Healing touch …

LIA BIDDLE spent last week in Seattle apartment hunting. She’ll need to be close to her new job as a Registered Nurse in cardio-thoracic care at the University of Washington Medical Center. Lia, 25, is a member of the Oak Harbor High School Class of 1998. She graduated from the Nursing Program at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon in March and has a promising career ahead of her. “I have always been science and math inclined,” she said, but didn’t get serious about nursing until after high school. “I wasn’t sure, longevity wise, until I worked as a nursing assistant,” she said. Then, she said, it just felt right. “Her father and I have always observed she is interested in the care of others,” said JUDY BIDDLE, describing her daughter’s healing nature. “She has worked hard to get to this point,” Judy continued, adding that Lia pursued a grant on her own to help pay for books and tuition. While attending Skagit Valley College as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she was allowed to cross-train in different areas. “I have the most experience in cardio-thoracic,” she said, the specialty of the heart and lungs. BRUCE and JUDY’s other children are successes in their own right. KYLE BIDDLE works at the Oak Harbor Water Department and CHAD BIDDLE is employed by B.F. Goodrich Aerospace in Everett. Grandparents BOB and LOU BIDDLE, also of Oak Harbor, are delighted at Lia’s success. “We were sort of hoping she’d go into geriatrics,” joked Bob, “so she could take care of us old folks!”

Gem of a club …

Two students with an interest in the health of the planet have received $500 scholarships from the Whidbey Island Rock and Gem Club. LIBBE BEAR, a senior at Oak Harbor High School, and REBECCA APPLEGATE, a student at Skagit Valley College, have been given scholarships. Bear, who has been accepted at Hawaii Pacific University, will study environmental science; Applegate’s educational emphasis is on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. She is working toward an environmental conservation technical certificate. KENNETH KENDALL is the scholarship chairman. “We raise funds through our annual rock and gem shows,” he said, “and we meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center.” All are welcome and dues are a most reasonable $10 a year.

Stop the presses …

One of my favorite people is WALLIE V. FUNK, the former gum-chewing, wise-cracking editor of the Whidbey News-Times. I’m happy to report the great one hasn’t lost an ounce of his charm, saying just before his 83rd birthday, “Please give my warmest love to all. I love Oak Harbor, and I miss it!” He and MARY ANN moved back to Anacortes a number of years ago, because, said the man with a Valentine for a middle name, “It’s home. It’s where I was born.” We miss the razor-sharp wit and trademark laugh along the streets of Oak Harbor. Carry on, old-timer.

Speaking of Anacortes …

Lorraine Beegle Studio showcases Whidbey Island artist VON ROBERT and his watercolor landscapes. In addition to original work, archival signed and numbered limited edition giclee prints will be available. Meet the artist this Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., or Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The gallery is at 619 Commercial Street in downtown Anacortes.

Pieces of our past …

Canoe races are an important part of the annual Penn Cove Water Festival, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the waterfront in Coupeville. The event celebrates the early Native Americans who inhabited this land, and canoe races will see tribes from Washington, Oregon and Canada compete. Native American performers, education displays, things for children to do, food and crafts round out the day. Except for food you buy and crafts you simply cannot live without, the events are free.

Come for breakfast …

The Masons are up early on Saturdays starting this weekend, preparing breakfast at the Masonic Lodge at 804 North Main in Coupeville. A complete breakfast is just $6. Stop in and sit a spell.

Volunteers sought …

Memorial Day organizers in Coupeville are looking for about 12 to 14 people to help with check-in and staging of the parade on Saturday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided for any helpers. Someone is also needed to lower and raise the flag during Taps. Please call Joyce Claus at 678-3975.

I’ll be remembering my mother Eileen, my stepmother Ruth Hill and a few special women this Sunday, Mothers’ Day. Their guidance shaped my life and I can never thank them enough for their love. I hope to see you back here on May 11. Write to lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com or call me at 675-6611.