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
EPRC discusses top priorities in planning with County for May 4 Open House
(Excerpts from this article first published March 20). At today's Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) meeting, members Mindy Kayl, Patty Miller, Bob Connell, Audrey Moreland, Brian Ehrmantraut and Gulliver Rankin discussed their top priorities with County Staff and Council Members Richard Fralick and Gene Knapp. The priorities had
Cell phone ordinance review a hot topic at County Council's Orcas meeting
Cell phone tower ordinance review may sound like a dry-as-toast matter, but when the County Council came to Orcas Island on March 30 to discuss revision of the old cell tower ordinance, the fireworks of public policy-making were lit. Patty Miller, speaking as the Economic Development Council's representative to the
Eastsound Plannning Review Committee meets today at 3 p.m.
The Eastsound Planning Review Committee will meet today, April 2, at 3 p.m. at the Senior Center/County Office Building in Eastsound. The draft agenda is: 1. Approve Minutes from November, February and March meetings. 2. (40 minutes) -- 2009 Priority Discussion Led by Patty Miller 3. (30 minutes) Parking Discussion
Poem for the Day – A Perfect Day
When I’m feeling especially “busier than thou” I like to recall this poem to remind myself that I love doing almost everything I’m doing — you don’t get much luckier than that! A Perfect Day Grandmother on a Winter’s day Milked the cows and fed them hay, Slopped the
One World, One Tribe, One Rhythm Drummer comes to the Odd Fellows Hall Friday night
With a message of "one world, one tribe, one rhythm" Michael Goude, Earthtribe percussion will bring his unique drum circle facilitation to the Odd Fellow's Hall Friday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Empowering participants through creative expression and community building, the evening will be a great experience for
Funhouse Science Fair Another Hit!
The eighth annual Funhouse Science Fair, held last Saturday, March 28, was a great success. More than 55 projects were entered with over 100 kids participating, including terrific entries from most neighboring islands. Once again, three scholarships were given out to the top High School projects. Third place
Prevention coalition sends kids to Orkila for leadership training
On April 3, the 5th and 6th grade classes will attend a Prevention Teach-In at Camp Orkila. They will be joined with students from Lopez and San Juan Islands and community activists to develop qualities of self-esteem and leadership. Orcas Island Prevention Partnership (OIPP) Director Marta Nielson, who coordinated the
Mental Health Sales Tax goes into effect today
Merchants in San Juan County will collect an additional 1/10th of 1% tax on sales beginning April 1. The increase will bring the total sales tax rate collected in the County to 7.8%. The Washington Department of Revenue says that it will send notices of the new tax rate
Report Shows Dramatic Increase in Homelessness Here
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager A state-mandated count of homeless persons in San Juan County identified 73 homeless County residents, compared to only 26 homeless individuals found in the same survey last year and 28 in 2007. The number of individuals identified “unsheltered” more than doubled from
April is Poetry Month – send in your favorites
In celebration of April as Poetry Month, we’ll be posting a poem each day. Please send us your favorites, and we’ll make every attempt to post your selection, along with any comments you care to add. The first poem is “A New Poet” by Linda Pastan. This poem was
Marine Resources Committe to discuss rock fish, critical areas ordinance and desalinization
The San Juan Marine Resources Committee will meet from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1 in Friday Harbor. At this meeting, a presentation will be given by Anne Beaudreau, a researcher who will share her plans for a post doctoral research project to improve understanding of how
School board meeting projects 440 enrollment for next year
When the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board met last Thursday, March 26, they decided by consensus to project enrollment at 440 for the 2009-2010 school year. Board member Keith Whitaker said, "I think we're on the low side of where we'll end up." That would be a good thing
Turn Point Lighthouse exhibit at the Senior Center during April
An informative exhibit on Stuart Island’s Turn Point Lighthouse will grace the walls of the Lundeen Room at Orcas Senior Center during April. Built in 1893 and designed by the architect Carl Leick, the sturdy Queen Anne/late Victorian building and its adjoining museum will be open to the boating
Food Bank moves to Community Church
The Orcas Food Bank is moving to more central space in Eastsound, in the south side of the Orcas Island Community Church, 176 Madrona Street. Tuesday, April 7, 12:30-2 PM, will be the twenty-year-old group's first day in the new location. The church, in response to food bank board members'
Vessel construction put on fast track ahead of terminal improvements
The Senate Transportation Committee passed a budget bill on March 30 that took several positive steps for ferry commuters, avoiding any cuts in service, limiting fare increases to 2.5 percent and focusing on vessel construction rather than terminal construction. During the hearing,Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, and Sen.
The Onions Are Coming!
OIEF is sponsoring the Orcas Island performance of a Seattle-based high school singing group known as “The Onions.” The group includes16 girls and boys aged 15-18. The music they sing runs the gamut from jazz standards, to Motown hits and on to more contemporary pop music by bands like Cold
