Here’s a thought…
“The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.”
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
Christmas Bird Count Needs Nature Lovers this Saturday
By Barbara Jensen The Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place for the 110th consecutive year this Saturday, Dec. 19. Participating in this great event is a wonderful way to kick off the Holidays. Besides walking around in the snow and climbing over downed trees after a big
The week ahead: Snow May Set the Stage for "A Christmas Carol" and Annual Bird Count
Sunday, Dec. 13 Orcas Choral Society Winter Concert,“Joyous Sounds of Christmas” concerts at 2 p.m. at the Orcas Center. The program of seasonal music features “Magnificat” by John Rutter as well as familiar carols, songs from other times and cultures, caroling with the audience, and a wide variety of instrumental
Free Community Dinners at Emmanuel Church
Emmanuel Church will begin a monthly series of Community Dinner Kitchens on Thursday night, Dec. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30p.m., in the new Parish Hall in Eastsound. There's a strong indication that Santa plans to leave children's toys at this first event, for which Ken Speck plans to bring some
Joe Gaydos, SeaDoc Scientist, appointed to Governor's Science Panel
Joe Gaydos, Regional Director for the SeaDoc Society, has been appointed to the Science Panel for Governor Gregoire's Puget Sound Partnership. The Science Panel provides expertise and advice to the Partnership as they work to create a healthy Puget Sound by the year 2020. The nine member panel is appointed
Public Swine Flu Vaccination Clinics Scheduled
From the County Public Health Department Everyone in San Juan County wanting to receive the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is now eligible to do so, the Department of Health announced Friday. There are no longer any age group or risk category restrictions. There will be swine flu vaccination clinics
Orcas High School Wins Bronze Award in National Report
Orcas Island High School was again named as one of the country's top High Schools in US New and World report. The public high school received a bronze award this year. From the Report, "U.S. News ranks America's Best High Schools for third consecutive year" One major challenge all of
Soup & Chili Supper Served before Wednesday Performance of "A Christmas Carol"
The Orcas Center Board of Trustees offers a Holiday Soup & Chili Supper one night only, on Wednesday, December 16 beginning at 5:30 pm. The Soup & Chili Supper will be served in the Madrona Room prior to the opening night performance of A Christmas Carol, which benefits The Funhouse.
Guest Opinion: Orcas Rec Needs a Swimming Santa
By Linda Sheridan Orcas Rec Coordinator As our last week of swimming lessons finish up it is my job to decide if Orcas Rec can afford to host another session of lessons. Although we have a waiting list of children who want to take lessons, we struggle with the cost
Workshop Seeks Input to Set School Bond Terms
A workshop will take place next Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 15 for the final planning stages of the upcoming school bond, which Orcas Islanders will vote on next February. Late in October, the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board selected Mahlum Architects to oversee the [intlink id="school-architects-meet-the-public-on-orcas-this-week" type="post"]building project[/intlink]. OISD Superintendent
County Health Officials: Get H1N1 Vaccinations Immediately
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Health officials report that the available supply of H1N1 vaccine is improving and urge all residents with chronic health conditions, regardless of age, to get a H1N1 flu vaccination as soon as possible. Shortages of vaccine have forced health officials
Trumpeter Swans Return for Winter
The Trumpeter swans, such as those pictured this week on Orcas Island, were hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers. Now they return to the Northwest from November to April in estauries and fields. Other flocks may be seen on Fir Island near Conway and at the Johnson
Letter to the Editor: Thanks Santa! and your Missus!
We’d like to send a special thanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus for another wonderful holiday season! The two jolly friends visited the Children’s House Annual Holiday party on December 9 and made many children very happy.Santa and Mrs. Claus distributed wooden cars (thanks also to Orcas Kiwanis!), stuffed animals,
Choral Society Winter Concert Tickets Selling Fast
The Orcas Choral Society's Winter Concert, "The Joyous Sounds of Christmas" will be the last Christmas concert prepared under the direction of its Founder and Conductor Catherine Pederson. The Choral Society will sing a variety of holiday, seasonal and sacred music, with guest appearances by Charly Robinson, Robin
President Obama's Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
Ordinarily, OrcasIssues concentrates on local news, view and issues only.But it is rare and historic in our lifetime that an American President receives the Nobel Peace Prize, initiated by the Norwegian inventor of dyanmite. Here is an excerpt from his speech, given yesterday in Oslo, Norway. I receive this honor
Hancock to Serve in Linde's Stead as County Judge
From Washington Supreme Court release Due to the death of Judge John Linde, the Washington Supreme Court has appointed Judge Alan Hancock of the Island County Superior Court to perform judicial duties in San Juan Superior Court, pursuant to Article IV Section 2(a) of the Constitution of the State of
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Recognizes San Juan County with Landmark Deeds Award
From news release On December 8th, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation announced San Juan County as one of six counties receiving the organization’s fifth annual Landmark Deeds Award for Public Service. The awards are presented annually to public figures demonstrating leadership on issues related to preserving and retaining Washington’s
