We are quickly rolling through Summer! My garden has been mighty happy!
Jami Mitchell has been promoted to the role of Human Services Manager for San Juan County. Jami has served as the Senior Service Specialist for Orcas for the past 8 years. In the new position, Jami will supervise County-wide human services programs. She will identify, implement, and administer programs, resources, and activities within the areas of Senior Services, Developmental Disabilities, and Behavioral Health. One of her first tasks is to fill the position she is leaving. More information on the job can be found here.
San Juan County has been working on a San Juan Islands Destination Management Plan and now has a draft available for review and comment. You can read the document here.
The Department of Emergency Management has also released a letter following the Maui wildfires. OICF is working with the Department to organize a public emergency preparedness meeting at the Orcas Center this Fall. Look for an announcement soon. We will also have a table at the Night Market in Eastsound Square tonight, raising funds for the Maui Strong fund held at the Hawaii Community Foundation to support those impacted by the devastating fires this month. 100% of the funds raised are used for direct services.
Thank you to Thomas Bridge for providing a passenger ferry to shuttle folks to and from the islands for the last week while the Inter Island boat has been out due to the Chelan running aground last week. What a difficult situation especially on the weekend of the County Fair. According to a report in the Seattle Times, there is no apparent plan underway to build new ferries. It is alarming to realize that it will be years before the system recovers to full capacity. The impact on our ability to interact with County Government, serve as jurors, and carry out business and recreation between island communities is great. It could be time to invest in an official Passenger Ferry to provide a reliable option.
OICF will be at the Farmers Market on Saturday, raising funds for the Pea Patch Match to support affordable housing and increased access to food and support services on a central community campus. Every dollar donated will be doubled by the match. I welcome you to be a Pea Patch Partner!
Hope you will swing by and say hello!
Best~
Hilary