Here's What's Happening on Orcas Island!
May 6, 2021
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ORCAS ISLAND DINING GUIDE
(Updated May 6)
See restaurants open for To-Go orders and limited Indoor Dining.
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LOCAL, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL RESOURCES
NOTICE OF TOWN HALL MEETINGS WITH CHARTER REVIEW
The San Juan County Charter Review Commission will hold two Town Hall meetings to discuss proposed amendments to the County Home Rule Charter. The meetings will be held remotely & exclusively via ZOOM videoconferencing on Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 2 at 4 pm. The meetings are expected to last about 2 hours. Read more...

COVID-19 BULLETIN FROM WASHINGTON STATE DEPT. OF HEALTH
Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates published Tuesday, May 4.

WASHINGTON STATE: FOURTH WAVE OF COVID-19 INFECTIONS
Spring has brought new hope to Washington. With more people in our state getting vaccinated, a return to normalcy feels closer than ever. But we can’t enter this new beginning until we face a startling reality. Read more...

SAN JUAN COUNTY: AN UPDATE AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Updates on current local COVID news and an attempt to look ahead to what the rest of 2021 might bring. Read more...

EDC NEWS: RESTAURANT GRANT REGISTRATION  
Restaurant Revitalization Award: You can register at restaurants.sba.gov. More info is available here: sba.gov/restaurants. Other grants and information from the EDC in Read more...

GOING BIG ON BROADBAND
Historic funding levels and new state report put Washington state on path to accomplish nation’s most aggressive broadband goals and break down digital equity barriers. Read more...

BELLAIR AIRPORTER SHUTTLE
Service between Anacortes and Burlington (with connections to/from SeaTac Airport) have resumed with five eastbound and four westbound trips every day. Service to/from Paine Field in Everett is varied.
NEW THIS EDITION AND EVENTS THIS WEEK
ORCAS CENTER: RON MYERS
This Friday, May 7, 7 pm. Streaming at OrcasCenter.org.  Ron had the opportunity to travel world-wide; always having a piano to play. Dance bands, radio shows, piano bars, weddings, variety shows, restaurants, special events have all contributed to my musical experience. Read more...
LIVE MUSIC AT WILD ISLAND RESTAURANT
Saturday, May 8, 12:30-2 pm, weather permitting. Madison West, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, is a singer-songwriter with a voice that makes you want to s l o w d o w n and listen. The lyrics in her songs are filled with images that leave lasting impressions. Read more...
ORCAS SOCRATES CAFE @ ORCAS SENIOR CENTER
Sunday, May 9, 4-6 pm. Orcas Socrates Café is an opportunity to gather virtually, as a community, for a broad conversation on philosophical perspectives. To register for Orcas Socrates Café, go to orcasseniors.org. ALL ARE WELCOME! Read more...

COVID-19 VACCINE DISCUSSION PRESENTED BY ORCAS LIBRARY
Monday, May 10, 6 pm via ZOOM (meeting link also available on the library website) to hear about vaccine development from Dr. Wald, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington whose research has focused on viral infections and vaccine development. She will review the current information on COVID-19 vaccines development, effectiveness and adverse events of these vaccines. Please bring your questions!

MASTER GARDENERS SPRING PLANT SALE 
Wednesday, May 12, 5 pm. Lots of grown-with-love local perennials from the gardens of Orcas Island Master Gardeners and healthy, wonderful vegetable starts need new homes! Order early as some perennial selections are limited. More details in the online store SpringSale.org

AMERICAN LEGION SWAPMEET
Saturday, May 15, 10 am-2 pm in the parking lot at 793 Crescent Beach. You can rent a 12x12 space for $25.00. Email unit93auxiliary@gmail.com. We are also accepting items that you would like to donate. This year we are also accepting and selling clothes. In addition there will be a bake sale, a BBQ Raffle Basket, plus you can get a pulled pork sandwich for lunch. Come and look for treasurer!
OICF's GIVEORCAS CAMPAIGN: NOW UNTIL MAY 17
OICF invites donors to give directly to island nonprofits vetted and approved by Orcas Islands Community Foundation's Grants Committee. Go to giveorcas.org to view the 24 great programs featured in this year's campaign, and note the dates for GiveOrcas games.

LEARN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Those seeking to build their career or business in construction are invited to learn Construction Project Management in a FREE online class offered by the Economic Development Council (EDC). The course will run on Wednesdays, May 19-June 2, 4-6 pm over Zoom. Prospective students are urged to register quickly. Spaces are limited and the registration deadline is May 13.

FUNHOUSE RECEIVES GIVEORCAS DONATIONS
This year your donation will support Stepping Up at The Funhouse. This new outdoor based exploration program focuses on leadership skill development through games, activities, and discussions. Stepping Up provides island youth an opportunity to discover and develop social, emotional and leadership skills while exploring the beautiful outdoor places around Eastsound. Thank you for supporting the Funhouse!
ECO CLEANERS, INC
Comforter Special for the month of May! Bring any duvet, comforter, quilt of any size and we'll clean it for only $25. Also, bring your sweaters, blankets, suits and shirts! We also do regular personal laundry wash and fold by the pound. Monday to Friday, 9 am-2 pm. 360-202-6226 Read more...

BUDDY CHECK-INS
Buddy Check-In is now a permanent Orcas Senior Center offering to support aging well on Orcas. If you are a senior who would like a regular call from a Volunteer Buddy, or if you would like to become Volunteer Buddy, register online at orcasseniors.org or contact program coordinator, John Slater, at john@orcasseniors.org or 360-919-9318. Read more...

LIFE LINE SCREENING AT ORCAS SENIOR CENTER
Thursday, June 10. Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings. Sign up early for discount. Register by calling toll free 1-888-653-6441 or text the word "circle" to 797979. Read more...
FROM LAST EDITION AND BEYOND
ORCAS ISLAND FARMERS MARKET SATURDAYS
Saturdays, 10 am-3 pm. Local produce, plant starts, artisan crafts, flowers, and many more goodies. Featuring many new vendors for the 2021 season. NEW! OIFM is proud to announce we are able to take EBT SNAP benefits for payments! OIFM is also seeking donations via the Spring OICF GiveOrcas Fundraising Cycle May 3-17. Love Your Local Economy? Put Your Money Where Your Market. orcasislandfarmersmarket.org

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIPS
All graduating seniors residing on Orcas Island are encouraged to apply for one of our three $1500 scholarships to be awarded this year. Applications and information are available at your school office for OIHS, OASIS, and OCS students. For additional information or an application form please send inquiry to: barbara.nigretto@gmail.com

KELLEY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Pressure washing services: Roofs, siding, gutters, Decks, piers, docks, railings, concrete landings, walkways, propane tanks, brick and rock work. Call today for a free estimate. Call or text John at 360-298 4038. Email:

GIVEORCAS: BE A BUDDY!
Orcas Senior Center (OSC) was selected to participate in the 2021 OICF GiveOrcas fundraising campaign, May 3-17. With your help OSC will raise $19,000 and contribute up to $6,000 in matching funds so that isolated seniors can receive “check-in” phone calls from “Buddies” affirming their welfare and safety. Be a Buddy!  Mark your calendars and contribute by going to GiveOrcas.org and selecting Orcas Senior Center. Read more...

APPLY TO BECOME PART OF FAIR MARKET SERIES
As part of the 2021 Virtual San Juan County Fair “Lettuce Entertain Ewe”, the fairgrounds staff will be producing a Fair Market Series! The first two will be held on Saturday, May 8 and 22. We are looking for vendors of all types including: food vendors, farmers, crafters and artists, community organizations looking to fundraise, and family and friends cleaning house. These fun community events will be full of new surprises. Applications are available at the Fair website or via email info@sjcfair.org

COFFELT FARM REPORT
Conservation Agriculture Resource Team (CART) – Coffelt Farm Report is now available for Public viewing and comments to SJC Land Bank. Comments can be emailed to tanjaw@sjclandbank.org or mailed to the office: SJCLB, 350 Court Street No. 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Please submit your comments by May 16. Read more...

LEARN COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN WITH THE EDC
Those seeking to enter a new career or boost their jobs skills are invited to learn Computer Aided Design (CAD) in a free, online class offered by the Economic Development Council (EDC). Brett Paul, Staff Engineer at Luxel, will be teaching a five-week introduction to CAD, May 18-June 15, on Tuesday evenings, at 7-8:30 PM, over Zoom. Read more...

MORAN MANSION MUSEUM TOURS
The Mansion is open to the public for a self-guided tour from 8 am - 9 pm daily. The tour is free. Rosario Resort: 360-376-2152

ORCAS ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Pioneer Museum is open 11 am-3 pm, Thursday-Saturday. The exhibit hall features Women's Clubs of Orcas Island. orcasmuseums.org. 360-376-4849.
RESTAURANTS
LIMITED INDOOR DINING
Restaurants are allowed to open with 50% capacity. The following restaurants are now open for indoor dining: Enzo's Cafe, Inn at Ship Bay, Island Skillet, Kingfish at West Sound, Lower Tavern, Madrona Bar & Grill, Mijitas Mexican Kitchen, Rosario Resort, White Horse Pub.

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Sunday, May 9, Lunch 11-3 pm, Dinner 5-7pm @ Matia
Matia, Eastsound’s new restaurant and bar, is open and taking reservations for Mother’s Day. Serving seasonal locally sourced menu with a lunch and dinner service Wednesday-Sundays. In the newly renovated location with patio formerly occupied by Luna’s Café. matiarestaurant.com 
CATKIN CAFE
Open Friday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. Serving Mother’s Day Brunch menu Saturday and Sunday. Featuring Bacon & Asparagus Benedict and Roasted Mushroom Benedict! Outdoor seating and take out. 360-376-3242

DOE BAY CAFE MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Sunday, May 9, limited outdoor seating & take-out
Dinner: Friday-Sunday, 5-8 pm. Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 9 am-1 pm
Phone-in orders to 360-376-8059 Visit doebay.com/cafe/menu for more details.

CLEVER COW CREAMERY HOURS
We are open Thursday-Monday, 12 pm-8 pm.

MIJITAS MEXICAN KITCHEN
Open for indoor and patio dining and take-out. Monday-Saturdays, 4-8 pm.
SHOP THE ROCK
NEST
Spring is here and Mother’s Day is on the horizon so it’s time to start thinking about how to show Mom some extra love. We have some beautiful flowers coming out of the garden as well as our usually sourced flowers and would love to create a beautiful floral arrangement for you to pick up or have delivered. Call 360-376-4580 or Text 360-202-9601 to place your order.
MONKEY PUZZLE: MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS
Featuring Mother's Day Jewelry this week. Also, carrying wooden bowls and artifacts by colorful NW artist Ara Borealis. A student of well known Irishman, Jimmy Clewes, her work is innovative and masterfully done. We are now open 7 days 11-4.
TRÈS FABU CELEBRATES MOTHERS DAY!
Looking for a fabulous little item for Mom? We are happy to help! Lots of new spring inventory in store to please her, so swing on in and find that perfect gift. Or treat yourself to something fresh for warmer weather that’s right around the corner! We could all use a little pick-me-up! Monday - Saturday, 11-4 or by appointment. (Don’t be shy!) 360-376-7673

ORCAS ARTS & GIFTS NOW OPEN!
Something for everyone at Orcas Arts. Handmade jewelry, Local Art, including our iconic Orcas Island Pendants, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, fossils, crystals, and so much more amazing stuff! LOTS ON SALE, including Northwest carvings, minerals, and more. Now taking orders for jewelry repair/custom work, watch batteries, and more. 360-941-7297 245 Main Street. Open Daily. 
CHECK OUT CO+OP DEALS
Co+op Deals features discounts on seasonal items year-round, making it possible for you to stock up on favorite items and save. Chocolate, frozen berries, kombucha, yogurt, cooking oil, and much more are all on sale now. Look for the green Co+op Deals logo around the store while you shop, or browse the selection in our Online Shop.

WILD ROSE LTD MAY SPECIAL
Chair massages. $35/30 minutes and $70/60 minutes in Eastsound Studio. Call Deborah Darner, LMT, 360-376-4188.
NEW JOB POSTINGS - 30 CHAMBER BUSINESSES WANT YOU!
New 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 .

PEBBLE COVE FARM: LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER/CARETAKER COUPLE
Year round full time salary. Housing provided. Looking for a couple to clean rooms, help guests and take care of farm animalsVisit our website to see if this is a good fit for you, Pebblecovefarm.com If interested, please email cover letter and resume. This is a great opportunity for the right hard working couple to live on a waterfront farm and help maintain our high standards. Contact Lydia, 360-622-6460, pebblecovefarm@hotmail.com. Read more... 

HIRING CDL DRIVERS FOR ISLAND SHUTTLE SERVICE
Join the vibrant and growing OrcasCars.com team! We're hiring up to THREE full-time CDL drivers for our passenger shuttle. We're offering competitive pay, tips, and a generous season-end bonus. These are customer-facing positions and require a positive attitude at all times. Please email your resume, including contact information, to OrcasCDL@gmail.com.
From last week...

ORCAS ISLAND BAYSIDE COTTAGES
Part-time seasonal housekeeper. Email bayside@orcas1.com or call 360-376-4330.

DOE BAY RESORT: HOUSEKEEPING ARTS POSITIONS
Full time/seasonal. Onsite housing. Email resume to housekeeping@doebay.com

Photograph taken by Margot Shaw
Dear Blast Readers,
Please send us your favorite art piece by a local Orcas artist and we will feature it here. Send image in jpg or png to blast@orcasislandchamber.com