June 14, 1940 - March 21, 2025 Rick Galer was born in Seattle on June 14, 1940. He was raised in View Ridge and Madrona and graduated from Queen Anne High SchoolafterattendingMarymount Military Academy in Tacoma.
RickwasaJackofalltrades. His first job was as a Lifeguard at Alki Beach, which fueled his love for the sea.
After a couple of years as a medicinthecoastguardand a snow skiing trip through Europe,hesettleddownand startedafamily.Thisbrought him to a job at Heisdorf & Nelson (poultry breading) in Redmond, the Computer Center Corporation (yes, the computertime-sharingplace that Bill Gates started out in) intheUDistrict,andfinallyto startingacarpentrybusiness called Woodworks, based in Issaquah. When he moved up to Friday Harbor in the 1980s, he became a firefighter, eventually becoming the Fire Chief and then the San Juan County Fire
Marshall. One of the parts of being Marshall that he was most proud of was taking theATFArsontraininginDC. Throughout his life he had many passions. He was an avid snow skier who worked Ski Patrol at Stevens Pass & Crystal Mountain, and taught skiing at Snoqualmie Pass. On the water he skied, barefooted, parasailed, and sailed all over the NW. He loved sailboats so much that he even lived on a couple of them. One big sailing trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands inBCwasfeaturedonExploration NW. He also loved readingandresearching.His
curious mind was thrilled by the advent of the internet. His wood working skills were ever present as he createdwoodenpuzzlesthat hesoldatmanyBellevueArts andCraftsFairs.Anythinghe ever crafted had his special flair, and many of his friends and family will cherish those creations knowing we won’t be receiving any more special gifts from him. After breaking his leg snow skiing a few years ago, he gave up his early morning swims and workouts, his occasional 5K races and weekly ferry boat rides, to live near family on an
partners to provide project details and ensure the continuation of services.
The project, funded by the CountyRoadAdministration Board and the SJC Roads Fund, seeks to:
island with a bridge. Since that move, he found joy in mowing his acreage on the tractor, riding his 4x4 with the dogs, enjoying a good meal out with a nice beer and ice cream. Rick passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2025 while in the hospital in Anacortes for an illness. He was84andisprobablypretty upset that he did not make it to his goal of 100. He will be “buried at sea” like any true captain should. To share memories of Rick, please visit www. evanschapel.com/obituary/ rick-galer
Submitted by San Juan County’s Public Works Department.
San Juan County’s Public Works Department is kicking off the Douglas/Bailer Hill Road Improvements Project this month and is sharing safety reminders for drivers.
Throughout the length of the project, vehicle speeds will be reduced to 35 mph in the construction zone. This
area spans from approximately the intersection of Little Road and Douglas Road up through a section of Bailer Hill Road. Signage will be posted.
Go slow zone
In addition, please remember to drive slowly through active construction zones:
• For their safety: You are driving through an active
construction zone – obey flaggers and posted traffic signs.
• For your safety: Excessive speeds may kick up loose rock into oncoming traffic.
• It’s your road: Construction can move more quickly and safely when vehicle speeds are reduced.
Project details
The 1.3-mile project is
anticipated to last through September. The existing road will remain open to through traffic, and the project is not anticipating a full closure or detour. During working hours, flaggers will manage single-lane access as needed and reopen the road fully during evenings and weekends. The project team is coordinating with the school district, first responders and other
•Eliminatehorizontaland vertical sight distance issues by smoothing peaks and valleys.
• Add paved, 4-foot shouldersonbothsidesoftheroad along the length of the project to provide safety accommodations for bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
SanJuanCountyispreparing for the annual spring hazardous waste roundup events,providinganessential serviceforresidentsandbusinesses to safely and responsibly dispose of hazardous materials. This year’s roundups aim to continue protecting both the environment and public safety by ensuring hazardous chemicalslikeflammable,corrosive or poisonous substances are properly handled.
“Incidents at the Lopez and Orcas solid waste facilities have really shown us how important it is to handle hazardouswasteresponsibly.
Inthesecases,chemicalsthat weren’t disposed of properly caused dangerous reactions, which led to the temporary closure of the facilities. Moving forward, it’s crucial foreveryone—bothresidents and local businesses—to make safe disposal a priority to avoid these kinds of risks,” said Katie Fleming, Solid Waste coordinator with the DepartmentofEnvironmental Stewardship. This year’s collection events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the solid waste facilities across the islands. Residents can disposeofhazardousmaterials at the following locations: San Juan Island on May 3, Lopez Island on May 31 and Orcas Island on June 14.
This year’s roundup offers
households the opportunity to dispose of up to 25 gallons of hazardous waste free of charge. Waste must be contained in containers no larger than five gallons. Containers like gas cans will also be collected. The disposal costs are being paid by the San Juan County SolidWasteProgramandthe Washington Department of Ecology.
The business collection event on San Juan Island will take place on May 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, businesses have the option to participate in the events on other islands. Preregistration is required for businesses across all islands and must be completed by April 18. For registration details
• Raise the elevation of Bailer Hill Road to minimize seasonal flooding.
• Improve roadway drainage with wider ditches and upsized driveway culverts for adjacent homes.
• Improve stormwater quality by adding vegetated filter strips along roadway edges. The Public Works Departmentwillcontinuetoprovide updatesastheprojectmoves forward.Allrelatedmaterials can be found on the County’s website: https://www. sanjuancountywa.gov/278/ Current-Projects
• Construct a “Radial-T” intersection leading to the Oaks housing development, eliminating the two existing “dog legs” at the intersection that create sight-line issues.
and inquiries, please reach out to Fleming at 360-7625821 or via email at katief@ sanjuancountywa.gov or 360-762-5821. For a full list of accepted materials and further event details, please visit www. sanjuanco.com/351/ Hazardous-Waste
This initiative is vital to keeping our community safe and ensuring the responsible handling of potentially hazardous materials.
San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 915SpringSt.,FridayHarbor, WA98250.FormoreinformationaboutSanJuanCounty’s DepartmentofEnvironmental Stewardship, visit www. sanjuanco.com/839/ Environmental-Stewardship
Close encounters: Stories that got away
KIM MAYER
A short walk in the woods from my home sits
The Mausoleum at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. Not one visit do I make to the memorial that I don’t mourn my grandfather. It isn’t grandpa who is buried there; it’s the McMillin family, but like John S. McMillin, the
paternal head of the family, my grandfather was a businessman and a Mason. I tend to linger at the Mausoleum as if the stone edifice could answer some of my questions. My grandfather was warm, loving and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. But he was mum about the Masonic Order. As children, we’d clamor around him asking countless questions about his Masonic ring, and he’d just smile and laugh and bounce us on his lap. I can still feel his firm hugs and the texture of his wool cardigan sweaters even in summer. But I will never hear the story. He took it with him. Now, I know members are
pledged to secrecy with the Masonic Oath, but McMillin’s colossal mausoleum is fraught with masonic signs and symbols. They’re etched in the arches, carved on the steps, depicted by a large round limestone table surrounded by chairs that serve as crypts on a platform encircled by Roman columns. It’s a tomb on a rise in the woods. The story as McMillin saw it.
My friend’s grandfather was a vice president with one of the world’s largest companies specializing in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In the 1940s, he was approached by The Office of Strategic Services, the first centralized intelligence agency in the country
and predecessor to the CIA. Suddenly, he was whisked away, multiple times, from New York to Roswell, New Mexico. His family was informed of nothing.
The most they ever heard of his involvement in Roswell may have been in 1977 when my friend took her grandparents to the theater to see Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which had just been released. Leaving the theater at the conclusion of the film, her grandfather muttered, “That’s not the way it happened.” And that’s all he ever said on the subject. He, too, took it with him.
Just as I may never know what the Masonic Order meant to my grandfather, some kind of deep secrecy still shrouds us all, 80 years after the 1947 crash site near Roswell, New Mexico.
Author Talk features Kurt Hoelting
Submitted by Griffin Bay Bookstore
GriffinBayBookstorehosts author Kurt Hoelting featuringhisnewmemoir,Apprentice to the Wild on Sunday, April 27 at 2 pm in the bookstore café.
Apprentice to the Wildcharts Kurt Hoelting’s encounters with wildness andriskasacommercialfisherman and wilderness guide in Alaska, while mapping his simultaneous exploration of thewildwithinasaZenpractitioner and mindfulness teacher.Inspiredbythewords andfriendshipofGarySnyder, Hoeltingguidedmindfulnessbased kayaking expeditions in Alaska focused on how the “practice of the wild” informs both our inner and outer landscapes. In later essays, he charts his path toward healingfollowingthedeathof his two sons, while exploring what it means to become an
elderinturbulenttimes.With honesty and wisdom, Hoelting offers timely advice: “In a time of profound ecological challenges, reclaiming a felt connection with the wild forces that gave birth to our species has become an essential part of our emerging survival equipment.”
A brief discussion will follow the reading. Copies of Apprentice to the Wild are on sale, and Kurt will be happy todedicateindividualcopies.
Beforeretiring,Kurtserved asaheadguideforaseakayakingoutfitter-guidecompany in Alaska he created as a way to weave mindfulness practice into wilderness exploration. Closing the imagined gap between human nature and wild nature has been a lifelong passion for him.
Inanerafilledwithconflict and cultural polarization, he has found a new refuge in seeing the world freshly throughtheeyesofhisgrandchildren. With all the losses weareenduringinourcollectivelives,heisgratefultositat thefeetofthesechildrenwho remain committed to teaching their grandpa to stay rootedinwonderandcuriosity. These recent encounters with the “human wild”, along with stories from his life on the wild edge of Alaska, are the subject of his new book Apprentice to the Wild. Griffin Bay Bookstore, located at 155 Spring St., Friday Harbor, WA is part of IndieBound, developed by the American Booksellers Association, to promote the benefits of independent bookstores across America aswellasthebenefitsofshopping or buying locally. When you shop locally and support your independent bookstore you nurture your own community.
Write to us: The Journal of the San Juan Islands welcomes letters from its readers. Letters should be typewritten and not exceed 350 words. Guest columns are not to exceed 500 words. Preference is given to local writers and topics. They must be signed and include a daytime phone. Send to editor@sanjuanjournal. com or 640 Mullis St., West Wing, Friday Harbor 98250. Letters may be edited. The ideas, opinions and beliefs expressed by readers in letters and guest columns are not that of the Journal of the San Juans nor of its staff.
OPALCO Annual Member Festival: Member appreciation event celebrating local power
Submitted by Orcas Power & Light Cooperative.
Get ready for the most electrifying event of the year – the OPALCO Annual Member Festival! Mark your calendars for April 25, when San Juan County Fairgrounds will be transformed into a hub of fun, freebies and festivities for the whole family from 3-6 p.m.
From swag giveaways to an electric vehicle show and informationalbooths,there’s something for everyone at this Co-op member appreciationevent.OPALCO’sline crew will host safety demos and games, showing how they keep our community powered up and safe. Kids cangettheirownlineworker hard hat, touch a truck and play in a bouncy house.
The BBQ will be fired up with hot dogs and hamburgers. Get up close and personal with the latest in EV technology, including the newest models from mainland EV dealers. Test drive an electric bike and check out the latest in home
electric tools. Home efficiencyexpertswillshowcase ductless heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
Meet the Board! Co-op leadership will be on hand to answer questions about local renewable energy and all things OPALCO. Co-op members can also learn more from engineering staff about the electrical grid. Feeling lucky? Don’t miss out on our incredible raffle, where you could walk away with fantastic, valuable and useful electric prizes that will leave you buzzing with excitement! Prizes include electric lawn tools, shopvacs, cordless vacuums, kitchen tools and coolers! Stop by the welcome booth under OPALCO’s covered front entry to get your bag of goodies and a schedule of events for the day. If you are planning on coming over from other islands and need a shuttle ride from (and back to) the ferry, please email communications@opalco.com.Each year, the annual member
festival will rotate to other islands.
So come one, come all, and join us for a day packed with fun, thrills and plenty of sparks at the OPALCO Annual Member Festival. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
The business portion of theAnnualMeetingisscheduled for Thursday, April 24 at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom. Board election results will be announced,andtheminutes from 2024 approved. Register for the annual business meeting at https://www. opalco.com/event/opalcoannual-business-meeting/
The election closes on April 22 at 10 a.m. Ballots must be submitted online or by mail to SBS; no ballots can be accepted at OPALCO offices.
The Annual Meeting is coming right up on Friday, April 25 at the San Juan County Fairgrounds! OPALCO will have the Annual Business Meeting (still virtual) on Thursday, April24at8:30amviaZoom.
OurAnnualMemberFestival is on Friday, April 26 from 3-6 p.m. This event is for all membersandwillhaveinformation booths, giveaways, electric vehicle showcase, kids activities, a BBQ, bucket trucksandsafetydemonstrations. The traditional annual meeting prizes will be back: greatelectrictoolsanduseful items to make your electric life better. Members who cast their ballot are eligible for prizes, as well as those who attend the meeting on April 25. If you have questions, contact communications@opalco.com.
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperativeelectricutility,serving more than 11,400 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 97% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937. Follow OPALCO @ OrcasPower on Facebook and Twitter.
2025 Comp Plan update: Transportation Element, plan intro and administration piece ready for review
Submitted by San Juan County.
San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan as part of its 2025 Growth Management Act Periodic Update –and your input is welcome! Today, the draft Transportation Element, plan introduction and administration section are available for reviewandpubliccomment.
En Espanol: La actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan es un proceso vital que forja el porvenir de la comunidad. Susideasnossonesenciales, y puede participar de varias maneras. Guía para participar en la actualización del Plan Integral del condado de San Juan.
The San Juan County Planning Commission will continue to review
draft Comprehensive Plan amendments at their April 18 meeting. The meeting agenda is available at https://sanjuancowa.portal. civicclerk.com/event/3070/ files/agenda/5371. Agenda itemsrelatedtotheComprehensive Plan Update include:
• Element 6, Transportation: https://www. sanjuancountywa.gov/ DocumentCenter/ View/32318/
• Section A, Introduction: https://www. sanjuancountywa.gov/ DocumentCenter/ View/32316/
be submitted by April 17 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on April 18, though comments may be submitted at any time throughout the update process. Send comments to compplan@sanjuancountywa.gov.
Public engagement
The Comp Plan Update shapes the future of our community, and there are several ways you can participate:
• Provide written feedback: Written comments provide an opportunity to share detailed thoughts, concerns or suggestions. Written comments can directly impact the policies and priorities outlined in the plan. To submit feedback, email your comments
Stucki •kristina.stucki@sanjuanjournal.com
Copy Editor Joanna Massey
or questions to compplan@ sanjuancountywa.gov.
• Speak at a Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission meets monthly on the third Friday of the month at 8:30 a.m. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed that month.
• Speak at a County Council meeting: The County Council meets regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9 a.m. These meetings are open to the public with “Public Access Time” at the beginning of each meeting, where anyone can share their input. You can access the meeting live streams
Editorial
Restore Becca Program funding
By Linnea Anderson
As Washington state lawmakers finalize the 2025-2027 budget, a crucial decision lies ahead: whether to preserve $14 million in funding for the Becca Program’s early intervention services. Provided by the state to counties since 1995, Becca Program funding is not just a budget line item, it’s a lifeline for thousands of young people in crisis. Last year alone, over 8,000 youth and families received services or support from Beccafunded programming.
The Becca Program, named after a young girl who was killed at the age of 13 slipped through the cracks of our system. Programming named in her memory became a promise that young people and families would receive early intervention support for youth who are truant, at risk of running away or already engaged in behaviors that can lead to deeper involvement with the juvenile justice system. Becca Programs offer professional court staff support and wraparound services that address the root causes of risky behavior — mental health needs, unstable housing, family conflict and more.
It’s deeply concerning when commitments to support vulnerable populations, like at-risk youth, fall short. The Becca Program services provide critical interventions, treatment and support for vulnerable young people, and the statewide elimination of this funding will have significant repercussions on families and our community.
The assurances made during the passage of E2SSB 5290 in 2019 highlighted the importance of Becca Program services, but the current budget situation may undermine those promises. The lack of Becca Program funding will leave many young people and their families without the resources they need to navigate difficult circumstances, potentially
and agenda packets on the County’s website: https:// sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/
• Stay informed: Regular updates help you understand the process, follow developments and participate effectively. View the Guide to Getting Involved in the Comp Plan Update (also availableinSpanish)tolearn more about reviewing draft amendments during this project.
Over the coming months, the County will continue reviewing the Comprehensive Plan in an effort to ensure consistency with state laws and the expected population and employmentprojectionsforthenext 20 years. The County’s goal is to adopt the Comp Plan update by the end of 2025. For additional
exacerbating issues like homelessness, truancy and other challenges. Without this funding, Becca Programs across the state will be forced to scale back or eliminate these life-changing programs. That means fewer counselors, fewer community outreach efforts and fewer second chances. We will lose a critical safety net for our most vulnerable youth. The numbers speak for themselves. Early intervention is proven to reduce long-term justice system involvement, improve school attendance and connect families to the help they need. School connectedness is found to reduce risk factors across multiple categories. In many cases, Becca Program services are the first point of meaningful support for a youth in crisis. Removing this funding would be shortsighted, expensive and ultimately harmful — not only to youth in crisis but to our communities at large. The Becca Program is not about punishment. It’s about investing in preventive measures rather than punitive ones. Prevention-focused initiatives, like those provided with Becca Program funding, can help break cycles of poverty and delinquency, reduce future costs associated with incarceration or unemployment and empower young individuals to contribute positively to their communities. It’s about standing up for children before they fall too far. The $14 million allocated for Becca Program services statewide is not new funding or a luxury — it’s an investment in public safety, in long-term cost savings and, most importantly, in the lives of young Washingtonians. We urge lawmakers to keep the $14 million for Becca Program early intervention services in the final state budget. The cost of cutting this funding is too high — and the value of giving our youth a chance to thrive is immeasurable.
information about the Comp Plan Update process, including upcoming meetings, agendas, past drafts and new documents to review, visit https:// engage.sanjuancountywa. gov/2025-comp-planupdate and https://www. sanjuancountywa.gov/589/ Planning-Commission SanJuanCounty’sDepartment of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land-use designations, long-range planning and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 RhoneSt.,FridayHarbor,WA 98250.Formoreinformation about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www. sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/ Community-Development
laying the groundwork to eraseindigenousvoicesfrom theconversationcompletely. It’s happening fast and. most people are not paying attention.”
That’s how it always happens Josiah continued, “It starts with pipelines and emergency declarations, with cuts to education, healthcare,climateresearch. It starts with beaurocrats saying ‘This doesn’t concern you. we already consulted the tribes.’ It starts with locals in small towns like this shrugging their shoulders and saying well, that’s just politics. It isn’t just politicstous.It’sourland,it’sour future, it’s our treaty rights.”
Josiah noted also that many locals benefit from staying quiet, that they pretend they care until it costs them comfort, convenience or control.
“We got recognized again as the rightful successors to
the north and south Saan-
ich treaties that indcludes this part of this island. But how many of our local leaders even know what that means?”Josiahsaid.“Let’sbe clear, we’re not here to make anyonefeelguilty,Ipromise. We are here to warn you this countryisslidingbackwards. Trump is accelerating it and if you think it will stop with us, you’re wrong.”
Heclosedbysaying“Some of those watching quietly on the sidelines, especially in this town, this place that we love,youdon’tgettosay‘this isn’t my fight’ if you live on stolen land and benefit from [those] systems [created] to exclude us. It’s already your fight.You’reinitwhetheryou act or not. So act. Stand up, speakup,breakwithcomfort. Stop serving the system that is trying to erase us again, because we are still here. We are not going anywhere.”
County Council chair Kari McVeigh spoke next, clarifying that she was not there as a council member, but was speaking for herself. “I hear people all the time
say we can not change how those people think. and I’m here to tell you chances are we can’t… Let them think the way they think, but let us respond in our truth to power,’ McVeigh began. “Let them think that the only history in this country is history that reflects white Anglo-Saxon Protestant men. Let them think it. BUt let us remind them that this county was built on the back and lives of our indigenous people. It was built on thebacksandthelivesofour enslaved people. It was built on the lives and the backs of immigrants. That’s the truth. Remember to say that.”
She continued saying “Let them think that their religious view about a woman’s body should dictate to everybody their view. Let them think that. But let us stand in the truth of multiple religious values and say a woman’s body is sacred and not up to other people’s interpretation.”
Let them think that it’s okay for children of color, kids of poverty LGBTQ kids,
kids who have disabilities, aren’t entitled to a wonderful free education, McVeigh added, “But let’s fight for educational monies that will ensure all children are aboel to step up to the table and learn to the maximum amount of their capacity.”
Let them think it’s ok for oligarchies in the country, the Trumps, the Musks, the Bezos, the Zuckerbergs to get beyond wealth that any oneindividualhumanbeing should have, she said, “But let us remember the power ofourpocketbooksisgreater than there thoughts. Let’s go out and stop buying from Amazon, stop buying from Target, stop becoming a part of FaceBook.”
McVeigh closed by saying “Let’ those people who want to continue this fascist regime, this Trump regime, let them think what they want. but let’s not be silenced. Let us speak our truth. And as the incredible civil rights leader and huge American patriot said, ‘Let’s go out and make good trouble.
Singer-songwriter Trinity Althoff stepped up with her guitar to play some beautiful and pertinent music to the crowd. The first song focused on Palestine.
“I pray for peace, I pray for peace I pray we’ll meet beside the olive tree and speak. I pray the dove will spread its wings spreading truth and beauty and love to all people and all things,” She sang, moving many in the crowd to tears.
David Robison approached the microphone next, telling the crowd how in 2004, he had to marry his husband in Canada because it was not yet legal in the U.S. “As a patriot, and a descendant of patriots, that hurt,” he told attendees. “Thankfully, due to the actions of people like us here today, and other allies, including the U.S. Supreme Court, we made progress. And, in 2016 the U.S. finally recognized that loveisloveandcommitment is commitment. This change also meant that trans, intersex and nonbinary people
Uncertain times, increasing needs
Submitted by the Friday Harbor Food Bank.
There are few community efforts as important as those that provide access to an essential human need: reliable nutrition. The absence of, or unreliable access to nutritious foods, defines a substandard third world condition that should never happen to anyone. Especially in a community of plenty.Especiallyvulnerable children.
If you pass by the Friday Harbor Food Bank while closed,youwillbeimpressed by the simple, functional dignity of the well-maintained building. It proudly stands for something. If you pass by while the nonprofit facility is open – especially on late Wednesday and Saturday mornings – you may want to pause to take in the casual but busy scene, thecohesiveenergyofneighbors helping one another. If you have never done so, take a peek through the open garage door into the storage and freezer area or through the covered entry door into the market-style shopping area. It is impossible to do so withoutasmileandahelpful greeting.
You will be impressed
by the casual orderliness, friendly responses to questions and nutritious foods of all kinds attractively presented. Everything about the place confirms respect. This Food Bank serves one and all. Always. But without insights you would never imagine the many tasksfundraising, grant writing, volunteer training, donated foodsorting,creatingeducational materials, equipment maintenance, state and federal food assistance programs, local networking, increasing costs and inconsistent availability –that are constantly juggled to keep the doors open to increasing needs. A single paid employee manages the entire operation under the careful guidance of a volunteer board.
Current numbers show thatmoreislandhouseholds are experiencing food insecurityasessentialfoodprices remain very high, affordable housing is unavailable and big-picture trade tariffs begin to impact individuals and households already strained. A comparison of January through mid-March of this year with last year, not quite a full fiscal quarter, yet the total number of
people served (7,917 versus 6,354) and estimated total poundage of food distributed(316,680poundsversus 254,160 pounds) tell the story. This year’s short first quarter is 57% of the entire year’s total for 2023! Barely into this year, think of the estimated food distributed so far represented by 63 loaded 16-foot Penske box trucks lined up two by two on Market Street. Remodeling to better serve a steadily growing island clientele is nearly complete. Unfortunately, the next phase popped up
unexpectedly. The streetside trees are cracking the foundation and asphalt and must be removed and then repaved. A hedge will create a much better windbreak, and a clear-roofed canopy will ease setup/takedown efforts for rainy days and reduce the heat on hot summerdaysfortheoutdoor market-style produce area. The escalated disruptions in 2025 – slashing federal agency jobs and freezing pass-through funding programs – will be challenging to adjust to this summer. Current assistance contracts
areinplaceandareexpected to continue until the new contract period begins in July. Most community food banks and pantries obtain 20-25% of their core foods from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.
could marry the people they love. This has been a boon to those people, and it’s been a boon to all of us.”
Today, Robison continued, “We’re seeing significant attacks by the current administration on the rights and basic humanity of our trans, intersex and nonbinary compatriots as well as the whole concept of diversity, equity and inclusion which are just three words that really mean empathy.” He closed by challenging the crowd to commit to being allies to the queer community, to which the crowd loudly affirmed. “
“Okay, did that hurt?” He responded back to the hundreds gathered, “Did that feel good?” And when attendees again affirmed, he said “That’s right, because empathy is not a zero-sum game.”
After some more music, the crowd began to march heading down Second Street, down Spring Street to Joe’s T-shirt Shack, up to Wells Fargo and back to the Courthouse.
This Food Bank, awardwinning in my mind, is a model of low overhead, highly effective distribution of nutritious foods along with educational efforts for growing your own and preparing soul-enriching meals. Please consider donating money and quality foods to continue this proud community effort. For your convenience, you can donate online by going to our website, www.fridayharborfoodbank.weebly.
