Langley
Good Cheer Thrift Stores Creating a Hunger Free Community Since 1962
Open 7 Days a Week www.goodcheer.org
Clinton
Whidbey Xtra! WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015 | Vol. 1, No. 1 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | FREE
WH I
By RON NEWBERRY
THE
Considering the date on the calendar, it couldn’t have been a better day to be out on the water. There was filtered sunshine, views of snowcapped mountains, nearby bald eagles and little wind resistance to stop a group of paddlers in a long, narrow boat from gliding across the bay in Oak Harbor. Taking advantage of such ideal conditions, the paddlers shifted to a power stroke and got so carried away that they left more than just a wake and a few ripples behind them. Genie Boyer’s stocking cap was no longer by her side. “Who’s going to get it?” one paddler shouted. Dragon boating often comes with its share of thrills, chills and misadventures. For the two teams that make up Whidbey Island’s North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club, participation means a boat load of vigorous workouts, camaraderie, encouragement and often a sense of returning home feeling refreshed.
BEST OF
WHIDBEY
rnewberry@whidbeynewsgroup.com
X
EW EY N S GR DB
P OU
Dragon boat club offers health, camaraderie
Voting StartS May 6th!
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
ONLINE AT www.whidbeynewstimes.com OR BY PAPER BALLOT PUBLISHING MAY 6TH & 27TH IN THE WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES
you need the newspaper
Photo by Ron Newberry/Whidbey News Group
Cathie Harrison, left, of Coupeville, handles the lead along with Mare Chapman during a Team Tsunami dragon boat outing from the Oak Harbor Marina Sunday. The club has been around since 2006 and split into two teams two years ago, creating Team Tsunami and Team Stayin’ Alive. Each is competitive in its own right; however, Team Tsunami, which was on the
water on a gorgeous Sunday, is known to be a little more hardcore. Evidence of that was on display in mid-November when not even a layer of ice near the Oak Harbor Marina could keep a portion of the
team off the water. The boat wound up getting stuck near the marina with the bow propped on top of the ice, according to Bill Walker, the coach of the team who didn’t participate on that frozen day.
“I heard the stories,” Walker said with a laugh. Steeped in Chinese culture, dragon boating has become an international team paddling sport with
Enjoy your newly redesigned Whidbey News Group shopper.
Place an ad to reach over 16,750 Oak Harbor readers!
SEE PAGE 3
1 You’re looking for something to do this weekend. 2 You need a new roof. 3 Your cat had kittens...again! 4 You want to know who won the game last night. 5 You’re looking for a good preschool. 6 You want to know where the best deals are. 7 You need a new ride. 8 Your basement and garage are about to burst. 9 You could use a new job. 10 You care about what’s happening in your community.
Call Diane today to subscribe to the Whidbey News-Times 360-675-6611
Call your sales representative today 360-675-6611
Page 2
WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSGROUP.COM
Xtra!CALENDAR Wednesday May 6
Baby and Me Storytime, 9:30-10:15 a.m., May 6 and 13, Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room. Stories, songs, rhymes and activities that inspire a love of reading. Playtime follows. For newborns through 24 months. Caregiver required. Free. www.sno-isle.org
Thursday May 7
Ready Readers: Preschool Storytime, 9:30-10:15 a.m., May 7 and 14, at the Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room. Books, sing-along songs and creative activities that prepare young minds for reading. For ages 3 to 5 years. Free. www.sno-isle. org Coupeville Garden Club Guest Speakers, 9:30-11 a.m., May 7, at the Coupeville Rec Hall. Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson, the proprietors of Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend, will be the guest speakers. Milliken and Dodson are recognized nationally as rare plant specialists and by their own description are “passionate and obsessed” about plants. The meeting is open to the public at no charge with a plant sale from the Far Reaches nursery followed by the presentation. Pacific Rim Institute 2015 Prairie Open House, May 7-9. Naturalist tours of the prairie at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., bonfire by the Historic Owl Barn at 8 p.m. May
7; naturalist tours of the prairie at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 8; and naturalist tours of the prairie at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., dedication and celebration at 3 p.m. May 9. The dedication and celebration will be a time to celebrate the recent purchase of the campus and pray for the future of Pacific Rim Institute. All events are free and family friendly. Tours last about an hour and include less than a mile of flat trails. If you have physical limitations and would like to schedule a special driving tour, call 360-678-5586.
Coupeville Lions Club Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 7, at the Coupeville United Methodist Church. One pint of blood can save three lives. To donate, drop in or schedule an appointment by emailing donorsched@psbc.org For more information, call Paddy Roberts at 360678-8746 or 360-678-4105. Alzheimer Family Support Group Meeting, 2:30-4:30 p.m., May 7, at Summer Hill Assisted Living, Oak Harbor. For those coping with memory loss and dementia. Support, education and resources. 2015 Salmon Recovery Project Presentations and Open House, 2:30-6 p.m., May 7, at the Heller Road Fire Station. The public will have an opportunity to learn about projects being proposed for 2015 Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funding, which includes state and federal funding sources, in Island County. The Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) is hosting the
event. Project sponsors will be presenting their projects to the WRAC 2:30-4:30. An open house will follow 4:30-6:00. This time will provide residents with a chance to review actions being considered with project sponsors and to provide comments to project sponsors and project reviewers. Island County Salmon Recovery and Natural Resources staff will be in attendance to discuss the proposed activities. www.islandcountyeh.org
Saturday May 9
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Whidbey Island Meeting, 10 a.m., May 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland. Mary Jo Strain of the Toastmasters Club will speak on the topic “Your Brilliant Life: You + Your Organization Can Change the World!” The public is welcome. Growing Healthy Children: A STARS Training: Socks Rock!, 10 a.m. to noon, May 9, at the Coupeville Library. Discover how you can easily incorporate sock puppets into your circle time to reinforce early literacy skills. Each participant will turn an ordinary sock into an extraordinary puppet. Space is limited; registration is required. Island County Master Gardener Plant Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 9, at Greenbank Farm. Have your choice of perennials, native plants, shrubs and veggies. There will also be a master gardener plant clinic. Come with your plant questions. Or bring
Wednesday, May 6, 2015 • WhidbeyXtra!
BACKYARD BIRDS: 2-3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Learn how to attract birds to your backyard. Artist Craig Johnson and his wife, writer Joy Johnson, spent many years observing and photographing birds. They will share their film, “Birds, Backyard Habitat & Beyond.” Watch wildlife forage for food, create nests, raise young, maintain plumage and more. Presented in partnership with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust and Whidbey Audubon.
a piece of the plant that is giving you problems for the experts to help you out. There will also be personal shoppers to assist you in purchasing the right plant for your environment.
NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar, 1-5 p.m., May 9, at North Whidbey Sportsmens Association. Team taught by two women NRA-certified instructors. Learn the personal safety tips and techniques you need to avoid dangerous situations and avoid becoming a victim. The cost of the seminar is $20 and includes a student packet. For questions, call NRA Instructor John Hellmann at 360-675-8397 or email nwsa.training@gmail.com Regsister online at www. nrainstructors.org where you can select the course and search and it will come up in the search results. Additional information can be found at www.northwhidbeysportsmen.org Cantabile of Skagit Valley Spring Concert, Soul Rising, 7:30 p.m., May 9, at the First Reformed Church, Oak Harbor. The concert celebrates life, love and rebirth and will feature Fauré Requiem, with the Starry Night Orchestra and Seattle soloist Ryan Bede; love songs by Stroope, with Stephanie Bethea on flute; and The Little Jazz Mass by Chilcott, with instrumental jazz ensemble. Suggested donation $15.
Sunday May 10
Mother’s Day Concert, 12-4 p.m., May 10, at Meerkerk Gardens. Come
and hear Harper Tasche perform on his antique instruments playing folk music, specializing in the harp. This will be his 22st year performing at Meerkerk Gardens. Bring your blanket, wine, cheese and lunch. Cost is $10. www.meerkerkgardens.org
Monday May 11
Light Work, 5:307:30 p.m., May 11, at the Coupeville Library. Light is what makes it happen. Learning to manipulate and control light, understanding the characteristics and types of light, and learning to “find” the light will allow the photographer to create photos with more depth and visual appeal. Free.
Tuesday May 12
Ready Readers: Toddler Storytime, 9:3010:15 a.m., May 12 and 19, Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room. Stories, music and movements that nurture the desire to read in toddlers. Playtime or craft may follow. For ages 2 to 3 years. Caregiver required. Free. www.sno-isle.org Growing Healthy Children: A STARS Training: Beyond the Spoken Word, 6:30-8:30 p.m., May 12, at the Oak Harbor Library. Explore the use of American Sign Language with songs and stories. Participants will have an opportunity to learn and practice simple signs that can be incorporated into day-to-day communication with small children. Space is
limited; registration is required
Friday May 15
Whidbey Island Community Orchestra concerts, 7-8 p.m., May 15, at Coupeville High School Performing Arts Center. Works featuring Strauss, Sibelius, Queen, the Beatles and music from Downton Abbey. James Hinkley, solo cellist, will be featured. Light refreshments afterward, with a chance to meet the musicians. Free. www. whidbeyorchestras.org
Saturday May 16
Birds in Spring: a fun, hands-on educational program, 10-11:30 a.m., May 16, at the Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room. Attendees will enjoy a short educational presentation then participate in a hands-on art project all about birds. Specimens will be available to touch and explore — including nests and beaks. www. wclt.org or www.whidbeyaudubon.org Family Fest, 12-4 p.m., May 16, at North Whidbey Middle School. Community organizations and local businesses are invited to host a booth. Any donations collected in excess of event expenses will be donated to SPIN Cafe of Oak Harbor. Entertainers, face painters, performing groups are also welcome. Contact eventsandinfo@comcast.net or 360-675-2338 for more information and vendor registration form.
WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSGROUP.COM
CLUB
FROM PAGE1 competitive racing held all over the world. More locally, races are held at events and festivals throughout Washington, and Vancouver, British, Columbia, is home each June to one of the oldest and largest dragon boat festivals outside of Asia. Both teams in the Oak Harbor-based North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club participate in regional races; however, the groups are made up of members of all ages who take part largely for fitness and a supportive team atmosphere. With 22 people in a boat typically required to race, both teams are recruiting new members. “Most dragon boat festivals have races for all levels
Wednesday, May 6, 2015 • WhidbeyXtra!
How to join The Whidbey Island-based North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club, a nonprofit organization, features two teams of various skill levels and emphasis that are recruiting new members. Practices are based out of the Oak Harbor Marina during the season with pool practice available during the winter. Team Tsunami is a competitive team that focuses on rigorous workouts and improving form and technique for competitive racing. Team Stayin’ Alive is a team focused on fun, friends and fitness that has competed in Masters Division (over age 55), Mixed Division and Cancer Survivor races. Guests may paddle up to three times without incurring any costs. Members pay $75 annual dues. www.npsdragonboat.org of ability as well as races for purely recreational teams,” said Roberta Piercy, who shares coaching responsibilities of Team Tsunami with Walker and also participates on a Seattle team. “It is the spirit of competition that counts.” Club membership ranges in age from 18 to 74 with
most members over the age of 50. Some participants are cancer survivors. “It doesn’t matter how great of an athlete each individual is,” Walker said. “It’s more about each person’s individual dedication to a team.” Dragon boat racing is a sport of synchronization,
Julie Engstrom, left, is the caller for the team while Doug Mason, right, is the till, or steersperson. involving a caller at the front of the boat shouting out commands and a till at the rear, controlling the boat’s direction. During races, the caller often will be playing a drum while barking out commands.
Both teams on Whidbey share the boat, which is docked at the Oak Harbor Marina. Practices are held on alternating days with indoor pool sessions held during the winter. Cathie Harrison and Mare Chapman paddled
LOCAL
BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Coupeville Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Info 905 NW Alexander St, Coupeville director@coupevillechamber.com 360-678-5434 coupevillechamber.com
Page 3
FLOORING Northwest Granite & Flooring 687 Mobius Loop suzette.nwgf@hotmail.com 360-675-4978 www.nwgraniteandflooring.com
Elaine McDowell Managing Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island EMcDowell@windermere.com 360-929-1500 ElaineMcDowell.withwre.com
Linda Earnhart, Managing Broker, REALTOR®, CRS, GRI Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Earnhart@whidbey.net 360-929-0922 WhidbeyIslandHomes.com
PAINTING Painter’s Alley 33650 SR 20, Oak Harbor diamondrent@comcast.net 360-279-0723 www.facebook.com/paintersalley
COUNTERTOPS Northwest Granite & Flooring 687 Mobius Loop suzette.nwgf@hotmail.com 360-675-4978 www.nwgraniteandflooring.com
INSURANCE Sue Blouin CIC, ACSR Koetje Leavitt Insurance 775 NE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor sue-blouin@leavitt.com 360-675-5916 www.leavitt.com/oak harbor
Judith Zapanta-Borras Managing Broker, Windermere 32785 SR 20 Ste 4, Oak Harbor judithzapanta@windermere.com 360-914-7759(c) 360-675-5953 (ofc) www.judithzapanta.withwre.com
NON PROFIT Prenancy Care Clinic 670 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor execdir@islandspcc.org 360-675-2096 www.islandspec.org
EQUIPMENT RENTAL Diamond Rental 33650 SR 20, Oak Harbor diamondrent@comcast.net 360-279-0723 ww.diamondrentals.com
REAL ESTATE AGENT Cheri English, Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Cheri@Ask4Cheri.com 360-320-9764 Agent4Life.net
Julie Kinnaird, Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island JulieKinnaird@windermere.com 360-632-6619 JulieKinnaird.withwre.com
Boys and Girls Club 98 NE Barron Dr., Oak Harbor nbarone@bgcsc.org 360-240-9273 www.bgoh.org
SEWING MACHINE & VACUUM REPAIR Island Sewing and Vacuum 31570 SR 20 Ste 101, Oak Harbor customerservice@islandsewnvac.com 360-679-2282 www.islandsewandvac.com
from the front of the boat Sunday, setting the pace for the rest. “Reach it out!” Harrison shouted repeatedly. Eventually, Boyer reached down to grab her cap and Team Tsunami was soon back it again, powering on.
This Weeks Featured Business
Since 1969, Island Sewing & Vacuum has provided quality vacuum and sewing machine sales and repair to Whidbey Island. People come for our low prices and return for our expertise, comprehensive knowledge. We service all makes and models, and specialize in Kirby, Dyson, and Oreck vacuums.
Antique sewing machines are repaired with 100% original parts and guaranteed to be fully operational. “Your Satisfaction Is Our Guarantee” We focus on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction – we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.
ISLAND SEWING AND VACUUM
31570 SR 20 Ste 101, Oak Harbor customerservice@islandsewnvac.com 360-679-2282 www.islandsewandvac.com
Find more savings at FURNITUREWORLDNW.COM WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSGROUP.COM Wednesday, May 6, 2015 • WhidbeyXtra!
g n i r p 855 SSale!
Page 4
VE A HUGE SELECTION THAT CHANGES DAILY! 7 Pc. Group
Available in 6 colors
499
All On Sale! Huge Selection of 5pc Dining Set Dining Room and More Arriving$Daily! Includes Table and 4 Barstools
$
Includes: sofa, loveseat, coffee table, 2 end tables & pair of lamps
5pc Dining Set
499
5PC DINING $ SET
649
table and chairs$ 6pc Dining Set 4includes
Includes Table and 4 Barstools
$
249
$
59
Recliner $349
4PC BEDROOM PACKAGE Available in 3 colors
799 788
95 table, coffee 2 end tables & pair 788 Sectional $ of lamps
Available in 2 colors: $ Includes:& Chocolate sofa, loveseat, Coblestone
ONLY
855 $
2pc. Sectional
699 $72895
Available in 6 colors
cliningQUEEN SofaSTORAGE BED
$
7 Pc. Group NOW
Includes queen bed, dresser, mirror and nightstand
Includes Table, 4 Chairs and Bench
5PC DINING SET
includes butterfly leaf table and 4 chairs
$
6pc Dining Set Includes Table, 4 Chairs and Bench
$
Reclining Sofa
NOW
699
788
95
$
699 699
Sectional
Sofa
$
$
799
SET
269 269
$ $
NOW $108895
$
ing Nail Head Sofa or oveseat with Console Wall Hugger
Recliner
$
NOW $108895
399
Sofa
Recliner
349
$ Swivel Gliding
Recliner
each
Includes Table, 4 Chairs & Bench
42"
399
60"
While They
Last!
399
$ Special Purchase
Recliner
42"
$ $ 42" $299 50" 50" 349 60" 399
lvd .
Available in 2 colors Oak Harbor ok ey B
I-5
While They
Last!
Special Purchase 360-682-2431
Exit 202
116th.
682-2431 Recliner 987 Ault (360) Field Rd.
TULALIP CASINO
Exit 200
Located across from Available in 2 colors Located across NASfrom Whidbey NAS Whidbey
88th.
TV STaND
TV STaND
60"
19215 Hwy 99 Lynnwood TV STANDS, 99YOUR CHOICE: 90Th St. SW
$744-6694 $ $ (425) 42" 299 50" 50”349 60" 60”399 Just42” north from I96 next
329
TV STaND $ Costco to business
369
TV STaND
$
194Th St. SW
524
58th Ave. W
Available 3 colors Located 1/2 mileinSouth of 116th St. Albertson’s
Recliner 987 Ault Field Road OAK HARBOR Sm
11031 10 StatetoAvenue M-F 7 Marysville SATSwivel 10 to Gliding 6 (360) 653-5312 Recliner SUN 12 to 5
699
TV Stands
TV STaND Last! Available in 2 colors Special To WWW.FURNITUREWORLDNW.COM Purchase for more great specials! www.furnitureworldnw.com
Available in 3 colors
$
SPECIAL PURCHASE! 50"
58th Pl W
119
Available in 6 colors
6pc Dining Set
60Th Ave. W
ABLES
Available in 2 colors
TV Stands
$ $399
St.
ReclinerGo
While They
Sta te
Wall Hugger
299
Available in 2 colors
SPECIAL PURCHASE!
Available in 3 colors
Last!
Special $ Purchase
749
NOW $108895
Loveseat $349 Matching recliner, loveseat, & full sleeper also available While They
269
Available in 6 colors
ECTION!
299
699 349 $
Available 2 colors Available in 6incolors
h
$
699
includes table and 4 chairs
Available in 3 colors
Also available in power
YOUR CHOICE
$
6pc Dining Set
Includes Table, 4 Chairs & Bench5PC DINING
Head Sofa or $ Loveseat $349 with Console $ Matching recliner, loveseat, & full sleeper also available Available Motion Sofa or Love Console Reclining Sofa in$3 colors Recliner 349 $
649
399
TV STaND
$
196Th St. SW
Fabric and styles may vary from illustration. **NO INTEREST 24 months, NO MONEY DOWN O.A.C. with $2500 min. furniture order. Purchase under min. eligible for 6 months NO INTEREST O.A.C. No interest if paid in full within contract terms.*Discounts do not apply to any previous purchases. Prices are good for new purchases only. No price match on any previous purchases. See store for details *No interest till 2012 minimum purchase of $2000. Under $2000 purchase over $1000 no interest for 1 year purchase. Under $1000 purchase wno interest for 6 months.