Drop by!

Join Island Rec and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition to ring in 2012 at this alcohol-free community party! Music, entertainment, dancing, games, contests and activties for all ages. Bring a snack to share!

All ages, FREE! Saturday, December 31 from 7-9 pm at the Mullis Center.

Always great to run into our old friends home from school - Amelia & Ursala Stegman (FHHS '08) check in with buddy Jay Sandwith ('09) after visiting the new Mi Casita over at the Best Western....

Are you caught up with your thank you notes yet? Me, neither….maybe we’ll get to them today…

• Yep, it’s tonight at the Rumor Mill – The Duotones (Bob Leytze & Mike Adams) will also be joined by special guest Avery Adams (FHHS ’08) – see ya there!

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• It was great to wander around town yesterday & Monday & visit with shop owners & friends & even some visitors…it was quiet & kinda cold & kinda felt like there was a little bit of Christmas glow to bask in for a bit.

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There are sales all over town this week...get down & check them out!

Just got a note from Gail that she & Randy have a sale on:

Hey, Ian! Could you please mention in the Update that Cotton Cotton Cotton is having a year end sale –
30% off everything in the store except for jewelry! Wednesday December 28 – December 31st!
We are open at 10:00am – 4:00pm.  Saturday 10:00 am-2:00pm.
We will be closed January 1 – February 9th – so come in and get your Cotton Cotton Cotton favorites now!
Thanks so much!

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On Christmas Eve eve (that would be Friday, if you're backdating), Santa caught up with Angie, Brenna & Beatriz at Islanders Bank.

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You know THEY worked hard to make the holiday happen...thanks to Liz (left), Scott & Yvonne at the Post Office - way to go!

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Tamara Weaver reports: Enjoying a walk near Jakle's Lagoon last week, Jon and I met local Judy Holm picking up trash on the beach. And, the beach just gleamed! Nice example, Judy! (photo by Tamara)

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Tamara Weaver reports: Hey, did you see Cecil DeMeereer and Teddy Dean playing in front of the Cask & Schooner last week? Free concert! They both had big smiles and sounded great, despite the frigid temperatures. Really set the Christmas spirit! (photo by Tamara - thanks!)

A piece of our island’s spirit has passed away….former Town Councilman & Mayor Jim Cahail is going to be mightily missed by a town that was lucky to have him around for so many years…he was a great one.

 A commemorative Mass for Jim will be conducted at St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, Dec 28th at noon. A reception at the Presbyterian Church will follow (1-3pm). Donations can be made in his memory to the San Juan Historical Society (Milk Barn Restoration and Museum Path funds). Here’s a remembrance, from his family:

Jim Cahail
1/4/34 – 12/23/11

Jim Cahail

Hubert James (Jim) Cahail passed away at Life Care Center in Friday Harbor on December 23, 2011 from an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Jim was born on January 4, 1934 in Friday Harbor to Hubert and Frances (Mickey) Cahail. He lived his entire life on San Juan Island. He is a descendent of Dan Madden and as such, a 3rd generation islander. He spent several years fishing on the Denny M around the islands.

Jim graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1952 and attended Washington State University where he studied engineering. While there, he met Mary Jean Thomsen and the two were married on April 7, 1956 in Wenatchee, WA. They returned to the island and there raised three children – Doug, Peggy and David.

He worked as civil (county road) engineer for San Juan County for 12 years beginning  in 1956. In 1969, he joined OPALCO as an engineer and retired as the Assistant General Manager in 1999. He also worked over the years for the Corps of Engineers and worked on a bridge to connect the islands.

Jim also served the Friday Harbor community for many years. He was initially elected to Town of Friday Harbor – City Council in 1963 and periodically over the next 3 decades served as city councilman or mayor. He often was greeted by people calling him “Mr. Mayor”.

In the early 1990s, he and Mary Jean built a log vacation home north of Leavenworth where they spent several weeks during the year including many snowy Christmas’ with his family.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and dogs, traveling around the Pacific Northwest and Europe, gardening and golfing. He also had a strong interest in Northwest railroads and lighthouses. He volunteered for many years with the San Juan Historical Society mowing lawns, doing research, and performing odd jobs

Jim, like his mother, was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Parish and volunteered in various functions.

Jim is survived by wife Mary Jean, son Doug (Carla), daughter Peggy (John Negley), son David (Paul), and grandson Ian.

Jim was a devoted family member and supporter of the community and will be sorely missed.

A mass will be conducted at St. Francis Catholic Church (425 Price Street) on Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 at Noon. A reception at the Presbyterian Church (425 Spring Street) from 1-3PM will follow.

Please make donations to the San Juan Historical Society in support of the Milk Barn restoration and much needed walking paths.

You know why I like this holiday? Because it celebrates Someone who offered some pretty good advice for making things good in the world. In honor of the day & the One who gave that advice, here’s the whole Sermon on the Mount, from the Gospel According to Matthew:

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: ^5:2and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

^5:3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^5:4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

^5:5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

^5:6Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

^5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

^5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

^5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.

^5:10Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ^5:11Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. ^5:12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. Continue Reading

Shoes at my door...isn't it great to have everyone home for the holiday?

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Let’s check in before we get this long holiday weekend going…

Where To Retire...here!

• I heard that Lori Stokes was interviewed by Where To Retire magazine (they have over 500,000 readers) recently, so I asked her what was the scoop:

In the November/December issue of this magazine (which I haven’t been able to find on any magazine rack on the island), there is an article entitled “8 Treasured Islands for Serene Living.”

San Juan is one of the featured islands, and I was interviewed by the writer (after being referred by the Visitors Bureau) so am quoted quite a bit in the article.  I have a hard copy of the magazine, and looked at their website to see if you can access the article online.  It doesn’t appear to me that this is possible.  So let me know if you have any interest in looking at the article, and I can get you a copy.

I feel a bit like a celebrity, although I doubt most people who know me will ever see it!

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• I knew you were gonna ask, so I went & checked…Mi Casita opened last night at their new location in the Best Western, and they were slammed. There were people waiting to be seated in a line out into the lobby pretty much right after they opened. While we were waiting in line, I asked everyone leaving how the food was, and the answers ranged from “Great!” to “Awesome!”

I think Gregg has a winner on his hands. Drop by & see what he’s done!

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• The Golden Triangle is open 12 noon – 8pm on Christmas Eve, if you’re looking for a great meal for the evening….

Tonight!

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• From 7-11pm tonight at The Rumor Mill:

Big Band Christmas music! Featuring Jill Urbach & Jim Moe. With guest trumpet, Dave George! Also guest baritone sax, Teddy Deane! Great Music, Great food! See you there!

• My friend Marie Dicristina says here’s a way for you to help our friend:

Elizabeth Welch Medical Fund now established

The friends and family of Elizabeth Welch have set up a fundraiser account at Wells Fargo Bank to help with the overwhelming medical costs from her cancer surgery and treatments.

Elizabeth is known by many as President of the Island Arts League as well as for her passion for drama and theater.  She is a gifted artist, holds a master’s degree in History, lover of music, and is kind soul who now needs the community to assist her in her battle and medical costs. She has been involved with the San Juan Singers, a San Juan Library volunteer, worked with the Library beading group and has made many friends with many islanders and artists.

Any kind gift would be appreciated.   Please make checks to the Elizabeth M. Welch Fund account and take or send to the Wells Fargo Bank, P. O. Box 189, Friday Harbor, WA 98250  360 (378-2128).  Many thanks to those of who can contribute and best wishes to all this holiday season!

The friends and family of Elizabeth Welch

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I caught up with Bill Ament, just outside of The Trading Company yesterday...

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• Check this out, from Deanna at the Port of Friday Harbor – it’s something new at the Airport:

The island’s first public street lights using LED technology have been installed at the Friday Harbor Airport.

These energy efficient streetlights are located at Airport Circle Drive. The lights incorporate the latest LED technology, including “Dark Skies” shading to protect airport neighbors from unwanted light. As part of the Standby Generator, Electrical Vault and Gate System Project these fixtures will illuminate an otherwise dark stretch of road near Aeronautical Services, Ernie’s Café and Westwind Aviation. The Friday Harbor Port Commissioners are committed to reducing the use of electricity at Port facilities through projects designed to take advantage of the latest available technology.

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Christmas in Rwanda, with Arielle....

• It’s good to hear from Arielle Mancuso!

Arielle (center) with friends in Rwanda...

She is serving in the Peace Corps in Rwanda, and has a Christmas that includes sister Ayanna coming to Africa to visit, and her dad Bob dropping by in the new year (here’s more on her blog)…her mom Yvonne reports:

It’s Arielle’s Christmas Card from Rwanda (above).  This is what you do when there aren’t any Christmas decorations to buy … you make your own using the Currier & Ives nostalgia of being home for the holidays.  Her latest blog tells it all … :>)

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• You knew this, but I’ll remind you:

The San Juan County Charter Review Commission will convene its first meeting at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 7,  2012 in the County Council Chambers, 55 Second Avenue in Friday Harbor.

The County’s Charter calls for a review by an elected Charter Review Commission after five full years of operation under the new form of government, and at least every ten years thereafter. The County’s home rule charter was adopted by voters in 2005 and put in place in 2006.

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Goats on the loose....

• Just got a note from Chance Earle about her adventures in the streets of town – here’s more:

I had to share this.

Today I went up to Franck Street to loan a DVD to a friend. At the top of the hill in another friend’s driveway are 5 goats. My friend doesn’t own goats!

Anyway I notified the friend that goats are chewing down big time on their shrubs. Other neighbors (Carole & Jack Woolsey) said they had called the sheriff and “help was on the way.”

HUNGRY goats on the loose...

In the meantime I walked down to Virginia Otto’s house to deliver the DVD and guess what – the goats followed.. Virginia was very surprised with the extra “company,” who liked her shrubs as well. I tried to detour them up Maple Steet, and I thought I had shaken them but they found me again at Timmons’.

Good grief… the sheriff did arrive and eventually the owner. He leashed up one, they all followed, so he headed over back to Grover Street where they came from.

Only in Friday Harbor. Got to love this place.

Merry Christmas from Chance

Everybody worked it out, and the goats went home....

• Thanks to Randall, and xkcd.com

Here are some places that are celebrating the holiday, ’round the island:

• At Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, Torrey reports:

CHRISTMAS SEASON WORSHIP SERVICES
Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec 24th:
Family Candlelight Service 4:30pm
This will include carols, scripture lessons, praise team, choir, and children’s time.
Communion Candlelight Service 7:00pm
This will be a quieter, more meditative service with carols, scripture lessons and Holy Communion.
Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec 25th 10:00am
“Holiday Spirit or Holy Spirit” with Dr. Joe Bettridge

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• Here’s the word for Islands Community Church:

Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service at 4:30pm and Christmas Day Service at 10:45am.

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• At St. Francis Catholic Church:

5:30 pm on Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
7:30 pm on Saturday, December 24th – Christmas ‘Midnight’ Mass at Friday Harbor
9:00 am on Sunday, December 25th – Christmas morning Mass at Friday Harbor

• At Our Lady of Good Voyage Catholic Church:

5:30 pm on Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve at Our Lady of Good Voyage, Roche Harbor

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• Lutheran & Episcopal services:

LUTHERAN & EPISCOPAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN FRIDAY HARBOR
There will be three opportunities to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with worship services at Saint David’s Church on the corner of Park and Marguerite in Friday Harbor.

A Family Service featuring the annual children’s pageant is at 4:30 in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. Any child in the community is invited to come at 4:00 to pick out a costume and participate in the pageant. The service is designed so that no one has to rehearse in advance, and all may participate.

At 10 pm on Christmas Eve, The Friday Harbor Branch of the Lutheran Church in the San Juans and Saint David’s Episcopal Church will celebrate the Nativity of our Lord with a Festive Holy Eucharist service featuring a combined choir. The church will be decorated with lights, candles, cedar greens and poinsettias.

On Christmas Day, the two congregations will again come together for a single Holy Eucharist service at 9 am. This will allow families to celebrate at home, come to a worship service at church, and get back home in time for family dinners and other gatherings.

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• At Christ The King Community Church, at Paideia School:

On Christmas Eve at 5:30pm: Come as you are and celebrate with the Chrismas story, Christmas carols, homemade Christmas goodies, hot apple cider.

Note: This will take the place of our normally scheduled Sunday morning worship service. We will not meet on Christmas Day.

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• Our Unitarian friends have no service on Sunday…..

Desi Whalen had a great first semester at Chapman University in California, and brought her roommate Kira to the island to show her around this week...

Let’s see what’s going on around the island….

• Gregg told me yesterday that Mi Casita is opening today (Thursday) for sure…and I got this nice note from Carol just now that after 15 years at the other place – they’re ready!

It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years!  Now the old will be new again when we open the doors to Mi Casita at our new Best Western location at 4:00 on Thursday, December 22nd!  With plenty of hard work by our wonderful staff and friends, we are ready to welcome everyone for dinner and drinks. Thanks again for letting folks know the latest on Mi Casita. Have a great holiday.
Carol and Gregg

Jill (left) and Susan

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• Have you heard the BlogTalkRadio yet? Here’s a visit with local writers Susan Wingate & Jill Urbach – listen here.

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• Can you help? Just got this note from Amber Garcia:

I was hoping that you could put a post on your site about our annual food drive at Swanberg-Judkins Insurance!

We are in our final week of our Third Annual Food Drive at Swanberg-Judkins Insurance and would greatly appreciate your contribution! Please drop off non-perishable food items and/or personal care items for our local food bank at 772 Mullis Street (behind Whidbey Island Bank).

Thank you and have a Very Merry Christmas 🙂

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This Christmas, the Sandpebble's window display is featuring local author Anne L. Watson's "Baking with Cookie Molds," as well as several of her incredible molded cookies. The cookies aren't for sale there, but the book is -- and then you can make the cookies yourself! Photo by Anne's husband, Aaron Shepard.

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Ice feathers, by Alex Shapiro

• I love Alex Shapiro’s photos & reflections on the ice feathers & designs….here’s more, on her blog.

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Great to see old friends Marion Melville & Doug Bison in town on Tuesday...Doug's new store in LaConner opened this month & is doing great, and they both are always fun to check in with......

David Harsh, Spring St Students, NPS Acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons, Gina Rochfort, and Ken Arzarian gather for the project....

It’s always cool to hear about islanders doing things to make our place a little better, and some make it a lot better. My friend Teresa wrote this little story & sent some pictures to give you the idea about what they did to improve a trail – you’ll love this:

Rangers & locals work together....

Favorite Trail Improved by Community Effort Consisting of National Park Service (NPS), Local Citizens Groups, Four Spring Street International Students
by Theresa Simendinger

A favorite connector trail traditionally known as Kneeknocker Trail between the Logging Road circling Briggs Lake and Mitchell Hill Trail was improved by a critical “puncheon” constructed December 3rd to cross a seasonal muddy area due to a small trickle of runoff midway along the trail. A puncheon is a very low, short wooden platform crossing.

Years of negotiations and planning preceded the joint work party construction of the crossing.

Building of the new puncheon by the group...

Rik Karon has been riding the trails horseback for 30 yrs along with Mark Hetrick of the biking community. They noticed the slow deterioration of the area. Karon never gave up with his negotiating skills. David Harsh (NPS Ranger) attended meetings and coordinated between NPS and the groups. Hetrick’s extensive construction background had the job well prepped and organized along with Mike Lazzari of the SJ Trails Committee.

Dave Zeretzke, also of the Trails Committee, wrote letters and petition to the Trails Committee for funding. The  SJ Trails Committee is another branch of Island Rec which donated the funds for the project.

Four Spring Street School International Students from the south of China fulfilled community hours by joining with 22 local park lovers consisting of hikers, bikers, equestrians and six NPS Rangers. This included acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons and his wife Gina Rochfort, both career NPS.

The new puncheon in place....

Gibbons gave the final ok on the project. Gibbons wrote later, “Thanks very much to all of the volunteers for all your hard work and camaraderie in support of the puncheon installation at the Mitchell Hill unit yesterday.

“Personally, it was an honor for me to meet the volunteers and to work side-by-side with all of you in support of protecting such a great resource while at the same time
enhancing recreational opportunities for the public.” Ranger Steve Ray remarked, “This was the best volunteer group I’ve worked with.” Lars Sjohlm, hiker and biker of the trails since 1979 said he was “amazed to see the project actually happen and to work with such an enthusiastic group.”

The NPS supplied not only manpower but also tools, a truck and a Gator to move gravel and lumber close to the site. The volunteers and Rangers worked together hauling in lumber and tools to the site and providing a friendly work force for the installation of the puncheon.

Homemade cookies brought by the volunteers were passed around to celebrate the completion of the puncheon. It felt like this was a special moment of community cooperation and worth celebrating the upgrading of a trail loved by so many.

Everyone who worked on this joint effort will smile each time they safely cross the area on the fine new puncheon and remember this day of community spirit.

Note: Acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons replaced Peter Dederich who moved on to another position within the NPS.

22 trail loving hikers, bikers, equestrians and rangers gather to improve a trail...and have a good time!

You know the twelve days of Christmas start after the 25th, right? Used to be you got a gift a day till Epiphany on the sixth…kinda like an Advent calendar gone post-retro.

Anyway, here’s a little version of the song that’ll tickle you, I bet:

J16 Slick with her new baby calf J48 (the little peach-colored one) and her 2007 daughter, J42. Photo by Candice Emmons, NWFSC, December 17, 2011.

Yep, there’s a new calf in J pod – wahoo! Here’s the word from Howard Garrett at the Orca Network:

Big news! It’s been kept quiet to make sure all parties confirmed it, but NOAA’s NW Fisheries Science Center and the Center for Whale Research have confirmed that on December 17, 39-year-old J16 (Slick) gave birth to a new baby calf in Puget Sound (probably only a few hours earlier, judging from the fresh fetal folds), before being seen and photographed by veteran field researcher Candice Emmons of NWSFC. This makes J16’s fifth calf since her first, J26, was born in 1991. She was the sixteenth J pod orca photographed and identified by Mike Bigg in 1972, and is among the oldest whose age is known exactly. Her matriline is known as the J7’s after J16’s late mother. Photos of the family can be found by scrolling down the Center for Whale Research matriline guide.

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Meanwhile, over at The Whale Museum, director Jenny Atkinson has a chance for you to help out – here’s the deal:

Last week, we received an anonymous pledge of $5,000 IF we receive gifts to match it by December 31.  I’ve posted this information on our web page and on our FaceBook page. Please help make sure we receive this great gift by contributing and/or spreading the word.

Here’s a link to the Donation Form. If you or your friends make a contribution towards this, please note “gift match” in the Comment field!

Thanks!
Jenny

It’s great to have a day that you know means….more light! From here on out (for a half year, anyway) the days just get longer – wahoo!

I love the way our Community Foundation pulls different parts of our community together  – here’s another super example:

Women’s Fund Makes Grants to Enrich Lives for Island Residents

The Women’s Fund (WF) of the San Juan Island Community Foundation announced its 2011 grant program after counting the ballots. The recipients are Friday Harbor Food Bank, $2000.00, for immediate funding for operational needs; Senior Services Council, $1500.00, for immediate funding to cover a shortfall for the In-Home Assistance RN Coordinator’s salary; SJI Family Resource Center, $1000.00, for the Read to Your Child 20 Minutes a Day program; SJI EMT Injury Prevention, $1200.00, for participation of the Air Lift and Medical Center organizations for Every 15 Minutes education; SJICF Scholarship Fund, $1200.00; for three San Juan Island people for Certified Nurse’s Assistants (CNA) career training scholarships; STEAM Arts Initiative, $1200.00, for art supplies; Dollars for Scholars $100.00, for website development; and SJI Community Foundation, $1300.00, General Operation Fund.

The WF is comprised of more than 80 individual women, each of who donate at least $100.00 per year for philanthropic purposes. The WF reviews grant proposals from non-profit organizations before voting to award money. San Juan Island women have been pooling their resources for more than eight years.

The WF is committed to educating and expanding the pool of women engaged in philanthropy; combining and building women’s resources to make a significant impact in our community; and increasing awareness of important issues facing San Juan Island nonprofit organizations. New members are welcome. Women may choose to be active on a committee, or simply vote in the annual election, which took place this year via Survey Monkey, an online tool that protects privacy and allowed 60 members to vote from home.

The WF is a Pooled Donor Advised Fund of the San Juan Island Community Foundation. For more information, visit the WF website at www.sjiwomensfund.org.

The San Juan Island Community Foundation (SJICF) serves as a non-profit philanthropic umbrella organization helping donors, non-profits and public organizations to achieve their goals through direct grants, organizational assistance and philanthropic resource management. For more information, visit the SJICF website at www.sjicf.org.

Richie Havens in 1971…..

The FHES second graders went a-caroling at the Mullis Center with the seniors last Thursday - here they sing Rudolph for an appreciative crowd....photo by Debbi Fincher.

Happy Tuesday to you!

• Oren at The Rumor Mill wants to invite you down tonight – he & Peggy are offering a Hanukkah menu with Chicken Matzo Ball soup, Latkes, Beef Brisket, & much more. Menorah lighting at 7pm, followed by live music with OPA. The celebration of traditional Hannukah food starts at 4pm – come on down!

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• Speaking of open, the Market Chef is open through the holidays – if yesterday’s lunch crowd is any indication, you already knew that…they’re closed on the weekends (and next Monday, the 26th), but are open the rest of the time – Laurie says to come on by!

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Maddie....

• After Maddie Leiren graduated from Friday Harbor High a few years back (2009), she headed for Los Angeles, where she’s been modeling & designing clothes.

She was featured (as a model) in StyleRift this past month (as Adrianna Leiren), and has a new line of Winter Wonderland gowns in her Threads of Austere line.

Way to go, Maddie!

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• Wolf Hollow is selling their Holiday gift cards at several places around town: The Barking Bird, Robin’s Nest, Friday Harbor Pet Supply, Vital Elements, to name a few.  The cards are $5 each and feature lovely photos of wildlife.  They are gift cards that can be used as stocking stuffers or gifts as each card represents a donation made to Wolf Hollow in the recipient’s name.

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Amazing work by Jan Murphy, my new favorite artist....

• Mixed media artist Jan Murphy is the featured artist at Lavendera Day Spa this month – swing by & catch her show!

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• It’s a wrap – let the kids help! Here’s the word from Torrey at the Presbyterian Church:

Is wrapping your gifts for holiday celebrations a hassle?  Are your fingers tired of holding ribbons and cutting paper?  Do you need some extra time this season?  Let us help.

Drop your gifts by the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, December 21st, and local high school youth will wrap your gifts and have them ready for pick-up late afternoon that same day.

Paper has been donated by Post San Juan and we are seeking to serve our community in practical, helpful ways.  This is a free service, although any donations received will go toward other service projects.

Stop in between 1:30-4 pm and we’ll either wrap while you wait or we’ll arrange a time for you to pick up your wrapped gifts later in the day.

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• This may be a good time to plan this one…the holidays can be a tough time for those who have lost friends & family….here’s more from our friends at Hospice:

Hospice of San Juan To Offer Grief and Loss Support Group

Nearly everyone experiences loss and grief at some time. When someone we are close to dies, those who survive often find ourselves at a loss.  A vacuum is created.  Many questions arise.  What’s next?  Who am I now in this life?  Thoughts and feelings may seem off kilter.   Even making simple decisions like what to eat seem difficult. These are normal reactions to loss.  Grief and mourning are natural and necessary processes to help us through our time of sorrow and loss.   And, we don’t have to do it alone.

Hospice of San Juan is sponsoring a Grief Support Group for anyone who has lost a family member or friend.  The support group will provide a time to talk and share common experiences.  We will also provide information and tools for dealing with the grief process, along with other topics of interest to the participants.

The group begins Friday, January 20, 2012,  and will meet twice per month on the 1st and 3^rd  Friday, 9 – 10:30 AM, with a total of 6 sessions, finishing on April 6^th.

Lenore Bayuk, MN, ACNS, will facilitate the group.  Lenore has worked with loss and grief in her own life and professionally as a nurse and psychotherapist.  She has been a Psychosocial Nurse Specialist for 37 years and a nurse for 43 years.

Please sign up with Lenore at 360-378-3636, ext. 1 or call Madelyn Busse 360-375-6052 with any questions.