Three siblings from Coupeville’s pioneering Clark family, Josephine Clark, Mickey Clark and Catherine Arnswaldt, recently got together to help Mickey celebrate his 92nd birthday. For many years he was a mailman in Oak Harbor and Coupeville. All three are in their 90s, and about 50 people gathered at Catherine’s home on Keystone beach for the party. Two other Clark children, Tom and Scharlock, have passed away. Tom Clark was a former Island County sheriff. Their parents were Tom Clark, Sr., former Island County engineer, and Anna Scharlock. Tom Clark, Sr.’s father, Thomas, was one of the first soldiers based at Fort Casey at the turn of the century.

Seems as all of the folks who are doing something interesting today are either leaving for the sunny south, Hawaii, or Eastern Washington and would rather not have their names it the paper as not at home. We promise to let you know when they return.

Dirk Konopik, son of Kathy and Mark Konopik of Coupeville, graduated first in his class in eight submarine schools in Groton, Conn., to be first in his class of 01. He is 20 years old and has been in the Navy only two years, but has already made E-5. He has also received his dolphins — enlisted submarine warfare pins. Dirk is a navigation electronics technician. His brothers are Ian and Nicholas Konopik.

Navy Petty Office 2nd Class Arvin C. Garcia, a 1997 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, recently reported for duty aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS O’Kane, home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Monica Reynoso of Oak Harbor recently entered Syracuse University College of Law for the 2002-2003 school year.

Think snow. Students and their families are invited to an evening of information Thursday, Nov. 7. Register for the Oak Harbor Ski/Boarding School from 6:30-8 p.m., Parker Hall, Oak Harbor High School. This year the program changes to Mount Baker. Hear about the new program, ask questions, see a video and sign up. This winter program is open to all students in North Whidbey from 6th through 12th graders. The cost is $216 for bus and 6 two-hour lessons, or $150 for just the 8 bus trips. The lift ticket must be purchased with each visit to the mountain: $28 for 7-15 year olds and $36 for 16 and older. Or a season pass (good for as often as you want to go in a season) can be purchased for: $175 for 7-12 year olds, $250 for 13-15 year olds, and $445 for 16-17 year olds. Weather permitting, the season will run from Jan. 4 through March 8. Call Jim Newberry at 675-6372.

Here’s what we know about Veterans Day observations around the island:

Friday, Nov. 8, Island County Art for Veterans will dedicate the Veteran’s Memorial site at the Island County Law and Justice complex in Coupeville. Ceremonies begin at noon and will last for about an hour. There will be music entertainment before and after the official dedication. Also on Nov. 8, American Legion Post 129 will host a dinner for its members, open to those with a 2003 membership card prior to the event. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., and dinner is at 7 p.m. Dinner is free to member and one guest. Additional guests are $5 each.Dine and have fun with the live entertainment. Call 675-6752.

Help honor veterans at Oak Harbor Elks lodge, Saturday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a flag folding ceremony, drill team, honor guard, guest speakers and music. Lunch will be served for $8. If you know a vet who needs a ride to the ceremony call the lodge 675-7111 and arrangements will be made to pick them up.

On Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, Local veteran’s associations will hold Veteran’s Day ceremonies at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor, with the program starting at 11 a.m. Scheduled guest speakers are NAS Whidbey commanding officer Capt. Black and Oak Harbor Mayor Patty Cohen. Call Walt Yates at 679-6723 or Mike Douglas at 679-3366.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Voice of Democracy contest is a national audio essay competition designed to foster patriotism. Grades 9 through 12 are eligible. This year’s theme is “Freedom’s Obligation.” Cash prizes of first place – $100, second place – $75, and third place $50, are guaranteed. For the younger kids, this year’s youth essay program’s theme is “My Pledge to America,” and grades 3 through 8 are eligible. Local cash prizes guaranteed per school include: first place – $50, second place – $35, third place – $25. The entries will be picked-up at school offices Nov. 29. For information about either contest, contact your child’s school or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7392 at 675-4048.