Recent events on Orcas have compelled me to write today.  Living here is the fulfillment of a dream for my family and me.  We have been welcomed into the community with open arms and are inspired by the sense of caring Islanders show for many values we also hold dear.

Last Saturday, our sense of community was shaken and we were saddened to hear of a break-in and vandalism which took place at the Exchange, a truly unique and important Island establishment.  What a wonderful way to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  My family has found so many wonderful and extremely necessary items there and gave them a new life while they improved ours.  Theft and vandalism at such a wonderful place is painful and senseless.

To whomever did this, please consider the many, many lives you have negatively touched – how could you steal toys set aside for children through the Giving Tree? Why would you destroy goods that Islanders are trying to share with one another?  You have placed seeds of mistrust and sadness amongst the community and may even threaten the existence of something many people truly rely on.  You shouldn’t have done it in the first place, but please, don’t do it again!  Abuse and we’ll lose it!

Mariah Armenia

Orcas Island