February 25, 2010

ORCAS ISLAND’S WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER

The Chamber’s Email Blast is undergoing a change! We hope this new format and delivery method will make it easier for you to get the most out of the Blast. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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Events This Week

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

ACTORS THEATER ‘NOISES OFF’ PRODUCTION @ THE GRANGE

(Friday – Sunday, February 26 – 28 @ 7:30 pm)

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. Audiences are howling with laughter after seeing this production! Tickets are $10 at Darvill’s and at the door. All performances start at 7:30 pm.

INFORMATION: Call Doug Bechtel at 317-5601.

‘AVATAR’ ON-SCREEN AT SEAVIEW THEATER

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

A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home. Starring: Sam Worthington & Sigourney Weaver. Rated: PG-13

INFORMATION: Call SeaView @ 376-5724

GLOBAL DANCE PARTY @ ORCAS CENTER

(Saturday, February 27; 6 pm and 8 pm)

This is a high-energy performance of cultural and contemporary dance from around the globe. The performance features over 50 young dancers performing hip hop, tap, African and Irish step, Mexican folk and Indian dance, plus R&B vocals. A not-to-be-missed experience for all ages.

INFORMATION: Call the Center @ 376-2281 or visit
www.orcascenter.org

THE OFF-ISLANDERS TOTALLY IMPROVISED THEATER

(Saturday, February 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

CHILI & CORNBREAD COOK-OFF (CANCELLED)

(Sunday, February 28)

THE ARTSMITH SALON @ DOE BAY CAFÉ

(Monday, March 1 @ 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 Gail Folkins, Cat Rambo, and Susan Wingate. 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

POETRY READING AT DARVILL’S BOOKSTORE BENEFITS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

(Thursday, March 4 at 7 pm)

“When your heart speaks, take good notes,” were the words from a friend, Mary Ellen Gaylord, on a journal she gave Stephen Guy when his Orcas Island farm was dedicated at a blessing ceremony in 1997. This sweet “keepsake” book of poems aptly called Heartspeak was compiled from notes he kept in that journal of Eastlight Farm. Friends of Stephen Guy and Eastlight Farm will be reading from the collection. Light refreshments will be served. Stephen is gifting all the proceeds received from the sale of Heartspeak to the Orcas Island Education Foundation.

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Sales & Announcements

SMITH & SPEED HAS ORGANIC SEEDS

(Your Garden Will Love You!)

Organic seeds are in! Locally Grown Seeds from Lopez Island and Botanical Interests are certified organic seed companies providing great quality seeds. Smith & Speed the place for your garden and farm needs… from great garden tools to organic seeds and much more…. Support organic and shop local! (02.25)

INFORMATION: Call S&S @ 376-1006 or stop by

SEW N SEW RE-OPENING AT OUR NEW LOCATION!

(Tuesday, March 2)

Come check out our new location at Templin Center, 68 N. Beach Road, Unit 3, in Eastsound (Next to Spirit of the Northwest). Services include: Custom embroidery; logo set-up & digitizing; screen printing; imprinted promotional products; hand made crafts; tote bags; hats; t-shirts; and much more! Infant to adult sizing. And be sure to visit our website @ www.orcassewnsew.com. Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5 and closed Sun-Mon. Stop on by and check us out!

INFORMATION: Contact Donna @ 376-4343 or email sewnsew@rockisland.com.

OLYMPIC FEVER! HEAD TO VANCOUVER WITH NORTH SHORE CHARTERS

Reminder, there is 1 week left of the Olympics, a once in a life time chance to go when they’re in our back yard. The trip takes about 2 hours each way. We dock right down town 2 minuet walk to the action. I have access to most of the events being held in Vancouver and the surrounding mountains. Prices are from 50.00 – 1,700.00 for gold medal hockey. We did a trip last week and ended up staying a couple of days. The excitement was just too much to leave. It is truly and amazing thing to experience.

INFORMATION: Call Capt. Marty Mead @ 376-4855.

EARTH-FRIENDLY FUNDRAISING FOR FARM TO CAFETERIA

(Now through March 12)

All Students at Orcas Island Public Schools will be taking orders in person or online through March 12 for bulbs and plants for beautiful garden blooms in late Spring through Fall. All items are from just $10 to $30 and 50% of the total sales will go toward funding the Farm to Cafeteria Program! The fundraiser is through Flower Power Fundraising (flowerpowerfundraising.com) with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You may also contact Anne Ford or Madie with any questions or advice on how to participate.

INFORMATION: Contact Madie Murray @ 376-3064

TAKE PART IN THE SCENIC BYWAY PLANNING PROCESS

Want to learn more about our upcoming Scenic Byways? Click here to see the PowerPoint presentation that outlines the process and introduces the Steering Committee members. And you can answer a few simple questions to help define what’s important to you. Click here to respond to a VERY brief questionnaire about what is important to you in this process. A Call for Inspiration is underway, and you can take part. If used, original works will be credited in the final CMP. For more about the Call for Inspiration (which ends March 15) click here.

INFORMATION: Contact Liz Illg @ lizillg@rockisland.com

FIRST EVER STUDENT CHEF COMPETITION

(Sponsors Needed for April 17 & 18 Event!)

The Farm to Cafeteria Program is putting on the First Ever OISD Student Chef Competition to be held April 17th and 18th and Sponsorships are available for any individual or business wishing to participate at a Copper Kettle ($50), Silver Spoon ($100), Golden Spatula ($250), or Platinum Platter ($500) level. Sponsors will be prominently listed in our promotional materials and programs and gratefully appreciated! Sponsorships for this event will help make this all possible.

INFORMATION: www.orcasislandf2c.org or call Bruce Orchid at 2608 or Madie Murray at 3064

DAFFODILS BY THE BUCKET

(While supplies last)

Fill your vases with fresh cut daffodils! Fifty-five 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: fresh, locally grown flowers. (02.18)

FLOWERS IN BLOOM AT ISLAND HARDWARE

Come by the store and see the splash of color created by the gorgeous blooming flowers we have in stock. We have racks of seeds to look over, it’s never too early to start planning this years garden. We have oodles of heavy-duty work jeans at a great price and a large selection of sizes. While you’re getting outfitted check out our clothing room upstairs. It’s crammed with shirts, jackets, pants, socks, rain boots, belts, vests and rain gear. (02.25)

INFORMATION: Call the store @ 376-4200 or stop by

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: $111.

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

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.

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Upcoming Events (Mark Your Calendars!)

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

THE DECLINE & RISE OF NATURAL HISTORY – LECTURE SERIES

(Friday, March 5 @ 7 pm at The Commons at UW Friday Harbor)

Josh Tewksbury of University of Washington will talk on The Decline and Rise of Natural History. While our ancestors focused attention on the natural world around them, we are losing that intimate contact to our detriment. We spend less and less time in contact with natural systems and often lack the knowledge to make informed management decisions. Tewksbury feels very strongly about this subject and suggests that we cannot discuss possible impacts of major changes on natural systems without this knowledge. The lecture is free to the public though donations are welcomed.

INFORMATION: Contact Fiona Norris @ science@sjnature.org

ROWFEAST 2010 – 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

MUSIC ADVOCACY GROUP CONCERT @ MIDDLE SCHOOL GYM

(Sunday, March 7 at 3 pm)

The annual Music Advocacy Group benefit concert for the school music program is coming up! Featured groups will include the Orcas Community Band, the High School String ensemble, 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.

SUPER SUCKERS: GIANT OCTOPUS: MARINE SCIENCE LECTURE SERIES

(Tuesday March 9 @ 7 pm at YMCA Camp Orkila)

Beautiful, bashful and brainy, the giant Pacific octopus leads a life of mystery. With a personality that’s as complex as its appearance, this animal is a master of disguise that can open jars, mimic other octopuses, and finds its way through mazes in laboratory experiments. Tim Carpenter, Curator of Fish and Invertebrates at the Seattle Aquarium, will lead the lecture.

INFORMATION: Call SeaDoc’s Jean Spalti @ 376-3910

WORKSHOP: TELLING A LIFE JOURNEY STORY @ ORCAS SR. CENTER

(Fridays, March 12 & 26; April 9 & 30, from 10 am – 3:30 pm)

In conjunction with the Orcas Historical Museum July event, “Journey Stories,” (in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution), Caroline Buchanan will lead a series of Friday work sessions to help you tell your journey story. We all have journey stories — How do you go about telling YOUR story? Buchanan will help you to decide – written, done as a journal, as a children’s book, a collage … Caroline will help you make it possible. Class limited to 10, $165. REGISTER: Call Senior Center @ 376-2667

INFORMATION: Contact Caroline @ 376-5509 or watercolors@rockisland.com

ORCAS ISLAND BLOOD DRIVE @ EASTSOUND FIRE HALL

(Thursday, March 18; 12 noon to 6 pm)

Please give blood. With every blood donation, you can help save up to three lives. For information and to schedule an appointment, please contact Paul below. Sponsored by Orcas Island Lions Club.

INFORMATION & RESERVATION: Contact Paul Losleben @ 376-6804 or losleben@rockisland.com

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Restaurant News & Dining Specials

LOWER TAVERN OFFERS KARAOKE NIGHT

(Saturday, February 27 @ 9 pm)

Show off your talents, or simply soak up those of your fellow Karaokians! Hosted by the incomparable Charly Robinson. And your dollar goes further at the Lower. We will be taking our prices back a few years on our delicious Hamburgers 6.99, Cheeseburgers 7.59 and Bacon Cheeseburgers 8.59. Monday thru Friday, 11 am – 4 pm. (02.25)

INFORMATION: Call the Tavern @ 376-4848

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

ORCAS HOTEL PRESENTS PUB NIGHT WITH MARTIN LUND AND GENE NERY

(Friday, February 27 @ 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

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Public Meetings on Orcas Island

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: Thursday, March 4.

Monday, March 8 (9 am). Orcas Island Public Library Board meeting (Public Library). Call 376-4985 for more information. Regularly meets on the second Monday of the month.

Tuesday, March 9 (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, March 9 (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, March10 (3:45 pm – 5:30 pm). Deer Harbor Plan Review Committee (Deer Harbor Community Center). Meets second Wednesday of the month. Public is welcome.

Thursday, March 11 (12 noon – 2 pm). Orcas Island Park & Recreation District (Eastsound Fire Hall). 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. Next meeting is March 11.

Wednesday, March 31 (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.

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Continuing Art & Museum Shows

‘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

(Saturdays, 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

ORCAS ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM

(Open Saturdays 10 am – 3 pm, and by appointment)

Come explore Orcas Island history with exhibits of all types. Located on North Beach Road in Eastsound.

INFORMATION: Call them at 376-4849

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The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce works daily to support our community’s businesses and organizations. Please support Chamber of Commerce members when making your buying decisions. The value of a dollar spent locally cannot be understated. Think Local – Buy Local – Orcas First!

The Chamber of Commerce is happy to answer any questions you have about our beautiful island!

Sincerely,

Lance Evans, Executive Director
Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce