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
School board prepares for bond vote: enrollment and finances looking good
It was evident at the Feb. 26 Orcas Island School District monthly meeting that conservative enrollment projections and stable accounting practices have built a sound platform for the school to go out for a bond issue, even in these uncertain economic times. As the school board, minus
Transportation Commission's ferry fix: reinstatement of MVET for capital budget, increase tariffs for operations' overruns
Bob Distler, Orcas Island resident and member of the State Transportation Commission, will join his fellow Commissioners on Monday, March 2, to tell the Legislature of the Commission’s recommendations for resolving the chronic ferry funding shortfall, as tasked by the 2007 State Legislature in ESHB 2358. The
The week ahead: start with music, close with computers
Sunday, March 1 Music Advocacy Guild (MAG) concert, 3 p.m. at the Orcas School K-8 gym. Featuring the 5th and 6th grade strings and choir and Island Sinfonia, Orcas Choral Society and the Orcas Island Community Band. Reception follows. Call 376-5946 for further information. "Wait Until Dark" closing
Orcas Island Town Hall illustrates: "No apathy in San Juan County"
Graphic, right, indicates distribution of funds in the County Budget. A packed house greeted County Councilmen Gene Knapp and Richard Fralick and County Administrator Pete Rose at the Orcas Island “Town Hall” meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25. After presenting a lengthy list of agenda topics, including land use enforcement,
The Case for Planned Giving on Feb. 27
Like the rest of us, securing their financial future is a major concern to island non-profits. Endow Orcas is a plan, put forward by the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF), to assist non-profits in establishing a "legacy" of sustainability for their organizations. Joe Cohen of the OICF explained Endow Orcas
Fish, Fear, Funds and Music highlight the weekend
Friday, Feb. 27 "The Case for Planned Giving" will be presented by Joe Cohen of the Orcas Island Community Foundation from 9 a.m. to noon at the Eastsound Fire Hall. The presentation will help clarify for all participants the critical importance of 'Securing the financial future of your organization through
Lady Vikings to play La Conner for district title and advance to State Tournament next week
Maddy Smith, Student Body Association President, announced to the Orcas Island School District board on Thursday evening that the Orcas Lady Vikings Basketball Team were victorious in their hard-fought win on Tuesday, Feb. 24 which guaranteed their spot at the State 2B Basketball Tournament. The Vikings beat the SeaTac League
Read across America with Dr. Seuss
Orcas Island Elementary School joins a national movement as it celebrates Read Across America on Monday, March 2. Timed to coincide with Dr. Seuss' birthday, this annual event, sponsored by the National Education Association, is a great opportunity to bring your favorite book(s) to school and read to a class
Spanish classes back by demand
The first session of Afterschool Spanish, taught by Anna Roseberry, just ended. However, the kids and Anna are so enthusiastic to continue learning, that the PTSA will continue to offer sessions in March, April and May as well (TBD after May). Each month will have a different focus topic, so
Feb. 26: Kick Off Event for Relay for Life summer event
Noelle Benepe and Dyan Holmes, two young Orcas Islanders, (Class of 2007 Orcas Island High School) are organizing the kickoff event for the local Relay for Life Celebration to be held this summer. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity and much more than a
School meet on Thursday, Feb. 26: new staff, bond debates continue
When the Orcas Island School District Board meets this afternoon at 5:30, their consent agenda will include approval of a number of new employees and co-curricular staff. Cathy Ferran’s appointment as the full time Executive Assistant to the District Office, effective Feb 23, 2009, is on the consent agenda,
Senate passes San Juans Scenic Byways Bill
Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, earned his first legislative victory today when the Senate passed Senate Bill 5289 to designate the Washington State Ferries Anacortes/San Juan Islands route as a State Scenic Byway. “I am very pleased with the progress of this bill,” said Senator Ranker. “I appreciate all
Opinion: Tough Times For History
By Tom Welch President, Orcas Island Historical Society Like many other island organizations, public support makes all the difference to the Historical Society and our ability to operate the museum. We've seen stalwart and steadfast support over the years from our members and our island community that has allowed us
Town Hall comes to Orcas today
A Town Hall meeting for Orcas Island residents will be held today, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Eastsound Fire Hall, from 4 to 6 p.m. Orcas Island’s two County Council representatives, Gene Knapp for Orcas East (from North Beach Road eastward) and Richard Fralick (from North Beach Road west
Eastsound stormwater solutions addressed by Hearing Examiner
Last Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Hearing Examiner evaluated a project to install a new connecting line from the county-owned Mount Property (located southeast of the Orcas Athletic Club) to the existing stormwater outfall in front of the Outlook Inn. This area, often referred to as the "Eastsound swale" was purchased
Check out In Depth articles
We've recently had some contributions to the In Depth pages: an economic sustainability article by Jay Kimball, founder of 8020vision.com, and a journalistic autobiography by Bullwings editor Margie Doyle. We've also published a notice about a "Rain Barrel Run" by islander Marty Mead. All by way of drawing your attention
