At the May 19 Annual Membership Orcas Island Prevention Partnership (OIPP) honored the work of Orcas Island community organizations for their contributions to a safe and healthy community free of substance abuse. It also began a new tradition of recognizing the work of a specific community organization and youth for their efforts in prevention as well as expressing special thanks to an individual each year.

This year Sound Publishing was honored for its long term commitment to publishing articles that increase community awareness of the importance of substance abuse prevention, its annual production of a four page Prevention Special distributed through all three county papers for the past five years, and its Prevention Column in the Islands’ Weekly. On hand to receive the award was Elyse Van den Bosch who has participated on OIPP’s Community Committee for the past five years bringing her expertise in marketing and media to the table. Sound Publishing received a beautiful sea life photo donated by Michael Mele’s ClearPath Photography Studio.

Janice Wiemeyer was recognized for her role as a founding member of OIPP, her service on its Board for five years, and as the fabulous Chair of the Orcas Idol fundraising event for the past three years. Through her efforts, our community comes together in playful song at OIPP’s feel good version of American Idol and helps to fund OIPP’s prevention efforts. Janice received a gift certificate to Driftwood Nursery.

Valerie Agnew was honored for her participation as a youth voice since her freshman year at many OIPP sponsored events and for presenting Teens Against Tobacco Use at the Orcas Elementary School each year to our fourth and fifth grade students. She received a gift certificate to Darvill’s Book Store to purchase some good summer reading before she heads of to college this fall.

OIPP Director Moriah Armstrong said, “Many island organizations work in partnership to implement multiple strategies across the domains of youth, schools, parents, and community and thus address the complex factors that contribute to substance abuse and its many problems. They help youth develop skills, provide opportunities to connect with other youth and adults in meaningful ways and to give back to their community, and to recognize their efforts. Other organizations focus their support, services, and education towards families and also contribute to the greater safety and wellness of the entire community. It takes an organized and concerted effort on the part of the whole community to provide an environment that support youth and adults in making healthy choices.”