Issue 52

February 29-March 6, 2024

IN THIS EDITION

• HAPPY LEAP DAY!
• MUSIC ADVOCACY GROUP BENEFIT CONCERT THIS WEEK
• ORCAS GIVES SPRING CAMPAIGN OPEN
• ORCAS ISLAND FARMER'S MARKET VENDOR APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
• ORCAS ARTIST STUDIO TOUR CALL FOR ARTISTS
• SPRING FERRY RESERVATIONS OPEN THROUGH JUNE 15

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!

ANNUAL ORCAS ARTIST STUDIO TOUR - REGISTRATION OPEN!

Registration is open for the 2024 Orcas Artist Studio Tour to be held August 9, 10, &11!

Now in its 13th year, the Orcas Artist Studio Tour exists to share the creative processes and studio spaces of working artists with visitors and locals, and to provide an opportunity to purchase original art directly from the artists.

In 2023, the tour featured over 40 local artists, showing their work in studios from Deer Harbor to Doe Bay.

Applications are open to all Orcas Island artists. The Studio tour has an emerging artist program as well as facilitation for studio sharing to help ensure all artists can participate. 

There will be a potluck for prospective applicants on April 11 from 5-7pm in the Madrona Room at Orcas Center.

To apply or learn more please visit orcasartiststudiotour.com Application forms are due by May 1.

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!

The show we have all been waiting for...

SHE KILLS MONSTERS

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!

Written by Qui Nguyen & directed by Jamey Moriarty

Tickets on sale now

ISLAND VOICES SERIES

Orcas Library

Friday, March 1 at 6-7:30pm

Share. Your. Words! Please join us at the Orcas Island Public Library this Friday night as ten island writers share their work. It will be an evening of poetry, short stories, and novel & memoir excerpts. It will be a safe environment for expression and creativity.

Popcorn & bubbly water will be served.

THIS WEEKEND AT THE SEAVIEW

Argylle

PG-13

Friday, March 1 & Saturday, March 2 at 7:30pm

I spy with my little eye a fun weekend action flick!

A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes the plot of the new book she's writing starts to mirror real-world events, in real time.

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.

As always, advanced tickets available online!

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

AT THE FUNHOUSE

Exciting new programs, important community support training, and all sorts of fun events for your teen is all coming to The Funhouse. Check out all the latest here!

SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Funhouse Commons

Wednesday March 6, 5:30-7pm

Wednesday March 27, 5-6:30pm

It should come as no surprise that the world is experiencing a mental health crisis that spans all ages. The signs of crisis are all around us. The Question, Persuade, Refer mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. Based on the belief that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know, this training will teach you simple steps you can take to help prevent suicide and save lives.

Children of the Setting Sun Productions of Lummi Nation &

Spirit Farm of Navajo Nation

FILM SCREENING + COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Sea View Theatre

Thursday, March 7 at 6:30pm

$10+ suggested, no one will be turned away for lack of funds

OCPA and SOURCE paper are excited to announce an evening of film and conversation with Lummi Nation based production company, Children of the Setting Sun Productions, and Spirit Farm from Navajo Nation.

The screening will feature short films that share perspectives and practices that nourish communities and honor Indigenous ways of knowing: “Our Sacred Obligation” by CSSP and “Spirit Farm” by Thriving Communities. Following the films there will be a Q&A dialogue with CSSP and Spirit Farm crew members.

An “Offering Table” will be available at the screening for the community to contribute food and gifts, which will be distributed to the honored speakers from the film screening and the Traditional Foodways workshop being held at the SJI Ag Summit. This is a beautiful chance to show gratitude through gifting.

Come early to support our local farmers and food truck! All are welcome!

Thanks to the generosity of community sponsors, all ticket proceeds and donations will go directly to the speakers.

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.

JUNIOR DANCE COLLECTIVE & MINI CO PRESENT

CHUTES & LADDERS

Orcas Center

March 15, 16 at 7pm

March 17 at 2pm

The Orcas Dance Collective is proud to showcase the Junior Dance Collective and Mini Co dancers in a new work called, “Chutes and Ladders.”

Come and witness a journey through dance that explores the theme of teens entering a new phase of self identity, loss of innocence, growth and change in perspective. Another all ages dance show perfect for an all ages audience.



Directed by Tiffany Loney

Photographs by Bianca Cox

MORAN STATE PARK - SUMMIT VISITOR CENTER REOPENS

The Visitor Center and gift shop atop our beautiful mountain reopens tomorrow, Friday, March 1!

Visit any time Friday through Sunday, 11-4pm.

Sunny days are quickly approaching, it's time to get out there and enjoy the parks!

SATURDAY MORNINGS AT DOE BAY - YOGA WITH SAM!

DB Yoga Studio

Saturdays, 9:15-10:30am

drop-in, $15

Nourish your body, mind, and spirit with this delicious, hatha style practice. We'll enjoy a

luxurious pace, gently awakening our energy for the day and listening for our body's own inner wisdom and guidance as we flow through various shapes, imagery, and invitations.

It is recommended to bring your own mat as there are a limited number available to borrow. The studio is well stocked with any additional props you may need.

Please know that class will occasionally be cancelled due to private events held at the resort, you may reach out to check if class is on or if you have other questions.

Samantha Fisher: (360) 600-7372 samantharichellefisher@gmail.com

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.

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

APPT REQUIRED: bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888

In many disasters and critical need scenarios – like mass shootings, natural disasters, or large-scale accidents, a significant amount of blood is required immediately. That’s why Bloodworks Northwest is collecting additional units of blood as part of our on-call status with the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps this month. The blood you donate means we’ll have an emergency shipment ready to rush to a disaster if called upon, without delays or uncertainty. Together, we can make a difference in the aftermath of a disaster and support our first responders in aiding our community!

SJC COMMUNICATION - YOUR FEEDBACK NEEDED

San Juan County is launching a  Communications Survey to understand how residents engage with the news around them.

Where do you get your news? How would you like to provide input on County projects and initiatives? How can the County’s communications better reach you?

Your responses will help the County tailor its communications methods to fit your needs.

YOUTH WOODWORKING CLASS OFFERED BY THE EDC

The EDC invites San Juan County youth to learn basic woodworking skills in a class offered in partnership with The Fellow Shop, led by Jean Shearer and Nicholas Coldren. Jean and Nic continue to share their extensive professional experience with the community and youth.

This 2-day course takes place on Saturday, March 23 and 30 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Fellow Shop on San Juan Island. 

La EDC invita a los jóvenes del Condado de San Juan a aprender habilidades básicas de carpintería en una clase ofrecida en asociación con The Fellow Shop, dirigida por Jean Shearer y Nicholas Coldren. Jean y Nic continúan compartiendo su amplia experiencia profesional con la comunidad y los jóvenes.

Este curso de 2 días se llevará a cabo los sábados 23 y 30 de marzo de 1:00 a 4:00 p.m. en Fellow Shop en la Isla de San Juan.

Trades Education - Economic Development Council of San Juan County

National Consumer Protection Week



Orcas Senior Center and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)—March 3-9, 2024—and any time of the year so you can learn to spot, report, and avoid scams and stay safe.

Join the FTC’s Northwest Region’s Assistant Director, Jennifer Tourjé, on Wednesday, March 6 at 1:00 pm for an in-person discussion about how to avoid scams and recover from identity theft. Jennifer is an Orcas resident and is a former state and federal prosecutor.

Contact Jennifer at jtourje@ftc.gov for more information. Visit consumer.ftc.gov for free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts.

Join the Needlework Circle

Join Orcas Senior Center’s Needlework Circle on Tuesdays at 2 pm. Grab your ongoing project and be part of a wonderful gathering filled with camaraderie, engaging conversations, and the exchange of tips and technical assistance. Best of all, participation is free!

For details, reach out to Edy at edy@orcasseniors.org or 206-413-6167. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and create with fellow enthusiasts!

Eva-Maria Petri - Holistic Strength and Conditioning Class

Eva-Maria Petri, a seasoned certified trainer with 15+ years' expertise, leads an accessible strength and conditioning class on Thursdays at 11 am. Targeting back and abdominal muscles, this workout incorporates stabilizing and mobilizing exercises to fortify and support your spine, enhancing overall posture. The session concludes with essential stretches to alleviate muscle tension. Addressing common imbalances caused by daily activities, regular participation in these exercises can alleviate discomfort and positively influence individual movement patterns.

Eva-Maria's expertise centers on seniors and core training, offering a holistic approach to improve posture and overall wellbeing through her guided sessions. For more information contact Eva-Maria at info@shanipriya.com or 406-609-6706.

Transform Your Evenings with Tara Plank's LYT Yoga Movement Classes!

Join Tara Plank's invigorating movement sessions inspired by LYT yoga, a core-centered vinyasa technique crafted by a licensed physical therapist. These classes adhere to a specialized blueprint grounded in neurodevelopmental principles, aiming to rectify postural imbalances while enhancing versatility in movement. Simply bring your mat (and yoga blocks if available). Visit alignmovementtherapy.com or reach out via email at tara@alignmovementtherapy.com.

Classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Orcas Senior Center. This provides a wonderful chance to harmonize your mind and body, fostering enhanced wellbeing.

Harmonize Your Mind and Body with Joan Roulac’s Ease Please Virtual Qigong Series

Join Joan Roulac in her transformative four-week virtual Qigong series, designed to quiet the mind and fortify the body. Through these 15-minute sessions, experience gentle muscle relaxation, immune system strengthening, balance enhancement, and a boost in energy levels. The virtual series convenes on the first four Wednesdays of each month at 9 am, and the series fee is $40.

Joan, a Certified Teacher since 1987, ventured into T’ai Chi instruction and now extends her expertise globally through Zoom classes. For further details, reach out to Joan via email at Joan@MountaintopMusings.com or give her a call at 360-298-2789.

Doe Bay Resort & Retreat

Position: Front Desk Associate

Description: Training begins May 17. Requires a minimum commitment of 4 months. Schedule is 8:30am to 5:30pm, 4 days per week. More information here.

Pay & Benefits: Starting wage $19/hr (onsite) / $20.50/hr (offsite), optional medical and dental. Short-term onsite housing available; onsite staff encouraged to seek housing

offsite for the long-term.

Contact: Find our employment application at online.

Submit resume and supporting documents to jobs@doebay.com

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