2010, as a result of declining video
"Environmental Songster" Dana Lyons plays New Years Eve at the Doe Bay Café
World famous environmental songster Dana Lyons will rock in the New Year starting at 10 p.m. at the Doe Bay Café. The event will also be a release party for his new CD, “Three Legged Coyote.” The evening kicks off with an exciting Pizza Night Open Mic
Letter to the Editor: Montessori Wreaths Help Provide Tuition
Everyone at Orcas Montessori School would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to the community. Our 15th annual holiday wreath sale is winding down and we are grateful for each and every purchase as well as the generous monetary donations received. All the proceeds from the wreath sale go
Alternative Education Abounds at Orcas Public Schools with OASIS
Updated Dec. 29 at 9:30 p.m. The Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS) program has blossomed this year, with about 100 students enrolled in the Orcas Island School District’s K-8 program, and an additional two dozen in OASIS High School. The OASIS High School staff, led by Marta Branch, includes
The Gift of Poetry: "Daily" by a poet and a neighbor
The wife of a neighbor couple who are going through treatment for his leukemia, now facing a bone marrow transplant, writes: Going through this makes us treasure deeply the incredible gifts that "normal" life holds... how beautiful it is just to have a meal together or be able to tend
