When BRENDA and WAYNE MAYOTTE moved here a year ago from British Columbia, they brought the usual boxes of china, but they also brought along part of an ancient Chinese tradition: a dragon boat measuring 54 feet long with the dragon’s head and tail, and 48 feet long as it sits in the Oak Harbor Marina in Oak Harbor.

“I am a breast cancer survivor,” Brenda explained, “and Wayne has been my strongest supporter in my recovery. We started the Whidbey Dragon Boat Club for adult cancer survivors and their supporters. They make up the 20 paddlers and there is a drummer and a tiller as well.”

Now that it gets dark too early to paddle in the evenings, they will start paddling on Saturdays, probably in the late morning, and resume their regular schedule of Monday and Thursday evenings next spring.

The Mayottes’ mission in bringing this sport to Whidbey Island is to spread the message that there is life after cancer. Paddling brings survivors together in a healthy activity.

“We also hope to raise awareness of tests available for early detection of cancer,” she added.

Of the hundreds of dragon boat teams in the world, 110 of them are breast cancer survivor teams. There have been competitions held in this state on Lake Washington, and in Kent, Tacoma and Portland.

The Mayottes hope to expand into several teams, using the same boat and equipment.

The club will represent Whidbey Island and surrounding communities as it takes part in festivals and races throughout the western U.S. and Canada.

“Competition is fun and friendly, but not mandatory for our members,” she noted.

Prospective paddlers can come to three practice sessions before deciding whether or not to join. There are extra life jackets and paddles for those who wish to try out.

“If you are a cancer survivor or know of a survivor who would enjoy and benefit from our club, please give us a call. Age is not a factor, except to be over 18. Many paddlers on other teams are in their 70s. There are no physical requirements, except the ability to get into and out of the boat,” Brenda said.

The club is incorporated and non-profit. Call 675-5733 for Brenda or Wayne, 720-2794 for Karen or e-mail wdbc@verizon.net.

‘Christmas story’ …

Aw, all the kid wanted for Christmas was an official Red Ryder 200-shot carbine action range model air rifle!

We’ll be seeing these locals in their respective parts in the memorable “Christmas Story,” Dec. 1 through 16, at Whidbey Playhouse: BRETT and LAUREN VAGT, EMYLIE KEEHNER, GARRETT STAHL, JIM OTRUBA, KARLA MOORE, LAURA MATTHEWS, LAUREN NELSON, RICK PACKARD and ROCCO and SADIE STRAIN.

Get your tickets now for $14. Call 679-2237 or visit www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

Silver medal Flyers …

Congratulations to TONY SAVOY, brewer and part owner of Flyers Restaurant and Brewery, whose Pacemaker Porter won a silver award in the Great American Beer Festival Awards in Denver.

They also won a gold medal at the North American Brewers Awards in June. Nice work for an establishment just 10 months old.

Quilts at Penn Cove …

Quilts provide comfort and warmth, and sometimes, they carry a message about today’s issues.

Contemporary Concepts, a group of quilt artists from Northern Puget Sound, presents a group of quilts at Penn Cove Pottery through Thursday, Nov. 30.

The old general store makes a charming gallery for fine art, pottery and quilts. Penn Cove Pottery is located at 26184 State Route 20 in San de Fuca, open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 678-6464.

Watch the tide roll …

Beautiful as it is, it also brings tons of unwanted trash to our beaches. CHERYL MAY, program coordinator for the Lighthouse Environmental Programs at Fort Casey, needs people to clean beaches from Deception Pass to the Freeland County Park and points in between on these Friday and Saturdays: Nov. 3 and 4, Nov. 10 and 11, Nov. 17 and 18, Dec. 1 and 2, Dec. 8 and 9 and Dec. 15 and 16. Call 678-4100 to learn how you can help.

Stumped for a gift?

Why not give a prepaid gift certificate for an adult CPR or infant and child CPR or first aid class at the local American Red Cross? These certificates are at www.islandredcross.org and they print as an individual page for your convenience.

After you’ve got the certificate in hand, call the chapter at 257-2096 or 1-888-216-5727 and speak with a Health and Safety Department representative to complete the processes.

See you again on Nov. 8. Call me at 675-6611 or e-mail lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.