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Letter to the Editor:
At our November 15, 2004 meeting, Quilters on the Rock drew the winning ticket for the 2004 opportunity quilt. The winner is Sandy Norris of Seattle. Sandy bought her ticket at Mussel Fest in Coupeville on March 6, 2004. The quilt was delivered to a very happy Sandy on November 26.

Quilters on the Rock thanks the community at large for your support of our continuing service projects: quilts for Whidbey’s foster children, and quilts for patients at Whidbey Island Hospital’s Mobile Acute Care unit.

Just a reminder - QOR has put together another spectacular quilt for 2005. Look for us at Whidbey’s various festivals and buy your lucky ticket.

Once again, thank you.
Janet Sebastian, Ways and Means Chairman, Quilters on the Rock

Dear Whidbey Community,
Christmas Light Show

The Beck Family invites you to our 8th Annual Christmas Light Show. This is a drive through light show of over 30,000 lights. With lighting by Jerry Beck & Company Inc. Electrical Contractors. Here on South Whidbey, located at 6504 Robin Lane, Clinton. The show will be through December 30, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Directions: State Route 525 South to Deer Lake Road (Post Office) turn right, travel for ? mile, look for the “Light Show” sign, and turn left. Tune your radio to 89.3 FM for Christmas Music. Please allow God to touch you this holiday season.

With Christian Love,
Jerry, Lois, David and Karl Beck, Clinton

Dear Editor,
Big Success for WEAN Auction

I would like to happily report that Whidbey Environmental Action Network’s first ever auction was a great success on October 2 at the Thomas Berry Hall. Thanks to the efforts of so many incredible volunteers and attendees we raised $23,500, spent about $5,000 putting on the auction, and netted about $18,500.

WEAN will continue to be responsible stewards of donated funds from our hardworking and loyal network of supporters. We will use these financial resources to continue the good work we do fostering protection of our native bio-diversity and environment.

The event came off beautifully with a sumptuous feast prepared by Donna Selig and crew, thirst quenching libations served by Kate Poss, great musical entertainment provided by Joanne Rouse, Linda Morris, Steve Showell, Lorraine Bayes, and Rainy Lewis and accompaniment.

Our auctioneer and “purveyor of fun,” Jim Freeman did an excellent job moving the live auction items, while making good humor along the way. We had about 200 items donated for auction and 150 people in attendance.

I hope the list of volunteers below is thorough. My apologies to anyone I may have missed. It was a complex event to pull off with many folks contributing lots of hours to procure donations, build a database to manage information and create bid forms, write and mail invitations, set up for the event, direct traffic and shuttle attendees, handle check-in and registration, manage the silent and live auction, prepare a feast, organize entertainment, serve beverages, handle cashiering and auction check-out, and finally clean the place up.

Thank you everybody! Your efforts have made WEAN a stronger and more resilient organization.

Steering Committee; Fred Geisler, Linda Lindsay, Joyce Small, Marta Mulholland, Steve Erickson, Marianne Edain.

Volunteers; Donna Selig, Alethea Shinneman, Lee Compton, Christy Wills, Kate Poss, Matt (in the Kitchen), Laurie Keith, Ingrid Skjelstad, Tracy Peyton, Katy Shaner, Cyndi Fernandez, Marrissa Harkey, Maggie Jacoby, Dan Weber, Laurie Carron, Rosi Rose, Diane Piazzon, Gary Piazzon, Gordon Rosenburg, Tom Vorhees, Mark Wahl, Gary Piazzon, Kimmer Morris, Pete Wolf, Theresa Marie Ghandi, Eli Edadow, Amy Dale, Michael Sheehan, Drew Kampion.

If you would like to know more about WEAN and the work we do, or want to know how you can volunteer or support us financially, please us at (360)579-4202.

Fred Geisler
Event Coordinator and Board Member

Dear Editor:
Once again, the Coupeville Festival Association has an exciting announcement! On December 7 at the Race Road Fire Station, we gave away over $21,000 in student scholarships and grants to Coupeville community projects.

Since the very first Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, this group has awarded approximately $200,000 to the Town of Coupeville, over $20,000 to the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce and over $300,000 to community projects. It's amazing to be part of a group that has given over half a million dollars to it's community!

The Coupeville Festival Association received over $100,000 in grant requests this year alone. While we recognize that all the applicants have worthwhile projects, coming up with the final slate of recipients was quite a challenge for our Board.

Many dedicated volunteers have put in long hours to accomplish this amazing task of fundraising. The Coupeville community should be very proud of them. The Festival Association volunteers raised and granted money to the following groups in 2004:

Coupeville High School 9th Grade class trip, Sno-Isle Libraries, Coupeville Branch, C High School Soccer Booster, WSU Cooperative Extension Office, Central Whidbey Youth Coalition, Coupeville High School Drama Department, Whidbey General Hospital Memorial Fund, Rainbow Girls, Coupeville Elementary School (2 4th grade projects), Coupeville High School Social Studies Department, Artist’s Spring Studio Tour, Coupeville Arts and Antique Walk, History Day, WI Giant Pumpkin Contest, Whidbey General Hospital Foundation, Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue, Coupeville Middle and High School Music Department, Coupeville Arts Center, Readiness to Learn, Coupeville Middle and High School Art Department, Coupeville Garden Club, Learning Connections, and the Town of Coupeville. In addition, $1,000 scholarships went to 3 deserving students who put in volunteer hours helping this year’s festival: Jamie Fealey, Justin Hallam and Brad Sherman.

Next time you see a Coupeville Festival Association member/volunteer, thank them for a job well done. You might also ask them how to join. The membership fee is $1 per year and the rewards are priceless! Call (360)678-5116 or email info@coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival.org.

Respectfully,
2004 Coupeville Festival Association Board Members:
Anne M. Hallam, President; Mike Dessert, Vice President; Dawn Little-John, Secretary; Murray Aston, Treasurer; Benye Weber, Immediate Past President; Sue Wotton, Mary Young, Margaret Johnson, Board Members at Large.

Dear Island County officials,
I'm sure you all know the situation: Nichols Bros. has been a viable operation at Holmes Harbor for decades, but its location has always been marginally acceptable. The facility is located at the dead end of a north-facing saltwater cul-de-sac, and we've all worried about the environmental impacts over these years, notably the release of metals and other pollutants into local waters.

But the operation’s economic contribution to the area is important, and Nichols Bros. has remained a part of the community in part because of the community’s willingness to compromise for the good of the whole.

Expanding the facility as proposed violates this balance of trust and jeopardizes quality of life and of the environment in the Holmes Harbor - Freeland area. The folks at Nichols Bros. well know this and should never have lofted this proposed expansion.

A more correct solution would be to maintain a small-boat presence at Holmes Harbor in Freeland and to open a sister big-boat operation in Everett or another location strategic to Nichols’ customer base for these larger products (i.e. the Navy home port).

Nichols Bros. has brought some employment to the south end of Whidbey Island, but they have demonstrated little sensitivity for their impacts on their neighbors. We need to help educate them, in part by recommending better solutions for their current expansion needs.

Sincerely,
Drew Kampion, Langley

Bits 'N' Pieces
[Editorial Omission: In listing the Cribbage Tournament sign up we inadvertently missed including the date of the event. The Second Annual Whidbey Island Cribbage Tournament at Greenbank Farm will be held January 8 and 9, 2005. We apologize for the error. To sign up, contact Bruce Howard at (360)331-4974 bhoward@whidbey.com or Mike Diamanti at (360)678-3598 diamanit@whidbey.net.]

Enrollment Available for Winter Quarter at Skagit Valley College
Open enrollment is now available for Winter Quarter classes and workshops at Skagit Valley College (SVA). Winter Quarter will begin Tuesday, January 4 at Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor, and South Whidbey Center in Clinton.

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]

Champions Of Diversity Ceremony Honors High School Students
On Wednesday, November 17, three hundred community members attended the fifth annual Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony held at the Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon Campus. Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Skagit Valley College, The Evergreen State College, Western Washington University, University of Washington, and Washington State University honored high school students from Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties for their contributions to diversity on their campuses and in their communities. In addition, more than $42,000 in scholarships were awarded by the seven institutions, local businesses and community organizations to 32 seniors who distinguished themselves in leadership, community service, academic abilities, and educational goals.

Local Award Winners and Scholarship Winners Included:
Jaime Barker: South Whidbey High School, $3,000 from The Evergreen State College
Suzanne Cruchon: South Whidbey High School. $500 from Skagit Valley College

[Submitted by Skagit Valley College]

Influenza Vaccine Schedule
Island County Health Department has received a supply of influenza vaccine. Beginning the week of December 20, regular immunization clinic schedules will be resumed, and influenza vaccine will be administered until supplies are exhausted. Flu vaccine is effective if administered at any time during the flu season, which extends well into March, so it is not too late to be getting your flu shot. For more information regarding immunizations, please visit our website at www.islandcounty.net/health/ImmClinic.htm

Immunization Clinic Schedule:
Every Monday, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Nursing Annex, 410 North Main Street, Coupeville
Every Tuesday 1:00pm - 4:00pm , Community Health Services Building, 5475 South Maxwelton, Langley
Every Wednesday 1:00pm - 4:00pm , Family Resource Center, 1791 NE 1st Street (corner of Whidbey and Regatta), Oak Harbor

[Submitted by Island County Health Department]

New Wireless Internet Service Offered At Oak Harbor Library
Oak Harbor Library users can now use their own laptop computers to get Internet access from any area in the library. Laptops should already be equipped with wireless capability, or carry a wireless network card. Most, but possibly not all, wireless laptops will be compatible. Customers are responsible for providing their own computers. Additionally, staff are not able to provide advice or instruction on configuring a computer for wireless access. Anyone who needs technical assistance on this should contact their software or hardware manufacturers.

The Sno-Isle Libraries serves more than 600,000 residents in Snohomish and Island counties. Services and materials include 1.3 million items, reference services, electronic databases and computer equipment, Internet access, outreach programs for the homebound and local daycares, and story times for children. For more information on library services in your area, please call the Sno-Isle Libraries Service Center at (360)651-7000 or (800)342-1936, or visit the web site at www.sno-isle.org.

[Submitted by Sno-Isle Libraries]

Kiwanis Has See Chocolates for the Holidays
The South Whidbey Kiwanis will be selling See’s Candies just in time for Christmas. Come by our new location across the highway from Sebo’s [on State Route 525 in Bayview] for all your holiday sweets. We have assorted chocolates and “nuts and chews.” This is the perfect place to find that special holiday gift or stocking stuffer for your friends and family. Kiwanians will be selling the candy from 10:00am to 5:00pm every day through Thursday, December 23. We will be open Christmas eve from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Proceeds benefit programs serving the youth of our community.

[Submitted by the South Whidbey Kiwanis]

From Ebey’s Reserve to Thailand’s Forestry Reserves
A group of Coupeville Middle and High School students will be making a trip to the other side of the world this summer. The group will be traveling to Thailand on an ecological tour that will show them national reserves that are different from their local Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve. The journey will begin at the end of July with a flight to Bangkok, Thailand to learn about the Thai people, language, culture, and cooking. From Bangkok the group will be traveling to the Khao Yai National Park where they will spend days learning about the natural reserve. The Khao Yai Conservation Project will teach the students about wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching training, and rural development projects.

From the forestry reserve the group next will head to the north part of Thailand to visit hill tribes and take a boat trip down the famous Mekong River. The trip ends in the central coastal area, visiting national marine reserves where students will see and learn what is being done to protect the fragile beach eco-system in the Gulf of Thailand.

Fundraising activities began this weekend with students wrapping gifts at the Christmas in Coupeville celebration. Students will also be wrapping gifts on Coupeville’s Front Street by the Windjammer Gallery on Saturday, December 11 and December 18. Numerous other fundraising events are being planned throughout the school year. For information on how to support the science trip to Thailand contact Terry Welch at (360) 730-3990, 678-4409 ext. 255 or twelch40@pioneernet.net.

[Submitted by Robin Hertlein]

Arts Foundation Accepting Reservations
The Stellar Arts Foundation is accepting reservations for its 2005 Artists Adventure painting/photography tours to Bulgaria, May 23 - June 4, and Prague/Czech Republic, September 8 - 20. Coupeville artists, Stella Canfield and Denis Hill will teach painting and photography on both of these trips. The groups will be accompanied by tour leader Judy Lynn, the founding director of the Coupeville Arts Center. For more information contact Judy Lynn at director@stellararts.org, or (360)678-0712 or go to the website at www.stellararts.org.

[Submitted by Judy Lynn]

Teens Helping Teens
Teens Unlimited is a newly-formed non-profit organization located in Langley at 113 McLeod Alley between the Star Store and Linds. Teens Unlimited is a clothing store which carries gently used and new clothing for teens. We are currently seeking donations that are new or like new, popular name brands, trendy, in style, and in good condition. We are especially looking for dressy clothes for the holidays such as sweaters, blouses, skirts, dresses, shirts and pants. Donations can be dropped off at the store and/or by calling (360)221-8901 Monday - Sunday, 12:00pm - 5:00pm or (360)221-2254 after hours. Your donations are greatly appreciated as proceeds go towards social services and needs for homeless teens. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

[Submitted by Teens Unlimited]

Park & Rec Looking for Refs
Our Boys Basketball Program is highly in need of referees. We will train you to be part of a important program for our communities youth! Volunteer or paid position. Games are held Saturday mornings and weekday evenings. Great job for High School students! For more information call Dave at South Whidbey Parks & Rec at (360)221-5484.

[Submitted by South Whidbey Park & Rec]

Girl Soccer Ends Stellar High School Career
Allyson Riggs, goalie and senior captain for the South Whidbey High School girls’ varsity soccer team, was a unanimous selection to the All-Cascade Conference first team. Each year, the Cascade Conference coaches honor players by selecting 11 of the league’s top performers to this special team.

Riggs, standing only 5’ 1” tall, used her quickness, agility, and skill to dominate her position. This season she recorded 8 shutouts and stopped 2 of 2 penalty shots taken against her. In 16 games, she allowed only 21 goals in 128 shots taken against her, for a 16.4% goals allowed against percentage or 1.31 goals allowed per game. Nineteen of these goals came during the Falcon’s two games against a 2A state finalist team, two games against a 3A state quarter finalist team, and one game against the WESCO 3A/4A conference champion.

As a testament to Allyson’s courage, hustle, and demanding style in the net this year, Rigg’s teammates voted her the team’s most inspirational player. “Allyson’s high school soccer career has always been marked with consistent, outstanding performance,” according to varsity coach Paul Arand, who provided the statistics for this article. “As a four-year starter, she had 28 shutouts as her teams won 70% or their games, compiling a 55-22 record. She had a career 14.1% goals allowed percentage for 1.04 goals per game, and her penalty kicks-stopped percentage was 43%, which is phenomenal since goalies aren’t expected to stop this type of shot.”

Allyson earned other honors during her high school soccer career. In 2002, Allyson was a 2nd team All-Conference and 2nd team All-Area selection. In 2003, she was named to the 2nd All-Conference and 1st team All-Area teams. In addition, Allyson was a member of the 2001 top 16 state team, and the 2003 team that finished undefeated in conference, 1st at districts, and second in the state.

Playing goalie throughout her high school career, Allyson has always been in the middle of the most intense and rewarding moments for the lady Falcons - the “end of the game shootout.” She stared down some of the area’s best scorers during the 2001 and 2002 2A district shootouts, as well as the 2003 21-1 season’s 2A district championship shootout and 2A state final shootout.

Born on Whidbey Island, daughter of Collette and Bobby Riggs, she started playing soccer with the South Whidbey Youth Soccer Club when she was seven. During the past five years, Allyson played for various premier 1 and 2 teams, including two years with the Whidbey Islanders, one year with the Northwest Nationals Volante team, and one year with Snohomish United. After graduation, she plans to play college soccer and major in photography.

[Submitted by the South Whidbey High School Soccer Team]

Conservation District 2005 Native Plant Sale!
A limited number of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria viginiana), Maidenhair Fern (Adiatum pedatum), and Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) have recently become available for the 2005 Whidbey Island Conservation District Plant Sale. These popular plants are expected to go quickly, so get your order in soon. For a complete list of available plants and prices contact the District at (360)678-4708 or go online at www.whidbeycd.org.

The sale is by pre-order only and orders will be taken until February 1, 2005. Order early for best selection! Pre-ordered plants will be available for pick up on South Whidbey February 23, 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Bayview Corner Cash Store Complex Farmers Market Pavilion or on North/Central Whidbey February 24 or 25 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Whidbey Island Conservation District Office at 404 Center Street in Coupeville. For more information, call (360)678-4708 or check our website at www.whidbeycd.org.

[Submitted by the Whidbey Island Conservation District]

1st Annual SW Polar Bear Dive
Start your New Year with a plunge! This first annual event will take place on January 1, at 12:00pm at Freeland park in Freeland.

All those who take the plunge will get an official (dry) shirt. A 4-H group will provide refreshments (warm ones) and the fire department will be there too so people feel even more safe. A minimal registration/shirt fee will support the services of South Whidbey’s Family Resource Center.

There will be a limited number of shirts available. To sign up or to get more information, people can call South Whidbey Park and Rec at (360)221-5484.

[Submitted by Jon Gabelein]

Friends of Holmes Harbor is Formed
A new community group, Friends of Holmes Harbor, has formed to provide information and background on the Master Use Permit submitted by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. The permit, submitted to the Island County Planning Commission 4, proposes a massive expansion of the boat yard located on the shore of Holmes Harbor in Freeland.

Friends of Holmes Harbor represents a coalition of neighbors of the boat yard, business owners, and other South Whidbey residents concerned about potential impacts of the expansion. Christine Goodwin, chairperson of the group, stated, “Nichols Brothers is proposing to convert the current 4.9-acre boat yard site to an approximately 20-acre heavily industrial shipyard. A full hearing, and a thorough understanding of the impacts of this project, must be provided for the community. Friend of Holmes Harbor is committed to fostering community input and discussion.”

The proposed Nichols plan, once implemented, could result in a 40-foot by ? mile ramp extending into Holmes Harbor, construction of 11 65-foot tall modular buildings, 24-hour a day work schedules (7 days a week), road closures, and impacts on fish and wildlife populations of Holmes Harbor. Despite these issues, county planners have issued a Determination of (environmental) Non-Significance (DNS).

For information about Friends of Holmes Harbor or information on participation in the group, call (360)331-6230. Regular public meetings will be scheduled and publicized. Updates on the progress of the permitting process will be ongoing.

[Submitted by Friends of Holmes Harbor]

The Kitchen Door Cooking School is Changing
We will no longer be offering a published schedule of classes.

It has been a wonderful five years. Opened in 2000, The Kitchen Door has gone through many changes in format, but has always been a hands-on learning experience that benefited many, me especially. Through the experience of teaching others I learned much. Guest chefs broadened my culinary horizons and connected me to others in the “biz.” I have become a much better cook and teacher.

The Kitchen Door will continue to offer instruction in private settings. If you get a group together (six is a good number) I will charge a chef’s fee plus the cost of the ingredients. The content of the class will be tailor-made for you.

Private one-on-one lessons are a new option, either in my professional kitchen or in your home. An hourly rate will be charged with a minimum of two hours.

The Kitchen Door is also available to cater your small party. As some of you know, after 14 years of it, I gave up catering in 2000 when I opened the cooking school. I have since discovered that I still enjoy the work, but have restricted the size of the party to fewer than 40 guests.

In addition, The Kitchen Door will be collaborating in a series of Sunday Suppers with and without guest chefs. These will be by invitation and will include an element of instruction/history of the food being served. Limited to 36 guests. Let me know if you want to be on the invitation list.

Of course, I will continue to make and sell Sweet or Savory Pies at the Bayview Farmers’ Market.

[Submitted by Shirlee Read, The Kitchen Door]

Senator Haugen to Lead State, National Transportation Panels
Olympia - Now that the Democrats have taken control of the state Senate, senators will turn to a nationally recognized leader to spearhead the effort to improve Washington state’s transportation system. Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, a past chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, has been chosen by her colleagues once again to lead the panel.

“I am looking forward to getting down to business,” said Haugen. “This coming legislative session, the Transportation Committee will focus on fixing the most dangerous and congested bottlenecks in our highway system, as well as develop longer-term transportation strategies that will keep our economy growing. Transportation investments are a key economic development tool, but with limited resources, we must fund the projects that make the most difference, and we need to maintain and preserve existing highways . Under my leadership, I’m hopeful the committee will also find a renewed interest in transportation alternatives.”

Haugen’s efforts to improve transportation in Washington have been recognized by legislators across the United States. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has named Haugen to a key post: vice chair of the NCSL Transportation Committee. The committee plays an important role in researching, developing and sharing transportation policies that can be enacted by state legislatures to improve highway safety, reduce congestion, encourage environmentally friendly alternatives and promote a strong economy.

Among other responsibilities as committee vice chair, Haugen will lead a roundtable discussion on transportation funding as legislators from around the country gather in December at the NCSL Fall Forum in Savannah, Georgia.

[Submitted by Washington State Senate Democratic Communications]

Whidbey Camano Land Trust Has Moved
The Whidbey Camano Land Trust is now located in the farmhouse at Bayview Corner. To get to our new office, make a right on the dirt road across the street from Bayview Hall and drive up the hill to the white, two-story farmhouse. We're on the top floor.

The Sears House has been a wonderful first home, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts. However, our new space is larger and more suited to our current office needs. A big thanks to the crew at Goosefoot and Bayview LLC for their cheerful help during the move. Our new physical address is 5629 Bayview Road, Langley. Our mailing address and other contact information remain the same. For more information about the Whidbey Camano Land Trust visit www.wclt.org.

[Submitted by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust]