— from Judy Whiting —
Surrounded by family, Barbara Ehrmantraut was presented with the Sky Award for Volunteer Service at OPAL’s annual gala on August 27. From left: visiting daughter Megan Ehrmantraut, honoree Barbara Ehrmantraut, son Brian Ehrmantraut, OPAL executive director Lisa Byers, granddaughter Brigid Ehrmantraut and daughter-in-law Moana Kutsche.
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 August 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.
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We are so very proud of Barb. Thank you, OPAL, for recognizing her many contributions to the Orcas community. Over the years, she has also been involved in 4H, Readiness To Learn, the Senior Center Advisory Board, and Master Gardeners.
Really nice to see recognition given to one of the unsung heroes in Orcas. Barbara makes the island and the world a better place and she can count us among her fan club ! Michael and Terri Triplett
A well deserved honor. Thanks for recognizing Barbara!
Ken and Karen
A huge Congratulatios to Barbara. Thanks for you kind huge efforts!!
A real blessing in our community.
Because I only know of Barbara’s involvement as a leader and volunteer with the dental van, it was a revelation to learn of all of the other contributions she has made, and continues to make, toward the welfare of our community.
Thank you Barbara! and kudos to you!
Excellent! Congratulations, Barbara and OPAL.
Congratulations, Barbara!
I am an old friend both (literally and figuratively) of Barbara.
There is no one more deserving recognition for her selflessness and her ability to show love and compassion to everyone. In the 30 plus years of friendship she shown the meaning of “true” friendship. Barbara always did everything all the way, never just half way. Thank you OPAL for honoring a wonderful awesome long time friend.