Blog

Orcas rocks it!

Orcas rocks it!

Willis and Mt Baker looking majestic Each year OICF participates in the CF Insights Columbus Survey of US community foundations. I am delighted to share that for 2019, OICF ranked 6th for Gifts per Capita and 10th for Distribution Rate. What these rankings indicate is...

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Testing, testing

Testing, testing

OICF Board tour of April's Grove This week, San Juan County confirmed three new Covid cases, two of them on Orcas, bringing the total since March to 36. This news comes as the School District is preparing to welcome students from kindergarten - 2nd grade back to...

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Local healthcare

Local healthcare

Mushrooms! The Orcas Island Health Care District has reached an agreement with Island Hospital to manage a unified clinic for the community. It is anticipated that the savings realized by combining the two clinics will allow expanded services. Hopefully, the...

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Sheltering in the fall

Sheltering in the fall

Each year, the Opportunity Council does a point in time count of unsheltered community members. The most recent survey put our Orcas homeless population at 52. This number includes folks living in vehicles, tents, sheds, and those who may be couch surfing.  It...

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Hopeful

Hopeful

To plant a tree is to plant hope. This week a few trees were planted in the Village Green at the site of the new play area.  These were donated by OICF in honor of our 25th anniversary and in the spirit of hope and enthusiasm about the next 25!  We are looking forward...

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Onward

Onward

A foggy smoky sunrise in Olga. Photo by Coleen O'Brien As we head into Fall, San Juan County is leading the State in a couple of ways. We have one of the lowest per capita coronavirus infection rates. Good news. We also have the highest year-over-year job loss. Not so...

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Smoke!

Smoke!

It is a bit eerie that the smoke from the wildfires moved in overnight, on the 19th anniversary of 9-11, setting a somber tone. Locally, all outdoor burning (including charcoal bbq’s and campfires) is banned and the health department is recommending staying indoors....

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