Ready to Serve!


Thank you to the dozen folks who came to the Introduction to Board Service hosted by OICF this week. Thank you also to Nancy Stillger, Director of the Orcas Island Historical Museums, for helping to lead the program and to Brian Moss and Margie Bangs for sharing their experience as seasoned board members. This was our first in-person workshop since the start of Covid and it was great to be back in 3-D!

With 110 local nonprofits, the need for skilled board members is high. Good leadership on the Board and staff is key to creating sustainable programs. If you have an interest in learning more about serving or about the many nonprofits supporting Orcas, give us a call or swing on by. We are always happy to help you connect to organizations that fit your interests and passions. We also have a directory of our Orcas nonprofits that you can pick up or check out on our website.

Orcas had the first wildfire of the season this week at the base of Turtle Head. Thank you to all of the responders from OIFR, the Sheriff’s Department, and DNR who managed to keep it contained and under control before it got too far. It is a great reminder that we need to be especially careful as the island is already mighty dry and the spring winds have been intense. Now is a good time to clear any debris that has gathered around your property. If (and when) another fire ignites, the less available fuel to feed it, the better. It’s also a good time for your neighborhood to review the emergency preparedness plans available here.

The County is coming to Orcas Next Tuesday. There will be a public meeting about the Department of Community Development Tuesday, June 13 from 4-5 at the Orcas Center. County Manager Mike Thomas and Council Chair Cindy Wolfe will provide an update and answer questions. The County Council will convene immediately after, holding a session from 5-7:30. The County Council agenda can be accessed here.

OICF has started Summer office hours. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 9-5. If you need to reach us Friday-Sunday, please call 360 376 6423, leave a message and one of us will get back to you quickly.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Best-
Hilary