Saturday, March 15, 2014 • Whidbey News-Times
WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM
CHEERLEADER CONTINUED FROM A4 “He thought I knew how to cook,” Chatfield-Weeks said. “I explained to him that I knew how to read.” Nevertheless, 23 years of marriage ensued, a marriage that produced six children and led to a life overseas in Switzerland, France, Italy and ultimately back to the United States with stops on both coasts. However, it was a time of great sadness that led Chatfield-Weeks on an accidental path to Whidbey Island. She was living with family in Seattle when her husband died of lung cancer. One day, she put her six kids in a station wagon and set out for a new life. Heading north, she noticed a sign that pointed to an island and a naval station, and she drove to a ferry terminal and got on the boat. She was accustomed to military living and wanted to be near amenities and services. Oak Harbor turned out to be an ideal fit. “It was the best thing that happened to my kids,” she said. “As it turned out they were so happy with the schools. It was a happy place for them. That’s why I chose it. It wasn’t for me. It was for my kids.” Once arriving in Oak Harbor, Chatfield-Weeks became a visible part of the landscape, working as a reporter and photographer for the Skagit Valley Herald. For 18 years, she reported on Whidbey Island scene, including city and county government and the Navy. On one feature assignment, she met a woodworker named Charlie Weeks, and in time would add a
“How you yell a cheer, you have to have cadence. ” Helen Chatfield-Weeks, Oak Harbor’s official cheerleader
hyphen to her last name. Chatfield-Weeks would survive the passing of a second husband and continue to make a difference in Oak Harbor. In her retirement years, Chatfield-Weeks has rarely slowed down. She’s taken on causes, unafraid to speak out, yet also is quick to praise and cheer on others. She teamed up with Jan Ellis, the late Dorothy Neil and others to save the Neil water tower. She remains active in the community and with her church. The Island County Historical Association recently held a dinner in her honor. She is grateful for the opportunity to be grand marshal in her favorite parade. “I will do an Irish jig,” she said.
Page A5
Senior Center activities MONDAY, MARCH 17
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
8:30-9:20 a.m. – Gentle Yoga 9 a.m. Quilting Class 9:30-10:20 a.m. – Muscle Conditioning 9:30 a.m. – Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 p.m. – Knitting Circle 1 p.m. – Dottie’s Painting Class 5 p.m. – Tai Chi
9:30-10:50 a.m. - Aerobic Exercises 9:30 a.m. – Nintendo Wii Bowling 10 a.m. – Creative Writing 12–3 p.m. –Jack Pot Bingo- Edward James 12:30 p.m. – Cribbage 1 p.m. – SVC History Class 7 p.m. – Wire Wrap
TUESDAY, MARCH 18 9:30 a.m. – Aerobic Exercises 9 a.m. - Lapidary 9 a.m.-12 p.m. – Wood Carving 9:30 a.m. - Nintendo Wii Bowling 11:30 a.m. - Chess 12 p.m. – Line Dance 1–4 p.m. Legal Clinic 6 p.m. – Pinochle 7 p.m. – Country Dance Lessons
WED., MARCH 19
Ron Newberry/Whidbey News-Times
Helen Chatfield-Weeks performs a cheer at a ceremony following the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Oak Harbor in 2013. She will be grand marshal for the parade this year.
8:30-9:30 a.m. – Gentle Yoga 9 a.m. – Lapidary 9:30-10:30 a.m.- Muscle Conditioning 12:30 p.m. – Party Bridge 12:30 p.m. – Ping Pong 1–2 p.m. – Beginning Spanish 3 p.m. - Hula
FRIDAY, MARCH 21 9 a.m. - Quilting 9:30 a.m. – Tai Chi 12:30 p.m. –Pinochle 1 p.m. – Friday at the Movies 1 p.m. – Line Dance
SATURDAY, MARCH 22 Ping Pong, Pool, Pinochle
MONDAY, MARCH 24 8:30-9:20 a.m. — Gentle Yoga 9 a.m. — Quilting Class 9:30-10:20 a.m. — Muscle Conditioning 9:30 a.m. — Nintendo Wii Bowling 1 p.m. — Knitting Circle 1-3 p.m. — Hearing Aid Service 1 p.m. — Dottie’s Painting Class
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