Opinion
WriTE To uS:
The South Whidbey Record welcomes letters from its readers. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters should be typewritten and not exceed 350 words. They must be signed and include a daytime phone number. Send letters to South Whidbey Record Editor, P.O. Box 1200, Coupeville WA 98239, or email to editor@southwhidbeyrecord.com
Page A6
WWW.SouThWhidbEyrEcord.com
Wednesday, december 11, 2013 • The South Whidbey record
Editor’s column
Snapping to my senses: giving is never a tired topic By JUSTIN BURNETT Early in the morning is the best time to write. 6 a.m. is best as no one is around and the blank page feels like an open road and the keyboard Ford’s soon-to-bereleased Mustang. Yet, on Tuesday morning the topic of this column was still undecided. Giving during the holidays had been the plan but the inspiration simply wasn’t there. Thinking that people must be tiring of hearing about the need to give — one of the more common editorial threads in December — the idea was about to be abandoned when I received a bit of inspiration. Audrey Neubauer is an 11th grader who grew up on Whidbey Island but is now attending school in Seattle. She wrote to The Record about a project she hatched two years ago to collect books and funds for a struggling school library. Now in her third year, she’s expanding her mission in hopes of helping additional elementary schools. Just after her email, a second arrived concerning 4-year-old Weston John Dill of Clinton. For over a month, he’s been collecting coats, scarves, hats, and gloves for homeless children at the Everett Gospel Mission women and children’s shelter. Sounds like typical South Whidbey kids to me. This community simply breeds the spirit of giving and Audrey and Weston are just two of a hundred great examples. Just try and count all the nonprofits and charities south of Coupeville — it will take all day! I won’t try that here but there are one or two that should be mentioned, beginning with Good Cheer. As always, the food bank is collecting food and needs donations. It serves an average of 850 families each month, with that number increasing in the winter. Staying warm with adequate winter wear is another simple necessity easily taken for granted. People out there are shivering and need our help. Fortunately, South Whidbey makes giving to those with less pretty headache-free. Donating food can be done in person at Good Cheer in Langley or with a monetary donation online at http://goodcheer.org/donate/ It also accepts clothes, as do a host of other thrift shops on the South End. You can also donate while you shop at the Bayview Holiday Market. Winter wear for children is being collected at the seasonal venue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Resting on our laurels or being “too busy” to make it to the food bank this year is easy to do. Surely we’ve all done it at one time or another. Thankfully, we have young people like Audrey and Weston who snap us back to our senses and remind us of what’s really important, that giving is never a tired topic. If you have used elementary level-books or wish to donate in another way, you can contact Audrey at audreyneubauer@ gmail.com
Letters Health care
Exercise outlets should accept Silver Sneakers Editor, Us seniors had until Dec. 7 to select our Medicare Advantage Plan for 2014. Many of us had to change providers for 2013 due to decertification of our plan. An unfortunate part of that change was a movement to the Silver Sneakers fitness program from Silver and Fit. This year none of the approved Island County Medicare Advantage Plan providers offer Silver and Fit. The problem with that is the closest exercise spot for us is either Mukilteo or Coupeville on the Silver Sneakers program. A large Freeland club chose last year to go with Silver and Fit. Where they had over 250 seniors on the Silver and Fit, they now have under 50 using it from retirement health plans. Family Care in Clinton and Freeland has applied to Silver Sneakers but has
The souThwhidbey record Scan the code with your phone and look us up online! Keep the app and look us up anytime!
Published each Wednesday and Saturday from the office of The South Whidbey Record 5575 S. Harbor Ave Suite 204 Freeland,WA 98249 (360) 221-5300 or (877) 316-7276 (888) 478-2126 fax On the Internet at www.southwhidbeyrecord.com
not heard back. There is another club that’s an option, but not the one in Bayview. It is important for us seniors to have exercise outlets that are within a reasonable distance from home. I personally don’t think Coupeville or a ferry ride to America is a reasonable alternative. It would be a huge win for the community if the Freeland club again accepted Silver Sneakers members. Thanks, WILL WILSON Freeland
Thanks
WAYNE WEIMER Langley
Ferry, hospital crew response was first rate Editor, On Nov. 14, I was on the 8:30 a.m. ferry when I had an issue with my heart. After telling a deckhand about it, the crew took over and called for an ambulance. Off to Providence Regional Medical Center we went, where the next day I had a triple coronary artery
StAFF
publisher ..................................................................................Keven Graves Associate publisher.................................................... Kimberlly Winjum Editor ........................................................................................ Justin Burnett Reporters ............................................. Celeste Erickson, Ben Watanabe columnists.......................................... Margaret Walton, Frances Wood Administrative coordinator ........................................ Renee Midgett production Manager ............................................................ Connie Ross creative Artist....................................................................Rebecca Collins circulation Manager ......................................................Diane Smothers
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTS: TRACYS • BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS • FRED MEYER • COASTAL FARM & RANCH
bypass surgery. My family and I would like to thank Jeff Knaplund and the crew on the Cathlamet, the emergency room doctor and nurse who stepped in to help me, the emergency response team and everyone else who pitched in to help. I have been riding the ferry for over 60 years and understand the inconvenience, so must also apologize to all who had to wait while this was going on. It wasn’t my choice for the timing, but I can say first hand that the emergency system in place is first rate. With many thanks,
To those dedicated trail riders at Putney Woods Editor, A hearty thank you to the dedicated trail riders who repaired the trails at Putney Woods. SEE FERRY, A7
IdENtIFIcAtION StAtEMENt ANd SubScRIptION RAtES The South Whidbey Record (USPS 682-200) is published semiweekly by Sound Publishing on Wednesdays and Saturdays for $19 for 3 months, $29 for 6 months, $45 per year and $75 for 2 years delivered by carrier in Island County from Coupeville to Clinton; $20 for 3 months, $32 for 6 months, $52 per year and $94 for two years in county mailed from Coupeville to North Whidbey Island. Out of county mail $35 for 3 months, $65 for 6 months, $105 per year. Payment in advance is required. It is published by The South Whidbey Record, PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Periodicals rate postage paid at Coupeville, WA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The South Whidbey Record, PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239.