Flyers takes off …

Retired Navy CMDR. GREG TRITT, a man who has flown over 3,000 hours in the EA-6B Prowler, says things are going great at FLYERS, a popular new restaurant and brewery — the only brewery on Whidbey Island. They opened in November and he is business partners with his wife ROSA, son JASON and friend TONY SAVOY.

He is busy learning the ropes. “You can order food, but it’s not always what you need or perhaps it’s too much. We figured Playoff Saturday we’d be completely empty or slam packed. We were totally empty, but to be prepared, we ordered a little extra.”

“We have a broad spectrum of customers,” Greg said, “and very little negative feedback, but that’s what we want to know. If people have a recommendation, we will try to improve where there is a problem.”

Their menu offers Northwest/American fare, with plenty of steaks and seafood. Prices range from $3 for a cup of soup to $18 for tenderloin steak.

Why the name Flyers? “It’s a tribute to my dad Gene who flew PBYs in World War II; my uncle Jerry, who was a Navy pilot; my brother Gary, also a Navy pilot, who now flies for American; and scores of aviators from every service,” Greg said. “Also, it is a way of saying thanks to our younger son Jeremy (OHHS 1992) who flies Army Blackhawk helicopters in Afghanistan.” He also served a year-and-a-half in Iraq.

A large model of the PBY-5A Catalina, handcrafted by Retired Navy Chief ADOLPH MEISCH (a former PBY plane captain) hangs in the pub tavern.

Flyers is open every day at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner until closing. They stay open until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and yes, they are open Sunday. When you go in, tell hostess DARCY SULLIVAN she looks 20 years younger. Must be the job. Call 675-5858.

Running to Paris …

“A friend who knew I was a runner sent me a brochure from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” said JENNY BREAUX, an Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit. The idea of running a marathon and her desire to help others motivated her to attend a meeting in Seattle last October at the Society, where she pledged to raise $6,000; in return, they promised to train her for an endurance event and she picked a marathon in the French capital — her first. Her Team in Training got to work right after she signed up. She is so dedicated, she even went to Seattle on Feb. 4 during a powerful windstorm. She didn’t know the run had been cancelled, so she returned to Oak Harbor and did her 14-mile run by herself.

Jenny is a native Oklahoman. Her husband Bradley is from Louisiana. They know their gumbo. She asked her command for permission to hold a lunch at the unit on Feb. 7, asking $3.50 for a bowl of steaming gumbo on rice, soda included, to benefit the Society. As word spread, students fell into line early.

She has raised $3,000 to date and has until March 15 to reach her goal of $6,000. I admire the way she would not leave that meeting without making a commitment.

Help Jenny help others, won’t you? Checks should be made payable to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and mailed to: J. Breaux, 1796 N.W. Camellia Loop, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, call 360-929-4468. Her website is http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/tntwaakjbreaux

New officers …

Retired U.S. Navy CWO4 RICHARD REZABEK and active duty Navy Chief Petty Officer CRAIG OLSON of VAQ-129 were elected to the Board of Trustees of the PBY Memorial Foundation at the annual meeting Jan. 24. “I’m happy we have these younger members come on board for our future growth,” said WIN STITES, re-elected as president for another term.

Board members are MAC BAILEY, ADOLPH MEISCH, WESTLUND, CYNDI GARNER, STITES, BOB BIDDLE, REZABEK, DOLORES MEISCH, RON HANCOCK, BRUCE SPROULL, JAMES VANNICE and OLSON. Besides Stites, new officers are vice president BRUCE SPROULL, secretary DOLORES MEISCH, treasurer CYNDI GARNER, chairman of the board, BOB BIDDLE, and vice chairman, WES WESTLUND. Their first official meeting was held at Flyer’s on Feb. 7.

You can buy the powerful documentary “In Defense of Their Nation” ($22 cash or check only) in VHS or DVD format at the office on Pioneer Way, across from the WAIF Thrift Shop. Call 240-9500.

Our friend John …

JASON YOUNGSMAN reports that his father JOHN has been diagnosed with multi-myeloma, a cancer of the blood plasma and bone marrow. John began Oak Bowl, started the local Special Olympics bowling event and was involved in Greenleaf.

Stem cell surgery is expensive, around $125,000. A fund-raiser will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oak Bowl, with $10 all you can bowl. If you can’t make it, take your donation to any branch of Whidbey Island Bank for the John Youngsman account.

Keep the news coming! Remember, it’s really your column, just with my face on it. See you on Feb. 22. Call 675-6611 or write lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com