The American Legion invites the public to a Superbowl Party and Dinner at the Orcas Island Post on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Admission is $10 for big screen viewing of the XXXI
Superbowl between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, beginning at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served.
All profits will go to assist Jordan Griffin and his family. For questions, call 376-4987.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Cuban poet to give workshop and poetry reading at Doe Bay
The Cuban poet, Jose Kozer, will be comingto Doe Bay on Saturday, Feb. 7 to conduct a workshop ($50) from 1-5 at Doe Bay and give a free reading of his poems in Spanish at 7 p.m. This will be Jose's first visit to the Pacific NW. He'll be teaching and speaking at Hugo House in Seattle and Seattle University.
Paul Nelson of Global Voices Radio and SPLAB! is bringing Kozer to Orcas Island. Nelson is a longtime visitor of Doe Bay Resort and he was eager to bring Jose to the island. He says, "Jose Kozer is one of the most remarkable Cuban poets in the world. Jose's poetry critiques are the kindest, most incisive and remarkable ones I have ever experienced."
The webpage for his visit has been updated with all the current info at: www.globalvoicesradio.org/Jose_Kozer_Workshop.htm
Joze is offering four scholarships to his workshop at Doe Bay. Contact Paul Nelson at splabman@yahoo.com or call Harreld at Doe Bay at 376-2291 for more information.
Paul Nelson of Global Voices Radio and SPLAB! is bringing Kozer to Orcas Island. Nelson is a longtime visitor of Doe Bay Resort and he was eager to bring Jose to the island. He says, "Jose Kozer is one of the most remarkable Cuban poets in the world. Jose's poetry critiques are the kindest, most incisive and remarkable ones I have ever experienced."
The webpage for his visit has been updated with all the current info at: www.globalvoicesradio.org/Jose_Kozer_Workshop.htm
Joze is offering four scholarships to his workshop at Doe Bay. Contact Paul Nelson at splabman@yahoo.com or call Harreld at Doe Bay at 376-2291 for more information.
Stan Englehartson passes away
Stan Englehartson, longtime Orcas Islander, died Thursday, Jan. 22.Stan's parents homesteaded on Orcas and Stan and his brother Alan were born here. Stan spent his entire life farming, lumbering and working for the Road Department on Orcas -- except for serving in the Navy during WWII. He leaves his wife Margaret Englehartson, his daughter Lynn and his brother Al.
There will be a funeral service for Stan at the Woodlawn Cemetery given by the American Legion at 11:30 A.M. Feb. 7, followed by a memorial gathering at the Senior Center.
There will be a funeral service for Stan at the Woodlawn Cemetery given by the American Legion at 11:30 A.M. Feb. 7, followed by a memorial gathering at the Senior Center.
Total SJC 2009 Property Tax Bill: $41 Million
By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager
Graphic above shows how much of each tax dollar is levied by each of the various types of taxing entities (fire, schools, the state, the county, etc.)
County Treasurer Jan Sears reported on Jan. 28 that her department began running the final calculations for taxes on each of the 17,127 taxable properties in San Juan County. The calculations are complex, as the bills include levies for 43 different taxing entities within the county; many with complex systems of rates and exemptions. Sears reports that the bottom line, including all taxes, assessment and accrued penalties and interest is: $41,050,167.05 – an increase of $2.16 million over last year.
By law the tax bills have to be in the mail no later than February 15, “And we’ve never been late,” Sears said. When the calculations are complete, they must be printed and then they are stuffed into envelopes by County staff. “We are one of the few counties in the state still doing that in-house,” she said. “It gives us the opportunity to check for errors and special situations where we need to pull the statements for adjustments. We are also able to insert informational flyers from our taxing districts.”
Taxpayers may choose to pay half of their taxes by April 30 with the second half payable by October 31. Penalties for missing the April 30 deadline start with a 3% penalty plus an additional 1% interest for every month the payment is late. An additional 8% penalty is tacked on if the total payment isn’t received by December.
Last year the Treasurer’s office collected 97.3% of the taxes due by the end of the year. It also collected $327,325 in interest and penalties.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
All Ages Dance with Common Market Friday at the Center
The fact that Barack Obama likes hip hop has brought me at least to the door to have a listen, and fellow Orcas Islanders will have that chance tonight when the Funhouse and Orcas Center join forces to bring hip hop genius to the island.Common Market and No-Fi Soul Rebellion will go onstage tonight, Friday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10.
Above, singers rock with Common Market as they create their new music video.
Barbara Courtney, Executive Director of Orcas Center says, "Come rock the house with a leader of Seattle’s hot hip hop scene and a hip pop-soul duo."
“Common Market have created a work that’s brought them closer to the region of hiphop greatness. This is no exaggeration.” — The Stranger
From Common Market's latest work
…Service, work it
The vagrant came upon a plot, shop – set it down
Found vacant, he gon’ make it into something better now
Barn hand, conversant in farm land, planted seven rows
Will it ever grow? Heaven only knows, though he’s
Hopeful, never boastful about the ethic
Set it deep into the earth, work and serve, all the rest let it
Come or not, hot summer sun, son – bumper crop
Over night, or so some thought (now they’re talkin’ that)
Orcas Writers Festival sponsors the Big Read
The Orcas Writers Festival Gurus are gearing up for a new year, starting with the Big Read, a grant program that gives money to support a community-wide reading program. The Gurus have decided that Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston is a good choice for the Big Read.
It works like this: libraries and community organizations come together, choose one book from the Big Read booklist, and plan events over the space of a month that entice the whole community to read and discuss the same book.
The Big Read program, sponsored by the National Endowment of the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Arts Midwest, is working directly to give communities the means to read together and have fun while they’re doing it.
The Orcas Island Writers Festival would like to bring the Big Read program to the San Juan Islands community in connection with their September festival.
A San Juan READS! program would inspire reading among adolescents, bring lapsed readers back to the pleasures of a good book, and bring the community together.
The Festival Gurus have a number of ideas for San Juan READS! events and welcome more ideas and participation:
· The festival will devote a number of events to the Big Read, including a reading from Hurston’s book by an up-and-coming author, a lecture on Hurston by an authority on African-American literature, and an invitation to several African-American authors.
It works like this: libraries and community organizations come together, choose one book from the Big Read booklist, and plan events over the space of a month that entice the whole community to read and discuss the same book.
The Big Read program, sponsored by the National Endowment of the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Arts Midwest, is working directly to give communities the means to read together and have fun while they’re doing it.
The Orcas Island Writers Festival would like to bring the Big Read program to the San Juan Islands community in connection with their September festival.
A San Juan READS! program would inspire reading among adolescents, bring lapsed readers back to the pleasures of a good book, and bring the community together.
The Festival Gurus have a number of ideas for San Juan READS! events and welcome more ideas and participation:
· The festival will devote a number of events to the Big Read, including a reading from Hurston’s book by an up-and-coming author, a lecture on Hurston by an authority on African-American literature, and an invitation to several African-American authors.
2009 Property Tax Rates Set - lower for most, but...
By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager
San Juan County Assessor Charles Zalmanek reports that the total assessed value of taxable property in San Juan County increased 13.1% between 2007 and 2008 to approximately $7.976 billion. That is identical to the increase during 2006 and lower than the jump in 2005 when the total taxable property value increased by 17%.
The increase in total value does not translate directly into higher taxes however because the County can only increase revenue collected from existing property by 1% per year without voter approval.
Assessor Zalmanek also noted that some of the 43 taxing entities in the County did not take their full allowable increase this year. Those include: the Port of Orcas, the San Juan and Orcas Cemetery Districts, and San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services. (Only 10.5% of the average property tax dollar is collected for the County Government’s operating fund.)
To offset the higher values, the tax levy rate was reduced by amounts ranging from 3% in Friday Harbor to 17.4% on Orcas Island. Because roughly one-third of the properties in the County are re-assessed each year, two thirds of the properties in the County actually pay less tax each year than the previous year. Residents of South San Juan Island – whose appraisals increased an average of 52% last year – will pay about $23 less in property taxes per $100,000 value. On Blakely Island property taxes will drop by $54 per $100,000 value.
County Communications Program Manager
San Juan County Assessor Charles Zalmanek reports that the total assessed value of taxable property in San Juan County increased 13.1% between 2007 and 2008 to approximately $7.976 billion. That is identical to the increase during 2006 and lower than the jump in 2005 when the total taxable property value increased by 17%.
The increase in total value does not translate directly into higher taxes however because the County can only increase revenue collected from existing property by 1% per year without voter approval.
Assessor Zalmanek also noted that some of the 43 taxing entities in the County did not take their full allowable increase this year. Those include: the Port of Orcas, the San Juan and Orcas Cemetery Districts, and San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services. (Only 10.5% of the average property tax dollar is collected for the County Government’s operating fund.)
To offset the higher values, the tax levy rate was reduced by amounts ranging from 3% in Friday Harbor to 17.4% on Orcas Island. Because roughly one-third of the properties in the County are re-assessed each year, two thirds of the properties in the County actually pay less tax each year than the previous year. Residents of South San Juan Island – whose appraisals increased an average of 52% last year – will pay about $23 less in property taxes per $100,000 value. On Blakely Island property taxes will drop by $54 per $100,000 value.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friends help Jordan Griffin and family following spinal injury
Pictured here: Sam, Justin, Jake, Teddy, Ray Bottom: Anthony, Jordan and Mike...the guys hangin out!
Since his accident snow-boarding at the Orcas Island golf course in December, 16-year-old Jordan Griffin has already overcome many obstacles on the road to rehabilitation. Jordan has moved from Harborview Hospital to Children’s Hospital where he’s now breathing on his own and is free of tubes and catheters.
This week, he was scheduled for both a wheelchair “fitting” and surgery on his wrist, which was broken at the time of the accident, but went undetected until his mom, Rachel Meenach, urged x-rays.
Rachel and Jordan have been keeping family, friends, and the public posted to their progress (and setbacks) as she writes on the Caring Bridge site. To read the blog, or sign the guestbook, go to www.caringbridge.org, and in the "visitor" window type in Jordan Griffin.
This week, Rachel wrote:
[Jordan's] friends...waves of them....come down and hang out. They really stole the show! But Jordan needed that boy (and girl) time, so I was happy for him. They went and bought him a remote control car that he has been driving all over the place...we justify him having it as an Occupational Therapy tool....works on his hand and finger coordination! =)....right?
Jordan has a wheelchair "fitting" tomorrow. (Jan. 27) His choice is to have a bright orange titanium frame with black seat and back rest...should look pretty cool!
Also, he has his wrist surgery on Tuesday, which will set our discharge date from Childrens [Hospital] back to March 4th or so....but he understands and is a trooper!
I feel so blessed to be able to bring my son home to such a wonderful place....so many people have touched our lives, some who are close friends, and others who we have never met!
And... I would love to see our journey as a family bring goodness elsewhere....there has to be something good come from this situation!
Right now, I don't know where our path will go…but I hope it will always be positive....always forward!
Then today, following the surgery, Rachel wrote:
Jordan's surgery went perfect! Textbook as always! He left his room around 10:30 a.m. and he was back in his room by 4! He was is a great mood too...all those pain meds! haha
The tough part is the recovery...he is on morphine to help with the pain and another med for his spasms...I think they are worse than the actual pain....everytime he moves any part of his body, the spasms go all through his body and into his arm...really horrible for him...very uncontrollable! =(
Anyways, its going to be a long night...Josh is here to help me...we are going to do shifts...
Update more in the morning =)....God Bless!
Rachel, Jordan and Josh =)
Jordan and Rachel’s family can be assisted by contributions at Islanders Bank, 475 Fern Street Eastsound, WA 98245.
Drop off locations are at:
Crescent Service
Country Corner
Island Market
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Skatepark Committee to discuss options in library on Wednesday
The Skatepark Committee will meet at the Orcas Island School Library on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. The committee was formed to address outstanding maintenance, financial, legal and safety issues at the Orcas Island Skate Park within Buck Park on Mt. Baker Road.
At a meeting called by the Orcas Island School District (OISD) and the Orcas Island Prevention Partnership (OIPP) last November, a crowd packed the library to discuss the issues with members of the school board, OIPP the Skate Park Foundation, PTSA, the Funhouse, Camp Orkila staff as well as skaters, students and parents.
Parent Debbie Shaw stepped forward to chair a committee to seek positive solutions for "a community asset" created in partnership with the school district and the Skate Board Foundation, which hold funds for maintenance of the park at a rate of $5,000 per year.
Options such as user maintenance, user fees, and skatepark rental for use by off-island skaters and competitors were discussed. Warren Miller, one of the original founders of the skatepark reminded the group that the park had been built for the free use by Orcas Islands, saying, "It's all about freedom, there's no score here -- in a skateboard park every kid wins."
At a meeting called by the Orcas Island School District (OISD) and the Orcas Island Prevention Partnership (OIPP) last November, a crowd packed the library to discuss the issues with members of the school board, OIPP the Skate Park Foundation, PTSA, the Funhouse, Camp Orkila staff as well as skaters, students and parents.
Parent Debbie Shaw stepped forward to chair a committee to seek positive solutions for "a community asset" created in partnership with the school district and the Skate Board Foundation, which hold funds for maintenance of the park at a rate of $5,000 per year.
Options such as user maintenance, user fees, and skatepark rental for use by off-island skaters and competitors were discussed. Warren Miller, one of the original founders of the skatepark reminded the group that the park had been built for the free use by Orcas Islands, saying, "It's all about freedom, there's no score here -- in a skateboard park every kid wins."
Bus for education to Olympia on Feb. 26
Barb Skotte, President of the Orcas Island School District Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) alerted Orcas Islanders that the Washington State Legislature is gearing up for a session sure to focus on Basic Education Funding and the needs of our public schools.
Skotte writes:
Those interested in signing up for the bus are asked to contact Skotte for further details at bskotte@yahoo.com.
Skotte writes:
Our school district administration and board members continue to have direct meetings with our and other legislators to promote the specific issues facing smaller, rural districts such as ours.
However, there's an opportunity for interested parents and community members to speak out on Thurs., Feb. 26., which is Washington State PTA's Legislative Focus Day. State legislators will be available to meet with PTA members and hear our concerns.
To promote turnout at this event, our State PTA Region, Region 8, has chartered a bus to leave from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal early that morning (returning the same day). The cost is $25 per person. This is a chance not only to participate in promoting education issues directly to our elected representatives, but to meet and network with PTA members from our Region.
Those interested in signing up for the bus are asked to contact Skotte for further details at bskotte@yahoo.com.
Afterschool Spanish Classes to Start Earlier
"The afterschool Spanish classes got off to a wonderful start yesterday -- thank you to Anna Roseberry for her wonderful teaching presence, and to Pat Hunt, our Program Coordinator, for her work in making these classes happen!" said PTSA President Barb Skotte on Jan. 27.
By popular demand, the Wednesday afterschool Spanish classes will start earlier than previously scheduled, right after early dismissal, with the grade 1-3 class running from approx. 1:10-2:10 p.m., and the grade 4-6 class running from approx. 2:15-3:45 p.m. There are still some spaces left, so those who'd like to join in are urged to sign up ASAP.
By popular demand, the Wednesday afterschool Spanish classes will start earlier than previously scheduled, right after early dismissal, with the grade 1-3 class running from approx. 1:10-2:10 p.m., and the grade 4-6 class running from approx. 2:15-3:45 p.m. There are still some spaces left, so those who'd like to join in are urged to sign up ASAP.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Jessica Gudgell named Orcas Junior Idol
Orcas Idol contestants await their trip up the catwalk to perform on stage Saturday night. Right, Pam Wright joins Arianna and Jason Dean on the benches at the Green Room in the Grange. Below, Conrad Wrobel, Stephen Baker and Kelsey Whitaker put their heads together.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, Jessica Gudgell was selected as Orcas Junior Idol. Jessica performed "Our Song," by Taylor Swift. As winner of the Orcas Junior Idol competition, Jessica is invited to sing at the Orcas Idol performance on Feb. 7 at the Orcas Center.
Now in its fourth year, the Orcas Idol competition, based on the popular television program, American Idol, is the largest fundraiser for the Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Coalition, dedicated to promote healthy lifestyles on Orcas Island. The program is funded by the state and operates through Orcas Island School District.
Also on Saturday, auditions for the adult (high school-age and older) Orcas Idol contestants were held.
From the performances of 12 contestants, Susan Weiss, the father-daughter combo Jason and Arianna Dean, Pam Wright, Yuko Horikawa, Pam Evans, Margie Doyle, Stephen Baker and Conrad Wrobel were selected to enter the three-round Orcas Idol selection process on Feb. 7. Contestants will prepare songs in the Pop/Rock, Country Western and show tunes categories.
Tickets for the event on the Orcas Center main stage traditionally sell out, and overflow crowds can purchase tickets for the live feed in the Madrona Room. Tickets may be purchased at Radio Shack and at Darvill's.
Please note that this year, the Orcas Idol performance begins at 6:30 p.m.
Rare opportunity to change county laws until March 1
Docket Call: Public Can Request Changes in Comp Plan, UDC, Maps
By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager
The San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department has issued official notice that it will accept suggestions, proposals and requests for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, the Uniform Development Code, and site-specific amendments to the Comp Plan’s Official Maps until March 1, 2009, for consideration on the 2009 docket.
Under the Growth Management Act, the County may consider and make changes to the Comprehensive Plan and its maps just once each year. Under an Ordinance which went into effect this year, modifications to the UDC may be considered up to three times a year in 2009 and 2010.
Requests for site-specific land-use re-designations require a formal application and fee. (Contact the Department at: 378-2354 for details).
Other requests and suggestions for changes should be made in writing to Community Development and Planning (CD&P), Attn: Colin Maycock, P.O.Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, or by email to colinm@co.san-juan.wa.us or by Fax 360-378-3922.
Please include:
1. The name, address, and phone number of party who is submitting the suggestion.
2. A description of the proposed amendment, including suggested new language and a reference to the section of the document that would be amended.
3. Reasons why the change should be made and is in the public interest.
For answers to questions about the process, contact Colin Maycock at 360-370-7573.
By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager
The San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department has issued official notice that it will accept suggestions, proposals and requests for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, the Uniform Development Code, and site-specific amendments to the Comp Plan’s Official Maps until March 1, 2009, for consideration on the 2009 docket.
Under the Growth Management Act, the County may consider and make changes to the Comprehensive Plan and its maps just once each year. Under an Ordinance which went into effect this year, modifications to the UDC may be considered up to three times a year in 2009 and 2010.
Requests for site-specific land-use re-designations require a formal application and fee. (Contact the Department at: 378-2354 for details).
Other requests and suggestions for changes should be made in writing to Community Development and Planning (CD&P), Attn: Colin Maycock, P.O.Box 947, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, or by email to colinm@co.san-juan.wa.us or by Fax 360-378-3922.
Please include:
1. The name, address, and phone number of party who is submitting the suggestion.
2. A description of the proposed amendment, including suggested new language and a reference to the section of the document that would be amended.
3. Reasons why the change should be made and is in the public interest.
For answers to questions about the process, contact Colin Maycock at 360-370-7573.
Orcas Stage on the Green Wins Architecture Award
The Stage on the Green at Eastsound Village Green County Park has been selected as the American Institute of Architects, Seattle -- 2008 Awards for Washington Architecture People's Choice Winner in the "Built" Category.
San Juan County Parks and Recreation Director Dona Wuthnow describes the landmark stage as "a partnership project designed and developed through community consensus."
It was funded through a combination of County Facilities Program funds, a state "Building for the Arts: grant and "a lot of in-kind contributions from craftspeople, contractors and designers, plus cash contributions from the community.
Pictured above are some of those people, at the June 2006 dedication ceremony.
"Originally we had planned on putting up a serviceable structure that we could afford," she said. "Then a dedicated group of Orcas designers, craftspeople and activists came to us with the resources, energy, creativity and determination to build a stage that could become a part of the community's identity."
The County Park Board and Orcas Open Arts put a lot of trust in the group's commitment to the project in going ahead with the partnership, and that trust paid off.
The AIA competition entry, put together by David Kau and Fred Klein of Orcas, describes the project as "the product of a yearlong collaboration -- among architects, artists, engineers, builders, school teachers, dancers and craftspeople -- to design a build a public performance stage for the Village Green. Our design was conceived as a pre-emptive challenge to the County Parks Department, which was on the verge of purchasing a pre-fab gluelam pavilion, found on the internet and about to be trucked and barged from Illinois. We proposed a locally inspired counterpoint -- to be designed locally and constructed from materials sourced locally. An ambitious grassroots plan hatched by activists committed to a process of consensus."
Credits for the project reflect that process.
Kindlings WinterFest brings speaker on Diversity, Civility and Christian Faith to Orcas
The KindlingsFest summer event, held on Orcas Island for the first time last summer, was a great hit as main speaker Dr. Jerry Root, spoke on the writings of C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Now, Kindlings WinterFest sponsors author and speaker Os Guinness, who will give four talks on Christian Faith for the 21st Century from Friday evening, Jan. 30, to Sunday morning, Feb. 1 at Orcas Island Community Church. The lecture topics include:
* The Journey - A thinking person’s quest for meaning at 7 p.m. Friday
* Survival of the Fastest - Living sanely when life is fired point blank at 10 a.m. Saturday
* A World Safe for Diversity - Living with our deepest differences in a world of exploding pluralism at 7 p.m. Saturday
* You Only Live Once - Calling, the ultimate game plan for life at 10 a.m. Sunday
The Public is welcome at these free lectures at 176 Madrona Street in Eastsound, with a suggested donation to The Kindlings of $10 per lecture.
For more information call: 360-376-6422 Or visit www.TheKindlings.com
Os Guinness is the co-founder of The Trinity Forum and served as Senior Fellow and Vice Chairman of the Board from its inception in 1991 until 2004.
Born in China during World War II, he remained there until 1951 when the Communists forced most foreigners to leave. Since then he has lived mostly in England, Switzerland, and the United States.
Educated in England, he did undergraduate studies at the University of London and postgraduate studies at University of Oxford. Since 1984, he has lived in the Washington, DC area. He was a Guest Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies and then a Guest Scholar and Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He was co-author of the public school curriculum "Living With Our Deepest Differences."
He has written or edited more than twenty books, including Unspeakable: Facing Up to Evil in an Age of Genocide and Terror and The Case for Civility: And Why Our
Future Depends on It.
His deep concern is to bridge the chasm between academic knowledge and popular
knowledge, taking things that are academically important and making them intelligible and practicable to a wider audience, especially as they concern matters of public policy.
Now, Kindlings WinterFest sponsors author and speaker Os Guinness, who will give four talks on Christian Faith for the 21st Century from Friday evening, Jan. 30, to Sunday morning, Feb. 1 at Orcas Island Community Church. The lecture topics include:
* The Journey - A thinking person’s quest for meaning at 7 p.m. Friday
* Survival of the Fastest - Living sanely when life is fired point blank at 10 a.m. Saturday
* A World Safe for Diversity - Living with our deepest differences in a world of exploding pluralism at 7 p.m. Saturday
* You Only Live Once - Calling, the ultimate game plan for life at 10 a.m. Sunday
The Public is welcome at these free lectures at 176 Madrona Street in Eastsound, with a suggested donation to The Kindlings of $10 per lecture.
For more information call: 360-376-6422 Or visit www.TheKindlings.com
Os Guinness is the co-founder of The Trinity Forum and served as Senior Fellow and Vice Chairman of the Board from its inception in 1991 until 2004.
Born in China during World War II, he remained there until 1951 when the Communists forced most foreigners to leave. Since then he has lived mostly in England, Switzerland, and the United States.
Educated in England, he did undergraduate studies at the University of London and postgraduate studies at University of Oxford. Since 1984, he has lived in the Washington, DC area. He was a Guest Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies and then a Guest Scholar and Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He was co-author of the public school curriculum "Living With Our Deepest Differences."
He has written or edited more than twenty books, including Unspeakable: Facing Up to Evil in an Age of Genocide and Terror and The Case for Civility: And Why Our
Future Depends on It.
His deep concern is to bridge the chasm between academic knowledge and popular
knowledge, taking things that are academically important and making them intelligible and practicable to a wider audience, especially as they concern matters of public policy.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A busy week ahead - Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
Orcas Island resident David Schermerhorn will speak of his recent experience confronting the Israeli blockade of Gaza ports at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowhip on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the West Sound Community Hall. The service begins at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.orcasislanduu.org.
A new series of chamber music performances featuring county musicians will begin on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Orcas Center at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.
A two-day San Juan County Salmon Recovery Workshop will begin on Monday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Friday Harbor Labs Commons on San Juan Island.
Hosted by the San Juan County Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery, the first day will highlight information about nearshore and also freshwater systems in San Juan County. This information will provide an understanding regarding important fish habitats documented to date in San Juan County. The morning of the second day, Tuesday, will be an adaptive management discussion regarding how we potentially modify the salmon recovery work plan based on the results of recent assessments.
Go to http://sanjuanco.com/docs/committeeagendas/391_San_Juan_County_Salmon_Recovery_Workshop_Agenda_11_08.doc.pdf to view agenda.
Eastsound Planning Review Committee work session Monday, Jan. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the airport conference room.
The agenda will include...
* Budgeting EPRC's $4,800 county funds
* Discussing county web site and potential EPRC uses, define the EPRC secretary position
* Developing ERPC Annual Calendar
* Discussing the Flow Chart that Bob Connell has created on EPRC and the groups it interacts with
i.e., the EPRC role in the Eastsound Swale or Storm Water in general.
* Discussing Eastsound visioning/Eastsound Planning and the sub-area plan.
Auditions for "A Year with Frog and Toad" will be held Monday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Orcas Center, which will produce the musical performance the weekends of April 15-18 and 22-25.
The Friends of Moran State Park Annual Meeting will be on Monday Jan. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Moran Environmental Learning Center Lodge. The event will honor the contributions of Barb and Gordon Buman, longtime members of the Friends of Moran. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
The 2009 Artsmith Artist Residency takes place the last week of January at theKangaroo House Bed & Breakfast in Eastsound.
Five talented artists and writers, chosen for a week's residency, will be featured at an open studio and potluck on Monday, Jan. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. The potluck will be followed by a spoken word open mic.
"Come meet the artists, see and hear their work, and share your own writing
in the open mic.Bring a dish and/or beverage to share. Or if you're too busy, just come enjoy the bounty!" say Artsmith hosts Jill Johnson and Charles Troxey.
Public Meeting to Discuss Proposed Country Corner (Limited Area of Intense Rural Development (LAMIRD) on Monday, Jan. 26 from 7 until 9 p.m. at the Eastsound fire station.
This matter will come before the County Council in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, Jan. 27 during the County Administrator's report as: Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on Subdivisions within the Country Corner LAMIRD – Ron Henrickson, Director of CD&P & Colin Maycock, CD&P Senior Planner will present the discussion.
On Tuesday, Jan 27, the San Juan County Salmon Recovery Workshop will continue from 8:30 AM until 1:30 PM; the workshop is hosted by the San Juan County Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery This morning will be an adaptive management discussion regarding how we potentially modify the salmon recovery work plan based on the results of recent assessments.
Also on Tuesday, in Friday Harbor, the Agricultural Resources Committee will meet from noon until 2 PM at the Whidbey Island Bank, Community Room, 535 Market Street, Friday Harbor.
On Orcas Island, the Memoir Group will meet Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 1-3 p.m. in the Library. All are invited to join fellow writers in conversation, reading and writing and share excerpts of work in progress.
The Orcas Island Fire District will meet at the Eastsound Fire Station at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The Skatepark Committee will meet at the Orcas Island School Library on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m.
Sustainable Orcas Island's first meeting for 2009 will be Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Library. Mikial Denker will speak on sustainable transportation. Those who are unable to make the meeting are asked to email or call Phil Heikkinen, Director of the Orcas Island Library at 376-4985 or phil.heikkinen@gmail.com.
The Orcas Island School District board will hold a strategic plan workshop on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. at the school library.
The County Veterans Advisory Board will meet in Friday Harbor in the conference room in the Legislative Building from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.
Also on Jan. 30, the Orcas Center will present its "All Ages Concert" featuring Common Market and No-Fi Soul Rebellion. Tickets to this event are $10 and may be purchased by calling 376-2281 or going to www.OrcasCenter.org
Kindlings WinterFest sponsors author and speaker Os Guinness, who will give four talks on Christian Faith for the 21st Century from Friday evening, Jan. 30, to Sunday morning, Feb. 1 at Orcas Island Community Church. The lecture topics include:
* The Journey - A thinking person’s quest for meaning
* Survival of the Fastest - Living sanely when life is fired point blank
* A World Safe for Diversity - Living with our deepest differences in a world of exploding pluralism
* You Only Live Once - Calling, the ultimate game plan for life
The Public is welcome at these free lectures at 176 Madrona Street in Eastsound, with a suggested donation to The Kindlings of $10 per lecture.
For more information call: 360-376-6422 Or visit www.TheKindlings.com
A new series of chamber music performances featuring county musicians will begin on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Orcas Center at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.
A two-day San Juan County Salmon Recovery Workshop will begin on Monday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Friday Harbor Labs Commons on San Juan Island.
Hosted by the San Juan County Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery, the first day will highlight information about nearshore and also freshwater systems in San Juan County. This information will provide an understanding regarding important fish habitats documented to date in San Juan County. The morning of the second day, Tuesday, will be an adaptive management discussion regarding how we potentially modify the salmon recovery work plan based on the results of recent assessments.
Go to http://sanjuanco.com/docs/committeeagendas/391_San_Juan_County_Salmon_Recovery_Workshop_Agenda_11_08.doc.pdf to view agenda.
Eastsound Planning Review Committee work session Monday, Jan. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the airport conference room.
The agenda will include...
* Budgeting EPRC's $4,800 county funds
* Discussing county web site and potential EPRC uses, define the EPRC secretary position
* Developing ERPC Annual Calendar
* Discussing the Flow Chart that Bob Connell has created on EPRC and the groups it interacts with
i.e., the EPRC role in the Eastsound Swale or Storm Water in general.
* Discussing Eastsound visioning/Eastsound Planning and the sub-area plan.
Auditions for "A Year with Frog and Toad" will be held Monday, Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Orcas Center, which will produce the musical performance the weekends of April 15-18 and 22-25.
The Friends of Moran State Park Annual Meeting will be on Monday Jan. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Moran Environmental Learning Center Lodge. The event will honor the contributions of Barb and Gordon Buman, longtime members of the Friends of Moran. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
The 2009 Artsmith Artist Residency takes place the last week of January at theKangaroo House Bed & Breakfast in Eastsound.
Five talented artists and writers, chosen for a week's residency, will be featured at an open studio and potluck on Monday, Jan. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. The potluck will be followed by a spoken word open mic.
"Come meet the artists, see and hear their work, and share your own writing
in the open mic.Bring a dish and/or beverage to share. Or if you're too busy, just come enjoy the bounty!" say Artsmith hosts Jill Johnson and Charles Troxey.
Public Meeting to Discuss Proposed Country Corner (Limited Area of Intense Rural Development (LAMIRD) on Monday, Jan. 26 from 7 until 9 p.m. at the Eastsound fire station.
This matter will come before the County Council in Friday Harbor on Tuesday, Jan. 27 during the County Administrator's report as: Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on Subdivisions within the Country Corner LAMIRD – Ron Henrickson, Director of CD&P & Colin Maycock, CD&P Senior Planner will present the discussion.
On Tuesday, Jan 27, the San Juan County Salmon Recovery Workshop will continue from 8:30 AM until 1:30 PM; the workshop is hosted by the San Juan County Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery This morning will be an adaptive management discussion regarding how we potentially modify the salmon recovery work plan based on the results of recent assessments.
Also on Tuesday, in Friday Harbor, the Agricultural Resources Committee will meet from noon until 2 PM at the Whidbey Island Bank, Community Room, 535 Market Street, Friday Harbor.
On Orcas Island, the Memoir Group will meet Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 1-3 p.m. in the Library. All are invited to join fellow writers in conversation, reading and writing and share excerpts of work in progress.
The Orcas Island Fire District will meet at the Eastsound Fire Station at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The Skatepark Committee will meet at the Orcas Island School Library on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m.
Sustainable Orcas Island's first meeting for 2009 will be Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Library. Mikial Denker will speak on sustainable transportation. Those who are unable to make the meeting are asked to email or call Phil Heikkinen, Director of the Orcas Island Library at 376-4985 or phil.heikkinen@gmail.com.
The Orcas Island School District board will hold a strategic plan workshop on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. at the school library.
The County Veterans Advisory Board will meet in Friday Harbor in the conference room in the Legislative Building from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.
Also on Jan. 30, the Orcas Center will present its "All Ages Concert" featuring Common Market and No-Fi Soul Rebellion. Tickets to this event are $10 and may be purchased by calling 376-2281 or going to www.OrcasCenter.org
Kindlings WinterFest sponsors author and speaker Os Guinness, who will give four talks on Christian Faith for the 21st Century from Friday evening, Jan. 30, to Sunday morning, Feb. 1 at Orcas Island Community Church. The lecture topics include:
* The Journey - A thinking person’s quest for meaning
* Survival of the Fastest - Living sanely when life is fired point blank
* A World Safe for Diversity - Living with our deepest differences in a world of exploding pluralism
* You Only Live Once - Calling, the ultimate game plan for life
The Public is welcome at these free lectures at 176 Madrona Street in Eastsound, with a suggested donation to The Kindlings of $10 per lecture.
For more information call: 360-376-6422 Or visit www.TheKindlings.com
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