Be sure to get your economic stimulus
To receive the new “stimulus” tax money you must file a Tax Form 1040 even if you owe no tax and do not usually file.
Local AARP Tax Aides will continue giving FREE 2007 tax preparation help thru April 10 for moderate and low-income, all ages, non-members welcome. Find them at the following times at the following libraries: Tuesdays, 1 to 7 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Library; Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Coupeville Library; Thursdays, 1 to 7 p.m. at the Bayview Senior Center. Please bring all 2007 tax papers.
Get help rehabbing that heart
The Whidbey heart rehab support group will meet at 1 p.m. April 2 at Whidbey General Hospital in the cafeteria. All heart care or interested persons are invited to come to the meeting.
Republican Women have lunch
Republican Women of North Whidbey will have a luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. April 3 at Happy Dragon Buffet on Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor. Sheilah Crider will share her views of her first month in office as Island County Auditor. Open to membership and the public. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call Kristy at 675-7954 with any questions.
Coupeville gardeners sprout the season
The Coupeville Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. April 3 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. The featured speakers will include representatives from the Soil Conservation District and a presentation on the use of native plants in the garden. The public and prospective new members are welcome to attend. Call 678-3303 for information.
Give water
resource input
The Water Resource Advisory Committee will have a meeting 3 to 5 p.m. April 3 at the Taylor Road Fire Station at 3440 Taylor Road, Oak Harbor.
The public is invited to attend. The WRAC is an Island County citizen advisory group that provides oversight to water resources, salmon recovery and marine resource programs on Whidbey and Camano Islands. For more information call 678-7888.
Let’s talk about meat
There will be a livestock producer meeting 7 to 9 p.m. April 3 at Coupeville Recreation Hall. Important processing options to livestock producers on Whidbey Island will be presented by the Whidbey Island Meat Processing Steering Committee, with support from the Whidbey Sustainable Agriculture Committee, WSU Extension, Au Sable Institute, Ebey’s Historic Reserve, Skagit Farmers Supply, Island County Conservation District, the Northwest Agriculture Business Center, and others. Refreshments will be provided. This meeting is a follow up to one that was held in November of 2007 and all producers are welcome. For information, call Maryon Attwood, Special Projects, NABC, 360-336-3727 or leave a message at 678-1414.
Terry campaign
kick off party
Patricia Terry RN, of Camano Island, is a Democratic Candidate for State Representative, 10th District, Position 2. There will be a campaign kick-off party for her 4 to 6 p.m. April 4 at Mukilteo Coffee Roasters Cafe, 5331 Crawford Road, Langley. This fundraising event is a marvelous opportunity to meet the candidate and enjoy coffee, wine, a light snack, and some lively conversation.
Time to see
‘Social security’
Tickets for The Whidbey Playhouse, adult comedy “Social Security” are now on sale. “Social Security,” directed by Mary Lou Chandler, is about how two sisters and their spouses care for their aging, cantankerous mother, Sophie. It will be staged April 4 to 26.
You won’t want to miss this delightful geriatric adult comedy about life, love and sour balls. “Social Security” has adult themes and adult language, and may not be suitable for all audiences.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. matinees Sundays. The Whidbey Playhouse is wheelchair accessible. For ticket prices and information call 679-2237.
Sale benefits
relay for life
The Moving and Grooving team will hold a fundraising garage sale to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5, at 645 W. Industrial Ave. (off Goldie), Oak Harbor. There will be plenty of infants clothes, lots of toys, furniture, household items, books, a medieval tent, and lots more. For information call 679-9155.
Farmers market season opens
The Coupeville Farmers Market — the fourth oldest Washington State Farmers Market Association market in the second oldest town in Washington will open for its 30th anniversary season this Saturday, April 5.
Find the freshest local produce, unique arts and crafts, ready to eat food to enjoy on site or at home, and much, much more. Offerings change weekly and new vendors will appear throughout the season. Plan to “Buy Local, Eat Local, Be Local” — at the Market!
The market can be found in the open field next to the Town of Coupeville parking lot adjacent to the Coupeville branch of the Sno-Isle Regional Library. Market hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, April 5 to Oct. 11.
North Whidbey Shoreline Workshop
If you live in the north part of Whidbey and are curious as to why it is considered to be an important habitat for juvenile salmon, register for a free public workshop to be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 5 at the Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center. Sponsored by Island County Planning and Community Development and WSU Extension, this workshop features speakers who will talk about salmon habitat and salmon recovery activities on Whidbey, shoreline processes, property conservation, and water quality monitoring. This will be followed by a juvenile salmon seining demonstration by WSU Beach Watchers. Registration is required; call Scott Chase at 360-387-3443, ext 258, or email schase@wsu.edu.
Emblem rummage
and bake sale
Emblem is holding its Spring Rummage and Bake Sale on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 155 NE Ernst St., Oak Harbor. From “junk” to “junque,” they have whatever tickles your fancy. Lunch will be available at a nominal charge and will feature homemade chili, soup, and a wide variety of mouth-watering pies. Stop by the bake sale tables to pick up goodies to take home with you. Proceeds help a variety of charities in this area. Last year the club dispersed almost $6,000 through its fundraising activities.
Take a spin with the Weavers
Join the Whidbey Weavers Guild for its 37th annual Spin-In, April 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Harbor High School. The featured spinner, Judith MacKenzie McCuin, will give a talk Saturday on bison fiber and a workshop on Sunday teaching how to spin yak, bison and cashmere fibers into yarn. Vendors will be available both days offering fiber, fleeces, yarns and equipment. The donation is $15 for one day or $25 for both days. Bring your spinning wheel and join the fun. For more information, visit www.whidbeyweavers
guild.org or call 678-8486.
Help spruce up post office
Harbor Pride will be at the Oak Harbor post office under the grand old oak tree to tend the town’s demonstration pioneer and native plant garden from noon to 3 p.m. April 6. Volunteers are needed to help plant, prune, weed and more. Fresh-baked acorn cookies from our local oak trees will be provided for those tending the community garden. All ages welcome! Bring: Garden tools, gloves, wheelbarrow, shovels, shop brooms, and containers for weeds if you have them. For information call 679-1255 or
peoplenplants@gmail.com.
‘Comedy Cabaret’ benefits women
The Skagit Valley College Women’s Advisory Committee will be hosting its annual scholarship fundraiser April 5 at 6 p.m. at SVC’s Phillip Tarro Theatre in Mount Vernon.
“Comedy Cabaret: Picking up the pieces with laughter,” will feature “A Few Good Women,” from the Up-Front Theatre in Bellingham. Local guitarist and singer Marcia Kester will also appear.
The proceeds of the event will benefit the Theresa M. Babcock Scholarship Fund to assist those in transition.
Pre-sale tickets are $15 from the Skagit Valley College cashiers in Oak Harbor and Mount Vernon, or by telephone, 360-416-7658. Cost at the door is $20.
Putney Woods Trail and Metcalf Trust Dedication
The Island County Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen are hosting a dedication ceremony party to celebrate the culmination of their project to upgrade the facilities in the Putney Woods at 10 a.m. April 5. All equestrians, bikers, dog walkers and hikers are invited to join the Horsemen at the trailhead parking lot on Lone Lake Road. Come celebrate an event that numerous volunteers have made possible.
Genealogical Society Spring Seminar
The Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island proudly presents world-renowned DNA specialist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick, who will speak at an all-day seminar April 5, at Useless Bay Country Club, 5725 South Country Club Drive, Langley. Key topics for the day are “CSI Meets Roots: The DNA Detective;” “You Will Never Look at Your Old Photos the Same Way Again!;” “The Database Detective;” and “Forensic Genealogy: Connections, Connections.” Seminar pre-registration is strongly advised. For additional info, contact Laura Roetcisoender at lroetci@aol.com, or visit www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/wagsswi/new.
Welcome spring in Greenbank
Welcome spring and the all new Greenbank Farm Sunday farmers market beginning April 6 in the main barn. Come find fresh local organic produce, delicious home-baked goods, delectable hot food, gorgeous seasonal plants, beautiful local flowers, and a host of delightful yet utilitarian arts and crafts. Live music with renowned Celtic harpist David Michael and the Island County Master Gardeners will be on site to answer your gardening questions. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact GBSundaymarket@whidbey.com.
Gardeners spring
into action
The Oak Harbor Garden Club will meet at 9 a.m. April 8 at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church, 1050 Ireland St. An in-house plant sale is planned this month instead of a program.
Please come and join us for this special sale with snack and social time. Male and female members are welcome.
For more information call Marjorie at 675-6151 or Gail at 675-5723.
NARFE chapter
seeks members
Chapter 196 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will meet at 1 p.m. April 8 at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Guest speaker will be Capt. Gerral David, NAS Whidbey base commander. A short chapter business meeting will follow. All chapter members and interested future members are encouraged to attend. For information call David Kimple at 675-9311.
Shutter bugs share tips, techniques
The Whidbey Island Camera Club meets April 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Oak Hall at the Skagit Valley College Whidbey Campus. Amateur and professional photographers will share tips. Bring two photos in digital form to share or email the files to absolu
tescience@hotmail.com, which is also the way to contact the club.
M-Bar-C Ranch seeks camp volunteers
The M-Bar-C Ranch is looking for volunteers to assist with their Ranch Experience and Riding Camp programs for children of all ages who are physically, mentally, emotionally or financially challenged. Volunteer orientation is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon April 10. For information and to register for the orientations, call Dana Jones at 360-331-6019 or email dana@m-bar-c.org.
Christian women go Dutch for lunch
The Oak Harbor Christian Women’s Club will have a luncheon meeting with the theme of “Dutch Treat” at 11:30 a.m. April 10 at the CPO Club. Helen Chatfield Weeks will share about the year of the windmill. Darcy Sullivan and Linda Gruber will provide the music and Iva Lou Chestnut will give an inspirational talk. Free nursery care is available at Family Bible Church. For lunch or nursery reservations call Rhonda at 675-9724 or Sylvia at 675-5053.
Chamber welcomes legislators
The Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce will hold a membership meeting at 7 p.m. April 10 at the Methodist Church in Coupeville, 608 N. Main St. Come at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and networking. The speaker portion of the meeting will be a legislator’s forum. In attendance: Rep. Norma Smith, Rep. Barbara Bailey and Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen. The meeting is open to the public and people are encouraged to attend.
Knights host
tasty sale
The St. Mary’s Altar Society and Knights of Columbus will host a garage sale and hot dog stand 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at the St. Mary Church Hall. Come find plenty of items, grab a yummy hot dog and support the Knights in their endeavors. The church is at 207 Main St., Coupeville. Cal 678-6536.
Reps. Smith, Bailey host town halls
Reps. Norma Smith and Barbara Bailey will host three town hall meetings in the 10th District on Saturday, April 12. Both lawmakers will offer a brief update on the 2008 legislative session then open the meeting up to listen to constituent ideas, solutions and concerns. The town hall meetings will be held at the following times and locations: Langley, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Langley City Hall, 112 Second Street; Oak Harbor, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Skagit Valley College, Oak Hall 223; Stanwood, 3 to 4 p.m., Stanwood Community & Senior Center, 7430 – 276th St. NW.
No RSVP is necessary.
CITY WIDE CLEAN UP day
Let the city of Oak Harbor help with your spring cleaning. There will be a one-day free dump day 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the Oak Harbor Municipal Shop at 1400 NE 16th Ave.
This is a free program for all city residential customers, sorry, Navy housing is not included. You must show a driver’s license or city utility bill to be admitted. Only one car/pick-up load per city utility billing address will be allowed. Only one car with a trailer equaling 3/4 ton size or one truck equaling 3/4 ton will be allowed. No exceptions! All small items and debris must be placed inside containers (boxes, garbage cans, etc.) for quick unloading. Loads taking longer than 10 minutes to unload will be asked to leave.
Please bring: Yard waste, recyclables and large items (hard to dispose of) to the City Shop.
Do not bring: Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners (appliances with freon), or propane bottles. No single item weighing over 300 lbs. No commercial waste will be allowed. No semi or tractor tires. No concrete. No household hazardous waste (chemicals, paints, etc.). These can be disposed of — FOR FREE — at either the Island County-Oak Harbor Transfer Station (3151 Oak Harbor Road – 675-6161) or at the Island County-Coupeville Transfer Station (20062 SR 20, Coupeville – 679-7386).
Remember: Never mix chemicals together.
This is an excellent opportunity to clean up your yard and garage.
Encourage your neighbors to participate in a neighborhood clean up day.
The City encourages recycling as much as possible. Please do your part.
For information about the “City Wide Clean Up” program, call the City Utilities Office at 279-4530 or Public Works Department at 279-4750.
Sunday, April 13
Democratics host peace-building Forum
John Graham, former Foreign Service Officer, local writer and activist will be the featured speaker at the April 13 forum 2 to 4 p.m. in the Hayes Hall Conference Room at the SVC/OH library. Graham has been actively involved in peace-building initiatives all over the world. He’s helped end apartheid in South Africa, avert a major strike in Canada, save what’s left of the Everglades, settle a war in the Sudan and find long-term environmental solutions in the Pacific Northwest. Graham, and his wife Ann Medlock, lead The Giraffe Heroes Project. A book signing and refreshments will follow. Admission free. Information: 360- 675-8318
Monday, April 14
Homeschools show talent, art
Homeschoolers On Whidbey will present its annual talent show and art/project fair April 14 at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Project viewing starts at 6:30 p.m. Talent show begins around 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15
“CRAFTSMAN WHIDBEY” featured at Museum
Local custom furniture makers David Grey and Gary Leake will deliver lectures entitled “Greene Wood & Great Joints” 7 to 9 p.m. April 15 at the Island County Historical Society Museum in Coupeville. Grey will show samples and discuss the origins and construction of Greene & Greene style furniture, which is his specialty. Leake will discuss wood-types and finishes with an emphasis on restoration of Craftsman and Mission period furniture. Both are highly knowledgeable and well-known makers of superb furniture. Includes refreshments. Calling in advance is recommended, due to limited seating. Admission $10.
AAUW honors island girls
The Whidbey Island Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will honor three girls from each of the Whidbey Island high schools for their achievements in mathematics, science and technology during a reception at 7 p.m. April 15 at the Coupeville United Methodist Church. The public is welcome to attend.
Reading, live on stage
Ever wanted to join a book discussion but didn’t think you had anything to say? The Oak Harbor Library wants to invite you to a dramatic reading from “Midwives” by Chris Bohjalian, performed by local actress Candice Baker. This free event is presented by Sno-Isle Libraries as a part of Whidbey Reads 2008 in partnership with Whidbey Playhouse and Skagit Valley College/Whidbey Island Campus. For more information go to www.sno-isle.org or contact Oak Harbor Library 360-675-5115.
Wed., April 16
Pregnancy Care Clinic
Pregnancy Care Clinic invites everyone to tour the recently updated clinic during an open house 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 16, at 670 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. Help celebrate more than 21 years of serving Whidbey Island and the surrounding communities. The clinic provides pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, parenting classes, cribs, car seats and much more for FREE. For information call 675-2096
Fri., April 18
Superintendent hosts citizens
Meet the superintendent of the Coupeville School District April 18 from 8:15 to 10:15 a.m. in room A305 of the high school annex.
Parents and community members are invited to discuss Coupeville schools and educational issues with Superintendent Patty Page, and share what’s going well and what could be improved. Call 678-45522.
Local Author back home on tour
As part of local author Peggy Shumaker’s national book tour for her new book, “Just Breathe Normally” from the University of Nebraska Press, she will have a reading/book signing 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 18 at the Freeland Library. It will be followed by an opportunity for others to share their work.
A class on April 19 is a fundraiser to benefit the Whidbey Island Writers Association new literary magazine, Soundings Review. For more information contact WIWA at 360-331-6714 or Marian Blue at 360-341-1630.
Fabulous night of music offered
The Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island Campus Program Board will welcome the local music duo, Correo Aéreo (Air Mail), at 7 p.m. April 18 at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. “Zing go the Strings: Celebrating a World of String Music” will include traditional Latin American folk music, primarily from Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina. The duo uses a variety of instrumentation and materials including Venezuelan and Mexican harps, jarana, maracas, quinta huapanguera, cuatro, guitar, violin, bombo, and two vocals. Advance tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for SVC students. Advance tickets are available at the SVC Whidbey Old Main Cashier, 679-5353. Tickets at the door are $7.
Sat., April 19
Huge garage sale for relay
Walmart’s Relay for Life team has organized a Relay for Life multi-team garage sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 in the Walmart parking lot. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. All Relay for Life teams are welcome to participate for a small fee. Contact Support Manager Jane at 279-0665 for more information and to register for a spot.
Prairie blooms for open house
This is the annual open house at Au Sable Institute is April 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 180 Parker Road, Coupeville. Au Sable is located on 175 acres of prairie and forestland. In the spring the prairie will be in full bloom, therefore, a great time to have everyone visit us, enjoy refreshments, artists and music. Call 678-5586.
Island Democrats hold convention and caucus
The Island County Democratic Party will conduct its Convention and 10th Legislative District Caucus April 19 at the Langley Middle School. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Delegates and alternates elected at the Precinct Caucuses on Feb. 9 and interested Democrats are invited to attend. Delegates and alternates to the 2nd Congressional District Caucus and the Washington State Convention will be elected, as well as platform resolutions. Priority seating will be given to delegates and alternates. For information, Marshall Goldberg at 360-675-5888.
Mon. April 21
Stargazers talk shop
Island County Astronomical Society monthly meeting will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 21 at the First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor. Anyone interested in astronomy is invited to attend. For more information about ICAS or club events, contact Dan Pullen at 679-7664 or icaspub@juno.com, or visit their web site at http://groups.msn.com/WashingtonICAS.
Saturday, April 26
THE EMPIRE GIVES BACK
Imperial and Rebel forces will be given an opportunity to share the good work of the Red Cross in Island County and have a good time in the process during a charity fundraiser for the local chapter 2 to 8 p.m., April 26.Come tour the new Red Cross building at 1150 SE Dock St. in Oak Harbor and take part in the fun and fundraising.
Ticketed activities include a color contest (ages 1-14), a costume contest (ages 10-26), games, crafts, and light saber exhibitions. Photo ops will include costumed characters and special order personalized game cards. Items in our specialty store include hand sewn character pillows, padawan braids, and Adopt-an-Ewok. Special guests will include representatives of the Garrison Titan (northwest branch of the 501st Vader’s Fist Costume Club).
The Charity Fundraiser will be held April 26, from 2:00-8:00 pm following the Holland Happening Parade at the Contact Clairann Haney 679-3053 for info.
Sat., May 10
Help make island youth healthy
The Island County Underage Drinking Action Committee (UDAC) invites islanders to collaborate in the creation of an Island County Healthy Youth and Community Fair — scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at Langley Middle School. Call Victoria Santos at 360-221-6808, ext 3402 for information or to get involved.
