It’s no surprise that Amanda Sparks has a passion for rich textiles, luxurious fabrics, and cutting-edge fashion. She spent her childhood surrounded by clothing designers and fashion buffs.
“I grew up in the costume room at Orcas Center,” she said.
Her mom is theatre productions director and designer Deborah Sparks, and Deborah’s good friends, well-known textile designer Kate Geddes and her sister Rachel, who owned the Kismet shop, were a frequent presence. And another family friend, Laura Lake, carried Geddes’ designer clothing line when she first opened Laura’s Clothes Horse about 10 years ago.
This month Orcas a Cappella will remember a forgetful but beloved musical genius, British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The March…
Orcas fans know the Lady Vikes put in some serious sweat, a few tears, and yes, even blood on the court this season. The girls were thrilled to see that determination pay off, earning them a berth at the state basketball championships.
At their first playoff game against Wahkiakum on March 3, they put in a valiant effort, out-rebounding the Mules both offensively and defensively. But the Mules had smoother ball handling, effecting 10 steals to the Vikings’ 3, and forced the Vikes into more turnovers. The teams scored almost evenly inside under the basket, but the Mules hit more of their shots, sinking a staggering 27 points from outside the three-point arc compared to the Vikings’ 12. A deep bench contributed 18 points for Wahkiakum, who outscored the Vikes 63 to 45.
By MEREDITH M. GRIFFITH Staff Reporter It turns out there’s good reason to encourage melomania among the local youth. As…
Sweet success for the elementary students: Kyle Freeman will be spending a day on the roof of the school building…
The Lobos’ win against Oakville at the state basketball championships last week marked the first state playoffs win in Lopez basketball history, said coach M.R. Buffum.
Although the Lobos didn’t place at state, they made their little island proud. It was a first for Lopez, and one last bittersweet tournament for a team that has played together since they were little kids.
The Lady Vikes were smokin’ hot at Tri-Districts this week, and now they’re blazing onward to state. “They are playing…
The sky is for sale at Winfred Taylor’s benefit art salon on Sunday, March 7. And maybe some barbecued ribs…
The Lobos finished out their last state championship game today, with a heartbreakingly close two-point loss to Pateros, 33 to…
The Lobos fought hard against unbeaten Rosalia at their first State championship game on Wednesday, Feb. 24, but the Spartans prevailed, with a score of 44 to 23.
One more loss and the Lobos would have been out.
But Lopez regrouped and struck back with a vengeance, defeating Oakville 62 to 50 to stay in the running.
If the students meet their goal, principal Kyle Freeman will spend a day on the roof of the school. Apparently that’s powerful motivation for elementary school kids.
“Orcas Island Elementary has been reading like crazy this February!” said reading specialist Susan Stolmeier. Each class set their own reading goal for the month, and the kids have been flipping pages with great enthusiasm. And if they meet their goals, Freeman’s on the rooftop.
High school senior Molly Staub found a kindred spirit when she met five-year-old Karl Schiller.
Karl, who is bright, affectionate, and loves to play, also has high-functioning autism, making it hard for him to focus, carry on a conversation or socialize appropriately.
This year the county fire marshal position could run in the black for the first time ever, says Orcas chief Mike Harris.
But only if the new interlocal agreement is met with approval.
“We can always hire somebody, but it is hard to un-hire them,” Harris said. “Bob Low has been the full time marshal since 2005. With his departure, we’ve decided try not to fill that (position) immediately.”