Artist Harold Cohen will begin the 2010-2011 Crossroads Lecture Series

The Orcas Crossroads Lecture Series announces its 2010-11 season of lecture events.  Now in its fourth season, Crossroads offers diverse topics, of local and global relevance, explored by expert speakers of some renown.  All lectures will be held at Orcas Center and followed by a question and answer period and a public reception with the speaker.

The series begins with acclaimed visual artist Harold Cohen, exploring the topic Computers, Cognition and Creativity in the Visual Arts on Sunday, September 26 at 2 p.m.  Cohen has developed a computer program, named Aaron, to create art.

Art by Harold Cohen

The second fall lecture is by Louis E. Wolcher, on Sunday, October 10 at 2 p.m.  Author and  Professor of Law at the University of Washington, Wolcher’s topic is The Meaning of Justice in the World Today.

A nationally recognized authority on ecosystem management, Gloria Flora will speak on the topic From Depletion to Sustainability on Friday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Richard Fadem will offer a literature class this fall focusing on the novel Daniel Deronda, by George Eliot. The class will meet on Thursdays, 10:00-12:30 at the Senior Center, from September 30th until November 18^th.  The Oxford World Classics edition, available at Darvill’s, will be used for the class.

Registration will begin after Labor Day at the Senior Center. The fee for this class is $25, payable by check to Ruthie Newman at the first class. As always, any surplus will be donated to the high school’s college scholarship or English program.

According to Richard Fadem: “George Eliot is a great English writer and in the 19th century second as a novelist only to Dickens. But as a novelist she is very nearly unique because she is first of all an intellectual who happens also to be a superb imaginative writer. Her thought as much as her imagination permeates her fiction.  She read widely in philosophy, history, and of course literature and she possessed a brilliant mind.

“Everything George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) has written is exceptional in its intelligence and understanding.

United Way of San Juan County is seeking three Volunteer Coordinators – one each for Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Island.

Each coordinator will be responsible for recruiting and training volunteers to help with the annual giving campaign that gears up in September. Two hours per week from August through December required, with stipend. 99% of all proceeds benefit United Way locally.

Job Description Duties:

• Become familiar with United Way mission and policies
• Work with the Board and Executive Director to ensure a minimum of five local presentations at businesses, schools and /or community events are completed by December 1, 2010.
• Assist with coordinating our annual Day of Caring and other community events.
• May help with various office projects
• Promote volunteerism as a way of helping United Way and as a way of building one’s own personal skills

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, contact United Way Executive Director, Joy Goldberg at the United Way office at 360-378-4121 or by email at unitedwaysjc@rockisland.com.

The Eastsound Planning and Review Committee (EPRC) holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month. This Thursday, Sept. 2, it will change locations to meet at the Eastsound Fire Hall from 3 to 5 p.m.

The agenda calls for filling empty positions, updates from County Council Members Gene Knapp and/or Richard Fralick, solid waste, Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update, Road Transfer to Public Works, and new issues.

Chair Gulliver Rankin described the EPRC goals to create better communication with the County Council on:

• 2009/2010 priorities;
• Pending ordinances affecting Eastsound

A request to change the Uniform Development Code (UDC) to remove the airport overlay zone from the Gerard Property will be presented by Francine Shaw.

John Campbell and Lisa Byers will address the EPRC on affordable housing with the goal of understanding the context and issues of housing in Eastsound in developing a housing element.

EPRC Member Audrey Moreland will give an update on the “Streetscape” plan for Eastsound; EPRC Member Patty Miller will give an update on the “A” Street to Main Street and Mount Property stormwater treatment project.

Finally the EPRC will review 2010 priorities in light of county budget constraints and refocus on one priority.

Jumpstart! Classes: Hybrid Forms with Nance Van Winckel   panels and evening event  still open

The Orcas Island Writers Festival is fast approaching — it’s third annual festival will take place September 17-19, 2010. The Festival was born in 2008, the brainchild of writer Barbara Lewis, as “a way to enrich and connect readers and writers through classes, lectures, workshops, and the natural beauty of Orcas Island,” says Lewis, who continues as the Festival Director.

It is distinguished among writers festivals as one that focuses on the art and craft of writing, rather than the process and techniques of publishing. “Our festival creates an environment for focus and energy, designed to bring the writer – whether a novice writer or experienced author – to deeper, more effective, and more fulfilling expression,” says Lewis

Festival events will again take place in Eastsound venues. This year the Writers Festival  faculty is from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, which Poets and Writers Magazine called the top low-residency writing program in the country. David Jauss and Sue Silverman teach the workshops (which had one opening as of this week)  and Nance Van Winckel, will again teach the Jumpstart!

There will be a Herstory class: Women’s Perspectives in History for six weeks av ailable for girls and boys ages 9-14.

Students will learn about women in the past, while creating projects and presentations. Reading will include
interesting historical fiction and non-fiction.

The class begins September 23, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 at the Reddick Room by the OPAL office at the corner of Enchanted Forest and Lover’s Lane. The instructor is  Didier Gincig, former classroom teacher and recreation program director.

Call or e-mail for questions or registration: 298-0362 or 376-6053; didier@earthball.com.

Jeff Berryman, author of "Arthur, the Begetting," comes to Orcas next weekend

Seattle playwright, actor and published author Jeff Berryman will visit Orcas to attend the closing night performance of his play, Arthur: The Begetting on September 12th at the Grange.  Mr Berryman will be available after the performance to answer questions about the play and playwriting.

Berryman continues work his Arthur cycle: Arthur: The Begetting, and Arthur: The Hunt, the first two plays in the projected seven-play project, have both been professionally produced in Seattle, and, Arthur: The Begetting was featured as part of the Jean Cocteau Theatre’s New Classics Series in New York.

His other plays include The Catacombs of Texas, The Carrolls of Queen Anne, The Crèche Collector, The Question of Bethlehem, When Comes the Way, Postmodern Art, and The Little Guy.

By Madie Murray

Mia Kartiganer, September Farm to Cafeteria Celebrity Chef

The Farm to Cafeteria sponsored Celebrity Chef Lunch days start September 16 with Mia Kartiganer of Mia’s Cafe serving Mia’s Lasagna with Veggie’s and Fruit Dessert to all having lunch in the school cafeteria that day.   Friends and family of K-12 students, teachers and administrators are all invited and encouraged to have lunch with their kids.

Mia will be followed by Anne Garfield of Rose’s in October, Lisa Nakamura of Alium in November, Madden of The Quilted Pig at Rosario in December, Charles Dalton of The Kitchen in January, Geddes Martin of Ship Bay in February, Bobby Olmsted of Cafe Olga in March, David Mowry of Country Corner in April and Christina Orchid of Red Rabbit Farm in April.

These incredible chefs dedicate several hours of their time prior to the day of their lunch working with the cafeteria staff developing the menu and preparing the fresh local items that will be served.  Then, on the day of the lunch, they are again working hand-in-hand with the cafeteria staff to cook and personally serve the lunch to 300+ students, parents and teachers.   It is a win/win event where local, well-known chefs and community “foodies” have the opportunity to personally interface with the cafeteria staff, our public school students, teachers, administrators, parents and all who come to lunch that day.

Celebrity Chef lunches began in November of 2009 with Charles Dalton of The Kitchen being the first.  Since then it has become one of the Farm to Cafeteria stellar events.   Any Island amateur or professional chef wishing to participate in our Celebrity Chef lunches are encouraged to do so by calling the Farm to Cafeteria Coordinator Bruce Orchid at 376-2608.  The months of May and possibly early June 2011 are currently open.

Nancy Southern, who holds a Masters’ Degree in Social Work and is a Personal Energy Management Coach, will offer a four-week class beginning Sept. 9 about self-sabotage behaviors.

Southern, says, “Do you have one or more self-sabotaging habits that limit your ability to have meaningful relationships, be successful in your business, solve everyday problems or realize your dreams?   Self-sabotage is usually caused by one or more of the four universal addictive patterns as defined by Angeles Arrien, PhD.:

1) Addiction to Intensity
2) Addiction to Perfection
3) Addiction to the Need to Know
4) Addiction to What’s Not Working

During this 4-week series you will zero in on which ones are holding you back and systematically reduce or dissolve their influence in various aspects of your life.

For a sample of a tapping session for the universal Addiction to Perfection, listen to an audio recording with Nancy Southern in a recent teleclass: happytapping.net/NS_Teleclass_August11_2010.mp3

Class dates are Thursdays, September 9, 16, 23, 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Deer Harbor (Directions provided when you enroll.)

Cost for the class is $150, which includes a private 1 hour session valued at $95) To register, call 360-376-4288 or email nancy@happytapping.net.

The Orcas Island Camera Club (OICC) show this year is called “Orcas Eyes.” This third annual OICC show is at Orcas Center and runs through September.

The show is an opportunity for the club to share their work with the community.  Images will be shown throughout the lobby and Madrona room.

There will be an opening reception starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday September 3rd at Orcas Center. The reception is a party and a chance to meet some of the photographers and enjoy the images in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. You can catch the show through the end of September during normal Orcas Center open hours and during live performances at the center. See www.orcascenter.org for open hours, performance schedules and to order tickets for live performances.

OICC is a thriving club full of enthusiastic photographers running the gamut from beginner to veteran professionals and academics. It is a place where photographers can get together to share their passion. If you are interested in photography and would like to meet others of a like mind go to one of the OICC meetings.

Monday, August 30

Orcas Island Library Board of Trustees Executive Board meeting from 9:30  to 12:30 p.m. in the library conference room. There will be an open meeting from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Tuesday, August 31

Wednesday, September 1

“Medication Take Back” monthly program  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ray’s Pharmacy in Eastsound

Thursday, September 2

Eastsound Planning Review Committee monthly meeting 3 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Friday, September 3

“Orcas Eyes” Photography opening at Orcas Center. Meet the artists and tour the exhibit at the opening reception at 5:30 p.m.

Actors Theater production of Arthur, the Begetting opens at the Grange. Plays this Friday and Saturday and next weekend through Sept. 12. All performances will be at 7:30 pm at the Grange. Due to some minor violence and mild sexual references this play may not be suitable for very young children. Tickets are $10 and are available at Darvill’s Book Store, on-line at www.orcasactors.com or at the door. For additional information contact Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.

Saturday, September 4

“Arty Party” Benefit and Silent Auction to benefit Dorothy Austin will be held  from 6 to 10 p.m.

Crowd-waving preceded the dancing as the Orcas Rec benefit concert began at the Village Green on Saturday

Updated Aug. 30

The “Cherry Cherry Band” regaled Orcas Islanders with a Neil Diamond-style concert on the Stage at the Village Green on Saturday late afternoon.

While many concert-goers brought their own chairs, most were up and swaying, rocking, dancing or jumping to the music.

The band came from Seattle at no charge, in order that the Orcas Rec program could derive the most benefit from the donations. Linda Sheridan, Orcas Rec Coordinator, was pleased with the turnout and the donations, which totaled around $1,000.

"Acrobatic" father-son dancing at the "Cherry Cherry Band" benefit for Orcas Rec

Along with lead singer Steve Kelly leading Neil Diamond favorites “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am, I Said,” the band played rock-era and funk favorites, “Under the Boardwalk,” and “Play that Funky Music, White Boy.” Couples slow-danced to the Boys Town anthem, “He Ain’t Heavy — He’s My Brother.”

A craft table was set up to make necklaces and other adornments, while kids tripped barefoot through the crowd, tossed balls around, climbed over each other, nibbled on ice cones, pizza and other treats provided by local vendors, (also to benefit Orcas Rec), or occasionally circulated with donation canisters during the show.

An “Arty Party” Benefit and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, September 4th, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Odd Fellows Hall, Eastsound. The event was organized to help raise funds for further breast cancer treatment for Dorothy Austin – artist, longtime art patron and environmentalist, and mom to Pearl.

The many artists who have contributed work for the Silent Auction include: Pete Welty, Kandis Susol, Susan Slapin, Laura Sindell, Buster Simpson, Susie Shipman, Penny Sharp, Laurel Rust, Joan Rorabaugh, David Ridgway, River Jim Rorabaugh, Tom Rierden, Maria Papademetriou, Susan Osborn, Orcas Island Pottery, Lana Hickman, James Hardman, Marguerite Greening, Ron Glassett, Carol McKinstry, Kate Geddes, Scott Gianola, Peter Fisher, Spirit Eagle, David Densmore, Joe Ciskowski, Margarette Brand, Sadie Bailey, Carol Anderson, and more.

The auction will also include gift certificates for goods, food, and services offered by Eastsound merchants and other generous community members, including: Chimayo Restaurant, Faraways Boutique, Jack and Jan Helsell, Driftwood Nursery, Mia’s Cafe, Ellen Helsell, Kandis Susol, Crescent Beach Kayaks, Crescent Beach Computers, Kim Secunda, Lisa’s Pies and Cakes, Michael Mitchell, Luann Pamatian,  Samara Shaw, Bradley and Julia Dobos, Christopher Evans, Dr. Stephen Bailey, and more.

Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon will be held on Sunday September 5^th. This is the 12 annual triathlon in memory of Steve Braun, island athlete, “and since the County is closing Orcas Rec Nov 1^st it could be the last,” says Linda Sheridan, Orcas Recreation Program Coordinator.

The pre-race talk starts at 8:30 a.m.  and the race begins around 9 a.m. Participants can do one of the three legs — swimming, biking or running — of the race and/or participate as a team. The race is a .4 mile swim in Cascade Lake, a 17 mile bike out to Doe Bay and back, and a 3.5 mile run around Cascade Lake.

Cost for the race is $45 pre-registration for triathletes; $35 individuals (1 or 2 events or team member); $30 under 18
After September 3^rd, add $10 late fee.

The course is a .4 mile swim in Cascade Lake, a 17-ile bike ride, and a 3.5 mile trail run.Individuals can participate in one, two, or three parts of the triathlon or  can participate as a team.

Entry forms are available at the Orcas Rec.

Bea vonTobel, Airport Manager for the Port of Orcas, announced on Friday, Aug. 27 that geotechnical work will be performed at the Orcas Island Airport during the first full week of September.

“Some of the work requires an overnight closure of the airport on Wednesday, September 8 from 7:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Thursday, September 9.

“The runway, taxiway, REILS, VASI and PAPI will be turned off for the overnight work.  The beacon and helipad will remain lighted.  The helipad will be operational.

“On September 9 (Thursday), portions of the taxiway will be closed off.  Patrons may backtaxi on the runway to a crossover for access.

“On September 10 (Friday), men and equipment will remain on the operating surface to finish work on the south apron and any other work needing completion.

“A NOTAM will be issued on Monday September 6 with this same information.

“Please let me know if you have any questions. ” VonTobel may be reached at 376-5285.

Friday, Aug 27

Music Lovers Seminars: Quintessential Quintets 10 a.m. to noon at St. Francis Catholic Church. Tickets $30 for both Thursday and Friday. 376-6636.

Quintessential Quintets concert with the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival. 7:30 p.m. at the Orcas Center, followed by a Nightcap Reception. Order online at www.oicmf.org or call OICMF office 376-6636.

Journey Stories film: Ken Burns’ documentary film, Horatio’s Drive: America’s First Road Trip… at 6:30 pm at the West  Sound Community Hall. Admission is free. (This film will also be shown on Thursday, Aug. 26)

Carolyn Cruso and Grace McCune perform together at the Madrona Bar & Grill from 9-midnight.

Saturday, August 28

Kathryn Thurman will read from "A Garden for Pig" on Saturday, Aug. 28

Orcas Island Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastsound Village Green.

Orcas Center Golf Tournament –  a fun, fundraiser at the Island golf course.  This year’s event will have something for everyone – serious golfers can start in the morning and play 9 or 18 holes.  Then, for less (and non-) serious golfers, we have an afternoon of fun golfing including T-ball and Marshmallow holes over 9 holes.  The Lower Tavern is providing Burgers and Brew for all participating golfers.

The Orcas Island Community Foundation will hold its annual Report to the Community Luncheon on Wednesday, September 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rosario Resort Discovery House. This year’s theme is The Impact of Giving, a celebration of $2 million of grants made over the past 15 years. The entire community is invited to celebrate, as this is truly a community-wide accomplishment, honoring the tradition of islanders taking care of each other.

The Community Foundation was founded in 1995 with the mission of fostering philanthropy to preserve and enhance the quality of life on Orcas. Their mission is carried out in a variety of ways:

• Donor Advised Funds — There are 21 families and groups that have Donor Advised Funds with the Foundation. Donors contribute funds to OICF, receive a tax receipt, and then advise the Foundation Board on how to distribute the funds.  Donor Advised Funds have contributed over $1,219,000 in grants to nonprofits over the past 15 years. What a remarkable gift to our community!

Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Founder and Artistic Director Aloysia Friedmann and Artistic Advisor Jon Kimura Parker, at the inaugural festival in 1998.

The Quintessential Quintets concerts will bring to a close the 2010 Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival season. In the performances on Friday, Aug. 27 and Saturday, Aug. 28, the talents of classical guitarists Eliot Fisk and his wife Zaira Meneses, of the Miró Quartet, and of Chamber Festival musicians – violinists Chee-Yun and Martin Chalifour, cellist Toby Saks, violist Aloysia Friedmann and pianist John Kimura Parker will be employed.

At a talk given to Music Lovers Seminar attendees this week, classical guitarist Eliot Fisk said, “I’m in complete awe of what’s been created at the Orcas Chamber Music Festival. We’ve been to many music festivals, and we’ve never experienced anything like the seamless organization, but also the humanity, warmth and generosity we’ve found here. It’s not just important for the art of music, but in the bigger picture.

“We’ve traveled a lot and spent a lot of time outside the U.S. , and we appreciate the uniquely American aspect of this festival.

Lori Fast artwork features the human form. It will be on display through September at the Artworks in Olga

The Orcas Island Artworks features figurative drawings in pastel and charcoal by Lori Fast through the month of September.

A former ballet dancer, Lori’s work captures a sense of movement and the energy of the human body.  Much of her inspiration is drawn from travels across Europe, Russia, Canada and the US, sketching from life to quickly capture a gesture or mood. Since moving to Orcas in 2006, she creates new works daily. “The ever changing beauty of this place constantly ignites my passion for creativity.”

The Artworks is open daily from 10 to 6.

Program  safely disposes of excess prescription drugs

By Marta Nielson
Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Community Coalition Director

The “Medication Take Back” monthly program continues next Wednesday, September 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ray’s Pharmacy located in “Templin’s Square” at 68 North Beach Road in  Eastsound

The Take Back Program initiative was begun with a partnership between the San Juan Sheriff’s Office and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition.  Ray’s Pharmacy on Orcas, Friday Harbor Drug and the Lopez Pharmacy are all joining in to help with this important program that addresses the need to have a safe way to dispose of excess prescription drugs.  The Lopez Island Prevention Coalition and Orcas Island Prevention Partnership are also helping to get the word out and encourage all Islanders to take part.

Take Back Programs are beginning nationwide to offer a safe place for citizens to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications.  The problems surrounding the disposal of prescription drugs is two fold.  These chemicals are highly toxic to the environment when flushed or washed down the drain, but, if kept at home beyond their prescribed usage time, they can fall into the wrong hands.