IN THIS EDITION
- MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
- MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!
- ROCK ON THE ROCK: WHAT DREAMS MAY COME OPENS THIS WEEK!
- SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITES
- JULY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU TOO!
- BACH FEST
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Updated for May openings, closings, current hours and special events. |
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Updated for May 4 thru May 10 with events around the island. |
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Welcome to our May Member Spotlight, where we introduce members of the Orcas Island Chamber to the community in a "Get to Know Me!" sort of way.
For this installment we're spotlighting Keri Duenn and Debbie Post of Sequel, the island's source for amazing pre-owned fashion and accessories! Sequel began as Cherry T's (children's only) and expanded to its current iteration featuring men's, women's and children's goods. After seeing a need for affordable children's clothing on the island with her own children Keri, with her mom's support, made their shop a reality. Almost 15 years later and surviving a pandemic and the Prune Alley construction and Sequel is as strong as ever! And they are HUGE community supporters, donating to communities in need throughout the islands and on the mainland. Walk into the shop and you can tell Keri and her mom have so much fun together and truly love being a destination where locals and tourists alike can come to socialize and get lost in all the fun textures and fashions.
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1. What do you like most about being a Chamber member? Being able to communicate and connect with local business owners, exposure to the public through maps and online resources and we like getting the newsletter every week so we can keep up to date with all of the island happenings!
2. Any tips/advice for new members/business owners? Be prepared for hectic summers and long, slow winters. Don't be afraid to reach out to other businesses to collaborate or for support. Patience goes a long way!
3. What project are you planning for your business now? Why is it meaningful to you? We are constantly trying to come up with new ways to help reduce and recycle unwanted clothing. And at the same time, be a resource for quality, affordable apparel for all ages. We have always wanted to host a fashion show so maybe that is something we can pull together down the road. Besides reducing waste, our business is meaningful because it fills a void in our community and provides a service that is desperately needed. Our entire inventory comes from the island.
4. What is the biggest professional challenge you've overcome? Our biggest challenge has been managing a high volume of incoming inventory and being able to accept all the great stuff everyone has to bring in. We could double the size of our space and still not have enough room!
5. Who/what inspires you? Keri: I think I can speak for my mom as well when I say that my kids are a constant source of inspiration. They aren't afraid of trying new things and are 101% committed to their passions. They are caring humans who support each other and don't take themselves too seriously. Plus, they make me laugh.
6. What's something almost no one knows about you that you're willing to tell? Between us we have 6 tattoos.
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With apologies to all the Trekkers out there, strong the Force is on Orcas and shining the sun is! A coffee or beer have you must! Outside go play! |
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Orcas Island’s Largest Community Driven Fundraising Campaign, GIVE ORCAS, Opens Today! |
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GIVE ORCAS is back for a remarkable 10th anniversary on Orcas Island! The community-driven fundraising campaign raises critical funds for programs and resources serving Orcas Island. An initiative of the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF), over its ten year run the campaign has raised nearly $3 million dollars. The 2023 Give Orcas campaign runs May 4th through May 18th and features 24 local nonprofit organizations after each proposal was vetted and approved by the Community Grants Committee.
The overall request from all organizations totals a record $383,156. Although the Orcas Island Community Foundation allocates a portion of the earnings from its community endowment to the Give Orcas Campaign, the total requested far exceeds the funds available and that's where you come in!
Participate as a Partner in Philanthropy by simply making a donation of $10 or more at giveorcas.org. Donations can also be made by cash, check, or stock to The Orcas Island Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1496, Eastsound, WA 98245 or dropped by the OICF office at 33 Urner #4, Eastsound.
For more information about the campaign and programs/funds featured, visit: giveorcas.org or oicf.us or contact: Ed Andrews ed@oicf.us or 360.376.6423
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YOU WANT PROOF SPRING IS HERE?! LOOK NO FURTHER! THE FARMERS MARKET IS BACK THIS WEEKEND!
(please no jinx)
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ORCAS ISLAND FARMERS MARKET IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON!
Opening Day of the Market is Saturday, May 6 from 10 am - 2 pm.
Musical Guest: Dust Bunnies with live music 11-1
Local produce, plant starts, artisan crafts, flowers, delicious food, jewelry, tarot readings, ceramics, and many more goodies every Saturday at the Village Green until September 30th.
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AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIPS
All graduating seniors residing on Orcas Island who plan to continue their education in the fall or winter of 2023 (Trade School, Community College, University) are eligible and encouraged to apply for one of three $1500 scholarships to be awarded by the American Legion this year.
Applications and information are available at your school office for OIHS, OASIS, and OCS students or by sending a request to: Aux93scholarships@gmail.com.
Applications must be postmarked no later than May 5th for consideration. That's tomorrow students!!!
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Please join your fellow Orcasonians in honoring Dr. Dave Shinstrom, at a thank you party celebrating his 30 years of serving our Orcas Island community. All friends and former patients are invited to come, have some food, wine, and share your favorite stories of Dave.
The event will be held in the Orcas Center's Madrona Room. Sunday, May 21, 2-5 pm.
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FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND IS ONLY TWO MONTHS AWAY!
There's a lot of community fun happening in the next two months, Orcas Pride and the Solstice Parade to name just two. But look here for our July 4th weekend schedule of events and fundraiser in the coming weeks. Let's come together for a great time! Shake and bake, Orcas!
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ROCK ON THE ROCK
OPENING TONIGHT!
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Grace McCune and Jake Perrine have coaxed the Rock on the Rock Choir (Moulin Rouge, Across The Universe, Rock of Orcas, Teatro Titikookoo, Cirque Us) out of hibernation for an all-new extravaganza. With ten performances on Center Stage at the Orcas Center this May, “What Dreams May Come” will feature multiple choir ensembles, multiple dance ensembles, acting, and a live band, plus all the creativity, heart, and surprises you have come to expect.
May 4–May 20
Thursday–Saturday at 7 pm
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7TH ANNUAL STEVE RESCH MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
SATURDAY MAY 20
Pull out the sticks and join the fun at the 7th Annual Steve Resch Memorial Golf Tournament! Registration is open!
This event is the sole fundraiser for the Steve Resch Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded each year to a deserving Orcas Island graduating senior.
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MOTHER'S DAY IS NEXT WEEKEND!!!
Sunday, May 14th
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Mother’s Day Brunch at the New Leaf Cafe! |
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Celebrate Mom at New Leaf Café for chef's beloved brunch from 8am-1pm.
Enjoy favorites like Crab Cake Benedict and Savory Crepes, or indulge your sweet tooth with our decadent Belgian Waffle, plus a few menu specials and extra sweet touches.
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Plus, enjoy a festive variety of wines and cocktails to add to your experience! Reservations are limited, so book a table for your family and guests today! Make your reservation here or call 360.376.2200
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Mother's Day Brunch at the Orcas Hotel!
Impress the amazing mom in your life with jazz brunch at the Orcas Hotel. Reservations available from 11am-1pm.
Martin Lund will be performing live in the main dining room and Chef Quinn will be preparing a classic brunch menu that will appeal to the whole family! Space is limited so get your reservations today!
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SEABIRD BAKESHOP TEAMING UP WITH MATIA KITCHEN
One of your favorite island purveyors of pastry won't be found at the Orcas Island Farmer's Market this season, but don't fret! You can still fill up on all that dough-y goodness! Seabird Bakeshop will instead continue to do pop ups every Saturday @matia_kitchen from 9-noonish.
It's a win-win! Fuel up with pastries and chai before the market starts so you're at peak performance!!
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2023 ALL ISLAND READ
ALL ISLAND READ is an example of our lovely community truly coming together in a collaboration between the OI Library, HALO (Hub for Arts & Literature on Orcas), and Darvill's Bookstore.
This year's book is LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY.
Join the discussion Friday, May 5th at 5pm at the Orcas Island Library.
Mention AIR at Darvill's to receive 10% off Lessons In Chemistry or check out the book from the library!
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“CHEVALIER" at the Sea View Theatre
Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 at 7:30pm
He baroque their preconceptions! Get it?! It's a pun because the story is set in the baroque period and if you say it fast it's like you're saying "broke" as in the colloquialism? Get it?!! HAHAHA.
Based on the true story of
composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, who rises to heights in French society as a composer before an ill-fated love affair.
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FALSTAFF FROM THE MET: ON SCREEN AT THE ORCAS CENTER |
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Verdi’s glorious Shakespearean comedy features a brilliant ensemble cast in Robert Carsen’s celebrated staging. Baritone Michael Volle sings his first Verdi role at the Met as the caddish knight Falstaff, gleefully tormented by a trio of clever women who deliver his comeuppance. Reuniting after their acclaimed turns in the production’s 2019 run are soprano Ailyn Pérez as Alice Ford, soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano as Meg Page, and mezzo-soprano Marie-Nicole Lemieux as Mistress Quickly. Soprano Hera Hyesang Park and tenor Bogdan Volkov are the young couple Nannetta and Fenton, and Maestro Daniele Rustioni conducts.
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SALMONBERRY SCHOOL SPRING FESTIVAL |
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Saturday May 6, 1-4 pm
Head on over for some fun at the Salmonberry School during the annual Spring Festival for light snacks, crafts, games and, of course, flower crowns!
Feel free to bring your own picnic spread and cross your fingers for sunshine and warmth! This event is free and open to the entire Orcas Island community.
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Celebrate the Art and Dreams of Local Islander Sorrel Hughes at Roots
Saturday, May 6 2:30-6:30pm
Roots will be featuring an art exhibit featuring drawings of Sorrel Hughes. Sorrel grew up here on the island and you've probably seen her working at a number of local businesses or at the farmer's market.
"These drawings are inspired by the beauty of the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Salish Sea."
There will be happy hour wine, beer and snacks available to celebrate Sorrel's work and her adventurous spirit as she leaves for Alaska for the summer!
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GUIDED HIKE AT CASCADE LAKE
MAY 6
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Doe Bay Resort has partnered with Washington State Parks to offer a series of interpretive hikes. Join General Manager River Augenstein learning about the plants, animals, and fungi of Orcas Island and exploring some of the island's most beautiful spaces.
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TED2023: Possibility
Sunday, May 7 at 4pm
This event will show selected talks recorded at TED2023, held in Vancouver, Canada this past April. Selected speakers include: Angus Hervey - Good-News Reporter via Future Crunch; Hannah Ritchie - Environmental Data Scientist research leader at Our World in Data; Sal Khan - Education Innovator founder and CEO of Khan Academy, Jessie Reyez - Multi-platinum Candian-Columbian Singer/Songwriter and recording artist; Becky Kennedy - Parenting Whisperer and creator of "Good Inside", Ersin Han Ersin - Artist with the art collective: Marshmallow Laser Feast; and Sheryl Lee Ralph - Emmy-Winning Actor from Abbot Elementary.
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GAME NIGHT AT THE ORCAS ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
Are you board? Board gamer, that is?!! Join fellow game enthusiasts at GAME NIGHT every Tuesday 6-9 pm at Orcas Island Public Library. All ages welcome. Lots of games will be provided or bring your own!
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2023 SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
May 10 & 24: Bach Festival on Orcas Island
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The Salish Sea Early Music Festival presents a MAY BACH FESTIVAL to include two performances of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach with guest musicians Maike Albrecht and harpsichordist Hans-Jürgen Schnoor from Lübeck, Germany.
The two concerts take place at the Orcas Adventist Fellowship Church at 107 Enchanted Forest Road in Eastsound. Admission is by suggested donation (a free will offering) of $20 or $25. Those 18 & under are free. All are welcome regardless of donation. For additional information please see www.salishseafestival.org/orcas.
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WARM VALLEY FARM'S SPRING FAIRE & MOTHER'S DAY POP-UP EVENT!
Thursday, May 11 to Saturday, May 13 from 11-4pm
Join us on the farm for three days of local art, gifts, fresh flowers, potted starts, floral hanging baskets, spring wreaths and more!
Warm Valley Farm will have a variety of gorgeous gifts, visiting artists, makers and delicious nibbles! Come celebrate Spring with your mama!
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MOTHER'S DAY DIY FLOWER BOUQUETS
Join Cindy Morgan of The Nest at the Orcas Island Public
Library on Friday, May 12 at 4 pm to prepare for Mothers Day!
Make a floral bouquet in a vase and give it to your mother, or, even better, bring your mother to the workshop and make a special bouquet together! Make a floral bouquet in a vase and bring it home. $40/person to cover vase + flowers + supplies. Space is limited. Sign up at the library front desk. Sliding scale available.
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Caring for Native Trees in the San Juan Islands
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Wednesday, May 17 at 10am
The Orcas Island Garden Club will host a Hybrid meeting featuring Kevin Zobrist at the Orcas Center. Attend the presentation in person in the Madrona Room at Orcas Center or participate via Zoom. Zoom link can be found on the Orcas Island Garden Club website and the meeting will be recorded and available for viewing on the website approximately one week after the program. All meetings are free and open to the public.
Kevin will cover underlying principles of healthy trees and forests, common pests and pathogens, what’s normal vs. when to worry, and promoting resilience in a changing climate.
Kevin Zobrist is a Professor and Extension Forester in the Washington State University Extension Forestry. He serves several counties, including San Juan County. He is the author of Native Trees of Western Washington: A Photographic Guide.
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WaFd Bank presents featured artist Rolf Eriksen
Rolf has devoted countless hours to the stewardship of the Stone Tower and facilities atop Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park. His beautiful photographs and books will be on display at WaFd Bank for the months of May and June. Proceeds from any sales will be donated to the Friends of Moran Tower Preservation Fund.
WaFd is located at 35 Main St., open Monday thru Friday, 9-5 pm. Everyone is welcome!
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The Orcas Island Artworks featured Artist is Myla Ross
Orcas Island Artworks is privileged to feature Myla Ross, an 18-year-old student of Spring Street International School senior who lives on Orcas.
On display will be WATER GARDEN, Myla’s first endeavor with oil painting, a stunning and impressive pieces of art.
“My entire world revolves around art. I cannot think of a memory I have predating my love of it. Art is what keeps me humble, what keeps me guessing and tying, what exercises my humanity. But my love of art did not grow overnight."
Orcas Island Artworks is pleased to launch this promising young artist. Come out and support her work!
The Artworks Is open daily from 10 to 5.
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ORCAS PUBLIC LIBRARY FEATURED ARTISTS: SALMONBERRY CEDARS STUDENTS AND KENZIE HOLLAND |
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Artwork for May: Works by Salmonberry Cedars Students, photos by Kenzie Holland, and Library Fair posters
The library is featuring art from three sources during the month of May.
First, the students in the Cedars class at Salmonberry School have contributed works from four different projects as part of their study of the Black Lives Matter movement under the tutelage of Angela Baker and Megan Cahalan. The range of pieces is eclectic, reflecting the students' study of John James Audobon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Alma Woodsey Thomas and single-point perspective. The students shared, "Some people believe white people are better than black people, but we want to live in a world where everyone can be themselves because they are created equally. We made this art to stand up for BLM at school. and we want everyone to have equal rights."
Second, Kenzie Holland, a marine biologist, will be displaying her photographs promoting the conservation of nature, specifically the marine environment. Kenzie’s work has most recently taken her to Southeast Alaska & within the Gulf of California in Mexico.
In addition, take a trip down Memory Lane as you peruse historical posters from previous Friends of the Orcas Island Library book fairs. The book fair has been an annual tradition for decades and continues to be a rich, community building fundraiser that sustains most of our youth and adult programs and a lot of our collection each year.
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ORCAS ISLAND GRAD NIGHT FUNDRAISER |
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Help us keep the tradition of safe graduation events for our Orcas Island High School class of 2023. Grad Night is a nationwide event to counter alcohol-related accidents on graduation night by providing an evening that is drug and alcohol free. This year, with an unusually large class with 43% on low-income meal programs, the non-profit “Orcas Graduating Class” is seeking donations to help fund graduation events so that all kids can participate.
The Orcas Island Grad Night tradition is one of the highlights of graduation starting at 8pm and ending at 6am, with a chaperoned series of activities. Kids go from one secret destination and fun event to another as their final act together as a class. If you can help us make sure all kids can afford the festivities, tax-deductible donations of any amount can be made to the non-profit PayPal account: https://paypal.me/orcasgradclass or checks can be made to "Orcas Graduating Class."
Please reach out to Madeline Danielson with any questions about donations at 360.421.9137 or email orcasgradclass@gmail.com with questions about tax receipts and more.
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15th ANNUAL HONORARY MAYOR OF EASTSOUND RACE TO BEGIN!
Does your pet have what it takes to lead our fair town?! Enter your furry (or not so furry) friend to make a run for Mayor of Eastsound! To request candidacy, visit mayorofeastsound.org and share little about your pet and yourself as a campaign manager!
This amazing tradition benefits the Orcas Island Children's House an infant-toddler center and preschool serving island families since 1969. It's fun and a great cause to boot!
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The Orcas Island Senior Center offers resources and opportunities for the entire community. Check out these events and classes! |
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Slow Yoga and Chair Yoga with Susie Frank @ Orcas Senior Center – Thursdays, 9:15-10:15am (Slow Yoga) and 10:30-11:30am (Chair Yoga)
Slow Yoga, offered on Thursdays, 9:15-10:15am at Orcas Senior Center, incorporates the use of props and supports to help gain access to postures safely and mindfully. It is ideal for those new to yoga or those seeking a slower more supported practice.
Chair Yoga, offered on Thursdays from 10:30-11:30am, is a gentle technique allowing seniors and persons with disabilities to practice balance poses without the risk of falling with the use of a chair as support.
Contact Susie directly for participation and payment inquiries at 360.298.4484 or sissooz@yahoo.com.
Ukulele Kanikapila and Beginners’ Ukulele Class @ Orcas Senior Center – Mondays, 1-3pm (Kanikaplila) and Tuesdays, 11am-12pm (lessons)
Join the ukulele Kanikipila, Hawaiian for “play music,” on Mondays, 1-3pm at Orcas Senior Center. The first half hour will be a lesson or two and then everyone will have the opportunity to play. Adults of all ages with all levels of ukulele expertise welcome to join in or sit and listen.
Don’t know how to play the ukulele but want to learn? Participate in a weekly beginners’ ukulele class on Tuesdays, 11am-12pm with Kathy Collister. Kathy will recommend resources to help get you started, and focus will be on learning introductory chords and strumming. No fee for the class, but you will need to provide your own ukulele.
For all ukulele related inquiries, including questions about borrowing a ukulele, please email Kathy at kcollister15@gmail.com Beginners and adults of all ages are welcome!
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PEAK SEASON FARES NOW IN EFFECT
Starting last Monday, the annual peak season surcharge for single vehicle fares came into effect and will last through September 30. Please note that passenger fares and multi-ride products will remain unaffected by these seasonal changes.
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CURRENT PRINTABLE FERRY SCHEDULES
For your convenience, the Chamber maintains printable schedules for Anacortes/Orcas Island and Orcas/San Juan Island and Orcas/Lopez Island inter-island ferries.
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THE LANDMARK INN
Position: Part-time housekeeper.
Description: Immediate opening for a part-time job 20-30 hours per week to start, and by mid-June could be up to 40+ hours per week. The Landmark Inn is open to candidates with or without previous housekeeping experience.
Pay: Starting pay is $25/hour with opportunity to increase to within the first month based on performance. We are a 15-room condominium hotel so on average, you will be responsible to clean anywhere from 2 – 4 condos per shift – starting times are typically 9 am (but sometimes 10 or 11) and shift usually end between 2 & 3 pm. We are offering a sign-on bonus of $500 for anyone who starts before June 1 and payable after 10 days of start date.
Contact: Stop by 67 Main St., Eastsound between 10-5pmdaily – or call at 360.376.2423
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ORCAS ADVENTURES
Position: Boat Rental Staff, Barista, Scoopers and Counter Sales Position in Moran State Park
Description: Orcas Adventures is looking for hardworking, upbeat, positive, customer service-oriented individuals to join their team in an absolutely lovely location. Candidates must have a driver's license, know how to swim, obtain a food handler's permit, and enjoy customer interaction. Orcas Adventures seeks reliable, confident, goal oriented, self-motivated individuals that thrive in a fast-paced environment. Part-time and full-time positions available. Individuals must love the outdoors.
Pay: Minimum wage and up depending on experience plus tips.
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OLGA RISING
Position: Various openings, full-time, part-time year round & seasonal
Description: Olga Rising is a cafe, bakery, sandwich shop located in the heart of Eastsound. The cafe is currently hiring two full-time positions: one in the kitchen and one in Olga Rising and one part time position as counter sales in Olga Rising (all year round). Also hiring seasonal staff for the summer. Pay is $17 an hour and up based on experience (plus tips). Description and more information is available at Opportunities | OLGA RISING
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GIRL MEETS DIRT
Position: Girl Meets Dirt seeks a preserve maker to serve a dedicated role on our Production team.
Description: The preserve maker position will serve as point-person and pacesetter for day-to-day ‘making’ related activities. This is an ideal position for a hard-working, hands on, production-experienced individual looking to grow with an exciting food company in a beautiful, active, island community.
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DARVILL'S BOOKSTORE
Position: Darvill's is looking for a sharp, personable, responsible, book-loving person to join our busy, dynamic staff.
Description: This is a year-round, part-time permanent position. Tech skills and/or retail experience a plus.
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THE AMERICAN LEGION
Position: The American Legion is looking to hire a part time bartender.
Description: Shifts are Sundays from 3:15pm-9:30pm, with the possibility of some Wednesdays after April. The ability to fill in on other days a plus. Pay starts at minimum wage plus tips. Experience preferred, must have (or get) a Washington State M. A. S. T. card.
Contact: Bring resumes by the American Legion Post at 793 Crescent Beach Dr in Eastsound between 4-8pm any day of the week.
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Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce | 360.376.2273
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