Here’s a thought…
“The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.”
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
Letter to the Editor: PTSA Book Fair/Reading Night Success
In these times of chronic state underfunding of our public schools, especially including our school libraries, we here on Orcas have yet another example of how fortunate we are to live in such a caring community. On December 3rd, the PTSA sponsored its third annual Family Reading Night at the
Letter to the Editor: Land Bank Thanks Volunteers
To the Editor: On behalf of the Land Bank Commission I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have helped to make this a year of accomplishment for the San Juan County Land Bank. With reduced revenues from excise taxes levied on the purchase of
OPALCO to Use Settlement Funds in Project PAL Assistance
Last week, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative received $24,495 from the Washington State Attorney General's Office as a part of a $9 million settlement reached with Enron in 2005. The funds are targeted for programs that benefit customers who were gouged by the manufactured energy crisis of 2000-2001, the AG's
Music Legend Willie Thomas starts “Jazz Experience” at the Funhouse
An early-start program designed to introduce jazz fun and fundamentals to children between the ages of 7-10 will be starting in January at the Funhouse. Local Jazz Legend Willie Thomas is the instigator behind this program, and he has been working with Orcas School Music teachers Lizz Hanks
Historical Society Resolution Honors Three Philanthropists at Annual Dinner
At the Orcas Island Historical Society's Annual Dinner on Dec. 7, three community philanthropists, "who came forward when we needed it," said retiring President Tom Welch, were honored with lifetime memberships in the Historical Society, a brick on the Historical Museum's entrance walkway, and a resolution from the
Guest Opinion: How to Recognize and Deal with an Influenza-like Illness (swine flu)
By John Manning Director of the San Juan County Department of Health and Community Services San Juan County school students have experienced a significant outbreak of influenza-like illness (ILI) this school year, quite likely due to swine flu. This has resulted in a high rate of school absence. The San
New Art Studio Hosts Opening Reception Dec. 9
Jacqueline Kempfer artist, will be hosting an opening reception at her studio at 474 North Beach Road, The Living Room. "The furnishings are in, the labyrinth restored, and Holiday lights are up!" says Kempfer. She invites all readers of Orcas Issues to come to the opening reception and
Is the Eastsound Sub-area plan obsolete?
The Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) decided unanimously at their Dec. 3 meeting to send a letter to the County Council and Planning Commission, stating their responses to the County Planning staff and Commission’s recommendations to the establishment of a Country Corner LAMIRD. The letter supports the adoption of
Blast of Cold Ushers in a Week of Winter Festivities
Monday, Dec. 7 Writers' Workshop for Kids with local children's author Michele Griskey-Watson . The workshop is designed primarily for kids in grades 4-8, but are free and open to all. The workshop runs from 3:15-4:30 p.m. in the school library, and the topic will be "The Great Storytellers". Performance Poetry "The Pincushion Orchestra"
Kokanee Come Back to Moran Creek
The Kokanee are running in Moran Creek at the State Park. The large numbers of returning fish show that the three-year project has achieved success in nurturing disease-free salmon, and in producing a fresh stock of eggs to supply to other hatcheries, thanks to cooperation between the State
Yay and Congratulations to OASIS Graduates
Four Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS) High School twere honored at a Commencement ceremony before teachers, friends and family at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Hall on a brilliant, windy day today. As the students walked in, Zach Edwardson teacher Gregory Books played a bluesy saxophone version of "Pomp
Montessori Holiday Wreaths are Still Available
There’s still time to order! Orcas Montessori holiday wreaths are the perfect compliment to your home, business, or as a great gift for clients, family and friends. 24” wreaths available for $25. Add $14 for box, gift card and shipping and we’ll gladly send this wonderful NW gift
County Looks for Feedback on H1N1 Flu Response
From the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management The County Health & Community Services H1N1 flu response team is looking for feedback from all islanders on their experiences with the information and support provided to the community to help prepare for, educate about, prevent, and treat the illness. We
OASIS Commencement Celebrates High School Graduates this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS) High School will hold its winter commencement ceremony on Saturday Dec 5th. Three students will receive diplomas: Eli Bruce, Philip Ghazel and Lily Huffstodt. In addition, Justyn Rath and Carly McNulty will celebrate the attainment of General Educational Development (GED) certificates. The ceremony will be
Chamber's Business Essentials: Optimize Your Website in Seven Simple Steps
The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce invites the public to come to another in its series of Business Essentials Seminars & Workshops provided to Chamber members and the public. "Optimize Your Website – 7 Simple Steps to Getting Found Online” will be presented this Thursday, Dec. 10. "This panel discussion will feature
Sad Day at Courthouse
From the San Juan County Prosecutor's Office The sudden death of Judge John Linde was felt hard at the San Juan County Prosecutor’s Office reported Prosecuting Attorney Randall K. Gaylord. “The legal community is small and we know each other well. We are shocked and saddened by this unexpected turn
