Orcas Today: May 15th-17th

Salmonberry Drop-In Day
May 15th at 9:00am
Join Salmonberry for one more drop-in day this spring! They encourage anyone who might be interested in learning more about Salmonberry, the little school with a big heart, to RSVP at info@salmonberryschool.org, or, just come on by! Since opening in 2001, Salmonberry has served hundreds of children and their families, providing an arts-rich, academically challenging, low tech, relationship-based based educational experience.
Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
May 15th from 11:00am-11:30pm
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
 
On Screen at Seaview Theater:  The Devil Wears Prada 2
May 15th & 16th at 7:00pm, May 16th at 4:00pm
Rated PG-13.
 
Steve Resch Memorial Golf Tournament
May 16th at Orcas Island Golf Course
Steve would be both humbled and immensely proud of the continued support from the Orcas Island community. The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors and participants who have consistently supported Steve’s Scholarship. This event serves as the sole fundraiser for the Steve Resch Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is awarded each year to a deserving Orcas Island graduating senior. Over the years, the tournament has grown into more than just a day of golf—it has become a cherished community gathering. Attendees are invited to come out to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and support a meaningful cause. Whether playing, supporting, or simply stopping by, all are welcome. For information about sponsorship, please contact Trina Latshaw at tlatty21@gmail.com.  For player registration, please visit https://srmgt.org
Adult Ballet: Level 1 Barre & Stretch
Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am at the 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. Ages 16+. Register here
 
Death Cafe
May 16th from 1:00-3:00pm at the Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall
Part of the global Death Café movement originally inspired by Jon Underwood, Death Café creates an open and supportive space for people to talk about death over coffee, tea, and cake. Conversations may explore topics such as grief, hospice and palliative care, green burials, advanced care directives, death doulas, medical aid in dying, and the many emotional and philosophical questions surrounding mortality. The gatherings do not promote any particular belief system or agenda, but instead encourage thoughtful, community-centered conversation about the realities of life and death. Organizers hope the discussions help foster greater awareness of mortality while encouraging participants to make the most of their finite lives. The event is free to attend, with donations to the church welcomed in gratitude. For more information, visit Death Café Official Website or contact Libby Garcia at 360.708.7979.
 
Orcas Choral Society: An American Choral Tapestry
May 16th at 7:00pm & May 17th at 2:00pm at Orcas Center
Celebrate our nation’s 250 years of creativity at Orcas Choral Society’s spring concert. All the songs in this concert were written by American composers, from “Gentle Crystalline Waters,” by Paul Chiyokten Wagner, an award-winning Native American flutist, to America’s first popular songwriter, Stephen Foster, to current works, including one by Billy Joel. Orcas Island High School senior Maddy Sonshine directs members of the Orcas Dance Collective in interpreting three pieces. And, in a nod to American tradition, the Orcas Center will hang 23 handmade Orcas Island quilts for a visual feast to go with the aural treat.
 
Contemporary Dance
Sundays from 10:00-11:15am at the Orcas Center Dance Studio
Contemporary Dance meets Sundays & Tuesdays from 10:00-11:15am, at the Orcas Center Dance Studio and Thursdays from 5:15-6:45pm at Odd Fellows Hall. Drop-in classes are $20, or save with a 5- or 10-class pass for $15 per class. Passes can be purchased through the Parks & Rec website or in person at the office(30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound, WA).
Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale
May 17th from 10:00am-2:00pm at The Grange
Washington State University Master Gardener Program will host a spring plant sale at the Orcas Grange. The sale will feature a wide variety of heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable starts selected for their flavor, dependability, and success in the San Juan County growing season and marine environment. Shoppers can expect 18 tomato varieties, including favorites like Stupice, Cherokee Purple, Little Napoli, and Principe Borghese, along with cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, herbs, and other Master Gardener taste-test winners ideal for gardens or containers. A selection of native and non-native perennials adapted to local growing conditions will also be available. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, as popular varieties tend to sell quickly. Proceeds from the sale support local Master Gardener educational programs focused on pollinators, water-wise gardening, sustainable food growing, community gardens, and outreach programs across the islands. For more information on upcoming events and programs, visit WSU San Juan County Extension Events.
 
Tumbling & Acro
Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm at the Old Gym
Drop-in classes are $20, or save with a 5- or 10-class pass for $15 per class. Passes can be purchased through the Parks & Rec website or in person at the office (30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound, WA).
Lone Pine Larder Anniversary Celebration
May 17th from 4:00-7:00pm
The celebration includes the ROUTINE LANUA / ICD release show featuring Matt Helms, also known as M. Huge. Guests can enjoy beverages, corn dogs, and live music in an afternoon of community celebration and good food.
35+ Basketball
Sundays from 4:00-6:00pm at the Old Gym
Join other adult basketball players in pick-up basketball games on the full court in the gym. New and experienced players are invited to join a team. The gym opens at 4pm each Sunday, and play continues through 6pm. 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 that allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. Buy your Drop-in Pass Here.
 
15+ Futsal
Sundays from 4:00-6:00pm at the Orcas High School Gym
Drop-in 15+ Futsal, $5 drop-in per class or $30 for an all-pass for any drop-in sport. Coordinated by Orcas Island Park and Recreation.
 
16+ 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. Pay $5 for a one-time drop-in, or pay $30 for a 6 month all-access pass that allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. Purchase your Drop-in Pass Here

Get out and Hike

Cascade Falls Trail – Easy

.25 mile. 130 feet elevation loss The perfectly and naturally framed Cascade Falls are some of Moran State Park’s most well-known and popular natural wonders. The trail to the falls begins just off Mount Constitution road, where parking is available and leads quickly to the Upper Falls. These smaller falls give a taste of what is to come and serve as the source for the gentle stream that flows along the trail down to the Lower Falls. Several promontories above the falls provide excellent photo opportunities and the spray comes all the way up to the trail during the rainy seasons. The trail ultimately winds down to a bridge over the stream, where primitive trails wind through the brush directly to the falls. The water is cold, but when the stream runs low visitors can walk out right under the falls. This sometimes steep but short trail is a wonderful chance for all ages to enjoy natural water wonders on Orcas Island.

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A Bite Of Orcas

Matthew’s Smokehouse & Deli – By Howie

‘Tis a tale as old as time (or at least two hundred and fifty years, give or take): Man put meat, butter, and oil together, cooked it, and the best food in the world was made! Okay, maybe a bit of an exaggeration; what you need to know is this: I love southern cuisine. Yes, I do realize most of it is likely not the healthiest option out there (heck, even the greens are usually slathered in butter and salt), but southern food is still one of the most beloved edible styles out there. Which is quite a bit of preamble to get to my point: Matthew’s Smokehouse & Deli nailed it down easily and left me excited for the opportunity to grace its halls with my gluttonous presence another time. Also, I must be forthcoming with you, dear readers, that though our first foray into the culinary world of Orcas Island was quite the side of the finer things in life, Matthew’s Smokehouse elects for a more stripped-down feel. Seating is open, food is ordered at a counter (as are drinks), and the only service you receive from the staff besides ordering and payment is being given your meal. Patrons collect their own silverware, fill their own water glasses, and retrieve…

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