Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce

Weekly Email Blast | February 18, 2010

What’s happening on Orcas Island!

►2010 CENSUS – help san juan county earn its fair share!

Stand Up & Be Counted! Remember the U.S. 2010 Census will be taken with forms being mailed out in March. If you return your form by mail that is all that is needed from you. Returning the form will help our County receive the proper portion of money that we are entitled to based on population. The Federal Government distributes more than 400 Billion dollars annually to state, local and tribal governments based on Census data.

►events & performances This week

ORCAS ISLAND LADY VIKINGS BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS GET UNDERWAY TODAY!

(Thursday, February 18 @ 5:30 pm)

These amazing athletes take on Evergreen Lutheran in the first round of District playoffs. Last year, the Viking girls took 5th place in the State Tournament. Stop by the High School gym and cheer them on to victory!

ACTORS THEATER ANNOUNCES ‘NOISES OFF’ PRODUCTION @ THE GRANGE

(Kaleidoscope Benefit Performance Tonight @ 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday Also!)

Considered by many to be the best farce written in the past hundred years, ‘Noises Off’ features a cast of locals and is directed by Doug Bechtel. Proceeds on Thursday, February 18 go to Kaleidoscope. Tickets for the “Sneak Preview” are $25 including beverages & dessert. Purchase tix from Kaleidoscope Board Members and at Darvill’s. Other performances: Friday and Saturday (2/19 & 2/20), and Friday – Sunday (2/26 – 2/28). Tickets are $10 at Darvill’s and at the door. All performances start at 7:30 pm.

INFORMATION: Call Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.

SAN JUAN NATURE INSTITUTE LECTURE SERIES

(Thursday, February 18 @ 7 pm; at the Commons, UW Friday Harbor Labs)

Seasonal sea ice cover and the production of walleye pollock in the Bering Sea: Implications of global warming. George Hunt, UW School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science will be the guest speaker at the second Arthur Whiteley Lecture offered to the public by San Juan Nature Institute in collaboration with UW Friday Harbor Labs. There is no charge, though donations would be gratefully received.

INFORMATION: Visit www.sjnature.org for information about the 2010 Arthur Whiteley Series.

THE DOE BAY CAFÉ HOSTS SHENANDOAH DAVIS BIOGRAPHY

(Friday, February 19 @ 7 pm)

Join the Doe Bay Café for a special performance by musician Shenandoah. “With a voice like an old timey fiddle, she adds on contrapuntal guitar, piano and xylophone parts to round out the subtle symphony.” In addition to collaborating with Seattle’s Grand Hallway and Jack Wilson, she has shared stages with The Lisps, Ian Cooke, The Maldives, and Paper Bird, and featured in The Stranger, Setlist, and Sound Magazine. As always, seating is limited so please call to reserve your table. See you at the show!

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

‘UP IN THE AIR’ ON-SCREEN AT SEAVIEW THEATER

(Shows Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ 7:30 pm)

With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him. Stars: George Clooney. Rated: R

INFORMATION: Call SeaView @ 376-5724

ORCAS CENTER PRESENTS ACADEMY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

(Saturday, February 20 @ 7:30 pm)

Orcas Center will present the Academy Chamber Orchestra on Saturday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will feature outstanding solo performances by gifted, award-winning young musicians, including Orcas Island’s Oliver Aldort (cello) and Marie Rossano (violin) from Seattle. Tickets are $25, $17 for Orcas Center members and $11 for students.

INFORMATION: Contact Orcas Center @ 376-2281 x1 – or visit the box office Thurs-Sat (12 -4 pm)

THE OFF-ISLANDERS TOTALLY IMPROVISED THEATER

(Saturdays, February 20 & 27 @ 7 pm, at Doe Bay)

Doe Bay is host to a fabulously funny group of improvisers from Seattle, San Francisco, and Melbourne, Australia known as, you guessed it, The Off-Islanders (they’re ‘just a little bit off’). The show will be held in Doe Bay’s Yoga Studio with admission being $1 and children half price. You can’t miss this show – these folks are hilarious! If you like to laugh, swing by Doe Bay and have yourself a laugh fest; all ages welcome. And don’t forget Doe Bay’s tasty treats at the Doe Bay Café before or after the show.

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

VISIONS OF A WATER RAT: BOATS & NATURE IN THE ISLANDS

(Sunday, February 21 @ 7 pm, at Doe Bay Café)

Doe Bay is proud to host the work of local photographer Peter Fromm on display in the Café. Fromm is presenting a multi-media slide show in the Doe Bay Café Sunday evening as part of our ‘Sundays at the Movies’ series. As always, along with our regular menu, Sunday evenings we offer half price bottles of wine and free popcorn.

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

THE ARTSMITH SALON @ DOE BAY CAFÉ

(Monday, February 22 @ 7 pm)

Join Artsmith & Doe Bay Café for a weekly Salon series featuring guest writers from around the country. The Café features special tapas/small plates and wine specials on the Monday evenings throughout the winter. This week features the talents of dramatist and Improv wizard Matt Smith. Following the featured writers, audience members will have an opportunity to read their own works each week in a special Writer’s Open Mic. All lovers of food, wine and words are welcome! Performance begins at 7 pm.

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS: Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

BEGINNING DRAWING CLASS THE LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY

(Tuesday February 23, Thursday February 25, Saturday Feb 27 from 10:00 am -2:30 pm)

Caroline Buchanan will offer a class for those who have always wanted to draw but think they haven’t the “talent.” Buchanan is convinced that it isn’t talent but rather not knowing how to look to be able to draw and what it is you need to do to succeed in drawing. In other words, all you do is show up and the burden of your learning to draw is on her! Michelle at The Office Cupboard has a list of supplies and further description of the class. You too can draw! www.buchananwatercolors.com

INFORMATION: Register at the Senior Center, 376-2667. Contact Caroline at 376-5509 with questions

FARM TO CAFETERIA PRESENTS CELEBRITY CHEF GEDDES MARTIN

(Thursday, February 25)

Farm to Cafeteria presents another Celebrity Chef at the Orcas Island Public School Cafeteria. Chef Geddes Martin will prepare and serve Chicken and mashed potatoes on Thursday February 25th in the school cafeteria. Encourage your school children to eat “cafeteria” that day and join your children for this popular series!

INFORMATION: Contact Bruce Orchid, Farm to Cafeteria Coordinator @ redrabbitfarm@rockisland.com

AMA TARA HEALING & MEDITATION OFFERS ACUPRESSURE SEMINAR

(Thursday – Saturday, February 25 – 27)

Come take part in this 5 Element Acupressure seminar. The cost is $325, and class starts at 9 am and ends at 6 pm. 22.5 CE units are pending. While my focus is on building a strong foundation so that when you work with your clients and friends so you can help harmonize their Qi to promote an overall experience of wellness, you will also learn powerful acupressure flow patterns to relieve common patterns of tension and pain. Everyone is Welcome!

INFORMATION: Visit www.AmaTaraCenter.com or call 376-5900. Barter is possible.

CREATING MEANINGFUL FINANCIAL REPORTS

(Friday, February 26 from 9 – 11 am @ the Eastsound Fire Hall)

Offered by Kathy Wehle through the Orcas Island Community Foundation, the goal of this workshop is to give attendees a better understanding of the minimum financial records needed for their organization and some new ideas on Financial Reporting for their Boards. There is a $15 fee for the 1st participant from any one nonprofit; additional participants are $10 each.

INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS: Call the Community Foundation @ 376-6423

JUMP TIME TO 2012 DISCUSSION @ WESTSOUND COMMUNITY HALL

(Friday, February 26 at 7:30 PM)

Join Shantparv Rolloff, Herlwyn Lutz, Marshal Bliss, Dustin Fox, and Samara Shaw for a panel discussion on the meaning and significance of these times leading up to 2012. We are at the end of an age. Call it what you will, but change is certainly upon us. Herlwyn Lutz will bring both ancient and modern perspectives. Marshal Bliss will share from a Lakota perspective and Shantparv Roloff from the perspective of the Mayan Calendar. Dustin Fox and Samara Shaw provide enlightened entertainment.

INFORMATION: Call 376-6771 or email highgood4all@yahoo.com Event is free; donations welcome

► NEW SALES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

AURORA COMPANY CONSIGNMENT SHOP ‘BIG $1 SALE’

(Friday, February 19 & Saturday, February 20 from 11 am – 5 pm)

Don’t miss the Big One Dollar Sale! Hundreds of clearance items for only $1 each!

INFORMATION: Call 376-2249.

DAFFODILS BY THE BUCKET

(While supplies last)

Spring has sprung! Fill your vases with fresh cut island daffodils. Fifty flowers per bucket; $40 includes tax; free delivery to Eastsound area. Easy online ordering at www.orcasislandflowers.com or call 376-5208 or email sue@orcasonline.com. Peace & Plenty Flower Farm (0218)

NEW CLASS OFFERING FROM CHRIS ELMS

(Starting in March)

Tuesdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am. Brains, Bones, Bodies. Combining use of small weights, yoga, the Tibetan Five Rites, and more, we will move in non-habitual and synapse improving ways to feel better and younger in our bodies, increase bone density and think better. Taught by Chris Elms, M.A., practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method and the Anat Baniel Method for Anti-Aging, High Performers and Vitality. Classes held at Odd Fellows Hall. $5-20 sliding scale. chriselms@vom.com.

►restaurant NEWS

VERN’S BAYSIDE OFFERS UP DINING SPECIALS

(Stop in for dinner!)

Vern’s wants you to know all about their special dinner offers! On Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays you can order 2 dinners, each featuring 8 ounce top sirloin, and 8 Scampi (or all you can eat crispy prawns), with a baked potato & salad … all for only $49.95 (also available individually for only $25). Don’t forget: Karaoke & dancing from 9 pm – 1 am on Friday nights (21 & over; ID required). (0211)

INFORMATION: Call Vern’s @ 376-2231

ORCAS HOTEL PRESENTS PUB NIGHT WITH MARTIN LUND AND GENE NERY

(Friday, February 12th@ 6 pm)

Good food and good music on Friday night at the Orcas Hotel! Stop in for some great bites from the Bistro menu, and listen to two of Orcas Island’s most talented musical forces.

INFORMATION: Call the hotel @ 376-4300.

►MARK YOUR CALENDARS – UPCOMING Events

WOMEN’S WELLNESS WEEKEND @ YMCA CAMP ORKILA

(Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7)

Women’s Wellness Weekend is a fabulous getaway just for women. Enjoy crafts, fitness classes, and adventure activities. Moms are welcome to bring daughters in 10th grade and older or just come alone or with other gal friends! Meals included, and we’ll do the cooking and cleaning! Starts at 5 pm, and concludes at 1 pm on Sunday. Cost: $58 day rate, $138/$192 for whole weekend, overnight. See www.camporkila.org (Click on Programs).

INFORMATION: Contact Beth Wangen @ 376-2678 ext. 105 or email bwangen@seattleymca.org

ROWFEAST 2010 – ANNUAL ROWING CLUB DINNER @ FOUR WINDS CAMP LODGE

(Saturday, March 6 at 6 pm) RSVP NOW!

Join us for RowFeast 2010, the rowing clubs annual dinner. No auctions, just good food, good company and fun. Only $35 per person for a 4 course dinner, appetizers and entertainment. We do have a few seats at some special tables: A founders/coaches table: Hear tales of how it all began and the early years; An Olympiads table: Yes we have a few folks that can tell you what it’s like to compete in “the games”; and a lady captains table. Enjoy the energy! Make an offer for a seat at one of those tables.

INFORMATION & RSVP: Contact Martin Taylor @ 376-6935 or martint@ednagallery.com

ENERGY MANAGEMENT 101 – ‘TAPPING IN’ TO PEACE & HAPPINESS

(Sign up now for the Saturday, March 6 class)

How well are you managing the ups and downs that go hand in hand with changing times? Would you like to learn and experience time-tested tools for managing your energy day by day? In this one day intensive you can learn and experience how to activate your intuition, learn to balance your inner energy regardless of what is happening in the world. It is possible to regain your balance when life pulls you off center. Class: 9:45 am to 4:45 pm. Cost: $110 or enroll by February 22 and the cost is only $99.

INFORMATION: Contact Nancy Southern @ 376-4288 or email nancy@happytapping.net

MUSIC ADVOCACY GROUP CONCERT @ MIDDLE SCHOOL GYM

(Sunday, March 7 at 3 pm)

The annual Music Advocacy Group concert for the school music program is coming up! Featured groups will include the Orcas Community Band, the Island Sinfonia and the Orcas Choral Society. Admission is by donation and all proceeds go towards funding the needs of the music program in our public schools.

INFORMATION: Call Joyce Burghardt at 376-5946.

CEDAR BASKET-MAKING WITH VICKIE ERA – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

(Saturdays & Sundays, March 20 & 21, and March 27 & 28)

Reservations may be made now for a beginning and advanced basket making workshop lead by Vickie Era and sponsored by the Olga Strawberry Council. The workshops will be held in the Benson Room at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the weekends of March 20-21 and March 27-28. The cost is just $80 for each 2-day workshop and all materials are supplied and included in the cost of the workshop. Workshops will be limited to 10 participants each.

INFORMATION & SIGN UP: Call Madie Murray @ 376-3064 & www.olgastrawberrycouncil.org

► CONTINUING SALES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Island Hardware & Supply – Spring flowers in here!

(Stop in today)

We have beautiful flowering primroses, narcissus, pansies, hellebores and other specialty plants. Bright and cheery. A perfect gift for your Valentine. Garden seeds are in also. It’s time to get peas in the ground. (0211)

INFORMATION: Call the store @ 376-4200 or stop by at Crow Valley & West Beach

CALLING ALL CHILI COOKS, CORNBREAD MAKERS & DESSERT CREATORS

(Call now to enter your amazing creation)

The first Chili and Cornbread Cook-off and Dessert Auction will take place Feb. 28, at the Orcas Christian School from 5 pm – 8:30 pm. Admission is free and script for tasting will be sold. This is a fundraiser for Nepali orphans and a nursing student in college in Nepal. We’re going to have fun and eat great goodies doing it. Visit www.orcaschilicookoff.wordpress.com for registration forms. Judges Needed too! (0204)

INFORMATION: Call Shoshana at 376-3945

ISLANDERS NIGHT THURSDAY AT CHRISTINA’S

(Every Thursday evening @ 7:30 pm)

Join us for fun-filled Trivia Competition, hosted by Dave Page, and featuring half priced bottles of wine!

INFORMATION: Call Christina’s @ 376-4904

WEEKLY PIZZA AND OPEN MIC PERFORMANCE AT DOE BAY CAFÉ

(Every Thursday; Open Mic starts @ 7:30 pm; Pizza served 5 pm – 10 pm)

Come and take part or just sit back and enjoy. One dollar from every pizza goes to a local non-profit.

INFORMATION: Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

►continuing art & museum information

‘PICTURING AMERICA’ ON EXHIBIT AT ORCAS CENTER

(On display through February)

A new exhibit from the National Endowment for the Humanities, it traces the history of America through artistic masterpieces, revealing how great American art brings our story to life.

INFORMATION: Contact Orcas Center @ 376-2281

ORCAS ISLAND ARTWORKS FEATURES LANDSCAPES BY BRUCE WILSON

(On display through February & March)

The Artworks features landscapes by Bruce Wilson, whose landscapes have a surrealist, impressionist feel. On display through February and March. The Artworks is open daily from 10 to 6. (0204)

INFORMATION: Contact James Hardman @ 376-4588.

MORAN MANSION MUSEUM REOPENS THIS SATURDAY & ROSARIO RESORT NEWS

(Museum opens Saturday, February 13; open 10 am – 6 pm; Music program @ 4 pm)

The Moran Mansion Museum is now open on Saturdays, with a 4 pm Music Concert and Rosario History Program. $5 admission for the Museum, Music Concert & Program.

INFORMATION: Call Rosario @ 376-2152 ext. 300

►upcoming PUBLIC MEETINGS ON ORCAS ISLAND

· Tuesday, February 23 (4:30 pm). Eastsound Sewer and Water District meeting (East side of Airport, at end of Cessna Lane). Regularly scheduled on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

· Tuesday, February 23 (7:30 pm). Orcas Fire District Commissioners meeting (Eastsound Fire Hall). Call 376-2331 for more information. Regularly meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

· Wednesday, February 24 (5:30 pm). Sustainable Orcas Island meeting (Public Library). Call 376-4985 and speak with Phil for more information. Meets last Wednesday of the month.

· Thursday, February 25 (5:30 pm). Orcas Island School Board meeting (School library). Call 376-2284 for more information. Regularly meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.

· Thursday, March 4 (3 pm). Eastsound Planning Review Committee (Senior Center). Meets first Thursday of the month. Next meeting is April 1.

· Tuesday, March 9 (3:45 pm – 5:30 pm). Deer Harbor Plan Review Committee (Deer Harbor Community Center). Call 376-3199 for more information. The February meeting has been moved up one day. The Committee will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of the month, resuming in April. Public is welcome. Public is invited to this special meeting to examine some of the options for parking and property development in Deer Harbor Hamlet. Future meetings will remain on the second Wednesday.

· Thursday, March 11 (12 noon – 1:30 pm). Orcas Island Park & Recreation District (Eastsound Fire Station). Meets second Thursday of the month.

· Thursday, March 11 (7:00 pm). Port of Orcas Commissioners meeting (Airport conference room). Call 376-5285 for more information. Regularly meets on the second Thursday of the month.

“News About Chamber Members … for Orcas Island & Beyond”

Be sure to check out the community calendar for more events!

Go to the Chamber website home page at www.orcasislandchamber.com. Click on “Calendar”

This weekly e-mail blast is a member benefit of the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce and may be received by anyone who wishes to provide their email address. If you would like to be removed from this email list, simply reply to it with that information and the Chamber will remove you from this email list. The Chamber’s policy is to only send this to those who have requested it. The Chamber complies with the rules and regulations of the CAN-SPAM Act.

Members: please go to the Orcas Island Chamber homepage http://www.orcasislandchamber.com and click on Chamber, then the Blast form to submit information. You can also email the information to the Chamber at info@orcasislandchamber.com.

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 252

Eastsound, WA 98245

Lance Evans
Executive Director
Terri Gilleland
Manager