Jan Koltun-Titus with her Inuit dancing bear “Charleston” who will go to a new owner after the August 30 auction.
— by Margie Doyle —
Jan Koltun is about to embark on a new adventure, and before heading for the east coast, she’s starting an ambitious project — establishment of a fund to provide for senior housing.
That fund will begin with the proceeds from an auction of historical artifacts, called “An Orcas Family — 100 Years and Counting.” More than 100 items for the silent and bidding auctions are from Jan’s ancestors — the Donohue, Gibson, Ferris and Koltun estates,dating back to 1883. Other island friends have also contributed historic items to the auction.
“Plans for the August 30 auction are really gathering steam as we photograph objects—more than 100 so far—and find some surprises, some of which now are safely in the bank vault!” Jan says.
Perhaps the most dazzling items to be auctioned are two gold watches, gifts to Jan’s grandfather James Gibson and inscribed by the Moran Brothers and Robert Moran. These watches are of high-quality gold and were made by the famous Patek Phillippe watch company, now in its 175th year.
A collection of the first year of the magazine, “Atlantic Monthly” (1857-58) came from Jan’s Aunt Jean Donohue’s attic, which Jan’s mother found when she cleaned it out in 1948.
All proceeds will be placed with the Orcas Island Community Foundation to seed a Donor Advised Fund for eventual senior housing, when there is consensus on what form that should take. Tax deductions may be taken for purchased items if they are donated to a nonprofit such as the Orcas Island Historical Museum.
“I’ve wanted for a long time for Orcas to get good senior housing, and there needs to be consensus on what that is — it may be purchasing property for future development. And it may also create some year-round jobs.” Jan was inspired by the book of Dr. William Thomas, What Are Old People For?” and his work in establishing “a strong vision for a future in which old age becomes a healing force in our society.” Dr. Thomas advises that we:
- Enjoy what aging has to offer us, and actually welcome it into our lives.
- Abolish today’s version of nursing homes so that no elder has to fear being placed in an institution.
- Develop the capacity for peacemaking and wisdom giving that grows within older people.
- Create Green Houses—communities where older people live together intentionally, bringing meaning and worth to the last half of life.
- Begin building a society where aging and longevity are used to improve life for people of all ages.
The August 30 auction will take place in at the Youngren’s Barn from 5 to 10 p.m. Peter Fisher will design the invitations ($50 ticket) which will go out in mid-July. Auction packets to invitees will include programs for the silent and bidding auctions, bidding paddles, and amazing surprises, says Jan.
A crew from Islanders Bank headed by Candy Bodenhamer will help with recording the bids. Louise Boone is making the bidding paddles. Her daughter, Katie Boone and her fiancé are working on research and the online part of the auction. Keith Whitaker has photographed everything for the auction program. Marian O’Brien has helped with research and innovation.
There will be a wine and a buffet supper for up to 200 guests, prepared by Christina Orchid from 5 to 7 p.m. and a silent auction from 6 to 9 p.m., coincidental with the online auction that will also close at 9 p.m. The live bidding auction runs from 7 to 10 p.m.
And what will Jan do once the auction’s over? She’s headed to Boston to be a full-time Gramma for a while. “The future seems very open-ended to me right now,” she says. If and when she comes back to Orcas, she may enjoy living in a house in Orcas’ own “Eden Alternative.”
But right now, she’s headed up for Canada. “I’m totally shameless,” she says. She’s planning to attend a friend’s art auction to “entice the Canadians to come down for the auction.”
So save the date, August 30, and contact Jan to help with this historic and forward-thinking event: jansound@rockisland.com
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AND, Jan, you are going to work on that book, aren’t you? and come back to Writer’s Workshop from time to time? We will miss you.
Having close acquaintance with “nursing homes” both from the nursing standpoint, and unfortunately, with relatives placed there, I agree with your ideas completely. Atta girl, gold stars…and please, send us an invite!
Wow Jan! What a great idea. We definitely need a new vision for senior housing, and the role of seniors in our society. I love the idea of green and intentional communities; small manageable, one-story houses; and other alternatives to living spaces. I hope you raise tons of money for this worthwhile project, and I hope you come back to Orcas.
What a good idea! WHat a ball of fire you are, Jan! And don’t really leave Orcas Island for “good”…maybe your grand’kids and others need you, but you’re an island icon, and not allowed to desert the ship.
Love always, Antoinette
Jan, when Jean and I were very new to the island, you acted in my directing debut, a readers’ theater production of “Spoon River Anthology.” I was pleased as punch to have you…and your ukelele…in the cast. And we had fun together, didn’t we?
Jean and I understand why you’re leaving us: We, too, have an east-coast grandchild. But still, we’re sorry that you’re leaving us, and we look forward to your return.
Have a wonderful time.
Dear Jan,
I don’t know you personally, but we do have some indirect links through your very fine estate items. I admire what you are attempting to do and wish you all the best “being a full time grandma” for a while. We will participate either in person or via proxy. Regards, Ron de Boer