The Whidbey Examiner, March 8, 2012

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Examiner The Whidbey

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Whidbey Island’s Only Locally Owned, Independent Newspaper

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

VOL. 17, NO. 32

Volunteers help to restore Smith Prairie Volunteers from all over Whidbey are helping to expand a prairie ecosystem that is fast disappearing throughout the Puget Sound region.

By Elisabeth Murray Examiner Staff Writer

N

avy sailors have done it. So have church youth-group teens in the middle of a hunger fast. Regular folks have also taken part, as have environmental science majors.

In 2011 alone, more than 100 people put in 1,600 hours on Smith Prairie, fanning out across the land to remove old fencing and other debris left over from the days when this land served as a game-bird farm operated by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. With the piles of junk mostly gone, the volunteers are working to reestablish the prairie’s native grasses and plants.

The goal is to restore the land to its natural state – a short-grass prairie filled with native grasses and wildflowers that provides habitat for eagles, hawks, songbirds and other wildlife.

The ongoing project at the Pacific Elisabeth Murray / The Whidbey Examiner Rim Institute for Environmental StewMacKenzie Walker, Michelle Baublitz, Zach Cash, Kristen Schuster and Autumn Walker, members of a youth group at the Whidbey Evangelical Free Church in Greenbank, use dibble sticks to make holes for baby plants at the Pacific Rim Institute for EnSee PRAIRIE, page 2 vironmental Stewardship during a volunteer workday Feb. 28. The group was participating in a 30-hour fast on the same day.

MusselFest draws a big crowd to Coupeville

By Kasia Pierzga Examiner Staff Writer

Last weekend’s Penn Cove MusselFest drew the largest crowds in the event’s 26year history, with Coupeville’s historic waterfront packed with crowds of people.

Some 5,000 people came to town to celebrate Whidbey Island’s signature shellfish – a 20 percent increase over last year, said Cindy Olson, who helped organize the event with the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association.

“Front Street was packed,” she said. “It was the most people ever for this event.

Definitely.”

Of course, most of the people arrived by car, and finding a place to park all those vehicles is always a challenge. So this year, town officials agreed to open up the Coupeville Community Green for parking – with mixed results.

Most cars had no trouble pulling in and out of the damp, grassy area. But several that ended up in areas saturated by winter rainfall ended up spinning their wheels, and one large tour bus actually had to be removed by tow truck after it got stuck.

But even considering the unlucky tour Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner bus, Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard Coupeville’s historic waterfront drew an early-season crowd in town for Penn Cove said she’s happy with the decision to allow MusselFest. The event brought about 20 percent more visitors compared to last year, See MUSSELFEST, page 6 boosting sales at local shops and causing a bit of a challenge for parking.

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The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

Comments sought on South Whidbey fire levy lid lift proposal The proposed 15-cent levy lid lift for South Whidbey Fire/EMS will be discussed at the next meeting of the fire district board of commissioners.

The meeting is set for 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 15 at the fire station at 5535 Cameron Road, Freeland The district is considering asking voters to approve an increase in its property-tax levy to support the its volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical technicians.

The increase would cost $3.75 per month for the owner of a

$300,000 home, or about $45 per year. The proposal would likely be placed on the General Election ballot in November.

The agency is debt free and has passed its state financial and accountability audits by the state.

If the levy passes, it would be the first voter-approved funding increase in more than 20 years.

Local residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and ask questions and comment on the proposal. Comments also may be e-mailed to Chief Rusty Palmer at chief@icfd3.org.

THEO

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It’s ju $ 19.50/ st on-Isla year nd $ 23/y & off-Islaear nd!

Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

Pacific Rim Institute Executive Director Robert Pelant, left,uses a dibble stick to make holes while Navy volunteers Shawn Walsh and Floyd Anderson insert plant starts during a work day last November.

Prairie: Volunteers needed; from page 1

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ardship is key to preserving an ecosystem that is fast disappearing, said Robert Pelant, chief executive officer at the institute.

“As a result of development, less than 1 percent of Pacific Northwest short-grass prairie remains intact,” he said. “There is an interconnection between the prairie plants and animal life – like field mice and birds.”

And the survival of rare plant species is also helped by the efforts made by the Institute.

The organization’s staff and volunteers are working to protect rare plants that might only be found in one or two other places on Whidbey Island, Pelant said, or are rare throughout the state.

In Washington state, one plant is officially listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: the golden paintbrush. Reintroduced on Smith Prairie, the plants have multiplied from a few hundred to more than 1,300.

Beyond the value to the plants and animals, the prairies are important to people, too.

Prairie plants were important to Native Americans as a food source and because of their medicinal properties, Pelant said.

For some tribes, the connection to the prairie as a food source remains as they continue to harvest camas, Institute Land Steward Seth Luginbill said.

And there is an aesthetic aspect as well, Luginbill said. “In May, it is a sea of yellows, purples and oranges.”

The process of restoring the land has been a challenge that began with removing nearly five miles of fencing and other game-

Save the date Volunteers are needed to help plant native seedlings at the Pacific Rim Institute at 180 Parker Road from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 10. For information call 360-678-5586.

farm equipment. Volunteers from the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station are among those who have helped clean up the land.

“We had one day when 45 to 50 people, Navy sailors and their family members, came out to clear the fencing,” Pelant said.

“We fed them squash soup prepared from squash grown on the Pacific Rim Institute property.”

And it wasn’t just fence posts and wire fencing that had to be removed. There also was the subfencing that was buried in the soil to a depth of 18 inches, along with wooden coops and the flight netting that covered the pens.

“There was massive infrastructure in raising pheasants,” Luginbill said. “Most has been taken away, but the process still isn’t finished. There are still about 10 acres that have pens on them.”

The five-acre prairie remnant at Pacific Rim is the largest in the north Puget Sound region, Luginbill said.

The goal this year is to expand the prairie by eight acres, starting with a buffer zone of native grasses. The final goal is to have 120 acres of prairie composed of native plants.

Volunteers help the effort by planting “plugs” grown in Institute greenhouses. On Feb. 25,

volunteers placed some 4,100 fescue plugs into small holes in the soil. Dressed in layers, with hats on and hoods pulled up, about 15 members of a youth group from the Whidbey Evangelical Free Church in Greenbank pushed a dibble stick into the soil to create holes in the ground.

The goal was to make the hole just deep enough for the plug to fit in completely, but not so deep that space would be left that would cause problems for the young plant.

“At this time of year, frost could be a problem,” Luginbill said. “The gap could fill with water and freeze and kill the roots.”

With gloved hands that quickly grew soggy and chill from the rain, brisk winds and wet soil, volunteers placed the small plant into the hole and pressed the soil around its base.

Pelant is confident that the planting work will yield good results.

The process will be repeated with another volunteer workday on March 10.

While the prairie is rebounding as a result of efforts to reintroduce native species, the original native prairie is still in danger without continued care.

“If we don’t work on restoring it, it will degrade,” Pelant said.

Until the native plants take hold, they are in danger of being crowded out by exotic weeds such as Scotch broom and bull thistle.

“We are winning the battle, but this is a long-term commitment,” Pelant said. A

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Whidbey Examiner

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Boat owner scraps ocean cleanup plans

By Elisabeth Murray Examiner Staff Writer

When Rory Westmoreland purchased a well-worn, 128-foot crab-fishing boat in late November, he envisioned using it to pull debris from the ocean, clearing away environmental hazards and rescuing items that could be sold for scrap.

The owner of Northwest Steel and Recycling in Renton had the Deep Sea towed to Penn Cove, where he moored it in anticipation of making repairs and getting it ready for action.

But the decrepit vessel caught the attention of state officials, who say he now has to move it or face a daily fine. And Westmoreland now says the cost of relocating the boat, before the refurbishment can even begin, would likely be more than he can invest.

The Renton resident had watched several documentaries about fishing nets and other waste and debris that claims the lives of fish and wildlife and wanted to do something about it. Westmoreland said he also had hoped to retrieve recyclable items from the ocean that could be processed at his facility.

The old fishing vessel needed a lot of work to become usable

again, but Westmoreland figured the payoff would be worth the effort.

But just over three months after he bought the Deep Sea, he no longer dreams of environmental cleanup, but rather cleaning up the mess that owning the boat has caused him.

“There is a lot of red tape,” Westmoreland said. “We are not rich people with an endless supply of money. It costs a lot to get a project like this going.”

Westmoreland isn’t the first person to underestimate the work involved in fixing up a boat that needs a lot of work.

“Often people pick up a vessel for very little money and want to do something significant with it, but this can be very expensive,” said Jane Chavey, a spokesperson for the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

That’s the lesson that Westmoreland quickly learned. Buying the boat and having it towed to Penn Cove, where he had bought a share of property with access to a mooring buoy, had stretched Westmoreland’s resources thin – and that is even before any repairs could begin.

A tugboat towed the Deep Sea to a spot near the Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm shortly be-

Joe Novotny / For the Examiner

The Deep Sea remains moored in Penn Cove over two months after being brought in by tugboat. Owner Rory Westmoreland said he bought waterfront property in order to moor the vessel here, only to be told by the Washington Department of Natural Resources that it must be relocated. Westmoreland is now looking for a buyer for the boat. fore Christmas, and it has been tied there since.

He has been told by the Washington Department of Natural Resources that Penn Cove is not an appropriate location for this vessel, and that it must be relocated elsewhere. Only recreational vessels that have been properly permitted are allowed to be moored in this sheltered cove.

According to Chavey, the ves-

Coupeville schools chief eyes Kitsap job The Coupeville School District may soon be looking for a new superintendent.

Superintendent Patty Page has been named a finalist for the same position in the North Kitsap School District.

She will learn on March 19 whether she will say goodbye to Coupeville and return to the community where she grew up.

Page is a graduate of North Kitsap High School.

“I love Coupeville and I am very happy here,” Page said. “The only reason that I am considering this job change is because my

mom lives over there and I am an only child. I want to be closer to be able to help her.”

Page said that she is not on a job search, but that the opportunity pre-

finish my career here.”

But Page said she also finds the North Kitsap schools to be an attractive opportunity. She said she feels her background and experience would be a good fit, and that she and the district would be able to grow together.

“As I have discovered, it would be a good place to work,” Page Patty Page said.

Page, 57, was assistant superintendent for the Kelso School sented itself.

“Coupeville feels like home to District before she was hired to reme,” Page said. “I would be very place former Coupeville Schools happy to stay in Coupeville and Superintendent Bill Myhr in 2007.

Kasia Pierzga, Publisher & Editor Published since 1995, The Whidbey Examiner is Whidbey Island’s only locally owned, independent newspaper.

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sel should have been moved within 30 days, but the timeframe is “a bit flexible” if the owner is working toward a solution. U.S. Coast Guard pollution responders conducted an assessment on Jan. 6 and determined that the Deep Sea is not in danger of sinking and is not leaking oil.

“If the condition of the boat changes, that would change its priority status,” Chavey said.

Natural Resources officials are taking steps to ensure the boat will soon be removed from Penn Cove. According to Chavey, a notice was sent to Westmoreland by certified mail informing him that that he will be fined $84 per day until it is gone, but he has yet to sign for the letter.

The fines will not begin to accrue until he accepts the envelope, Chavey said, or when the Natural Resources Department tags his vessel.

Some local residents have raised concerns that the boat appears to be listing. But Westmoreland said that’s because it’s been stripped of the heavy fishing gear that would normally balance it out.

Despite its worn appearance, the Deep Sea is worth refurbishing, Westmoreland said. Its engine has been rebuilt and its nickel-alloy steel hull still has a lot of life left, he said.

“It had a good foundation to start with,” Westmoreland said.

He said he’s hoping to find a buyer for the vessel, and already has had inquiries from two interested parties.

“I still wish that I could do something with it,” Westmoreland said. “I hate to give the boat up. It has a lot of potential.” A

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The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

viewpoints New wayfinding signage good for Coupeville The new informational signs around town look great; well designed, attractive and informative.

Visitors to Coupeville will appreciate them, and they give our little town a friendly boost.

The signs are one more good reason for folks to visit Coupeville – and we have lots of good reasons!

– Molly Larson Cook Coupeville

Local residents must help save Swan Lake The City of Oak Harbor has renewed its expensive efforts to annex 180 acres in the Swan Lake watershed. The proposal includes 105 acres known as the Fakkema Farm, with a second annexation to follow.

It’s important for city residents to know that the original annexation attempt was rejected by Island County. Next came an appeal to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board; the Board sided with Island County’s decision on all 16 points brought forward by the city.

Island County, local county residents and the Whidbey Audubon Society all oppose the move. The city’s own study shows the annexation isn’t necessary to handle projected growth. This sprawl simply isn’t needed. By annexing this land, Oak Harbor will, in a lament overheard from a county resident, “complete its march to the sea.”

Having the city straddling the island at this point would choke off any north-tosouth wildlife corridor.

What else is at stake? Large numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors make use of the Swan Lake watershed. Species sighted there are one seventh of the total species found in the United States. For that reason, Island County has given it the designation of Habitat of Local Importance.

Cutting down nearby forests and paving farmlands to build hundreds of houses would negatively impact this coastal estuary; increased sediment and pollution from excess development would change its character forever.

Swan Lake is connected to the Strait of

Juan de Fuca via tidegates, and the abutting saltwater is part of the newly created Smith and Minor Island Aquatic Reserve.

The reserve harbors a myriad of wildlife species and the islands themselves are part of the U.S. National Wildlife Refuge system. Anything damaging the integrity of the lake has the potential of harming the aquatic reserve and the life it supports.

Whidbey Audubon Society calls on all stakeholders to take a fresh look at this annexation appeal. For instance, coastal estuaries such as Swan Lake are havens for young salmon fresh from the Skagit River. Salmon fishermen need to recognize the importance of these rearing areas and lobby for their protection.

The potential loss of any farmland is a blow to the much-loved rural character of our island. Farming contributes to our local economy and helps preserve open space, but each farm lost pressures other farmers toward development.

There is an alternative. Whidbey Audubon Society placed Swan Lake on the recently published Puget Loop Birding Trail Map. This site, along with Penn Cove, Fort Ebey State Park and others, can bring tourist dollars to Oak Harbor, especially during the prime birding season of fall through spring.

I encourage city business owners in the hospitality industry to seriously consider the possibilities. Many municipalities would love to have such amenities on their doorstops! Swan Lake and the Aquatic Reserve are jewels that Oak Harbor should promote and protect, not overwhelm and degrade.

– Steve Ellis President, Whidbey Audubon Society

New Testament is open to interpretation My friend Dean Campbell, whose oldfashioned ways often agree with my own, recently wrote a letter to the editor pointing out apparent New Testament condemnation of homosexuality (“New Testament forbids homosexuality,” March 1).

His evidence challenges me to try to reconcile my understanding of the traditional letter of Christian teaching with my sense of the spirit.

One of the guiding principles of my Quaker spiritual community here is that “the spirit giveth life,” which has made

Whidbey Examiner online poll To cast your vote, visit the Examiner online at www.whidbeyexaminer.com and look for the poll at the bottom left side of our home page. The poll isn’t scientific, but safeguards are in place to keep people from voting repeatedly from the same computer, and all votes are cast anonymously.

This week’s question:

• How should Coupeville handle parking during big events such as MusselFest and the Arts and Crafts Festival?

Poll results will appear each week in the Viewpoints section of our print edition. Log on and vote!

many of us wary of strict interpretation of traditional texts of faith. However, Quakers as a community have never come to full agreement over the challenging issue Dean raises. While many local groups and meetings choose to accept gay marriages today, no consensus has been reached on this. It is left to the individual or local group to make their own peace.

I interpret the spirit of those lines of text of the New Testament that Dean quotes slightly differently than he might. I choose to interpret the wrongful behavior mentioned in those texts as harmful, exploitive, non-loving behavior, with no concern whether it is heterosexual or homosexual.

– Michael Seraphinoff Greenbank

Everyone’s religious beliefs are equal It is a little awkward when someone you know and like (and respect – Dean Campbell is a gardener of extraordinary talent) writes a letter to the Examiner saying I shouldn’t have the same right he does because his religion’s beliefs trump mine (“New Testament forbids homosexuality,” March 1).

That is what you are saying, isn’t it, Dean? That is because you interpret the Bible as prohibiting same-sex relationships that I, not even a Christian, should be denied legal rights because I have loved both women and men?

What happened to the First Amendment? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ... ” It doesn’t say which religion. That makes mine equal to yours, and mine respects the human rights of all individuals.

– Janie Pulsifer Freeland

Sound Waters a great learning opportunity I am addicted to being surprised by nature. Whether beautiful, weird, challenging or concerning, moments of discovery fill me with wonder and inspire my imagination. They add new links in growing memory chains of scenes and interconnections and details. Each new surprise sharp-

ens my awareness of my surroundings, prompts old recollections and opens new adventures. Addicting indeed!

This year’s Sound Waters University, sponsored by WSU Island County Beach Watchers, might have been named “Sound Wonders” in my book. Among surprises brought to me by Sound Waters 2012, I learned that dragonflies spin to dry themselves.

That information is now connected with old memories of hot sunny moments, on freshwater lakes, when dragonflies visited.

The old memories and new information whet my appetite to observe more carefully this summer and prepare me to savor the whole experience with new intensity.

I suspect one of the most important accomplishments of this special one-day university is to renew, or maybe generate for the first time, a sense of delight and wonder when encountering the natural world.

This is no small task when considering the ways the habits of our lives remove us from real, everyday encounters with nature, and that each successive generation has more human-engineered surroundings than the generation that came before.

I believe fascination with nature is the foundation for successful accomplishment of the mission of the WSU Beach Watchers program. Those of us who are drawn to this program as volunteers thrive on learning, sharing and caring for our marine setting. In turn, the audiences we aspire to inform and draw into stewardship are motivated by the fun, surprise and wonder of their own new learning, old memories and personal experiences as they encounter Island County’s fascinating environment.

Thanks to the Sound Waters planning committee and all who attended for making Sound Waters 2012 a wonder-full day!

I challenge all of us to build on this wonder-filled foundation to expand knowledge about and care for the marine ecosystems of the Salish Sea. – Barbara Bennett Program Coordinator, WSU Island County Beach Watchers

Share your opinion Submit letters to the editor online at whidbeyexaminer.com. Click on “Submit Letters” at the top of the page. Send letters via e-mail to news@whidbeyexaminer. com.

Last week’s Examiner online poll question: What do you think of Coupeville’s new wayfinding signage?

How our readers voted: q It’s very visible, easy to read should help visitors find their way around. q The signs aren’t gaudy, so they fit the town’s historic look. q Signs? What signs? I hadn’t noticed any signs. q Signs are just visual clutter.

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Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Whidbey Examiner

Jill Johnson

Phil Collier

Jeff Lauderdale

Curt Gordon

Jim Campbell

Page 5

Island County, 820 Republicans took part in the straw poll.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney received 38 percent of the vote in Island County, compared to 37.7 percent statewide, while U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania received 22.3 percent, compared to 23.8 percent statewide.

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas earned 19.8 percent of the strawpoll vote locally, compared to 24.8 percent statewide. And former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia received 16.1 percent in Island County, versus 10.3 percent statewide.

“This was an exciting day,” Wilhelm said. “We were at capacElisabeth Murray / The Whidbey Examiner ity crowds and engaged in spirited Sisters Emily Fischbach, 24, and Erika Fischbach, 28, of Coupeville discussion.” A participate in their first caucus. They attended the March 3 Republican caucus at Oak Harbor High School.

Candidates join commissioner races Party faithful turn Several new candidates are hoping to take on the two incumbent Democrats on the Island County Board of Commissioners this fall.

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jill Johnson and Phil Collier, owner of Hilltop Auto and Express Lube, both of Oak Harbor, announced last week that they will run for the Dist. 2 seat held by first-term Commissioner Angie Homola.

Johnson is a Republican and Collier describes himself as an Independent.

Also running for Homola’s Dist. 2 seat is Oak Harbor City Councilman Jim Campbell, who announced his candidacy in December. District 2 encompasses the greater Oak Harbor area.

In District 1, Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Curt Gordon last week announced he will seek the commissioner seat currently held by incumbent Democrat Helen Price Johnson.

Gordon, who owns Island Asphalt, sought the Dist. 1 county commissioner seat in 2008, when Commissioner Johnson won her first term in office. He was elected to the port board in 2009.

Also seeking to challenge Johnson is Coupeville Republican Jeff Lauderdale, a retired Navy commander who has not previously held elected office. Johnson announced his candidacy in August 2011, and held his campaign kick-off on Tuesday.

Homola was elected in 2008, defeating longtime Republican Commissioner Mac McDowell.

Helen Price Johnson also was elected in 2008, filling the vacant seat left by Republican Mike Shelton, who had left office to take a job in Olympia.

Under Washington’s top-two primary election system, the two

candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary will advance to the General Election in November – regardless of political party.

That means it’s possible to have two candidates from the same party advance to the General Election.

In the primary election, voters in District 1 will choose the top two Dist. 1 candidates, and voters in District 2 will choose the top two Dist. 2 candidates.

In the General Election, all Island County voters will cast votes for the two commissioner seats up for election, regardless of which district they live in.

Candidates can file for election by mail during the week of April 30 through May 18.

Online filing begins at 9 a.m.

Monday, May 14 and closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 18.

Candidates may file for office in person at the Island County Auditor’s Office during the week of May 14 through 18.

The primary election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 7. A

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out for GOP caucus

By Elisabeth Murray Examiner Staff Writer

Two long lines snaked around the corner of the lobby to the entrance of the Republican caucus at Oak Harbor High School during the Island County Republican Caucus on Saturday.

With thick black binders filled with names and addresses of registered voters, the volunteers quickly searched for each person’s name as they checked identification.

Voters received a nametag marked their precinct, then joined their peers in the auditorium for the discussion of the party platform and presidential candidates.

But finding a place to sit was a bit of a challenge.

According to Brett Wilhelm,

chairman of the Island County Republican Party, 371 voters participated in the caucus and straw poll, and over 500 people attended the event.

Some parents brought their children along, and many adults came just to see what the process was like, Wilhelm said.

Oak Harbor High School was not the only location for the March 3 caucus, and it was not the only venue that was packed. On Camano Island, with 204 straw-poll voters plus guests, it was standing room only, Wilhelm said.

At South Whidbey High School, where 245 people participated in the straw poll, the school ran out of chairs to accommodate the attendees.

Of 47,901 registered voters in

TOWN OF COUPEVILLE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DRAFT AGENDA

Island County Hearing Room March 13, 2012 6:30 pm

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

CHANGES AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Meeting of February 28, 2012 MAYOR’S REPORT AUDIENCE INPUT PRESENTATIONS

1. Penn Cove Watershed Project U of W Green Futures Lab NEW BUSINESS

2. Cancellation of April 10, 2012 Regular Council Meeting

3. Approval of Special Event Permit for the Coupeville Farmers Market

4. Approval of Local Agency Agreement with Washington State Department of Transportation for Madrona Way Improvements 5. Approval of engineering contract with Reichhardt & Ebe Engineering for Madrona Way Improvements AUDIENCE INPUT

ADJOURNMENT of Regular Meeting

COUNCIL WORKSHOP Immediately following adjournment of the Regular Meeting, the Council will convene in a Workshop Session to discuss the following: Proposed Revisions to Sign Code ADJOURNMENT

Page 6

The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

JR Olivarez of Apex Towing in Burlington adjusts equipment on his tow rig as he prepares to extract a bus from a wet spot in the Coupeville Community Green Saturday. The Discovery Tours bus from Vancouver, Wash. had brought a group of seniors to MusselFest for the day.

MusselFest: Parking; from p. 1 parking in the field.

“I’m sure glad we opened it up, because I don’t know where all those people would have parked,” she said. “But my thinking is that we should just make sure we take a better look at the field and cone off any areas that are soggy.”

While the field shows wear and tear from car tires – and several ruts in the spot where the bus got stuck – overall the damage was minor. Conard said the town will smooth out the ruts and sprinkle grass seed to help the field rebound and be back in shape before

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the Coupeville Farmers Market opens for the season on April 7.

Coupeville Marshal Lance Davenport said he’d like to see better utilization of larger, paved parking areas at the schools and transit lot on the south side of town, with shuttle buses carrying people back and forth to downtown Coupeville.

“I see those kinds of events growing and growing and growing,” he said. “And that’s a good thing, although you do have to be ready to handle them.”

The crowds helped boost sales at many local businesses. Misty Blanton of A Touch of Dutch on Front Street said her shop had record sales for a weekend in March.

“At one point people couldn’t even move in here, it was so busy,” she said.

The 850 tickets available for each day’s chowder tasting sold out by about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and by 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Olson said she’s grateful for the support and participation of the Coupeville restaurants that take part in the chowder tasting.

“It’s a great way for them to highlight their restaurants, but it’s also a lot of work and expense,” she said.

Two restaurants – Coupeville Coffee and Bistro and Mosquito Fleet Galley – tied for the top prize in this year’s People’s Choice mussel recipe contest.

Two popular additions to this year’s festival were the MusselFest Passbook, which offered prizes in the form of gift certificates to shoppers who spent money at downtown businesses, and entertainer Nancy Stewart, who entertained in the children’s area that was set up in an empty shop space at Mariners Court.

Another event that took place on Saturday – the Mussels in the Kettles mountain bike ride organized by the Whidbey Island Bicycle Club – drew about 160 riders who also brought friends and family members, many of whom headed down to MusselFest after the ride.

Demand for chowder-tasting tickets has grown so much that organizers are looking for ways to expand that part of the event without overloading the small, local restaurants that offer tastes of their best mussel recipes.

“We are thinking about a third ticket next year,” Olson said.

Olson said that overall, she is very pleased with the success of this year’s MusselFest. It’s a great way to kick off the start of tourist season and encourage people to explore historic Coupeville.

“Every year it’s like inviting people to come play,” she said. A

Elisabeth Murray / The Whidbey Examiner

Jeff Monroe, owner of Monroe House Moving, operates hydraulic equipment to lift the Holbrook shed. The building was relocated to the Coupeville Community Green on Tuesday.

Holbrook shed moved to Community Green

By Elisabeth Murray Examiner Staff Writer

The simple wooden shed that had been in the backyard of the historic Holbrook House since the early 1900s is now settling into its new location a few blocks west in the Coupeville Community Green.

The building, which once housed a modest boat-building operation, could find a new life as a storage building for the Coupeville Farmers Market, or even as the shell for a new public restroom.

Viewridge Construction owner Dan Miranda, who owns the lot at Eighth and Grace streets where the shed had been residing, covered the cost of moving the structure and installing a foundation for it at the new location.

He said he was pleased to have an opportunity to preserve a bit of the town’s architectural history and rescue a building that still had some life ahead of it.

“It is advantageous to the town to save it,” he said. “It helps keep the rural feel.”

Monroe House Moving transported the shed to its new location on Tuesday.

“Our number one concern was to keep it from collapsing,” company owner Jeff Monroe said.

The relocation process in-

volved installing temporary wooden cribbing underneath the structure. Straps and steel beams also helped stabilize it for the move. Workers used hydraulics to lift it onto a huge steel trailer that was then towed behind a pickup truck to the new foundation next to the parking lot at the Green.

It would have been easier for Miranda to tear the structure down, as it is not protected under the town’s demolition ordinance.

Miranda plans on building a house for his mother-in-law on the site where the outbuilding once stood.

At a Coupeville Town Council meeting in January, council members discussed the possibility of waiving the park impact fee that Miranda would have to pay for developing his property as a way to thank him for donating the shed and moving it. No decision has been made yet on the waiver.

The shed likely was built by Horace Holbrook, a carpenter and shipbuilder who lived in Coupeville in the 1890s.

Despite the costs associated with saving the historic shed, both financial and time, Miranda said he understands the importance of saving old structures versus demolishing them.

“Moving the structure was an incredible process,” Miranda said.

“And well worth the effort.” A

Scouts to collect food donations Residents of the Town of Coupeville can donate food to Gifts from the Heart Food Bank on Saturday, March 10 through the “Scouting for Food” drive organized by local cub scouts and boy scouts.

Coupeville residents can leave non-perishable food items in plastic grocery bags on their front porches before 10 a.m. Scouts will pick up the bags by noon.

Members of the Coupeville Lions Club will help the scouts gather and carry the donations. Those who would prefer to donate directly can use the drop box at the food bank, located at 203 N Main St., Coupeville.

For information call or e-mail Mimi Johnson at 360-672-2103 or coupevillecubscouts@yahoo. com.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Whidbey Examiner

Page 7

Big numbers, big stars for Wolf track team 2012 SPRING SPORTS

By David Svien For the Examiner

Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Sorta.

True, there’s a gaping hole at the top of the Coupeville High School track squad, with the graduation of the three-headed, state meet-crushing beast of Tyler King, Kyra Ilyankoff and Hunter Hammer. But that doesn’t mean the Wolves are facing totally dark and barren times.

With the return of state meet veterans such as junior hurdler Madison Tisa McPhee and senior sprinter extraordinaire Mitch Pelroy, Coupeville still has some bigname talent to go toe-to-toe with the best Archbishop Thomas Murphy or King’s can throw on the track.

Toss in junior sprinter Jai’Lysa Hoskins, a star since her first moments as a freshman, sprinkle liberally with one of the deeper turnouts in recent memory (45 athletes) and Wolf coach Randy King will have plenty of options.

In her first year of high school track, Tisa McPhee made a name for herself in the Cascade Conference as a sophomore, eventually

Joe Novotny / For the Examiner

Back Row: Nick Streubel, Caleb Valko, Brennan Callahan, Josiah Campbell, Stephen Edwards, Konrad Borden and Coach Tom Fournier. Second Row: Coach Randy King, Matthew Hampton, Brandon Kelley, Sergio Guerro, Nick Weatherford, Shawn Kump, Manuel Lopez-Santillana and Briess Potter. Third Row: Jake McCormick, Michael Kelly, Allison Gauslow, Kayla Gran-Thomas, Marissa Etzell, Anna Bailey, Gracie LaPointe and Rachel Wenzel. Front Row: Larry Hurlburt, Mitch Pelroy, Katie Smith, Madison TisaMcPhee, Cassidi Rosenkrance, Jai’lysa Hoskins and Nicole Becker. Not present: Austin Nichols, Joye Jackson, Sam Landau and Megan Oakes. racing to an eighth-place finish in the 100 hurdles at the state meet.

Pelroy’s trip to state was marred by a muscle strain he suffered in the conference championships, but he returns hale, hearty, healthy and capable of earning a return to

Booters to build on historic run

By David Svien For the Examiner

Paul Mendes is building a new legend.

The Coupeville High School coach and teacher, an accomplished professional soccer player in his earlier days, has guided the Wolf boys’ soccer program to heights rarely seen by Coupeville teams these days. Emulating their unassuming mentor, the Wolves have chosen consistency over flashiness and it has paid off with two trips to the state tourney.

Coming off a season where it came one agonizing loss – a 2-1 overtime thriller against Seattle Christian – from making it three trips to state in a row, Coupeville will have to rebuild and reload quickly.

Having lost 11 seniors to graduation, the Wolves will turn to a smaller, but no less talented group that includes front-line stars such as junior midfielder Nathan Lamb and senior goaltender Zac Forland.

“We lost our highest number of seniors ever to graduation. This group is not as large, but they have been eager to step up and take on the challenge,” Mendes said. “It is still our goal to progress this season and to get in the tournament again. If we advance to the quarterfinals of state, we will make history for the program, and that is one of our goals.”

Forland will be a key, as he steps into the net for the graduated Isaac Wacker, who was a smooth, consistent, often calming presence for the Wolves.

“Zac was a strong defender for us last year and played occasionally as goalkeeper. He’ll begin the season as our goalie and we’ll assess things one week at a time,” Mendes said. “If other goalies step up, Zac might play other positions as well. He’s been one of our team leaders in training, and he is prepared to play wherever the team needs him most.”

Forland and Lamb will be joined by five other returning let-

state in three or four sprint and relay events.

Other Wolves expected to make an impact include the quicksilver Hoskins, javelin ace Grace LaPoint, distance runners such as veterans Larry Hurlburt and

Sam Landau and an influx of new throwers (Nick Streubel, Caleb Valko, Sergio Guerrero) hoping to replace Hammer in the spotlight of the throwing circle.

“We will have a new group of throwers out for the boys’ team

this year, which includes most of the starting lineman for the football team, and I’m excited about that,” Randy King said.

“Our distance runners are pretty much a young group,” he said.

“But Larry has been encouraging our young guys to get out and do some training this winter and I’m hoping that they will get off to a strong start.”

With more athletes from years past, including a strong group of freshman girls, the Wolves will have a better chance to be competitive in league meets.

The past couple of seasons the Wolves got big individual finishes from several athletes on a regular basis, but simply couldn’t put enough athletes on the field to match other schools when it came time to compile team point totals.

Regardless of where Class A Coupeville places in the hypercompetitive, Class AA-dominated Cascade Conference, King retains the calm, sage-like outlook of a veteran coach.

“As a track team we have a lot of goals that shouldn’t ever change,” King said. “Number one is to develop the characteristics of good people that treat others with kindness and respect.

“We practice with the intent of learning the discipline and mental strength needed that results in continuous improvement,” he added. “We work hard, get better, and have fun.” A

2012 SPRING SPORTS

Joe Novotny / For the Examiner

Top row: Head Coach Paul Mendes, J P Ward, Luke Pelant, Kole Kellison, Dylan Tack and Assistant Coach Gary Manker. Middle row: Josh Wilsey, Taylor Phillips, Nathan Lamb, Brett Arnold and David Hefflinger. Front row: Nathan Foote (team manager), Sean Donley, Kyle Andrews, Zach Forland and Jeremy Copenhaver. Not pictured : Nathan Kircher, Amiel Ko and Assistant Coach Kyle Nelson. termen in senior midfielders David Hefflinger and Dylan Tack, senior defender Taylor Phillips, junior defender Luke Pelant and sophomore forward/midfielder Sean Donley. Tack’s commitment to the team looms large, as he chose to remain with friends and

finish out his senior year at CHS after his family relocated to New York last year.

Three newcomers have also been pushing for playing time during the first week of practice.

“Jeremy Copenhaver, a freshman forward, has looked sharp

and skillful in preseason, and is pushing for a starting spot,” Mendes said. “Josh Wilsey, a junior defender/midfielder, has improved in all aspects of his game, and is now looking to be one of our play-makers and a consistent distributor of the ball.

“JP Ward, a senior forward, is stepping up to fill the void left at striker/forward,” he added. “Most of our goal scorers are gone, but JP has looked like he is ready to take on the challenge, to battle up front and score some goals for us.”

Whether it comes from Ward or one of his teammates, the Wolves’ ability to punch the ball in the back of the net will loom as a large key to Coupeville mounting a return trip to state.

“Our defense is well anchored.

Dylan and Nathan should be instrumental in linking our defense to our offense,” Mendes said. “We have some inexperience at the forward goal scoring positions, but that can be overcome by everyone stepping up their game.” A

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The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

Wolf baseball squad young but experienced

By David Svien For the Examiner

Armed with a roster of young, but not inexperienced, players, Coupeville High School baseball guru Willie Smith is ready to take on the big boys of the Cascade Conference. And while Archbishop Thomas Murphy will be scarygood and squads such as Lakewood and Cedarcrest could be equally stacked, don’t count out the Wolves.

A good chunk of Coupeville’s roster is comprised of players who were key contributors to the Central Whidbey Junior Little League all-star team that won a state title in 2010. Now, with a year of varsity high school baseball action on their resumes, they return ready to make a big jump up the standings.

“Last year (freshman year) was a huge learning curve for our sophomores,” Smith said. “So our goal is to win more games, but more importantly, be competitive every game and get dramatically better by the end of the season.

“Our sophomores will be greatly improved and will be able to help our freshman make the adjustments that they had to learn on the fly last year,” he added.

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“Obviously, one could say our youth could be a weakness,” Smith said. “However, I look at it as a strength because I generally had seven of these kids as starters last year, so I don’t really consider them as a “young, inexperienced” team.

“They have committed to our team goals and have worked hard in the weight room and in the offseason to get prepared for this season,” he added. “We’re going to work very hard on being ‘routine’ and making all of the fundamental plays each game, and, so far, they have really bought into that philosophy.”

Etzell (pitcher/infield), Smith (outfield), Tumblin (catcher/pitcher), Wade Schaef (outfield/pitcher) and Morgan Payne (infield), all sophomores, form the core of the Wolf roster, with senior hurler Brandt Bodamer bringing a touch of upperclassmen leadership.

Three freshmen, outfielder/pitch-

Joe Novotny / For the Examiner

Top row: Coach Willie Smith, Zach McCormick, Nick Johnson, Brandt Bodamer, Paul Schmakeit, Ben Etzell, Aaron Trumbull and Coach Casey Larson. Middle row: Kien Le, Korbin Korzan, Aaron Curtin, Carson Risner, Morgan Payne, Jake Tumblin and Josh Bayne. Front row: Brian Norris, Wade Schaef, Takuya Yamauchi, Drew Chan, Kyle Bodamer and Kurtis Smith. er Korbin Korzan, who starred for the little league champs, and infielders Josh Bayne and Kyle Bodamer, are expected to see significant playing time, as well.

Which ever players pull on the red and black jerseys for Coupeville this season, they will face

two primary obstacles: replacing graduated mound aces Ian Smith and Alex McClain and continuing to live up to the glory of their junior high diamond days.

“Pitching is always a concern because you can never have enough arms,” Smith said. “And

with losing Ian and Alex off of last year’s team as the two main pitchers, our guys will have to step up and fill those two gaps.”

“We have some live arms and strong work ethics, so I feel that we will get there sooner rather than later,” he said. A

Softballers boast power arms, young talent

By David Svien For the Examiner

Last year was an interesting one for the Coupeville High School softball team.

On the field, a team made up predominantly of freshmen, playing for a first-year coach new to the school, failed to win a single game.

Until they got to the playoffs, that is, when they went all nuclear on Meridian and shocked the softball universe by sending their Bellingham-based foes back to the

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big city on a bus powered by the tears of the losing players.

Off the field, however, the Wolves clicked in a way few teams do. Whether painting the CHS dugouts or embarking on a late-night scavenger hunt during a team get-together, the Coupeville softballers truly captured the concept of team.

“This sport is not individual and I feel that last year was the year that we put aside our differences and truly bonded,” said senior pitcher Alexis Trumbull.

“The game we won last year at playoffs was the result of a season of bonding. I only hope that we play the way we did that game this season.”

Trumbull, one of the few veterans on last year’s squad, and catcher Bessie Walstad, now a junior, return to anchor this year’s edition in red and black. Joining them will be a ton of young players who learned under fire last year, such as Madeline Roberts, Chevy Reyes, Kenzie Kooch, Breeanna Messner and Sydney Aparicio, plus a sprinkling of players who weren’t available for Wolf coach Jackie Calkins to call on in 2011.

Senior spark-plug Taya Boonstra returns after skipping her junior campaign to star in a school

Joe Novotny / For the Examiner

Back row: Coach David King, Arianna Johnson, Monica Vidoni, Bessie Walstad, Coach Jackie Calkins and Assistant Coach Denny Zylstra. Second row: Assistant Coach Amy King, Madeline Strasburg, Haley Sherman, Chevy Reyes, Brianna Messner, Hailey Hammer and Maria Rockwell. Third row: Mckayla Bailey, Sydney Aparicio, Kenzie Kooch, Haley Marx and Alexis Trumbull. Front row: Taya Boonstra, Danielle Rickard, Emily Clay, Madeline Roberts and Julia Felici. play, junior fastball-heaver Maria Rockwell is back on the mound after playing a season in Florida and highly regarded freshmen McKayla Bailey and Hailey Hammer move up to the high school level after crushing foes during their younger years.

With a potentially strong pitch-

ing staff in Trumbull, Rockwell and Bailey, a perennial all-star in Walstad and a group of scrappy young players such as the irrepressible Reyes, who managed to help photo-bomb the team picture in this edition of the paper in classic style, the Wolves are a team on the rise. A

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Whidbey Examiner

Page 11

Souza Top trio leads hearing Wolf tennis squad scheduled 2012 mega-watt grin and skillful net game back to the CHS courts for one final go-around.

She’ll be joined by junior Amanda d’Almeida, who had rolled to back-to-back district doubles crowns with Riddle as her partner, and senior Lexi Blanchette, who, when not winning horse racing events by the barrelful, is also a pretty darn good tennis player.

The trio top a remarkably deep squad, which had an astoundingfor-Coupeville 19 players turn out in the early days of practice, including returning netters such as Holly Craggs, Emily Gallahar, Grayson Akins and Rachael Parker.

One wild card could be German foreign exchange student

Joe Novotny / For the Examiner

Top row: Coach Ken Stange, Claire Ure, Allie Hanigan, Makenna Martyn, Grayson Akins and Ashlin Turcsanski. Middle row: Amanda d’Almeida, Lexi Blanchette, Julia Myers, Emily Burchfield and Emily Gallahar. Front Row: Holly Craggs, Breanna Koym, Caitlyn Greenawalt, Ivy Luvera, Ana Luvera. Not pictured: Allison Stricker, Rachael Parker, Maureen Rice and Wynter Thorne.

Alison Stricker, if, for no other reason than that the last time a foreign exchange student wielded a racket for the Wolf girls, it was Julia Sierra Castaño, the so called Hard Court Assassin, who went

unbeaten through the regular season and district play and advanced deep into the state tournament.

You never can tell what’s going to happen. That’s something the Wolf netters know for sure. A

for the biggest, ugliest and prettiest giant pumpkins. A giant zucSeeds are available for the October at the Coupeville Farmers chini contest also is planned.

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At a hearing scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, April 6, the court will determine if the statements she made to police after a fatal car crash will be admissible at her trial.

The 18-year-old Langley woman has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide in the Nov. 11, 2011 deaths of three friends in a car accident that happened when she was at the wheel.

According to the investigation conducted by Detective Jeffrey Rhue of the Washington State Patrol Criminal Investigation Division, Souza told two officers that she had consumed a 40 oz of “Mickeys” and some “Olde English.” She had given this information to Officer C. Liggitt of the Langley Police Department while in the back of the ambulance, and later to state Trooper J. Nichols at Whidbey General Hospital.

After observing that Souza had watery, bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol on her breath, Nichols asked Souza how much she had had to drink.

The report also indicates that Souza said, “I wasn’t that drunk,” and that she later yelled, “I can’t believe they let me drive.”

The report also indicates that Nichols had asked Souza whether she was driving, and that she responded that she did not know.

Souza has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide for the deaths of Charles “Mack” Porter III, 19, Marcel “Mick” Poynter, 20, and Robert Knight, 22.

According to police, Souza had allegedly been driving south on Wilkinson Road under the influence of alcohol just after midnight when she tried to pass another car at a high rate of speed. Souza allegedly lost control of her vehicle, which struck a tree and burst into flames.

Two people from the car Souza had passed were able to pry open the passenger side of the vehicle and pull her out, but they were unable to get to her three passengers before the car was engulfed in fire.

A $75,000 bond was posted

by A-Ace Bail Bonds on Dec. 7, 2011. Souza is currently living at her father’s house in Langley while she awaits trial. A

SPRING SPORTS

S T. S T E P H E N ’ S A N G L I C A N C H U R C H

By Elisabeth Murray Examiner Staff Writer

This year’s Wolf girls’ tennis squad is not the team it could have been.

At one point, Coupeville High School coach Ken Stange had the hope of seeing five of six players who saw postseason action in 2011 return for a new campaign.

Having lost only senior Lexy Bennett, he would have welcomed back the core of a very successful squad.

That fell to pieces, however, when family moves to Anacortes and Mill Creek subtracted Jessica Riddle and Brooke Monroe from the Wolf roster.

Then came the biggest potential blow, when the team’s top singles player, senior Emily Burchfield, was badly injured when she was hit by a car while on her bicycle in Portland.

But that’s when the story gets a lot better, however, as Burchfield, with the whole community pulling for her, made a stunning recovery after surgery and now brings her

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Page 12

The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

whidbey island’s community calendar Gloria Ferry-Brenna Concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Gloria Ferry-Brenna performs on the violin. Donations accepted. 360221-8268; wicaonline.com.

whidbeyisland@aauw-wa.org.

Boys & Girls Club Dinner and Auction, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, Oak Harbor Boys & Girls Club, 98 NE Barron Dr. Dinner plus live and silent auctions. $65. Peg Fenstermaker, 360Girls’ Softball Clinic, 8-11:30 a.m., 240-9273; bgcoh@comcast.net.

Saturday, March 10, Coupeville High School Gymnasium, 501 S Main St. “Adventures in Wonderland,” 7 Clinic for girls ages 8-12 includes pitch- p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2 p.m. Suning, throwing, running, fielding and bat- day, March 11 Pacific NorthWest Art School, 15 N.W. Birch, Coupeville. ting stations. $30.

Postcards from Whidbey Island radio Whidbey Island Garden Workshop, show. Tickets available at Local Grown 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, Coffee and Lind’s Phramacy in CoupeOak Harbor High School, 950 NW Sec- ville, the Bay Leaf in Oak Harbor and ond St. Workshops cover aspects of Book Bay in Freeland. $16. 360-678gardening on Whidbey. Sponsored by 3396; www.coupevillearts.org.

WSU Island County Master Gardeners. $35. 360-678-7837; 360-240-5527; BirdNotes Reception and Performance, 6 p.m. Saturday, March 10, county.wsu.edu/island.

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 American Association of Univer- Camano Ave., Langley. A free reception sity Women Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Sat- begins at 6 p.m. featuring bird-related urday, March 10, Unitarian Universalist works by local artists. The BirdNotes Meeting House, 20103 Hwy. 525, Free- performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with land. Program on women in history. stories about birds presented by Bird-

Notes Executive Producer Chris Peterson and Producer John Kessler, host of KPLU’s All Blues, along with music

by Trio Nouveau, Kate Wright and David Licastro and photography by Craig Johnson. Tickets are $20. 360-2218268; wicaonline.com.

CPR and Defibrillator Training, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, Coupeville Middle School, 501 S. Main St. The Central Whidbey Little League is covering the cost for this CPR and automated external defibrillator training.

Participants who stay for both parts receive a two-year CPR certificate. Free.

Sign up by Friday, March 9 at info@ centralwhidbeylittleleague.org.

“The Healthcare Movie,” 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 11, Clyde Theater, 217 First St., Langley. Documentary comparing the development of the Canadian and U.S. health care systems. $5 suggested donation. 360-221-5525; theclyde.net.

Art Reception, 3-5 p.m. Sunday, March 11, Taste for Wine, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley. Local artists Karen Schroeder and Lisa Reynolds talk about their work. Free. 360-321-0515; tasteforwine@whidbey.com.

Slow Food Movement Meeting, 10 a.m. Monday, March 12, Langley City Hall, 112 Second St. Guest speaker is Bayview Chef Vincent Nattress. Free.

Pam Owen, 360-221-8601.

Noxious Weed Control Meeting, 4 p.m. Monday, March 12, Law and Justice Center, 101 N.E. Sixth St, Coupeville. Lynette Goodell 360-678-7908.

Pigeon Guillemot Presentation, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, March 12, Coupeville Library, 788 N.W. Alexander St. Whidbey Audubon Society presentation on the pigeon guillemots that gather in the summer to mate and raise their young along the bluffs of the island. Free. 360-678-4911; sno-isle.org.

Washington United for Marriage Meeting, 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, March 12, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 20103 Hwy. 525, Freeland. Town hall meeting to discuss building a majority to pass the marriage equality bill if challenged. RSVP to waunited.org.

Oak Harbor Garden Club Meeting, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, First United Methodist Church, 1050 S.E. Ireland St., Oak Harbor. Seaneen Hummel-Kardly presents “St. Patrick’s Day – Organically.”

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3x3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, from 1 to 9.

Book Signing: “Coupeville,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday, March 13, Coupeville Library, 788 N.W. Alexander. Authors Judy Lynn and Kay Foss talk about their new book chronicling the photographic history of Coupeville from 1850 through 1950. 360-678-4911; sno-isle.org.

Shape Note Singing (Sacred Harp), 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 27 Langley Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 301 Anthes Ave., Langley. Free. 360-730-1447; pnwshs.org.

Langley. Ben Rice Band opens for blues 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 and singer Cee Cee James. $15. 360-221- Wednesday, April 18. South Whidbey 8268; 800-638-7631; WICAonline.com. High School Room 107, 5675 S. Maxwelton Road, Langley. Discussions of “Shakespeare Demystified,” school district programs and budget.

6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 to 360-221-6198 ext. 2245.

Wednesday, April 18, Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Har- Community Emergency Response bor. Actor and director Stephen James Team Program, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Anderson teaches Shakespeare using Wednesdays March 21 and 28, 9 a.m.monologues, soliloquies and sonnets. 5 p.m. Saturdays, March 24 and 31, $60; $45 for Playhouse members. 360- South Whidbey Fire and Rescue, 820 Camano Ave., Langley. Train for di679-2237; whidbeyplayhouse.com. saster response. Must attend all four Coupeville Schools Community classes for certification. Free. dem@ Meeting, 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, co.island.wa.us; 360-679-7370.

March 14, Coupeville High School commons, 501 S. Main St. Discussion Puget Sound Anglers Meeting, 7 includes the future of extracurricular p.m. Wednesday, March 21, Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club, 3334 E. activities. 360-678-4409.

Brooks Hill Road, Langley. Clint Muns Short Story Smash Contest, 7:30 talks about a program that raises monp.m. Wednesday, March 14, Whidbey ey to send wounded war veterans on a Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano fishing trip to Alaska. 360-222-3275; Ave., Langley. Hosts Chris Spencer patm@whidbey.com. and Shelly Hartle will read submitted stories that are exactly 100 words long. Plant Disease and Insect IdentiTickets $10. 360-221-8268; wicaon- fication, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, Coupeville Recreation Center, 901 line.com.

N.W. Alexander St. Plant pathologist “Marimba Cafe,” 7 p.m. Friday, Jenny Glass talks about plant disease March 16, Coupeville Recreation Hall, and insect pests. 360-240-5527.

901 N.W. Alexander St. Zimbabwe benefit dance with energetic marimba Star Party, Dusk. Friday, March 23, music and finger food by Lesedi. Sug- Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugested donation $5. 360-321-3868; gent Rd., Oak Harbor. Hosted by the Island County Astronomical Society. marimba@whidbey.com.

No telescope required. Cloudy weather “Wingspan,” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and cancels event. Free. 360-679-7664; Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, March 16- icas-wa.webs.com.

18 & 23-25, Whidbey Children’s Theater, 222 Anthes Ave., Langley. Musical Whidbey Jazz Concert, 7:30-9:30 directed and written by Rose Woods. p.m. Friday, March 23, Oak Harbor Original music by Robert Marsanyi. High School, 950 NW 2nd Ave. PerAdults $12; Seniors $10; Students $8. formance by middle and high school jazz bands from Coupeville, Oak Harwctonline.com; 360-221-2282. bor and South Whidbey. Fundraiser Rhododendron Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for graduates hoping to continue an Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, education in music. $7. Jerry Jones, March 18. Meerkerk Rhododendron 360-679-2066.

Gardens, 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank. A wide variety of rhododendrons Exploring Central Whidbey Forwill be offered for sale from one-gallon ests, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, pots to mature plants. meerkerkgar- Carpool from the Coupeville Park and Ride, 201 S. Main St. Gary Piazzon dens.org; 360-678-1912. leads a half-day Audubon Society field Cee Cee James, 9 p.m. Saturday, trip in Rhododendron Park and the March 17, Cozy’s Roadhouse, 8872 Bakker Reserve. Free. piazzon@comHwy. 525, Clinton. Performance by cast.net; 360-678-5131. blues singer Cee Cee James. $15.

Japan Memorial Concert, 2 p.m.

Film: “Green Fire,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Saturday, March 24, Trinity Lutheran March 18, Pacific Rim Institute, 180 Church, 18341 Hwy. 525, Freeland.

Parker Road, Coupeville. Whidbey Fundraiser and remembrance for vicAudubon presents a film about the life tims of the earthquake in Japan. Free; and legacy of environmentalist Aldo donations accepted. 360-341-1817; Leopold. Tickets $8 at brownpap- whidbeyjapanbenefit.wordpress.com. ertickets.com. $10 at the door. paci“Bluegrass Breaks,” 6:30-9:30 p.m. ficriminstitute.com; 360-678-5586.

Saturday, March 24, Unitarian UniverNeolithic Painting and Sculpture, salist Congregation, 20103 Hwy. 525, 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, March 18, Pacific Freeland. Performances by the CranNorthWest Art School, 15 N.W. Birch, berry Bog Bluegrass Band and Money Coupeville. Art instructor Sharon Hall Creek Mining Company. $15; Children leads a discussion on the nature and admitted free. 360-321-8656. purpose of cave paintings. First in a Neolithic Architecture, 2:30-4 p.m. four-part series. $10. 360-678-3396.

Sunday, March 25, Pacific NorthWest Island Democrats Meeting with Art School 15 N.W. Birch, CoupeRick Larsen, 3 p.m. Sunday, March ville. Art instructor Sharon Hall leads 18, Coupeville Recreation Center, 901 a discussion on neolithic construction N.W. Alexander St. Coffee and dessert. practices. Part two of a four-part series.

Free. islandcountydems@gmail.com. $10. 360-678-3396.

“An Evening with Winnie Holzman,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Winnie Holzman, creator of the television series “My So Called Life,” talks about her Cee Cee James Concert, 7:30 p.m. new book, “Poser: My Life in TwentyTuesday, March 13, Whidbey Island South Whidbey School District Three Yoga Poses.” $8. 360-221-8268; Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Community Conversations, 6:30- 800-638-7631; WICAonline.com.

Gluten-Free Living, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, Deer Lagoon Grange Hall, 5142 Bayview Rd., Langley. Several presenters talk about maintaining a gluten-free diet. Free. 360-321-4027.

Poetry Slam, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, Coupeville Library, 788 N.W. Alexander St. Audience members suggest words for poets to create on-thespot poetry. All ages. Free. Jim Freeman, 360-331-2617; fun@whidbey.com.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Whidbey Examiner

OBITUARIES Joan Marjorie Lappin

Joan Marjorie Lappin passed away peacefully on March 1st 2012 at her home in Coupeville, Wa s h i n g ton. She was 83. With her were her son Jonathan and daughter Janet.

Joan was born to Darcy and Helen George on Christmas Day, 1928, in the small town of Easton, Pennsylvania. Joan lived with her parents and brother Lynn on the East Coast, graduating from Arlington Virginia’s WashingtonLee High School in 1946. From there she attended George Washington University, where she earned a degree in nutrition and met aspiring naval officer and law student Robinson (Bob) Lappin.

Joan and Bob were married August 31, 1952 and so began Joan’s long and illustrious career as a Navy wife, the toughest job in the Navy. Bob and Joan had three children, Robinson (Rob), Janet and Jonathan. Bob was transferred to Naples, Italy, in 1964, one of the family’s most memorable assignments. While Bob’s ship was at sea (most of the time) Joan kept the home fires burning, and the children busy enjoying Italian archeology, European travel and the food and culture of Italy.

Another memorable family local was Newport, Rhode Island, where Bob served two tours on the staff of the Naval Justice School, the second as commanding officer. Joan was the model Navy wife, looking after the welfare of the staff’s families and participating in charitable events.

A lover of the outdoors, she took the three children and family dog, a boxer named Moxie, camping whenever time allowed. This, of course, led to more adventures, including many emergency room visits and a small forest fire. Joan rolled through it all, and usually laughed about it once the crisis was over.

Bob’s transfer to Seattle in 1976 changed Joan’s life dramatically. She and Bob fell in love with the Northwest’s fresh air, wildlife, water, and most of all, the warm and welcoming people. Retiring to Coupeville in 1983, Joan became an “Island Woman,” growing deep roots with new friends and activities. Her favorites quickly became the Coupeville United Methodist Church exercise group and the Wednesday morning hiking group. Joan’s gregarious nature, love of wildflowers, nature and walking were beautifully satisfied in these ways. Her children often joked, “It’s 10 p.m. I wonder where the parents are.”

When their son Rob died in

May of 2005, and when Bob passed away in September of that same year, the Coupeville community “circled the wagons” to provide Joan with support and love. She moved into Regency on Whidbey in July 2010, and continued to spread her sunshine and love to everyone she met.

On March 1, 2012, Joan peacefully returned to the Lord to live in peace with Bob and Rob. Her bright smile will always live on.

Surviving her are her brother Lynn and his wife Ruth, in Boone, North Carolina; daughter Janet Quinn and her husband John of Springfield, Virginia; son Jonathan of Ketchikan, Alaska; and six grandchildren, Jonathan, David, Morgan, John, Carol, and Solstice.

A memorial service will be held in Coupeville this July. Memorials are suggested to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, c/o Ebey’s Reserve, P.O. Box 774, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at whidbeymemorial.com.

Henry Vander Pol

Henry Vander Pol, 95, passed away February 29, 2012. Born in Oak Harbor, Washington, he had resided in the Auburn area since 1989. Henry owned and operated Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc. for many years, starting as a truck driver in the family business in 1936. He was past president of the Washington Trucking Association.

Henry was one of the founding members of the Watson Groen Christian School and Seattle Christian School, served as an elder of the Christian Reformed Church and was a faithful Gideon member. He was an active Rotarian for more than 40 years. He loved to fly airplanes, flying until he was 90 years of age.

Henry was preceded in death by his grandson, Steven. He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Anna; d a u g h ter Sandra Dykstra (William) of Coupeville, Washington; sons Ed (Mary) of Auburn, Jay (Marlys) of Redmond and David (Linda) of Auburn; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 4 at the Yahn and Son Funeral Home, Auburn.

A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 5 at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. S.E., Kent. Private interment was held at Mountain View Cemetery, Auburn.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons, Seattle Christian School, Shoreline Christian School or Bellevue Christian School. Sign an online guestbook at yahnandson.com.

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The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

Navy seeks comments on training program

By Elisabeth Murray Examiner Staff Writer

One challenge facing the Navy is how to ensure effective training while also protecting marine wildlife. And input from the public can influence how the Navy balances these conflicting responsibilities.

The Navy is drafting a new environmental impact statement that will describe how training and testing activities may affect the environment, and how they can mitigate any potential damage to the natural world. This new document will evaluate proposed changes in underwater training and testing activities in the Pacific Northwest.

The training includes sonar, which is used to detect extremely quiet diesel-electric submarines that could pose a threat to global commerce, national security and military personnel safety, a Navy

LEGAL NOTICES PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS - DENT SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON ISLAND COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of LEROY GEORGE DENT, Deceased.

Case No. 12-4-00025-7 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim is barred by otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: March 1, 2012 PERSONAL REPRESEN-

website said.

Howard Garrett, co-founder of the Orca Network, said he is concerned about how marine mammals such as whales and sea lions could be affected by sounds emitted during Navy training.

“It is impossible to completely detect the presence of marine mammals to avoid harming them,” he said.

Garrett believes that proposed changes to Navy testing and training could result in “essentially open-ended use of whale habitat for live-fire exercises.”

High-frequency sonar use in Puget Sound and pier-side sonar testing are to be included in the environmental impact statement, which is still being drafted.

Sheila Murray, Navy region external relations manager, said that while this would be the first time that pier-side sonar testing would be included in the docu-

LEGAL NOTICES TATIVE: Delphine Hoover ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Charles Arndt of Arndt & Walker, Attorneys at Law ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: 107 S. Main St., Suite B 201 Coupeville, WA 98239 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS AND CAUSE NUMBER: Island County Superior Court Cause Number No. 12-400025-7 Legal No.: CEX 2553 Published: The Whidbey Examiner March 1, March 8, March 15, 2012

AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS - WAGNER IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR ISLAND COUNTY IN PROBATE. In the Matter of the Estate of Wagner, Paul E., Deceased.

No. 11-4-00238-3.

The personal representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as personal representative of this estate. Persons having claims against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the attorneys of record at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with

The Navy’s training and testing activities would take place in parts of Puget Sound. ments, the testing itself has been going on for decades, even before environmental regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act became law in 1970.

Murray said that the pier-side testing helps ensure that sonar systems are functioning properly be-

LEGAL NOTICES the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the amended notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the amended notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060.

This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: March 1, 2012 Charlene L. Wagner, Personal Representative

By Joan McPherson WSBA# 14141 Attorney for Personal Representative ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: P.O. Box 1617, 1 NW Front Street, Coupeville, Washington 98239

fore Navy ships head out to sea.

“The Navy follows all precautions to ensure that whales are not in the area and receives permission from Command Pacific Fleet before the testing occurs,” Murray said.

The precautions include using passive sonar, which does not put any sound energy into the water, and visual scans of the area, she said.

The testing would happen at existing locations at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Naval Base Kitsap at Bangor and Naval Station Everett.

Even though it’s been going on for decades, pier-side testing is not without controversy. Garrett said he is concerned that the testing could affect the gray whales that visit Saratoga Passage.

“This testing could drive the whales away from this spring foraging habitat,” he said.

LEGAL NOTICES

been appointed and has qualified as personal representative of this estate. Persons having claims against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the attorneys of record at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Legal. No.: CEX 2554 DATE OF FIRST PUBLIPublished: The Whidbey CATION: March 1, 2012.

Examiner Phyllis M. Zibung, PerMarch 1, March 8, March sonal Representative.

15, 2012

By Joan McPherson WSBA #14141 Attorney for Personal PROBATE NOTICE TO Representative CREDITORS - ZIBUNG ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: P.O. Box 1617, 1 NW IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF Front Street, Coupeville, WASHINGTON FOR ISLAND Washington 98239 COUNTY IN PROBATE. In the Matter of the Estate of Legal No.: CEX 2555 Zibung, Emil E. Deceased. Published: The Whidbey Examiner No.12-4-00042-7.

The personal represen- March 1, March 8, March tative named below has 15, 2012

Active sonar can also cause traumatic injury to internal organs such as the brain, lungs and ears, Garrett said.

The Navy says sonar training in real-world conditions is necessary, as it “cannot be duplicated with simulators or other artificial means.”

“Readiness training and testing activities must be as realistic as possible to provide the preparation necessary for the success and survival of U.S. service men and women,” according to the Navy program’s website.

An open house on the proposed environmental impact statement is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at the Oak Harbor School District Administration Building, 350 S. Oak Harbor St. For information and to comment online, visit nwtteis.com.

The deadline to comment on the proposed statement is April 27.

Once the draft environmental impact statements are prepared, public hearings will be held starting in fall 2013. A

LEGAL NOTICES PORT OF COUPEVILLE – BOAT AUCTION The Port of Coupeville announces the auction of the 37-foot Islander sailing vessel, CARPE DIEM, which had been anchored in Penn Cove near Lovejoy Point until recently and is now moored at the Coupeville Wharf. The owner has conveyed ownership of the vessel to the Port and, by authority of WA State Law, the Board of Commissioners of the Port wishes to dispose of it to the highest bidder. Sale will be final and in “as is / where is” condition. Sealed bids should be mailed to the Port of Coupeville, P. O. Box 577, Coupeville, WA 98239, or delivered to the Port Office at #24 Front Street, Coupeville.

Bidding will close at 5:00 pm, March 13, 2012. There is no minimum acceptable bid. Bids will be opened and the winner announced at the regular monthly public meeting of the Board of Commissioners on March 14, 2012 at the Sno-Isle Library, 788 Alexander St., Coupeville. The winning bidder will be responsible for moorage fees after that date.

Legal No.: CEX 2557 Published: The Whidbey Examiner March 1, March 8, 2012

NOTICE TO CREDITORS HILDEBRANDT IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR ISLAND COUNTY IN PRO-

LEGAL NOTICES BATE. In the Matter of the Estate of HILDEBRANDT, HERBERT LEE, JR. Deceased. No: 12-4-00052-4 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The Last Will and Testament of the above named decedent has been accepted into probate under an Adjudication of Testacy. JEFFREY D. KING has been appointed to handle all matters of this estate. Persons having claims against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to Jeffrey D. King, 8424 E. Meadow Lake Drive, Snohomish, WA 98290 or the attorneys of record at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after any potential creditor was served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: March 8, 2012.

By Joan H. McPherson WSBA #14141 Attorney for Jeffrey D. King ADDRESS FOR MAILING See LEGALS, page 15

Thursday, March 8, 2012 • The Whidbey Examiner LEGAL NOTICES

Legals, from page 14

contract have been fulfilled in an acceptable manner

by B & W Pump Company, SERVICE: PO Box 55, Freeland, WA P.O. Box 1617, 1 NW 98249, and accepted by IsFront Street, Coupeville, land County.

Washington 98239 The lien period for filing any liens against this conLegal No. CEX 2559 tract’s retainage percent Published: The Whidbey is now in effect. Notice of Examiner any unpaid wages or mateMarch 8, March 15, March rials may be made to the Is22, 2012 land County Engineer, P.O. Box 5000, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Legal No.: CEX 2561 Published: The Whidbey Examiner March 8, 2012

CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE NOTICE TO SUBCONTRACTORS AND MATERIALS SUPPLIERS Island County Public Works Department hereby furnishes notice that construction of the Island County Power Supply for the Non-Potable Water Supply Well for the Island County Solid Waste facility project, Purchase Order No. 9173, has been completed under the contract and permit terms and the provisions of the contract have been fulfilled in an acceptable manner by AA Electric Company, PO Box 1034, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, and accepted by Island County.

The lien period for filing any liens against this contract’s retainage percent is now in effect. Notice of any unpaid wages or materials may be made to the Island County Engineer, P.O. Box 5000, Coupeville, WA 98239.

Legal No.: CEX 2560 Published: The Whidbey Examiner March 8, 2012

CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE NOTICE TO SUBCONTRACTORS AND MATERIALS SUPPLIERS Island County Public Works Department hereby furnishes notice that installation of the pump house for the Island County NonPotable Water Supply Well for the Island County Solid Waste facility project, Purchase Order No. 9177, has been completed under the contract and permit terms and the provisions of the

NOTICE OF APPLICATION WITH SEPA REPUBLICATION Island County has reviewed the proposed project for probable adverse environmental impacts and expects to issue a determination of non-significance (DNS). The optional DNS process established by WAC 197-11-355 is being used. The public comment period as described below may be the only opportunity to comment on the environmental impacts of the following proposals.

File Number: 019/12 SHE Applicant: Paula Carroll Proposal: Repair existing 85 ft. long log piling bulkhead by pouring concrete in front of it. Replacing existing upland patio in same footprint. Project is located within the vicinity of a wetland, MFWHCA, flood hazard area, and the conservancy shoreline designation.

Location: 7359 Maxwelton Rd, Clinton.

Staff Contact & E-mail: Kyla Walters, k.walters@ co.island.wa.us.

The proposal may include mitigation under applicable codes, and the project review process may incorporate or require mitigation measures regardless of whether an EIS is required. Application files are available for inspection at no cost, and will be provided at the cost of reproduction in a timely manner.

PUBLIC COMMENT on environmental impacts must be received by 4:30 p.m. on, March 22, 2012. Other comments on the proposal must be received by March 28, 2012. Mail to: Island County Community Development,

LEGAL NOTICES P.O. Box 5000, Coupeville, WA 98239; deliver to 1 NE 6th St Coupeville, WA between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; FAX to (360) 6797306. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION To request notice of hearings, receive a copy of the decision or SEPA determination, or information on appeals contact us at the above address.

Legal No. CEX 2562 Published: The Whidbey Examiner March 8, 2012

CLASSIFIED ADS Weekly ad deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Free ads must be submitted online.

Go to www.whidbeyexaminer.com and click on “Classifieds”.

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ISLAND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Career Training In the matter of application to open an unopened County road right-of-way, beginning at the North East corner of parcel S6030-0002020-0 in the Plat of Ander Park located in Section 25, Township 30N, Range 2E, W.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, by the Board of County Commissioners of Island County, Washington, that they have set March 19th, 2012, at the hour of 10:15 a.m. at their usual meeting place in the Courthouse Annex in Coupeville, as the time and place for a public hearing in the matter of opening said road right-of-way.

All interested persons may appear at said hearing in person, or by their duly appointed representative, and be heard for or against the matter of opening of said road right-of-way.

Dated this 13th day of February, 2012.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, ISLAND COUNTY, WASHINGTON Persons requiring auxiliary aids/services should call Island County Human Resources, 679-7372, 6294522 ext. 7372, or 321-5111 ext. 7372 (use whichever number is applicable for the area) at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Legal No.: CEX 2548 Published: The Whidbey Examiner March 8, 2012 Submit legal notices to the Examiner by noon on Tuesday for publication on Thursday. E-mail to graphics@whidbeyexaminer.com.

Free

FREE CLASSIFIEDS! The Whidbey Examiner offers free, nonbusiness classified advertising for most classifieds submitted through our Web site, www.whidbeyexaminer.com. To submit an ad, click on the “Classifieds” link at the top of the home page, then follow the prompts to submit an ad. All classified ads will be published in the print version of the Events & Festivals newspaper as well as on the Web ANNOUNCE your festival for only site. The link also includes inforpennies. Four weeks to 2.7 mil- mation about placing paid classilion readers statewide for about fied ads. $1,200. Call this newspaper or 1 (206) 634-3838 for more details.

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TRUST BOARD OF EBEY’S Landing seeks a .75 FTE (Grade Have you lost your cat or dog?

7) Interpretation / Education Spe- Please contact WAIF Animal cialist. See the website for more Shelter at 360-678-5816. details: http://www.nps.gov/ebla/ index.htm. Closes March 19. No Misc. phone calls.

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Last

New Moon

First

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March 15

March 22

March 30

April 6

WHIDBEY WEATHER SUMMARY Feb. 27-March 3, 2012 Source: Island County WSU Cooperative Extension

LEGAL NOTICES

Page 15

HI Temp

LO Temp

Wind MPH

Rainfall

YTD Rain

Last Year

Crockett Lake, Haglund

56

25

22

0.85

5.46

6.35

Fort Casey, Barnes

53

28

––

0.70

5.79

6.40

Fawn Run/Coupeville, Bachert

48

31

––

0.75

4.66

6.97

Greenbank, Mercer

54

37

23

.88

6.15

6.12

West Beach, Marion

58

26

––

.55

6.08

5.35

NAS Whidbey, Weather Desk

52

24

45

0.47

4.44

6.41

Polnell Point, Seaward

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

REPORTING STATIONS

What’s up with the weather? Check out George Haglund’s blog at whidbeyexaminer.com!

Page 16

The Whidbey Examiner • Thursday, March 8, 2012

Ponds are worth the effort

If you’ve been thinking about incorporating a water feature into your garden and wondered if installing a pond would be worth the time, money and effort, the short answer is, “Go for it.”

That’s the opinion of Vanca Lumsden, a former aquatic plant wholesaler and nursery owner who’ll be one of more than 30 gardening experts sharing their expertise with other gardeners at the Whidbey Gardening Workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10 at Oak Harbor High School.

Even if your property has a view of the Sound, Lumsden pointed out, that scenic vista can’t replace the intimate atmosphere a pond can provide.

“It’s not private, it’s not cozy. A pond can be a very private thing,” she said.

What a pond also provides is a chance to grow plants you wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise.

And that’s something any avid gardener might find hard to pass up.

Before you rush out and rent a backhoe, Lumsden advises you take a long, hard look at how clean you expect that pond water to be.

Natural pond water has algae, dirt and tiny organisms living in it. It’s a home for plants and often fish or other wildlife that team up to form an interdependent ecosys-

toni grove sowin’ ’n’ the trowel tem where the dying algae feed the other plants and the plants filter the water.

If you want crystal clear, swimming-pool-quality water, then build a swimming pool instead and leave out the plants and wildlife.

But sometimes, especially in a new pond, you can have too much of a good thing: a slimy, green algae bloom might occur. Lumsden likens this condition to teenage acne and said it should eventually cycle through as the pond matures and the ecosystem finds a balance.

If this happens, you’ll need to be patient and willing to experiment with the number and kinds of plants you put in your pond.

If you’re having trouble finding that balance, add water hyacinths (Eichornia crassipes), she said.

They’re big feeders and will use up those over-abundant nutrients that are promoting the algae.

In fact, though you should never need to fertilize your pond plants,

you can and should feed water hyacinths.

And don’t worry that these invasive South American introductions will take over our native waters. They’re too tender for our winters and must be replaced every year.

You can’t be complacent with some other water plants, however.

The fact they thrive in submerged or boggy soil proves they’re hardy survivors, so be extra careful what you put in the ground if your pond has an earth bottom.

Lined ponds will contain your water plants, but plants put directly in the soil have no barriers to keep them from spreading.

This is especially true of yellow flag iris (Iris psuedacorus). It will take over wet areas and easily out-compete any of the natives.

Not convinced? Ask Lumsden about the patch her husband had to remove with a chain saw.

“Be very, very careful what you put in the ground or you may be very, very sorry you did,” she warned.

To find out more about ponds and how to turn soggy spots in your lawn into attributes you can work with, or any of the other 46 classes being offered this Saturday at the Whidbey Gardening Workshop, visit island.wsu.edu or call 360-240-5527. A

Moms with mussel

Kasia Pierzga / The Whidbey Examiner

Coupeville Booster Club moms Shelli Trumbull, MaryAnn Fakkema Engle and Christy Kellison served up some 270 pounds of hot, fresh Penn Cove mussels at MusselFest last weekend. The booth was a fundraiser to support Coupeville High School sports.

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