Awards, Fun, Food and Entertainment at OIHM Dinner

–from the Orcas Historical Museums —

Nancy and Tony Ayer and Bruce Culver: generous supporters of OIHM

It was another successful Orcas Island Historical Museums Annual Members Dinner on Saturday, January 20th at the Senior Center. There were many ‘HeeHaw’ moments as the audience participated in helping announce the museums’ big fundraising event on May 19^th, the “Shindig Auction.” The evening started with Carol Kulminski announcing the Crow Valley String Band and Brograss who provided rollicking folk music and fun exchanges among the family members.

The prime rib and salmon dinners were delectably prepared by Jay, our well-known Senior Center chef. After dinner, highlights of last year and plans for next year were given by Director, Brittney Maruska. There was an audible gasp when Board member and Docent Coordinator, Linda Peth, shared that there were 10,500 visitors from 48 states and 26 countries that visited the Pioneer museum. She wants all to remember that “there is no bigger heart than that of a volunteer”. Other notable news included grants, sell out crowds for Spooky Tales, the History Cruise thanks to the generosity of Dan and Denise Wilk, the parade float featuring the Bison Antiquus (which shared first place), and the nearly 100 people that attended the History Matinees. Crow Valley had a record year with a number of private tours. Three members who recently passed away;  Judith Slater, Ivaloe Meyer, and Wally Morgan were recognized and remembered as wonderful supporters of the Museums.

Awards were next: Rebecca Johnson received the Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding work at Crow Valley School; Brittney announced Michele Wiley, owner of Madrona Point Insurance, for Business Supporter this year for sponsoring and advertising events, help with community connections, and for successful fundraisers; and Terri Vinson received the Jane Barfoot Hodde Historian award for diligently overseeing the Orcas Voices Oral History Project, helping with research and writing history nooks.

Jerry Smith, President of the Board of Trustees, gave special recognition to Jim Biddick who retired this year from the Board, for his years of work with the museum. Carol ended the program with announcing raffle winners Brien Bloss, who won a $50 gift certificate to the museum store and Pegi Groundwater, lucky winner of the beautiful quilt made by Dorothy Lundquist!  One last ‘HeeHaw’ ended the evening of fun, food and entertainment! Membership to the museums brings many benefits. Please see www.orcasmuseums.org for more information and to join.