Veggie potluck

The next monthly Veggie Potluck and Movie will be Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether veg curious, vegetarian, or vegan, but we kindly ask attendees to bring vegan items only to the event.

This month’s movie is “Blackfish,” in honor of Tilikum, who is featured in the movie and died on Jan. 6, and our local orca matriarch Granny, who was recently presumed dead, while we remember the orcas who remain in captivity such as Lolita (daughter of L pod matriarch).

To RSVP or get more information, go to www.meetup.com/Orcas-Vegan-Meetup or call Eric Morris at 376-4320.

Tax help at Orcas Senior Center

Fridays, Feb. 10 through April 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center.

Jim Biddick (Lions Club) and John Carl (Kiwanis Club) will be available to assist with taxes at the Orcas Senior Center. The tax service is for low to moderate income taxpayers ($52,000).

The program is not associated with the IRS TaxAide program and is not a for-profit program. The taxpayer will be responsible for all information provided and for the completeness and correctness of the tax return. Returns must be filed by mail.

The service is free, but a donation of $5 is appreciated to cover program costs; any profit for the program is donated to the senior center. Contact Jim Biddick at 376-2488 for an appointment or via email at JimBiddick@aol.com.

Masquerade ball

A “Carnevale – A Masquerade Ball” will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. For tickets and info: https://www.facebook.com/howtocarnevalefridayharbor.

Foam spray at library

As part of the Orcas Library building expansion project, contractors will be spraying foam insulation this week, with the odor noticeable from Thursday, Feb. 2 to Sunday, Feb. 5.

Although the spraying will be within the new area, some fumes may be released.

Therefore, we want to make sure that anyone who is chemically sensitive is aware of this activity in case it is necessary to limit their time spent at the library.

Seeking vendors for Cupid’s Closet Flea Market

There are a few more vendor tables available ($25) for the eighth annual Cupid’s Closet Flea Market, taking place Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Sound Community Hall on Deer Harbor Road. Retailers, craftspersons, selling fanatics, nonprofits – here’s your chance. You pay for the table and keep all you take in. Call 376-3441, or email mshaworcas@yahoo.com to get a registration sheet.

Free Tooth Extraction Clinic

Dr. Triplett’s dental office at 445 Madrona Street in Eastsound is reserving Monday, Feb. 13 for free tooth extractions for Orcas and Shaw residents in need. Services are limited to both routine and surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth). To make an appointment and receive additional information, call Dr. Triplett’s office at 376-4301.

Tribute Event to Honor Granny

Join the Whale Museum for a special Tribute Event to honor Granny (J-2) on Feb. 12. The event is a community potluck, taking place that Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Brickworks in Friday Harbor. Granny was the matriarch of the Southern Resident Community of orcas. Estimated to be 105 years of age when she passed, she was well-known around the word and much loved by many.

During the tribute, there will be opportunities to share photos of and stories about Granny and the orcas. The event is free and open to the public. Please bring food and/or drink contribution to share with other attendees. And, if you feel moved to do so, please bring your Granny memories! The tribute event is co-hosted by The Town of Friday Harbor and The Whale Museum.

Prior to the event, you are invited to create an eight inch by eight inch paper art piece (i.e., drawing) that will be included in the Granny “quilt” which will be displayed at the tribute event. Stop by The Whale Museum on Friday, Feb. 10, between 2:30 and 4 p.m. to create your square.

Expanded baseball

Play ball! This spring, the Orcas Island Parks and Recreation Department will be offering more games and increased competition for local baseball and softball players.

The baseball committee, along with the Park and Rec board, has thoroughly researched all league options and the last several years of season play. After completing this study, all have voted to rejoin the local Little League District. This will allow for a variety of game opportunities both on island and in the Skagit area.

Game schedules will be set by Little League with game-play from April 1–June 3. The registration deadline is Feb. 27 for all baseball and softball players ages 7–14 years of age and pre-registration is required. This year will kick off with a field day for player assessment on March 5. Practices will begin the week of March 13.

T-Ball begins the week of April 24 for ages 5–7 and will continue with on-island scrimmages. Registration deadline for T-Ball is April 3.

Early registration is greatly appreciated and will help to ensure there are plenty of uniforms, that equipment is purchased and on hand for the start of the season. No registration will be accepted after Feb. 27. Scholarships and payment plans are available. To register stop by our office located in the northwest corner of the Funhouse or visit the department’s website at www.oiprd.org and click on the big green registration button.

The Parks and Rec board is looking for volunteers to help with team coordination, field prep, officiating and coaching.

If you would like to help, contact Kim Ihlenfeldt at kimi@oiprd.org, or 376-7275 (PARK).