New smile, new outlook …

Some lucky man or woman in our community will be the recipient of a free dental makeover, thanks to DR. TIM WEZEMAN. It’s his way of saying “thanks” to the community that has been good to him, his family and his practice for more than 25 years.

Well, he is truly a gentleman and the community loves him right back. He has practiced here since his graduation from the University of Washington Dental School and his clinic on Whidbey Avenue has to be, besides Disneyland, the most agreeable place to work. Just ask his four dental assistants, two hygienists, a master lab technician and his assisting technician, a scheduling coordinator and office manager.

They treat patients like they’re royalty, and I ought to know. Wezeman and his staff have traveled to Nevada to train at the Las Vegas Institute for the past several years. It’s the elite post-graduate dental teaching center where dentists train for Extreme Makeovers seen on TV.

Wezeman has his own in-house lab with cosmetic technician, Layne Paul, who received the title of master ceramist on completing advanced training and studies at LVI. Simply write a letter about yourself detailing your situation and dental needs. Send a smile picture along as well and please do it soon. All responses will be reviewed and a selection made by March 31.

Write to Dental Makeover, c/o Dr. Timothy Wezeman at 926 E. Whidbey Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

What ever

happened to …?

Friday, Jan. 14, JIM and GAYLE VYSKOCIL attended the change of command at CNATTU Lemoore for CMDR. DAVID R. CONNER. Dave, son of DOROTHY CONNER, is a 1975 OHHS graduate and former Sea Cadet, who has a long-standing mentor relationship with “Mr. V.”

During the ceremony, Jim was quite surprised and deeply touched when Capt. Mock, Dave’s CO, told of how “Mr. V’s” influence has guided Dave throughout his 29-year naval career.

Dave’s next command will be as Educational Training Planner at the Navy Personnel Development Command in Norfolk, Va.

SEAN and ANITA MAGGORIAN, Dave’s good friends, also made the trip to Lemoore.

Small world department …

Just happened to meet LOUISE SANDERSON at Habitat for Humanity’s furniture store the other day and heard another interesting story from Thailand.

Her son HARVEY SIMS and her brother MICHAEL SANDERSON live in Pattaya, Thailand. As they shopped at a large warehouse store, they noticed a Red Cross truck parked outside bearing a sign “Donations wanted.”

They were curious to see how much it would cost to fill up the entire truck. About $100 American dollars later, the truck was fully loaded with baby food, diapers and other needed items, on its way to the people of Phuket, some 300 miles to the south.

By the way, a jar on the counter of Habitat for Humanity also asks for your donations to help tsunami victims.

What’s your story?

Military personnel and their families are invited to attend a half-day workshop on Thursday, March 3, sponsored by Whidbey Island Writers Conference.

Writing one’s story can put events in perspective and begin the process of finding meaning. Author and Vietnam vet, DON McQUINN, leads the afternoon workshop. The workshop will be held at the Service Alternatives facility, 20 NW First St. in Coupeville from 1 to 5 p.m. The fee of $25 includes materials. Go to www.writeonwhidbey.com, e-mail writers@whidbey.com or call (360) 331-6714.

A lesson in compassion …

Youngsters at Garden Isle Montessori School in Coupeville have also pitched in by holding a penny drive for tsunami victims. Leading the effort was 6–year-old NICHOLAS CROWNOVER who got help from the American Red Cross, Island County Chapter, and school administration to give each student in his class and each teacher a container to fill.

DARRELLYN CURRIER said students got to count and sort pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar bills. Jan. 19, $1,427.92 was turned into the American Red Cross, Island County Chapter to be forwarded to the International Relief Fund.

Rock on …

You can’t help but feel connected to nature when holding a cool, smoothly polished stone in your hand.

You can get your hands around lots of them at the big ROCK SHOW at Oak Harbor Senior Center, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4 and 5. Be sure to ask about healing stones for this and that, and shop for unusual jewelry gifts. Rock talk is free.

Call me at 675-6611 and share your news. Meanwhile, I’ll see you on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2!