A place OH kids can call their own

Published 9:00 am Thursday, January 26, 2006

It takes a village …

“We didn’t have this when I was growing up here, and I always wished we had these kinds of things to do,” said ERIC MARSHALL, coordinator of the “ZONE,” formerly known as the NEUTRAL ZONE, sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of Oak Harbor. It’s a popular Friday night place frequented by about 125 kids in grades 6 to 12.

Marshall, a 1992 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, is a marketing rep for the WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES. He and his wife Michele have two children: Janay, 15, and Noah, 6.

Marshall was recruited by his old friend ROOSEVELT RUMBLE, director of The BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of OAK HARBOR. The men got to know each other when they coached competing girls’ basketball. Marshall said, “He has a passion for what he does and he loves each one of those kids that come through the door like they were his own.”

The Zone alternates between the North Whidbey and Oak Harbor Middle School gymnasiums from 7 to 11 p.m. It is a drug-free, violence-free place where kids can come, have fun and dance with beats by Cory Wingett. McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut supply food each week; Domino’s and Burger King participate as partial suppliers.

For a change of pace, a VIP Dance is held once a month at the Roller Barn, hosted by the Media Team, a group of high school students and members of the Boys and Girls Club. Kids play air hockey and pool, get sporting event tickets, prizes and free food.

Marshall is also a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club Media Team. “These 12 high school volunteers officially put on the dances at The Zone, set things up, have kids sign in and out, then clean up and meet every week to talk about the next event.

“We require that these team members maintain a certain grade point average,” Marshall said. “They must also volunteer every week for at least two hours to help someone with homework and tutoring at the Boys and Girls Club.” Such community service certainly helps when applying for college scholarships.

Volunteers are screened and more adults are needed. Why not contact Rumble at 360-240-9273 and ask him to send you a volunteer package.

The face is familiar …

As I sat idly with a cup of coffee at the DAILY GRIND recently, I noted dark clouds rolling in over City Beach and decided to head for home.

Who should I spot in the parking lot but HELEN CHATFIELD-WEEKS in lively conversation with MARIAN and DAVID MERRILL, former residents of Coupeville. They were raving about the Emerald Heights retirement community in Redmond they now call home, but still like to come back to Whidbey to see old friends.

David bears a striking resemblance to former Navy Secretary ELMO ZUMWALT with his trademark flamboyant eyebrows. Perhaps you remember him now.

Freedom is not free …

Many of America’s veterans are cared for in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and nursing homes. During National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, Feb. 12-18, visits are encouraged to residents at any of the state’s three veterans’ homes.

Young people may wish to make patriotic drawings or Valentines to deliver to the veterans. To ask about a visit for your group, please call these volunteer coordinators: Washington Veterans Home, Retsil, Catherine Shaw, 360-895-4376; Washington Soldiers Home, Orting, Lynn Zemke, 360-893-4511; Spokane Veterans Home, Spokane, Shane Price, 509-344-5779.

Add art …

Think of how flat the world would be without art. That would never happen on North Whidbey where we can partake of many creative workshops offered by the COUPEVILLE ARTS CENTER.

Members and anyone interested in becoming a Coupeville Arts Center member are invited to the center on Feb. 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for an evening of information, discussion, artists and fun.

Bring a friend with you to 15 N.W. Birch Street. Call 360-678-3396 for more information.

Time is running out …

Deadline for applying for scholarships through the MASONIC LODGE is Jan. 30. Get an application from your school counselor and good luck!

Heavy 4 anniversary set …

VAH-4 (or “Heavy 4”) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its commissioning in Oak Harbor this July. HATRON 4 was the first squadron on Whidbey to fly operational jet aircraft, the A-3. There will be banquets, tours and activities. Call JAMES VANNICE at 360-675-3703 if you will be attending.

I’d love to hear from you. Call me at 360-675-6611 or write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com. See you on Feb. 1!