Here’s a thought…
“Nothing limits intelligence more than ignorance; nothing fosters ignorance more than one’s own opinions; nothing strengthens opinions more than refusing to look at reality.”
SHERI S. TEPPER
New school opens on Orcas with Waldorf teacher
The School of the Salish Sea is accepting new students for enrollment this fall and will be offering programs for parents and children from birth to age 7. The School of the Salish Sea is “mentored and supported by a multi-generational Waldorf community that originally came together once before
Letter to the Editor: What does high level of fire dept. service cost Orcas Island?
Recently, I was privy to a meeting of citizens ruminating the large expenditures of our fire department. Their concern seemed to be that the department's budget was far in excess of the rural level of service needed. They felt that bigger, better and more expensive equipment could never overcome the
Letter to the Editor: PTSA urges support of Park and Recreation District
The Orcas PTSA Board urges you to sign the petition (available at locations described below) to put the formation of an Orcas Park & Recreation (taxing) District on the November ballot. San Juan Island has such a district, and consequently has stable funding for youth and community activities at a
Country Corner’s more intense development creates intense public discussion
Council Member Gene Knapp has repeatedly said that Orcas Islanders “are anything but apathetic,” and the last meeting regarding the proposed Country Corner LAMIRD on Monday, July 13 was a lively case in point as area neighbors discussed stormwater, drinking water and water/sewer hookup in the area. Although County
Letter to the Editor: Orcas Island a Grand Prix racecourse?
This is my first full time summer on the island and I have noticed something that concerns me. There are those who come to visit who seem to view our roads as a Grand Prix with trees. I have witnessed several near misses when people pass those of us doing
Council to revise Critical Areas Ordinance Aug. 25
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager A planned Council workshop on efforts to revise the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. on August 25th. The site has tentatively been set as the San Juan Island Community Theatre. In June, a public meeting on San
Levy Lid Lift on property taxes to be discussed July 22
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Council has scheduled a special council session for Wednesday July 22 to consider putting a proposal to increase the County’s property tax on the November, 2009 ballot. Currently, under state law, the County must win voter approval for a
Coast Guard decision means overnite SJ schedules can continue
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager It appears that Washington State Ferries will be able to avoid drastic reductions in morning sailings from the San Juans this fall, thanks to a decision announced Monday by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has notified Washington State Ferries that it
County Public Service Offices' Hours to Change
By Stan MatthewsCounty Communications Program Manager Beginning on Monday July 20, the offices of the County Auditor, Treasurer and Assessor will be open for counter service and phone service to the public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. That is a change from the 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours
OPAL acquires grant to purchase Lavender Hollow apartments
From OPAL Community Land Trust OPAL Community Land Trust has been awarded a grant of $1,504,729 from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund for the purchase and remodeling of the Lavender Hollow apartments. OPAL now begins the process of finalizing acquisition of the 19-year old development with 22 apartments on
Distler elected Vice-chair of State Transportation Commission
In a recent statement issued by the State Transportation Commission, it was announced that Member Bob Distler, who is from Orcas Island, will serve as Vice-chair of the Washington State Transportation Commission.The new Chair is Carol Moser from Richland. Commission members elect new officers every year; their terms become effective
Kids Learn of the Sea Around Us at Scavenger Hunt on Indian Island
A Scavenger Hunt on Indian Island will be the scene on Tuesday, morning, July 21, as children ages 6-12 explore the beach surrounding the island. San Juan Nature Institute and Orcas Island Recreation Program will collaborate to offer the Scavenger Hunt around Indian Island. The fun will begin
Kids' Whale Watching Trip on Thursday
A Whale Watch Trip with reduced prices for kids age 7 to 17 will set out from Deer Harbor Marina on Thursday morning, July 16. The three-hour trip, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is an educational guided trip with an experienced captain and naturalist. Those making the trip will
Imagine—A Beatles Era Party to Benefit Orcas Center
Orcas Center summer special event includes second Abbey Road - LIVE performance on Sunday evening On Saturday, July 18, Orcas Center will host a special event that features delicious dining, camaraderie, dancing, bidding and the music of the Fab Four, all with a backdrop reminiscent of the 60s.
County office hours may be reduced
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager If the Council approves, many County offices will provide “counter service” and other public services for fewer hours per day. County Administrator Pete Rose says that the step is proposed in light of workforce cutbacks, to give County workers additional time to take
Soccer Clinic for Younger Kids to Benefit High School Soccer Teams
Chama Anderson, high school girls soccer coach, and Matt Stolmeier, boys soccer coach, will be offering a three-day soccer clinic for kids from grades 3 through 8 next Monday-Wednesday, July 20-22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Buck Park. Members of the high school boys and girls soccer team will
