Sat., March 21
See Haugen in Coupeville
Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, welcomes islanders to a Town Hall meeting March 21 at 2 p.m. at the Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 N. Alexander St. “I’m always eager to participate in local events where we can discuss important issues,” said Haugen.
Learn about impaired impacts
The Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County presents its next North Whidbey panel on DUI/Underage Drinking prevention at 1 p.m. March 21, at Hayes Hall 137 by Oak Harbor Library. Attendance required for both driver’s ed students and their parents by GS Defensive Driving, Munros’ Driving and Mr. John LaVassar of SWHS. Visit www.idipic.org.
Lodge hosts wound speaker
The March 21 meeting of the Whidbey Island Nordic Lodge will highlight the Wound Healing Center at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, in memory of Lodge member Gail Iverson, who was treated successfully and compassionately there before he was killed suddenly in an automobile accident in May 2008. Guest speaker is Denis Riley, program coordinator for the center.
Picnic held at access
A “Greenbank Road community picnic” will be held March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greenbank public road access. Park at the Greenbank Farm and walk east on Wonn Road to the intersection with Greenbank Road at North
Bluff Road. Less than 5 minutes to beach. Sponsored by Save Our Beaches. Contact Glen and Jan Russell, 360-678-5972.
Beach cleaners get to work
There will be two community beach cleanup projects March 21. The first is at 10 a.m. at Fort Casey middle, and the second at 1 p.m. at Fort Casey south. For more information, call Program Coordinator Cheryl May at 678-4100.
“Whidbey Follies” will go on
Concerts on the Cove and the Whidbey Playhouse present “The Whidbey Follies” March 21 at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Coupeville Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15. Visit www.concertsonthecove.org for tickets or stop by Wind & Tide Books, Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor, Lind’s, or the Bayleaf in Coupeville. This is a fun production using all local “talent.” The theme is, “More Fun than you can Remember.” In one word, “Follies” describes this very funny reenactment of the events that have occurred on our island over the past few years. You’ll be rolling in the isles!
It’s coming up rhodies
Meerkerk Gardens announces its spring rhodie sale, “Everything’s Coming Up Rhodies!” will be held March 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. This annual fundraising event showcases the best selection of rhodies including new hybrids from Frank Fujioka, exotic species and tried and true good bloomers. The Meerkerk Rhododendron Specialty Nursery season begins this weekend and lasts throughout spring. The gardens are located off Highway 525 on Resort Road in Greenbank.
Nar-Anon in Langley
Nar-Anon meets March 21 at 10 a.m. at the Langley United Methodist Church Fireside Room. The group meets the first and third Saturday of each month. Call 360-341-2641, or email Rubyrose5757@yahoo.com.
Sun., March 22
Democrats celebrate 12th
The Whidbey Island Democratic Club will celebrate its 12th anniversary March 22 at Coupeville’s Recreation Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Speakers will be Island County’s three commissioners, Angie Homola, Helen Price-Johnson and John Dean. The celebration and meeting are open to the public. Call 678-6028.
Mon., March 23
Book fair is elementary
Oak Harbor Elementary’s book fair is in progress school days through March 27. Come before school, lunchtime, and after school. Also open all day during conferences on March 26. Think about filling your Easter baskets with books this year from the book fair. If you have questions, please call 279-5105.
Wear pajamas to the library
Families are invited to the Oak Harbor Library for an evening story time at 1000 SE Regatta Dr., March 23 at 7 p.m. Wear your pajamas or bring your favorite stuffed animal. Call 675-5115.
Tues., March 24
Rep. Smith fields calls
Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, will host a 10th Legislative District telephone town hall meeting March 24, 7 to 8 p.m. Residents around the district are invited to participate in the call. call in toll-free at 1-877-229-8493, then enter PIN 13450. The call works much like a call-in radio show, where participants ask questions of Smith directly during the hour.
Learn how to save
A money-saving workshop titled “Saving Time and Money, Everyday!” will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 24 at the Coachman Inn Conference Room, 32959 Highway 20, in Oak Harbor. Cost is $10; register at savingcentseveryday.com, or call 675-2338.
Wed., March 25
Learn all about makeup
Makeup classes for adults and teens begin March 25 at the Whidbey Island Theater for Youth in Oak Harbor. Cost is $60 for 90 minutes of instruction and application of what is learned. Call 675-1084, or email info.wity@gmail.com.
Thurs., March 26
State’s chief economist visits
The Island County EDC welcomes Mary Ayala, chief economist with the State of Washington, as keynote speaker at its annual luncheon March 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Whidbey Golf & Country Club in Oak Harbor. The luncheon is open to the public; however, space is limited. Cost is $15, menu by Chef McDonough. Call to RSVP, 678-6889.
Dinner with the Soroptimists
Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor invites the public to a community dinner March 26 at 6 p.m. at the CPO Club, with keynote speaker Laura Lavigne. The title of her talk is, “Do you believe this?” Cost is $25 per ticket, which includes dinner and a copy of Lavigne’s book. Call 279-8323, or 1-888-506-7999 for tickets.
Fri., March 27
Gently used books for sale
Choose from thousands of gently used books for all ages, on sale at bargain prices by the Friends of the Oak Harbor Library, on March 27 and 28 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr. All proceeds benefit the library. Come early for best selection. Call 675-5115.
Timeless duo plays Whidbey
Don’t miss your chance to attend a special concert featuring Reilly & Maloney, a timeless and classic Northwest dueting treasure, March 27, 7:30 p.m., at The Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. Tickets are $16. Visit www.whidbeyplayhouse.com, or call 679-2237.
Legion post has birthday
American Legion Post 129 holds its birthday dinner March 27 at 7 p.m., at the corner of Barrington and Dock streets in Oak Harbor. Enjoy the social hour at 6 p.m. Call 360-914-1308.
Wild West music, poetry
Coupeville Elementary School Multipurpose Room, early release day program, March 27 at 1 p.m. lets you sing in the saddle. Enjoy a music and poetry concert with award-winning children’s singer, songwriter and poet Eric Ode, author of the hilarious collection of cowboy poems, “Tall Tales of the Wild West (And a Few short Ones).” Eric will be joined by the crabby tabby and Scratch the Barn Cat for a dusty-trails duet. Funded by the Coupeville Elementary School PTA and the Friends of the Coupeville Library.
Sat., March 28
Three sisters talk history
Island County Historical Museum is hosting another “Rural Recollections” session March 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the United Methodist Church Hall in Coupeville, at Seventh and Main streets. The panel discussion will be moderated by longtime resident and local history enthusiast Rob Harbour, and will be an informal video oral history gathering, featuring the colorful stories of three sisters that grew up on Whidbey Island and still live here: Lyla Snover, Jan Coffman, and Marilyn Bailey, all pioneer daughters of the Libbey family. They will share their personal and family stories and memories, and will invite audience interaction during the evening’s program. Bring your favorite dessert to share with your neighbors. Suggested donation is $5, to benefit Island County Historical Museum. Several local history books will also be available for sale.
Call 360-678-3310.
Car wash helps girl fight cancer
A car wash fundraiser for a little girl fighting cancer will be held March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Fire Station, 855 E. Whidbey Ave. All donations will help Sydney Boyer and will be greatly appreciated. For more information, call Steve McCalmont at 279-4711, or Romy Velasquez at 279-4703.
Celebrate Harry’s forest
The Whidbey Camano Land Trust invites the community to celebrate the permanent protection of 176 acres of mature forest on South Whidbey Island and, especially, to honor Harry Case, the generous visionary who has owned and lovingly cared for the forest for 63 years. Join us, March 28 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mukilteo Coffee Roasters (off Crawford Road and Lake Leo Way outside of Langley). There will be live music, food and a tribute to Harry. Later in the day, guided tours of “Harry’s Forest Forever” will be offered. Call 360 222-3310, or email info@wclt.org.
Islanders move on energy issue
MoveOn Whidbey and North Whidbey MoveOn are participating in the beginning of a national MoveOn campaign to support President Obama’s plans to build a green energy economy. Those interested may attend meetings at homes in Greenbank and Coupeville on March 28, beginning at 2 p.m. Contact Carolyn Tamler at carolyntamler@whidbey.net, or call 360-222-682, or Kate Schwarz, 678-1509.
Farm hosts Garden Faire
The historic 1904 barn at the Greenbank Farm will be the location of the Spring Garden Faire from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. March 28, featuring numerous vendors of spring plants and garden related items and art. For vendor space call 678-7710, or email events@greenbankfarm.com.
Get your hands on a goldfish
North Whidbey Park and Recreation District will present its 6th Annual Goldfish Extravaganza on March 28 from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at the Vanderzicht Memorial Swimming Pool, 85 SE Jerome St. Adults and children 4 years and up are invited to catch and keep at least two fish (chlorine will be removed from small pool prior to event). Swimsuits are mandatory. Bring your own catching device, no glass or insect nets, please. Fishing times by age: ages 4 to 6 at 4:30 p.m., ages 7 to 9 at 4:40 p.m., ages 10 and up at 4:50 p.m. Fee is $1.25 per child. Sponsored by Island Pet Center.
Jazz benefits kids’ theater
Whidbey Children’s Theater in Langley presents An Evening of Jazz with Nancy Nolan and bassist Dan O’Brien. The benefit concert is March 28 at 7 p.m., 227 Anthes Ave. Tickets are $15 advance and $20 at the door. Call 360-221-2282.
Take this retiree seminar
Unit 21 of the Washington State School Retirees Association is conducting a retirement seminar on March 28 from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Burlington Senior Center, 1011 Greenleaf Ave. Information for TRS, PERS, SERS, Plans 1-2-3 will be covered. Also, Social Security, investments and financial planning, legal needs and estate planning, SHIBA, health insurance and long term care, VEBA and the Wash. State School Retirees Assoc. will be discussed. A $10 donation to cover materials and supplies is requested. Lunch will be provided. Call Leon Greene at 360-855-0918, or Barbara Landrock at 360-856-2190 for more information.
WEAN exits teen years
Whidbey Environmental Action Network celebrates its 20th anniversary March 28 at the Crockett Barn on Ebey’s Prairie. The annual meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m.. Bring a dish for a potluck at 6 p.m.; at 7:30 there will be music by Mosquito Fleet and friends, along with a few surprises. Everyone who loves our island environment and good music is invited to the celebration. Visit www.whidbeyenvironment.org, email wean@whidbey.net, or call 360-579-4202.
Feet wander pass area
Meet Feet on Whidbey is walking on the north end of Whidbey Island in the Deception Pass area on March 28, 1 to 3 p.m. Free, all walkers are welcome to join the group for the weekly walk. Call 360-321-0533, or email woods@whidbeywalks.com.
Sun., March 29
Eat breakfast at VFW post
Breakfast will be served at VFW Post 7392, on March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. Sunday breakfast features pancakes, eggs, hash browns, breakfast meats, and biscuits-n-gravy. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors. All are welcome. Proceeds assist veterans. The Whitehead-Muzzall Post is located at 3037 N. Goldie Rd., Oak Harbor. Call 675-4048, or visit www.vfwpost7392.org.
Mon., March 30
Make a worm bin
Learn how to create a worm bin at the Oak Harbor Senior Center and get this small but mighty waste reduction crew working for you 24/7. Reduce your garbage and disposal fees by turning some of your food waste into “Black Gold”. Workshop at 1:00 p.m. Call 279-4762 for more information.
Games teens can plan
Play Rock Band and some of your favorite board games at this fun social event at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr., March 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. Call 675-5115.
Tues., Mar. 31
Barb Bailey by telephone
Rep. Barbara Bailey is inviting 10th District residents to participate in her tele-town hall meeting the evening of March 31. The event offers people an opportunity to call in, toll-free, at 1-877-229-8493 (enter PIN 13521) from 7 to 8 p.m. Bailey held a similar event last May and hundreds of residents participated.
Commissioners on Camano
The Board of Island County Commissioners will host a forum at 6 p.m. March 31 at the Camano Senior and Community Center, 606 Arrowhead Rd., Camano Island. Islanders from throughout the county are welcome to attend and meet John Dean, Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson. Other such forums are planned this year at other locations to be announced on south Whidbey and Coupeville.
Women needed to swing sticks
Women golfers wanted, all skill levels, are wanted to join the fun with the Gallery Ladies Golf Association. There will be a meeting and coffee March 31 at 10 a.m. in Duffer’s Deli at the Gallery Golf Course in Oak Harbor. Mike Fields, club pro, will give golf tips and discuss a starter program for beginners. Play starts April 7. Contact the Pro Shop at 257-2178 and ask for Mike, or call Elaine Young at 675-0638, or Jill Usher at 678-0641 for further information. Open to the public.
Win prize for patriotism
The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392 Oak Harbor announces their 2009 Young American Patriotic Art Contest for students in grades nine through 12. Entries are due no later than March 31. More information can be found at www.vfwpost7392.org, or call 675-2338.
Wed., April 1
Learn from water experts
Water professionals will gather April 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Branch, Skagit Valley College, Hayes Hall room 137, across from the library on the corner of Pioneer Way and Regatta Drive. A panel of water-related professionals will gather for presentations and discussion on local water quality issues, education, restoration, and pollution prevention programs. This gathering welcomes the public to bring questions or concerns. Present will be Maribeth Crandell, environmental educator for the city of Oak Harbor; Adam Lorio, Deception Pass State Park interpretive specialist; Mahmoud Abdel-Monem, county planning commission; Rex Porter, Marine Resource Committee and lead on Coupeville’s Water Reclamation Proposal;
and Susie Richards and Scott Ashworth, Service Education Adventure, a youth marine education program.
Gem club opens doors
The Whidbey Island Gem Club meets April 1 at 7 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. Evening includes door prizes, silent auction, coffee, cookies and a short program. Interested and potential members ages 8 and up are invited. Call 679-9297.
DAR holds program forum
Governor Isaac Stevens Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will meet at 11:30 a.m. April 1 at the San Remo Grill, 421 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor. The program will be an open forum on various DAR programs. Guests and prospective members are welcome. Call 679-5145.
Thurs., April 2
Save a life, have a treat
The Oak Harbor Lions Club will sponsor a blood drive for the Puget Sound
Blood Center on April 2, from noon to 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St. All blood types are needed. Imagine saving a life! Homemade treats will be served.
Disabled vets gather
Whidbey Island Disabled American Veterans Chapter 47 will hold their monthly meeting April 2 at 7 p.m. in Building 13 (big white building on the top of the hill on the left) in classroom A on the Seaplane Base. For further information please call the DAV office at 257-4801. Hope to see you all there.
Whidbey Weavers show-and-tell
Whidbey Weavers Guild meets April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Quartermasters Building at Fort Casey. Business Meeting, program by Jannie Taylor and show-and-tell; bring a brown bag lunch. Learn the history and mystery of “shadow weave.” In addition, there will be a “trunk show” of shadow weave garments, household textiles and a wide variety of samples.
Fri., April 3
Arts members fling in spring
The Coupeville Arts Center hosts a members-only “Spring Fling” exhibition and sale April 3 at 5:30 p.m. Walk away with a tote bag of goodies just by attending and placing your name into the free drawing. Call 678-3396. The exhibition will remain up until May 19.
First Friday means dancing
The Country and Western Dance Club, EveryoneCanDance, and Dance On Whidbey invite dancers of all levels of ability to come learn, eat and dance. The First Friday Dance April 3 begins at 5:30 p.m. with a potluck dinner followed at 6:30 p.m., dance instruction by Judy HoganVan Wickler and Debbie Raden, with dancing at 7:30. Location is the Deer Lagoon Grange near Langley. Call Donna Hood at 360-341-1860, or email donnahood@whidbey.com.
Sat., April 4
Weavers hold annual spin-in
The Whidbey Weavers Guild invites all handspinners to its 38th annual
Spin-In Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Harbor High School, Parker Hall. Featured Spinner, Jill Laski, will give a presentation over both days on ”Color Design, from Conception to
Completion.” There will also be fiber vendors galor, a basic spinning workshop, a raffle each day, door prizes and more. A donation of $25 is for both days and includes a fiber packet. For further information, see www.whidbeyweaversguild.org, or contact Ann Smith, 678-8486.
Hunt helps autistic kids
Bunny Brunch and Diamond Hunt hosted by Wintros Academy, school for children with autism, is set for April 4 at 10 a.m. at the Greenbank Farm. Cost to attend is $9 per child, $12 per adult, with brunch provided by Just Vel Catering. Other fun activities, too. Call 360-720=4831, or visit www.wintrosacademy.org.
Tues., April 7
Live with your loss
“Living with Loss” begins April 7 and continues for six Tuesdays through May 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Whidbey General Hospital, Conference Room A. Cost is $55, scholarships available. The seminar is designed to help you work through the normal and needed process of grief that follows the death of a loved one. Pre-registration is required. Call 678-7656 ext. 4005. Register online at www.whidbeygen.org.
Sat., April 11
Tack sale benefits horses
Whidbey Island Rescue for Equines will be have their annual tack sale April 11, at 1258 Silver Lake Rd., Oak Harbor. There will be both new and used tack, as well as other horse-related items that will be sold at discounted prices, beginning at 10 a.m. Call 675-9252. All proceeds will go to benefit the horses at WIRE.
Watery types get together
The Whidbey Island Water Systems Association is sponsoring an Island County Water Symposium April 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Coupeville High School Performing Arts Center. Water managers and water board members of water systems are encouraged to attend. This event is free to the first 150 people to sign up. Lunch and refreshments will be provided to the first 150, after that the cost is for your lunch $15. Request a pre-registration form by e-mail from Joe at jkwaldrup2@verizon, or send a request to: WIWSA
P.O. Box 1636, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. This will be a great day for sharing information from the Washington State Dept. of Health, Island County Health and other speakers about water systems.
Get garden advice
Sound Gardening Workshop will be held at the Coupeville Rec Hall. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waterfront home owners have special concerns about how to garden on their bluffs or beaches. Get expert advice on how to manage your property and preserve Puget Sound. Google Coupeville Sound Gardening Workshop for more information.
Wed., April 15
Talk development, eat breakfast
8:00-9:30am, Open House for Landscapers, Home Owners Associations and Property Managers at Oak Harbor’s Maintenance Shop at 1400 NE 16th St. On tax day, let the city serve you breakfast! Discuss water conservation, irrigation systems, storm water and Low Impact Development, bio-retention ponds and control devices, how to properly handle pesticides and fertilizers, natural landscaping, native plants and noxious weeds. RSVP 279-4762.
Thurs., April 16
The status of Puget Sound
Island County Beachwatchers presents an informative evening on the status of Puget Sound at 7 p.m. April 16 at the Oak Harbor Library. The discussion is part of the Whidbey Reads 2009 series celebrating The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch.
Thurs., April 23
Spend high school in college
Skagit Valley College will host an information session regarding Running Start and Tech Prep programs April 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Hodson Hall 112, which is located at the Mount Vernon Campus. These programs allow high school students, who qualify, to gain college and high school credit simultaneously for classes completed. Contact Rose Brierley, 360-416-7632, or email rose.brierley@skagit.edu.
Fri., April 24
Youth summit visits Coupeville
The fourth annual State of Island County Children and Youth Summit will be held April 24 at the Coupeville United Methodist Church, sponsored by the Island County Children’s Commission with Partners for Young Children.
Join them for a day of connecting with: Current data about how children and youth are doing in Island County and how well we are serving them; legislative updates from our regional, state, and federal governments; strategies to support our children and youth; and collaborations during this critically shifting time. RSVP at your earliest convenience to Dan Bond, staff to Island County Children’s Commission, at DanB@co.island.wa.us.
Sat., April 25
Be a bike buff
Take part in the bike clinic at the Oak Harbor City Marina followed by a guided ride on the waterfront. Learn to care for your bike, fix a flat and get safety tips for cyclists, then go on a guided ride. Clinic runs from 1 to 2 p.m. Now you’re ready for the Like2Bike Whidbey Campaign through the month of May! Call 279-4762 for more information.
Sun., May 3
North Whidbey’s Sustainability Fair at Skagit Valley College in Oak Harbor will run from noon through 5 p.m. Dance to marimba music, attend classes, bring the kids for children’s activities, shop at a mini-farmer’s market and eat local food. The Like2Bike Whidbey Campaign will be officially launched at 4 p.m. Bring your own bike for a guided ride along the waterfront. Call 279-4762 for more information.
