Friends, supporters and the future await Orcas Recycling Services opening of the Transfer Station, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. Photo by Margie Doyle

Friends, supporters and the future await Orcas Recycling Services opening of the Transfer Station, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. From left, Chuck Greening, Taya Speed, Susan Malins, Lila Richardson with her children in front, Jared Lovejoy, Patti Cook, Ian Woolworth, Leith Templin, Tim Blanchard, Peg Manning, Rick Hughes. Photo by Margie Doyle

by Margie Doyle

It was a day many have envisioned for decades, when Orcas Islanders would implement their “waste” philosophy to reduce, reuse, and recycle on their own terms. Today [Sept. 5], at a small Grand Re-Opening Ceremony, the Orcas Recycling Services(ORS)/The Exchange non-profit opened the Orcas Transfer Station.

Transfer of the waste station operations and management from the County to the local non-profit was celebrated in a light rain by members of the ORS/The Exchange board and spouses, past and present transfer station employees, members of the Exchange Redesign Group, board and employees’ families and friends, ORS Executive Director Pete Moe and Orcas County Councilman Rick Hughes.

The Grand Opening of the Orcas Transfer Station -- the "Dump," From left, Gary Bauder, Pete Moe, Rhinna McGarry, Cheryl Jackson, Errol Speed, Rick Hughes, with Speed's grandchildren in front. Photo by Margie Doyle.

The Grand Opening of the Orcas Transfer Station — the “Dump,” From left, Gary Bauder, Pete Moe, Rinda McGerry, Cheryl Jackson, Errol Speed, Rick Hughes, with Speed’s grandchildren in front. Photo by Margie Doyle.

Kathleen Speed, who provided the refreshments, said just prior to the “ribbon-cutting”

“We’re excited for you; we’re proud of you; we support you.”

A “coffee toast” was raised to Councilman Hughes in appreciation of his leadership and facilitation in bringing the transfer of the Transfer Station to being.

Hughes said, “This is a great local solution and a model for the county. When all is said and done, I expect that this may well by my proudest moment of service on the County Council. This is really important for me and the community.”

ORS Board Member Tim Blanchard said, “I’m happy to be involved in helping navigate the various regulations and compliance puzzles so we can operate a model facility for waste and recycling… that represents the rural character of our community, of neighbors helping neighbors.”

ORS Board President Susan Malins said, “This is one of the most exciting times in the Community. It’s a great day for the land and people of Orcas.”

Then with relief and good humor, she added, “This was a gleam in our eyes a year ago. And they all said ‘oh, those hippies.'”

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