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Articles written by John Leaver


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  • Everything old is new again

    John Leaver|Sep 25, 2024

    Last week I reread an article in the Weekly News from Sept. 4 regarding various news in town including First Street going one-way (about time) and the town working with the fire department to obtain a new fire boat and a new ladder truck. The one that really got my attention was news of burglaries in the north end of town and LATE arrival by the sheriff’s office. My view: Fire boat and ladder truck: Absolutely agree the fire department should have the right equipment to fight fires in or near our town. However, as I stated at a council m...

  • Two women stand at a birthday party

    Jean Wedin parties on her 93rd year birthday

    John Leaver|Feb 7, 2024

    Another year begins in the sweet, joyous life of one of jolly old England's finest exports, Jean Wedin. Jeannie celebrated her (I get confused) 39th or 93rd birthday. It's hard to tell because of her incredible energy for life. An affair to remember was held at the Oyster & Thistle Friday evening, Feb. 2. An astonishing 24 guests attended to celebrate Jeannie, and celebrate we did. The "Crooner-Carver" from the Swinomish nation, Kevin Paul, was there to sing a Native serenade to celebrate her...

  • AIPAC influences Washington politicians

    John Leaver|Jan 24, 2024

    On Jan. 16, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution in the. Senate calling on the State Department to investigate requesting accountability on Israel’s misuse of American weaponry in their current genocide of the people of Gaza and the West Bank. Unfortunately the resolution did not pass. It was voted down 72-11. Eleven senators, including one Republican, voted for the resolution. I googled the results: Low and behold, our state’s Democratic senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, helped shoot the resolution down. I then goo...

  • John Leaver and Bob Ferari wearing Santa hats.

    Bread Puddin' Boyz deliver the goods

    John Leaver|Dec 20, 2023

    So, we (Bread Puddin' Boyz' (aka Bob Ferari and I) were tasked by Kathy Schuh and her employer Pat from Barrett Financial in Anacortes with delivering about 70 bread puddings to deserving and cherished clients that reside in various locales in and around Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties. We prepared our trusty sleigh, but alas' one of the reindeer (horses) from the Mustang Motor had gone "south." Santa immediately popped the "sleigh's" hood, determined and fixed the problem and we were off...

  • Paid downtown parking

    John Leaver|Nov 8, 2023

    In the article “Paid downtown parking an option” last week (Nov. 1), I want to make a slight correction and offer my two cents on the subject. Correction: The company making a presentation to a joint council-planning commission meeting on Nov. 28 will not be marketing “metered” parking. The solution that will be presenting requires no infrastructure (meters) aside from approximately 25 signs which his company would furnish as part of their start-up. Their parking solution is digital, cellphone based, which allows for expansion and providi... Full story

  • Donate to La Conner Ukraine relief fund

    John Leaver|Mar 9, 2022

    Ukraine is literally at death’s door and needs help. I have friends and distant family members that are in Kiyv. I was contacted by the very lovely and very caring Ms. Jean Wedin, who suggested we start a community fundraiser for Ukraine. As a young person growing up in London during the Nazi bombing of World War II, she knows very well the terrors and fear that the Ukrainian people are going through now. I did not need to be convinced and immediately began thinking of how to start this fund. With the great help of Tami Mason at Washington F...

  • I am against the proposed 5-year sheriff’s contract

    John Leaver|Nov 24, 2021

    My thoughts about law enforcement in La Conner: • The sheriff is a town “vendor.” If any vendor has complaints regarding provision of contracted services, it makes little sense granting the vendor a longer, five-year contract which, except for commitment to walk First Street twice weekly, is essentially the same. Logic dictates finding an alternative vendor or re-thinking the contract entirely. • Current/ proposed contract provides 80 hours weekly patrolling Zone 1 and “guaranteeing” a ten minute response. • During 2020-20...

  • Locals chalked art on first Friday

    John Leaver|Mar 10, 2021

    Given the chilly, overcast and occasionally windy day, our First on First Friday went well. We had nine out of nine reserved chalk boxes taken, which included kids of all ages! Watch out for those Wild, Walking Women of La Conner, “BJ & her Crew.” And we even scored a bonus tip of appreciation from longtime resident Stuart Hutt. The “Sloughmander” Glen Johnson, showed, sans his second skin costume and chalked up a beautiful Chinook Salmon. He made page three of Saturday’s regional newspaper...

  • Summing up Friday’s Connect La Conner

    John Leaver|Sep 9, 2020

    First, a shout-out to Fire Chief Aaron Reinstra for parking the “41” Fire engine on First Street to attract passersby. Second a salute to Public Works Director Brian Lease for taking extra time to allow access to the electric receptacle under the gazebo at the Washington Street pocket park so our DJ could spin the discs. Thanks to you both! Thanks also to the committee members who put forth effort to help make this happen. Overall, given the timing, limitations to conform to COVID requirements and working with no funding, I think it went qui...

  • Art's Alive! springs back to life in La Conner

    John Leaver|Nov 5, 2014

    I am pleased to report on the overall success of the 30th Art’s Alive! event this year. There was a great turnout for the opening night event, which included delicious food samples from Nell Thorn’s, Anelia’s, LaTraviata, yOUR Bakery and Calico Cupboard. Opening night had music provided by Ben & Mia and gave folks the opportunity to meet the 13 invitational artists including the featured artist: Wayne Maslin, whose sculpture was depicted on our printed materials, Facebook page and the Art’s Aliv...

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