Thankful for blessings of having ‘swallowed the anchor’

||| FROM JEFF STRUTHERS |||

It is Thanksgiving Eve, and I find myself recounting the many blessings of having “swallowed the anchor” on Orcas Island now more than two decades go. Yes, serious threats are about. COVID-19 persists, though so-far, locally, held largely at bay … perhaps due, in no small measure, to our sense of community cooperation. And, yes the over-arching threat of a changing climate has arrived, most recently and directly with an “atmospheric river” disrupting our roads and drains. But yet, there is so much for which to be thankful living on these fair rocks. 

A few years back, a fellow islander observed that our community has supported over one hundred local charitable organizations. Collectively, they reach far beyond what any local government could reasonably support and cover an amazing scope. This has been possible only by the fortunate coincidence of generous donors and MANY competent hands giving their gifts of skill and time. A few examples:

• A competent, experienced, and caring fire and EMT cadre to help us in moments of calamity.
• Organized community and business support for remote learning, library, kids’ sports, arts, and music, beyond what might be expected for a community our size.
• A Family Resource Center supporting needy island families, such as extra assistance to cover electric bills during the COVD crisis.
• An extraordinary animal shelter, offering care for rescued animals that approaches what we’d expect for us “two-legged.”

And, our non-government, non-profit, electric power co-operative, serving some 20 islands with mainland-competitive electric power, despite our being separated from the mainland by a long ferry ride. Vitally, it remains profoundly focused on our need for steady electric power 24/7/365, despite massive disruptions underway among mainland power networks due to climate change and responding government action.

Such “bullet-list” examples alone do not reveal the greater truth. When we first arrive, it is hard not to focus on the sheer beauty of our surroundings. But, what no visitor or short-timer can know is the extraordinary sense of community to be experienced by those living here full time for some time and choosing to become involved as a community volunteer. It is that sense of community that has both enabled all of our community-expression and sustains it. We treasure this exceptional, organizationally-fortified sense, built by many years of islander’s collective contributions, which all participants may rightfully share with earned pride.