Blog
Something To Smile About!
Something to Smile About! I am delighted to report that we are getting much closer to restarting a Dental Clinic providing free care on Orcas. The San Juan County Health department has received grant funding to support care and is contracting with Dr Jessica Dubek,...
Bunny Vs. Polar Bear
A Little Spring Joy from Island Rides Bunny vs Polar Bear The Battle of the Ages is this Saturday at Moran State Park, when the Polar Bear takes on the Easter Bunny! Well, not quite. But the Lion’s are hosting their Egg Hunt starting at 10 and the Orcas Island Rowing...
All Hands In
The Kiwanis and Park & Rec team hard at work! All Hands In The new playground is taking form at Buck Park, thanks to the Kiwanis and Park and Rec crew. They have been working tirelessly to get this up and open to the community. It will be...
What A Journey
Not So Long Ago What a Journey Four years ago this week, Covid descended into our lives and set us all on a new and, sometimes, frightening path. Our world suddenly shrunk and played out in tiny squares on Zoom. Local social safety net services were put...
Kiwanis Leaves a Legacy
Kiwanis Leaves a Legacy This week brought news that the Kiwanis Club is going on hiatus. For 34 years, The Kiwanis Club has been supporting island youth with programs, scholarships and events. They have volunteered as readers in the kindergarten, supported literacy...
Singing MAG’s Praises
The Music Advocacy Group (MAG) is one of the stellar organizations in our galaxy of community nonprofits. This weekend they are hosting their annual Spring Concert in the High School gym at 3 pm on Sunday the 3rd. This concert will warm your heart and shine a...
Many Hands
Many Hands I spent this morning on a walking tour with Dr. Jack Ehlen, a retired dentist and a new(ish) resident of Deer Harbor. Dr Ehlen is assisting in establishing an interim dental clinic to bridge the gap now that the Medical Teams International Van Clinics are...
Where There is Sunshine, There are Shadows
Where there is Sunshine, there are Shadows Employer provided housing is frequently cited as a viable option to the shortage of available staff. That solution comes with challenges as the current sale of Rosario is demonstrating. Of the 45 employees being laid off, 24...
Seasonal Swings
Seasonal Swings I heard from Patricia Benton, chair of the Community Resource Center, that OCRC is experiencing a spike in the number of people needing help meeting their rent this month. This can likely be attributed to the number of businesses that close in the...
National Point in Time Count & Thoughtful Leadership
Cold Nights and Wintery Days The National Point in Time Count, a survey of people who were unhoused or living in substandard housing on Thursday Jan 25th is taking place this week. OICF is supporting the collection of surveys in front of the Food...