Input on Odd Fellows hall kitchen requested

||| FROM CHE BLAINE for ORCAS ODD FELLOWS |||

Our Eastsound Hall has been in use since 1891 and is a vital community space that hosts a myriad of uses including classes, dances, gatherings, food service, and weddings. This year, the Odd Fellows are working to make needed improvements and upgrades to our honored community hall with our theme of “Renewal.” We wish to thank our Orcas community, and the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) for the successful funding of our deck renovation, which we hope to begin in summer and complete by autumn.

The Hall’s kitchen has been an asset and in use for many years by food service providers and for catering of events held in the Hall. Recently deep cleaned and painted, it is certified as a commercial kitchen. Moving forward, we are seeking input from community members who are interested in utilizing the kitchen and Hall, on what additional improvements would help meet various needs and uses so we can determine how to plan and fund possible expansions of use.

June is our month for inviting community, and potential Kitchen and Hall users, to share their ideas. We are interested in gathering your input, through an online survey and at a Conversation Café at the Odd Fellows Hall on Tuesday, June 18 th, from 6:00-8:00 PM.

The ONLINE SURVEY LINK (also be found at www.oddshall.org) closes on June 25. We will share initial survey feedback, and generate recommendations and guidance for potential upgrades and opportunities, on June 18. You can join us IN PERSON, or by ZOOM. Register for ZOOM LINK

Lodge members are very grateful for the many Odd Fellows who have preserved our Hall over the years. You care for our Orcas neighbors, and guests, by stewarding this wonderful community asset and sacred space. We honor and respect the original inhabitants of these islands and the current representatives of the Coastal Salish tribes who return to their homelands.