ORCAS ISLAND

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 1

“East of Eden” fall literature class at the parish hall of Emmanuel Church, to continue Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration at the Library $20.

Deer Harbor Women’s Auxiliary, first meeting of the 2008-2009 year. Noon at the Community Club. Bring a salad or dessert to share. Contact Kathy at 476-4314.

THURSDAY, Oct. 2

Open Mic Pizza Night at Doe Bay Resort. A weekly benefit for a different nonprofit organization each month. 6 to 10 p.m., with open mic starting between 7 to 8.

Poetry reading featuring John Sangster, Lopez poet, and Orcas poets published in Shark Reef, at Darvill’s Bookstore at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, Oct. 3

Beginning level Pilates exercise at WestSound Hall. 9 to 10 a.m. 884 Deer Harbor Rd. Everyone is welcome, bring a mat or a blanket, fee is by donation. 376-6796

Orcas West County council Candidates Forum 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Eastsound Fire Hall. Orcas West Council candidates Richard Fralick and Mindy Kayl discuss the issues, moderated by Lynne Hobbs. Free, open to all. Sponsored by the Sounder.

Crossroads Lecture at the Orcas Center. David Domke, professor of communications and political science, will speak on “Religious Politics in America: Why the 2008 Presidential Election May Change Everything for Everyone.” 7:30 p.m. Admission free and by donation. Tickets at the Orcas Library, 376-4589.

Harvest Dance – contra dancing, square dancing and waltzes, fresh pressed cider and home made pie. Live musicians from Lopez Island. $10 adults/ $5 kids. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Orcas Island Food Bank. From 7-11 p.m. at the Oddfellows Hall. Information 376-5106.

SATURDAY, Oct. 4

Saturday Farmers’ Market in Eastsound Village Green, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Francis Catholic Church Spaghetti Dinner 5 to 8 p.m. at Orcas Center. Adults $10 – Kids $5. Tickets at Island Market (Saturdays) or at the door. Dinner, quilt raffle, silent auction and entertainment.

SUNDAY, Oct. 5

Blessing of Pets and Animals at Emmanuel Episcopal Church yard at 10:15 a.m. All animals welcome. Worship service at 9 a.m.

Seattle Chamber Players at Orcas Center. Informal talk with members of the ensemble, moderated by composer and music writer Alex Shapiro at 3 p.m. Performance at 4 p.m. Tickets $20, $16 (Orcas Center members), $10 (students). For more information or to purchase tickets, call 376-ACT1 or go to www.orcascenter.org.

MONDAY, Oct. 6

Duplicate bridge every Monday at 7 p.m. at the Longhouse in Eastsound 376-2797 or 376-8278.

TUESDAY, Oct. 7

STITCH Lunch Meeting for all women living in Orcas Village (98280) noon to 2 p.m. at Marie Nitz’s house. Call 376-4958 for information, directions.

Chess club at the Orcas Island Library at 3:30 p.m. 376-4985.

Orcas Speaks Toastmasters meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center.