Can't wait for the weekend: events start today!

Thursday, May 21

Dwight W. Duke’s Trials by Fire visual art opening and reception at Christina’s Restaurant from 5 to 7 p.m.  This new body of work – a departure from his past sculptures and paintings –  is created entirely with fire, using strategically placed gunpowder and artillery fuse on paper, canvas, glass, and Venetian plaster.  An ode to the beauty of a potentially destructive force, this is a new way of viewing the (controlled) effects of the element of fire.  Show runs through June 29. For information and reservations, call 376-4904.

Whale of a Show — kids talent showcase produced in partnership with the Orcas Island Recreation Program. Contact Didier Gindig at 376-5339 or email Didier@earthball.com.

Friday, May 22

“Birding by Ear” class on Orcas Island. Meet at the ferry dock at 7:30 a.m. The class will end about 12:15 p.m., again at the  ferry dock. Sponsored by San Juan Islands Audubon Society.   For further information, contact Barbara Jensen at skylark@rockisland.com or (360) 378-3068 .

Orcas Island Paramedic Patrick Shepler will be giving a public awareness talk about strokes.  Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of permanent disability. Stroke is an emergency and time is a critical factor.  At the Eastsound Fire Station. No reservations and no charge. Choose either a morning (10 to 11 a.m.) or evening (7 to 8 p.m.) session to attend. Contact Lindsay @ 376-2331.

Orcas Island Historical Museum Opening Day. Free of charge on opening day,  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Afterwards, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Museum  will celebrate the re-opening of its doors with a  public reception including food, beverage and music.

Orcas Island Community Foundation Grant Awards ceremony, 3:30 p.m. at the Orcas Center. Call 376-OICF.

Saturday, May 23

Bite of Orcas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center invites you to enjoy great food, great drink … all for a great cause.  Under the Big Tent on the Village Green.   Proceeds benefit Wolf Hollow, a non-profit organization.  Call 376-4500

Annual Pet Parade. All pets welcome!  Every participant receives an award, with trophies going to the winner in individual categories.  Judging and registration begins at 10 a.m. at the public school.   Parade starts marching promptly at 11 a.m.; heading to Island Market, through Ray’s Pharmacy parking lot and ending at the Band Shell for an entertaining awards ceremony.  Hamburgers, hotdogs, soda and sno-cones available at the museum grounds after the parade. Call 376-4500.

Precious metal clay (silver) Jewelry Workshop taught by Rene Deerheart at the Limited to 10 students.  Tuition: $75. (includes materials) checks payable to: Susan Osborn, Box 35, Orcas, WA 98245.  Pre-registration strongly suggested due to limited enrollment. From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Living Room. Please pre-register with rene@deerheart.com

Flower Fairies – Very cute fairies made from flowers, wire, and beads. Moon Glow Arts Class.  From 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Moon Glow.Cost:  $15 a person.  Ages 9 and up.  Call Sarah @ 376-4994

Free introduction to EFT (Tapping) workshop. Perhaps you’ve heard about this curious process that involves tapping on your face and body. Also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT is easy to learn and apply to any number of problems or symptoms you might be having from headaches or back pain to allergies or anxiety. 2 – 4:30 pm at 437 Potlatch Drive, Deer Harbor.  There is room for 8 students only, so call for a reservation. Contact Nancy Southern 376-4288 or email nancy@happytapping.net

Personalized medicine: Prescribing the Right Drugs Based on Your Genes. A Crossroads Lecture by  Russ Biagio Altman, Professor of Bioengineering, Genetics, and Medicine, Stanford University.
In this lecture for a lay audience, Russ Altman will explain how physicians will be able to use genetics to find the right drug at the right dose for each individual patient. 7:30 pm at Orcas Center. Call 376-2281.