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Letters to the Editor got an opinion? submit it to editorial@whidbeymarketplace.com
To: The Editor
Subject: Nancy Conard for Washington State Representative - District 10
If you want to feel good about your Government - vote for Nancy Conard. Along with excellent professional skills, her attitude is uplifting and assures that you are in good hands. Nancy Conard has proven herself in the 9 years as elected Mayor of the Town of Coupeville and as Business Manager for the Coupeville School District.
I first met Nancy through the Coupeville Garden Club when we requested a meeting with her to discuss our plans to beautify the Town of Coupeville. She listened and with enthusiasm made available the resources to help accomplish our goals. This resulted in the placement of barrels of flowers along Main Street and in the improvement of other “pocket parks” such as Cook’s Corner. An attractive Town gives pleasure to its residents and encourages tourists to visit and to come back.
On other occasions, I have witnessed her skill in handling sensitive Town affairs - always with a way of “calming” what could be “troubled waters.”
Having worked in the Public School System for 30 years, Nancy as our State Representative will be in a position to work closely with others in Olympia to ensure that our teachers get the support needed to enable them to give our children the Education they deserve.
Nancy Conard will serve us well as our Washington State Representative.
Frances Skinner, Coupeville
To the Editor:
For those of you following the local commissioner race, the topic of Impact fees has emerged as a key issue differentiating myself from the incumbent. Here’s what it’s all about.
What are they? Impact fees are charges to new development (at permit time) to pay a fair share of the cost of public facilities needed to serve that new growth.
Where did they come from: They were enacted into State law in 1990 in response to rampant growth which was eroding the infrastructure of many Puget Sound communities.
Who can use them? Any municipality that has both significant growth and has completed a comprehensive growth plan.
What do they pay for: A share of the cost of public facilities needed to serve that new growth. Specifically roads, parks, schools and fire districts.
Who uses Impact fees? In Puget Sound, almost every city and county that meets the above qualifications. That’s 50 Puget Sound Cities and 7 Counties (see the web site www.electdino.com for a list). Many for over 10 years now.
Is new residential construction a net gain to the tax roles? A considerable amount of data tells us otherwise. Ask those 50 cities and 7 Counties. Locally, we’ve had 17% growth over the last 10 years but the County is spending 63% more. To maintain a cost per capita increase it should have gone up only 43%.
Who doesn’t use them. Of those meeting the above qualification, I find 2 - Lynnwood and Island County.
What kind of money are we talking about? They average around $3,000 per development permit. At 450 permits per year in the County that’s $1.4 million.
Editorial: Why should existing residents have to pay the costs demanded by new growth? Our comp plan predicts 40,000 new residents by 2016. The roads, schools, parks, fire and related infrastructure to support this growth won’t come cheap. Our choices are to do without, experience significant property tax increases or implement a fair cost structure. I’d opt for the later.
Dean Enell, Commissioner Candidate
Letter to the Editor:
I am writing to ask for your support for the re-election of Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. I am not a particularly savvy political person but I know quality when I see it.
In the 2002-3 legislative session I went to Olympia to advocate for the Greenbank Farm on Whidbey Island. We were requesting funding from the Capital Budget. Senator Haugen was there for us instantly. There was no hesitation to check other political priorities, no calculation on our political power, there was only enthusiasm. Throughout that session she remained steadfast, putting her reputation and political power on the line for us. When approached by her colleagues to make a deal at the expense of the Farm, her answer was “No. I want it, I want it all.” I have to tell you I was pretty impressed. As time went on, I saw this kind of loyalty to our district over and over again. We come first.
I am certainly not her only fan. I watched other legislators respond to Mary Margaret Haugen with warmth and respect. Not just for the power she has gained by persevering to seniority, but because she is a smart, resourceful woman who has integrity in a system that often lacks it. As you may imagine, she kind of stands out from the crowd down there.
So, vote for quality. Vote for someone who remembers where she comes from. Vote for Senator Mary Margaret Haugen. Thank you.
Laura Blankenship, Greenbank
To the Editor
Island County primary ballots had serious problems.
Island County primary ballots had two serious problems this year: precinct committee officers’ names were left off absentee ballots county wide, and one Camano polling place had the wrong names of PCOs on the ballot.
County auditors are authorized by state law to decide whether to put precinct committee officers on the absentee ballots. Although the Whatcom County Auditor and others recognized the importance of giving absentee voters the opportunity to help elect their party PCOs, Island County Auditor Suzanne Sinclair (Republican candidate for Congress) decided against putting PCO names on any absentee ballots except those going to the 12 precincts that only vote by mail, and the three precincts that had contested PCO races. Since nearly 80% of voters in Island County used absentee ballots, PCOs were selected by the 20% who went to the polls.
There was a further problem with this. PCOs represent voters on political party business. They elect their party’s county political leaders. As mandated by Washington State Code, the number of votes required to elect a PCO is 10% of the highest number of votes cast for a candidate of the PCO’s party. For instance, if Democratic Senatorial Candidate Patty Murray received 260 total votes from absentee and poll voters in precinct x, a PCO in that precinct must win at least 26 votes to be elected. What happens if only 20 people show up to vote at the polls, and all the others vote absentee? Obviously the requirement can’t be met. In this election, five PCOs failed to meet the 10% threshold and were not certified.
During the weeks following the election, the Island County Democrats Chair worked with the County Auditor, the Election Office, and attorneys to solve this problem. After re- evaluation and a recommendation by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, it was decided that the 10% threshold would apply to poll voters only. The canvassing board met, and four days after certification of the other PCOs, four of the five uncertified PCOs were determined to have met the revised 10% threshold and were subsequently certified.
The Camano PCOs whose names showed up on the wrong ballot were certified, but the voting was done incorrectly, and we need to take steps to see that this kind of inaccuracy on a ballot never takes place again.
We have a general election coming up in a few days. The electorate expects and is entitled to a ballot that is complete, one that includes all the issues, all the candidates, and the right candidates. The decision of the Island County Auditor to keep PCO candidates off absentee ballots is unacceptable. This glitch in Island County is a microcosm of voting irregularities we can expect in the upcoming election. Keep vigilant.
Anyone who receives an improper ballot for the general election, or observes problems in the polling places, should immediately call the Election Office and Auditor’s Office in Coupeville at 360-679-7366.
Grethe Cammermeyer, Island County Democrats Chair
Bits 'N' Pieces
Editors Note
Correction to the WHIM (Whidbey in Motion) Fall Brochure. In the “Local Physical Activity Resources” Listing Double Bluff Beach was listed as being located at “Waterfront at end of Fish Road, Freeland”. The actual location is at the “End of Double Bluff Road, south off of State Route 525.” The Whidbey Marketplace and WHIM, and Whidbey Island Hospital Foundation would like to apologize for any inconvenience that has occurred because of this error.
IDIPIC Reaches a Milestone
The 1,000th driver’s education student to attend IDIPIC’s panel, Keath Worley of Oak Harbor, accepts thanks and a gift from JoAnn Hellmann, coordinator of the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County. The recognition took place on Saturday, October 16 at Hayes Hall 137 at Skagit Valley College, Whidbey Island Campus, where the twice-a-month DUI panels take place. Keath, a sophomore at Oak Harbor High School, said he hopes to someday realize his dream job as an animator for Pixar Studios. IDIPIC attendance is a requirement for all Whidbey driver’s education students. Parents attending earn extra credit for their student, and valuable knowledge for themselves. The non-profit community service organization formed in November 2000 as creative sentencing for impaired drivers and underage drinkers, and has since expanded to several youth and adult prevention programs. For more info visit www.galaxynet.com/~idipic.
[Submitted by IDIPIC]
South Whidbey Mobile Turkey Unit Needs Volunteers
As we begin gearing up for another year, our 6th, we are excited about our growth and expansion, and have overflowed. This year all cooking, preparations and delivery will be done from the Eagles Aerie #3418. Whidbey Island Community has embraced the needs of our community and we feel privileged to be part of this wonderful program. We started serving 50 dinners and last year served 166. This year we are again enlarging our program to include financially challenged families by working with South Whidbey Resources and Pregnancy Aid. This also includes families who have experienced layoffs and can use our services, as well as, our shut-in dinner recipients.
Volunteers who are interested in becoming part of the Mobile Turkey Family call (360)341-2539 and leave a message. We need KP workers, drivers and people to help with mapping, enabling us to reach our diners at the correct locations. Donations of time and money are gratefully accepted. This year Whidbey Marketplace has agreed to help share getting the word out. Thanks guys and gals.
Whidbey Island Record continues to be one of our biggest fans in getting the news to the Whidbey Community - way to go. Chef Tom also states the generous boat guy will be floating a few turkeys our way. Matt Nichols has always been a leading contributor to many facets of our south Whidbey community.
South Whidbey we need your help once again. Contributing Donors: Eagles, Hanson’s Building Supply, Nichols Bros., JBL - Bob Dalton and more.
[Submitted by Thomas Arhontas, Founder of South Whidbey Mobile Turkey Unit]
WSU Master Gardener Training Offered
Interested in learning how to garden Northwest style? The WSU Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for the up-coming year. The deadline for applications is November 15. Actual training is held late January through February, from 9:00am to 3:45pm. Carpooling is available. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday during that period. In addition to Island County, San Juan County and Skagit County will be participating. Graduates are required to render a minimum of 85 hours of volunteer service in their community over a period of two years by participating in plant clinics, working in the WSU Extension Office in Coupeville, speaking before groups, making home garden visits, and helping out with other program events.
Please contact Judy Sexton at the Island County WSU Extension Office at (360)240-5527 or (360)321-5111, extension 5527, to request an application. You can also go on-line at www.island.wsu.edu and click on the Master Gardener link which will take you to the Master Gardener Application which is a request for an application that you can submit on-line. An application will then be mailed to you. Our address is Island County WSU Master Gardener Program, PO Box 5000, Coupeville WA 98239.
[Submitted by the Island County WSU Master Gardener Program]
Halloween is near! Costumes Available!
The Whidbey Playhouse Workshops Annex at 684 Oak Street off Goldie Road in Oak Harbor has costumes of all shapes and sizes. The following are the times and days for costume rentals:
Halloween outfits, Christmas Santa, Easter Bunny, Party dresses, Prom dresses, Tuxedo rentals. Come by and see if we have what you envision.
Halloween Rental Schedule will be:
Saturdays, October 23 and 30, 11:00am - 3:00pm,
Monday and Wednesday, October 25 and 27, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
For more information and/or questions, call (360)679-7630. Leave a message and we will call you back!
[Submitted by the Whidbey Playhouse]
 Reflective Trick or Treat Bags Available
Thanks to a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the cooperation of postmasters on Whidbey and Camano, kids throughout Island County will have a better chance to “be safe, be seen on Halloween.”
Reflective trick-or-treat bags will be available inside the lobby of your local post office beginning Monday, October 25. This is the first year of distribution by IDIPIC, the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County, which hopes to make it an annual tradition.
Also, and for the third year in a row a safety awareness kickoff campaign will be held at Wal-Mart on Saturday, October 23 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Reflective bags, clothing and bike reflectors, along with stickers, games, puzzles and lots of candy will be there.
“Many Halloween costumes I’ve seen don’t have any reflective aspects,” said JoAnn Hellmann, IDIPIC coordinator. “It’s usually dark by the time the kids are going door-to-door. Flash lights and night sticks get lost or stuck in the bag. The bags and clothing and light reflectors are an easy way for the kids to be seen by motorists.”
There’s even a treat for parents and other drivers: a glow-in-the-dark key fob that tells people I am proud to be a key to safety... a Designated Driver. This community service is just one of many provided by the ever-growing Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County (IDIPIC). The organization’s mission is to make our roads less traveled by those who drive under the influence, and thereby safer for all.
For more information on IDIPIC, please visit its web site at www.galaxynet.com/~idipic or call JoAnn at her home office: (360)675-8397.
[Submitted by IDIPIC]
New Community Choir Forming
All voices welcome - no experience or music reading required. We will celebrate many spiritual traditions, using easy-to-learn harmony parts with lyrics from around the world. We sing in dedication to the experience of joy.
The Whidbey Island Harmonic Temple Choir will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at the beautiful new Sanctuary at the Whidbey Institute Chinook Lands from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Drop-ins welcome!
The Harmonic Temple is a name for the potent ambience that is created by a group singing chants of healing, prayer and affirmation in an open-hearted way. The term originates in the work of British composer and choir director Nickomo Clarke. For more information, contact Halim Dunsky at (360)221-2016.
[Submitted by the Whidbey Island Harmonic Temple Choir]
American Red Cross Instructors Wanted
The American Red Cross Island County Chapter is looking for a few Island County Residents that would like to volunteer their time teaching other residents life saving skills in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Residents that would like to become instructors must take a two-and-a-half day class with the chapter’s instructor trainer Steve Vaughn. Steve has been an instructor trainer for 3 years and will work with each new instructor to develop teaching skills that are set by American Red Cross National Headquarters.
The price of the course is based on each individual’s willingness to volunteer in the Health and Safety department prior to taking the course.
Anyone interested in becoming an American Red Cross instructor is encouraged to call Barbara at the chapter at (360)257-2096 or email the chapter at arc@islandredcross.org. To obtain a copy of the instructor application and the volunteer application please visit our web site at www.islandredcross.org.
[Submitted by the American Red Cross Island County Chapter]
Allocation Plan to Address Influenza Vaccine Shortages
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Aventis Pasteur announced recently the first phase of the plan to allocate influenza vaccine in response to the recently announced loss of half of the nation’s expected flu vaccine supply for the 2004-2005 season. The plan, announced by CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding and Aventis Pasteur US President Damian Braga, calls for CDC to work closely with Aventis to distribute in phases 22.4 million doses of unshipped vaccine to identified areas of need throughout the country.
Beginning immediately, about 14.2 million doses of vaccine will be allocated over the next 6 - 8 weeks through Aventis Pasteur contracts directly to high-priority vaccine providers, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and private providers who care for young children.
“This plan will help ensure that vaccine gets to those people who need it most,” said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. “This is a troubling, frustrating situation for all of us and we need for all Americans to pull together in the weeks to come to meet this challenge head on. This plan is the result of unprecedented collaboration between CDC, Aventis Pasteur, and state and local health departments across the country. And we must not forget the other public health heroes on the front lines in grocery stores, pharmacies, and health clinics working to prioritize vaccine.”
CDC will continue to work with Aventis Pasteur and state and local health departments to identify people, by region, on the vaccination priority list. The approximately 8.2 million doses remaining after the first phase is completed will be shipped to other high-need areas.
CDC announced the priority groups for vaccination with inactivated influenza vaccine for the 2004-2005 influenza season:
· All children aged 6-23 months,
· Adults aged 65 years and older,
· Persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions,
· All women who will be pregnant during influenza season,
· Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities,
· Children 6 months - 18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy,
· Health-care workers with direct patient care, and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months.
Influenza season typically peaks in the United States between December and March. Because each season is unpredictable, it’s not known how severe the 2004-2005 season might be.
Although vaccination is the best protection against influenza, everyone can take practical steps to help prevent spread of flu, such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick and keeping your distance from others if you’re sick; when possible, staying home from work, school, and errands when you are sick; covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning your hands often.
For more information about the flu and this year’s recommendations, visit the CDC web site: www.cdc.gov/flu.
[Submitted by Island County Health Department]
 Hospital Pharmacy Has New Manager
Whidbey General Hospital is pleased to announce that John Cobb, R.Ph (Registered Pharmacist) has been selected as the new Manager of our Pharmacy Department. John has been a member of the Whidbey General Hospital team for the past 17 years. Congratulations John!
[Submitted by Whidbey General Hospital]
Playhouse Announces Cast for Holiday Comedy
After auditions for the holiday comedy, Daniel Sullivan’s Inspecting Carol, director Dulcey White Lovell has announced her cast. Playing Zorah Bloch, founding director of the Soapbox Playhouse is Nicole Bouvion. Allen Young plays Sidney Carlton, the addled, good-natured founding member of the company. Sidney’s wife, an Americanized English transplant, Dorothy Tree Hapgood, is Dinah Steveni. Steve Curran plays a vain child of the 60’s, Larry Vauxhall. Phil Hewlitt, who usually plays the ineffectual character in any Soapbox production, is Robert White. Maurice Wilson plays Walter Parsons, who has recently taken up acting again after a stint in the armed forces. Jordan Otruba plays Luther Beatty, who has been playing Tiny Tim two years too long. Kevin Emery, the managing director is Keath Worley. Fernando Duran plays Wayne Wellacre, who is in search of a new career in acting, but has no talent. The Inspector for the National Endowment for the Arts, Betty Andrews, is Barbara Schoonover. Anna Rohden is Spike, a member of the stage crew.
Inspecting Carol pokes fun at the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” and its status as an annual fund-raiser for theatre troupes. This slapstick production turns into a very funny and bizarre Christmas classic.
The play opens December 3 at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 S.E. Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor and closes December 18. Tickets are $12 and go on sale November 3. Call the box office at (360)679-2237, (800)606-PLAY for further information, show dates, group discounts, and reservations, or email at playhous@whidbey.net, or check the web site at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
[Submitted by the Whidbey Playhouse]
 Nursery Announces New Hire
Bayview Farm & Garden is pleased to announce the addition of a new staff member. Eric Studebaker, our new Nursery Yard Manager, comes to us with an impressive pedigree of extensive experience in garden center management. Eric will become a familiar face in the tree and shrub yard as he assists customers with plant selections and advice.
Eric’s work history has included management positions at Bellevue Nursery, Emery’s Garden in Lynnwood, and Swanson’s Nursery in Seattle. His plant knowledge and experience will be a terrific addition to the already far-ranging repository of knowledge among the superb staff at Bayview Farm & Garden.
Eric is famous for customer service... listening to customers’ needs, understanding their problems, and translating those into solutions.
We invite our customers to drop by and say “Hello” to Eric. He’s new to the island so we want help in making him feel “at home”. Also, for all you fishing bums... I think you’ll be seeing him down at the beach on his days off!
[Submitted by Bayview Farm & Garden]
Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery
Washington State Patrol Chief Lowell M. Porter reminds all that Daylight Savings Time is a great time to change the battery in your smoke alarm.
Daylight Savings Time is ending this year on October 31, and the Washington State Patrol - Office of the State Fire Marshal encourages you to use the extra hour to change the batteries in your smoke alarms. This is also a great time to bring your family together and discuss fire safety, including where each alarm is located in your home, what kind of sound it makes, and how to escape safely if they hear the alarm sound.
Although smoke alarms are present in 95% of homes in the United States, an estimated 20% do not work - mostly because of dead or missing batteries. In Washington State 42%, or 18, of the fires that resulted in a fire fatality last year had no smoke alarm, and an additional 9%, or 4, had a smoke alarm that did not work.
It is recommended that smoke alarm be installed on each level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. The detector itself should be replaced every ten years. Smoke alarm installation and maintenance is a simple and effective way to keep you and your family safe from the tragic consequences of fire.
If you require additional information on smoke alarms please contact your local fire department or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360)753-0400 or visit our web site at www.wsp.wa.gov.
[Submitted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal]
 Farewell to “Town” Pet
Dundee, a well recognized furry pal in Langley, was laid to his final rest on September 13. His best friend and owner, Dale Conklin, had the pleasure of sharing this great dog with locals for 14-and-a-half years. On any given day you would see Dundee escorting Dale around town to J.B’s (back in the day), Langley Village Bakery, The Dog House, the bank, etc.
It all started years ago when someone was giving away dogs in front of The Dog House and Dale was persuaded into taking this little Australian Shepherd, Labrador, and Springer Spaniel mix home. A decision well made! Dundee has been by Dale’s side ever since. Dundee was Dale’s best friend and traveling pal. He has visited 17 State Parks, driven over 284,000 miles, and has been to plenty of potlucks, parades, and celebrations wearing his bandana with pride. Dundee even had a tree down by the Seawall Park named after him!
He was loved by everyone that met him, and will be missed tremendously, but definitely not forgotten. Have a good rest little pal.
[Submitted by Tracy Peyton]
Vermicomposting, 100% Organic Humus for Your Garden
Earthworm Castings or Vermicomposting is an excellent and effective organic fertilizer that is high in bacteria, calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur and high rates of N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium.) It also contains over 60 trace minerals. Earthworm Castings make a great ingredient in potting soils, when germinating seeds and an excellent addition to add to holes when planting. Earthworm Castings can be used, and works well as a topdressing for lawns. Through Vermicomposting the humic contents show an increase of 40-60% which is higher than the value obtained in the compost process. Earthworm Castings are an integral part of organic soil management practices. This humus is odorless and non-burning. Instead of buying commercial synthetic fertilizers to use in your garden give the Vermicompost or Earthworm Castings a try. You will definitely see a difference in the health of your plants and preserve our earth from toxic chemicals.
[Submitted by Elderberry Earthworms, see ad on page A14]
Local Restaurants Featured in KCTS Special Broadcast
In June 1996, KCTS Television launched its popular series of live viewer cooking specials with KCTS Cooks: “S” is for Salads. Eight years - and hundreds of delicious recipes - later, the station will present its 20th viewer cooking special, KCTS Cooks: Favorite Recipes. Premiering Saturday, November 6, at 11:00am, the new special will feature a varied collection of recipes for entrees, desserts and more, all submitted by KCTS viewers.
In addition to live viewer cooking demonstrations, KCTS Cooks: Favorite Recipes will feature recipe demonstrations pre-taped at two island eateries.
Following are the cooking segments and entrees featured:
Trattoria Giuseppe, Langley
· Seafood Ravioli in Smoked Salmon-Cognac Sauce with Chef Paolo Mauro
· Spaghettini al Pomodoro with Chef Tyrell Chamberland
Kasteel Franssen, Oak Harbor
· Spicy Singapore Prawns (a longtime favorite of the restaurant’s patrons) with Chef Scott Fraser
For further information about KCTS Cooks and other cooking programs produced or aired by KCTS, please visit KCTS.org/weekend/kitchen. Credits: KCTS Cooks is a production of KCTS Television. Producers: Nicole Metcalf and Paula Nemzek.
[Submitted by KCTS Television]
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