Harvest Fest Relay teams forming now ... Page 6
Thursday, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014
Port says not now to WSU proposal
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VOL. 20, NO. 6
Senior HUB
By Janis Reid Staff Reporter
A plan to revamp Greenbank Farm and increase its economic viability won’t be considered by the Port of Coupeville until next year. The plan, presented by Washington State University, aims to push the struggling farm further into the world of “edutourism” by providing an active educational facility that could be used by students and visitors alike. Port officials said they are bound by their current management agreement but want to discuss the plan in the future. WSU staff said they believe the port should be more excited about the proposal.
See WSU, page 16
Town to ban tobacco in parks, trails By Megan Hansen Co-Editor
Pretty soon, residents will not be allowed to use tobacco products in town parks and trails. Coupeville Town Council held the first reading last week of Ordinance 714, which prohibits smoking tobacco and smoke-free tobacco in all parks and trails established in town code. The ordinance is in partnership with Island County Health Department. All of the signage needed for the change will be covered by a grant from the health department. Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said the idea is to promote a healthy community. Areas the ordinance covers include Coupeville Town Park, Cooks Corner Park, Captain Coupe Park, Lions Park,
See BAN, page 16
Megan Hansen photo
Georgie Wright, left, and Kathleen Flower visit while enjoying their weekly Wednesday lunch provided by Senior Services. The Town of Coupeville is partnering with Senior Services and Coupeville United Methodist Church to provide activities for seniors.
Creating ‘perfect utilization’
Methodist church will house new activities for Coupeville seniors By Megan Hansen Co-Editor
The Town of Coupeville is partnering with Senior Services and Coupeville United Methodist Church to provide programs and dining for Central Whidbey seniors. Currently, Senior Services serves a meal at the church every Wednesday and has done so since 2011. In 2012, the mid-week gathering expanded to offer Bingo a couple times a month. Volunteer site manager Rosalind Dailey Rohrer said she serves 16-24 seniors each week. Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said it’s been an ongoing conversation between the three groups about creating some kind of programming. Fast forward to next month, and the of-
ficial Coupeville HUB for Seniors will start programs. “It was kind of the brain child of all of us,” Conard said. “We thought we could serve more seniors if we had more activities and programming.” The HUB will offer the existing Wednesday meal along with regular programs and services on Wednesdays and some Fridays. Conard took the idea to Coupeville Town Council during a recent work session to provide financial support for the idea. Council gave informal approval of the idea, and Conard is currently working on a budget revision, which she hopes to bring to council next month. Town of Coupeville will be paying Senior Services about $10,000 to aid in the creation of
the HUB, Conard said. Some of that money will be going to pay Coupeville HUB Resource Coordinator Glenda Cantrell. In setting up the programs, Cantrell said she’s looking at an equal representation of fun/ crafty–type activities, musical entertainment and education. “It’s fun,” she said. “It’s a fun challenge because I look at it as talking someone into doing something for nothing, but really they’re supporting Senior Services.” Activities will all be free. Senior Services does request a $4 donation for meals. However, Cantrell said no one will be
See HUB, page 16