On behalf of Islands Convalescent Center residents and staff, I would like to genuinely thank the island and inter-island community for all of your precious gifts of time at our facility this holiday season.

Our residents very much enjoyed and appreciated all the priceless musical entertainment, Christmas caroling, children’s school group visits, Santa Claus and Elf’s visit, of course, among many others.

Having inter-generational programs really add color to our residents’ lives. Each and every person who walks into our building to share with residents — whether it be singing, coloring, writing a letter, leading a group activity, playing in a band, doing an art project or passing mail, among much else — makes a huge difference. Thank you all for your amazing efforts.

Please forgive me if I have left anyone out. This community is absolutely fantastic and warm-hearted! Thank you to all of our current volunteers, for your continuing support and talents; student carolers and band members at Friday Harbor Elementary, Middle and High schools, Spring Street, Paideia, Orcas Elementary, and Stillpoint schools; J.B. and Glenda Edwards, for being Santa and the Elf; Soroptimist singers; Island Chordsmen and Sound Vibrations; San Juan Jazz Quintet; Other’s Brothers Band; the Oopa Band for our New Year’s Eve celebration; and everyone else!

Thank you to those who brought gifts, including roses and cookies; anonymous donations; the Friday Harbor Fire Department Thrift House, for its gift donations; the Giving Tree gift donors, and to Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church and Key Bank staff for facilitating that. Thank you to our residents, their families, our staff at ICC and The Journal staff for printing this “Thank You” letter. Looking forward to seeing you all again!

Happy New Year and may this year bring all of you many blessings!

Betsy Anderson
Islands Convalescent Center activities director and volunteer coordinator
Friday Harbor