John D. Lacher, father of Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher, died Monday, Oct. 25 after suffering a heart attack. He was 82. John was blessed with an easeful passing in the loving presence of wife Mary, daughter Lauren Cole, and son Kurt Lacher. John was born in Seattle, Wash. on July 24, 1928. John and Mary met at the University of Washington as students. They were married on July 8, 1950. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer. Children and grandchildren gathered from across the country to share stories, smiles and hugs that will long be remembered.
I appreciate the article that was written about the Medical Center (“Talk of cuts, furloughs bred fear and suspicion at IIMC,” page 1, Oct. 27 Journal). As a patient who has been there way too many times in the last couple of years, I have a view that might be different from the emphasis in the paper. I too have seen problems internally. But what I have seen is an overworked staff, in all areas. If the patient count is down for 2010, the waits were sure not less, and doctors and nurses being pushed to their limits was more the norm than the odd event.
Franchise? Well, perhaps – I’d rather not! Some folks have an appetite, others have taste! Now, stay with me. I’m not against franchise business on the island. As noted, we do have Carquest, NAPA, Radio Shack, Sothebys, etc. But here comes the big “but” – there is a big difference between the above mentioned franchises and franchises that sell food.
Come one, come all to the third annual Great Island Giveaway at Mullis Community Senior Center on Saturday, Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s fun and it’s free.
The Brown House was originally built at Fort Bellingham in 1856, was moved to American Camp in 1867, then moved to Friday Harbor after the U.S.-British territory dispute was settled.
The Brown House through the years. Top photo: The Brown House is one of the two officers quarters seen at the top of the parade grounds in this plan of Fort Bellingham in the 1850s. Middle photo: Second from left, the building was moved from Fort Bellingham to American Camp and served as an officers quarters from 1867-1872. Bottom photo: The building in its current location, at West and First streets, in 1907.
The old building on First and West streets — you probably know her as the Museum of Art or the old Neil’s Images building — will be moved to American Camp on Nov. 18. A significant event, indeed, but to fully grasp the significance we need to peel back a few layers. She has not only witnessed history, but been on the front lines: European contact, the settlement era, the treaty with the region’s First Nations, the birth of an American city, the resolution of a territory dispute between two world superpowers, the development of an island town, and now the efforts to preserve those pieces of our story.
Tuesday, Nov. 2 is Election Day. Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday. Ballots can be dropped off by Tuesday 8 p.m. at the Elections Office in Friday Harbor, or in a drop box:
Local pianist Farhad Ghatan takes islanders on a trip from the Baroque to the Romantic eras — and adds a sprinkle of ragtime — in his piano concert on Friday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., in the San Juan Community Theatre. Ghatan said his musical tour will steer the audience to such composers as Bach, Beethoven, Granados, Joplin, Mozart, Schubert.
Friday Harbor is a relatively small town, but its Halloween night might rank up there with much larger communities. There are a lot of ways to be creative, have fun and be safe.
Edward Ranck-Copher joined Boundary Water, Inc. of Friday Harbor as principal surveyor in July. A professional land surveyor for 20 years, Ranck-Copher brings to Boundary Water more than a decade of experience in managing survey teams, as well as a professional background that includes a wide range of expertise.
Cedar fence builder Vaughn Mason of San Juan Island has launched a new venture, Cedar Lite Kindling. Just in time for winter and the holiday season; more on that in a minute.
Author, artist and illustrator Sam Connery will discuss and sign copies of his six books Nov. 6. 2-4 p.m., at Griffin Bay Bookstore, 155 Spring St. Connery may be joined by Paul Chadwick, a Disney storyboard artist who created the “Concrete” comic book character and with Connery authored “Let’s Cartoon!”
