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
Flu-school closure policy modified May 7
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager In light of continuing experience and knowledge about the severity and spread of the Swine Flu virus, San Juan County Health Official Dr. James, in partnership with local school administrators, have modified the school closure policy in the County. As of today, May
Local Grants Benefit Local Businesses
By the Orcas Island Community Foundation There may some truth in the saying, "what comes around goes around," when it applies to the grants that the Orcas Island Community Foundation makes to nonprofits on Orcas. When the Foundation makes it annual grants each year, it does not stipulate what vendors
Nine cases of swine flu in state – 0 in SJ County
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Washington Secretary of Health Mary Seleky announced on May 5 that the federal Centers for Disease Control has for the first time confirmed cases of Swine flu in Washington: 7 in King County, 1 in Spokane and 1 in Snohomish. Seleky further said
Yoga retreat on Canoe Island May 15-17
Each spring Canoe Island French camp puts on a Yoga Weekend to benefit our scholarship fund. It has proven to be a fun weekend of mostly women and a few men -- 15-20 people -- who love the island, and like to relax, do yoga, eat great food, and drink
Orcas Choral Society's spring concert brings Music on the Lighter Side
By Kathi Ciskowski From the warmth and movement of the Argentinian tango, to the poetic images of England's Lake District, then back home to the world of Hoagy Carmichael, Orcas Choral Society offers the listener a chance to travel in musical time and memory during the upcoming concerts
Maintenance, safety and traffic big concerns of school bond committee
The Bond Committee of the Orcas Island School District met last week with Carlos Sierra and Dale Lang of Sierra-Martin Architects to review the specifications of the building project to be funded by a new bond - and approximately $200,000 held over from the previous bond, dedicated to Career Tech
Celebrate native plants and birds with a field trip
Contributed by Barb Jensen Join the celebration of Native Plant Appreciation Week and International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 16. Bob Lemmon and Barbara Jensen will lead a half-day field trip on San Juan Island. The official Native Plant Appreciation Week and International Migratory Bird Day are a bit sooner but it is the
Simply Ballroom: drama, rhythm and majesty in dance to perform at Orcas Center May 13
The Southern Utah University Ballroom Dance Company will amaze you as they perform their award-winning showcase Simply Ballroom, Thursday, May 13th at Orcas Center. Audiences will be treated to breath-taking lifts, beautiful costumes, and a variety of ballroom dances including the exciting Latin Samba of Brazil, the majestic Slow Waltz
Island Sinfonia Orcas Concert on Mother's Day
The Island Sinfonia is presenting its spring concert on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, at the Orcas Center beginning at 3 p.m. Conductor Jack Lynch will direct the Sinfonia in a performance of Schubert's Symphony No. 8 (The Unfinished Symphony) and Symphony No. 9 (first movement only). Also included in
Writer'sRoundtable: Writers on Writing
This month's Roundtable, on Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Library, will be devoted to conversation about the writing process as it relates to all kinds of writing -- fiction, poetry, memoir, creative non-fiction, journaling. Many books deal with writing strategies, yet the most inspiring and
Letter to the Editor: Sutton Road choice "reprehensible"
Dear Editor and County Commissioners, I am incredulous and dismayed to learn of the County Council's recent vote to site the San Juan transfer station on inadequate and contaminated property. While most Orcas residents may be unaware of the situation, this siting decision affects us all. We funded a lengthy
Kids Auditions for Whale of a Show
Whale of a Show, the local kids' variety show, is coming back to Orcas Center on May 21, but first, island kids get to audition this week. Elementary, middle and high school students are asked to share their talents -- song, dance, comedy, acrobatics, magic, juggling, flame-throwing -- whatever! --
Write your college essay and Get Off the Rock
The final event in the Funhouse's annual "Get Off The Rock" College Counseling series is coming soon. College Essay Workshop will be presented at the Funhouse on Saturday May 16th from 9 -10:30 a.m. and Sunday May 17th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sarah Callender, Seattle-based college essay consultant,
The week ahead: at work and play despite spring fever
Sunday, May 3 Orcas Off-Leash Area Orientation and Training, corner of North Beach and Mt. Baker Roads at 2 p.m. The board of directors will be holding users meetings and orientations on the first Sunday of each month. Trainer Annie Allan will provide "getting off on the right paw" - tips for
Olga dock returns – Sustainable Living Fair comes to Library Park – Farmers Market opens in Prune Alley
The lusty month of May began with a slightly gusty Saturday, but that didn't slow Orcas Islanders down as they observed our island's particular Rites of Spring. Olga residents gathered at the dock, along with members of the Community Band, to celebrate the return of the dock at
Writers Festival brings a Fresh Partnership to May 9 event
By Barbara H. Lewis As a boy, Island Chef Bill Patterson whipped up breakfast for his family, just for the fun of it. He’s been cooking ever since. “I pretty much eat, sleep, and breathe food,” he says. Patterson believes our memories are intertwined with aromas and
