Issue 51

February 22-28, 2024

IN THIS EDITION

• THAT HEDGEHOG WAS WRONG
• ORCAS GIVES SPRING CAMPAIGN OPEN
• ORCAS ISLAND FARMER'S MARKET VENDOR APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
• MORE NEW JOB POSTINGS

ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IS NOW ACCEPTING

APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING GIVE ORCAS CAMPAIGN

Calling all Orcas Island nonprofits! The application process is now open for 2024 Spring GiveOrcas and the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) is inviting proposals for the Spring GiveOrcas Campaign.

OICF’s GiveOrcas Campaigns build awareness of local nonprofits and raise funds to support the programs that make Orcas a stronger and more resilient community.

The success of the campaigns is achieved through a collaborative relationship between OICF, the island nonprofits, and most importantly, the community that unites to support the Campaigns and the programs featured in it. GiveOrcas is a true community-wide effort.

Applications can be found on the OICF website at www.oicf.us or reach out to Lynn White for an application packet: lynn@oicf.us

The deadline to complete the application and submit the required documents is by 5pm on March 5.

2024 ORCAS ISLAND FARMERS MARKET VENDOR APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

After two days in a row of February snow flurries, who wouldn't want to dream of the glory days of summer and Saturdays at the OI Farmers Market?!!

Well, you're in luck because vendor applications are now being accepted!

See you at the Village Green in May!

THIS WEEKEND AT THE SEAVIEW

Poor Things

Friday, February 23 & Saturday, February 24 at 7:30pm

Come see the incredible tale about the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter.

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.

ALL ISLAND DANCE THIS SATURDAY

OddFellows Hall

Saturday, February 24, 7-9pm

$10 suggested donation

The best part about the island's off season? Contra dancing with your friends!

A live caller and band will guide you through fun, and sometimes beautifully complex footwork in this all-ages community dance.

First time? Don't worry! Everyone will be dressed up and giggling the entire time!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST THIS SUNDAY

American Legion

Sunday, February 25

8am til noon

Join your friends and neighbors for the World Famous monthly pancake breakfast at the Legion. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage plus coffee! Adult plates are $10 each.

See you there!

BI-MONTHLY WRITING GROUP MEETS THIS WEEK AT THE LIBRARY

Orcas Library

Monday, February 26 at 11am

Have you dropped in to the writing group yet this year at the library? Come to find inspiration or motivation in this bi-monthly meeting of the writers!

2024 SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL

TELEMANN PARIS QUARTETS

Orcas Adventist Fellowship Church

Wednesday, February 28 at 5pm

Donations accepted

Next Wednesday, Telemann’s brilliant “Paris Quartets” are to be celebrated in this third program of the 2024 Salish Sea Early Music Festival featuring David Greenberg, Elisabeth Wright, Susie Napper and Jeffrey Cohan. Telemann, one of the most prolific and influential composers of all time, composed his vibrant “Paris Quartets” in Hamburg and then Paris in response to a request in 1730 from the most famous Parisian flute, violin and cello virtuosi and resulted in his most significant journey away from home during his lifetime.

EMMANUEL'S FEBRUARY DINNER KITCHEN

Emmanuel Episcopal

Thursday, February 29, 5-6:30pm

Join neighbors and friends for this month's dinner kitchen and enjoy Spanish and Catalan dishes!

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

MAG CONCERT BENEFITTING SCHOOL MUSIC

EVERYONE WELCOME!

High School Gym

Sunday, March 3 at 3pm

Join the Music Advocacy Group for a benefit concert supporting music education in our public school. The concert features performances by beloved local musicians with a reception and light refreshments follow the concert. Everyone is welcome! All proceeds benefit Orcas Island Music Advocacy Group. More information at oimag.org

INSPIRATION, EDUCATION, & CAMARADERIE

THE AG SUMMIT IS BACK

Camp Orkila + additional locations

March 8 and 9

Pre-register by March 1 at extension.wsu.edu

Join the San Juan County WSU Extension in exploring the intricate relationship between carbon and agriculture, and discover how a deeper understanding of the carbon cycle can inform our efforts to work collaboratively with nature, fostering resilient and sustainable food systems for generations to come.

Author and agroecologist, Liz Carlisle, will give a keynote address titled “Climate Solutions in Agriculture: Building a Collective Movement through Diverse Strategies” on Saturday.

Facebook: @sjcwsuextension

Instagram: @wsuextension_sjc

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

Emmanuel Parish Hall

Thursday, March 14 at 7pm

FREE + yummy popcorn!

This month the movie is “Life of Pi.” A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor, a fearsome Bengal tiger. 

Come out and enjoy this award-winning visual masterpiece directed by Ang Lee and written by Yann Martel.

WEB DESIGN FOR YOU & YOUR BUSINESS

Local phenom (and new Chamber member!) Nik Schulz of The Intermodal Spirit now offers web design and maintenance for sites on Shopify, Squarespace, WordPress, and other platforms. He enjoys creating well-designed, professional sites that make it easy for client’s customers to interact with their business. He also does backend product organization and management to help the business logistics run smoothly.

Nik has been a design professional for 25 years and creates logos, business identities, infographics, print and social media communications. Check out Nik's portfolio of work here. For more information email: nik@theintermodalspirit.com

THIS WEEK AT MONKEY PUZZLE

Monkey Puzzle has introduced two new lines, one of which is truly ONE SIZE FITS ALL!

Find this latest marvel, plus jewelry, gifts, and more at the Eastsound Squar shop!

You can now visit the shop online!.

DINNER & FINE, TOE-TAPPING MUSIC COMES TO NORBU'S

Norbu's at Orcas Hotel

Saturday, March 2

Reservations required

Join JP and the OK Rhythm Boys for an evening of fine food and musical fun at Orcas Hotel! JP, Gordon, and Anita look forward to bringing their inimitable blend of fiddle, guitar, bass, 3 part vocal harmonies, and smattering of banjo, mandolin, ukulele, saw, and nice boots to Norbu’s Dining Room on Saturday, March 2. Chef Quinn 'Norbu' Thompson & Team will serve a Classic Italian Dinner starting at 5:30pm and the band will perform 6:30-8:30pm.

Seating is very limited for this intimate event! Tickets and more information available online or call 360.320.6415.

GERTIE'S & THE BARNACLE HOST SINGER-SONGWRITER

JOHN VOELZ

The Barnacle

Friday, February 23 at 6pm

Gertie's

Saturday, February 24 at 11am

Come out and have some fun with visiting singer-songwriter John Voelz. This well-rounded performer will play mix of Americana, Country, Folk, Rock, and Pop songs to coax you out of hibernation. Two shows include an intimate acoustic performance at The Barnacle on Friday night, and an all-ages performance at Gertie’s on Saturday. No Cover. Learn more about the artist here! 

CALL FOR WRITERS - ISLAND VOICES SERIES

Orcas Library

Friday, March 1, 6pm

Islanders are invited to share their written work or just enjoy the vibes next Friday at the Island Voices winter session hosted by the public library. Why not share your own special piece in this supportive and gentle atmosphere?

Submissions are still being accepted by email: sgailey@orcaslibrary.org

THE SHAPES WE MAKE

A COLLECTION BY NATALIE MENACHO

This month's featured artist at The Orcas island Artworks is Natalie Menacho, a multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for exploring the interplay between structure, fluidity, and spirit. These qualities are represented in her pieces by detailed archival pen work, aquamarine alcohol inks, and lustrous golden leaf, all of which she merges into jewel-like amalgams.

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 (info@sjcfair.org) 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

PAINTING CLASSES WITH GAIL

Laughing Cat Designs Studio

March 8 and 22

5-7:30pm

Design and paint your own amazing abstract piece on canvas!

All supplies provided, just bring paint clothes and your fun-loving self. Cost is $50/class, limited to 6 participants each night.

You can register by calling 360.317.6336 or come by the studio inside the Post Office building on A St.

BLOODWORKS NORTHWEST ORCAS ISLAND DONOR DAY

Orcas Center

Wednesday, March 6 at 9am-3pm

After a Northwest rain, a rainbow appears. For our community, the pot at the end of the rainbow becomes fuller with each blood donation. Your support encourages our local community to step up and donate blood every 56 days. Sign up online at bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888

LEARN CABINET MAKING BASICS WITH THE EDC

In this course, students will learn the tried-and-true techniques of basic cabinet making as well as shop safety and etiquette. Cabinet anatomy, proper building materials, fasteners, door hanging, and all things cabinets will be covered in this course.

Students will fabricate a small cabinet that they can take home. These skills are foundational for those seeking to enter the industry or add to their existing business.   

Classes will be held on Thursday evenings March 7-28, from 5-9pm at the Fellow Shop on San Juan Island. A $50 registration fee is required.  

To register, visit https://sanjuansedc.org/trades/  

To learn more, contact the EDC at marti@sanjuansedc.org. 

Enrollment is open until February 27.

Aprenda los conceptos básicos de la fabricación de gabinetes con el EDC

Discover Your Artistic Talent: Watercolors Class for Beginners Back in March!

Explore your artistic potential with Robbie Walker’s watercolors class designed for beginners at Orcas Senior Center! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of watercolor painting every Monday from 9:30 to 11 am.

The classes require a nominal fee of $10 per session, and participants are encouraged to bring their basic supplies. To secure your spot and obtain more information on required supplies and class specifics, contact Robbie directly at 360-376-7714 or robbielouwalker@orcasonline.com.

Don't miss out on the chance to delve into the world of watercolors and explore the artist within you!

Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spirit: Yoga with Sam!

Join Samantha Fisher in a holistic movement practice suitable for all experience levels, prioritizing an attuned connection to your body's inner wisdom.

Classes take place on Fridays at 11:30 am, with a donation-based fee (suggested $10, $8 for OSC members). Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and, if available, blocks and blankets. For inquiries or supply needs, contact Samantha at 360-600-7372 or samantharichellefisher@gmail.com. All are welcome!

Dementia Friendly Orcas: Orcas Senior Center Joins National Initiative for Enhanced Support and Community Engagement

The center is actively participating in a project facilitated by Dementia Friendly America, known as Dementia Friendly Communities (orcasseniors.org/dementia-friendly).

Dementia Friendly Orcas, a workgroup of cross-community volunteers, hopes to engage all sectors of our community in understanding the scope and impact of memory loss and dementia on Orcas Island. The group will assess our community’s current ability to support people with cognitive difficulties and memory loss. As we identify needs for improvement, we will plan for providing the education, community support, and resources that people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers need to live fully and safely.

Take our survey, orcaslibrary.org/dementia-friendly-orcas.

Resolve Common Medicare Concerns with SHIBA Assistance from January through March!

January through March is your opportunity to correct many common Medicare problems. Your local Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) volunteers can help you with the following problems:

• You didn’t receive your new Drug or Medicare Advantage Plan card.
• Your doctor isn’t in your Medicare Advantage Plan’s network.
• Your pharmacy doesn’t accept your Medicare drug plan.
• You don’t like your Medicare Advantage Plan.
• You haven’t enrolled in Medicare yet.

SHIBA, sponsored by Orcas Senior Center, is a free, unbiased, and confidential informational service offered through the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Call the Orcas Island SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule a counseling session.

Discover your Artistic Side - Art with Carla!

Unleash your creativity at "Art with Carla" every Friday, 1-3 pm at Orcas Senior Center. Led by experienced artist Carla Stanley, this lighthearted class focuses on the creative process with a strong belief in your artistic potential, regardless of skill level.

The class is $10 (or $8 for OSC members). Contact Carla at 360-317-5652 or onlyonorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot. Uncover your artistic potential and join us for creative Fridays at Orcas Senior Center!

Island Hearing Healthcare's Stacie Nordrum, Au.D., CCC-A, Offers Monthly Hearing Services

To secure your slot, it is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance, as availability fills up rapidly. The range of services offered encompasses hearing assessments, personalized consultations, hearing aid programming, and various other hearing aid services. Additionally, complimentary clean and checks for hearing aids, along with general consultations, are available. For appointment scheduling and any inquiries, reach out to Stacie directly at 360-378-2330 or islandhearing@gmail.com. Discover more about Island Hearing Healthcare by visiting www.islandhearing.net.

The Barnacle

Position: Craft Bartender and Food Handler 

Description: The Craft Bartender & Food Handler invents and delivers high-quality cocktails, elixirs, and food boards to our patrons.

The small scale of this business requires the Craft Bartender & Food Handler to simultaneously provide both front-of-house and back-of-house services as well as responsibility for individually executing the daily opening and closing procedures.

This position is full time.

Pay & Benefits: $18/hr plus tip share and benefits

Contact: thebarnacle.com/opportunities

Orcas Island Market

Position: Cashier

Description: You will be responsible for processing transactions accurately and efficiently while providing exceptional customer service. Full-time and part-time positions available. Must be available to work evening and/or weekend shifts.

Pay & Benefits: Starting at $18/hour

Contact: Please apply at Employment Application | Orcas Island Market

Position: Front-End Team Lead position.

Description: You will assist the Front-End Manager oversee the front-end department, provide leadership to the cashier and courtesy teams, and ensure the smooth operation of the checkout process. The ideal candidate will have a strong customer service background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead by example. Qualified applicants will have at least 1-year of experience in a similar environment. 1-Full-Time position available. Must be available to work evening and/or weekend shifts. 

Pay & Benefits: Starting at $20/hour

Contact: Please apply at Employment Application | Orcas Island Market

Position: Deli Clerk/Hot Bar Cook:

Description: You will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of deli items, including sandwiches, salads, soups, and hot entrees. The ideal candidate will have a strong culinary background, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer service. Full-time position(s) available, must be able to work evening and/or weekend shifts. 

Pay & Benefits: Starting at $20-$25/hour (DOE)

Contact: Please apply at Employment Application | Orcas Island Market

Position: Bakery Clerk/Barista

Description: You will be responsible for crafting delicious coffee beverages and providing exceptional customer service, while also assisting with bakery operations. The ideal candidate will have a passion for coffee and baked goods, excellent communication skills, and a strong work ethic. 1-Full-time position available and must be available to work weekend shifts. 

Pay & Benefits: Starting at $18/hour

Contact: Please apply at Employment Application | Orcas Island Market

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

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, 623D@kellyservices.com

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

jack@jackgroban.com. All inquiries are confidential. 

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, vvandermay@orcas.k12.wa.us; 360.376.1509