Holiday Guide - Whidbey Island Holiday Gift Guide

W HIDBEY C HRISTMAS

2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Creative gift giving page 3

A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times and South Whidbey Record

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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NOVEMBER 2014

Our New Gallery Features Vintage & Estate Collectables

Holiday Savings — throughout

“Your Jeweler on Whidbey”

the

entire

store —

PROFESSIONAL INSTORE JEWELRY REPAIR WE DO IT RIGHT • COME SEE US TODAY

• Diamond Jewelry & Colored Gemstone Jewelry • Sterling and Gold Designer Jewelry • Watches • Seiko Clocks • Pearls

LAYAWAY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 1421 SW Barlow Street • Oak Harbor JEFFREY MACK

GIA Graduate Gemologist Master Goldsmith

360-679-1800 www.whidbeyjeweler.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

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Creative giving

Whidbey has a treasure trove of gift ideas for every type of shopper

By KATE DANIEL

The leaves of the trees are turning to fiery reds, burnt oranges and bright yellows as brisk winds and rainy days denote the beckoning of Old Man Winter and the approach of the holiday season.

Whether you are preparing to celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas, Winter Solstice or Kwanza, Whidbey Island is a treasure trove of creative gift ideas from locally made goods to do-it-yourself projects and reusable items.

Photo by Kate Daniel

Oak Harbor’s Pioneer Way has a variety of shops offering unique gifts for every kind of shopper.

Find jewelry made by local artists, home decor, items for the outdoors and more.

Saturday, Dec. 6th

10am - 3pm

Handcrafts • Gifts • Art • Prepared food Baked Goods • Produce and more at Clinton Community Hall 6411 Central Ave

Sponsored by CLINTON

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Freeland Holiday Arts + Crafts Tour Saturdays Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20

Jewelry, Glass, Ceramics & more!!

Your Local Source for Imported & Domestic Cheese, Meat, Wine, Beer, Hard Cider, & Spirits!

Kate Johnson & Karla Berry Owners CLOSED Tuesdays

221 2nd St. Ste 9A • Langley, WA 98260 360-221-4520 • Find us in Langley Village

Do It Yourself Nothing is as personal as a heartfelt gift

made by hand.

Oak Harbor’s Paint Your World, located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown, offers a space for patrons to paint their own pre-made ceramic items.

Everything from snowmen to eagles and ornaments to dishware lines the walls of the studio awaiting the stroke of a paint brush.

According to co-owner Laura Apgar, odes to furry pals are a big hit; ornaments shaped like dog bones and items imprinted with a paw are bestsellers.

“People are sentimental about their puppies,” she said.

CONTINUED PAGE 4

14485 SR 525 • Langley, WA • 360-321-0577

Friday, November 28th Everything in the store is on sale during these times: 7-8 am 40% off 8-9 am 30% off

7-8 pm 30% off 8-9 pm 40% off

Th shopanks fo ping r o S 20+ ALE ur year s!

If you oversleep... Bring a donation for the Good Cheer Food Bank for 20% off any one item between 9am & 7pm.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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GIVING CONTINUED FROM 4

Paint Your World also offers jewelry-making classes and canvas painting sessions throughout the year.

“There is nothing more special than gifts from the heart,” said Apgar, who owns the shop with her husband, Ron. Just next door to the Apgars is Lynn Copeland’s shop ,Whidbey Inspiration, where Copeland and her team create custom jewelry and embroidered items and provide alterations and tailoring.

Gem and semi-precious stones are used to make custom jewelry that, Copeland said, is quite affordable.

Embroidered items such as plush animals and T-shirts, baseball caps and linens are available for purchase at the shop as are an array of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more.

If a custom order is placed before Dec. 1, Copeland said, she can have the item ready by Christmas.

For those on the South End, The Paint Escape in Freeland offers patrons a chance to create their own clay or fused-glass pieces and to paint pre-made bisque figurines, ornaments and dishware.

Owners Susan Barrat and Tina Beard accommodate both large groups and individuals and are happily willing to offer advice and instruction to first time artists.

Barratt and Beard, both grandmothers, said some of

NOVEMBER 2014

the shop’s bestselling holiday items are pieces imprinted with a child’s hand or foot print.

“You can capture that moment in time, it is a treasure,” Barrat said.

Whidbey Island Home Brew Supply in Oak Harbor sells all the necessary ingredients to concoct your own custom 6-pack for a friend, family member or coworker.

The store supplies more than 60 varieties of grain and malt as well as yeasts and hops and starter kits for the budding brewer.

Experiences For many, the holiday season can bring with it a host of stressors, from preparing for family gatherings to finding the perfect decor. Free time can be scarce and relaxation may seem almost mythical.

High levels of stress can be detrimental to body and mind, but Whidbey’s massage parlors may provide the antidote.

Madhu, masseuse of Massage by Madhu in Langley Village, offers deep tissue massage, swedish relaxation massage and hot stone massage.

Louise Mueller, masseuse of Madrona Massage in Coupeville, offers hot stone therapy, reflexology, Swedish massage, Lomi lomi, Reiki and aromatherapy.

To provide a friend or loved one with an enjoyable night out, purchase tickets for one of Whidbey’s local CONTINUED PAGE 5

Photo by Kate Daniel

The Paint Escape in Freeland offers patrons a chance to create their own clay or fused-glass artwork.

THIS IS MORE THAN A GIFT OF HEALTH.

’

STRENGTH, LAUGHTER, HAPPINESS & CONFIDENCE ARE ALSO INCLUDED

Taste for Wine & Art

Winery Tasting Room

DECEMBER 12—21 • 2014 Friday & Saturday Evenings - 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday Matinees - 2pm

Food . Wine . Gifts Art Gallery . Music . Events Venue Available for Private Parties!

Bayview Corner Cash Store 360-321-0515 www.bloomswinery.com

The healthier you are, the more unstoppable you feel. I have learned that through Curves, and I would love for you to experience the same gift of health they have given me.

Happy Holidays!

Mention of this ad and receive a Free 30 Day Membership. Must start using before Dec. 15th Call Cindi at 331-6944 Curves@Bayview Center

LangLey Fine Fabrics & antiques With a Special Character Brunch

December 14th at 12:30pm

Tickets and info: www.widtonline.org • 360-341-2221 South Whidbey High School Performing Arts Center

Charming Gifts & Pillows, Antique Furnishings, Duralee Fabrics Outlet

Big Holiday Sale & Open House November 28th & 29th Friday & Saturday 10am ~ 5pm Create Holiday Bliss with Beautiful Fabrics…

105 Anthes Ave, Langley 360-331-8099

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

GIVING

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theaters or orchestras.

Whidbey Playhouse produces an array of plays while Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is home to plays, comedy nights, concerts and more.

Saratoga Orchestra will also be hosting concerts throughout the season and features the musical magic of professional, local musicians from around the Puget Sound.

Reusable Whidbey’s thrift stores offer an opportunity to give back to the community while selecting from a plethora of reused goods that can be ideal eco-and budgetfriendly gifts.

Good Cheer in Clinton and Good Cheer 2 in Langley, WAIF in Oak Harbor and Freeland, Senior Community Thrift in Freeland, New Beginnings Thriftique in Coupeville, Island Thrift and My Father’s House Community Thrift in Oak Harbor each has its own vast selection of vintage and gently used goods available for purchase.

Perusing the aisles at Senior Community Thrift in Freeland, a customer can find anything from sewing patches shaped like kittens riding bicycles to black faux fur coats, cookware, old farm equipment and ornate antique figurines.

Good Cheer carries an array of items from dinnerware, including fine china sets, as well as racks upon racks of likenew clothing for men, women and children; books; and several works of art.

Antiques abound in each of the thrift stores as well as antique shops, which pepper the island with one-of-a-kind items.

Pendleton Sale The

Heron 20% Off All Men’s & Women’s

Fri, Sat, Sun Nov. 28, 29 & 30

211 First Street • Langley • 221-3839

Oak Harbor’s Oak Tree Antiques, located in downtown, carries goods for a number of individual tastes from the rustic to the ultra-feminine to seafarers and everything in between. Trinkets, housewares, ceramic and wooden goods as well as nostalgic magazines, records and books are sold at affordable prices by the shop’s friendly staff.

Langley Antiques is located on First and Anthes in what was once a bank building. The former vault is presently chock full of items reminiscent of an oldtime farm.

According to store employee Jackie Hoviek, some customers stop by to request specific items such as collectibles, while delicately embroidered linens, silverware, vintage lingerie and goblets are regular bestsellers. The shop also carries high-end furniture.

Local Specialties Whidbey Island’s farmers and artisans produce an abundance of fine locally made products from cheeses to chocolates and original pieces of art.

Larry Fanning of Elkhorn Trading Company, located on Coupeville’s Front Street, crafts one-of-a-kind items inspired by the wilderness of Whidbey.

Most of Fanning’s mounted pieces, sculptures and home furnishings are made from naturally shed horns he finds within the forest. He also makes leather bags and apparel from moose, elk, deer and buffalo hide.

For those with a taste for sweets, Chocolate Flower Farm store in Langley’s delicious delicacies await.

r ts fo Gif

Photo by Kate Daniel

The Chocolate Flower Farm store in Langley offers a variety of sweet-smelling treats and locally made products for the cocoa lover in your family.

The shop, which was recently featured in Martha Stewart Living magazine and the Seattle Post Intelligencer, offers just about every chocolate product imaginable from candles to tea, bath and body products, flowers and, naturally, chocolates.

Owner Marie Lincoln, who also operates the Chocolate Flower Farm, makes all of the products by hand.

Lincoln noted that the chocolate mint tea, rasberry and chocolate jam, chocolate candles and fudge are her best sellers.

Greenbank Farm is a one-stop shop for local goods including artists’ works in the Raven Rocks Studio, Artworks Gallery and Rob Schouten Gallery; pies from Whidbey Pies Cafe; wine from the

Everyone and Y our Fa Bird Feeders Quality Bird Feed Bird Baths Garden Art Wind Chimes Books & Gifts

vorite Birdwatcher to

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Greenbank Farm Wine Shop; and specialty cheeses, sauces, dips, jams and more at the Greenbank Farm Cheese and Specialties Store.

Department Store

Department Store

Quality

at Quality Thrift Store

at Thrift Store

Prices Prices

Shopping to Feed Families

Good Cheer Cheer Good Thrift Stores Stores Thrift

Your Backyard Birdfeeding Specialist ®

5565 Van Barr Pl., Suite AB, Freeland • 341-1404

Open 7 Days a Week

Open 7 Days a Week

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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NOVEMBER 2014

Holiday happenings planned for Whidbey Nov. 26: “Mini Cinnamon Turkeys”

by Sue. 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Coupeville.

Make three-inch cinnamon-scented turkeys. 360-720-2955.

Nov. 28-30: Holiday Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenbank Farm.

Pieces created by hand by local artists, holiday music, photos with Santa, warm beverages, tractor lighting. 360-678-7710, www. greenbankfarm.biz Provided photo

The Festival of Trees is held in early December each year and is a major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County. Decorated trees are auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Nov. 28 to Dec. 7: Country Christmas at the Fair. 2-7 p.m.

Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 29-30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6-7, at the Island County Fairgrounds, Langley. 360-221-4677, www.whidbeyislandfair.com

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Nov. 29: Lighting of Langley. 3:30 p.m. at Langley Park. With carols, Santa and alpaca-reindeer. 360221-6765, www.visitlangley.com

Wh

la ere You’re P

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Gifts for the Home, Garden & Pets HOLIDAY TREE COUPON present this coupon for

5

$ .00

Off

cut or live trees.

One per customer.

Photos with Santa!

Professional Photographer, Great Setting – Pets, Families, Kids of All Ages

November 29th, 11A.M. - 3P.M.

Visit the Flower House Cafe for Holiday Refreshments

A Full Service Farm & Garden Center SR525 at Bayview Road • 360-321-6789

Subscribe to our E-News for Specials at www.bayviewfarmandgarden.com

Nov. 29: Holiday Magic on Pioneer Way featuring Oak Harbor Tree Lighting and arrival of Santa.

360-679-3474, www.historicoakharbor.com

Auction. 5:30-11:30 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. Features decorated trees, wreaths and auction items. Catered by Frasers Gourmet Hideaway. 360-279-0644, bbbsis landcounty.org Dec. 5-20: “A Christmas Story.”

7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley. 360221-8268, www.wicaonline.org Dec. 6: St. Mary’s Holiday Bazaar. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Coupeville.

Dec. 6: Langley Holiday Parade.

11 a.m. at Sixth Street, Cascade Avenue, First Street, Anthes Avenue and Second Street. 360221-6765, www.visitlangley.com Dec. 6: Greening of Coupeville Christmas Parade. 4-5 p.m. through Coupeville main streets.

Parade, lights, music and the arrival of Santa Claus. www.coupevillecham ber.com Dec. 6: Coupeville Late-night Holiday Shopping. 5-7 p.m. at

Dec. 5: Festival of Trees Gala and Cookie Walk

Sat, Dec. 6, 10am

Fill a box with assorted homemade treats. Only $12. (while supplies last) Benefits local charities

CONTINUED ON 7

Gifts of the Season from LANGLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Holiday ConCerts

Fri, Dec. 5, 7:30pm & Sat, Dec. 6, 2pm

Christmas Lullaby; Choir, Orchestra & Soloists

tWelftH nigHt ConCert WitH eriC tingstad & friends Sat, Jan. 3, 7:30pm at WICA A great gift for music lovers!

3rd & Anthes Streets, Langley • 360-221-4233 • Rev. Mary Boyd, Pastor • lumc@whidbey.com

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

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Holiday happenings occurring all over Whidbey CONTINUED FROM 6

Coupeville’s Historic Waterfront Association. www.coupevillehis toricwaterfront.com Dec. 6: Oak Harbor Yacht Club Christmas Lights Boat Parade. 6-7 p.m. at the Coupeville Warf. www. coupevillechamber.com Dec. 6: Holiday Bazaar. At Clinton Community Hall. 360-341-3747, www.clintoncommunityhall.org Dec. 6: Freeland Hall Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Freeland Hall. Santa, gifts, crafts.

360-331-6341.

Dec. 6: Holiday Art Walk. 5-7 p.m. in Langley. Fine art galleries will be decked for the holidays. 360-2216765, www.visitlangley.com Dec. 6-7: Holiday Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenbank Farm.

Pieces created by hand by local artists, holiday music, photos with Santa and warm beverages. 360678-7710, www.greenbankfarm.biz Dec. 7: Teddy Bear Character

Breakfast. 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge. 360279-0644, bbbsislandcounty.org Dec. 12-21: “The Nutcracker” by Whidbey Island Dance Theater.

7:30 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m.

Sundays, at South Whidbey High School Performing Arts Center, Langley. 360-341-2221, www.widtonline.org Dec. 12-21: “Anne Frank.” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m.

Sundays, at the Whidbey Island Children’s Theater, Langley. 360221-8707, www.whidbeychildrens theater.org File photo

Dec. 13: Holiday Cheer! 2-4 p.m. at the Clinton Library. Music and festivities. 360-341-4280, www.sno -isle.org

The Greening of Coupeville is held the first Saturday in December and features a fun run, parade and tree lighting.

Dec. 13: Christmas Home Tour. 4-8 p.m. at various locations. Hosted

by Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor. Decorated homes and homemade cookies. www.sioakharbor.com Dec. 13-14: Holiday Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenbank Farm.

CONTINUED ON 8

Beautiful Clothes!

Jewelry & Accessories!

Perfect Gifts & Wonderful Prices! moonraker books BOO KS TO D E LI GH T TH E MI N D BUYE R BONUS TO DE LIGHT THE P OC KE TBOOK 208 First Street 2 21 - 6 9 6 2

We have been listed in Best Places Northwest!

Langley on Whidbey, it’s magic.

315 FIRST ST., LANGLEY • 360.221.8202

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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NOVEMBER 2014

Holiday happenings occurring all over Whidbey CONTINUED FROM 7

Pieces created by hand by local artists, holiday music, photos with Santa and warm beverages. 360678-7710, www.greenbankfarm.biz Dec. 13-14: “Stocking Stuffers” play. 7 p.m. at the Coupeville Middle/High School Performing Arts Center.

File photo

Last year, Whidbey Playhouse hosted “Christmas Snapshots.” Venues across Whidbey Island are offering holiday performances this year.

Two Day Sale

678-7710, www.greenbankfarm.biz Dec. 21: Red Ticket Drawing. At Historic Downtown Coupeville. $1,000 drawing. Shop, dine and stay with participating merchants through Dec. 21 and earn red tickets that are entered into a drawing. 360-678-5434

Dec. 15: Second Sunday. 2-5 p.m. at Greenbank Farm. Artist receptions and new artwork. 360-6787710, www.greenbankfarm.biz

Dec. 21: A Bluegrass Christmas with Weatherside Whiskey Band.

7:30 p.m. at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley. 360-2218268, www.wicaonline.org

Dec. 20-21: Holiday Market. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenbank Farm.

Pieces created by hand by local artists, holiday music, photos with Santa and warm beverages. 360-

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with Fade Ensemble. 9 p.m. at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley.

Piano, wine, chocolate. 360-2218268, www.wicaonline.org

November 28 & 29 Weruva Ca t

Buy 2 getCanned Food 1 FREE

Off % 20 ff Toys 20% O Off s Bed sts 20% Raw Turkey Po Necks Cat 3lb only $7 99

while Hurry in st! supplies la

ervice self-s ash $ 10 gW

Do

Open M-F 10AM-5:30PM, S-S 10AM-4PM 1801 Scott Rd, Freeland • (360) 331-1808 TheHealthyPet@Whidbey.com

The Weatherside Whiskey Band will perform a Bluegrass Christmas on Dec. 21.

Photo courtesy of WICA

as has arrived at m t s i r h C ONCE UPON A TIME!

Come experience the season and let the Magic begin for you!

Antique Dolls, Antique Collectables Byers Choice Carolers • Madame Alexander Dolls • Kathe Kruse Dolls Wee Forest Folk Mice, Corolle Dolls Bearington Bears • Mark Roberts Fairies and Elves • Kringlekin Elves House on the Hill cookie molds …

and many Stocking Stuffer items for that special person.

360-221-1167 • Open Mon - Sat, 12 to 4 • 9289 SR525 in Clinton (near Lincoln Computers)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

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Getting holiday packages to loved ones on time

By KELLY PANTOLEON

Photo by Kelly Pantoleon

Quentin Souter, a staff member at Pony Mailing & Business Center in Oak Harbor, puts together a box that will ship a new iPad.

Your One Stop Holiday Shop!

With gift-giving season coming up, many people will be shipping packages across the country and world. The latter is common especially for Navy families.

The only way to send an item to an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office is to use the United States Postal Service.

For shipping to APO and FPO addresses through the United States Post Office, the following suggested deadlines apply: For Space Available Mail, the deadline to ship packages is Wednesday, Nov. 26.

For Parcel Air Lift Mail, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 3.

For Priority Mail Service, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 10. For Priority Mail Express Military Service, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 17.

However, the Pony Mailing & Business Center in Oak Harbor has many mailing services it can ship through, USPS being one of them, so APO and FPO shipping can be done through Pony Mailing, too.

The deadlines to ship to military bases through Pony Mailing are the same as the above deadlines for the post office in Oak Harbor.

For gift-givers looking to ship to places that aren’t military bases, the deadlines are a little bit different.

There are many different USPS deadlines for non-military shipping. Some of those deadlines are as follows: For Standard Post, the deadline is Monday, Dec. 15. For Priority Mail and First-Class Mail like letters and cards, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 20. For Global Express Guaranteed, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 17.

For Pony Mailing, the suggested deadlines for non-military base ground shipping are as follows: For shipping to the East Coast/ Midwest, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 17. For the Plains/Rockies, the deadline is Thursday, Dec. 18. For the CONTINUED PAGE 10

Our trees are looking beautiful this year.

Take one Home for the Holidays!

Gift Cards for the Holidays & Other Occasions!

cheerful and friendly customer service!

Voted Best Drug Store/Pharmacy AND Gift Shop!

Oak Harbor • 32170 SR 20 • 360-675-6688 centrally located in Oak Harbor

TWO LOCATIONS!

www.islanddrug.com

Clinton • 11042 SR 525 #130 • 360-341-3880 in Ken’s Corner Shopping Plaza

Opens at 10 am • Friday, November 28 2870 Torpedo Rd • Oak Harbor • 360-240-2441

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

SHIPPING

NOVEMBER 2014

CONTINUED FROM 9

Photo by Kelly Pantoleon

Pony Mailing employee Quentin Souter opens the hatch of a tube that rains foam peanuts that protect items being shipped. Pony Mailing gets many of their peanuts from community members’ donations.

Sweet & Savory Pies Baked daily, by the slice or whole to go.

Hearty seafood chowder and vegetarian soups using local products when available.

Serving espresso and select beers and wines www.whidbeypies.com (360)678-1288 Open Daily except closed Tuesdays in Jan & Feb Greenbank Farm • 765 Wonn Rd Greenbank, WA

West Coast, the deadline is Saturday, Dec. 20.

Pony Mailing also offers extended holiday hours. Holiday hours begin Dec.1 and go through Dec. 23. Monday through Friday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

USPS hours are not changing. The Oak Harbor Post Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

It is closed Saturday and Sunday.

The Coupeville Post Office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

It is closed Sunday.

The Greenbank Post Office is open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

It is closed Saturday and Sunday. The Freeland Post Office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

It is closed Saturday and Sunday. The Langley Post Office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday.

The Clinton Post Office is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. n For information and details on shipping deadlines and locations, visit www. ponymailing.com or www.usps.com or call Pony Mailing at 360-679-5519, the Oak Harbor Post Office at 360-679-1499, the Coupeville Post Office at 360-6785353, the Greenbank Post Office at 360678-6808, the Freeland Post Office at 360-331-6500, the Langley Post Office at 360-221-4113 or the Clinton Post Office at 360-341-4848.

Fun, Unique & Handmade Gifts with whale & marine life themes Don’t miss our Holiday Sales Weekend

All Black & White gift items will be discounted!

Black & White Friday: November 28th Small Business Saturday & Sunday: November 29th & 30th • • • •

Lovely Orca and Salmon Christmas Cards Beautiful Jewelry, Handmade Christmas Ornaments Fun Stocking Stuffers, Magnets, Key Chains Cute Plush Toys, Books & DVDs

Or shop online at www.shop.orcanetwork.org

Langley Whale Center Gift Shop OPEN Thurs — Sun 11am - 5pm Corner of 2nd & Anthes, Langley

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

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Beware of holiday hazards in the home

By BEN WATANABE

The holiday season is filled with lots of enjoyment that can quickly turn to tragedy if not wisely considered.

Christmas tree fires, turkey deep fryers, theft and stressed pets are known issues around the holidays. Preparation is an important piece to mitigating all of this, with an added necessity because of the island’s seclusion.

Live Christmas trees dry out quick, even if they’re fresh cut and watered regularly. South Whidbey Fire/EMS Chief Rusty Palmer recommended a bounce test when buying a live tree. By dropping it on its base, the jolt reveals how old or fresh the conifer is — if its needles stay put, it’s pretty fresh; if the needles fall away, it’s old and dry.

Though Palmer knows the taste is excellent with deep-fried turkeys, he highly recommends people opt for a different cooking method.

To anyone not convinced of the dangers, he recommends searching for videos online.

“If you watch enough of those, you’re probably going to do something different,” he said.

Holidays also mean colder weather and more use of heating appliances like baseboard heaters and fireplaces.

Palmer urged inspection before use if they have not been checked in a while.

For heaters, check the furnace filter, and have a chimney cleaned if it has not been done recently to avoid particle buildup that can smolder or catch fire.

“Any time you’re using anything hot, you have to pay attention to it,” Palmer said.

Vigilance will help prevent other common holiday problems with pets and packages. Jean Dieden, doctor of veterinary medicine and owner of Animal Hospital by the Sea in Langley, said lots of parties happen between now and February which can mean lots of strangers in the home — an agitating experience for some household animals.

“Family and friend gatherings can

your is

be really stressful for pets,” she said.

“Make sure they have their out.”

That means giving pets a place to be away from all the commotion. Another tip to keep in mind when hosting friends who may bring their own pets or are not used to accommodating animals is to shut doors to keep pets out of bags and packages where holiday treats may be stored.

“I’ve worked in the emergency clinics in and around Seattle, and I can’t tell you how many times I made a dog vomit up a whole box of Frangos,” Dieden said.

There’s a long list of holiday fixtures that are dangerous for household pets.

Lots of treats, such as chocolate and alcohol, are toxic to animals. Dieden also pointed out that fatty foods such as turkey or ham can be bad treats for dogs and can lead to pancreatitis.

There’s a full list online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com, but some common

220 Second St, Langley, WA 98260 (360) 221-7675 www.whidbeyartists.com Follow Us On Facebook!

Happy Holidays

�

o li d ay � h o pp i n �

✦ Wines & Gifts ✦ FedEx Shipping ✦ Wine Club Gift Memberships ✦ Gift Certificates Open 11AM - 5PM ✦ Closed Mon & Tue 5237 Langley Rd. ✦ 360-221-2040 www.whidbeyislandwinery.com

CONTINUED ON 12

Downtown Langley Celebrates the Holidays!

Escape the Crowd, Enjoy Shopping in a Cozy Seaside Village with a World to Experience

Artists “Deck the Doors”

• • • •

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Visit Langley’s Outdoor Gallery Award Winning Restaurants Distinctive Gifts Friendly Merchants Win Langley’s $1000 Shopping Spree Nov 1st - Dec 20th

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

Blessed is the season which engages In the spirit of the season, the made wholeinworld in a conspiracy of love. a gift has been your honor to Good Cheer Food Bank.

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

In the spirit of the season, a gift has been made in your honor is the season which engages to Good Cheer FoodBlessed Bank. the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Sea Float Scramble

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

In the spirit of the season, a gift has been made in your honor to Good Cheer Food Bank.

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

Saturday, January 3, 11AM Seawall Park

In the spirit of the season, a gift has been made in your honor to Good Cheer Food Bank.

In the spirit of the season, a gift has been made in your honor to Good Cheer Food Bank.

Procee Good C ds Benefit heer Fo od Ban k

Cup of C heer Coffee Locally Ro

asted by Mu

Hunt for Hand Blown Glass Treasure created by Callahan’s Firehouse Free and Fun for the Whole Family Spend the Day in the Village by the Sea

kilteo Roast

ers

www.langleymainstreet.org

mainstreet@whidbey.com

Page 12

HAZARDS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

CONTINUED FROM 11

including Winter Wear, 0 Purses, Jewelry, etc!

20-5 F Look for the Red & Green Dots %

OF

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non-edible dangers for pets include tinsel (shiny string, what’s not to love about it for a cat); plants such as lily, holly and mistletoe; snow globes; and liquid potpourri.

For those leaving town and setting up someone to watch their animals, leaving contact information is vital. Dieden said a microchip won’t do much good if the call goes to vacationers in Thailand while the person responsible is on Whidbey.

Equally important planning should be given to emergency situations for animals.

There are no emergency animal clinics on Whidbey Island, so it’s important to know what to do in case something goes really wrong.

Most of the island’s veterinarians, if on vacation or called after hours, have messages that instruct where to seek help off-island.

Dieden recommended calling the Poison Pet Help Line (800-213-6680) first for less than $40 to get an idea of

what may be done at home before making the trip to a clinic in Mount Vernon or Everett.

Those leaving Whidbey for the winter should also consider informing law enforcement of their departure. It gives police an opportunity, when available, to cruise past the home to check on it — a courtesy offered by the Langley Police Department, for example.

Notifying neighbors of incoming packages or setting up neighborhood watch can also deter package theft or burglary around Christmas.

“By all means, if you know a package is going to be delivered, get it off the porch as soon as possible,” said Island County Sheriff Mark Brown.

One of the arguably simpler tips offered by Langley Police Chief Dave Marks was to secure the home at night and before leaving.

“One of the things we’re asking people to do is locking their doors,” he said. “A lot of people don’t lock their doors.”

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

RED TICKET Campaigns promote local

File photo

Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association member Beth Kuchynka presents the one thousand $1 bills, which will be given to Coupeville’s Red Ticket winner.

By MEGAN HANSEN Tis the season for spending money, and Whidbey Island businesses are hoping an incentive will keep your dollars local.

The Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association’s annual Red Ticket Drawing is underway, giving Coupeville shoppers a chance to win $1,000.

Started seven years ago, the drawing rewards customers for shopping local, said association executive director Vickie Chambers. “It’s a ‘thank you’ for shopping local.”

Participating businesses give out red tickets for every $20 spent. Tickets are collected until the drawing 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, on the steps of the Island County Historical Museum.

Three $100 winners will be chosen along with the one grand prize of $1,000.

Winners must be present to win.

The association is able to track holiday spending to some degree by tracking how many red tickets are distributed.

Last year, roughly $400,000 was spent in the Red Ticket promotion.

In its seven years, the drawing keeps growing, Chambers said.

Photo by Ron Roesler

Must-do fun in

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A skit v. 29. See W IC ngley Park, No La in ls ro ca 1. Sing or y” “A Christmas St 6. ade December the Holiday Par in t oa fl r te En .

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It has a regular sponsor in Whidbey Island Bank, and each year two to three new merchants sign up to participate.

“We’ve seen growth every single year on how many tickets go out,” Chambers said.

This year, the association would like to see $450,000 spent.

“It’s a great event,” Chambers said. “Each year we find it more and more social.”

The Red Ticket Drawing has also inspired similar giveaways in other communities on Whidbey Island.

Langley Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Holiday Cheer Giveaway with white tickets.

The details are the same in that $20 spent at a participating business earns a ticket to win $1,000.

Langley’s winner will be chosen 1 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Boy & Dog Park on First Street.

The person who wins must be 18 years or older and present at the drawing to win.

In recent years, Oak Harbor’s Downtown Merchants Association has held a Green Ticket drawing, but association president Heather Carder said they are unable to do the event this year.

Page 13

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Page 14

NOVEMBER 2014

Handcrafted soap offers nourishing gift option

By JESSIE STENSLAND

Photo by Jessie Stensland

South Whidbey resident Susan Miles feeds leaves to her dairy goats. The goats produce a lot of nutritious milk, which she uses in her soap-making business.

With two dairy goats on her South Whidbey hobby farm, Susan Miles found she had a lot of extra milk on her hands.

Each of the friendly alpine goats produces an impressive gallon a day of the nutritious liquid, which was more than the family of four could possibly drink or turn into cheese.

Miles has a background as a wine chemist, so she was uniquely suited to create something distinctive. She put her knowledge of science and her artistic side to work and started a home business of making and selling goat-milk soap.

She discovered that goat milk is rich in emollients and makes for a great soap. She named the business Maple Hill Soap.

“Milk is really moisturizing and has lots of vitamins and minerals in it,” she said.

Linds Pharmacy in Freeland and Coupeville and Local Grown on the Coupeville Wharf both carry collections of her beautifully packaged, scented soaps. They’re also available on her website at maplehillsoap.com, and she sells wholesale to boutiques, businesses and individuals across the nation.

One of the keys to the quality of the soap, she said, is the fresh goat milk, which she mixes with the base ingredient instead of the usual water to create a richer product.

She uses a combination of olive, coconut and palm oil, as well as shea or cocoa butter.

Miles adds essential oils and fragrances from suppliers in the Puget Sound area. There’s lilac, ginger snap, fresh sage, lemon drop, chocolate-covered cherries and more. She recently made a batch of Apple Jack, which is CONTINUED ON 15

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NOVEMBER 2014

SOAP

Page 15

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CONTINUED FROM 14

cinnamon with colorful flecks of apple.

Miles said she is extremely busy this time of year with soap making since they make such great gifts for the holidays. While she’s got the process down after years of practice, she said it still takes precision and patience.

The home business is also great for her rural Whidbey lifestyle.

In addition to two boys and two milk goats, she has a male goat, two dogs, eight sheep and a bunch of giant turkeys to care for.

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Page 16

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

Festival of Trees eyes $140,000

By MICHELLE BEAHM

Get your pocket books and bidding paddles ready, the 16th annual Festival of Trees is underway.

The sparkling, familiar event will be coming to Oak Harbor 5:50 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.

Held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County, this year’s auction will include 14 trees, two garlands and eight wreaths to auction off.

But it’s not just trees to purchase. There will be a live and silent auction as well, with prizes such as diamond earrings, tickets to Disneyland, a football signed by Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett and more.

“It’s a fun time for people to come and kind of kick off the holiday season,” said Penny Perka, executive director the organization. “You can come and you can kind of do your Christmas shopping and know that you’re supporting a good organization.”

The Festival of Trees serves as the nonprofit’s main fundraising event each year, with the funds going directly to supporting matching the children, or littles, in the program with mentors, or bigs.

“You can see across time that kids who have a big, that someone’s there to listen to them and cares about their opinion … having that sort of grounding can really

help,” Perka said.

Food will be provided by Scott Fraser of Fraser’s Gourmet Hideaway. Music and games like a “wine toss,” which Perka described as a sort of ring toss game for “big kids,” will be played.

The object is to toss a ring around the neck of a wine bottle, which the tosser will then get to keep.

The cost for admission to the festival is $100 per person, though the majority of the funds raised will come from money spent at the auctions.

Perka said the fundraising goal this year is $115,000 - $140,000.

She said there will also be a time when people who don’t want to purchase anything available can donate money, however much they want. She calls this “Fund a Match.”

However, the big draw for the Festival of Trees is, of course, the trees.

This year they have 10 large trees and four table-top trees to auction off. Each will be sold already decorated.

“Over the years, we’ve had everything from Christmas in Paris to Rudolph,” said Hope McCormack, one of the decorators, about the decoration themes of each tree.

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NOVEMBER 2014

FESTIVAL

Page 17

CONTINUED FROM 16

“It’s anybody’s guess.”

Other examples of past themes include a Dr. Seuss tree, a snow man tree, a nutcracker tree, an African tree decorated with items brought back from the continent and more. Each year, the themes are kept secret until the festival itself.

“We have had about every theme you can imagine,” McCormack said. “There are also table-top trees that are themed and wreaths and garlands that are all part of the auction.”

McCormack has been helping to decorate the trees for the festival for five or six years, she said, and she started after meeting the former decorating coordinator Molly Anthony, who stepped down last year.

McCormack asked to help, and is now one of the three members of the “Tree Trio,” as Perka has dubbed them, who help coordinate the decoration efforts.

“I enjoy the creativity of it,” McCormack said, “but also, I like what it stands for.

“I feel that Big Brothers Big Sisters does some incredible work in our community, and this is a way that I can help out and be a part of it.

“Once you’ve been to the event and seen the outpouring of generosity, you really build a sense of pride in your community and realize that everyone working together for one goal is a pretty amazing thing.”

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This year, Festival of Trees will auction off 10 decorated trees and four wreaths. Each item has a different them from Dr. Suess to snowmen to international themes.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Page 18

‘Tis the season to share gifts of

Party can bring sparkle to island holidays

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Midnight Kitchen in Freeland caters holiday parties. Charcuterie buffet is an simple option.

A holiday trend has emerged that’s music to Gloria Mickunas’ ears.

“Parties are back,” Mickunas said.

Mickunas, an event planner and owner of Coupeville-based Whidbey Party Girls!, is seeing a comeback of sorts in home and company parties during the holidays. She’s even seen weddings return to larger stature.

These are welcome developments in recent years for Mickunas, who’s been planning events on Whidbey Island since 2003.

“There’s an upward turn,” Mickunas said. “The economy is doing better.

People have a little more disposable income.”

All that translates into a busier-thanusual 2014 holiday season on Whidbey for event planners, caterers, florists and businesses that sell and rent party accessories.

“I think it’s a two-fold thing,” said Robyn Kolaitis, owner of the Whidbey

Party Store in Oak Harbor. “People are relaxing a little more with their money.

And we’re seeing more people come to the island.”

Kolaitis’ success revolves largely around the military population at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station with her business catering specifically to mothers and their children.

Around the holidays, she becomes a go-to person for balloon sculptures and centerpieces for parties, as well as a plethora of party supplies from paper plates to napkins.

“New Year’s is our biggest day of the year,” Kolaitis said. “We can never have enough plastic champagne glasses.”

Balloons have become big at holiday parties, Mickunas said.

Clients looking for special decor are requesting balloon sculptures, centerpieces or even “balloon garlands with floral embellishments,” Mickunas said.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

PARTIES

Page 19

CONTINUED FROM 18

taining needs for large gatherings are rental businesses such as Oak Harbor’s Diamond Rentals, which added special events rentals in 2008.

On top of renting tents, tables and chairs, the company also has a vintage collection of unique rental items, including luxury linens, lace tablecloths and detail pieces — even a disco ball for New Year’s eve parties.

“We do quite a bit of linens and tables and chairs for the holidays,” said owner Mary Jo Lambert. “We have a few reservations for Thanksgiving.”

Another rental option on the island is to rent a whole line of dishware and glassware through the Plates for Dates service provided by the Soroptimists International of Coupeville.

“One hundred percent of the money goes back into the community of Coupeville,” Mickunas said.

Mickunas chooses from a wide range of suppliers and caterers depending on her client’s budget and emphasis.

Oftentimes, the client wants the

focus to be on the food in which caterers will prepare special dishes or bring in something more simple such as meat and cheese platters.

Scott Pendell, owner of The Midnight Kitchen catering business in Freeland, said food tends to be more formal but the atmosphere more casual during the holidays.

He said the parties he and his wife Stephanie cater to tend often to encompass a “community, family type of feel” with a buffet setting and no wait staff desired.

It’s the time of year when prime rib or beef tenderloin is preferred to chicken or salmon, he said.

“Basically, this is the time of year when there tends to be more expensive, primal cuts,” Pendrell said.

The focus isn’t always on food, however.

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Oftentimes hosts want a party’s focus to be on the food and caterers prepare special dishes, such as a crab feed.

with a focus on flavor with some even being non-alcoholic.

“Craft cocktails are just so fun right now,” Mickunas said. “You can kind of run with it.

“So much goes into it with herbs and local produce. Back in the day, you had a Cosmo. Cosmos are kind of out. Now, it’s more herbaceous, fruity, what’s fresh, using what’s seasonal.”

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Page 20

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

Holiday tablescapes: Fresh finds to inspire any table The holiday home entertaining season is gearing up, which means it’s time to take your entertaining dreams and inspirations and make them a reality.

As you begin planning for the next time you play hostess with the mostest, don’t let the creativity stop with the food. Create a holiday tablescape to set the mood and serve as the focal point so you can have the prettiest and most festive holiday party possible.

Inspiration can come from the changing seasons, touches of color, unique pieces and chic dinnerware to draw your guests in to an inviting celebration of friends, family and food. Not sure how to tackle your table? Follow these tips from the entertaining experts at CorningWare, Corelle and more to help you turn your table from simple to simply breathtaking.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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Throwback tablescapes using family treasures Use a family heirloom as your starting point to bring a totally custom and retro twist to the table. Not only will it help to choose a color theme, but it will serve as a great conversation starter and ice breaker. Whether it’s your grandmother’s gorgeous glass vase filled with seasonal flowers that pop, or a retro tree topper, everyone at the table will notice and enjoy an unexpected piece.

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Nothing adds color and fun to a table like sweet treats. Find uniquely shaped bowls and glasses and fill them to the brim with your favorite colorful holiday candy like candy corn. Fill an oversized hurricane glass with mini candy canes or chocolates and marshmallows for after-dinner s’mores. Get personal and create your own “Friendsgiving” cornucopia filled with treasures your guests will love, like old pictures, ticket stubs or favorite candies.

Stay chic with the classics Invest in quality, white dinnerware and serveware to easily transition from

holiday entertaining to everyday use.

Classic white plates complemented with white baking and serving vessels can serve as a blank canvas to add color and personal touches. Boutique

by Corelle is a timeless dinnerware set that resists breaks, chips, scratches and stains providing durability to create the perfect table season after season. And French White CorningWare with its classic fluting makes every dish you serve look extra smart.

Add seasonal elements Personalize the table with your favorite seasonal flowers, fruits and vegetables for an organic and fresh look.

These elements bring pops of color and texture to amplify your tablescape.

For arrangements, look for white lilies, red roses, green button poms and other festive greenery, such as berries, pinecones and sprigs of cedar. Not only will it look beautiful, but it will smell good, too.

Match it up The best way to create a cohesive look is with full sets of dishes, glassware and silverware. You can get everything to complete your table at CorningWare, Corelle and more stores, which offer complete kitchenware collections from over 80 well-known and trusted brands including Corelle, CorningWare, Baker’s Secret, Chicago Cutlery and Pyrex.

Not to mention, CorningWare, Corelle and more offer holiday products with the color schemes and patterns you need to complete your festive look. You can find a store closest to you at www.shopworldkitchen.com/stores Not only will guests bask in the creative design of your stunning tablescape, but the table will bring everyone together to create new memories — which is what the season is all about.

For more ways to make your spread spectacular, visit www.shopworldkitch en.com — Family Features

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

Page 21

Shop smart: Find the perfect holiday gifts for men The pressure to find the perfect gift when shopping for men this holiday season can easily become a daunting endeavor, but with online retailers, shoppers can better search for the perfect gift with these simple tips.

“It’s important to remember that a well thought-out gift often leaves the greatest, lasting impression,” says Denis Daly Wood, founder of fourthgeneration luxury men’s designer and online retailer Dalys 1895.

Well-versed in luxury menswear, Wood curates innovative and exclusive accessories from around the world for Dalys 1895 each season. He offers the follow tips to help ease the gift buying process: n Hone in on what he loves. Keep the recipient’s interests in mind while shopping. If the recipient spends his free time sailing or by the beach, nautical-themed cufflinks or Caravaggio pocket squares are tasteful ways to incorporate his interests into a useful gift. n Think outside the box. Everyone loves receiving thoughtful, one-of-akind gifts. Engravable items, such as sterling silver money clips, are not only useful but should be personalized to make the gift even more heartfelt.

ing. Wearable technology, like sterling silver 16GB USB cufflinks, are a great gift that complement style and function, allowing him to store his favorite movies, music and more on-the-go. n Build in extra time. Consider reputable online retailers to avoid mall traffic, but be sure to take shipping time into account. If an item needs to be engraved or embroidered, build in ample time to ensure the gift arrives in time for the holidays. n Find a retailer with a generous return policy. Even with the best intentions, gifts may need to be exchanged.

Seek out a retailer which offers free returns and other customer service perks.

By being a savvy shopper this holiday season, you can ease the gift-giving process and make a lasting impression.

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n Make practical purchases. If the recipient is a frequent traveler, an overnight tote or weekender bag. While everyone loves a good gag gift every now and then, the most well-received gifts are tasteful and practical. n Set a spending cap. It may be tempting to overspend, but it is important to set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Many online sites allow you to filter products by price. You should use these price sorting filters to ensure you shop smart. n Find versatile gifts. Finding a gift that satisfies a number of the recipients’ interests can be difficult but will ultimately prove to be gratify-

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Wearable technology, such as USB cufflinks, makes a stylish and practical gift for men.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Page 22

NOVEMBER 2014

Celebrate and Create: Tips for a perfect DIY holiday This season, let your creative side shine with thoughtful gifts that are fun to create and add cheer to the lives of those you love.

Turning everyday items from ordinary to extraordinary, Erica Domesek, creator of the lifestyle site “P.S. — I made this,” offers these affordable, on-trend projects and tips to elevate your mornings and make your holidays delightfully DIY:

Weekender Gift Basket Will you be traveling and staying with family and friends over the holidays?

Never show up empty handed! A basket of coffee accessories is the perfect go-to holiday gift for the host who has everything. Fill the basket with elements that complement each other, from coffee mugs to kitchen towels to coasters.

Monogram Coaster Set For a gift that’s totally unique, use your loved one’s initials to create a beautiful, personalized monogrammed coaster set.

This practical and charming gift will brighten up any table space.

Metallic Patterned Coffee Mugs

Supplies: Painters tape Basket Newspaper Metallic silver spray paint Directions: 1. Tape off handles and inside of basket using painters tape and newspaper 2. Spray paint the outside of the basket 3. Allow to dry 4. Remove painters tape and newspaper 5. Fill with Millstone coffee, mugs and other goodies

Monogram Coaster Set Supplies: Gold letter rub-on transfers 4-inch-by-4-inch white ceramic tiles Craft stick Gold paint pen Sponge brush Decoupage glue Felt bumpers Directions: 1. Cut out transfer letters and rub one onto each ceramic tile using craft stick 2. Use gold paint pen to paint the sides of each tile 3. Allow to dry 4. Use sponge brush to apply two coats of decoupage glue as a sealer 5. After decoupage glue has dried, add felt bumpers to the bottom corners of each tile

Metallic Patterned Coffee Mugs Supplies: Pencil White mugs Metallic gold oil-based paint marker Oven Directions: 1. Sketch out design on mug with pencil 2. Draw over pencil with metallic marker 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes (hand wash only) — Family Features

EBRAT

G IN

CEL

Make metallic your new neutral. A combination of gold, silver and bronze adds sparkle and shine to ordinary morning mugs. Create a set of four for the family, then relax and celebrate with a cup of coffee.

Weekender Gift Basket

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A Store Store full

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE of

Microchip to offer more secure shopping ahead Following several high-profile security breaches in recent years, consumers have more reason than ever to be concerned about their privacy when using debit and credit cards. Fortunately, an effort is underway to implement new technology across the United States that will better protect shoppers and their private information.

The Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) card is widely used overseas and can be found in the United States. You may have an EMV card in your wallet without knowing it. In fact, according to EMVCo, 45 percent of the total payment cards in circulation globally include EMV chip technology. New guidelines being rolled out in the United States will hold banks or retailers that have not implemented this new security liable for fraud, so by late 2015, consumers can expect to see these changes closer to home.

What is EMV? The Smart Card Alliance describes EMV as a set of specifications for smart card payments and acceptance devices that provide strong transaction security features and capabilities not possible with traditional magnetic stripe cards. The EMV chip in the payment card is an embedded microprocessor that keeps your money and financial information from falling into the wrong hands.

What makes EMV more secure?

EMV offers greater security than the traditional magnetic stripe debit or credit cards. An important distinction is that data is stored on a chip rather than the familiar magnetic stripe, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit an EMV card.

“As opposed to magnetic strip technology commonly used in credit and debit cards throughout the country, the EMV chip is extremely difficult to crack by hackers,” said Philippe Benitez, vice president of business development for secure transactions for Gemalto, a digital security company that provides the EMV

technology. “The card also contains a unique ‘stamp’ that prevents your personal and financial information from being used fraudulently in the event that your card is stolen or lost.”

From a technology perspective, EMV boosts security through: The chip: A smart card chip is a small computer (or microprocessor) that has its own data storage, processing power and application software.

A unique code: EMV cards generate a unique code that is validated by your bank for each transaction and cannot be re-used. A transaction using a fake card with stolen data can’t happen at an EMV terminal because it wouldn’t be able to generate the proper code.

Advanced cryptography: EMV security is based on strong cryptography, which is used to generate the unique transaction code that allows the terminal to authenticate the card.

How will EMV change my shopping experience?

Instead of swiping your card, now you’ll “dip” your card into the payment terminal, holding it in place to allow the transfer of data. Shoppers should expect that this process will take slightly longer than the traditional quick swipe of a magnetic card. EMV technology also enables contactless payments, so shoppers may instead “tap” their contactless EMV cards, which are just as secure and speed up the check-out experience.

Card issuers, your bank or credit company, will determine whether you are required to enter a pin or sign to verify your purchase.

Initially, cards will include both EMV and magnetic stripe technology, so you can be assured your card will work whether the retailer has adopted the new system or not.

For more information, go to www.that semv.com or www.gemalto.com/emv — Family Features

great

Giftt ideas Gif

Page 23

Burton Holiday Open House Saturday December 7 - 9:30am to 6 pm We invite you to come in and discover beautiful and interesting ideas in jewelry and gifts that we provide or offer.

New Show Customwith Special Featured Jewelry Exquisite Jewelry Designs Canadian Certified Extended Displays from Some of Our

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Natural Fancy Colored Diamonds including Yellow, of Chocolate Dozens Colored, Engagement Ring Pink, and Green.

Styles from the Sholdt Design Collection.

Burton’s New Silver Jewelry collection is a Natural Fancy collaboration between Colored Diamonds local artist including Yellow, Ora Petersen and Chocolate Colored, PhilipPink, Burton, priced and Green. from $175 Extensive Gold Chain & Earring Collection displayed by Loren Leong.

Fine Swiss “Burton” brand watches, 3 year warranty, Hundreds of Blue complimentary Sapphires from batteries for life, Sri Lanka some with automatic presented by movements.

Shehan Stephen.

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Shimmering Diamonds Collection, a new setting technique, makes the We carry thediamond largest come selection alive!of fine tableware and glassware for your Presented by Kim Stanger.

holiday entertaining in the region!

$1000 Shopping Spree Raffle To benefit the Anacortes 100 Food Bank. Tickets are $10 and on sale now in Burton Jewelers. Winner will be Drawn at 8pm Friday, December 5 at the Holiday Artwalk event.

HOLIDAY ART WALK “Gems & Jazz” Friday, Dec. 5 - 6 to 9 pm

Featuring the paintings of Max Benjamin, oils and pastels; and Steve Klein, art glass. A special collection of “phenomenal” gems, which have qualities like color change in different lights, star effects and pleochroism will be shown. Examples would be alexandrite, star ruby and sapphire and chrysoberyl cat’s eye. The jazz guitarist featured is our long time friend Julian Catford who will perform jazz greats and holiday favorites throughout the evening. Refreshments will be served.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Page 24

NOVEMBER 2014

Finding unique and ‘fun-ctional’ gifts for children If you’re looking for a unique alternative to the traditional trucks and dolls, a holiday gift that is both fun and functional is an ideal way to treat the kids on your shopping list this year.

A present that is fun and has a purpose lets you get creative as you tackle holiday shopping and feel good about giving a gift that can be used rather than being added to the already overwhelming mountain of toys and gadgets gracing most kids’ bedrooms.

Start by gathering some basic details about the kids you’re buying for, such as favorite colors, sports teams, activities and so on. Ask parents for ideas that fall more toward “needs” than “wants” and you’ll be on your way.

For some added inspiration, consider these unique but usable kidfriendly gift ideas: Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Find gifts that are both fun and functional for your children, like cooling a pack that doubles as a stuffed animal.

BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS

Bedding: For a child who has recently transitioned from a crib to toddler bed or toddler bed to big-kid bed, sheets are a way to honor this exciting milestone.

Choose an appealing design, such as a beloved character, to maximize the fun factor. You can easily find sets under $30 at nearly any major retailer.

Pain management: Help soothe little ones’ pain and reduce fever in a lovable, non-threatening way with kid-friendly cuddly cooling and huggable heating packs. Thermal-Aid Zoo stuffed animals are available in seven different familiar animal characters that kids will embrace when it comes time to treat an ailment.

Find your favorite zoo animal at www.buy thermalaid.com; a current promotion lets

you get two for about $15, plus shipping and handling.

Storage: You can now find a wide range of storage solutions that appeal specifically to kids. From canvas cubes bearing funny critter faces to brightly colored bins and shelves, there are numerous options that help contain kids’ stuff in fun and funky containers. Prices vary widely, but can range from as little as $10 or less and up to $100 for larger units at most big box retailers.

Outdoor gear: After months back in school, the holiday break may be the first extended period the kids on your list get to spend outside. Send them out to the elements in style with outerwear appropriate for your climate, such as matching scarf and gloves, new snow boots or a warm and cozy coat. You’re sure to find what you need at nearly any price point, from $5 for gloves up to $50 or more for a quality coat at most general retailers, clothing or sporting goods stores.

Activity books: Make learning fun with age-appropriate books that offer interactive activities such as connectthe-dots, coloring, mazes and more for toddlers and phonics, math and other subjects for the older kids. For an added touch, throw in a whimsical set of markers or crayons (parents will thank you if they’re washable). A book or two will run less than $10 at most major retailers.

Regardless of your budget, you can find fun and functional gifts for the youngest kids on your holiday shopping list that they’ll be excited to receive and you can feel good about giving.

— Family Features

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 2014

Prep devices for holiday travel The busiest travel weekend of the year is just around the corner and a smart traveler knows that before you hit the road here in the U.S. or head overseas, you do some planning and prep. Wardrobe, medications, itinerary — but what about your phone? Have you made sure you’re maximizing your phone’s usefulness and minimizing your costs? These travel prep tips will help you get the most out of your phone and help you save money.

Check Your Data Plan

Get the Right Gear

Check your plan — Call your network provider and find out what you already pay for and if you need to do anything to beef up your data.

Turn Off Data Roaming — Avoid hefty fees by turning off data roaming on your phone under “settings.” It will save you money but severely limits your communication options.

Use Wi-Fi — Wi-Fi is pretty much everywhere in the world and many of today’s new smartphones are equipped with Wi-Fi Calling capabilities. In the U.S., you can use Wi-Fi at coffee shops, hotels and even campsites.

Abroad use local Wi-Fi to make unlimited, free calls back to the U.S. from virtually anywhere.

— Family Features

Smartphone? Tablet? Both? — Depending on the length of your trip, consider whether you need to bring all your devices or just a few. Today’s smartphones are minicomputers with access to maps, powerful mini-cameras and tons of entertainment apps.

If you want to travel light, consider leaving the camera and tablet at home and invest in upgrading to a larger-screened smartphone.

Chargers — For overseas travel, invest in an extra charger with an international plug for the region where you are traveling or look for adapters that will let you charge in multiple countries. You may want to look for one with a surge protector built in. Other options are wireless charging pads or USB battery packs.

You’ll probably use a lot more data than usual when you’re traveling. Make sure you have the right data plan to cover those map downloads and Facebook photo posts.

Internationally, calling and texting back home can be expensive and can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars a day or more. To call and text while traveling, you have a few options:

Page 25

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Page 26

NOVEMBER 2014

Stocking stuffers for outdoor enthusiasts and DIYers

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While checking those big ticket items off your holiday shopping list can be stressful, don’t let stocking stuffers bog you down. Simple gifts that show you care about your recipient and their hobbies work great.

Glasses, secured For those with prescription glasses, consider clip-on sunglasses with UV protection.

These are handy for those who don’t wear contacts but still want the same protection from the sun for their eyes.

And don’t forget that keeping one’s glasses or sunglasses secured is a must — whether out on the water for a day white water rafting or in the yard on the riding mower.

A glasses retainer is just the tool to do the trick. This inexpensive item can be found

at most optical retailers and sporting goods stores and usually comes in a variety of colors and styles.

Light it up No one appreciates powerful, long-lasting light more than campers and DIY-ers.

Go beyond a standard flashlight, however, and check out the new line of lights with Light Fusion Technology which includes flashlights, a pop-up lantern and a folding lantern that are easy to operate, water-resistant and lightweight enough to take anywhere.

Make sure to include highquality batteries.

Leaking batteries are a common problem and can cause corrosion, ruining a great device when you need it most.

Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Find the perfect stocking stuffer for people who love the outdoors with items like flashlights and other useful tools.

Knife sharpener No hunter, angler or camper should leave home for an adventure without a knife sharpener. Every garage should have this tool, as well.

Gift this essential gear this season for happier trails and

DIY-ing.

Stocking stuffers are an easy way to be extra thoughtful. You don’t need to spend a fortune to include items that will be invaluable to your gift recipients during their next projects or outdoor adventures.

— StatePoint

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Personalized Bookmarks Outfit bibliophiles with some cool new reading gear. Encourage them to scrap the scrap paper with a personalized bookmark. Consider cross stitching or engraving a message onto wood or metal.

If you aren’t crafty, many artisans make personalized bookmarks, and their wares are available online. Just be sure to place your order ahead of time! Consider a message that includes a favorite literary quote.

Postcard Books Postcard books make perfect gifts.

Check out two new titles borne out of Wilhelm Staehle’s web comic, “Sihouette Masterpiece Theater.” Book lovers may

recognize his signature style, as he’s illustrated jackets for top authors like Michael Chabon and Michael Crichton.

“Hugs and Misses” is perfect for romantics with a sense of humor, featuring lovelorn ladies, roguish gentleman, renegade Cupids and indecent proposals. “Stars and Swipes” offers a hilarious vision of classic Americana, with farcical frontiersman, prattling presidents and other all-American oddities.

Book Lamp For night owls, a reading lamp can keep the party going. The ideal lamp will have focused, task lighting and a flexible neck to illuminate the page without disturbing bedfellows or roommates. Some book lights even attach directly to the book, making nocturnal reading simple.

A Little Humor Serve up some laughter in book for-

mat with comedian Carol Leifer’s new collection of essays, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying,” which charts her three-decade journey through show business, illuminating her many triumphs and some missteps along the way, and offering valuable lessons for women and men in any profession. Part memoir, part guide to life, it offers tips and tricks for getting ahead.

Some Inspiration For readers who are also aspiring writers, be a patron of their art. Consider gifting a beautiful journal and fountain pen. Or make an I.O.U. certificate to fund a class at a local or online creative writing school.

Don’t fret, when it comes to avid readers, there are plenty of ways to make the holiday season merry.

— StatePoint

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Stocking stuffers for book lovers

Page 27

BBQ’S SMOKERS GAS

NOVEMBER 2014

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