By Eileen Brown

I suppose Christmas without trains is OK, but I’d like to suggest a tonic for our gray days. Nothing beats the fantasy of watching dozens of pieces of rolling stock and at least 15 engines chug along through mountain passes.

For the past seven years, this captivating model train open house has been SUE and JACK TINGSTAD’s gift to the community. This year, it is on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 508 Broadway, Coupeville.

A mixture of modelers, train buffs and artists come to see the display carved into a special 12-foot by 21-foot room. Families return annually, grandfathers and their grandchildren, creating memories they will have forever.

Snow kept many people away last year, but when weather is clear, there are between 250 and 300 visitors. Some folks double back before closing when fewer people are in the train room.

To become a model railroader, you do not need to be skilled in carpentry, structure building, sound effects and background painting. Jack noted, “These skills can be developed, but are not necessary to begin model railroading. AL FRASCH, COLIN TRUSS, RICH THOM, GORDON GARNHART and DICK HAINES became a part of my circle of friends after my railroad was pretty much complete and have helped with the electronics of the new digital command control system.

“Each year,” he continued, “guests look for added details that were not there when they visited previously. This year, there are several engines equipped with a variety of sound effects. Adding sound to the moving trains gives the miniatures even more realism.

“Many attendees discover figures, vehicles or other attention grabbers that have been in place for years and yet they missed noticing them on a previous occasion. This year, they may find new engines and scenic details; as usual, there will be a list of new and old features to find which you can use to test your keen observation skills.”

Word travels fast in this brotherhood, so when a group came to Seattle three years ago for the National Model Railroad convention, they hopped on a bus to visit Jack and other layouts in this region. As a result, his layout was selected as a “must see” by the convention committee.

Again this year, if you would like to donate one item of food to the Gifts from the Heart Food Bank as you enter, it will be much appreciated. For driving directions, call 678-5120.

Buy a tree from the Lions

BRENDA CHEAQUI, publicity chairman for the Oak Harbor Lions Club, called the other day to ask if I could help them out with their coming Christmas tree sales.

“If Whidbey Islanders realized how much the Lions are able to do for our community because of our fundraisers, they might be even more inclined to buy from us rather than chain stores or out-of-town vendors,” Brenda said.

“Every cent we raise and many volunteer hours go to such great projects as building wheelchair ramps for people who can’t afford to pay a carpenter to have one made; maintaining and lending out medical equipment; providing scholarships for local high school graduates; supporting Lion Camp Horizon, a summer camp for people with disabilities near Birch Bay; providing eyeglasses and hearing aids for those who can’t afford them; and finally, putting up American flags for sponsoring businesses throughout town on holidays.”

Lots of projects and volunteer efforts help them fulfill their motto, “We Serve.” Right now, Lions are working with the Navy and Starbucks volunteers to build two playgrounds for Head Start children.

So on the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 24, go buy a Douglas, Grand, Canaan/Fraser or Noble fir on Hwy. 20, the area next to the Chamber of Commerce parking lot. Prices are the same as last year, and this year there will be some Noble firs taller than eight feet.

Call Brenda at 240-9483 or log onto www.oakharborlions.org.

Volunteers need to call

Ever ready to help a friend. That describes K.C. POHTILLA. She and JACK STILTZ co-chair the Community Thanksgiving dinner.

She wants to reach potential volunteers for the annual Community Thanksgiving to be held at the Elks Club on Nov. 22.

“We have some volunteers, but still need more,” said K.C. “If you would like to help out, please leave your name and telephone number at 679-2425. Your call will be returned and you will be assigned a task and time slot.”

Nag, nag, nag

A pastor once told me if a wife asks her husband to do something once, it’s OK. Twice, still OK. The third time, it’s considered nagging, something I find hard to resist when it comes to life and death. Can’t you use the good sense you were born with and just stay home and go to bed early? OK. Then go, but give the host your car keys. I hear that Miserable Low-Down Wart-Faced Trouble-Making Troll is back under the bridge again and has offered to assist law enforcement this holiday. Believe me, if you catch a glimpse of this pitiful creature, you’ll wish you had stayed home.

See you on Nov. 21. Write to me at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com or call me at 675-6611.