The Bridge - Whidbey Bridge Aug 2016 Edition

BRIDGE WHIDBEY

All ABOUT THE ARTS: As soon as Frank Rose

stepped on Whidbey Island in 1985, he’s been all about the arts. A quick walk around Langley can show the fruits of his labor, too. A longtime advocate of arts on South Whidbey, Rose is still active as ever despite being 86.

Page 4

FOR WHIDBEY ISLAND’S OVER-50 CROWD

AUGUST • 2016

Age doesn’t slow this dancing queen

FREE

Published monthly in collaboration with the Oak Harbor Senior Center and Senior Services of Island County.

A Whidbey News Group publication

Page 2

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

August • 2016

Longevity attributed to 90-year-old’s dancing

By KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

The elan and grace with which Jean Owen makes her way across the dance floor belies her years, and the illness with which she’s embattled.

Dance is Owen’s life; it’s also that to which the Oak Harbor resident largely credits her longevity, vitality and strength.

“I believe it, I believe my dancing has kept me going, kept me moving,” Owen said.

“As long as I keep dancing I’m going to be fine, even at 90.”

Owen celebrated her 90th birthday July 2 at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge, an occasion remarkable in

its own right. But the event was particularly special for Owen because of the hundred or more family members and friends who orchestrated and attended the event to show their love and support for their beloved friend, relative and teacher.

Owen is currently undergoing treatment for breast and lung cancer, fighting determinedly and with a positive perspective that is, according to her many friends and family members, quite characteristic of her.

Despite the fatigue and other negative effects of the treatments, Owen still manages to attend her weekly line dance class Photo by Kate Daniel

Jean Owen dances to the tunes of Deception Connection during her 90th birthday celebration at the Elks Lodge.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT J U LY 2 0 1 6

N A M E & R O L E O R V O LU N T E E R P O

SITIO

N:

Elaine Benning

Senior Services Community Thrift Store Toy Dept. Lead

Lois McAnally

Senior Services Community Thrift Store Fabric, Arts and Craft Dept. Lead

Eloisa Murphy

Nutrition Program South Whidbey Center Dining Room

at the Oak Harbor Senior Center as often as she is able.

Owen has taught the class for several years.

And though she is presently relying on one of her students to substitute in her absence, she has no intention of stopping any time soon.

“I enjoy every minute of it. They’re kind of my lifeline,” Owen said of her students. “I enjoy being with them, and they are just part of me.”

Though she has been an amateur dancer all her life, Owen never received formal instruction until attending a line dance

class at her neighborhood senior center in Sequim about 10 or so years ago.

She was drawn in by the sound of the music, she recalled, and took up the dance as much for enjoyment as for her health. At the time, she was recovering from a major heart surgery.

But soon dance became much more than a favored pass time and beneficial form of exercise; it became her life.

After moving to Whidbey in 2008, Owen continued her line dancing at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, and it wasn’t long before she began leading

Vaughn Summers

Meals on Wheels Driver, Central Whidbey

Sarah Cash Lisa Root

EW EY N S GR DB

WH I

P OU

CamBey Apartments Common Area Decorating and Flower Displays

THE

BEST OF

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Medical Transportation Driver

Steve Stevenson

the class.

She also regularly attends community dances, including those at the Elks Lodge.

“If there’s a dance, she’s there,” said Betty Judd, a student in Owen’s class.

Like many of her cohorts, Marilyn Trout has danced with Owen for several years and eagerly gave testimony to the inspiration and effectiveness of Owen’s tutelage.

“People who had two left feet are just dancing up a storm; she has patience you couldn’t believe,” Trout said.

Aside from the weekly classes at the senior center, the group of 20-25 regular dancers also perform a selection of numbers at locations like Regency on Whidbey, Harbor Towers and Summer Hill Assisted Living, among others.

A few of the residents of these facilities made their way to the lodge to take part in Owen’s birthday celebration.

Medical Transportation Driver

“Anybody who knows her loves her,” Trout said.

Owen’s youngest daughter Paris Anglin commented that her mother’s gift in life is to be an inspiration to others.

“Her spirit is so infectious, she is a joy to have in life,” said another student of Owen’s.

The celebration was originally intended to take place at the senior center, but because of the large number of anticipated attendees, it was relocated to the lodge.

“It was so beautiful and so great. It was just kind of overwhelming,” Owen remarked afterward. “I didn’t know I had so many friends, but I knew everybody there.”

“I’m hoping to get well and get myself in remission...and I’m going to go back to my class if I can,” Owen said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to…

That’s what I live for, my class and my family.”

Island Brokers Realty Property Management is the most experienced independent property management company serving Oak Harbor and Island County since 1978.

Steve Showell

Time Together Adult Day Services Musician

This is management you can trust and count on. We work for our clients, and with our tenants.

Joanne Rouse

Call us today to work with you!

Time Together Adult Day Services Musician

Charles McIntyre Jr.

Time Together Adult Day Services Musician

380 SE Barrington Dr.

Thank You All For Your Hard Work & Dedication!

360-675-2235

Oak Harbor

1690 Main St., Ste. 103

Freeland

360-331-8424

360-679-1591

info@IslandBrokersRealty.com Cornerstone Professional Building | 144 NE Ernst Street, Suite B | Oak Harbor

August • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Page 3

Crowd-pleasing emcee keeps on entertaining

By EVAN THOMPSON

ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

At age 69, Jim Freeman is just hitting his stride.

The quirky and everenthusiastic South Whidbey resident and well-known master-of-ceremonies has been entertaining crowds for most of his life.

He’s done everything from introduce acts and keep energies high at events like the Island County Fair to providing filler jokes for the annual Mutt Strut Parade.

Though he’s pleased with where he is at, Freeman is the constant perfectionist — after every show, he evaluates his performance to figure out what aspects worked and which didn’t.

It’s a passion with roots tracing all the way back to when he was a kid.

While all the other kids were playing cowboys and Indians, Freeman was Evan Thompson photo hosting imaginary game shows at home.

Jim Freeman, a longtime emcee on South Whidbey, commentates on a contestant and her dog in the Mutt Strut Parade in October held at Bayview Corner.

He replicated the ener- always the confident char- a physical way,” Freeman performers before going “Like my dad said, ‘You ent then what you would gy and confidence of his acter he is now.” gotta give away a little have as a high school kid said. on stage. idol master-of-ceremonies When he was with his “I was a shy kid, which Making people leave an toothpaste before you can really,” Freeman said. and used a wire hanger is kind of hard to imagine friend David Ossman, event happier than when sell the toothpaste.’”

“My heroes are still my to replicate a microphone. now,” Freeman said.

Often wearing cloth- heroes.” a movie director and they arrived is where Years later while holding After asking his moth- producer from South Freeman feels most ful- ing to match the event, Those who have seen a real microphone in front er about a particularly Whidbey, he tried to fig- filled.

Freeman is a loose cannon Freeman in action attest to of a real audience, he still embarassing experience ure out the reason for his He’s done just that for on stage. his enthusiasm and genufeels at home.

He’ll keep energies high ine nature on stage. as a seventh-grader when anxious tendencies before nearly three decades at Susan Knickerbocker he cried after being called getting on stage. the Island County Fair. by calling out what he “Jim is an extraordisaid Freeman can set on by the teacher, she “He said, ‘Jim, it Years ago, while at the sees, as well as comment- narily huge talent in a the pace for any event he urged him to reassert just means you care,’” fair with his girlfriend, he ing on current events hapsmall place,” said Drew hosts, whether the energy himself, not wait to be Freeman said. “It took found that there was not pening around the world.

Kampion, a friend of is high or low, and pro- called upon and volunteer away the ‘I’m not good a master-of-ceremonies From the bustling scene Freeman’s. “If there’s vides them with what they to read in front of the class. enough’ — which is leading the event. of a densely packed event, need to have a good time.

Through countless what I thought it was. It’s “I went to say, ‘Who’s in Freeman’s world slows anybody in the creative He also doesn’t refrain trials and errors, both because I want to do a charge of this fair?’ ” down when he’s at home. side of Whidbey’s culture from calling people out Freeman’s mother and good job.

He later met one of the Living in a 1928 that is iconic, it’d be Jim from the audience with father taught him the “I took all this anxiety event’s organizers and Milwaukee Road railroad Freeman. He is an icon of playful banter. importance of words and pushed it into a per- had the opportunity to car, the walls and shelves talent and inspiration and “He brings people and public speaking. His forming career and it’s host the event on one con- contain memorabilia, films a man who lives in comtogether,” Knickerbocker father constantly threw worked out OK.” dition: He would perform and posters from the past. plete synchronicity of his said. “You kind of want him into speech contests He is captivated by the high moral values.

While teaching for free the first time. If his “In fact, this guy is comto be picked on by him, and debate teams. youths performing in performance was satisfac- era of cowboys, though it’s fun. You just want to “Really, it took me about the Whidbey Children’s tory, they would pay him an idol of his from each pletely off the wall, slightly make fun of yourself more 30 years where I’m com- Theater, Freeman enjoys the next time. generation is included in crazy and more fun than a barrel of drunken monmore.”

“Well, I did that for 25 some shape or form. fortable doing what I do, helping illeviate nervous“It’s not much differ- keys.”

But Freeman wasn’t but I still have nerves in ness that often plagues years,” Freeman said.

AUGUST 2016 • VOL. 1, NO. 7

WHIDBEY

BRIDGE

WHIDBEY BRIDGE STAFF Executive Editor & Publisher............................KEVEN R. GRAVES Associate Publisher.................................... KIMBERLLY WINJUM Editor.................................................................MEGAN HANSEN Staff Reporters.........................KATE DANIEL, EVAN THOMPSON Admin..................................... HEATHER SCHMIDT, JILL LIGHTY

Assistant Advertising Manager.......................... TERI MENDIOLA Ad Sales....................................... PHIL DUBOIS, NORA DURAND Creative Artists........JEN MILLER, MICHELLE WOLFENSPARGER, NICK ROUSER, SIERRA PANDY Circulation ............DIANE SMOTHERS, LYNETTE SAMPOGNARO

WHIDBEY BRIDGE IS FREE OF CHARGE. COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER, SENIOR SERVICES OF ISLAND COUNTY, SENIOR THRIFT AND NUMEROUS OTHER LOCATIONS ACROSS WHIDBEY ISLAND PO Box 1200 | 107 S Main St, Suite E101, Coupeville, WA 98239 360-675-6611 | Fax 360-679-2695 Copyright © 2016, Sound Publishing

READER INFORMATION: ADMINISTRATIVE: The Bridge is a monthly publication of Sound Publishing, and is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, the National Newspaper Association and Suburban Newspapers of America. Advertising rates are available at the Whidbey News Group office. While The Bridge endeavors to accept only reliable advertisements, it shall not be responsible to the public for advertisements nor are the views expressed in those advertisements necessarily those of The Bridge. The right to decline or discontinue any ad without explanation is reserved. DEADLINES: Display Ads – Contact the office for deadlines.

Page 4

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

August • 2016

The right supplement regimen varies by person

By KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

From vitamin A to zinc, there is a plethora of supplements available on the market. While some have been touted by researchers and medical professionals as healthful and beneficial, others may do little more than lighten your pocketbook.

As with any healthrelated matter, the supplements and dosages necessary for optimum wellbeing vary from person to person, and also depend upon factors like gender, lifestyle, age, prescription medications or existing health conditions.

Karen Carbone, natural health specialist at Island Drug, said she often assists patrons who come in with a sack full of vitamins and other supplements, unsure of which to take, how much, how often or why.

Many people have received suggestions from

Photo by Kate Daniel

Karen Carbone, a natural health specialist at Island Drug, recommends seniors take certain supplements to improve health.

a friend, who usually is not a health professional.

“You hear that story a lot,” she said.

“Unless your friends are

educated in health products, they’re probably not the best advisor.”

Nathan Armstrong, naturopathic doctor at

WH I

“local people serving local people”

THE

P OU

EW EY N S GR DB

BEST OF

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Celebrating 75 years of serving Skagit and Island Counties OAK HARBOR

ESCROW DEPT. 360-679-5055 TITLE DEPT. 360-675-2246 • Toll Free 800-829-5263 PATTY FAKKEMA, ISLAND OPERATIONS MGR 1080 NE 7th Avenue, Oak Harbor

FREELAND

ESCROW DEPT. 360-331-4838 • Fax: 360-331-4837 CHRISTA CANELL, BRANCH MANAGER/LPO Christa@Ltco.com 5595 Harbor Avenue, Ste. C, Freeland

www.LTCO.com

the Reboot Center for Innovative Medicine in Freeland, said he too often encounters patients who are taking quite a few supplements without certainty as to which are actually helping.

While the best way to determine individual supplement needs is to consult with a health professional like Armstrong or Carbone, there are some types that are generally beneficial across the board, including a few particularly helpful for those in the over-50 crowd.

In general, she and Armstrong each recom-

C

mended seniors take B6 and B12 and D regularly; women may also consider adding calcium, vitamin K and magnesium to that list to aid in bone strength and preservation.

B vitamins are helpful in converting food to energy, subsequently helpful in increasing energy and relieving stress, as well as assisting in balanced mental health and quickened metabolism. Among other things, B12 is essential for building red blood cells, while B6 is essential for the production of neurotransmitters, which allow brain and nerve cells to commu-

WHIDBEY ISLAND’S

ommunity ookbook

Sales of this compilation of local recipes benefit

Whidbey Island Habitat for Humanity

This keepsake collection of recipes shared by Whidbey Island residents will be presented in a spiral-bound cookbook. A limited edition of 1,000 copies will be produced and given to Whidbey Island Habitat for Humanity to sell as a special fundraiser.

Reserve your position in this community cookbook, which is certain to be coveted and treasured by local families for many years to come.

Call 360-675-6611 to reserve your ad position today & help support Habitat for Humanity

Publish date: Sept. 28 Deadline: Aug. 30

RECORD SOUTH WHIDBEY

nicate. Deficiencies in vitamin B are common, as are deficiencies in vitamin D. Though the National Institute on Aging suggests 600 IU of vitamin D for those ages 51 to 70 and 800 IU for those over 70, Carbone and Armstrong both suggested 2,000 IU for people living in this area, as residents of the Pacific Northwest are less likely to obtain the health benefits of vitamin D from natural sunlight.

During a recent presentation at the Coupeville Librar y, Armstrong explained that the sun’s rays are too indirect to supply residents of the region with the amount they need.

This nutrient is also essential in ensuring mental health, as well as the regulation of calcium and phosphorous absorption and maintaining healthy teeth and bones. It has also been suggested that vitamin D may be beneficial in preventing some common diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and type 1 diabetes.

A naturopathic doctor can administer a test to determine whether a person is deficient in vitamin D, and by how much.

Armstrong noted that the vast majority of his patients are deficient, some by quite a large margin.

Carbone and Armstrong both also stressed the benefits of omega 3s (most commonly found in fish oils, but also available in vegetarian substitutes), as well as probiotics.

In regard to vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin B6, the National Academy of Sciences recommends that, in general, people over 50 consume the following amounts on a daily basis: n Vitamin B12 — 2.4 mcg (micrograms) each day. n Calcium — 1,200 mg (milligrams) each day for women; 1,000 mg for men between the ages of 51 and 70, and 1,200 mg after age 70, not to exceed 2,000 mg a day. n Vitamin B6 — 1.7 mg for men and 1.5 mg for women each day.

August • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Page 5

Longtime arts advocate stays active in community

donated to the Whidbey Island Arts Council.

Rose showed over 40 of Hassrick’s paintings, drawings and prints at the Freeland Arts Studio on July 14, and proceeds directly supported the council’s artist in residence program.

Rose said that their efforts over the years to increase the visibility of arts were also made easy by the fact that Langley has always been an “artsy” community.

“There’s a long history of artists living in Langley — there were colonies of artists,” Rose said.

His work with the council led to major events coming to South Whidbey, such as the Seattle Symphony.

Kay Parsons, vice president of the Whidbey Island Arts Council, said, along with being an exceptional pool player, Rose is also adept at fundraising, as well as communicating to people the value of the money that put into a certain event or cause.

“He’s just a very nice man. He tries hard,” Parsons said. “No matter what happens, he gets back up and does it again, and it takes a certain mindset to do that.”

By EVAN THOMPSON

ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Photo by Evan Thompson

Frank Rose, a South Whidbey artist, crafts a sculpture of his wife that mimics a pharaoh in ancient Egypt at the Freeland Art Studio. Rose, 86, was instrumental in growing the arts scene on South Whidbey.

that the impact of the arts in Langley, including WICA and other arts, have played a significant role on the economic development of the town.

“When you look at it, WICA and the performing arts are a big chunk of our economy,” Rose said.

“There’s all kind of stuff going on here with the arts.”

“That’s another reason I liked this island, because it had a hub for arts.”

Though he’s firmly planted his feet on Whidbey Island, Rose is originally from the East Coast. He was born roughly 25 miles north of Time Square in New York. When he was a kid, he visited museums in the city and found a calling toward the arts.

That was all put on hold, however, when he joined the Navy in January of 1948. It offered attractive bonuses, such as travel-

ing the world. Rose reenlisted in the Navy when the Korean War began, and served as a missile offer on a surface-to-air missile cruiser in the Gulf of Tonkin for two and a half years. After the war’s end, he spent the next 27 years moving up the military ladder, eventually retiring as a lieutenant commander.

“You take pride in the fact that you served your country,” Rose said.

Though his career was in the military, his love for the arts never faded.

While on shore duty early in his career, Rose found the time to attend life drawing classes at places like Ventura College. It was there he developed a knack for drawing the human body and features of a face.

“Part of my skill and creativity comes from life drawing,” Rose said.

After the Navy, Rose

worked for the government for four years coordinating overhauls of naval carriers in shipyards. It was after this when he found his way to Whidbey Island. After his parents passing, Rose and his sister split 10 acres of land near Foxspit Road where Rose settled down in 1985. It wasn’t long after when he joined the arts council, where he was part of the grassroots movement to create WICA. Rose said that his friends and South Whidbey residents, Ken and Doll Hassrick, were also influential in establishing a performing arts venue in Langley, known today as WICA. They developed a friendship over the years and were art associates while sharing Hassrick studio space and life modeling costs. In 2002, Hassrick was stricken with a rare neurological disease that

caused him to lose full use of his arms and legs.

Rose spent many hours with Hassrick reviewing drawings for reproduction, planning art sales for Hassrick’s remaining work. One of Hassrick’s last wishes was to make his work benefit island artists, so with the help of Hassrick’s son Matt, the majority of his work was

Are Are you you Are Are you you invested invested invested invested properly? properly?

Get Are Get you properly? properly?

Get Get a a invested a second second a second second opinion. opinion. properly? Get opinion. opinion. a second Gene Gene Kelly Barner Kelly Barner opinion.

Gene Gene Kelly Barner Kelly Barner Financial Financial Advisor Advisor .

Financial Advisor Advisor 144 N EFinancial 144 Ernst N St E Ernst Suite St C Suite C .

Gene Kelly Oak Harbor, Oak WA Harbor, WA 144 N E144 Ernst N St E 98277 Ernst Suite St C98277 Suite C Barner Financial Advisor 360-675-8239 360-675-8239 Oak Harbor, Oak WA Harbor, 98277 WA 98277 . www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com 360-675-8239 360-675-8239 144 N E Ernst St Suite C EW EY N S GR Oak Harbor, WADB98277 www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com .

.

P OU

360-675-8239 www.edwardjones.com THE BEST OF WH I

As soon as Frank Rose stepped on Whidbey Island in 1985, he’s been all about the arts. A quick walk around Langley can show the fruits of his labor, too.

A longtime advocate of arts on South Whidbey, Rose is still active as ever despite being 86. His list of accomplishments in the arts are many and include being a founder of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. He is also credited with keeping the Whidbey Island Arts Council afloat and strong over the years, where he’s served as a board member, president and his current position as chairman. He’s also an active sculpture and painter, who spends a good deal of his time at the Freeland Arts Studio.

Rose’s current work includes the implementation of the Langley Arts Commission’s six-year, $800,000 master plan which hopes to renovate Seawall Park as well as install a number of art pieces around the city, further flourishing the already abundant presence the arts have in town.

He played a large role in the Clyde Alley Archway recently installed on Third Street “I know very few people who are as dedicated as he is to broadening and enlivening the island arts scene,” said Don Wodjenski, president of the Whidbey Island Arts Council. “He has a surprising well of energy to keep putting into the program. I don’t know of anybody who comes close to his degree of participation and advocacy on the island.”

Rose firmly believes

WHIDBEY

READERS CHOICE AWARDS

MemberMember SIPC SIPC MemberMember SIPC SIPC

Member SIPC

Carnival • Entertainment • Country Fair 819 Camano Ave • Langley • www.whidbeyislandfair.com

Page 6

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Factors in choosing a probiotic supplement Purchasing a probiotic supplement can be a waste of money, unless you know how to decipher the language printed on the label, say experts.

Often referred to as “The Mother of Probiotics,” Natasha Trenev was key to the establishment of the industry standards for labeling of probiotic supplements. For the past 34 years she has educated consumers about the health benefits of yogurt and liquid acidophilus, and the importance of probiotics and beneficial bacteria.

To help consumers ensure they’re getting living, health-promoting probiotic bacteria in the supplements they’re buying, Trenev established four categories of information probiotics distributors are required to clearly display on their product labels and commented on how some distributors avoid providing that information to consumers.

1. The type and quantity of living bacteria, including minimum number of viable bacteria cells: “Many supplement labels inappropriately list the number of living organisms in each capsule as a milligram weight, which does not tell the consumer anything about the number of viable bacteria cells (colony forming units or CFUs) they are getting in that capsule,” said Trenev. “CFU

Deliveri

is the only true scientific measure used for counting living bacteria cells. When a company reports bacterial count as a milligram weight, it’s likely they don’t want consumers to know the actual CFU count in their product because it’s quite low.”

2. A suggested expiration date or “use by” date: “Companies are required to include a statement as to the minimum number of viable CFUs for each bacterial species that will be present in the supplement up to the expiration date when proper storage conditions are provided,” said Trenev. “However, most manufacturers ignore this requirement by providing a CFU count that is only effective at the time of manufacture, which is meaningless because that count will be significantly reduced by the time the consumer purchases and uses the product, typically months later.”

3. Storage requirements: “If the product is adversely affected by heat, as are virtually all probiotic cultures, then failure to control temperature at any stage in the life of the product will sacrifice the product’s potency.”

4. Additional ingredients: “If you see an ingredient on the label that you’re not familiar with, call the company or contact them through their homepage,” said Trenev.

(StatePoint)

ng Your Real Estate Dreams

August • 2016

Dealing with rising health care costs Many seniors are finding their medical expenses exceed what they anticipated when planning for retirement.

Maximizing the value of available assets can be one of the ways to significantly ease a stressed budget.

Whether living a longer, healthier life than anticipated, dealing with a critical illness or paying for ongoing treatment for various ailments, the costs associated with medical care can add up.

If you or a loved one is facing this challenge, it may be time to explore alternatives that allow you to continue to cover your expenses while easing the burden on your bank account.

Consider this stor y about a woman who sold her $500,000 term policy to pay her medical bills and cover future treatment costs. After her husband passed away, she was having trouble meeting her life insurance premium payments.

Years later, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was struggling to meet the cost of her ongoing treatment.

She tried to apply for an accelerated death benefit, but didn’t qualify because of her state’s regulations.

That’s when she contacted Coventry Direct to explore the option of

Photo provided

Many people are not aware that life insurance is personal property, has value and can be sold.

Selling your life insurance policy, which is known as a life settlement, may result in an immediate cash payment.

selling her policy.

She sold her policy for $175,000. Having paid only $9,527 into a policy that had no cash value, she was surprised to learn how much it was worth.

With the proceeds from the life settlement, she paid off her debts and no longer had to worry about the cost of her medical treatments.

One of these solutions may help manage your assets in a way that allows you to deal with mounting health care costs: Cut costs where you

J. Johnson Insurance, llc Ken’s Corner Plaza, 11042 SR 525 Ste 112, Clinton, WA

360-341-1848 PAM MOCK

Text/cell: 360.661.7314 pam@cbwhidbey.com

CATHY WILSON

Text/cell: 206.718.8159 homes@twinfirs.com

~ Team Power ~

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Combined 20+ Years Experience

• • • •

Health & Life Insurance Individual & Family Plans-Direct or Exchange Medicare Plans Group Plans for Small Business

Jim Johnson

Naomi DeMartini

jjins@whidbey.com

jjinsure@whidbey.com

Independent Agent/Broker

Independent Agent

can. Ask your doctor to periodically review your medications to determine whether there are any you can eliminate, either because of an improved condition or because other, newer prescriptions make them redundant.

Also, talk with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure you are able to fill generic prescriptions when possible for added savings.

Take stock of your financial resources.

Obvious assets such as a bank account or home can be leveraged for your financial benefit, but don’t overlook other potential resources, such as a life insurance policy.

Many people are not aware that life insurance is personal property, has value and can be sold.

Selling your life insurance policy, which is known as a life settlement, may result in an immediate cash payment.

Let us help you plan for the decisions you’ll need to make Pre-arranging Benefits: Burley Funeral Chapel 30 SE Ely Street Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-675-3192 www.burleyfuneralchapel.com

• It takes the burden off your loved ones • It allows you to put your house in order • You can select every aspect of your funeral now and guard against inflation • Provide peace of mind, knowing you are not making anyone responsible for your last wishes • You plan together, not alone • No emotional overspending

Call today for more information.

Visser Funeral Home 432 3rd Street Langley, WA 98260 360-221-6600 www.visserfuneralhome.com

A company can help you determine whether a life settlement might allow you to sell your policy to help cover immediate needs or relieve the pressure of mounting medical debt.

Be a smart shopper.

Shopping around for the best prices may take time, but it can also help you keep more of your money. For example, when it comes to special treatments and procedures, ask for a detailed explanation of charges ahead of time and compare outpatient facilities to hospitals to find the most affordable option.

Seek supplemental coverage. If out-of-pocket expenses are eating away at your savings account and you qualify for Medicare, consider purchasing supplemental coverage. You may find that the monthly premiums are more affordable than the costs you rack up with each new visit or prescription refill.

Managing your medical costs can feel like an overwhelming task, but there are steps you can take, including tapping into your financial assets, that can ease stress and allow you to focus more energy on managing your health and happiness.

(Family Features)

August • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

Page 7

Events & Activities

BAYVIEW SENIOR CENTER EVENTS:

n Buddies to Buddies in the Fireside Room, Tuesday, Aug. 2, “Shakespeare Anyone?” with Island Shakespeare Theater Troupe. n Lunch & Reader’s Theatre Performance, 11:1511:45 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2 by The Bayview Players Reader’s Theatre Troupe. n Simple Wills, 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2. Instructors: Ken O’Mhuan, JD and Deborah Holbert, JD. n Hospice 101, 2-2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2. Free to the public. A presentation by Dorian King of Hospice of the Northwest. n Community Preparedness Education by the American Red Cross – Earthquake! 1-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3. Free to the public. n Social Security Basics, 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11. A free presentation by Annette Barca, SHIBA.

ACTIVITIES: n Foot Clinic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays. n Meditation for Everyone with Mel Watson, Kadampa Buddhist meditation teacher, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Wednesdays. n “Just Dance,” 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays. n Senior Striders, 9-11 a.m., Thursdays. Rain or shine! n Advanced Tai Chi, 8:45–9:45 a.m., Tuesdays, Aug. 2-30. n Beginning Tai Chi, 10-11 a.m., Tuesdays, Aug. 2-30. n Tai Chi in the Afternoon, 3-4 p.m., Mondays, Aug. 1-30. n 50 Plus Yoga, Tuesdays, 4:45-6 p.m., Aug. 2-30.

4:45-6 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 2-25.

6:15-7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 2 and 11 (only 2 classes). Summer series.

n Beginning Line Dance, 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays, Aug. 3-31. n Line Dance – Improver/Intermediate, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Aug. 3-31. n Tune In – Tone Up with the Ukulele, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Aug. 2-30. n Painting with Deon Matzen, 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, (no class Aug. 31) and 1-4 p.m. Fridays, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26. n Basics of Buying and Selling on eBay, 4-5:30 p.m., Thursdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 (3 sessions). n Still More “Beyond the Basics” of iPhone (iPhone only) Training, 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8. n Laptop Pre-Flight Check: Windows, Mac, iPads, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 8. n iPads for Seniors: iPads only (2 meetings), 1:302:30 p.m., Mondays, Aug. 8 and 15. n Windows Laptop Q&A, 3-4 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15. n Crafting Connection, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursdays, South Whidbey Center. n Crazy Quilters, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays, South Whidbey Center. n Bingo Night, 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Potluck on last Wednesday. n Chess & Go, 6:30-10 p.m., Mondays. n Mahjong, 1-3 p.m., Mondays. n Mexican Train Dominos, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays. n Bridge Party, 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays. n Twilight Bridge, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Thursdays.

TRIPS:

July menu MONDAY, AUG. 1

nnn

TUESDAY, AUG. 16

Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Salad Bar

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17

TUESDAY, AUG. 2

Beef Satay

Salad Bar

THURSDAY, AUG. 18

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3

Chef’s Choice

Shepherd’s Pie

FRIDAY, AUG. 19

THURSDAY, AUG. 4

Turkey Pot Pie Bake

Chef’s Choice

MONDAY, AUG. 22

FRIDAY, AUG. 5

Macaroni and Cheese

Turkey Dinner

TUESDAY, AUG. 23

MONDAY, AUG. 8

Best Reuben Sandwich

Nathan’s Dog

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24

TUESDAY, AUG. 9

Meatloaf

Club Sandwich

THURSDAY, AUG. 25

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10

Chef’s Choice

Hamburger

n Quil Ceda Creek Casino, 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9, Depart Bayview Hall. Return 4:30 p.m. n Baseball, Pirates, Princesses, and Fireworks with the Everett AquaSox, 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27, until end of game.

FRIDAY, AUG. 26

THURSDAY, AUG. 11

Thai Chicken Salad

Chef’s Choice

MONDAY, AUG. 29

FRIDAY, AUG. 12

Rosemary Chicken

Taco Salad

OAK HARBOR SENIOR CENTER MONDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting 9:30 a.m., Wii Bowling 11:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong 1 p.m., Art with Dottie 3 p.m., Clogging 5 p.m., Tai Chi

TUESDAYS 8:30 a.m., Yoga 9 a.m., Lapidary 11 a.m., Mexican Train 11:30 a.m., Chess 12 p.m., Line Dance 12-4 p.m., SHIBA Counseling 1 p.m., Knitting Circle

1 p.m., MAC SIG class (second Tuesday) 2 p.m., Vision Impaired Support Group (fourth Tuesday) 6 p.m., Pinochle 7 p.m., Stamp Club (second & fourth Tuesdays)

WEDNESDAYS 9 a.m., Lapidary 10 a.m., Mahjongg 11:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Party Bridge 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong 2 p.m., Caregiver Support Group (fourth Wednesday)

South Whidbey Senior Center

14594 SR 525 Langley, WA 360-321-1600 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

It’s summer, Let us “Take you out to the ball game!”

Still seats available for Saturday, August 27th for Everett Aquasox versus Vancouver Canadians.

Fireworks sponsored by Boeing after the game.

Call or Drop By the South Whidbey Senior Center 14594 S.R. 525, Langley, WA 98260 360-321-1600 / 360-678-3373

TUESDAY, AUG. 30

MONDAY, AUG. 15

Salad Bar

Four Cheese Ziti Bake

THURSDAYS 8:30 a.m., Yoga 10 a.m., Creative Writing 12 p.m., Bingo 12:30 p.m., Cribbage 1 p.m., SVC History Class 2 p.m., Caregiver Support Group (third Thursday) 7 p.m., Wire Wrap

FRIDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting

9 a.m., Tai Chi 11:30 a.m., LUNCH 12:30 p.m., Pinochle 1 p.m., Line Dance 6:30 p.m., Old Time Fiddlers (first Friday) 7 p.m., Country Dance (second Friday)

SATURDAYS Ping Pong Billiards Pinochle

Oak Harbor Hearing Aid Service

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31 Tortilla Chicken Soup

The Nutrition Program depends on 133 volunteers who drive for Meals on Wheels or assist in the dining rooms and kitchens. For volunteer information, call 360-321-1600.

PROPANE

1.09

$

9

Gallon*

*500+ Gal. Delivered Price subject to change

WE SELL TANKS!

60 DAY FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE (the best on the island)

Schedule Your FREE Screening Today!

• Recommendations suited to your Lifestyle needs • 12 month no interest payment plans Ask about our 3 Simple Steps to Better Hearing!

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1988 BY JEANNETTE FIORINI, HEARING AID SPECIALIST & OWNER

285 NE Midway Blvd · Suite 3 · Oak Harbor (Across from the Big Log Building) 360-675-5193

CALL FOR OTHER QUANTITY PRICING Special Pricing For Commercial Customers

Neighborhood & Group Deliveries • Guaranteed Price Plans Locally Owned & Operated Best Propane Value in the NW

1-800-929-5243

Visit us @ www.apppropane.com

Page 8

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

August • 2016

Sowing seeds for community gathering space

COUPEVILLE HUB All activities begin at 1 p.m. at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Main Street. Lunch is served every Wednesday at noon. Contact Glenda Cantrell, 360-720-2955 or Glenda@islandsenior services.org

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3 Bingo Information & assistance available 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 4 Falls and injury prevention, SAIL exercise class, led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10 “Tips on Food Storage for Emergencies,” Red Cross speaker Glo will talk about how to store food in an emergency.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 17 Dr. Hasapis, from Whidbey General Hospital, will speak on health screening and prevention.

THURSDAY, AUG. 18 Falls and injury prevention, SAIL exercise class, led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24 Town Marshall Rick Norrie will discuss “Online Cyber Crime.” How to become aware so you don’t become a target. Also tips on safety for your home and car.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31 Learn about the gifts and challenges of being a “Highly Sensitive Person.” Have you ever been told, “You’re just too sensitive?” Do you need a lot of alone time and often feel out of place? You may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Catherine VanWetter leads an interactive discussion and provides helpful information for the Highly Sensitive Person.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1 Falls and injury prevention, SAIL exercise class, led by Mary Waters.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7 Bingo Information & assistance available 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 14 Vital vaccinations for health prevention. Dr. Vracin will speak on protecting your health with vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia and shingles. Question and answer period.

By KYLE JENSEN

kjensen@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Clinton has a new community gathering space, and it involves one of South Whidbey’s favorite hobbies: gardening.

Pastor Mikkel Hustad of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church had a vision to bring together the Clinton community by giving the downtown area the community garden it never had. Hustad and his church recently decided to convert a portion of the church’s land into a multi-purpose community garden. The 50-by-40-foot patch was designed not only as a way for St. Peter’s to grow food for Good Cheer Food Bank and those in need, but also for Clinton residents to grow their own produce for selfsufficiency. Initial planting began in May. According to Hustad, the community garden is the first of its kind on the South End. Community gardens aren’t new to the area, but he says the garden at St. Peter’s brings something new to the table with the ability of dual usage.

“People on South Whidbey are interested in community service, and there is also a dedicated group of self-sufficient gardeners here,” Hustad said. “It seemed natural to us to combine the two to create an opportunity for service.”

Hustad has additionally been in touch with the Clinton Chamber of

Photo by Kyle Jensen

Pastor Mikkel Hustad from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church tends to the church’s community garden.

Commerce about potentially hosting community events in the future that would increase foot traffic in the downtown Clinton area. Chamber President Stephanie Cook said the possibility of events at the garden aligns with the chamber’s vision of more gathering spaces in Clinton.

One of the favorite proposed ideas put forward thus far is the establishment of regular picnics using the produce grown in the garden. Church officials are planning to hold seasonal harvest festivals in the future. Hustad said the plot of land, which includes a parking lot, is large enough to set up an eating area.

It’s an idea that Cook said can only benefit Clinton’s economy with the increased foot traffic.

“The more gathering spaces we have in Clinton, the more people will come

to hang out,” Cook said.

“Whether it’s gardening or going to the gym across the street, these things bring economic growth because they bring more foot traffic to the area.”

There is also plenty of room to expand the garden if space becomes tight, with a roughly 100x100 foot area also unused on the church grounds. Hustad said he has thought about planting fruit-bearing trees and another pea patch in the space.

St. Peter’s leaders also hope to educate the community about sustainable gardening methods.

For example, Hustad and the church are currently experimenting with the use of leftover tires from Simmons Garage on Highway 525 in the garden, as they retain water well when repurposed as pots. It also inherently creates less trash.

“I have thought of some of the ecological issues that come with gardening, and we’d like to educate the community on those issues,” Hustad said. “We thought of ways to garden more efficiently, so we have looked into different ways to use mulch more effectively and how to increase water retention.”

Use of the garden by the public is free, and there are currently no rules about usage.

Hustad is encouraging the public to take advantage of the space, saying there is still a lot of room available for prospective gardeners. He’s not hesitant about the potential of starting a large gardening operation.

“We are not afraid of full scale gardening,” Hustad said. “We have the tools, willingness and expertise as we regularly talk with the garden club, which meets at St. Peter’s.”

WH I

FAMILY DERMATOLOGY CO

THE

P OU

EW EY N S GR DB

“Voted Best Dermatology Clinic 2015”

BEST OF

WHIDBEY READERS CHOICE AWARDS

Robert Mizen

Reese Bliek

MSN, ARNP

MPAS, PA

Ron Wheeland MD

Charles Frosolone MD

Mary Kay Graves RN, FNP

Voted Best Dermatology Provider 2015

Please call to make an appointment at 360-682-5024 205 S Main Street, Bldg B, Coupeville

275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite A3, Oak Harbor

www.familydermco.com

1804 Scott Road, Suite 106, Freeland