Here’s a thought…
“The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there.”
ROBERT M. PIRSIG
Labyrinths, concerts, monologues and benefits — and meetings too
Sunday June 7 Emmanuel Parish invites the public to participate in its Labyrinth on the Lawn from 9-Noon at the Emmanuel Parish Green in Eastsound. Eastsound Off-Leash Dog Area monthly meeting at 2 p.m. Basic rules as well as tips and strategies for having a successful off-leash area experience. This
Taxing district, stipend cuts, building closures suggested in school budget workshop
Last month, Superintendent Kline had the onerous task of presenting a Minimum Education Plan which called for the reduction of about 8 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in order to make up the near-$500,000 budget deficit in the Orcas Island School District (OISD) budget. The OISD Board of Directors
Seven OASIS students honored at Commencement ceremony on June 6
Orcas Alternative Student-Initiated Studies (OASIS), now in its third year as an official Orcas Island School District school, proudly graduated seven students on Saturday, June 6. Valedictorian Natasha earned a diploma, as did Salutatorian Brian Duke. Acosta, De Raimo, Fuchster-McKinstry earned General Education Development (GED)certificates. Darren Stevens
Kevin Ranker issues comprehensive report of legislative session
From Kevin Ranker LEGISLATION I’m excited to report that during this session we were able to secure passage of most of my top priority bills and several other pieces of legislation that I co-sponsored. Here are some of the highlights: Neah Bay Tug We’ve seen the risks of oil
Sallie Bell's Monkey Puzzle occupies "jewel box" at Orcas Landing
Sallie Bell's signature products now have a new home, as she's moved into the old liquor store "cubicle" adjacent Orcas Village Store. Monkey Puzzle long occupied a store on North Beach Road, in the building most recently occupied by Kiki's Café, underneath a huge "Monkey Puzzle" tree. Sallie
Orcas Writers Festival extends early bird registration to June 13
The Orcas Writers Festival, at the start of its second year, has extended the deadline for Early Bird Registration to June 13. Festival registration is available at www.orcasislandwritersfestival.com. The festival will be held Sept. 17 to 20, 2009. This year, most festival events will be held in Eastsound. Festival Package
County Budget Cuts will be Significant, Changes may be Structural
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager County Auditor Milene Henley ran through variations on six different budgeting scenarios for the County Council on Friday, June 5. Each scenario began with an immediate $1 million spending cut - approximately 15% of expenses for the 2nd half 2009 - plus options
Letter to the Editor: Island Rec has benefited island kids year-round for 15 years
"Mom, there's nothing to do on Orcas in the summer!" is a complaint that should be heard less and less this year. The Orcas Island Summer Recreation Program was founded in order to bring a variety of activities and events to children, families, and residents of the community." Islands' Sounder,
Special Three-day Filing Period To be held June 10, 11 & 12, 2009
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Port of Orcas, Eastsound Sewer District Commissioner slots still open A special three day filing period will be held in accordance with RCW 29A.24.171 for the offices listed below. Filings will be accepted on June 10, 11 and 12, 2009 from 8 a.m. to
Mikey in the lead for Eastound mayor — polls close July 4
Mikey the Golden Retriever continues to lead in the sales (that is, polls) in the Eastsound Mayoral Election, brought to islanders by the Orcas Island Children's House. Dale Heisinger, Board President o f Children's House, reports on June 4 the latest results of the mayoral campaign to date:
Our man in Olympia: Ranker reports at legislative session's enc
Dear Neighbors, On April 26 we adjourned the 2009 legislative session, my first as your state senator. I came to this legislative session with several priorities - a few pieces of legislation, an intense focus on the transportation budget - particularly ferries and other key issues in Whatcom, Skagit and
Returning to the Garden: a three day women's retreat
Contributed by Rosie Kuhn Halfway up the side of Turtle Back Mountain on Orcas Island is Eagle's Heart Sanctuary, 10 acres of beautiful woodlands, rocky slopes, magnificent views of the intimate valley below and yes, bald eagles soaring above our heads. I invite you to the Wonderful Women's Retreat from
An eclectic weekend for all interests and ages
Friday, June 5 Soul of the Eagle and Tree - Opening Reception for Rocky McGinnis' eagle carvings and Louellen McCoy's photographs. At the Orcas Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eclectic Art Auction to benefit the Funhouse. Opening Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Living Room. Silent Auction
Call For Action: Save Orcas Island Recreation Program Funding
Didier Gincig, Coordinator, Orcas Island Recreation Program, was informed today, June 4, that the county is considering cutting funding (currently $10,000, down from $16,500) for the Orcas Island Recreation Program. He issued the following call for action to save the recreation program: We currently receive approximately 10% of our funding
Council to review budget cuts this Friday afternoon — to meet with legislators in the morning
The San Juan County Council will spend Friday, June 5 in a special session, meeting with 40th District Representatives Dan Quall and Jeff Morris to discuss its legislative concerns and priorities - ranging from concerns about reliable funding for the state Ferry System to dealing with specific local needs. The
County Health Officer Warns of Contaminated Street Drugs
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Health officer, Dr. Frank James alerted the County's health care providers in that at least three individuals have reported to local hospitals with a life threatening illness, likely caused by the use of cocaine contaminated with a drug generally used
