By Eileen Brown
CRAIG and JOY JOHNSON live in a small house off Bush Point near Crockett Lake. He is a watercolorist and photographer; she is a writer. They have changed more than their address since meeting in Edmonds eight years ago. Their dedication to the natural world is as important to them as their commitment to each other.
Craig’s watercolor of a heron at the Keystone ferry landing has the magnificent bird holding a glistening little fish in its mouth. The clear water looks icy and clean, and reminded me of fishing off the breakwater with my grandfather in Chicago. As soon as we got our limit, we’d rush home to clean and cook the smelt. We hadn’t yet heard the word “pollution.”
“Our shorebird survey statistics show a huge decline in population,” Craig said. From his position as conservation co-chair on the local Audubon Society board, he plans to look into the effects of spraying yards with chemicals, granting permission to developers to destroy previously identified bird habitat, how feral cats are taking a toll on our finches, hummingbirds, jays and robins, and what types of conditions birds will need to continue living in this area.
The Nov. 17 book signing and slide presentation at Whidbey Wild Bird in Oak Harbor was another way of getting the message out. “I autographed 25 copies of ‘Our Puget Sound Birds and Habitat,’ and met several people who agree we must find solutions,” Craig said. “My uncle, who lives in Coupeville, suggests we use technology to solve some of our environmental problems, such as water pollution in Puget Sound.” The public is part of the problem and should be part of the solution.
The book mentioned above depicts many birds found in Puget Sound and other areas of Washington state. Two earlier books, “Our Puget Sound Backyard Birds” and “Our Puget Sound Backyard Birds II,” are nearly sold out, so if you find any copies, get them. However, the new book is the best of the three and just released to stores. Even if your best friend isn’t an avid birder, he or she will better understand your passion for the cause.
Get to know more about the subject by taking a field trip or two with the local Audubon folks. Come as a guest to one of their meetings (first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland). If the sight of a Red-tailed Hawk makes your heart beat faster, this is where you belong.
The Johnsons may be reached by email: joyofwriting@whidbey.com.
‘Appetite for singing’
TORREY MASSEY has what it takes to become a professional actor. She’s an Oak Harbor girl who grew up on the stage of Whidbey Playhouse, showing off a remarkable singing voice in “Music Man” and “The Sound of Music.”
“I think she was born singing,” laughed TINA MELUM. The proud mom is still amazed at how far her 20-year-old daughter has come.
“Her first play was Rainbow Express,” said Tina. “And she has sung the National Anthem from fifth grade through high school.”
Late this summer, Torrey headed to California to pursue a career that now seems to be pursuing her. Her first job at Disney Channel Productions was as an extra. Rather quickly, she was chosen to be a stand-in for Miley Cyrus who portrays “Hannah Montana.” Cyrus is the daughter of actor-singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
“She has a regular work schedule, Monday through Friday, five days a week,” Tina added. “The entire family supports her, including her father, ANDY MASSEY, who lives in California.
“She came home not long ago and took her sister Taylor, 13, to Key Arena for a Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers concert.”
Growing up, Torrey loved to sing around the house and has always had an appetite for singing. Her principal goal is to work in movies, and who knows? Maybe this gifted 2005 Oak Harbor High School graduate can bring back musicals.
Shall we have tea?
If holiday parties tend to leave one fried, pickled, stewed or pie-eyed, here’s a variation on the boozy events: High tea at Compass Rose in Coupeville.
The Doctor Paul Bishop Guild is offering “High Tea” for six or eight for the holidays, a birthday or special occasion. They will prepare treats and serve guests like royalty.
Call the Compass Rose at 678-7097 and make your reservation with Jan Bronson. All money goes to Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary.
Take an afternoon off now or any day that is convenient. Guild members plan to do this all year long.
Brass band members needed Saturday
RICK CASTELLANO, executive director of the Island County Historical Museum, invites anyone who can play a Bb, Eb, C or Bass Clef instrument to join the “spontaneous” brass band in playing holiday tunes in front the museum after “The Greening of Coupeville” tree lighting and parade late Saturday afternoon, Dec. 1. Musical arrangements are very simple. Call 678-3310.
Stop the insanity
Why would I drive to a shopping mall where the parking lots are packed only to find out the last widget was sold an hour ago, but there may be one in Lynnwood?
I wouldn’t, especially with the high cost of gas. Oak Harbor stores have a variety of Christmas gifts you won’t find at the mall. Merchants love to welcome you in and don’t mind at all if you browse.
See you here again next week, but in the meantime, please call me at 675-6611 or write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.
