Fall Elections at The Mullis Center

All residents of San Juan Island who are 60 years of age or over or disabled are eligible to vote for members of the Mullis Center’s Operations Committee. The Operations Committee is an all-volunteer advisory committee to the Mullis Center. The committee oversees the management, maintenance and use of the facility coordinating with Senior Services. Ballots will be in the October Senior Signal newsletter. If you do not receive the Senior Signal by mail you may pick one up at Mullis Center. The following are statements submitted by the candidates. The candidate’s statements are also posted on the bulletin board in the Mullis Center’s library/lounge.

Callie McKay – Hello! My name is Callie McKay and I am running for a board member position on the Mullis Center Operations Committee this year.

Yes, I know I look young to be a senior, but I am the future, and that is what my agenda on the board is going to be! I would like to see the Mullis Center offer more activities, look into expanding the meal service and get more community involvement at our center.

Let’s keep rolling into the future with our great Mullis Center!

Rita Weisbrod – I am a retired sociologist; moved to SJI from Minnesota in 2001.  I have been active as a founding member of the SJ Prevention Coalition, have been active in St. David’s Episcopal Church and in the former Profitdears Investment Club.  On the Board I would work to secure the recent legacy funds we have received and want to explore new ways the senior center can serve seniors on the island.

 

Maria Skufeeda – My vision for the future of the Mullis Center is a rosy one. We have a unique center here in Friday Harbor, offering a wide range of services for the community. Painting classes, quilting, exercise classes, counseling, and of course the off-island shuttle. Where would it be possible to travel off-island for shopping or a doctor’s appointment for $10? Only through our fabulous Mullis Center, that’s where.

It’s not a secret that we have the best salad bar in town, join us for lunch on Mondays and Thursdays. I’ll see you at the Mullis Center!

Gordon Fowler –

Mullis Advisory Committee / Operations Committee – 11 years

Mullis Center Maintenance – 11 years

Forward Planning Committee – Chairman

Annual Operations Committee Planning Retreat – Leader 2 years

Recent facility upgrades (floor and painting) – Overseer

Bus Replacement Fundraising Committee – Chairman

Mullis Center Renovation Committee – Current Chairman

Stephen Shubert – Hi, my name is Stephen Shubert. I am a new resident of Friday Harbor, moving here 3 years ago. I am a user of the services provided by the center, including playing bridge every Monday, and occasionally having lunch.

I enjoy Friday Harbor and want to give back to the community a measure of the peace I have found here. I spent my career in Community Based Medicine, mainly working with non-profit community and free clinics in California and Nevada in executive capacities. I am familiar with the non-profit world and have skills in fundraising, project management, administration and public communication. I have sat on community boards of directors, as well as staffed them. I am familiar with modern community research and development strategies and will use my best efforts to ensure the smooth long-term development of the Senior Center.

I am diligent in effort and easy to work with. A primary goal of mine would be to foster strong relationships between the senior center and the community in which it is a partner. Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional information at: Stephen.Shubert (@) gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration.

Nancy Lindenberg – My name is Nancy Lindenberg, and I am interested in joining the Operations Committee. 

Since I’ve been coming to the Mullis Senior Community Center for at least 15 years, and enjoying all that is offered here, it seems it is time for me to take part in the work that makes everything go on, year after year, for the members and guests.

I helped edit the cookbook;  I’ve been volunteering to water the plants, sort the books, and help with fund raising, and I was active in Friends and Neighbors for four years. Now I’m ready to sit down and help deal with longer-term projects.



I’ve lived near Roche Harbor since 1992.  My late husband Charlie and I helped build our house, and we had a happy second marriage of 24 years. We like living on the airstrip.  We were active at the Historical Museum, the Theatre, the San Juan Pilots’ Assoc., the San Juan County Amateur Radio Society, and for 12 years were active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Charlie worked for the Journal, and the Port of Friday Harbor,  and I worked for Dorthea at the Boardwalk Bookstore for 16 years. 

Now I am learning how to take care of a home and property. 

I was born in the Yakima Valley, grew up in Seattle and  on Bainbridge Island, and attended Washington State when it was a “college”.  I spent 30 years in the Bay Area near San Francisco, raising three great kids, and worked as a Montessori teacher for 15 years.  I helped to found the Family Umbrella Group here, and am now a member of the Garden Club. 

Almost everything I have done revolves around the Mullis Senior Center in one way or another, and I think it is a great place.  When my mother moved up here, she liked it so much on the first visit, that we all joined:  she said, “Everyone is so cheerful…!”  Mom and I ran a sing-along group for a couple of years.

 I admire the people who work quietly and diligently, month after month, making things go smoothly. 

In every group I have ever belonged to, there are always a few who do all the work, and the natural tendency is for everyone else to just sit back … and enjoy the activities and resources.  It’s not fair for a few people to get overworked. So,  there comes a time when a person needs to step up and take on the more serious side of planning.  That’s what I’d like to do: perhaps design an attractive mailing to go out to the many people who don’t know what goes on here … and create an outreach for new members.  It is so easy so sink into habits … and there is talk of expanding our building… so why not have a membership drive?  Thank you for your vote.  Sincerely, Nancy Lindenberg

Terry M. Forsyth, LPN – My recent joining of the Operations Committee as an active participant with advancing the goals of both the Committee and Mullis Center members has been a positive addition to the Committee.

Fundraising events has a natural interest and I have revived the Fundraising Committee. With Callie McKay immediately answering to my request for assistance, in this short time we have already put together a fun fundraising event for this fall – details coming. Additionally, I have submitted to the Committee Chair a proposed fundraising event that will raise many thousands of dollars.

My personal experience as head busboy in high school then later as head cook at the Mullis Center brings practical and kitchen experience to the Committee. As Committee member, I have offered a steamlining improvement to the scullery that increases safety that simultaneously provides increased space utilization of the scullery operation.

In my short time on the Committee I have already proven myself an asset to the Committee, the Mullis Center and the Mullis Center members. Please vote for me so I can continue with these beneficial efforts and insights.  Thank you, Terry Forsyth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Categories: Community