Yesterday, Saturday, Lance and I went to the Farmers’ Market at the Oddfellows Hall. As I was going in, I noticed my friend Madison Pollock across the street. Madison, a first grader, and her buddy had built a little stand and seemed to be selling a used guitar and some art. Maybe some rocks as well. But I couldn’t tell.
Lance and I stopped by on the way out, whereupon Madison offered to do an imitation of a jaguar for a donation. I asked her what the donation would go for – she told me Orcas Rec. Madison and her friend were afraid that Orcas Rec would no longer exist; they were dedicating a spectacularly beautiful Saturday trying to raise money to keep it going.
April, Madison’s mom, was there as well. She told me how important Orcas Rec was to her as a mother. A safe place she could leave Madison; a place Madison could find creative and fun activities.
Every year our Village Green and Rec programs are subjected to cuts at a county level. We need to bring local control back to Orcas. On your November ballot you will find an initiative to form an Orcas Parks and Recreation district. I re-iterate – this vote is only to support the CREATION of the district.
You are not voting on ANY levy. Any proposed levy amount will be determined in the future, by five well- informed commissioners, who have had community input. You will then get to vote on that levy in a separate campaign. The levy amount will be clear, precise, and the process to determine it will be transparent.
Right now, it is essential to create the entity Orcas Parks and Rec to even consider all the possibilities. And the possibilities are endless. Recreation is for any Orcas resident no matter your age.
One of our greatest virtues on Orcas is that we are deeply committed to each other as a community. The Parks and Rec program is a community solution to so many needs. Please join us in supporting the Orcas Parks and Rec initiative. Although, I must say – I will miss seeing Madison out in front of the Odd Fellows Hall, and if you ever get a chance – you have to hear her jaguar roar. That girl is fierce!
Janet Brownell
Lance Evans
Eastsound WA
Madison had great success with her sale and raised $61 for Orcas Rec. I am matching her contribution and encourage others to do the same. Her philanthropic passion is inspiring! Donations can be made to Orcas Rec, PO Box 1644, Eastsound, WA 98245. Thank you, Hilary Canty
Madison had great success with her sale and raised $61 for Orcas Rec. I am matching her contribution and encourage others to do the same. Her philanthropic passion is inspiring! Donations can be made to Orcas Rec, PO Box 1644, Eastsound, WA 98245. Thank you, Hilary Canty
Madison had great success with her sale and raised $61 for Orcas Rec. I am matching her contribution and encourage others to do the same. Her philanthropic passion is inspiring! Donations can be made to Orcas Rec, PO Box 1644, Eastsound, WA 98245. Thank you, Hilary Canty