Our Lummi Island Community

Tome 1975/05

LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY CLUB

NEWSLETTER

MAY 1975

M A Y 2 8 W E D N E S D A Y 6:45PM at the GRANGE H A L L

LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY CLUB. POTLUCK DINNER MEETING

Program i; planned

Last meeting before summer recess

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The Community Club is again sponsoring the Annual Pancake Feed on Sunday, July 6th at the Grange Hall. This is a fund raising project that keeps getting more popular each year. Serving time will be from 7:30 AM to around 11:30 or so, or whenever the cooks get tired. Breakfast will be served on a donation basis, such as folding stuff. It is always most heartwarming to see the total island cooperation for events of this sort. The proceeds are going towards a community project. Usually this affair provides most of the funds for the island’s newsletter. The club is also going to sponsor a salmon barbecue later on in the summer to try and revive an old island tradition and replenish the coffers for other needed community projects. Date will be announced later.

Rich and Lylene Johnson want to remind us that they are anticipating ‑ again ‑ the Flea Market that is ‑ come the 5th of July, Saturday ‑ and would like as good a participation as before. Everyone is most welcome to peddle their own choice merchandise, and they would very much like to have more of the craft types involved. Presumably the time would be as before, from 9 to 5. Entertainment and refreshments are tentatively planned.

On Tuesday, May 27th at 7:30 PM a Public Information Meeting will be held in the Group Area Room at

Vista Middle School in Ferndale. This is to clarify for the west county area residents (which includes this island) the proposed controls and zoning on shorelines as recommended by the Citizens Council. It will be an informal discussion session geared towards informing those so affected.

August 2nd, Saturday, is the date set for the Sixth Annual Luau at the Scenic Estates Clubhouse. More details later, but put it on your calendar

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The county engineer says that the final design on the island ferry dock should be available within the month. It is definitely not going to be a combination fill and piling type as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife will not permit, even tho an estimated $150,000 saving could be expected. The entry to the dock will be near Shanahan’s and O’Rourke’s and a piling type dock will extend in the general direction of Gooseberry Point. At the present time there is no change contemplated on the dock over at the mainland. It is intended to use the old moveable span of the island’s dock as a bridge on one of the county’s back country roads which is mainly used by logging vehicles. The balance of the dock will be dismantled and removed. They are hoping for a construction start soon after Labor Day.

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At the last Community Club meeting the speaker of the evening gave an interesting discourse on the problems involved in putting together a bicentennial cross country pioneer wagon train in a manner reminiscent of the early settlers. Guess it takes a great deal more planning than our forefathers (well yours anyway) indulged in. At that time most of the preparation was left to luck and ingenuity as they didn’t have many of the now necessary accoutrements to insure a pleasant and successful trip. Credit cards and travel organizations were not too prevalent then. You know it might be a good idea if this entire country went back to the horse and wagon form of transportation for about a week to really celebrate the bicentennial and make us all more aware of just what we do have. No doubt it would make walking more of a pleasure too. When one considers the amazing accomplishments of these hardy pioneer types in overcoming miserable hardships and unparalleled adversity to try and find a piece of suitable real estate that they could call their own and where they could be masters of their own destiny, it makes one wonder as to what has happened since then to the free spirit that motivated these people. Apparently as a nation we have deteriorated to such an extent that we have been forced to sell our birthright of self sufficiency for a pottage of total dependency for everything ‑ food, housing, clothing, transportation, recreation, entertainment, education and even religion. All these we expect and even demand that they be provided by others, or worse still, by an overly avaricious government. In return we submit to suffocating restrictions, regulations and bureaucratic decrees. We are molded, mass educated, confined and brainwashed into accepting a father image of regulatory authority. For all these goodies we submit somewhat passively to taxes on everything, even the tax itself. What was that again about the land of the free, the home of the brave? Perhaps it’s time to reassert our independence and start all over again.

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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

Sunday, May 25th Holy Communion at 11:30 AM

On April 20th Rev. Carl Calhoun became our minister on a full time basis by a vote of the board and all the people of the church. He came on a 6 month basis last October. Welcome, Carl, we hope you will stay many years…….. Joe Belanger has been elected to a one year term on the board …. The Tuesday study group has been well attended. .We are studying C.S. Lewis’ book “Mere Christianity”. .Actually the book is a published series of lectures given on the radio in England and published originally in three separate parts as “The Case for Christianity”, “Christian Behaviour” and “Beyond Personality”. .In the preface the author states, “I hope no reader will suppose that ‘Mere Christianity’ is here put forward as an alternative to the creeds of the existing communions……It is more like a hall out of which doors open into several rooms.” The study group is open to anyone on the island who is interested. We meet at 7:30 PM in the church basement for one hour on Tuesday evenings …… Have a wonderful summer and store up sun for a rainy day…….” Communion service directly after church, Sunday, May 25th for those who wish to receive this sacrament ……. And don’t forget church and Sunday school will continue every Sunday through the summer ……For any church information you can call Faye Richardson, 758‑2129; Lois Peterson, 758‑2405; Elizabeth Gerritz, 758‑2137; Dave Greeley, 7,58‑2227; Joe Belanger, 758‑2285; Gladys Long, 758‑2170; Edith Granger, 758‑2482.

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The Pabors are somewhat frustrated because of the lack of response from the Canadian company that owned the barge which wrecked their dock Easter Sunday. They have secured an attorney and it appears that a litigation proceeding will be necessary to get any action whatsoever. This no doubt will be time consuming and costly, with any favorable decision somewhat in the distant future. In the meantime Pabors are going to conduct their business under tremendous handicaps. Art has developed a boat launching tractor‑trailer rig that he uses on a beach ramp. It is a bit slow but it does the job and Art hopes that his customers will bear with him. Time is running against their getting the new facilities ready before midsummer or later, but they keep plugging along. Mrs. Pabor has sent a letter to members of the legis­lature asking why there has been no protection provided for U.S. properties for damage done by foreign shippers. Legislative Bill HB527 is under consideration now in a joint committee of both houses and has to do with barge and tanker traffic in northern Puget Sound, and she strongly recommended to them that they include punitive action for damages such as they suffered coupled with immediate monetary aid. In the event the Pabors cannot receive some assistance soon from the company responsible, a community effort could possibly get a quicker response, particularly if the media picked it up too.

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Scenic Estates Community Club members gathered at their clubhouse last Saturday to review last year’s activities, elect new directors and discuss future plans. Also to celebrate the first year’s successful operation of their water treatment plant. This small but very complete operation has drawn attention from many specialists and government people concerned with such installations, including a VIP from Olympia who stated after a recent visit, “This is probably the nicest set up system I have seen.” Much credit is due the crew of volunteer members who made the extras possible by the many man hours of labor and skill they contributed. Officers for the new year are: President, Wallace Croy; Vice President, Howard Duff; Treasurer, LuWilla Croy; Secretary, Charles Morisset; Executive Secretary, Louise Morisset; Board Members, Jane E. Roberts, Dale Brock, Bob Knoll, Ben Miller, J. G. Hennigar and Ray Schuller.

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The following items of interest may be filed into your conversational data bank: Tim Lockwood apparently recovered from an attack of pneumonia last month, at least he looks somewhat recovered, as he was busy planting pretties in his garden last time we saw him…… Katherine Scott’s ambulatory equipment did her dirt the other day and she prostrated herself rather unceremoniously upon mother earth quite suddenlike. Guess she is hobbling around tho with only an occasional wince or two…… Heard that Dick Hudson at one time was the King County tennis champion ‑ hmmmm. You never know about these past luminaries going incognito on this here island …… We understand John Granger has gone to Alaska as has Tommy Miller. Both intend to indulge in a bit of employment at fabulous figures or something …. Millicent and Marion Tuttle’s’ home has blossomed out quite literally, what with all the rhododendrons in full bloom. Some of the neighbors claim it’s somewhat of a traffic hazard because drivers are more intent on the blooms than the bloomin’. road …… Guess that the catastrophe exercise held countywide last weekend made use of Jack Miller’s airstrip to land a helicopter with a couple of all terrain vehicles which were to be used in simulated rescue procedures on the island. It would be interesting to know what these fellows have planned for when Mt. Baker blows its stack…… Understand Mike Melcher is in Chicago undergoing specialized training for the navy and John is located near Long Beach, Calif. by request of the Yew Hess Navy also …..Lloyd Davis has move into Bellingham and is living with his retired sister Mary at the Spinnaker’s Reach Apts on State St. He still maintains his contact with the local school at least one a week. His son Paul who is retired has taken over the home here on the island ……Gary Gaines is spending a month’s vacation revisiting his old stomping grounds in and around Mexico and Guadalajara, Mexico …… Maria Anderson wants it known that her countrymen friends no longer operate the restaurant in Ferndale but have returned to the German restaurant at Bow, WA.

You are invited to enjoy a program of piano music on Thursday evening, May 29th at 7:45 in the Bellingham Public Library. Students of Faye Richardson will be playing an interesting and varied group of solos and duets. Those participating from the island are: Lisa, Joanna and Rebecca Nesbit, Janine Poole, Sasha Heid, Tim Drafs, Kim Cole, Peter Anderson, Janice Gaines and Starr Greeley. Those from Bellingham are: Erik Fish, Linda Hoffman, Evan Kelley, Marianne Berg, Karen Mitchell and Kirstin Summers.

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W H 0 A M I ? – I was born and raised in a small village in California. I had lovely curly blonde hair as a child. I worked as a delivery boy and also cleaned out large vinegar tanks as a teenager. I also worked in a body shop (metal) for 50 cents a day. I majored in drafting in high school, after which I joined the U.S. Air Corps during WWII and was a gunnery officer. I married a secretary from the midwest, whom I met at Boeing’s. Am interested in sporting propositions, air craft and numerous gadgets. Am currently employed as necessity demands. (Last month’s “Who Am I?” ‑ Johnny Brown)

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R E M I N D E R R E M I N D E R

Last run of the ferry before dry docking will be at 10:10 pm Sunday, June 8th. No other service except emergency standby passenger service until 6:50 am, Monday, June 9th. Then limited hourly passenger service only from 6:50 AM thru 10:10 AM and 3:00 PM thru 10:10 PM daily, June 9 thru and including June 13, 1975. Commuters having to be at work by 8:00 am June 9, 10, 11, should catch 6:50 AM trip as students have priority on 7:10 trip. Parking will be available on north side of county road only at gooseberry pt. Only for commuters leaving cars on mainland. Night guard will be provided for vehicles left overnight at Gooseberry Pt. Whatcom chief will be back on regular run no later than 7:00 AM, Saturday, June 14, 1975.

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

MAY 26 SCHOOL HOLIDAY To celebrate Memorial Day.

JUNE 6 FIELD DAY Noon Friday… if no rain… and Monday, Jun6 9 if it rains Friday.

Potluck and bring your own dishes and silverware. Everyone welcome.

Richardsons’ Beach.

JUNE 11 SCHOOL’S OUT! For the children, anyway. Teachers will be around for awhile longer.

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Lots of news on the outdoor play area! Two weekend work parties, both coordinated by Angus McLane and Dave Greeley, have almost completed the tennis court project. May 11 & 12 the post holes were dug… by hand….posts put in place, and cement poured to hold them. Hole diggers and helpers were Angus, Lynn Dunlap, Sally Curry, Kim Bush, Archie McMillan, Joannie Farley, Pete Peterson, Mary Granger, Kurt Harriman, and ? Wilson. Half of the posts for holding the wire fence were donated by Brooks Lumber Co., as well as posts for the basketball hoops. The lumber was delivered by Si Eldred and Ferndale Maintenance brought the wire. A drainage ditch was dug along the upper and far side of the tennis court by Kurt Harriman and Earl Granger, use of the backhoe donated by Gramac. Gramac also donated use of their concrete mixer and Jake Granger and Charlie Nielson did the cement work. The following Saturday, May 17, another all day work party saw the wire finally put in place. Again coordinating as well as sweating were Angus McLane and Dave Greeley and staying to slave until the job was done were George Gerhold, Clint Bennett, John Greeley, Lynn Dunlap, Rick Granger, Gary MacDonald and Kent Hawley. We are so grateful to all these people who have helped make a really fine community facility that can be share by all ages now and for years to come! Future weekend projects will be to put in the drain tile and fill the ditch with gravel, build a ‘bang’ board for practice, stain the surface to eliminate glare and paint the court lines, finish seeding the flat area with grass after the ditch is covered and completing the landscaping. If you want to help on any of this, call Si Eldred, Angus McLane or any of the others mentioned to see when the next work day will happen ….. Other thank yous related to our outdoor area besides all of our islanders and Brooks Lumber already mentioned are: Jeannie Granger for donating the money for the basketball hoops, and our own Ferndale School District for so much help that nothing would have happened without them! Mrs. Otto (Carl’s mother) recently sent us another check… this time to pay for the 4 ‑ 75 ft lengths of hose. And in case we never mentioned it before, Gramac saw to it that we got the gravel that forms the foundation for that huge court. Robert Kirkham, who lives on Matz Rd. in Ferndale was the man who saw to it that we have a fine smooth surface of the best to play on because he donated two whole days from early morning till late evening … he is an expert cement finisher to say nothing of his talent for chasing off dogs! Again … thanks to each and every one of you.

Many thanks to Bill Gregory for inviting the Beach School kids and parent drivers to see Sound of Music. I hear the school bus literally rocked with the songs from the show for days! Also a big thanks to the same person for inviting Teo and Isobel Morca, Spanish dancers who are teaching at WWSC this quarter, out to our little school for a dance concert ‑ for free!.I’m sure the children have never been up that close..or even seen..two real live Spanish dancers before and they, as well as many community members, really enjoyed the concert.

….. Our potluck dinner on the 10th was a huge success. Disaster almost struck because Jack Miller came down with something awful and couldn’t talk, much less call our square dancing. So, lo and behold, Jake Granger came to the rescue. That Lummi Island String Band was absolutely fine and people danced themselves silly. The food people brought was outstandingly good (one fellow even brought ice cream to go with the pie he baked)..and everyone ate till they could barely move. Then the tables were pushed back and a stomping good time was had by all. This time the kids knew all the dances too and the adults even asked kids to be in their squares!! Want to thank Terry Moore, Bill Heid., Beth Moore, Leslie Moore, Jim Dickenson, Mary Granger & Donna Drafs for all their help, and all the folks who helped clean up at the end.

….. Dick and Joanne Poole helped Ron Spillman and some of the kids collect lots of bottles from the Scenic Estates Bottle Drop last time and the kids made more money for craft projects. It’s nice of you folks on the hill to allow a place for this. Would sure appreciate a volunteer to coordinate pickups over the summer . . we could have a schedule and kids lined up.

….. Thank you to Mrs. William Kennedy for the interesting filmstrips she gave us on Canada. We understand she is the originator and publisher of these filmstrips..they are quality work!

….. Three of our children recently won prizes for collecting books for the Bellingham Friends of the Library Book Sale. They are Joanna Nesbit, Sasha Heid and Erna Gregory. A field trip is planned for the whole school on the first day of the sale. What do you want to bet we go in and buy back all the books they collected and donated plus some? All those kids you keep hearing about in the public schools who can’t read and don’t like books???? Sure glad we don’t have any of those mythical people at Beach School on Lummi Island!

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