LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY CLUB
NEWSLETTER
June 1976
CALLING ALL ISLANDERS ‑‑ START THE 4th AT THE COMMUNITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Join your friends and neighbors at the Annual Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Community Club. Sunday, July 4th, at the Grange Hall from 7 a.m. until 12 noon.
New equipment and kitchen facilities are going to make it easier to serve the crowd this year. Volunteers are still needed to help. If you can, please contact Gerri Neuman at 758‑2213. or 733‑0120.
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THE ALL ISLAND BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION,
Everyone Welcome
July 17‑18
July 17
PARADE, 12 noon. Young, older, and in-betweeners come join in the fun – wear costumes, decorate your vehicles and bicycles, ride your horses, show off your pets, or whatever! If you have questions, call Jeanne Finney, 758‑2352, or Rich Johnson, 758‑2190. Entries please assemble at the Fire Hall by 11 a.m. The parade route will be from the Fire Hall to the Islander.
ENTERTAINMENT at the lot north of the Islander following the parade will include: Craft and Flower Show to demonstrate, sell or show. Anyone may participate. (set up your own tables.) Games, Contests, Civic Club Bake Sale, Mailbox decorating awards. PTA serving lunches,
July 18
CHURCH, 10:30 ‑ “The Future of the Past.” Coffee hour follows the service.
PROGRAM, Beach School, 3 p.m.
Flag Pole Dedication (This was originally planned for July 4) Awards Presentation for winners of the Civic Club’s Essay Contest.
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LINES BY LEHR . . . . . .
The Annual Pancake Breakfast set for July 4th is somewhat of an institution on the Island and we hope it develops into another gala activity too. Preparations this year are taking into account the overwhelming influx of the unexpected crowd that turned up last year, and we are trying to be better equipped this year to handle it. Please remember, however, regardless of the additional grills and new facilities, only so many pancakes can be cooked at one time, and it is practically impossible to put out rush orders when the place is packed. So please, folks, while you are waiting, talk to your neighbor – they are real interesting people – we don’t cater to any other kind!
The recent Community Auction proved to be one of the most outstanding fund raising affairs ever conducted on the Island. It was better than well attended and was a real fun thing too. Much credit should go to Gerri Neuman as originator and promoter, also to the many whose contributions made it possible. Steve Luke, as auctioneer, did himself proud. However, he had superb help from his ever‑lovin’ who enthusiastically bid on many choice items of exceptional worth. Oft times though, Steve, being an honorable and cautious man, managed to run the bids tip beyond her reach. She did snag off a few, however, much to the delight of the patrons and Steve’s consternation. Elaine McRory wanted one item so badly she kept bidding against herself. Now that’s the way to make money! Was going to bid on the hair set, but didn’t have a place to set it. ‑- – – – – Lehr Miller
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MEETING BEING HELD ON FERRY WAGE CONTRACTS
As this Newsletter goes to press (Tuesday), union representatives for the crews on the Lummi Island ferry and the Whatcom County Commissioners are meeting to discuss wage contracts. Notice was sent to the commissioners in September that the 1975 contract would not be renewed in’1976. The crews have been working without a contract this year.
Skipper Jerry McDonald says that since the matter has not been resolved during the past six months, union representatives will propose to the commissioners that an outside, independent arbitrator be brought in. If this proposal is rejected, or if the meeting does not show promise for an early solution, labor problems may develop, he said. In the event of a work stoppage, Islanders will be notified ahead of time.
The wage scale of the Whatcom Chief crew has been falling behind those for all other ferries in the state for several years, and now is the lowest in the state.
When the ferry returned at 5 p.m. Saturday, the 12th, it made continuous runs for two hours to bring back the cars lined up beyond the top of the hill. Skipper McDonald says he and the crew appreciate the cooperation and goodwill of the passengers who waited, and their good‑natured acceptance. of the service provided by the imperial.
Repairs on the ferry ran only one day behind schedule. Jerry stayed with it while it was in Seattle and says the crew did a super job, working two shifts five days a week, and that it is running really fine and will give better service than before. Two new main engines were installed, the auxiliary engine renewed, and all necessary repairs made to obtain U.S. Coast Guard certification for another year.
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LOOK FORWARD TO THE SALMON BARBECUE IN SEPTEMBER – – The traditional salmon barbecue will be held Saturday, September 4, at the Beach School. Judging from past turnouts, finding eaters is no problem, but workers are never quite as plentiful. So don’t hide those cooking, serving, and cleanup skills; call Lylene Johnson, 758‑2190; or any Board member and offer your services, please. Remember, that’s Saturday of the Labor Day Weekend – an outstanding meal to close the summer! Watch for signs and radio advertising for more details.
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POST OFFICE TO HAVE NEW SATURDAY HOURS
Postmaster, Jerry Anderson, announced that beginning Saturday, July 3, window service on Saturdays will be from 11 a.m. until 12 noon. The lobby will be open for boxholders from 10:15 a.m until 1:50 p.m. These shorter hours are necessary because of the Postal Service financial problems. The local office has been cut to a two‑hour clerical work schedule on Saturdays, and window service may have to be curtailed or eliminated, but an effort will be made to keep the window open one hour.
Jerry will appreciate the cooperation of patrons by doing as much as possible of their business on other week days in order to reduce the volume on Saturdays.
The final collection on Saturday at both the inside and outside letter drops will be made at 11:45 a.m., beginning July 3rd.
IT’S URGENT TO SEND POST OFFICE APPEALS IN NOW!!!
Concern by Islanders that the bill for appropriation of funds for the Postal Service may result in the closure of the Lummi Island office has prompted residents to send post cards to our Senators and Representatives, pointing out the need and giving reasons for keeping the office on the Island. Leone Western, who has been helping to make information and cards available, estimates that some 250 cards have been mailed.
Anyone who has not done so is urged to obtain the special cards on hand at the Islander, write a message, and mail at once as the bill will be brought before the Senate in the near future.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT AUXILIARY TO SPONSOR WINE TASTING PARTY
The Annual Wine Tasting Party sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Fire Department will be Saturday, July 17, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Scenic Estates Club House. The different types of wine, their characteristics and uses will be explained and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $3, available from Auxiliary or Fire Department members.
The Auxiliary greatly appreciates the crowd that came to the Strawberry Festival.
FIRE DEPARTMENT FLICKERINGS
At the May Community Club meeting, the need for improved ambulance and equipment was explained. It was learned that Federal matching funds may be available and the application for them would be made without delay.
The Fire Department gratefully acknowledges the receipt of contributions to the Ambulance Fund, which have been made by several residents of the Island.
Firemen have been participating in State Firemen’s classes, upgrading their training. There were no fire calls during the month.
The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) conducted a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) class Monday, June 21. Several Islanders took advantage of the opportunity to learn mouth-to‑mouth resuscitation and external heart massage. Other sessions will be scheduled later. The technicians explained that these skills used within four minutes following such things as heart attacks, strokes, and near drowning can sustain the victim’s life until the technicians arrive on the scene.
The EMT’s (Kim Bush, Lynn Dunlap, Patty Gregory, Marilyn Hamilton, Joanne Hammerberg, Kurt Harriman, Ray McMillan, and Joan and Mike Moye) have had five aid calls this month.
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FERRY TO FLY BENNINGTON FLAGS
The Whatcom Chief will fly Bennington flags on holidays and weekends this summer as part of the Island’s observance of the Bicentennial. They were given by Gus and Libba Johnson who will be flying one at their home on special occasions also.
The original was carried in the battle fought at Bennington, Vermont, in August, 1777 when 2,000 Green Mountain boys wiped out the British forces. Its thirteen stars have a unique arrangement and have seven points. (Our thanks to Flo Knoecke for the sketch)
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LUMMI ISLAND DOGS SOFTBALL TEAM has started their league season with a 2‑1 record as they lost their first game last night by one run in the final seconds of the game. The fans seem to be the most enthusiastic of any crowd, and remind you all that everyone is welcomed to come on out and cheer our team on to victory. Schedule of the games is at the Beach Store with their next game this Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Field.
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SUMMER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 3 Swap Meet ‑ Islander Lot (Bring your own . tables)
July 4 Pancake Breakfast, Grange Hall, 7 a.m. ‑12 noon
July 17‑18 All‑Island Bicentennial Celebration
July 17 Wine Tasting Party, Scenic Estates Club House, 8‑10 pm
August 1 Bicentennial Tea, Lummi Island Church. (There is to be no Luau this year)
Sept. 4 Salmon Barbecue, Beach School
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MANY THANKS to those who have been helping at the Grange Hall where efforts are being made to have everything usable in time for the Pancake Breakfast July 4. There will be another work party Saturday, June 26, and all assistance will be gratefully appreciated.
A SPECIAL THANKS to the many people who made the Community Club Auction, May 29, an overwhelming success ‑ to Co-chairman Susie Tyler and to Debra Neuman. Steve Luke performed magnificently as our auctioneer; Denis Winkler handled last minute details, Tom Miller and Manly Smith set up the speaker system; and Gary Gaines and Paul Davis helped set up tables an chairs, and with the cleanup on Sunday.
Of course, there could have been no auction without the many generous people who donated the 74 items and services ‑ and the buyers were more than we had ever hoped for with a total profit of $1,046.50.
. . . . Gerri Neuman, Auction Chairman
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…. ART and HELEN PABOR expect their new restaurant at the Village Point Marina will be ready by July 1. There will be tables, counter service, and pick‑up snacks available. They will serve breakfasts of pancakes, eggs and bacon and have hamburgers and fish & chips on the regular menu. Helen would like the girls who have applied for work to come and see her if they are still available.
….. THE LUMMI ISLAND SPROUT WORKS owned and operated by Art Hohl and Jenny Henderson
has moved to a new building on Seacrest Drive. They supply alfalfa sprouts to stores throughout Washington and in Alaska. They appreciated greatly the help of passengers in carrying boxes of sprouts on to the Imperial when the ferry was not operating.
….. LEHR MILLER’S avid readers will miss his writing of the Newsletter but, hopefully, his pungent remarks will appear in a space reserved for LINES BY LEHR. News and items of interest are welcomed – please call Charlotte Calhoun, 758‑2417. It is regretted that due to space limitations, all news items could not be included in this issue.
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Friends of DELLA OLSEN were saddened by her death June 3 while she was working in her yard. She was a member of the Grange, the Civic Club, and the Lummi Island Congregational Church.
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TOLLED BY THE CHURCH BELL
Our thanks to the Civic Club for the geranium plants that decorate the plot around the church sign.
The church needs a new roof before the fall rains come! Invitations are extended to all interested sources of help for this project.
The Bicentennial theme will be observed at the church services on both July 4 and 18. The subjects for these two days will be, respectively, “A Cloud of Witnesses” and “The Future of the Past.”
ALL are heartily welcome at the church services every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The church is for EVERYONE and its service is made all the richer because of the varied backgrounds of the people.
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LUMMI ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL GRADS HONORED
Nine member’s of the graduating class at the Ferndale High School Commencement, June 7, were from Lummi Island families, most of whom had attended the Beach School.
Diplomas were presented to HANK BAUMBART, LISA BENNETT, BETH BRANDSRUD, KATHY DUNN, JANICE GAINES, KENT HAWLEY, GREG JOHNSON, JEFF JONES, and JOHN MORSE.
Janice was one of the three commencement class speakers and was presented a trophy. Lisa received the award made by the Custer Alumni Association for all‑around participation in the life of the high school. Hank and Janice received highest academic achievements and Lisa, Beth and Kathy also were cited for their academic achievements.
Jeanie Granger entertained the graduates and their families at a picnic dinner at her home Sunday, June 6, preceding the baccalaureate service in Ferndale. This has been Jeanie’s annual custom for many years.
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THE LUMMI ISLAND SCHOOL OF AQUACULTURE held graduation exercises June 17 for eight students who completed the two-year course, all of whom have obtained jobs in the field of aquaculture. Sixteen finished their first year. Seventeen Indian tribes were represented among the students, the farthest away being in Maine and Massachusetts.
Paul Winkler, director of the school, says a capacity enrollment of 50‑60 students is anticipated in the Fall.
An Open House and tour of the facilities for the public is planned in September a few weeks after the opening of the fall term.
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BEACH SCHOOL NEWS
As another school year closes, we sincerely thank all those who have been generous in support of the school. Our Field Day on the Johnson-Hudson lawns, where everyone enjoyed a potluck luncheon and racing and jumping contests, was great fun for the children, their families and friends. ADA KNOWLES and BUFF LAPOFF planned the events, CATHY LUKE worked with the children on their high-jumping form and GARY POOLE made new high-jump standards.
Other “End‑of‑school” specials were: ARDITH BAUMGART’S and JOANNE POOLE’S homemade ice cream treat served at the school, a custom they have continued even though their children are no longer at Beach School; JACKIE GAINES’ annual Mexican dinner at her home for the 5th graders; NORM GUBBER’S guitar concert (Brenda and Chad’s new dad); SUZANNE WESTPHAL’S annual presentation of the “Michelle’s Trying Hard Award” to the student from each grade selected by the teachers as the most deserving. Winners were: KATHY HUDSON, 5th grade; BRENDA WANKE, 4th; LISA NESBIT and WESLEY ELDRED, 3rd; CHRISTINE FINNEY, 2nd; DART MORE, lst; and ROBERT FINNEY, kindergarten. All the children do try hard and it was difficult to choose the winners.
The children and teachers express their thanks to PAUL DAVIS for the many ways he helps repairing things, building shelves, teaching woodworking and chemistry, and being a true friend. He continues the custom established by his father, LLOYD DAVIS who still comes to school each week with a film to show us.
We also thank the CIVIC CLUB for sponsoring an essay contest. The award winners are to be announced at the Bicentennial Program, July 18, 3 p.m. at the school. Thanks go to ANNIE DILLARD for books and information to help us understand the “essence” of essay’s; to LEONE WESTERN for a “personal history” class for the 4th and 5th graders and some interested adults (Estrid Baker, Carl Calhoun, Clara Dunn, Beth Hudson, Maurine Melcher, and Suzanne Westphal) – an inspiration to the children in their writing.
SALLY HUDSON, JEANNE FINNEY and JUDY ELDRED, loyal mothers, helped LESLIE MOORE inventory our ever‑growing library and with year‑end tasks of closing the school. Library donations were received from BILLY HAWLEY, SUZANNE WESTPHAL, and the KENNEDY family. RICK GRANGER mowed the yard while the ferry was off. We have a new large sand box with bench seats – JEANNE FINNEY found the plans, SI ELDRED hauled the lumber, and RICK FINNEY built it. All we need now is some sand! Many hours were spent on the yard by a work party of MIKE and ELAINE McRORY, TERRY TYLER, PAUL DAVIS, and MARK (sorry, his last name is not available). They planted an Eastern red maple and made our grounds attractive by weeding, fertilizing and mulching around the trees.