Wolf Eels, Mr. Dickens, Viva La Mamma and Sunday Supper — What ISN’T Happening this Week?

Monday, November 8

Free Business Finance Seminar from 9-noon at the Mullis Street Fire Hall, 1011 Mullis Street in Friday Harbor. Learn about a variety of business financing options available from traditional and alternative agencies and lenders. Attendees will meet representatives from financing agencies, including the SBA, the USDA, the Export Finance Assistance Center, the Northwest Women’s Business Center, local lenders, and more – over eight representatives will attend. Participants will leave the seminar knowing which program will best suit their businesses’ needs.

Topics will include local, state and federal loan and grant sources, loan requirements, the recent expansion of federal funding through federal and state agencies, export financing assistance, alternative financing options, hiring incentives and other services available to assist businesses. Sponsored by the San Juan County Economic Development Council.

Orcas Island Public Library Board 9 a.m. at the Public Library.  Call 376-4985 for more information.

Movie night at Doe Bay Cafe. This week’s featured movie is  “Monty Python’s: The Life Of Brian.”  Brian is born on the original Christmas, in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for a messiah. Reservations are recommended.  Free popcorn at show time & plus half-priced bottles of wine. Call 376-8059 or see www.doebay.com

Tuesday, November 9

Friends of the Library Meeting 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Library. All are welcome to attend. 376-4985.

Eastsound Sewer and Water District meeting, 4:30 p.m. off North Beach Road, at end of Cessna Lane.

Mr. Dickens is Coming! 6 p.m. at the Orcas Center. A Benefit for the Orcas Arts Education Project. Gerald Dickens, the great great grandson of Chales Dickens, will perform his one-man show based on the characters, diary extracts of the great writer. The evening includes a pub-style fireside dinner created by Karen Hedge and Mary Russell. $50 per person minimum suggested donation.  Event Undrewriting by: Orcas Island Education Foundation. Contact Orcas Center @ 376-2281

Orcas Fire District Commissioners meeting Eastsound Fire Hall at 7:30 p.m.  Call 376-2331 for more information.

Wolf Eels: Fish or Monster? the SeaDoc Marine Lecture Series continues! 7 p.m.  Dr. Jeff Marliave (VP Marine Science, Vancouver Aquarium) talks about the strange-looking wolf eel (which is actually not an eel, but a fish). Location: YMCA Camp Orkila’s Marine Salmon Center Call SeaDoc @ 360-376-3910 or visit SeaDoc Website

Wednesday, November 10

San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee meeting 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Orcas Landing Meeting Room. Call San Juan County at 370-7469 for more information.

“Let’s Talk Fuchsias” at the Orcas Island Garden Club. 10 a.m. at the Madrona Room in the Orcas Center.  Shirley Rock comes from Marysville where she has 350 varieties of hardy fuchsias. She will be bringing some to sell after her presentation. Call Marlyn Myers at 376-6110.

Deer Harbor Plan Review Committee 3:45 – 5:30 p.m. Deer Harbor Community Center. Call 376-3199 for more information.  Public is welcome.

Thursday, November 11

Orcas Island Park & Recreation District 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Station.

Cancer Support Group Meeting Open to anyone whose life has been touched by cancer: survivors, caregivers, or someone currently in treatment.  Come for encouragement, resources, and hope. 5 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the Community Church. Call 376-4198.

Port of Orcas Commissioners meeting 6 p.m. at the Airport conference room. Call 376-5285 for more information. For the remainder of 2010, the Port will meet on the second Thursday of the month at 6 pm, and the fourth Thursday of the month at 12 noon.

Friday, November 12

Seattle Opera Young Artists: “Viva La Mamma.” Seasoned opera fans and first timers will enjoy “Viva La Mamma,” as it pokes fun at the idiosyncrasies of the operatic art form. 7:30 p.m. at the Center Stage, Orcas Center. This story features a demanding diva who refuses to rehearse, her husband who relentlessly pushes for greater star attention for her, an insecure German tenor who can’t quite master the Italian language and an overbearing stage mother. Hilarity abounds, and even the most seasoned impresario doesn’t stand a chance of holding this production together.  Cost:  $25, $17 (Orcas Center members), $11 (students). Call 376-2281

Friday, November 12

The Low-Down Unreal Turkey Trot Dance — Come dance the night away!  Your entry ticket (only $5 per person) enters you in a turkey raffle.  Bring a CD of your favorite Dance Music – All styles welcome.  Refreshments & decorations by the amazing Patty T.  Sponsored by the Orcas Dance Club.  7:30 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall. Call Steve @ 376-1461 or shemmes@centurytel.net

Saturday, November 13

The Farmers Market at Odd Fellows Hall 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday.

Sunday, November 14

“Simple Sunday Supper” —Get your tickets for the very first Farm to Cafeteria community fundraiser! It will feature the spirited toe-tapping music of Orcas’s own “JP and the OK Rhythm Boys.”  Please your palate with fresh local foods from Taproot, Maple Rock and Jones Family Farm, and prepared by Chefs Lisa Nakamura (Allium), Madden Slabaugh (The Quilted Pig), Abigael Birrell (Doe Bay Cafe), Christina Orchid, Charles Dalton (The Kitchen), Matt and Ryan Carpenter (Deer Harbor Inn), and Kathryn Taylor Chocolates.  Enjoy Goldeneye Farm apple cider, and a no-host wine bar.  Don’t miss the special raffle and auction items, featuring handmade student items. 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 if purchased before the event at the Chamber Office, or $40 at the door. Kid Care may be available.  Call Madie Murray at 376-3064 to confirm.