‘An Acre Shy of Eternity’

Local writer, photographer and educator Bob Dash will present his study on Orcas Island’s fascinating landscape from the wide and wonderful vistas to the microcosm of a single spore on Wednesday, May 1 at 1 p.m. His book, An Acre Shy of Eternity, is a collection of stunning photographs and thoughtful words on living on the edge of the eternal and the mundane. “My book celebrates in photographs, scanning electron micrographs and poetry, multiple layers of natural beauty on a half-acre of rocky meadow shouldering Washington State’s Salish Sea.” He combines science, poetry, and art. Mr. Dash’s work reveals seeing nature up close in patterns and textures. He compares the journey in images to taking “a wild, contemplative, miniature hike.”

Life Line health screenings

A stroke occurs every 40 seconds, and yet up to 80% of strokes can be prevented. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Orcas Senior Center is hosting Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings on Thursday, May 9.

Screenings are fast, painless and affordable. Three key tests check for blocked carotid arteries, an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure, which are the three leading risk factors for stroke. Nearly 800,000 strokes will occur this year, taking a life approximately every four minutes.

Other tests check for abdominal aortic aneurysms and hardening of the arteries in the legs. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women. Many events also offer blood tests, including cholesterol, glucose and c-reactive protein screenings, as well as take-home colon cancer early detection tests.

For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-888-653-6441, go to www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle , or text “circle” to 797979. Pre-registration is required.