Remember Keith …
News of KEITH BARTLETT’S sudden death on Thanksgiving Day hit people hard on North Whidbey. The owner of Pot Belly Deli had gone to his restaurant early to get started on preparing food for the community Thanksgiving meal.
Suddenly, he was gone. His caring heart was stilled.
But grieving would have to wait. Led by Keith’s partner in the meal, JACK STILTZ, volunteers worked through their pain by serving almost 4,000 people on Nov. 25.
“This was our fourth year,” said Stiltz. “We talked about it a lot, asking ourselves, ‘Can we pull it off?’ And we figured, what have we got to lose?”
About a hundred or so people came to the first meal, almost 800 the second year and 2,400 for the third. Stiltz said they cooked 168 turkeys this year and 400 to 500 pounds of ham.
Stiltz, who owns Bay Printing at Ely Street and Barrington Avenue, recalled how he and Bartlett would ski together every winter. They trusted each other and found solutions to business issues by talking them out. Confidences were kept. Here was a man of integrity.
Keith’s wife JUDY BARTLETT will keep the Pot Belly Deli open, good news for customers who are spoiled by homemade soups and made-to-order sandwiches.
Stiltz is committed to carrying on the tradition next year, dedicating every plate of hot turkey served to a man who thought it would be a neat idea.
Go with the Feeling …
It’s hard to be merry when you are anxious about a loved one serving overseas, your flight has been cancelled, tempers are short at home and your overscheduled kids have dark circles under their eyes.
Maybe it’s time to stop the insanity and rent a movie. I don’t pretend you will find all the answers here, but I do believe in the message of hope in Frank Capra’s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This 1946 black and white film is an American masterpiece, as good in December as it is in July.
It reminds us of the importance of the individual, that each of us has the power to make a difference. It asks and answers a question we all think of at one time or another, “What would this world be like if I had not been born?” George Bailey lived by a creed that always placed human need above riches, and, as a result, his only wealth was his family and friends.
The movie is far more than a Christmas sermon. In fact, the story is not really about Christmas at all, but a reminder that life may not be always how you want it, but you can still make what you’ve got wonderful.
A donation of cash or non-perishable food can help make someone’s life a little brighter. JEAN WIEMAN, executive director of Help House, reminds everyone that what they collect at Christmas must last until their July 2005 food drive, so be generous. Remember, our example of living by the Golden Rule is not lost on our children.
Help House is on Hathaway between Pioneer Way and the Whidbey News-Times. They will be open until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. Call 675-0681.
4-H Going Strong …
Tomorrow’s veterinarians are today’s 4-H members.
At the Whidbey Shepherds Sheep 4-H Club, members range in age from 6 to 17. Altogether, members have about a dozen sheep. 4-H teaches them how to raise the animals, care for them, breed and repeat the cycle. They also learn compassion for living things.
The Whidbey Shepherds Sheep 4-H Club assembled a Christmas basket for a needy family at their party on Dec. 19. They also welcomed new members, RACHEL, BEN and AMANDA BRAGER.
New officers are TREVOR MUELLER, president; ARIANNA CANE, vice president; EMILY CANE, secretary; PAIGE MUELLER, treasurer; KATE LEESE, reporter; AMANDA BRAGER, photographer; and ALEX MARTINIS, recreational chairman.
For their community service projects, the Shepherds planted flowering bulbs to give to residents of Cam-Bey Senior Apartments. They plan to “adopt” its residents for future projects in 2005.
Call 678-0760 to learn more about this wonderful organization.
For the Kids …
FRANK PULU and his customers at Frank’s Place and Frank’s Place Too are helping kids who have fallen through the cracks and might otherwise go without a gift this Christmas.
Pulu’s team made a nice donation to the Forgotten Children’s Fund by presenting BILL O’BRIEN, Whidbey Island FCF Coordinator, a check to help the children and families of Whidbey Island who may not qualify for help from the state, county or other charities. Anyone can nominate a family or themselves. Applications are available at Frank’s Place in Oak Harbor, call 678-7076, email whidbeykids@direcway.com or send referrals or donations to P.O. Box 1527, Coupeville, WA 98239.
Scorpions’ are home …
A baby’s first tooth. A child’s first steps. Anniversaries and birthdays. You miss a lot when you serve your country around the world.
But Christmas came early for families of the VAQ-132 Scorpions, an EA-6B squadron from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island that has just spent months at sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy.
Welcome home to the fathers, mothers, husbands and friends who have been so missed. Your safe return is present enough for us.
I’ll be back on Dec. 29. Meanwhile, send me your New Year’s wishes to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com, call 675-6611 or bring your news to the Whidbey News-Times next to the O.H. Police Department, across from City Hall.
