IN THIS EDITION
- REMEMBER THE FALLEN THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
- PET PARADE, MAYOR'S RACE, & LIT FEST
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FOURTH OF JULY AND COMMUNITY BAND OPEN CALL
- ORCAS GRAD NIGHT FUNDRAISER
- ORCAS PRIDE AND SOLSTICE PARADE GEAR UP!!
- EMMANUEL MONTHLY DINNER KITCHEN IS BACK!
- NEW CO-OP ART GALLERY
- MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SEQUEL
- NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES ON ISLAND!
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Updated for May openings, closings, current hours and special events. |
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Updated for May 25 thru May 31 with events around the island. |
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This weekend marks the unofficial beginning of the summer for much of the country and for our little slice of heaven the start of the high season. As you mark this turning, take some time to remember who we are honoring this Memorial Day - the men and women who were called to service and gave their lives for our country. However you spend your time this weekend, working hard or getting to spend a little extra time with family, we hope you can take a moment to remember these brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Have a wonderful holiday weekend! |
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AMERICAN LEGION PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sunday, May 28 from 8-12pm
The Legion's World Famous Pancake Breakfast returns for Memorial Day Weekend!
Pancakes, bacon or sausage
2 eggs, coffee, tea, orange juice
793 Crescent Beach Drive
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MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
Monday, May 29 at 11am
A Memorial Day Service by the American Legion Post 93 Color Guard will be held at the Mt. Baker Cemetery to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
767 Mt. Baker Road
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Pawki’s and Orcas Island Children’s House invite you to join in the 33rd Annual Pet Parade on Saturday, May 27 at 10am.
The parade starts at the public school, winds through town, and ends at the Eastsound Village Green. This event kicks off the Annual Honorary Mayor of Eastsound Race this year, with candidates officially announced on Saturday as well. Please help spread the word. All are welcome!
If you would like to volunteer to help during the parade, please contact Pawki's or the Children's House.
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15th ANNUAL HONORARY MAYOR OF EASTSOUND ELECTION |
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Does your pet have what it takes to lead our fair town?! Enter your furry (or not so furry) friend to make a run for Mayor of Eastsound!
To request candidacy, visit mayorofeastsound.org and share little about your pet and yourself as a campaign manager!
This amazing tradition benefits the Orcas Island Children's House, an infant-toddler center and preschool serving island families since 1969. It's fun and a great cause to boot!
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ORCAS ISLAND LIT FEST RETURNS JUNE 2-3
The Orcas Island Lit Fest (OILF) returns next weekend bringing together renowned authors and avid readers, visitors and locals, for three days of panels, readings and events that highlight the vibrant literary culture of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From Pulitzer Prize winners to gifted new voices, featured artists from across the country represent the finest in contemporary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playwriting, and more.
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ORCAS ISLAND LIT FEST
WORD PLAY: AN EVENING OF SONGS AND STORIES
Friday June 3, 7-9:30pm
The Lit Fest is releasing a limited number of standalone tickets for its highly anticipated musical finale. “Word Play” offers a unique experience–a seamless fusion of live music and storytelling.
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FREE ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Hosted by The Orcas Island Community Foundation
TODAY!!!
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The Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) invites the entire community to an ice cream social at the picnic shelter at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park today at 4pm in celebration of the Give Orcas grant awards and as a summer kick-off party. Come out for ice cream and fun!!!
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EMMANUEL MONTHLY DINNER KITCHEN IS BACK! |
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Finally, the moment has arrrived and the 15-year tradition of Emmanuel Episcopal parishioners serving island neighbors has returned! Dinner Kitchen is back!
Chef Dennis Baker and his staff are enthusiastically welcoming islanders to gather for a meal in the Emmanuel Parish Hall today, May 25, from 5-6:30pm. This month’s entree will be hamburgers and hot dogs, including veggie burgers and dogs, on the barbecue along with sides and desserts.
Dinner Kitchen will be held on the last Thursday of each month.
It’s Dinnertime!
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FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND!!!
It's finally time to start rolling out our Fourth of July Weekend schedule of events! Note: stay tuned for more! Extra note: there may be an overuse of exclamation points in this segment.
Saturday July 1
Pancake Breakfast! The Big Parade! Return of the Community Band! Salmon BBQ!
Sunday July 2
Summer Concert series featuring Carl Verheyen Live on the Village Green!
Monday July 3
Twilight Golf Scramble and Mini Golf Tourney at Orcas Golf!
Tuesday July 4
DAYTIME
5K Fun Run! Festival on the Green with Chili Cook-Off! Homemade Pies! Cake Walk! Games of chance and skill, feats of strength, and fun activities!
THE MAIN EVENT
Live Music on the Green with Madison & West, the Bad Dads, and featuring the Ian Moore Band!
Fireworks are donation dependent, so let's make it rain Orcas! Look for QR codes around the island next week or donate on the Chamber site at the link above or below!
Let's make this a community party to remember and come together for a great time! Shake and bake, Orcas!
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WE'RE GETTING THE (COMMUNITY) BAND BACK TOGETHER!!! |
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Speaking of all things July Fourth . . . the Community Band is getting back together to rehearse for the Fourth of July parade which will be Saturday, July 1. The band will be practicing at 124 Warm Valley Lane on Mondays starting at 7pm. In order to join, you need to be able to read music. Rehearsals will be outside with chairs, stands, and music provided.
The band will be playing before the parade for about an hour so wipe the dust off your instrument and join in on the fun!! Please call 360.376.4498 and advise which instrument you play so music can be provided to you.
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Hogstone is dead. Long live Hogstone.
The little restaurant that has graced 460 Main Street and delighted our tastebuds and bellies for a solid decade is now Houlme (pronounced “home”). Let's give the old/new place an Orcas welcome!!
This is the last weekend of take-out only, Friday - Sunday 4-8pm.
First dinner service is June 1. Reservations go to the first subscribers to the restaurants newsletter on the Houlme site! Sign up now!
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THURSDAY NIGHT TASTING AT DOE BAY WINE COMPANY
Please join the Doe Bay Wine Company as they kick off the holiday weekend with a wine tasting this today from 5-7pm!
Special guest Jesse Hufstader of Kily Imports will be at the shop to pour a flight of his favorite wines from this acclaimed Seattle importer.
$15/person, pay at the door, bring some friends and drop in anytime!
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THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE |
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Orcas Center
Thursday, May 25 at 7pm
Friday, May 26 at 7pm
Sunday, May 28 at 2pm
(Note: There is no Saturday, 5/27 show)
The Orcas Christian School presents this dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work, which faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
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GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. III
Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 7:30pm
Are you hooked on a feeling and high on believing another Guardians flick is in the offering?! Well, you're in luck!
The gang is back in the third and final installment! Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.
Tickets are available at the door and online. Lounge opens one hour before showtime offering craft beers and specialty wines for patrons 21 and older.
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AT THE GRANGE
The Tin Woman by Sean Grennan
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May 26, 27, 28.
Tickets are $10, and can be purchased locally at Darvill’s Book Store, online at www.orcasactors.org, and at the stage door the night of any performance. For additional information please contact the Director, Doug Bechtel at 360.317.5601
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ORCAS ISLAND FARMERS MARKET |
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Saturday May 27, Farmers Market 10-2pm
Musical guest: The Irthlingz: Sharon Abreu and Mike Hurwicz playing live 12-2 right after the Pet Parade and Awards!
Local produce, plant starts, artisan crafts, flowers, wine, delicious food, jewelry, ceramics, tarot readings, piercings, and many more goodies every Saturday until September 30.
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MAY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SEQUEL!!!! |
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Welcome to our Member Spotlight, where we introduce members of the Orcas Island Chamber to the community in a "Get to Know Me!" sort of way.
For this month's installment we're spotlighting Keri Duenn and Debbie Post of Sequel, the island's source for amazing pre-owned fashion and accessories! Sequel began as Cherry T's (children's only) and expanded to its current iteration featuring men's, women's and children's goods. After seeing a need for affordable children's clothing on the island with her own children Keri, with her mom's support, made their shop a reality. Almost 15 years later and surviving a pandemic and the Prune Alley construction and Sequel is as strong as ever! And they are HUGE community supporters, donating to communities in need throughout the islands and on the mainland. Walk into the shop and you can tell Keri and her mom have so much fun together and truly love being a destination where locals and tourists alike can come to socialize and get lost in all the fun textures and fashions.
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1. What do you like most about being a Chamber member? Being able to communicate and connect with local business owners, exposure to the public through maps and online resources and we like getting the newsletter every week so we can keep up to date with all of the island happenings!
2. Any tips/advice for new members/business owners? Be prepared for hectic summers and long, slow winters. Don't be afraid to reach out to other businesses to collaborate or for support. Patience goes a long way!
3. What project are you planning for your business now? Why is it meaningful to you? We are constantly trying to come up with new ways to help reduce and recycle unwanted clothing. And at the same time, be a resource for quality, affordable apparel for all ages. We have always wanted to host a fashion show so maybe that is something we can pull together down the road. Besides reducing waste, our business is meaningful because it fills a void in our community and provides a service that is desperately needed. Our entire inventory comes from the island.
4. What is the biggest professional challenge you've overcome? Our biggest challenge has been managing a high volume of incoming inventory and being able to accept all the great stuff everyone has to bring in. We could double the size of our space and still not have enough room!
5. Who/what inspires you? Keri: I think I can speak for my mom as well when I say that my kids are a constant source of inspiration. They aren't afraid of trying new things and are 101% committed to their passions. They are caring humans who support each other and don't take themselves too seriously. Plus, they make me laugh.
6. What's something almost no one knows about you that you're willing to tell? Between us we have 6 tattoos.
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IT'S ALMOST PRIDE MONTH, YA'LL!!!!
FRIDAY JUNE 16
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Join Orcas Pride as they celebrate Pride Month with both day and night events June 16! Stay tuned for more! |
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IT'S TIME TO PARADE, YA'LL!!!!
SATURDAY JUNE 24
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Let's fill the streets with joy, music, and brilliant colors!!!
2023 will mark the 23rd Solstice Parade!! All are welcomed to celebrate our Community Spirit and love of this special place. Those marching will gather in front of the Oddfellows Hall at 11am on June 24. For those watching, the festivities begin on the streets at high noon in Eastsound!
Every year the Parade is driven by community generosity! It’s run by volunteers working hard to plan, create a poster, paint and install our “Burma-Shave-style” signs, organize groups within the Parade, and create a fun show at the Village Green after the Parade. The Parade has no financial sponsors, it is truly a grassroots event. The organizers hope for some groups to show up for the Solstice Parade with their own creative surprises!
For more information, visit the Facebook page Orcas Island Solstice Parade and give it a "like"!
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MONKEY PUZZLE
Monkey Puzzle is an eclectic store where you can find all kinds of gifts (beads, glassware, puzzles, and exotic collectibles) while being able to design your own vest from a range of patterns and fabrics.
This iconic shop is open daily from 11-4pm except Sunday from 12-4pm.
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SIREN BOUTIQUE MEMORIAL DAY SALE
Visit Siren Boutique on Main Street this Memorial Day weekend and enjoy 15% off our beautiful new summer arrivals in honor of this special weekend.
Sale runs Friday-Monday 11-5pm
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WANDERING SOUL ART GALLERY GRAND OPENING
JUNE 1, 4-8pm
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Come out and celebrate the grand opening of Wandering Soul Gallery, a new co-op art gallery featuring island artists! Thursday June 1 from 4-8pm. |
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: FACES OF ORCAS |
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FACES OF ORCAS COMMUNITY ART SHOW
Delivery Day: Wednesday, May 31 10:15am-12pm
Art Opening: Friday, June 9 5:30pm-9pm
Pick-up Day: Wednesday, July 19 10:15am-12pm
Join us for Orcas Center’s Next Community Show: Faces of Orcas!
Bring in your portraits of humans, animals, island events, etc – current or past – to celebrate the diverse beings that have made our island home so special.
Community shows are open to ALL island artists, beginning and experienced alike! The purpose is to showcase island art and celebrate local talent. To exhibit in a community show, an artist needs to come on the Delivery Day (May 31) with their artwork ready for display. Your item does NOT need to be for sale in order to participate in this show! Artists are urged to attend and contribute hors d’oeuvres for the Artist Reception on Friday, June 9th from 5:30-7pm.
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WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS WORKSHOP
ORCAS ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY JUNE 3, 11am
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Are you a YA fan or an aspiring writer? Then please join New York Times Bestselling YA author Ibi Zoboi for an informal all-ages Writing for Young Adults workshop at the Orcas Island Public Library in association with the Orcas Island Lit Fest. Space is limited, so reserve your place for this exciting free event.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WITH OI CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Do you wield a special flower power?! Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival is looking for volunteers for their flower arranging team. Your choice of one to five days between August 4 and August 18, 9am to noon, at the Orcas Center.
Volunteers are rewarded with a lovely party, recognition in the program, and opportunities to hone their developing skills. And OICMF is looking to connect with more home flower gardeners who may have some blooms or foliage to contribute to the festival.
call/text her at 360.298.4260
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The Orcas Island Senior Center offers resources and opportunities for the entire community. Check out these events and classes! |
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Pam’s Power Hour: Virtual Strength Training with Pam Evans – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9-10am via Zoom
Join Pam Evans with Pam’s Power Hour strength training class via Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9-10am. Pam’s Power Hour is a low-impact strength, conditioning, and flexibility class that includes lots of stretching. You will begin with a warmup, then move into standing exercises that incorporate weights (light, heavy, or no weights), and finish with floor work focusing on legs, abs, and glutes.
The cost to attend is $10 per class. Current participants are age 60 to 84, but adults of all ages are welcome to attend.
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Working Families Tax Credit Assistance Event Coming to Orcas |
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A Working Families Tax Credit assistance event will be held on Orcas Island - Tuesday, June 6. On site application assistance will be available in both English and Spanish. Stop by for information as appointments are not required.
Please see the following for locations and hours:
Orcas Community Resource Center, 374 North Beach Rd, 12pm-3pm
Orcas Island Food Bank, 176 Madrona St, 4pm-6pm
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Un evento de asistencia de Working Families Tax Credit se llevará a cabo en Orcas Island - Martes, 06 de junio. En el sitio de solicitud de asistencia estará disponible en Inglés y Español. Pase por información como que las citas no son necesarias.
Por favor, consulte los siguientes lugares y horas:
Orcas Centro de Recursos Comunitarios, 374 North Beach Rd, 12pm-3pm
Banco de alimentos de orcas, 176 Madrona St, 4pm-6pm
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CURRENT PRINTABLE FERRY SCHEDULES
For your convenience, the Chamber maintains printable schedules for Anacortes/Orcas Island and Orcas/San Juan Island and Orcas/Lopez Island inter-island ferries.
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SALMONBERRY SCHOOL
Position: Full Time Classroom Assistant for ‘Eagles class’ - grades 4 through 6
Description: Salmonberry is seeking a loving, attentive, mature and caring adult with experience working with young children. Excellent communication skills are essential as are strong organizational skills, an ability to follow through on all commitments and a firm respect for time boundaries. The ideal candidate should also model a willingness to learn and an excitement to grow as a member of the highly collaborative faculty team.
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ORCAS FOOD CO-OP
Positions: Prepared foods cook, seasonal produce clerk, and seasonal grocery clerk
Description: The Orcas Food Co-op is looking for new team members with the right blend of creativity and dependability who share our passion for building a sustainable island food network. Full and part-time hours are available for all positions.
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ISLAND MARKET
Position: Night custodian
Description: Do you have custodial or cleaning experience and want to have your days free to enjoy the upcoming summer days? We are looking for one full-time or two part-time additional night custodians to clean and maintain our beautiful market!
Pay: This position starts out at $25.00 per hour.
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ISLAND MARKET
Positions: Front End Cashiers, deli & coffee house, produce and grocery.
Description: If you have a passion for food, want to increase your food knowledge or just want to work with a great team to provide food to our community, come apply and let’s see if it’s a good fit for you and us! All full-time employees are eligible for 100% paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance policy premiums after 30 days. All employees are eligible for paid med flight memberships and participation in our employee only store loyalty program to earn cash back on purchases. We provide opportunities for growth for those aspiring to do more!
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THE LANDMARK INN
Position: Part-time housekeeper.
Description: Immediate opening for a part-time job 20-30 hours per week to start, and by mid-June could be up to 40+ hours per week. The Landmark Inn is open to candidates with or without previous housekeeping experience. We are a 15-room condominium hotel so on average, you will be responsible to clean anywhere from 2 – 4 condos per shift – starting times are typically 9am (but sometimes 10 or 11) and shift usually end between 2 & 3pm.
Pay: Starting pay is $25/hour with opportunity to increase to within the first month based on performance. We are offering a sign-on bonus of $500 for anyone who starts before June 1 and payable after 10 days of start date.
Contact: Stop by 67 Main St., Eastsound between 10-5pm daily – or call at 360.376.2423
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ORCAS ADVENTURES
Position: Boat Rental Staff, Barista, Scoopers and Counter Sales Position in Moran State Park
Description: Orcas Adventures is looking for hardworking, upbeat, positive, customer service-oriented individuals to join their team in an absolutely lovely location. Candidates must have a driver's license, know how to swim, obtain a food handler's permit, and enjoy customer interaction. Orcas Adventures seeks reliable, confident, goal oriented, self-motivated individuals that thrive in a fast-paced environment. Part-time and full-time positions available. Individuals must love the outdoors.
Pay: Minimum wage and up depending on experience plus tips.
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OLGA RISING
Position: Various openings, full-time, part-time year round & seasonal
Description: Olga Rising is a cafe, bakery, sandwich shop located in the heart of Eastsound. The cafe is currently hiring two full-time positions: one in the kitchen and one in Olga Rising and one part time position as counter sales in Olga Rising (all year round). Also hiring seasonal staff for the summer. Pay is $17 an hour and up based on experience (plus tips). Description and more information is available at Opportunities | OLGA RISING
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DARVILL'S BOOKSTORE
Position: Darvill's is looking for a sharp, personable, responsible, book-loving person to join our busy, dynamic staff.
Description: This is a year-round, part-time permanent position. Tech skills and/or retail experience a plus.
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THE AMERICAN LEGION
Position: The American Legion is looking to hire a part time bartender.
Description: Shifts are Sundays from 3:15pm-9:30pm, with the possibility of some Wednesdays after April. The ability to fill in on other days a plus. Pay starts at minimum wage plus tips. Experience preferred, must have (or get) a Washington State M. A. S. T. card.
Contact: Bring resumes by the American Legion Post at 793 Crescent Beach Dr in Eastsound between 4-8pm any day of the week.
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Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce | 360.376.2273
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