Our Lummi Island Community

Tome 1975/03

LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY CLUB

NEWSLETTER

MARCH 1975

M A R C H 2 6, W E D N E S D A Y, 6:45 PM G R A N G E H A L L

I

LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY CLUB . . . . . . . . .. . POTLUCK DINNER MEETING

Speaker: Sheriff’s Deputy Les Shanahan will explain his duties, discuss problems involved and answer questions from the membership. It seems an appropriate time to approach this subject, before the summer population increase.

Report: Susan Dickinson and Phyllis Lockwood will report briefly on the Land Use and Shoreline Management Committees, especially as to some minor changes made since the map was displayed at a previous meeting.

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Seems the Community Club had a couple of firsts in the election process at the last meeting. Number one, it was accomplished in record time and before a pack6d house (well partially packed anyway). And secondly, we had two contestants for the top seat that actually wanted the job ‑ how about that? However, it very nearly ended in a coin toss to determine the winner. Tim Lockwood eked out a victory by an eyelash (blonde, I think). He polled one vote more than Dave Dickinson. We are curious, tho, wonder whose vote that was. The other, lesser, but none the less important officers are also listed herein. It should be an interesting year, what with all that talent.

President: Tim Lockwood; Vice‑President: Bill Smith; Secretary: Shirley Aiston; Treasurer: Clifford Rohrbacher; New Board Members: Si Eldred, Rich Johnson, Dave Dickinson (past president)

Carryover Board Members: Ray Schuller, Gene Long

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There seem to be varied ideas on where the ferry dock could be placed, with some suggesting a public rest room and a series of finger floats in conjunction with the dock to accommodate pleasure boats. No determination has as yet been made as to what type it will be. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service want a piling type, and the county wants a combination of fill construction and a short piling dock. The reasoning behind this is the continual maintenance cost on piling docks, and, too, it would be an opportunity to eliminate some of the dangerous blind rises on the island roads by regrading them and using the material excavated for the fill. Seems some input from the islanders would help things along.

Guess the proposed talent night, billed as the Island Follies, sort of fizzled because of the seeming reluctance of those so gifted to present their abilities for what they considered prior approval. Perhaps at another time a different approach might generate a better response. But we do wish to thank Jeanie Granger for trying to bring the island together with such a project. We know it’s a real disappointment to her, and we hope she doesn’t give up, frustrating as it is.

From the looks of the island byways it would seem like a good time to instigate a cleanup day again. Perhaps a chili feed or something could be one of the incentives. The turnout last year was real good, especially among the young and agile. Generally speaking those two words always seem to go together, and I faintly remember what they refer to.

Understand the Hutchinson house was broken into a couple of weeks ago and an antique clock was taken. They must have been real clever thieves as this is one of the homes that has been under continued surveillance for some time. More island participation in reporting unusual activity in their respective neighborhoods would be most helpful in apprehending these despicable creeps.

The operators of The Islander store (that cute baby’s parents) want to advertise the fact that they are sponsoring a swap meet Saturday, April 12th, in the open area just north of the store. Everyone is welcome as this is a community service project only and no rental, commissions or other income gimmicks are to be charged. If you wish to put up a table or booth and sell or swap goods, cats, kids or whatever, the loot garnered thereby is yours (and the IRS’s naturally). They only ask that you clean up your debris afterwards. They also suggest that the tine of operation be from 10 AM to 5 PM. The Lummi Island String Band will play for listening or dancing and there is a tentative arrangement to serve refreshments also. So, here is your chance, craftsmen, artists and junque collectors get to dickering.

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C.H.U.R.C.H. B.U.L.L.E.T.I.N.

Church Services 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM Carl Calhoun, Minister

Tuesday, March 25th, 7:30 PM Bible study Class at home of Elizabeth Gerritz, Sunrise Cove

On MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 27th, a service of HOLY COMMUNION at 7:30 PM at the church. Everyone is welcome, from the island or in the area. The meaning of Maundy Thursday is explained by our minister:

“For centuries the Christian world has made special observance of the week before Easter and has called it ‘Holy Week.’ Each day has been assigned special significance, following as closely as possible the events of the last days of the life of Jesus. ‘Maundy Thursday’ commemorates the last supper of Jesus and his disciples, and gets its name from a twisting of the Latin word mandatum ‑ ‘commandment.’

An ancient usage for this night is the ‘Office of Tenebrae.’ The story of the events of the day is read and the candles are gradually put out until the room is in complete darkness ‑ ‘tenebrae.’ This is intended to symbolize the desertion of the disciples and the loneliness of Jesus at the last. This office will be conducted at the close of the Maundy Thursday service at the Lummi Island church, March 27. The service begins with a ‘sacrificial supper’ at 7:30 ‑ a simple meal at which we will present our offerings for ‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ ‑ a national project now 27 years old, interdenominational, for the relief of hunger and sickness of people all over the world. The meal will be followed by a communion service, and the Office of Tenebra described above. All friends are welcomed to every part of the service.”

The Tuesday night Bible study class has been well attended. The last class during Lent will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at the home of Elizabeth Gerritz. This week’s meeting was at the Ray McFarlands. We are studying St. Paul’s letters to young churches.

The church recently received a most wonderful gift of $1,000 in memory of Carl Otto. The gift was sent by Carl’s 92 year old mother in New York. At the annual meeting of the church, members voted to put the money in a “special” building fund for use other than operation of the church.

The “talk back” sessions with Rev. Carl Calhoun, after his sermon on Sunday, have been lively and well attended. The input of various views on the most meaningful form of worship makes for thought about all forms of worship and the realization that loving one another leads to understanding.

Sunday school has been well attended. Beth Moore has been playing the piano for the children and they love to sing. Jean Finney and Lois Peterson are the teachers. Sunday school starts at 10:15 AM each Sunday with classes for pre‑school through 6th grade.

EASTER, MARCH 30th ‑ Church as usual at 10:30 AM. The Sunday school will present two songs to the congregation and other music is in the offing, hopefully. Anyone who can play the guitar or sing and would like to do so on Easter, please call Faye Richardson or Dave Greeley. Those wishing to give flowers to decorate the church, please call Maureen Melcher or Clara Dunn. See you on Easter! Alleluia!

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We are saddened to learn of Fray Baker’s demise recently and fully realize that with his passing another interesting page of island history has been turned over. Fray was his own man and a rugged individual who strongly believed in self determination without outside interference. He was proud of his geographic location and deferred changing its pastoral splendor as long as possible. We all will miss him.

Muriel Clark wants to express her appreciation for the cards she received with all the kind thoughts after her husband Bill Clark’s death last month. And she wants especially to thank the boys who took Bill to the hospital in the rescue vehicle. I think all of us live in more security knowing our own neighbors are trained, equipped and ready to help in an emergency.

Bob Adema has been having locomotion troubles since his fall last year and recent complications have necessitated a series of diagnostic tests and experimental medication to try and determine the cause. Bob is a mite upset with judgment on the Indian fishing rights and perhaps his strong feelings of injustice and utter frustration tend to make his metabolism go awry. Seems there are also a lot of other people somewhat sick about it too. Dick Poole is home recuperating from a very serious intestinal operation recently. Dick is a most remarkable fella and a person gifted in a great many ways. If you ask him for information on any subject, the chances are he will give you a most comprehensive answer. For example, while discussing his illness with him, I was amazed to learn of the great amount of technical knowledge on illnesses of this type that he has ‑ including the biological and medical terms. It was far more informative than I ever could have hoped to learn from any doctor. Apparently if he gets involved in anything he makes it a point to become thoroughly knowledgeable about the subject. What a wonderful teacher he would make ‑ but guess he prefers to talk to oysters, though ….. Earl Granger has been hobnobbing with the medical types recently because of a painful back condition and other anatomical irritations. Someone mentioned that he is taking treatments at a chiropractor’s ‑ or was it a massage parlor?

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Cora Boden of Bellingham, assisted by Mabel Dixon, displayed her collection of family quilts at Civic Club’s March meeting. These ranged in age from Civil War times down to contemporary additions. Members displaying quilts, tops and squares from 100 years old to the present included Grace Miller, Jean Greeley, Edith Granger, Kay Niedhamer, Irene McFarland, Lois Peterson and Edith Murphy. Meeting was at the home of Lois Peterson with Grace Miller and Libba Johnson co‑hostesses. In April Agnes Gilfilen and Beth Hudson will co‑host the meeting at the Whatcom Museum.

Craft Club first enjoyed Mrs. Boden’s quilt display when President Mabel Dixon arranged the showing, and it was so enthusiastically received that it was decided to have the second showing for Civic Club. At the last meeting of Craft Club Marjorie Peabody from the Extension Service talked on fabrics, the kinds, their characteristics and care.

B. E A. C. H S. C. H. O. O. L. N. E. W. S.

MARCH 21‑30 SPRING VACATION

MARCH 31, MONDAY ‑ EASTER EGG HUNT, BEACH SCHOOL

APRIL 8, 8:30 PM – PTA ‑ COMMUNITY. GOAL SETTING FOR SCHOOLS

Even though the weatherman doesn’t seem to know that spring should be getting here soon, the fact is that we are going to have Spring Vacation, blustery weather or not. Friday, March 21, being a professional In‑Service day for teachers, will be added to the children’s regular Spring Vacation, March 24 to 28th, so that they can enjoy two long weekends. School will resume Monday, March 31st, the day after Easter. That will also be the day of our annual Easter Egg Hunt for both preschoolers and Beach School children. Bring 6 eggs for each child (small ones are fine)‑‑festivities will start around 2:20 p.m.‑‑hope for the sun to shine! We were disappointed that the two school board members scheduled to speak at our March PTA meeting were unable to make it. Mr. Robertson was in Alaska on business, and Mrs. Sigurdson attended a basketball banquet with her son. Since some community members came specifically to meet and talk with these board members, we have plans to invite them again in the fall before elections for new board members take place …….. At the PTA business meeting it was reported that the playground projects will go ahead as soon as the weather improves: Dave Greeley and Si Eldred are in charge of finishing up the tennis court area; Dave Nesbit to complete the jungle gym and fasten down the slide; Mike McRory to plant trees and develop the area adjacent to the tennis court as a flat lawn area with a small track around it. Work parties will be called by these chairmen, and other PTA members will furnish food (if needed) and moral support (whatever that may be!) …. Last year the Ferndale School District sent to the household of every student a community survey form concerning what the parents felt the schools were doing and whether or not they agreed with what was being done, and, in a general way, it was a chance for the parents to give comments on the school program. This year, as a follow‑up, we are having community goal setting meetings in which all members of all communities, whether they be parents of school children or not, have the chance to help set the goals for the school district. On Monday, March 31, an outline of goals will be mailed to every parent with a child in Beach School and to any other community member who wishes (please call and request them, 758‑2366). These outlines will be a guide which each person will check through; and on the following week on Tuesday, April 8, each person may bring his guide to school at 8:30 p.m. There will be a tallying of results with recorders to take down extra suggestions to be sent to the school administration. This is a chance for every community member to specifically let the school board, the school administration and the teachers know exactly what they want in the schools, whether or not they agree with what is being done presently, and to give suggestions on how to improve. We sincerely invite the participation of each one of you, so please do come out for this very important meeting…….In the “thank you” department the children all wrote letters to Mrs. Otto to thank her for her generous gift to the school‑‑she was truly touched and pleased by their very charming letters. Our thanks to Jim Dickinson for the sound equipment he set up for our Box Social, and to Jack Miller for his excellent calling of the square dances. Lehr Miller brought us a fine learning experience – all the labeled specimens from his talk on landscaping to the Comnl4nity Club. Mrs. Purvis has donated Social Studies materials on Arkansas, and Mr. Davis keeps surprising us with wonderful books as he is going through his library‑‑the latest some beautiful art volumes …… We can’t announce a specific date at this time, but be on the lookout at the stores for notices of two musical events‑‑a Band Concert and a Chorus.

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W H 0 A.M I ?

I was born in Chicago and cane to Seattle at a tender age or four. Was graduated 6um the eighth grade at Ross School, Seattle, spent two years at Lincoln High, then moved to a 20 acre farm at Zenith where I helped clear land on the property where the the Masonic Home is located. I was graduated from Kent High School and returned to Seattle where I attended the U.W. for a .a short time. After that I was engaged as a pictorial arts specialist in the merchandizing field with several large firms in the Seattle area. I married a former mid-western school teacher and came to Lummi Island about thirty plus years ago to visit relatives living here and decided to make our home here permanently.

(Last month’s “Who Am I” Jerry McDonald

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The editors of this newsletter, are extremely proud to be able to bring you the following letter from Susie Thomas, an island Korean war bride who after many hardships and marital disappointments struggled many months to acquire a citizenship in this country. It should make a lot of us native types most humble and somewhat ashamed for not recognizing or being appreciative of the tremendous advantages we were born with. This young lady deserves the friendship and help of everyone.

I, Choung Sook Thomas became a new citizen of the United States. I changed my name to Susie Angela Thomas. I am very proud be one of this great country, I will use my best knowledge to work and help others. I will be good citizen. I want to thank you the many people on the island, my friends and neighbord, who have helped me in so many ways. I am very fortunate to live in surround by warm hearted wonderful people. Special thank you to Maria Anderson and Charlotte Nesbit who helped me to get my citizenship. If 1 knew a thousand words I cannot express this good feeling I have now. Thank you.

I am a United States citizen. ‑‑‑ Susie A. Thomas‑

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Several people have inquired about the permit granted an outfit called Island Telepage System to build a one story concrete block building at the 1500 foot elevation on the island. Apparently it will house transmitting equipment for a physicians’ paging system and not a TV cable system as some islanders were hoping.

A pod of killer whales was reported in Hales Pass recently. They have been strangely absent from the west side of the island for about two years now. Our chief entertainers there are a family of 5 otter.

Seems we have a flourishing food type industry developing on the island. The young couple, Art Hohl and Jenny, who live in the former Selle place, are sprouting and packaging alfalfa seeds for the health kick faddists, and quite a few stores are stocking the product with more orders coming in fast. We asked Bill Smith how to use the stuff, and Curly said it was a good source of protein, like for growing hair, as he demonstrated ‑ or was that a shadow? In line with this, we note with pride that Les Shanahan has joined the ranks of all us biologically disadvantaged types who are devoid of any hirsute adornment on the top shelf. He is now sporting a large badge proclaiming that “Bald is Beautiful.”

Understand Beth Moore is the island’s representative for Bee Line Products (wearing apparel and accessories), and several island ladies have hostessed demonstration parties in her behalf. Beth also got herself involved in a traffic mishap on a very frosty morning near the ferry dock recently. Seems a legal type feller couldn’t see her car through his ice coated windshield and sorta smacked hers amidships. The only personal injury, though, was the indignity of the drivers.

It would seem that Dave Nesbit is gaining considerable fame as a designer and builder of unusual homes that combine the artistry of materials with functional design. As in any progressive venture his success is in the satisfaction of those who have commissioned his services, and he has had to turn down or put off prospective clients because of the backlog of commitments he already has.

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