Art Bakos, Jim Barrett, Ken Bishop, John Bolte, James Bruner, Choate Budd, Judy Chittester, Richard Collins, Rowena Concepcion, Roger Foley, Chuck Fye, Sharon Godfrey, John Howard, Edward Hueneke, Kurt Jaehning, Colleen Johnson, Michele Johnson, Kristy Knickrehm, John Koteck, Rosemary Leahy, Judi Nagela, Carl Nishioka, Michele Poirier, Madeline Rose, Kate Rowan, Pam Ryman, Tony Schiro, Stella Tandecki, Christie Tornikosk, Edward Van Patten and Margaret Vasquez. What makes these people special?

They just completed 12 weeks of training and assistance to the community of Whidbey Island. They prepared tax returns through the IRS/AARP Tax Aide program for over 1,000 residents, some working at three sites and giving untold hours of time. I thank them for their dedication.

You’ll find them volunteering at Beach Watchers, the Habitat Store, MOAA, Navy Relief, school volunteers, senior centers, M-Bar-C, thrift stores, food banks, churches, theaters, singing groups, local gardens and countless other organizations. These are the special members of our community who reach out to help others. When you see them, thank them for all of us. They are what make our Island great.

Karen Bishop
Local coordinator
AARP Tax Aide Program