||| By CHE BLAINE of ORCAS ODD FELLOWS |||
Eastsound Hall has been in use since 1891 and is an important community space that can be used for a variety of purposes, including classes, dances, gatherings, food services, weddings, and more. This year, Odd Fellows is working with the theme of “Renewal” to make needed improvements and upgrades to our prestigious community hall. We would like to thank the Orcas Community and the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF) for funding the deck renovations, which began in the summer and are scheduled to be completed by the fall.
The Hall's kitchen is a valuable asset that has been used for many years by food service providers and for catering events held at the Hall. It has recently been thoroughly cleaned and painted and is now certified as a commercial kitchen. We will now seek input from local residents interested in using the kitchen and Hall on what improvements could be made to meet different needs and uses, and will then determine plans and funding for further use.
June is the month in which we invite the community and potential users of the Kitchen and Hall to share their ideas, and we hope to gather your input through an online survey and a conversation café on Tuesday 18th June from 6-8pm in Odd Fellows Hall.
The online survey link (also available at www.oddshall.org) closes on June 25th. We will share initial survey feedback on June 18th to make recommendations and guidance on potential upgrades and opportunities. You can join in person or via ZOOM. Register for the ZOOM link.
Lodge members are so grateful to the many Odd Fellows who have cared for our halls over the years. You care for our Orcas neighbors and guests by stewarding the property and sacred space of this wonderful community. We honor the original inhabitants of these islands and the current representatives of the Coast Salish people who have returned to their homelands.
