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

Thanks to Community for Support
OASIS for Animals would like to thank everyone for their support of our foundation throughout this past year with your donations of cash and food items. We especially want to thank you for your donations to our annual rummage sale which was held in September. The response from the community and to the volunteers who helped in this annual event made for another successful fundraiser for the animals. Your continued support is appreciated.

Oasis for Animals, is a nonprofit foundation based in Langley. The foundation is all volunteer so all money raised goes to the animals. The foundation rescues homeless animals, often from shelters where they are facing euthanasia. Each animal is spayed/neutered and vaccinated before they are adopted into loving homes. For more information about our foundation, call (360)321-4142.

Vicki Mills, Board Member

Dear Editor:
I have a real strong opinion of people providing a business/service that either don't know the applicable laws governing their business or simply don't care to find out the answers to questions that they don't have the answers to. I have on several occasions asked Island Disposal who is legally responsible for the garbage bills of rental properties and each time have been told this “that's between you and your landlord”... no it's not!

Every state I've ever lived in, including this one, has laws covering who is legally responsible for the garbage bills of rental properties. When I lived in Skagit County the law was if you lived inside a town or city it was the landlord’s responsibility to provide and pay for the garbage pick up, if you lived out in the county it was the tenants responsibility.

All I want to know in this county is, who is responsible for the garbage pick up services and billing, the tenant or the property owner?

If there are any knowledgeable citizens in Island County that can actually state the correct answer to this question, I'd greatly appreciate knowing what the correct answer is. I don't feel I should have to hire an attorney and pay out $250.00+ to get the correct answer to this question that all of the employees at Island Disposal should have the correct answer to since they're providing the services in question.

Thank you very much for your time and help in this matter.
B. Enyeart, Oak Harbor

To Our Readers:
It would be remiss on our part if we did not take a moment as the New Year begins to thank our readers, our advertisers, our contributing writers, and all those who have sent us their press releases and other submissions this past year. The Marketplace is very much a cooperative effort. Without readers, our advertisers would quickly look elsewhere to advertise. Without enough information to entice readers, they would quickly lose interest in this publication!

So it is with a deep sense of gratitude, that we thank you all and wish our Whidbey Community a happy, healthy and positive 2005. We will continue to work as hard as we can to continue to earn your confidence and support.

Sincerely,
Chris Adams, Publisher and Editor

Bits 'N' Pieces

Recycle Your Tree With Troop 4053!
Oak Harbor Boy Scout troop 4053 is doing their 4th Annual Tree Recycling Fundraiser. On Sunday, January 8, the Scouts will pick up your tree from 10:00am to 4:00pm for donations only. Contact Kathy or Judy at (360)678-3263 for pick up. Your donations will go to help provide scouting activities to the troop all year long.

Orca Community Would Be Listed As “Threatened” Under The ESA
On December 16, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the Southern Resident orca community would be listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA found that the Southern Residents are a “distinct population segment,” because even though scientists are unable to say whether there are multiple species of orcas worldwide, they believe there are different subspecies. North Pacific Resident Killer Whales (Northern, Southern and Alaskan Residents) are likely a subspecies, they determined, and Southern Residents are significant to North Pacific Residents, thus qualifying them for listing under the ESA. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Regional Director Bob Lohn said the whales’ “distinct habits and language” make them significant.

The proposed listing corrects the flawed judgement rendered in 2002 when NMFS declared that the Southern Residents lacked significance to the species on taxonomic grounds, and so granted the whales “depleted” status under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. That process launched a series of workshops to devise recovery plans for this precarious orca clan, which will now be applied to conserving and restoring the whales’ critical habitat, as required under the ESA. Thus the new listing both recognizes that the Southern Residents constitute a unique, significant and irreplaceable cultural community, and calls for revitalizing the essential habitat that the whales depend on to survive.

On the same day, but with less fanfare, Gov. Locke specified for NMFS how many more salmon will be needed in streams and rivers in the lower Columbia River to get the fish off the Endangered Species List: an average of 10 times as many chinook salmon in key spawning areas. The plan divided salmon into small subpopulations, sorted by the streams and creeks where adults return to spawn. They then assigned recovery goals for each of the subpopulations. The goal is rivers churning with enough coho, chinook and steelhead not only to avoid extinction, but also support viable fisheries for tribes, commercial fleets and sport anglers.

And, one might add, to provide sufficient food for orcas. This scale of salmon recovery is absolutely vital for any orca recovery effort to benefit the orcas. According to the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the single greatest loss of food for Southern Resident killer whales in the past fifty years has been from the decline of salmon in the Columbia River basin. Overall salmon returns during the 1990s averaged only 1.1 million fish each year, a decline of 90% from historic levels.

On December 1, The Puget Sound Action Team (PSAT), reporting from the Office of the Governor, formulated a detailed two-year plan to conserve and recover the waters of Puget Sound. In a proposal submitted to the State Legislature, PSAT focused on seven priorities to respond to the many critical threats to the ecosystem:

· Clean up contaminated sites and sediments.
· Reduce continuing toxic contamination and prevent future contamination.
· Reduce the harm from stormwater runoff.
· Prevent nutrient and pathogen pollution caused by human and animal wastes.
· Protect shorelines and other critical areas that provide important ecological functions.
· Restore degraded nearshore and freshwater habitats.
· Conserve and recover orca, salmon, forage fish and groundfish.

It's productive for state and federal agencies to coordinate their efforts to bring back both whales and fish by responding to overall habitat deterioration. And that's encouraging to the many thousands of volunteers and environmental organizations working hard to breathe life back into our battered ecosystem.

[Submitted by the ORCA Network]

Park Welcomes New Director
Please join us to welcome our new Parks Director, Lisa Dean, who is coming to us from Alaska on January 3, 2005. Welcome Lisa!

[Submitted by South Whidbey Parks & Rec District]

Writers’ Association Announces Scholarship Winners
One South Whidbey High School student and an adult online writing course student from Oregon have been named as Student Scholarship Winners by the Whidbey Island Writers Association (WIWA).

Brian Scoles, South Whidbey High School student and son of Nancy and Steve Scoles, Clinton, and Judith Spreadborough, Oregon City, Oregon, will receive scholarships covering full tuition to the Whidbey Island Writers Conference March 4 - 6, 2005. Spreadborough will also receive housing for the conference courtesy of the Harbour Inn, Freeland.

The aspiring authors’ scholarship applications were judged on writing samples, plus an essay detailing their reasons for pursuing the scholarship.

Scholarship funds were provided by Eva and Joe Shaw (Writerrific Publishing Group), Sherry Mays, Marian Blue and Wayne Ude (Blue & Ude Writer Services), author Susan Wiggs and Cheryl Rivers.

The Whidbey Island Writers Association is a group of volunteers dedicated to offering support to writers through quality services, and educational and networking opportunities that nurture and support the gifts of writers, with the premier event being the annual Whidbey Island Writers Conference. WIWA also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing through the Whidbey Writers Workshop. For more information about the Association, the Writers Conference or the Master of Fine Arts program, visit our web site at www.writeonwhidbey.org.

[Submitted by the Whidbey Island Writers Association]

Compassionate Friends to End Regular Meetings
After our January 25th meeting, our chapter will not be having regular monthly scheduled meetings, for a time. Instead, we will be offering phone support only. The Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support group for people who have had a child, grandchild or sibling die. This chapter serves all of Island and Skagit counties. For further information please call (360)675-6424 or by email at tcf.whidbey@usa.net.

[Submitted by The Compassionate Friends]

Holiday Tea Event a Success
Oak Harbor Retirement Community recently hosted its first annual holiday tea. Theresa Adkins of Adkins Interior Decorating and Redesign, and festivities director Heidi Kuzinos, provided expert tips and luxurious examples of holiday decor. Though a rainy evening, more than 70 guests participated; savoring teas kept fresh by Susie Lambert-Coffin, owner of Chocolate for Breakfast; creating custom holiday cards hosted by Connie Punch of Creative Memories, and painting handmade Santa ornaments, while enjoying caroling provided by Whidbey Christian Elementary and a surprise visit from Santa.

The retirement community has also gone through a name change and is now Regency on Whidbey Retirement Community.

[Submitted by Regency on Whidbey Retirement Community]

Oak Harbor Reads Author Elizabeth George In 2005
There's a new twist to the community-wide Oak Harbor Reads for next year, rather than selecting a specific book, Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island readers will be invited to read any book from prolific mystery author Elizabeth George. George’s novels include: A Place of Hiding, I Richard, A Traitor to Memory, In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner, Missing Joseph, and A Great Deliverance. Her first non-fiction book, Write Away, was published earlier this year.

2005 marks the third year of the successful community reading event. In 2003 the community read Bellwether by Connie Willis. The event was capped off with a visit by the author. The following year the community voted to read Undaunted Courage by late historian Stephen Ambrose. His daughter and fellow Lewis and Clark historian Stephenie Ambrose-Tubbs came to Oak Harbor and presented two library programs. The 2005 program will culminate in the spring, with book discussions and other programs, to be announced.

Sno-Isle Libraries’ services and materials include 1.3 million items, reference services, electronic databases and computer equipment, Internet access, outreach programs for the home-bound and local daycares, and story times for children. For more information on library services in your area, please call the Sno-Isle Regional Library Service Center at (360)651-7000 or 1-800-342-1936, or visit the web site at www.sno-isle.org.

[Submitted by Sno-Isle’s Oak Harbor Library]

Cancer Support Groups Change Dates and Times
The Living with Cancer Support Group is a growing community of those who understand the challenges faced by cancer survivors, their families, and their friends. A cancer survivor is anyone who has ever received a diagnosis of cancer. The group is an ongoing “drop in” support group and is offered twice a month. The new days and meeting times are the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in the Medical Ambulatory Care Clinic at Whidbey General Hospital. It provides a safe, non-judgmental place to share feelings and to obtain and provide information and emotional support: reassurance, encouragement, and hope.

The Living With Cancer Caregiver Support Group is an ongoing “drop in” group for those providing support and care for a loved one or friend with cancer. The new days and meeting times are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in the Medical Ambulatory Care Clinic at Whidbey General Hospital. The group provides an opportunity for caregivers to receive support, share concerns, and address questions for dealing with the demands of caregiving.

The group is co-facilitated by Carla Jolley ARNP, MN, AOCN Oncology Advanced Practice Nurse who has worked in cancer care for 20 years and Meg Johnson, LICSW Medical Social Worker who has worked extensively with cancer patients and their families. The Medical Ambulatory Care Clinic is located at, 101 North Main Street in Coupeville. Please feel free to contact them with any questions at (360)678-7605 or (360)321-6659.

[Submitted by Whidbey General Hospital]

Artist’s Work Showing at Local Restaurant
Joan Brosnahan will be featuring her work at Christopher’s Restaurant in Coupeville the first two months of this new year. Joan’s work has sold internationally and she has won many awards for her varied styles of painting. Her work ranges from mixed media collages to watercolors of boats, planes and lighthouses on topographical maps. She has a very distinctive style and signs her paintings “Broz.” Joan resides in Oak Harbor where she also teaches art classes. Her work can also be seen at the Penn Cove Gallery in Coupeville.

[Submitted by Penn Cove Gallery]

Notes From Oak Harbor Chamber
Whidbey-SeaTac Shuttle, your locally owned airport shuttle, is proud to announce our One Year Anniversary. We want to thank all of our businesses and travelers who have supported us during the past year. Whidbey-SeaTac Shuttle started business last December 17 and currently provides 5 round trips per day to and from SEATAC serving all communities on Whidbey Island. We also provide charter and excursion services to anywhere in Washington State. For reservations or more information please contact us at (360)679-4003 Local, 1-877-679-403 toll free, or on the web at www.seatacshuttle.com.

Let's help to make our roads safer in 2005. Please consider a New Year’s donation to the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County (IDIPIC). In 2004, tax deductible donations from businesses, agencies, organizations and individuals have helped to offset the cost for:

· DUI panels to over 400 Whidbey driver’s education students and their parents
· Classroom safety presentations with Fatal Vision goggles to these students
· Display table and Fatal Vision goggle participation to hundreds of OHMS & NWMS students
· Safety stand down presentations to over 2,000 of NASWI personnel at 6 commands
· Community events such as National Night Out, Wellness Day at NWMS, NASWI
· All People’s Celebration and Safe Night for Teens at the Elks Lodge
· Adult presentations to SWHS staff, Greenhouse Florist & Nursery, Sunrise Rotary, the Oak Harbor Elks, and the Oak Harbor Library staff

100% of your donation goes into education and awareness to this award winning organization. Checks can be made out to IDIPIC and mailed to: PO Box 358, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Together, we can make Oak Harbor and all our communities’ roads safer for us all.

Do you need some additional help in your workplace for a short, pre-determined amount of time? Learning into Action and Cooperative Education are two programs offered at Skagit Valley College that help students utilize classroom knowledge in a real work environment. These two programs are beneficial because they offer a source of skilled, motivated, and well-prepared future employees, Reduce the cost of recruitment and training of potential employees, provide an opportunity to complete special projects and meet seasonal demands, provides feedback to college faculty about currently needed job skills in the field, Contribute to the community by encouraging and supporting education, Provide you extra help for a short, pre-determined amount of time. To be in the database of potential work-sites, please contact the coordinator at (360)679-5326 or at Cheryl.jason@skagit.edu.

Teddy Bears? Coloring books and crayons? Toy trucks? Balls? DVD movies and games? What would your child, or you like when hospitalized? Maybe snacks (applesauce, hard candy, M & M’s, popcorn, etc.)? The Navy League is collecting items to be sent to Baghdad hospitals for the wounded troops and Iraqi children. You can drop donated items off at the Chamber Office. For a list of what is needed call Chamber office at (360)675-3755 or Beth Munns at (360)675-3019.

[Borrowed from the Oak Harbor Chamber December 27 Shorttakes]