Residents at Islands Convalescent Center could not have enjoyed their holiday season more. People of the San Juan Island community helped make it festive and unforgettable.

Many children walked our hallways, caroling and bringing gifts, stockings, smiles and love. Singing groups lined our building in the living room, dining rooms and residents’ rooms. And Santa Claus came a few times, bringing his bags of goodies and hugs!

A special thanks to the Friday Harbor Elementary third-graders, teachers and parents for caroling and the bulbs; to Sharon Maya and her Sew N’ Sews group for making those beautiful pillowcases, pillows, blankets and bags; to the Soroptimists, Island Chordsmen, Island Carolers, Sound Vibrations, Banjo Girls, Spring Street International School and Paideia School for caroling; to Teddy Deane and “The Other’s Brothers” for your tunes; to Alice Deane for the “Christmas Garden project”; to Ann Benedict and Stillpoint School for the stockings; to the Lushes for their Christmas Eve entertainment; to the Friday Harbor High School girls’ basketball team for decorating the facility and to the Friday Harbor High School cheerleaders for taking them down; to Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church and Key Bank for facilitating the Giving Tree and community members who donated gifts; to churches and individuals who made “Operation Christmas Child” a success; to Leota and Danny Birdsong for “Santo Bingo”; for anonymous gift donations; to J.B. and Glenda Edwards for your visit and love; to Ruth Carlson for the blankets; to Al Spry for putting up our Christmas Tree; to the Lions Club and the Santa Ship for your visit; to Patrick and Becky Nash’s family for participating in our Christmas celebration; to ICC’s amazing volunteers who consistently share their time with our residents, and to my friends who came to Christmas carol and help out on Christmas day.

Again, thank you to everyone who has served our residents once or a million times. Your time is precious and we are grateful for your willing and giving hearts. I look forward to continued visits and always welcome new and eager volunteers! Happy New Year!

Betsy Anderson
Activities director
Islands Convalescent Center
Friday Harbor