January 21 through January 27, 2021

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Whidbey Gardening Workshop: Planting seeds for a lifetime of enjoyment

File Photo Vertical gardening with vines is just one of many topics to be covered at the Whidbey Gardening Workshop March 6.

By Kathy Reed Whidbey Weekly “It is our mission, and our fervent desire to provide an exciting and engaging day for gardeners,” said Carole Matthews, It may be impossible to “grow” a green thumb, but it is certainly possible to cultivate an interest in, or nurture a love chair of this year’s workshop. “We seek to recruit wonderful of, gardening. That’s what the Whidbey Gardening Work- instructors and provide a valuable experience for a reasonable shop has tried to do for 32 years, and it’s a tradition that will price.” continue Saturday, March 6 in a virtual format. Today is the last day to take advantage of the early-bird The Whidbey Gardening Workshop, a production of the enrollment special for this year’s gardening workshop – just Island County Master Gardener Foundation, has moved online $45 for the keynote address and three different classes. Start- this year due to COVID. While some familiar portions of the ing Friday, the cost to attend will be $55. For the first time, annual event may be missing this year, the overall mission attendees have the option to see nearly all the classes from to bring gardeners together for a day of learning is still the the day of learning for an additional fee. focus, despite the change in format. “This year people will have an opportunity to select from 27 different classes on the day of the workshop,” explained Jim Peskuric, president of Island County Master Gardener Founda- tion. “Furthermore, for an additional fee, you will have access to all classes offering recordings for three additional weeks.” File Photo Stepping into the world of technology has been a bit of a Growing tomatoes in Washington can be challening. Instructor Marcia Dillon will share challenge for this group of intrepid gardeners, but it was a tips and tricks on how to grow great tomatoes at the Whidbey Gardening Workshop, to be challenge ICMGF members and volunteers were happy to held virtually March 6. tackle, according to Matthews. “Ours is an organization of gardeners, not necessarily “We are hopeful that the word will continue to get out this techies,” she said. “So, we have had a steep learning curve. year and we will have a good turnout from Island County We have spent considerable time teaching ourselves how to and beyond,” agreed Peskuric. “We have seen an increasing run a virtual workshop, and to support our instructors, some number of attendees each year as people from a broadening area hear about our workshop. Many of the participants join Photo Courtesy of Whidbey Island Master Gardener Foundation instructing on a webinar for the first time. Of course, making us year after year to get motivated to go forth and garden!” In-person classes won’t happen this year at the Whidbey Gardening Workshop on March 6, the event attractive to our attendees, and getting the word there are still plenty of virtual classes being held at this year’s event, and attendees have out about our virtual workshop has been a high priority to the opportunity to see them all if they choose. us.” See GARDENING continued on page 9 This Weekend! When You Need High-Quality FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Medical Care NOW! NEWS OF THE WORLD (PG-13) THE MARKSMAN (PG-13) OPEN EVERY DAY SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 7PM 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2 Advance tickets required No appointment • No phone call

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when he played Hale Clinton in the 1955 ON TRACK film Five Guns West was memorable. with Jim Freeman “Girls are like royal flushes. It takes a little The other night I luck, a lot of savvy and an ace up the ate my first ever sleeve.” frozen fish frozen dinner. Who was the fastest draw in the 1950s westerns? According to the Cowboy Cook- It was also the first book, compiled by Ken Beck and Jim Clark, COUNTR ROAD LLC time I ever removed “Back in the 1950s, Hollywood folks in the film completely Grael Drieway Eperts know considered the four fastest draws of from a frozen meal. the cowboy actors to be Ben Cooper, Dale Affordable. Efficient. Local. Usually one pokes Robertson, Rory Calhoun, and World War II holes or slits to hero-turned-screen cowboy Audie Murphy. Services ventilate. In fact, Murphy may well have been Hol- Maintenance (Grinding,Grading, Compacting, Etc.) Being directed to "remove film" made me lywood's top fast draw expert, and actor wonder why the Healthy Choice people Hugh O'Brian (Wyatt Earp) was always New Driveway Installation • Parking Area Expansion even cover their frozen food with plastic. wanting to test him out one on one. Murphy always refused. Finally, Murphy I learned when I called the Jimmy Dean mycountryroad.com agreed to a contest, but only by his rules. breakfast bowl team during the power outage that frozen food stored in a thaw- "'I'll tell you what. You get real bullets in Call today for your FREE estimate 30.1.00 ing freezer still stays cold for 2-3 days. your gun and I'll get real bullets in mine, Who needs plastic? and we'll have a go at it. What'ya say?' The meal was as dry and non-succulent "And that was the end of that.” PHONE: 360-682-2341 FAX: 360-675-2162 as I had imagined. However, the remedy According to the Aug. 11, 2019 issue of TABLE OF CONTENTS was swift and sure – Pour Cardini's classic Parade magazine, And I Love Her, Yester- Caesar's salad dressing all over the fish day, and I'm Looking Through You were all Whidbey Weekly and rice and broccoli for immediate flavor LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Paul McCartney songs written for his then enhancement. It may look strange, but it girlfriend, model Jane Asher. sure tasted better. 1131 SE ELY STREET | PO BOX 1098 | OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON 98277 Bob Dylan's It Ain't Me Babe was in refer- What can they do for the apple slices Contributing Writers ence to his early 1960s love, Suze Rotolo, Publisher...... Eric Marshall dessert? Alec Brown "the most erotic thing I'd ever seen." Only Editor...... Kathy Reed Jim Freeman Marketing Representatives...... Wesley Hallock Substitute a brownie. Bob would have the nerve to put that line Glenda Cantrell, Noah Marshall Melanie Hammons in print in his memoir. Graphic Design...... Teresa Besaw Kae Harris No power knowledge Tracy Loescher Production Manager...... TJ Pierzchala Kathy Reed During last week's 36-hour power outage, Carly Simon's major 1972 hit, Anticipa- Circulation Manager...... Noah Marshall Carey Ross I learned at least eight things. tion, about having to wait, was penned Kacie Jo Voeller by Simon, based on her real life situation Volume 13, Issue 03 | © MMXXI Whidbey Weekly 1. Don't try and use an ATM. The fact the when Cat Stevens never showed for a first PUBLISHED and distributed every week. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Whidbey Weekly lights were out should have been a clue. cannot be held responsible for the quality of goods or services supplied by advertisers in this publication. Articles, unless otherwise stated, are by contribution time get-to-know-you dinner date. and therefore the Whidbey Weekly is not in a position to validate any comments, recommendations or suggestions made in these articles. Submitted 2. Do not try to make drip coffee with no editorial is NOT guaranteed to be published. Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline was written DEADLINES: The Whidbey Weekly is a submission based editorial with contributing writers. Please feel free to submit any information (please limit to 200 water. words) that you would like to share with the Whidbey Weekly. You may submit by email to [email protected], by fax to (360)682-2344 or by postal over a several year period in honor of Caro- mail to PO Box 1098, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Submitted editorial is NOT guaranteed to be published. Deadline for all submissions is one week prior 3. Do not go to the post office to weigh line Kennedy, daughter of the President. to issue date. For more information, please visit www.whidbeyweekly.com. packages. The song is also sung during the 8th inning 4. Do not try to check call history on a of Boston Red Sox home games. cordless phone. The Duke 5. Do not get up to see what has been "He was a big, big chunk of America. damaged after hearing a maple branch Wayne meant a lot to America. He loved Thank You, Gene’s! liberate itself with the help of the wind. to promote America. He stood for America. If the truck survives, the truck survives. I don't think he saw himself as a symbol. 6. Buy extra batteries and candles before He just wanted to do the things he wanted the next one. to do, and those things were right for 7. Have two transistor radios ready and America." ~Bob Hope cued, one for news and one for sports. "I'm an American actor. I work with my 8. Follow the Boy Scout motto – Be Pre- clothes on. I have to. Riding a horse can be pared. pretty tough on your legs and elsewhere." ~John Wayne Family Circus Other than enjoying the Addams Family Time to fix cartoons in a 1950s copy of the New A 54-year-old woman had a heart attack Yorker, I have never been a big fan of the and was taken to the hospital. While on comics page in a newspaper. the operating table, she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked, "Is my When the morning paper, the Columbus time up?" and God said, "No, you have "When I purchased the painting on silk in an antique store Citizen Journal, was delivered, Dad got another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to the front page. My older brother got the over 35 years ago it had a plain, thin frame. Now, the frame live." sports page. My sister got the comics. I and matting bring out the colors within and it’s become a got to continue reading the latest issue of Upon recovery, the woman decided to conversation piece. I’ve worked with numerous framers over Downbeat. Did your family have a chain of stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, the years and Gene’s is by far the best.” command for journalism? liposuction, breast implants and a tummy Franji C. When I read the Seattle Times each tuck. She even had someone come in and Oak Harbor, WA morning, my favorite section to read is the change her hair color and brighten her teeth. Family Circus single framed cartoon by Bill Whidbey’s Largest Selection of Fine Art Supplies and Jeff Keane. Maybe it is because I am Since she had so much more time to live, a happy grandpa who enjoys the observa- she figured she might as well make the SINCE 1967 tions of the little kids in Family Circus. most of it. After her last operation, she A recent shared observation by an older was released from the hospital, but while sister with her younger brother caught crossing the street on her way home, the GENE’S ART & FRAME 360-675-3854 • 250 SE Pioneer Way • Oak Harbor my eye after the recent destruction in the woman was killed by an ambulance. genesartframing.com Capitol Building. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I 12-5pm Tues-Fri • 10am-2pm Sat "Conscience is when God sends a text to thought you said I had another 43 years! your head." Why didn't you pull me from the path of the ambulance?" Custom Framing • Pens & Pencils • Papers • Canvas Did you know? God replied, "I didn't recognize you." Brushes • Portfolios • Clay • Easels • Palettes • How-To- Books Mike Connors, TV star of Mannix, private detective, played basketball for UCLA. His To read past columns of On Track in the Calligraphy • Drafting • Airbrush • Artists & Craft Paint nickname was Touch, which he used to Whidbey Weekly, see our Digital Library at Supply Totes • Readymade Frames • Children's Art Kits start his movie career. One of Touch's lines www.whidbeyweekly.com.

Thank you for reading! Please recycle the Whidbey Weekly when you are finished with it. 4 www.whidbeyweekly.com JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 27, 2021 Whidbey Weekly LOCALLY OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED Pre-Retirees: Bits & Pieces Plan Now to respectfully speak with him rather than and cross beaches to hide in upland vegeta- publicly assault him with rehearsed accusa- tion for 2-72 hours while spying on park visi- tions! tors. for Health Fox News is also criticized and what an insight I live on Whidbey Island. All our waterfront from Piazzon that Fox’s renditions are “criti- state parks are included in the list. Care Costs cally studied at public high schools and Univer- The state parks were set aside (even donated) If you’re close to retirement, you’ll have sities.” This should send an alarming chill of for public enjoyment and recreation, and several financial issues to consider. But you’ll how public funded “educators” indoctrinate non-commercial or private development - want to pay attention to one of the most import- our children! Do the public schools critically while maintaining the natural environment and ant of these issues: health care costs. How can discuss the parroted identical talking points features of the property so designated. you prepare yourself for these expenses? First, simultaneously coming from NBC, MSNBC, get an early start on estimating health care costs. What the Navy desires here is spying on unin- CNN, CBS, ABC, NPR, Whidbey News Times? More than two-thirds of those planning to retire Letters to the formed (would you go to a state park know- in the next 10 years say they have no idea what America is a democratic “Republic” not simply ing these operations could be going on?), and their health and long-term care costs will be in Editor a democracy, the latter of which is mob rule unsuspecting visitors - hence, COVERT Oper- retirement, according to the Edward Jones/Age plus one. Our Founding Fathers took great Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. Editor, ations. pangs to distinguish the difference and our And some people don’t worry much about these All states have “Peeping Tom” penal laws. The costs, which may be considerable, thinking that We are all increasingly worried about the Constitution embraces these truths. Man is covert training of spying on civilians in our Medicare will pay for most of them. threats posed by the insurrectionists, the Proud errantly driven by an undercurrent searching state parks being requested falls under such While Medicare does cover many medical Boys and other domestic terrorists who are for personal gain and our Founding Fathers - Penal Code 647(j) PC: “It is also unlawful expenses, it also has its own costs. You probably attacking our democracy. recognized these errant passions. Hence our won’t pay a premium for Part A (inpatient/hos- to invade someone else’s privacy while being pital coverage), since you likely had this cost What is it they want? Beyond the excite- Constitution was formed, balancing distinct lawfully on property but while looking to view and competing powers that are separate and deducted from your paycheck when you were ment of rioting incited and cheered on by a someone who has a reasonable expectation working. But if you are hospitalized, you’ll deranged president, what is it they expect limited, a House of Representatives, a Senate, of privacy or by using a device such as binocu- have to pay deductibles and coinsurance (the to achieve? Is this simply racism, the white a Supreme Court and a President. Trump did lars or cameras to view or take photographs of percentage of costs you pay after you’ve paid supremacists wanting only their own lives to not violate any of these barriers, but won the others with the intent to invade their privacy.” your deductible). Part B (doctor’s visits) matter? Or is it fear of the COVID virus trans- hearts of 75 million legal voters who were ille- requires a premium, deducted from your Social gally usurped by fraudulent tallies in contested Covert training operations are inappropriate Security checks, and you must pay an ferred to people in power who deprive them out-of-pocket deductible. After you meet this states, namely Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, as it invades the privacy of visitors and camp- of their “freedom?” deductible for the year, you typically pay 20% Georgia, Pennsylvania. These results were ers (recall your memory of campfire ghost Freedom to do what? Not wear masks? Carry of the Medicare-approved amount for most endorsed by a “demented, subterranean, X- stories - now to be made real with military guns? Remain willfully ignorant of science doctor’s services. And when you enroll in Part VP” that even Obama referenced unfavorably! personnel spying on you!). D (prescription drug plan), you will likely also and reality? Are these the “flat-earthers” or “The Navy has protocols in place to stop exer- have to pay a monthly premium, an annual Trump did not construct a coup, but Biden’s conspiracy theorists? cises if a member of the public enters the deductible and coinsurance or copays. et al did. Gary Piazzon does not understand We all face the reality of the pandemic, of training area.” Yet, now, the training area To help pay for the Medicare deductible, the principals of respectful dialog, the powers coinsurance and copayments, you may want to hospitals and caregivers stressed beyond is where the public already is, and the Navy of truth vice corrupted persuasion and should get supplemental insurance, known as capacity. Isolation increases anxiety, but mask- wants them (the public) there for covert quietly apologize to Mr. Coomer. At least Medigap. Premiums for Medigap vary, depend- less gatherings are attacks on our freedom to purposes (to be spied on)! Seems a major talk with the man before accusing him of ing on the plan you choose. remain well. An orderly vaccination of every- contradiction! As an alternative to original Medicare, you unfounded fears, racism, tribalism, quoting one, combined with safety measures, should could select Medicare Advantage (sometimes the left’s false litany of accusations parroted Yes. State law allows the Commission to end the epidemic before long, but there called Part C). Medicare Advantage plans are against President Trump! govern state parks for both public recreation offered by private companies approved by will be future pandemics in our increasingly and public benefits. This is a major stretch to Edward Drum MD Medicare, but the benefits and costs vary by crowded society. It will take cooperation to call these NAVAL SPYING operations a “public plan. These plans generally will incorporate Oak Harbor, Wash. deal with threats to our health and livelihoods. benefit.” Medicare Parts A and B and will provide additional medical coverage, such as prescrip- Jobs lost because of the virus hurt us all, and Editor, For those of you interested in the Navy tion drugs. no amount of rioting will change that. Our so Trump destroyed the country in four years proposal to do covert exercises in WA state When you incorporate all the above, the called “socialism” is no threat to anyone; we Thank goodness he didn’t get eight, parks, there is a hearing scheduled for Jan 26. annual out-of-pocket costs for traditional already have it in Social Security, Medicare and There’s no verification of what he did in this Details can be found in the Meetings & Orga- medical expenses likely will be about $4,500 to health insurance, imperfect as the system may nation nizations section of this issue. [Page 12] $6,500 per year, per person – not insignificant, be. Will attacks on “the government” help? but certainly a number that can be addressed by To “Make America Great.” Our state parks are for the public to enjoy, careful planning. WE are the government; we have elected our He lost the election but still lies to the hilt use, get immersed in nature and the natural, But there’s one more expense to keep in preferred representatives, as we have for over Saying results weren’t accurate and fair, unique topography of our state. Having covert mind: long-term care. The average cost of a 200 years. Violent and irrational protests will But there is no confusion military operations in them is wrong and to private room in a nursing home is more than only divide the country and make working $100,000 per year, according to the insurance About the conclusion make any approval is inappropriate. JUST SAY together more difficult. company Genworth. And Medicare typically He claimed fraud that just wasn’t there! “NO!” pays few of these expenses. I have heard white Christian nationalists are He cares less about his followers Michael G. Thelen Clearly, between regular medical costs behind all this. Those were anarchists or associated with Medicare or those not covered Never has and he never will, Oak Harbor, Wash. barbarians who attacked the Capitol, not by it, and costs resulting from the possible need Greed is the order of his day Christians; Christians believe in peace and Editor, for long-term care, your health care bills can It’s their money that goes in his till. love. Nostalgia for a lost age of white Christian Say “no” to the Oak Harbor School District mount. To meet these costs, you need to plan But many will always believe him ahead – and take action. power is misplaced: we never were a white levy. The school district wants local property For example, it’s essential that you incorpo- country; we stole it from Native Americans, As they fall for his deceit, owners to hand them $48.4 million over the rate health care expenses into your overall remember? And now we are truly a melting They put faith in a guy who can’t help but next four years to operate the schools. financial strategy. You can also work with a lie pot of people of all colors and faiths. All of us This is money the school district really doesn’t financial professional to run some “what-if” have the right to freedom and equality. That’s And will never admit to defeat. analyses to see if your strategy would be need: Washington State has recently added derailed by a potential long-term care stay. And the reality we live with. Before the election he said if he lost, billions of dollars more to the K-12 operating the professional you work with may be able to What can reasonable people do to bring the There must be a reason, and so budget from the state level. suggest specific protection vehicles that can He claimed it was rigged - there had to be protestors back to our democratic way of life Article IX, section 1 of the Washington Consti- help you meet the costs of long-term care. The best time to prepare for your health care and put an end to this madness? fraud tution says “It is the paramount duty of the Thus, the seeds of his lies were in tow. costs during retirement is well before you retire. Mary Fiddler state to make ample provision for the educa- So, if you haven’t already started, now is the Oak Harbor, Wash. Just throw out the Black votes, tion of all children residing within its borders.” time to do so. When it comes to paying for That’ll work, he cried, health care, the fewer surprises, the better. Editor, Following an eight-year court battle, McCleary But he refused to see what’s true, resulted in a huge infusion of money from This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Gary Piazzon ridiculed Mr. J.J. Coomer’s full Not only do Black lives matter, the state level into the K-12 budget, prompt- Edward Jones, Member SIPC. page yellow renderings of his views as to what Our Black votes matter, too. ing the state’s largest teachers’ union to cele- is wrong with our great country. C. Davenport When the Great Scorer comes to write against brate, stating: “Because of McCleary, state Jeery C. Pleet, piled on with a sideline of vitriol. his name, funding for K-12 basic education has increased CLU®, ChFC® I doubt either of them bothered to phone Mr. He’ll ask – not if Trump won – or lost, by billions of dollars, including billions for Financial Advisor But how he played the game. competitive and professional educator Coomer to discuss his views, but chose rather 630 SE Midway Blvd. compensation. In 2016-2018, WEA members to publicly ridicule him with left-leaning talking Valetta Faye, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 in school districts across the state negotiated 360-679-2558 points. I’ve personally spoken with Mr. Coomer Oak Harbor, Wash. and found him a critical thinker, not controlled historic pay increases for both certificated and je[email protected] by fake news, and a patriot seeking to accu- Editor, classified education support professionals.” www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC rately reflect on positions parroted by the crit- I submit that the U.S. Navy proposal to The school district calls this a “replacement” ical left. He has lived enough to demonstrate conduct covert training at 29 Washington levy, which is a disingenuous “spin” on their wisdom. So, I applaud an elder statesman who State Parks not be approved. Here is why: part. speaks truths that challenge the Left! Essentially this is war gaming. Up to 20 Voters handed the school district a property Piazzon calling him a “sad class of Ameri- camouflaged troops at a time will carry simu- tax levy four years ago. Property values have cans who is fed by fear, racism, tribalism and lated weapons made to look like standard mili- increased significantly since then. Zillow esti- conspiracy theories.” I believe it is far better tary weapons. They will sneak out of the water mates property values have increased by 35

Thank you for reading! Please recycle the Whidbey Weekly when you are finished with it. www.whidbeyweekly.com Whidbey Weekly JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 27, 2021 5 LOCALLY OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED percent in Island County over the last four Association for Political Theory. In addition, she ger, not the skipper. “In case of an emergency, to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Each laptop years. The school district explains “… the presented her work at the Southern Political would the passenger be able to assist the skip- comes with a functioning webcam, micro- approximate rate per $1,000 is $2.28. This is Science Association and the Western Political per? Could they get the boat back to the phone and speakers. the same rate currently being collected.” Science Critical Whiteness Studies group. dock?” Waters asked. “When connected to Wi-Fi, the laptops will However, this new levy over four years is for [Submitted by Arden Ainley, Chief Public Infor- The seminar covers: starting the engine, stop- allow customers to attend school and meet- $48.4 million, while the previous levy was mation Officer, SVC] ping the engine/dropping the sails, emer- ings, connect with friends or family, and take for $41 million. So, this is would be a HUGE Whidbey Island Grown gency use of the VHF marine radio, anchoring, tests online, such as the GED,” said Mariner INCREASE over the previous levy. The school Introduces Buyer’s Club handling onboard emergencies, and returning Library Manager Sandra Beck, who headed up district telling people the “tax rate” would be the boat to a dock. the program. the same is a purposely misleading “spin!” The cost of living rurally and producing agri- culture on Whidbey is high. Whidbey Island For the Zoom sign-in information and instruc- The Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation provided The school district levy is an “excess property Grown’s new Buyer’s Club aims to lower the tions, please contact Steve Pye at stphnpye@ more than $96,000 from its Opportunity Fund tax levy.“ Some years ago, before McCleary, all cost of the agriculture essentials by taking aol.com or 360-540-2244. to help pay for the laptops. Sno-Isle Libraries school levies required a 60 percent super-ma- advantage of large order discounts. The service The Deception Pass Sail and Power Squadron received a $50,000 CARES Act grant from the jority to pass at the polls. School districts is available to anyone on Whidbey and does (DPSPS) is a 44-year-old nonprofit organiza- Washington State Library to pay for the Wi-Fi whined about the state not meeting its statu- not require membership in the cooperative. tion with over 75 members from Whidbey and hotspots that include one year of service. tory obligation under the Washington Consti- Currently, a long list of supplies is available at Fidalgo islands. It is part of America’s Boating The laptops are configured similarly to tution. State legislators eventually voted to WhidbeyIslandGrown.com under the “Buyer’s Club, a squadron of the United States Power computers used at the library. They have place the issue on the ballot, and in 2007 Club” tab, with more being added each week. Squadrons, a non-profit boating organization Microsoft Office 2016 (Word, Excel, Power- voters approved doing so by a slim 50.61 This service will grow just as fast as it needs to, dedicated to education and training of safe Point, Publisher and OneNote); Microsoft percent margin. so the more you use it the more the site can boating activities. Edge and Google Chrome web browsers; After McCleary, it’s time to reinstate the 60 offer. [Submitted by Jennifer Geller, DPSPS] GIMP Image Editing, Inkscape, Inkview, Irfan- percent super-majority for all school district The deadline for the next order is Friday, Jan. View and paint.net image software; Audacity, excess property tax levies. 29. Items can be picked up the first week Need a Laptop or Wi-Fi? Sno-Isle Windows Media Player and VLC Media Player William G Burnett of February at Bell’s Farm on West Beach in Libraries Can Help media software; and Adobe Reader. Oak Harbor, Wash. Coupeville. Sno-Isle Libraries is expanding the laptop Customers are not able to download other The “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion” For more information, call 860-805-4767, loan program with Laptops to Go and Wi-Fi software or programs to the laptops. Due Hotspots to Go. Illusion in White Supremacist email [email protected] or to technical reasons, Mozilla Firefox is not included as a web browser. Institutions of Higher Education: click the “Buyer’s Club” tab at WhidbeyIsland- Sno-Isle Libraries customers can place a hold Grown.com. Delivering Equity and Inclusion in the catalog under the new program to There is no disc drive on the laptop, so for Women Faculty of Color [Submitted by Elyse Perron, Buyer’s Club borrow one of 124 laptops or one of 50 Wi-Fi customers must provide their own external Manager] hotspots for use at home. Laptops and Wi-Fi CD/DVD drive to watch DVDs or listen to CDs. Thursday, Farhana Loonat, Ph.D., Skagit hotspots are available for checkout for one Sno-Isle Libraries does not have external drives Valley College Department Chair for Politi- Free Community Boating Seminar week, with a one-week renewal if no other How to Take Control of the Vessel in to loan. cal Science, Philosophy, International Studies, customers have placed a hold on the equip- Case of Emergency To save any files, customers need to use save Anthropology, and Social Science, will pres- ment. ent her paper, The “Diversity, Equity, Inclu- Whidbey and Fidalgo Island boaters are invited and email, use an external device (USB flash Sno-Isle Libraries has been loaning laptop sion” Illusion in White Supremacist Institutions to a free seminar, Partners in Command, drive or an external hard drive) or save to a computers to customers since October, but use of Higher Education: Delivering Equity and designed to assist first mates and other less-ex- cloud-based service. was limited to community library parking lots. Inclusion for Women Faculty of Color. Dr. perienced crew members to take control of “When saving, any file saved to the laptop That service continues to be available. Loonat’s presentation will take place virtually a vessel in the event of disability or an emer- will be deleted when the customer signs out, from 2:30 to 4:00pm via Zoom, https://zoom. gency with the skipper. The seminar will be To borrow a laptop or hotspot to take home, restarts or shuts down,” Beck said. “This is us/s/4571870466. The community is cordially presented virtually by the Deception Pass Sail customers will need a valid Sno-Isle Librar- similar to our in-library computers and for invited to attend. and Power Squadron via Zoom Saturday, Feb. ies card with a barcode. Online-only library customer privacy.” 6 from 10:00am to noon. accounts do not qualify for new program. In addition to the SVC presentation, Dr. Loonat Customers can use their weekly $7 print also recently presented her paper at the North- According to squadron commander Pat All laptops come in a carrying bag with a allowance to print from the laptop by using west Political Science Association, the Political Waters, the seminar is aimed at boaters who power cord and sign-in instructions about how Theorists of Washington, and the prestigious are used to always being the mate or passen- to access Sno-Isle Libraries services and how BITS & PIECES continued on page 12 Habitat for Humanity New: Mattresses, Flooring, and Online Store!

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Thank you for reading! Please recycle the Whidbey Weekly when you are finished with it. Military Muster NAS Whidbey Island, Washington January 21 – January 27, 2021 NAS Whidbey Island SAR Conducts Two Lifesaving Missions A Search and Rescue (SAR) team from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island conducted two life-saving missions Jan. 9. The first mission involved a morning medical evacuation from Orcas Island for a 62 year-old woman who had fallen off a ladder. The crew coordinated with local emergency response personnel who arranged pick up for the patient at the island ferry terminal. After checking NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue team members work with Yakima County paramedics and other first responders weather conditions with hospitals in the local area, the crew decided to fly the patient to to assist a young man injured in a snowmobile accident on Darden Mountain Jan. 9. (Official Navy Photo) Paine Field for transit to a local hospital. The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60S helicopters from NAS Whidbey Island as search Later that afternoon, the crew received another alert for a 28 year-old man suffering from and rescue/medical evacuation (SAR/MEDEVAC) platforms for the EA-18G aircraft as well as a potential broken femur and dislocated hip. The young man was involved in a snowmo- other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation. Pursuant to the National SAR bile accident on Darland Mountain at an elevation of 7,000 ft. Darland Mountain is located Plan of the United States, the unit may also be used for civil SAR/MEDEVAC needs to the approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Mt. Rainer. A Yakima County Paramedic crew fullest extent practicable on a non-interference basis with primary military duties according had already arrived at the site and prepared the patient on a litter, which enabled a quick to applicable national directives, plans, guidelines and agreements; specifically, the unit turnover. SAR flew the injured man to Harborview Medical Center. may launch in response to tasking by the AFRCC (based on a Washington State Memo- Naval Air Station Whidbey Island SAR has conducted three total missions throughout Wash- randum of Understanding) for inland missions, and/or tasking by the United States Coast ington State this year, including one rescue, and two medical evacuations. Guard for all other aeronautical and maritime regions, when other assets are unavailable. Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Conducts Bilateral Exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Courtesy of USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs stability in the Indo-Pacific. It is only alongside allies and which demonstrated the inherent flexibility of the two com- bined forces. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) partners that we can maintain the rules-based order that conducted a bilateral maritime exercise with the Japan has allowed continued prosperity around the world.” The TRCSG is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of oper- Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) on Jan. 15. Working together provided both countries the opportunity ations to build partnerships that foster maritime security The exercise, which focused on increasing combat readi- to continue to build their capabilities while practicing for and to conduct a wide range of operations that support ness and warfighting excellence, included USS Theodore the high-end fight. humanitarian efforts and freedom of the seas. Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS John Finn This is the first bilateral exercise between the U.S. and The TRCSG consists of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN (DDG 113), JS Kongo (DDG 173), and JS Asahi (DD 119). Japan in 2021. 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer “Carrier Strike Group Nine is grateful for the opportunity to “It is a great honor for me to conduct the first bilateral Squadron 23, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile work with our partners in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense exercise in 2021 with CSG-9, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Force to increase our proficiency and interoperability,” destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS John Finn (DDG Bunker Hill, and USS John Finn as the senior officer of the 113). said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike JMSDF participants”, said CAPT Masaru Fujisaki, Kongo’s Group Nine. “The longstanding relationship between our commanding officer. “This year marks the 10th anniver- Theodore Roosevelt’s embarked air wing consists of two great nations is critical to maintaining security and sary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Operation the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 31, Tomodachi, which proved the importance of close cooper- “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA- ation between the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy. I would like to 146, “Black Knights” of VFA-154, “Liberty Bells” of Airborne express my gratitude to our friends who have worked day Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, “The Gray and night to strengthen the relationship between us, and I Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, “Wolf am confident that our ties are an enduring pillar to safe- Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, guard the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.” “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VRC) The bilateral exercise supported the U.S. Navy and JMSDF 30 Detachment 3. mission to develop regional capabilities that provide layered defensive options to protect each nation’s interests Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego for a scheduled and those of their allies and partners. The participating deployment to the Indo-Pacific Dec. 23. forces exercised a wide range of capabilities, from maritime For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit security operations to more complex air defense exercises, www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/ READY FOR WINTER ON WHIDBEY? Give us a call for repairs on your: DECK • ROOF FENCE • SIDING Island 360-914-4034 DECK & SHED, LLC RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES [email protected] • #ISLANDS803LH

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“We’re also hoping native plants will help with controlling water runoff from the hill behind us,” Tsang said. Tsang said they chose native plants for their landscape “because they should adapt well to our soil; the different varieties will accom- modate for sun and shady areas on the property; they are lower maintenance (not Make a fussy and pretty resistant against pests and disease) and do well in drier conditions (at least the ones we selected) and provide food and habitat for the wildlife. Those are all the Difference practical reasons. They are also beautiful and we love the sight and scent of many of the By Shannon Bly native species such as the Red-flowering cur- Outreach Coordinator, Whidbey Island Conservation District rant, Mock-orange and Low Oregon grape.” Native plants are well-adapted to our unique NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPING slope stabilization because of their ability to climate. Landscape designer Dianne Iverson hold on to soil and spread out their root sys- uses native plants in her designs as much At Whidbey Island Conservation District, we tems. Freeland resident Christina Tsang has as possible, listing many of their benefits, promote conservation practices that help an acre of property on a hill. Their intention including “their drought and rain tolerant protect natural resources like waterways, Native plants growing in wilderness near your property are good for their “back-back” yard is to provide a qualities, so unique to the PNW.” forests, and farmland. Native plant landscap- choices to incorporate into your landscape. wild buffer/privacy screen using native shrubs ing ties many different conservation practices Due to their low maintenance demands and and trees that will prevent erosion and pro- your property. Observe the plants that are together and is a great way to get started in adaption to our specific climate, native plants vide wildlife habitat. growing heartily there, and even in closer thinking about incorporating conservation are often used in wetland mitigation and areas like ditches and neighboring fields. The riparian restoration projects. WICD Natural principles into your landscape. native plants around your property will most Resource Planner Kelsi Mottet planted over Native plants are well adapted to our wet likely also grow happily on your property. 280 bare root native plants for a wetland winters and dry summers and provide a host mitigation project on her property in central WICD administrator Sandy Welch has planted of benefits to a property and the surround- Whidbey. She chose eight native plant many different native plant species over ing environment. They improve our water species, including Douglas Spirea, Red Osier the years, and she says one of her favorite quality, reduce soil and wind erosion, replace Dogwood, and Nootka Rose. species turned out to be Tall Oregon Grape. noxious weeds, clean the air, reduce yard When she first planted the bare root plants, “It’s been a real journey,” Mottet said. maintenance costs and time, attract and sup- she said their leaves turned brown, then fell “Tending to them, mulching them, regularly port local wildlife, provide pollinator habitat off, and became sad little sticks in her yard. watering them during the dry season.” and beautify our island. She assumed they had died, while the rest of “[Native plants] are easier to take care of as The plants grow quickly and in just a few her plants did well. But the next spring, the well as they fit into the ‘natural’ look of what years will create a wild wetland area that Tall Oregon Grape sticks grew new leaves I love about living in the northwest,” says absorbs and filters water, prevents soil and have been thriving ever since! erosion, and provides habitat for birds and Whidbey resident Jamie Johannessen. She The experience taught her that Tall Oregon wildlife. lives on 20 acres that have large cleared areas Grape plants have a unique process of estab- and logging property in the next lots over. “What I love about [the restoration proj- lishing themselves in the yard, but are hardy “I am utilizing some of these larger trees to ect] is that it’s taking the grass species...a and beautiful if given patience, attracting grow back into a buffer as well as help with somewhat lower ecologically functional plant native bees and even hummingbirds with wind protection and erosion protection. As species and replacing it with much more their bright yellow flowers in spring. for some of the other smaller plants, they are diversity.” You can learn more about the benefits of great to grow in a forest setting.” Tall Oregon Grape (mahonia aquifolium) grows well in almost any Not sure what to plant? Take a walk and native plants and where to find them for sale Many native plants can help with erosion and conditions on Whidbey Island. look for forested areas and wild spaces near at www.whidbeycd.org/native-plants. 2021 Replacement Levy Heal. Restore. Rebuild.

VOTE FEBRUARY 9! Mark your ballot, drop it o on time, and say YES to schools!

Paid for by Citizens For Better Schools [email protected] PO Box 2894, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Thank you for reading! Please recycle the Whidbey Weekly when you are finished with it. 8 www.whidbeyweekly.com JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 27, 2021 Whidbey Weekly LOCALLY OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED Check out our new Your Donations & improved website! Are Always Needed and Island Appreciated! NORTH Angler WHIDBEY By Tracy Loescher HELP www.whidbeyweekly.com HOUSE 1131 SE Ely Street HATCHERY SALMON: in this state; even more important is the Oak Harbor NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER! co-managed WDFW commissioners and tribal representatives need to stop restricting Your Community Food Bank Since 1977 If you’re not a hard-core, year ‘round salmon hatchery production. The orcas, with the help 360-682-2341 1091 SE Hathaway St • Oak Harbor or steelhead angler, you probably don’t give of biologists, are trying to tell them, and the it much thought when a traditional or highly sportsmen have seen this coming for years. anticipated recreational saltwater salmon It’s time to privatize some of the state’s season or beloved winter steelhead run has hatcheries, get rid of bureaucratic reason- been taken away. Or that the great Olympic ing. Let the people who fish and who love Be Prepared for Winter Fishing Peninsula’s coastal rivers are totally shut sport fishing, energize recovery efforts, help down to recreational fishing or fishing from rebuild the sport-fishing economy and give a floating device is prohibited. Even the part- Be ready for the winter fishing season. time weekend angler over the last 20 years both the beginner and experienced anglers a reason to get back out on the water. We have everything you need in store - can sense the ever decreasing numbers of fish, even if it comes in the form of disap- Many answers to the difficult decisions that lifejackets, fire extinguishers, pearing fish stories told around a cold beer face the governmental fish management waders, nets, tackle, licenses, and campfire, or a hot cup of coffee at the personnel of this state have already been breakfast table. provided, they are just too blind to see them Discover Passes, Why is there a broad, overwhelming feeling or convinced not to act upon them. If anyone and more! of no fish among anglers? Why are there thinks for a moment that fully funded such large-scale drawdowns on legacy hatcheries are not needed or have nothing salmon seasons and fishing opportunities to add to a salmon angler’s success, just fan for us recreational fishermen? Why has it through the pages of the Washington state been many years since my son and I have fishing regulations and take notice of the been able to hook and land a Christmas salmon sections; read what type of salmon time winter steelhead out of the Skagit and steelhead we are allowed to retain – yep, River? I’ll tell you why: First, the huge lack 95 percent of the fish in the regulations we are able to keep and take home are marked, 150 SE Pioneer Way • Oak Harbor • 360-679-3533 of intestinal fortitude of Washington State judges and Washington Department of Fish or hatchery. With this black and white fact and Wildlife commissioners, reaching back why is it such low numbers of hatchery fish as far as 1974, who agree with one-sided are allowed? lawsuits filed by groups to permanently close Total “wild” fish recovery is what everyone successful hatcheries; who think they know would like, including me, and drives some t Winter ie to elace what is BEST for us anglers and the fish angler groups like the Wild Fish Conser- resource instead of standing firm on what is vancy out of Duvall, Wash., to file lawsuits hoe Old raty Windo RIGHT for all Washington state recreational against hatchery fish. Realistically, this is fishermen. Second, and in my opinion, the beyond reach without the total shutdown main reason we are seeing less and less fish of non-selective commercial and tribal returning each year to the Puget Sound and netting. The hard truth is the wild fish we our local rivers is the continuous misguided, see today sprang from the hatchery fish of Give Me A Call Today! unwarranted defunding of Washington state yesterday. The wild fish were wiped out long fish hatcheries. Until the demand for salmon before us. We simply cannot continue to wait decreases by the consumer and commercial for non-marked fish to recover on their own 360.969.4664 harvesting is scaled way back, the need for and let generations of young anglers cross fully funded, fully operational hatcheries is Brian Jones, Certi ed Design Consultant their fingers in the hopes of a salmon fishing paramount! season year after year, when a tried and true The use of salmon hatcheries is nothing new, solution has already been developed, which they have helped sustain salmon popula- would guarantee smiling faces, memories tions since the early 1900s. You might ask for a lifetime and food on the table. Is this “Why on earth would we need to augment not why we fish in the first place? Hatcher- Whidbey Island resident wild fish with hatchery fish that far back in ies must be allowed to run at full capacity, for the past 40+ years time?” Well, the answer is unimaginable returning grand numbers of healthy juvenile Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.58) over-harvesting at the commercial level, salmon to the rivers and ocean. Our grand- PERIOD. The West Coast had fish canner- children and the orcas will thank us. ies every hop, skip, and jump from the There are many thoughts and ideas about 5 2 6 San Francisco Bay to the Puget Sound. The European netting techniques that came to why salmon numbers continue to decline – the Pacific Coast in the late 1800s clobbered poor ocean conditions like “The hot Blob,” 7 8 3 1 the salmon; so many fish were caught by the back-to-back years of flooded-out spawning commercial fleets, processing plants simply beds, commercial over-harvesting and loss of habitat, just to name a few. Most of those 1 3 9 5 could not handle the number of adult fish being brought in for processing and sadly, we can’t control or are too slow to regulate. On a scale from 1 to 10...5.8 tons of precious fish were dumped overboard From my point of view, there is one sure way 4 3 and left to rot. The reality of the whole thing to combat and help reverse this decline and Every row of 9 numbers is wild salmon along the California, Oregon, that is hatchery salmon and steelhead. Public must include all digits and Washington coasts have never truly input and suggestions are welcome; there is 1 through 9 in any order 1 2 6 4 recovered from the century’s loosely regu- a window of time for public input that does Every column of 9 numbers lated commercialized slaughter. change slightly from year to year. For more must include all digits 1 information, contact Rules.Coordinator@dfw. through 9 in any order 3 9 When entire runs of salmon were netted into wa.gov. Every 3 by 3 subsection extinction and canneries began to go out of of the 9 by 9 square must 9 1 2 4 business and close their doors, the scientific Fishing is pretty slow right now, so give your include all digits 1 through 9 brilliance of the salmon hatchery to help gear some cleaning attention and be ready recover the decimated salmon numbers was for spring and summer fishing. Be sure to 5 2 1 4 born. The calculated use of hatchery salmon stock up on those seasonal, hard-to-find and steelhead worked back then and with trout and salmon lures. Here is my email the advances in technology, work even better – [email protected] – feel free to drop Answers on page 15 4 6 2 today. Support of hatcheries is badly needed me a fish story or ask questions.

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BUS DRIVER GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND: Jim C. “Above and Beyond” is the WSTIP award won by Island Transit bus operator Jim for his quick response at the scene of a car and cyclist collision in 2018. “I just did what I had to do,” he said. He parked the bus to block traffic, then attended to the cyclist, who was lying face down, injured but lucid. He covered the cyclist with his coat and directed another driver to call 9-1-1. Once he made sure the cyclist was stable, he tended to the hysterical driver who had hit him. “I told her it was going to be okay.” Jim stayed until the ambulance arrived then proceeded Photo Courtesy of Coupeville School District Temperature checks, screening questions and other safety and mitigation measures have been a key piece in planning student’s return to to take his paratransit rider to her appointment on time. This was the fourth accident where schools. Here, Coupeville School District students have their temperatures checked prior to starting the school day in September 2020. he was the first responder. Jim was an EMT for Snohomish County and worked on search and rescue for nine years before becoming a bus operator. Island districts make plans for Did You Know… returning to in-person learning New Island Transit bus By Kacie Jo Voeller Whidbey Weekly operators get a full six Throughout the challenges of COVID-19, a large focus has been on education and K-12 institu- tions. In many cases, large groups of students have participated in remote learning models for hours of first aid, CPR and extended periods of time, and in-person opportunities were often limited to younger learners, AED training. Every two special education students and those considered most at risk. Whidbey Island’s three school districts each have their own timelines for returning to in-person learning, but each system has years they’re offered CPR emphasized the focus on safety and providing educational opportunities for students based on and AED recertification. up-to-date guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health and other data. For Coupeville School District, the target date for returning K-2 students who elected to attend hybrid learning is Feb. 1. Steve King, superintendent of Coupeville School District, said the district’s approach has been to prioritize the wellbeing of students. “Our goal has been to remain positive and hopeful as we listen to all the concerns and needs FARE FREE • CONVENIENT • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY of our students and families,” he said in an email. “We’re excited about the opportunity to provide our students and families with the option to safely return to school. I’m looking for- ward to seeing more students back in our schools.”

See SCHOOLS continued on page 14

GARDENING continued from page 2 Skip the wait This year’s course offerings cover a multitude of topics, such as how climate change is at the gate. affecting how gardens grow, how to grow tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest, vertical NAS Whidbey Island gardening with vines, how to benefit pollina- tors by adding native plants to the garden or yard, container gardening, how to care for Commuter Service rhododendrons and azaleas and much, much more. providing NASWI personnel “This year a remarkable group of classes are being taught by expert instructors,” Mat- Priority Base Access thews said. “We will have Richie Steffen as our Keynote speaker. Steffen is the executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Monday–Friday Gardens and director of the GreatPlantPicks. org outreach branch of the Miller gardens. AM/PM trips to/from Ault Field Base Two extra features are included this year for the first time: Gardening Pain Free by physical therapist, Mike Goodman, and a panel of five Serving NASWI personnel only with runs answering questions in the Master Gardener to Victory Terrace and Crescent Harbor Plant Clinic.” Photo Courtesy of Whidbey Island Master Gardener Foundation Richie Steffen will be the keynote speaker at the 32nd annual While the new virtual format gives people Whidbey Gardening Workshop, which will take place virtually access to more content, other regular events March 6. Steffen is the executive director for the Elisabeth C. Miller associated with the workshop will not be Botanical Gardens in Seattle and director of GreatPlantPicks.org. happening. The popular marketplace will not be held and the field trips had to be “Over 50 master gardeners have participated canceled. Organizers say both – and maybe in creating the workshop for 2021,” said even more – will be back in 2022. Matthews. “Even more people are involved if “Next year we plan to have field trips, a mar- you add in the 30-plus instructors. As usual, ketplace with a bookstore, raffle, master-gar- we have also had contributions from the dener store, and plant, gardening art, and community—both in funding and time and other vendors,” Matthews said. “We also will energy. Our sponsors have been generous www.IslandTransit.org be considering how the classes will be held, in this time of economic stress, and friends just physically as in years past, or a hybrid and family have pitched in to support the (360) 678-7771 event with both virtual and physical classes. classes in manpower. For over 32 years this Much for which to look forward!” workshop has grown into an event expected @islandtransit @islandtransit_PTBA and loved. We manage this with support It is no small feat to put together an event from our amazing volunteers, friends, family like the Whidbey Gardening Workshop year @island_transit RouteShout 2.0 app and our community.” after year. This year has been no exception. But community spirit and determination have Anyone looking for more information or who allowed the event to continue to grow and is interested in registering for the March 6 flourish, even during a global pandemic. event can visit whidbeygardening.org.

Thank you for reading! Please recycle the Whidbey Weekly when you are finished with it. 10 www.whidbeyweekly.com JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 27, 2021 Whidbey Weekly LOCALLY OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED Life Island 911 Tr i b u t e s Seriously, we do not make this stuff up! DON HOLMES THURSDAY, DEC. 24 last night. Aware law enforcement can’t Don Holmes, born in Montana May 4, 1932, passed away Jan. 14, 2021 3:55 am, 3rd St. help her. Just wanting it documented. in Oak Harbor, Wash., surrounded by loving family. Reporting neighbor’s dog is outside Denied aid. He attended high school in Miles City, Mont., and spent two years at barking in an odd way. All neighbor’s Wasatch Academy in Utah. Don served in the Navy aboard the aircraft lights are on, is unusual. Neighbor 4:19 pm, Native St. carrier USS Rendova during the Korean War. He witnessed the testing of the first would not leave dog out and let dog Advising of rapid-fire shooting on Native hydrogen bomb on Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific. He spent 45 years with the same bark like that. Street, has heard approximately 11 construction company in the acoustical field, taking him to California, Oregon, shots. Reporting party states she yelled Alaska (where he caught a 101-pound halibut!) and Hawaii. He retired at the age 9:46 am, Shepherd St. at person to stop shooting and they just of 74. States stray cat passed away on porch shot more off instead. While on a fishing trip to Whidbey Island, Wash., in 1979, he decided he loved the overnight, reporting party requesting island so much he purchased five acres. He built his home in 1981, living on Whidbey until his passing. He is call to know what to do with it. 4:51 pm, Sanford Dr. survived by his wife of 65 years, Carla Holmes; son, Robert Holmes (Luz Emma); daughters, Michele Thompson 7:36 pm, Stellar Ln. Caller states is wanting to give further and Donalyn Hartley (Jay); sister, Mabel Cotton; granddaughters, Danika and Ashley Holmes; and many nieces Reporting party advising subject just information regarding stolen bicycle and nephews. stole a Chevy Z71, brown in color, from incident to handling detective; also Don was an extremely positive man and enjoyed life to its fullest, until developing Alzheimer’s disease in the location; states subject headed towards states person who stole bicycle has late stages of his life. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, family requests memo- SR 20. Also stole tow straps. continued to harass reporting party’s rial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Don’s name. FRIDAY, DEC. 25 girlfriend by sending sexual texts. SANDRA C. MARSHALL 1:29 am, Zylstra Rd. 5:16 pm, Burroughs Ave. Advising was skateboarding on SR 20 Sandra C. Marshall, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed States neighbor said “I’m going to kill away peacefully Jan. 6, 2021 at the age of 85. She spent the last year and a half and almost got hit by vehicle. Now you” three days ago; reporting party in a memory care facility before she was moved to the home of one of her on Zylstra near Van Dam. States really daughters to enable family members to visit her before her passing. needs a ride. Denying medical attention. overheard neighbor say it from his backyard. Sandra was born to Marion (Currie) and Stuart Dodge in Worcester, Mass. She, 11:32 pm, Hunt Rd. her twin brother, and older sister were raised in Cranston, R.I. She graduated Reporting party advising at intersection 5:27 pm, Barque Rd. from Cranston High School in 1953. She met Donald Marshall Feb. 14, 1954 at on Crescent Harbor Road; vehicle in Reporting party states some may Naval Air Station Quonset Pt. They were married Jan. 17, 1955. When Don worked middle of road, no lights on, unknown wonder who he is. In the seven for Philco as a TechRep, they lived in Augusta, Ga. (Ft. Gordon), Huntsville, Ala. (Redstone Arsenal), Biloxi, Miss. (Keesler AFB), and Oak Harbor, Wash. (NAS Whid- what occurred; smaller sedan. Possibly months he was in Oklahoma, states he bey). tow truck already in area for vehicle. was arrested 11 times. States he has Sandy worked for the Oak Harbor School District at Clover Valley Elementary for 20 years before retiring in SATURDAY, DEC. 26 acquaintances with murders and other 2001. She was a much loved, friendly face in the office. In the 2000-2001 school year, Sandy was the recipient 1:10:pm Eastpoint Dr. persons from jail. That’s who he is. Windsurfers off of Fox Spit. One keeps of the Classified Employee of the Year award. After her retirement, she volunteered at Clover Valley and Hillcrest TUESDAY, DEC. 29 Elementary for a number of years. standing up and sitting down on surf 1:12 am, Darvic Pl. board, other is going back and forth as Sandy was an avid walker and was often seen walking around town with her friends in the early morning hours. Reporting party advising male just came She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, and enjoyed making many items such as capes, hats, mittens, scarves and a windsurfer would. States the two are sweaters for her children, grandchildren and charities. She was also a member of First Reformed Church for communicating with each other. to his door and said “I want my wife out of the house right now;” male believed many years and participated in Bible study groups. 3:56 pm, SR 20 his wife was there. Also said “You made She is survived by her husband, Donald; her children Donald S., Robert (Melissa), Doreen (Alan) Jennings, Reporting party was driving by and saw Sandra ‘Sammey’ (Ken) Harrison; seven grandchildren, Amanda, TJ, Seth, Ben, Sandra, Alex, and Hannah; her female standing in window holding up a the wrong move m*****f*****, I am twin brother, Stuart Dodge, of Cranston, R.I.; and numerous nieces and nephews. sign that says “911.” calling the cops and they will get her out.” Occurred 10 minutes ago. Preceding her in death were both of her parents and her older sister, Ann Duke. 6:47 pm, Bush Point Rd. Memorial services are pending. Advising neighbor is dumping sewer 8:42 pm, Hawks Prairie Rd. into road; runs into reporting party’s Reporting party states neighbor is Life Tributes can now be found online at www.whidbeyweekly.com pump house. Another caller referencing yelling at dog. Thinks it’s weird, hasn’t subjects dumping sewer into road. heard anything from the dog. 6:54 pm, Heller Rd. 8:43 pm, NW 6th St. Reporting party states just purchased Reporting party states someone is rayer dog from adoption agency. Dog killed m’s P Corne shooting radiation into her house. States Pa r their cat. Dog contained in vehicle. not happening now, only happens when Female in background asking reporting reporting party goes to sleep. In honor of my late mother-in-law, party who he was calling. Male advised Pamela Kaye Young, this column is a place female and line then disconnected after 11:42 pm, NW 6th St. where believers can share their prayer requests for others to help lift hearing female get upset about report- Reporting party calling back. Advising them up in faith. The prayers can be for you, a family member, or anything weighing on your ing party making phone call. soul. Email [email protected] or call 360-682-2341 to share your prayer requests. wants call to discuss the use of radiation SUNDAY, DEC. 27 that is making her sick. Declining aid. Lord we humble ourselves before you today as we recognize our limitations. Our knowledge, our insight, and our efforts fall short in bringing about your kingdom on earth. So today we ask 12:57 pm, SR 20 Wednesday, Dec. 30 Reporting party states she sold her for your grace and forgiveness. We need your wisdom that stands above all earthly wisdom. 12:32 am, Cedar View Dr. We ask that you would strengthen us by the power of your Spirit to be peacemakers in the house and is supposed to be out by Reporting party states people are on his world. To be full of mercy and gentleness. To love as we have been loved in Christ. Your king- Jan. 5. New owner has already changed dom come, your will be done here in our city, in this nation, and in the world. Amen. locks on guest house and reporting roof. Ongoing issue. Reporting party is Drew Barnhart party still has stuff in there. Requesting in bedroom. Lead Pastor, Living Word Church call. 6:28 am, SW 6th Ave. MONDAY, DEC. 28 Reporting party states subject sprayed “But the wisdom from above is first pure, 4:52 am, Silver Lake Rd. mace inside house. Female now having then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full Reporting party advising feels uneasy, trouble breathing. Thinks people are unsafe. Needs someone to come talk to trying to get into garage at address. her. States she is freaking out. Reporting of mercy and good fruits, impartial and 10:49 am, Layton Rd. party states feeling unsafe because she sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is feels like someone is watching her. Reporting party advising water department drove vehicle into sewer. 7:28 am, NW 6th St. sown in peace by those who make peace.” Unknown injury. James 3:17-18 ESV Reporting party states spent the night in her vehicle after being hit with radiation Report provided by OHPD & Island County Sheriff’s Dept.

Thank you for reading! Please recycle the Whidbey Weekly when you are finished with it. www.whidbeyweekly.com Whidbey Weekly JANUARY 21 - JANUARY 27, 2021 11 LOCALLY OWNED LOCALLY OPERATED Inslee announces new vaccine distribution plan to get shots in arms By Kathy Reed Whidbey Weekly International Union 1199NW, United Food and Commercial Workers 21, Washington Washington Governor Jay Inslee has State Nurses Association and the National announced an ambitious new effort to get Guard. Under the plan, each stakeholder will as many citizens as possible, as quickly as focus on a different area of responsibility. possible, vaccinated against COVID-19. And For instance, Kaiser Permanente will share its he’s got a goal in mind – 45,000 vaccinations expertise to aid in setting up mass vacci- a day. nation clinics and distributing the vaccine will put Washington in line to deliver 45,000 is going to take all of us, and this command At a Monday afternoon press conference, to healthcare providers. Microsoft will lend vaccinations per day when fully operational, team is the model of what that can look like Inslee laid out the new public-private venture its expertise in technology and support more than tripling the 14,000 current daily — Washington businesses and labor working being called the Washington State Vaccine and Costco will assist in vaccine delivery by vaccinations being administered. To help together, hand-in-hand, for the greater good Command and Coordination Center, a pharmacies. SEIU 1199NW and UFCW 21 will reach that goal, Inslee announced several and bringing our best resources to bear.” statewide initiative which teams up govern- help with coordinating and training volunteer changes to the state’s distribution phases, ment, corporations, labor unions and health The DOH's new Phase Finder tool is now vaccinators and staffing vaccination centers. among other things. care organizations to help facilitate vaccine operational. The tool will help residents “We come together to launch this true public distribution efforts. Effective immediately, those 65 and older determine whether they are eligible for a and private partnership among Washington are eligible to receive the vaccine, instead of COVID vaccine. The online questionnaire “We are removing as many impediments as health care organizations and our state’s those aged 70 and older. takes about 10 minutes to complete and possible to Washingtonians getting vacci- business community, to align and deliver the those currently not eligible to receive the nated,” Inslee said. “We are going to deliver most effective and safe path to COVID-19 The governor has mandated providers must vaccine can sign up to be notified when they every dose that comes into our state. We will vaccination for all Washingtonians,” said administer 95 percent of their vaccine allo- still be dependent on the federal government Susan Mullaney, president of Kaiser Perma- cations within a week of receiving them and become eligible. Find the tool at findyour- for doses, but we are doing everything we nente Washington. “Our own health care all doses acquired before this week must be phasewa.org. Those who do qualify to can once it gets here.” expertise coupled with the leadership of our administered by Sunday. Providers must also receive the vaccine will be directed to infor- submit data to the state within 24 hours of mation on how to schedule an appointment “We are speeding up the process of getting state, and the dedication and resources of administration. with a provider in their area. vaccine to the people of Washington,” said the best and brightest our state has to offer, Dr. Umair Shah, secretary of the Washing- is what our community deserves and should The state will establish several high-vacci- Currently on Whidbey Island, only Whidbey- ton State Department of Health. “This is a expect of us.” nation sites; four sites will be set up start- Health and Island Drug are approved vacci- huge undertaking – no one can do it alone. “Governor Inslee has convened some of ing next week in Spokane, Kennewick, nation providers. According to a press release Together, with the measures Gov. Inslee and the best public and private resources and Wenatchee and Ridgefield. Other locations Monday afternoon, Island County Public others have announced, we pledge to make capabilities to engage in a concerted effort may follow. Health hopes to finalize details soon with two providers able to administer vaccines to the forward progress the people of Washing- to optimize and accelerate the vaccination “We are very excited that Gov. Inslee and Camano Island residents. ICPH is working ton deserve to get COVID-19 under control process across our home state,” said Kevin these partners are coming together to with community partners to establish addi- and protect everyone with this life-saving Johnson, Starbucks president and CEO. “We leverage the best expertise available to tional vaccination providers in Island County. vaccine.” are proud to contribute in every way we can us,” said Jane Hopkins, RN and executive to help operationalize and scale equitable Some of the partners in the WSVCCC vice president of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW. Find more information at islandcounty. access to the vaccine.” include Starbucks, Costco, Microsoft, Kaiser “Getting vaccinations out and seeing our wa.gov or coronavirus.wa.gov. Check your Permanente, SeaMar, Service Employees It is a massive undertaking that Inslee hopes state through to the end of this pandemic eligibility at findyourphasewa.org. Dining Guide

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and highly respected Reiki Grand Master, R.K. Sharma. The cost is $70 per person. For more information and to sign up for this session, contact Dr. Farhana Loonat, SVC Philosophy/ What’s Going On Political Science Instructor, farhana.loonat@ skagit.edu. How to Take Control of the Vessel in Case of Emergency Saturday, February 6, 10:00am-12:00pm All entries are listed chronologically, unless there 42.30.080), the Commission chair has called bey Island real estate market. We will discuss Zoom meeting are multiple entries for the same venue or are a Special Meeting via a Zoom/conference call differences between north/middle/south, Whidbey and Fidalgo Island boaters are invited connected to a specific organization (such as to be held at the Washington State Parks and where housing demand is hottest, property to a free seminar, Partners in Command, Sno-Isle Libraries) in which case all entries for Recreation Commission. The purpose of the type comparisons, trends / projections for the designed to assist first mates and other less-ex- that venue or organization are listed collectively January 26 special meeting is to hear public future, and other investor related topics. Also, perienced crew members to take control of in chronological order under one heading. comment on Item E-1: Naval Special Oper- we will include financing, group introductions, a vessel in the event of disability or an emer- Drive-thru Pancake Breakfast ations Training in Washington State Parks. and roundtable discussion. gency with the skipper. The seminar will Saturday, January 30, 8:00-10:30am Anyone who wishes to watch or listen to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82771145609?p- be presented by the Deception Pass Sail & Deer Lagoon Grange, Langley the meeting via phone or watch it on TVW: wd=dlBLQjdua01RT0k0RlZIQ2wrVGpRdz09 Power Squadron. The seminar covers: start- Meeting ID: 827 7114 5609 Cost is by donation with the proceeds to To listen via phone: 312-626-6799 or ing the engine, stopping the engine/dropping Passcode: 214641 benefit the Good Cheer Food Bank. Sponsored 888-788-0099 (Toll Free) the sails, emergency use of the VHF marine (Or dial in for audio-only by phone: 253- by the Deer Lagoon Grange. Please come out radio, anchoring, handling onboard emergen- Webinar ID: 979 7491 6906 215-8782) and support our community while receiving a cies, and returning the boat to a dock. For the To watch via TVW: www.tvw.org/watch/?cli- nice breakfast by your Dear Lagoon neighbors. entID=9375922947&eventID=2021011044 Classes, Seminars and ZOOM sign-in information and instructions, Deer Lagoon Grange is located at 5142 Workshops please contact Steve Pye at [email protected] Bayview Rd. Whidbey Island Real Estate or 360-540-2244. Investors Basic Level Reiki Training Meetings & Organizations Tuesday, January 26, 6:00pm Saturday, January 23, 9:00am-12:00pm Naval Special Operations Training Zoom/online video Zoom meeting in Washington State Parks Local real estate expert Tom Trimbath will Skagit Valley College’s South Asian Student Tuesday, January 26, 4:00pm educate us about the big local real estate Club is pleased to sponsor an online basic level Zoom meeting changes that occurred in 2020 and are Reiki (Japanese healing technique) session. In accordance with state law (RCW currently underway across the entire Whid- Leading the session will be Delhi’s well known

BITS ‘n’ PIECES continued from page 5 levels. Total vehicles are near 70 percent of Demystifying Hospice: Inside Opportunity to Apply - 2021 the remote printing portal. Remote printing 2019 numbers, while walk-ons are around 20 the Stories of Patients and Island County Conservation percent of last year. Ridership is expected to instructions in multiple languages are included Caregivers Futures Funds rebound further as more sailings are restored in the laptop bag. Demystifying Hospice: Inside the Stories of and when COVID-19 is under control. Laptops to Go do not have a built-in data Patients and Caregivers, is now available Island County is accepting applications for connection or plan. In order to use the inter- 2020 route-by-route ridership highlights in paperback. Karen J. Clayton’s book was grants from the 2021 Conservation Futures net, customers need to connect to Wi-Fi using The largest year-to-year dip came on the Seat- published in hardcover in October 2018 by Program. The Conservation Futures Program a home or business network or with Wi-Fi tle/Bremerton run, where ridership was down Rowman and Littlefield Publishing Group. is funded by a local property tax. The Conser- Hotspot to Go. Software applications that do 64 percent. This excludes the Sidney/British “My passion is to help folks understand vation Futures property tax is used for land not require an internet connection will func- Columbia route, which only operated the first end-of-life options and be more comfort- protection and stewardship to preserve the tion without connecting to Wi-Fi. four days of 2020 before a yearly wintertime able using hospice care in a timely manner. Six irreplaceable character of unique, distinctive The Wi-Fi Hotspot to Go uses a mobile signal suspension. The international route did not months of care is available, and 40 percent to connect to the internet. resume due to U.S.-Canada border restrictions. of patients waited until the last 14 days to lands and to protect habitat. “We understand that mobile signals will vary The Seattle/Bainbridge Island route had the request this exceptional care,” says Clayton. The organizations eligible to receive Conser- by location, and unfortunately, some custom- second biggest decrease at 59 percent, falling The book is available in the Sno-Isle Library vation Futures grants include Island County out of the top spot as the system’s busiest for ers may have connection issues depending on System and local independent book stores. government, cities, towns, special purpose the first time since 1958. The Mukilteo/Clinton where they live,” Beck said. Hospice and Palliative Care are offered in and Edmonds/Kingston runs both carried more districts, nonprofit nature conservancy orga- Each Wi-Fi Hotspot to Go comes in a case with Island County. Contact WhidbeyHealth Pallia- riders than Seattle/Bainbridge Island. nizations (as defined in RCW 84.34.250), and a power cord and instructions. tive and Hospice Care teams for information, nonprofit historic preservation organizations The Wi-Fi hotspot has a content filter, but Mukilteo/Clinton: Carried the most custom- assessment and services at 360-914-5634. (as defined in RCW 64.04.130). customers will still have access to email as well ers in the system for the first time despite a Palliative care provides symptom management as commonly used websites, including search 26 percent drop in total riders. Remains busi- for persons who are not terminally ill. Application instructions are available on the est route for drivers, even with a 19 percent engines and social media websites. conservation futures webpage: www.island- decrease in vehicles. [Submitted by Karen J. Clayton] Laptops to Go and Wi-Fi Hotspots to Go Local Author Releases New countywa.gov/GSA/Pages/cff.aspx. will be quarantined for a full 24-hours upon Edmonds/Kingston: Total riders fell 29 percent Book: Sailing Off the Hook return. and vehicles declined 22 percent. Since 1992, Island County Conservation Marian Blue’s new book, Sailing Off the Futures funds have been used to help protect [Submitted by Kurt Batdorf, Sno-Isle Libraries Seattle/Bainbridge Island: Total riders down Hook, was just released by Cyberwit Publish- Communications Specialist] 59 percent with the system’s largest year-to- over 3,800 acres in the county through year drop in walk-on passengers at 74 percent, ing in India. This collection of short stories either purchasing the property or purchas- Ferry Ridership at Lowest Level vehicles decreased 36 percent. includes both new stories and stories previ- in Nearly 50 years ously published in magazines and books. This ing a conservation easement. These grants are Annual riders down 10 million from Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: Total riders fell is the first time they’ve been published in one often leveraged with state or federal funds to 2019 due to pandemic 39 percent, vehicles declined 31 percent. volume. increase their impact locally. Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Total riders dipped Annual ridership aboard Washington State Many of Blue’s fiction explores the world of Recent projects the CFF has helped fund Ferries plunged by nearly 10 million customers 30 percent, vehicles down 21 percent. magic realist traditions with psychological include: in 2020 – a drop of 41 percent from the previ- Seattle/Bremerton: Largest year-to-year drop implications. An undercurrent in the work is ous year – to roughly 14 million. Stay-at-home (excluding international service) with total the idea that none of us is experiencing events • Protect Kristoferson Farm and Forest on orders, remote work and decreased tourism riders down 64 percent, led by a decrease in and reality in the same way. Camano Island because of COVID-19 are the main reasons for walk-on passengers of 72 percent; vehicles fell Blue has published three books of her own • Increased protected wetland area at the the system’s lowest yearly count since 1975. a system high 50 percent. and co-authored with JoAnn Kane the headwaters of Glendale Creek For the first time since it began operations in award-winning biography of Whidbey Island’s Point Defiance/Tahlequah: Smallest year-to- • Expand and improve the Barnum Point 1951, WSF carried more vehicles (7.6 million) musician/composer Artie Kane: Music to My year dip with total riders down 22 percent and Park on Camano Island than passengers (6.4 million) last year. This vehicles dropping 15 percent. Years, published October 2019. A local favor- shift in ridership was fueled by a dramatic ite of Blue’s work is the humorous nonfiction • Create the new Pearson Preserve on South Port Townsend/Coupeville: Total riders decline in walk-on customers on routes serving book Interpretative Guide to Western North- Whidbey for public waterfront access decreased 37 percent, vehicles fell 30 percent. downtown Seattle and more people choosing west Weather Forecasts. Her other books • Expand the Strawberry Point Preserve to drive on board because of the pandemic. Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, British Colum- include poetry and fiction. including parking and trail access “When COVID-19 drastically altered ridership bia: Total riders and vehicles both declined 99 Blue has been writing since she began working patterns, we quickly adjusted service to match percent due to border restrictions. as a journalist in 1972. She’s also taught writ- To be considered in the 2021 funding cycle, this new reality,” said WSF Assistant Secretary WSF, a division of the Washington State ing, literature, and communication in various completed applications for projects must be Amy Scarton. “Since late summer, we’ve been Department of Transportation, is the largest venues, including conferences, Writer’s Digest emailed to [email protected] by incrementally restoring sailings based on our ferry system in the U.S. and safely and effi- online courses, and 21 years at Skagit Valley the end of day Sunday, Feb. 28. For further COVID Response Service Plan, which consid- College, South Whidbey Center in Clinton. ciently carries tens of millions of people a year information, please visit the website above ers demand, crew availability, vessel availability through some of the most majestic scenery in She continues to write and edit from her home or contact Michelle Meyer, Administrative and funding.” the world. For breaking news and the latest in Clinton where she lives with goats, guin- Current ridership trends information, follow WSF on Twitter and Face- eas, chickens, turkeys, ducks, one goose, dogs, Services Director at 360-678-7837. In recent months, state ferry ridership has book. parrots, and writer husband Wayne Ude. [Submitted by Michelle Meyer, Island County returned to about 60 percent of pre-pandemic [Submitted by Justin Fujioka, WSDOT] [Submitted by Marian Blue] Administrative Services Director]

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unwisely trusted someone who knows only enough to be dangerous? Consider making changes. Many are the ways of losing a finger.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You start on the ferris wheel, a good warmup ride. Move on to the tilt-a-whirl (gasp!). Get your legs back with some cotton candy. And hey, don't those chili dogs look good! Bumper cars, next. More cotton candy. Roller coaster, why not? Urrp. Losing the chili dog, you know why not. That wavy, wiggly you in the funhouse mirror? That’s exactly how you CHICKEN LITTLE & feel. Have you noticed? How much a day at THE ASTROLOGER the carnival is like an election year? By Wesley Hallock SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Shiny objects are things that ARIES (March 21-April 19) appeal to the eye and create Hypercalculia is the condition great excitement, but only of being a human computer. waste time at the end of the An example of hypercalculia is day. Think bikini pinup India’s Shakuntala Devi, who is calendars. The eye falls on officially the world’s fastest them and--what were we saying, again? human calculator. Devi earned People with things to hide make use of this. the title by correctly multiplying two 13-digit Have a sensitive subject to avoid? Want to numbers in her head, completing the feat in skip embarrassing questions? Toss out a shiny just the 28 seconds it took to read off her object. The more outrageous, the better. It’s answer. “Humans have no limitations,” Devi the perfect dodge. insists. Want to be more than you are? Begin by believing her. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) The world was flat throughout TAURUS (April 20-May 20) much of human history, simply Isn’t it amazing, how much because everyone knew it to be gets accomplished by the true. Sailors who ventured too highly motivated? You know far at sea risked falling over the edge, and that was that. The the kind. They don’t wait to be 36. Trip Lake Winnebago told what to do.They actually lesson: Simply because a majority says CLUES ACROSS go looking for things that need something is true doesn’t make it so. Holding 1. Adequate yearly 37. Imitate 15. Popular veggie doing. Highly motivated people can’t wait to your tongue because yours is a minority get out of bed in the morning. Some are born voice? Don’t despair. Truth inevitably wins progress (abbr.) 38. Makes happy 17. Supervises inter- highly motivated. Others can be lazy, until out. It's a round world, after all. state commerce suddenly, they’re seized by an ACTIVE spell. 4. Silicon Valley’s 39. Double-reed And when that happens to many at once? CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) specialty instrument 19. Foolish behav- Things get done. History gets made. A tool is only as good as the person using it. To drive a 8. Gather a harvest 40. Body parts iors GEMINI (May 21-June 21) straight nail requires knowing 20. Witness Membership within an elite which end of the hammer to 10. Famed mathe- 41. Transgressions in-crowd has its perks. Power grab. Enter the expert. The matician 23. Gives and influence. Status and expert can coax more from a 42. One-time em- prestige. Special privileges tool than the tool was originally meant to 11. No (slang) peror of Russia 24. Expression of denied to lesser mortals. Small give. Pray, then, that your expert is honest. creative skill wonder that competition for a Do you see where this is going? Let’s ask in a 12. Students use 43. Time zone place in the heady world of elitism is so fierce. different way. When crooked people have one 25. A way to prop the hammer, do we still get a straight nail? Small wonder that, having attained their up place, people fight so viciously to keep it. 13. Type of mole- Most of us know these things only by AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb 18) CLUES DOWN Length, width and height. cule 26. Midway be- watching the fight from outside. Does what 1. Used in treating tween northeast you see make you glad to be ordinary? Those are the three dimensions 15. Play make-be- of every box. Material reality is bruises and east CANCER (June 22-July 22) also three dimensional. Does lieve that mean we live in a box? 2. One who cul- 27. Winter melon Injustices, real and imagined. 16. Large barrel-like Money. A young pretty lady Time has been called the 4th tivates a small 28. Supernatural with ties to the enemy. Add dimension. For those unwilling to live in a containers estate them up, and what do we get? box, time is the possible escape. Are today’s power In the case of Benedict Arnold, box and tomorrow’s box the same box? 17. Touching 3. One who sup- we get treason. Arnold sold Might our escape be the wise use of time? A ports the Pope 29. Target simple role call will tell. Let’s synchronize 18. Treats allergies information to the British in the Revolutionary 30. Threes War, finally changing sides to lead British watches and find out. 21. Calendar month 4. Annuity troops against Americans he’d once com- 31. A type of poetic manded. The jealousy and revenge that drove PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) 22. Single 5. Geological pe- Arnold are familiar in our times. In how many Friends come in all shapes, riod verse ways do you see them at play? sizes and persuasions, qualities 23. Cease to live that change with time. Will the 6. Grab onto tightly 32. They make LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) change be drastic? For better 24. Brew some people cry Process is important. Scratch or for worse? Will the “new” 7. Kept that. Process is indispensable. person be someone whom you 25. What ghosts say 33. Kindest The complicated route to a can still call a friend? And what of you? Time 9. Chinese city destination, the maze of toll stands still for no one. Reuniting with a long 26. Geological time 34. Forman and gates, bypasses, road changes lost friend will reveal how much you’ve 10. The most direct Ventimiglia are and one-way streets, is not changed. When your past comes calling, it’s 27. Focus route two easily learned from the back seat. To go to a always enlightening. Get ready. 34. Discomfort 12. Type of tooth place, and know how to reach it again, © 2021, Wesley Hallock, All Rights Reserved 36. A way to liquefy requires hands-on learning and remembering in the driver’s seat. Do you know where 35. A citizen of Iran 14. __ kosh, near Answers on page 15 you’re going? Are you learning and remem- bering? Carry on! Chicken Little’s knock on the head meant to him that the sky was falling, silly bird. His YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS OURS WEATHER FORECAST VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) horoscope showed other possibilities. Don’t Thurs, Jan. 21 Fri, Jan. 22 Sat, Jan. 23 Sun, Jan. 24 Mon, Jan. 25 Tues, Jan. 26 Wed, Jan. 27 A little knowledge is a wait for a knock on the head to ask what’s North Isle North Isle North Isle North Isle North Isle North Isle North Isle dangerous thing. Can we up in your life. Wesley Hallock, as Whidbey H-46°/L-35° H-46°/L-35° H-44°/L-33° H-42°/L-32° H-44°/L-34° H-43°/L-30° H-45°/L-35° Showers Sunny Cloudy Cloudy Chance of Partly Sunny Snow, Sleet and agree? Toddlers watching Weekly’s professional astrologer and horo- Rain or Snow Rain Mixed mommy and daddy cut things scope writer, keeps one eye on the sky and know just enough about knives alerts us to the prospects each week. To read South Isle South Isle South Isle South Isle South Isle South Isle South Isle to make them dangerous. past columns of Chicken Little and the Astrol- H-44°/L-35° H-44°/L-33° H-44°/L-32° H-43°/L-31° H-44°/L-32° H-42°/L-30° H-43°/L-34° Showers Sunny Cloudy Cloudy Chance of Mostly Sunny Chance of Where in life are you the experienced adult? oger in the Whidbey Weekly, see our Digital Rain or Snow Rain or Snow Where the knife-wielding toddler? Have you Library at www.whidbeyweekly.com.

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SCHOOLS continued from page 9 King said the schools will continue to offer with two groups (A and B) with Group A remote learning opportunities for students attending morning in-person classes Monday Sign Up for and families who elect to continue learning and Tuesday and Group B in-person Thursday virtually. and Friday. Both groups will continue Dis- “We deeply care about our students and tance Plus each afternoon, on Wednesdays, want to do what is best for them,” he said. and while the other group is in-person. Spring Football! “We understand the need to provide safe “This has been a challenging year for all of in-person schooling options along with con- us, but we are so thankful to return students tinuing a viable remote learning program. We back to campus,” the district said in an email. are working diligently to protect everyone in Registration closes February 15 Jo Moccia, superintendent of the South regards to COVID-19 while addressing the Whidbey School District, said the district learning needs and social-emotional needs of For details and to register, plans to slowly start phasing more students our students.” back to a hybrid model of learning by early visit King said safety remains a top priority as the February, provided certain metrics are met. district plans tentatively to bring students Currently, kindergarten students, students back to school. The target date for a return with special needs and students at greatest to hybrid learning for remaining K-5 students risk are taking part in on-campus instruction. OHFCL.org who have opted to return to an in-person Moccia said the district will continue to move model is Feb. 22, with the hopeful dates to slowly and consider returning upper grades bring back middle-school in-person and high after the board review Feb. 10. school in-person learning being March 8 and 15, respectively. “We want to get our kids back to school,” she said in a school board workshop meeting “We have closely followed the safety guide- held Jan. 14. “It is in the hands of the local lines and school reopening guidelines since district as to whether or not we come back. the beginning of the pandemic,” he said. We have plans in place, this is not a question “We have made sure that we either meet or of if, it is a question of when. When is the exceed all mitigation requirements as well. right time, when do we move this train for- We proactively asked Labor & Industries ward? We are thinking we gradually start to along with Island County Public Health to return at the beginning of February, maybe review all safety plans and do a site visit to 1-4 but not all at the same time. Maybe we give us feedback on how we can ensure do first and second and then third and fourth safety in our schools. During the fall we and start moving it forward. That is what we prioritized our youngest learners and learners are talking about now.” served in special services for in-person instruction.” Moccia said the health and wellbeing of the students is a top priority of the district. The “Now that the guidance metrics, which are district also will continue with mitigation based on research and science, have changed strategies, including social distancing proto- we have decided that we will begin a phased cols, increased cleaning and continuing to in approach to bringing students back to in require masks. person instruction,” he continued. “This is really about kids and their Oak Harbor Public Schools returned PK-6 stu- social-emotional status, especially the dents to hybrid learning Jan. 11. The district younger children,” she said. “Academically, approved a new reopening decision matrix and I know that it is not ideal, but certainly for grades 7-12 at a school board meeting academically we are meeting kids’ needs, it Jan. 11 and plans to begin to start a return is just very difficult. It is difficult all around for this group starting early February. and there is no easy answer -- we are in the “As long as the metrics and criteria are met, middle of the pandemic and we are doing we will begin in-person instruction for our our best.” grade 7-12 students in a modified hybrid For more information and updates, visit instruction format beginning Monday, Feb. coupeville.k12.wa.us (Coupeville School Dis- DO OU NEED 8,” the district stated in an email to families. trict), ohsd.net (Oak Harbor Public Schools), Students in grades seven to 12 will follow a and sw.wednet.edu (South Whidbey School BUSINESS CARDS modified hybrid in-person learning schedule District). EP WE CAN DO THAT

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111 0-2-21 Photo Courtesy of South Whidbey School District Starting Jan. 11, South Whidbey School District brought student groups on campus that had been part of in-person learning in November. www.whidbeyweekly.com If approved metrics and conditions are met, the district plans to begin bringing back more students to a hybrid learning model gradually by Feb. 8.

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skills related to overseeing a ANNOUNCEMENTS performing arts organization. Pregnant? Need baby clothes? Board members are asked to A We have them and the price provide input and feedback A A U is right–FREE. Pregnancy Care to the Board and staff of ISF, Clinic, open Tuesday-Friday, attend one full board meeting 10am to 4pm and Saturday, 10 per month, serve actively 0-2-21 am to 2 pm. Stop by at 670 SE on board committees, and Midway Blvd. in Oak Harbor. attend activities and events Be the difference in a child's sponsored by ISF. Women life and become a foster par- and persons of color strongly ent today! Service Alternatives encouraged to apply. For more is looking for caring, loving, information, please contact and supportive families to jeff.natter@islandshake- 1131 SE Ely Street Oak Harbor support foster children. 425- spearefest.org. Looking for board members Cash paid at loading out. 923-0451 or mostermick@ stores, you are helping local WANTED Big Brothers Big Sisters of to join the dynamic board of 45 years experience. 360- servalt-cfs.com families attain decent, afford- WANTED Running or Not: Island County (BBBSIC) is ac- Island Senior Resources and 678-5888 or text 360-969- The Whidbey Island commu- tively seeking new member(s) able housing. Income from the We buy cars, trucks, travel serve the needs of Island 1948. nity is encouraged to try out for its Board of Directors. Join stores is vital to giving families trailers, motorhomes, County Seniors. Of particular Was your Dad or Gramps in the paddling sport of dragon the board’s exciting array a path to homeownership. We boats, tractors, & much interest are representatives Japan or Germany? I collect boating with the Stayin' Alive of professionals! BBBSIC need people who can commit more! If you want to sell old 35 mm cameras and team. Our team's mission is seeking individuals who to help out in our Oak Harbor from North Whidbey. For more or get rid of anything, call lenses. Oak Harbor, call 970- is to promote the physical, are committed to defending or Freeland store at least two- information please contact: TJ’s Recycling, 360-678- 823-0002 social, and emotional benefits the potential of youth in our hours per week. Schedules are reception@islandseniorser- 4363. We will haul junk of dragon boating. It has flexible. Our friendly volun- vices.org vehicles away. community through their time, FREE been shown to be especially skill sets, and influence in the teers provide customer service, Art, Antiques & Collectibles. Coleman Powermate 4000w beneficial to cancer survivors. community. To complement help with receiving donated JOB MARKET Cash paid for quality items. Electric Generator. Briggs and Practice with us for up to 3 the existing board, candidates household items and furniture, My wife is having surgery and Call or text 360-661-7298 Stratton engine. Was working. times for free. Life-jackets and with expertise in accounting, and maintain the store. We I need some house cleaning Always buying antiques, Has a gas leak. With a little paddles provided. Saturdays law, nonprofit management, also need drivers and driver help. Call Hank, 360-678- collectibles, sporting maintenance you should have at the Oak Harbor Marina, networking, or fundraising helpers who will professionally 7591 Coupeville (0) goods, tools, garden equipment, furniture, ve- a working generator. 360-720- 8:45am. Contact njlish@ are of particular interest. represent Habitat as they pick Island Transit is Hiring! If you gmail.com. More info at our hicles, tractors and boats. 2116 (1) Committed to diversifying its up donated items using our are looking for a solid career Facebook Page: www.face- board to better represent our trucks. Please call either store with great pay and benefits in- No Cheating! book.com/NorthPugetSound- community, BBBSIC encour- for more information. Oak Har- cluding two retirement plans, DragonBoatClub?ref=hl ages BIPOC and LGBTQIA bor: 360-675-8733, Freeland: we are hiring. Visit www.is- Medical Marijuana patients community members to in- 360-331-6272. landtransit.org/employment to unite; If you need assistance, quire. Please contact admin@ College student? Student advice, etc. please contact at bbbsislandcounty.org for more apply. Island Transit is a drug of history? History buff? and alcohol free workplace 420patientnetworking@gmail. information. Opportunities are available to and an equal employment com. Local Whidbey Island The Island County Medical spend constructive volunteer help. opportunity employer. Reserve Corps (ICMRC) is a hours at the Pacific Northwest If you or someone you know local network of volunteers Naval Air Museum. Go to HEALTH/FITNESS has been a victim of homicide, organized to improve the www.pnwnam.org and click Deluxe Inversion Table by Body burglary, robbery, assault, health and safety of communi- on "Volunteer" or just stop by identity theft, fraud, human Vision, still in box, will need ties on Whidbey and Camano and introduce yourself. trafficking, home invasion and Island. Volunteers include assembly, $40. Located in Imagine Oak Harbor's first other crimes not listed, Victim medical and public health Coupeville. Call Stone at 360- Food Forest, Saturdays 11am- Support Services has advo- professionals as well as other 774-0168 (1) 3pm, at 526 Bayshore Drive. cates ready to help. Please call community members with no Each week, we have volunteer the 24-hr Crisis Line 888-388- prior healthcare background. ANIMALS/SUPPLIES opportunities available to 9221. Free service. Visit our ICMRC utilizes volunteers to Excellent grass hay, no rain, help care for our commu- web site at http://victimsup- strengthen community health, nity garden, share organic good for horses, $7 per bale. portservices.org enhance emergency response gardening tips, and learn 20 bale minimum. Good qual- capabilities, and boost com- ity round bales available also. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES munity resiliency. They prepare Permaculture principles. All 360-321-1624 Island Shakespeare Festival is for and respond to natural ages and skill levels welcome. If you or someone you know CLASSIFIED INFORMATION seeking new members to join and manmade disasters such Schedule can change due to our Board of Directors. We’re as winter storms, flooding, adverse weather conditions. If needs help in feeding pet(s), US Postal Mail Whidbey Weekly looking for people who are earthquakes, as well as public you have any questions, please WAIF Pet Food Banks may be Classified Department passionate about high-quality health emergencies such as contact us at: imagineaperma- able to help. Pet Food Banks PO Box 1098 live classical theater and can disease outbreaks. If you cultureworld.gmail.com are located at WAIF thrift Oak Harbor, WA 98277 devote time and energy to are interested in volunteer- Mother Mentors needs vol- stores in Oak Harbor (465 NE support the work of Island ing please go to the Island unteers! Oak Harbor families Midway Blvd) and Freeland Email...... [email protected] Shakespeare Festival’s import- County MRC website for with young children need your (1660 Roberta Ave) and are Telephone...... (360)682-2341 ant cultural, social, and fiscal more information or contact help! Volunteer just a couple generously stocked by dona- Fax...... (360)682-2344 position on Whidbey Island. [email protected] of hours a week to make a tions from the community. If PLEASE CALL WHEN YOUR ITEMS HAVE SOLD. Our current needs include If you are looking for a mean- difference in someone's life! you need assistance, please Please try to limit your classified to 30 words or individuals with backgrounds ingful volunteer opportunity, To volunteer or get more info, stop by. less, (amounts and phone numbers are counted in the following areas: human look no further! When you email wamothermentors@ as words) we will help edit if necessary. We resources, donor relations, volunteer at one of the Habitat gmail.com or call 360-321- How’dPuzzle 1 (Medium, you difficulty do? rating 0.58) charge $10/week for Vehicles, Boats, Motor- cycles, RVs, Real Estate Rental/Sales, Business finance, as well as other for Humanity of Island County 1484. 3 5 1 4 2 9 7 8 6 Classifieds and any items selling $1,000 and 2 9 7 8 5 6 3 4 1 above. We do charge $25 to include a photo. The 8 4 6 7 1 3 2 9 5 FREE classified space is not for business use. No DID YOU KNOW MOST 6 8 4 1 9 2 5 3 7 classified is accepted without phone number. 1 2 9 3 7 5 8 6 4 We reserve the right to not publish classifieds CLASSIFIED ADS ARE FREE? that are in bad taste or of questionable con- 7 3 5 6 8 4 9 1 2 tent. All free classifieds will be published twice 9 1 8 2 4 7 6 5 3 Contact us for more info! consecutively. If you would like your ad to be 5 6 2 9 3 1 4 7 8 published more often, you must resubmit it. classifi[email protected] 4 7 3 5 6 8 1 2 9 Deadline for all submissions is one week prior to issue date.

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