The Friends of the Library will host the Holiday Tea and Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Orcas Island Library. This annual event is a celebration and thank-you from the Friends and Library Board to honor the entire community for their support and participation in the life of the library, says Judy Schliebus, Friends Board member, who is overseeing the Holiday Tea.

Marilyn Erly, Fran Pritchett and many other Friends Board members and community library volunteers, are donating time, talents and morsels to the event. Orcas High School Key Club members will be on hand to assist at the tea and Orcas Island musicians (including the Olga Symphony, Lizz Hanks‚ Orcas High School group, the Orcas Chamber Players, Bob Littlewood group, and strolling musicians Katie Jensen and Trudy Erwin will provide the entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Claus have sent an RSVP to say they will be on hand to eat sandwiches and cookies, and sip punch, tea and coffee.

Tickets on sale for Victorian Valley concerts

Susan Osborn will present the Annual Victorian Valley Chapel Christmas Concerts on Dec. 21 – 24. This is the candlelight concerts’ 21st year. Osborn’s longtime friend and musical partner, Bill Lauf, a singer and tenor guitarist from Connecticut, will join her. The first three performances start at 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, there will be two performances, one at 7:30 p.m. and one at 10:15 p.m.

Music will include many old favorites as well as new songs for the season. This year, given the economic downturn, tickets are being sold on a sliding scale from $10 to $20 at Crow Valley Pottery in Eastsound.

“This is our yearly opportunity to gather together in the beautiful intimate space of the chapel and celebrate the many gifts of our lives and island community in song,” Osborn said.