Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Whidbey News-Times
WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM
Page A7
MORE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thank you
Fairgrounds
Careage of Whidbey a blessing to the island
Creating new plan an exciting opportunity
Editor, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the rehab unit staff at Careage of Whidbey. Recently my mother was fortunate enough to receive care there following hip replacement surgery. The nurses and therapists exhibited kindness and compassion along with a much needed dose of humor throughout my mother’s recovery. Thank you for your incredible hard work, encouragement and professionalism. The residents of Whidbey Island are blessed to have such a top notch facility. Diana Goss Moorpark, Calif.
Editor, The fairgrounds in Langley is a wonderful community owned property with a rich history and great potential. For generations we have enjoyed the fair every year, but it is not immune from the national trend of local fairs struggling to maintain too many aging structures, rising utility and insurance costs and not enough income to keep the property viable and adequately maintained for the annual event. Last week, a strategic plan for the fairgrounds was presented. It described a flexible plan for
MARK
building on the strengths of the property and our community to create a sustainable program over the long term. What I liked about it most was that it isn’t an all-or-nothing plan. It has built in steps so it can be adjusted and the community can stays involved as decisions are made. For instance, if the revenue projections fall short, course corrections can be made along the way. Each phase can be evaluated before moving on to the next. The idea is to take measured but meaningful steps to move toward financial independence while promoting local food, local arts and local artisans. The vision is for the property to become a year-round events center capable of hosting a variety of uses
at one time, while still supporting the needs of the annual fair. This is a worthy goal, and we will need to take careful consideration along the way to make sure it is successful. With a phased approach as described, public input is maximized, financial risk and the use of tax dollars are minimized, and the community is able to utilize this amazing resource while enhancing local economic development. This is an exciting opportunity for our community and I hope you will add your voice to the conversation. The strategic plan materials are available online at http:/iscoedc. com/?page_id=786 Helen Price Johnson Island County commissioner District 1
OBITUARIES
Stevens
Irene A. Stevens
Irene A. Stevens, 95, died at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 26, 2014, at Careage of Whidbey. She was born March 12, 1918 in Chicago, Ill., to Olaf Leonard and Anna Kristine Lovendahl (from Denmark). Irene grew up on the north side of Chicago, graduated from high school and became a bookkeeper for a Chicago ice skating rink, Peterson Furniture, Matel Corp, and Gencoe Park District. She was married to Willard C. Stevens in 1942 and had three children: Judith, Gary and Gayle. Irene retired in 1984 and moved with Willard to La Habra, Calif., close to Gayle’s family. Willard passed away in 1996, and in 2005 Irene moved to Greenbank, Wash. She was an active member of the senior center, volunteered at Whidbey General Hospital and the Freeland Library and attended the Evangelical Free Church. She loved crafts and making quilts for her great grand-
children. She is survived by her daughters Judith Slepyan (David) of Langley and Gayle Rogers of Freeland; daughter-in-law Ruthie Stevens Patton of Cedar Grove, Wis.; nine granddaughters; 11 great-grandchildren; and her best friend Mildred Fredrickson Larson. She is preceded in death by husband Willard, son Gary Willard Stevens and son-in-law John Rogers. The family thanks Kelly, Stacie, Freddie and the entire staff at Careage for their kindness and care. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date with gathered family. Friends and family are encouraged to join an online celebration of Irene’s life at:www.celebrationofirene. shutterfly.com
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allin Funeral Home & Cremation
1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447
Susan Bailey Baas
Susan Bailey Baas, Coupeville native, died in Olympia. Graveside funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. A complete obituary will follow. On-line guest book at www.wallinfuneral home.com
W
allin Funeral Home & Cremation
1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447
her devoted husband of 47 years and their daughters Sandy Cronin and son-in-law Tom Cronin of Cleveland, Ohio and Margaret Weber of Riverside, Wyo., as well as her sister and brotherin-law Margaret and Scott Thomson of Carmel, Calif. In memory of Jackie, donations may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 200, Wellesley Hill, MA, 02481.
Weber
Jackie Weber
Long-time Coupeville resident Jackie Weber passed away of natural causes on Feb. 11, 2014, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jacqueline Louise Weber was born May 15, 1938, and raised in Seattle. She attended Queen Anne High School and graduated from San Jose State College in 1960 with a degree in education. Jackie went on to teach elementary school in California and in the Shoreline School District in Washington for a total of 10 years. Jackie married Dick Weber in 1965 and together they had two daughters. After the younger daughter was in school, Jackie began a second career in advertising and sales, first with Cuisinart and later with Valpak of Western Washington, until her retirement in 2003. After retiring, Jackie and Dick enjoyed traveling to interesting places including Antarctica, Europe and Kamchatka. Jackie is survived by
Tutino
Joe (Papa Joe) Tutino Aug. 19, 1928Feb. 13, 2014
Joe passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 13, 2014. He is survived by his wife Lacey; daughters Gina Brooks, Lisa Webb and AnnMarie Tutino; and son Greg Hughes; his seven grandchildren, Angela Tiffault, Jason Brooks, Carey Webb, Bryan Webb, Julie Ann Brooks, Tessa Hughes and Madeline Hughes. He has five great grandchildren.
There will be a funeral mass 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 185 N Oak Harbor Street, and a celebration of his life at noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 3259 Old Goldie Road. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude’s or any other nonprofit of your choice.
Douglas Wesley Wright
Doug past away Feb. 28, 2014, from lung cancer. Doug Spent 25 years in the U.S. Navy and was the coowner of Universal Financial Services in Bellevue, Wash. Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Thursday, March 6, following the 3-6 p.m. viewing at Evergreen Washelli of Bothell located at 18224 100 3rd Ave N.E., Bothell, WA 98001 Burial is set for 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash.
Betty A. Goenen
Betty A. Goenen, age 93, passed away in Everett on Feb. 19, 2014. At her request there will be no services.
Placing an obituary? n To place an obituary, call the Whidbey News-Times at 360675-6611. Send obituaries to obits@whidbeynews group.com
THE DATE
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March Holidays
St Patrick’s Day 3-17-14 Spring Begins 3-20-14
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March Publications Spring Home & Garden Publication 3-5 & 6
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March Deadlines Whidbey Island Green Guide Sales deadline 3-14 Publication date 4-9
Whidbey Green Guide shows how to make small changes that result in big benefits for peoples’ wallets, health, and to the future of Whidbey Island and the planet.
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Join your neighbor merchants and invite families into your business with 2014 Holland Happening Wrap! Ads are displayed lining the inside section of Editorial Content and Scheduled Events. Hurry, there is limited space available!
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April Holidays
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April Publications & Deadlines WI Who’s Who Sales deadline 4-4 Publication date 4-30 Your Community, Your Business, Your Story!
• Whidbey & Camano Islander
Sales deadline 4-4 Publication date 5-14 The Whidbey & Camano Islander is a trusted resource for tourists and visitors to our islands. It is distributed via the Washington State Ferry system and along the I-5 corridor.
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