By EILEEN BROWN
Long-time Oak Harbor resident Dorothy S. Waite finally “walked the walk” at a Washington State University commencement ceremony in Pullman.
Even before her marriage to Bill Waite in 1972, her dream was to earn a college degree. But over the years, life somehow got in the way. She worked a full time job as office manager for Olson & Hartman pediatric dentistry for the past 23 years, during which time she also managed to raise and nurture two sons which was always her highest priority.
When they flew the nest, she began taking evening and weekend classes at Skagit Valley College where she earned her A.A. degree with high honors. She then applied for entrance into the online Distance Education Program through Washington State University and became an official WSU Cougar.
It was a tough curriculum. Now a grandmother, Dorothy spent many nights and weekends studying, taking online tests and reading an endless stream of text books. Numerous trips to Pullman, Mount Vernon and Tacoma were also made for required seminars and classes, but the big day finally came on May 3 when she donned her WSU graduation robe. At 58, she walked the line to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences.
During the entire 10 years it took to earn her degree, she also managed to carry a 3.93 grade-point average and graduated Summa Cum Laude with the class of 2008.
Vote this year
If you haven’t registered to vote, may I ask why not? Remember, if you don’t vote, you have no right to complain.
You may register at the Oak Harbor Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Coupeville Market Saturdays from 10 to 2, or at the senior center and at local assisted living centers at various times throughout the month. You may also register at Albertsons on Saturday, July 26.
KEN and HELEN BATES have registered many voters who have moved or changed their names. “We get people who have never registered for various reasons,” said Helen. “Our most memorable sign-up was an 88-year-old woman who had never registered to vote and wanted to do so for the first time in her life this year!”
Remember, the last day to register for the primary election is July 19, and Oct. 4 for the general election.
Let her entertain you
Party chairman SANDI CARROTHERS decorated the Dugualla Bay Clubhouse in an authentic western theme for the June 28 Lions Club installation of officers.
Little did Lions Club president BILL CHEAQUI know what awaited him when out of nowhere appeared Marilyn Monroe, portrayed by HELEN CHATFIELD-WEEKS, singing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” She wore a glamorous dress that belonged to the late KATHRYN JOHNSON, former Zeigfeld Follies dancer and well-loved dance teacher in Oak Harbor.
Helen said “Cheaqui was shocked!” but will never forget the tribute. Our Helen never was a shy child and she doesn’t announce when she’ll appear next in what have become trademark cameo performances.
Meant for each other
Marriage takes work, communication, honesty, a sense of humor and staying best friends. When they spoke their vows on the beach at Rocky Point July 5, DEBBIE SOTO and DAVID PETERSON promised to be there for each other for all time.
What does Debbie’s daughter MARISA SOTO, OHHS class of 2004, think of the union and her new stepfather? “I knew they were meant for each other the first time I saw them together. And it helps that I can always get my way with David!”
Has the cost of gas changed your vacation plans? Call me at 675-6611 or write to life
onwhidbey@yahoo.com.
