May 16th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
Joan Roulac will teach an eight-week T’ai Chi Chih series beginning June 4 at the Orcas Senior Center. This series introduces a late-afternoon class.
T’ai Chi is an ancient flowing Chinese practice that cultivates, stimulates, and balances our vital life force energy so effectively that Harvard Health Letter refers to T’ai Chi movement as “medication in motion.”
A free T’ai Chi Chih introductory class will be offered Monday June 4th at 11 a.m. in the Lundeen Room.
“Students have many different reasons for exploring my classes,” says Roulac, who has been teaching T’ai Chi Chih for 25 years. “Every one wants the same four things: Better Balance, Strength, Flexibility & Peace of Mind.
“Students love receiving many essential benefits from this simple daily practice including more abundant:
- flow
- peace
- vitality
- balance
- strength
- flexibility
- tranquility
- happiness”
The 8-Week Summer Series runs:
Mondays June 4 ~ July 23
11:00am ~ Level 1 ~ Fee $90
1:30pm ~ Level 2 ~ Fee $90
5:30pm ~ Level 1&2 ~ Fee $126
To contact Roulac, call 376.6336 + chiworks4me@gmail.com
May 16th, 2012 |
May 15th, 2012, by Martin Taylor
A lighter moment during practice on Saturday
By Martin Taylor
Orcas Island junior rowing club is very close to the end of another season — just one more practice then they are off to NW Regionals on Vancouver Lake, Vancouver, Wash. on Thursday.
This event is very exciting –three days of intense racing against the best junior rowers in the Northwest, many of them with hopes of medaling and if they come in the top two in varsity events qualifying for Nationals three weeks later in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Despite being the smallest club attending the regatta, Orcas has high hopes of sending one or two crews to Nationals.
So please share the excitement with us. Send us good wishes. Stop us in the street or at the market.
Follow their blog for live updates from the course throughout NW Regionals. They will be very busy. Probably burnt to a crisp from the sun and the adrenaline. But we will keep up the news from the event at the club’s web site.
Wish them luck and share the excitement!
May 15th, 2012 |
May 14th, 2012, by Lin
by Lesley Liddle
Lesley Liddle is a certified service and pet dog trainer. First Mate Lulu is a Corgi/Red Heeler with spots like a baby harbor seal; Crewman Leonard is a Chihuahua/Doxie with tall ears like a rabbit. Both dogs have very short legs and were originally found in California shelters. Lesley has average legs and can be found on Orcas Island.
I agree with Caesar that a well grounded dog must know his place in the family hierarchy, but I’m not certain that it must always be beneath all human members. It just depends on the dog and the situation.
I have a story to tell that supports my thinking. When my brother and I were very small we lived next door to a doctor who owned a pair of unaltered adult male german shepherds named Baron and Bart. They were always free and visited us daily. My mother explained to us that Baron and Bart were older and very wise. We were always to respect them. We therefore both considered them our elders and came to love them deeply. The two dogs met us after school and played what we thought was “football”, with them tackling us and us chasing them all over the yard depending on which team got the ball. They knew how to settle us down when we got too wild but they never hurt us. Sometimes they just sat with us and we talked. Baron and Bart were gentle but firm teachers and companions; Baron was Bart’s father and he was our master teacher. The dogs kept us in our yard and I suppose mother used them as babysitters. When the doctor came home in the evening they immediately left to greet him.
Sometimes it is appropriate for a wise dog to look after a small child in a protective sense, and that dog has an elevated status. I am thinking about the dog that learns to stand fast and keep an autistic child from bolting, or a guide dog that stops his blind partner from hitting a low hanging beam or the assistance dog who wakes the parents of a child having a seizure. These dogs are mature and have learned to monitor and take charge in certain situations, even to disobey their human companion if necessary. There are many documented stories of dogs who have been capable of thinking on their own at critical times and acting with great heroism. These are not dogs that should or need to be at the bottom of our pecking order. My brother and I learned to love, respect and value our wise canine companions. We learned to be very grateful for their watchful, devoted presence, and we learned never to treat a dog in a disrespectful or humiliating way.
May 14th, 2012 |
May 12th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
Dr. James Murray, Professor of Oceanography at the University of Washington will address the collision of rising demand for oil with the inelastic supply including increases in production of non-convention oil sources in his presentation “Peak Oil”, Monday May 21, 7 pm at the library meeting room in Friday Harbor. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans. Contact Ann Jarrell 378-4939.
The public is invited to a screening of the Brian Malone documentary “Patriocracy”, Tuesday May 22 at 7 pm, at the Commons on the Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) campus. A non-partisan presentation of the current hyperpolarization and dysfunction in government and possible solutions are discussed by well-known personalities such as Senator Alan Simpson (ret.) and Bob Schieffer (CBS) among others. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the San Juans. Contact Ann Jarrell 378-4939.
May 12th, 2012 |
May 9th, 2012, by Madie Murray
Christina with Mandy Randolph’s Class making pumpkin tarts from scratch.
By Madie Murray
She’s back, and we’re excited! On Thursday, May 17, our Island Celebrity Chef and author, Christina Orchid, will be our public school’s Celebrity Chef, working with the cafeteria staff to prepare and serve Garlic-Smoked Paprika Chicken, corn pudding and rhubarb crumble for dessert as only Christina can make! Ciabatta Bread, prepared by the cafeteria staff will also be on the menu. YUM! Are we lucky or what?!
Christina has given, and continues to give, so much to our public school. She has worked with Mandy’s Farm to Classroom kids making breads and tarts from scratch and showing them how to fillet a salmon. She volunteered as a judge for this year’s Student Chef Competition and she has been our Celebrity Chef at school twice before. For our last Community Meal at School, she worked tirelessly with Mandy’s kids making hundreds of rolls. And that’s just a few of the countless ways she has given her valuable time and energy to our public school and the Farm to Cafeteria Program.
Not just the kids get to enjoy her lunch on this special day. Everyone is welcome from 11:30 to 12:45 on Thursday, May 17 for Christina’s lunch. And the price is certainly right…adults are only $5 and that includes a trip to the salad bar and a beverage.
May 9th, 2012 |
May 9th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
By Lesley Liddle
Lesley Liddle is a certified service and pet dog trainer. First Mate Lulu is a Corgi/Red Heeler with spots like a baby harbor seal; Crewman Leonard is a Chihuahua/Doxie with tall ears like a rabbit. Both dogs have very short legs and were originally found in California shelters. Lesley has average legs and can be found on Orcas Island.
The day started out windy, cold, and drizzling, so I put a jacket on Leonard, Chihuahua that he is, who seems to be of a delicate constitution, at least when he is not leaping onto Lulu, growling and being a formidable wrestling Rotweiller.
So on this blustery day off to town we went for a brisk walk when suddenly Leonard just stopped all forward movement. He stood like a stone carving of a Chihuahua in mid stroll. After a moment of astonishment, I bent down and thought to take off his coat, whereupon he gave a good shake and began trotting along again. Then a little wind came up and he began to shiver and his rabbit ears drooped and stuck out sideways.
Once again he stopped all forward momentum so I put his jacket back on. He was happy for half a block, until the sun came out and after another block he repeated the stone sculpture pose . I removed the jacket and watched him recover his jaunty gait. Then I stopped to say hello to someone and after a few minutes Leonard began to whine pitifully and only ceased the embarrassing noise when the jacket was replaced securely upon him. We proceeded without further incident down the hill to Pawkis.
Inside it was very warm so of course the jacket needed to come off. By the time we left Pawkis the clouds had returned so the jacket was reapplied, but then needed to come off as we gained a little altitude and got as far as the school. We arrived at Buck Park for a final romp without the jacket and had a bit of a time with someone’s soccer ball.
All this while Lulu was just ambling along happily with never a care. She is a rugged no nonsense kind of gal, never seems to mind hot or cold weather nor does she really need a jacket when it snows. Of course she does have a fancy red one with racing stripes but it is really more for looks than anything. Read more…
May 9th, 2012 |
May 8th, 2012, by Martin Taylor
Mikail Van Maren takes the first leg and pulls hard
Rowers prepare for NW Regional Regatta with hopes to compete in Tennessee Nationals
By Martin Taylor
From 12 noon on Saturday May 5 to 12 noon Sunday May 6, Orcas Island Rowing (OIR) continuously powered a rowing machine (erg) in 30 minute shifts. The junior rowers camped out on the covered sidewalk outside Island Market and kept the erg turning continuously for 24 hours. Coaches and parents worked as chaperones to make sure the kids were safe and rotated turns on the erg.
This is an annual tradition for the club. It is a team-building event, a chance to grow team spirit in preparation for the last and most important scheduled regatta the NW Junior Regionals which take place in less than two weeks in Vancouver, Wash.
The club has high hopes for a couple of boats to qualify for the National Championships this year. Only two boats crews have ever gone to Nationals in the club’s 15 year history, but that is still a phenomenal achievement for the smallest junior rowing club in the NW and possibly the nation.
OIR completed a record distance “rowed” in over 24 hours last weekend. They completed 332,207 meters (206.44 miles). That beat their previous record of 323,740 meters set in 2010. It was a sterling performance with every participant doing a phenomenal job. Several were taking part in the event for the first time. Many of those who had taken part before did more distance in 30 minutes than ever before.
A pitstop crew helps with a changeover
Everything conspired to bring about a wonderful experience. The weather was perfect, the performance a record and our supporters helped make it a party.
Special kudos to Jake Zier who pulled over 8k in each of his three 30 minute sessions — a very impressive performance. Those who have pulled a 30 minute shift on the erg know just how impressive that is.
The team and coaches would like to thank all who helped cheer them on. They are very grateful to those who made generous donations in support of the club. OIR would like to extend special thanks to Island Market for generously making the space in front of their business available to community events like ours. This event and many others would not be possible without their support. Read more…
May 8th, 2012 |
May 4th, 2012, by Sue Lewis
Thursday, May 10, 5 p.m. at Orcas Island Community Church
By Sue Lewis
The Cancer Support Group will meet on May 10 at 5 p.m., in the Fireside Room of Orcas Island Community Church. At our informal meetings you’ll have a chance to share your experiences, problems, and feelings with those who are currently going through treatment, or those who are in remission or have been healed.
Your family members or friends and caregivers are very welcome to attend our meetings with or without you. Often family and friends have their own concerns and feelings that need to be shared and understood
You can learn what others have done to successfully cope with their cancer and treatment at the monthly, no-cost, confidential meeting. All are welcome. Call Bogdan or Carol at 376-4198 for more information.
May 4th, 2012 |
May 3rd, 2012, by Margie Doyle
Come by OPAL's open house on Sunday, May 6, from 1 to 3 to see how much the Oberon Meadow neighborhood has changed since this photo was taken on April 5. Photo by Mandy Troxel.
OPAL Community Land Trust is hosting an open house on Sunday, May 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Orcas residents and prospective buyers may view three island homes that were moved last year to Oberon Meadow, OPAL’ s newest neighborhood in Eastsound.
The three houses – each about 70 years old – were given to OPAL by their owners so that more island families with low to moderate incomes can own a home of their own. The houses were moved from the North Shore, Deer Harbor and Olga to property in Eastsound that was owned by OPAL. Recent renovations to the houses include new foundations and various energy efficiency upgrades and improvements.
Ranging in size from approximately 828 to 1064 sq. ft., the houses each have two bedrooms, one bath, and kitchen, living and dining areas. Each is priced at $165,000 under the community land trust model to qualified buyers. Monthly mortgage payments will range from $750 to $1010, depending upon income and financing. Middle-income buyers are eligible to purchase these houses.
“We’re grateful to the Baker family, Bob and Phyllis Henigson, and Frank Greer and Stephanie Solien for generously giving OPAL the opportunity to move and renovate their much-loved houses for the benefit of the Orcas community,” said OPAL’s executive director, Lisa Byers. “It feels good to give these small, well-built island homes a new life.”
Read more…
May 3rd, 2012 |
April 27th, 2012, by Margie Doyle
Friday, April 27
Spring Scrapbooking Retreat All Weekend (Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29) at YMCA Camp Orkila. Meals, snacks and lodging are provided. Contact Joie Lucas at 360-622-6151 (cell) or email joielucas@centurytel.net
Money Smart Week Sponsored by the Orcas Public Library. 1 to 2:30 pm. New Trends in Retirement; 3 to 4:30 pm. Mistakes Retirees & Investors Make (and What To Do About Them) Sponsored by Federal Financial Group.
Pub Night at the Orcas Hotel at 6 p.m. Come enjoy island favorites Martin Lund, Gene Nery and guests, who play Friday nights at the Orcas Hotel. Call 376-4300.
Live Music at Doe Bay: a Weekend of Doe Bay Fest Past Performers: Come out for this exciting weekend of music, featuring bands that have played in the years past at Doe Bay Fest! There will be live music both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. Friday night in the Cafe Hannalee will play. Saturday night in the Yoga Studio Carson Henley will start the evening, which will then be concluded with music by Motopony! Call 376-2291 or www.doebay.com
“Mirror, Mirror” on-screen at the Seaview Theater A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, “Mirror Mirror” features breakout star Lily Collins as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over. Starring: Julia Roberts, Lilly Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane. Rated: PG. 7:30 p.m. 376-5724
Saturday, April 28
15th Annual Bill Yarlott Fishing Derby. Celebrate opening day for fishing season and a rite of passage for so many kids with the Friends of Moran. Event starts at 7 am aat Cascade Lake with a hot breakfast and coffee or cocoa. You can expect to find Philip Miller, flipping pancakes and serving hot coffee and cocoa. Kids can hope to catch Kokanee, Cutthroat and Rainbow trout from Cascade Lake. Prizes are awarded at 11 am. A special thanks to our local sponsors Orcas Outfitters and Kings Market who support this annual event and provide some fantastic prizes.
Coach’s Team Challenge Golf Tournament to benefit all public school sports programs through the Orcas Booster Club. Starts at 8 a.m. at the Orcas Golf Course. Hosted by Viking Golf Coaches Bobby Olmstead and Justin Taylor. Many thanks to Coach Olmstead and Coach Taylor, the Orcas Island Golf Course, Cafe Olga, The Lower Tavern, and many others! Donations to support school sports programs through the Booster Club are gratefully accepted at any time at Key Bank or to the Orcas Island Community Foundation “Booster Fund” by check or online at oicf.us. Please specify “Booster Fund.” We hope to see you Saturday! Register at Orcas Golf Course or call 376-4400 or 376-3478.
Maple Rock Farm annual open house and plant sale at the home farm at the end of Pinneo Road, from 9 am til 5 pm. Live music from JP and The OK Rythym Boys starts at noon. Wood fired pizza for sale all day and we have a huge selection of garden ready starts for your garden.
Granny’s Attic Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 pm at the Senior Center. This is one of the major fund raisers for the Senior Center, with many wonderful items to choose from. A fun all-island garage sale where everyone can find treasures and help the elders of our island at the same time. Bring your own reusable bags to help the environment and remember that from 2 – 3, p.m. all furniture will be half price as will most of the items in the “better” room. All items, in the Lundeen Room are $5 for a grocery bag full at the last hour.
The Healing Arts Fair, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s spring and time for our Healing Arts Fair. Many styles of massage, Acupuncture, intuitive readings, movement classes, and consultations. Prices for one hour sessions are $45 and $25 for half hour sessions. Call 376-4002 to book your appointment or stop by between 10-3 Monday- Saturday. If you are not able to attend on these dates there are a few coupons available for purchase to use within a certain time frame. As an added bonus, if you bring in a non-perishable food item you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a treatment from the practitioner of your choice. All proceeds go to the Orcas Island Food Bank. Call 376-4002 to book your appointment. Read more…
April 27th, 2012 |
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Lesley: I tremendously enjoy your canine articles (and your music!) and enthusiastically look forward to their appearance! THANK YOU for passing on your experience and wisdom! (Miss you and your doggies at yoga, though!) Frank and I are doggie lovers and rescuers! Love, Jan
Lesley. The dog who was my guardian as an infant was an infinitely wise collie. Since I loved the movies I thought Jerry would too. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t allowed to go to the Saturday afternoon double features with me. I had to act out the movies for Jerry when I got home. He then knew how to play cowboys and Indians.
Lesley,
My Dobies protected me, and the children…and how many brave canines saved our military members, sometimes giving up their lives in the process?
You are to canines what Kate Wood is to equines!
Thanks for spreading the word.