Issue 56

March 28-April 3, 2024

IN THIS EDITION






Updated for April with current hours and special events.



GET THE GUIDE

Updated for March 28 thru April 3 with events around the island.



GET THE ITINERARY



2024 CLIMATE SCHOLARSHIPS

FOR GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Find more information and application instructions online at sjpt.org/

Applications due in April.

35th ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL SPAGHETTI DINNER

Orcas Island School Cafeteria

Friday, April 5 at 5pm and 6:30pm (plus takeout!)


It's that time of year! The Orcas Island Middle School Spaghetti Dinner is back for its 35th year! Hosted by the students and staff of Orcas Island Middle School and generously sponsored by Island Market.


Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 11-and-under. Get your tickets from any middle school student or at the door.


First seating is from 5:00-6:00 and second seating is 6:30-7:30. The meal includes spaghetti (meat or vegetarian), salad, and ice cream.


Plus, enjoy live music from the middle school band and the high school strings.!

MONTHLY DINNER KITCHEN - ALL WELCOME!

Emmanuel Parish Hall

Thursday, March 28 from 5 to 6:30pm


Join your friends and neighbors at this month's Free Community Dinner Kitchen. This month's dinner features the hearty French classic dish cassoulet!

CELEBRATE WASHINGTON WINE MONTH WITH AN ORCAS ISLAND DOUBLE DOWN!

Doe Bay Wine Company

Friday, March 29, 4-6pm


Washington Wine Month may be almost over, but you've got one last chance to celebrate with Steve of Orcas Wine Co. pouring at Doe Bay Wine Company in Eastsound Square. Join your fellow wine lovers this Friday, March 29 from 4-6pm. Pop by anytime to taste for just $10!

A PLACE TO WRITE... IT'S FRIDAY NIGHT!

Orcas Library

Friday, March 29 at 6pm


A call to all islanders. Are you working on a novel, short story, poem, or song? Have you been wanting to write that idea that's been kicking around in your head, but have yet to pick up pen and paper? Do you want to work in a creative and supportive space with like-minded folks? 


Or, do you want a place to go on a Friday night to read a book, play a game, or socialize?


The Orcas Island Public Library will provide the space, all you need is to bring your creativity. Hope to see you at the Orcas Island Public Library on Friday, March 29. Write on!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SMOKEHOUSE

Matthew's Smokehouse

Friday, March 29, 6:30-8pm


Come on out to Matthew’s Smokehouse in Deer Harbor for some deeeeelicious eats, grooves, and high-energy harmonizing. Playing this week, it's Rebecca & the Band!

THIS WEEKEND AT THE SEAVIEW

CABRINI


Friday, March 29 & Saturday, March 30 at 7:30pm


A story like ‘nun’ other!


After witnessing disease and poverty in the slums of New York, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini embarks on a daring journey to persuade the hostile mayor to provide housing and healthcare for hundreds of orphaned children.


Concessions & Lounge opens 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 LION'S CLUB ANNUAL EGG HUNT

Cascade Lake Day-Use Area

Saturday, March 30 at 10am



The Orcas Island Lions Club is happy to announce that the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 30, starting at 10am sharp, at the Cascade Lake Shelter.


Free parking provided by the Lions Club. Separate egg hunting grounds for the wee ones, little ones, and big kids. Come meet the Easter Bunny!


All are welcome to enjoy this community tradition. Free face painting & candy galore!


You don't want to miss it!

POLAR PLUNGE IS BACK

Cascade Lake (south end dock)

Saturday, March 30 at 11am sharp


Orcas Island Rowing Association is excited to announce the FABULOUS Polar Bear Plunge at Cascade Lake!


All are welcome! No experience necessary! Grounds open 10am. Plunge at 11am sharp! Meet at OIRA’s boathouse beach at the south end of Cascade Lake.

Please use the south end parking lot with overflow parking at the Environmental Learning Center.


The Boathouse will be open 10-12:30pm


Enjoy hot drinks and rowing demonstrations. Orcas Island Rowing T-shirts will be for sale.

Donations are welcome to support Orcas Island Rowing!

"BABY SATURDAYS" AT LUM FARM

Coffelt Farm Preserve

Saturday, March 30 & April 6, 12-5pm


Lum Farm invites you to celebrate Spring with our newest crop of farm babies! This baby-viewing and petting zoo event is free (donations gratefully accepted). The farmstand is also open for fresh goat cheese, artisan meats and wool gifts – all produced on the farm.

Visit www.lumfarmorcas.com or email lumfarmorders@gmail.com for details. 

COMMUNITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST THIS WEEKEND

American Legion

Sunday, March 31

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!

PAMYUA

INUIT CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC & DANCE

Orcas Center

Sunday, March 31 at 7pm


Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Inuit culture as Pamyua takes the stage, using the universal language of music and dance to share indigenous knowledge and history. Their music, a fusion of traditional melodies with contemporary vocalization and instrumentation, has birthed a genre known as “Inuit Soul Music,” a soul-stirring journey you won’t want to miss.


Tickets at orcascenter.org

ELLIE WRIGHT & THE ORCAS DANCE COLLECTIVE PRESENT...

Orcas Center

April 4-6 at 7pm

April 7 at 2pm

Tiered ticket pricing, available online


In a blend of dialogue and dance, “Returning Focus” explores the complexities of grief and the tumultuous path of disconnection, reconnection, and ultimately, understanding. Embark on a journey self-discovery and womanhood in “Returning Focus,” - written and directed by Ellie Wright, featuring the Orcas Dance Collective.

EARTH DAY PARADE WORKSHOPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Funhouse

Saturday April 6 & 13, 1-4pm


The Procession of the Species parade on Earth Day is hosting two free workshops at the Funhouse.


What animal or plant do you want to be?


Combine an existing costume you love with some new flair -a 3-D head dress, hat, papier mache animal - or start fresh and create a new painted figure suspended from bamboo poles, decorated umbrella, or a companion plant or creature prop that you want to carry – or wear.


Basic materials kit is free to create an easy headdress or creature to carry on a pole.

Options for more complex materials and ready-made costumes and components by donation. Salmon, eagles, orca, heron, ravens, flowers, butterflies? Your design plans welcome. There will be makers on hand to help with materials and construction.

 

Sign up and get more parade information here!

THE GREAT ISLANDS CLEAN-UP

Coming to your corner of the island!

Saturday, April 20 at 10am


Embark on a mission to protect our islands in the battle against plastics! Join your fellow islanders for the 2024 Spring Great Islands Clean-up. Participants of all ages can register to clean up trash on a designated beach or road, then bring their collected items to the Village Green.


Pick up bags, vests and grabbers starting April 15 at The Exchange or on the 20th at the Village Green in Eastsound starting at 10am. Collected trash can be dropped off the day of the event between 2 -3 pm at the Village Green.


Participants can stop by Island Hoppin’ Brewery for a free pint starting at 4pm!



Contact Pete Moe for more info at pete@exchangeorcas.org or 360.376.4089

SAVE THE DATE FOR ORCAS PRIDE 2024

June 7 & 8


Hear me now and thank me later, the days are counting down to Orcas Pride 2024. Mark your calendars!

ORCAS ISLAND HARDWARE - PLANT SALE!

The ground is warming for spring! Lucky for us, our local Ace Hardware has an entire container-full of plants waiting to beautify your garden.

Open daily on North Beach Rd.

NEW DESIGNS FOR SPRING!

Monkey Puzzle is excited to introduce their new line of One-Size-Fits-Almost-All but definitely sizes 0-18 large variety of tops, shawls, and jackets


Open daily!

END OF WINTER SALE AT SIREN BOUTIQUE

Siren Boutique

Tuesday thru Saturday, 11-4pm


Enjoy an astounding 40% off at Siren Boutique's end of winter sale as they make room for a store's worth of new arrivals!

EASTER AT THE ORCAS HOTEL

Orcas Hotel

Easter Sunday, 11-1pm


Reservations are now available for the annual Easter Brunch at the Orcas Hotel. Enjoy a three-course brunch with that beautiful view from the Norbu's Dining Room while being entertained by the incredible jazz duo of Steve Alboucq and Gene Nery!

MORE EASTER DELICIOUSNESS AT NEW LEAF CAFE

New Leaf Cafe at the Outlook Inn

Easter Sunday


Brunch and dinner reservations are currently open for Easter Sunday at New Leaf Cafe! Leave the cooking to Chef Andy, but you'd better hop to it before the spots are taken.

BECAUSE YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY

EASTER WEEKEND BRUNCH OPTIONS

Brunch will be served at Madrona Bar & Grill from 9-12pm all Easter weekend! Call now for Fingers crossed the patio is open!

THE INN AT SHIP BAY OPEN FOR DINNER SERVICE

The Inn at Ship Bay will be reopening for dining room service starting on Thursday, April 4 from 5-8pm!


Reservations are available online! Spring schedule will be Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 5-8pm. 

CHILDREN OF THE SETTING SUN

ART EXHIBIT & FILM SCREENING

Orcas Center

Art Opening Reception: Friday, March 29 from 5:30-7pm

orcascenter.org


The Lummi people still fish here, canoe here and take care of our ancestors here. This we are grateful for! Join us as Children of the Setting Sun share the memories of our homeland and deepen understanding of the things they are working towards today. We hope to see you at the Orcas Center March 29 for the opening of this powerful exhibit and film screening. Hyʻshqe! 

LAUGHING CAT DESIGNS ARTIST OF THE WEEK

Chanda McKeaver is the Laughing Cat artist of the week! The gallery is currently carrying her beautiful acrylic paintings and prints.


Come see her work at Laughing Cat Designs Studio in Eastsound post office building! 

HOLY WEEK AT OICC

As Easter approaches, Orcas Island Community Church welcomes all to join in their Holy Week services. On March 31, there will be a Sunrise Service starting at 6:15am atop Mt. Constitution. Pastor Brian Moss invites everyone to join the congregation in contemplation of the promise and mystery of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ during these sacred services.


Contact Orcas Island Community Church at 360.376.6422 or visit orcaschurch.org

ORCAS ISLAND VIKINGS - HOME SCHEDULE

Girls Varsity Softball


  • Thursday, April 11 at 4pm - Concrete High School
  • Saturday, April 13 at 1pm - Darrington High School


Boys Varsity Baseball



  • Tuesday, April 2 at 3pm - Granite Falls High School
  • Thursday, April 11 at 4pm - Concrete High School
  • Saturday, April 13 at 1pm - Darrington High School


Varsity Golf

  • Thursday, April 4 at 3pm - Friday Harbor High School


Complete details are available at orcasvikings.com

2024 FARM FUND APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The Ag Guild and partners throughout the San Juan Islands are excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 FARM Fund awards. Thanks to generous donations from the Pleiades Foundation and other community members, the FARM (Food Agriculture Relationships & Markets) Fund has $19,788 to distribute this cycle. Producers throughout San Juan County are eligible to apply for grants of up to $2,500. Applications are due April 7.


For more information and to apply, please visit sjiagguild.com


Questions? Email: farmfund@sjiagguild.com

Transform Your Evenings with Tara Plank's Yoga Movement Classes


Join Tara Plank's active vinyasa-style yoga sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Orcas Senior Center. Classes emphasize the science of yoga, with attention given to moving from a place of stability. Each class addresses core strength in a neutral posture and includes moving up and down from the mat. Simply bring your mat (and yoga blocks if available). Don’t miss this wonderful chance to harmonize your mind and body, fostering enhanced wellbeing. All are welcome and please enter at the South door.

Join the Needlework Circle at the Senior Center

 

Are you passionate about knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, or embroidery? 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 additional 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's 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 11am. Targeting back and abdominal muscles, this workout incorporates stabilizing and mobilizing exercises to fortify and support your spine, enhancing overall posture. Tailored for everyday life, it adapts to varying fitness levels. Beyond strengthening, the session concludes with essential stretches to alleviate muscle tension.Eva-Maria suggests a $15 donation per class ($12 for OSC members), no one will be turned away due to financial constraints. For more information contact Eva-Maria at info@shanipriya.com or 406-609-6706.

SPRING FERRY SCHEDULE IN EFFECT

SPRING FERRY SCHEDULE

Vehicle reservations on the Anacortes/San Juan Island routes are currently available to reserve through June 15, 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.

Orcas Island School District


Position: Multiple Positions available!

  • Certificated High School/Middle School Counselor
  • Certificated Elementary School Counselor
  • Certificated Special Education Teacher
  • Classified Director of Operations


DescriptionJoin our team of exceptionally qualified staff who care deeply about our students and community. We offer competitive compensation and generous benefits. See our postings online for full details.

 

Pay & Benefits

  • School Term Certificated Positions: $58,693 - $118,545. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, VEBA, Retirement, Personal and Sick Leave
  • Year round Classified position: First year hourly $47.26/hr. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, VEBA, Retirement, Paid Holidays, Personal, Vacation and Sick Leave

Contact: Apply here!


Questions? Please contact: Mallory Balcomb at mbalcomb@orcas.k12.wa.us or

360.376.1599

San Juan Island Agricultural Guild


Position: Finance Manager


Description: This is a part-time position. As the Finance Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing financial operations and resource management. Your responsibilities will encompass maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and tax reporting, and providing financial analysis and guidance in support of the Ag Guild’s mission and objectives.


Pay & Benefits: 15-16 hours per week at $32-36 per hour, commensurate with experience.


Contact: To apply, submit a cover letter and resume with three references to: director@sjiagguild.com Position open until filled. More information here..

Orcas Island Distillery


Position: Tasting Room Server


Description: If you love talking with locals and visitors while serving tastes of local, award-winning spirits, we want to talk with you! Some knowledge of spirits is a big plus.The position is part-time, 9-12 hours a week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), mid-May through mid-September. Ideal for someone who already works an evening shift in a local restaurant. 


Pay & Benefits: $30/hr plus percentage of bottle sales.


Contact: distiller@orcasislanddistillery.com

Salmonberry School


Position: Lead Elementary Teacher


Description: Salmonberry School is seeking a caring, fun, mature teacher with experience teaching primary grades. The candidate should have some knowledge and/or experience in progressive or holistic education and an ability to coalesce a classroom community of students and parents. The ideal candidate should also model a willingness to learn and an excitement to grow as a member of the highly collaborative faculty team. Duties include all aspects of curriculum development and implementation, assessment, communication, classroom design and classroom management for 10-15 students ages 8 to 10 years old. 


Pay & BenefitsThis is a full-time position for a traditional academic calendar year. Salary is competitive, depends on experience, and includes 10 paid leave days. Additional summer work is also available outside of this contracted position. Teachers receive full medical benefits including 100% premium payments on a silver level health plan.


Contact: Find more information online here.

Submit resume and letter of interest to info@salmonberryschool.org

Orcas Island Community Foundation


Position: Executive Director


Description: The Executive Director (ED) provides strong leadership and direction in fulfilling and advancing the mission of the Orcas Island Community Foundation. The ED is responsible for leading the Foundation in the achievement of its operational and strategic goals including the success of the Foundation’s fund(s) and donor development, fiscal management, grants and program operations, board relations, human capital management, community relations, and administrative matters. This is a full-time position. Full description here.


Pay & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience


Contact: Send a resume and cover letter to Jack Groban at jack@jackgroban.com. Requesting additional information and discussion pre- application is acceptable. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Orcas Biomass


Position: Yard Manager/Mechanic


Description: This position is 40 hours/week including Fridays and Saturdays.

Preferred qualifications are listed below:

  • Circular saw or bandsaw mill experience is a plus
  • Equipment operation including excavators, tractors, chippers and grinders
  • Chainsaw skills including bucking large logs
  • Customer service and/ or retail experience
  • Ability to manage deliveries and conduct sales transactions via phone apps
  • Valid driver’s license and experience driving/backing trailers
  • Must enjoy working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
  • A positive attitude, strong work ethic, safety consciousness, environmental ethic, ability to be a team player, communication skills (verbal and digital), and the desire and ability to learn new skills are most important!


Pay & Benefits: $32-40/hour DOE with paid vacation, health/dental/vision/life insurance, 401k with 6% company match, sick leave, paid training, and paid travel. Option to join Rain Shadow Crew for tree care and forestry work. Temporary housing available on Orcas Island


Contact: Click here or send a resume and cover letter to info@orcasbiomass.com

Orcas Community Resource Center


Position: Bilingual Community Health Worker


DescriptionThis position is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the Spanish speaking community. This relationship enables the worker to serve as a link between community members and health/social services to facilitate access and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.


Pay & Benefits: $25-$30/hr

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Full time employees eligible for 100% employer premium paid
  • Part time employees eligible for 50% employer premium paid

Paid vacation - 2 weeks per year

Paid holidays - 14 per year

Sick pay

IRA contribution


Contact: View the full description at Employment Opportunities (orcascrc.org) and download the application.

Orcas Island Public Library


Position: Part-time Administrative Services Coordinator


Description: Handles a wide range of administrative and support tasks including financial and HR matters. Accumulate, post, balance, and reconcile records, and prepare periodic reports. Classify and code entries and transactions and maintain cash funds. Coordinate work activities with County Auditor’s office as applicable. Perform as administrative support to the Library Director. Fill circulation desk shifts as needed. Full Description here.


Contact: Please submit a letter of interest, three references, and a résumé to Ingrid Mattson, imattson@orcaslibrary.org, Orcas Island Library, 500 Rose Street, Eastsound, WA 98279.  

Orcas Senior Center

 

Position: Facility Manager / Home Maintenance and Repair Coordinator

 

Description: The Facility Manager is responsible for overseeing the efficient operation and maintenance of the Orcas Senior Center building and property. The Home Maintenance and Repair Coordinator serves as a “facilitator” function and provides timely access to competent and reliable contractors for seniors and adults with disabilities.

 

Pay & Benefits: 32 hours per week. Competitive salary paid monthly. Benefits package includes paid time off, employer health reimbursement, and employer reimbursement of air ambulance memberships.

 

Contact: Submit resume to admin@orcasseniors.org by Friday, March 22, 2024. Full Job Description.

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