Here’s a thought…
“It wasn’t a Blue Wave; it was an American Tsunami!”
School Board Votes to Ask for Bond in August
At a special Meeting of the Orcas Island School District (OISD) Board on Thursday, March 11, it was decided to submit the district’s Capital Bond to the voters again this August. The decision followed discussion among the board members on the advisability of putting the matter to the electorate in
Gov. Gregoire Calls Special Legislative Session
The Associated Press reported on March 12: Gov. Chris Gregoire is calling a special session so that lawmakers can finish their work on patching a $2.8 billion budget hole. Lawmakers adjourned their 60-day regular session on Thursday night. But House and Senate Democrats don't yet have an agreement on their
County, Union Agree on Voluntary Unpaid Furloughs
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Human Resources Department emailed notification to County employees on March 11, announcing that all workers may take up to 10 days of voluntary, unpaid furlough during 2010. The approval of individual applications for furlough days will be dependent on
Chamber of Commerce Looks at Windows 7
This month's "Business Essentials" meeting, sponsored by the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, will take a close look at the new Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. The meeting will begin on Tuesday, March 16 at 7:45 a.m. with coffee; followed by an 8 to 9:15 a.m. presentation at the Victorian
Scenic Byways Call for Inspiration Extended to March 31
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway and San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau announce: A Call for Inspiration - What images best represent the true essence of the San Juan Islands? The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway offers some of the most beautiful scenic vistas in the country, and byway planners
Guest Opinion: Our Water
By Janet Alderton We all rely on pure water for our health. Our lives and the lives of all living things in our San Juan Islands depend on clean water. We share the responsibility to keep our water supplies clean. Water is not something that you can hold tight. You
Actors Theater Announces Auditions for 2010 Playfest
Contributed by Doug Bechtel It's that time of year when everyone is tired of the long winter and folks are coming out of hibernation with great anticipation for Spring activities. What better way to celebrate Spring than by participating with your friends and neighbors on Center Stage at
Many Choices for Entertainment and Memories This Weekend
Many Choices for Entertainment and Memories This WeekendFriday, March 12 Journey Stories Explorations at the Senior Center, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We all have journey stories -- How do you go about telling YOUR story? In conjunction with the Orcas Historical Museum July event, "Journey Stories," Caroline Buchanan will
Free Composting Workshop this Saturday
Contributed by Helen Venada, Waste Reduction and Hazardous Waste Coordinator, San Juan County Solid Waste Division Learn to recycle naturally at a free workshop this Saturday. The workshop is from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center in Eastsound. It is sponsored by the San Juan County Solid
Why Did the School Bond Fail? Community Potluck Brings Out Answers
Last night, the Orcas High School Commons was filled with a lively group discussing their viewpoints on the Orcas Island School District (OISD)Bond for Reconstruction and Repairs, which recently failed by about a 120-vote margin. The Bond, which was for $35 million over a 25-year period, was described
Spoken Word Blues at Orcas Center’s OffCenter Stage
As part of its Spotlight in the OffCenter series, Orcas Center presents Chris Chandler, a spoken word performer, and guitarist Paul Benoit on Saturday, March 20 at 7:30 pm. Chris Chandler, a skinny bald dynamo with the fire of a Baptist preacher, has joined forces with world-class roots
Council Takes First Steps toward Solid Waste Utility Survival Plan
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager After much deliberation the San Juan County Council Tuesday authorized County staff to begin three steps toward raising money to keep the County’s solid waste utility afloat: 1) Prepare to sell bonds to pay down a portion of the utility’s rising debt and
Count of Homeless in San Juan County Shows Slight Increase
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager This year’s Count of Homeless Persons (PIT) in San Juan County recognized 79 persons as homeless. Among the homeless, 29 were classified as unsheltered - living in tents, cars, boats (not equipped with facilities for living aboard) or staying in motels (with money
March 19 Deadline for Student Recipes!
Every Orcas and Waldron public school student is eligible to submit entries for the First Ever OISD Student Chef Competition. The Farm to Cafeteria Committee needs to received your recipe for the greatest sandwich, soup, dessert, casserole, meatloaf, pasta, omelet, granola, salad or taco in the world by March 19!
Letter to the Editor: Stand Up and Be Counted!
The 2010 Census is underway. I urge you to participate as a complete count will benefit our community greatly. Census data is used to allocate state and federal funds. It is estimated that each individual counted may qualify our community for an additional $3,900 in annual support. In 2000, San
Choral Society Advertises for Piano Accompanist
The Orcas Choral Society announces a piano accompanist position to begin in September 2010 for the 2010-2011 season. Advanced piano skills and accompanying experience are required. The pianist accompanies weekly choral rehearsals September through mid-May and additional prescheduled rehearsals. The pianist accompanies the choir in two major choral performances and
