Monday…..

Yep, the humpbacks were visiting last week on Thursday near Race Rocks (near Victoria) - thanks to Jim Maya for his great photo!

Looking around the island….

Shawnna's back!

• Hey, Spa d Bune has welcomed Shawnna Vert (FHHS ’06) back to the island – and they have specials set  with her for next month  – make your appointment now! Here’s more:

Spa d Bune is featuring during the month of November complimentary scalp and moisturizing treatment with Shawnna Vert, with hair cut/styling appointment.  We all know how dry and brittle our hair can get from the summer, remoisturize  your scalp and hair for the holiday.  Call Spa d Bune  today to schedule an appointment 370 5027.

• Whoa – Mike Bertrand‘s mom & dad just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary -awesome! Here’s the story.

• Julie Corey & the Kiwanis Club are gearing  up for Halloween to help the folks (especially around the Greenway neighborhood!) who get so many kids coming by…one family in Greenway told me they had over 600 kids (they counted) a couple of years ago. That’s a lot of candy – so Kiwanis helps:

Kiwanis of Friday Harbor Halloween Candy Drive
Many years ago our club started a Halloween Candy drive for the neighborhoods that have alot of Trick or Treaters come to their door. Island children and parents have always enjoyed this fun day. We are asking you to please donate a bag of unopened candy to one of our drop off locations. Just look for the big red container at MarketPlace, Kings and Friday Harbor Drug.

We delivered candy to 75 homes last year. Please help us make this a success this year! If you would like to join us in all the fun, Kiwanis meets at 12/noon every Thursday at Vinny’s. Hope to see you there!

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The northern lights, photographed by Nathan Biletnikoff for National Geographic, from Cattle Point.

• It was cool to see the National Geographic chose Nathan’s  picture above to show off the Northern Lights as we see ’em from here. Here’s more from the NG. Wow!

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• It was cool to hear that Jessica (Griss) & Patrick Merlino just celebrated their fifth anniversary (here’s the story, at the time – scroll down & look for the wedding picture with the fire truck in it; or look at these islanders’ Valentine’s stories -Patrick & Jessica are at the bottom).

So, hey, Patrick – Jessica wants to say happy anniversary to her sweet husband!

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• Just got this note from Nancy at Griffin Bay that one of my favorite people on the island is presenting at the bookstore on the 29th:

JEAN HENDRICKSON, LOCAL ELDER & AUTHOR, AT GRIFFIN BAY BOOKSTORE, OCTOBER 29, 2:00—4:00pm

She'd do a wedding anywhere - Mike & Dawn jumped in the water right after Jean married them back in 2005. It'll be fun to hear from Jean again at Griffin Bay Bookstore on the 29th!

Griffin Bay Bookstore takes great pleasure in hosting Jean Hendrickson, well- known community elder and author, on Saturday, October 29, 2:00—4:00 pm. We invite the public to come and chat with Jean during the afternoon; she delights in conversation and welcomes the chance to talk about The Joy of Being in a Nursing Home.

Jean wrote this pamphlet to bring  comfort, peace and JOY to seniors who need to make changes in their living arrangements, and for adult children assisting their parents to find new perspectives about what the future may hold.

At 82, Jean has been living contentedly in a nursing home for more than five years.  She describes the services and activities there and how she found happiness after releasing her independent housing, while maintaining her independent mindset! She is truly happy!

Glimpses of Jean’s fascinating and fulfilling life as a wife, mother, musician, counselor, teacher, ordained minister, and author fill these pages.  In her memoir entitled, We All Have a Purpose for Being Here, published in 2007, Jean relates her fulfilling life journey, and her most joyful career satisfaction as a wedding officiant, which began after age 65.

Read this booklet. You will be welcomed to the JOY of being an elder and be surprised by the unexpected good things yet to come!

“When I met Jean Hendrickson many years ago, she was a vibrant energetic woman with a full busy life with countless friends and family. Entering a nursing home changed her address, but not her determination to live a full and productive life. Jean has retained her independence and quality of life while living in a nursing home. She is an inspiration and mentor to those struggling with losing their home and independence. Jean proves that love follows you to a nursing home.”

~ Cindy Thurman, RN, Resident Care Manager
Life Care Center of the San Juan Islands

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