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: Help Education Foundation help Orcas schools
Dear Parents, Amidst challenging times, it is heartening to focus on the good so apparent in our community. Last year, private donations underwrote funding for High School British Literature, Writing, Film as Literature, Literature 2, and AP Calculus. Funding the Middle and High School this way helped to minimize program
Letter to the Editor: Guimond Protects Tax Dollars
I would like to address the letter written by Steven Siler to the Islands Sounder, in which he railed against Pierrette Guimond for her "complaints" against the Orcas Fire Department. While I appreciate and echo Mr. Siler's admiration for our largely-volunteer department, I am disappointed that he is unaware of
Be a Garden Keeper this summer
The Orcas Elementary School Garden needs people willing to sign up for two weeks of garden care throughout the summer. The benefits include harvesting veggies that are ready to be eaten, the unparalleled gratitude of the children who planted the garden and a general sense of well being. If you
Housing needed for British Soccer Camp Coaches
British Soccer Camp is one of the summer highlights for many island kids. Recently, Didier Gincig, Coordinator of the Orcas Rec program, announced that housing is needed for the four or five instructors coming to put on the camp August 3-7. Gincig writes, "We are still searching for housing for
Letter to the Editor: Diverse opinions should be respected
Dear Editor I like living in this country. How incredible it is that we as citizens have the right to participate in the way our government is being run. Many global citizens do not have that right. It is too bad that more people weren't paying attention in the past
Dynamic Borealis String Quartet Returns to Orcas Center
Orcas Center will present one performance only of the Borealis String Quartet on Saturday, June 26 at 7:30 pm. One of the most dynamic and exciting world-class ensembles of its generation, the Borealis String Quartet returns to Orcas after a popularly-received performance in 2006. They have received critical
Moran Mansion Centennial Celebraton Sunday, June 21
Museum Fundraiser to feature Moran Historic House Tour and Celebration In celebration of the Moran Family moving into the Moran Mansion at Rosario on June 21, 1909, a fundraiser benefiting the Orcas Island Historical Society and Museum will be held Sunday, June 21, 2009. The "Moran Centennial House
"Paw-ti" to Celebrate and Dedicate Shelter at the Orcas Off-Leash Area
Contributed by Jeff Hanson Two years ago, the Eastsound Off Leash Dog Park was hidden away near the Orcas Animal Shelter and used by just a few dogs and their people. Through the efforts of a wide variety of donors and island businesses that provided free or discounted
Opinion: Kaleidoscope's Building for Families Expansion
By Tamara Joyner Last year, 35 babies were born into our Orcas Island community. That number represents close to half of the 2008 births in San Juan County, and indicates the continued demand on early childhood programs for the foreseeable future. Kaleidoscope provides a high quality Preschool and Childcare environment
The week ahead builds to a jam-packed weekend
Monday, June 15 Country Corner LAMIRD meeting 7-9 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall. Tuesday, June 16 Watercolor Basics with Caroline Buchanan, Tuesday -Friday at the Olga Energetic Club, June 16-19. This is a process oriented class - there is no failure. It is possible to "rent" materials. Visit www.buchananwatercolors.com/classes.cfm.
EPRC addresses beach trail, Country Corner LAMIRD, Madrona Point access, and Town Crier at recent meeting
At their regular monthly meeting on June 4, Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) members Gulliver Rankin, Bob Connell, and Audrey Moreland discussed plans to advance the priorities the full committee has established this year. County Senior Planner Colin Maycock, and County Councilmen for Orcas Island, Richard Fralick and Gene Knapp
Letter to the Editor: Ways to benefit John Baker and "The Prom You Never Had" fundraiser
To the editor, I just dropped off a couple of prom worthy dresses to Aurora's Consignment Co in downtown Eastsound. A "Prom You Never Had" fundraiser to help John Baker with cancer treatment expenses is being organized for July 10. My thought was to donate my portion of the proceeds
Kiwanis selling firewood to benefit children
The Orcas Kiwanis has dry firewood for sale for $200 a cord delivered. Delivery will take place in early August. All proceeds go back to Orcas Island children. For more information, contact Doug Pearso, LRP, at 376-6806 or email dpearson@orcasonline.com.
Maintenance and Weatherization Help Available for Low Income Homeowners
By Angela Lausch, SJC Affordable Housing Coordinator With the warmer weather finally here now is the time to get your house ready for next winter's inclement weather. There are a couple of programs available to help low-income San Juan County homeowners with weatherization or make needed repairs to their homes.
Remember your very first dance?
The Middle School Dance will take place Friday night, June 12 in the Middle School Commons area, and the excitement has gone beyond fever pitch. Eight-graders Ruby Adrian, left, and Jenna Tully, right, prepare the extensive decorations that will transform the commons area into a fantasy undersea world.
Council signs 4-year contract with labor union
After six months of difficult negotiations, the San Juan County Council has signed a four- year contract agreement with employees union, local 49 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The contract gives the represented employees a 1.25% cost of living increase, retroactive to January 2009
