What Has been done for FICRA and Fox Island Over the Years?

Whether helping raise the roof on the Nichols Center gazebo, raising walls at the new museum addition, installing new doors on the Nichols Center, or running games for the children or organizing the FICRA Fair from 2001 to 2011; John and Lise' have done it all around the Island.

Among the many accomplishments that have taken place during John Ohlson's tenure as FICRA President, are the following:

Creation of the Crime Watch Committee and Citizen's Patrol
Creation of our own website: FoxIslandWA.net
The FICRA eFlash email newsletter
Relocation of the Fox Island Navy Lab
Purchase and development of The Fox Island Nature Center
The Nichols Center Playground & Gazebo
Management of the Nichols Center rentals, providing income for FICRA
The FoxIslandNews Facebook Group
Mentor to 37 Eagle Scout Service projects and Girl Scout projects at the NCC & Nature Center
Organizer of FICRA's own Boy Scout Troop 27 - aimed at Boys 11 to 17 years old
29 Eagle Scouts from Troop 27 earn the highest award in Boy Scouts
Organizer of FICRA's new Venturing Crew 27 - aimed at Boys & Girls 14 - 21 years old
Organizer of FICRA's own Cub Scout Pack 27 - aimed at Boys and girls 6 to 17 years old
Organizer of FICRA's own Scouts BSA Girl Troop 727 - aimed at girls 11 to 17 years old

Serving as volunteer 'Handyman' and general contractor for the Nichols Center:

o Renovations to the Nichols Center's structural framework
o Siding repairs and basement staircase cover.
o Complete electrical system upgrade
o Sprinkler system for playground gardens
o New exterior doors
o Repairing broken windows
o Insulating the attic
o Construction of a new deck
o Repairs to playground equipment
o Repairs to vandalism of the playground
o Graffiti removal
o Repainting the exterior and interior of the building

Continuing the FICRA legacy by offering family-oriented events for Islanders:

   o The Easter Egg Hunt
   o The FICRA Fair
   o Fox Island Garage Sale
   o The FICRA Christmas Tree Lighting & Wickline Country Christmas Concert
   o Bingo Nights
   o Annual Plant Sale
   o Cakes For Cancer
   o Parks Appreciation Day
   o Starlight Cinema outdoor theater

Support of Fox Island's other Non-Profit organizations:

   o Fox Island Historical Society
   o Fire Pit Storytelling
   o Chapel Preservation Society
   o Sand & Soil Garden Club
   o Fox Island Garden Club
   o EnviroCorps
   o Annual Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony at the Cemetery

Building and maintaining a Partnership with the Fox Island Yacht Club for the FICRA Fair, and other events

 

Building and maintaining close relationships with State and Local officials, including

   o Senator Derek Kilmer, Rep. Larry Seaquist, Rep. Jan Angel, former Rep. Pat Lantz
   o County Councilman & PenMet Executive Director Terry Lee,
   o Senators Cantwell & Murray, US Rep. Norm Dicks.

Organizing and promoting Public Meetings for matters that pertain to Fox Islanders:

   o 2001 - Tolls on the Narrows Bridge
   o 2003 - Reduction in scope of the Fox Ridge 60-unit housing tract
   o 2004 - Relocation of Fox Island Naval Lab
   o 2005 - Raised $40,000 to purchase the Fox Island Nature Center
   o 2005 - Dog attacks on Island livestock
   o 2006 - Geoduck & Shellfish farming in public shorelines
   o 2007 - Fox Island Boat Ramp improvements & petition drive
   o 2007 - New US Post Office for Fox Island
   o 2008 - Speaker General Paul Eaton on the Iraq War
   o 2009 - Kopachuck Park closure
   o 2010 - Acquisition of the Fox Island Naval Lab
   o 2011 - Public Forum regarding the Fox Island Sand Spit
   o Present - Ongoing Scout service projects at the Fox Island Sandspit park

Through a two year process, obtained an 80% Property Tax Reduction for FICRA, through the Pierce County Open Space program, resulting in a $3200 annual savings to FICRA, equivalent to 128 FICRA memberships per year.
2011 - Left office as President of FICRA with $50,000 in the treasury.
Countless hours of volunteer work over the years
2011 - Present: Creator and Moderator of the FoxIslandNews Facebook Group.