There is great generosity and warmth when our Orcas Island community comes together. Throughout this past summer’s “Village on the Green” gatherings, and last Sunday’s “Cayou Channel Celebration,” the spirit of community leadership and island connections has been clearly evident. I am writing to thank all who have contributed their time, talent and treasure to make these events a success.

Since 2004, Leadership San Juan Islands has been providing community-building learning opportunities. Our organization was launched with support from Skagit Valley College, the San Juan County EDC and United Way and for sixteen years we led five-month cohort learning events across our County. We lost the opportunity to host our place-based programs over the past few years, as COVID moved us to virtual realms. The Summer of 2022 has been an opportunity for LSJI alumni to come together and re-weave through social and cultural interactions. We are looking ahead to 2023 and what we can do to rejuvenate our community leadership offerings with workshops and events.

So many artists, musicians, storytellers and non-profits made three summer evenings on the Village Green family friendly and great fun. And honoring Rosie Cayou, for her years of teaching about Coast Salish culture, foods and care for the ecology by hosting her relatives, and others, this past Sunday at West Sound Community Hall brings a fitting end to our project, funded through generous community donations and volunteer efforts.

Thank you, one and all, for stepping up and “throwing a better party.” The future of our islands shines brightly.

Gretchen Krampf

Chair of Leadership San Juan Islands