The week ahead: Vernal Equinox is March 20

Janice Richardson of Dragonfly Gardens writes, “Spring officially begins on the Vernal (Latin for bloom) Equinox (equal night and day) when the sun is directly over the equator. According to the 2009 astrological calender, this will occur on March 20 at 04:47 Pacific Daylight Time.”

Sunday, March 15

Babysitting Clinic for grades 6 and up. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orcas Fire Hall. The basics of babysitting presented by the Red Cross and taught by Margie Sabine. The cost is $20 and space is limited to 16 kids. Sponsored by Orcas Island Recreation Program.

Little League baseball sign-ups from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Island Market. Call Pat Hunt @ 376-2810 or email her at pat.hunt1@verizon.net

Fauré “Requiem” with the Orcas Choral Society 3 p.m. at the Orcas Island Community Church with Marianne Lewis performing on the organ. Donations accepted.

Monday, March 16
Orcas Island Community Foundation draft applications for pre-review are due to committee chair Moana Kutsche. Application materials are available on the Foundation’s website. Final applications are due on March 30. grantapplications@oicf.us or 376-7087. www.oicf.us

Wednesday, March 18

“Business Essentials” series, sponsored by the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, from 7:45 to 9:15 a.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall.
“Customer Service in Challenging Times,” featuring Michael Rivkin, co-owner of Crow Valley Pottery, who also serves as a consultant to the hospitality industry. 376-2273 or info@OrcasIslandChamber.com

The Board of Trustees of Orcas Center invites the public to a Happiness Hour for a presentation of “Something for Everyone” programming, perusal of 2009 sponsorship opportunities and your input on the 2010 season. Hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar, plus a special appearance by Grace McCune, who played “Belle” in last year’s hit musical “Beauty and the Beast.”
RSVP to Barbara Courtney at barbara@orcascenter.org.or 376-2281.

Parents Meeting for Orcas School’s 7th graders. 7 p.m. at Lyn Perry’s Middle School Classroom. 376-1566.

Thursday, March 19

Parents and Pastries in Mathew Chasanoff’s first grade classroom, 7:50 to 8:20 a.m. at the Orcas Island Elementary School. Sponsored by the PTSA and Readiness to Learn. Call 376-1566 for further information.

Orcas Island School’s Winter Windy School Concert 6:15 p.m. at the Middle School gym.

Parents Meeting for 8th graders. 7:30 p.m. at Laura Tidwell’s Middle School classroom. 376-1566.

Friday, March 20
Opening Reception for David Densmore and Susan Osborn’s new artwork, “Double Vision,” from 5 to 8 p.m. Susan will be showing photographs on Japanese paper, washi, altered and transformed into wall hangings. David will show new oil paintings both plein-aire and abstract.
At The Living Room – 474 North Beach Road in Eastsound.
The gallery will also be open Saturday, March 21 and Saturdays through April from 11 am to 4 pm. Contact David@daviddensmore@mac.com or Susan@susanosborn@susanosborn.com

Saturday, March 21

Auditions for The Actors Theater 2009 Play Fest, Seventeen actors sought for 7 plays written by Orcas playwrights. Acting experience is not necessary. Tryouts are from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Grange
All ages and genders sought. The plays are available for review at the Orcas Island Library at the Front Desk.
Auditions will also take place March 24, 7 to 10 p.m.; attendance at only one audition time is necessary. To schedule your audition slot, contact Doug Becthel at 317-5601 or by e-mail at bechtel@rockisland.com
Performances will be 7:30 p.m. April 30, May 1, 2 and 3.

Ernest Callenbach, author of Ecoptia and Ecotopia Emerging, will be offering a talk, “Recipe For a Sustainable Future” at 3 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall in Eastsound. Tickets at the door.A benefit for the Orcas Island Recreation Program presented in collaboration with Kangaroo House B&B, The Exchange, Good Earth Works and Orcas Rec. A $10 minimum donation will be greatly appreciated.
A finger food potluck follows. Call 360-376-5339 for additional information.

Orcas Center will present Trio Verlaine, an exquisite combination of flute, viola and harp. 7:30 p.m. at Orcas Center, 376-2281 or www.orcascenter.org