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
Ranker announces $167 million for coastline and natural areas restoration
From the office of State Senator Kevin Ranker: Today, [July 1] US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the distribution of $167 million by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to help restore coastlines and natural areas across the country, including $16.4 million for projects in Washington – many of
Open space farm classification and taxation of current use parcels
By Charles Zalmanek County Tax Assessor The Open Space Taxation Act, enacted in 1970, allows property owners to have their open space, farm and agricultural, and timber lands valued at their current use rather than at their highest and best use. The Act states that it is in the
Council adopts "Phase I" of budget cuts
(updated with corrections July 2) By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager After much discussion in its special session today[July1], the San Juan County Council unanimously adopted - with two amendments - the first phase of what promises to be a series of cuts to the remainder of the 2009
Still some slots left in fun science classes
PTSA President Barb Skotte announced today that there are still a few spots left, and time still to sign-up for the PTSA summer math classes, to be taught by Marta Nielson. Marta is teaching both the weeks of July 6 and July 13, M-F from 9-noon at the school. The
"Be Still, Be Well" — practice T'ai Chi Chih at Eastsound Waterfront Park
(Note: Updated 7/2/09 with correct email contact.) Those who may be in the mood for “a little Monday evening meditative sustenance" are invited to join Joan Roulac and other T'ai Chi Chih students in a summer series of outdoor classes, beginning Monday, July 6. The silent exercise classes will be
Letter to the Editor: Orcas Rec important to island's youth
To the members of our County Council, We just wanted to express how important the Orcas Rec programs have been for the youth on our island. We have three children who attend many Orcas Rec programs each year. We asked them recently to name their favorite and most memorable events
School board supports Kline's plan to start school year with "robust" program
The Orcas Island School District (OISD) Board gave Superintendent Barbara Kine the go-ahead to work with Business Manager Ben Thomas to formulate a full slate of programs at Orcas Island public schools. The board agrees with Kline’s expectation that student enrollment numbers and/or the healthy school reserve fund will
"I love dirt" – Kids race bikes on BMX course
On a warm summer evening, you can find kids racing BMX bikes over the hilly dirt course provided at YMCA Camp Orkila, thanks to the joint efforts of Wildlife Cycles and Orkila. The Community BMX bike course is from 6:30 p.m. to sunset on Tuesday evenings until September.
Final public hearing on county budget reductions on Wednesday
Beginning at 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, the San Juan County Council is slated to hold a public hearing on the Ordinance to amend Ordinance 59-2008, Ordinance 10-2009, Ordinance 8-2009, and revise the San Juan County 2009 Budget Appropriations to account for projected reductions in revenues and make minor
Get your start on the stage at the San Juan County Fair August 12 – 15
Are you interested in performing at the 2009 San Juan County Fair? Now is the time to get your application into the Fair office for consideration. The Fair is looking for talent in all areas of the performing arts -- music, dance, comedy, circus, poetry and more – with variety
No more warnings before county removes illegal signs
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager In response to complaints from citizens and business owners concerned about the proliferation of illegally placed signs, San Juan County has been tagging non-compliant signs with a courtesy notice stating that they must be removed within a specified period of time. San
Gregory Kramer to Present Reading and Workshop on Insight Dialogue
By Suzanne Olson Gregory Kramer travels the world to teach Insight Dialogue, the meditation practice that he co-created as a way of bringing the tranquility and insight attained in meditation directly into interactions with other people. It’s something strikingly new in the world of Buddhist practice—yet it’s
Karate for kids emphasizes character development and discipline
By Jaen Black Denise O’Toole is like many island teachers: diverse. She teaches and tutors math and an Okinawan style of karate called Goju Ryu. A four-generation native of San Francisco, Denise received her Bachelor’s degree in Education in the 1980s, which is when she began teaching karate
School Board asks for reconsideration of costs before beginning schematics for community bond project
At the most recent school bond meeting, a teleconference with design architects Carlos Sierra and Dale Lang, Orcas Island School District (OISD) board member Scott Lancaster cut to the chase with his question, “What do we need to do to drive this thing home?” Lancaster’s question came after a lengthy
The week ahead culminates in Independence Day celebrations
Sunday, June 28 Orcas in Bloom Garden Tour from noon – 5 pm. Six beautiful gardens to experience. Tickets are $20 and for sale at Driftwood Nursery, Darvill’s Bookstore, Smith & Speed Mercantile and at the Farmer’s Market at the Master Gardener booth. For further information, go to: www.orcasislandgardenclub.org The
Sculptors bring "Tons of Art" to Orcas Center in July
Sculpture -- and big sculpture at that -- will predominate at the July art exhibit at Orcas Center. Not just the size of the pieces, but the number of contributing artists will characterize the “Ton of Art” show. One of the larger group exhibits of sculpture in Orcas
