Hey, its: Saturday, May 17

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Orcas Today: May 16th-18th

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
May 16th from 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!

Art with Carla at The Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm
Led by experienced artist Carla Stanley, this lighthearted class focuses on the creative process with a strong belief in your artistic potential, regardless of skill level. The class is $10 (or $8 for OSC members). Contact Carla at 360.317.5652 or onlyonorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot. Uncover your artistic potential and join creative Fridays at Orcas Senior Center!

Needlework Circle at The Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 2:00-6:00pm
Join this weekly gathering for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and all needleworkers at Orcas Senior Center, every Friday at 2pm. Come hang out—no project required! Whether you haven’t knitted in years, want to learn to crochet, or just want to relax and chat, you’ll find a wonderful selection of donated yarn, needles, books, and plenty of friendly advice. For more information, contact Edy Hansen at edy@orcasseniors.org or 206.413.6167

Kids Chorus Classes Ages 6-11
Friday from 3:30-4:30pm at The Funhouse Commons
Spring music classes will run from the beginning of April through the end of May. Enroll today!  Beginner Violin (ages 5-8 and 7-11), Group Ukulele ages (7-11), Beginner Guitar (ages 8-12), and Kids’ Chorus (ages 6-11).

The Kitchen Pop-Up at Odd Fellows Hall
Fridays from 4:00-7:00pm
Island institution The Kitchen returns to feed your body and spirit with a Fridays pop-up down stairs Odd Fellows Hall. The Hall has been undergoing renovations and you won’t want to miss this exciting addition to the scene! The Kitchen will be accepting phone orders, but please no voicemails! Get your order in at: 206.581.1913

Orcas Island Farmers Market
Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Village Green
The 2025 Summer Farmers Market promises to be better than ever! All Summer long you can head down to the Village Green every Saturday from 10am-2pm and support your favorite vendors, farmers and food growers, and catch some amazing musical talent from the stage.  Featuring live music this week by Minnow Creek.

Orcas Island Community Church Tea & Luncheon
May 17th from 11:00am-1:00pm at Odd Fellows Hall
The Orcas Island Community Church Women’s Ministry invites island women to tea and lunch at Odd Fellows Hall. Enjoy a salad bar and small bites, music, dance, poetry, activities, photo booth, and a short meditation. Ladies age 10 and over are welcome to be part of this fun-filled afternoon. This is a free event, but seating is limited.  RSVP to Robin Riegsecker by May 12 at robinriegsecker@gmail.com

Orcas Choral Society Spring Concert
May 17th at 7:00pm at Orcas Center
Transport your soul in music as the Orcas Choral Society presents, “Glory, Grandeur & Gospel” for voices and brass. The three-fold concert will include surround-sound voices and brass reminiscent of European cathedrals featuring contemporary composer John Rutter’s Gloria for voices and brass, antiphonal choral and brass works from the 16th Century by Giovanni Gabrieli, and a selection of rousing spirituals. Tickets are available at Orcas Center and range from $23-$68. Youth ages 12-18 are $5 and under 12 are free!

Indoor Adult Drop-In Pickleball
Sundays from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Old Gym

Darvill’s Bookstore Love + Relationships Book Club
May 18th from 4:o0-5:30pm
Save a spot in Darvill’s first-ever Love + Relationships Book Club (codename: Blush) where you’ll dive into Emily Henry’s highly anticipated Great Big Beautiful Life. RSVP to reserve a spot, then get ready for a fun, frank, and fresh conversation led by writer Ayn Gailey on the evening of Sunday, May 18, at Darvill’s. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!  Participation is free, but books must be ordered through Darvill’s to participate. More info at: https://darvillsbookstore.com/event/2025-05-18/darvills-book-club-great-big-beautiful-life

Get out and Hike

Mount Pickett Trail – Easy to Difficult

7 miles. 900 feet elevation gain and loss The Mount Pickett Service Road and Trail runs through Moran State Park’s Natural Area Preserve which is one of the oldest undeveloped areas in the San Juan Islands. The parking at the Cascade Falls trailhead is the quickest route to the Service Road that leads towards Mount Pickett. An alternative starting point is the picnic shelter and parking at Mountain Lake; follow the trail to the southern end of the lake and continue east-southeast to the Mount Pickett trail. In addition to the undisturbed natural beauty of the area, Mount Pickett is also one of the most remote hiking locations on Orcas Island. Featuring a Natural Area Preserve; the densely wooded trail takes hikers away from roadways and campsites into the rustic woodland beauty that the Pacific Northwest is known for. Pack and prep for a challenge; Orcas Islanders use this trail as a test for their hiking and climbing endurance.

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A Bite Of Orcas

Mijitas – By Simon

On a cold and rainy night, there are few places better to be on Orcas Island than in the dining room at Mijitas. You would be among good company as it is the go-to for many (if not most) locals. This is likely due to its prime positioning at the intersection of price, quality, service, and atmosphere. The experience of Mijits begins before you even open the door. Pass through their courtyard, and into the dining room. It is one of the most thematic restaurants on Orcas, thematic restaurants being a particular peeve of mine, due to their general reliance on cultural tropes and culinary cliches. Mijitas, however, embraces its south of the border heritage tastefully and embellishes its outdoor seating area and indoor dining room with flares of Mexicana that subtly remind one where they are. Mijitas offers a well-developed…

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