Seniors: please mail in your census forms

Most people on the island have probably received and (hopefully completed) their census form and mailed it in. Unfortunately, some people, especially senior citizens, are reluctant to divulge any information to the government, no matter what information it is collecting.

I encourage everyone on the island to complete their census form and get it sent off in the mail. Many of you may not know how important this is. Based on the demographics of our island and other communities across the United States, the census results determine the amount of federal funds to be allocated to those communities. They also use the numbers to determine which programs are to be funded, and may reallocate the number of representatives delegated to each district, existing or recreated.

This is important information to be used for the next 10 years. The only way we can truly benefit from the results of the census is to have everyone complete and mail in their forms. Especially you, seniors. If you have questions or need help with your form, call the Senior Center at 376-2677 and ask for Linda. We’re here to help. That’s our job.

Linda Tretheway

Senior Services Coordinator

Orcas Island Senior Center

Lopez transfer station in danger of closing down

Upon returning from attending a death in my family on the East Coast, a friend alerted me to the overwhelmingly well attended meeting regarding the
fate of our solid waste transfer site.

Dan Post was cited as the most eloquent and rational responder, and I agree after reading his writing. I share two thoughts:
IF indeed, and this is a BIG IF, there is a funding issue, we have the opportunity to create an island business, which would create jobs for local islanders.

The model for this could be along the lines of OPALCO. A community owned and operated Garbage Co-op. Over the years I have spoken to Neil at the Lopez transfer station extensively about his research, nation-wide, regarding the issues of sustainable solid waste disposal. When I travel abroad I bring back stories to him of the ways in which various cultures are managing this issue. He has a wealth of knowledge and responds to issues that arise in his profession in a rational, scientific, logical way. Neil must be supported and enabled to voice and share his expertise. He is a prime candidate to lead and evolve the business of solid waste disposal.

I know many of you realize that our transfer site has far-reaching human and spiritual
effects. It’s a gathering place for conversation, a spot for positive social interaction for children and adults, and a place where we learn
and relearn the value of sharing stuff and stories. Our transfer station is also a huge tourist attraction. Over and over I have heard tourists commenting on how fortunate we are to have such a well organized, clean, sustainable, event-filled transfer station.


I just returned from the wake of a loved one. I will not want participate in the wake of our solid waste transfer station. Please respond thoughtfully to this dire situation in whatever way you feel you must.

Aurore Maren

Lopez Island

Response to “We want our safe island back” letter

The Sheriff of San Juan County and his deputies do a wonderful job to keep us safe. They have a small staff and a lot of geography to cover. We are most fortunate to have their service to this community. Thanks to Whatcom County Police for their help during this manhunt for Colton Harris-Moore. Most law enforcement officers wear guns. It amazes me that some folks are offended by that.

These officers risk their lives on a daily basis to protect us. Should they not be armed?

When people move here many think of it as a land of sunshine and lollipops. Guess what: we have bad people here just like California.

Perhaps this disgruntled person should join the National Rifle Association and enroll in a “Refuse To Be A Victim” course. There she would learn how to safely use a weapon to protect herself, her family and her neighborhood. I think that course of action would be a lot more productive than carping against law enforcement.

Jake Jacobus

Eastsound

School spaghetti dinner fed many

The Orcas Island Middle School Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success. Once again, Island Market has been our mainstay, continuing to supply us with everything we need to prepare our dinner. In light of the present economic conditions, this is an exceptionally generous donation. Our heartfelt thanks to the Linnes family and their staff.

Also, as in past years, Driftwood Flowers has donated the flowers for our table settings. Thank you, Lorna! Camp Orkila cooked the 70 pounds of pasta needed. We are always grateful for this effort. Our new cook this year, Zack Holley, took over the job with great humor and produced a fabulous feast.

Finally, we thank our island community for your support again this year. The island community’s continual support of our children is inspiring.

Orcas Island Middle School staff and students

Point Blank fundraiser a success

On behalf of Point Blank, we would like to thank everyone who was involved with our fundraising dinner held Sunday, March 21. Thank you to Passionate for Pies, Island Market and the Sunflower Café for all of the dessert donations! Additional thanks to Tony Pinardi, Domonique Pinardi, Sara Davis, and Margie Sabine for helping out with set-up and clean-up. Also, a huge thank you to Marta Nielson and her helpers, Raven Sky and Michael Greenberg, for preparing the dinner and our wonderful club advisor, Julie Pinardi.

Most importantly, I thank everyone who bought a ticket or made a donation. Our funds raised will help toward all of Point Blank’s expenses, including travel expenses for the Spring Youth Summit, comfort food for the Healthy Relationships meetings we host with DVSAS, and the products and supplies that we use in our prevention education projects!

Our club’s mission is to inform, educate, support and empower positive and healthy decisions in everyone’s lives. Without the help from community individuals and support from the Orcas Island Prevention Partnership, we would not be able to do it to our highest potential!

Jeanie Tran

President

Point Blank Leadership Club

Thank you, Maureen Mullen

In response to the farewell to Christina’s, I’d like to put a thank you out to Maureen Mullen for her role as a facilitator. For the short time Maureen held the helm of Christina’s, she provided a community gathering space with weekly trivia nights, dance parties, and local discounts. Despite an incredibly high rental rate, Maureen continued to support local farms, foster the business of the working class of the island, and take care of her employees, right to the end. While it is unfortunate to lose a namesake that has been so influential in our community, it is really a shame to lose one of the few affordable, off-season options in Eastsound. Thanks for your hard work.

Charly Robinson

Orcas Island