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To the Editor
The town of Coupeville recently decided to remove its downtown cat community. Or I should say, a small persistent group of people decided to remove Coupeville’s downtown cat community. I became aware of this ridiculous decision recently. This does not concur with what my experience of Whidbey Island has been.

Whidbey Island is loved and visited because we have an Island full of compassionate people who truly revere where their life is. We express our appreciation by treating the environment, our animal population and our lifestyles with compassion and reverence. We might not be timely, but we are abundant in the will to be “awake” and enjoying life.

When I first moved here I lived in Clinton and would go running on the beach. Part of this pleasure, was the neighborhood dogs that would keep me company and inspire my pace. Langley and Coupeville are full of cats and dogs that greet us on the streets and in the stores. The Island community has created, what must be the BEST shelter and system for the care of abandoned and wounded animals, WAIF. There is truly a love and respect for life here!

However, as I began this letter - disappointedly the town of Coupeville, where I have made my home, has succumb to a small group of crusty hearted people who do not respect or “like” our animal population. As we know in both Langley and Coupeville there [are] many abandoned cats. Thanks to the irresponsibility of the human animal. Thankfully, there are; responsible, community building, life respecting and protecting, kind hearted people who are willing to care for these beings.

Here in Coupeville these people were overthrown and disregarded! Our cats have been “relocated” except for one. Which remains to be trapped (savvy little one). This cat is in great danger! The small group of crusty community members of Coupeville have in the past shot and poisoned some of these abandoned cats. If this last cat is not captured within the next few days, I am afraid for the cat’s well being. The people who have been so incredibly generous and helpful by caring for these cats have been forced to remove them, “or else!”

I think we should all be aware of this ugly situation. It reflects the entire community of Whidbey Island. This is not the standard of living we have created and come to take leisure in. This is a tragedy for our Island. If we do not participate in helpful and compassionate action to protect this beautiful Island it will turn into “anywhere.”

Must we follow suit when so much of our world promotes hate, destruction, violence, murder and a general disregard for life? Must we act out of irritation and anger? When we know compassion and a positive community build better lives.

Why not preserve paradise?!
Denise Lilien, Coupeville

Bits 'N' Pieces

Deadline Looms for Poetry Contest Entries
The Washington Poets Association announces the 8th Annual Bart Baxter Contest finals for Poetry in Performance will be held on April 2, 2005, at Richard Hugo House in Seattle. Ten finalists will compete for $500 in cash awards in two rounds. The performance competition will be emceed by Bart Baxter. Poets are given three minutes to perform their poems and are judged slam-style immediately following their performance. Judging emphasis is placed equally on the quality of both the poetry and the performance.

The Bart Baxter Contest is open to all poets 16 and older. Deadline for entering is February 15, 2005. Details on how to enter the competition can be downloaded at www.washingtonpoets.org.

[Submitted by Washington Poets Association]

Dodgeball League Being Formed
Island Athletic Club (IAC), in Freeland, introduces “Attack” 3-on-3 Court Dodgeball. The club has developed a version of the popular game that utilizes a racquetball court, a couple of foam balls, and six players. The new game has faster pace than the traditional game and uses a softer ball making it more fun while reducing the chance of injury.

The Club is now forming an 8 - week league to play matches on Thursday evenings beginning February 17. IAC Members and Non-Members are invited to take part in this revolutionary game. Teams of three need to register in person at Island Athletic Club by February 14. Teams are encouraged to attend the league meeting on February 16 at 7:00pm to go over the rules of the game and discuss league format.

Registration fees per team are $30 for IAC Members, $75 for Non-Members, and $55 for mixed Member/Non-Member teams. Teams can be all male, all female, or co-ed. This league is for persons 14 years of age or older. Those with questions are asked to call Island Athletic Club at (360)331-2582 or email Rick at ru_iac@yahoo.com.

[Submitted by Island Athletic Club]

The Fishmonger Brings Special Food Nights to Bayview
“Being in the Pacific Rim, we are very fortunate to have access to such diverse cuisine,” says Dan Lennon, owner of The Fishmonger Seafood Store, located in the Bayview Cash Store in Langley. Over the next three months Dan will be hosting special seafood evenings on selected Saturday evenings, featuring sushi and oysters.

Expert sushi chef Taichi Kitamura will be preparing fresh sushi the first Saturday of the next two months, March 5 and April 5, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. “To me this is seafood at its’ best, sushi demands the best quality seafood and Taichi is an expert. This is a great opportunity to sample great seafood in a very interesting and different way.”

Oysters will be the featured item on the third Saturday of the month for the next three, February 19, March 19 and April 16, also from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. “My goal here at The Fishmonger is to bring the best seafood to Whidbey Island, but you know sometimes the best is already right here!” Penn Cove Shellfish for example is a great supplier of seafood, known worldwide for their excellent products. Co-owner Rawle Jefferds and I will be shucking several types of oysters selected to be prime for this time of year. This is a great opportunity to ask the tough oyster questions, learn to shuck and sample some oysters.

In conjunction with these evening events, The Smilin’ Dog Cafe will be offering menu and drink specials to augment the occasion. The Bayview Cash Store is located at the corner of Bayview and Marshview Roads just of State Route 525.

[Submitted by the Fishmonger]

South End Restaurants Raise Money For Tsunami Relief
Whidbey Island South end restaurants will be joining together to raise money for tsunami relief in a unique way. Servers have volunteered to donate 100% of the tips they earn while they wear a button specially designed for this campaign. They can pick any shift they want throughout the month of February and choose one of three charities they prefer their tips be donated to.

Posters will be hung in all the restaurants participating, (Beachfire Grill, Harold’s Gay Nineties, The Freeland Café, China City, The Smiling Dog, Mike’s Place, The Dog House, Langley Café, The Edgecliff, Hong Kong Gardens and Cozy’s Roadhouse) so be sure to watch for them and please give generously when you tip any server wearing their button.

At the end of February all donations will be distributed to three different charities, UNICEF, Save The Children, and Northwest Medical Teams. For more information contact Carrie McDougall at (360)579-2713 or by email at mcdougall@j2solutions.net.

[Submitted by Carrie McDougall]

New Business off to a Great Start
Northwest Marine Solutions, located in Clinton, just wrote checks to 4 persons totaling $2,780.33 for consignment sales since Christmas. The only advertisement is an ad placed in the Whidbey Marketplace & Community Journal (under Whidbey Island Services) and word of mouth. Northwest Marine Solutions is owned by Rick Brewer.

Rick, a licensed USCG Master, formerly served as Chief Mate & relief Captain on small cruise vessels from Alaska to Mexico, Private Yachts in the Caribbean Sea and United Kingdom. His new enterprise satisfies his wife’s request to be home a little more than a few months each year. Northwest Marine Solutions, besides crewing services and yacht deliveries, offers boating and navigation instruction to private groups, tour boat crews and the recreational boater through the Skagit Valley College, Community Education Programs.

Consignment sales is the latest addition of services to the business. It offers a fast “No Hassle” way for people to turn their excess boating and fishing gear into cash through the web site www.nwmarinesolutions.com and the eBay auction site (Rick is a registered eBay Trading Assistant). If you need gear, want to sell gear (free Island pick-up), or just talk boats, Rick can be contacted at (360)579-2586, or by email at rbrewer@nwmarinesolutions.com or go to his web site at www.nwmarinesolutions.com.

[Submitted by Northwest Marine Solutions]

Pack 57 Calling all Former Scouts
Pack 57 invites former members to join in the 75th anniversary celebration of Cub Scouting at its annual Blue and Gold dinner. Share an evening of fun, food and surprises while reminiscing about your Scouting experiences. The fun begins on February 22 at 5:45pm at the CMA Church in Langley. For more information about this special event or to reserve your spot, call Nancy at (360)579-6133 or email Amy at coyote@whidbey.com

[Submitted by Pack 57]

Whidbey Fitness begins New Classes in February
Want to shed those extra pounds? Let us help you start your new year off on the right foot. We’ve got some exciting new classes starting in February with new instructors and equipment. Non-members welcome. Childcare provided in the mornings. Call Whidbey Fitness, located in Ken’s Korner Shopping Plaza in Clinton, for more information at (36)341-1956.

Class descriptions:

Blast ‘n Burn!: Push yourself to the max in this powerhouse class designed to increase your strength, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and help you become the best you ever have been.

Motion Potion: Utilize steps from dance styles such as the samba, mambo, and cha cha to unwind your body and let loose your inhibitions while dancing to the music in this fast and fun class. (No dance experience necessary; it’s all for fun).

Definitions: Using body bars and free weights to tone, your muscles will be defined and refined with this class. All the “toys” will be used to enhance your angles and lines!

FloorPlay: How much floor space does it take to heat up your core? Cycles, big balls, little balls, steps, bands, weights, gravity... anything cardio goes here. Low on choreography, high on energy and intensity, every class will be challenging, different and entertaining!

[Submitted by Whidbey Fitness]

New License Plate Sales Benefit Admiralty Head, Other Lighthouses
Olympia – Washington’s nautically minded drivers may get the opportunity to amplify their “I’d rather be cruising” bumper stickers with a new Washington lighthouses license plate.

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, has introduced Senate Bill 5424 to help support education programs and restoration efforts at Whidbey Island’s Admiralty Head Lighthouse in her district and other lighthouses around the state through a new voluntary commemorative license plate. “Western Washington has so many beautiful lighthouses on Puget Sound, the strait and the Pacific coast,” said Haugen. “Unfortunately, the winter weather takes a real toll on these architectural treasures, some of which have fallen into disrepair. We should give our state’s drivers an opportunity to take some pride in supporting these lovely buildings and the valuable environmental education programs they host.”

Under Haugen’s legislation, in addition to all regular charges, drivers would pay an initial fee of $40 for the new Washington lighthouses license plates and a renewal fee of $30 each subsequent year. A portion of the funds collected for the plates would benefit a nonprofit organization that supports publicly accessible lighthouses staffed by volunteers and funds environmental education programs. Lighthouses around the state would receive grants to assist in funding infrastructure preservation and restoration and to encourage and support interpretive programs by lighthouse docents.

Located at Fort Casey State Park in Haugen’s district, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse recruits volunteers to work as docents at the lighthouse and contribute to small restoration projects. Employees of Washington State University Extension environmental education programs, WSU Beach Watchers and Waste Wise volunteers also work out of the lighthouse.

[Submitted by the Senate Democratic Caucus]

Writers Conference Offers Volunteers Involvement in Literary World
The 2005 Whidbey Island Writers Conference celebrates the gathering of the literary family. But writers who seek a more active part in the literary world can sign on as volunteers. Conference Volunteers enjoy all the benefits of attendance, including lunches and Fireside Chats, plus behind the scenes involvement with leaders in writing and publishing. Those who help out receive a valuable thank you – a substantial break off the normal conference registration fee based on the number of hours contributed.

The conference, which takes place in Langley, March 4 through 6, highlights relationships in the writing of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screen writing and children’s literature.

This year’s lineup of presenters includes best selling children’s author Jane Yolen; legal thriller Steve Martini; Richard Lederer, expert on English; screen writing professor Richard Krevolin and the mysterious ghostwriter Michael Gruber. Those with an appreciation of the language of food will find a feast in the classes offered by Seattle Magazine food editor Cynthia Nims and cookbook author, novelist Bharti Kirchner. A highlight of the conference will be Yolen’s public address on mining story from the past.

A popular role of previous volunteers is Genie. Genies are assigned to a presenter as driver and all-around helper. They often pick up authors, editors and agents from the airport and provide transportation between venues and lodgings. Some Genies forge long-term relationships with their presenter.

Non-writers who are not interested in attending the conference, but enjoy supporting the arts, are welcome as community volunteers. There are plenty of interesting jobs for lovers of literature.

Some volunteer positions are still available. Those interested in attending the conference at the special volunteer rate should act quickly by calling (360)331-6714 to reserve their place.

To register, and for more information on volunteering, workshops and presenters visit the conference web site at www.writeonwhidbey.org, email writers@whidbey.com or call (360)331-6714.

[Submitted by the Whidbey Island Writers Conference]

Audition Call For Whidbey Playhouse Production
Calling all youth actors, ages 6 - 14, The Whidbey Playhouse is looking for a few good dwarfs and goblins! And of course, a Hobbit. STAR Workshops and the Whidbey Playhouse are pleased to present J.R.R. Tolkin’s “The Hobbit” this spring. Directors Rebekka Handschke (Annie Jr. & Dear Edwina) and Kathryn Young (How to Eat Like A Child) will be casting two complete casts with approximately 20 persons each. Auditions will be held on March 1 - 3 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, please sign up for your audition slot in advance by calling the Whidbey Playhouse at (360)679-2237. Each auditioner is asked to present a memorized monologue of no less then ten sentences. If you would like to audition and do not have a monologue, there is a book of youth suitable monologues available at the playhouse box office, during normal business hours. This production will run for two weekends April 27 - May 7. For more information regarding this production (i.e.: tentative rehearsal schedule and character list), please visit us on the web at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com under “Workshops.” Or visit us in person at the Whidbey Playhouse, located at 730 SE Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor.

[Submitted by the Whidbey Playhouse]

Beach Watchers Offering a ‘Crash Course’ In Island Living
“Nobody hands you an owner’s manual when you move here,” says Dot Irvin, leader of the Washington State University (WSU) Beach Watcher program in Island County. “Those of us who live on islands discover there is a lot we need to know that we didn’t get in school - about bluff erosion, septic systems, groundwater, garbage collection and recycling, water wells, local geology, outdoor burning, forest conditions, native plants, portable generators, composting, shoreline stewardship, noxious weeds and much more.” Beach Watcher training emphasizes water quality and the marine environment but includes much more.

Most people scramble to figure it out - asking neighbors and chasing down resources in the maze of departments and agencies of county and state government. “Rural life is an adventure and it’s why we choose to be here,” Irvin says. “If you really want to get plugged into the answers - get expert information and resources from the experts themselves - Beach Watcher training is the solution. In many ways it’s a crash course in island living. It is ideal for newcomers and also for longer-time residents who feel they could use a refresher.”

Since 1990, hundreds of Island County citizens have completed the 100 - hour, six-week formal training offered by WSU Beach Watchers on Whidbey and Camano Islands. It’s a mix of classroom and field instruction. In return, they commit to giving 100 hours of volunteer service to the community over the next two years, primarily in environmental education.

This spring’s class will be held at Race Road Firehouse, located at 1164 Race Road in Coupeville, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from March 7 through April 27.

Advance registration is required. Questions about Beach Watchers should be addressed to Irvin at (360)321-5111, ext. 7391, or by email to beachwatchers@wsu.edu. More information about Beach Watcher training is available on the Beach Watcher web site at www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/about/training. Prospective applicants should scroll to the bottom and click on “Download the training application.”

[Submitted by the WSU Beach Watcher program]

Tiger Martial Arts Will Be Starting Classes
Classes are $80 per month. You will receive a free uniform when you sign up for your first month. Please call Sensei Wendi Barker at (360)331-5619 or email tigerspirit@whidbey.com for your free introductory lesson. Classes will be held at Freebody located at 1796 Main Street, Suite 102, in Freeland. There are three programs being offered :

Little Tigers - for 4 and 5 year olds. This class will have kids learning self control, confidence and many other virtues of a black belt while playing karate type activities.

Kids program - For grades 1 - 8 (separated by grades), these classes are a classic karate class teaching forms, prearranged sparring drills, history of Uechi Ryu karate and character education.

Adults - This class teaches classic Okinawan Uechi Ryu karate. Uechi Ryu (WAY-Chee-Roo) is application orientated and is perfect for the student looking for real life self defense. Our classes will have you sweating and smiling.

[Submitted by Tiger Martial Arts]

Master Gardener Association Gardening Workshop In March
Spring is coming! It’s time to register for the Whidbey Gardening Workshop presented by the Island County WSU Master Gardener Association. The one-day event will be held on Saturday, March 12, from 8:00am until 3:30pm at the Coupeville Middle School. Keynote speaker, Mary Robson, will kick off the event with a photo tour of “Northwest Garden Treasures.” Mary was the Area Horticulture Agent for King and Pierce County from 1995 until her retirement in November, 2004. She taught horticulture at Edmonds Community College, and also writes gardening columns weekly for the Seattle Times.

Participants can select from over 30 terrific classes covering a range of topics from fabulous new perennials, propagation techniques, planning vegetable, drought tolerant, or cutting gardens. There’s more! A variety of vendors will offer plants, garden accessories, books, and unique garden items for sale. The vendor section of the workshop will be open to the public all day.

Sign up early for best class selection! The cost for this event is only $20 for advance registration and $25 at the door, if space is available. To register or get additional information, call (360)240-5527 or (360)321-5111, ext. 5527 or by email to JudySe@co.island.wa.us; or log onto www.island.wsu.edu/.

[Submitted by the Master Gardener Association]

Send in Your Events for the Spring Issue of WHIM
The spring issue of WHIM, Whidbey in Motion, will be published in April, please submit any health and/or athletic related events to editorial@whidbeymarkerplace.com for possible inclusion in that edition.

Please note: event listing in the publication is on a space available basis.

[Submitted by WHIM and the Whidbey Marketplace and Community Journal]