Recognizing Zach Battle’s life

I was shocked and saddened to read of the death of Zachery Battle in the Feb. 21 issue. I got to know Zach when I was fundraising for the new library several years back. We became friends. And he became a supporter of the library. Here’s what he said for one of our presentations:

“This inviting and spacious facility, with up-to-date materials and technology, programs relevant to the needs of its users, and a trained and helpful staff will be a hub for innovation and will spur personal and business growth in our community. This is exactly the kind of public investment we must make if we want small communities like La Conner to grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

Zach was committed to creating an exceptional boatbuilding company, one which now provides a major economic and employment boost to La Conner. But he was also committed to doing his part in making our community a place where all could grow and thrive, and he saw the library as a key step in that direction. So Mavrik Marine became a major donor to the La Conner Swinomish Library.

Rest in peace, Zachery Battle. Thank you.

Jim Airy

La Conner

Generous blood donors get thanks

Thankfully our community was able to provide Bloodworks NW with 30 pints of blood intended to save 30 lives. Special thanks to our generous donors as well as amazing student leaders: Hallie Walls, Josi Straathof, Vanessa Dallas, Joey Bebee and Eva Denton. Thanks to adults: Toby Walls, Clay Reeves, Sheena Jones and Christine Tripp.

We are planning to have another community-based blood drive with longer hours in October.

Lori Buher

Dorothy Downes

La Conner