Issue 73

July 25-31, 2024

IN THIS EDITION







Updated for July with current hours and special events.



GET THE GUIDE

Updated for July 25 thru July 31 with events around the island.



GET THE ITINERARY



GRAND OPENING FOR NEW CHAMBER MEMBER TEKLA FARMS!!

U-PICK BLUEBERRIES, FLOWERS & MORE

Tekla Farms

5320 Orcas Rd.

Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 1pm


This weekend marks the grand opening of beautiful Tekla Farms now offering a stunning array of cut flowers, medicinal herbs, u-pick blueberries!


Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and join their email list to get the latest info from the field! More information and updates also available online at teklafarms.com/


Stop by and say hello!

SUMMER SONGLAB OFFERED BY THE FUNHOUSE

The Funhouse

Class runs July 22-August 21


SongLab is a five-week music education program where students will learn the art of songwriting and recording. Acquire the secrets of songwriting from a published musician with 20+ years of experience, and get access to instruments and a modern recording studio! There will be two classes per week geared towards students 12 to 18 years old. Led by local music educator and performer Pedro Lopez De Victoria, SongLab will take students through the process of song-craft, from abstract idea to finished and publishable recording!



Cost: $450 per student (No one turned away for lack of funds.) Pre-register (ages 12-18) online at: funhousecommons.org/summer-songlab/

ART OPENING: ORCAS ARTIST STUDIO TOUR

Orcas Center Madrona Room

Friday, July 26 at 5:30pm



The Visual Arts Committee (VAC) of Orcas Center, and the The Orcas Artists’ Studio Tour are excited to present the Studio Tour Art Opening on Friday, July 26 from 5:30-7pm in the Madrona Room. Preview the works of artists participating in this year’s studio tour, being held August 9-11. This free event features artists working in painting, printmaking, stone cutting, woodwork, blacksmithing, encaustics, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more. Light refreshments will be served, with music by Madison West!


For more information, visit orcascenter.org

THE FUNHOUSE SILENT AUCTION HAS BEGUN!

The Funhouse Commons is celebrating it's 24th year with an annual Gala at Family Tides Farm! Everyone is invited to participate. Register for the gala or place a bid in the online auction! All proceeds benefit this critical island institution.


The auction will close at the Funhouse Gala on July 28 at 6:45pm. *Winners will be notified immediately via text and/or email*


Over the past year, the Funhouse has expanded staffing to reach a wider range of young people. Offering more diverse opportunities for out-of-school programming, enrichment opportunities and events, the Funhouse strives to be a place of belonging and discovery.

As the island's only out-of-school center, The Funhouse Commons serves the urgent needs of young people and strengthens community bonds by providing a safe and stimulating environment where all can learn, discover, create, socialize, and be heard.


Thank you for supporting their mission. It takes a Village, and a Funhouse!

THE CHAMBER'S NEWEST MEMBER LEWIS CHIROPRACTIC

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Lewis Chiropractic

123 North Beach Road

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10-5pm


Please join us in welcoming the newest Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce member business! Mike Lewis, DC, CCSP is a chiropractor with over 25 years of experience working both in Seattle and Mexico. He maintains a hands-on manipulation-based practice and is certified as a chiropractic sports physician taking care of musculoskeletal conditions in people of all ages. Mike's office is located in center of Eastsound at the back northwest corner of the Our House Building. You can schedule an appointment for Monday, Wednesday, or Fridays from his website mlewischiro.com or by calling him directly at 405.819.7750

FREE LIVE MUSIC AT ORCAS ISLAND WINERY

WITH PNW FAVORITE NATHANIEL TALBOT

AND STREET TACO POP-UP BY THE WEST SIDE KITCHEN

Orcas Island Winery

Friday, July 26, Doors at 5pm 


It's a busy life for songwriter and farmer Nathaniel Talbot, who runs a vegetable farm and seed company on Whidbey Island, in Washington State's Puget Sound. When not cultivating row crops on his solar powered tractor, he's inside cultivating songs that are rooted in the earth and American traditionalism. 


The West Side Kitchen, winner of the coveted Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce 2023 Newcomer of the Year Award, has been serving fabulous Asian fusion food to the Orcas Island community and visitors alike to rave reviews. As a fun and special event they will be serving up authentic street tacos throughout the evening for everyone to enjoy!


Head out to Orcas Island Winery and join the fun! Families welcome. Carpooling encouraged. Arriving early is encouraged. This is a first come, first served event.

NOT JUST ANOTHER FRIDAY, BUT A FRIDAY NIGHT WRITES!

Orcas Public Library

Friday, July 26 from 6 to 9pm


Working on a novel, short story, poem, or song? Join the crowd. Literally. Join forces with other writers in a creative and supportive space. Hope to see you at the OI Library this Friday. Write on, write on, write on!

THIS WEEKEND AT THE SEA VIEW THEATRE

Inside Out 2


Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 27 at 6pm


Get in your feels! All of them.


This highly anticipated sequel features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.


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


As always, advanced tickets available online!

THE ORCAS ISLAND SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET

The Village Green

Every Saturday through September!

Market 10-2pm, live music 11-1pm


Come explore this vibrant island tradition, featuring a variety of vendors so you can stock up on farm grown produce and plant starts, enjoy delicious food, find inspiration in local art, groove to live music, and educate yourself about supportive island programs and services! The Market accepts EBT, Snap Market Match, WIC, and FNMP.


For more details and to apply visit: www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org

Questions? Reach out to Kristen at: orcasislandfarmersmarket@gmail.com

FIND TREATS AND TREASURES AT

THE EMMANUEL CHURCH ANNUAL MARKET DAY

Emmanuel Episcopal Parish

242 Main Street overlooking Fishing Bay

Saturday, July 27 from 10am to 2pm


Jewelry galore! Great pies! Treasures you never knew you needed and tools you absolutely must have. Come for the fun, take home great finds at the Emmanuel Church Annual Market Day.

 

Emmanuel has held Market Day annually since 1940, excepting only 2020. Proceeds benefit Orcas community programs.

MICROPLASTICS BEACH CLEAN-UP

Eastsound Waterfront Park

Saturday, July 27 from 11am to 1pm


Join ORS/The Exchange for a plastic-free July educational event to bring awareness to the growing problem we are facing with microplastics in the islands and get educated on ways participants can stop using plastic in their everyday lives. Participants will also clean a portion of the beach.


For more info visit https://exchangeorcas.org/community-beach-clean-up-a-success/

or contact madison@exchangeorcas.org

VINTAGE POP-UP AT MATERIAL WIT ALL WEEKEND!

Material Wit

269 Main Street

Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm



Fauna Vintage is popping up this weekend on the porch at Material Wit! Always a highlight, you don't want to miss this special collab. See you there!

RUN FOR THE ROSES AT ISLAND HOPPIN' BREWERY

Island Hoppin' Brewery

Saturday, July 27 at 5pm


Join us on Saturday for some of the best of the Grateful Dead with our very own Run for the Roses! Music starts at 5. Bring your friends and get ready to groove! 

DUMPSTER JOE & THE BOYS

FREE LIVE MUSIC AT ORCAS ISLAND WINERY THIS SUNDAY

Orcas Island Winery

2371 Crow Valley Rd

Sunday, July 28 at 2:30pm


Come out to the winery to enjoy a lovely summer Sunday afternoon of music in the wine garden. The winery is thrilled to host Dumpster Joe and the Boys for a fun, unplugged gig on the grounds. Dumpster Joe and the Boys play 1920s and 30s jazz, ragtime, and country blues on res-o-phonic guitar and cello. We can promise a toe tapping good time! In addition to Dumpster Joe the winery will soft release glass pours of 2023 Coast on Sunday. YUM.


Kids and dogs are welcome with supervision and respect for the grounds and overall environment.

FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURING

ALICE DI MICELE

Village Green

Sunday, July 28 at 5pm


The first thing you ‘ll notice about Alice Di Micele is her voice. With a five-octave range that is intense, sensual, rich and soulful, Di Micele has been known to turn a noisy bar silent within a few notes. Alice is a vocalist that moves people. A kick-ass guitarist as well, whether playing solo or with a band “Force of Nature” her acoustic guitar conjures percussive poly-rhythms, bass lines, and melodies that perfectly frame her vocals.


Presented by Orcas Center, OrcaSong Farm, Country Corner, and GiveOrcas/OICF as part of the FREE Summer Concert Series. Learn more at: orcascenter.org

ORCAS MICROCINEMA WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

SPONSORED BY ORCAS MICROCINEMA, ECHO PARK FILM COLLECTIVE, & THE FUNHOUSE

Orcas Analog Adventures:

A Super 8 Cinematography + Eco-Processing Workshop



The Funhouse

August 2, 11am-1pm Super 8 Cinematography Workshop

August 2, 2-4pm Eco-processing Workshop


Join Orcas Microcinema and Echo Park Film Collective for this super fun day of Super 8 cinematic wonder. No prior filmmaking experience necessary, simply come with an open heart, a curious mind, and a LOVE of MOVIES!!


In the morning, you'll learn all about analog cinematography and then make a collective movie using vintage Super 8 cameras and black + white film. The afternoon session will be devoted to processing the film with a homemade, eco-friendly developer created with beautiful plants, fruit, and flowers from around Orcas Island! Then wrap up the workshop by learning how to use old school film splicers and projectors for a special sneak preview of your magical moving pictures. Participants are welcome to attend either or both sessions. The finished film will have its world premiere on Saturday evening at a free public screening curated by Orcas Microcinema.

The Funhouse

Friday, August 2 & Saturday, August 3 at 9pm

Free to the public


Friday starts with a screening of workshop participant films followed by a presentation by Orcas Microcinema of HUMMINGBIRDS, a youth-directed, written and produced film about teens living on the Texas/Mexico border.


Saturday begins with an additional screening of workshop participant films before Orcas Microcinema presents CLEANERS, a semi autobiographical collection of stories about a rebellious group of high schoolers in the Philippines in the mid 2000s.

LEGO DAY AT THE LIBRARY!

Orcas Public Library

Saturday, August 3 from 10am to 2pm


Come one, come all - youth of all ages are invited to create a masterpiece never before attempted at our island library. Join all your friends in this incredible attempt to build an ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE Lego treehouse!

GORDY'S GARAGE CAR SHOW - SIGN UP TODAY

Gordy's Garage

Saturday, August 3 from noon to 5pm


Join classic and cool car enthusiasts from all over the island at the First Annual Gordy's Garage Car Show. There will be raffles and prizes plus food from Farm to Ferry food truck!


To show your car, contact Gordon at the shop. Don't miss out!

CELEBRATE HOPE WITH THE SAFE SAN JUANS GALA

Emmanuel Episcopal Parish

August 3, 6-10pm


SAFE San Juans is hosting a special Gala to celebrate hope and honor survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This summer evening will be a joyful one. Tickets include dinner catered by Asher & Olive, wine pairings by Madrone Cellars & Cider, music and dance with DJ CARE and DJ Bruce Pavitt, live and silent auctions, and a wishing well. All proceeds will go toward providing critically needed help for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in San Juan County. Help make this event a success by sponsoring, donating auction items, or purchasing tickets and attending.


Learn more by visiting www.safesj.org, calling 360.378.8680, or visiting: https://fundraiser.support/safesanjuansgala

FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURING

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND

Village Green

Sunday, August 4 at 5pm


Join local songwriters, Melody Funk, Carolyn Cruso, Madison West, and Lisa Legros for this intimate musical experience. The "In the Round" format allows for artists to share their songs as well as the stories and inspiration behind writing them. Each artist is inspired by the piece that went before and can adjust their set list accordingly. Themes arise, running jokes emerge, harmonies are offered. It promises to be an evening of magic, lyrics and melody.


Presented by Orcas Center, OrcaSong Farm, Country Corner, and GiveOrcas/OICF as part of the FREE Summer Concert Series. Learn more at: orcascenter.org

THE 2024 ARTIST STUDIO TOUR IS BACK!

Across the Island!

Friday thru Sunday, August 9-11 from 11am-5pm


Explore the hidden treasures of Orcas Island and get inspired! Details about this year's featured artists are online at orcasartiststudiotour.com


New this year! Visit a studio in each of the five neighborhoods and be entered to win a prize basket from local artists. For more info visit orcasartiststudiotour.com/passport

FRIENDS OF THE ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE & LIBRARY FAIR

Orcas Island Public Library

Saturday, August 10 from 9:45am to 6pm


A tradition for 68 years…support the Orcas Island Public Library by buying a book or 200 for $1. The Friends of Orcas Island Library work hard all year to process donations and prepare for this huge sale that funds programs for kids and adults, the library's collection, facility needs, and more!

SAFE PASSAGE: A VOYAGE WITHIN

NEW RETREAT OFFERED BY PEBBLE COVE FARM

Pebble Cove Retreat

Saturday, August 10


Hosted by artist and vegan chef Renee Press and Crystal Connelly, yoga teacher and somatic practitioner extraordinaire, this is your invitation to Safe Passage, a daylong retreat at Pebble Cove Farm. You will be guided through a day of gentle movement by the water and creative expression through mask making in an apple orchard, and be nourished throughout, with unique and delicious vegan meals made with farm fresh ingredients. The focus of the day will be on guiding our selves through the waters of this world with a sense of safety, comfort, playfulness and curiosity.


Reserve your spot online at: fireandearthkitchen.com/retreats

ENJOY KUNDALINI YOGA AT PEBBLE COVE FARM THIS AUGUST

Pebble Cove Farm

Begins Saturday, August 10 at 9am


If you haven’t experienced Kundalini Yoga, you are in for a treat! Head on out to Deer Harbor for this special eight-part series to learn the practice.

FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES FEATURING

CALEB KLAUDER & REEB WILLMS

AND THE CALI CUTUPS

Village Green

Sunday, August 11 at 5pm


Dust off your boots and gather around for some true and original modern honky tonk music. An all-star cast of master musicians backs these two soul singers of country music, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms. These two are known to roots music fans across the globe for their soulful harmonies, driving dance tunes, classic original songs, and commitment to the raw truth of rural American music.


Presented by Orcas Center, OrcaSong Farm, Country Corner, and GiveOrcas/OICF as part of the FREE Summer Concert Series. Learn more at: orcascenter.org

SELAH SERVICE AT OICC

Orcas Island Community Church

Sunday, August 4 at 6pm


Jeff Johnson will lead a special Selah Service and will be joined by Emi and Lisa Carter, accomplished musicians who grew up on Orcas Island. OICC has been blessed to have Jeff on numerous occasions. Sunday, August 4, he will again be coming to Orcas for the Selah Service at 6 pm. 

 

Jeff Johnson’s music spans forty years of over fifty solo and collaborative releases. He regularly leads a contemplative worship service featuring readings from the Psalms, music and silent prayer called the Selah Service at churches and retreats . 

 

Join us for this very special evening at the Orcas Island Community Church. For more info visit orcaschurch.org

NEW SUMMER JEWELRY AT MONKEY PUZZLE

New leather purses from New York, “kimono” necklaces from Amsterdam, cards by local artist Augie Moore and custom cross body purses by Sallie Bell.


Monkey Puzzle holds a wellspring of customized jewelry and wearable art, all in Eastsound Square. Open daily, so stop by!

NEW ART EXHIBIT AT WAFD BANK

ART & WORD

FEATURING DEBRA LEE BABCOCK

WaFd Bank

Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm


The current visual work of Orcas artist/writer Debra Lee Babcock is on display in the lobby of WaFd Bank for July and August 2024. Stop in and enjoy the exhibit, whether you have an account or not!


www.debraleebabcock.com

THE ORCAS ISLAND ARTWORKS FEATURED ARTIST

MAGGIA KAPLAN

Orcas Island Artworks

11 Point Lawrence Rd.


Featured Artist for July is quilter Maggie Kaplan. Maggie has been a member of the Artworks for 35 years! Visit her newest quilt at the gallery from 10am to 5pm.

NEWS FROM THE FUNHOUSE

Art/Skills Mentor Program


The summer session of our four month July-November art/skills mentor program has begun! Artists and skilled adults are matched with middle or high school students to work on a project that will be displayed at our final showcase in November. We are no longer enrolling new mentees or mentors in this current session, but if you're interested in learning more, please email maddie@thefunhouse.org



Teen Event Internship



The Funhouse has hired eight middle and high school interns to plan and coordinate events for teens throughout the summer. Our first event was supporting the Funhouse Funfest on June 21. The next event that the Interns are planning is NIGHTGAMES on August 14 at 9:30pm. We'll play laser tag, flashlight tag, and ghost in the graveyard. Look on the Funhouse social media for upcoming events! 

ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

OISD Cafeteria, 715 School Rd.

Wednesday, August 7 from 9am to 3pm

Appointments required: Click here or call 800.398.7888 to sign-up


Donating blood takes an hour (actual donation time is only about 10 minutes), and it's an incredible way to help those who have suffered trauma, cancer treatments, surgeries, bleeding disorders, and others in Western Washington and Oregon who rely on volunteer blood donors.

 

As an added bonus, donate in August and enter to win tickets to see Taylor Swift in Vancouver, BC! Winner will receive two tickets and overnight hotel stay. 


Appointments are required for the best possible donation experience; photo ID is also required. Same day appointments are available at most locations. For questions, including those about eligibility, call 800.398.7888 or go to www.bloodworksnw.org.

Volunteer Drivers Needed for Orcas Senior Center

 

Orcas Senior Center is looking for volunteer drivers to help with our transportation program. Volunteers will receive a small stipend for driving individuals off-island to their doctor appointments. Join our dedicated team of drivers today! For more information, please contact Edy Hansen at 206.413.6167 or via email at edy@orcasseniors.org.

Tai Ji Quan – Moving for Better Balance

 

Join Karol Wilson, DPT, for a three month fall prevention Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® class at Orcas Senior Center. Karol, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 30 years of experience, is excited to introduce this evidence-based program, developed by the Oregon Research Institute. Tai Ji Quan is scientifically proven to enhance physical and mental health, manage chronic conditions, improve neurological function, and reduce fall risk. The class is tailored for ambulatory individuals with minimal reliance on mobility aids.

 

Classes will begin in August and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. (no class August 6). The fee is donation-based, suggested at $15 per class ($12 for OSC members) or $100 for a 10-class pack. Financial constraints will not prevent participation.


Participants are advised to wear supportive shoes. For more information, visit www.tjqmbb.org or contact Karol at 206.755.0752 or karol.wilson@live.com.

Explore Evening Vinyasa Yoga at Orcas Senior Center with Karol Wilson

 

Discover the enriching benefits of Vinyasa yoga with Karol Wilson, DPT, a seasoned physical therapist with 30 years of experience. Held every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center, these sessions focus on restoring and enhancing strength, function, flexibility, and balance.

 

Karol, a recent addition to the Orcas community, emphasizes a welcoming environment where practitioners of all ages can participate. Modifications are available for those with acute or chronic injuries, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for everyone. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, loose clothing and bring their own yoga mat and blocks.

 

The class fee is $15 per session, with a discounted rate of $12 for Orcas Senior Center members. A 10-class pack is available for $100, offering savings for regular attendees. For inquiries, please reach out to Karol Wilson at karol.wilson@live.com

SUMMER FERRY SCHEDULE IN EFFECT

JUNE 16 - SEPTEMBER 21

SUMMER FERRY SCHEDULE

Vehicle reservations on the Anacortes/San Juan Island routes are currently available to reserve through September 21, 2024.


Reservations can be booked online or by calling 206.464.6400 and speaking with an Information Agent. Customers can also call that number should they have questions or need additional information.

Banner Bank


Position: Banker I (on-site, full-time, entry level)


DescriptionAs a Banker for Banner Bank you will provide an excellent experience for clients acting as the face of the Bank and process transactions accurately and efficiently. Assist clients in achieving their financial goals by actively referring Bank products/services and sell Bank products and services via in-person and telephone conversations. You’ll maintain a high level of personal reliability and punctuality and work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.


Required skills:


  • three or more months of job-related experience including cash handling, client service and sales required
  • Strong organizational skills; basic skills in math, negotiation, and problem solving
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills; proper phone and email etiquette
  • Good interpersonal and relationship building skills; excellent customer service skills
  • NOTE: higher levels of experience may be considered for a higher level role in the same job.



Pay & Benefits$18/hr - $23/hr  


  • Comprehensive employee benefits, including: medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD and life
  • Paid vacation time, sick time and 11 company paid holidays
  • 401k (with up to 4% match)
  • Tuition reimbursement


Contact: Katherine Santos Santana, Assistant Branch Manager at Katherine.santossantana@bannerbank.com or by calling the branch at 360.376.2265

Orcas Island School District


Position: Multiple Positions available!

  • ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
  • K-8 PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
  • K-12 OASIS TEACHER
  • FARM TO CLASSROOM TEACHER
  • MLL PARAEDUCATOR
  • SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATORS


DescriptionJoin the OISD team of exceptionally qualified staff who care deeply about their students and community. OISD offers competitive compensation and generous benefits. See postings online for full details.

 

Pay & Benefits: See job postings online for pay and benefits details. 


ContactApply here or visit www.orcasislandschools.org

Questions? Please contact: Mallory Balcomb, mbalcomb@orcas.k12.wa.us, 360.376.1599

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce | 360.376.2273
65 North Beach Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245 | orcasislandchamber.com
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