Shelly Van Skyhawk of Heaven and Earth Animal Sanctuary gave a heartwarming presentation about life for farmed animals who are ready to retire and for rescue animals who need a safe and loving home with plenty of space to relax and grow old together. (Rooms for retired Rotarians?) Amy is a volunteer with Pepper & ...
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Last week, we had a Q&A with former Superintendent of Schools Michael Soltman (2002-2009) and current Supt Fred Woods. What we learned how fortunate to have had Michael's leadership (not easy to ask for a $150,000 bank loan to pay our teachers) and his vision passed for Fred to build upon. I've attached Fred's Message to the Community https://sanjuanislander.com/san-juan-island-school-district-superintendents-message-to-the-community/
On September 16th, Sarah Werling and Summer Clark gave an excellent presentation of the SJSD Early Learning Center. Technical difficulties (that's me) had delayed the details.
We were honored to have a fascinating presentation from Billie Swalla, Professor Emerita, Dept of Biology, U of Washington, College of Arts and Sciences. She was the first female Director of Friday Harbor Labs from 2012-19 and an expert in Marine Genomics. Billie received 2025 Society for Developmental Biology Lifetime Achievement Award. I refer you to her extensive research at http://Billie J SwallaRosedanie Cadet joined more than 37,000 Rotarians and participants from over 140 countries to attend Rotary International Convention 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan. Officially the Republic of China (ROC) is an island in the Western Pacific Ocean. Space doesn't allow for condensing her many experiences. Do contact Rosedanie for details. danie61@yahoo.com 
Perspiration (and ale) were flowing as Rotarians and friends tested 5 entrees for Beat the President Chili Cook-off at Karin and Karl Eberhard's Elma Ranch on August 30th.
Ballot stuffers beware: Defending Champion (self-declared) Mike Griffin won 1st place! Second place, St. Louis Blues Chili from T. J. Heller, and 3rd place was Scott Slius' Italian Stallion Chili. Other entrees were Karl Shilanek, Rookie Invader Chili, and Susan Martin, Great White Hope Chili. Thank you to all who contributed corn bread, coldslaw, roasted corn...Birthday Girl Carla and Birthday Boy Adam were treated with individual cakes from Tom Sibert, confectionaire extraordinaire.
Lots of fun photos to follow.