Island Life shop is family-operated by fifth and third-generation islanders with an aim to find the most innovative, environment-friendly outdoor clothing, camping gear, shoes, travel products, and backyard products made on the planet. Read more...

Operators: Rick and Marlace Hughes

Website: islandlifeorcas.com Phone:  360-376-2230

Take a journey into the digestive system with Registered Dietitian Amber Phillips in this free, online class. Learn common symptoms of digestive distress. Tuesday, November 16, 10 am. Register online islandhospital.org/classes or call 360-299-4204.

People seeking new job skills or career inspiration are invited to a free, hands-on introduction to masonry, offered by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County (EDC). The one day course will be taught by Dave Koch, retired masonry contractor, on Saturday, December 4,10 am-5 pm in Friday Harbor. Read more...

Among the Orcas Senior Center’s Companion Services, two programs stand out: Hearts and Hands and Buddy Check-In. To read more about Orcas Senior Center’s Companion Services program, go to orcasseniors.org. Contact Jim Glozier, Companion Services Coordinator, at 360-919-9318 or Jim@orcasseniors.org for more information.

'TRAGEDY: A TRAGEDY' LIVE PERFORMANCE AT ORCAS CENTER

November 4 -13. Click here for full schedule. Live Theatre is back at Orcas Center with a hilariously timely production. Reporting live on an unfolding crisis, Frank in the Studio is aided by his team of field reporters. As the impending event approaches and chaos builds, the broadcasters reveal themselves to be all too human. Read more...

Thursday at 4 pm at the library or by Zoom meeting. Margaret Mills has been engaged in Afghanistan studies – folklore, oral history and cultural anthropology – since 1969. She will offer a short overview of Afghanistan’s history, current state and possible futures to invite audience discussion. 

For comments, contact mills.186@osu.edu. Register at orcaslibrary.org

Miss your morning joe with the regulars? Make a cup at home and join Norman Gilinsky at Friday, November 5, 8 am by Zoom meeting to hear about radio history and his vintage radio collection now on exhibit at the Orcas Island Library. Please bring questions! Read more...

Saturday, November 6, 1pm. James McAvoy returns to the stage in an inventive new adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac, broadcast live to cinemas from the West End in London. Read more...

Sunday, November 7 is the end of daylight savings time and it is also a good time to change your smoke alarm batteries and check any hard-wired detectors to verify they are in good working condition. Visit orcasfire.org or call 360-376-2331. Read more...

Has the pandemic increased conflicts in your life? Orcas Island Public Library is offering a new program to help with such challenges. Adapted from a seminar, “What Do You Say When….Conflict Management as You Interact,” Dr. Jeanne McPherson will facilitate two, 2- hour sessions November 9 & 11 from 9-11 am at the library on the skills you need as you engage with others. Read more...

On Wednesday, November 10, 10:30 am, the Orcas Island and Lopez Island Garden Clubs present Jessi Bloom’s virtual (Zoom) presentation Permaculture and Resiliency. This presentation will be not be recorded. The link to the live meeting provided by the Orcas Island Library is here. Read more...

The Orcas Island School District will be hosting a Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday, November 10, 8:45-9:15, outside in the middle school commons. The American Legion Post #93 Color Guard will be presenting the colors and raising the school flag. Parents and community members are invited.

The American Legion Post #93 will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Legion (793 Crescent Beach Road) on Thursday, November 11 at 11 am. All are welcome to attend. Masks are required. A light refreshment will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Bingo for a turkey on Sunday, November 14, 11 am. Turkey dinner served by the Auxiliary. Adults $13 & Seniors/children $8. Get a slice of homemade Pie $2. Fun for the whole family (masks required). 793 Crescent Beach Drive

The beloved tradition returns, as the Olga Symphony once more takes to the Orcas Center stage for their annual Holiday Concert this November 26 and 27 at 7 pm. New this year-both nights of this year’s concert will be livestreamed! Tickets are available now. You must sign up in advance at orcascenter.org. After all these years, the Olga Symphony remains so very grateful for your support and generosity. Read more...

Lifelong islander, Betty Hall, has generously donated a beautiful and festive quilt to Orcas Senior Center for a silent auction. It is adorned with a Christmas tree using what’s called paper piecing and was expertly crafted both by hand and machine by Betty and the late Wanda Ryberg. Stop by the Orcas Senior Center Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm to admire this lovely quilt and place your winning bid by December 1 at 3 pm.

The holiday spirit is returning to the library this year! The Friends of the Orcas Island Library will hold their annual Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 4, from 1 to 3 pm. Although we won’t be serving tea as we have in the past, we’re keeping the festive spirit alive by providing live music and offering treats with a twist. Read more...

Thank you all for an incredible 2021 season – we were completely sold out for the main season, and sadly, had to turn many away! I hope those who didn’t get a chance will be able to join us this next year! See schedule here.

We are currently accepting applications from non-sectarian, non-partisan charitable community groups for 2022. To qualify for consideration please submit the application by November 30, 2020. Read more...

Grannie’s Closet offers household décor, kitchen and vintage items, crafting supplies, and much, much more. Located in the lobby at the Orcas Senior Center, Grannie’s Closet occupies only a few shelves. But with a constantly changing array of items, it’s worth checking what’s new on a regular basis. Read more...

Please stop by Orcas Senior Center to peruse Christmas décor to take home for free or by your generous donation. Also, take a look at the beautiful handmade quilt donated by Betty Hall for a silent auction and place your winning bid! Come find a holiday treasure Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm.

Wednesdays at 9am or Thursdays at 12:30pm by Zoom. Quiet the mind and strengthen the body with Joan Roulac’s Jump Start in 15 Qigong series.

For inquiries and registration, contact Joan Roulac directly at 360-298-2789 or joan@MountaintopMusings.com. 

The board comprises five members who plan the direction of library services, oversee library policies, and oversee the library’s expenditure of funds. Serving on the Library Board requires a talent for teamwork, along with a belief in the culture and tradition of public libraries. Serving a five-year term on January 1, 2022. Review of applications will begin on November 5. See orcaslibrary.org or contact Janet Marlow, 360-376-4985. jmarlow@orcaslibrary.org.

Kaj Litch, of the Computational Democracy Project, says, “The enthusiastic participation of the island community reflects the local importance, continued impact, and resulting accountability of the Land Bank to the people of San Juan County. Through this engagement, the public has spoken, and the Land Bank is listening. This is participatory democracy in our community.” Read more...

Friday, November 5 & Saturday, November 6, 12-6 pm. Rain or Shine!

Ted & Jen return from Lopez to serve the Orcas community at the winery! Poutine Your Mouth is committed to serving the most delicious, amazing locally sourced, organic and non-gmo COMFORT food. They'll be serving their beloved poutine, hot sandwiches and hearty soups! Wine specials (and brand new releases) available! Yum!

Friday, November 12, 6 pm. Join the brewers from Garden Path at the not-to-miss beer event of the year. Hyper local 8-course prix fixe dinner paired with Garden Path beer. Oak vessels and 100% native yeast are the star with this local brewer. The $180 ticket includes a generous fall menu and drink pairings. Tickets available using link on our website matiarestaurant.com.

Friday, November 12, 5 pm. Brewing and Distilling come together at Terramar where regional ingredients shine in ingenious blends of flavors. Brewer on site. Taps Takeover. Beer tastings, flights, and cocktails. No cover. terramarcraft.com Read more...

Saturday, November 13, 5 pm. Island Neighbor brewing company will have a brewer onsite. We’ll experiment with beer cocktails, share brewing techniques, and offer specials on tastings and flights. No cover. sanjuanbrew.com

Tables are available daily 8 am to 8 pm and it’s very casual (order at counter, no reservations). We are asking that tables be used for enjoying full meals due to limited seating capacity. 360-320-6415

Join Orcas Island Winery for fire pit Fridays from 4-6 pm at their large group fire. Enjoy 20% off all wine purchases- flights, glass pours, bottles and cases. Brand new wine releases are here! Picnic style food available including goat cheese from Lum Farm. Outside food welcome. Instruments welcome!

11/3 – 11/20 It's time to place your order for seasonal meats and pies! This year we're offering discounted member pricing on all of our seasonal meats, and an extra special deal for organic turkeys - Orcas Food Co-op Members can purchase organic turkeys at cost. Find all the details and place your order online. Quantities are limited. Read more...

Thanksgiving menu is available for pre-order. Thanksgiving menu is on-line. To place order, call 360-376-8059 or email cafegm@doebay.com

Pick-up times are between 2-6 pm. Visit doebay.com/cafe/menu.

Roast turkey, prime rib or butternut squash ravioli with sage and hazelnut brown butter. Seating is limited for social distancing. Reserved seating slots at 3 pm, 3:30 pm, 4 pm, 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm, 6 pm, 6:30 pm. For complete menu, visit our link. Email Katie@outlookinn.com to reserve space.

Thanksgiving Menu is now available for preorder. Orders can be made on our website or by calling the cafe and will be available for pickupThanksgiving morning. All items are available individually, so select just a couple of items to augment your traditional meal, or order an entire meal that is ready to heat and serve. Due to limited availability, reserve your meals early. Ordering link here. See menu here.

We are now accepting reservations for our November Jazz Supper Clubs. The October dates sold out within a couple of days, so anyone who is interested in joining us in November should e-mail orcascafe@gmail.com with their date request.

Wednesdays, 8 pm is Trivia Night. Saturdays at 9 pm is Karaoke. Must be 21+ and show ID and vaccination card for events, not for the restaurant.

Just as a wet, cold blanket is settling over Orcas, it’s high time to think warm sweaters, gloves & hats, scarves, Darn Tough socks - and Frasier Fir candles in lots of sizes for home and holiday gift-giving, all at 20% off storewide! All clearance items are an additional 20% off. Gear up for a classic Northwest winter! Tuesday-Saturday, 11-3 pm or by appointment.

Portable miniature martini shaker, Lever Corkscrew Set, Wine Stoppers. Lemon/ Lime squeezer, whale bottle opener. Open Friday-Tuesday, 12-4 pm. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursday mornings until November 17.

ORCAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY WREATH SALE Decorated with fragrant juniper berries, yellow tipped incense cedar, pine cones, and then finished off with a red velvet bow, these lovely noble fir wreaths smell wonderful and last for months. $30 online or via cash or check made payable to Orcas Montessori School at Ray’s Pharmacy, Con’s Pit Stop, and Orcas Food Co-op. orcasmontessori.org/wreath, 360-376-5350. Read more...

Orcas Senior Masks Fundraiser-Come see all the masks! Handmade jewelry, Local Art, Orcas Island Pendants, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, fossils, crystals, and so much more! Sale includes Northwest carvings and minerals. Now taking orders for jewelry repair/custom work, watch batteries, and more. 208-301-4429. Visit at 245 Main Street. Open Thursday-Monday, 11 am-3 pm.

The Pioneer Museum is open 11 am-3 pm, Thursday-Friday and 11-2 pm, Saturdays. 360-376-4849 orcasmuseums.org. Visit the new exhibit “Mapping Orcas: The Way Home” which features an extraordinary collection of historical maps. Read more...

The Mansion is open to the public for a self-guided tour from 8 am - 9 pm daily on the second floor. Rosario Resort: 360-376-2152

Job positions are listed here and will be posted for at least 1 week. If you are looking for employment, see all job postings from Chamber businesses. All jobs listed here.

For job postings, application packet and job descriptions go to orcasislandschools.org. Contact information: vvandermay@orcas.k12.wa.us or 360-376-1509.

Saturday or Sunday nights. Must also be able to occasionally fill in as needed during the rest of the week. Shifts are from 3:15 pm-9:30 pm. Pay is $15/hr plus tips. Must be able to provide management with WA State M.A.S.T. permit when hired. Interested applicants can turn in a resume at 793 Crescent Beach Rd every day of the week from 4-8pm.

Please drop off your resume at the coffee bar or front desk at Darvill’s or e-mail your resume to darvills@rockisland.com. Read more...

Doe Bay is seeking an experienced/skilled person for a long-term position in our Facilities Department. Read more...

Visit orcasseniors.org or contact Ian Cassinos at 360-746-3495 or icassinos@wccoa.org. 

The Dining Guide is now called "FOOD AND DRINKS GUIDE" to include stores, wineries, breweries, etc. You will also see restaurants that are seating indoors and requiring proof of vaccination with an added note: *Vaccination proof indoor dining*.

Doe Bay Cafe-will close November 7 and reopen November 19