LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY CLUB
NEWSLETTER
June 22, 1977
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 5:30 ‑ 7:30 PM Island Grange Spaghetti Feed
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 7 AM ‑ 12 Noon LICC Pancake Breakfast, Grange Hall
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 9:00 PM VPM “Social Hour”
SATURDAY,JULY 16 Women’s’ Auxiliary Wine-tasting Party
SATURDAY, JULY 23 Civic Club Rummage & Home Bake Sale
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 Island Church Ice Cream Sundae “Social”
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LICC PANCAKE BREAKFAST VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The LICC annual 4th of July weekend Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, July 3rd, from 7 am to 12 noon at the Grange Hall. Gerri Neuman, general chairman, is in need of a crew to assist in getting the tables ready and set to feed the hopefully large crowds on Sunday morning. If you wish to help her, please meet at the Grange, 3:30 pm on Saturday. There is still very much of a need for volunteer workers at the breakfast (out of a total of 74 people needed, only 18 have signed up at the Island stores). Anyone interested is urged to check the sign‑up sheets and place their signature under the category they prefer to work. Last year’s breakfast went smoothly, making it fun for workers and eaters alike, only because an adequate number of people volunteered their services. Would hate to see confusion and a badly given breakfast this year because not enough people wanted to put forth a little effort to help out in what has become one of the nicest functions sponsored by the Community Club. – – Editor
(P.S. A special thank you to Darlene McNutt for the clever signs she created for the breakfast)
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For the few of you who missed it, the 2nd annual LICC auction was a record breaking, unqualified success! In addition to all the goods and services which were donated to the cause by all of you good people, we wish to thank the Louis Walker and Otto Erickson families for their cash donations. We all owe our thanks to Gerri Neuman. who organized the auction and did most of the work …. as usual. But then, that’s the kind of person Gerri is. Her system of keeping records allowed for the efficient collection of money from and dispersal of booty to the successful bidders. And mucho gracias to David Sklar who energetically and expertly cajoled and exhorted us to bid yet another two bits higher. I mean who else could sell a permanent wave to Lehr Miller? Can’t wait to see Lehr’s new coiffure. What can I say about that great Mexican potluck we had before the auction? I’m glad I live in a place where the women take pride in their culinary creations. The time between dinner and the auction was one of the best social hours we’ve had around here. It was fortuitous, but next year I’ll bet it will be scheduled. Thanks to Will Roehl and Todd Granger who helped to clean up the mess we made and return the furniture. Next year, maybe we can get 3 or 4 people to help.
The net yield of the auction was $1,105 after expenses of $31. The LICC treasury now contains $2,019, including a $500 pledge toward the new ambulance in case there are insufficient matching funds. Now we will start thinking of ways to spend that lovely money to make Lummi Island a better place for all of us to live. How about we buy a self‑service ferry that works like a push‑button elevator? How about we buy 200 little bitty one-car ferries that use power from the car’s rear tires to drive the propeller and the front tires control the rudder? How about we import a pair of Tasmanian Speckle Throated Starlings? They breed rapidly and thrive in any climate. The male’s song is reminiscent of Liszt’s Liebestraume and the female’s answer sounds something like Debussy’s Clair de Lune. Their diet consists solely of slugs and tent caterpillars. How about … well, maybe someone else has some ideas. – – Paul Davis, LICC Treasurer
Special thanks from Geri Neuman to David Sklar, Cathy Luke, Diane Nelson, Debbie Neuman, Denise Winkler, Todd Granger, Paul Davis and Will Roehl for all their help in making the auction such an overwhelming success, and my gratitude to all the donators and buyers!
ISLAND TO RECEIVE PORT‑A‑JOHNS
Two outdoor sanitary facilities will be provided and serviced by the Whatcom County Park Dept. for the public’s use during the summer. The lack of public restrooms on the island was noted as a problem by LICC members who voted at the last meeting to cover the cost for a Sani-can if no other means could be found of making one available. And now, thanks to Si Eldred who brought the director of the Park Dept. to the island, we will have two facilities; one at the Beach School and one on the Grange property. The Park Dept. said in a letter that normally they would refuse such a request, but because of the demonstrated community involvement, they decided to make Lummi Island a special exception. Bravo for us ‑ we did it again! – – Carole Hammond, LICC Secretary
Mr. Quack and Mrs. Duck say “thank you” to the many people who graciously yielded the right-of‑way on the road to our duckling family these past few weeks.
– – Jill & Jennifer Lockwood
CHURCH NEWS
Services at the Congregational Church continue through the slimmer at 10:30 am each Sunday morning. Visitors on the island should understand that this is a community church made up of people from many different backgrounds. Everyone is heartily welcome.
– – Reverend Carl Calhoun
CIVIC CLUB NEWS
Plans are being formulated by the Lummi Church and Civic Club for a joint rummage and home bake sale July 23rd. If you have good, clean articles to be donated for the rummage sale they can be stored in the church at this time. If you have articles we can sell on a percentage basis for you, call Lois Petersen, Beth Hudson or Gladys Long. Save August 14th for the ice cream sundae “social” in the Church social room.
– – Lois Petersen, President
MESSAGE FROM CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Due to the building efforts of Reb Boykin, Harmon Edwards, and Bill Hawley, the new fence at the sides and back of the cemetery is finally a reality, and weed killer has been applied to keep brush from covering it over. The attractive appearance of our cemetery is often noted by guests to the island, and this is due in large part to Claire Hawley who mows it regularly, and the many people who decorate and tend their own special areas. The cemetery does have a problem in common with the rest of the island, however, and this is litter. Pots, dirt, vases and cans are being left in the cemetery or tossed over the fence after their contents are no longer attractive. They create hazards and eyesores. Surely this is not what was intended when they were brought with beauty in the memory of someone dear. Please take your garbage home; it requires less effort than putting the flowers together when you brought them and is for the same purpose.
SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM WESTERN GRADUATE
I would like to thank all the great people who made my graduation from college possible. Without the rides to and from the ferry, I never would have been able to go to school and live in such a beautiful place. Thanks again. – – Shelly Sherman
ISLAND WEDDIN(;
Lynn Hudson and Gary Gaines were married last Saturday afternoon at a quiet family ceremony at Driftwood Cove. An informal reception, to which all Islanders were invited, followed the wedding. A special word of appreciation goes to the ladies of the Grange who volunteered to do the serving at the reception, and to the Nesbits and the Island band for hosting an evening of music and dancing to round out the day. – – Beth Hudson
ISLAND FAREWELL MESSAGE
To all Islanders, We would like you to know we are very sorry to leave the Island and you, Island neighbors. We had our dream for a little while and have built some special memories. The latch string is always out at our new home, 2509 Elm St., Bellingham (10 blocks in from Yeagers). Our new phone number is 676‑0692. The Living Historian office is now in the Clover Bldg., M‑16. Leone is ready and eager to help you write your life or family history. Please do stop in to see us. – – Bob & Leone Western, Brandt’Petersen
VILLAGE POINT MARINA & RESTAURANT “SOCIAL HOUR” LARGE SUCCESS
The Social Hour hosted by Art and Helen Pabor, proprietors of the Village Point Marina and Restaurant, has been a large success. The Saturday night event featuring beer, wine and finger food, and live music has drawn a large, appreciative crowd. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Islanders to gather together to sing and become acquainted. A fine night out with no need to travel further than Legoe Bay. It’s also a good opportunity for us to discover talented people from the Island. If there is anyone who is interested in performing amongst friends, contact Helen at the Marina. My thanks to all the people who have helped by their presence and encouraging words. Special thanks to David McAdams and Mark Ingam for their fine performances and musicianship. Look for the “Social Hour” advertisements and see you there! – – Terry Wean
P.S. The next “Social Hour” is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 at 9:00 PM.
LUMMI “DOGS” WIN OPENING SEASON GAME
With an enthusiastic crowd cheering them on, the Lummi Island “Dogs” slo‑pitch softball team were victorious in their 1st season game in the C League. Excellent hitting and fielding saw the final score 8‑4. Great start “Dogs”!!!
Funeral services were held in Bellingham and on the island for Hank Baumgart, Sr., last Thursday, June 16. All islanders extend their sympathy to the Baumgart family, and hope that you will let us know if there is anything we can do to help you in the future.
SPAGHETTI DINNER PLANNED
The Island Grange would like to remind everyone of the Spaghetti Feed this Saturday, June 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
(The following is a copy of an open letter to the Whatcom County Commissioners and Engineer)
This is to report to you the unsatisfactory transportation situation between Lummi Island and the mainland during the absence of the Whatcom Chief for Coast Guard inspection and repairs, and to request that representatives of our island be involved in the plan for next year.
Island residents have been inconvenienced this year by:
1. The Time Schedule
The time that is scheduled for repair work is critical to island businesses and industries. The brief period for seasonal income here is so limited that any infringement upon that time adversely affects the annual income of those dependent upon it.
2. Limited Schedule
No ferry runs between 10 am and 3 pm this year has resulted in hardships for island business, for persons employed on the mainland, for fish buyers, and for those who have medical, dental, and business appointments.
We feel that the passenger ferry should provide a complete schedule.
3. Inadequate Vessel
The capacity is only 26 for the vessel being used this year with seating for only 8 persons. This, together with the limited schedule, makes multiple trips necessary with many pedestrians left waiting on the dock in uncomfortable circumstances. Also, limited storage space makes some carry‑on freight impossible forcing many seasonal workers and businesses to transport freight via another vessel.
We strongly request that our representatives meet with you to make plans for next year and that this be done in the near future so that an appropriate schedule for work on the ferry can be made. – – Lummi Island Community Club Board of Directors
AS I SEE IT …..
Once again, I feel that I should use my constitutional right of freedom of speech and open up the orifice slightly above my chin and use it for other than putting a metatarsus in it. However, in opening up said orifice, it will show that I am once again going to speak out against our non-Island leaders and get something written on behalf of the community Islanders.
Each year when our ferry leaves us for a week or two, or longer as the case was during the summer of ’76 (also because of the lack of something in the communication gap between non-Island leaders, and Island dwellers and workers), we usually are supplied with semi‑derriered transportation to get us across Hales Passage without too much endangerment to our lives. However, this year doesn’t seem to be quite the same. I had my first ride on the provided commuter boat this week, and I can speak for many when I say the situation is more than pathetic and I feel someone must be kidding! This seems to be a practical joke played on us, but I for one am not laughing. As our still clean air disappears in this cloud of smoke, and noise pollution takes over and a portion of nausea sets in, only full stamina can get one to their destination. All reports are that everyone has made it so far, and many have waited their turn as this boat is not adequate for all commuters to come and go in one trip. Thus, bringing me to notice a money factor involved as this certainly is costing someone something.
Couldn’t help but notice dock repairs being done (one group of commuters were forced to climb over a five foot mound of gravel/dirt). Gooseberry dock repairs seem reasonable, but with a new Island dock proposal supposedly to be fulfilled soon, I cannot see the need for added expense unless we are uninformed of the prolonged waiting for our new dock. I feel that there is an imbalance here as it seems to me we could use more money for better transportation while our ferry is gone, and less dock repairs and off-Island law enforcement I wrote about in the last newsletter.
Last, but not least, I want to make an open apology for my participation in giving a snide remark or two to the ferry crew members as if all this is their doing. They have taken their share of harassment, and I would plead with the public at this time to not take your bitterness out on them. They are doing what they are hired to do, and they are doing a good job.
All for now. Happy Sailing! – – Donna Harryman
REQUEST‑MADE OF ISLAND PEDESTRIANS
With increased foot and vehicle traffic on the Island during the summer months, we encourage all pedestrians to walk against the flow of traffic. This is a state law, and will add to the safety of our Island road traffic.
SPECIAL THANK YOU
Thank you Si Eldred for taking time from a busy schedule to acquaint the Whatcom, County Park Department with Lummi Island’s need for sanitary facilities.
– – Phyllis Lockwood, Acting Chairperson LICC
Opinions of individual contributors to this Newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the officers, directors or members of the Lummi Island Community Club. – – Editor
BEACH SCHOOL NEWS
The last week of school was a busy time, but not without the usual Lummi Island tradition and ritual. Ardith Baumgart and Joanne Poole came with their old fashioned ice cream crank freezers and each child had their turn so that by noon all enjoyed homemade treats.
Field Day was again enjoyed at the home of Gus and Libba Johnson with over 40 children and almost as many adults breathing sighs of relief when the sprinkles stopped in time for the races and hilarious games as planned by Ada Knowles and Buffy Lapof. We laughed ourselves silly at some of the shenanigans and ate ourselves sick on the wonderful food prepared by all who attended. And finally, after all the serious desk and chair washing and drying, and books being counted and stored away (with fond reminiscing over aunt’s and uncles, and even Mom’s and Dad’s names scribbled here and there is some of the older readers)…we were ready for the final ceremony of the year… the report cards and Suzanne Westphal’s “TRYING HARDEST” awards. This award is given to the child in each grade who tries the hardest that year … not necessarily the one who gets the highest marks, but the one who makes the most consistent effort. The award is one silver dollar for however many years that child has been in school. This was the “year of the splits” since it was too difficult to name only one child in each grade, but instead of feeling sad at being so “out at the pocket”, gracious Suzanne responded with “It just shows that each child is trying that much harder…hooray!” The winners were: Kindergarten: Aaron Miller; 1st: Patty Anderson, Tofer Greeley; 2nd: Eric. McRory, Paula McCandlis; 3rd: Kim Hudson, Arthur Miller; 4th: Lisa Anderson; 5th: Barbara Anderson; Kari Johnson…congratulations to all of you! And so the children passed themselves on to another year of living and learning in one of the most wonderful communities on earth … with the help and concern of parents, relatives, and friends who see to it that the children of our island are nurtured and cared for by all. As the teacher of your public school, I could not ask for more thoughtful or consistent help and concern from every single person on this island, and I thank you each one from my heart for another fine year.
You will all be interested, and I hope pleased, to 1earn that the State Superintendent and State School Board have seen fit to declare Beach School a “Remote and Necessary School” of Washington State. We are one of eleven other schools being so declared. This means that our district will be allotted a certain amount above the regular per pupil ratio in state funding monies, and will allow an extra margin which will be used to supplement our maintenance needs for our building… such as painting, repair of window sashes, etc. I would like to thank Gerri Neuman for the leadership she displayed in the conception and follow-through of this idea. Also, thanks to Will Roehl, Paul Davis and the Community Club for the extra work and meetings that were involved in the successful efforts to get this status for our school. As the Superintendent stated when he announced our new status to the Ferndale School Board…”We have a fine group who really get out and give their support over there on Lummi Island!” AND NOW SUMMERRRRRR! AHHHHHHH!!!!! – – Patty Gregory
GARBAGE BUILDUP BECOMES A PROBLEM
It becomes an unfortunate situation when the Whatcom Chief is scheduled to be out of commission for a period of time and unforeseen circumstances cause this “period of time” to be extended. One major problem, or unfortunate situation, is garbage buildup. Although scavenger service is altered prior to the ferry being dry-docked, there is no further service until its return. One might suggest that a special freight run be created once a week while the “Chief” is delinquent in its return. This special run would enable Islanders to ferry garbage to Gooseberry Point where a garbage truck would be waiting to engulf its consumption. As there are two stores and one marina on Lummi Island which handle perishables, it would seem to be “healthwise” it is imperative that garbage waste be destroyed at least once a week. This is submitted to our elected County Commissioner and County Engineer for consideration, and this should not become a typical political “volley”, but a rationalization of human environment and “of mice or men” – – David Sklar
Comment from your Editor… I would like to extend my appreciation to all the writers who have contributed to the monthly creation of our Newsletter, and encourage others to give me their articles and new items. I believe a part of what makes our community so beautiful and unique is having a means of communication between all Islanders, and hope everyone knows they can be a part of that communication through our paper. Please, anyone with interest or who wants to assist in “getting it all together” give me a call at 758‑2213. Really need someone whom I can depend on to get it folded and to the post office for delivery. Special thanks to Buffy Lapof who saved the day by dictating many of the articles over the phone so that I could meet this month’s deadline with the printer. – – Gerri Neuman