Here's What's Happening on Orcas Island!
May 25, 2020
#ORCASSTRONG
Support local businesses by purchasing gift cards. Shop Local!
Open to all Orcas businesses!
Just email:  OrcasStrong@gmail.com  with your information.

(Check this page often for additional gift card offerings )
(Refresh your browser after clicking Dining Guide for latest information)
BUSINESS UPDATES
See which businesses and organizations are Essential and open and which ones are closed, but may be offering products and services online.

(Check this page regularly as information may change)
BLAST CONTENT
We hope you are finding the Blast relevant and easier to read bi-weekly. Due to the amount of information about COVID-19 news and resources, we are limiting other content to 2 editions. After a week, you can submit a new announcement so readers will be up-to-date on your business. As always, we welcome your feedback. 
LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL RESOURCES
ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION UPDATE 5/21. Click here.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DE LA FUNDACIÓN DE LA COMUNIDAD DE ORCAS Haga clic aqui.

BUSINESS CHAT 'N' CHEW
(Tuesday, May 26 and Thursday, May 28, noon-12:45 pm, via Zoom)
A meeting where our small business owners could talk frankly about the challenges they are facing right now. Read more...

WASHINGTON STATE CHAMBER OFFERS FREE BUSINESS WEBINARS
Restaurants & Hospitality: Re-opening Insight & Operations Guidance. Wednesday, May 27, 9 am-10 am . Description & Guest speakers here . Register at this link .

EDC: SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNITY FORUMS ON WEDNESDAYS
Presented via Zoom from 6 pm -7 pm . Each week will cover different topics of interest to residents of the islands, and allow for conversation with elected officials, local health and social experts and community leaders. Visit sanjuansedc.org/CommunityConversation.

SAN JUAN COUNTY: BAN ON TRANSIENT LODGING AND CAMPING
Non-essential travel is currently scheduled to happen when San Juan County moves to Phase 3 of the Governor’s four phased reopening plan.The current expectation is that Phase 3 will likely occur no earlier than mid- to late June unless the Governor’s phased approach is altered due to changes in circumstances or local waivers applied at the state level.

EDC ANNOUNCES THAT OVER 100 BILLION IN PPP IS STILL AVAILABLE
If you haven't explored how the Paycheck Protection Program could help your business, reach out to your banker. Read more...

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: LOAN FORGIVENESS
To help businesses navigate loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program:  Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness. Click here for Guide.

GUIDANCE FOR RESTARTING BUSINESSES AND SERVICES:
  • All elective medical and dental procedures can resume. Read more...
  • construction, golf and photography in Phase 2. Read more..
  • real estate and fitness operations in Phase 2. Read more...
  • voluntary contact information for patrons. Read more...

LOCAL & REGIONAL SCHEDULED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Status update on Friday, May 15, for buses, ferries, trains. Read more... 

FACE MASK REQUIREMENTS
Now that San Juan County is in Phase 2 , face coverings are required in all public businesses as per San Juan County Health Officer. To help educate the public and customers of this critical requirement to ensure the health of our community several printable posters have been developed. If you would like to request a small supply of masks for your customers, please email the Chamber.

WASHINGTON STATE SMALL BUSINESS LIAISON TEAM WEBINARS
Eleven webinars from May to July. Select your date and register now on Eventbrite. For details from state department partners, Read more...
NEW THIS EDITION
ORCASONG FARM SPECIALS
Last Day for our Harvey Milk Day Sale - Take 20% Off All Bundles + Free Shipping on Orders over $75. Local Pick-up available. OrcaSong is honoring and celebrating the profound impact the first openly gay public official made on the world. Read more here. See newsletter here.

SUZIE WELCOMES YOU BACK
Suzie’s Barber Shop will reopen on Tuesday, June 2. To make an appointment, please visit my website, suziesbarbershop.com or leave a message at
360-376-1911.

ORCAS HOTEL OPENS PATIO FOR DINING
Guests are invited to enjoy meals on our patio during our business hours of 8 am-1 pm and 5 pm-7 pm (daily, with the exception that we will be closed for maintenance this Wednesday). We ask that guests continue to place their orders online in advance. 360-376-4300. orcashotel.com Read more...
TRES FABU OPENS JUNE 2
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am-4 pm and other times by appointment. 360-376-7673.

ORCAS VEG FEST ONLINE COOKING CLASS
A 4-week online cooking class to boost your immune system! Trimazing Health & Lifestyle Coaching and Sukhi Kitchen, are bringing an inspiring, informative, and delicious 4-class series directly to you in your home. Join us Wednesday evenings, from 6-8 pm, starting June 3rd ! Sign up here.

BULLOCK'S PERMACULTURE NURSERY
We are still operating our nursery sales online, or by appointment only.
With all the uncertainty the world is feeling, were happy to be here propagating plants. We have many delicious variety’s of perennials waiting to feed future generations. permacultureportal.com See inventory here.
EXPLORE ISLAND HISTORY
May is National Historic Preservation Month and also History Lives Here Month in the Islands. While you aren't able to physically celebrate in the San Juan Islands right now, you can still visit through a book! Book titles here. Some books can be ordered at Darvill's or the Historical Museum.

ACCESS TO THE TOP OF INDIAN ISLAND IS CLOSED
For the protection of nesting migratory birds, the top of Indian Island is closed until July 15 by order of the San Juan Islands National Monument and Bureau of Land Management.

TURTLEBACK MOUNTAIN PARKING AREAS CLOSED MAY 26-29
Please excuse our dust while your Conservation Land Bank completes maintenance on the Turtleback Mountain Preserve parking areas and access roads on Orcas Island. The parking areas will be closed to public access with cones while we work.

RAINSHADOW RUNNING MAKES CHANGES
"We're gonna take a year off from directing the Orcas Island 100, but we do plan to bring it back in 2022". Read more...

STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: HOW COVID-19 SPREADS
The state Department of Health ( www.doh.wa.gov) wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19. Read more... 
FROM LAST EDITION
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION MONDAY, MAY 25
The American Legion Voyle B. Martin Post # 93 held a Memorial Day Service at the Woodlawn Cemetery. It will be recorded and uploaded to our website and FB page for viewing in the safety of your own home. The website link is orcaslegion93.org .

VOYAGER SANDWICHES AND SEAFOOD
We are open and can’t wait to see you all from a safe distance. Click here for take out menu as well as the newest addition to our sandwich family: fried chicken with pimento cheese, pickles, and slaw. We will be open Monday-Friday from 11-4 pm. You can call orders in at 360-298-9261.

THE KITCHEN WILL REOPEN JUNE 1, 11 am - 7 pm
The Kitchen has squeaked by these last few months..Phew! Thank you everyone for your continued love and support. Our dining room will have limited seats & our court yard will be open provided we respect the space of others.. stay tuned for our online ordering menu. 360-376-6958.

NEW LEAF CAFE OPEN FOR MEALS TO-GO
Customers can order old favorites such as Filet Mignon, Wagyu Beef Sliders, and Truffle Fries or try our new Sake Fried Chicken, Grilled Halibut Picatta, or our gluten-free menu. Pickup 5:30 to 8 pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays . Orders must be placed by 5 pm at outlookinn.com/newleaf  

ORCAS VILLAGE STORE HOME DELIVERY
Free Home Delivery on orders over $150! Place orders via email at info@orcasvillagestore.com. Please include your phone number and address on your order. Questions? call us 360-376-8860. Curbside pickup still available. Read more...

FIND ISLAND THYME AT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SHOPS!
Add your favorite products to your curbside order with the Orcas Coop. Stock up when shopping in-store at Ray's', Orcas Village Store & Doe Bay General Store. We are also offering Free Local Pickup. Place your order through our website & use the code: LOCAL-PICK-UP. Find out more here.

ORCAS ARTS & GIFTS - HUGE SALE
LOTS ON SALE, including Northwest carvings, minerals, jewelry, crystals, shirts, fossils, and more! Masks for sale and locally made hand sanitizer. Jewelry repair, watch batteries, and more services. Window shop and make an appointment!  360-941-7297  or  208-301-4429.   orcasartsandgifts.com

COFFELT FARM PRESERVE PLAN
Your Conservation Land Bank is seeking public input on its recently completed Draft Stewardship and Management Plan (SMP) for the Coffelt Farm Preserve on Orcas Island. Read more...

HISTORICAL MUSEUM THANKS ORCAS FOOD CO-OP
Restoring the Heritage Garden was on hold until the museum was informed that the Community Hero program was still going to donate $1 a box sold in May. Please shop at the Food Co-op and help the museum! Find a full list of produce and other items available to order on the Co-op’s online shop.

EVERYONE CAN JOIN THE SAN JUAN COUNTY VIRTUAL FAIR
It is our hope to be able to share the spirit of our fair, and showcase what our community has to offer. As part of our virtual fair this year, August 12-15, we are hoping you will be a part of our San Juan County Fair community and opt to participate as a “virtual vendor”.  Read more...

FRIENDS OF THE SAN JUANS: MESSAGE FOR BOATERS
Environmentally friendly ideas for boaters - with a focus on the importance of anchoring out of eelgrass. (Photo by Mark Gardner) Read more...

THANK YOU, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES!
Now, more than ever, we thank these brave men and women who are there for us, often on the worst day of our lives. Please thank the EMS heroes in your community by sending your best wishes for their safety and health.

FARMER'S MARKET SATURDAYS, 10 am-1 pm, on the Village Green.
Pippin after being blessed at Emmanuel's Blessing Day. Owners Steve and Susan McBain.
Blast Readers , please send us pictures of your pets. Include a caption, their names and your name. We will feature one each week.