Issue 39

November 30- December 6, 2023

IN THIS EDITION

• EASTSOUND TREE LIGHTING AT THE VILLAGE GREEN
• TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE FUNHOUSE GINGERBREAD CONTEST
• GIVE ORCAS CAMPAIGN IS ON!
• A WORD OF THANKS FROM WILD ISLAND
• NEWS FROM TIDE POOL AND ORCAS BAKERY
• REMEMBER YOUR EASTSOUND BRICK AND MORTARS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

EASTSOUND HOLIDAY ON THE GREEN

TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

Eastsound Village Green

Friday, December 1, 4-7pm

Join all your neighbors and friends (yes, they'll ALL be there) on the Village Green for a tree and town lighting ceremony featuring holiday classics from the Community Band, a special appearance from Santa sponsored by Turtleback Kids, a Little Elf Workshop presented by the Orcas Island Children's House, cookies by Sweetpeas Cookie Co., gluten free apple cider donuts from Boathouse Ciderworks, and more!

We'll have a beer and wine garden featuring Orcas Project, Island Hoppin' Brewery, Orcas Wine Co., Boathouse Ciderworks, and Girl Meets Dirt! All that deliciousness will pair perfectly with tacos and pupusas from Delmy's! Let's kick off the holiday season right!

The winners of our Small Business Saturday raffle with the $1,000 Orcas Island Market gift card and other prizes will be announced right after the tree lighting!

You can get the full details here!

Thank you to our very special partners: Orcas Island Market, Eastsound Sporting Goods, Ray's Pharmacy, Turtleback Kids, and Orcas Island Children's House. And special shout outs to Orcas Events, the Orcas Lions Club, and the Orcas Island Community Church.

If you'd like to help us fund community events such as these, please consider a tax-deductible donation!

SOLSTICE MERCANTILE IS BACK FOR A THIRD YEAR!

Orcas Island Winery

December 2 and 3, 12-5pm

Solstice Mercantile returns! For a third year The Orcas Island Winery will host the Solstice Mercantile featuring makers, designers, doers and dreamers. This is another great opportunity to buy local, support hands that craft with love, and honor the essence of Orcas Island.There will be food, fun, friends and neighbors, and all good things.

The food purveyor lineup this year is of particular note with Botanical Awakenings’ nourishing warm foods and beverages, Houlme’s woodfired pizza oven, Farm to Ferry’s Decadent “brunch dunch” offerings and savory, hearty food from Chef Josh Hernandez (formerly of Monti).

For more information visit the mercantile website here!

SECOND ANNUAL WARM VALLEY WINTER FAIRE!

Both Sides of Warm Valley

Friday thru Sunday, December 1-3 from 11-3pm

Warm Valley Farm and Warm Valley Orchard will be co-hosting a Winter Faire Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 1-3 from 11am to 3pm. 

The farms will also hold a special evening event for people on their mailing list with a raffle, tree lighting, and party favors.

To learn more about being a vendor or to subscribe to the mailing list for monthly Friends of the Farm updates visit: http://www.warmvalleyfarm.com/

ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY PERFORMS HANDEL'S MESSIAH

THE BEST CHRISTMAS CONCERT EVER

Orcas Center

Friday, December 1st at 7pm

Saturday, December 2nd at 7pm

Sunday, December 3rd at 2pm – Sing-a-long!

Tickets priced sliding scale, kids free

The great conductor and teacher, Bruce Langford, has worked diligently with choir and orchestra to create a remarkable Messiah, unlike any you may have heard before. And if you want to try to sing WITH us, come to 2:00 performance on Sunday. We'll have scores for those who want them. However, you will want to really HEAR this, so I suggest you come twice, if you want to sing along on Sunday. Bruce has done some interesting things with the music (Handel would approve, I'm sure). Also, we're only doing SOME of it, and you might be rather distracted by the score. So come twice. And contribute to our wonderful non-profit at the same time.

This is a truly inspiring way to kick off the holidays. Every mood is carried in these magnificent choruses. The sad and joyful and hopeful--and BEAUTY--it's all there.

Love to all of you, and may this holiday season find you with moments of joy and hope.  

Get tickets online here!

AMERICAN LEGION HOLIDAY BAZAAR

The American Legion

Saturday, December 2, 10am-3pm

Join us for our largest fundraiser and find unique gifts for your loved ones!

Raffle baskets, soup bistro, bake sale, local arts, Christmas room & more!

There's fun for the whole family at 793 Crescent Beach Drive

HOLIDAY DECOR & CRAFTING AT CAMP MORAN LODGE

Camp Moran Lodge

Saturday, December 2 10-3pm

Head over to Moran State Park for their annual Holiday Swag event and open house! There will be wreaths and tree cookies and other fun! Tools and materials are provided along with fun winter backdrops.

LUM FARM FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE AND 4th ANNUAL WINTER WOOLY POP-UP

Lum Farm

1071 Crow Valley Road

Thursday thru Sunday, 11-5pm

The Lum Farm Christmas Tree sale is back on beginning this Friday! Noble, Frasier and Douglas Fir trees from 2 ft. to 10 ft. will be available Thursday through Sunday, 11-5pm while supplies last.

And as has already been noted, our Orcas farms are small businesses too and need your support! The Lum Farmstand will also be open with artisan meats, cheese and farm-inspired gifts. The farm is open Wednesday 12-5pm.

Saturday, December 2, 11-5pm

This event features the felted ornaments of Bossy’s Feltworks, Lum Farm sheepskins, and art by members of the Lum Farm crew, including wool paintings by Mandy Troxel and ceramic ornaments by Crystal Mossman.

Food for your holiday table, gifts for loved ones and a tree for your home; you can get a lot crossed off that list with one visit to Lum Farm! For more info visit www.lumfarmllc.com or email [email protected]

HOLIDAY TIME AT THE ORCAS ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUMS

Eastsound Museum

Saturday, December 2, 11-3pm

Come and celebrate the holidays with the Orcas Historical Museums! There will be kids' activities, 10% off all items in the gift shop, and local experts around the museum answering questions about exhibits and Orcas Island history. Admission is free!

Make sure to stop by and see what's new around your local museum!

TURTLEBACK BRASS QUINTET PLAYING YOUR FAVORITE CAROLS!

Eastsound

Saturday, December 2, 11:30 am to 12:30pm

Turtleback Brass Quintet and Friends with be playing Christmas Carols around town at various locations this Saturday,. We will start at around 11:30am at the intersection on Main Street and North Beach Road and work our way around town.

FRIENDS OF THE ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA

Orcas Island Public Library

December 2, 2-3pm

Friends of the Orcas Island Library invites you to their annual holiday tea as a thank you to the community for supporting FOIL through donations and buying books at their book fairs and lobby book store. A check will be presented to the library staff that represents funding raising efforts of 2023.

Coffee, tea and punch will be served along with cookies and tea sandwiches. There will be crafts for the kids and live music.

FOIL will be accepting cookie donations at the public library on Friday December 1 and the morning of the tea, Saturday December 2.

10th ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

ORIGINAL ART, SNACKS, CRAFTS & MORE BY ORCAS KIDS

Orcas Public Library

Sunday, December 3, Noon-2pm

Children aged 6 and above from across the island have been baking and crafting to prepare for the market. All items are handmade and will be priced rom 25 cents to no more than $10. There are always lovely surprises!



Last year included chicken shaped bean bags, fishing flies, home made cards and gift wrap, bees wax candles, wooden bread boards, home made jam and ornaments.

This year we will have the courtyard cafe, drop by for lunch, a hot drink, or baked goods.

Generally purchases are cash only.

WINTER ARTISANS MARKET PRESENTED BY

THE SAN JUAN MAKERS GUILD

Odd Fellows Hall

Friday thru Sunday, December 8-10

Orcas Island and guest Makers from San Juan and Lopez Islands are gathering to share their fun and fascinating works at the Winter Artisans Market. Ceramics, baskets, fine art, printmakers, furniture, wearable art, body care goods, wooden games, holiday ornaments, distillery and food, photography and more.

Friday Night Market – December 8,

Opening Night with Bar, Music and Dinner, 4-8

(ticketed event)

Saturday Market – December 9,

with Coffee, Pastries, Lunch, Wines and Cider, 10-4

Sunday Market – December 10,

with Brunch Baked Goods, Teas and Bubbly Bar – 11-3

Friday Dinner by The Kitchen, Bar by the Barnacle, Brunch by Olga Rising and Queen Bee Baking.

AHOY! THE LIONS SANTA SHIP IS BRINGING

HOLIDAY JOY TO ORCAS!

Orcas Ferry Landing

December 9, 2023 at noon

Join the Orcas Lions Club from noon to 1:30pm at the at the Orcas Ferry Landing to welcome Santa and the holidays to our magical island. There will be all the usual pirates, elves, clowns, and, of course, Santa aboard the Christmas Ship to create a unique holiday experience.

The Orcas Island Lions wants to thank Ron & Mary Russell from the Orcas Village Store for providing the refreshments, San Juan County and the Washington State Ferries for the use of the building, Islands Sounder, Orcasonian and the Orcas Chamber of Commerce for publicity and all the volunteers that come out to greet the holidays. We now have expanded parking at the WSF Park and Ride but it is still limited so arrive early.  

THE ORCAS DANCE COLLECTIVE PRESENTS FROM CENTER STAGE AT ORCAS CENTER

SEA ISLAND NUTCRACKER

Orcas Center

Fri, December 8 at 6pm

Sat, December 9 at 6pm

Fri, December 15 at 6pm

Sat, December 16 at 6pm

Sun, December 17 at 2pm

Orcas Dance Collective is proud to present their maritime take on a holiday classic: The Sea Island Nutcracker. Featuring many wildlife and nautical themes that make our island home so magical, this full length dream ballet showcases an inter-generational cast of local talent, with featured roles performed by The Orcas Dance Collective, Junior Dance Collective, Mini Dance Collective, and Class Series Students. Directed by Stephanie Moss. Poster design and photography by Bianca Cox.

Be sure to get your tickets early – with just FIVE performances, it’s bound to sell out!

This wonderful performance is in need of volunteer ushers to help check in the audiences, so if you’d like to see a show for free, please contact Mieka at [email protected]

ORCAS EASTEST BRINGING HOLIDAY FUN

Doe Bay Resort & Retreat

Sunday, December 17, 5-9pm

This holiday season we are offering a special event at Doe Bay to support our local island artisans and the Orcas Island Food Bank.

Doe Bay has recently added a calendar of upcoming events to our website. Come check out all the happenings!

TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY TO ENTER THE FUNHOUSE COMMONS

GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST!

Put on your design caps because today is the last day to register for the 4th Annual Funhouse Commons Gingerbread House Contest! All ages are welcome and different prizes for age groups and categories, including "Best in Show," "Creativity Award," and "Architect's Award.". Get more info here!

DEER HARBOR COMMUNITY CLUB CONCERT

Deer Harbor Community Club

Thursday, November 30, 7pm

The Deer Harbor Community Club invites you to a special evening with Karolina Mikotajczyk & Iwo Jedynecki, stars of this past summers OICMF, playing the violin and accordion. This amazingly talented duo will back for a one evening concert in Deer Harbor this Thursday. Performance starts at 7pm.

Tickets are $15 at the door.

THANKSGIVING PART DEUX (EMMANUEL'S VERSION)

Emmanuel

Thursday, November 30, 5-6:30pm

It's kind of like second breakfast, but more! This month's dinner kitchen at Emmanuel is a Thanksgiving redux complete with all the trimmings!

NaNoWriMo WRITING SPRINT PART 2

AT THE ORCAS PUBLIC LIBRARY

Orcas Island Public Library

Thursday, November 30, 6-10pm

By now you’ve heard that other things may be happening at the library and this weekend isn’t the best time to stop in at the library and write your book.

That’s what Thursday night is for. NaNoWriMo after hours, back by popular demand! 6-10pm at the Library.

(In case you missed it above, Saturday, December 2 from 12-3pm is the Friends of the Orcas Island Library Holiday Tea! And Sunday, December 3 from 12-2pm is the Children’s Holiday Craft Fair!)

THIS WEEKEND AT THE SEA VIEW THEATRE

Killers of the Flower Moon

Friday, Dec. 1 & Saturday, Dec. 2

at 7:30pm

“A Masterpiece” - Rolling Stone

Martin Scorsese’s American Epic! When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one by one - until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

Concessions & Lounge will open one hour before showtime. Come in early and enjoy the best popcorn around with sweet treats of every kind! Sea View theatre lounge features craft beers and specialty wines and hard ciders.

HERITAGE APPLES & MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE

Eastsound History Museum

Saturday, December 2, 11am-3pm

The Eastsound Museum is pleased to host a community open house with kid friendly activities, 10% off in our gift shop, and local experts around the museum answering questions about our exhibits and Orcas history. Come and mark the wintertime wind-down with us!

Kwiaht will be joining us to do a special heritage apple tasting and discuss the history of orchards on Orcas Island. The earliest orchards on Orcas were planted in the 1860s, but apples, in the form of native Pacific crabapples, have thrived on the island far longer. Over the past century and a half not only have the original orchard trees continued to grow and produce, they have also given rise to novel seedling varieties that grow nowhere else on earth, are uniquely adapted to the conditions on Orcas, and including hybrids between the native and planted trees.

THE ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS...

PRESERVING YOUR GARDEN BOUNTY BY

JENNIFER BRYAN-GOFORTH

Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, December 13 when we welcome Jennie Bryan-Goforth from WSU San Juan County Extension. Jennie will be presenting remotely from Skagit county.

We will learn about a variety of safe methods available for preserving and storing our harvest. Food preservation is an important strategy to increase food access,

reduce food waste in your household, and utilize local food systems.  This presentation will introduce methods such as canning, pickling, fermentation, dehydration, freezing, and microclimate storage.

More info here.

THE LEAPING FOOL WINTER WRITERS SERIES DECEMBER READING

Orcas Island Winery

Thursday, December 14, 6-8pm

“T H E L E A P I N G F O O L” winter writers series continues! The November event at Orcas Island Winery opened to a packed house and offered ten writers reading about fiery friends, birds, lovers, and more. December’s theme will be “The Moon and I.”

Local writers, poets, and storytellers are called to submit pieces from the heart that are shared aloud at an evening gathering inside the barn at Orcas Island Winery.

Submissions are open to all forms of writing and oral storytelling.

Consideration for submissions:

• Please keep length to 6–10 minutes

• Please name the document with your FIRST + LAST name, and the TITLE of your piece.

• Word or Pages documents are requested. 

Submissions are requested by Thursday, December 7.

PLEASE SEND SUBMISSIONS AND INQUIRIES TO: [email protected] 

This winter’s series is graciously sponsored by Halo. 

Thank you!

We are grateful for you.

theintermodalspirit.com * source-paper.com * wearehalo.org * orcasislandwinery.com

IT'S TIME FOR THE ISLAND THYME HOLIDAY SALE

Island Thyme Botanicals

310 Main Street, Eastbound 

Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, 10-5pm

Island Thyme’s Annual 20% OFF Holiday Sale is this weekend. Don’t miss out! Perfect island-made gifts for everyone on your list! And new products too!

FELT+CERAMICS STUDIO OPEN HOUSE

Felt+Ceramics Studio/Shop, Eastsound Square

Friday, December 1, 3-6pm

While you're in town for the Holiday on the Green Tree Lighting, pop on over to the Felt+Ceramics Studio open house and enjoy some treats while looking at even better art treats!

GIVE THE GIFT OF OUTLOOK INN

Give the gift of an unforgettable Outlook Inn experience this holiday season. A weekend relaxing on island time, or a culinary experience at New Leaf Café*, will be a warm surprise for island adventurers and rejuvenation seekers alike.

*New Leaf Café will be reopening in February 2024. Gift cards have no expiration and will be welcomed upon reopening.

To purchase visit: https://www.outlookinn.com/shop/gift-card

WILD ISLAND THANKS YOU ORCAS ISLAND!

A word from Wendy Thomas of Wild Island

Dear Friends,

Wild Island's last day of service will be Friday, December 1. We have loved being here and thank you for your support these past 5 years! Please come use your gift certificates.

What an amazing experience it’s been. We would love to see someone carry-on here. Please reach out for more details. We want to make it a viable option with or without the Wild Island brand. Email [email protected] or call 360.298.2864 for details.

A word from the Chamber

Dear Wendy and Oliver,

Thank you for all that you gave us with Wild Island. The food, fellowship, and joy. Eastsound won't be quite the same without the pied piper of jazz competing with the pied piper of a spicy grain bowl (or a chocolate tahini cookie). But mostly it won't be the same without knowing we can turn the corner to see your smiling faces. Godspeed.

ORCAS BAKERY TO BRING MEMBER-OWNED MODEL (AND THE ROSE'S BREAD OVEN) TO FORMER TIDE POOL SPACE

Fulfilling the idea of "community" bread in the truest sense, Orcas Bakery plans to open a member-owned cooperative bakery in the former Tide Pool Coffee House space on North Beach Road. You can help the bakery open this spring by pre-purchasing 50 loaves of bread and receiving a lifetime 20% discount. Then ask all your friends to do the same. You can also pre-buy bagels, cookies, and granola. Or, you can donate bread to Orcas Island Food Bank and get a tax break.

Orcas Bakery is a member-owned co-op with passionate and professional bakers ready to start crafting sourdough breads and baked goods in Eastsound. All they need to get started is you.

Full details are available here!

NEW LEAF SEASONAL CLOSURE

As the seasons shift from fall to winter, the New Leaf Cafe staff will be taking the opportunity to recharge. Monday November 27 marked the last day of service for the 2023 season. This incredible year saw the cafe sharing the bounty of the island, making new friends, and connecting with their loyal guests.

They'll also be taking a short break from social media, but that doesn't mean they've gone away! Continue to follow the cafe on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date.

The cafe will be back in early 2024 with a fresh menu and new, exciting offerings. Get ready for your next visit in February!

WINTER HOURS AND COUNTER SERVICE AT GERTIE'S

Public House with Counter Service

Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am – 9pm

Monday, Tuesday 10am – 3pm

This winter, Gertie's will introduce a “Public House” model with a streamlined menu and counter service instead of table service to continue serving the community with reduced staff. They'll have games, hot cocoa and cider, and candlelight in the evenings!

DOE BAY CAFE FEATURES SUNDAY NIGHT SPECIALS

Doe Bay Cafe

Sundays thru the Winter, 5-8pm

Looking for a reason to get out of the house and see your fellow islanders while enjoying a fantastic meal? Doe Bay Cafe will be featuring a 4-course meal on Sunday nights for $55 per person. Menus will feature cuisine from around the glove including Thailand, Italy, France, and India.

Visit https://doebay.com/cafe for more details.

MADE IN THE SAN JUANS ONLINE MARKETPLACE

Made in the San Juans invites you to explore their online auction and market place featuring San Juan Islands based artisans and makers.

Auction closes Dec 7.

ORCAS CENTER'S MADRONA ROOM NOW FEATURING

THE INTER-ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL ART SHOW

Opening Reception: Friday, November 24 5:30-7pm

This traveling art show features painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed-media art created by our talented youth from San Juan Island, Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas. The display started at the Lopez Community Center in October and then traveled to the San Juan Community Theatre the first part of November.

The show comes to Orcas Center, along with an expanded Orcas High School display in the Madrona Room, with an art opening on November 24 starting at 5:30pm. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and entertainment by Grace Zwilling.



The show will be on display through December 17.

A*OK ART SELECTED FOR GOVERNOR'S MANSION

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS

Art for Orcas Kids (A*OK), a program of the Orcas Island Education Foundation, is thrilled to announce its Orcas Island School District Middle School art classes' selection to craft unique holiday ornaments for the 2023 Governor's Mansion tree.

A*OK's middle school art classes, led by Brook Meinhardt and a dedicated team, had the students use an innovative approach to create their ornaments, using upcycled beach trash to form logos of iconic teams like the Seahawks, Kraken, Seattle Storm and more.



For more information about Art for Orcas Kids and their involvement in the Governor's Mansion holiday tree decoration project, please contact: [email protected] or browse  oief.org/art_for_orcas_kids. Look for us in the 2023 Give Orcas Holiday Catalog at giveorcas.org.

FALL ART SHOW AT WAFD BANK

WaFd Bank Lobby

Monday thru Friday, 9-5pm

Please join WaFd Bank in celebrating three Orcas residents with a shared art show event continuing through November and December. These ladies have made works in ceramics, paintings in oil and acrylic, paper goods and home décor. Come by and enjoy the show, presented by Karen Johnston, Pearl Mudd and Carla Stanley. Items are for sale and can be taken with you same day while you enjoy in the creativity. Everyone is welcome, bank member or not!

ORCAS ISLAND'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

GIVE ORCAS NOW OPEN!

Holiday Give Orcas is back for a remarkable 10th anniversary! This community-driven fundraising campaign raises critical funds for programs and resources serving Orcas Island and is an initiative of the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF).

Visit giveorcas.org from now to Dec. 6 to participate. For more information about the campaign and the programs and funds featured, visit: giveorcas.org or oicf.us or contact OICF at [email protected] and 360.376.6423.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUNHOUSE

THROUGH OICF HOLIDAY GIFT CATALOG!

This year we are asking for $15,000 to help expand capacity and programs to meet the needs of the community. The Funhouse has added a full-time staff position to serve teens, a part-time program coordinator position for youth & young adults with disabilities, and is building capacity to serve kindergarteners.

Your support will make a huge difference in our mission to be a place of belonging and discovery for ALL young people on Orcas Island.

The catalog is open through December 6th, 2023.

Please visit oicf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=30033 or scan QR code to learn more and give today.

ORCAS SCHOOL DISTRICT: JOIN THE CONVERSATION, PTSA!

OISD Library

Every First Wednesday of the month, 4:30pm

Get involved in the conversation with the Orcas Parent Teacher Student Association.

LIONS CLUB TO RAISE MONEY FOR ORCAS FIRE AND RESCUE

The Orcas Island Lions Club has announced a fundraiser to purchase medical equipment for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.



Funds raised in this effort will be used to replace the current video laryngoscopes and place the new OneScopes in service immediately. The new OneScope is small enough to be carried in the paramedic’s kits and has a larger screen with a higher resolution, improving the airway view for the paramedic placing a breathing tube.

The total cost for the OneScope purchase is approximately $8,000 with additional funds needed to purchase the disposable parts for each of the scopes' use in the field and in training. Through the month of December, the Lions Club will match up to $5,000 in community donations.

Donations should go to:

Orcas Island Lions Foundation

PO Box 1212 Eastsound, WA 98245

The Orcas Island Club Foundation is a 501(C3) organization which makes any donation tax deductible. OILF EIN: 31-1730975

EDC OFFERS FURNITURE MAKING BASICS

JANUARY TRADES TRAINING COURSE

The EDC invites islanders seeking new careers to learn the basics of furniture building in a class offered in partnership with The Fellow Shop, led by Jean Shearer and Nicholas Coldren, cabinetmakers. Jean and Nic have BFAs in Woodworking and Furniture Design from Rochester University, and extensive professional experience as cabinetmakers, boat builders, and finishers.

La EDC invita a los isleños que buscan nuevas carreras a aprender los conceptos básicos de la construcción de muebles en una clase ofrecida en asociación con The Fellow Shop, dirigida por Jean Shearer y Nicholas Coldren, ebanistas. Jean y Nic tienen una licenciatura en carpintería y diseño de muebles de la Universidad de Rochester, y una amplia experiencia profesional como ebanistas, constructores de barcos y acabadores. 

sanjuansedc.org/trades

Socrates Café @ Orcas Senior Center – Wednesday, December 6, 1 pm

Join us on the first Wednesday of the month at 1 pm after Senior Lunch for Socrates Café. A gathering of people with different perspectives open to sharing their thoughts on interesting subjects. The next meeting will be Wednesday, December 6 at 1 pm. Coffee and tea will be provided and bring a snack to share (if you want). For questions, contact Norm at [email protected].

Basic Jewelry Making with Kate Jewell and Mary Greenwell @ Orcas Senior Center - Tuesday, December 12, 1 pm

Have you ever wanted to make jewelry or repurpose and redesign something you already have into something you love? Kate Jewell and Mary Greenwall are excited to share the basics of jewelry making with you on Tuesday, December 12 at 1 pm at Orcas Senior Center. The cost to participate is $15 and will include some basic jewelry making supplies. This class will be holiday themed with lots of red and green colored beads and an opportunity to make a simple holiday ornament and how to make a zipper pull.

Mary Greenwell and Kate Jewell have been making and selling jewelry on Orcas since 2007 and have sold many of their beautiful pieces at the Orcas Island Farmers Market and Rosario Resort and Spa. For more information contact Mary Greenwell at [email protected] or Kate Jewell at [email protected]. Open to everyone!

Ornament Making by Simone Hansen@ Orcas Senior Center – Tuesday, December 5, 1 pm

Come join us Tuesday, December 5 at 1 pm and make a unique 2023 holiday ornament for your tree or to give as a gift! Supplies will be provided to paint flat wooden ornaments, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. The cost is $10 or $5 for OSC members. The class will be taught by local artist and book illustrator, Simone Hansen. Simone has been making and selling ornaments for the past few years on Orcas. For questions, contact Simone directly at [email protected]. Open to everyone!

UPCOMING HOLIDAY SERVICES AT ORCAS ISLAND

COMMUNITY CHURCH

ORCAS ISLAND HEALTHCARE DISTRICT

Position: Maintenance Handyman

Description: The maintenance handyman is an hourly, as-needed, project position. The ideal candidate will provide the expertise and experience to complete projects at the healthcare facility owned by the District. The position will work with the District Superintendent for approval to complete projects based on an estimate of hours. The candidate can determine days and hours as work cannot interrupt the clinic during its normal business hours. Please see the full job description at: https://www.orcashealth.org/job-opportunities-maintenance-handyman

Pay and Benefits: $45.00 per hour, paid monthly in accordance with the current San Juan County pay schedule. Orcas Island Health Care District will provide coverage through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries or worker’s compensation insurance.

Click here for full details.

Contact: Please apply with resume and references to [email protected] or call the District Superintendent at 360.317.3545 with any questions.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL GUILD

Position: Executive Director

Description: 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership, fundraising, and organizational management experience. The candidate will have a deep passion for addressing food system challenges through collaboration and will uphold the Ag Guild’s role as a network convener and movement builder towards a food future rooted in economically viable, equitable, and environmentally just practices.

Pay and Benefits: This is an exempt position at 30 hours per week, salaried at $34-$40/hour, commensurate with experience, with accrued paid holiday and time off, plus a health stipend and retirement benefits.

Click here for full details.

Contact: Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to [email protected]

SAN JUAN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL GUILD

Position: Farmer-to-Farmland Project Coordinator

Description: The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (Ag Guild) is seeking a Farmer-to-Farmland (F2F) Project Coordinator, based in San Juan County, Washington, at approximately 12-15 hours per week, flex time.

The Farmers-to-Farmland project uses a multi-pronged approach to help beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs) establish or expand farming operations in the San Juan Islands. Target audiences are new and existing farmers, with a special focus on women and Latinx. Funding to support this position is provided by a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant.

Pay and Benefits: Pay rate: $24-28 per hour, depending on experience. This grant funded position can start immediately.

Click here for full details.

Contact: Submit cover letter, resume, and two references to [email protected]

ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT

Position: Orcas Island School District has multiple positions available

Description: 

• OASIS Teacher Position
• Paraeducator Position
• Special Education Teacher
• SAFE Advocate - Elementary
• HS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
• OIMS Head Boys Basketball Coach
• Substitute Bus Driver
• Classified K-12 Substitute
• Classified Substitute Food Service
• K-12 Substitute Teacher

Click here for full details and to submit an online application.

Contact: Questions? Contact Mallory Balcomb, [email protected]. 

THE FUNHOUSE COMMONS

Position: Youth Development Program Director

Description: The Funhouse Commons is seeking a candidate to work with middle and high-school age youth with a vision to be a thriving community where every young person is welcome, supported and inspired. You will work in collaboration with our local schools and other partners to develop and direct mentorship programs, youth-informed activities, and family support systems.

Pay and Benefits: This position is full time, includes paid time off, and health insurance benefits. Wage range is $23-28/hr and 32-40/week commensurate with experience.

Contact: please email questions, resume and cover letter to: [email protected].

HOSPICE OF THE NORTHWEST

Position: Hospice Care Aide (CNA)

Description: We are looking to add another CNA to our stellar team serving the San Juan Islands. If you know of a CNA who is looking for work and lives on San Juan or Orcas Island, please send them our way. They do need to have had their license for at least 1 year, though.

Pay and Benefits: Salary Range: $20.94/hr – $31.41/hr DOE. Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, sick time, and paid time off to all employees working 20 or more hours per week.

Contact: More information found here: hospicenw.org. You may also call 360-814-5550.

GIRL MEETS DIRT

Position: Sales and Marketing Specialist (reporting to sales manager and president)

Description: Girl Meets Dirt seeks a dynamic sales rep and storyteller to serve as the Sales Specialist for all of Girl Meets Dirt’s sales channels. This role will require full-time working hours including some weekend hours. When not delighting customers in our tasting room this person will support broader sales & marketing efforts of Girl Meets Dirt including online, retail, wholesale accounts, copywriting & social media support.

For a full description visit the Girl Meets Dirt website.

Pay: $18-22 commensurate with experience. PTO and benefits package offered after probationary period. Jam perks immediately! This position is based on a car ferry serviced island and not appropriate for commuters. It is not suitable for working remotely. 

Contact: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

OPALCO

Position: Staking Technician, Special Project and Office Coordinator, & more

Description: OPALCO offers employees a unique working culture where member service is combined with state-of-the-art technology. Our high-energy environment supports creativity, innovation and teamwork. Great pay and benefits. Local candidates preferred.

Contact: Please visit www.opalco.com/careers for more information.

ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

Position: Bilingual Community Health Worker

Description: The Bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW) position is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the Spanish speaking community. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a link between community members and the health/social services to facilitate access and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. For full job description, duties, and eligibility requirements, visit: https://orcascrc.org/employment-opportunities.

Application materials are available here.

Pay: Based on experience; benefits available.

Contact: Please submit cover letter, resume, and OCRC job application via email to Erin O’Dell, Executive Director, at: [email protected]