Finally, the smoke has cleared, and perhaps more exciting, there is a chance of rain in the forecast!  We can hope it actually comes to pass, as it has been one long dry summer.

OICF is planning a series of focus group meetings to further develop our Children’s Saving Account program.  We will have three groups- one with partners (schools, banks, County, +), one with parents, and one with donors. Meetings will be scheduled in September to gather ideas and start developing the framework.   If you are interested in participating, please give me a call or send an email so we can add you to the list.

Long Live the Kings honors the return of the salmon this weekend. Started by Jim and Kathy Youngren, the hatchery is one of a few that raises Chinook salmon, the type that our resident Orcas eat. The Youngrens have been planning to sell the hatchery and negotiations are underway with the Lummi Nation to purchase the facility. If the deal goes through, it will be a great win for all as increasing access to food is key to keeping the Orca population growing. Additionally, State Senator Kevin Ranker is planning on introducing several bills this year that will also help protect the whales, from limiting the number of whale watching boats to further protecting shoreline areas that are prime spawning ground for the feeder fish that support the Chinooks. Hopefully, these multiple supports will be sufficient and happen quickly enough to swing the tide. Losing this species would be devastating.

It is hard to believe that next weekend is Labor Day. If you are looking for adventures, the Jazz Fest is happening, and the Animal Protection Society celebrates the Dog Days of Summer at Mt Baker Farms Sunday, Sept 2nd, with an agility expo, train rides and a beer garden- fun for all!

Hope you have a good weekend.
Hilary