It’s holiday season again, or, as it’s more commonly known, shopping season. It seems the red and green association with the yuletide shows up a little earlier every year. At some point pumpkin growers will need to harvest their crops in July or August, just to get equal time!

In light of the season, it seemed fitting to look at some local veterans for whom “shopping” is crucial all year long. I refer of course, to those veterans who are business owners.

The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is a great resource for veteran business owners who can add their business to the county-by-county online directory. It’s also good for shoppers (again, lots of veterans in that category, too) who are looking to patronize veteran-owned businesses.

Obviously there isn’t room to highlight every veteran owned business on Whidbey Island. Our intent is to raise awareness not only of local businesses but of the state VA’s business directory.  You can find that at www.dva.wa.gov. Click on the link for veteran businesses.

Many islanders make a big push for shopping local; perhaps veterans will want to make a push for shopping with local veterans.

Now, on a completely different subject, hat’s off to Terry Lacey, who organized one
heckuva Veterans Day parade in Oak Harbor last month. It was well attended and participation was excellent. The Whidbey Crosswind was fortunate enough to be one of the parade sponsors and we are all pleased the event went so well. (I have to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to my wonderful husband for his willingness to go along for the ride.)

As I understand it, all that has to be finalized for next year’s parade is the time. Lord willing, we’ll all be there to participate once again.

– Kathy Reed

 Editor