Here's What's Happening on Orcas Island!
September 24, 2020
ORCAS ISLAND DINING GUIDE
See restaurants open for To-Go orders or Dining-in options.
Call for more information.

(Refresh your browser after clicking Dining Guide for latest information)
BUSINESS UPDATES
See which businesses and organizations are open. Includes lodging availability.

(Check this page regularly as information may change)
CHAMBER WELCOMES 2 NEW MEMBERS!

EMILY'S COOL HAIR SALON
Emily has always loved doing hair and making people feel wonderful inside and out. Offering color and cuts for the families of Orcas in a peaceful home salon studio. Bridal / Special occasion styling also offered. Read more...

KELLEY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Home and business exterior & interior cleaning. Also, Home and Property Check: I will check on your home, business or property while you are gone for your peace of mind. Licensed & Insured. Read more...
LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL RESOURCES
WASHINGTON RETAIL ASSOCIATION SEPT. 24 NEWSLETTER
Updates on topics like ... new bag ban in Washington ... holiday spending expected to increase ... advice on increasing cash flow. Read more...

SAN JUAN ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU NEWSLETTER SEPT. 23
State & Local updates ... Take the Stay Safe Pledge. Read more...

WASHINGTON STATE BUSINESS & WORKER UPDATE SEPT. 23
The Business and Workers update is a weekly newsletter providing news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more...

COMMERCE DEPT. UNVEILS ECONOMIC RECOVERY DASHBOARD
The dashboard is available to the public on the Commerce website. local, regional and state leaders can more effectively focus economic recovery efforts by tracking the varying impact of the pandemic and needs through a prolonged slowdown. Read more here...

ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
Are you a SJC resident who has fallen behind on rent as of 03/01/20? If so, you may be eligible for assistance. Apply online here or call 360-734-5121 ext 308. Translation services are available upon request.
NEW THIS EDITION AND EVENTS THIS WEEK
FILM FEST DRIVE-IN MOVIES - FRIDAY/SATURDAY RESCHEDULED!!!
Due to wind and rain in the forecast for this weekend, OIFF will postpone the Stage Mother and Black Panther screenings. New dates are set for the following weekend; October 1 & October 2 at 8:00pm. Thank you for your understanding and we will see you at the movies! Information and ticketing: orcasfilmfest.com

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE COOP
Fresh Produce on Sale! And don't miss the upcoming Annual Member Meeting (all are welcome) ... it takes place on October 11, 4 pm- 6pm. Read more...

WOODY'S TAPHOUSE AT ISLAND MARKET SPECIAL OFFER!
Stop by Island Market’s new taphouse for a free glass growler with the purchase of any draft beer. Taps are rotating regularly with the freshest beer on the island! See store for details.

DOE BAY CAFE FALL SCHEDULE
Thursday – Sunday   5 – 8 PM: full menu. Thursday – Saturday: Dinner for 2 special. 9/24 -9/26 Miso, Maki Rolls, Miso Black Cod Onigiri, Cabbage and Kale with sesame oil. Sunday Supper Special 2 – 8PM 9/20:  Red Kuri Squash Lasagna, salad, gingerbread with apple & pear compote. Monday 5PM-8PM: Pizza is back plus a limited menu. Phone-in orders to 360-376-8059 . Visit https://doebay.com/cafe/menu for more details 

JOB OPENING - OLGA STRAWBERRY COUNCIL
Olga Strawberry Council seeks facility maintenance manager to perform routine maintenance tasks at Olga’s historic Strawberry Barreling Plant, home of the Artworks and Catkin Café. Fixed monthly pay at 8-hour rate. Negotiable based on experience. Email resumé and references to rosecovers2@gmail.com.

ORCAS SENIORS ASK QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES
Orcas Senior Center recently asked our members what questions they would like to see answered by the 2020 San Juan County Council candidates for the General Election. Of the 17 questions submitted, we consolidated them down to 3 questions and invited each of the candidates to answer. Read more...
 
THE INFATUATION.COM PICKS '10 BEST' ORCAS DINING/DRINK SPOTS
Have you been to these 10 picks on Orcas Island? So many good places to eat and drink ... how do you stop at 10??? Read article here...
FROM LAST EDITION
THE FUNHOUSE VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER IS HERE!
September 20, 10 am to September 24, midnight.
Please visit funhousecommons.org to donate. All donors that give $25 or more during this time will be entered into our Local Restaurant Raffle. Help us support Orcas Island youth as we pivot to meet the changing needs of the time! Read more...

LAVENDER SALE AT ORCASONG FARM
Flash Sale! Take 25% Off Lavender Essential Oil & Lavender Hydrosol - Use Code LAVENDER25 at Check-Out. Ends tonight at midnight. Read more...

AMERICAN LEGION POST # 93 FUNDRAISER
To Go Dinner, Friday, September 25, 5 to 7 pm. Cost is $12.00. Lasagna, salad, French bread and 2 cookies for dessert. Call and leave a message at 360-376-4987 to order and pick up time. Someone will return your call.
For text order: 360-317-6010. Cash/Checks or Venmo. 793 Crescent Beach Road.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ROUNDUP ON SATURDAY
Saturday, September 26th from 10am-2pm at ORS/The Exchange. Most types of hazardous waste are accepted with a few exclusions: Oil-based paint will be accepted; Latex paint will be accepted—but there is a recycling fee; No used signal flares, fireworks, ammunition accepted. Read more...

PURCHASE LOCALLY GROWN WILDFLOWER SEEDS
The San Juan County Land Bank is offering a once-a-year opportunity to purchase locally grown wildflowers native to San Juan County. Reserve your plants online September 18 – 27, and pick them up on Saturday, October 3 at locations on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan islands. All plants are produced locally by the Salish Seeds Project. Read more...

FALL 2020 GREAT ISLANDS CLEAN UP
Monday, September 28 thru Sunday, October 4 on all Islands. Be an Island Superhero and help clean-up the planet during a safe, week-long GICU event. Orcas participants can pick up kits including grabbers, vests, garbage bags, gloves and instructions, at The Transfer Station beginning Saturday, September 26th. Read more...

CATKIN CAFE'S CHANGE IN HOURS
Starting Friday, September 25, we will change our hours slightly and be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-6 pm.
BACK TO SCHOOL FUNDRAISER FOR SALMONBERRY
During the month of September, please visit salmonberryschool.org/shop-salmonberry/ to participate in our online Back to School Fundraiser. Any contribution, large or small is greatly appreciated and donations can be made using the fundraiser website link above or by mailing your contribution directly to Salmonberry School P.O. Box 1197 Eastsound, WA 98245. Read more...

JOIN MASTER GARDENERS ZOOM WORKSHOPS
Workshops are online as Zoom webinars October 17-30, beginning with Robin Haglund’s keynote presentation on Saturday, October 17 at 9 am on Hummingbird Habitat Gardens. Purchase tickets here. Tickets are $25 for all eight Workshops. Registration deadline is October 14. GardenWorkshop.org Read more...

LEADERSHIP SAN JUAN ISLANDS HOLDS VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES
Leadership San Juan Islands is pleased to announce the new LSJI dates for our 2021 session, which will begin January 8th and run through May 14th, 2021. Three informational open houses will be held virtually for Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island in October. Read more...

HISTORY MUSEUM ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESIGNATION
It is with both sadness and gratitude that we must announce that Brittney Maruska will be resigning as the Executive Director of the Orcas Island Historical Museums. We will miss her! orcasmuseums.org Read more...

FOWLER'S POND PRESERVE REPAIRS
Work is underway at Fowler’s Pond Preserve to repair the existing fencing along Orcas Road. Fowler’s Pond Preserve is closed to public access except by written permission.
#ORCASSTRONG
Support local businesses by purchasing gift cards. Shop Local! Email: OrcasStrong@gmail.com with your information. OrcasStrong Website
Visiting Dog
Sharon Bice writes us: Hi there! We just spent a glorious week on your island. Dog, kiddos and my hubby and I thank your residents for this! This photo was taken by my 15 year old twin daughter, Jessica from our rental at the Madrona Pt Townhome by Pebblecovefarm.com
Blast Readers, please send us pictures of your pets. Include a caption, their names and your name. We will feature one each week.