Special Sections - WHIDBEY XTRA May 6 2015

Langley

Good Cheer Thrift Stores Creating a Hunger Free Community Since 1962

Open 7 Days a Week www.goodcheer.org

Clinton

Whidbey Xtra!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015 | Vol. 1, No. 1 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | FREE

WH I

By RON NEWBERRY

THE

Considering the date on the calendar, it couldn’t have been a better day to be out on the water.

There was filtered sunshine, views of snowcapped mountains, nearby bald eagles and little wind resistance to stop a group of paddlers in a long, narrow boat from gliding across the bay in Oak Harbor.

Taking advantage of such ideal conditions, the paddlers shifted to a power stroke and got so carried away that they left more than just a wake and a few ripples behind them.

Genie Boyer’s stocking cap was no longer by her side.

“Who’s going to get it?” one paddler shouted.

Dragon boating often comes with its share of thrills, chills and misadventures.

For the two teams that make up Whidbey Island’s North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club, participation means a boat load of vigorous workouts, camaraderie, encouragement and often a sense of returning home feeling refreshed.

BEST OF

WHIDBEY

rnewberry@whidbeynewsgroup.com

X

EW EY N S GR DB

P OU

Dragon boat club offers health, camaraderie

Voting StartS May 6th!

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

ONLINE AT www.whidbeynewstimes.com OR BY PAPER BALLOT PUBLISHING MAY 6TH & 27TH IN THE WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES

you need the newspaper

Photo by Ron Newberry/Whidbey News Group

Cathie Harrison, left, of Coupeville, handles the lead along with Mare Chapman during a Team Tsunami dragon boat outing from the Oak Harbor Marina Sunday.

The club has been around since 2006 and split into two teams two years ago, creating Team Tsunami and Team Stayin’ Alive.

Each is competitive in its own right; however, Team Tsunami, which was on the

water on a gorgeous Sunday, is known to be a little more hardcore.

Evidence of that was on display in mid-November when not even a layer of ice near the Oak Harbor Marina could keep a portion of the

team off the water.

The boat wound up getting stuck near the marina with the bow propped on top of the ice, according to Bill Walker, the coach of the team who didn’t participate on that frozen day.

“I heard the stories,” Walker said with a laugh.

Steeped in Chinese culture, dragon boating has become an international team paddling sport with

Enjoy your newly redesigned Whidbey News Group shopper.

Place an ad to reach over 16,750 Oak Harbor readers!

SEE PAGE 3

1 You’re looking for something to do this weekend.

2 You need a new roof.

3 Your cat had kittens...again!

4 You want to know who won the game last night.

5 You’re looking for a good preschool.

6 You want to know where the best deals are.

7 You need a new ride.

8 Your basement and garage are about to burst.

9 You could use a new job.

10 You care about what’s happening in your community.

Call Diane today to subscribe to the Whidbey News-Times 360-675-6611

Call your sales representative today 360-675-6611

Page 2

WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSGROUP.COM

Xtra!CALENDAR Wednesday May 6

Baby and Me Storytime, 9:30-10:15 a.m., May 6 and 13, Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room. Stories, songs, rhymes and activities that inspire a love of reading.

Playtime follows. For newborns through 24 months.

Caregiver required. Free. www.sno-isle.org

Thursday May 7

Ready Readers: Preschool Storytime, 9:30-10:15 a.m., May 7 and 14, at the Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room.

Books, sing-along songs and creative activities that prepare young minds for reading. For ages 3 to 5 years. Free. www.sno-isle. org Coupeville Garden Club Guest Speakers, 9:30-11 a.m., May 7, at the Coupeville Rec Hall.

Sue Milliken and Kelly Dodson, the proprietors of Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend, will be the guest speakers.

Milliken and Dodson are recognized nationally as rare plant specialists and by their own description are “passionate and obsessed” about plants.

The meeting is open to the public at no charge with a plant sale from the Far Reaches nursery followed by the presentation.

Pacific Rim Institute 2015 Prairie Open House, May 7-9. Naturalist tours of the prairie at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., bonfire by the Historic Owl Barn at 8 p.m. May

7; naturalist tours of the prairie at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 8; and naturalist tours of the prairie at 10 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., dedication and celebration at 3 p.m. May 9. The dedication and celebration will be a time to celebrate the recent purchase of the campus and pray for the future of Pacific Rim Institute. All events are free and family friendly. Tours last about an hour and include less than a mile of flat trails. If you have physical limitations and would like to schedule a special driving tour, call 360-678-5586.

Coupeville Lions Club Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 7, at the Coupeville United Methodist Church. One pint of blood can save three lives. To donate, drop in or schedule an appointment by emailing donorsched@psbc.org For more information, call Paddy Roberts at 360678-8746 or 360-678-4105.

Alzheimer Family Support Group Meeting, 2:30-4:30 p.m., May 7, at Summer Hill Assisted Living, Oak Harbor. For those coping with memory loss and dementia.

Support, education and resources.

2015 Salmon Recovery Project Presentations and Open House, 2:30-6 p.m., May 7, at the Heller Road Fire Station. The public will have an opportunity to learn about projects being proposed for 2015 Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funding, which includes state and federal funding sources, in Island County.

The Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) is hosting the

event. Project sponsors will be presenting their projects to the WRAC 2:30-4:30. An open house will follow 4:30-6:00. This time will provide residents with a chance to review actions being considered with project sponsors and to provide comments to project sponsors and project reviewers. Island County Salmon Recovery and Natural Resources staff will be in attendance to discuss the proposed activities. www.islandcountyeh.org

Saturday May 9

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Whidbey Island Meeting, 10 a.m., May 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland. Mary Jo Strain of the Toastmasters Club will speak on the topic “Your Brilliant Life: You + Your Organization Can Change the World!” The public is welcome.

Growing Healthy Children: A STARS Training: Socks Rock!, 10 a.m. to noon, May 9, at the Coupeville Library.

Discover how you can easily incorporate sock puppets into your circle time to reinforce early literacy skills. Each participant will turn an ordinary sock into an extraordinary puppet. Space is limited; registration is required.

Island County Master Gardener Plant Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 9, at Greenbank Farm. Have your choice of perennials, native plants, shrubs and veggies. There will also be a master gardener plant clinic. Come with your plant questions. Or bring

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 • WhidbeyXtra!

BACKYARD BIRDS: 2-3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Learn how to attract birds to your backyard. Artist Craig Johnson and his wife, writer Joy Johnson, spent many years observing and photographing birds.

They will share their film, “Birds, Backyard Habitat & Beyond.” Watch wildlife forage for food, create nests, raise young, maintain plumage and more. Presented in partnership with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust and Whidbey Audubon.

a piece of the plant that is giving you problems for the experts to help you out. There will also be personal shoppers to assist you in purchasing the right plant for your environment.

NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Seminar, 1-5 p.m., May 9, at North Whidbey Sportsmens Association.

Team taught by two women NRA-certified instructors. Learn the personal safety tips and techniques you need to avoid dangerous situations and avoid becoming a victim. The cost of the seminar is $20 and includes a student packet.

For questions, call NRA Instructor John Hellmann at 360-675-8397 or email nwsa.training@gmail.com Regsister online at www. nrainstructors.org where you can select the course and search and it will come up in the search results. Additional information can be found at www.northwhidbeysportsmen.org Cantabile of Skagit Valley Spring Concert, Soul Rising, 7:30 p.m., May 9, at the First Reformed Church, Oak Harbor. The concert celebrates life, love and rebirth and will feature Fauré Requiem, with the Starry Night Orchestra and Seattle soloist Ryan Bede; love songs by Stroope, with Stephanie Bethea on flute; and The Little Jazz Mass

by Chilcott, with instrumental jazz ensemble.

Suggested donation $15.

Sunday May 10

Mother’s Day Concert, 12-4 p.m., May 10, at Meerkerk Gardens. Come

and hear Harper Tasche perform on his antique instruments playing folk music, specializing in the harp. This will be his 22st year performing at Meerkerk Gardens. Bring your blanket, wine, cheese and lunch. Cost is $10. www.meerkerkgardens.org

Monday May 11

Light Work, 5:307:30 p.m., May 11, at the Coupeville Library. Light is what makes it happen.

Learning to manipulate and control light, understanding the characteristics and types of light, and learning to “find” the light will allow the photographer to create photos with more depth and visual appeal. Free.

Tuesday May 12

Ready Readers: Toddler Storytime, 9:3010:15 a.m., May 12 and 19, Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room. Stories, music and movements that nurture the desire to read in toddlers.

Playtime or craft may follow. For ages 2 to 3 years.

Caregiver required. Free. www.sno-isle.org Growing Healthy Children: A STARS Training: Beyond the Spoken Word, 6:30-8:30 p.m., May 12, at the Oak Harbor Library. Explore the use of American Sign Language with songs and stories. Participants will have an opportunity to learn and practice simple signs that can be incorporated into day-to-day communication with small children. Space is

limited; registration is required

Friday May 15

Whidbey Island Community Orchestra concerts, 7-8 p.m., May 15, at Coupeville High School Performing Arts Center. Works featuring Strauss, Sibelius, Queen, the Beatles and music from Downton Abbey.

James Hinkley, solo cellist, will be featured. Light refreshments afterward, with a chance to meet the musicians. Free. www. whidbeyorchestras.org

Saturday May 16

Birds in Spring: a fun, hands-on educational program, 10-11:30 a.m., May 16, at the Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room.

Attendees will enjoy a short educational presentation then participate in a hands-on art project all about birds. Specimens will be available to touch and explore — including nests and beaks. www. wclt.org or www.whidbeyaudubon.org Family Fest, 12-4 p.m., May 16, at North Whidbey Middle School.

Community organizations and local businesses are invited to host a booth.

Any donations collected in excess of event expenses will be donated to SPIN Cafe of Oak Harbor.

Entertainers, face painters, performing groups are also welcome. Contact eventsandinfo@comcast.net or 360-675-2338 for more information and vendor registration form.

WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSGROUP.COM

CLUB

FROM PAGE1 competitive racing held all over the world.

More locally, races are held at events and festivals throughout Washington, and Vancouver, British, Columbia, is home each June to one of the oldest and largest dragon boat festivals outside of Asia.

Both teams in the Oak Harbor-based North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club participate in regional races; however, the groups are made up of members of all ages who take part largely for fitness and a supportive team atmosphere.

With 22 people in a boat typically required to race, both teams are recruiting new members.

“Most dragon boat festivals have races for all levels

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 • WhidbeyXtra!

How to join The Whidbey Island-based North Puget Sound Dragon Boat Club, a nonprofit organization, features two teams of various skill levels and emphasis that are recruiting new members. Practices are based out of the Oak Harbor Marina during the season with pool practice available during the winter. Team Tsunami is a competitive team that focuses on rigorous workouts and improving form and technique for competitive racing. Team Stayin’ Alive is a team focused on fun, friends and fitness that has competed in Masters Division (over age 55), Mixed Division and Cancer Survivor races. Guests may paddle up to three times without incurring any costs. Members pay $75 annual dues. www.npsdragonboat.org of ability as well as races for purely recreational teams,” said Roberta Piercy, who shares coaching responsibilities of Team Tsunami with Walker and also participates on a Seattle team. “It is the spirit of competition that counts.”

Club membership ranges in age from 18 to 74 with

most members over the age of 50. Some participants are cancer survivors.

“It doesn’t matter how great of an athlete each individual is,” Walker said. “It’s more about each person’s individual dedication to a team.”

Dragon boat racing is a sport of synchronization,

Julie Engstrom, left, is the caller for the team while Doug Mason, right, is the till, or steersperson. involving a caller at the front of the boat shouting out commands and a till at the rear, controlling the boat’s direction.

During races, the caller often will be playing a drum while barking out commands.

Both teams on Whidbey share the boat, which is docked at the Oak Harbor Marina. Practices are held on alternating days with indoor pool sessions held during the winter.

Cathie Harrison and Mare Chapman paddled

LOCAL

BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Coupeville Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Info 905 NW Alexander St, Coupeville director@coupevillechamber.com 360-678-5434 coupevillechamber.com

Page 3

FLOORING Northwest Granite & Flooring 687 Mobius Loop suzette.nwgf@hotmail.com 360-675-4978 www.nwgraniteandflooring.com

Elaine McDowell Managing Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island EMcDowell@windermere.com 360-929-1500 ElaineMcDowell.withwre.com

Linda Earnhart, Managing Broker, REALTOR®, CRS, GRI Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Earnhart@whidbey.net 360-929-0922 WhidbeyIslandHomes.com

PAINTING Painter’s Alley 33650 SR 20, Oak Harbor diamondrent@comcast.net 360-279-0723 www.facebook.com/paintersalley

COUNTERTOPS Northwest Granite & Flooring 687 Mobius Loop suzette.nwgf@hotmail.com 360-675-4978 www.nwgraniteandflooring.com

INSURANCE Sue Blouin CIC, ACSR Koetje Leavitt Insurance 775 NE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor sue-blouin@leavitt.com 360-675-5916 www.leavitt.com/oak harbor

Judith Zapanta-Borras Managing Broker, Windermere 32785 SR 20 Ste 4, Oak Harbor judithzapanta@windermere.com 360-914-7759(c) 360-675-5953 (ofc) www.judithzapanta.withwre.com

NON PROFIT Prenancy Care Clinic 670 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor execdir@islandspcc.org 360-675-2096 www.islandspec.org

EQUIPMENT RENTAL Diamond Rental 33650 SR 20, Oak Harbor diamondrent@comcast.net 360-279-0723 ww.diamondrentals.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT Cheri English, Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Cheri@Ask4Cheri.com 360-320-9764 Agent4Life.net

Julie Kinnaird, Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island JulieKinnaird@windermere.com 360-632-6619 JulieKinnaird.withwre.com

Boys and Girls Club 98 NE Barron Dr., Oak Harbor nbarone@bgcsc.org 360-240-9273 www.bgoh.org

SEWING MACHINE & VACUUM REPAIR Island Sewing and Vacuum 31570 SR 20 Ste 101, Oak Harbor customerservice@islandsewnvac.com 360-679-2282 www.islandsewandvac.com

from the front of the boat Sunday, setting the pace for the rest.

“Reach it out!” Harrison shouted repeatedly.

Eventually, Boyer reached down to grab her cap and Team Tsunami was soon back it again, powering on.

This Weeks Featured Business

Since 1969, Island Sewing & Vacuum has provided quality vacuum and sewing machine sales and repair to Whidbey Island. People come for our low prices and return for our expertise, comprehensive knowledge. We service all makes and models, and specialize in Kirby, Dyson, and Oreck vacuums.

Antique sewing machines are repaired with 100% original parts and guaranteed to be fully operational.

“Your Satisfaction Is Our Guarantee” We focus on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction – we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.

ISLAND SEWING AND VACUUM

31570 SR 20 Ste 101, Oak Harbor customerservice@islandsewnvac.com 360-679-2282 www.islandsewandvac.com

Find more savings at FURNITUREWORLDNW.COM WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSGROUP.COM Wednesday, May 6, 2015 • WhidbeyXtra!

g n i r p 855 SSale!

Page 4

VE A HUGE SELECTION THAT CHANGES DAILY! 7 Pc. Group

Available in 6 colors

499

All On Sale! Huge Selection of 5pc Dining Set Dining Room and More Arriving$Daily!

Includes Table and 4 Barstools

$

Includes: sofa, loveseat, coffee table, 2 end tables & pair of lamps

5pc Dining Set

499

5PC DINING $ SET

649

table and chairs$ 6pc Dining Set 4includes

Includes Table and 4 Barstools

$

249

$

59

Recliner $349

4PC BEDROOM PACKAGE Available in 3 colors

799 788

95 table, coffee 2 end tables & pair 788 Sectional $ of lamps

Available in 2 colors: $ Includes:& Chocolate sofa, loveseat, Coblestone

ONLY

855 $

2pc. Sectional

699 $72895

Available in 6 colors

cliningQUEEN SofaSTORAGE BED

$

7 Pc. Group NOW

Includes queen bed, dresser, mirror and nightstand

Includes Table, 4 Chairs and Bench

5PC DINING SET

includes butterfly leaf table and 4 chairs

$

6pc Dining Set Includes Table, 4 Chairs and Bench

$

Reclining Sofa

NOW

699

788

95

$

699 699

Sectional

Sofa

$

$

799

SET

269 269

$ $

NOW $108895

$

ing Nail Head Sofa or oveseat with Console Wall Hugger

Recliner

$

NOW $108895

399

Sofa

Recliner

349

$ Swivel Gliding

Recliner

each

Includes Table, 4 Chairs & Bench

42"

399

60"

While They

Last!

399

$ Special Purchase

Recliner

42"

$ $ 42" $299 50" 50" 349 60" 399

lvd .

Available in 2 colors Oak Harbor ok ey B

I-5

While They

Last!

Special Purchase 360-682-2431

Exit 202

116th.

682-2431 Recliner 987 Ault (360) Field Rd.

TULALIP CASINO

Exit 200

Located across from Available in 2 colors Located across NASfrom Whidbey NAS Whidbey

88th.

TV STaND

TV STaND

60"

19215 Hwy 99 Lynnwood TV STANDS, 99YOUR CHOICE: 90Th St. SW

$744-6694 $ $ (425) 42" 299 50" 50”349 60" 60”399 Just42” north from I96 next

329

TV STaND $ Costco to business

369

TV STaND

$

194Th St. SW

524

58th Ave. W

Available 3 colors Located 1/2 mileinSouth of 116th St. Albertson’s

Recliner 987 Ault Field Road OAK HARBOR Sm

11031 10 StatetoAvenue M-F 7 Marysville SATSwivel 10 to Gliding 6 (360) 653-5312 Recliner SUN 12 to 5

699

TV Stands

TV STaND Last! Available in 2 colors Special To WWW.FURNITUREWORLDNW.COM Purchase for more great specials! www.furnitureworldnw.com

Available in 3 colors

$

SPECIAL PURCHASE! 50"

58th Pl W

119

Available in 6 colors

6pc Dining Set

60Th Ave. W

ABLES

Available in 2 colors

TV Stands

$ $399

St.

ReclinerGo

While They

Sta te

Wall Hugger

299

Available in 2 colors

SPECIAL PURCHASE!

Available in 3 colors

Last!

Special $ Purchase

749

NOW $108895

Loveseat $349 Matching recliner, loveseat, & full sleeper also available While They

269

Available in 6 colors

ECTION!

299

699 349 $

Available 2 colors Available in 6incolors

h

$

699

includes table and 4 chairs

Available in 3 colors

Also available in power

YOUR CHOICE

$

6pc Dining Set

Includes Table, 4 Chairs & Bench5PC DINING

Head Sofa or $ Loveseat $349 with Console $ Matching recliner, loveseat, & full sleeper also available Available Motion Sofa or Love Console Reclining Sofa in$3 colors Recliner 349 $

649

399

TV STaND

$

196Th St. SW

Fabric and styles may vary from illustration. **NO INTEREST 24 months, NO MONEY DOWN O.A.C. with $2500 min. furniture order. Purchase under min. eligible for 6 months NO INTEREST O.A.C. No interest if paid in full within contract terms.*Discounts do not apply to any previous purchases. Prices are good for new purchases only. No price match on any previous purchases. See store for details *No interest till 2012 minimum purchase of $2000. Under $2000 purchase over $1000 no interest for 1 year purchase. Under $1000 purchase wno interest for 6 months.