August on Samish Island – summer is here, warming the shoreline, bringing spectacular sunsets, and
comfortable evenings to spend more time outdoors. Here’s a poem found on the
https://www.yearofthesalishsea.ca website:
Whenever I’m at a crossroads in my life, I always find myself drawn to the sea. Whether mourning
or celebrating, I go to the beach and step into conversation with the ocean. Our conversations
are wordless, existing between the water in my body and the weight of the ocean itself.
It’s been awesome to see the community gathering for traditional events as well as islanders taking the
lead on resurrecting dormant activities and working to create new fun and educational opportunities.
Keep your ideas rolling in, and let’s have some fun!
As we focus on community engagement through a lens of inclusivity + diversity, we want to connect with
All islanders – old residents, new residents, and those identifying as American Asian or Pacific Islander,
LGBTQ+, Indigenous, Latinx, mixed families, multi-ethnic, and Black. To learn about getting involved in
the community and on the Board, just reach out to me or any Board member.
Remember to check out the community’s new website https://samishisland.net. It’s a great way to stay
connected and informed. And if you know anyone who recently moved to the island, be sure to let them
know about the website, the Shorelines, and SICC so they can get plugged in.
Cheers! Denice Rochelle, SICC President
Hey, Islanders, welcome to July! As Spring makes way for Summer, the Sun readies itself to nourish our PNW landscape & our souls.
Here’s a poem by Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī.
What was said to the rose that made it open was said
to me here in my chest.
What was told the cypress that made it strong
and straight, what was
whispered the jasmine so it is what it is, whatever made
sugarcane sweet, whatever
was said to the inhabitants of the town of Chigil in
Turkestan that makes them
so handsome, whatever lets the pomegranate flower blush
like a human face, that is
being said to me now. I blush. Whatever put eloquence in
language, that’s happening here.
The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude,
chewing a piece of sugarcane,
in love with the one to whom every that belongs!
The new Board is now in place & working on developing some fresh, new, fun, educational, & interesting activities for the community to enjoy. As we focus on community engagement through a lens of inclusivity, we want to hear from ALL islanders & especially new residents & those identifying as American Asian & Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, Latinx, Black and persons of color. Please reach out to Denice or ANY Board member letting us know who you are & how we can connect & create with you.
Have you checked out SICC’s modern, easily-navigable website https://samishisland.net? There you’ll find info about the July 4 Blue Heron Parade, July 10 Dike Walk, & July 30 Arts Festival.
The July 4 Blue Heron Parade is back featuring the SI Marching Band. Edgewater Garden Club will be selling SI logo merch at the Community Center. Make a float, decorate yourself, bike, golf cart, car or just come enjoy community camaraderie. Parade participants should gather at Fish Point (east end of Blue Heron Road (“BHR”) by 12 pm. Parade Marshals will stage all participants so give ‘em ample time to queue ya up. If you plan to drive on BHR ensure you’re down the hill by 12:30 pm because road traffic will be redirected after that time. If you own an Airbnb/VRBO accessed by BHR inform your guests of these details. Parking for parade attendees is in the Community of Christ church field on
BHR that’s accessed via the Ratfield’s driveway entrance (driveway at 11440 BHR). Arrive no later than 12:30 pm. Leave the field clean (leave no litter of any kind). Please all be respectful of all residents & the land by packing out ANY & ALL of your trash (bring a super foldy, easily carry-able tote).
Cheers! Denice Rochelle, SICC President
Hey Islanders, HAPPY JUNE! It’s awesome to feel Spring’s renewal after Winter’s rest.
once a snowflake fell
on my brow and i loved
it so much and i kissed
it and it was happy and called its cousins
and brothers and a web
of snow engulfed me then
i reached to love them all
and i squeezed them and they became
a spring rain and i stood perfectly
still and was a flower
(poem by Nikki Giovanni)
In the spirit of rejuvenation, we’re excited to present the new SICC Board.
President: Denice Rochelle
Vice President: Amy Colvin
Secretary: Mary Kay Richter
Treasurer: Ruth McNally
At Large: Esther Luttikhuizen
At Large: Marnie Pennington
At Large: Joan Tezak
The Board will be focusing on community building through a lens of inclusivity. Consider this a call to ALL Islanders especially new residents, those of us identifying as Black, Indigenous, persons of color, Latinx, American Asian, Pacific Islander, LGBTQAI+, & youth.
Calendar the SI yard sale (6/25) & July 4th Blue Heron parade. Last year’s property damage from fireworks & the amount of firework debris left on the shorelines & in the water was sad. We’re better than that. Let’s keep it classy, safe, clean & fun
Community activity ideas include: day/sunset/night cycles; SUP/kayak paddles; group rows; 2.5/5-mile island walks; bird identification; exploring watercolor & creative arts; shoreline interpretive walks; group hikes in the Chuckanut mountains; pickleball; tennis; old fashioned garden parties; beer meetup (21+); Summer/Winter solstice celebrations; Autumn/Spring equinox celebrations; & youth-led (19 & under) programs/projects.
Cheers!
Denice Rochelle
SICC President