Here’s a thought…
“The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.”
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
Septic Repair Funds Granted by State with Boost from Federal Stimulus
Updated Dec. 31 at 9:30 a.m. San Juan County's revolving loan program for the proper repair of failing on-site septic systems has received $300,000 in the final intended use plan from the state water pollution fund. This time the fund was augmented by funds appropriated by Congress under the American
West Beach Resorts to Donate Portion of Mid-week Business to Non-profits
Tim Hance, Director of Events for West Beach Resort, Inc. recently announced that West Beach Resort will extend its fall promotion benefiting non-profits as the “2010 Orcas Island Winter Non Profit Promotion.” "Given the amazing response we had to our Fall Non-Profit Promotion," Hance says, "We encourage you to invite
Bird Identification Class at Orcas Library in February
By Nita Couchman, Orcas Public Librarian A six-week course called Introduction to Birding Orcas Island will be offered by Kim Middleton at the Orcas Island Public Library on Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm, from February 4, 2010 to March 11, 2010. The course will involve five classroom sessions and
Tap Away the Blocks to Successful Resolutions
Nancy Southern, MSW and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Specialist, is offering a free workshop to "eliminate the unconscious barriers to success that will sabotage your best efforts every time." “Do you make the same resolutions every year only to fall short of your goal?” asks Southern. This one-time workshop introduces
The Gift of Poetry: The Blessing of the Old Woman, the Tulip, and the Dog
The Blessing of the Old Woman, the Tulip, and the Dog By Alicia Suskin Ostriker To be blessed said the old woman is to live and work so hard God's love washes right through you like milk through a cow To be blessed said the dark red tulip is to
The Week Ahead: Dec. 27 – Jan. 3 Bon Voyage 2009!
Sunday, Dec. 27 American Legion Pancake Breakfast, 8 to noon at the Eastsound Legion Hall. All are welcome, 376-4987. Yuletide Baroque Concert with George Shangrow and Jeffrey Cohan at 3 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Free Movie at Doe Bay Cafe at 7 p.m., free popcorn and 1/2 price bottles
Waldorf Courses for Grades 3-5 at Salish Sea School
The School of the Salish Sea announces a Friday class for children in grades 3-5. It offers a Waldorf curriculum main lesson followed by activities such as wood working, puppet and doll making, puppet plays and performances, needle felting, sewing, paper crafts, painting, cooking, hiking, games, and field trips.
Orcas Idol is Just Around the Corner — Seeks Sponsors
Contributed by Marta Nielson, OIPP Director The fabulous, family-oriented Orcas Idol show is returing for its 5th season. New this year, contestants can sing karaoke style, a cappella or accompany themselves on a musical instrument. Duets also return, with each contestant singing thir choice of Country/Folk, Pop/Rock, Blues, Show Tunes...even
Labyrinth Walk and Full Moon at Year's End
The public is invited to welcome in 2010 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church's second annual New Year's Eve candlelit Labyrinth Walk. The event will take place on Thursday, December 31st from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. This will be the night of the last full moon
The Gift of Poetry: The Weight of Nothing
The Weight of Nothing Anonymous "Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a coal-mouse asked a wild dove. "Nothing more than nothing," was the answer. "In that case I must tell you a marvelous story," the coal-mouse said. "I sat on the branch of a fir, close to its trunk,
The Gift of Poetry: Noël
Noël By Anne Porter When snow is shaken From the balsam trees And they're cut down And brought into our houses When clustered sparks Of many-colored fire Appear at night In ordinary windows We hear and sing The customary carols They bring us ragged miracles And hay and candles And
Happy Christmas From Our House to Yours
Wishing you toys and kittens, puppies and happy trails, merry moments, exciting adventures, prestigious acclamation, rousing encouragement, gracious welcomes, sparkling celebrations, cozy retreats, comforting quietude, and a sense of happiness and well-being that comes from loving others as they are and knowing they love you in the same
Letter to the Editor: Snowy nights at Victorian Valley Chapel Remembered
I lived on Orcas for a few years. Reading "Silent Night in Victorian Valley" brought me back to those (sometimes) snowy nights at the chapel. To listen to Susan. To be with friends. To be part of “…the atmosphere of hush and song.” I also went to the chapel a few other times with
The Gift of Poetry: Shoveling Snow With Buddha
Shoveling Snow With Buddha By Billy Collins In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wok you would never see him doing such a thing, tossing the dry snow over a mountain of his bare, round shoulder, his hair tied in a knot, a model of concentration. Sitting
County Health Officials Comment on Recalled H1N1 Vaccine
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Health officials say local residents need not be concerned about the recall of several lots of H1N1 vaccine announced yesterday. Approximately 400 doses of the recalled vaccine were received and administered here in October and November. Safety was not
Christina's a Lunchroom Hit — John Steward's Next
Contributed by Madie Murray When a first grader asks for seconds, you know you’ve done something right, and Christina had lots of requests for seconds from kids feasting on her Celebrity Lunch items this past Thursday at the public school cafeteria. Christina and the enthusiastic cafeteria staff’s freshly prepared
