You’re new on the job and there’s so much to learn. It’s a big responsibility, one you take seriously.

If you’re JILL JOHNSON, none of that scares you. The unabashed cheerleader for all things Oak Harbor reported for work on June 20 as Executive Director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, relieving the much-loved PRISCILLA HEISTAD who left to pursue a law degree in Illinois.

“I don’t want to take credit for their accomplishments,” Jill began, praising five staff members and two seasonal workers who assist her and the many volunteers who keep the ship afloat.

Newly-hired HEATHER JOHNSON takes on the job of office manager and coordinating volunteers. SANDE MULKEY continues to be the “go to” person for chamber members, while PAIGE STANLEY keeps the organization financially sound with her bookkeeping skills. LEE YOUNGBLOOD also remains as a welcome face for visitors on Saturdays.

“The first big thing on the radar is the Fourth of July,” Jill said. While Rotary takes care of the parade, the chamber must coordinate such venues as the carnival, chili cook-off and rubber ducky derby, plus raise donations from business owners to put on the yearly fireworks display.

The chamber sponsors Whidbey on Wheels, on location in the parking lot of the Deception Pass Visitor’s Center. There a real person gives visitors information about Oak Harbor and the island. Hats off to JUDY SLAGER for the fine job they do.

Jill was away from Oak Harbor for about 10 years for college and work, but when she returned, the sense of place was palpable. “I am constantly reminded of how great this city is whenever I return,” she added.

“It’s the most amazing town. People here have good vision and passion for community, and when you combine that with the leadership of the mayor and city council, you can really feel the energy.”

Local publisher Marcia Van Dyke worked with Jill in her former job as marketing coordinator for Whidbey Island Bank. “Jill is perfect for the job. She worked on the comprehensive planning task force and campaigned for both the stadium and high school bonds,” Van Dyke recalled, adding it was Jill who rounded up groups of people to wave and yell as school buses took the Wildcats football team to the championships last fall.

Because Oak Harbor is a one high school town, Jill feels it’s a great cause to rally around.

“I had such a great high school experience and education, that now, I just want to give something back,” she said.

Besides her work, Jill admits to having one other passion in life — spending time with her 4-year-old niece LYDIA, daughter of sister CHRISTINE. There is one brother, TRYGVE, and you can bet their parents DAVE and ARLENE JOHNSON feel thrice blessed.

Gentleman Bill …

Oak Harbor will lose a fine gentleman and veteran pharmacist on July 11 when BILL BULPIN leaves for a new job in Las Vegas.

“When I sold Island Drug to AARON SYRING on July 1, 2004, the agreement was for me to work full time for two years,” Bulpin said. He has done that. “I’ll work the weekend and July 4 will be my last day.”

He has a new job as a night pharmacist at a large Walgreen’s drug store located two miles east of the famous strip.

“This is a rebirth for me,” Bill smiled, obviously gratified that his new affiliation recognizes his experience and dependability. It’s a job he takes seriously. “You know, pharmacists are the last stop before the hospital,” he added.

Once on the job, he’ll work Wednesday through Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., then have seven consecutive days off to rest and have enough time to come north and manage his personal business. He wants his customers to know he will be available but he just won’t be their pharmacist.

He made a gesture of loving concern pouring from his heart into his hands and said, “I have given a lot of myself to a lot of you (the community) over the past 20 years.”

I’d better hurry to collect the dance I was promised after my knee surgery. Warm up the oldies station and put on those steel-toed slippers, your friends will be dropping in to wish you all the best.

Get your kicks in ’06 …

Here’s a good way to win a Fair Family Fun Pack worth $60. Just go to www.islandcountyfair.com and click on Survey. Then answer a few questions about yourself, your likes and dislikes. All entries must be in by July 15. Dates to remember are Aug. 17 to 20 for the Island County Fair in Langley. Call (360) 221-4677.

Did anyone see where June went? Hope July slows down. Don’t forget to call me at (360) 675-6611 or email lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.