Village at the Harbor

10/10/2025

At some point in life, many of us face the decision to downsize—whether it's moving to a smaller home, transitioning to a senior living community, or simply clearing out years of accumulated belongings. While the process can feel overwhelming, it can also be deeply empowering. Downsizing isn't just about letting go—it's about making room for what truly matters.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Resident Ellen Roberts to talk about her experience downsizing and moving into Village at the Harbor with her partner Judy Lingerfelt.

Ellen, would you share a few of the reasons you and Judy made the decision to move into assisted living?

“After a scary experience while off-island for a medical procedure, we were concerned that Judy’s health issues were putting her physically at risk in our house. As her caregiver, I knew that if she fell, she could really get hurt, and I was not able to help her get up without calling EMS. Although I could provide the other care she needed, it seemed smart to be in a place where help is readily available in a crisis.

Maintaining our home had become quite expensive because we could not do maintenance, cleaning, and yard work ourselves. Even though we considered the cost of living at the Village quite expensive, we added up what it was really costing us to live in our house and realized it was not that different. We realized that financially once we sold the house, we would be able to handle the costs for quite a long time.

Another thing that helped us decide was that the Village allows pets, so we were able to bring them with us.”

Can you talk about your experience downsizing and moving into a Village apartment?

When we really needed to move, it happened quickly. This meant that we did not have time to go through anything much before moving. We worked with the apartment floor plan, choosing furniture and the basic things we would need within a week. The downsizing part of the situation took us three months. It helped a great deal not to be living in the house while we were going through things. That way we could move things around, sorting things in 3 categories - take to the Village, sell, and donate/give away - without worrying about using the rooms in the usual way. I used a spiral notebook with lists by room to keep track of what was going on.

Village at the Harbor: Making Space for What Matters CONTINUED

We asked around and hired local moving person to bring things to the new apartment. We also engaged a real estate agent to help us with preparing a house for sale. Even though we did not list the house for quite a while, she was extremely helpful.

When we let friends know what we were doing, we were greatly surprised and blessed to have a lot of them offer their help. Since some of the work was physically difficult for us, others were able to move heavy things around, carry things out to the garage, load things into vehicles, and deliver them where they needed to go.

I listed and sold some furniture and other items on local Facebook sites. In addition, it was very helpful to list things to give away on the site called “Buy Nothing Friday Harbor.” We met many interesting and lovely people as they came over to purchase things or get things we didn’t need.

Even though this sounds great, it was very stressful. It’s hard to look at things that you have valued and enjoyed for decades, knowing that they need to be rehomed. Seeing that other people were delighted to have them helped quite a bit. Toward the end of the process, when we were feeling really stressed, we decided to rent a storage unit and move some things there that we weren’t ready to go through yet.

The staff at the Village helped make this move much easier. Because we didn’t have boxes and boxes of things, we were able to get items put in place within a week. This reduced our stress a lot.”
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Ellen is a vibrant member of our Village community and we are so glad she and Judy took the ‘leap’ to move-in before they really needed the extra assistance and care. As Judy’s health declined, it was seamless for our care team to step in and help Ellen with Judy’s care needs. Ellen and Judy’s story is common in our community, and I asked her to share it in hopes of encouraging others to consider the benefits of pro-actively downsizing. Not only do you have less space to manage, but the time saved on grocery shopping, meal prep, housekeeping, and laundry, free up time for you to do the things that really matter to you in this season of life.

If you are curious about what assisted living looks like, set up an appointment to visit us today! I’d be happy to give you a tour and introduce you to our community. Take it from Ellen, who said, “My best advice to everyone is: start now.”

Tina Levasheff, Executive Director

Photos: Ellen and Judy

09/05/2025

Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for digital media and community impact? Join San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 as a Social Media Content Creator!

Social Media Content Creator (Contracted, hybrid, 5-15 hours/week, $30-50/hour DOE)

The Social Media Content Creator collaborates with the Public Relations Manager to support the Hospital District’s communication efforts across digital platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and official websites. This role is responsible for creating, scheduling, and publishing engaging content that reflects the mission and activities of the District.

Key Responsibilities:
➡Assist in the development and distribution of communications such as District newsletters, social media updates, and website content.
➡Coordinate closely with various departments, including Village at the Harbor, Village at Home, San Juan Island EMS, and the District administrative offices.
➡Capture and curate photography to visually represent District programs and events.
➡Develop and maintain a content calendar aligned with organizational priorities and campaign timelines.
➡Draft and propose press releases and announcements for public distribution.
➡Plan, create, and publish original content tailored to each platform, ensuring consistency in tone, branding, and messaging.

To apply, please visit our website at: www.sjcphd1.org/careers

09/01/2025

Join our team! Now hiring a Medication Technician (Med Tech).

Full-time or part-time available, starting at $22.00 per hour

The Med Tech’s role is to maintain current, “on hold” and backup medications for each resident, to maintain medication records and other documentation and to provide medications to residents for self-administration, always fostering residents’ independence and freedom of choice, remembering residents needs and adapting to daily changes. All responsibilities will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy of assisted living.

Requirements: Home Care Aid (HCA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License

Apply on our website at: https://sjcphd1.org/careers/

08/27/2025

In the Special Board Meeting that took place on July 10th, 2025, San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1’s Board of Commissioners voted to present a ballot measure for a levy lid lift. This lid lift will appear on the November 2025 ballot as Proposition 1. You can learn more about the lid lift by reading our Q&A below!

❓What services does the Hospital District currently provide?

This Hospital District is a local government taxing district that relies on property taxes to own and operate the following services:
• Village at the Harbor: The only assisted living community in the county for people who are 65 years or older. It is located in the heart of Friday Harbor.
• San Juan Island EMS: Provides emergency medical services and transport for people in need on San Juan Island and nearby islands like Brown, Henry, Pearl, Speiden, Johns and Stuart.
• Village at Home: Established in 2024, this branch extends our mission by offering compassionate, in-home care to island residents, supporting their independence and well-being.

We provide funding to the following local organizations:
• PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
• Planned Parenthood office in Friday Harbor
• San Juan Island Prevention Coalition

❓What is a levy lid lift?

A levy lid lift is a voter-approved measure that allows a local taxing district—like our hospital district, a school district, or a library district—to increase its property tax levy beyond the state-imposed annual limit of 1%.

❓What is the purpose of this lid lift?

In light of state and federal spending cuts, local labor housing shortages, and unmet healthcare needs, this lid lift will enable the District to expand healthcare on San Juan Island.

❓Is this a permanent or temporary increase?

This lid lift is a permanent one-time increase.

❓How much would this lid lift cost?

For a $500,000 home, this lid lift would increase taxes by about $100 annually. For a $1,000,000 home, this lid lift would increase taxes by about $200 annually.

The District’s current rate is $0.5067 per $1,000 in assessed value. The lid lift would increase this rate to $0.71 for 2025 (for collection in 2026).

❓What additional services would the Hospital District provide if the lid lift passes?

If the lid lift passes, the Hospital District will expand healthcare services and support healthcare workers who provide those services. Some of these services include:

Village at Home: In 2024, the District launched Village at Home, which provides healthcare and companionship services to Island residents who wish to age in the comfort of their home. If the levy lid lift passes, Village at Home intends to expand Medicaid services (low-income health insurance) and start a financial assistance program for individuals who do not have the means or insurance to cover the cost of home care.

Housing for Healthcare Workers: There is a clear need in our community for more housing, especially for essential workers. The District currently has over 90 employees and volunteers, all of whom are vital to providing healthcare. If voters approve the lid lift, the District intends to purchase short-term rentals and convert them into long term housing for healthcare workers. This would help ensure our workforce can continue to live in the community they serve.

Community Paramedicine: San Juan Island EMS’s Community Paramedicine Program helps Island residents avoid needing to use emergency medical services for preventable health care services. While the District is already taking steps to expand this vital service, approval of a lid lift would allow for broader reach and greater impact—bringing more care directly to those who need it most.

❓What happens if the lid lift does not pass?

If the lid lift does not pass, the District will continue to offer its current services but will not expand services.

❓What is the difference between PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center and San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1?

PeaceHealth is a separate entity from the District. PeaceHealth has many locations across the region. Their Friday Harbor location, Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC), receives a subsidy from the District to support its operations. However, it operates independently of the District and is not a part of the District.

❓When will voters decide on the lid lift?

This measure will be on the Fall 2025 ballot. Election day is November 4, 2025.

❓How many votes are needed to pass the measure?

A simple majority, or 50% plus one voter.

❓Where can I find out more?

The District is happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact 360-378-2857, or check our website, www.sjcphd.org for more information. Other groups may provide information for or against this project.

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 supports local healthcare. Learn more about the services we offer including EMS, home care, and senior living at www.sjcphd1.org.

08/12/2025

At Village at the Harbor, bingo is more than a game- it's a tradition! Every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, residents gather in the activities room to play bingo with staff or volunteers.

08/04/2025

At Village at the Harbor, summer days are best enjoyed outdoors in our beautiful garden! Residents love relaxing on our garden patio, where art sessions, coffee gatherings, and ice cream socials are regular highlights of the season.

07/29/2025

PRESS RELEASE: District to Present a Ballot Measure for a Levy Lid Lift in Fall 2025 Election

At San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1, our mission has always been to provide and support high-quality healthcare for our community. We’re proud to serve the residents of San Juan Island with a range of essential services—including senior living, home care, and emergency medical services. However, as the demand for healthcare continues to grow, we’re facing a shortage of available caregivers.

A major cause of the caregiver shortage is housing insecurity. Evan Perrollaz, Director of Village at Home, recently shared that, “Just this past month, I’ve had two caregivers resign because they lost their housing on the island.” Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Many of our dedicated healthcare professionals are struggling to secure and maintain stable housing, making it increasingly difficult for the Hospital District to meet the needs of our community.
These circumstances, along with many other concerning trends, have led Hospital District’s Board of Commissioners to present a ballot measure for a levy lid lift.

This new funding is a step towards bridging the increasing gap between our community’s healthcare needs and their access to essential services. Commissioner Trish Lehman noted in the special board meeting that, “On this island we need to be prepared to take care of each other. I’m concerned about our vulnerable populations.”

If the lid lift is approved, the District plans to expand Medicaid at Village at Home, work on converting short term rentals into long term housing for healthcare workers, and expand the scope of San Juan Island EMS’s Community Paramedicine program.

The choice to expand services is a decision the community can make through voting in the upcoming local election. Superintendent Nathan Butler noted that, “We always approach asking the public for funding with caution. Ultimately the public decides what matters to them.”

For further information on lid lift planning, please visit our website at www.sjcphd1.org.

07/29/2025

PSA: Advocacy Committee Members Needed

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 is seeking individuals to serve on a con committee against the District’s lid lift ballot measure in the upcoming 2025 fall election. In accordance with state election guidelines and RCW 29A.32.280, the District must appoint committee members to prepare official statements representing both support and opposition for inclusion in the local voters’ pamphlet. Community members interested in participating in this important civic process by serving on the con committee are encouraged to apply by contacting Hannah Johnson at hjohnson@sjcphd1.org.

06/24/2025

Now Hiring: Community Care Coordinator (RN)
$85,000-$100,000, salaried, exempt from FLSA, at-will

Full-time position, part-time will be considered for the right candidate.
Open until filled- first candidate review will take place on July 7th, 2025.

Join our team at Village at Home, where we provide high-quality, client-centered home care services! Village at Home is seeking a Community Care Coordinator for our growing team. Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Washington.

The Community Care Coordinator (RN) will:
➡️provide health education and health organization, including medical evaluation
➡️support existing health services
➡️provide integrated health services in partnership with other health professionals
➡️extend access to health services delivery in underserved and general populations, including primary care, public health, disease management, medication management, prevention and wellness, mental health, and dental health

To apply, please visit our website at: https://sjcphd1.org/careers/

06/11/2025

03/17/2025

Join our team! San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 is seeking an Administrative Specialist for Human Resources and Payroll. The position provides essential administrative support to the district, assisting with various tasks, including payroll, to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

The public hospital district's administrative team is comprised of hardworking and motivated people who strive to meet the needs of our community. Come join us in our mission of public safety and healthcare as we work to provide and grow critical services so that we can better serve the public.

To review the full job description and apply, please visit our website at: https://sjcphd1.org/careers/.

San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 operates San Juan Island EMS, Village at the Harbor, and Village at Home. It also pays a large subsidy to support clinic and hospital services at Peace Health Peace Island Medical Center, Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood, Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, and the Prevention Coalition.

Careers at San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 To apply for a position with the Hospital District, please complete the application below. Before submitting, ensure that your application includes the following information- candidates who submit partial applications will not be considered f...