Orcas Today: Wednesday, May 20th

Drop-In Peer Grief Support Group
May 20th at 10:00am at the Orcas Senior Center
Gather in a supportive, non-judgmental space to process grief and mourning with the Drop-In Peer Grief Support Group Wednesdays at 10am at Orcas Senior Center. This group is designed to help normalize your feelings, facilitate healing, and provide understanding. This is a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. For questions, contact George Eberle at 360.298.2829 or John Ehrmantraut at casadonjuan12@gmail.com or 760.325.0677
Gathering of the Eagles
May 20th from 1:00-2:00pm at the Olga Dock
Orcas Island will once again welcome the Native American Canoe Journey during the Gathering of the Eagles on May 20–21. Community members are invited to gather at the Olga dock on Wednesday to welcome several arriving canoes in a special cultural ceremony. The event will also feature two community potluck dinners shared between local residents and visiting Native American canoe families. The first will take place Wednesday at 5:00pm at the Olga Community Club, followed by a second gathering Thursday at 5:00pm at the Odd Fellows Hall. Evening cultural programs beginning around 6:00pm each night will include storytelling, teachings, cultural sharing, and traditional protocol presented by Native visitors, offering a meaningful opportunity for intercultural connection and learning. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share and may also volunteer with setup, parking, cleanup, and event support. Organizers recommend bringing labeled serving utensils and personal table settings to help reduce waste. For volunteer information or questions, contact Sharon at sharmuse@gmail.com or Che at cheblaine@gmail.com.
Level 2/3 Ballet 16+
May 20th from 5:30-6:50pm at Orcas Center
Adults Ballet classes are a great way to learn basic ballet steps at the barre to help stretch and strengthen your body. Some ballet classes will learn short choreography in the middle of the floor and work on turns, leaps and jumps. Dancers of all levels are welcome to come give these classes a try. Register Here
The Ocean’s Menagerie with Drew Harvell
May 20th from 6:00-7:00pm at the Orcas Library
Drew Harvell’s team will share updates from more than a decade of research into the mysterious disease devastating sea star populations, including where the work goes next now that the team has identified the pathogen affecting our local waters. She will also highlight fascinating examples from her new book, including bioluminescent jellyfish, super-strong sea stars, and nudibranchs that steal chemical defenses from other organisms. In The Ocean’s Menagerie: How Earth’s Strangest Creatures Reshape the Rules of Life, Harvell explores how these spineless marine creatures have developed extraordinary evolutionary “superpowers” over 600 million years of adaptation, allowing them to thrive in aquatic ecosystems around the world.16+ Adult Volleyball

Wednesday/Sunday from 7:30-9:30pm at the Old Gym
Join adult volleyball players in the gym to learn volleyball and put your skills to the test in rounds of short games. New and experienced players are invited to join and play along. Several players are needed to help set-up and remove the net each time. Indoor shoes are required. Balls and a first aid kit are provided. Pay $5 for a one-time drop-in, or pay $30 for a 6-month all access pass and allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.

Get out and Hike

Little Summit Trail – Difficult

2.2 miles. 430 feet elevation gain/loss Little Summit rests above Mountain Lake on the eastern side of Mount Constitution. The Little Summit Trail starts at one of the best picnic vistas in Moran State Park, with several tables for visitors to relax on as they enjoy views of Mount Pickett and the south sound. The trail continues along the sloping ridge of the mountain towards the summit through variable terrain populated by switchbacks, ant hills, and ancient Lodgepole Pine growth. Several vantage points along the trail offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities of eastern Orcas Island, including Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes, and the waters of the Salish Sea. Take the mid-way cutoff towards the Cold Springs Trail for further hiking or continue the ascent towards the summit and see the best view in the San Juan Islands.

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A Bite Of Orcas

New Leaf Cafe – By Simon

On the 40th floor of Heron Tower in London, England, there’s a restaurant called Duck and Waffle. I find the symbolism of being so high up as to be above the competition apt in this situation. As one can imagine there is really only one thing that you can order when dining at Duck and Waffle, and regardless of the time of day it’s always on the menu, the Duck and Waffle. In reviewing the meals of my life I find few that can compare to the meal I had on my visit there. That experience redefined my understanding of sweet-and-savory and began my obsession with the perfect duck confit. Beyond the food, the company (a friend of my cousin who I had not met before and have not seen since), the views, and the moment in time when it took place has burned this experience in my mind and has since become one of the highest numbers on my critical-review-yardstick to which all future meals must be measured against. This however is not the meal I will be discussing in this review. The following review will mark the first non-dinner meal we have reviewed. Since this restaurant doesn’t serve dinner and instead has opted—for whatever reason—to serve…

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