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

To the Editor
Upon reading this letter [After the Ball is Over, November 20, Issue 143], I felt compelled to reply. What the hell of an attitude for a professed American. There should be a willingness to get behind a man who won with a majority of over 3 million. We are only a divided nation if we believe the media, lets remember we are not independent blue and red states, but, a single body of red, white and blue, a country second to none. So, let us join hands, stop dancing, and get in step to move forward and rid this world of terrorism so that we may never see another evil deed done on our soil. If you are unable to stop wallowing in your self pity, God help you, please open your eyes to reality and join America. The future is here and we must all shoulder the burden that can only be lifted if all of us face it as one.

Tony Rowse, Oak Harbor

To the Editor
This letter is in response to the vitriolic letter by Jerry Mercer [After the Ball is Over, November 20, Issue 143], and to all those angry voters who agree with him.

Jerry, I hope you had a chance to see just how foolish your supposed superior intellect appears in print. Too bad the “moronic American public” didn’t see it your way when they voted November 3rd [November 2nd]. You even compound your shallowness by surmising that a majority of Americans agree with your point of view. As you stated “close to fifty percent of the US population, if not more“ must agree with you. Unfortunately for your hopes the President received more votes than your candidate. I suppose you pass this off as voter fraud.

How frustrating to have such a superior intellect as you infer you have and have the masses not agree with you. Your derisive description of us as “sheep-like” responding “to party line shepherds” made me feel sorry for you and your mistaken beliefs.

My feeling was reinforced when I read on that as voters “we allow themselves to be herded to the slaughter house” Sir, I resent your arrogant reasoning.

Just because our political parties don’t agree is no justification to denigrate our dissension with character assassination. It is you who demand sheep-like response to your point of view or we are in your eyes “morons.”

Perhaps you should read the Bill of Rights and Constitution to see where your ideas and views went astray.

Finally, since we hold the majority in the House, Senate, and American votes as well as the White House, it is incumbent upon you and your party to understand our true American values and adjust your actions, As you stated “we may now be so divided as to prevent that sort of merger” of ideals and goals. It is up to you, Not us to work together for a better America. Are you willing to do that?

Ronald J. Clark, Oak Harbor

To the people of Langley (and Whidbey Island),
The members of the USABDA-NW Dance Team would like to extend our sincerest thanks to you for making our weekend on Whidbey Island so memorable.

We were honored to have the opportunity to perform “A Dance to Die For: Case of the Fallen Flapper” at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) [in Langley]. The show was extremely well-received, and much of the success was due to the promotional assistance of your town. We would particularly like to thank all of you who showed your support by displaying our posters and flyers in your places of business, and for the ads in the local papers. We appreciated the unsolicited feedback of strangers approaching us to tell us that they enjoyed our show on Saturday evening, and had told all of their friends to go see the matinee on Sunday!

A special thanks to the staff of Mike’s Place and the Star Bistro, who took such good care of us by fueling us for our Saturday show and refueling us after our final performance on Sunday. Many thanks to the staff of WICA for being so accommodating to our needs, and providing us with such a wonderful venue for our show. Our lodging reflected the hospitality we experienced all weekend, as we were more than comfortably housed at the Saratoga Inn, Drake’s Landing, and the nearby Willows Pond Lodge. Perhaps our only regret was that there was little time between rehearsals and performances to explore the Island, but this only gives us incentive to return.

All in all, it was a truly enjoyable weekend, and one that has already become a noteworthy page in our team’s history. Thank you again, and we look forward to performing for you again in the future.

Molly Conant, PR/Marketing, USABDA-NW Dance Team

To the Editor:
This is Thanksgiving Day, and I feel less safe today than I did last week. I have been piecing together today recent news about the so-called reforms of the intelligence divisions in our system. It wasn’t encouraging.

Resignations are common when administrations change. However, the recent resignations at the CIA are four years into an administration. These recent departures were preceded by several months by the head of the CIA, who is widely viewed as having been scapegoated. That resignation was preceded by the major one at the beginning of the Bush administration; that of Richard Clark, the former counter terrorism expert who wrote Against All Enemies.

In that book Clark made the point that he contacted Condaleeza Rice regularly to set up Cabinet level meetings to bring the new administration up to speed on Bin Laden and al-Qaeda. There was intercepted communications indicating an attack was imminent. In June 2001, al-Qaeda operatives were disappearing, raising the question of the possibility of a strike. In June 2001, counter terrorism experts prepared a report for top government officials stating “We believe that Osama Bin Laden will launch a significant attack against U.S. and/or Israeli interests in the coming weeks. The attack will be spectacular and designed to inflict mass casualties.” I ask you, does this sound like an intelligence failure? Seems pretty on the money to me. Yet Rice stonewalled Clark on delivering this message until September 7, 2001. And even then it did not involve the President. After the attack, Clark, who began serving on intelligence related work in the Reagan administration and served unbroken through to the G.W. Bush administration, resigned.

Recently, John McLaughlin, Stephen Kappes, and the head of the unit pursuing Bin Laden all resigned as well. McLaughlin has served the CIA for 32 years. He and Kappes were directors of the clandestine unit, which is where the feet of the spies meets the asphalt of the road. Our eyes and ears in hostile territories. That’s a bit of experience to lose all at once when the country is in need of good intelligence. What is more disturbing is that the replacements are all political appointees with little to no experience. Political appointees of one Porter Goss, the new head of the CIA. According to the Washington Post’s former CIA analyst, what is happening is the ideological make-over of the CIA. Apparently there is no more room to disagree with the President. Whatever, or who ever he calls a terrorist is a terrorist. Which explains why Bin Laden is still free, and Iraq was attacked and occupied by American forces, though it had no connections to the attack of 9/11.

So Porter Goss; just who is this guy anyway? He served on intelligence committees while in Congress to be sure, and once worked in the CIA. However, he has said some things that I have to wonder about. In a June conference call with reporters, Congressman Goss said that chemical and biological weapons were more dangerous than nuclear weapons. There could have been a number of reasons for stating that, but could that actually be a policy framework which he brings to the CIA that nukes are of less concern? In that same conference call he said that he wasn’t concerned about North Korea’s active nuclear program because “we called their bluff successfully,” and they weren’t “making any progress” in their nuclear weapons efforts. Yet US intelligence suggests that in the last two years the North Koreans have developed plutonium for six new nuclear warheads. So he has said things that make me question his qualifications. Interestingly enough, he talked to Micheal Moore for the Fahrenheit 9/11 movie, a clip which was left on the edit room floor. It is however, available at www.tompaine.com, and in that clip he is asked if he is qualified to run the CIA, which some folk in Congress think he is not. Goss himself said, “I am not qualified... the things you need to have I do not have.” So why is he?

I am grateful for those who have spent so many years watching the gates for us. Particularly those in the field who not only get paid less, they have fewer comforts and higher risk. To those servants I say thanks. Today though, the strength of that system is at stake at a time when it can’t afford to be. Although today I am grateful, I have a justifiable reason for feeling less safe.

Rob Harrison, Langley

Bits 'N' Pieces

Children Fold 100 Cranes for Tree
As part of the holiday celebration on South Whidbey 12 intermediate school children have folded 100 Peace and Love Cranes to decorate the tree at the Boy & Dog Park on First Street in Langley.

The tradition of folding origami cranes as a sign of peace, hope and, love started in Japan and was made famous by a young Japanese girl, Sadako, who folded one thousand cranes in hope of cure for her cancer. The 100 cranes on the Boy & Dog holiday tree will be accompanied by cards on which people can write their own wishes of peace, hope and love for the holiday season.

The holiday trees and decorations around the town were organized by Cynthia Tilkin, Kay Lagerquist, and their busy group of volunteers.

[Submitted by Langley Chamber of Commerce]

Attention Instructors
Freebody, Center for Mindful Movement opens January 2 in Freeland. Longing for a great space dedicated to movement arts? Tired of dealing with marketing yourself? My vision: a community resource for movement arts, administered with the value of mutual respect for all disciplines. A one-stop resource for people interested in pursuing personal development through movement. Opportunities for resource-sharing among instructors, including professional development workshops. Give instructors a dedicated, supportive and appropriate facility, and they will shine! Expose people to options, and they will find the art and teacher best for them! Even if teaching elsewhere, advertise your classes at Freebody.

The 1500 sq. ft. space is available for hourly rent by instructors of martial arts, yoga, etc. Classes collectively marketed throughout South and Central Whidbey. Great location, sprung wood floor, mirrors, etc. I have ten years experience administering a successful martial arts school and want to help you be successful too! Grand opening January 2. Call Rosie at (360)221-8278.

[Submitted by Freebody, Center for Mindful Movement]

What Do Whidbey Island And Africa Have In Common?
Answer, Beach Watchers! Recognized as an outstanding environmental education organization, Beach Watcher members are going abroad and you’re invited!

In May, 2005, join Beach Watchers on a 19-day safari to Kenya and Tanzania. Space for only 13 people guarantees that you’ll wallow in personal attention and outstanding opportunities for viewing wildlife at the Sweetwaters Game Reserve and Tarangire National Park where you’ll see everything from elephants and giraffes to hippos and leopards. You’ll also visit a Maasai village where Louis and Mary Leakey unearthed the jawbone of Zinjanthropus man.

Sponsored by Overseas Adventure Travel (26 years African travel experience), the trip includes 16-nights based on double occupancy, including airfare from Seattle, for $4,945. If you’re looking at the perfect holiday gift for yourself, this is it — and your participation helps support other Beach Watchers’ programs!

Space is limited, contact Sandy at (360)678-3765 or Dot at (360)679-7391 for information or to book a reservation. Beach Watchers, a WSU extension organization, nurtures nature through sound thinking wherever nature is found. You’ll never have a better opportunity than this to see Africa.

[Submitted by the WSU Beach Watchers]

ABATE Annual Toy Run
We are having our Annual Toy Run December 18, benefiting Good Cheer and South Whidbey Food Banks. We are starting from the Sound View Shopper north of Oak Harbor with stops at various points going south. We will be leaving Sound View Shopper at 11:00am and ending at Good Cheer [in Langley] at approximately 3:30pm. We have donation boxes set up at the Market Place (Ennens), Albertson’s and Sound View Shopper in Oak Harbor. We have boxes set up at the Greenbank Store in Greenbank, Radio Shack in Freeland, Sebo’s, Red Apple, FoodMart and La Paz in Clinton. Also watch for us as we will also be at Wal-Mart in Oak Harbor. For more information, contact either James Harris, P/R And Legislative Chair, at (360)221-2941 or Tracy Kim “TK” Johnson, Coordinator, at (360)678-6057.

[Submitted by ABATE of Washington, Island county Chapter]

Whidbey Writers Workshop Instructor Wins Award
Bruce Holland Rogers, who will be a fiction instructor in the Whidbey Writers Workshop low-residency MFA and has appeared at the Whidbey Island Writers Conference, was presented the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction at the World Fantasy Convention in Tempe, Arizona. Rogers’ winning short story, “Don Ysidro,” was in competition with English-language fantasy from around the world.

Rogers has previously won two Nebula Awards for science fiction, the Bram Stoker Award for horror, and a Pushcart Prize for literary fiction. His short fiction collections include Flaming Arrows, Wind Over Heaven, and Thirteen Ways to Water. He is also the author of Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer. His stories have appeared in North American Review and Quarterly West and have won the Nebula award in addition to the Pushcart Prize. He holds an MA from Colorado University and a BA from Colorado State University.

Stephen King, a previous World Fantasy winner, and Gahan Wilson were presented with the Life Achievement Award. Other previous World Fantasy winners include Peter Straub, Louise Erdrich, Mark Helprin, and Jonathan Lethem. Past Lifetime Achievement winners include Ray Bradbury, Jorge Luis Borges, Roald Dahl and Harlan Ellison.

The Whidbey Writers Workshop low-residency MFA, which holds it first Residency in August, 2005, will include the following faculty in addition to Rogers:

Christopher Howell, Poetry
MFA, University of Massachusetts, 1973; MA, Portland State University, 1971; BS, Oregon State University, 1968. Christopher Howell’s eight collections of poetry include The Crime of Luck; Though Silence: The Ling Wei Poems; and Light’s Ladder, latest in the University of Washington Press’ Northwest Poets series. His poetry has won two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships, a Washington State Governor’s Award, and the Vachel Lindsay and Helen Bullis prizes, along with three Pushcart Prizes.

Kirby Larson, Children’s Literature
MA University of Washington, 1980; BA, Western Washington University, 1976. Kirby Larson is the author of five books for children. Second Grade Pig Pals was named a Seattle Times’ Best Book for 1st and 2nd Graders; Cody and Quinn Sitting in a Tree was nominated for a Missouri Young Reader’s Choice Award; The Magic Kerchief has won numerous awards, including the Oppenheim Platinum Award, Banks Street Best Books and International Story Tellers Award. She is also the winner of an International Reading Association Excellence in Literacy Award.

Wayne Ude, Program Director and Fiction
MFA, University of Massachusetts, 1974; BA, University of Montana, 1969. Wayne Ude’s books include Becoming Coyote, a novel; Buffalo and other stories; and Maybe I Will Do Something: Seven Tales of Coyote, for ages ten and up. His stories have appeared in North American Review and Ploughshares, [Wayne also writes a column for this publication.]

Susan Zwinger, Nonfiction
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1975; MFA, Iowa Writers Workshop, 1971; BA, Cornell College, 1969. Susan Zwinger’s books of non-fiction include 2004’s The Hanford Reach; The Last Wild Edge; Stalking the Ice Dragon; and Still Wild, Always Wild. Her essays and non-fiction regularly appear in magazines and journals around the country. She also co-authored Women In Wilderness with her mother, Ann Haymond Zwinger.

Additional faculty will be added prior to the first residency.

[Submitted by The Whidbey Island Writers’ Association]

Animal Gift Requires Planning
The holiday season is just around the corner. Some people may think that a puppy, kitten or any other animal would make a great gift. Here are three good reasons to wait until after the holiday season is over if you want to bring an animal into your home:

1. The noise and busy atmosphere of the holidays may frighten the puppy or kitten at a time in its life when it may be least able to deal with the stress. Baby animals go through a natural “fear imprint stage,” which occurs between 7 and 12 weeks of age, the time when a puppy or kitten is handed over to new owners. After the trauma of being taken away from mother and litter mates, the hectic holidays may be too much and may even have a life-long effect on the animal. During an animal’s “fear imprint stage,” an animal can encounter something, almost anything that frightens it, and can remain fearful of these same things during its entire life.

2. When you wait before getting your animal, you may avoid the “new toy” syndrome: to be played with and then ignored when the excitement of being new is lost. Saving the thrill of a new animal until after the holidays means that the whole family will be involved in the responsibility a new animal brings. Remember that animals are not gifts, they are real living beings with real feelings and needs. You aren’t giving a gift, you are giving a life.

3. Successful house training needs a regular schedule. Most of us cannot provide this needed routine during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Don’t forget that you’ll probably have guests coming in and out and you won’t want (or have time) to clean up the little messes that come with having a new animal around.

If you do want to give an animal as a gift, here are some suggestions:

1. Wrap up a photo of the new puppy or kitten. The breeder or humane society will be happy to let you take a picture and to hold onto your new animal until after the holidays. You can plan to pick up your new animal after the holidays are over. This way you will have time to purchase and set up the necessary items to make your new family member comfortable in its new home. This will also show that you are a responsible animal owner and that you don’t want to subject your new animal to any unnecessary stress.

2. Make up a special puppy, kitten or animal package of items that can include: (All items are size-appropriate to the animal in mind) dog kennel, cage, food and water dishes, leash and collar, grooming tools, dental care tools of a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs or cats, training treats, toys, bedding, and gift certificates for pet supplies, grooming, veterinary care, or training.

For everyone who shares their lives with an animal, take time to spend some quiet moments this season with those animals in your life. Too many times people get caught up in all of the activities that go on during the holiday season and tend to forget about their animals. People find themselves stressing over things that should be fun to do during the holiday season. Life is too short to stress over things that really aren’t that important in the whole scheme of life. Enjoy the season for what it is and what it means to you. Share that joy with your animals by spending some quiet time with them.

Many holiday activities can be really stressful for animals, they don’t understand everything that’s going on. Please make sure that your animals are safe and comfortable during any holiday activities. This may mean that you will need to set up a dog kennel or room just for them. Make sure that your animal has it’s own bed, food and water dishes, and favorite toys or treats to keep it occupied during your holiday festivities. Remember to check on your animal and reassure your animal that everything okay. Giving your animal it’s own safe place will also prevent it from running out of the door when holiday guests come in and out of your house.

Please try not to indulge your dog or cat with too many bites of “people food” since this can upset their digestive system. Remember that chocolate is toxic to animals, especially to dogs.

If you are trying to think of a good gift idea for yourself, your family, or your friends, you can make a donation to any of your local animal shelters or rescue groups in your name or the name of the person you want to give the gift to. This will help these organizations as well as make both you and the recipient feel really great and Warm and Fuzzy about doing something wonderful this holiday season for those animals who are in need. You can write in your holiday cards that a gift has been made in (the person’s name) to (the shelter or rescue group of your choice). What a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit!

Visit my web site at www.laurieswarmfuzzies.com for more animal care and animal responsibility information. The more we all learn, the better a life we can create for ourselves and our animal companions.

[Submitted by Laurie’s Warm Fuzzies Professional Animal Grooming]

Forgotten Children’s Fund Accepting Family Referrals for 2004 Christmas Program
The Forgotten Children’s Fund of Island County (FCF) particularly targets working families who are unable to make the holiday season special for their children. Families referred and accepted will receive multiple gifts per child, one gift per parent, “special” requests as well as food and other necessary items.

Santa and his Elves will visit each accepted family on Christmas Eve. All families are contacted to establish a mutually agreed upon time for Santa’s visit.

If you know of a family who could use a little help during the holiday season please mail/e-mail all appropriate information to: Santa’s Workshop, PO Box 1527, Coupeville, WA 98239, or email to whidbeykids@direcway.com.

All referrals are private and confidential. You do not have to give your name to refer a family, although it is sometimes helpful should we have specific questions. We must have a contact phone number for each family. All referrals must reach us by December 10, 2004. Should you have any questions or would like to volunteer please call Bill or Deb at (360)678-7076.

[Submitted by the Forgotten Children’s Fund of Island County]

Washington Poets Association Announces 2005 Poetry Contests
The Washington Poets Association (WPA) announces its 2005 poetry contests, open to all poets worldwide, with over $1,000 in cash awards for poetry in four categories: free verse, traditional verse, haiku, and humor.

The William Stafford Award, recognizes the best poems in any form. There are also the Carlin Aden Award for poetry in traditional rhyme and form; the Charlie Proctor Award for humorous poems; and the Francine Porad Award for haiku.

The 2005 Stafford judge will be Martha Silano, author of What the Truth Tastes Like. Her poems have appeared in many places, including Bellingham Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, Green Mountains Review, Paris Review, Prairie Schooner, and on the Poetry Daily website. She teaches at Edmonds Community College.

Marian Blue will judge the Aden Award. Blue’s essays, fiction, interviews, and poetry have been appearing in newspapers, magazines, and books for thirty years; her editorial work also includes book, magazine, online, and newspaper experience. She currently lives and writes on Whidbey Island where she is partner in Blue & Ude Writers Services and also teaches for Whidbey Island Writers Association, Skagit Valley College, and Writers Digest.

Terry Martin, an English professor at Central Washington University, will judge the Proctor Award. Martin was named 2003 CASE/Carnegie Washington Professor of the Year for excellence in undergraduate teaching. Her writing has appeared in eighty publications. Her book of poems published by Blue Begonia Press, won the Judges’ Choice Award at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Book Fair, 2000.

The Porad Award judge, Christopher Herold, is a lay Zen Buddhist monk who lives in Port Townsend, Washington. He has been writing haiku since 1968 and is widely published. Herold has twice won the Haiku Society of America’s Museum of Haiku Literature Award. A past president of the Haiku Poets of Northern California, he was a co-editor of their quarterly journal, Woodnotes. He is co-founder and Managing Editor of The Heron’s Nest, a highly regarded monthly journal of English language haiku since 1999.

The contest is open to all poets 18 years old or older. The entry fee is $5 plus $1 a poem. The postmark deadline is February 15, 2005. The Washington Poets Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the creation and appreciation of poetry in Washington. In addition to the poetry contest, the group holds an annual poetry festival (Burning Word, April 30, 2005) that highlights Washington poets, publishes a juried anthology of members’ poetry, and sponsors the Bart Baxter Contest for Poetry in Performance. Membership, contest information and entry form can be found at www.washingtonpoets.org.

[Submitted by Washington Poets Association]

South Whidbey School District Awarded At-Risk Youth Grant
The South Whidbey School District has received a one-year grant of $85,600 in support of a new program serving youth in the South Whidbey community. This funding is provided by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Title IV. The South Whidbey School District was one of only five school districts and three educational programs in Washington to receive funding.

The new Learning and Community Engagement Program (LACEP) is designed to serve as a gateway to learning and community connection for youth who are suspended, expelled, or at risk of suspension or expulsion. Rooted in an individually-tailored approach, LACEP will help youth participants identify their needs and goals, and engage in learning and community activities in order to maximize educational achievement, transition toward independence, and find positive ways to contribute to the community.

With this emphasis on community service, LACEP will collaborate with community service providers, organizations, and individuals to create opportunities for youth participants. LACEP will also support educators and community service providers working with this population.

Diane Watson, the school district’s Director of Student Support, noted “This program represents a tremendous opportunity for the school district and the larger community to develop and expand on current services in order to effectively meet the needs of all our youth. We look forward to collaborating with local organizations and service providers to help these young people succeed in academic and community settings.”

LACEP is spearheaded by three program coordinators with a wide range of experience working with at-risk youth. Chris Burt is a certified teacher who has worked extensively in Washington with community-based learning, adventure education, and teacher training. Charlene Suzuki is a licensed social worker with nineteen years of clinical experience with at-risk youth. She currently works with both Bayview Alternative High School and South Whidbey High School students, and is the creator of Bayview’s Passions Program. Kathy Hein, with a B.A. in Human Services, has coordinated the South Whidbey Youth Center’s Tutor/Mentor program for the last five years, and brings her passion for community-based learning to this position.

Community members and organizations who would like to volunteer or learn more about the program are invited to contact one of LACEP’s program coordinators: Chris Burt (360)221-6198, ext. 2243, Kathy Hein (360)221-6198, ext. 2243, or Charlene Suzuki (360)321-5423.

[Submitted by South Whidbey School District]

Hearts and Hammers Seeks Homes to Repair
Hearts and Hammers on South Whidbey, now in their 12th year, is once again reaching out to the community in search of homes in need of repair for the annual work day on May 7, 2005.

Hearts and Hammers is a local non-profit organization that holds a yearly one-day work blitz to provide free repair and maintenance on the homes of people who are physically or financially unable to do the work alone. The driving interest of the group is to help people stay in the homes they own.

Last May, over 300 South Whidbey volunteers worked at 34 homes of disabled, elderly and low-income households. Under the direction of their house captains, these volunteers repaired structures, built ramps, did yard work, and generally had a fun and fulfilling day providing practical help and community support for their neighbors. There were also volunteers chopping and delivering wood, manning the recycling center and preparing food for the evening meal.

Labor and materials are free to the homeowners, many who work alongside the volunteers, as they are able. Individuals, local businesses, and community organizations donate materials, publicity and funds.

This annual project has become a South Whidbey institution, growing in scope and popularity as each workday generates enthusiastic reports of accomplishment, fellowship, and goodwill.

If you, or someone you know, need help with your home, contact Hearts and Hammers by January 31 for the May workday. Homeowners who would like a helping hand on Saturday, May 7, 2005, can apply directly by phone (360)221-6063 or by email heartsandhammers.com or by mail to Hearts and Hammers, PO Box 694, Langley, WA 98260.

[Submitted by Hearts and Hammers]

Holiday Gift Basket Give-Away
Have some fun in Coupeville during the holidays. It’s Coupeville’s annual, community-wide holiday gift basket give-away time again! Three lucky winners will claim $700 gift baskets. Entry is free all around town.

Now through December 20, a trio of great gift baskets, valued at over $700 each, are packed, ready, on display, and waiting to be won by those willing to fill out a free entry form for this Annual Christmas in Coupeville Gift Basket Giveaway.

When you are in Coupeville this month, look for prominently displayed “Participating Business” signs in the windows of 49 businesses where you can complete a simple form that enters you in the drawing for the baskets. In addition to approximately $400 worth of merchandise contributed by some of this year’s participating businesses, each basket also contains a Christmas in Coupeville Shopping Spree Certificate offered by Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce members. The Spree Certificate affords each winner the opportunity to select items of their own choice from a variety of Coupeville’s restaurants and shops.

If a bit of healthy, child-like pre-Christmas curiosity prompts you to need to know now what’s in each Basket or on the Spree Certificates, they are on display at three well lit Coupeville locations: On North Main Street just off State Route 20 at Lind’s Coupeville Pharmacy; on historic Front Street at Penn Cove Gallery; and on South Main at the Central Whidbey Visitor & Information Center in Coupe’s Village. Also, posted in Visitor & Information Center window - a list of the 49 participating businesses, which is a very good indicator of what’s tucked and packed in under the clear cellophane basket warp. Also... in the Center’s outdoor rack find a pamphlet with the participant’s addresses, making it easy for all to find convenient places to enter this annual drawing.

Again, entry is free. Entrants must be 21 or older to win, but need not be present to win. The Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce will notify all winners by phone. The last of three drawings this December will take place following the end of the business day on December 20.

The annual Christmas in Coupeville Gift Basket Giveaway is one way the local business community thanks you for thinking of Coupeville. Happy holidays and a prosperous and healthy New Year to all. Please address inquiries to (360)678-5434.

[Submitted by Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce]

Early Registration for Winter Quarter at Skagit Valley College
Early registration is going on now for Returning Students for Winter Quarter classes and workshops at Skagit Valley College. Winter Quarter will begin Tuesday, January 4 at all SVC locations: including Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor and South Whidbey Center in Clinton. Additional important registration date: Open enrollment begins Monday, December 6.

The college offers academic transfer degrees, professional/technical career options, courses in basic skills and English as a Second Language, job skill upgrades, as well as many personal enrichment courses and workshops. In addition, many courses are available online, via distance education. The college also offers GED preparation courses and testing. For more information, visit SVC online at www.skagit.edu or call the campus or center near you: Whidbey Island Campus (360)675-6656, South Whidbey Center (360)341-2324

[Submitted by Skagit Valley College]

Whidbey General Hospital’s Music Therapy Program
This fall we began a Music Therapy Internship program in affiliation with Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. Interns are required to complete 1200 hours of clinical training before they are granted their degree in Music Therapy. Our first intern, Alison Cocovich, began her work in September and will be with us until spring 2005.

Clinical music therapy services are provided for patients in Home Health and Hospice and Rehabilitation Services. Music therapy consultations are also available to patients in Medical Ambulatory Care, Pulmonary rehabilitation and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

CD players are now in every room on the Medical Surgical unit. We have a large selection of CDs for patients to choose from. We would like to add to our collection: please drop off donated CDs (no tapes please) at the hospital information desk or at the North Whidbey Community Clinic or the South Whidbey Community Clinic. All styles of music welcome. Plans are also underway to provide CD players for patients in the Whidbey Family Birthplace.

Our Live Music Program is thriving with 10 musicians volunteering their musical skills in various places around the hospital and in the home setting. Patients have reported that the music is soothing and “very relaxing in an otherwise stressful environment”. We are always interested in adding to our team of volunteer musicians. We are also hoping to add a Baby Grand piano to the lobby of the hospital. If anyone has a piano to donate (or money to purchase one) or would like information about joining our Live Music Program, please call Barbara Dunn, LICSW, MT-BC at (360)678-7656 ext. 8436 or (360)321-7656 ext. 8436.

[Submitted by Whidbey General Hospital]

Greenbank Holiday Market Suggestion
After attending the Holiday Market and searching for the right gift, you decided on the perfect solution, a jar of gourmet sauce for your uncle, a jar of gourmet jelly for your grandma, and a special culinary product with unique flavoring for your cousin. So what do they do with it? How do they use it? Here is the answer, Get Beyond the Jar. This really will do it for you and anyone this season. Islander Herbs Gourmet Jams & Spice Blends, Lopez Larry’s Gourmet Products, and Lavender Wind Farm have provided a cookbook to help you use their gourmet food products. Check it out at the Greenbank Farm Holiday Market and see how much fun it would be to Get Beyond the Jar. This cookbook has just been published for this season. [For more information on the Holiday Market in What’s Going On in this issue.]

[Submitted by the Greenbank Farm]

Transportation Links Discussed
Island County Economic Development Council (EDC) and Island County Chambers Coalition have partnered to present Stay Informed on Your Transportation Links. Speakers: Mike Anderson - Washington State Ferries, Acting Director; Bruce Agnew - Discovery Institute’s Cascadia Project, Director. These guest will discuss issues uniquely related to Whidbey Island, the future of the ferries, and public partnerships for the future of Whidbey’s transportation system.

This luncheon event will take place on Friday, December 10, from 12:00pm to 1:30pm at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club. Cost of the lunch is $15. Please RSVP to the EDC: (360)678-6889, toll free (888)506-7999 or Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce (360)675-3755. Useless Bay Golf & Country Club is located at 5725 S. Country Club Drive in Langley.

[Submitted by Island County Economic Development Council]