The Bridge - Whidbey Bridge Oct 2016 Edition

WHIDBEY

BRIDGE

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: If you’ve kept a

watchful eye on the news or newspapers over the past year then you may be aware of the hubbub that it’s not a question of if a massive earthquake or tsunami will strike the Pacific Northwest, but when. As troubling a thought as that may be, residents can ensure they are prepared for such an event. All it takes is a little bit of planning and some thinking ahead.. ............... Page 2

FOR WHIDBEY ISLAND’S OVER-50 CROWD

OCTOBER • 2016

Senior center celebrates 30 years

page 4

Free

A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times, South Whidbey Record and The Whidbey Examiner

Page 2

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

October • 2016

Preparedness key in weathering winter storms

By EVAN THOMPSON South Whidbey Fire/EMS

If you’ve kept a watchful eye on the news or newspapers over the past year then you may be aware of the hubbub that it’s not a question of if a massive earthquake or tsunami will strike the Pacific Northwest, but when.

As troubling a thought as that may be, residents can ensure they are prepared for such an event. All it takes is a little bit of planning and some thinking ahead.

Eric Brooks, deputy director of the Island County Department of Emergency Management, said emergency preparation boils down to four things: Build a safety kit, make a plan, stay informed and be involved.

He said that while people tend to focus on big earthquakes or other catastrophes, there are other incidences that can disrupt daily life.

Such was the case in November 2015 when wind storms knocked out power for much of

South Whidbey.

“If you do those four things, you’ll be ready for anything,” Brooks said.

Brooks said that Whidbey Island, like other islands, is vulnerable to being cutoff from assistance in the event of an emergency.

While it is typical for people to prepare their emergency kits with three days of food, water and other necessary items, residents on Whidbey Island should be prepared with at least two weeks worth of supplies, he said.

“If you don’t have a kit, you’re not going to be able to sustain yourself,” Brooks said.

In addition to thinking long-term with obvious necessities such as food and water prepared, Brooks recommended people also keep a large stock of medicines, batteries for hearing aids, documentation for insurance and medical cards, and extra eye glasses. People also tend to underestimate how much water they need.

“Water is a big

Photo by Evan Thompson/Whidbey News Group

South Whidbey Fire/EMS Deputy Chief Mike Cotton examines medical supplies in the district’s disaster/mass casualty trailer. The district has three trailers with medical supplies in Clinton, Langley and Freeland. Each trailer can serve 100 people with various levels of injuries.

thing,” Brooks said.

“They should have a gallon of water per day.

Sometimes if you’re older, you might need more.”

South Whidbey Fire/EMS Deputy Chief Mike Cotton said having open lines of communication with neighbors is also a good practice.

“Get to know your

neighbors,” Cotton said. “It’s one of the things we don’t do a lot anymore. One of those may have needs that you are aware of, and vice versa, and they can help each other.”

Cotton echoed Brooks’ advice in that preparation and thinking ahead will make all the difference.

There are also warm-

Seated Yoga (for seniors)

ing centers that can be utilized if the lights go out on South Whidbey.

The South Whidbey Senior Center is a designated warming center while the Langley Library also has the capacity to provide shelter, though both cannot provide overnight housing.

Cher yn Weiser, executive director of the center, said that in addition to preparing with ample supplies, stocking up on other

inventories is also important.

“If they have an alternative heat source, they should have whatever is needed to fuel that source,” Weiser said. “They should have some canned foods on hand and have batteries for their flashlights.” n See page 3 for detailed information on creating a preparedness plan and emergency kit.

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Page 3

What you need for an emergency preparedness kit Make a Kit

In Island County, stores utilize a “just in time” system of inventory and ordering.

This means that stores keep very little extra inventory and are resupplied several times a week. In a major event such as an earthquake, our transportation infrastructure in the county as well as the region could take weeks to repair. So, a two-week supply of food and water is what is recommended.

This allows the community to be selfsustaining as the county gains situational awareness and mobilize resources to bring supplies to the county. There are basic items that should be in every kit. These include:

can quickly be overwhelmed so it may be days before you are able to see a doctor. It may be up to you to treat minor injuries for you and your family.

Don’t forget to include enough extra medicines for two to four weeks. The hospital and pharmacies utilize the same “just in time” inventory system as grocery stores. If you use oxygen therapy, make sure you keep an adequate supply of spare tanks.

Keep copies of your prescriptions and dosages/treatment with your important papers.

Eye glasses, hearing aid batteries, wheel chair batteries, etc.

If you require a routine treatment such as kidney dialysis, check with your medical provider for how to continue these during emergencies.

Don’t forget your pet supplies – They will need their own supplies of food, water, and warmth. Pets may not act as normal during disasters so talk to your veterinarian about possible medicines if needed. Many shelters do not accept pets. If they do, they may require that they come with a pet carrier or crate.

Additional items – Always consider those Tools – You may need a wrench or pliers personal items that will help make life easier after a disaster.

Water – One gallon per person is the to turn off your utilities. Other tools may standard recommendation but you need to be needed to make repairs. I think a good Make a Plan consider your personal needs. Older people multi-tool is essential for any kit.

Think about who you interact and comoften require additional water (as do the N95 Dust mask – Great for filtering out municate with consistently as you go about very young and pregnant women). Try particulates in the air.

Plastic sheeting and your days.

How will you know if your family taking a day or two to measure how much strong tape is also essential when a shelterand friends are safe? How will they know water you actually use in a day (including in-place order is given. that you are safe? Where will you go if you hygiene). can’t stay in your house? Consider these Important documents – Medical cards, things and how you will reunited following Food – Choose foods that will last and insurance documents, prescription docua disaster? need minimal preparation. Find nutritionally mentation, wills, powers-of-attorney, credit dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, Communication – You may not be with nuts and high quality protein. Perhaps most card and bank information, tax records, etc. your family and friends when an emergency important is to find foods that you will enjoy.

Cash – If the power and communication occurs. Have a plan where members call, It’s bad enough that you just went through a systems are down then it may be impostext, or email each other. Things to consider: disaster, why suffer through bad food also? sible to get money from banks.

Keep an Is your home phone connected to the Also, make sure you have a means of prepar“adequate” amount of cash available.

Small internet?

Older phones that plug into the ing your food. bills are best (imagine how much a bottle wall may work even without power.

Cellular networks will likely be overLight – Flashlight, headlamps, lanterns of water will cost if you only have a $20 bill). whelmed if they are still working. Texts are all great. Make sure you have enough Personal Hygiene items – Having extra however may still go through as it utilizes extra batteries. You may also consider a water for hygiene is important.

You want to less data. crank flashlight that requires no batteries. make sure that you stay healthy. This may Establish an out-of-state contact. Since it is not be as easy as “pre-event” if infrastructure on a different system, out-of-state calls may Warmth – Extra clothes, warm socks, is damaged. Moist towels work well (you go through where local ones do not. Have underwear, blankets, rain gear…. can find large ones with camping supplies). all of your family and friends call this out-ofWeather Radio – Recommended is a Doctors are not recommending anti-bacteri- state contact to check in with their status.

NOAA weather radio with a SAME transmit- al soaps and hand sanitizers anymore due to Establish a meeting place – Whether ter. It can be programed to provide alerts for the health risk.

Think about how you will go to the bath- to stay or go is a big decision. Arrange a our area (WWG-24) by entering frequency room if your plumbing is damaged. You may meeting place where you can reunite with 162.425 MHz. not be able to use your home toilet. The city your family and friends. It may be a location First Aid Kit – Along with the kit, consid- of Portland, Ore., promotes a useful idea in your neighborhood or a nearby public er getting some kind of training on how to called the PHLUSH system: http://www. building. Remember that you may not have transportation. use it. In an emergency our medical system portlandoregon.gov/pbem/article/394125 SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL. 1, NO. 9

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

Ad Sales......................................... PAM GRANT, NORA DURAND JESSIE MORRIS and MARY GARMAN Creative Artists......... JEN MILLER, MICHELLE WOLFENSPARGER ERIN GOODFELLOW and NICK ROUSER 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

October • 2016

Senior center a cornerstone in community Sticher, who moved to the island with her husband Bill in 1978, began coming to the center to participate in programs and assist with tasks like sorting books in the library.

Alongside her husband, now deceased, she also served Sunday breakfast and delivered Meals on Wheels. She now volunteers as a receptionist, lending a hand elsewhere when needed.

Throughout the years, Sticher said the people have always been the center’s greatest asset.

“They’ve been trying to get rid of me, but I’m staying,” she joked.

“She’s my favorite and she knows it,” said Mary Anderson, senior services administra-

KATE DANIEL

kdaniel@whidbeynewsgroup.com

In the past 30 years since its inception, the Oak Harbor Senior Center has become the nucleus of North Whidbey’s older adult community.

More than a community center, it is a cornerstone of the hearty over-50 population. Having opened its doors in September 1986, it is a place not only to gather but to receive support, socialize and engage actively in programs ranging from Bingo and line dancing to kayaking and travel.

None know this better than Mardy Sticher, a senior who has patronized and volunteered with the center for the past 29 years.

Deliveri

ng Your Real Estate Dreams

Photo by Kate Daniel/Whidbey News Group

Mary Anderson, senior services administrator for the City of Oak Harbor, shares a laugh with volunteer Mardy Stitcher. In celebration of the center’s 30-year anniversary, the two pored over a scrapbook of historic articles, notes and photos.

tor for the City of Oak Harbor, who stepped into the position a year ago. “She’s amazing.”

“We wouldn’t survive without our volun-

teers,” Anderson said.

Upon opening, the center was staffed by one paid employee and several volunteers.

That ratio has changed

minimally over the past three decades.

Currently employed are two and three quarters paid staff members, along with about

40 regular volunteers.

For the first few months, the center was frequented by a couple hundred patrons; but SEE 30 YEARS, PAGE 5 South Whidbey Senior Center

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October • 2016

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

30 YEARS

OCTOBER ACTIVITIES

CONTINUED FROM 4

that number increased rapidly, hitting 600 by the second year.

“When you think about 30 years ago, that was a big percentage of the senior population,” Anderson said.

Sticher said with a chuckle that there have been talks of needing a bigger center for just about as long as it’s been open.

Today the number of members is about 950.

About 65 percent are Oak Harbor residents while the remainder are residents of the county, with several making their way up from Coupeville.

Prior to 1986, area seniors could take advantage of a free meal program, but there was no central place to convene with peers or hold classes or meetings.

At the time, Oak Harbor was the only city in the state of comparable size without a senior center; at the same time, Island County had the fastestgrowing over-60 population statewide.

The center’s minimum age requirement of 50 was decided upon to accommodate the large population of retired military personnel living in the area.

Representatives from Island County, the City of Oak Harbor, the Northwest Council on Aging and other organizations banded together in the early ’80s to vie for a Community Development Block Grant to fund the center.

After two unsuccessful applications, the grant of $750,000 was finally awarded in 1982.

Initially, one-third of the center’s funding came from Island

Page 5

County, one third from the city and one third from revenue. Island County pulled its funding a few years ago.

The center is now funded 50/50 by the city and generated revenue and donations.

Like the Camano center, it is a separate entity from the Bayview Senior Center and Senior Services of Island County.

From the beginning, the Oak Harbor Senior Center has provided meals three times weekly.

At one time, this included a Sunday breakfast, though that was discontinued. A church now rents out the facility Sunday mornings.

Some of the first activities offered included pinochle, poker, bridge and other card games, as well as Bingo, line dancing and tai chi, most of which are still offered on a regular basis. A year after opening, classes like creative writing and calligraphy were also added to the roster.

Not long afterward, Debbie Wallin began leading a history class, which she still teaches today — Anderson said it continues to be very popular. Some programs, like darts and checkbook-balancing, are no longer offered, but a bevy of others have taken their places.

In fact, though Sticher said it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly is the biggest improvement to the center, one that came to mind was the expansion of program offerings.

In addition to these, the center facilitates about 40-50 day trips a year.

While in the first few

The current generation of seniors can expect an average of 15 healthy life years longer than their elders, Anderson said. That generational increase in longevity is augmented by the fact that seniors statistically live longer on the island.

It’s something Sticher has observed personally, and Anderson added that it is also a fact backed by data. Though members’ average age is 70-something, a handful of regular patrons are in their 90s.

“The focus of the senior center now is partly on how to use that gift of longevity to its best advantage, staying healthy and physically independent, giving back to the community,” Anderson said.

“In my year of being here my take-home message is that this place has got energy and lots of possibilities,” Anderson said.

years these excursions were usually to locations such as nearby casinos; today, trips usually include more active endeavors, including athletic outings like kayaking.

Anderson plans to perpetuate that positive trend, and said she foresees more intergenerational programs as well as more activities that encourage and facilitate older adults’ increasingly active lifestyles.

Beginning in October, the center will also offer a Brown Bag Lunch Series the final Tuesday of each month, inviting guest speakers from the community to address topics relevant to older adults.

Anderson said she’s also interested in continuing to create opportunities for groups to partake in activities outside the center, as well as opportunities to bring other community groups in.

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MONDAYS 9 a.m., Quilting 9:30 a.m., Wii Bowling 11:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Ping Pong 12 p.m., Bunco 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)

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

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Page 6

WHIDBEY BRIDGE

COUPEVILLE HUB All activities begin at 1 p.m. at the Coupeville United Methodist Church on Main Street.

Lunch is ser ved every Wednesday at noon. Contact Glenda Cantrell, 360-7202955 or Glenda@island seniorservices.org

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5

n Bingo n Information and assistance will be available 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12

n SHIBA 1-4 p.m., People will be on hand with two computer stations to help you sign up for Medicare.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19 n Retirement Options for Handling your Estate, Attorney Margaret Delp will discuss non assets in probate and retirement options for your estate.

October menu nnn

MONDAY, OCT. 3

lada bake

Cheese manicotti w/ marinara

TUESDAY, OCT. 18

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

TUESDAY, OCT. 4

n Windermere Real Estate agent Rebecca Robinson, will speak on the pros and cons of reverse mortgages.

Question-and-answer period.

Pesto mushroom pizza & salad

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5 Meatloaf w/tomato topping

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

THURSDAY, OCT. 6

n Bingo n Information and assistance will be available 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Chef’s choice

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2016

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

SITIO

Pete Little

South Whidbey Center - Landscaping

Donna Hooper

Time Together Adult Day Services

Judy Kenning

Chef’s choice

FRIDAY, OCT. 21

MONDAY, OCT. 10

Fish sandwich w/ cheese & lettuce

Roast beef Swiss dip sandwich

TUESDAY, OCT. 25

TUESDAY, OCT. 11

Baked potato bar w/ meat sauce

Tuna salad on crossant

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 26

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12 THURSDAY, OCT. 13 Chef’s choice

FRIDAY, OCT. 14 MONDAY, OCT. 17

Vaughn Summers

THURSDAY, OCT. 20

MONDAY, OCT. 24

Judi Moore

Meals on Wheels Driver, Central Whidbey

Swedish meatballs w/ sauce over rice

Parmesan chicken w/ marinara

Rosemary baked chicken

Nutrition Program – Greenbank Meal Site Volunteer

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19

Terrific taco soup

Jim Lautenbach

South Whidbey Center - Bus Maintenance

Salad bar w/variety of vegetables

FRIDAY, OCT. 7

Oktoberfest brats on bun

N:

October • 2016

Cheesy chicken enchi-

Hearty beef stew w/ root vegetables

THURSDAY, OCT. 27 Chef’s choice

FRIDAY, OCT. 28 Chicken fettuccini alfredo

MONDAY, OCT. 31 Halloween ghoulish goulash

The Nutrition Program depends on 133 volunteers who drive for Meals on Wheels or assist in the dining rooms and kitchens.

Volunteer drivers provide connection to the community for isolated homebound participants, while dining room volunteers help in the busy dining rooms, cleaning and serving. Meals are served at South, Central and North Whidbey locations. For volunteer information, call 360-321-1600.

Time Together Adult Day Services

Tom & Donna Chan

Senior Services Community Thrift Store Hardware/Christmas/Housewares

Steve & Charlona Sawyer

Senior Services Community Thrift Store Driver/Hardware/Cashier

Gary Barrett

Medical Transportation Driver

Mollie Leengran

Medical Transportation Driver

Marjorie Lohrer

CamBey Senior Apartments - Gardener

Thank You All For Your Hard Work & Dedication!

Questions about Medicare?

Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 - Dec. 7

This is your one time a year to change your drug or Medicare Advantage plans and potentially lower your costs

Get free, unbiased one-onone help with your options!

Call a Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA) today For an appointment, call: South Whidbey Senior Services 360-321-1600, Ext. 0 WhidbeyHealth 360-678-5151

www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba

BAYVIEW SENIOR CENTER EVENTS: n “Buddies for Buddies” Café, 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4. Free. n Powerful Tools for Caregivers, 1-3 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 18 thru Nov. 29. Free. n Medicare 2017 presented By SHIBA Volunteers, 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 15 and 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27. Free. n Social Security Basics, 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6. No Pre-registration required. Free. n Reverse Mortgage Discussion Hour, 2:30-4 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 19. Free. n Estate Planning, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24.

Free. n Dance to the Fun Band, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Fridays, Oct. 7-28. Free. n Reader’s Theatre Performance, “Senior Moments,” 11:15-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Free. n Halloween Pancake Breakfast, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29.

ACTIVITIES: n Foot Clinic, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 4-25. n Blood Pressure Checks, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26. Free. n Meditation for Everyone, 6-7:15 p.m., Wednesdays. n Miles in Motion and Zumba, 11:15 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Zumba: 11:15 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays

and Thursdays.

Location: Equipped for Life Studio, Bayview. n Beginning Clogging, 4-5 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 6-27. n Senior Striders, 9-11 a.m., Thursdays, Oct. 6-27. Free. n Tai Chi: Advanced, 8:45-9:45 a.m.,

Tuesdays, Oct. 4-27.

Beginning, 10-11 a.m.,

Tuesdays, Oct. 4-27.

Tai Chi in the Afternoon, 3-4 p.m.,

Mondays, Oct. 3-31. n 50-Plus Yoga, 4:45-6 p.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 4-26 and Thursdays, Oct. 6-27. n Line Dance: Beginning, 9-10 a.m.,

Wednesdays, Oct. 5-26.

Improver/Intermediate, 10-11 a.m.,

Wednesdays, Oct. 5-26. n Just Dance, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays. n Tune In – Tone Up with the Ukulele, Tuesdays, October 4-25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. n Learn to Play the Recorder, 10-11 a.m., Mondays, Oct. 3 thru Nov. 28. n Painting with Deon Matzen, 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 5-26 and Fridays, Oct. 7-28. n Adobe Photoshop Elements, Fridays, October 14, 21, 28,10-Noon. n Crafting Connection, 10 a.m. to noon, Thursdays. n Crazy Quilters, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays. n Bingo Night, Wednesday nights, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

TRIPS: n Snoqualmie Casino Trip, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11. n Four Tacoma Museums, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29.

October • 2016

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WHIDBEY BRIDGE

October • 2016

Environmental advocate makes impact on S. Whidbey

By EVAN THOMPSON

ethompson@whidbeynewsgroup.com

Linda Ridder and her husband Greg were unlike most retirees when they came to Whidbey Island over a decade ago. Their plan was simple: Retire early, then give the next 10 years back to the community by working with environmental issues.

Well, they’ve stayed true to their word.

Ridder, 69, is president of the board of directors for the Sound Water Stewards of Island County, formerly known as the Island County Beach Watchers, while her husband is a scientist who has researched eelgrass beds around Whidbey Island, Camano Island and San Juan Islands.

But the buck doesn’t stop there for Ridder. Among her many roles in the community, Ridder has been a chief organizer of the Sound Waters University, which draws around 500 people to South Whidbey High School’s commons to discuss and learn more about the environment. She also played an integral role in the creation of Mother Mentors, which helps nurture mothers with young children by providing emotional and practical support. Ridder has also served as board president of the Whidbey Watershed Stewards and was on the board for Big

Photo by Evan Thompson/Whidbey News Group

Linda Ridder has hit the ground running since coming to a Whidbey Island over a decade ago with environmental advocacy.

Brothers, Big Sisters of Island County.

In 2015 after Beach Watchers split from its long-time administrator, Washington State University, Ridder led the effort in forming the independent, nonprofit organization renamed Sound Water Stewards.

Ridders’ involvement with the environment began with the Whidbey Watershed Stewards and Maxwelton Salmon Adventure not long after moving to Whidbey Island. She had joined stewards after it advocated for the partial restoration of an estuary at the Maxwelton Creek, she said. Tide gates were built underground to

prevent water from flooding nearby land and allows for farming, but stops salmon from traveling upstream to spawn eggs. Partial restoration would have allowed for salmon to swim upstream without compromising the nearby community from flooding, but the hopeful plan never caught on.

“That’s a big political issue and the county has just given up on it for now,” Ridder said.

While with the Whidbey Watershed Stewards, she has helped in efforts to restore streams, educate farmers and other livestock out of a stream so it does not become contaminated

with e.coli and improve the habitat.

“A lot of what we’re doing really is education,” Ridder said. “We’re just trying to help people understand what the consequences of their actions or inactions are.”

She said that Whidbey and Camano Islanders have a greater responsibility to the environment due to the geography of the island.

“It’s a very special place to live on an island with 226 miles of coastline in the county and what that means,” Ridder said. “It’s very different because everything goes to the sea here. We all live in a watershed and everything from every point on the island ultimately ends up in the water.”

Her focus on environmental issues was a flip from her college education and teachings. She has a Ph.D in marriage and family therapy and taught family studies, home economics, women’s studies and gerontology while she was a professor and administrator for Miami University (in Ohio). It was her experience as an administrator at the university that propelled her to play an effective role with the Sound Water Stewards and her other activities. She said she’s always had an interest in government and was able to successfully navigate bureaucracy and local poli-

tics.

“It seems like every environment you’re in is political,” Ridder said. “I think it just makes me more aware about all the things you need to think about. There’s always another point of view, so whatever it is you’re doing, there’s probably somebody who sees it differently.”

Ridder said she and her husband were drawn to South Whidbey for its closeknit community and mixed rural and city setting. While they were still searching for a landing spot, Ridder said the pair would go to prospective locations when it was coldest or during a major holiday, like New Years.

“Our theory was, if we liked it then, it would be OK,” Ridder said.

While attending a movie at the Clyde Theater, the audience began singing happy birthday to someone in the crowd.

“The next day, we talked to the nearest realtor’s office and said, ‘OK, we want to see what’s available,’” Ridder said.

Lori O’Brien, who has worked alongside Ridder over the past six years, said she exemplified the definition of a “go-getter.”

“When she sees something that needs to be done, she’s the first to volunteer and make sure it happens,” O’Brien said.

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