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Letters to the Editor
To the Editor,
I would like to thank the Community - all my friends and family for your generous and wonderful support after my accident. I especially want to thank all those who organized, volunteered their time and attended the March 19 benefit at the Bayview Cash Store to help defray my medical costs. I also want to thank everyone in the community - the Woodworkers Guild, the Artists’ Cooperative and all the friends and neighbors who have called, written and given me support during this difficult time. I am pleased to report that I am now beginning to work again and I hope to regain full use of my left hand by July or August. I am proud to be a member of such a community of people with such big hearts.
Sincerely, Pat McVay, Clinton
Bits 'N' Pieces
Oak Harbor Student ArtWalk
The Elementary Art Teachers from Oak Harbor School District will present an Elementary District ARTWALK during Holland Happening April 27 through May 1. The student artwork will be a representation from each of the six elementary schools as well as the home-school connection. Thanks to the citizens of Oak Harbor who passed the recent school levy, certified art educators continue to provide visual experiences for the students. These experiences make connections between visual arts and other subjects, and include the role of the fine arts in world cultures. Students gain a deeper understanding of the environment, themselves, and others. Don’t miss the colorful student artwork to be displayed in the windows of Pioneer Way Businesses.
[Carla Field, Art Teacher, Hillcrest Elementary]
Workshop & Instructors Honored
The Whidbey Writers Workshop low-residency Masters in Fine Art (MFA) in Creative Writing, which opens its first residency in August, has already received recognition for its online library and faculty members are piling up honors.
The MFA’s Online Library was featured as a “Recommended Resource” in The Practicing Writer, an online newsletter published by Erika Dreifus.
Bruce Holland Rogers, who will be a fiction instructor and has appeared at the Whidbey Island Writers Conference, received the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction at the World Fantasy Convention in Tempe, Az.
Whidbey Island storyteller Jill Johnson has been selected to present two institutes and moderate a panel for the International Schools in Africa annual teacher’s conference in Cameroon. Johnson will teach sessions on storytelling and a one-hour story-telling performance in the evening which will be free and open to the public.
Children’s literature instructor Kirby Larson’s Second Grade Pig Pals was named a Seattle Times’ Best Book for 1st and 2nd Graders; Cody and Quinn Sitting in a Tree was nominated for a Missouri Young Reader’s Choice Award; The Magic Kerchief has won numerous awards, including the Oppenheim Platinum Award, Banks Street Best Books and International Story Tellers Award.
Christopher Howell, who will serve the MFA as an instructor in poetry has won two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships, a Washington State Governor’s Award, and the Vachel Lindsay and Helen Bullis prizes, along with three Pushcart Prizes.
MFA Program Director and fiction instructor Wayne Ude was a featured reader at the anniversary celebration of the online magical realist magazine Margin in Seattle.
Non-fiction instructor Susan Zwinger’s latest book, The Hanford Reach, is now in print.
In addition to the Whidbey Writers Workshop’s regular faculty, the August residency will feature poet Marvin Bell, novelist Kathleen Alcala, poet and non-fiction writer Peggy Shumaker, young adult author Randy Powell, poet and Richard Hugo House Director Frances McCue, and non-fiction writer and poet Sheila Bender.
Applications are currently being accepted in children’s literature, creative non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, with the fewest openings remaining in fiction. Visit www.writeonwhidbey.org/mfa, for additional information. The Whidbey Writers Workshop is a program of the Whidbey Island Writers Association (WIWA) and authorized by the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board.
[Whidbey Island Writers Association]
National Hospital Week
People in our community have chosen Whidbey General Hospital (WGH) for their healthcare needs for more than 35 years. As WGH has grown over the years, new services have been added to better meet the needs of you and your family. WGH believes we have a special responsibility to improve the health and well-being of the community - both inside and outside our walls.
The women and men who serve and care for Americans as healthcare providers dedicate their lives to caring for their communities. To recognize them and their commitment, Whidbey General Hospital joins hospitals across the country to celebrate National Hospital Week and its theme “A Calling to Care.” These talented individuals, who truly have been “called to care,” work and volunteer at Whidbey General Hospital and spend every day meeting the healthcare needs of our island community.
As we participate in National Hospital Week (May 9-14), we would like to celebrate all the men and women committed to quality care for all on Whidbey Island. We invite you to visit Whidbey General Hospital on Saturday, May 14, from 9:00am to 3:00pm for our Open House/Health Fair. For event details visit our web site at www.whidbeygen.org.
[Whidbey General hospital]
Grand Opening at Sally’s Garden
Some big changes have been happening at Sally’s Garden in Coupeville. Our construction project is almost finished and we will be ready to unveil the new Sally’s Garden building in our Grand Opening Celebration on Sunday, May 1. We will have free refreshments, music, prize drawings, and demonstrations all day long on Sunday, and continued celebrations all week long from May 1 - 8. Come join us for the festivities, enter our prize drawings, and see our new Spring and Summer arrivals. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 9:00am - 5:30pm and Sunday, 11:00am - 4:00pm. Call for more information at (360)678-9114.
[Sally’s Garden]
Whidbey General Opens Clinic
Whidbey General Hospital recently hosted an Open House/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly opened Whidbey General North Healthcare Services Building on Goldie Street in Oak Harbor. Hospital commissioners and staff were pleased to welcome community leaders hospital staff, medical staff, and community members to this long-awaited facility which conveniently co-locates many Whidbey General Hospital services in one easily-accessible location.
Housed at the new facility is the North Whidbey Community Clinic (NWCC), Whidbey General North Rehabilitation Services, X-Ray and Mammography Services, and an Outpatient Lab Draw station. In the near future, the building will also house a Sleep Studies Lab and two physician offices. Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Keith Becker, MD and Obstetrics/Gynecology Specialist John Eggers, MD will be opening their practices in late summer, early fall respectively.
The ceremony was opened by the Honorable Patty Cohen, Mayor of Oak Harbor. Other speakers included Dr. Roger Case, President of the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District Board of Commissioners and Scott Rhine, CEO/Administrator of Whidbey General Hospital.
Over 50 people attended the Ribbon-Cutting including representatives from the Island County Board of Commissioners, the Oak Harbor City Council, and the Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. During the open house, various department managers conducted tours and explained the variety of services available. Refreshments were generously provided by the Polly Harpole Guild of the Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary.
[Whidbey General Hospital]
Land Trust Adds Staff
“Permanent changes to the landscapes and natural features of Whidbey and Camano Islands are increasing. The next five years will be pivotal to the future of our islands and our quality of life”, this according to Pat Powell, Executive Director of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. For 21 years the local non-profit has been protecting water quality, and conserving and stewarding natural areas, wildlife habitat and working farms by working with landowners, community groups and public agencies. To step up the pace of land protection in Island County, the Land Trust has named Lisbeth Cort as the Director of Outreach and Development, a newly created position.
The Land Trust’s success in land protection has grown exponentially since hiring professional staff in 2003, The Land Trust has protected 1,100 acres since hiring Pat Powell just two years ago. “Hiring Lisbeth will allow Pat to focus more of her time on what she does best -- protecting land,” stated Cary Peterson, Vice-President of the group’s Board of Directors.
For more Information about the Land Trust, go to their web site at www.wclt.org. To contact the Land Trust, call (360)321-5141 or email Cyndi Fernandez at cyndi@wclt.org.
[Whidbey Camano Land Trust]
HOPE looking for Volunteers
HOPE Therapeutic Riding Program needs Volunteers now for the upcoming lesson season. HOPE is a therapeutic horseback riding program for Whidbey Island residents with disabilities. No experience is needed. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. SVC students can earn LIA credit too! Check us out at www.hope-whidbey.org. For more information or to sign up, call (360)221-7656 or email hope@whidbey.com.
[Submitted by HOPE]
Coupeville Framer Gets Certificate
Brandy Benson of Windjammer Gallery and Custom Framing in Coupeville has earned the Certified Picture Framer (CPF) designation from the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA). This achievement permits Benson to use the professional designation, CPF. This designation was granted after Benson met rigorous qualifications, including successful completion of a 3 1⁄2 hour, 150 question, examination.
PPFA initiated the CPF program to raise the standards of the profession, improve education within the industry, and recognize those framers who demonstrate acceptable knowledge and skills of established professional criteria.
The picture framing staff at the gallery is now comprised of two Certified Picture Framers.
[Windjammer Gallery and Custom Framing]
Stuck for a Mothers’ Day Gift?
Paint Your ‘Art Out and Hummingbird Farm Nursery and Gardens, in Oak Harbor, are combining their expertise for a special Mothers’ Day creations. On Saturdays, April 23 and 30, Paint Your ‘Art Out will host, “We Help Dad Days” to help dads and the kids create a one-of-a-kind present for mom and Grandma. Then, Hummingbird Farm Nursery and Gardens will help Dad and the kids add the finishing touches to the gifts for their special ladies. Cost is $16 plus tax. Call: (360)679-4115 or (360)679-5044 for more details since we don’t want to spoil the surprise!
[Submitted by Hummingbird Farm]
Education Foundation Welcomes Volunteers
The South Whidbey Schools Foundation welcomes the participation of community members in our efforts by supporting our fund-raising events and through service as a member of our Board. Volunteer Board service is a rewarding way to participate in the improvement of our schools and the education of our students.
During this last school year, through the generosity and support of our community, the Foundation granted almost $9,000 to our schools in our Innovative Teaching Grants program. Priority is given to projects which are repeatable, innovative and serve the greatest number of students, and we have awarded $45,000 in grants since 1996. We serve as fiscal agent for a number of creative programs funded by special grants and donations totaling over $200,000, including the Community Engagement Centers, Youth in Philanthropy, Bridging the Gap, Destination Imagination, and Girls in Technology programs. Two cash awards of $500 each, endowed by parents of former South Whidbey students, are presented annually to honor selected South Whidbey teachers.
In addition to fund-raisers such as the Garden Party and Auction (June 5), businesses, corporations and individuals contribute to the Foundation Endowment Fund. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Please visit our web site at www.southwhidbeyschoolsfoundation.org to learn more and email us at info@southwhidbeyschoolsfoundation.org with any questions or to volunteer.
[South Whidbey Schools Foundation]
We're Missing a Few Pieces!
The Island County Fair, is fast approaching. Volunteer assistance is an essential ingredient for the success of the fair. Many tasks do not require long hours or specialized training, just a desire to help the community put on the best little fair in the Puget Sound area. We are still in search of a few department superintendents, sewing, needlework, quilting and vegetables; but during the fair, we always need building sitters for both the history room and the antique building, parade monitors, department stewards, ticket sellers and ticket takers. If you want to help pre-fair we are in need of grounds maintenance, weeding, planting and painting chores.
Two larger jobs requiring more planning and coordinating are the superintendent of superintendents, and a volunteer coordinator. If you are interested in helping out please call the fair office, (360)221-4677 and chat, or look for us online at www.islandweb.org/fair. If you are interested in joining the Island County Fair Association; or being eligible for the fair board, dues for membership are $10 a year. Be a part and have the fair be what you want it to be. We welcome you to help us with the planning.
[Island County Fair Association]
Society Needs Volunteers
The South Whidbey Historical Society is looking for a few good people who would love to be docents at the Museum or guide historical walking tours through downtown Langley. This is your chance to learn a great deal about South Whidbey’s history, meet new people, and have fun in the process. Contact Betty Discher (360)331-3526 about serving as a Museum docent or Carol Ryan (360)221-8561 about acting as a tour guide.
[South Whidbey Historical Society]
Auxiliary Seeks More Volunteers
The Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated women and men to become members in any one of the Auxiliary Guilds that serve “our” hospital.
Guilds have been instrumental in the development of Whidbey General Hospital since 1957 when the idea of a hospital on Whidbey Island had just began to take shape. When the hospital was dedicated in 1970, the guilds re-organized and the Auxiliary was formed. The Auxiliary and its guilds have since continued to play a vital role in healthcare and hospital services on Whidbey Island. At their annual Board meeting, the Auxiliary agrees to buy specific equipment items requested by the hospital with the monies they have raised through dues, gift shop sales, and special events.
Most Auxiliary members belong to a guild that serves a specific area. Guild members meet once a month, pay annual dues, and participate in fund-raising projects and/or volunteer. Volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to working on the hospital floor, in the gift shop, in Home Health & Hospice, Medical Ambulatory Care, North Whidbey Community Clinic, Whidbey General South, Rehabilitation Services, Quality Review, Patient Registration/ER, Medical Records, or the Business Offices.
Each guild has its own social functions and money making projects. For more information about the Auxiliary and their Guilds, call Trish Rose at 678-7656 or 321-7656 ext. 3350 and she will get you in touch with the appropriate Guild President in your area.
If an individual wishes to volunteer at the hospital but not become a member of a guild, they can become a Member-at-Large of the Auxiliary. Interested individuals may call Sally Fox, Volunteer Coordinator, 678-7656 or 321-7656 ext. 3246.
[Whidbey General Hospital]
Clinton Flea Market Starting
There’s a weekend flea market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 29 through Labor Day, September 5. It will be located at Dalton Realty, State Route 525 and Forgotten Lane.
We are looking for food vendors, crafters, retailers (such as Tupperware, Avon or any other home-based business), and yard salers. So if you are looking for a place to sell your wares give us a call at (360)341-1477 and join the fun.
[Clinton Flea Market]
Need a Second Pair of Hands?
Second Pair of Hands is now serving South Whidbey. Second Pair of Hands is here to help you more effectively time-manage your busy days by customizing a personal assistance plan just for you. Personalized services are carried out by sole proprietor Ashley Stevens, insuring tasks are completed on time and in a professional, efficient manner. A sample of services include: Key holding, waiting for/admitting home repair workers, caring for plants & small animals, “peace of mind” property checking, grocery stocking before you return, transportation to appointments and airport, holiday helping, and much more.
The business is bonded and dedicated to impeccable service for a core group of clients looking for a personal assistant. I will be happy to share my background and client endorsements. For more information contact Ashley Steven’s cell at (360)672-0957 or email secondpair@whidbey.com.
[Submitted by Second Pair of Hands]
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