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Letters to the Editor got an opinion? submit it to editorial@whidbeymarketplace.com
To The Whidbey Marketplace:
On behalf of Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Island County I want to thank you and the Whidbey Marketplace and Community Journal for your support of the 2004 Festival of Trees.
Big Brothers / Big Sisters is based on a One-to-One relationship between an adult volunteer and a child at risk. Just a few of the items of a recent study that was conducted have shown that little brothers and little sisters who met with their “bigs” regularly were; 46% less likely to start using drugs, 27% less likely to start drinking, 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class. The youth not only skipped school less, but also earned slightly higher grades and felt slightly better about how they were doing in school.
With over 140 children currently waiting to be matched, your sponsorship and support this year will help us to increase our level of service due to the increasing demand of children in need that we face each year.
Again, we thank you for your generous support of Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Island County and hope you will proudly display your Festival of Trees framed certificate in your business.
Sincerely,
Tamra Sipes, Festival of Trees Sponsorship
Dear Editor
In response to a letter posted in the January 1- January 15 Marketplace newspaper [Issue #146] regarding garbage disposal I offer the following:
Under the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act, the landlord must provide garbage cans and arrange for removal of garbage, except in single-family dwellings. It is the responsibility of the tenant to dispose of garbage properly. As far as who is responsible for paying the bill on this collection service, that would be stated in the rental agreement.
Kathleen Parvin, Oak Harbor
Hello Editor,
I’ve noticed that there have been blurbs in various publications about island organizations making concerted efforts to raise money for Tsunami Disaster victims. Whidbey General Hospital has been doing this as well. We started a fund-raising drive a couple of days after the Tsunami hit and we have already raised over $4,300. Our goal right now is $5,000 but if the donations keep coming in we will keep fundraising.
The driving force behind this effort is 2 of our employees, Jayne Brent of Freeland and Tessa Gavin of Coupeville. Many other employees help out by baking fresh items each morning and leaving them out on the donation table to entice giving.
We are sending the donations to Mercy Corps. If you would like more information on this effort, give us a call (360)678-7656 or (360)321-7656 ext. 3350, otherwise, we will keep you posted on the effort.
Trish Rose, Whidbey General Hospital Community Relations
To Our Readers
After almost a year of printing the Marketplace in two sections, we have, after much thought, attention to the comments of many of you in the community and the development of our web site, decided to return to a one section format and the utilization of our web site to a higher degree. Our goal, beyond our commitment to supporting local business, is to provide this community with the most complete listing available of what’s going on here on the island, along with providing community updates and other information in our Bits ‘N’ Pieces section. We have appreciated your input and thank you for your interest and continued support!
Chris Adams, Publisher and Editor
Bits 'N' Pieces
Do You Know A Hero?
This is your opportunity to share the story of your favorite local hero. The American Red Cross, Island County Chapter and event sponsor Whidbey Island Bank are looking for local people who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, kindness, and/or unselfish character. The American Red Cross and Whidbey Island Bank will honor local heroes at the Seventh Annual Heroes Breakfast Award Ceremony on Tuesday, March 1, at the Elks Lodge in Oak Harbor.
This year’s award categories include educator, emergency services, firefighter, Good Samaritan adult and youth, humanitarian service, military and police officer. Nomination forms are available at the American Red Cross office, located at 1010 W. Ault Field Road in Oak Harbor and at Whidbey Island Bank on State Route 20 in Oak Harbor or on line at www.islandredcross.org. Nominations must be received at the American Red Cross office by Monday, January 17. For information or questions please call the American Red Cross Island County Chapter at (360)257-2096. [Editor’s note, unfortunately this announcement came in too late for our last issue and we realized that the deadline is only two days away. We felt it was still worthwhile running it!]
[Submitted by the American Red Cross, Island County Chapter]
Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia with Friendship Force
The Friendship Force on Whidbey Island, along with the Friendship Force of Olympia, Washington is traveling to Vietnam and Cambodia in April. We will leave Sea-Tac airport on March 31.
The trip will begin, in Hanoi, with the opportunity to get to know a Vietnamese family, first-hand, by sharing their home for four days. For the remainder of the trip, we will tour such places as Ha Long Bay, Hue, Danang, China Beach and Ho Chi Mihn City (Saigon).
Included in the trip is a visit to Quang Tri Province, to Peace Tree Village, created by Peace Tree Vietnam, a grassroots humanitarian project of the Earthstewards Network, a non-profit organization based on Bainbridge Island.
The ten day tour of Vietnam ends with a flight to Seam Reap, Cambodia to visit the Great Temples of Angkor Wat. We return to the United States on April 16.
The trip is open not only to Friendship Force members, but to anyone interested in making international friends and building understanding between different cultures.
For more information, please call Laura Strehlau at (360)730-1357 or Linda Ridder at (360)579-2521.
[Submitted by Friendship Force of Whidbey Island]
Whidbey Island Garden Tour
The Whidbey Island Garden Tour Committee is pleased to announce the following beneficiaries of the 2005 garden tour: South Whidbey Lions Club; Waldorf School; South Whidbey Tilth; Langley Parks and Recreation; Bayview School; Meerkerk Gardens; South Whidbey Intermediate School; Langley Middle School P.T.S.A.; Enso House; Master Gardeners Association; and Coupeville Middle School.
The 10th annual Whidbey Island Garden Tour, which will be held Saturday, April 30, is early this year in order to include some of South Whidbey’s most glorious rhododendron and spring gardens. To purchase tickets, contact Whidbey Island Garden Tour at PO Box 164, Freeland, WA. 98249 or print the order form provided at www.wigt.org. You may also leave a message requesting tickets at (360)321-4191.
[Submitted by Whidbey Island Garden Tour Committee]
Governor Appoints Rojas as New SVC Trustee
Ms. Margaret Rojas of Anacortes has been notified by Governor Locke’s office that she has been appointed to the Skagit Valley College (SVC) Board of Trustees. She replaces Mrs. Elizabeth Hancock who recently completed five years of service as a Board member. The Governor’s office will submit her name for confirmation by the Senate, although she began her role as Trustee at the January 11 Board meeting.
Rojas most recently worked as the campaign manager for Nancy Conard’s 10th District State Representative election campaign. In addition, she has worked as a WorkFirst Coordinator/Family Support Specialist for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services in Bellingham and a Student Services Administration Specialist with the Coupeville School District.
The Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees consists of five members, all of whom are residents of either Skagit, Island, or San Juan counties and are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Washington State Senate.
[Submitted by Skagit Valley College]
South Whidbey Schools Foundation Awards Grants
The routine has become familiar, and the students and teachers know as soon as they see the men in tuxedoes and white tennis shoes carrying balloons that this isn’t a proposal, a singing birthday card or a promo for a movie - it’s the annual presentation of South Whidbey Schools Foundation (SWSF) innovative teaching grants. The presentations created a buzz of excitement on district campuses with the surprise announcements of eleven (11) winning grants from the South Whidbey Schools Foundation for almost $4,900!
Grants included funding for a personal improvement program, math, science, reading and art programs, and to set up a phonics center.
“It’s always such fun to create a festive and rewarding event for the schools,” said Haworth, Foundation President. “It’s great to see the excitement when we walk into a classroom and the teachers and students know who we are and why we are there.”
The funds for teacher grants were accompanied by a surprise announcement for school principals that the Foundation has set up a one-time grant for an innovative and creative program with building-wide impact. The Foundation will award $4,250 to one or more programs, with a minimum grant award of $1,000. Evaluation of proposals for this special grant award will emphasize the indicated impact of the program upon the students on the school campus and its importance to the building’s mission.
The community partnership between the South Whidbey Schools and the South Whidbey Schools Foundation began when a group of concerned citizens realized an additional source of funding was necessary to encourage staff and students to extend the reach for excellence beyond the usual classroom experience.
“The Foundation’s criteria for funding grant applications give priority to projects which are repeatable, innovative and serve the greatest number of students,” said Haworth. “We are proud to support a variety of educational projects which otherwise would not exist.”
The non-profit organization was formed in 1995 and receives tax-exempt donations from individuals and firms for use in programs to enrich the offerings of the South Whidbey School District. Over $40,000 has been awarded since 1996 for innovative teaching programs.
Businesses, corporations and individuals are invited to contribute to the Foundation Endowment Fund. All donations are tax deductible and further information can be obtained by contacting the Foundation at PO Box 27, Clinton, 98236 or by visiting the SWSF website at www.southwhidbeyschoolsfoundation.org.
List of Grants and Recipients:
High School
· David Nelson, Fathom teaching materials (statistics), $550
· Douglas Potter, Math lab enrichment materials, $475
Bayview High School
· Diane Moondancer, Personality Plus, $500
· Don Zisette, Rocket and engine science material, $234
Middle School
· Leslie Hoelting, Illuminated Planetarium, $250
· Norma Jean Elgas and Victoria Santos, Flying Gizmo Show: Museum of Flight program, $700
Intermediate School
· Mary McLeod, Artists of the Past: art reproduction studies, $300
· Bob Effertz, Interaction through puppets, $200
· Sue Raley The Chatauqua Project: cassette players for books, $700
· Joyce Hewitson, Phonics Center, $400
· Valerie Twomey, Exploring Invisible Worlds: microscope study software, $538
[Submitted by South Whidbey Schools Foundation]
Join the Home Business Expo 2005
Whidbey Island home business entrepreneurs can bring their products and services to the Home Business Expo 2005 at Greenbank Farm on the last weekend of January. Start your business year with this opportunity to market and introduce your spring line and products to your neighbors. It will be a one-stop shopping event. To exhibit, contact Home Biz Expo coordinators Issy and Dory at (888)366-5655.
[Submitted by the Home Business Expo 2005]
Senator Haugen Welcomes New Staff, Opens Capitol Office
Olympia – With the 2005 legislative session only days away, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, welcomes a new legislative assistant and session aide to run her office in the renovated capitol building in Olympia.
“As the Legislature kicks off a new session, I’m thrilled to reopen my office in the capitol,” said Haugen. “My staff is here to be helpful to constituents in any way they can, so I encourage everyone to contact my office if they have any questions or concerns. I also look forward to welcoming visitors to Olympia who would like to see the results of the renovation.”
Haugen’s new legislative assistant, Nova Gattman, joins the staff after serving as the development director for the Washington State Democratic Party.
Gattman’s first duties included organizing Haugen’s new office in the Legislative Building. In the wake of the Nisqually earthquake, the domed capitol underwent a two-year, $120 million renovation. Haugen moved her office across the street during the reconstruction, and only returned to her new office in December.
Haugen has also hired Graciela Navarro to serve in her office during the 2005 legislative session. Navarro, a native of Sunnyside, previously served as an intern to King County Superior Judge Mary Yu. She is a 2003 graduate of Gonzaga University and plans to attend law school in the fall.
Haugen is preparing to resume the duties of chair of the Senate Transportation Committee during the coming session. She will also serve on the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee and the Senate Rules Committee.
[Submitted by the office of Senator Mary Margaret Haugen]
Tickets For A Little Night Music
Tickets are now on sale for the Stephen Sondheim musical, “A Little Night Music.” This five-time Tony Award-winning, lyrically sophisticated all-waltz musical, deals with the universal subject of love, with all its wondrous, humorous and ironic permutations. The lilting Ravel-inspired score in three-quarter time contains Sondheim’s popular song, the haunting “Send in the Clowns.”
“A Littler Night Music” opens February 4 at the Whidbey Playhouse, located at 730 SE Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor and closes February 26. Tickets are $15. Groups of ten or more receive a $1 discount on each ticket. Show times are 7:30pm for Thursday nights, 8:00pm for Friday and Saturday nights, and 2:30pm for Sunday matinees. Call the box office at (360)679-2237 for further information, show dates, group discounts, and reservations, or email at playhous@whidbey.net or check the web site at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com. Not recommended for children under the age of 13.
[Submitted by the Whidbey Playhouse]
Freeland Library Starts Adult Reading Program
Now through April 21, write a brief review of a book you have just read and your name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of five $20 gift certificates to a local South Whidbey merchant. Forms may be picked up at the Freeland Library. No registration required and you can enter as many times as you want. Come and view the posted rants and raves (without names), you may pick up ideas for a great new title to read. This project is funded by the Friends of the Freeland Library.
[Submitted by the Freeland Library]
Island County Historical Society Museum Announcements
The Island County Historical Society Museum will be closed for the month of January 2005. The museum will re-open on Saturday, February 5, with a new year-long special exhibit, In Our Defense: Military Service and History in Island County, made possible by a generous contribution by Whidbey Island Bank. When it re-opens the museum’s hours will be Friday - Monday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. For more information on the museum and its programs, please call (360)678-3310.
A panel of judges composed of museum staff and merchants are pleased to announce the winners of the Holiday Ornament contest. The contest was open to all children kindergarten through 8th grade. All ornaments submitted were displayed on the tree at the San de Fuca Schoolhouse, one of the stops on the Holiday Home Tour, and were then displayed in the lobby of Whidbey General Hospital.
The winners were:
Grades K-2
· Warren Rogers, 5, a Nutcracker
Grades 3-5
· Katie Lewis, 9, Cat with Santa Hat
Grades 6-8
· Natasha Nichols, 11, Singing Angel
Honorable mentions were:
· Danny Husom, 13, a Hot Dog
· Miles Milfs, 11, a Caterpillar
· Richard Carmichael, 10, a Christmas Tree
· Owen McCourt, 13, Christmas Boy with Response to Gifts
The museum wishes to thank everyone who submitted an ornament for consideration.
[Submitted by Island County Historical Society]
Whidbey Playhouse Holding Auditions
Director Dottie Morgan will hold auditions for Ten little Indians, a mystery play by Agatha Christie, on Monday and Tuesday, February 7 and 8. Auditions will start at 7:00pm and will continue until 10:00pm on Monday, and with wrap up on Tuesday. The cast read-through will be on Wednesday, February 9. The Director is looking for 8 men between 20 - 80 years old and 3 women, ages 22 - 50. Come prepared to spend the evening with cold readings to determine casting.
The show run will be April 1 - 16 and rehearsals will be from February 10 - March 30. Not all roles will be rehearsing every night. Individual Rehearsal schedules will be given after the read-through. Auditions will be held at Whidbey Playhouse located at 730 SE Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor.
[Submitted by the Whidbey Playhouse]
The Timebenders are Coming
Imagine what it would be like if many of the great names in music from the 40’s through the 80’s decided to come to Whidbey Island to perform for your fun and excitement and to raise money for the Oak Harbor High School Stadium Project. Well, thanks to Soroptomist International of Oak Harbor, and the Timebenders of Victoria, Canada, Whidbey Island is going to be entertained with a repeat performance of a concert that had everyone dancing in the aisles and will be remembered for years to come.
Known for their exceptional talent and high-energy performances, the Timebenders reenact the music of the 40s through the 80s with a style and vitality that has made them favorites to thousands of fans across Canada, the United States and Mexico. The group’s many costume changes and exquisite impersonations add color and realism to their amazing talent. The show is not confined to the boundaries of the stage, but explodes into the audience as they move among the crowd and interact with all in attendance. Audience members are brought onto the stage to join in during several numbers, such as The Village People’s “YMCA”, or Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel”. Each and every number performed is an authentic and electrifying recreation of the original, both in sight and sound.
Proceeds from the concert have been pledged to support the Oak Harbor High School Stadium Project. Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor had made all the arrangements for this concert, and the Timebenders have graciously agreed to make this special trip to Whidbey Island to support this fund raising effort. Soroptimist President Becky King said that the club is thrilled to bring these talented performers back to Oak Harbor, “Not only do the ticket proceeds benefit the Stadium Project, but the community gets a chance to enjoy a Las Vegas act right here on Whidbey Island. Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor is grateful to community supporters like WalMart and The Coachman Inn for helping to bring the Timebenders to Oak Harbor.”
The Timebender’s Magical Rock and Roll Review will be performed in Parker Hall of Oak Harbor High School on Saturday, February 5, starting at 6:00pm. Tickets are $20. Tickets are on advance sale at the Discount Party Store, The Daily Grind, The Boys and Girls Club, Whidbey Printers, The Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Bayshore Chiropractic and from Oak Harbor High School DECA students. To phone order, call (360)675-3755. Seating is limited, so while there may be tickets on sale at the door, advance purchase is encouraged.
[Submitted by Soroptomist International of Oak Harbor]
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