GiveOrcas
December 2nd-11th
Make an impact in our community and support local nonprofits this holiday season with meaningful gifts of $10 or more. The Orcas Island Community Foundation hosts a collective giving campaign twice a year with GiveOrcas. During these campaigns, OICF solicits applications from local nonprofits to share specific funding needs and then helps the organization reach out to the community for funding. GiveOrcas grants are generously supplemented with funds from the OICF Community Endowment Fund and their Partners in Philanthropy. This holiday season, OICF is also teaming up with the Orcas Chamber of Commerce as part of the Holiday Shop Local Passport contest. If you donate to GiveOrcas, visit the OICF or Chamber offices and get a special stamp for your center square. Every completed passport gets an entry in the shop local raffle. If your center square is stamped indicating a donation to GiveOrcas, you’ll double your entry! It’s the perfect way to Give Local and Shop Local. For more info, visit giveorcas.org
Chair Yoga at Orcas Senior Center
December 11th from 10:00-10:45am
Join the Senior Center for Chair Yoga, a soothing practice tailored for seniors and those with disabilities, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. This gentle technique incorporates the use of a chair for support, enabling participants to explore balance poses without the concern of falling. Susie Frank, an Orcas resident of over 30 years, brings her expertise, having practiced yoga since 2009. While Susie suggests a $15 donation per class, no one will be turned away due to financial constraints. For inquiries, reach out to Susie directly at 360.298.4484 or sissooz@yahoo.com.
Custom GPTS for Business Workshop
December 11th from 10:30-11:30am via Zoom
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT can help small businesses save time, streamline communication, and expand their reach — no tech experience required. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to create their own custom GPT: a tailored version of ChatGPT that can assist with everyday business needs such as writing marketing materials, answering customer questions, researching markets, or helping train new staff. The workshop will also touch on the ethics and sustainability of generative AI. Attendees will explore practical use cases — from drafting social media posts and proposals to building FAQ assistants and managing internal communications — before following a guided, step-by-step demonstration on how to build a custom GPT using OpenAI’s intuitive tools. The workshop is led by Victoria Compton, EDC Executive Director, who brings more than 30 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business development across the San Juan Islands and the East Coast. Details: $10, Thursday, December 11th, from 10-11:30am via Zoom. Registration required. Contact the EDC to register https://sanjuansedc.org/bizlabs/. For questions please call 360.378.2906 or email info@sanjuansedc.org.
Spirit of Drumming Group
December 11th at 1:30pm at Orcas Senior Center
Discover the joy of drumming with the Spirit of Drumming Group at Orcas Senior Center on Thursdays! This beginner-friendly group focuses on exploring the elements of drumming. There’s no cost to participate—just bring a drum and join the fun! Everyone is welcome! For more information, text Ezekiel Barr at 360.376.3033.
Library Board Meeting
December 11th from 3:30-4:30pm at the Orcas Library
The Board of Trustees meets at the library at 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month. The public is welcome to attend. Contact Karen Meng (kmeng@orcaslibrary.org) if you would like to join by Zoom or receive the board packet in advance. The Board of Trustees meets at the library at 3:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month. The public is welcome to attend. Contact Karen Meng (kmeng@orcaslibrary.org) if you would like to join by Zoom or receive the board packet in advance.
Adult Art Class: Mini Canvas Painting
December 11thth from 5:00-6:30pm at the Orcas Senior Center
Join art teachers Brook and Jessie this winter for adult art classes. During this 1.5-hour session, all materials will be provided as you learn art techniques and create something to take home. Each class is $25, financial assistance is also available through the Park & Rec office. Paint a tiny landscape or a small snowflake, or a design of your choice on a tiny canvas. These small canvases can be wonderful, tiny artworks, great for small spaces. They can even be used as ornaments. Canvas sizes are 2″x2″, 2.5″x3.5″, and 2″x4.” Brook will conduct a demonstration using acrylic paint to showcase what’s possible, and she’ll also have some inspirational snowflake and landscape imagery on hand for reference.
