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
Solstice Parade — happy clothes, dancing feet and musical merriment parade through Eastsound this Saturday
By Dyan Holmes Grab your dancing shoes, colorful clothes and instruments, because the Orcas Island's Annual Summer Solstice Parade, themed "Carnival of Color," is just around the corner - on Saturday, June 20th at noon. The Islands Solstice Parade has expanded into a clever and stimulating display of masks, costumes
Math classes through world exploration activities this summer
During the summer, Orcas School PTSA is offering two special enrichment school courses for children in grades four through six at summers' end. "Counting on a Small Planet - Activities for Exploring Environmental and Cultural Mathematics" will be offered from July 6th through the 10th . A second class will
Orcas in Bloom — tour six gardens next weekend June 27 and 28
Six unique and lovingly crafted gardens will be on display next weekend at "Orcas in Bloom," the Orcas Island Garden Club Garden Tour. The tour will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. The
County to act on $933,000 in budget cuts at July 1 meeting
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Council was set for a long and perhaps contentious public hearing on the proposed $933,121 in cuts to the County's 2009 budget for the remainder of the year, but only three people spoke during the June 17 hearing, including
Senior Songbirds croon and trill on Tuesdays
The Orcas Island Senior Center has a new group that meets Tuesdays after lunch to sing. Recently formed, the group of enthusiastic singers, conducted by Linda Tretheway, held their first public performance late last month, and they're eager to perform for the public again and again. "The Senior
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
