THANK YOU LETTERS

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Thank you letters 2002

Thanks from Troop 1949

Dear Editor,

posted 10/18/03
Girl Scout Troop 1949 would like to take this opportunity to Thank all of the wonderful people who patronized the Car Wash on Sept. 28th. We were delighted with the turnout of cars we had available to wash.

Some of the community came because they had recognized us from the newspaper articles, regarding the community service we have done. Others stopped just to support our Troop and get their vehicles cleaned. We would like to Thank the following:

• CARQUEST, for allowing us the use of their lot and water hook up.
  
  
• Jon ZERBY, for his donation of soap.
  
  
• The SHERIFF'S OFFICE, for the use of their brush and squeegee.
  
  
• STEGMAN PAINTING, for the car wash supplies and buckets (also the man power).

We had a lot of fun and hope everyone was satisfied with our service.

Thank you,

Troop 1949
Yolanda, Robin, Amelia, Bernice, Cheyenne, Heaven, Kelsey, and Ursula

Thank you from San Juan Historical Society

Dear Editor,

posted 10/17/03
Just a note to thank each and everyone who attended our Historical Society Concerts with the Wailers last weekend. We also thank San Juan Airlines for providing transportation, Friday Harbor Suites and Montecito Condos for providing rooms and hospitality. Jimmy's at Paradise Lanes for dinners, San Juan Vineyards who provided the wonderful wines for our intermission "Wine Tasting." And our sponsors, Roche Harbor Villlage, Mike Carlson Enterprises, and John L. Scott Real Estate, and our Community Theater for great cooperation.

Most of all, we thank The Wailers who had the place jumping,and Kent Morrill with his emotional and stunning tribute to Roy Orbison. They made it a memorable evening, musically, for all of us!

Pat O'Day,
Board Member, San Juan Historical Society

Thank you to the community

Dear Editor,

posted 10/10/03
I think that the Lobue benefit was an absolute success. All the contributing estabilshments we're a full house tonight and the goodness of how that all feels, to be a part of something so big, is great. We have lost so many over the years, be it, David Kile and son, Burrell Osborne, Dan Weber, Jim Erickson, Don Boyd, Matt McCutcheon, Charlie and Dorthy Dolsen, Jim Hale; and so many others. We thank all that we're a part of this and of all that gave of themselves, both owners, staff and islanders; you all are really wonderfully something to know. Thank you.

Debbie Treise

Thanks from firefighters

To the San Juan Island Community,

posted 10/10/03
This morning I sent a check for $1,300.00 to the Northwest Burn Foundation. Collecting and sending the funds gave me a great feeling and reminded me of how generous our community can be. Between the locations at Friday Harbor Drug and Friday Harbor Marketplace last Saturday, the combined effort of Friday Harbor Fire Department and Fire District 3 helped raised over $930.

On behalf of our membership and supporters, I wish to thank each of these businesses and all of you! Because of folks like you, the "Give Burns the Boot" Drive is a successful way to help fund the various needs of people who are burned every year in our region.

Your money will help the one hundred or so young people who attend the Foundation Summer Camp each year. It will also address housing needs for families with loved ones at Harborview's Burn Center and will support mentoring, direct aid, and therapy services for survivors of every age. Perhaps most importantly, your help will be passed on for burn prevention education so that such injuries can continually be reduced or someday eliminated.

To learn more about the Northwest Burn Foundation and its services, please call 1-888-No-Burns or navigate to nwburn.org. Thank you again for "Joining the Fight Against Burns" and stay safe.

Kyle Davies
President, San Juan Island Firefighters Association

Thank You for Supporting 4-H at the Fair

posted 08/27/03 We graciously thank each and every person that helped to "Bring In the Harvest" with our 4-Hers at the San Juan County Fair. It takes more than 350 individuals, businesses, and community organizations to guide and support 4-Hers throughout the year and to create educational activities and displays at the Fair, our final 4-H presentation of the 4-H year's accomplishments.

It takes many hands and hearts to pull together all that is needed for 4-Hers to share what they've learned at the Fair. Over 100 volunteers join up with our 4-H Leaders (over 90 county-wide) to create fun and educational activities for all. Thank you for all that you did to make this a wonderful Fair.

Thanks to over 150 community sponsors (individuals and groups), 4-Hers received beautiful trophies, ribbons and awards for their accomplishments once again.

A special thank you to each of our 4-H Volunteer Leaders who have committed time, love and talents throughout the year with their 4-Hers and supported the kids while showing at Fair.

Thank you to the San Juan Island Community Foundation, United Way of San Juan County, and the San Juan Island Grange, who each play key roles in gifting funds for 4-H year round. This support, along with the collaboration of numerous youth organizations and public schools, has allowed 4-H to expand and reach the second largest youth enrollment in Washington 4-H. That's a red ribbon at the Fair!

Lastly, we'd like to thank the Fair Board for their support in helping 4-Hers "Make the Best Better" through public education at the Fair.

Alice Hibberd, Sue Carnes, Tom Schultz, Susan Herrera, Katie Hover WSU Extension Staff

Fair Board thanks community

Thank you to everyone in this community who has contributed to the great success of this year's County Fair! The individuals who help are countless. We can't list them all because we might leave somebody out! But you know who you are and we are tremendously grateful for all you do. It's also so great to see folks from Shaw, Waldron, Orcas and Lopez go the extra mile to come over to San Juan Island with animals, exhibits, talents, skills, patience, perseverance and good cheer.

The fair is a celebration of the best our county has to offer. Its people are at the top of the list!

Thank you!

The San Juan County Fair Board

Thank you from Samish Indian Nation re Canoe journey

Dear Editor,

posted 08/03/03
On behalf of the Samish Indian Nation I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of the San Juan Islands for their wonderful support for this years Canoe Journey "Healing Through Unity". Once the dangerous water conditions near Port Townsend were made clear to us a decision was made by the canoe skippers to by-pass the intended stop and take an alternative route to Port Townsend.

Although the paddlers were prevented from arriving here at Friday Harbor, as we had planned, the generous support and donations from the community did not go unnoticed by the paddlers. The Friday Harbor organizers were able to pack up the food and set up the kitchen at the Swinomish nation.

During the formal dinner on July 23rd all of the tribal leaders got up and spoke traditional words of appreciation for the Friends of the San Juans and the community of San Juan County for their generosity and support. Many expressed how unfortunate it was that the trip to San Juan was cancelled but were hopeful that next year the weather would be more cooperative in allowing a stop on San Juan Island.

San Juan County has really come through in support for this event and even though the Journey needed to be re-routed for the safety of our paddlers, important relationships have been formed to enable a stop for the next year. Already Swinomish, Samish, and Lummi tribal leaders are expressing their desire to connect personally with the community to share their cultural values and traditions.

Once again the Samish Indian Nation would like to thank this community for their generosity and extend our special thanks to all those who were willing to give of their time or services in organizing the Journey.

Rebecca Bressan
Samish Indian Nation

Letter from Barbara Marrett thanking donors

Dear Editor,

posted 07/25/03
This weekend (July 19) a group of volunteers not only raised $800 at the Arts and Crafts Fair, but had fun doing it! The response to our effort to raise money to buy Susan Point's Coast Salish House Posts for placement at the Port of Friday Harbor was a great reminder of what makes the San Juan Islands' community so special. Thank-you to everyone who bought raffle-tickets, fudge and lemonade and to all our volunteers who manned the booth and who stayed up into the wee hours of the morning making fudge and lemonade!

We would like to thank Debbie Pigman at the Chamber for putting on a great event with first-class entertainment and a wonderful variety of art for sale.

• Marketplace
• Marilyn's Cafe
• Gloria's Barn
• The Permit Center
• San Juan Office Supply
• Vic's
• Friday Harbor Art Studio and Custom Framing
• Arctic Raven Gallery
• the Soroptimists

for their support.

We have raised approximately $27,500 so far. Less than $10,000 more will bring us half way to the purchase, transportation and erection of the these stunning house posts by a world-renowned artist. Once we are half-way we will apply for matching funds.

Your help at this point is crutial. Any donation small or large will help foundations know that we have broad-based community support. Donations are tax exempt through a 501 (c) (3) partnership with the Whale Museum. Donations may be sent to:

Portals of Welcome Project
585 Smugglers Cove Road
Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

Donations will be acknowledged in writing. To volunteer or for more information call Barbara Marrett or Lee Brooks 378-3433 or 378-5242.

Cub Scouts send thanks

Dear Editor,

posted 06/23/03
Cub Scout Pack 90 would like to extend its thanks to the many individuals, organizations and businesses that have supported our cub scouts this past year. From hosting the boys and their den leaders and parents in outings to fundraising efforts, the support we have received from the folks of San Juan Island has been wonderful, rewarding, and much appreciated.

Our scouts, from first grade through fifth, raised enough funds in the annual popcorn sale to support den and pack activities—an amount that easily rivals the best of the mainland packs with access to a broader population base than we have here in the island (the ticket taker at the ferry lines in Anacortes couldn’t believe all of that popcorn was destined just for Friday Harbor!). Three of our cub scouts were among the top twenty fund-raisers in the entire Mount Baker Council, which runs from Everett to the Canadian border.

Because of the generosity of so many, our boys were able to go on an overnight visit to the Museum of Flight, sponsor boys for membership in the pack who might not otherwise have been able to afford even the nominal dues, and support activities at den meetings and local outings. Thanks to the islanders, our food drive donated a substantial amount of food and a check to support the Food Bank.

Specifically, Cub Scout Pack 90 would like to thank the following people, groups and businesses: our sponsors at the Legion; Marketplace; The Journal of the San Juans; Ace Hardware; Browne Home Center; The Port of Friday Harbor; Wolf Hollow; Sheriff Bill Cumming and the Sheriff’s Office; the Fun House on Orcas; Dr. Susan Kiraly; Warren Finch; the Historical Museum; the Boy Scouts Troop 90 (for use of the Scout House at the Fairgrounds); Friday Harbor Elementary School; the U.S. Park Service; and each and every San Juan Island who in some way supported the cub scouts through buying popcorn, working with the scouts, parenting a scout, coming to a pack meeting, and so many other ways.

Thank you,

The Cub Scouts and Den and Pack Leaders of Pack 90, San Juan Island

Westcott Bay Institute president thanks sponsors

Dear Editor:

posted 06/11/03
The Spring Festival on Memorial Day Weekend at the Westcott Bay Reserve Sculpture Park was a great success with over 1600 people attending. We enjoyed warm sun, wonderful food, delicious Westcott Bay Oysters and delectable wines from San Juan Vineyards. Attendees were able to meet and chat with the many artists from all around the Northwest who gathered for the event. People strolled through the 19 acre Reserve viewing the many new sculptures that have been installed this spring, and listened to the soothing music provided by Susan O'Neill and her trio of musicians.

The Board of Directors of the Westcott Bay Institute wishes to thank all the volunteers and contributors who made this special event possible. We are especially delighted by the enthusiasm of the businesses that contributed to the raffle to fund chairs for future workshops and events at the Reserve, and the businesses that donated food or supplies for the event.

Thank you to: King Printing & Design, Maya Whale Charters, Salish Sea Charters, San Juan Safaris, King's Grocery, Marketplace, Crystal Seas Kayaking, Inn To The Woods B&B, Herb & Spice Farm, Gene Bornholdt, We Can Make A Difference Foundation, Friday Harbor House, Vinny's, Downriggers, The Place, Amigos, Nancy Rees Reflexology, Kneadful Things, Ian Byington, Felicitations, Market Chef, Susie's Mopeds, Honey Lane Farms, Krystal Acres Farm, The Sign Company, San Juan Vineyards, Westcott Bay Sea Farms, Hillside House, Halvorsen House, and Trumpeter Inn.

We are continuously amazed at the support from so many, for both the Sculpture Park and for the beginning of the new Learning Center. It is such a pleasure to be part of this supportive community.

Arnie Klaus
President Westcott Bay Institute

Thank You to Beach Cleanup Participants

Dear Editor,

posted 05/20/03
Friends of the San Juans Marine Refuse Project staff would like to thank all of the spring beach cleanup participants for their efforts improving our environment for people and wildlife! The beach cleanups were a great success, a direct result of the large response we received from schools, civic organizations and residents.

Over 150 individuals participated in the three beach cleanups, removing marine debris from 25 sites on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, Stuart and Waldron Islands. Cleanup and survey results are still being compiled but over 200 bags of garbage were removed and numerous large items were noted and mapped for later pickup by the Marine Refuse Vessel. Notable cleanup and survey finds included:

• a port-a-potty
• a love letter in a bottle
• items with French and Japanese Labels
• and a California sea lion.

Beach Cleanup participants included:

• San Juan Island Lion’s Club
• Shaw Island 4-H
• Stuart School
• Waldron School
• Lopez 8th Grade Community Service Project
• Orcas Island Christian School
• Lopez Island Home School Group
• San Juan Island Home School Group
• San Juan Island Soroptimists
• Deer Harbor Business Association
• The Grotle 3
• Mary Miller
• teve and Susan Anderson
• Shannon and Brandon Davis
• Alana Hysert
• Kiwanis Builder’s Club- Friday Harbor Middle School
• Schultz Family
• Ana Justin
• George Lawson
• Mattola Family
• Susan and Steve Anderson
• Ken Brown
• Jeannie Flynn
• Dr. Hank Landon
• Church of the Latter Day Saints
• and Judith Chovan.

Thank you everyone for all your great work!

Special thanks to the San Juan County Public Works Department, transfer station staff, and State and County Parks staff for their assistance with debris transport and disposal.

Friends of the San Juans Marine Refuse Project Staff

Thank you for help with 2003 Easter Egg hunt in Friday Harbor

Dear Editor,

posted 04/21/03
The Friday Harbor Firefighters Association would like to thank the following for their help with the annual Easter Egg Hunt:

• Kings Market
• Vic's Z Lazy J Farm
• Osito's
• Sanjuanislander.com
• Friday Harbor Drug
• Ace Hardware
• Cannery House
• Haley's
• Journal of the San Juans
• Battery D
• San Juan Concierge
• Jimmy Jones
• Toy Box
• Thrift House
• Port of Friday Harbor

The support and generous donations was incredible. We appreciate all the support and encouragement from the residents and businesses. We feel like it was another sucessful year and look forward to the next.

Friday Harbor Firefighters Association

Thank you from John LoBue's family

The family of John LoBue wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the community of San Juan Island for their outpouring of love throughout John's illness.

John was overwhelmed with emotion, as was his family, with all the thoughtful cards, delicious meals, beautiful flowers, shared leave, welcomed ferry tickets, helpful neighbors, considerate visits, emotional support, and loving prayers. We will be forever grateful to all of you.

A special heartfelt thank you goes to our medical professionals: Dr. Marcia Zakarison, Rosalie LeVee, Jim Ricks, Weyshawn Koons, Option Care and Hospice.

We are so thankful to live in this amazing community, not only for the beauty that surrounds us, but for the beauty of the hearts of the people here.

Thank your for all your kindness and continued support throughout this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Toni, Daniel and Ryan LoBue

Blood center: Thank you San Juan County!

posted 02/19/03
On behalf of the Puget Sound Blood Center and the patients who rely on us for blood and blood products, thank you very much for supporting the Blood Center and your community last year. We had a total of 983 donor registrations at your fifteen community blood drives in 2002!

Very special thanks to:

• Doug Pesznecker and the Lopez Lions (209 registrations)
  
  
• Pat Ball, the San Juan Island Grange and the San Juan Lions (354 registrations)
  
  
• and Bill Yarlott, the Orcas Lions and the Orcas American Legion (420 registrations)
  
  

for their fantastic job organizing and promoting each of the drives.

Patients were able to take advantage of and be inspired by your support as they deal with emergency care, organ and tissue transplants, cancer therapy and other medical procedures. The Puget Sound Blood Center relies on over 800 donors a day just to maintain minimum blood supplies.

Upcoming 2003 drives:

Lopez Island:

• March 5
• May 21
• August 6
• October 15
• December 10

Orcas Island:

• March 6
• May 22
• August 7
• October 16
• December 11

San Juan Island:

• March 7
• May 23
• August 8
• October 17
• December 12

Healthy adults (16 and 17 year olds with permission slip) may donate every 56 days (six times a year). Please view our web site for more donation information: psbc.org

Thank yous to Knowledge Bowl helpers

posted 02/15/03
The San Juan Public Schools Foundation would like to thank the San Juan Islander for its supportive coverage of Knowledge Bowl IX. You helped us sell out the house and ultimately carry out our mission to support academic excellence in our schools. Thank you!

We recognize all Knowledge Bowl supporters for making this year’s fundraiser another solid success. Rock Island Communications, truly our own rock of support, was once again the major underwriter and multiplied the power of our fundraising efforts. Team sponsors were also major contributors:

• American Legion
• Islanders Bank
• Kiwanis
• Lions
• Schuman Excavating
• and Soroptimists.

They are all the greatest. Question sponsors and raffle donors, too numerous to list, all know how appreciated they are. One question at a time, one item at a time, they funded several grants by combining their good will. The staffs of Printonyx, the San Juan Community Theatre, plus the hundreds of people who participated insured that this year’s event was another quality fundraiser for our grants program.

School District administrators, support staff, teachers, and students offered essential expertise and coordination. What a dream team they were! Knowledge Bowl team members were entertaining and inspiring. Every person and business that committed time and financial support has ensured the ability of the Foundation to provide continued funding for programs which support our students’ pursuit of academic excellence. This is why we are here. This is the legacy of The Knowledge Bowl.

Robin Jacobson
President San Juan Public Schools Foundation

Baseball coaches are grateful for help with Hartmann field

Dear Editor,

posted 02/15/03
Steve Schramm and I would like to thank:

• Sandy Guard for her scheduling ability to get 90 yards of material brought to the island and spread without any rain.
  
  
• Stan (the man) Gurtske and Keith Guard for spreading, leveling, rolling and dragging the field.
  
  
• Mike Carlson for donating equipment
  
  
• and the entire Baseball Booster Club for all their work getting us ready to go on March 3, 2003.

Go Wolverines.

Rich Warin and Steve Schramm
Friday Harbor High School Baseball Coaches

Grateful for good islanders

Dear Editor,

posted 02/15/03
One afternoon earlier this week I noticed that one of my tires was low. I ran in and made an appointment in town to have it plugged, filled the baby's bottle, tucked her in the car and drove carefully toward town. I almost made it. Just outside of town I heard "thwap, thwap, thwap", cursed unintelligibly, and pulled in to the next driveway. I brought the baby with me and we knocked on the door of a house I'd never been to before.

Not only was somebody home, she was friendly, and she owned and knew how to operate an air compressor!! She dropped whatever she was doing before I showed up and went out to get the compressor. The limp tire did not respond, so I found the spare and pump in the trunk. She had the presence of mind to figure it all out, I was still mentally back at my house realizing my tire was low. (Clearly, I wouldn't make a good EMT, but in my own defense, I'd been sick for the better part of a week.)

Neither of us could get the lug nuts off but her son was due to return any moment so we chatted while my baby played happily in the driver's seat. He showed up in no time and was willing to get dirty wrestling with my tire, and even went so far as to go hunt down a better jack.

I thanked them both profusely, offered wet wipes, and drove home to call someone she recommended who would order and install a new tire.

I can't think of a better way to have such a potentially-dangerous-but-mostly-stressful experience. I am extremely grateful to this woman and her son, for their help outright, and also for teaching by example what it means to be "a good islander". If one's daily safety is reliant on one's neighbors, then I am lucky to be part of this community. And I am proud that my daughter is learning to be "a good islander" from the beginning, rather than 30 years into the journey, as I am.

Madeline Moss

Thanks for helping with chamber auction

Dear Editor,

posted 02/15/03
The SJI Chamber of Commerce Auction, Feb. 8, 2003 entertained a sell-out crowd! We were very pleased that our net income from this fundraiser was above budget. This could not have been possible without the generous contributions of almost 100 auction donors. The money raised will help support chamber operations and community programs such as business related seminars, summer intern program, scholarships, and workshop subsidies.

The evening could not have been such a success without the help of many; the table decorators, the auction set up crews, the chef, auctioneer, the servers, the clean up crew, the entertainment, the cashiers, graphics assistants and ticket hawkers!

Thank you to Jeri Ahrenius, Cathy Cavanagh, Eugene Cuomo Barbara Dollahite, Susan Fisher, Deborah Hopkins, Cole Hull, Robin Jacobson Colleen Johansen, Helen King, Clark McAlpine, Fred McCulloch, Kit Pingree, Dan Ward, Charlyn Warner, students Rebecca, Sila, Sasha, Alex and Mara, and to those who jumped in at the last minute! Also, thank you to Farhan Ghatan, Full Circle and Miss Topazz.

A special thanks goes to Mikki, Steve and the staff at The Suites for providing such a wonderful space for our event and for maintaining such a positive and encouraging attitude.

A phrase keeps running through my mind. It's meaning was in full evidence that night. It goes like this: "Together we can make a difference."

Yes, we can!

Debbie Pigman
SJI Chamber of Commerce

Local merchants are special

Dear Editor:

posted 12/23/02
This afternoon I was finishing my Christmas shopping at one of our local stores. A young boy was also there doing his shopping, and had spent considerable time picking out just the right container to hold the special contents he had already selected. At last his decisions had been made, and he approached the owner of the store who was behind the cash register. The woman asked the boy if he would like his gift wrapped. Pulling out a wallet that had been repaired with duct tape, he replied, "Yes, as long as it doesn't cost more than $8.00."

Quickly making a mental tabulation of his purchases, the merchant realized that although the wrapping was free his bill might be slightly over his $8.00 limit. Without missing a beat, she replied that there was no charge for wrapping, and that the price might need to be adjusted. She then went about wrapping the purchase while her assistant finished ringing up the sale. The young boy got back six cents in change with an admonition to not spend it all in one place.

As I watched that happy child bounce out of the store with his brightly wrapped purchase, I remembered one of the many reasons I shop locally. There would have been no consideration of such a "price adjustment" at any of the large chain stores on the mainland. I'm really proud to live in a community where some merchants still care about their customers, even the small children with limited budgets and big hearts.

David Bentley

Thanks to restaurants and diners

Dear Editor;

posted 11/09/02
The board of Dollars for Scholars wishes to say "Thank YOU!" to everyone who dined out and especially to the participating restaurants in the Dining for Scholars program. Bella Luna, China Pearl, Downriggers, Friday Harbor House, Garden Path, Haley's Bait Shop, Lime Kiln Café, Mi Casita, San Juan Brewing Company, The Place Next to the SJ Ferry, Shogun, Thai Kitchen, Tommy's, Vics and Vinny's. They support us, please support them.

What a wonderful, festive occasion the evening turned out to be! It seemed that everyone was having dinner out. As usual, the community turned out to support a worthwhile cause. The goal of Dollars for Scholars is to give our young people the opportunity to pursue advanced training after High School graduation. We believe that our requirement of volunteer service for scholarship eligibility is a perfect reflection of our generous community that can be counted on to help their neighbor.

The funds raised from your support for this event will go directly to scholarships for Friday Harbor students. Dollars for Scholars hopes to award more than $25,000.00 in scholarships this year. Last night put us on track for that goal.

We have several events planned for the coming year. A brand new event will be a Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Grange in April. Stay tuned for details. If you would like more information about Dollars for Scholars, or if you would like to get involved with any of our projects, you can contact me at 378-4662.

Minnie Knych
President
Dollars for Scholars San Juan Island
685 Spring Street PMB 2000
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Wolf Hollow thanks SJICF

Dear Editor;

posted 11/05/02
I am writing to express our great appreciation to San Juan Island Community Foundation for the assistance that this organization provides to our community.

Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center as well as many other worthy non-profit organizations in our community have been able to accomplish specific objectives with their support. We recently requested funding assistance to replace the roof on our treatment facility that had deteriorated beyond repair. In addition to directly funding a portion of this project, they went to bat for us and found another donor to cover the remaining cost. We all need help from time to time, and it is good to know that SJICF will do what they can to support worthy projects that benefit the community.

However, you may not be aware that the SJICF is actually a non-profit organization and needs your support to continue their work. This is truly a volunteer organization with little or no administrative cost and therefore contributions go to where they are needed. If you are interested in improving our community in a positive way, you should consider getting involved and supporting the San Juan Island Community Foundation.

If you are searching for an opportunity to help and want to make a difference, this is it; give them a call.

James R. Pound
Executive Director Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Headstart staff thanks United Way supporters

Dear Editor;

posted 11/01/02
Those of us who work at San Juan Head Start give a great big thank you to all of you in our local communities who support United Way of San Juan County. Without your support, the Primary Intervention Program or Special Pal Program, as it is informally known would not be possible at San Juan Head Start.

The Special Pal Program is a significant addition to our local Head Start Program, because it provides extra support to the children through one-to-one relationships within the school setting. Children are better able to focus on the tasks of learning, and are assisted in social skills development. Opportunities are provided for them to work through any problems they might be experiencing in their lives. They love to participate and look forward to their weekly time with their Special Pal.

Thank you, everyone, for your support of United Way! It is making a big difference in our community.

Sincerely,

Mary Jane Anderson
Sonia Nash
Torrey Prescott
Dona Ryba
Patrick Sandwith
Kristina Small
Joyce Sobel
and all of the support staff at San Juan Head Start

United Way makes a difference

Dear Editor;

posted 10/11/02
United Way is making a difference in our community. We at the San Juan Island Family Resource Center would like to thank all of our community members who have contributed to helping United Way make this difference and urge community members to continue their generous support. The San Juan Island Family Resource Center has been a recipient of funds from United Way for four years. Our multi-faceted, successful programs and services could not have been accomplished without this financial support.

Services of the SJI Family Resource Center include: a home visiting program for families with young children; parent education classes and parent support groups; and the San Juan Island Mentoring Program linking youth with adults in one-on-one relationships in our community. United Way also provides funds for rental assistance for families that complement rental assistance funding from the Opportunity Council in Bellingham and generous other support from other organizations and community members.

The San Juan Island Family Resource Center has made a difference on San Juan Island by providing comprehensive services to children and families. We could not have done it without the support of YOU -our generous citizens - and the volunteer board members of United Way.

Thank you everyone!

Joyce Sobel, Director
Staff: Betsey Ferguson
Christopher Kranz
Margaret Johnson
Gail Leschine-Seitz
Sally Waite

Thanks to the United Way

Dear Editor;

posted 09/25/02
I am writing in behalf of the WSU Cooperative Extension 4-H program staff. We would like to graciously thank United Way for their continued support of San Juan County 4-H.

Each year for the past four years, United Way has generously donated in support of 4-H programs for youth. For two years, funding supported the training of 13 new Volunteer 4-H Portable Challenge Facilitators. These facilitators have reached more than 1000 youth and teens through San Juan County schools and community organizations. Participating youth develop skills such as trust, communication, cooperation, teamwork and problem solving through a creative, fun and “challenging” group initiative process. Through thoughtful reflection, participants learn to transfer these skills into their daily lives. Generous funding from United Way also provided temporary, part-time staff to manage the Challenge program.

United Way has also supported the successful School Farm on San Juan Island (a collaboration between FH Elementary School, WSU 4-H Program, SJI Parks and Rec, and San Juan Island Community Foundation). The School Farm allows children to experience the processes of growing crops, raising livestock and providing themselves with food and fiber. Student involvement nurtures a sense of personal responsibility, leadership and teamwork and familiarizes the children and adults at the school with our island’s rich agricultural heritage and the benefits, beauty and sustainability of agriculture for our future. The School Farm supports the belief that agriculture is the lifeline of our society and an integral part of our island’s heritage.

Presently, United Way is supporting an Afterschool/Enrichment pilot project at the Lopez Elementary and Middle Schools. During the past school year, nearly 100 students in grades 1-6 participated in community-based projects focusing on such topics environmental education, art, writing, gardening, ecology, park volunteerism, and community service-learning. Under United Way’s support, more than 40 adult volunteers and instructors are providing practical experiences for youth that complement the more formal education skills of the classroom. This is what 4-H is about.

We extend our sincere gratitude to United Way for their gracious commitment to making dreams come true for San Juan County’s 4-H youth.

Alice Hibberd
4-H Agent

Thanks to Alzheimer Walk participants and sponsors

Dear Editor,

posted 09/17/02
The members of the Alzheimer's Walk committee wish to invite all members of the community with interest in the various forms of dementia to attend a monthly Caregiver Class and support group meeting at The Mullis Community Center on the third tuesday of each month. The 1.5 hour-long educational forums will be held at 2:00 and led by Robin VanHyning, RN and Mike Dean, Social Worker. Both Robin and Mike have extensive experience developing care plans and adapting environments to support the needs of special elders. Phone the Senior Center (2677) to enroll and arrange day care.

We wish to thank the 125 participants who came to the Convalescent Center yesterday to walk together, raise funds for adult day services and eat a sumptuous barbecue lunch. This first annual walk and fundraiser heightened the community awareness of the plight of many informal or home care givers who have no way to get a rest or break from their caregiving duties.

Thanks go out to these sponsors who made the event possible with their gifts and donations: San Juan Healthcare Associates, Market Place, Inter Island Medical Center, San Juan EMS, Printonyx, The Sign Company, Roche Harbor Resort, Hair 2000, Lynda Howell, Tookies, Mullis Community Senior Center, Charles Thomas Restaurants and Coastal Mortgage Lending.

Yours truly,

Curt VanHyning
Chairperson

Matt McCutcheon's family thankful for support

I just want to thank all of the wonderful people for giving us so much support in our time of need. I can tell by looking into everyone's eyes that Matt reached all of our hearts and that helps me and my family to be able to come to grips with reality.

No matter how mad you get at your kids, kiss them and tell them you love them everyday because someday you might not be able to.

Mark W. McCutcheon

Dear Editor,

posted 07/10/02
The San Juan Historical Museum would like to thank the community for their support by attending the 4th of July Pig War Picnic, our major fund raising event.

In addition, our hats go off to the many volunteers and non-profit organizations who filled the afternoon with activities and entertainment. Most of all we would like to give special recognition to our sponsors: Browne Lumber, Islanders Bank, and Kings Market.

The event was a huge success with more people in attendance than in previous years.

And…. we'd like to hire the same group next year that gave us such splendid weather!

Jen Fleming, Director of the San Juan Historical Museum and
Donna Donahoo, Assistant Director.

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008

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