Call your sales representative today 360-675-6611

Enjoy your newly redesigned Whidbey News Group shopper.

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

Whidbey Xtra! WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2016 | Vol. 1, No. 38 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | FREE

After 100 years, WWII vet is still horsing around By RON NEWBERRY

rnewberry@whidbeynewstimes.com

The stuffed horse that rests on Harvey Lasell’s kitchen counter was a gift he purchased for a great grandchild, but it’s no mystery who has derived the most pleasure from the toy. “Pinch his right ear,” Lasell says to his housekeeper, who accommodates the request but accidently grabs the wrong one. “His right ear!” Lasell barks out. “Shirley, where did you go to school?” Lasell gets away with plenty from the wooden rocking chair in his Oak Harbor home these days. It’s part of the license he’s earned for living to be 100. Reach out to shake Lasell’s hand and you’re bound to grip an “Energy Stick” instead. The device, which lights up when electricity is conducted and it works properly, amuses him. But not as much as when he teases his housekeeper. “He calls me Shirley. It’s just Sheila,” said Sheila Ryan. “He gives me a hard time.” Friends and family have come to expect the unexpected from Lasell, who has maintained his wit and sense of humor while reaching an age associated with longevity. Lasell, a retired Naval officer and World War II veteran, celebrated his

Photo by Ron Newberry / Whidbey News-Times

Harvey Lasell’s centenarian status is the latest milestone of a life filled with memories of family and the Navy. 100th birthday this month on two different occasions, neither of them on the actual date he was born. The first was a gathering in his honor at the Officers Club at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in which local magician JR Russell played a

slideshow of Lasell’s life and asked him questions. “I asked him, ‘Harvey, everyone wants to know, what is the secret to living to 100?’” Russell said. “He said, ‘Don’t die.’” Joyce Kuhn has her own theories.

XTRA SPECIAL!

She said her dad has always been a proud and determined man, physically fit, independent and strongwilled, but admits good genes have likely played a role. Harvey Lasell was born Dec. 23, 1915, in Williamstown, Vt., grew

Present this coupon for

ONE ADDITIONAL MONTH FREE* on a paid one-year subscription

*Not to be combined with any other offers. No cash value.

up on a farm, became a keen shot and developed a love of horses at an early age. He later followed a family tradition by graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and served 21 years in the Navy, including time aboard the USS Yorktown during the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway in 1942. His skills as a marksman earned him the Secretary of the Navy’s pistol trophy. “If I had to describe Harvey, I’d say that the man is all Navy,” said Lesley Robbins, his longtime friend and neighbor. “The Navy has been his life.” After retiring from the Navy, Lasell spent a second career with Boeing and has lived on a small farm setting in Oak Harbor since 1982. He lost Betty, his wife of 54 years, in 1994. They had five children, four of whom are still living. Joyce Kuhn and her husband live next door to her father to help keep an eye on him in his later years. Kuhn said she continues to be amazed by her dad, who doesn’t wear glasses except for reading and owns hearing aids but never wears them. “He’s quite a storyteller,” Kuhn said. “He loves to tell stories. Horses are very important to him. They still are. He doesn’t have any now. SEE LASELL, PAGE 3

Page 2

WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM

Xtra!CALENDAR Wednesday Jan. 13

Baby and Me Storytime, 9:30 a.m., Jan. 13, Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Playtime follows. For newborns through 24 months. Caregiver required. 360675-5115. Suicide Grief Support Group meeting, 6 p.m., Jan. 13, at Hospice of Whidbey General. This is a time for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide to meet with others and learn coping strategies and methods of moving forward through grief and other feelings. Register by contacting Dave Bieniek, bereavement coordinator, at bienied@ whidbeygen.org or 360321-1372. Literature and Laughter Book Group, 6:15-7:45 p.m., Jan. 13, Coupeville Library. Join us for a discussion of “The Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bohjalian. 360-678-4911. Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Jan. 13, in the Whidbey General Hospital conference room. Contact Tim M. at timmondk@hotmail. com or 360-320-8936 for more information.

Thursday Jan. 14

Ready Readers Preschool Storytime, 9:30 a.m., Jan. 14 at Coupeville Library. For ages 2-5 years with caregiver. Playtime or craft may follow.

House of Hope NarAnon meeting, 7-8 p.m., every Thursday beginning Jan. 7 at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd St., Oak Harbor. The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. All that is required for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. karol@whidbey. com Preschool Storytime, 9:30 a.m., Jan. 14, Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Playtime or craft may follow. For ages 3-5 years. Caregiver required. 360-675-5115.

Friday Jan. 15

NRA Basic Pistol shooting class, 6-9 p.m., Jan. 15, North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association range, 886 Gun Club Road, Oak Harbor. Class introduces students to the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for owning and using a pistol safely. Through this course, the students will learn about pistol parts and operation, ammunition, gun safety, pistol shooting fundamentals and pistol shooting activities. NWSA is an organization of men and women who support, encourage and engage in the responsible use of the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and the shooting sports: archery, shotgun, rifle and pistol. The Basic Pistol Course will also help prepare the student for participation in other NRA courses. This class

includes shooting on the NWSA Pistol Range. The cost of the class is $25 and includes a book. For questions or to register call NRA instructor John Hellmann at 360-6758397 or email NWSA. Training@gmail.com Additional information can be found at www. northwhidbeysportsmen. org

Star Party, Island County Astronomical Society, begins at dark, Jan. 15, Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor. Explore the night sky and view distant galaxies, planets and nebulas at this free public Star Party hosted by the Island County Astronomical Society (ICAS). No telescope is needed and people of all ages are welcome to attend. Dress warmly. Event will be canceled if the weather is cloudy. For more information, contact Dan Pullen at 360-6797664 or icaspub@juno. com, or go to www.icas wa.org Whidbey Fly Fishing Club meeting, 7-9:30 p.m., Jan. 13, Day Road fire station, 3253 Day Road, Greenbank. The fly club meets informally to discuss upcoming outings, listen to guest speakers and share techniques in fly fishing. It is a great opportunity for the experienced fly fisher as well as the beginner wanting help with equipment, fly selection and more. cdwright9@aol.com

Saturday Jan. 16

League of Women Voters of Whidbey

Wednesday, January 13, 2016 • WhidbeyXtra!

MEET THE ARTIST, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Jan. 31, Penn Cove Gallery, Coupeville. Visit with photographer Kelly Kellogg. Kellogg uses a variety of camera formats and photographic techniques to obtain results ranging from realistic, impressionistic and even surreal. After more than 20 years as a professional photographer, Kellogg continues to study photography by learning new methods. www. penncovegallery.com

Island “Brunch with Legislators,” 9:30 a.m.noon, Jan. 16, Whidbey Golf Club, Oak Harbor. Meet with State Senator Barbara Bailey and State Representatives Norma Smith and Dave Hayes to hear what may be happening in Olympia this year. The public is welcome. Mail checks for $20 for each reservation to LWVWI, P.O. Box 1933, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 by Jan. 8.

Sunday Jan. 17

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Jan. 17, in the Whidbey General Hospital conference room. Contact Tim M. at timmondk@hotmail. com or 360-320-8936 for more information.

Wednesday Jan. 20

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Jan. 20, in the Whidbey General Hospital conference room. Contact Tim M. at timmondk@hotmail. com or 360-320-8936 for more information.

Thursday Jan. 21

House of Hope NarAnon meeting, 7-8 p.m., every Thursday beginning Jan. 7 at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd St., Oak Harbor. The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. All that is required for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative

or friend. karol@whidbey. com Preschool Storytime, 9:30 a.m., Jan. 21, Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Playtime or craft may follow. For ages 3 to 5 years. Caregiver required. 360-675-5115. Geology Underfoot: Whidbey Island and Western Washington, 3 p.m., Jan. 21, Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Did you know that Whidbey Island has been covered by ice many times during its geologic history? Author and geoscientist Dave Tucker will share geologic tales, covering sites from Western Washington’s low-lying shorelines to its rugged mountaintops. Presented by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library. 360-6755115. Free. Book signing and reading, 6-7 p.m., Jan. 21, Best Western Plus Harbor Plaza and Convention Center, 33175 State Highway 20, Oak Harbor. Gail Rognan will share her raw, candid account and experiences of how she dealt with breast cancer. Through her story, Rognan shares how our mind, body and spirit intersect to help us heal ourselves; how alternative treatments can be combined with traditional health treatments; how to listen to ourselves and avoid illness; and how illness can teach us about who we really are. www. renewal-of-spirit.com

Friday Jan. 22

Bingo for Kids, 1 p.m., Jan. 22 in the Coupeville

Elementary School Multipurpose Room. Bring the whole family for an hour of fun. For schoolage children and their caregivers. Supported by the Friends of the Coupeville Library. Tied-Dyed Tote Bags, 1 p.m., Jan. 22, at Coupeville Library. Teens and tweens are invited to create unique designs by tie-dyeing with Sharpies! Tote bags and art supplies provided. Limit of 20, please register in advance. Supported by Friends of the Coupeville Library.

Saturday Jan. 23

Family nature film, 2 p.m, Jan. 23, Oak Harbor Library meeting room. Mark Linfield’s nature documentary follows the struggles of a young monkey mother to care for and raise her new baby in the wilds of southern Asia. Author: Perry Seibert. Call the library for more detail. Film is rated G and is 81 minutes in length. Supported by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library. Refreshments provided. 360-675-5115. Free.

Sunday Jan. 24

Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., Jan. 24, in the Whidbey General Hospital conference room. Contact Tim M. at timmondk@hotmail.com or 360-320-8936 for more information.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016 • WhidbeyXtra!

LASELL CONTINUED FROM A1 He’s fearless about horses. Many times I just about died a thousand deaths because he was out there doing something he shouldn’t have been doing. He still doesn’t realize that being 100 is quite old. He still thinks he can do anything.” And, until recently, that included driving a vehicle. He

wasn’t able to get his driver’s license renewed after it expired on his 98th birthday. He even appealed after he couldn’t get a passing grade on the driving test. “He was very upset the state took away his driver’s license and even more upset that his daughter took the keys,” Kuhn said. Over time, Lasell loosened up a little about the subject. With “Shirley” to tease and others to target for personal amusement, there isn’t much

WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM

time to take life too seriously. He said his secret to longevity is the breakfast he’s eaten every morning for as far back as he can remember. He has a bowl of oatmeal with a specific number of raisins. “Seventeen raisins in my oatmeal,” Lasell said. Does it have to be 17? “Yes,” Lasell said. “Seventeen. I count them.” Last Sunday, Lasell was surrounded by friends and family at the San Remo

GO LOCAL

BUSINESS & SERVICES DIRECTORY AUTO BODY REPAIR Central Collision 623 Industrial Ave, Oak Harbor 360-675-4949 AUTO PAINTING Central Collision 623 Industrial Ave, Oak Harbor 360-675-4949 AUTO RESTORATION Central Collision 623 Industrial Ave, Oak Harbor 360-675-4949 BOOKKEEPING SERVICES NW Bookkeeping Services LLC Cindi Zimmerman, Owner 31650 SR 20 Ste #3, Oak Harbor nwbookkeeping@comcast.net www.nwbookkeepingservices.com 360-279-2010 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Coupeville Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Info 905 NW Alexander St, Coupeville director@coupevillechamber.com coupevillechamber.com 360-678-5434 CONTRACTORS Waldron Construction 31640 SR 20 #2, Oak Harbor www.waldronconstruction.com 360-679-1827

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

LANDSCAPING SERVICES Mailliard’s Landing Nursery 3068 N. Oak Harbor Rd, Oak Harbor www.mailliardsnursery.com 360-679-8544

EQUIPMENT RENTAL Diamond Rentals 33650 SR 20, Oak Harbor diamondrent@comcast.net www.diamondrentals.org 360-279-0723

Mary’s Weeding Service Coupeville, WA 98239 360-632-7088

FLOORING Northwest Granite & Flooring 687 Mobius Loop suzette.nwgf@hotmail.com www.nwgraniteandflooring.com 360-675-4978 FURNITURE Hansen’s Furniture 916 West Division Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 office@hansensfurniture.biz (360) 424-7188 INSURANCE Sue Blouin CIC, ACSR Koetje Leavitt Insurance 775 NE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor sue-blouin@leavitt.com www.leavitt.com/oak harbor 360-675-5916

Restaurant in Oak Harbor for a second celebration. About 150 people attended the event, including Capt. Michael Nortier, the commanding officer at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Lasell’s charm was on display, as was his singing voice. His eyes lit up while enjoying the company of so many familiar faces, including some of his 15 great grandchildren. “To be able to stay as sharp as he is, that’s the key to the whole thing,” said one

REAL ESTATE AGENT Cheri English Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Cheri@Ask4Cheri.com Agent4Life.net 360-320-9764 Elaine McDowell Managing Broker, REALTOR®, SRES Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island EMcDowell@windermere.com ElaineMcDowell.withwre.com 360-929-1500 Judith Zapanta-Borras Managing Broker, Windermere 32785 SR 20 Ste 4, Oak Harbor judithzapanta@windermere.com www.judithzapanta.withwre.com 360-914-7759(c) 360-675-5953 (ofc)

of Lasell’s longtime friends. Judy Anderson came down from Fairbanks, Alaska. Her father, John Anderson, was a Class of 1939 Naval Academy graduate along with Lasell. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Anderson said. Lasell sat in his rocking chair next to a case full of medals he had earned during his military service, including the Bronze Star. “I’m having as good a time as I did when we started shooting at the enemy,”

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

This Weeks Featured Business

Linda Earnhart, Managing Broker, REALTOR® CRS, GRI Windermere Real Estate/Whidbey Island Earnhart@whidbey.net WhidbeyIslandHomes.com 360-929-0922 NON PROFIT Pregnancy Care Clinic 670 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor execdir@islandspcc.org www.islandspecc.org 360-675-2096 Boys and Girls Club 98 NE Barron Dr., Oak Harbor nbarone@bgcsc.org www.bgoh.org 360-240-9273 PAINTING Painter’s Alley 33650 SR 20, Oak Harbor diamondrent@comcast.net www.facebook.com/paintersalley 360-279-0723 SEWING MACHINE & VACUUM REPAIR Island Sewing and Vacuum 31570 SR 20 Ste 101, Oak Harbor customerservice@islandsewnvac.com www.islandsewandvac.com 360-679-2282

Page 3

Lasell said between bites of birthday cake. “It was even more interesting when they started shooting back.” It was tough to tell if this was Lasell’s humor at work again. He had that twinkle in his eye as he spoke, then waited for a reaction. Then, Lasell got more serious when he talked about the party. “I knew something was up,” he said, “but I didn’t think it would be anything like this.”

To be included in this directory call

360-675-6611

NEW YEAR’S CLEARANCE SALE! UP NO CREDIT NEEDED! CREDIT CHALLENGE OR TO FINANCING AVAILABLE 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH

24

MONTHS

NO INTEREST, NO MONEY DOWN

See store for details.

Welcome to Furniture World! “Bringing a whole new meaning to Furniture Bargains!”

Furniture World, Inc. is a family owned business with over 40 years of furniture experience. Our four-store chain allows us to purchase in volume and pass those savings on to our clients. Our selection of fine furniture can satisfy even the most discriminating clients. Visit one of our four locations and let our friendly staff help you with your selections, remember

“Our most important client is you.”

MATTRESS SELECTION & PRICES THAT CAN’T BE BEAT 8” genTle Firm

$

10” pillow Top

888

1 Yr Warranty

$199 Sofa & Loveseat SetQueen Set

10” euro Top

5 Yr Warranty

8” pillow Top

12” plush Foam Encased Pocketed Coils 5 Yr Warranty

12” pillow Top Foam Encased Pocketed Coils 5 Yr Warranty

8” euro Top

10” pillow Top

$

Foam Encased 5 Yr Warranty

988

$288 Queen3 Setpc Sectional $339 QueenSet Set $399 Queen Set

10” Firm Foam Encased 10 Yr Warranty

12” pillow Top

$439 Set SofaQueen & Loveseat

Set

$

1288

ALL $399 QueenPorter Set Collection $399 Queen Set $399 Queen Set Ashley’s SPRINGAIR CHECK COOL US OUT ON THE WEB FOR OTHER SPECIALS: www.furnitureworldnw.com JEWEL - COOLING GEL MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES MATTRESSES Twins sTarTing @ 8” Queen size 10” Queen size 12” Queen size 12” Deluxe QARE ueen $ $ $ $ $ 299 399 499 599 699 ON SALE! Foam Encased 5 Yr Warranty

Foam Encased 10 Yr Warranty

Foam Encased 10 Yr Warranty

Foam Encased 10 Yr Warranty

TOP GRAIN LEATHER SOFA $449 Queen Set $499 Queen Set

See store for details.

Why Pay $2, 3 or 4,000 For a Memory Foam Mattress When You Can$Get One For Much Less From Furniture World?

1888

4pc Bedroom Group • Eliminates Pressure Points Sofa & Loveseat Set

$

RECLINING 2® PC SECTIONAL Fabric and styles may vary from illustrations. **0% INTEREST O.A.C. No interest if paid in full withinSOFA contract terms. *Free TV will be picked up at Best Buy store, offer good while supplies last with qualifying furniture purchase. Discounts do not apply to any previous purchases. Prices are good for new purchases only, cannot be combined with any other offers. No price match on any previous purchases. See store for details. 90Th St. SW

19215 Hwy 99 Hypo-Allergenic 987 Ault Field•Road AllatSizes Visit us online www.furnitureworldnw.com or at any of our seven locations 99 are Oak Harbor • Ours Priced From $299 - $1,197 Lynnwood

ON SALE!! • Twin, Full, Queen and King(425) available! 744-6694 OAK HARBOR (360) 682-2431 Just north from I96 next Located across from NAS Whidbey

217 S. Broadway

Aberdeen • 360-532-0505 M-F 10 to 7 563 N Market BLvd. 360-682-2431 SAT 10 to 6 Chehalis • 360-748-0100 to business Costco 987 Ault Field Rd. Gowww.furnitureworldnw.com To WWW.FURNITUREWORLDNW.COM for more specials! SUN 12 togreat 5 849 Commerce Ave.

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 194Th St. SW 58th Ave. W

58th Pl W

88th.

116th.

1288

60Th Ave. W

Sta te St.

Sm

ok ey B

lvd .

nitureworldnw.com • #1 Recommended SleepRECLINING System inSOFA America SOFA

lvd .

Sm

oke yB

TULALIP

t.

Exit 202

116th.

196Th St. SW

• 360-501-4200 19215Lynnwood HwyLongview 99 99 Lynnwood 425-744-6694 90Th St. SW

Hwy 99 (425)19215 744-6694

60Th Ave. W

524 Whidbey Located across from NAS 987 Ault Field Road I-5OAK HARBOR Oak Harbor 2000. Under $2000 purchase over $1000 no interest for 1 year purchase. Under $1000 purchase wno interest for360-682-2431 6 months.

11031 10 StatetoAvenue M-F 7 Marysville SAT 10 to 6

19215 Hwy 99 Lynnwood • 425-744-6694 11031 State Avenue Marysville • 360-653-5312 7017 NE St. St. Johns Rd. Vancouver • 360-694-4006