Thursday, February 18 from 5-6 pm. Please join leaders from Orcas Island Health Care District and Island Hospital as we share the latest transition plans for the primary care clinic opening April 1. Island Hospital’s leadership team will share insights into the transition and staffing plans for the clinic, and Island Hospital CEO, Charles Hall, will provide a COVID-19 update. This meeting will be held via Webex. Registration is required. Please RSVP at: islandhospital.org/event/orcas-island-community-briefing-2/. You will receive login information via email upon registration. 

Given the recent spike in cases, this update is being provided today, ahead of the standard reporting schedule. The regular Friday report will be released on 2/12 as per usual. Read more...

If you test positive for COVID-19, do you know how long to isolate yourself to keep others safe from infection? What if you learn you are a close contact of someone who tested positive - do you know how long to quarantine? Read more...

If you or someone you know is actively isolating or quarantining at home and needs assistance, contact Care Connect Washington by calling the program hotline, 1-833-453-0336, daily 9 am to 9 pm. Read more...

The Seahawks finished the season without a single case of COVID-19. They’re the only NFL team to achieve this milestone. The Seahawks, who were this year’s division champions, are used to impressing fans on the field. But achieving a feat of this nature was the season’s biggest challenge. Read more...

Governor Inslee signed legislation providing relief for businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. SB 5061 will increase minimum unemployment benefits for workers and provide significant tax relief for businesses over the next five years, to support recovery from the economic impacts of COVID shutdowns. Read more...

This newsletter provides news and information to help businesses and workers navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is compiled by the state Economic Resiliency Team (ERT), part of the Joint Information Center. Read more...

Meeting of the Minds continues in February with “Air Quality Monitoring in San Juan County,” a presentation by San Juan County’s Environmental Health Division manager, Kyle Dodd. To attend, go to orcasseniors.org just before 1 pm on Wednesday, February 17, click on the Zoom link, and enter the provided passcode. Read more...

Saturday, February 20, 7pm. Streaming on our homepage: OrcasCenter.org

Pop-psych-hair-blues-theater-jazzy-grunge-prog doesn’t really roll off the tongue very well but the most effective descriptor has been “Cemetery Rock.” In simplest terms, Fian is a rock n’ roll band from Seattle.

Join Orcas Senior Center, Doe Bay Wine Co.’s Cole Sisson, and sake expert from Seattle, Julie Shizukuishi on Sunday, February 21 at 5 pm for “the virtual vineyard”! This month, in place of wine, we are enhancing your knowledge and tastebuds with sake. In addition to sake, sushi will be available to order from Rolling Sushi! Read more...

Come see what’s new for our 41st season! Everything in the shop is made by your friends and neighbors on Orcas Island. Wednesday through Sunday, 11am-4 pm. 360-376-4408. orcasartworks.com James Hardman Gallery is also open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am-4 pm. 360-376-4588.

Nonprofits serving Orcas Island are invited to apply now through March 5th to be included in the 2021 spring GiveOrcas grant program. Applications will be vetted by the OICF Community Grants Committee; successful applications will be featured in the GiveOrcas grant catalog online May 3-17. Read about the application process and download forms from our website: oicf.us/call-for-proposals-2021-giveorcas/ An informational meeting will be held from 3-4 pm on Wednesday, February 17th via Zoom to learn about the application process, answer questions, and explain our funding campaign strategies.

Honoring all the tree-loving, bunny-hugging, dirt worshipers. Why are recycle bins optimistic? Because they’re full of cans! This award season, let’s honor the ‘cans’ of the San Juans! Know someone who deserves to walk the stewardship red carpet? Nominate them for a Good Steward Award! The categories aren’t Best Actor or Picture, but rather Youth, Individual, and Business. To nominate a person or business, email the Finnie Committee at stewardshipsji@gmail.com.  Nominations are due on Tuesday, March 2nd.

Are you an artisan, farmer, producer, crafter, or chef living on the island? Do you have a cottage industry product to share with the Orcas community? The 2021 Orcas Island Farmers Market Application is now live. Deadline for applications is April 1st. Spaces limited, Apply here. For more details, see How to Vend at OrcasIslandFarmersMarket.org.

We are resuming our “20 for 20” procedure (20 library users in the building concurrently, for 20 minutes each). Our open hours are Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat from noon to 3 pm. We can make alternative pickup arrangements upon request. As always, please call us at 360-376-4985 with any questions or requests, or contact me directly at pheikkinen@orcaslibrary.org. Read more...

There was a rare and sad occurrence near the summit of Mount Grant. Splayed out on a mossy outcrop, with broken-tipped beaks, were two dead Bald Eagles. Read more...

We recently lost a few members of our Board of Directors due to expired terms, and we are looking for new board members to replace these positions. We also wish to expand our board membership to attract a diverse group of leaders for OICH. Read more...

Salish Sea Yarn Co. has updated winter hours: Open Tues & Thurs 12pm – 4pm, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am – 4pm. Needle felting kits, new yarn lines & colors, and accessories have been added this month!

EXTRAORDINARY TALENT ON ORCAS

Seniors Have Talent went virtual, if not viral, on Saturday, January 30, thanks to the heartfelt collaboration of Orcas Senior Center, Orcas Center, and our incredibly talented community! If you missed Seniors Have Talent, you can view it at orcasseniors.org. Read more...

ECO CLEANERS

The laundry is CLOSED until March. If you are a commercial client and would like service in the meantime, please contact me: text/SMS/whatsapp/telegram

(please note that the answering service of the phone does not always work).

All the best to you, Daniela. 360-202-6226

New job positions are listed here and will be posted for 2 weeks. You can check all job postings from Chamber businesses here.

Shop clerk/sales associate for 20-30 hours per week. Job duties include: •Customer service and guidance •Keep store and merchandise organized, clean and tidy •Open and close store •Operate POS accurately and with proficiency •Assist with other business operations such as inventory, product management and order fulfillment. Read more...

Reports to the Production Lead & Audra Lawlor, Founder & President, 40 hours/week (full-time, hourly, nonexempt) at Eastsound. Pay range: DOE, employee discount, & jam perks. Read more...

We print and sell art from local artists on paper and apparel and have a growing online and wholesale business. We are now hiring full time manager positions for both store locations in Eastsound and Friday Harbor. If you're interested in applying, send resume to manager@printshopnorthwest.com

This new and unique business will open its physical doors in Eastsound this spring with a challenging yet very rewarding work environment. Looking for an amazing PT Sales Associate (in-store) and a talented PT Contract Sewer (work-from-home). Plenty of opportunity for growth for the right candidate. Detail oriented, trustworthy, reliable, ready-to-learn, and friendly with fantastic communication skills a must. Email mindy@orcasislandleather.com with your availability, interest and any relevant skills and experience.

Voyager is looking for a line cook to join our team. Must be comfortable working at a fast pace, have efficient prep skills, and enjoy interacting with customers. I am willing to train the right person if lacking in technical skills. We are a small family business and value a positive attitude and work ethic above all else. The pay is hourly and all tips are divided equally. If you are interested in the opportunity please send your resume to voyagerorcas@gmail.com.

Northwest Island Escapes is looking for a full-time, year-round second Orcas Island Manager due to our growth. Primary responsibilities include managing a team of housekeepers, establishing vendor relationships for home maintenance, communicating with owners of our managed homes and various other duties as needed. Read more... Send resume including past salary history to Mariah Dunning, PO Box 310, Eastsound, WA 98245 or mariah@windermere.com.

Come join are team! We are looking for motivated candidates that are team oriented, dependable and suited to a busy “farm-table” open kitchen. Pay rate will be determined by experience and position. All BOH positions are included in tip pool. Benefits include discounts in store and café. Contact cafegm@doebay.com or call 360-376-2291 ext. 307

Dinner Friday-Sunday,  4-7 pm. Brunch Saturday & Sunday, 9 am-1 pm. Phone-in orders to 360-376-8059 . Visit doebay.com/cafe/menu for more details.

Certain items on BBQ menu for the rest of winter into spring. 360-376-1040 matthewssmokehouse.com/#menu

Shop/Bakery and are open Tuesday-Saturday 10-3:30 pm. Cafe is open

Tuesday-Saturday 10-3 pm. TAKE OUT ONLY ORDERS MUST BE CALLED IN. The menu is updated every morning on our website. rosesbakerycafe.com

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

Give the gift of future travel to your Valentine or Galentine! Find gift certificates for lodging, dining and activities. When the time is right, the peace and beauty of the Islands will be waiting for you and your sweetie, family and friends. Read more...

Bring in or mention this ad in the Blast for 10% off all pet treats February 8-13.Pawki’s for Pets hours are Monday-Saturday, 10-5:30 pm. 360-376-3648

February is here and Love is in the air so it’s time to consider pre-booking flowers for Valentines Day. Tissue wrapped or in a vase, for pick up or delivery.We have some beautiful flowers coming in as well as flowering orchids, cyclamen, anthurium, violets and more. Give us a call sooner rather than later - 360-376-4580 or you can call or text 360-202-9601. 32 Bracken Fern Lane. By appointment.

For the perfect Valentine’s gift buy this longevity Heart Pendant that can be worn in 6 different ways. We also will have 3” white Phalaeonopsis orchids.

Hours are Friday and Saturday, 11-3 pm and Sunday 12-3 pm.

Give the gift of love by purchasing a GIFT CERTIFICATE for your sweetie! Winter sale continues until March 1st. 50% off selected winter attire, 25% off boutique clothing, and 30% off selected Jewelry! Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am-5 pm, 269 Main St. 781-964-5389 

Call Deborah Darner, LMT, 360-376-4188.

FARM stands for Food, Agriculture, Relationships, and Markets and was created by the Co-op in 2015 to support island farmers working on innovative, sustainable agriculture projects and increase the availability of local food. Last year the program transitioned to be run by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild. We’re excited to remain a community partner and raise funds to support island farmers and strengthen San Juan County’s food system. Learn about the FARM Fund on the Ag Guild website. Read more...

"We are different, but I still love you!" Happy Valentine's Day