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THANK YOU LETTERS |
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To the Editor: posted 1/15/2007
We were so touched by your thoughtful, caring questions about Jamie's progress with her cancer treatments, and how she's doing with new baby Liam. Jamie and Conor (an exceptional artist and, in Jamie's words: "The best of the good guys!") had found out after they had conceived their first baby that her melanoma had returned after a previous surgery. Treatment was the recommended action, but that's impossible with a baby "onboard." Little (3lbs. 13 oz.) Liam was induced to make his appearance five or six weeks early so that his Mom could begin the unbelievably painful therapy that was so potent that the chemical has to be injected directly into the heart once each day for five days in a row. Jamie's aunt, Linda Morrison, a recent breast cancer survivor, described a similar treatment as "being brought as close to death as possible in order to kill the cancer cells, then after a brief respite, doing it again, and again, and again." Jamie has completed two of these sessions, and on the 17th of January will have surgery once again to remove the thankfully shrinking tumor. Due to her weakened immune system, she is also suffering with what I believe is called Pancreitis, a very painful infection of the pancreas that her body just can't shake off. We don't know when she'll resume the chemo treatments after that, but in the meantime, bills are stacking up for her and her mother Phyllis who's watching over the baby (and Jamie between treatments) in a rented apartment in Denver where Liam was born and where the cancer treatment center is located. Having grown up on the island and then graduated in 1990 from Friday Harbor High School, Jamie went out into the world with flare and style as an au pair in Switzerland, climbed numerous mountains, served again as a nanny on the island of Majorca and in Colorado, with a stint at Disney World in Florida in there somewhere! (It's hard to keep track!) Roz and I, and the entire Morrison family from Uncle Dick, Auntie Linda and all the cousins, to those of Jamie's siblings on and off the island, thank those who joined us for lunch and brought tears to our eyes with their generous checks and cash to help out with expenses in Colorado. A community coming together for a worthy cause is a wonderful thing, and kudos to Glenn Hargrove and the other Masons for putting on the event in a smooth, efficient, and caring manner. And thanks to Jamie's niece and nephews Hallie, Jess, and Austin for holding up signs out on the sidewalk, their little hands freezing in the effort! Like I said, WOW! Jim and Roz Morrison Thanks from the Swim teamTo the Editor: posted 12/03/2006
Special thanks to the Friday Harbor Inn for purchasing team swimming suits and caps and to the San Juan Island Fitness Center for continued support of the team. The Dolphins compete in their first off-island meet December 9 in Bellingham. Contributions to the team, which are used for travel and to sponsor some swimmers, can be dropped off at the San Juan Island Fitness Center.
Pamela Stewart For the Master Swimmers and the Dolphins Swim Team (contact: Pam Stewart, 370-5045) Thank you for helping Jonestown, MississippiDear Editor, posted 11/22/2006
These donations will have a tremendous impact on the work of Sister Theresa and Sister Kay – who dedicated their lives 25 years ago to educating the people of this community. One nun directs a Learning Center which educates toddlers through sixth grade and utilizes parents and aids for training and teaching. The other nun organizes volunteers to teach music, computer and carpentry skills while helping teens and adults with homework enrichment, GED’s and young adult living skill courses called “Girls to Women” and "Boys to Men." Our town has demonstrated the true meaning of “caring and sharing”. We sincerely thank all those who have helped make a difference through the years in this poor little pocket of Jonestown Mississippi. My family has had the opportunity to visit Jonestown three different times and we have personally witnessed the changes that education can make. You have helped the nuns continue their amazing work. Jonestown Learning Center and the Durocher House expresses their gratitude to Ace Hardware, Dolphin Arts, King’s Marine Center, Friday Harbor Thrift Store, Second Act, Serendipity Book Store, Pelindaba Lavender Farm, The Toy Box, San Juan Office Center, Osito’s, Browne Lumber, Harbor Books, Friday Harbor Drug Store, The Toggery, San Juan Coffee Roasting Co, Roche Harbor Resort, Frank Bruch Associates, M & W Auto Sales, St, Francis Parish, Griffin Bay Books, Gourmet Galley, and Con-Way Western Express. You have touched and enriched many lives. God Bless you.
Mary Smith Thanks from the Wynn familyDear Editor, posted 11/04/2006
We thank the People of Saint David’s Episcopal Church for all their caring. A good church home like St, David’s is better than any insurance policy on the market. It is like having medical coverage plus notes of encouragement, prayers, good food and childcare benefits. They really look out for us. We are grateful to the Rotary Club for passing the hat around. We appreciate the generosity and understanding of our employers and co-workers at Downriggers, Jimmy’s Paradise Café and San Juan Fitness. Finally, we thank The Benefit Players Theatre for staging a fabulous musical and spoken word production and donating all the proceeds to Marc’s medical fund. We are thankful to Ed Strum, RuthE Wells and Ed Wilson for putting together the show. We are grateful to the musicians, poets, stage crew, hospitality folks and very generous audiences who gave of their time and talent to help us out. The show was a huge success and a reminder that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade...and hope someone puts on one heck of a show to go with it! We are thankful to live on such a caring island. Sincerely, the Wynn Family Thanking SJEMSDear Editor, posted 11/04/2006
Luckily I had my cell phone and managed to call Sheriff's Dispatch for help. It arrived in seconds, I was amazed and thankful, they put me on a plank and loaded me into the new ambulance and I was on the examination table at the Medical Center in what seemed like just minutes. Wow, if you ever get hurt this bad, hope it's on this island, it's incredible how fast these EMS Volunteers and Med Center Pros respond. Thank you each and every one, I'm so lucky to be here. You guys are the best. John Dustrude Thanking dispatchers for their vital roleDear Editor, posted 09/05/2006
Your support allows us to offer hospice services to the terminally and chronically ill residents of San Juan Island whenever the need arises. We also provide ongoing grief support to family members through our weekly grief support group. Thanks Women's Fund!
Allison Shadday Thanking dispatchers for their vital roleDear Editor, posted 09/05/2006
Carrie Brooks Thank you from Jan Osborn
Dear Editor, posted 09/01/2006
I am thankful to have come through with only a burned toe from fighting the fire in my Birkenstocks. My house is safe, my cats are safe and I am safe, so THANK YOU. And to all my friend and neighbors who have been in touch with their support. It is times like this that I remember why I live in the San Juans. Jan Osborn Thank you from Donna LeoneDear Editor, posted 08/30/2006
Thank you to the wonderful EMT’s who showed up at my door in the wee hours of the morning on the 8th July to transport me to the Medi-vac, unfortunately I don’t remember your names but I do remember your calming influences and special care in a stressful situation. Dr Gossum, Joann and everyone at SJ Healthcare for the ongoing care. Much gratitude to Vicki Thalacker and Joan and Hank Hill for arranging flights to treatment, not having to travel by ferry was a great help in my recovery. Rachel Otis for the wonderful taxi service. Lori Snodgrass for taking such good care of Sophie during this uneasy time. Everyone at Roche Harbor and Haley’s for the overwhelming show of support, love and assistance given to Mike and myself - words can not express how grateful we are. Janine Wells (VQ) for taking on the mother role, till my own mother arrived only she isn’t so pushy. The Carlton’s, The Tangney’s and Troy Boy you guys are amazing. To name everyone individually is not possible but I will be forever grateful and feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such good people. Donna Leone Thank you from Paul HerbertDear Friday Harbor, posted 06/30/2006
God Bless, Thank you from Katherine MooreDear Editor, posted 06/30/2006
Friends, family, neighbors and members of the community who contributed to the Medical Donation funds set up by our friends. These funds have helped ease our financial burden by covering unexpected medical costs not covered by other insurence, and by partially bridging the gap between "regular" and "Catastrophic" insurance coverage. Your care and generosity have humbled and overwhelmed us. The Soroptomists, and Vicki Thalacker, for assistance with transportation. Our cancer journey began in late January, has taken us to and from Seattle, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and the University of Washington Medical Center every two and a half to 3 weeks, and covered the ferry rate hike and summer surcharge periods. Vicki, the Soroptomists, and all the wonderful people who raise funds for this purpose, provided us with much needed ferry tickets. The services they provide to cancer victims and their families are simply invaluable. We cannot thank you enough for your help and encouragement. Finally, but far from least, everyone who: organized meals, provided a meal, wrote a card or letter, made a phone call, stopped by for a chat, shared a breakfast, gave Rob a respite from being primary caregiver, dog sat Moira, fed and watered the cat, gave flowers from your garden, brought eggs from your chickens, shared information, listened with an open heart, or has in any other way been there with your support and love, there just are no words to truly express our thanks. We have been richly blessed, and we are in the joyous position of knowing that, and knowing each of you, every day of our lives. Our heartfelt thanks to you all. Be well, and God Bless. Katherine and Rob Moore Thank you for supportTo My Wonderful Community, posted 06/17/2006
After a fairly extensive going over, my doctors declared that I am a very healthy man with one exception; one of the two electrical components of my heart stopped working properly. This was causing me to pass out, ending in at least one of a number of events where my pulse stopped for somewhere close to a minute. Once I was delivered to Virginia Mason Hospital, they took me into an operating room and essentially said "You need a pacemaker and if you will kindly sign here, we will put one in." I signed and the next thing I knew I was waking up wired with a battery backup which should keep me going for 5 to 7 years before I need a replacement. The combination of Dr. Moran and the wonderful staff of the medical center, working in conjunction with the amazing EMTs, under Jim Cole's guidance, and the expert crew of the Medevac Helicopter, saved my life. As has been appropriately stated many times before, we are so fortunate to have such profoundly dedicated, well trained and especially caring people living among us and ready at the quick when the call is issued. I am so blessed to have such a loving family and such an outstanding and caring community. Sam Buck III Thanks to firefighters and deputiesDear Editor, posted 05/30/2006
We first heard of this loss via email while traveling, and could only imagine the impact to our beautiful neighborhood. Upon returning, we learned that a tanker in the Straits had spotted the blaze, a stunning confirmation that we were truly blessed to not have had far more extensive damage. Kudos also to Police Officer Jeff Asher who spotted the blaze when returning to his Yacht Haven home after work at 3:00 AM. His timely response confirmed the nature of the fire and allowed the firefighters to respond with appropriate personnel and equipment. It's hard to imagine how flames so high and intense didn't ignite my neighbor's two structures 15 ft. away, our guest house, and the entire White Point forest. We are all so indebted to the dedicated men and women of our community who make such an extensive commitment to training and service. To work a regular job and then get up in the middle of the night to fight a fire is a gift of the highest order. David Bayley WOLVERINE BASEBALLDear Editor, posted 05/24/2006
GO WOLVERINES Rich Warin Dear Editor, posted 05/03/2006
May 7-13 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Please join the Board of the Friday Harbor High School PTSA in expressing our gratitude to those who help our children grow into the next generation of adults. Thank you, FHHS teachers and staff, for all that you do. The PTSA offers special thanks to retiring principal Marilyn Luckman, who has done so much to make Friday Harbor High School shine. Bryn Barnard, President Querido Redactor: En nuestra nación polarizada, donde muchos de nosotros solo tratamos con personas que piensan como nosotros pensamos, nuestra escuela pública sigue siendo uno de los pocos lugares donde el hermoso mosaico de Cultura de los Estados Unidos todavia esta lleno de vida. En la Escuela de Segunda Enseñanza de Friday Harbor(FHHS), nuestros maestros y personal educa a todos o cada uno de nosotros, no importando su origen étnico, orientación de política, posición económica, origen religioso o posición social. Y no solamente cualquier educación: La Escuela de Segunda Enseñanza de Friday Harbor está entre las escuelas pequeñas más sobresaliente en el Estado. Nuestros maestros y personal lo hacen de esa manera. Mayo 7 al 13 es la Semana de Apreciación Nacional de Los Maestros. Por favor unase a la junta directiva Del PTSA de la Escuela de Segunda Enseñanza de Friday Harbor en expresar nuestra gratitud a esas personas que ayudan a nuestros hijos a crecer hacia la próxima generación de adultos. Gracias a Ustedes, Maestros y Personal de la Escuela Secundaria de Friday Harbor, por todo lo que Ustedes hacen. El PTSA ofrece gracias muy especial para la Directora Marilyn Luckman que se retira, y quien a hecho mucho por la Escuela de Segunda Enseñanza de Friday Harbor para relucir o sobresalir. Bryn Barnard, President Thanks for emergency and fire dept crewsDear Editor, posted 3/30/2006
Jim and Maya Corrie. AN OPEN LETTER OF THANKS TO GARY BOOTHMANDear Gary, posted 1/4/2006
We need Friday Harbor to be healthy and vibrant, and as a long-time resident who in general wouldn't mind turning back the clock in San Juan County, I believe that the town has, for the most part, improved over the past decade and a half while you have been in some way at the helm. Again, thanks for putting in countless hours in additional to all of those city council meetings over the last 14 years. Claudia Mills |
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