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
Councilman Fralick Warns of Costs of Delay
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager At the San Juan Council meeting this week, budget committee chair Richard Fralick distributed a chart that shows the potential cost of delaying County budget cuts in human terms. The Council is facing the task of balancing the 2009 budget in the face
Benefit and fund to aid Indira Monk
From the Orcas Chamber of Commerce Long-time Orcas resident Indira Monk recently suffered a stroke, and faces an uphill battle during her recuperation. Café Olga has orchestrated a benefit dinner, where the proceeds will go to assist Indira. The menu will feature the outstanding fare you have come to expect
"Fête de la Musique" on June 19 and 20 to benefit the Funhouse
For two nights only, Orcas Center audiences will celebrate World Music Day, all for the benefit of the Funhouse. For the fifth year running, Martin Lund will host his fantastic One World Music Festival on June 19 and 20. Lund's jazz-based musical variety show is one of Orcas
Council cuts deeper – department heads protest – reorganization planned
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Faced with a projected revenue shortfall of $1 million to $1.5 million dollars this year, the San Juan County Council ordered County Administrator Pete rose to prepare a reorganization plan for 2009-2010 that will "improve the budget shortfall and County operations, and include
World War II drama "Waiting for MacArthur" Opens June 19 at the Grange
Actors Theater of Orcas Island is pleased to present Waiting for MacArthur, a full-length play by Paullette MacDougal for two weeekends later this month. This play, set in the months just before and after the American entry into World War Two, follows Annie Lou Holsom, a young and
Orcas Elections – School and Fire Districts face challengers
As of last Friday, June 4, candidates filed for election in the Orcas Island School District and the Orcas Island Fire Commission races. Three positions are open on the Orcas Island School District (OISD) Board of Directors. Jim Sullivan faces Chris Sutton for the four-year position #1. Sullivan is employed
Summer fun with a French accent begins with Open House on Saturday, June 20
Canoe Island French Camp will hold an Open House that provides a chance for those curious about Canoe Island as well as families and friends to tour the island and meet the staff on Saturday, June 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. Canoe Island French Camp, a 47-acre private island
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
