By Tom Welch

Special to the Sounder

The Grange will be the site of an interesting and informative talk given by Nicole O’Neill, first docent for the “Keepers of the Patos Light” on Patos Island.

Sponsored by the Orcas Island Historical Society and Museum, O’Neill’s talk on Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m. will include information on the Turn Point Light and Museum as well as tales of her work on Patos Island. The Orcas band Parking Angels will start the evening off with live music. Refreshments and goodies with be provided.

O’Neill is the great-great-great granddaughter of Richard Willis, who homesteaded near Obstruction Pass in the 1880s, and the great-granddaughter of Jane Willis Barfoot-Hodde of Olga. A Navy veteran of the Gulf War, O’Neill lives most of the year in Colorado.

Her volunteer service on Patos Island has allowed O’Neill to develop a unique working relationship with the Bureau of Land Management, Washington State Parks, KOPL, and our local museum.

During her volunteer time on Patos Island O’Neill compiled a data record of GPS locations for historic homesites, graves, and other landmarks that will prove of great value in determining the best use of the island for recreation and preservation. Mapping sensitive flora and fauna, including wetlands, her work also provides assistance to the BLM and their management program. O’Neill’s talk promises to be an exciting update on the work done on Patos Island in recent years.

Additional information on the museum’s upcoming Smithsonian exhibit “Journey Stories” will also be available at the event.

There will be no charge for admission, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

So put us on your calendar and come out to the Grange on Thursday, June 3 to hear the exciting tale of a young woman volunteer at the Patos Island Lighthouse, learn about the unique geology of Patos Island, and discover how a single volunteer can make a significant difference.