March 9, 2016

Two major gatherings on water and community will be convened at the Whidbey Institute from Wednesday, March 16 through Sunday, March 19.

The initial event is a Public Forum that is free and open to all. It will consider the question: “Who’s in charge of your drinking water?” To explore this question, join with other community members on Wednesday, March 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Thomas Berry Hall, Whidbey Institute

If you live in Island County, chances are that you are, in fact, in charge of our drinking water. The majority of water systems in Island County are community-owned and are accountable to their members through a council, commission, or board.

Could Flint, Michigan happen here? What are the threats to our drinking water? Attend our local drinking water forum to voice your questions and concerns and find out how you can help safeguard your water supply. Meet your State, County, and municipal drinking water staff. Join small group discussions to identify common concerns and find out how to participate.

The panel assembled will consist of:

•  Helen Price-Johnson, Island County Commissioner, District 1
•  Keith Higman, Director, Island County Public Health Department
•  Jennifer Kropack, Regional Planner, Washington State DOH Office of Drinking Water,
•  Randi Perry, Utilities Manager, City of Langley
•  John Lovie, Sun-Vista/Sunlight Beach HOA

The session is supported by the Whidbey Institute and Thriving Communities Bioregional Conference.

Thriving Communities Conference 2016:
Water and Community

A second gathering, “Thriving Communities Conference 2016: Water and Community” is scheduled for Thursday, March 16 through Saturday, March 19. The three-day conference will include films from the Duwamish River, Methow Valley, Vancouver BC and Whidbey Island’s Whidbey Watershed Stewards.

For more information about Thriving Communities, go to www.Thrivingcommunities.org.

For additional information about the three-day conference and/or to register, go to http://whidbeyinstitute.org/event/thriving-communities-2016/.

Thriving Communities is a team of committed people from all walks of life who believe in the vitality and possibility that every community offers. There are many organizations focused with this view. We feel we are just one thread in the tapestry of wonderful people that do this work.

Whidbey Institute launched this work in 2011 as part of its thoughtful approach to work for the greater good.