Issue 49

February 8-14, 2024

IN THIS EDITION

• LOVE IS IN THE AIR AND SO ARE SOME EXCITING VALENTINE'S SPECIALS
• CWT FERRY SERVICE SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED
• 2024 COUNTY FAIR POSTER CONTEST
• NEW JOB POSTINGS

COMMUNITY WATER TAXI SURVEY

Due to an email distribution issue, the Community Water Taxi online survey deadline has been extended as several key community groups did not receive the survey link in a timely manner. If you haven't yet had time to respond, please consider lending your voice and experience to this collective effort to raise awareness of our county's critical need.

For the survey and more information about CWT and the current ferry crisis, go here.

SEALESQUE CABARET PRESENTS

A VALENTINE'S DAY SPECTACULAR:

HEARTBREAK HOTEL

Seaview Theatre

Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 at 7pm

Enjoy performances from over 20 on-island artists and special guests: MC Clara

Voyance (Seattle, WA) and five members of the all-star ensemble Betties and the Tempest (Vancouver BC): Arabella Boop, Faetality, Vita Devour, Holly Graphic and Moscow Moonshine. 

Bar opens at 6:30pm for all of your beverage needs. The house opens at 7pm for a 7:30pm show. Tickets will sell fast: be sure to get yours before we light up the No Vacancy sign. ;)

Mature Content, 18+. IDs may be checked at the door.

COMMUNITY VALENTINES DANCE

Oddfellows Hall

Saturday, February 10 at 7:30pm

Come and enjoy a wonderful evening of great music with Orcatrazz Swing Band. No dancing required!

It's sure to be a toe-tapping good time at the finest venue on Fishing Bay. Come on down and party party!

Entry by donation.

SPELLBOUND

OIFF CLASSIC FILM SERIES - 2024 FINAL SHOWING

Orcas Center

Sunday, February 11 at 4pm

Dr. Constance Petersen (Ingrid Bergman) is a psychiatrist with a firm understanding of human nature—or so she thinks.

A transcendent love story replete with taut excitement and startling imagery, Spellbound is classic Hitchcock, featuring stunning performances, an Academy Award®-winning score by Miklos Rozsa, and a captivating dream sequence by Surrealist icon Salvador Dalí. 

Curated by Michael Yeaman, bring your own snacks and stick around afterwards for some light-hearted film repartee.

ORCAS SENIOR CENTER HOSTS VALENTINE'S THEMED JEWELRY MAKING

Senior Center

Tuesday, February 13 at 1pm

Kate Jewell and Mary Greenwall are excited to share the basics of jewelry making with you at Orcas Senior Center. The cost to participate is $15 and will include some basic jewelry making supplies. Unlock your creativity with this Valentine's Day-themed class featuring beads, wire, and findings to craft stunning earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

For more information contact Mary Greenwell at [email protected] or Kate Jewell at [email protected]. Open to everyone!

VALENTINE'S DATE NIGHT(S)

SPECIAL PRIX FIXE MENU AT MADRONA BAR & GRILL!!

Looking for something special for that someone special? How about a very special 3-course Valentine's menu at Madrona Bar & Grill?!

Choose from delicious options like oysters on the half-shell as your starter, chicken piccata or grilled New York Strip as your main, and NY-style Cheesecake for dessert. $50 per person, or $75 with the optional wine pairing.

Can't make it Valentine's Day? Don't worry! This special prix fixe menu will be available Wednesday, February 14 thru Saturday, February 17!

Reservations highly recommended, so call for yours today! 360.376.7171

LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE

A COZY EVENING OF WRITERS' ON LOVE

Orcas Center - Madrona Room

Wednesday, February 14 at 7pm

By Donation

There’s so much to consider right now about human beings and our capacity for love and the possibility of expanding that, isn’t there? 

Local artist / writer Debra Lee Babcock and beloved poet Jill McCabe Johnson are cooking up an evening to do just that — cuddled up together in the Madrona Room on couches and chairs around the fireplace, listening to local readers reading what some of the great poets, writers, and thinkers have had to say on the subject. 

FIND YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE SOMETHING SPECIAL AT SMORGASBORD (OR TREAT YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT)

Smorgasbord

Saturday, February 10, 3-6pm

Join the dynamic duo at Smorgasbord for a cozy and indulgent afternoon featuring some of their favorite things. Stunning pieces from Pearce Fine Jewelry, super comfy underthings from Tush and Bush, and free samples of the CBD-infused Smorgasm Pleasure Balm. Plus, chocolate. And wine. And all the love you can handle!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM FOREST CERAMIC GALLERY

Visit the Forest Ceramic Gallery on the corner of Main and North Beach this weekend, 11-4pm.

Unique gifts for your Valentine include beautiful and locally crafted gifts ranging from porcelain jewelry, planters, candleholders, housewares and more.

Mention this ad to receive 10% off your purchase!

VALENTINES SALE *THIS WEEKEND ONLY* AT ISLAND THYME

Give a bouquet of Island Thyme this Valentine's Day and enjoy 20% off this Saturday & Sunday, 10-5pm - in store only. 

Share clean and beautiful island-made botanical treats with someone you love, or pick out something divine for yourself!

SWEET CRAFT FOR YOUR SWEETIE.

OR FOR YOURSELF. BECAUSE, AGAIN, YOU DESERVE IT.

Clever Cow Creamery

Wednesday, February 14

1-4:30pm

If you've been craving Lisa Walter's sweet delights, but haven't known where to turn, don't worry! Sweet Craft Bakeshop is now open at a seasonal pop-up each Wednesday afternoon in Clever Cow Creamery. Get your macaron, or pop tart, or eclair, or cake fix and enjoy espresso drinks, chai tea, hot chocolate and more! And don't forget the all new brookie which can only be defined by using the word DELICIOUS.

CELEBRATE WITH DOE BAY CAFE

Lunar New Year - February 9 and 10

Elevate your senses with our specially crafted tasting menu, featuring a fusion of traditional Asian flavors and our own seasonal, Pacific Northwest offerings. Join us for an unforgettable feast as we usher in the Year of the Dragon with a symphony of delicious delights.

Serenade & Savor - February 16 and 17



If you are unable to plan a Valentine’s date because of it falling midweek this year, or if you just want the celebration of love to continue past the holiday, we got you! Join us for this enchanting culinary experience crafted for two. Your heart will swoon to the melodic sounds of Joel Gamble's solo violin performance, setting the perfect tone for a memorable night. 

Call the café for reservations at 360.376.8059

SALMONBERRY OPEN HOUSE

Salmonberry School

Thursday, February 8

3:30-5pm

You're invited! If you have a child who will be between the ages of 4 and 12 for the 2024-2025 school year, please consider joining us for our Open House. We will have our classrooms and campus open and our teachers and administrative staff on hand to welcome you, answer questions, and connect. 

Salmonberry School nurtures the intellectual and imaginative capabilities of each child. We provide an academically and experientially rich environment in which confidence, compassion, and responsibility are strengthened through cooperative community learning.

ORCAS LIBRARY HOSTS JOSEPHINE ENSIGN

Orcas Library

Thursday, February 8 at 5pm

The loss of a home, whether through financial difficulties, illness, or natural disasters, is a widespread and growing problem affecting all of us. Author and professor Josephine Ensign will share her research on the contemporary homelessness crisis throughout our state and country.

EMMANUEL MOVIE NIGHTS EACH MONTH

Emmanuel Parish Hall

Thursday, February 8 at 7pm

Free - plus yummy popcorn!

“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is a light, feel-good story starring Lesley Manville as a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London. Mrs. Harris falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.

Emmanuel Movie Nights are a free event, open to the community. Join together for good film and free popcorn every second Thursday at 7pm.

SIMPHONIE NOUVELLE

LOUIS XIV & JS BACH

Orcas Adventist Fellowship Church

Wednesday, February 14 at 5pm

Entry by suggested donation

Simphonie Nouvelle, comprised of baroque guitarist Stephen Stubbs, viola da gambist Susie Napper along with flutist and Salish Sea Early Music Festival director Jeffrey Cohan, present a program entitled Simphonie Nouvelle: Louis IX and J.S. Bach, featuring many of the late 17th and early 18th-century guitarists, viola da gambists, flutists and other composers associated with the illustrious musical establishment of Louis XIV, alongside the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

For more information please see www.salishseafestival.org/orcas.

GRILLED CHEESE SHOWDOWN 2024!

OI EDUCATION FOUNDATION

OISD Cafeteria

Thursday, February 15

Two seatings: 5pm & 6pm

Join us for what will be a tasty fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the Orcas Island Education Foundation, whose mission is to support our public schools. Tickets are available at the High School, and online: OIEF.org/events. Some limited tickets will be available at the door.

LEAPING FOOL WINTER WRITERS SERIES - FINAL SEASON EVENT

Orcas Island Winery

Reading Event Thursday, February 16, 6-8pm

THE LEAPING FOOL is a community-based collaboration in which local writers, poets, and storytellers are invited to submit pieces that are shared aloud at a candlelit, evening gathering at the winery.

Our final theme is "Messages from Place"

This winter’s series is graciously sponsored by Halo. 

GARRY OAKS, BLUEBIRDS & YOU!

WITH KATHLEEN FOLEY LEWIS AND OIGC

Orcas Center (Zoom available)

Wednesday, February 21 at 10am

Free & open to public

The Orcas Island Garden Club presents Garry Oaks, Bluebirds & You! Find Out How Our Majestic Oak Plays a Vital Role in our Ecosystem with Kathleen Foley Lewis, Special Projects Director for The San Juan Preservation Trust.

Sadly, our only native oaks, the Garry or Oregon White Oak, are not easily found on Orcas. More than just beautiful trees, they’re the linchpin for ecosystems important to native plants, animals and insect species. Our native bluebird, the Western, is one species significantly affected by the loss of Garry Oak habitats. Kathleen will talk about why our oaks have been in decline, efforts being made to bring bluebirds back to San Juan County and what you can do to help. More here.

SHE KILLS MONSTERS

WRITTEN BY QUI NGUYEN & DIRECTED BY JAMEY MORIARTY

Orcas Center

February 29 - March 9

Thursday - Saturday at 7pm

Comedic and heartfelt, this story of sisterhood, friendship, identity, and grief unfolds with each role of the dice. Join us this February and March for a comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games!

Tickets on sale now

ONLINE ORDERING FOR THE SJC MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE OPEN

Calling all nature enthusiasts and green thumbs! The eagerly awaited 2024 Native Plant Sale is offering a diverse selection of native flora to enhance your gardens and support local ecosystems. The pickup date for orders is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at convenient locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan.

It's a first-come, first-served situation, so don't miss out on the chance to secure your favorite native plants. The official website for preview, ordering, and more information is www.mgfsjc.org.

BARNACLE BAR IS OPEN!

Friends, Barnacle Bar is open again for your favorite cozy bar times! Stop in and explore the latest cocktail creations Wednesdays thru Sundays starting at 5pm.

OLGA RISING IS OPEN!

Olga Rising is back from their break and serving up some of the best coffee and breakfast and lunch options in the heart of Eastsound! 8-2:30pm Tuesday thru Saturday. Stop in and get your fix today!

ORCAS ISLAND WINERY IS OPEN!

Orcas Island Winery

2371 Crow Valley Rd

Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm

It's happening it's really happening! The Orcas Island la rentrée continues with Orcas Island Winery joining in on the fun and welcoming folks back in 2024!

The sun is out (yes, it's true, right now, you've got two more hours) and Crow Valley is glowing so get out for a glass of some damn fine wine and great fun!

THE MANSION RESTAURANT

AT ROSARIO RESORT & SPA IS OPEN!

The Mansion Restaurant

Rosario Resort & Spa

Joining the roster of places reopening after winter break is The Mansion Restaurant at Rosario. Enjoy brunch Thursday thru Saturday from 8-2pm, take in the special menu in the Lounge from Wednesday thru Sunday from 3-8pm, or feast on the full dinner menu Wednesday thru Sunday from 5-8pm. Whatever your mood, The Mansion Restaurant has you covered!

BREAKFAST AT THE SMOKEHOUSE? YES!

Friday, February 16

6-10am

Join Matthew's Smokehouse for a unique breakfast event. Special guests from KAFE 104.1 FM will be broadcasting live from the restaurant.

Give 'em a good Orcas welcome, by reservation only:

matthewssmokehouse.com

LAUGHING CAT DESIGNS STUDIO NOW OPEN

Featuring the colorful and fun artwork of Gail Anderson-Toombs along with many other Orcas Island artists, Laughing Cat Designs Studio has opened in Eastsound. Gail has been a resident of Orcas since 1998 and has shown her work in a variety of places through the years. She works in two different styles, one being fun and colorful acrylic paintings, usually with funky jewelry in them. The other is illustration style in ink and color pencil. You may have seen her colorful cards of different Orcas locations.

With eight other artists, and growing, the studio has a great variety of items and lesson offerings.

 

Stop by and visit!

Tues - Sat, 10-5pm in the Post Office building on A street in Eastsound.

ORCAS LIBRARY PRESENTS STORIES OF LIFE

BY BARBARA WELCH

Barbara came from Poland 20 years ago, and has been painting since childhood. Her mother’s recollections of surviving WWII in a German work camp have deeply influenced Barbara’s artwork, along with her fascination for nature, history, science and the movies. 

“Each of my paintings has its own story...the story about life and how precious and fragile it is for everyone and everything on this world and beyond it. If you will look at them it will be up to you to find them all.”

A CENTURY OF GROWING: 100 YEARS AT HOME

2024 SAN JUAN COUNTY FAIR POSTER CONTEST

In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Fairgrounds, Parks & Rec is pleased to announce this year's theme: "A Century of Growing: 100 Years at Home.”

Scan or upload a photo of a "concept draft" and send it to the Fair Board for consideration via email ([email protected]) before March 8. This can be a sketch, an outline or partial piece depicting the intended design.

Submissions are accepted from all San Juan County residents.



More information online: San Juan County Fair Announces 2024 Theme

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Orcas Island Historical Society has begun exterior preservation of the historic log cabins that make up the Eastsound museum. The museum is built around six original cabins that range between 120-150 years old, and are some of the last surviving examples of log homesteader structures on Orcas.

The OI Historical Society will be working with Madrona Log Homes of Marysville, WA to restore and preserve the exterior walls of the cabins and comes with extensive experience restoring hundreds of log buildings throughout the region, including a previous project on Orcas.

The project is expected to take 5-6 weeks total, weather dependent. Interior exhibits will be moved and protected throughout the duration of the project, and we will take advantage of this opportunity for a thorough deep clean. For these reasons, the exact re-open date for the Eastsound museum will be announced in March.

While it may appear that new construction is being done on the heritage cabins, rest assured the project is only for the necessary purpose of preserving these historic buildings. The unique architecture of the Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound is not just a cornerstone of the organization, but it’s also a classic symbol of Orcas Island and our community. How exciting to see these monuments being protected for generations to come!

EDUCATIONAL AWARDS FROM SOROPTOMIST INTL.

Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor has a $2,500 Educational Opportunity Award. The applicant must be accepted to, or enrolled in a Vocational Training Program, Certification Program, or a University/College program.

For qualified women attending, or having been accepted to, a graduate school program, we offer a $3,000 Fellowship Award.

The deadline for application submission is February 16.

If you know of anyone who qualifies for this award, please encourage them to apply. We will be happy to answer any questions or provide assistance in accessing the application; please contact us at [email protected].  

Ukulele Kanikipila: Join the Musical Fun

Experience the joy of making music at Ukulele Kanikipila, Hawaiian for "play music," every Monday from 1 to 3 pm at Orcas Senior Center. This gathering is open to everyone with an interest in playing music for two hours each week.

If you're a beginner looking to dive into the world of ukulele playing, join Kathy Collister's twice-weekly beginners' ukulele class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 1 pm. Kathy, an experienced instructor, will guide you through the basics of introductory chords and strumming techniques. The class is free of charge, but make sure to bring your own ukulele.

For inquiries about the ukulele sessions, including information on borrowing a ukulele, feel free to reach out to Kathy via email at [email protected].

Pam's Power Hour Virtual Strength Training: Boost Your Fitness from Anywhere!

Join Pam Evans in her invigorating Pam’s Power Hour strength training sessions on Zoom every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 am. Pam’s Power Hour offers a gentle yet effective blend of low-impact strength, conditioning, and flexibility exercises, enriched with ample stretching routines. The class follows a structured sequence, commencing with a thorough warmup, transitioning into standing exercises, and concluding with targeted floor work.

Participation in each session is priced at $10. For further details or inquiries, connect directly with Pam at 360-317-4636 or [email protected].

Chair Yoga: Enhancing Balance and Wellbeing for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

Join us for Chair Yoga, a soothing practice tailored for seniors and those with disabilities, held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 10:45 am. This gentle technique incorporates the use of a chair for support, enabling participants to explore balance poses without the concern of falling.

While Susie suggests a $15 donation per class ($12 for OSC members), no one will be turned away due to financial constraints.

For inquiries, reach out to Susie directly at 360-298-4484 or [email protected].

YMCA - Camp Orkila

Position: Maintenance Technician l

Description: The Maintenance Technician I has their hands in many parts of the daily operation of Camp. The maintenance team plays a crucial role in providing an excellent guest and staff experience in a highly organized manner. 

Pay & Benefits: Full-Time, Year Round with a benefits package including health insurance, dental, retirement plan, and rapidly accruing paid time off.

Contact: YMCA of Greater Seattle

Position: Housekeeping Supervisor

Description: The Housekeeping Supervisor is integral to the overall operation of Camp. This position coordinates and implements the housekeeping and related maintenance needs of Camp spaces, providing an excellent guest and staff experience. 

Pay & Benefits: Full-Time, Year Round with a benefits package including health insurance, dental, retirement plan, and rapidly accruing paid time off.

Contact: YMCA of Greater Seattle

Position: Multiple 9-month Cook positions 

Description: This is a crucial role in providing delicious and healthy camp meals in a highly organized manner. 

Pay & Benefits: These positions come with rapidly accruing paid time off and the potential to live on site during employment. 

Contact: YMCA of Greater Seattle

OPAL Community Land Trust

Position: Pea Patch Project - Communications & Engagement Manager

Description: This position will oversee community engagement, DEIJB and project communications for design of a new campus in Eastsound for the Food Bank, Resource Center and OPAL rental housing. This is a part-time, temporary position (24-32 hours/week). The position may be filled as an at-will employee of OPAL, or as an independent contractor.



www.opalclt.org/the-pea-patch-project-steering-team-is-hiring

Pay & Benefits: Compensation range as an employee from $35 – $40/hour, depending upon experience. Benefits as an employee in accordance with the policies of OPAL Community Land Trust.

Contact: Email [email protected]

Glenwood Springs Hatchery

Position: Seasonal Fish Clippers

Description: No experience required. Position begins in February and can be full-time or part-time. Work week is Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm.

Pay & Benefits: $17.74/hour, paid weekly.

Contact: Please call or email 360.753.1553, 800.2339282, [email protected]

Orcas Island Community Foundation

Position: Executive Director

Description: The OICF, founded in 1995, fosters philanthropy to enhance and preserve the quality of life on Orcas Island. Annual grants were $6 million in 2023 and the Foundation stewards over $24 million in 185 funds for the community. Representative of the work of the Foundation are programs for affordable housing, the Food Bank, the Community Resource Center and the Senior Center, and helping to establish the Shelter Program during Covid which provided food deliveries and social services.

Candidacy requires an intimate understanding of the Island’s culture and people, involvement with the issues that affect the Island and the organizations that support Island residents, and the benefits and challenges of living in a small caring community. As such, the Executive Director must either currently reside on Orcas Island, reside on another island within San Juan County or have visited the Island extensively and be willing to relocate to the Island fulltime.

Candidates will demonstrate a high level of administrative experience on Orcas Island or elsewhere and will have provided volunteer support to a non-governmental organization in their community.

Contact: For additional information or discussion, please contact Jack Groban at

[email protected]. All inquiries are confidential. 

AVID ACCOUNTING

Position: Small Business Payroll Specialist

Description: Avid Accounting in Eastsound is looking for someone to join our team in handling small business monthly payroll, mainly Washington state quarterly reports, and end of year W2/W3s. We are looking for a self-starter who provides detailed and quality work and wants to start with the current workload and work up to more.

Monthly tasks include:

• Payroll Processing (high attention to detail) including reimbursements, Retirement contributions, employee benefits etc
• EFTPS calculation and submissions, and client communication.
• Quarterly tasks include the same as above with additional quarterly payroll report processing (941, ESD, PFML and LNI and WA Cares) and miscellaneous tasks clients' request.

Pay and Benefits: Pay based on experience, up to $35/hour. This is a part time position offering about 30 hours monthly and 60 hours quarterly.

Contact: Please send resume to [email protected] and include interview availability. 

ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT

Position: Orcas Island Elementary School Principal

Description: The Elementary School Principal demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm for student learning by providing positive and collaborative leadership within a small school setting. The principal is expected to be proactive, highly visible, and able to maintain a warm, productive school environment that fosters high levels of student academic performance. The principal is actively involved with vision, mission and culture building; improving instructional practice; allocating resources in support of high quality teaching and learning; and managing people and processes in ways that support learning, growth, and development.

The Elementary School Principal will oversee the following schools: Orcas Island Elementary School (OIES), Orcas Island Montessori Public (OIMP), and OASIS K-8.

Pay and Benefits: $142,648 - $163,990 commensurate with experience (8 Hours per day/260 days per year) Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, VEBA, EAP, Retirement, Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal and Sick Leave, Cell Phone Stipend, Annual Memberships with the AWSP, NASP, ASCD, and Professional Development Funds.

Contact: Click here for details and to submit an online application. Or for more info, contact Vicki Vandermay, [email protected]; 360.376.1509