Issue 35

November 2-8, 2023

IN THIS EDITION






Updated for November with current hours and special events.

GET THE GUIDE

Updated for November 2 thru 8 with events around the island.

GET THE ITINERARY

DRIFTWOOD FLOWERS AND NURSERY TO CLOSE

After 30 years of serving our island community, Lorna Vester, bringer of joy and beauty to so many, is retiring and Driftwood Flowers and Nursery will close its doors this weekend.


In making the announcement, Lorna issued a special thank you to Dale & Sara Linnes for giving her the chance to live her dream and thanked Dale for being an invaluable mentor and Islanders/Banner Bank for always believing in her.


Lorna also extended thanks to the community for its support and noted all the dear friends she's made throughout the many years. 


Any outstanding gift certificates will be refunded on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5. Any unredeemed certificates will be donated to local charities.


Also this weekend anything remaining in the Nursery will be free including furniture, benches, outdoor shelving, gazebo, all fencing and miscellaneous items. Nothing will be held, so bring your truck with you. The building is for sale and may be viewed during the weekend too. 

 

One final word from Lorna: "Again I want to thank you for all the great times. I bow my head with gratitude."

WHALE OF A SHOW IS THIS WEEKEND!

Orcas Center

Saturday, November 4 at 6:30pm

Sunday, November 5 at 1pm


Join us for a guaranteed good time celebrating the talent of our island youth! Directed by Didier Gincig, this annual event is an opportunity to relax among friends and neighbors while enjoying acts of song, dancing, skits, and musicianship. Family acts are included in this event as well.


All ticket proceeds benefit Orcas Center’s youth programs.

JOIN OISD IN HONORING OUR VETERANS

November 9, 2023

Orcas School Courtyard

Thursday, November 9, 8:45am


Orcas Island School District will be hosting its annual Veterans Day Celebration next Thursday beginning at 8:45am in the school courtyard with the national anthem, a flag ceremony, and musical tribute to those who have served. Veterans, spouses, and family are invited to a special breakfast at 9:15am in the culinary arts classroom following the festivities.

TIME FOR HOPS ON THE ROCK BEER FESTIVAL 2023!

Eastsound Village

Market Street

Saturday, November 11, 11-4pm


Hops on the Rock is back and bigger and better than ever! Featuring more than 30 breweries, cideries, and wine producers, this year's event promises to be a slam dunk! The beer flows from 11-4pm with food and other fun too.


And because Orcas knows a good thing, there are several events leading up to the festival itself next Saturday. Check out this line-up!!

Friday, November 10


Island Hoppin' Brewery, 4-7pm Brewer's Night with Larrabee, Fremont, Hellbent, Black Raven, and 20 Corners. Pizza Cab Pop Up. The Swells play at 6pm.



The Legion, 5-8pm Mac and Jacks Meet Up and spaghetti dinner. (Open to the public!)


Doe Bay Wine Company, 5pm Eastside Tasting with Single Hill, Varietal, and Yonder Cider


Madrona Bar & Grill, 5pm Stemma Brewing Tap Takeover with tasting flights and food pairings.


Rosario Resort, 6pm Terramar Brewstillery 5 course dinner pairing - buy tickets in advance at Rosario.


White Horse Pub, 6:30pm Brewer's Night with Stoup


Monti, multiple reservations beginning at 5pm A very special dining event with Ron and Amber of Garden Path Fermentation. Six-course tasting menu paired with Garden Path favorites. Seating is limited. 21+ event. Reserve your spot here!


The Lower Tavern, 8:30pm Brewer's Evening with San Juan, El Suenito, and Bellingham Cider. Karaoke starts at 9. 

 

Saturday, November 11


Hops on the Rock Beer Festival The main event kicks off at 11am


White Horse Pub, 6:30pm Brewer's Night with Jellyfish

Sunday, November 12


Island Hoppin' Brewery, 10am Hangover Breakfast of Micheladas, Mimosas, and Poutine featuring Kulshan, Stones Throw, El Suenito, and Skagit River. Poutine Your Mouth Food Truck. Live music with River Rye and Bad Dads. 

YOU BETTER STEP-UP YOUR GAME, BEN FRANKLIN!

Trivia night at the brewery is back!


Study up and and head over to Island Hoppin' Brewery Thursday nights to test your knowledge on some of the most random subjects you can imagine.  


Games start at 5:30.


Pizza Cab will be on site for delicious bites which only adds to the fun.


Prizes for winning team.

AMERICAN LEGION ANNUAL BINGO THIS SUNDAY!

Don't be a turkey, win one!


Sunday November 5

Starts at 11am and goes till all birds have been won.


Turkey dinner with all the trimmings

Adults $13.00  Senior/kids $8.00  

Slice of homemade Pie $2.00

Fun for the whole family


793 Crescent Beach Drive

SHARE YOUR WORDS AT ORCAS LIBRARY

Orcas Island Public Library

Friday, November 3, 6pm


Orcas Island Public Library invites island writers and poets to a fall session of sharing their work this Friday, November 3, at 6pm. Be sure to submit your work in advance.


Please come and support these emerging voices!

ORCAS ISLAND FALL FARMERS MARKET

Have you had the jitters since the Farmers Market left the Village Green?! Well, you're in luck. The Fall Market at Odd Fellows Hall runs each Saturday until November 25. Come stock up on all your Fall and Winter goods from 10-2pm!


If you're interested in vending, email Claire at orcasislandfarmersmarket@gmail.com

COOK SOUP, EAT, AND BE HAPPY

AT ODDFELLOWS HALL THIS SATURDAY

Oddfellows Hall

Saturday, November 4, 5pm

Tickets by donation at the door, $15 suggested


Head over to Oddfellows Hall this Saturday to taste a wide variety of soups and celebrate community agriculture! Local teams from the Orcas Community Participatory Agriculture (OCPA) community farm network and the Orcas community at large are invited to prepare soup to nourish everyone attending this event.


It will be a friendly competition - local ingredients are strongly encouraged! Prizes include harvest shares from OCPA farms, trophies, ribbons, and certificates to adorn your kitchen. Music, hot cider, bread and butter will also be served. Enter the soup contest, bring your friends, and spread the word!


Learn more: https://www.orcascommunityag.org/soup-cook-off-fun-raiser

Enter the soup contest: https://forms.gle/eQVYUeWqmjPEuYv26

THE FIRST ANNUAL ALL-ISLAND NaNoWriMo WRITING SPRINT

Orcas Island Public Library

Saturday, November 4, 6pm until midnight


Have you ever thought “Someday I’ll write a novel…”? Well, someday could be now! Get ready to unleash your inner author as you join fellow aspiring and established writers for an unforgettable evening of literary inspiration, mentorship, and creativity. 


Orcas Island Public Library is excited to host "The First Annual All Island Writing Sprint," an extraordinary literary event presented in partnership with Lael Watson, HALO, and NaNoWriMo. This incredible night of creativity will offering aspiring and seasoned writers the chance to ignite their imaginations and pen their masterpieces.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

The Sea View Theatre

Wednesday, November 8, 7-11pm


You know as well I there is nothing standard about the Club Orcas Standard Dance Party. Get out there. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. Just dance.


$10 advance tickets available online at seaviewtheatreorcas.com or $15 at the door.

THE ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB HOSTS LISA WASKO DEVETTER

TO HELP YOU GROW BERRIES!

Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 as they welcome Associate Professor from Washington State University, Lisa Wasko DeVetter. Lisa will present best practices for choosing, growing and harvesting blueberries and strawberries specific to the Pacific Northwest. Home grown berries are better tasting, more cost effective and satisfying than anything you can buy in the store. Nothing beats enjoying the fruits of your garden labor like a mouth-popping sun-warmed berry!



More info available here!.

RETURN OF THE LEAPING FOOL WINTER WRITER'S SERIES

Thursday, November 9

Orcas Island Winery

6-8pm, doors open at 5pm


The first event in this season's The Leaping Fool Winter Writer Series will showcase pieces that reflect an aspect of fire: passion, aliveness, warmth, alignment, ignition, and above all, a deep appreciation of life, one in which we feel protected and loved in return. 


This winter’s series is graciously sponsored by Halo

FREE MOVIE NIGHTS AT EMMANUEL PARISH HALL

Emmanuel Church

Thursday, November 9, 7pm


Tim McGraw can sing. But can he act? Only one way to find out.

ORCAS COMMUNITY LANTERN WALK

HOSTED BY SALMONBERRY SCHOOL

Village Green

Friday, November 10, 4pm

 

The Salmonberry School invites the entire Orcas community to gather at the Village Green on Friday November 10 at 4pm to sing a few simple songs (sheet music provided) and then take a night time lantern stroll. The walk will end at Salmonberry with a warming fire and some cookies.


The walk will be held rain or shine. Come dressed in plenty of warm layers, bring a lantern, join in the singing, and enjoy the reverence and calm! Bring something warming to drink for yourselves or your family or something to share after the walk if you're so inclined! 

SEATTLE'S OWN: POLYRHYTHMICS COMING TO ORCAS CENTER

Orcas Center

Saturday, November 11 at 7pm


Polyrhythmics sound originated in Seattle’s underground deep funk scene combining impossibly tight grooves with bold brass and hypnotic percussion that showcased elements of R&B, progressive jazz, and Afrobeat which defined the instrumental group’s early era sound.


Tickets available online here!

WELCOME THE HEART OF AUTUMN WITH A SUMPTUOUS COLLABORATION FROM

NEW LEAF CAFE & CAYMUS VINEYARDS

November 16, 5:30pm

New Leaf Café


Enjoy a five-course meal artfully prepared by Chef Andrew Martin and the team at New Leaf Cafe with carefully curated wines from one of the most storied and revered wineries in North America, Caymus Vineyards.


This exceptional dining event also presents a unique occasion for you to purchase these extraordinary bottles at a special value.


Details can be found here, and reservations can be made here

END OF SEASON ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ISLANDERS AT

ORCAS HOTEL

Can you believe it's already Fall!?  It may not feel like it today, but we are quickly approaching the holiday season. If you are planning a holiday party for your business, family or friends, Orcas Hotel would love to help you celebrate! The hotel can comfortably accommodate up to 40 guests in the dining room, or smaller groups of up to 12 in the Chef's Library. Take it from me, it's swanky good in there!


To make your holiday planning a little easier this year, Orcas Hotel is waiving site fees for locals. Simply pick the menu you prefer and let them take care of the rest. If you have a special menu, they are always happy to create a custom experience for your group.  


Are you coming from a neighboring island, or for that matter across island? Don't worry about getting home afterwards, take advantage of the Local's Only winter rate of $150 per night starting November 1st (which can also be extended to friends, family members or contractors of locals)You can book directly on our website using promo code: LocalLove.

ARTWORKS FEATURES WORK BY CARL BUTTKE

This month, The Orcas Island Artworks features “Reflections” by Carl Buttke.

The watercolor painting above, a part of my “Reflections” series, was created within the past year in a large format to explore and convey the mystery between the real and the imagined - the conflict between the seen and unseen. Carl's intent by painting images of forest reflections on our waters of the San Juan Islands is to take the viewer into the depths of the forest with the unease of the dark spaces and bring out the joy of the water reflections.


Carl's paintings are finished to display them without having to be framed behind glass thus eliminating glare of light on the artwork. To support the painting, Carl stretches and mounts hot press watercolor paper on a wood panel. When the painting is finished, h sprays it with an archival varnish to seal the painting and provide UVLS protection to minimize light damage. It is then sealed again with an archival wax, adding a unique texture to the surface of the painting. This coating results in protection against dust, moisture, and even water. Carl has used this process for paintings varying in size from 12 x 9 inches to 60 x 30 inches for more than 20 years.


The Artworks is open daily from 10 to 4.

AUDITION NOTICE - 2024 PLAYS AT ORCAS CENTER

November 6 and 7, 6pm-9pm



Orcas Center is gearing up for 2024 with two fantastic plays slated for the Main Stage. Auditions will be held November 6 and 7 from 6pm-9pm for both She Kills Monsters, (An action-packed Dungeons & Dragons adventure) written by Qui Nguyen and directed by Jamey Morarity; and Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim (A fantastical mash-up of multiple Brothers Grimm fairy tales – such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and others) directed by Jake Perrine.


For more information on each show, visit:

https://orcascenter.org/event/audition-notice-she-kills-monsters

https://orcascenter.org/event/audition-notice-into-the-woods

NOVEMBER ART EXHIBIT AT THE LIBRARY FEATURING SHADOWLANDS PHOTOGRAPHY

Orcas Island Public Library

Opening Reception Saturday, November 4, 4-6pm


Lewis Francis will be displaying his black and white photos of the Southwestern US.

Lewis states: “The shadowlands include the vast deserts of Utah, Nevada, New Mexico and California where beauty, solitude and silence offer shelter from the chaos of modern life.”


Lewis Francis was born and raised in Gibraltar, moved to the US in 1995, and lived in Southern California until 2020. His home is now Orcas Island where he lives with his partner and 3 dogs.

VENDOR APPLICATION OPEN FOR WINTER FAIRE!

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


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


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

LET'S KEEP EVERYONE WARM THIS WINTER

The OCRC Free Coats Clinic has a simple and confidential sign-up available in the office.

Drop by on November 7 & November 21 to fill out a short form - no income follow-up required, servicios disponibles en español.

NEW EDC COURSE COMING NOVEMBER 4 & 11

FREE FLU VACCINE CLINIC

FOR AGES 6 MONTHS TO 18 YEARS

NOVEMBER 15

Orcas School Cafeteria

Wednesday, November 15, 3-6pm


Flu season is around the corner and San Juan County will be bringing the vaccine clinic to Orcas Island, November 15 from 3-6pm in the Orcas School Cafeteria. The most recent Covid vaccination will also be available on request. Stay healthy, Orcas!

Fall Auction Underway @ Orcas Senior Center – November 1-17

 

Don’t miss out! The Orcas Senior Center Fall Auction is underway, with an outstanding assortment of items to choose from. Thanks to generous donations from community members—from local art and collectibles to geodes and kitchenware—this will be our most extensive auction to date. View these items weekdays between 9 am and 3 pm at Orcas Senior Center and bid online with easy-to-use instructions (closed November 10).

Computer savvy bidders can view the items at https://givebutter.com/c/OSCSilentAuction/auction or find the link on our website at www.orcasseniors.org. Auction attendants will be available at the center each day of the auction to help those without online bidding experience. All items must be picked up at the center, there is no shipping service available.

“Fall Into Winter”: Art Exhibit @ The Orcas Senior Center – October 9-December 9, Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm

 

The beautiful Quilt Show will be coming down on Friday, October 6 and the Fall into Winter show will be going up! This new art exhibit is all about celebrating the beauty of Fall and Winter. The show will run from October 9 through December 9. Open Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm. If you would like to participate, please contact Sue Lamb at 360-298-1030.

Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center @ Orcas Senior Center – Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10:30 am

 

On Tuesday, November 14 at 10:30 am at Orcas Senior Center, Joel Bergsbaken, from the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center, will be giving a presentation about hearing changes as we age, technology and techniques that improve communication, and free support services available to the community to prevent withdrawal and isolation. Joel will also be available from 1-4pm to meet with individuals for one-on-one consultations to discuss hearing change, hearing loss, communication, community barriers, and listening technology. Contact Joel at 360-647-0910 or jbergsbaken@hsdc.org to set up an appointment or for more information. Open to everyone!

Basic Jewelry Making with Kate Jewell and Mary Greenwell @ Orcas Senior Center - Tuesday, November 7, 1pm

 

Have you ever wanted to make jewelry or repurpose and redesign something you already have into something you love? Kate Jewell and Mary Greenwall are excited to share the basics of jewelry making with you on Tuesday, November 7 at 1pm at Orcas Senior Center. The cost to participate is $10 and will include some basic jewelry making supplies.


For more information contact Mary Greenwell at pw68@orcasonline.com or Kate Jewell at drkatejewell@yahoo.com. All are welcome to attend.

Ukulele Kanikapila, Mondays, 1-3 pm (Kanikaplila) and Ukulele Lessons, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1pm @ Orcas Senior Center

 

Join the ukulele Kanikipila, Hawaiian for “play music,” Mondays, 1-3 pm at Orcas Senior Center. Open to all interested who want to play music for two hours once a week. 

 

Don’t know how to play the ukulele but want to learn? Participate in a twice weekly beginners’ ukulele class with Kathy Collister on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-1 pm. Kathy recommends resources to help get you started, and focus is on learning introductory chords and strumming. There is no fee for the class, but you need to provide your own ukulele. 

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)


Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Chair Yoga with Susie Frank @ Orcas Senior Center –Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:45 am

Chair Yoga, offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:45 am, is a gentle technique allowing seniors and persons with disabilities to practice balance poses without the risk of falling with the use of a chair as support.

 

An Orcas resident for over 30 years, Susie Frank has been practicing yoga since 2009 and received her yoga teacher training from 8 Limbs Yoga in Seattle in 2016. Susie suggests a $15 donation ($12 for members of OSC) per class, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Contact Susie directly for participation and payment inquiries at 360-298-4484 or sissooz@yahoo.com.

FALL FERRY SCHEDULE IN EFFECT

WINTER RESERVATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 7

FALL FERRY SCHEDULE

Vehicle reservations on the Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/San Juan Island routes are currently available to reserve through December 30, 2023.


Vehicle reservations for winter (December 31 thru March 23, 2024) will be available at 10am, Tuesday, November 7. The 2-day/2-week release for the current schedule will be at 7am per usual.


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.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL GUILD


Position: Executive Director

Description: 

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


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


Click here for full details.

Contact: Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to director@sjiagguild.com

SAN JUAN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL GUILD


Position: Farmer-to-Farmland Project Coordinator

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


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


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


Click here for full details.

Contact: Submit cover letter, resume, and two references to director@sjiagguild.com

ORCAS ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT


Position: Orcas Island School District has multiple positions available

Description: 

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


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

Contact: Questions? Contact Mallory Balcomb, mbalcomb@orcas.k12.wa.us

THE FUNHOUSE COMMONS


Position: Youth Development Program Director


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


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

Contact: please email questions, resume and cover letter to: ryan@thefunhouse.org.

HOSPICE OF THE NORTHWEST


Position: Hospice Care Aide (CNA)


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

 

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


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

GIRL MEETS DIRT


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


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


For a full description visit the Girl Meets Dirt website.


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


Contact: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@girlmeetsdirt.com

OPALCO


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


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


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

ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER


Position: Bilingual Community Health Worker


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


Application materials are available here.


Pay: Based on experience; benefits available.


Contact: Please submit cover letter, resume, and OCRC job application via email to Erin O’Dell, Executive Director, at: erin@orcascrc.org

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