Stranger in Paradise …
A well-dressed Asian man in his mid-70s paused outside Albertson’s supermarket, intently reading the information card on the shopping cart.
When I asked if he needed help, JOSEPH WU said, “I am just practicing reading my English.”
He is the houseguest of GAIL and CHERIE IVERSON of Arnold Road.They chanced to meet Wu in a Shanghai park during a 1988 Allstate Insurance conference, and because Wu spoke English and they spoke no Chinese, he offered to be their guide. A lasting friendship ensued.
Gail said, “This is his third trip. He fits right in with our normal family routine,” including being around toddlers Elliott, Thora and Abigail, the Iverson grandchildren.
Wu worked as a hospital general practitioner for 32 years. He studied English on his own to become better educated and now teaches English to others. “No English, no good job,” Wu said.
The Iversons’ neighbor DOLORES MEISCH coaches Wu every Monday morning when they read newspaper stories together.
“Joseph is such a delight,” Meisch said. “He appreciates every kindness the Iversons show him and he truly loves this country. He can recite from memory Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, beginning to end!”
When it’s time for the retired doctor to make the long trip home, they will say goodbye for now, knowing that not even distance, language or time can break the bond between them.
Fish for Life …
BERT LETRONDO turned 80 recently and his super-sized family got together at Lake Chelan to celebrate in style.
The former Navyman retired in 1967 with 21 years of naval service in the yeoman rate. His second career in civil service was a perfect fit, as he became Whidbey Island Naval Air Station’s liaison officer, retiring a second time in 1987.
The founder of the Filipino American Association of Oak Harbor got serious about his health when he had a myocardial infarction in 1970.
He has fished local waters since 1964 and eats fish whenever he can. He avoids junk food, has maintained the same weight for almost 20 years, stretches to Latin American music each morning and walks on the treadmill each day.
His father lived to 96 and if his wife Betty has anything to do with it, Bert will too.
Patience, Please …
If pumpkins could talk, that’s what they’d say. The friendly voice of SHEILA CASE-SMITH on the Case Farm answering machine informs callers that the traditional Pumpkin Patch won’t open until Oct. 16. Recent rain and cold temperatures have slowed the natural maturing process, but by the Oct. 16, there should be a fair number of orange pumpkins to choose from. Call 675-1803 to sign up your group. While at the farm, pick up some winter squash, gourds and corn stalks for a touch of harvest at home.
Out of Africa
KIER TURNER and her sister ANNE ROBERTS of Oak Harbor were born and raised in Denmark. Keir attended art school in Copenhagen, spent a year in England and emigrated to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in 1958. She and her husband Eric now live in the capital Harare.
“Kier has lived on farms in Africa all her adult life and raised her family there,” said Anne. “Now they have lost everything. It was one of the few African countries that could actually feed themselves. Now they are starving.”
Kier’s work ranges from realism to abstract. Her paintings will be on display through Oct. 12 at the Cove Restaurant at Captain Whidbey Inn on Madrona Way in Coupeville. James Roberts, chef/owner of The Cove, is Kier’s nephew.
Sobering Thought …
The Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County exists to stop senseless drugged and drunk driving on Island County roads by holding no-nonsense DUI education.
Now that driver’s ed instructors at all three Whidbey Island high school have given their approval, attendance at one of their DUI panels is required for class completion. If one or both parents attend, the student gets extra credit.
Panels are Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. in Room 137, down the hall from the Oak Harbor Library. Their message is not anti-alcohol but rather the dangers of drinking, taking OTC/prescription drugs and illegal substances to anyone at any age behind the wheel.
JO ANN HELLMANN reports that the 1,000th driver’s education student will attend such a panel this month. One student said the education knocked some sense into her. “I needed to hear this,” she said. “It could happen to me.”
Let me hear from you if you have news to share. Give me the details at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com (include your phone number), or bring it to Whidbey News-Times on Barrington Avenue.
