Hey, its: Thursday, January 22

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Orcas Today: January 23rd-25th

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
January 23rd 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: Song Sung Blue
January 23rd & 24th at 4:00pm
Rated PG-13.

On Screen at Orcas Center: National Theater Live
January 23rd at 7:00pm
Featuring Hamlet.

On Screen at Seaview Theater: Marty Supreme
January 23rd & 24th at 7:00pm
Rated R.

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

Winter Workshop: Explorations in Wool
January 24th & 25th from 10:00am-4:00pm at Warm Valley Orchard
Warm Valley Orchard is hosting a winter workshop, Explorations in Wool! Participants will learn how to process and spin fleece, as well as explore weaving and knitting techniques. For more information, please go to https://www.rootedarchipelago.com/services-1

Community Play Day & Open House
January 24th from 10:00am-12:00pm at Children’s House
Orcas families with children ages 0-5 are invited to Children’s House for a morning of open play, art making, castle building, dress-up and much more! Come see what makes Orcas Island Children’s House so special. Alumni are welcome too!

Community Vocal Workshop
January 24th at 11:00am at Moran State Park
Brave voices are invited to gather in the depths of winter for a communal singing circle by the fire. This informal, welcoming gathering centers on the joy and power of singing together—no experience needed. Participants will explore simple, interactive vocal activities and sing in the round, with space for shared ideas and collective listening. This is not a formal workshop, but an open practice space to come together in sound, warmth, and connection. Warm herbed bone broth and a baked snack will be provided, and guests are welcome to bring a dish to share if they’d like. Singing will flow organically, followed by a gentle walk around the lake for reflection and integration. All voices welcome. Questions encouraged.

Table of Contents Middle Grade Book Club
January 24th from 11:00am-12:30pm at the Orcas Library
Read Witchlings by Claribel Ortega. 4th-7th graders can grab a free copy of the book at the library for an informal discussion.

How Birds Fly Book Discussion
January 24th at 4:00pm at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Join Peter Cavanagh, bird photographer, pilot, and expert in biomechanics and anatomy for a fascinating talk and discussion of his book How Birds Fly. After more than a decade of research and photography, Cavanagh brings the science and artistry of bird flight to life through stunning images and accessible, conversational storytelling. How Birds Fly explores the evolution and physics of flight while celebrating its beauty, weaving in stories of pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright Brothers and showing how modern engineers continue to draw inspiration from birds. The book also offers glimpses into real ornithological research, making it engaging for bird lovers of all levels. All are welcome to this inspiring and informative community event.

On Stage at Orcas Center: Hiroya Tsukamoto
January 24th at 7:00pm
Experience the spellbinding artistry of Hiroya Tsukamoto, a master of fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries. 

American Legion Pancake Breakfast
January 25th from 8:00am-12:00pm
Start your Sunday with all-you-can-eat pancakes, plus your choice of bacon or sausage, two eggs cooked just the way you like, and coffee, tea, or orange juice. A beloved community favorite and the perfect way to ease into the day.

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).

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

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

Orcas Hotel Café – By Howie

I am an American. Those four little words should tell you everything you need to know about how much I love burgers. Okay, not everything, but I hope you get the idea. There’s nothing quite like it: Meat, Toppings, Condiments, Crispy Toasted Bread, mix and match to your liking (yes, I realize I also just described a normal sandwich, but follow me on this one), and chow down! That being said, I do also realize that not all burgers are created equal: a gourmet burger is not a good comparison to a cookout burger, and while I do enjoy both (very much so), when you decide to up the ante and treat yourself to a restaurant, you expect something a bit more on the decadent side. And, I am pleased to report, that (at least) the food given to me by Orcas Hotel Café did not disappoint! Orcas Hotel has a long history of different chefs and restaurant names gracing its doors, but in the new world of Survive the Pandemic (take that however you will) they have opted for a simpler design: small café, small menu, daily specials, lunch, and dinner; no frills, basically. Their entire ordering process for dinner is online so my esteemed colleague and I had to change up our usual rules, and I took his recommendation for the Cheeseburger with Fries while he went with the Burmese Chicken Curry Special (read Simon’s review of Orcas Hotel Café here). Now, my overly simplified palate may suggest that I got the raw…

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