|
Letters to the Editor got an opinion? submit it to editorial@whidbeymarketplace.com
Letter To The Editor
The Soroptimist of South Whidbey would like to give a huge thank you to the Whidbey Island Community for another successful year of sales for our calendar project. Sales from the only “all Whidbey Island pictorial calendar” helps to benefit our schools, Good Cheer, Friends of Friends, Helping Hand, Habitat for Humanity, WAIF, Relay for Life, and many other worthy causes.
A special thanks to Linds-Freeland, Magic Bakery, Webb’s Department Store, Puget Sound Business Systems, all the Chambers of Commerce, Main St. Salon, Paint Escape, Daily Grind, Wind & Tide Book Shop, Serendipity Gifts, Boatyard Inn, Farmhouse B & B, Bay Breeze B & B, Harbour Inn, Whidbey Island Bank, and others for selling our calendars! We couldn’t do it without your help. We still have a few 2005 calendars left for purchase. Call Claudia Cox at (360)331-4520 for information. Look for the opportunity for your picture to be in the 2006 calendar coming soon.
Claudia Cox, 2005 Calendar Chair
To the Editor
Last Friday, Jayne Brent from our Human Resources Department sent out this e-mail to all employees at Whidbey General Hospital: I am excited to report that the final total for the Whidbey General Hospital Tsunami Relief fund is: $7,850.00. So many people made this happen! Tired and happy in HR! Jayne L. Brent, Human Resources.
Hospital employees exceeded their $5000 goal by a large margin and sent the donations to Mercy Corps.
Trish Rose, WGH Community Relations
To the Editor
March 8, 2005 all registered voters in the Oak Harbor School District will have the opportunity to renew the 2001 school levy. This levy represents a renewal of the existing levy. Though I voted for the original levy I was not happy with the school board, nor the school administration. August 10 of this past year however, was a turning point for me and my attitude when I went to a meeting at the school administration building. My main source of anger was the purchase of the Alaska Credit Union Building. I have since learned that this purchase was fiscally responsible. Since that meeting I have asked more questions, and learned more positive things about the school district. With that information I made the decision to work with the Citizens for Better Schools Committee in support of the upcoming school renewal levy.
The renewal levy will fund 20 teachers, staff for the hot lunch program, 1.5 maintenance staff, 2 computer technicians, and continue the 30 extra minutes per day for elementary school students.
I highly recommend a yes vote for the kids. By voting yes for this existing levy you will be assuring the continuation of the many positive things that this renewal levy will bring and will make for a win-win for our community.
In Appreciation of your support for our Oak Harbor Schools,
Helen Mosbrooker, Citizens for Better Schools Committee
Bits 'N' Pieces
HONK! Auditions January 29
Whidbey Children’s Theater (WCT) is holding open auditions for its spring musical, HONK!, a musical re-telling of the ugly duckling story. The show has a part for 8 - 10 boys and 8 - 10 girls and will be double cast. The Production will be directed by Martha Murphy with vocal instruction by Dana Linn. The show is being staged in WCT’s new Mainstage Theater in the Porter building in Langley, May 13 - 22. Rehearsals begin March 7. Auditions times: Youth Cast, ages 8 - 13 9:00am - 12:30pm, Teen Cast, ages 14 - 19 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Be prepared to sing a short song of your choice and tell the audition team about your interest in theater. Call for further information or to register (360)221.8707.
[Submitted by Whidbey Children’s Theater]
Saturday Walking Club Forming
The group will explore gardens, private estates, woodland paths, parks and back roads and discover many trails hidden in plain sight! Group will meet on Saturday afternoons, rain or shine, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm beginning February 12. For further information please reach Whidbey Walks at woods@whidbeywalks.org or (360)321-4950. Open for all walking levels.
[Submitted by Whidbey Walks]
Volunteers Are Needed For Freeland Library
Join the library’s “Adopt-A-Shelf” program, and help keep the library in “good order.” All you need to do is come in once a week when the library is open, on your own schedule, to straighten an assigned area of shelves. The beauty of the program is that you can do it completely independently on your own, anytime you come to the library. The program has been in place for about 3 years and has been very successful. Please think about joining this outstanding group of volunteers. For information or to sign up please call the Freeland Library at (360)331-7323 and ask for Joanne.
[Submitted by the Freeland Library]
Photographs wanted for South Whidbey Soroptimist Calendar
The South Whidbey Soroptimists are looking for 12 wonderful Whidbey Island photos to feature in the 2006 “Isle see you...” calendar. Do you have a photo that depicts life on Whidbey Island? Send us your photo and you just might see it in the 2006 South Whidbey Soroptimist calendar.
Please send the picture with your name, address, and phone number on the back to South Whidbey Soroptimist, PO Box 633, Freeland, WA, 98249 along with a stamped self-addressed envelope if you would like them returned. The deadline for picture submission is March 1. Please note: A negative or slide of the photo must be available for printing; if digital, it must be taken by a 5 (or higher) megapixel camera. If you have any questions, please call Marlane Harrington at (360)331-3458 or Mary Solt at (360)331-4756.
[Submitted by South Whidbey Soroptimist]
Friendship Force Planning Celebration
The Friendship Force of Whidbey Island is celebrating World Friendship Day on Tuesday, March 1, at the Greenbank Farm from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. This year’s celebration will span the world’s time zones with events scheduled by all member clubs of Friendship Force International beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii. With music and entertainment, informational displays and booths, and activities for kids, this is a great way for everyone to participate in the international flavor of Whidbey Island.
Friendship Force clubs around the world celebrate the 28th anniversary of the founding of Friendship Force International with World Friendship Day events on March 1. On Whidbey Island, this is a day when people from many different countries and cultures come together to celebrate their international connections. More than 60 nationalities are represented on South Whidbey alone. It is a day to reach out to others in friendship - to get to know our neighbors. Our motto is “A World of Friends is a World of Peace.” You can make a difference. Join the celebration.
For additional information about the Friendship Force of Whidbey Island or the upcoming event, contact Mary Ann Imkamp, Vice President, at (360)678-1928 or Chris Williams, President, at (360)321-4027.
[Submitted by Friendship force of Whidbey Island]
New Business opens in Clinton
Introducing Island Girl Nails. Vicki Thompson, a recent graduate of Aesthetics Northwest of Bellevue and a 6+ year island resident, invites you to visit Island Girl Nails, a full service nail salon offering manicures, pedicures and nail enhancements. We will be open for business as of February 1st and are located in the Central Avenue Professional Building on Central Avenue in Clinton. Please call now to schedule an appointment at (360)341-1020 and ask about our 25% off Grand Opening specials.
[Submitted by Island Girl Nails]
Writers’ Conference, “Reuniting With Words,” Set for March
The 2005 Whidbey Island Writers Conference, “Reuniting with Words,” will be held from March 4 through 6, and celebrates connections in the writing life. This year friends, family and neighbors will join you in cozy Fireside Chats, intensive workshops and lively literary events.
Prominent Northwest authors Steve Martini, Robert Ferrigno, Cynthia Nims, Michael Gruber, Brenda Miller, Susan Wiggs, and Deborah Hopkinson will all be taking part. Poets to inspire and encourage include Sheila Bender and Susan Rich.
Among the family connections being celebrated are linguist Richard Lederer, and his poet and memoirist daughter, Katy. Katy authored Winter Sex, a collection of poetry. Joining Katy, Susan Rich, and Sheila Bender in the poetry sphere is Anne Wilson.
Jane Yolen, award winning and amazingly prolific author of children’s books, is acknowledged for her poetry, as well. Yolen will deliver the Saturday night keynote presentation, “Holding on to the Past” speaking about how writers mine their past for insight, characters, and events. A highlight of the conference is the Saturday evening keynote address, which is open to the public.
Open mike opportunities at the conference, a poetry slam in the evening, a poetry retreat to set the stage. Experience the magic at the Whidbey Island Writers Conference!
To register or for more information on retreats, presenters, or money saving volunteer opportunities, visit the conference Web site www.writeonwhidbey.org, e-mail writers@whidbey.com or call (360)331-6714. Register soon to secure a place, as the event typically fills to capacity by early February!
[Submitted by Whidbey Island Writers’ Conference]
Cribbage Tournament a Success
The Second Annual Whidbey Island Cribbage Tournament was recently held at the Greenbank Farm. Fifty-four players paid $25 each to enter the Saturday qualifier with hopes of earning a spot in the Sunday finals bracket made up of the top 16 finishers. A consolation tournament was also held Sunday for those not making the finals. According to comments from the players, the tournament was a great success. Many have suggested that a second event be held during the summer months so the locals can compete against cribbers with summer homes here.
Gladys Morrison was on her game both days of the tournament. She was the high qualifier on Saturday in the 9 game event with an impressive score of 18 game points, 8 games won and a point spread of a plus 155. Then on Sunday, Gladys won the finals out-pegging 15 other players to take home a specially made tournament long board and $190 for her effort. These were in addition to the $100 and custom trinket box she won in the Saturday main event. Second place in the Sunday finals went to Warren Caveness with 14 game points, 7 wins and a point spread of plus 76 earning him $100.
Sunday’s 7 game consolation tournament was won by Lee Bennett with 13 game points, 6 games won and a point spread of plus 113. That score earned Mr. Bennett $80 and an invitation to participate in next year’s event, or, the mid-year tournament if scheduled.
Sponsors of the cribbage tournament are Cribbageboard.com of and Island Coffee. Players interested in tournament play on Whidbey may contact Bruce Howard at bhoward@whidbey.com or visit his web site www.cribbageboard.com and hit one of the “contact us” links to make your inquiry. The sponsors wish to thank everyone who attended this year’s event and look forward to seeing you all pegging the high scores
[Submitted by Bruce Howard]
Volunteers and Students Wanted For HOPE
H.O.P.E., is a therapeutic horseback riding program benefiting children and adults with special needs. Student applications are due February 24 and lessons begin March 15. Volunteer training begins February 22. No experience needed. Minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old. Call H.O.P.E. at (360)221-7656 or email hope@whidbey.com to sign up or for more information. Also check out our website at www.hope-whidbey.org.
[Submitted by H.O.P.E.]
Whidbey General to Consider Critical Access Hospital Designation
In the next few months, the Whidbey General Hospital (WGH) Board of Commissioners, Administration, and members of the medical staff, will be analyzing Critical Access Designation and its impact on the Hospital’s future and its mission to serve the people of Whidbey Island.
What is a Critical Access Hospital?
The Critical Access Hospital (CAH) program was created in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. It was designed to support smaller, rural hospitals that face significant financial pressure under the current Medicare Prospective Payment Systems (PPS).
CAHs are limited to 25 acute inpatient beds, must make available 24-hour emergency care services (and other hospital services), and maintain an average acute patient length of stay of 96 hours or less. Upon being designated as a CAH, hospitals meeting these requirements, are removed from Medicare’s Prospective Payment Systems and are reimbursed by Medicare for 101% of Medicare’s share of their reasonable allowable costs. For many rural hospitals, the CAH program has been the lifeboat that has allowed them to continue providing quality care to millions of rural Americans.
Why is Whidbey General Hospital Considering this Designation?
2004 saw continued improvements in the financial operations at the hospital. Cash reserves increased somewhat, but still remain lower than hospital industry standards. The real issue, is what will happen in the future as Medicare and other payor reimbursement declines or fails to keep up with medical inflation. At a recent Board meeting, during a statistical overview of 2004, it was noted that inpatient admissions during the last two quarters had declined compared to the first half of the year. Administrator, Scott Rhine pointed out that it is important that decisions be made based upon longer term data and not be made based upon a potential short-term statistical anomaly. Longer term trend reports show a relatively stable inpatient admission rate over the past 6 years and an increasing volume of outpatient admissions.
The average daily inpatient census was up to 22.3 inpatients during the first quarter of 2004, but dropped to an average of 16.8 inpatients in the final quarter of 2004. The most difficult question to answer is what will it be in the future?
Even though the population is aging and growing to some extent, there is continued pressure to keep patients out of the hospital. Because of this, and improvements in technology and pharmaceuticals, administrators feel that inpatient growth will be difficult to sustain over time. There will continue to be the need for inpatient admissions; however, the highest growth will be in outpatient services. The Critical Access program will limit inpatients to no more than 25 per day, however no limits are placed on outpatient admissions and services.
It is also important to note, that should inpatient admissions increase at a higher than expected rate, the hospital can revert to the Medicare Prospective Payment system.
In a financial analysis completed last spring, independent financial consultants estimated Whidbey General hospital would receive approximately $1.7 million in increased reimbursement from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, if they had been designated as a Critical Access Hospital during 2003. An additional study, hopefully funded by a federal grant through Washington state’s Office of Community and Rural Health, will provide a “second opinion” on the hospital’s financial benefits of such a designation.
The Board of Commissioners will continue to look at this in February and March of this year. Because of the time deadline for application and subsequent licensure, a decision should be made by the end of March. The community is strongly urged to participate in this very important decision regarding your hospital’s future. Please consider attending the next Hospital Board meeting scheduled for Monday, February 14 at 6:00pm in the WGH Conference Rooms.
[Submitted by Whidbey General Hospital]
South Whidbey Youth Connection: Opening New Doors in 2005
The South Whidbey Youth Connection (formerly known as South Whidbey Youth Center) is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a new name and an exciting new approach to programs and services, and collaboration starting this month. Our new name says it all: the focus is on our connections - with youth, families, volunteers, and with our partnering programs on South Whidbey.
Fifteen years ago, we began as a small after-school drop-in program. Today, the South Whidbey Youth Connection (SWYC) provides an umbrella for several dynamic outreach programs including Seeds of Change: Partners for A Drug-Free Community, the Hub (after-school program serving youth ages 12-18), the Tutor/Mentor program at Langley Middle School and South Whidbey High School, and the Youth Leadership Council. To meet the evolving needs of our community, we have established the Connection as a hub point serving a network of respected area programs that provide vital services to youth and families on South Whidbey. We provide a central location and enlarged resource base for our community partners which include the South Whidbey Family Resource Center, Teens Unlimited (recycled clothing drive), Good Cheer, South Whidbey School District, and South Whidbey Commons, among others.
As we expand and revitalize our local program options, our continued commitment is to honor youth by providing innovative programs and support youth in developing leadership and life skills. To that end, South Whidbey Youth Connection is celebrating 2005 as The Year of the Teen. Each month will encompass themes that inspire, engage and challenge youth and adults to offer their positive energy to each other and to our community. We are very excited about January’s theme: “Connection.” Events to watch for this month include a Salmon Dinner, the Youth Council concert featuring local bands, and the teen improve Coffee House, and an After-Hours Karaoke evening. In addition to our monthly themes, SWYC will be putting forth monthly challenges to the community. For example, January’s challenges are inviting community members to initiate a conversation with someone of a different generation, become a tutor/mentor or Big Brother/Big Sister, or volunteer at a local charity. Look for these ideas and more in our upcoming mid-Winter newsletter. Don’t be shy- get involved! We need your very special experience, talent, and spirit to create the connections that make a difference. Working together in mutually supportive partnerships, we can all be more effective.
Look for the Youth Connection newsletter later this month and check out our new website at www.swyouth.com. If you would like to learn more about volunteering or our community programs, or to make a donation, please contact Holly Morgan at the South Whidbey Youth Connection at (360)221-4142.
[Submitted by South Whidbey Youth Connection]
South Whidbey Yacht Club Looking for New Members
Ahoy mates, whether sailor or power boater, current boat owner or dreamer to own, all who are interested in being on the waters of Puget Sound and around Whidbey Island are welcome aboard the South Whidbey Yacht Club.
The South Whidbey Yacht Club (SWYC) founding commodore and visionary was the late Ken Sasson, a man with great passion for the ways of the winds and tides and deeply committed to making boating accessible for all ages. The SWYC is now in its’ third year and has grown from just eight to over fifty five members. It is the pleasure of the membership to carry on, develop and expand Ken’s vision.
The purpose of the SWYC is to foster the boating interests of the individual members through educational programs, safety training, group trips, and ‘hands on’ exploration of new equipment and techniques as well as social and boating adventures with other clubs in the Puget Sound area.
The most recent event was the Flag Officer’s Ball, which was held at the Beach Fire Grill. New officers were sworn in and the outgoing officers were duly “roasted.”
Some examples of upcoming events are a July 4th boat parade followed by a clam & lobster bake, a fishing derby with a barbecue of the catch and group trips to the San Juans, Port Townsend and other NW ports of call. These events are supplemented by monthly meetings that include a social gathering as well as a wide ranging program schedule about boating., including storytelling of member adventures boating and racing around the world, naturalist guest speakers who share insights and tips for spotting wildlife on the water as well as more practical programs on marlinspike seamanship, boat maintenance and navigation. The club events and programs are open to the public and we always welcome new members (boat ownership is encouraged but not required).
Monthly club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm in the Honeymoon Lake Community Club House, 4343 Honeymoon Bay Road. Please feel free to stop by with your ideas and contributions or contact Emily McArthur, Membership Committee Chair, at (360)331-3418 for additional information.
[Submitted by the South Whidbey Yacht Club]
Annual Clothing Sale Benefit Scheduled
“The Rack”, the St. Augustine’s Episcopal Parish 8th annual benefit clothing sale, is scheduled for Saturday, February 26. Gently-used clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children of all ages will be available for sale at bargain prices. Proceeds from the sale benefit La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurrección in Mt. Vernon, an Episcopal mission which serves the spiritual, social and material needs of recent immigrants to the Skagit Valley.
The work of the mission includes provision of needed personal supplies, such as diapers, conflict resolution as advocates and translators, encouragement for school attendance and support of school work, and general help to understand U.S. culture and access available social services. Sunday evening services are held weekly, a children’s choir has been formed, and the staff provides pastoral counseling and visitation. Other on-going programs include basics of women’s health and Hispanic/Anglican Spirituality.
Donation of good but unwanted extra clothing or funds for La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurrección are appreciated. Please call (360)331-4887 for details. St. Augustine’s is located at 5217 Honeymoon Bay Road in Freeland.
{Submitted by St. Augustine’s Episcopal Parish]
Hospital Medical Staff Elects New Officers
Dr. Terry Lee, Dr. Christopher Bibby, Dr. Jane Mays, Dr. Georgia Heisterkamp, Dr. Bruce Waterman, and Dr. Brian Waite are the newly elected officers of the Whidbey General Hospital Medical Staff Executive Committee for 2005.
This Executive Committee provides leadership for quality and performance improvement activities supporting patient safety and clinical outcomes to assure that the medical care delivered at Whidbey General is of the highest quality. The committee is directly accountable to the hospital district’s Board of Commissioners. The officers are elected by the medical staff and review physician and patient care quality issues. Whidbey General Hospital currently has 54 Physicians on staff representing a variety of specialty areas.
As Chief of Staff, Dr. Terry Lee is the Chief Administrative Officer of the medical staff. He presides over various committees, is a member of the hospital’s Quality Improvement Committee, and serves as spokesman for the medical staff. Dr. Lee is an Ophthalmologist with a practice in Oak Harbor and Freeland.
Dr. Christopher Bibby serves as Chief of Staff Elect. Dr. Bibby is a Family Practice Physician with Whidbey Community Physicians in Oak Harbor. He will succeed Dr. Lee as Chief of Staff.
Dr. Jane Mays, an Oak Harbor physician specializing in Pediatrics, serves as the medical staff’s Chief of Medicine. She chairs a committee that evaluates any medical care delivered at Whidbey General Hospital.
Chief of Surgery, Dr. Georgia Heisterkamp, chairs the Surgical Care Committee which oversees the quality of surgical services provided at the hospital. Dr. Heisterkamp has a practice in Coupeville and specializes in General Surgery.
Dr. Bruce Waterman, an Emergency Medicine physician at Whidbey General Hospital, will serve as Chief of Critical Care Services and will lead the Critical Care/Trauma Committee. This committee evaluates intensive and critical care, emergency room care, and ambulance service.
Dr. Brian Waite, a Family Practice physician with a practice in Freeland, will serve as the Chairman of the Credentials/Bylaws Committee. The Credentials Committee reviews all new applicants for membership on the Medical Staff and reviews requests to perform specific procedures. Each member of the Medical Staff is required to reapply every 2 years and the Credentials Committee must review the reapplication for appropriate supporting documentation.
[Submitted by Whidbey General Hospital]
Coupeville Girl Poster Contest Winner
Amanda Sterling, from Coupeville, was one of four winners in the Sno-Isle’s Island Region Teen Poster Contest Winner. Amanda’s poster, along with 3 other winners from Snohomish county, were selected from over 1000 entries submitted during the month of October during our Teen Poster Contest featuring manga drawing as the 2004 theme. Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory presented Amanda with a print of her winning poster and a $25 gift certificate to Gene’s Arts in Oak Harbor. Congratulations to Amanda!
[Submitted by the Coupeville Library]
Whidbey General Offering Classes For Healthy Heart Month
February is Healthy Heart Month and to promote wellness in our community Whidbey General Hospital is offering low-cost cardiac cholesterol screenings and free cardiac education classes at Island Athletic Club (IAC) in Freeland. The screenings and classes are open to the public.
Cholesterol screenings cost $40 and are held on Wednesday mornings. They measure Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Fasting Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Body Mass Index and an estimated 10 year risk-projection of developing heart disease or stroke. A detailed group education class follows the cholesterol screening and discusses lab values, exercise, weight loss, stress management and abdominal deep breathing. The class includes handouts and time for questions and answers. If you are interested in the Cholesterol Screening, please contact IAC in advance to pre-register at (360)331-2582 (CLUB). You do not have to be a member of IAC to partake in the screenings or education classes.
Also in the month of February: Free cardiac education classes will be held on Tuesdays from 2:00pm to 3:00pm and include presentations on Angina and Heart Attack, Stroke, and Women and Heart Disease. [Please see WHAT’S GOING ON for more information on these classes.]
[Submitted by Whidbey General Hospital]
|
