It would be a shame if North Whidbey lost its hometown appeal in the wake of current growth. We’d miss such things as telling a clerk our life story, mere seconds after seeing his name badge. Around here, people already know who you are and small talk with them is like meeting over the back fence.
On many occasions, I have followed one such clerk obediently, power walking up and down the aisles at Oak Harbor’s Ace Hardware. That’s how I got to know MERILEE CRAY. One of the original employees, she has been with the store since it was the old Coast to Coast.
Her badge says “MERILEE,” but I also know her as niece to the late columnist and historian DOROTHY NEIL. I caught up with her the other day and learned she lived in Mount Vernon! Imagine that! And she takes the bus to work!
“I only started commuting by bus when gas prices got outrageous,” Cray said. “Luckily, the store has been working with me to stay on schedule.”
She takes advantage of the handy and free Island Transit service that runs to Skagit County and back to Whidbey Island. Sometimes a small problem arises, such as when the last bus leaves at 6:15 p.m. and the store doesn’t close until 6:30 or even 7.
“In the morning, we stop at March Point to pick up a few people from Anacortes. When we get to Harbor Station, I hoof it to the store on Pioneer Way, usually seven to eight minutes.”
Even when she is the lone passenger, she doesn’t chat with the driver. She can’t. Talking while the vehicle is moving makes her car sick. She just snuggles up to her neck pillow and closes her eyes.
Try taking Island Transit to go off-island, but please don’t wake Merilee. For a schedule, call Island Transit at 678-7771.
Women relive wartime memories
Some were pilots, others worked alongside their sisters or mothers as aircraft mechanics. No one complained about the sacrifice. Their country needed them. After the war, they quietly resumed their lives as homemakers. Some used their GI Bill to further their education.
Ten such women came to the first gathering of the Women of World War II at the Oak Harbor Senior Center in April. They represented all branches of the armed forces. A sense of camaraderie was born in those two hours and as their meeting drew to a close, the ladies decided to meet again at the same place on Tuesday, June 26, at 1 p.m. Call 279-4580 if you plan to attend, and don’t forget to bring pictures to share.
Cats are ready to go
“Why yes, I’ll take two!”
Now that it’s June, Adopt-a-Cat Month, WAIF Shelter Manager SHARI BIBICH announces they are reducing their fee to $45 per adoption. You save $20.
“We have 41 cats at the Oak Harbor shelter, 14 cats at the Cat Adoption Center and 51 cats at our Coupeville shelter,” she said.
An outbreak of ringworm has safely passed and folks are invited to come down and meet these charming cats and kittens and fill out a profile.
“Our staff can help you pick out the best feline friend for your particular home,” Shari said.
Call 678-5816.
Were you a Shadowhawk?
Plankowners of VAQ-141 are coming to town to celebrate a 20-year reunion June 29 through July 1. The squadron was formed on July 1, 1987. Weekend plans call for a golf tournament, barbecue and brunch at the base and a night at Flyer’s on Friday, June 29, starting at 6 p.m. More than 100 former members and their families have already signed up. What a great chance to see old friends. Call 877-346-4276.
The other
Jill Johnson
Not to be confused with Oak Harbor’s JILL JOHNSON, executive director of the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, is the visiting storyteller by the same name.
JILL JOHNSON presents “Ferry Tales” at 7 p.m. Friday, June 22, in the Coupeville Recreation Hall. Tickets cost $10 and are on sale at Coupeville Coffeehouse, Lind’s Pharmacy and Miriam’s Espresso.
Johnson has taught and trained in Africa, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Hear her talk about the strange and wonderful things that happen on ferry boats.
I truly prefer autumn, what they call “sweater weather,” but to those who like it hot and hotter, summer officially arrives tomorrow.
Family coming to see you? Or will you travel to see them? We keep our folksy familiarity by sharing our news with others. Call me at 675-6611 or write to me at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.
