Letters to the Editor
Letters can be submitted to editorial@whidbeymarketplace.com

To the Editor
I want to thank and appreciate all the talented school and community members who participated in our April Fools Day fundraiser for South Whidbey School District staff enrichment grants. Over $1,200 was raised, mostly due to the generosity of the following businesses and individuals; Hanson’s Building Supply, Star Store, Nancy Ruff, Wells Fargo, First Island Financial, Coldwell-Banker Tara Properties, Gemkow Construction, Ed Van Patten And Honeymoon Llama Farm.

Thanks to South Whidbey Schools Foundation board members Dave and Sue Haworth, Nancy Ruff, and Charlene Arnold for their help in getting sponsors and running the lobby (and Wendy Baesler who also tap-danced that evening!)

And finally, my deepest thanks to all the students, staff members and friends who made the evening such a funny and professional show: the Primary School Troupe : Valerie Brown, Debra Davies, Tonieka Kokjer, Bernie Mahar, Susan Ritzer and Pat Smith; Kimmer Morris, Zach Norman; Marge and Dan Carter; Island Dance Advanced Adult Tap: Wendy Baesler, Margot Bee, Carol Lloyd and Teddy Moulton; Don Wodjenski and Dr. Bob Wagner; the Charlie Patnoe Trio; Laugh-In Crew: Chris Gibson, who literally came in at the last minute to play Tyrone; Jim Gleason as wacky Uncle Neville from the Nutcracker; Jennifer Hagerman as a superb Gladys; Kathy Stanley as the perfect Goldie; backstage clowns, Dylan Gibson and Zander Levi; Jeff Greene and his tech crew; and of course, the person who tied it all together so beautifully, Jim Freeman, our conductor of fun.

Sincerely, Jean Shaw

Dear Editor,
The 2005 “Isle See You...” Calendar sale is drawing to an end and the Soroptimist International of South Whidbey Island would like to recognize and thank the wonderful photographers who participated in the 2005 calendar. Andy Nielsen, Craig Sullivan, Jessica Koeberle, Roger Lantaff, James L. Cox, Karen Eaton, Patsy Hilbert, and Bill Ferringo. We would also like to thank the many merchants and individuals who helped make the calendar sale such a success. We have a limited number of remaining calendars which we are offering at the low, low, clearance price of $5. Please contact your local Chamber of Commerce Office or Soroptimist International of South Whidbey at (360)331- 4127 for more calendars. Thank you again for helping support your community.

Sincerely,
Claudia Cox, 2005 Soroptimist Calendar Chair

Hi Everyone,
If you made it to this year’s Burning Word festival you don’t need me to tell you what a great success it was. Did we have a blast or what? What a wonderful day.

While we had a mix of clouds, wind and sun, it stayed dry and comfortable which allowed a lot of people to enjoy the outdoor art/poetry installation, Doorgan. Big thanks to artists Ray Pelley and Rob Schouten for bringing it up to Whidbey, and to 10Satchi Productions for sponsoring them.

Word on the workshops was uniformly high, as was attendance. The open mics were a lot of fun, and the main stage performers were on fire! So much courage, beauty and passion standing naked on the stage leaves me humbled and blessed.

I saw some performances I will never forget. Including the WPA’s 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Sam Hamill. When I’m listening to a reading and the hair on the back of my neck stands up, I know I am listening to both truth and poetry. Thank you Sam.

And thanks to all of the volunteers, hosts, performers, presenters and sponsors - your passionate involvement, commitment, generosity, and talent made Burning Word THE Festival of Poetic Fire it dreamt of being! Thank you.

Special thanks to our major donors, Andy Clay, Bayview Corner, Greenbank Farm, Hedgebrook, Goosefoot Community Fund, Isle of Art, Lindsay Communications, Pemco Foundation, 10Satchi Productions, and Whidbey Telecom.

Thanks to generous support of all kinds, we were able to put on an exciting event, pay our fine performers and presenters, and keep our ticket price low and accessible. We are committed to these three things, and we’re grateful to be supported in fulfilling our promise.

Burning Word attendance was up 20% from last year! In 2004 we had 320 festival goers, this year we had 388 people enjoying Burning Word events. It was so much fun!

I can not thank you all enough for your contributions to this year’s festival, we created a celebration of poetry and community of which we can be proud.

You know the good word will be spreading like a brush fire, so be sure to put the last Saturday of next April - April 29 on your calendar now and join us for Burning Word 2006!

I can’t see to wipe this goofy smile off my face!

Still throwin’ sparks,
Victory Lee Schouten
WPA Executive Vice President, Festival Chair

Dear Editor
Orca Network would like to thank everyone who was a part of our 2nd annual “Welcome the Whales Day” Parade & Event in Langley on April 16. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, the South Whidbey Rotary Club, the Langley Community Club, and the Puget Sound Action Team, and the many, many volunteers who worked hard to bring a day of fun and celebration to Langley on behalf of our Gray Whale neighbors. Special thanks to the Whidbey Children’s Theater for offering a space out of the rain for the costume-making workshop and displays in the morning, and to the Langley Community Forum, On Whidbey, Whidbey Marketplace & Community Journal, the Everett Herald, the Whidbey News Times, the Kitsap Sun, the Seattle Times & KIRO News for helping us spread the word about our event. Thanks also to the City of Langley, Langley Police Dept., Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Dancing Colors, the Clyde Theater, Good Cheer, Jim Freeman, the Gray Whale Project, Brenda Peterson, Doug Thompson and Richard Hite, and to everyone who braved the weather and stayed around until the sun came out and the whales cruised by! We feel blessed to live in a community surrounded by such good people, and honored that two gray whales came by to join in the celebration this year. We hope to see you all at next year’s Welcome the Whales Day - start now on your animal costume for next year’s parade! (for photos from the 2004 and 2005 Welcome the Whales Day, go to: www.orcanetwork.org/news/welcomephotos.html.

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett
Orca Network

Letter to the editor:
Would you want to see your name in the paper as you try to rebuild your life in the wake of domestic violence? What if your child was a victim of sexual abuse -- would you demand your privacy?

As a legislator, I receive hundreds of letters each year from people in our area. Most are from people sharing their opinions about issues before the Legislature. But many people turn to me seeking help from a state agency during the darkest days of their lives. I am proud to act as an advocate for those who haven’t received the services they need to recover from abusive relationships, child custody cases or child protection cases. People place their trust in me.

While I would fight to the last to protect these people’s privacy, you may be surprised to learn that correspondence to my office is not confidential. In fact, anyone could file a public disclosure request for correspondence and the courts would force me to open all my files. The same is true for some information law enforcement agencies collect from victims of sex offenders.

My colleagues and I recently voted -- unanimously, I might add -- to shield our constituents’ correspondence and information about victims of sexual abuse from non-targeted public disclosure requests. Newspaper editorials from around the state have called this a loophole that protects lawmakers and sexual offenders, when in fact this measure was designed to defend the privacy of innocent people in vulnerable situations.

All of my records as a legislator and a candidate for office will always be available to the public: bills I introduce, speeches I make, votes I cast, and all my political contributions and expenditures. I would never vote to restrict the public’s access to these important records.

In the wake of intense pressure from some news outlets, this protection for our constituents has died a quick death. We must find another way to ensure that people can still communicate the most painful truths in their lives to their elected officials and law enforcement agencies.

Sincerely,
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, Camano Island

Bits 'N' Pieces

Beach Adoption Program
What is the beach adoption program? It is a program designed to foster volunteer stewardship of the island’s beaches. Program volunteers adopt beaches, which they agree to clean of litter at least four times a year. A beach adoption allows two years and may be renewed or declined by either party at any time.

Why should I adopt a beach? Debris on coastal beaches affects our enjoyment of these natural settings. Debris on the beaches can also adversely impact sea mammals and other marine life. Public participation in beach cleanups is part of statewide strategy to combat coastal pollution.

Any group, organization, business, family, or individual may adopt a beach. Your group can adopt a beach by calling Cheryl May, Program Director, at (360)678-4100 or email at cmay@whidbey.net. We will assist your group in selecting an appropriate beach. Beaches will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. When you call Cheryl, please be ready to supply your group leaders name and a daytime phone number. At that time Cheryl will discuss all responsibilities and in what way Lighthouse Environmental Programs and the Beach Adoption Program can be of assistance to all volunteers.

We supply everything (bags, gloves, safety equipment, first aid kits, tipping fees) but the volunteers. Your group supplies those volunteers.

[Lighthouse Environmental Programs]

Latimer To Host Works by Island Textile Artists
The Latimer Quilt & Textile Museum is pleased to announce our next gallery exhibit featuring quilts and mixed-media works by two groups from Whidbey Island.

The quilts are presented by Three Uppity Women (Debra Calkins, Anne Niles Davenport, and Larkin Jean Van Horn), drawn from a year-long focus on the symbolism of color. After researching the various meanings attributed to each of thirteen colors from a wide variety of sources, each artist repaired to her studio to create her quilt dealing with the color for that month. All 39 of the resulting art quilts will be on display at the Latimer. The Three Uppity Women have exhibited different collections of work at the Penn Cove Gallery on Whidbey Island and the LaConner Quilt Museum.

The mixed-media works are presented by The Bead Nuts, another group from Whidbey Island that meets monthly to explore and share new techniques in beadwork. Most of these are smaller works, and each piece in this collection was inspired by a book or book title. This exhibit was last on display at the Freeland Branch of the Sno-Isle Regional Library.

The exhibit will run from May 17 to July 17. Our gallery is located at 2105 Wilson River Loop Road in Tillamook. Admission to the public is $2.50 for adults, $2 for seniors, $1 for youth aged 12 - 17, with no charge for youngsters accompanied adults. The opening will be held on Sunday, May 22 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm and is open to the public.

The Center is located in the fully-restored Maple Leaf School. The old school was donated by the Latimer family in 1985 and has been operated as a museum and educational facility since 1991.

[Latimer Quilt & Textile Museum]

Home School Resources
Right here on South Whidbey we have amazing free support and resources for home schooling families. Parents are invited to come and decide what enrichment classes they are interested in for Fall 2005. The Fall class schedule will be formed by determining which classes generate the most interest and would be attended by students. The needs of the home schooling community change from year to year, so the supplemental enrichment classes change also.

Classes range from a minimum of 8 students to a maximum of 15. Class offerings might include: An Experiential/Art “bloc” class for kindergarten and/or grades 1 - 3, a unit study based 1 - 3 bloc class, Spanish, Violin, Music, Science, Crafts, Swimming, Math, Math Manipulatives (Box-it and Bag-it), and Art, for K - 4. For middle school students, classes in Science and Social Studies as well as Literature, English, Writing, Math, Photography, Swimming, Art, and Experimental Science are all possibilities. For high school students there could be classes in U.S. History, Washington State History, Art, Math, Photography, Pottery, Writing, and Literature. Through a process, students can work for real high school credits at home, too. Computers are available for educational use, and classes are offered at several levels. Parents may recommend classes that are not available.

If you would like to make an appointment to come and visit classes, sign up for classes, or see the extensive home school materials and curriculum library (also free), or if you need more information, please call (360)221-7879, or (360)221-6808 ext. 5364 or ext. 5366. Sign up begins May 9 — classes are capped at 15 and late signers are put onto a waiting list.

[Nancy Thompson]

Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration - Grant Opportunity
The Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) will release grant application materials for their 6th funding cycle at the beginning of May. The SRFB is interested in funding estuarine, nearshore, saltwater, riparian, freshwater, and upland projects that protect existing high quality habitats for salmon and restore degraded habitats to increase overall habitat health and biological productivity. The projects may include the actual habitat used by salmon and also land and water areas that support salmon habitat functions or processes. Projects can include one or more of the following elements: Assessments and Studies, Acquisitions, and Restoration. The program goal is to fund projects that produce sustainable and measurable benefits for fish and their habitats. Proposals must be developed using science-based information and local citizen review. Proposals must also demonstrate, through an evaluation and a monitoring process, the capacity to be implemented and sustained effectively for the benefit of fish.

Applications must be submitted to the local Salmon Recovery Lead Entity Committee, the Island County Water Resources Advisory Committee, to be eligible for funding. The local application process will run May - August with Letters of Intent due in mid-May. Anyone interested in applying for SRFB funding should contact Kim Bredensteiner, Island County Salmon Recovery Coordinator at KimB@co.island.wa.us or (360)240-5543 for the local application time line, more information about the application process, and information about high priority areas and habitats. Technical assistance is available through the WRIA 6 Salmon Technical Advisory Group.

Grant requests should be greater than $5,000 and applicants must provide a monetary or in-kind match of 15% or more of the project total. Private landowners, cities, counties, conservation districts, tribes, non-profit organizations, and special purpose districts are all eligible to apply for funding.

[Island County Public Works]

Festival Looking For Volunteers
Work 1 hour, 1 day or 1 week - and raise funds for the Coupeville community. Join other volunteers of the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival as we organize this year’s festival. This will be the most fun you’ve ever had while fundraising! Meeting is held at the Race Rd. Fire station on May 18 at 7:00pm. Call Anne for more details, (360)678-5943.

[Coupeville Festival Association]

Triathlon T-shirt Design Contest
Calling all artists and creative people. South Whidbey Parks & Recreation (SWPRD) is looking for a new and creative design for this years’ Whidbey Island Triathlon~ Race the Rock! The chosen entry will be awarded $100, have their name and artwork on the T-shirt for 400+ participants and volunteers and receive a free T-shirt with their design.

Eligibility: Anyone is eligible to enter. Only original art by the artist submitting the entry and created and entered by June 10, will be accepted. Judges, SWPRD employees and their families are not eligible to enter. Artist may come and view past artwork at SWPRD office.

Media: Any media will be considered, as long as it is transferable into a format suitable for a T-shirt. Preferably in a digital format, but will consider camera ready artwork. We cannot be responsible for damage or loss of an entry. All contestants grant SWPRD permission to use and/or reproduce their entries in materials relating to the contest on our web site and elsewhere.

Artwork: Art work must have Race The Rock - 9th Annual - Whidbey Island Triathon 2005 in its design. SWPRD reserves the right to work with artist to adjust, modify, enhance final artwork for final production.

Delivery Of Entries: Please send entries to parkfun@whidbey.com in digital format with entry form (available from SWPRD) or deliver entries to South Whidbey Parks & Rec. District, 5495 Maxwelton Road, Langley. Or mail entries to PO BOX 136, Langley, WA 98260. To be eligible, all entries must be received in our office by June 1 by 1:00pm.

Entry: There is no fee to enter. Please submit entry with entry form. SWPR reserves the right to accept or reject any artwork submitted.

Final Determination: The winner will be announced by the end of June. At that time, the winning artist agrees to grant to SWPRD exclusive ownership of the original art with assignment of all copyright, including but not limited to, full rights to publish and reproduce the winning entry on the T-shirt and other promotional and advertising material for the Triathlon. After the winning artist has been announced, the other artists may pick up their entries in our business office during normal business hours. We cannot be responsible for loss, damage or return of artwork.

Awards: The winning artist will receive $100 as well as a free T-shirt and name and design on 400+ T-shirts for Whidbey Island Triathlon participants and volunteers.

Description Of The Triathlon: The triathon starts with a half mile swim in Lone Lake on South Whidbey Island. Leaving Lone Lake on a bike, begin the 19.5 mile ride through paved county roads. The bike course is hilly with views of Saratoga Passage and the North Cascades. Finish with a 3.8 mile run on trails at Community Park and county roads. If you have any questions, email Kim Andrews at parkfun@whidbey.com or call (360)221-5484.

[South Whidbey Parks & Rec]

Local Artist Shares Whidbey’s Wildlife
With her “Goldfinch and Decanter” painting, Sandy Byers of Oak Harbor has been accepted to the prestigious 19th Annual Open Exhibition “Pastels USA 2005” which opens May 7 in San Luis Obispo, California. The Pastel Society of the West Coast, the organization hosting the event, is the largest pastel organization west of the Mississippi and has a strong reputation for the professional quality of its exhibitions. Artists from all over the world enter this competition for awards of over $10,000 and the honor of having their work exhibited in this show.

Byers works out of her home studio and is known locally for the charity work she does to support Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF). You can see her work at the upcoming WAIF Spring Fling auction. To see current works by Byers, visit her website at www.SansArt.com

The art show will be held at San Luis Obispo Art Center, located at 1010 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo. The show runs from May 7 through May 31. For more information about the show visit www.sloartcenter.org/exhibits.html.

[Sandy Byers]

Registration for SVC Golf Tournament
The 13th Annual Whidbey Island Golf Classic will take place Friday, June 24 at Whidbey Golf and Country Club in Oak Harbor. Registration fees include 18 holes of golf: $100 per person, carts are $40, which can be split between 2 players. Registration includes raffle opportunities, mulligans, and refreshments throughout the course. Golfers will be treated to dinner and entertainment at the end of the day.

Event sponsors are Whidbey Island Bank, Northrop Grumman, and Saar’s Market. Last year’s tournament grossed over $42,000 and more than $200,000 has been raised over the past 12 years to support scholarships. Foundation tournaments and other fundraising activities help the Skagit Valley College (SVC) Foundation continue to support SVC students by providing valuable program enhancements, scholarships, and other assistance.

“We are thrilled that SVC Foundation tournaments continue to grow and gain popularity with golfers each year,” said even coordinator Interim Director Fay Shane. “It is through the generosity and support of our community, sponsors, donors, and players that our students’ dreams can become reality.” For more information about the golf tournament contact event coordinator Kelly Reep at (360)416-7706 or kelly.reep@skagit.edu.

[Skagit Valley College]

Navy Patrol Squadron Memorial
A new memorial will soon be on the scene along Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor. This memorial will honor all persons who served in Navy patrol-bombing squadrons based at Naval Air Stations, Whidbey Island, since that Air Station’s establishment in 1942. During this time more that 50 such squadrons have operated from this base located just outside of Oak Harbor.

This new memorial will honor them all, the men who served during World War ll on through the years to the people serving during present day conflicts. The memorial’s dedication statement will be inscribed on a granite wall beneath a depiction of a Navy P2V “Neptune” patrol-bomber. It will read “This memorial is dedicated to all the United States Navy personnel who served in Navy patrol squadrons based at NAS Whidbey Island and to the many Whidbey airmen who lost their lives in VP operations. We honor them all.”

The memorial will be located in Veteran’s Park, alongside Oak Harbor Bay, nearby the Yacht Club, Marina, and the entry gate to the Navy’s Seaplane Base.

The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial (WPSM) committee is in the process of raising funds for the completion of this memorial. Please help them build it. In so doing you’ll honor the many and your support will be greatly appreciated. Donations to the WPSM project are federally tax deductible in accordance with IRS code 501(c) 19.

Donations forms and further information are available at the WPSM web site, www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html. Or, one may e-mail the committee at wpsm@comcast.net; or send mail to the WPSM Committee at PO Box 1496, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-1496

[Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial Committee]

Call for Volunteers for Summerfun Program
Community partners have come together for a second year to sponsor the SummerFun program. SummerFun is an exciting and innovative menu of low-to-no-cost classes, activities, and events aimed at providing youth aged 12-18 (next year’s grades 6-12) and their families opportunities to learn, play, and share meals in a variety of settings. The program partners include the South Whidbey Commons, the Community Engagement Center, South Whidbey School District, the South Whidbey Family Resource Center, Island Athletic Club, and South Whidbey Good Cheer.

SummerFun will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from July 5 through July 29, operating out of Bayview School. Classes will meet once, twice or three times per week from 12:00pm - 2:00pm, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, or 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Program partners are especially interested in offering service-learning based classes, where students engage in service to their community, and physically active/outdoor classes, as well as art, music, photography, and other activities.

The coordinators of SummerFun are seeking volunteers to support the classes and activities. Volunteers from the community who have skill or interest in subjects taught and who would enjoy positive interaction with youth are needed to help support this summer series. Volunteers can choose to assist with all or a portion of the program series.

If you are interested please contact Victoria Santos of the Community Engagement Center at Langley Middle School via email at vsantos@sw.wednet.edu or via phone at (360)221-6808, ext. 3205. Help make this summer a healthy, active, and exciting one for South Whidbey teens and their families!

[South Whidbey Commons]