OPAL Community Land Trust invites the public to its annual meeting on Saturday, April 30.
“Catch the spirit of celebration as you walk around the completed Wild Rose Meadow neighborhood, tour two houses given to OPAL this year, and then go on to the Orcas Senior Center to honor award-winning islanders,” says representative Judy Whiting.
Visitors are welcome to begin a self-guided walking tour any time after 2 p.m. at Wild Rose Meadow, and requested to park at the Orcas Island Medical Center or Orcas Center. Suggested next stops include two donated homes, the Rife House on Terri Lane, or the Baker House on Oberon Lane that was delivered by boat this February.
“The two donated houses will be renovated and offered for sale to new homeowners later this year, so this may be the public’s only opportunity to see them,” said OPAL Executive Director Lisa Byers.
The meeting starts at 4 p.m. in the Senior Center multipurpose room, to include an awards presentation, a short business meeting reviewing OPAL’s bylaws, and a celebration of the completion of Wild Rose Meadow. Proposed by-law revisions are online at www.opalclt.org.
“The awards are my favorite part, because I am so inspired by people’s dedication of time in the midst of their busy lives,” Byers said. “I also love the surprise element when the announcements are made.”
The Peter Fisher Award for dedication to the cause of fair housing on Orcas Island has been presented for the past 19 years to individuals and organizations who have provided inspiration, dedication and unceasing service in the cause of fair housing. The 2011 recipient has provided affordable housing on the island for more than twenty years and put in countless hours on boards and commissions to foster the creation of housing opportunities for people with lower incomes.
The Sky Award for volunteer service that builds and sustains community has been presented since 1998. It acknowledges those who, following the outstanding example of Michael Sky and Penny Sharp Sky, have contributed significant volunteer service in support of building and sustaining community on Orcas Island. The 2011 recipients have volunteered thousands upon thousands of hours in support of our islands’ children and many other island institutions.
Past honorees for the Fisher Award include Peter Fisher, Jeanne Beck, Sam Haines, Michael Sky, Patricia Pomeroy, Dick Arnold, John Campbell, Fred Klein, Darcie Nielsen, Mary Ellen Gaylord, Tina Rose, Alan Roochvarg, Circle of the Spirit/Lahari Hospice and Respite Care, Laurie Drake, Paul Losleben, Bob Gamble, and Mary Blackstone.
Post honorees of the Sky Award include Anita Holladay, Che Blaine, Patrick Bennett, David and Lina McPeake, Jim Bredow, Leslie Seaman, Didier Gincig, Robin Woodward, Orcas Island Chapter of Key Club International, Julie Miller, Monique and Bill Gincig, Libby Blackwell, Velma Doty, and Janet Brownell and Lance Evans.
OPAL stands for “Of People and Land,” representing a commitment to protecting natural resources while providing permanently affordable homes for people who are vital to the Orcas Island community. OPAL continues to accept applications from people who are not able to purchase a home on the open market. For more information, go to: www.opalclt.org.
