A New Year dawns …

In Coupeville, 2006 will begin without the familiar faces of GREG and RENEE HAMMER who, for the past eight years, have been the heart and soul of CHEYENNE BUSINESS EQUIPMENT.

The decision did not come easily for Greg who confirmed, “The time has come for me to retire.” He thanks the many customers who have helped them grow, as a business and as individuals. “Each and every one of our customers contributed to what Renee and I are today,” he said.

Renee began working at the Oak Harbor Police Department three years ago and has been unable to work the business except part time. That has left Greg to steer the ship of commerce primarily by himself.

“To run the business well required more expense, time, energy and other resources than I can give,” Greg said, satisfied the decision is a healthy one for their family. Computer repair service ended on Dec. 9 and Cheyenne will provide business and secretarial services through the end of the year.

Greg is mulling over other business offers but is putting his health first, which means taking life at a slower pace. The Hammers look forward to spending many years in friendship with the people they served in Coupeville.

“It truly is a wonderful time of year,” Greg remarked. “We will surely cross paths with some of you again as we journey down this happy road to destiny. We appreciate all we have and send our best wishes to everyone for happiness and good health.”

One for the archives …

Imagine it is 100 years in the future. The Town of Coupeville has remained true to its heritage but through the generations, some folks have set aside misunderstood customs.

A newcomer is puzzled by what he uncovers in the town’s Maintenance Shop. Where did the stacks of round plywood characters come from, he wonders? So here, for the record, is the story of the Coupeville Snowpeople.

According to LYLA SNOVER, it all began when Coupeville Mayor NANCY CONARD wore a snowman suit for the town’s first Christmas parade. An idea was born.

Then NORM SAMPLAWSKI cut two snowpeople out of plywood. They waved and bore signs of “Hi” and “Bye Bye” to greet drivers as they entered and exited the town.

The town pays for the plywood and even kids in shop class once cut out some snowpeople.

Nowadays, PHIL SNOVER cuts out a few new full-bodied characters each year. There are estimated to be around 80 of them, but no one knows for sure except perhaps JOE BLACK’s Maintenance Crew. They’re the ones who screw them to the posts along the streets of Coupeville.

Lyla looks for patterns wherever she goes. “I mostly get ideas from snowmen on Christmas cards,” she said. She is ably assisted in the painting department by ANNIE HESSELGRAVE and DOROTHY KEEFE.

“It’s just fun,” Lyla said. “We enjoy doing it.” to which the Mayor added, “It makes Coupeville unique.”

16 tons …

Municipal Solid Waste Management Magazine isn’t found on most home coffee tables, but stories published in this popular trade magazine carry plenty of weight.

When it comes to recycling, what works? What doesn’t? Readers trust the magazine to tell it straight.

Oak Harbor’s new automated recycling program will be in its pages early next year. “They did a survey on cities that made the switch to automated recycling and our name came up,” said STEVE BEEBE.

Last month, the city began picking up 65-gallon blue roll carts filled with recyclables, hoisting the carts directly into a truck. Previously, city employees hand sorted recyclables at the curb, an inefficient and costly process.

While many cities have begun to contract out recycling, Oak Harbor, because of its relatively isolated location on Whidbey Island, provides this service to city residents along with picking up regular household waste.

“We get constant calls from other cities for advice,” Bebee said.

John Trotti, the magazine’s editor, said more and more cities are turning to automated recycling as a way to save money and reduce health problems among employees. “The person who puts in 10 years of lifting garbage, by the end of those 10 years, has moved the equivalent of the Titanic from where it’s lying now,” he said.

Think thoughts of peace …

We all hope 2006 will bring an end to war and hunger, but we must do more than “hope.” Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono have made a great start. It’s good to dream big. What we focus on we manifest. Practice peace with your children, in your family, your neighborhood, your workplace and your school. Your example will not be lost on the world.

See you on Jan. 4. Call me at 675-6611 or email lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com.