Preparedness lessons from Holden Village: An evening with former incident commander Will d’Ambruoso
Published 1:30 am Friday, May 15, 2026
High in the Cascade Mountains, Holden Village is a remote Lutheran retreat center accessible only by ferry across Lake Chelan or on foot through the mountains. Isolated from major population centers and surrounded by wilderness, the village operates in an environment where weather, logistics and limited resources require thoughtful preparation and strong community collaboration.
Former Holden Village incident commander and San Juan Island resident Will d’Ambruoso will share reflections and practical lessons drawn from his experiences helping lead emergency response efforts in this unique setting.
In remote places like Holden Village, routine problems can escalate quickly when assistance is delayed and resources are scarce. Weather can change rapidly, supply routes may be disrupted and response times can stretch for hours.
While the stories come from a remote mountain village, many of the lessons resonate strongly on San Juan Island, where ferry dependence, geographic isolation and emergency preparedness are familiar realities.
The event is part of the San Juan Island Grange’s Third Thursday Lecture Series. Thursday, May 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with supper followed by storytelling at 6 p.m. The event takes place at the San Juan Island Grange Hall, 152 First Street N., Friday Harbor, WA. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Zoom option: Join online at 6 p.m.: https://tinyurl.com/yzkdckxt; passcode: 156937.
