Letters to the Editor got an opinion? submit it to editorial@whidbeymarketplace.com

Dear Editor
I wish to personally thank you for printing my letter to the editor [Issue 142] about the creation of the Whidbey Island Home Based Business Directory in the 2005 MacGregor Visitors Guide. I have been receiving calls and emails from our hidden gems on the island who so desperately need some help growing their business. This opportunity to list for only $25 and gain such wide exposure is a blessing. I am working on this project pro-bono and am going to coordinate the collection and editing review of the section to ensure its accuracy. Your help in getting the word out is a wonderful example of how important your role is in contributing to the economic development of our island community. Please print this thank you note too because I think all of us would agree! Sincerely,

RoseAnn Alspektor, Business Development Consultant, The VALIS Group, Inc., Clinton

To the Editor
Apparently the City of Langley’s Mayor’s office and Ben Reams have agreed that Ben will retire as Harbor Master of the Langley Marina when Ben’s contract expires next April.

Ben’s got some 18 years of experience in public service at the marina, and his understanding of boating and his absolute competence in the operations and complexities of the Langley Marina is unmatchable. Also, his local knowledge in many areas is unsurpassed.

Some of you may remember his regular fishing column in the Island Independent.

Anyway, it looks (given the choice) like Ben would rather stay on and continue doing the job he was born to do.

So, I'm encouraging persons of community conscience and consciousness to support Ben and encourage the mayor et al. to renew and extend his contract.

Go to www.supportourharbormaster.com and show your support for Ben Reams... and write a letter or something!

Okay?
Drew Kampion, Langley

Dear Editor
After The Ball Is Over...

Remember that old song, After the Ball Is Over? I always found it depressing as I suppose its author intended. There was even a parody that someone wrote. It discussed the subject, I believe it was Mary, and how she took off her wig, took out her false teeth and glass eye, took off her wooden leg, and so on.

That song could be the national theme after our presidential election. How many people are unhappy with the outcome of last Tuesday’s election? I would assume probably close to fifty percent of the U.S. population, if not more. Even those who voted for the winner may have had some doubts on Wednesday. They probably watched the winning candidate beaming a smile worthy of Alfred E. Newman at his supporters, victoriously shaking his own clasped hands in the air, and wrapping his arms around his wife and children. He might have appeared to them to be smirking in his accomplished ruse over the moronic American public. He may appear to be laughing at their sheep-like response to party line shepherds. He might have been scoffing at those outside his family and thinking egomaniacal thoughts to himself about his personal future.

Those who supported the loser will often repeat, “I told you so!” during the next four years. They will not just look in dismay at the winner’s policies and decisions. They will tear their hair out at the mention of his very name. They will write their congressmen to declare the stupidity of the reigning monarch. They will search for a better man prior to the next election. Will they find him, or her? Probably not.

The presidency seems to be a donkey or elephant of a different color these days. Not that the good old days were so much better when it came to election rhetoric and false promises, but there was a clearer distinction between party platforms perhaps. Issues were debated in true contests of compelling speech. People actually listened and made logical conclusions. They didn't always follow the party lines or allow themselves to be herded to the slaughter house. The outcome of real issues often resulted from the election of a new president.

Abraham Lincoln's election was a major factor in the first shots fired in the War of Secession. Herbert Hoover’s failure to repair the economy assisted him out of office. Truman was able to upset Dewey by convincing the American people that he really was the right man for the job.

Perhaps the winner of Tuesday’s big effort will startle all of us with logic, understanding, and a return to true American standards, but I have my doubts. We may now be so divided as to prevent that sort of merger. Perhaps the success of this president’s campaign will awaken the American people to reality and responsibility, but I doubt it. Too many of us have our heads in the sand. Perhaps this president will somehow find a way to put America back into the role of peacemaker, reduce the nation’s highest ever debt, provide a fair trade in drugs and medical assistance, and turn around our sagging economy. No, probably not. The external pressures are too great.

Is there any hope at all for the United States of America after the ball is over? I hope so. Maybe our senators and representatives will... Nah, probably not.

Jerry Mercer, Greenbank

Bits 'N' Pieces

2nd Annual Cribbage Tournament Sign-up
Cribbageboard.com and Island Coffee are pleased to present the 2nd Annual Whidbey Island Cribbage Tournament at Greenbank Farm. Last year’s inaugural event drew 64 players, and according to the participants, was a fun mid-winter event. This year the total number of players will be limited to 72, so interested peggers should sign up early to assure a seat at the tournament.

Doors open promptly at 10:00am both days of the tournament. The entry fee for the main tournament is $25 of which 80% will be paid out in prize money. Participants play a 9 game round Saturday beginning at 10:00am to qualify for the sixteen player finals (best 2 of 3 match play) beginning at 10:00am on Sunday. Also on Sunday, there will be a 5 game consolation tournament beginning at 12:00pm (no playoffs) for those not making the final 16 from Saturday. Timing of the start of the consolation tournament will allow those who lose early in the main event finals to jump into the consolation tournament should they so desire. Consolation entry fee is $15 with 100% of the proceeds returned in prize money.

In addition to prize money, specially crafted cribbage award boards will go to the top finishers in various categories in each day’s events.

An area will be set aside where kids 15 and under (unless pre-qualified for regular tournament play) and others new to the game may play each other for prized and receive pointers from experienced players. Food and snacks will be available both days at the Whidbey Pies Cafe restaurant on site. Saturday form 1:00pm till closing, fresh pulled pork or chicken jerk sandwiches with side dish will be available from Casual Gourmet near the tables for $6 per order.

This year’s tournament will be a great success and be completed on schedule if all participants in the main and consolation events are reasonably experienced cribbage players and are comfortable with the time constraints of tournament play. Note: smoking is not allowed inside the tournament building.

To sign up, contact Bruce Howard at (360)331-4974, bhoward@whidbey.com or Mike Diamanti at (360)678-3598, diamanti@whidbey.com. Or mail a coupon found at local businesses and clubs, along with a check for $25 per person to Tourney, PO Box 1000, Freeland, WA 982249.

[Submitted by Cribbageboard.com and Island Coffee]

Special Eucharist and Blessing
The Ecumenical Fellowship of St. John, a Benedictine Brotherhood associated with St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods Episcopal Parish, will celebrate Holy Eucharist and Blessing of a newly-constructed green altar frontal at noon on Saturday, November 27 at Tanglewood Priory, their Monastic House. A festive pot luck will follow.

The frontal was designed and crafted by St. Augustine’s parishioner Melisa Doss, Clinton. Doss is a regular participant in the weekly service of Solemn Evensong, a service Lector and a member of the St. Augustine’s choir. In addition to altar frontals, she has constructed vestments for St. Augustine’s priests Nigel and Rachel Taber-Hamilton.

The green frontal is used at several times during the church year, including between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday and through Pentecost season (summer and fall) at the service of Solemn Evensong, or Vespers, offered every Monday at 5:30pm at St. Augustine’s as well as at regular services at St. Augustine’s.

Solemn Evensong is the ancient evening prayer of the Church, a time of contemplation, of reflection, of thanksgiving for the day just passed. Open to the community, regardless of faith or belief, the service is an island of calm in a busy day and gives an opportunity to stop and take a breath for a few moments, enveloping the self in the candles, the incense, the music, and the reverence. Much of the half-hour service is chanted or sung, but you don't have to be a singer, and a small amount of incense is used. The service is conducted by the Brothers of the Ecumenical Fellowship of St. John, an order of Benedictine monks.

Anyone interested in attending the service is asked to call (360)331-7930 for directions to Tanglewood and additional information.

Regular services at St. Augustine’s are held at 8:00am and 10:00am on Sundays and at 10:00am on Wednesdays. St. Augustine’s is located at 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road in Freeland.

[Submitted by St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods Episcopal Parish]

Musical Instruments Needed
The South Whidbey Youth Center is in need of cymbals, stands and a throne seat for our drum set; electric guitars; amplifiers; and any other musical instruments you would like to donate for our After School Drop-Inn Program’s Jam Session Mondays. Help teens develop their confidence and creativity by giving them instruments for this weekly musical endeavor. All donations are tax deductible. Please call Frankie at (360)221-4142 for more information.

[Submitted by the South Whidbey Youth Center]

Friendship Force Hosts Turkey Ambassadors
Friendship Force International (FFI) has active clubs in more than 50 countries worldwide. Clubs organized in different places participate in international home stay exchanges to promote goodwill and to establish personal friendships across cultural boundaries. Members of the Whidbey Island Friendship Force recently hosted visiting ambassadors from Ankara, Turkey.

Eight guests traveled from Ankara in the Anatolia region of Turkey. The six women and two boys (ages 9 and 10) first visited Medford, Oregon before traveling to Olympia, Washington for an overnight stay with the Olympia Friendship Force club. On October 10, Whidbey Island members drove our guests back to the island. Seven host families opened their homes to our guests for the week. During the week, we tried to show our guests what daily life is like on Whidbey Island. Living in Ankara, a large city in central Turkey, is quite different from island life. Hosts also had unscheduled time to spend with their guests to get to know one another and to show them our island.

Monday, October 11 started with a trip to visit with Langley Mayor Colburn to receive a welcome proclamation from him. Our guests and hosts visited three different South Whidbey Schools for several hours. Some guests talked about their native Turkey with high school and middle school students. Our nine- and ten-year-old ambassadors, Tuna and Atakan, and their mothers visited Pam Muncy’s 5th grade class and had a wonderful time with their new Whidbey Island friends, so much so that a return visit was arranged for the last day of their stay. Some new friends even came on the ferry with us to say good-bye to Atakan and Tuna. This exchange among students exemplifies what Friendship Force is all about.

Guests, hosts, and other Whidbey Island Friendship Force members participated in several group events including a welcome picnic at Ft. Ebey State Park Group Campground with a lovely view of Puget Sound at sunset. Progressive dinners allowed our guests to see different homes on the island. A cruise aboard the Viking Star took us from LaConner out through Deception Pass and allowed us to enjoy a crab feast along with the magnificent views and sea birds. Side trips took small groups to Seattle, the Olympic National Park, and the Boeing Plant. Bill Blair conducted a special tour for our guests of Fort Casey and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. The Mukilteo Coffee Company showed us their roasting process and prepared Turkish coffee for us. Some of the women even visited the Skagit Valley College Belly Dancing classes to offer some pointers to the Whidbey Island students. Friday night, we held a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to wish our new friends good-bye and safe travels. Saturday, we took them to the airport for their return to Ankara.

Like most visiting exchanges, most of our visitors spoke at least some English. Finding ways to communicate is easier than one might imagine. Our guests were curious about us, our homes, and life in America. All left with more positive images of American life than they came with and with suitcases full of goodies they bought. They were very good for our economy! These exchanges not only let a few people make very good friends with others from another country, but they allow us to understand one another’s cultures and to break down the political barriers that sometimes divide us. For example, these visitors were all Muslim, yet, they are not really different from us. All the women work; none wear the headdress associated with conservative Muslim countries. Turkey has a secular democracy that clearly separates church from state. It is interesting to learn that there are fewer barriers to women in the Turkish workplace than we find in the United States. Those of us who participated in this exchange are now eager to visit our new Turkish friends in their homes in the not too distant future.

Friendship Force International assists local clubs in arranging inbound and outbound home stay exchanges. In 2005, the Whidbey Island Friendship Force will host two visiting clubs, one from Sapporo, Japan in September and one from Christchurch, New Zealand in June. Our club will travel in April to Vietnam and Cambodia.

On December 12, the Friendship Force will be having a celebration of Christmas Around the World to be held at the Clinton Progressive Hall beginning at 5:00pm. We will be inviting our neighbors who have ties to other countries (maybe were even born there) to join us. We will have a speaker who was involved with the Peace Trees in Vietnam and will tell us about that country. If you are interested in learning more about the Friendship Force or being involved when the folks from Japan and/or New Zealand visit us next year, we invite you to join us on December 12. Please call Steve Strehlau at (360)730-1357, Chris Williams at (360)321-4027 or Pat Westling at (360)321-6308 for further information.

[Submitted by Whidbey Island Friendship Force]

Academy Begins Registration
NW Language Academy (NWLA) has begun registration for winter session of classes. NWLA offers quality, conversation-based language instruction for adults and children of all ages in French, Italian, and Spanish. Classes are taught by native speakers, in a relaxed, supportive learning environment. Winter session begins January 10. Most classes are offered in 10-week sessions, and take place in our new location in Bayview, on Whidbey Island. Pre-registration is required. Contact NWLA at (360)579-2416, (360)914-0391 or on the web at www.nwlanguageacademy.com for a complete list of language programs, cultural events and travel opportunities.

[Submitted by the NW Language Academy]

Langley Offers Holiday Special
Holiday shoppers in Langley can pick up free gift certificates all over town during a new weekend event. Over 17 participating businesses will be passing out gift certificates for other Langley businesses to random customers. It’s Langley’s way of saying “thank you” to the community for their support during the year. The event is called the Langley Holiday WalkAbout – Trade It Forward, and is taking place Thanksgiving weekend, and December 3 - 5 during the Lively Langley Late night and the Holiday Art Walk, when participating stores will be open until 8:00pm. For further information, please contact the Langley South Whidbey Chamber of Commerce at (360)21-6765.

[Submitted by the Langley South Whidbey Chamber of Commerce]

Art Wanted For Show/Sale at Oak Harbor High School
Art can be submitted by student and community members ages 13 and up. Sell your work(s) or donate them. 50% of your sale price will go to benefit the Oak Harbor High School(OHHS) Art Club Students. Bring your work to OHHS room 9C prior to Friday, December 3 or contact Ms. Yates at (360)279-5470 for more information. Sale will be held Friday, December 3 in the OHHS school library from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

[Submitted by Ms. Jennifer Yates]

Results of 8th Annual Whidbey Island Scarecrow Contest
Fifty-eight Whidbey Islanders entered the 8th Annual Whidbey Island Scarecrow Contest that results each year in a grand “Scarecrow Corridor” display along the main streets of Coupeville during the latter half of October. Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce is the sponsoring non-profit organization that proudly presents Scarecrow Corridor for the viewing pleasure of the entire Whidbey Island community. This year, Central Whidbey Chamber thanks Whidbey Marketplace and Community Journal for their contributing sponsorship which allowed the complete official contest entry form to appear in that publication twice before the 2004 entry deadline. The Chamber also thanks all contest entrants, and is now pleased to announce the decisions of the judges, and award the Scarecrow Corridor prizes described below.

The 2004 Winners Are:

First Place – $150.00 cash prize: Scarecrow at the Ballot Box, built and maintained by Coupeville Peace and Reconciliation.

Second Place – $100.00 cash prize: Re-Tired Senior Citizen, built and maintained by the Mobile Home Owners Association at Olympic View Park, Coupeville.

Third Place – Tie. $50.00 to each winner: Ghoul-land Transit, built and maintained by Island Transit fare-free bus service in Island County and Can Lady in a Great Skirt, built and maintained by Gifts From the Heart, Central Whidbey Food Bank.

Three Honorable Mentions (for a specific element of their entry) – $25 to each: Whidbey Island Pony Club for sturdily constructed black horse for their Headless Horseman entry, Home Connections, Oak Harbor School District Home Schooling is Fun for the tumbling student in their entry, and Christopher’s Front Street Café for the low key humor of their not-too-scary Scare Chef welcoming people into Mariner’s Court, Front Street, Coupeville.

Three more Honorable Mentions (special consideration) – gift certificate for each: Youngest entrant in 2004 competition, 5 year old Riley Amend of Greenbank for his traditional scarecrow will receive a gift certificate for a Honey Bear; Youth entry from Coupeville Elementary School Third Grade, their inventive scarecrow’s skeleton was showing through its skin! They will receive a gift certificate for a Honey Bear; and Coupeville Garden Club who painted three beautiful faces on buckets for their Over a Barrel entry, they will receive a gift certificate for Sally’s Garden.

[Submitted by the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce]

Free Preschool Available on the Island
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) offered through Skagit Valley College, has enrollment openings in its Free Preschool. Classes are located at Skagit Valley College in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and South Whidbey Primary School. ECEAP is a comprehensive preschool program for families who want to be involved in their children’s education. Transportation on School District’s buses is provided. To be eligible for ECEAP children must have turned 3 or 4 years of age by August 31, 2004 and be below federal low-income guidelines. For children of families whose income is above low-income guidelines, there are a limited number of Low Cost Openings (Oak Harbor classrooms only.) For more information, or to apply, please contact the ECEAP office at Skagit Valley College (360)679-5348, (360)679-5248 or (360)321-0696, ext. 5348.

[Submitted the Skagit Valley College Pre School Office]

Museum Sponsors Holiday Ornament Contest
The Island County Historical Society Museum is sponsoring an ornament making contest open to all school age children kindergarten through the 8th grade. This contest is in conjunction with the Society’s 12th Annual Holiday Home Tour on December 11. All ornaments will be displayed on the holiday tree displayed at the San de Fuca Schoolhouse, one of the stops on the home tour. The winners and their families will be awarded free admission to the museum good through 2005 and free admission to the Holiday Home Tour for the winning student and one parent or guardian. Children are encouraged to make an ornament which reflects a special holiday, culture or belief which is special to them.

Contest rules are as follows:

1. Entry forms must be picked up at the museum.
2. The ornament, with the entrant’s name on it, and the entry form must be turned into the museum no later than 4:00pm, Saturday, December 4.
3. The ornaments should reflect one of the following categories:
a. Best use of color
b. Best use of material
c. Best representation of a particular holiday, cultural or belief theme
4. Ornaments can be made of any non-perishable material but should be able to hang from the holiday tree with a normal ornament hook.
5. Entrants must be school aged children from Kindergarten through 8th grade

A panel composed of museum staff and local merchants will judge the artwork and winners will be announced on Monday, December 6. The ornaments will be divided into 3 age groups, with one winner from each group to be chosen. Honorable Mentions from each age group will also be awarded, and will receive free admission to the tour along with one parent or guardian. All works submitted to the contest will be hung in the Schoolhouse on December 11. The ornaments will then be donated to Whidbey General Hospital.

Museum’s Winter hours are: Friday - Monday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For further information about the Island County Historical Society Museum, please visit our website at: www.islandhistory.org.

[Submitted by the Island County Historical Society Museum]

Call for Play Ideas and Directors for 2005/2006 Season
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) announces the Call for Plays and Directors for the 2005/2006 Theatre Season. That’s right; we’re talking October 2005 through June 2006!

This is your chance to let us know the type of theatre you would like to see produced locally. You can pick up a play proposal form at WICA, 565 Camano Avenue in Langley, or call (360)221-8262. Five play slots are available and we encourage you to propose specific productions and creative approaches that will inspire and challenge our community. If you are also interested in directing, please submit a resume outlining your directing and theatre experience, along with your play choices. Please feel free to propose plays whether or not you want to direct.

WICA will accept proposals and applications through the end of this year, and we hope to name the 2005/2006 Season by April. Please feel free to call Production Director Deana Duncan with any questions; we look forward to reading those plays and learning more about you.

[Submitted by Whidbey Island Center for the Arts]

Snowrider Bus for South Whidbey and Coupeville Students
Time to sign up now! South Whidbey Parks & Recreation is organizing a ski/snowboard bus just for Coupeville students, to Stevens Pass for 8 weeks January - March. Come join us for some winter fun! This program is offered to students 5th grade through 12th grade, beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Lessons are available for all skill levels. Price ranges from $240 - $405 depending on lesson package. For more information visit us on the web at www.swparks.org or call (360)221-5484 for a detailed brochure. Students can also pick up a brochure at the school office.

Plus there is a Tuesday adult ski bus from Coupeville and Clinton. You deserve some time for yourself! Come skiing and snowboarding with a great group of people! This program runs 8 weeks January - March. Pickups in Coupeville, Clinton, and Everett. Visit www.swparks.org or call (360)221-5484 for more information.

[Submitted by South Whidbey Parks & Recreation]

Texans on Whidbey Dance Club Forming
Attention all two-stepping, line-dancing, square dancing Texans on Whidbey who might be interested in getting together to dance. Club members can be native Texans or Texans at heart who have lived in the Lone Star State for at least one year. Club meetings will be held once a month at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club in Langley when a country and western band plays. Dance lessons may evolve as members with a special expertise appear. For more information call Donna and Maury Hood at (360)341-1860 or email to mjonent@whidbey.com.

[Submitted by Donna and Maury Hood]

South Whidbey Girl Scout Collecting Donations
On Saturday, December 4, the South Whidbey Girl Scout Service Unit 151 will be coming to your neighborhoods collecting non-perishable food items for our local food bank. This is an opportunity for our young girls to participate in local community needs - especially during the holidays. Mark your calendars. The Girl Scouts will be visiting the neighborhoods of Scatchet Head, Useless Bay, Holmes Harbor, and Langley.

Wake up to bright, smiling faces at your door. After the girls pick up the donations Saturday morning, they will meet at St. Hubert Church Fellowship Hall in Langley, box up the donations, have lunch, and head down to the Clyde Theatre to attend a performance of Whidbey Children’s Theatre’s Twas The Night.

Please help our Girl Scouts help others. Happy Holidays! Also, our service unit is looking for Brownie/ Girl Scout books. Recycle them with us; especially Junior Badge books and Studio 2B books. Please Contact Jody at (360)331-7844 for further information.

[Submitted by Christine Schoeler and Brownie Troop 985]

Tree Farm Has Been Sold
Fircrest Tree Farm has been sold, and would like to say thanks to all my customers for their patronage. I will no longer be selling trees.

[Submitted by Carolyn Davis]

Smilin’ Dog Coffeehouse & Café News
The Smilin’ Dog Coffehouse & Café is now offering dinners in addition to serving breakfast and lunch in their recently remodeled café. Owners, Marty Fernandez and Peggy Moe are also pleased to announce the addition of Chef Pat Weaver to their staff. Chef Pat brings over 20 years of professional culinary experience to the Smilin’ Dog Café. A recent émigré to Whidbey Island, he has honed his craft at influential restaurants in Minneapolis, San Francisco and Boulder. He incorporates the best seasonal and regional ingredients with skill and careful attention to detail to bring delicious and satisfying selections to the Smilin’ Dog.

The new dinner menu features appetizers, dinner entrees, a children’s menu and an evening special. Featured specials have included: Creole Jambalaya, Moroccan Chicken, Chicken Pot Pie and Balti Shrimp Curry. Familiar favorites from the lunch menu and a few evening-only items complete the evening’s offerings. Affordable wines and craft tap beers round out the new evening venture. Dinner entrees range from $6.95 to $10.95. Besides dinner, the cafe will also be offering pastries and organic espresso for those seeking just dessert or a casual spot to meet friends.

The Smilin’ Dog Coffeehouse & Café is a popular, local, south-end café located at Bayview Corner in the recently renovated Cash Store, serving organic espresso and dog-gone good chow since 1996. Hours are Monday - Wednesday, 7:30am - 5:00pm; Thursday - Friday, 7:30am - 8:30pm; Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm; and Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm. Evening / Dinner hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm until 8:30pm and is located at 5603 Bayview Road in Langley and the phone number is (360)321-7686.

[Submitted by Smilin’ Dog Coffeehouse & Cafe]

Trattoria Giuseppe, A Family Success Story
On Saturday, December 11 at 2:00pm, Trattoria Giuseppe Italian Restaurant located in Clinton will be included in the “KTCS Cooks: Favorite Recipes”, a Channel 9 membership drive event. Viewers will have the opportunity to pledge their membership and receive a cookbook comprised of the recipes from all the featured chefs. Cooking on camera for the restaurant will be chefs Paolo Mauro and Tyrell Chamberland. Paolo’s on-screen appearance is just a visible reminder of the family affair that is very much at the heart of the restaurant’s continuing success.

Paolo, his sister Gina and brother Luciano all work at the restaurant while continuing their own educational goals, and are the children of restaurant owner, Jennifer Mauro. “I have always wanted them to have a well-rounded education, to have a real childhood, to explore their talents, and to do what their hearts truly desire. It has been good for them to learn the restaurant business while pursuing their education,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer and former husband Guiseppe Mauro, opened the restaurant in 1995, featuring flavorful Italian and continental dishes created from fresh ingredients: fresh salads’ pastas, seafood, steaks, poultry, lamb, and more. “Nine years later, we are still here - Guiseppe has gone on to open his own restaurant in Bellingham.” Jennifer stated.

Gina is working towards a business degree, Paolo is working towards his engineering degree at the University of Washington, and Luciano while still in high school says he plans on being a chef... maybe! He has been cooking since he was sitting on the counter in the kitchen doing “fast cooking” (stir-fry) at the age of 2.

Besides the almost daily involvement of her family, Jennifer gives a lot of the credit for the success of the restaurant to its staff. Tyrell Chamberland, Paolo’s “co-star”, has worked at the restaurant since the beginning; Debi Simmons, whose elegance and charm are appreciated by a loyal following; and Robert Rose, who is known for his gracious service, are three employees that Jennifer counts on greatly. “Tyrell, Debi and Robert have made significant contributions to our continuing the tradition of fine continental dining on the Island. Other valuable staff members are Mattie Lee Saylors, Michael McNany-Greene, Kassandra Mendoza, Joe Bartel and Matt Sherlock,” adds Jennifer.

[Submitted by Trattoria Giuseppe Italian Restaurant]

Children’s Center Receives Grant
The South Whidbey Children’s Center is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation in Seattle. The grant will be used to facilitate their Campaign for Future Generations. The Center is working to build an endowment fund and an operating reserve which will ensure that their programs will continue to be available for the children and families of the South Whidbey community.

Directed by Barbara “Mully” Mullally the nationally accredited program has been a constant source of excellent early childhood education of South Whidbey since l978. “We are truly honored to have this support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. It is an affirmation of the importance of our work, and our commitment to continuing to serve the children and families of South Whidbey. Not many organizations have as their mission to support early childhood, and we are grateful for the Foundation’s commitment to our goals,” said Mully.

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is dedicated to promoting the health and development of vulnerable populations and to strengthening families and communities in the Pacific Northwest. The Foundation invests in effective organizations that address significant community needs, reflect best practices, leverage public and private resources and contribute to lasting, positive social change.

“The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation believes in the work and services of the South Whidbey Children’s Center. We want to see the Children’s Center reach their goals and continue to provide their high quality childcare to the community’s children and families”, said Foundation officer Peter Berliner.

Past grants awarded by the Foundation have included YMCA of Greater Seattle, Refugee Women’s Alliance, Seattle Public Library Foundation, and Outside In of Portland. Founded in l988, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is administered through Vulcan Inc., of Seattle. The Foundation may be contacted through Michael Nank, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation at (206)342-2000 or michaelna@vulcan.com.

[Submitted by the South Whidbey Children’s Center]