Orcas, from a grandmother’s perspective | Letter

Published 11:00 am Sunday, July 29, 2012

I have just enjoyed a great birthday and have been reminded of some of my past years on Orcas Island.

In 1982, I moved to Orcas Island.  Sometime later, one of my sons and his little family, a wife and baby, joined me on Orcas. I was involved with real estate and a few years later insurance. At times, visitors to the island would come into my office and the subject of living on such a small island would come about.

A question most often asked was: “how can a child get a good education, be rounded in world events, etc., on such a small island? What is there here for them to do”?  This now makes me laugh. I mean really laugh. I have seen four grandchildren grow up on Orcas Island, now ages 19 to 12.  The four of them are pretty great kids. A lot of it is due to the hard work of the parents and a great deal is due to people in the education field, also members of the community, who have given  their time and energy  to help educate and teach our young people.

Some of these kids, due to our local school or community private clubs, have traveled to the following countries as a result of what they have been involved with on Orcas Island: Africa, Brazil, Italy, Germany and all over the United States from the West Coast to the East Coast. Teachers in our schools have encouraged, helped, and cared for the education of each one.  They need to be appreciated and thanked because they are part of the avenue taken by our young people for future success.  Community people are involving themselves daily in activities for our young people and doing it for no praise,  without pay and many times using their own money.  How many communities have a “Funhouse” like ours?

Not only does the school system need money but also the private clubs. Orcas Island Rowing Club seriously needs money for new equipment along with Orcas Sailing Club and The Funhouse to name a few.  There are many other clubs that need help both with money and additional volunteers.

A great big hardy THANK YOU from this grateful grandmother to all the people who are sidelined with the children of Orcas Island.

Nancy Zier

Orcas Island