I had high expectations after my neighbor told me about how well she was treated by Physicians’ Assistant KRISTINE YOUNG and I was not disappointed. She made me feel welcome and important as she took care of my gardening injury.
“I love the variety of primary care,” she said, “and seeing people from the community.” She is in a perfect job at the busy Whidbey Community Physicians office. She had applied to both physicians’ assistant and medical schools but was accepted at Duke University in North Carolina where she got her physician’s assistant degree.
She surprised me when I asked how she liked Oak Harbor. She responded, “Actually, I am from Coupeville and I love being back.” She was a member of the Coupeville High School class of 1991.
Her parents are BERT and JUDY MAIER of Coupeville, where Bert just retired after 35 years as a lab technician and Judy was a preschool teacher at Little Lambs children’s school.
Kristine’s husband JONATHAN has a job many men would love to have. He is a MAC tool distributor and carries his office with him in a truck full of the good stuff.
Family ties
They often come together to celebrate family and friendship at the Franssen family home in Fireside. Last Sunday, as grandchildren played outdoors, small clusters of people found quiet corners inside to converse, some in their native Dutch and German.
Each summer, ELISA FRANSSEN welcomes her sisters RIA WAJON and GERRIE KRANS who come from Sydney, Australia for a lengthy visit. The three were born in a little village named Gulpen, Holland, and all share September birthdays.
JOSEPH FRANSSEN first saw Elisa at the annual Queen Julianna Ball in Australia and it was clear to him they belonged together. They married and came to America where their life revolves around brothers, sons, daughters-in-law, dear friends and grandchildren.
Brother FRANK FRANSSEN said he never forgets how far they have come and that his day always begins with a prayer of gratitude.
‘And 1-2-3, 1-2-3’
For many years, the name JAN ELLIS has been synonymous with all things Dutch, especially the community’s Oompah Band. As a second generation Dutch girl, she was chair and co-chair of Holland Happening, the annual spring festival, for its first 25 years.
The girl who didn’t speak English until she started kindergarten looks right at home leading the local band with her accordion in her lap.
“We played both days of Holland Happening, at the German picnic on Aug. 7 and will play at the Octoberfest at the Officers’ Club on Oct. 11,” she said.
“Now we have received a request from Western Washington University to come up Oct. 3 for the dedication of their library.”
The eight-piece band is led by Ellis on
accordion; DON MAPES, also accordion; ANNE BYRON, clarinet; JIM BRUNER, euphonium; DOC ELLIS and PAT RYAN, trumpets; DENMAN MOODY, tuba; and MARC de LEEUWE, drums.
Even people who never heard of the polka have been known to fall under its spell.
Cook’s night off
When I was invited to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by a popular local chef, I gratefully accepted. The event was held at Anderson Appliance in Mount Vernon where chef JACK NG held court in their professional kitchen. He is executive chef at China City Restaurant and Lounge in Freeland and chef at Imperial Kasteel in Oak Harbor.
Miss Manners would be proud of how well JILL JOHNSON, JULIE PALMER and I comported ourselves. At the first course, one heard, “No, dearie. You have the last prawn,” but at dessert, an extra serving at our table was up for grabs. The 23 guests applauded the chef and his assistants at the finale.
DONNA BACKMAN of Backman Marketing works with Anderson Appliance to arrange these outings and they are such a hit, the calendar is filled for the rest of the year. Call Backman at 360-420-3385.
Still one of us
HELEN CHATFIELD-WEEKS reports that POGO BARIE, wife of the late Capt. Art Barie, once a commanding officer of the naval air station, came to town for a short visit recently. Pogo was honored with a belated birthday luncheon at the country club where 65 friends gathered.
“It was like old home week,” said Helen, “with MARY VANDERZICHT greeting all at the door and SANDI CARROTHERS planning colorful balloon decorations at each table.
Later, Helen gave her trademark cheer, “Hip, Hip, Hooray,” as friends agreed that Pogo, who lived in Palm Desert, Calif., should come back soon and stay a little longer.
Parenting takes practice
CADA is offering a free, seven-week parenting class starting tomorrow, Sept. 13, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Childcare is provided. To register, call Georgette at 675-7057.
It was a good week with lots to report on. Let’s make it two, but first you have to call me at 675-6611 or write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.
