LOG ON TO WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM FOR updated GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS
News-Times Whidbey
ISLAND LIVING Tree farm finds new life, new owners
A9
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 | Vol. 114, No. 89| www.whidbeynewstimes.com | 75¢
Trudy Sundberg lecture series
ELECTION2013
Legacy assured By RON NEWBERRY Staff reporter
Severns
The offspring of Trudy Sundberg glow over the idea of a lecture series named on her behalf. During a gathering in August that celebrated the life of Sundberg, a close friend announced that a memorial fund was created, making way for what will be known as the Trudy J. Sundberg Memorial Lecture Series. The plan is to bring a prominent speaker to Whidbey Island once a year and build other events around the visit. The idea evoked joy from Sundberg’s family, yet also just a hint of sadness.
By Jessie Stensland Staff reporter
Photo by Ron Newberry/Whidbey News-Times
Marshall Goldberg has led efforts to bring a lecture series to Whidbey Island in honor of Trudy Sundberg. Already, $41,000 has been raised in just over two months. variety of interests and causes. “She was a force,” Whitsitt said. “She was a dynamo.” THE WIFE of a Navy captain, Sundberg traveled the globe before landing on Whidbey Island for good in
1976, dug in and gained many admirers over nearly four decades. She inspired the young and old and did so in a kind, gentle way that made people who knew her feel important, See legacy assured, A10
Oak Harbor voters support the incumbent members of the City Council, according to the first count of ballots Tuesday night. It was also a good night for Whidbey General Hospital as the bond proposal appears to be passing. Councilmen Bob Severns, Joel Servatius, Jim Campbell and Danny Paggao are all ahead of their challengers in the election. The incumbents say the voters’ message is clear. “I think we are doing the right thing and the voters approve,” Paggao said shortly after election results were posted at about 8:20 p.m. “I do believe the citizens are satisfied with the council,” Severns said, “and are wanting to move the city forward. Campbell, however, noted one race is too close to call. Servatius, appointed to the position, has a narrow 60-vote lead over challenger Sandi Peterson. As of last night’s tally, Servatius had 1,370 votes, or 51 percent, and Peterson 1,310 votes, or 49 percent. “Sixty votes is a drop in the bucket,” Campbell said. “That could change quickly.” Campbell said he is com-
fortable with his lead over challenger Skip Pohtilla. Campbell has 1,477 votes, or 56 percent, while Pohtilla has 1,154, or 44 percent. Severns also leads over newcomer Lucas Yonkman. Severns has 1,656 ballots cast in his favor, or 61 percent, while Yonkman earned 1,068 votes, or 39 percent. Paggao solidly leads challenger Mike Piccone by 1,500 votes, or 56 percent, to Piccone’s 1,180, or 44 percent. Whidbey General Hospital bond supporters were celebrating Tuesday night as preliminary results show the bond passing with more than a 60 percent supermajority. Initial results showed the bond was passing with 61.75 percent voter approval. This is the second time the hospital district attempted to pass the $50 million bond to expand and upgrade the aging facility. “The returns so far show that well over half our community supports it (the bond) and we hope the 61.75 percent holds,” said Trish Rose, public relations and marketing director for the hospital. “This is important and we’ll ensure our local community hospital is a highquality local hospital on Whidbey.”
• YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • • Diamonds & Bridal Jewelry 830 SE Pioneer Way • Gold, Silver & Fine Jewelry Oak Harbor • Vintage & Estate Jewelry 360-679-3700 • Buy & Trade Jewelry Tues-Fri 11-5:30 • Sat 10-5 Est 1991 • Repairs & Consignments 22 years at the same location • Layaway for the Holidays • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER • YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER •
YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER
YOUR LOCAL GOLD BUYER
Campbell
Hospital passing; OH council races tight
“THIS IS one of the most incredible ways to honor mom,” said Sundberg’s daughter, Jan Whitsitt. “The sad thing is she would have wanted to be at the lecture.” In a little more than two months, $41,000 already has been raised, just $9,000 shy of the entire first-year goal. Retired Oak Harbor physician Marshall Goldberg, who became friends with Sundberg during her latter years, hatched the plan and worked with Oak Harbor managing librarian Mary Campbell and the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation to set up the memorial endowment. For Goldberg, it was a fitting way to honor and keep alive the memory of an extraordinary Oak Harbor woman who impacted and inspired him and so many others on Whidbey Island. SUNDBERG, a teacher, civic leader, author, debate coach, founder of several organizations, mother and grandmother, passed way on June 29 at the age of 88. She was known for her boundless energy, a zest for learning and engaging with her community. “In her 88 years, she probably had four lives,” Goldberg said. Sundberg’s life revolved around a
Paggao