Retired surgical nurse Barbara Ehrmantraut was honored with the Sky Award for Volunteer Service during OPAL Community Land Trust’s annual dinner and gala on Aug. 27. The Sky Award, which has been presented since 1998, recognizes those who have contributed significant volunteer service in support of building and sustaining community on Orcas Island.

Ehrmantraut was recognized for her many years of work with the community dental programs, the Orcas Community Resource Center, the Animal Protection Society and the Orcas Library.

“Barbara gives graciously and generously of her time and expertise,” said OPAL trustee Helen Bee in presenting the award. “She’s a wonderful mentor and a tremendous gift to the health and well-being of our community.”

Four times a year Ehrmantraut uses her nursing skills to benefit two community dental programs, screening applications and scheduling patients for the visiting dental van and volunteering at the tooth extraction clinics. She is also one of three volunteer advocates for the “Ask Orcas” referral service, which connects residents with needed resources – health care, housing, counseling, employment, home care and transportation.

One night a week she assists the veterinarian at the animal shelter during spaying and neutering surgeries offered by APS, where she has volunteered for 12 years. Saturdays she volunteers at the library.

The Sky Award is named in recognition of Michael Sky and Penny Sharp Sky, co-founders of OPAL.