Masks: The County Health Department is making higher quality N95 and KN95 masks available to the public at no charge. They may be obtained at the following Orcas Island locations while supplies last: Island Market, Orcas Food Co-op & Ray’s Pharmacy (During hours of operation)

Test Kits: The County Health Department has at-home test kits available this Thursday, February 10 until 6 pm. Orcas Island location: Orcas Center, 917 Mt. Baker Road. Alternatively, you can call 360-672-2201 to request a delivery if unable to get to the center. See flyer for more locations (Lopez, San Juan).

How about a gift card for your special Valentine's this year? Support local businesses by purchasing gift cards. Shop Local!

Happy Valentine’s Day! For the month of February, receive a complimentary haircut for your sweetie while you get your cut & color service! 360-967-7008

The Longevity Heart Pendant, give it to your partner, paramour, friend, and relative knowing its meaning is about wisdom, compassion, endless love, and connection. Individual hearts are available as well as small packages of delicious toffee and smoked lox. Click for information or call 360-317-5522

Give a bouquet of Island Thyme this Valentine's and enjoy 15% OFF. This Saturday & Sunday, in-person at our store only. (Our online store - www.islandthyme.com - has its own holiday promotions. To hear about them just sign up for our newsletter.) Give a beautiful island-made botanical gift or pick out some things for yourself! Sale runs this weekend, February 12 - 13, 10 am - 5 pm. 310 Main Street. 

Deborah B. Darner, LMT / Wild Rose LTD

Reiki Energy Healing, 1 hour / $75. Please call 360-376-4188.

Please enjoy 50% OFF “Pink Ribbon” items this FRIDAY & SATURDAY, February 11 & 12 from 12 - 5 pm! Items will include boutique clothing in Pink, Purple, Red, and winter garments. Treat someone you love, including yourself 💖…

We will be offering a five course chefs' tasting menu in the newly refreshed dining room for $95 per person. A date night box is also available for pre-order. Take a look at both menus here. They will be very limited and will be available to reserve/pre-order at this link. Thank you!

Bring your valentine and enjoy 4 courses for $55 per person. Optional cocktail pairing available. Up and coming chef Chris Baker has assembled an aphrodisiac themed menu. Choose from the 5 pm or 7:30 pm seating. Occupancy is very limited to allow for a safe and intimate night out. Visit www.thebarnacle.com/valentine for more information and tickets. Read more…

Please stop by and check out our tasting room this Valentine’s weekend – we are open Saturday & Sunday (February 12 & 13) from 12 noon to 4 pm. Stop in for a taste, or a special gift for your Valentine! We are located at 123 North Beach Road.

On Wednesday, February 16 at 10:30 am, the Orcas Island and Lopez Island Garden Clubs’ virtual (Zoom) meeting will feature Jennifer Harris presenting A Designed Pacific Northwest Native Meadow on San Juan Island: bare root native perennials, natives from seed, and mineral mulches. See flyer for details and meeting link.

Through her impeccable musicianship, compelling stage presence, and constant premieres of new musical works, JIJI’s intriguing programming solidifies her reputation as a 21st century guitarist. Saturday, February 19 at 7 pm. Tickets on sale now at Orcas Center.

ORCAS CENTER STREAMS RIGOLETTO (THE MET)

Presented Sunday, February 20 at 1 pm. Written during the most fertile period of Verdi’s artistic life, the opera resonates with a universality that is frequently called Shakespearean. Tickets available through Orcas Center.

Come join us for this Classic Film Series and see three films about what happens ‘next’. These films span three continents and 60 years of cinematic imagination. Our first showing will be on February 27 at 4 pm. Free to the public, reservations required. Details available here.

Now open 10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Hope to see you soon!

WaFd Bank is happy to feature two local textile artists, Timothy Clark and Barbara von Gunten. Each brings a unique vision and special techniques to their productions. Timothy’s button-fastened scarves are made using rich upholstered materials. Barb’s weavings, twines, and macrame draw on traditional fishing braids, knots, and more. Come by for a sample pack to try yourself! Open weekdays, 9 am - 5 pm. Read more...

The Orcas Island Historical Museum is extending our closure season for the winter. We will reopen to the public Thursday, February 17. Hours will be Thursday – Friday, 11 am – 3 pm and Saturday, 11 am – 2 pm. Museum office is open by appointment.

We are reopening for our 42nd season on Saturday, February 12. Please join us in welcoming new artists Sharon Ho (ceramic jewelry), Peter Mohlman (paintings) and Misha Rauchwerger (photography.) Everything in our shop is made on Orcas Island. Open daily 10 am - 4 pm. 360-376-4408 orcasartworks.com

OISD is looking for volunteers to be on The Budget Advisory Committee. Here is a link to a google form outlining details of the responsibilities, as well as an overview of the amount of time it would involve: https://forms.gle/q4K3XCMA7zuyXbWp8

My co-worker recently shared a picture of the first red currant flower he's seen this year. (above) It was a joy to receive that photo as it reminded me that spring is around the corner. So this morning, whilst enjoying my first cup of coffee, I purposely listened for another harbinger of spring, "Oh me, pretty, pretty me." Newsletter and event calendar available here.

After a two-year hiatus, the Orcas Island Lit Fest is returning this June 3 – 4, with the popular Friday night Lit Walk in Eastsound Village and the book festival returning to Orcas Center on Saturday. OILF is now seeking lodging donations for a handful of critically acclaimed and beloved regional authors. Housing gifts are especially helpful in our efforts to host early-career writers and writers of color who might otherwise be priced out of contributing to the literary conversation on Orcas. Help us succeed in bringing a world-class book festival to Orcas Island by donating your guesthouse, short-term rental or guest room. Housing donors become festival sponsors, receiving recognition on our website along with event passes.

Contact Theresa Harris: Theresa@oilf.org.

Used commercial restaurant kitchen equipment for sale: Myer Diebel commercial dishwasher with racks, hot water sanitizing cycle 90 seconds, 6 burner propane range, 2 compartment stainless sink and sprayer, 2 rolling racks, freezer, assorted linens, wine glasses, call 360-376-2608 to shop!

Join SAFE San Juans, San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and SJC Sheriff's Office while they discuss topics ranging from signs of assault to navigating the criminal court system. Presented February 17 at 6 pm online. Link available on safesj.org.

We invite all women seeking higher education and career training to apply for our 2022 grants. All applications are due February 25. Please direct any questions to sifridayharbor@soroptimist.net, our official announcement can be found here. Soroptimists ~ providing women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

Coming this February and March, the Visitors Bureau will host three ‘Tourism Talk’ meetings via Zoom for locals to get to know the staff and board, learn more about what we do, and ask questions, make suggestions, and give constructive feedback. Meeting links available here.

OICF is excited to announce a call for proposals for the 2022 spring GiveOrcas grant program. Any nonprofit serving Orcas Island is invited to apply now through March 4. Read about the application process and download forms from our website.

To learn more, contact us: 360-378-2906 or mickey@sanjuansedc.org, see flyer for details.

Need more data and information to make knowledgeable decisions about your business or as a community legislator or leader? Join the Economic Development Council of San Juan County (EDC) for their fifth annual Datapalooza! event, 1.5 hours of in-depth data and analysis of our economy and demographics, plus great conversation, on Tuesday, March 29 from 10 - 11 am via Zoom. Tickets and contact information here.

--Childbirth Education Series

Island Health is offering a four-week online class series designed to prepare parents-to-be for the arrival of their new baby. Classes are Tuesdays from 6 – 9 pm starting March 1, taught by Teri Shilling, MS, LCCE, CD(DONA), IBCLC. Cost is $95 and is covered by Apple Health. Registration is required; call 360-299-4204.

--Mediterranean Nutrition Class

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to support healthier blood pressure, cholesterol, and body weight. Join Registered Dietitian Amber Phillips for an overview of this exciting eating style and practical tips for making it work for you! Thursday, February 28, 10 - 11 am. Call 360-299-4204 or register online at www.islandhealth.org/classes.

--Grief and Loss Discussion Group

Join an expert from Hospice of the Northwest for a discussion on grief and loss. Understand how grief can manifest and learn tools for coping with and normalizing loss. Tips on self-care and available community resources will be reviewed. This free online class takes place on Thursday, March 3 at 10 am. Register online at www.islandhealth.org/classes or call 360-299-4204.

--Balance Screening at Island Health, Anacortes

Determine if you are at risk of falling due to balance issues at a free screening on Tuesday, March 8 between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm at Island Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy at 25^th Street Building, Anacortes. Appointments are required. Call 360-299-4204.

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.

Position: Executive Director

Description: 30 hours/week, salaried. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership, fundraising, communications, and management experience, as well as a deep passion for addressing food system challenges through collaboration. See flyer for details. Screening begins February 15.

Position: Farmers-to-Farmland Coordinator

Description: Part-time flexible, wage dependent on experience. Using a collaborative approach involving project partners, this program supports farmers and ranchers in developing farming goals, skills, access to land and capital, and general resiliency needed to farm successfully in the unique conditions of the San Juan Islands. See flyer for details. Screening begins February 15.

Position: Marketing Coordinator

Description: Part-time flexible, $23/hour. This position will create and implement marketing outreach of Ag Guild’s programs through social media and website updates. All marketing materials drive people to the websites for further information. See flyer for details. Screening begins March 1.

Positions: Sales Associate (PT or FT) and Store Manager (PT or FT)

Contact information: Email mindy@orcasislandleather.com with your availability, interest and any relevant skills and experience.

Position: Orcas Island Farmers Market Representative  

Contact Information: To apply, email cover letter & resume to jobs@girlmeetsdirt.com

Position: Food Service Supervisor – 2 positions available

Position: Maintenance Technician II – 1 position available

Contact Information: For questions, please email KATIE O’ROURKE (she/her) Conferences and Retreats Director at korourke@seattleymca.org

The "FOOD AND DRINKS GUIDE" includes restaurants, 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*. You can always see the latest list at: www.bit.ly/orcasdininglist.

Matthews Smokehouse - reopening February (TBD)

Matia Kitchen & Bar - Open to public February 16

White Horse Pub - reopening February 28

The Kitchen - reopening February 28

Madrona Bar & Grill - reopening February 12

Wild Island Restaurant - closing February 15 to March 1