Orlan and Demi Dean, Whidbey Island natives who now live in Puyallup, were back on the island in late November visiting family and friends. RV enthusiasts, they always enjoy their stays at City Beach.
Billie Jordan, a dedicated volunteer at Island County Historical Society’s museum, returned from visiting her sister in Blue Ridge, Ga., just in time to help with the museum’s Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 8. Six Central Whidbey homes were on the tour. Four of the homes dated from the 19th century. One home featured a collection of Christmas villages. All proceeds from the tour went to support the museum.
Helen Chatfield-Weeks had a visit from her sister who brought her dog. When they took the dog with them for a shopping tour, he ate the seat belt. No more rides for Buster!
Surprise! The Rev. Dwight Whipple, former minister at Whidbey Presbyterian Church, and his wife Judy, sent a family picture. Many people in the community are sure to remember the Whipples. Rev. Whipple has retired; he and Judy have been traveling and enjoying life. They sold their home in March and moved to a new condo on Lake Pattison in Olympia. Their daughter Lorna, husband Jack Deremiah and baby Jack, formerly of Coupeville, were among the sons and daughters and families who were present at the retirement celebration. Write the Whipples at 4728 A Lakeshore Lane SE, Olympia 98513.
Kathleen Shaw is a great-aunt again and attended at the adoption of Julia Nicole Bright, daughter of Karen and Bob Bright of Tacoma. Little Julia is 11 months old.
The Island County Historical Society Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Gabrielle Thurman as executive director of its museum in Coupeville, effective Jan. 1, 2002. Thurman is a graduate of the Museum Studies Program at the University of Central Oklahoma. After receiving her graduate degrees from University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, she taught 20th century U.S. history and world cultural geography at St. Gregory’s College in Shawnee, Okla., at Oklahoma State University and at Oklahoma City Community College. She brings to the position first hand experience with collections, exhibits, administration of non-profit organizations and experience in grant writing. Joining the Board of Trustees this summer, she served as co-chair of the fund raising committee, has been involved with selected administrative duties, and volunteered for other museum activities. In the community, she is the society’s representative to the Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve Board, and Friends of Admiralty Head Lighthouse. She is a graduate of Beach Watchers Class of 2001.
“We are most fortunate to have a candidate for the museum directorship with such a high level of professional experience and who already has spent time volunteering with the museum and the community,” stated Board President Joy Iverson. “She will have a head start on understanding the volunteers, the staff, and museum structure when she assumes her duties in January.”
With Thurman joining the staff in January, the Board of Trustees has an opening for a new member to join in January. The Board meets the third Wednesday of the month at noon. All board members are expected to serve on at least one board committee. Interested persons may contact Joy Iverson at 678-2907, or Carol Olson at (360) 321-6347.
Island County American Red Cross Chapter is preparing a written history of its service in Island County, including its relationship with the USO during World War II. Local residents with history or artifacts to share are encouraged to call the chapter at 360-257-2096.
Christmas Village opens Dec. 17. The Soroptimists of Oak Harbor will be hosting its 20th Annual Christmas Village, Dec. 17 to 23. Hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 8 p.m. on weekends, at Westgate Homes and RV Center at 34264 Highway 20, between Fakkema and Torpedo roads.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet and chat with children, invited to enjoy hot cider and see the village.
There will be a petting zoo and chances to take photos.
