May 9

Issue 62

May 9-15, 2024

VIEW IN BROWSER

IN THIS EDITION

MOTHER'S DAY IS SUNDAY
SPRING GIVE ORCAS OPENS WEDNESDAY
SUMMER FERRY RESERVATIONS NOW LIVE

Updated for May with current hours and special events.

GET THE GUIDE

Updated for May 9 thru May 15 with events around the island.

GET THE ITINERARY

BUBBLES, BOUQUETS, AND BRUNCH

CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY AT NEW LEAF CAFE

Sunday, May 12

New Leaf Cafe

Mother's Day is next Sunday and what better way to celebrate the mother figure in your life than with bubbles, bouquets, and brunch! Reserve your spot at New Leaf Cafe and enjoy a delicious brunch, delightful drinks, and the opportunity to create a thoughtful floral arrangement!

While mom sips on a refreshing mimosa, take to the patio to create a beautiful, hand-picked bouquet of fresh, local flowers. Then, indulge in classic brunch entrées or one of New Leaf's Mother’s Day specials prepared by their talented culinary team.

Whether you’re celebrating mothers by birth, mothers by choice, mothers to be, or the mom-like role model that has raised you, make your reservation today and create cherished memories with your loved ones this Mother’s Day!

Want to bring mom to the island? Or treat that special mother figure to a staycation? Don't miss out on Outlook Inn's unbeatable deals this spring. Through May 24, 2024, take 20% off weeknight reservations and 15% off weekend stays. This offer is valid on new reservations through May 24, 2024, with a full non-refundable payment due at time of booking. See complete details here!

MORE MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH OPTIONS

Sunday, May 12

The Orcas Hotel

Make your reservation with The Orcas Hotel crew and treat that special someone to a delicious three-course Mother's Day Brunch! It's going to be a beautiful weekend!

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL AT PEBBLE COVE FARM

Treat yourself to 20% off a booking of 2 or more nights and enjoy the stunning views and unique amenities available at Pebble Cove Farm.

Must mention this special at time of booking.

JOIN THE WINERY FOR LIVE MUSIC IN THE WINE GARDEN & BRAND NEW RELEASES THIS MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND

2371 Crow Valley Road

Friday, May 10 at 3:30pm

Local Musician, via Portland and Seattle, Sam Sloane of The North Ship, will be playing starting at 3:30 until 5 pm. Enjoy 15% off all wine pours and bottle purchases ALL WEEKEND LONG! Picnic bites and goodies available for purchase. Picnic blankets available for use. Bring the dogs and the fam! Your Friday night and Mother's Day Weekend just got a whole lot better!

HANDMADE GIFTS AVAILABLE AT LAUGHING CAT DESIGNS

Mothers' Day is this weekend.

If you haven't bought a gift yet, come in to Laughing Cat Designs (in the Post Office building). We have some beautiful, original and made locally gifts produced by over 15 island artists.

Open Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturdays 10-4.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS AVAILABLE AT MONKEY PUZZLE

Bring her a gorgeous two stemmed white Phalaeonopsis, a beautiful vase, or a glass for her champagne. You remembered the champagne, right?

Monkey Puzzle is open daily in Eastsound Square.

TAKE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

WITH A HEADSHOT FROM SATYA CURCIO PHOTOGRAPHY

May 26

If you're looking to refresh personal photos for your website or social media platforms, Satya Curcio Photography is offering an amazing opportunity with two discounted headshot session, one in studio and the other outside at points around Eastsound. She's also offering $150 off a personalized, custom branding package. For more info, email: satya@satyaphotography.com

GIVE ORCAS IS BACK!

Orcas Island

May 8-17

Working together makes Orcas better!

This year’s Spring GiveOrcas campaign features twenty-six local nonprofit organizations. Each organization’s proposal was vetted and approved by the Community Grants Committee composed of local volunteer members. The overall request from organizations is $380,000, and with your contributions, OICF’s goal is to fully fund every proposal.

See the official press release for more information and remember to take part online at oicf.fcsuite.com.

A*OK GALA AND ART AUCTION

Orcas Center

Sunday, June 9 Doors at 4:30pm

Excitement is in the air! Tickets to our June 9 AOK Gala & Art Auction at Orcas Center are now live at OIEF. Doors open at 4:30pm to view AOK Kids Art, enjoy our grazing board, and mingle then experience our live auction. EVERY ticket holder will leave with an original painting by Stand Moldoff! Tickets are limited, so get yours quickly.

THE JOYOUS SOCIETY & SHOP AGORA TASTING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DOE BAY WINE COMPANY

Doe Bay Wine Company

Thursday, May 9 from 4-6pm

The Marvelous Jon Marvin brings his tiny imports portfolio to the island for a Joyous Society Tasting paired up with bites from The Shop Agora! There will be fun classics from Louis Dressner and taste spreads, dips and pitas and such from this exciting new partner.

$10 at the door. RSVP for free by clicking here

EMMANUEL MOVIE NIGHTS – A FREE MONTHLY MOVIE NIGHT FOR ALL IN THE COMMUNITY

Rabbit Proof Fence

Emmanuel Episcopal Parish

Thursday, May 9 at 7pm

FREE + popcorn!

This month the movie is “Rabbit Proof Fence.” A 2002 Australian film based on the 1996 book by Doris Pilkington Gaimara. The film tells the true story of three aboriginal girls who are forcibly taken from their families in 1931 to be trained as domestic servants as part of an official Australian government policy. They make a daring escape and embark on an epic 1,500 mile journey to get back home - following the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the Australian continent - with the authorities in hot pursuit.

IT'S THE FINAL WEEKEND

INTO THE WOODS

Orcas Center Main Stage

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, May 9-11

orcascenter.org/event/Into-the-woods/

The Brothers Grimm hit Orcas Center’s Main Stage this spring with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make: Into the Woods. Directed by Jake Perrine, with an all-local cast, get your tickets now before they sell out!

COMMUNITY INVITED TO BEACH SEINE AT INDIAN ISLAND

Fishing Bay

Friday, May 10 at 11:30am

Begin your Mother’s Day weekend early this year by joining Kwiaht’s community beach-seine at Indian Island! Rocky reefs and eelgrass meadows surrounding Indian Island are major spawning grounds and nurseries for emerald green Bay Pipefish, golden Plainfin Midshipmen, slippery Snake Pricklebacks, surfperch, greenlings, and many other species of fish, crustaceans and sea stars you may never have seen up close. You can pull nets and count fish.

You can also help by donating to this year’s GiveOrcas fundraising campaign for monitoring and visitor management, Kwiaht’s Indian Island Youth Stewardship program. Visit the GiveOrcas catalog at giveorcas.org and support your favorite local organizations!

BOYD PRATT PRESENTS "THE DISPUTED ISLANDS"

Eastsound Historical Museum

Friday, May 10 at 4pm

A labor of love involving decades of research and much thoughtful writing, the Friday Harbor author's latest work is the most comprehensive compendium of historic data about the San Juans in the 19th century yet to be published.

Pratt presents a highly detailed narrative that brings much into the foreground that history has overlooked or (in some cases) misrepresented.

Join your fellow history buffs in this memorable presentation presented by the Historical Museum.

YIN ABOVE THE POND WITH KELLY MARIA FRANCIS

18 Tomihi Dr.

Fridays, 5-6:15pm

Join Kelly Maria Francis and the songbirds for her new weekly offering beginning Friday, May 3rd! Time has flown, hasn't it? Daughter Ruby is now 1.5 years old and Kelly is heart full and open for her practice again, hosting this new iteration on her beautiful deck at home.

For more information visit: www.kellymariafrancis.com

THE SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET IS BACK

WEEK TWO!

The Village Green

Saturday, May 11 at 10am to 2pm

Every Saturday through September!

Come explore this vibrant island hub--stock up on farm grown produce and plant starts, enjoy delicious food, find inspiration in local art, groove to live music, and educate yourself about supportive island programs and services!

Don't miss the rockin' Music in the Market Line up, with local music every Saturday from 11 to 1pm.

OIFM has worked diligently to provide food access programs to our community. The Market accepts EBT, Snap Market Match, WIC, and FNMP.

Interested in vending at the market? Do you know of a creative young person (age 13 or under) interested in sharing their artwork? Get in touch!

For more details and to apply visit: www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org

Questions? Reach out to Kristen at: orcasislandfarmersmarket@gmail.com

GIVE ORCAS TO BENEFIT THE FARMERS MARKET

OIFM is seeking assistance to cover rent owed to San Juan County for use of the Village Green in summer 2024. Faced with increasing rent and production fees, you can help the market continue as a viable financial platform for local businesses, a hub for local food access, and an expression of our unique Orcas community. Help the market remain a vibrant, fun, and necessary part of our community after 38+ years!

OPEN HOUSE & MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AT THE LEGION THIS WEEKEND

793 Crescent Beach Dr

Saturday, May 11 at 4pm

Open to the Public

The American Legion Post 93 hosts an Open House & Membership Drive this Saturday beginning at 4pm, Wimpy burgers served at 5pm. Come see what each unit does from the community and veterans. Learn about our Give Orcas campaign to raise funds for necessary building maintenance and ADA accessibility upgrades.

The American Legion is seeking your support as part of this Spring's GiveOrcas campaign to address necessary upgrades to the building, including accessiblity needs. You can find their listing in the catalog at giveorcas.org

ON SCREEN AT ORCAS CENTER - MET OPERA: CARMEN

Orcas Center

Tuesday, May 14 at 12pm

Runtime: 3 hours 30 minutes with intermission

Bizet’s masterpiece of the gypsy seductress who lives by her own rules has had an impact far beyond the opera house. The opera’s melodic sweep is as irresistible as the title character herself, a force of nature who has become a defining female cultural figure. Carmen was a scandal at its premiere but soon after became a triumphal success and has remained one of the most frequently staged operas in the world.

https://orcascenter.org/event/carmen-met-opera/

THE ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS

EDIBLE PLANTS IN BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

BY ALLISON O'SULLIVAN, HORTICULTURIST

Orcas Center

Wednesday, May 15 at 10am (Zoom available)

Free and open to public

From groundcover to a living wall, edible plants can be incorporated into any garden or landscape. Sometimes, they are growing unbeknownst to the gardener! Many edible plants fulfill multiple useful functions, yet are often reserved for the vegetable or herb garden. Come out and explore the differences and similarities between (ideas of) gardens and landscapes, as well as delve into which roles edible plants can play in many settings.

For a link to the live zoom presentation go to the Orcas Island Garden Club website and click the link below the list of presentations.

AFTER SCHOOL NATURALIST CAMP FOR 5TH AND 6TH GRADERS

PRESENTED BY YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS AND THE FUNHOUSE

Every other Wednesday, 3:15-5:30pm

Beginning in May

The Funhouse Commons is teaming up with the Youth Conservation Corps to offer an afterschool naturalist camp for kids in 5th and 6th grades!

More info available on the Funhouse website!

LECTURE SERIES SPONSORED BY THE ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY

Orcas Public Library

Wednesday, May 15 at 5pm

If you love music, come expand your understanding as Bruce Langford, music educator and Artistic Director of Orcas Choral Society, offers free lectures on “The Elements of Music,” at Orcas Island Public Library.

“To say that music is the international language is no exaggeration,” Langford said. “We’ll explore its history and inner workings and discover new tonal adventures.”

More information available here.

OIEF DODGEBALL FUNDRAISER

High School Gym

Wednesday, May 15 at 6pm

The Orcas Island Education Foundation is thrilled to announce this amazing, and fun, senior project. Please support Hannah’s fundraiser! And really…who DOESN’T want to see the sheriffs and Island Market go at it?

LITERARY OPEN MIC HOSTED BY HALO

USE YOUR WORDS

The Barnacle

Thursday, May 16 at 6pm

Spend your evening sharing literary cocktails & acts of vulnerability on Thursday, May 16th at 6pm at The Barnacle. This month's Use Your Words host is author Ayn Gailey, curating never-before or rarely read works by beloved island writers, followed by a spoken word open-mic. Event is free & open to the public.

Come share what you've been working on (as long as it's under 4 minutes)!

FLOATING UKULELE JAM EVERY THIRD THURSDAY

Inter-Island Uke Jam

Thursday, May 16

Boat departs Friday Harbor at 5:45pm, Orcas at 6:45pm, Shaw at 7pm.

Let’s Play! It’s Floating Ukulele Jam time again! Grab your uke, your voice, a song or two to share, and your friends and relations and join a merry band of musicians on the interisland ferry on the traditional third Thursday of the month.

No uke required! Just come and sing, or listen in. No songs to share? Just come and play and sing. No friends and relations? Come and make some! Spread the word to the other islands!

If the sailing is canceled, see you the third Thursday in June. To learn more, write anita@rockisland.com

16TH ANNUAL KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION EVENT

Emmanuel Parish Hall

May 17, 5-7pm

Kindergarten Transition Event Prepares Little Learners for Big Adventures! This no cost fun-filled event is held at the Emmanuel Church Parish Hall, hosted by the Orcas Community Resource Center, and funded through generous support from the ECEAP program and a local donor!

This special evening is for kids entering Kindergarten this fall and their parents. Meet teachers, explore various hands-on activity stations, enjoy social interaction, and dine on yummy taco plates provided by Johanna’s Salvadorian Food.

SALISH SEA FOLK ARTS FEST AT MORAN STATE PARK

MAY 17 and 18

Moran State Park

May 17-18

Come out to Moran State park for folk fest fun for islanders and visitors alike. Coming to Orcas Island for the weekend? Hostel style cabins and private lodging options and meals. This will be a small, welcoming community gathering limited to 150 participants. Excellent teachers, beautiful forest and lake location, and heritage skill-sharing. The main Fest is Saturday, May 18 with a full day of workshop options on Friday and more on Saturday. Special 2-3 night lodging options. Free kids activities on Saturday. All ages and abilities welcome.

Come play! Learn, dance, sing, and celebrate PNW Folk Arts. You'll find all the info you need here!

The Folk Fest celebration is hosting a Friday Night BARN DANCE in the Old Gym at Orcas Schools with dancing starting at 7pm. This tradition on Orcas is a popular gathering of all ages and features caller Amy Carroll, a familiar dance host with live music. If you need a refresher – or are a beginner – Amy is hosting a how-to class at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at https://517folkfest24.eventbrite.com. Kids under 18 are free.

Saturday Morning the 18th, the Folk Fest opens at 10am in Moran Park with Dances of Universal Peace. This spirited circle dance includes folk traditions from around the world. Led by Libby Garcia with friends from Orcas and across the PNW, the dances are a call for Peace through dance and music. Parking is limited and a day pass is required, so plan to arrive early at 9am. Tickets are available at https://518folkfest24.eventbrite.com and include the day pass for the full Folk Fest Fair and an afternoon of music. Scholarship passes for the morning dances can be requested at d i scover@orcaswondercamp.org.

ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENTS

SONGS OF SHADOW & LIGHT

Orcas Center

Saturday, May 18 at 7pm

Sunday, May 19 at 2pm

From the sublime to the downright silly, Orcas Choral Society’s spring concert, Songs of Shadow and Light, features works of contemporary English composer John Rutter. The program begins with Rutter’s Requiem, a fervent arc of prayers for all humanity. The second half turns to sweetness, light, and all manner of fun, with spirituals, a jazz madrigal, songs that rejoice in the beauty of spring, and a new OCS ensemble of tenors and basses. Under the lively baton of Artistic Director Bruce Langford, Songs of Shadow and Light will leave your heart singing.

https://orcascenter.org/event/orcas-choral-society-songs-of-shadow-and-light/

ON SCREEN AT THE ORCAS CENTER

MET OPERA: LA FORZA DEL DESTINO

Orcas Center - On Screen

Tuesday, May 21 at 12pm

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s grand tale of ill-fated love, deadly vendettas, and family strife, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen as the noble Leonora, one of the repertory’s most tormented—and thrilling—heroines. Director Mariusz Treliński delivers the company’s first new Forza in nearly 30 years, setting the scene in a contemporary world and making extensive use of the Met’s turntable to represent the unstoppable advance of destiny that drives the opera’s chain of calamitous events.

orcascenter.org

BEACH CLEAN-UP THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Eastsound Waterfront Park

Saturday, May 25 11-1pm

Join fellow islanders in this year's beach clean-up and learn about the effects of micro-plastics on the local environment.

DOE BAY SONGWRITER SHOWCASE 2024

May 30-June 2

Doe Bay Resort

Head out to Doe Bay for a weekend filled with intimate performances by some of our favorite Pacific Northwest songwriters. Shows begin Thursday night at the Cafe’s open mic and continue through Sunday at unique locations around the grounds of the beautiful bay.

The weekend also marks the launch of a regional sailboat tour by two of the resort's residing artists, Fine Arts and Bryan Appleby. Don’t forget to take advantage of discounts on campsites.

All performances will be FREE for the public to attend. Use promo code: SAIL to get 40% off all camping sites for the weekend (3 night minimum).

For more information go here!

SPYHOP PLANTSHOP

NURSERY AND GARDENING STORE

NOW OPEN!

Island Hoppin' Upper Parking Lot

Hope Lane

Thursday thru Sunday, 10-2pm

The sun is shining and Spring has sprung on the island so what better time to spruce up your place and get that garden thriving?! Lucky for you, our newest Chamber member Spyhop Plantshop has opened to serve all your nursery and gardening needs. Check out this new island business and then grab a pint next door!

ORCAS ADVENTURES NOW OPEN

Heading to Cascade Lake? Check out the boat rentals by Orcas Adventures!

Now open Friday (12-4), Saturday (10-4), and Sunday (10-3), weather permitting.

ORCAS ISLAND GOLF COURSE 2024 MEMBERSHIPS NOW OPEN

The weather is spectacular and the course is in great shape! Renew your Orcas Island Golf Course membership today and pick-up a new Orcas Vikings hat in support of the high school golf team!

THE WEST SIDE KITCHEN NOW SERVING DINNER

Problem: you're craving delicious noodles from the West Side Kitchen and it's 6pm and you just can't wait until the next day's lunch service and you have no idea what to do.

Solution: you grab dinner from the West Side Kitchen because they're now open for dinner service! Get your fix Friday thru Sunday from 5-9pm.

NEW! ACTING WORKSHOP LED BY PAULA RUSSELL BEGINS SOON

Join fellow actors in this intensive workshop led by Paula Russell and hosted by the Grange. This series will culminate in a public performance sure to inspire the creative spark across the island. Begins May 17!

ORCAS ARTWORKS FEATURED ARTIST FOR MAY

BRUCE WILSON

Landscape painter, designer, and illustrator Bruce Wilson was born in Los Angeles in 1948. Raised in Hollywood and later in Pasadena, California, now a full time resident of Orcas Island.

He studied fine art under Daryl Ebert in Huntington Beach and later at Art Center College of Design under Lorser Feitelson. He first specialized in figure drawings and portraiture; however, in 2005, after running an advertising agency for 30 years, he has turned his full attentions to painting and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Art Center College.

Bruce has been experimenting with mixing pigments and oil pastels into creamy consistencies and applying them to smooth gessoed surfaces under different thermal conditions. His landscapes have taken on an impressionist/surrealist feel.

His work has been shown at The One Show (New York Museum of Modern Art), American Artist Magazine Show, and Encaustic Arts Magazine.

A*OK & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ART SHOW

Orcas Center

On Display May 3 - June 11

This show features art created in A*OK classes, Kindergarten through 8th grade, as well as pieces from the Orcas Island High School. Orcas Island High School art students will be giving brief talks about their work and these presentations should not be missed. A*OK art projects this school year include polar bears, collages, painted clay Milagro hearts, pastel butterflies and flowers, Chiaozza sculptures, Basquiat portraits, student self portraits (some inspired by Frida Kahlo), Gustav Klimt Golden Trees, Georgia O’Keeffe poppies, fork Yetis, texture creatures, sugar skulls plus unique 3-D creature sculptures.

LIBRARY FEATURED ARTIST FOR MAY

ALI WALKER

Ali started quilting in 2010 when she took a year off of college. It has been her passion ever since. She tends to work in a more modern, organic way, playing with colors and shapes, and not following a pattern. One of her works was recently juried into the International Quilt and Fiber Art Festival in Everett.

When she’s not quilting, you can find Ali doing cold dips in the Salish Sea or on walks with her dog Paige.

NEW FROM THE EDC

Talleres en Español - Workshops in Spanish

Únase a la EDC y la SBDC para una serie de talleres en español, presentado por Ursula Sanson, Ann Zimmerman, y Maria Peña, asesoras de negocios del Centro de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas (SBDC) de Washington. Habrá 4 sesiones: el 8, 15, 22, 29 de mayo.

Más información.

Embrace the Beauty: “My Beloved Orcas” Art Exhibition

Experience the enchanting "My Beloved Orcas" Art Exhibition at Orcas Senior Center April 29 to June 28, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. Delight in a vibrant display of multimedia artwork celebrating the essence of Orcas Island through its people, pets, and picturesque locales. Join us for this captivating showcase that spans generations and captures the spirit of our cherished community.

Additionally, artists are invited to sign up for a two-month exhibit slot starting Fall 2024 at Orcas Senior Center. All artists welcome, regardless of experience. Contact Carla Stanley at onlyonorcas@gmail.com or edy@orcasseniors.org for more information or to sign up. Don't miss this chance to showcase your creativity!

SUMMER FERRY RESERVATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

SUMMER SCHEDULE JUNE 16 - SEPTEMBER 21

SUMMER FERRY SCHEDULE

Vehicle reservations on the Anacortes/San Juan Island routes are currently available to reserve through September 21, 2024.

Reservations can be booked online or by calling 206.464.6400 and speaking with an Information Agent. Customers can also call that number should they have questions or need additional information.

SPRING FERRY SCHEDULE IN EFFECT

SPRING FERRY SCHEDULE

Banner Bank

Position: Banker I (on-site, full-time, entry level)

Description: As a Banker for Banner Bank you will provide an excellent experience for clients acting as the face of the Bank and process transactions accurately and efficiently. Assist clients in achieving their financial goals by actively referring Bank products/services and sell Bank products and services via in-person and telephone conversations. You’ll maintain a high level of personal reliability and punctuality and work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.

Required skills:

3 or more months of job-related experience including cash handling, client service and sales required
Strong organizational skills; basic skills in math, negotiation, and problem solving
Effective verbal and written communication skills; proper phone and email etiquette
Good interpersonal and relationship building skills; excellent customer service skills
NOTE: higher levels of experience may be considered for a higher level role in the same job.

Pay & Benefits: $18/hr - $23/hr

Comprehensive employee benefits, including: medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD and life
Paid vacation time, sick time and 11 company paid holidays
401k (with up to 4% match)
Tuition reimbursement

Contact: Katherine Santos Santana, Assistant Branch Manager at Katherine.santossantana@bannerbank.com or by calling the branch at 360.376.2265

Darvill's Bookstore

Position: Retail Associate

Description: Part-time, year-round, approximately 24 hours a week including Sundays.

Pay & Benefits: Contact the bookstore for details

Contact: Please email a resume to darvills@rockisland.com or drop it by the store.

OPAL CO

Positions: Communications Specialist & Staking Technician

Description: Join the Communications or Engineering Team at OPALCO!

Great pay & benefits!

Contact: Check out the details at opalco.com/careers.

Girl Meets Dirt

Position: Orcas Island Farmer's Market Representative

Description: Perfect for food-lovers who are passionate about island agriculture and Girl Meets Dirt products! 8-10 hrs/week, May through September.

Pay & Benefits: Hourly wages, commission, and jam perks!

Contact: email jobs@girlmeetsdirt.com for more information and to apply!

Doe Bay Resort & Retreat

Position: Maintenance Supervisor

Description: Works with GM to oversee repair and maintenance of 38 acre property with 40 buildings and spa with soaking tubs and sauna. Manages a staff of 3. Assists in the implementation of maintenance plans with consideration to operational budget.