Whidbey

www.whidbeycrosswind.com

COVERING WHIDBEY ISLAND’S NAVAL AIR STATION COMMUNITY

VOLUME 1, NO. 44 | 27 JANUARY 2012

THIS EDITION

Combat operations wind down for Wizards ....pg. 2

Smiley: Warehouse shopping can be scary ..........pg. 4

U.S. Pacifi c Fleet gets new commander ............pg. 7

Oak Harbor turns out to “Feed the Need” ....pg. 9

(Above) Amy Jones, owner of The Closet consignment clothing store in Oak Harbor, is the creator of a new Facebook page, The Heart of Giving, which is holding a free clothing swap for the community Saturday at Oak Harbor Christian School.(Left) Amy Hannold, Whidbey’s Frugalista, is helping Jones orga-nize the clothing swap.KATHY REED/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

Clothing swap reflects community’s heartBy KATHY REED

Whidbey Crosswind

Inspiration sometimes strikes at unusual times.

For Amy Jones, a military spouse and owner of The Closet, a consignment clothing store in Oak Harbor, it struck in the middle of the night three months ago.

“At about 2 o’clock in the morning I had this inspiration and created the page “The Heart of Giving” (on Facebook) to help meet people’s needs,” Jones said. “I’ve been here 10 years and I just wanted to do something to bless the community.”

In three months, membership has grown to more than 450 people. The

response has been so tremendous that Jones has planned the organization’s first public event — a clothing swap to be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oak Harbor Christian School on Whidbey Avenue. Jones’ friend, Amy Hannold, who has organized a similar clothing swap for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, is helping with this event as well.

“Once The Heart of Giving page got going, we saw the need for clothing,” Hannold said. “We need professional clothing, warm clothes, even summer clothing for those who are being trans-ferred to a warmer climate.”

Jones and Hannold said their garages

were full of things people donated for the free clothing swap. They had no place to stage it all, so the VFW Ladies Auxiliary has allowed them to use their storage unit from PODS Northwest, which let them keep the pod until the end of the month. Hannold said the school has also been an invaluable help.

“The Christian school has gotten behind this in a big way,” she said. “They’ve provided the location and all the tables to make the swap happen.”

Anyone interested in donating clothes and “shopping” for new-to-them cloth-

Oak Harbor woman taps spirit of giving

SEE SWAP | PAGE 6

Manned gates slow trafficfor PBY museum

By MELANIE HAMMONSWhidbey Crosswind

Many people have reason to visit the Seaplane Base on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island: They want to use their base privileges to shop the Commissary, the Navy Exchange, or perhaps they have need of other offices located there.

However, a number of people who desire to visit may not have base access. These can include veterans and family members who need to consult with the Disabled American Veterans office in Building 13, or they may be

GATES | FROM PAGE 3

9

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Col. Charles McGee, a 1978 Columbia College graduate and Tuskegee Airman, served as a technical consultant for the World War II movie “Red Tails,” which opened nationwide Jan. 20. “Red Tails,” a George Lucas film starring Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr., focuses on the exploits of the airmen, the first African American fighter pilots in U.S. history, charged with escorting American bombers across the hostile skies of German-occupied Europe.

“It’s really quite an inter-esting movie, the way he [Lucas] put it together,” said McGee. “He got the facts right. To try to put such a long story in a short film is rather difficult, so while maybe it is not 100 percent accurate, the combat scenes are tremen-dous and the message is tremendous: that color is not a measure of talent. It’s a good message from the past and a good one for young folks today, too.”

McGee is a frequent visitor to the Columbia College main campus in Columbia, Mo., for such events as the col-lege’s annual Military Recognition Day held in May. He also endowed the Col. Charles E. McGee Scholarship, an annual $1,000 award to an under-graduate or graduate Columbia College student classified as a veteran or dependent of a veteran.

“It’s all about education,” McGee said. “To prepare yourself so when opportu-nities come your way, you take advantage of them. The movie rings to that, too.”

McGee served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. He held the Air Force fighter combat record of 409 missions and 1,151 combat hours. In 2007, President George Bush awarded him and the surviving airmen the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, the nation’s high-est civilian award.

Columbia College has educated military service

members since 1973 and up to a quarter of total students are military or military dependents. With its online campus, service members can study from anywhere, even a combat zone. Columbia College also has 18 campuses locat-ed on military installations, including Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

NAS Whidbey also host-

ed a special screening of “Red Tails” at Skywarrior Theater Dec. 6. Two of the original Tuskegee Airmen were there — Lt. Col. Ed Drummond and Capt. George Hickman. Also present was the film’s pro-ducer, Rick McCallum, and two of the actors from the movie, Elijah Kelley and Marcus T. Paulk.

Columbia College alumnus consults on George Lucas movie

Wizards close out combat operationsLt. ROY WALKER

VAQ-133 Public Affairs

The Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, who have been deployed

onboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) since July, recently concluded four months of com-bat operations in the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The USS John C. Stennis and Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) were supporting Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and New Dawn (OND).

During this time VAQ-133 had the privilege of supporting convoy operations during the drawdown of forces in Iraq to ensure a safe and successful completion of OND. For many seasoned Wizards, Iraq has been the focus of virtually every deployment and being a part of the final days was more than just another mission — it was a point of pride.

After the conclusion of OND missions, the Stennis pulled into Dubai, United Arab Emirates for a relaxing and festive holiday port call. Although away from home on Christmas, the break gave sailors a chance to contact friends and family, as well as time away from the carrier to enjoy the holiday.

This was the second visit to Dubai for the Wizards, and was extremely well deserved. Sailors had the opportunity to

simply relax and enjoy the cul-ture or sign-up for a particular

attraction they might have missed during the first port visit.

Just prior to the port call, VAQ-133 held a holiday quarters, during which AE1(AW) Sean

Vestal and AT2(AW) Paul Chvala were meritoriously

promoted through the Command Advancement Program (CAP). CAP allows the command to promote two deserving sailors each year. Following the quarters, the squadron had an extremely successful mystery box auction to raise funds for the Family Readiness Group.

With operations in the North Arabian Gulf complete, the Wizards still had more work to do after their Dubai port call. The Stennis once again returned to the Gulf of Oman to provide support for OEF.

While this return to a previously-sup-ported operation may breed complacency in some, the Wizard team continued to perform and execute their missions with professionalism and focused dedication.

The final three weeks of operations in the CENTCOM AOR allowed VAQ-133 to demonstrate one final time what a valu-

able asset it is to the Air Wing. The Wizards are now looking ahead to

the transit home with plans on the horizon to host a Tiger Cruise during the final portion of their deployment. Tiger Cruise is an opportunity for Sailors to bring a family member or friend aboard for sev-

eral days and experience a brief taste of life on a Naval warship.

Many members of VAQ-133 plan on participating and everyone expects Tiger Cruise to be a huge success.

Regardless, one fact remains: The Wizards are headed home!

An EA-6B Prowler from VAQ-133 prepares to land on the USS John C. Stennis, which is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. NAVY PHOTO COURTESY OF VAQ-133 PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Col. Charles McGee, shown in his days as a Tuskegee Airman, says the new George Lucas film “Red Tails” has a tremendous message. PHOTO COURTESY OF COL. CHARLES MCGEE

Former Tuskegee Airmen, Col. Ed Drummond, top left, and Capt. George Hickman, bottom right, were honored guests during a sneak preview of the film “Red Tails” at NAS Whidbey Island on Dec. 6, along with two of the actors in the film and the movie’s producer. FILE PHOTOS

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civilians who have never served in the military but desire to pay a visit to the PBY Memorial Foundation Naval History Center in Simard Hall, Building 12.

Planning ahead can help speed these individuals on their way. A change in pol-icy, which took effect last autumn means people without base access will need to show photo identification, car registration and proof of car insurance to gain entry.

The new gate policy seems to have resulted in different outcomes, depend-ing on where those would-be visitors are heading.

Mark Takaoka, a DAV employee, said that the change has had little effect on DAV visitors.

“Most people without a military or government ID will just need to show the guard their driver’s license, proof of insur-ance and car registration, and tell where they’re heading,” said Takaoka. “We’ve seen a number of people do that already.”

By contrast, volunteers at the PBY Memorial Foundation have seen a notice-able decrease in the number of visitors to their Naval History Center since the new gate policy took effect.

Will Stein, director of operations for PBY Memorial Foundation, said he hears varying accounts both from visitors and the volunteers who staff the center.

“One day they seem to let anyone in to visit the museum,” said George Love, a volunteer. “The next day, with a different guard in place, they are turned away.”

Whidbey Crosswind was unable to reach Navy public affairs officials for com-ment before press time.

At the PBY Memorial Foundation’s monthly meeting on Tuesday at the CPO Club, Stein estimated that since the new policy took effect, he had seen the number of visitors drop from “a couple of dozen to almost none” on some days.

Stein said the foundation’s website has listed the new requirements, along with a recommendation to use the Torpedo Gate, so those planning a visit there know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. But visitors who are unfamiliar with the island might still find themselves at a disadvan-tage, he said.

“A number of them, never having vis-ited the Seaplane Base, don’t know where Torpedo Road is, and that can be chal-lenging,” said Stein. He noted that those who are directed away from the Maui gate, which is well within view of Building 12, face a roundabout detour to find their way to the Torpedo gate. Once there, they must trek along a winding road to approach Building 12 and the Naval History Center from the other side of the base.

Stein emphasizes, however, that they can still appreciate the reasons behind the Navy’s security procedures and gate policy.

“The policy has only been in place a couple of months. Whenever anything is new like that, it understandably takes a little time for things to filter down to everyone, and for the bugs to be worked out,” he said.

In the meantime, Stein mentioned some steps taken jointly by the base and their organization to streamline things.

“We’ve managed to secure one-year passes for many of our volunteers who are non-military,” he said. “Those are issued by the Navy, and they’ve helped.”

GATES | FROM PAGE 1

DOD website connects military kidsBy ELAINE SANCHEZ

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new Defense Department website is con-necting military children — whether it’s across town or across the world — who are dealing with a loved one’s deployment.

The website, Military Kids Connect, offers military children an online community where they can learn about deployments, recognize and share feel-ings, and develop coping skills.

Psychologists from the DOD’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology developed the site to build on military kids’ strength and resilience, especially as they deal with the unique stressors of military life.

“We felt by connecting military kids with each other, through provid-ing peer-to-peer support, they’d be able to build on the resilience they have already and learn new coping skills to deal with deployments,” explained

Kelly Blasko, a psychologist from the center, dubbed T2.

The site features tools for all stages of the deploy-ment cycle — from prede-ployment through reinte-gration.

To help prepare kids for an impending separa-tion, the site includes an interactive map that offers information on numer-ous deployment locations. The aim here is to “give them positive information, rather than the negative information they hear on the phone or on the news,” Blasko said.

“We tried to focus on the fact they get increased responsibility at home [during a deployment], as well as new routines, because their parent is gone,” she said. “We devel-oped activities around that.”

The post-deployment section deals heavily with the reconnection process upon the service member’s return, Blasko added.

While the sections share a common theme, site

developers customized information and activi-ties to best suit children’s age-specific needs. They created tracks for three dif-ferent age groups: 6 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 17.

“We wanted to develop content around the differ-ent challenges that these kids face during the differ-ent phases of deployment,” Blasko explained.

Kids react to deploy-ment-related stress in different ways, she noted. Teens may isolate more, act out, and may even get involved with drugs and alcohol. Tweens often rely on their parents for feedback and acknowledge-ment, and when a parent is absent, that can create a void. And younger children may regress due to anxiety, she added.

“The focus really is on the kids and providing them with coping skills for the different challenges they face,” she said.

Read more about Military Kids Connect online at www.whidbeycrosswind.com.

To visit the PBY Memorial Foundation and Naval History Center:Those without base access are asked to enter the Seaplane Base via Torpedo Gate, located just off NE Regatta Drive on W. Crescent Harbor Road. Visitors will need to tell the guard they are going to the Naval History Center in Building 12 and will need to show photo identification, vehicle registration and insurance information.The PBY Memorial Foundation and Naval History Center are open to the pub-lic and are located in Simard Hall, Building 12. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 240-9500 for information.

I have no crystal ball, and even if I did, I wouldn’t use it to try to predict the future, at least where Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is con-cerned.

Anyone peering into a crystal ball these days would probably say the trend in Washington, D.C. is one that spells good news for NASWI.

It appears, with the shift in President Obama’s defense strategy to an Asia-Pacific focus, Whidbey Island will play an even more important role in our nation’s defense. The way Oak Harbor counts on the

economic stability of NAS Whidbey, that can only bring huge sighs of relief from city leaders.

Letters exchanged between Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, and Rep. Rick Larsen, indicate there is full support for the current Record of Decision, which will bring four squadrons of P-8A Poseidons to NAS Whidbey, replacing the fleet of existing P-3C Orion aircraft.

Another sign, if you will, came last week dur-ing a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Greenert said deployments of ships and aircraft in the Pacific would remain at current lev-els or be increased. While Greenert went so far as to say Hawaii is the most strategic base, NASWI holds a strong strategic position as well and will surely play a vital role in the president’s new defense strategy.

To know the economic stability of NAS Whidbey Island will remain strong — at least for the near future — is a relief. To know the community’s fate is tied so closely to the rise and fall of one military installation is a little scary.

We can rejoice in the moment and rest easy for the time being— as long as military strategies and decisions of record don’t change and provided politics and elections don’t affect the landscape too greatly.

-Kathy Reed, editor

Good predictionsfor NASWI’s future

KATHY REED

NAVYVIEWS

“Sleep in, drink coffee and stay inside.”

WILLIAM QUIGLEYElectronics Technician 3rd Class

“Snowball fights, because it is fun to throw snowballs at friends.”

MIKE FELLOWSAviation Machinist’s Mate Airman

“Sitting in front of the fire and enjoying my day off!”

TERRI BILLSAirman

“I love making snow angels because it reminds me of being a kid in the snow.”

AMBER LOPEZSister of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Lopez

After all the snow last week, what is your favorite snow day activity and why?

“Sitting with a hot cup of tea, reading a book and looking out the window at Penn Cove.”

PEGGY KINGMother of Lt. Cmdr. James Thompson and Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Lapsley

Warehouse shopping: Fear of the unknown and bulky

My children leisurely eat popcorn while

they watch Obi Wan Kenobi defeat Anakin Skywalker in the battle of Mustafar. They laugh with their dad at Saturday Night Live’s “Massive Head Wound Harry.” They keep action figures and plastic dinosaurs that are missing various body parts. We have a life-size, talking Darth Vader in our basement. Dustin once read “Frankenstein” to the boys as a bedtime story.

So you would think my three boys, ages 5 to 11, could handle most anything. But I have found their Achilles tendon, the Kryptonite, if you will, for the Smiley boys. Turns out, Ford, Owen and Lindell can’t handle Sam’s Club.

Why didn’t I see this coming? My kids are infa-

mous for bad behavior at a regular grocery store. Sam’s Club is like Food Lion on steroids. I should have been prepared.

But I didn’t even consider Sam’s Club as a shopping option until recently. Why it took me 35 years to find a warehouse full of food, I can-not say. Having my third son should have been an obvious prompt for

other people more in the know to suggest the idea of bulk-food shopping to me. There I was buying soup can-by-can at the local grocery store when I could have been buying a whole flat of it.

Thankfully, I was finally made aware of these missed opportunities when a friend mentioned that I could buy Goldfish crackers by the pound at Sam’s Club.

SEE SMILEY | NEXT PAGE

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SARAHSMILEY

FAMILY

LIFE

She didn’t have to tell me twice.On the way to Sam’s, I prepared the children for

what they might experience. “This will be like noth-ing you’ve ever seen before,” I said. “There will be food from floor to ceiling. And Sam’s Club might sell other things like televisions, underwear and books. You will have to stay right with me so you don’t get lost.”

The boys looked at each other sideways. Lindell alternated between excitement (floor-to-ceiling food!) and apprehension (floor-to-ceiling food).

I saw their confused, almost frightened, faces in the rearview mirror.

“We will all be OK if we stick together,” I said.Inside, the first thing we had to do was apply for a

membership. Ford looked cross, and in the absence of his father away on a military deployment, my oldest son took on the frugal-dad role.

“I do not agree with applying for entrance to this warehouse,” Ford said. And when I took out my checkbook, he balked even more. “You’re going to pay these people for the right to spend more money in their store?”

Next, I stood in front of the camera. All new mem-bers have to get their picture taken, and mine, of course, was as unattractive as any driver’s license mug shot, but with the added “benefit” of three boys doing rabbit ears behind me.

Finally we entered the Disney World of food and other products. All four of us walked in silence. Could anyone really need that many writing pens? Were 50 rolls of toilet paper absolutely necessary? How long would it take to use 100 AA batteries any-way?

The tension broke when I discovered that our Sam’s Club sells Smiley brand milk. Well, I just had to buy 4 gallons of that.

And juice boxes! How could I not buy 40?High-fiber granola bars sold in packs of 30? Yes,

please!The biggest box of Cheerios I’ve ever seen? How

could I not?Soon our cart was overflowing and Ford was break-

ing into a sweat.“Mom, where will we put all this?” he said. “What if

we get tired of macaroni and cheese?”I ignored him the same way I ignore Dustin.“Mom, I have a bad feeling about this,” Owen said.Lindell begged for the bulk pack of king-size

Hershey’s bars.It wasn’t until I was loading the car that I began

to have second thoughts. Sam’s Club doesn’t bag your groceries. Instead, you have the option to put your purchases in giant boxes. Now, I can make an Olympic sport of carrying the most plastic bags on my pinky finger, but I knew that even I would have to make multiple trips between the car and house when we got home from Sam’s.

“And you paid to be able to do this,” Ford said.Lindell was mostly confused and happy until we got

home. That’s when he heard me say, “Where will I put all this macaroni and cheese?” and “Maybe I bought too much hand soap.”

Lindell started to cry. “Mommy, I don’t like that place. What if all this food takes up our whole house?”

“Yeah, I never want to go there again,” Owen said.“I can’t believe you paid for this,” Ford added.Meanwhile, I shoved giant boxes into, above and

below the pantry shelves. My heart beat faster. Sweat formed on my brow. As I wiped it away, I consoled myself. After all, it had seemed like such a good idea at the time.

Sarah Smiley is a syndicated newspaper columnist, author and military wife. Her columns appear the sec-ond, fourth and occasional fifth Friday of each month.

Chief John

saves the dayRecently, my car broke

down in front of the ‘White House’ at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

An anonymous ‘Chief John,’ who was return-ing from his lunch break, stopped to assist me. Unfortunately, the battery jump was to no avail, and he continued to diagnose the cause of my car’s demise for the next 15 minutes.

As it turned out, it was a bad fuel pump, which the mechanics at NASWI AutoPort diagnosed and replaced.

Thanks to AutoPort manager Jennifer, Marty, Justin and the staff at AutoPort for their service during the busy holiday season. Special thanks to Chief John for his kind-ness and time to help this damsel in distress!

Aida Martin

Thanks

for Christmas pastAs we shovel our way

out from under an unusual but impressive January snowstorm we thought we would take a moment to express our thanks to Whidbey Island for its overwhelming generosity.

As the Local Coordinating Officer (LCO) for Toys For Tots (TFT) on Whidbey Island, my wife and I were responsible for the effort that served 1,852 children on our island in 2011.

It is TFT’s goal to pro-vide each child in need on the island with at least one quality toy. We cannot do that without the active and involved support of the Whidbey Island com-munity.

As the TFT pro-gram operates solely on Whidbey Island, we are much more limited in the

opportunities to collect toys and donations than other TFT groups in the more populated portions of the state.

It would be impossible for TFT to be as success-ful as we have been in the last two years without the participation of many groups on the island. The Marines of MATSG-53, the sailors of FRCNW and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1210 col-lected the contributions at the Clinton ferry dock.

Veteran and active duty Marines supported TFT collections at the Navy Northwest Regional Band concert at Oak Harbor High School, at the OHHS band and choral concerts, and at various banks and businesses.

Special thanks go to G & C Boehm, Inc. who provided the van and driv-ers needed to move toys around the island. Along

with the toys, cash dona-tions amounted to $7,051, doubling the $3,512 collected in 2010! This enabled us to provide toys to 150 more children than in the prior year.

The distribution of the toys is handled by the Readiness To Learn agency through their “Holiday House” locations in South and Central Whidbey, by the Soroptimists “Tree of Hope” in the North, the Fostering Together organi-zation for Whidbey Island, the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society and the Island County Children’s Protective Services agency. We are extremely grateful to them for that support.

It should be remem-bered that everything collected on this island stays on Whidbey Island. Again, we are so grateful to our island community for opening their hearts to make this Christmas a special one for all of our children.

Mike and Re McClung

SMILEY| FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Washington

Marine killedA Marine from Ferndale

was one of six killed Jan. 19 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

DAV sets

February meetingOak Harbor’s Disabled

American Veterans, Chapter 47, will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. The meeting will be held at the meeting room by the Oak Harbor Library at Skagit Valley College.

For information, contact the DAV office at 257-4801.

Breakfast is servedBreakfast will be served

Sunday by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Pancakes, eggs, hash browns, breakfast meats and biscuits-n-gravy will be served.

The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for senior citizens age 62 and over and $4 for kids

under 12. All are welcome to come and enjoy break-fast.

Proceeds benefit the local post, including vet-erans’ assistance and com-munity service programs.

The Whitehead-Muzzall Post is located at 3037 N. Goldie Road. For infor-mation, contact the Post at 675-4048 or at vfw-post7392.org.

Orchestra

sends loveWhidbey Island’s

Saratoga Chamber Orchestra will present the program “From Russia with Love” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Oak Harbor High School and at 7 p.m. Monday at South Whidbey High School in Langley.

Young artist competition winner Lara Lewison will be featured.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citi-zens and military. Students 18 and under are free; those 14 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available at Moonraker Books in Langley; Book Bay in Freeland; Bayleaf in Coupeville and Oak Harbor; and at Click Music in Oak Harbor.

Go to www.saratogachamberorchestra.org for details.

IDIPIC sets

next panel The next North

Whidbey DUI/Underage Drinking prevention panel will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8 in conference room 137, just down the hall from Oak Harbor Library.

The panel is open to all. Those attending should arrive no later than 6:45 p.m. to assure a seat. There will be no late admittance.

Local driving instructors require both driver’s educa-tion students and parents to attend this panel. Call 675-8219 or go to www.idipic.org for details.

Plan ahead

for your Valentine Make reservations

by Feb. 10 to enjoy a Chateaubriand dinner with your sweetheart at Bakerview Restaurant on Valentine’s Day.

The meal includes beef tenderloin with mushroom burgundy sauce, with salad, sides, wine and gour-met dessert. The special treat will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Cost is $75 per couple.

Bakerview Restaurant, located on Ault Field Road

in Oak Harbor, is open to all hands and the public. Call 257-6587.

Star

gazers welcomeThe Island County

Astronomical Society will hold its monthly meet-ing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6 at the First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor.

Anyone interested in astronomy is invited to attend.

For information about ICAS or club events, con-tact Dan Pullen at 679-7664, via email at icaspub@juno.com or online at www.icas-wa.webs.com.

Spirit of Writing

celebration resetWhidbey Island Writers

Association’s celebration in honor of the Spirit of Writing contest winners has been rescheduled. It will now take place at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3.

The public is invited to hear Whidbey’s best writ-ers read from their works of short fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Refreshments will be provided.

Oak Harbor Library is located at 1000 SE Regatta Drive. Call 675-5115 or go to www.sno-isle.org for information.

ing and accessories is invit-ed to bring clean, wearable clothing to the Oak Harbor Christian School during the swap hours Saturday. But people are welcome to shop whether they have brought items to donate or not. Volunteers will sort donations and put them out as soon as possible. There will be clothing available for maternity, children, infants, teens, women and men, plus accessories, to swap. No money will change hands.

Heart for serviceOne thing that has

surprised both Jones and Hannold about The Heart

of Giving page is the vari-ety of needs that are being posted and how quickly they’re being met.

“We had a post from a family that was mov-ing here and didn’t have anything for their house,” Jones said. “By the time they got here, their house was fully furnished.”

Other services are also sought and provided through The Heart of Giving. Members have provided meals, clothing alterations, child care and more to one another. Sub-groups have formed as well — there’s one for people to trade movies and a sup-port group has formed for parents with special needs children. But not all needs are physical or financial.

“It’s a place to connect with other people,” said Jones. “Some people will

say they just need to talk.”“I’ve never seen this any-

where,” said Jessica Snyder, who moved to Oak Harbor with her sister’s family at the end of August. She’s been looking for a job and was in The Closet Monday picking up a pair of slacks someone had “blessed” her with to wear for an inter-view. “It’s such a blessing to know there are complete strangers out there who are willing to give.”

“They’re not asking for money and it’s good qual-ity stuff,” agreed Snyder’s sister, Carie Halstead, whose husband, Jamies, is an Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class.

Erica Porter, who was dropping off clothing for the swap, said she likes the group because it’s not about just asking for things.

“I like the fact that people are stepping up,” she said. “They’re not just asking for things — they’re donating as well.”

“This is a kind of 21st century Freecycle with a heart,” Hannold said. “It’s really interesting to see how people are meet-ing other people and also meeting a need.”

Heart to growAlready there are other

heart of giving groups springing up. There’s one in Anacortes, in Skagit County, Klammath Falls, Ore., Alexandria, La. and Jacksonville, Fla. Since the majority of the members are military, according to Jones, The Heart of Giving is a group that can travel with them from duty sta-tion to duty station.

“It’s building a network of people who are looking out for you,” said Hannold. “When you’re moving to a new community, that can

be invaluable. I anticipate as people move with the military, this will move with them.”

Jones knows that only too well. After 10 years at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, her husband, Richard, is being trans-ferred to Virginia. She plans to take The Heart of Giving with her.

“I just see it’s going to be big,” she said, adding

that she’s in the process of creating a website, and hopes to find a location that can serve as a clearing house and staging areas for donated items when she gets to Virginia. She’s certain she will be able to carry on the momentum her middle-of-the-night idea has brought.

“It’s all the way around meeting needs,” she said. “Somebody’s getting blessed all day.”

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Jessica Snyder, right, talks with Amy Jones at The Closet about The Heart of Giving Facebook page. Snyder, who has been looking for work since arriving in Oak Harbor in August, said she found out about the website through her neighbor. KATHY REED/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

Erica Porter, right, drops off a bag of clothes for The Heart of Giving clothing swap being held Saturday.KATHY REED/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

SWAP | FROM PAGE 1 “I like the fact that people are

stepping up. They’re not

just asking for things, they’re

donating as well.”– Erica Porter

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By MC2 AMANDA DUNFORDU.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) — Adm. Cecil D. Haney, former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, relieved Adm. Patrick M. Walsh as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during a change of com-mand ceremony onboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 20.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert presided over the cer-emony and praised Walsh for his service and the impact his leadership had on the command.

“He’s had a marvelous career. He knows what it means to take care of a family, he knows what it means to take care of a command, and he’s encouraged his staff to do the same,” said Greenert to a crowd of almost 900 attendees. “He’s (Walsh) all about being ready, he’s harnessed that Pacific Fleet teamwork, the talent and resources.”

Greenert also praised Walsh for his ability to foster strong international rela-tionships. “Pat has been committed to the building and improving of our relation-ships in and around the Western Pacific.”

Under Walsh’s command, U.S. Pacific Fleet provided humanitarian relief for numerous countries struck by natural disasters including Operation Tomodachi, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort conducted in response to the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent radiological crisis that impacted Japan in March 2011.

Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Adm. Robert F. Willard praised Walsh for his work leading all U.S. mili-tary support efforts during Operation Tomodachi.

“As the magnitude of this epic disaster reached an unprecedented scale of any of our experience, my senior staff implored me to assign our senior-most joint warf-ighting commander to lead the U.S. response. That morning, Adm. Pat Walsh assembled elements of his joint task force staff and prepared to depart for Japan,”

said Willard. “Everyday I observed Pat’s organization, initiative, imagination and drive to provide Gen. Oriki (Japan Joint Staff) and his forces every service they required, including nuclear engineering expertise on an unprecedented scale. Such leadership will never be forgotten in Japan nor in the Pacific Fleet. That is the legacy of Admiral Pat ‘Sponge’ Walsh.”

“In this region, sea power is an essential element of national power,” said Walsh. “In the Pacific Century, sea power resumes its traditional role in the sea-lines of commu-nication. It’s an instrument of peace; it’s an instrument of stability; it’s a protector of trade and development.”

He warned that other nations are gaug-ing our commitment, particularly in light of budget constraints.

“They are watching with keen interest the effect of the U.S. economic challenges, the strain of more than a decade of war on the Navy’s ability to remain forward, to

remain engaged and ready,” said Walsh.But he stressed that the Navy has over-

come such challenges before and remains committed to maintaining regional stabil-ity.

“Let’s be very clear: we have been here before,” said Walsh. “We have faced austere economic cycles in the past. And while the American public has kept faith with the Navy, they have not changed their view of our mission or their expectations of our response to crisis conditions.”

Walsh, who is retiring after 34 years in the Navy, is confident in Haney’s capabili-ties and leadership.

“If ever there were a person who’s ready for the challenge to assume command of the Pacific Fleet with all its complexi-ties, with all of its challenges and who has worked and held critical leadership posi-tions at every level, it’s Cecil Haney,” said Walsh.

After reading his orders and assuming

command, Haney thanked “our interna-tional allies and partners and our local community for (their) enduring relation-ship with the U.S. Navy” and expressed enthusiasm about his tour at Pacific Fleet.

“I look forward to getting acquainted with you and building on the foundation of trust and mutual respect that Adm. Walsh has nurtured,” Haney said. “The U.S. Navy has been a dutiful servant of the nation and its people, and a champion of freedom, security and prosperity abroad. In the Pacific, our history is rich and we have played an integral role in furthering those principles to better the lives of oth-ers.”

Haney said he will work with the other military services to support U.S. Pacific Command to enhance “maritime security and freedom of the seas with the talented men and women of Pacific Fleet and our allies and partners.”

Haney said he is “most grateful to Adm. Walsh for his unparalleled leader-ship of Pacific Fleet and tireless efforts strengthening critical ties to enhance security of the region” as well as the sailors “headquartered here and on station across the Pacific (who) performed remarkably across a wide spectrum of our Navy’s mis-sion areas.”

Haney is the 33rd naval officer to com-mand the Pacific Fleet since it was estab-lished in February 1941 with headquarters at Pearl Harbor. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanic Engineering, Haney is also a recipient of the Vice Admiral James Stockdale Leadership Award for 1998.

The world’s largest fleet command, U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 100 million square miles from the west coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 180 ships, nearly 2,000 aircraft and 125,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians. U.S. Pacific Fleet staff report administratively to the CNO and operationally to U.S. Pacific Command, whose headquarters are at Camp H.M. Smith.

Haney assumes command of U.S. Pacific Fleet

Adm. Cecil Haney delivers remarks during the U.S. Pacific Fleet change of command cer-emony. Haney assumed command from Adm. Patrick Walsh during the ceremony. U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS DAVID KOLMEL/RELEASED

Correction:In the Jan. 13 issue of Whidbey Crosswind, Elbridge Gockerell’s rate was listed incorrectly. He was an ARM2, or Aviation Radioman 2nd Class.

Navy, EPA negotiate on Kitsap underground storage tanks inspection

By MC2 (SW/AW) SCOTT A. MCCALLNavy Public Affairs Support

Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) — The U.S. Navy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have negotiated a settle-ment resolving violations of the Washington State Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK)-Bangor.

During an EPA inspection in March 2010, the EPA noted record keeping deficiencies by EJB Facilities Services over the 12 months prior to the inspection. EPA also identified concerns with equipment. The total negotiated fine was $161,000. EJB will pay more than $127,000 of the fine.

EJB Facilities Services is respon-sible for maintaining and operating the USTs on NBK-Bangor along with maintaining compliance with envi-ronmental regulations.

“The EPA and Navy were working for over a year to agree to the facts of the situation, and we have recently come to an agreement and what an appropriate settlement would be,” said Greg Leicht, NBK environmental director. “We did so in concert with legal counsel, technical staff and EJB.”

Washington State UST regulations require that records for underground fuel storage tanks be kept on file for 12 months. The records are required to show the tank systems are moni-tored every month for possible leak-age. In Washington, the Department

of Ecology issues regulations imple-menting the underground storage tank amendment to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.

Leicht described the settlement saying that the Navy was forceful in asserting the facts of the case during the negotiation process. “We spent a lot of effort to ensure EPA was using the correct facts. For example, we dug up two fueling stations to take pictures to prove to EPA they were constructed properly,” said Leicht.

“The number one fact is that we did not have any leaks,” said Leicht. “The other was, with few exemptions, the systems functioned as intended.

SEE EPA | PAGE 10

Got gold? Next week, visitors can cash in on antiques, collectibles, gold, silver, coins.

THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow is not affiliated with or related to the Antiques Roadshow television series, PBS or WGBH

COINS Any and all coins made before 1970: silver and gold coins, dollars, half dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. All conditions wanted!

GOLD & SILVER PRICES AT 40 YEAR HIGH for platinum, gold and silver during this event. Broken jewelry, dental gold, old coins, pocket watches, Krugerrands, gold bars, Canadian Maple Leafs, etc.

JEWELRY Gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, all types of stones and metals, rings, bracelets, necklaces (including broken jewelry). All costume jewelry wanted.

WRIST & POCKET WATCHES Rolex, Tiffany, Hublot, Omega, Chopard, Cartier, Philippe, Ebel, Waltham, Swatch, Elgin, Bunn Special, Railroad, Illinois, Hamilton, all others.

TOYS, TRAINS, DOLLS All makers and types of toys made before 1965: Hot Wheels, Tonka, Buddy L, Smith Miller, Nylint, robots, battery toys, Mickey Mouse, train sets—Marklin, American Flyer, Lionel, Hafner, all other trains (all gauges, accessories, individual cars), Barbie dolls, GI Joe, Shirley Temple, German.

MILITARY ITEMS & SWORDS Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, etc: swords, badges, clothes, photos, medals, knives, gear, letters. The older the swords, the better.

GUITARS & OTHER INSTRUMENTS Fender, Gibson, Martin, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, new and vintage amps, saxophones, wood winds, mandolins and all others.

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Representatives will be available to assess and purchase your items at the Best Western, this week in Oak Harbor.

By Jason DelongSTAFF WRITERYesterday at the Best Western, locals lined up to cash in on their gold and silver, antiques, and collectibles at the “As seen on TV” THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow. The free event is in Oak Harbor all week, buying gold, silver, antiques and collectibles. One visitor I spoke with yester-day said, “It’s unbelievable, I brought in some old coins that had been in a little cigar box for years and some old herringbone necklaces—in less than fifteen minutes I left with a check for $700. That stuff has been in my jewelry box and dresser for at least 20 years.”

Jeff Parsons, President of THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow, commented, “Lots of people have items that they know are valuable but just don’t know where to sell them. Old toys, trains, swords, guitars, pocket watches and jewelry are valuable to collectors. These collectors are willing to pay big money for those items that they are looking for.”

This week’s event is the best place to get connected with those collectors. The process is free and anyone can bring items down to the event. If the specialists find items that collectors are interested in, offers will be made to purchase them. About 80% of the guests that attend the

show end up selling one or more items at the event. Antiques and collectibles are not the only items be-

ing purchased. “Gold and silver markets are soaring,” says Archie Davis, an event representative. “Broken jew-elry and gold and silver coins add up very quickly. I just finished working with a gentleman that had an old class ring, two bracelets and a handful of silver dollars. His check was for over $650.00. I would say that there were well over 100 people in here yesterday that sold their scrap gold.”

One gentleman holding his check for over $1,250 in the lobby of the event yesterday had this comment: “I am so happy I decided to come. I saw the newspaper ad for the event and brought in an old German sword I had brought back from World War II and some old coins, and here is my check. What a great thing for our community. I am heading home now to see what else I have that they might be interested in.”

The event continues today starting at 9am. It is free and no appointment is needed.

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By MELANIE HAMMONSWhidbey Crosswind

There’s one thing you can truthfully say about a down economy, at least as far as Whidbey Islanders are concerned: It hasn’t impacted a generous spirit of giving that continues even when the holiday sea-son has passed.

The Interfaith Coalition of Whidbey Island’s “Feed the Need” canned food drive last Saturday lasted from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and in that time, the group managed to collect 3,000 pounds of canned and dry food donations for the North Whidbey Help House.

Hap Fakkema, the coali-tion’s president, thanked all who donated or vol-unteered, “for being very generous with helping us stock our local food bank,” according to a statement on the group’s Facebook page.

One of those volunteers was Laurell Brault, a retired Navy Captain.

“I totally believe in con-gregations working togeth-er to make a difference in their communities,” said Brault, a member of Living Word Foursquare Church in Oak Harbor.

Brault said although she’s

retired from active military service now, she’s deter-mined to use that extra energy and time in a posi-tive way by volunteering for worthwhile causes such as the food drive.

She wasn’t alone. At least 30 individuals, some with ties to the Navy or other branches, were out in force on Saturday. They included Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Chris Aufderhar and Naval Aircrewman Mechanical 3rd Class Joshua Olson of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island’s Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, and Aufderhar’s wife, Sandy. The three were stationed in front of Walmart, where they manned a shopping cart that was steadily piling up with donations of food items.

When asked about the food drive, AO1 Aufderhar stated it very simply: “We wanted to get out, and help out,” he said, as Sandy thanked people placing cans of food in the cart.

Other groups were lend-ing a hand as well. Dudley McNutt and Eric Young, members of Brothers in

Food drive yieldsabundant returns

Interfaith Coalition of Whidbey Island usually meets the third Monday of each month. For more informa-tion about how you can help, email Hap Fakkema at fakkemak@comcast.net.

Volunteers at Interfaith Coalition of Whidbey Island’s “Feed the Need” food drive gather at the main collection site Jan. 21. MELANIE HAMMONS/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

Yeoman 1st Class Ebony Smith, far left, and Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Paul Amaguin, attached to NAS Whidbey Island, collect donations Jan. 21 as part of Interfaith Coalition of Whidbey Island’s “Feed the Need” food drive. MELANIE HAMMONS/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

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Arms, a local motorcycle club with an interest in veterans assistance outreaches, were busy helping out at the group’s main collection site at the corner of SR 20 and Pioneer Way.

“This is our fourth year helping with the food drive,” McNutt said. He explained that Brothers in Arms is composed of veterans from all service branches, active duty and retired, who desire to help veter-ans in need.

“We are very family-oriented, and help-ing families in need is our passion,” said McNutt. “Whether that takes the form of a food drive, helping homeless veterans, or very soon, a summertime fundraiser for a Pets for Vets project, we try to get onboard,” he said.

Jean Wieman, North Whidbey Help House executive director, said she was pleased and grateful for what she called a generous outpouring by the community, a generosity which isn’t necessarily reserved for the most financially fit among us.

“It turns out that families we’ve assisted in the past, not only tell us ‘thank you,’ but sometimes give donations too, once they’ve gotten back on their feet.”

She cited the case of a military family whose car had broken down in Tacoma during their move to Whidbey Island. The family was put in touch with North Whidbey Help House, which assisted them with groceries. Two months after that, the mother came back to thank them person-ally, and dropped off a $50 check.

Wieman estimates that North Whidbey Help House assists six military families a month with groceries, on average. This past Thanksgiving saw the delivery of 167 food baskets to military families and 186

for Christmas.Fakkema said that collaborating on the

food drive was a good start that he hopes will lead to other actions benefitting the

population at large.“We’d like to invite others to meet with

us, and bring us their ideas for accom-plishing that in our community,” he said.

Food drive volunteers Sandy Aufderhar, left, Naval Aircrewman Mechanical 3rd Class Joshua Olson and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Chris Aufderhar, both of Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, talk with U.S. Army veteran Michelle Tull of Oak Harbor. MELANIE HAMMONS/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

About 30 volunteers turned out Saturday to collect donations for the food drive to benefit North Whidbey Help House. MELANIE HAMMONS/WHIDBEY CROSSWIND

FOOD | FROM PAGE 9

Navy Exchange rewards A-OK studentsThe Navy Exchange wants to help its customers pay

for their children’s college education through its A-OK Student Reward Program.

Four times per school year, four students will be the recipients of a $5,000, $3,000 $2,000 or $1,000 U.S. sav-ings bond, denominations at maturity. The next drawing will be held at the end of February.

Any eligible full-time student that has a grade point average equivalent of a “B” or better, as determined by their school system, may enter the drawing. Eligible stu-dents include dependent children of active duty military members, reservists and military retirees enrolled in first through 12th grade. Dependent children without an indi-vidual Dependent Identification Card must be accompa-nied by their sponsor to submit their entry. Each student may enter only once each grading period and must re-enter with each qualifying report card.

To enter the drawing, stop by any NEX with a current report card and have a NEX associate verify the minimum grade average. Then fill out an entry card and obtain an A-OK ID, which entitles the student to discount cou-pons for NEX products and services.

The largest collective limi-tation was a lack of record keeping.

Leicht added that EJB was monitoring the USTs; it was that EJB did not properly document the monitoring by keeping adequate records.

“We were aware of the lack of record keep-ing prior to [inspection]. We, within the Navy, had taken action to identify the lack of record keeping to EJB management,” said Leicht. “They took action and their record keep-ing improved prior to the inspection. But the (EPA) inspection window was 12 months, and they did not have 12 months of records for each tank.”

According to a press release by the EPA, the Navy had the appropriate monitoring equipment in place at most of the sites, but failed to check the monitors on a monthly basis and document that the tanks and pipes were not leaking.

Brian Zimmerman,

the Tank and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Program Manager for NBK and Naval Magazine Indian Island said that was a key point that the EPA saw dif-ferently during the negotia-tions of the fine.

“The EPA takes a stance that if you don’t docu-ment the monitoring, then it did not occur,” said Zimmerman.

“The monitoring systems indicate leaks by setting off alarms. Anybody near the tanks would hear the alarms,” said Leicht.

“We conducted all the required maintenance on the monitoring systems, over and above what is required, and the tanks had people near them frequent-ly,” said Zimmerman. “If there ever was an alarming condition, assuming there was a leak, then we abso-lutely would have known about it and taken the appropriate action.”

Zimmerman added that EJB has a fuel truck driver that checks the emergency generator fuel tanks week-ly, and the fuel tanks have the levels checked weekly.

There were several other equipment deficiencies also identified by the EPA during the inspection that were included in the fine. These deficiencies were related to piping overfill alarms and release preven-tion equipment.

Zimmerman said the overfill alarm issue was not a risk to the environment in any way. In the pipeline issue, the pipe was in com-pliance with Coast Guard regulations, but a small section of the pipe did not meet EPA regulations.

“There was another issue where the pipeline did not meet regulations because they are very specific about what equipment you must have, and we had alternate equipment that functions in a more conservative manner than they require,” said Zimmerman. “It is not exactly what they require, but it functions in the same manner and they fined us for that as well, despite the fact that our setup offered enhanced environmental protection.”

Naval Base Kitsap oper-

ates 53 regulated UST at 31 sites on NBK-Bangor. These tanks contain diesel fuel, gasoline and recycled oil. All are equipped with monitoring systems that provide audible and visual alarms if the tanks leak.

All the underground tank monitoring systems at NBK-Bangor are certified by an independent labora-tory to provide protection to EPA standards, said Zimmerman. Technicians certified by the manu-facturer annually inspect these monitoring systems.

According to Zimmerman, the Navy has completed more than $600,000 worth of projects on fueling systems since the EPA inspection.

The Navy has upgraded the monitoring systems for 15 tanks, installed new leak detection and overfill prevention equip-ment, upgraded pipeline monitoring for five tanks, installed five new fuel dispensers with remote leak monitoring, installed improved high level alarms, and installed five new mechanical pipeline leak detectors. The Navy has recently awarded an additional $375,000 worth of fuel system upgrade contracts. These projects address EPA concerns as well as installing voluntary upgrades.

“We’re paying atten-tion to this stuff and we’re doing a good job of pro-tecting the environment and the health of the Puget Sound and Hood Canal,” said Zimmerman.

EPA | FROM PAGE 7 “We’re paying

attention to this stuff and we’re

doing a good job of protecting the environment and

the health of Puget Sound and Hood

Canal.”– Brian Zimmerman

FRI., JAN. 27“Busybody” Opens: The British comedy “Busybody” opens Friday at the Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening through Feb. 11, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons through Feb. 12. Tickets are $16 and are available at the playhouse box office or by calling 679-2237. Box office hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on performance Saturdays.

Book Group Takes on “Methland”: The Oak Harbor Book Group will discuss “Methland,” by Nick Reding, Friday at 2 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

WICA Reaches for Mixed Bag of Love: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley will present Judith Adams’ “2012 Reaching for a Mixed Bag of Love” in its Fast and Furious/Down and Dirty series on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Adams will be joined by Jonas Anderson on trumpet, Hiro David on piano and Gloria Ferry-Brennan on violin. All seats are $10. Call WICA at 360-221-8268.

Click Music Acoustic Jam: Join your friends and neighbors for a free evening of playing music together each Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Click Music, 1130 NE Seventh Ave., in Oak Harbor. Players of all ages and levels are welcome. Call 675-5544.

VFW Riders: The regular meeting of the VFW Riders motorcycle group will meet at 6 p.m. Friday at the VFW Hall, 3037 Goldie Rd., Oak Harbor. Call 675-4048 for information.

SAT., JAN. 28A Whale of a Workshop: Ways of Whales workshop will be held Saturday from

9:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. at Camp Casey Conference Center, 1276 Engle Road, Coupeville. Some of the region’s best experts on Pacific Northwest whales will present new information about orcas and their habitats. Cost of the workshop is $25. Lunch will be available for $10. Register at www.orcanetwork.org/news/events.html or contact Orca Network, 678-3451 or info@orcanetwork.org.

Falling Plate Rifle Event: The Central Whidbey Sportsman’s Association will hold a Falling Plate Rifle event at 9 a.m. Saturday at the clubhouse and range. Rules and requirements are posted on the club’s website at cwsaonline.org. The CWSA clubhouse is located on Safari Street, 2.5 miles south of Coupeville off Hwy. 20.

Clothing Swap: A local group, The Heart of Giving, will host a free clothing swap Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oak Harbor Christian School, 675 E. Whidbey Ave. Bring clean, wearable clothing for both genders and all sizes and find “new to you” clothing and accessories, whether you have clothing to swap or not. Volunteers are welcome. Call 675-2338 or email nwcouponclub@comcast.net.

Steps to Homeownership: Learn the basic steps to homeownership in this day-long class taught by Wayne Locke, certified housing counselor of the Homeownership Institute. The class begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Oak Harbor Library, located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Caring for Roses: Island County Master Gardeners is offering a free gardening class on the care and maintenance of roses at Skagit Farmers Supply, 31685 Highway 20 in Oak Harbor. The class begins

at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. This class is a prelude to the classes being offered at the Whidbey Garden Workshop on March 10 at Oak Harbor High School. Call 675-2277.

Great Night of Music: Internationally renowned gypsy jazz quintet, Pearl Django, and new string trio, Douce Ambience, will perform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley. Each ensemble spotlights two of Whidbey Island’s best musicians, Troy Chapman and James Hinkley. All seats are $20. Call 360-221-8268 for information.

SUN., JAN. 29VFW Serves Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392, on Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors 62 and over and $4 for kids under 12. All are welcome to come and enjoy breakfast. Proceeds benefit the local post, including our veterans’ assistance and community service programs. The Whitehead-Muzzall Post is located at 3037 N. Goldie Rd. For information, contact the Post at 675-4048 or at vfwpost7392.org.

From Russia with Love: Whidbey Island’s Saratoga Chamber Orchestra will present the program “From Russia with Love” at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Oak Harbor High School and at 7 p.m. Monday at South Whidbey High School in Langley. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and military. Students 18 and under are free; those 14 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. Go to www.saratogachamberorchestra.org for details.

Playhouse Auditions: Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday for the Whidbey Playhouse production of the John Patrick comedy “The Curious Savage.” Performances will take place April 6 to 22. Scripts will be available for checkout from the Playhouse office. Call 679-2237 for information.

MON., JAN. 30Learn About the Writing Life: Take a look at Raymond Carver, Billy Collins and other treasured American authors and why they matter. Hear about their lives and “the writing life” in their words at the Coupeville Library Monday at 5:30 p.m. Call 678-4911 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Job Club: Join the Job Club Mondays at 1 p.m. for free help finding a job. Attendance is drop-in. The club is located in the Oak

Harbor Library meeting room H137, 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

TUES., JAN. 31Toddlers Learn Reading Skills: Children ages 18 months to three years will enjoy music, stories, creative activities and movements that nurture the desire to read Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Playtime or a craft may follow. Caregiver required. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Prevent Falls: Adults can attend free screenings and programs to help decrease the chance of a life-threatening fall. Staying Active and Independent for Life is Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Clip n’ Chat: North Whidbey Coupon club will met Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce. All are welcome to attend this free meeting. Money-saving conversation and a variety of tools to help reduce spending are provided. Instructional classes and individual mentoring is available. Call 675-2338, email nwcouponclub@comcast.net or go to Facebook: “Whidbey Coupon Club” for information.

Whidbey Sounders Toastmasters Club: The Whidbey Sounders Toastmasters Club will meet Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at San Remo Mediterranean Grill in Oak Harbor. Participate in the time proven Toastmasters program (since 1924). Must be over 18. Go to www.whidbeysounders.org for information.

WED., FEB. 1Free Tax Return Preparation: AARP Tax-Aide will provide free tax return preparation at the Coupeville Library each Wednesday, from Feb. 1 through April 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are recommended. Call John at 678-1117 or email lc.whidbey.aarp.taxaide@gmail.com.

Build Baby’s Reading Skills: Wiggle and giggle with your baby through silly stories, happy songs, rhymes and activities that inspire a love of reading with Ready Readers: Baby and Me Storytime Feb. 1 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Playtime follows. For newborns through 18 months. Caregiver required. Storytime will be held at the Oak Harbor Library, located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr. Call 675-5115

or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Teens Talk About Library: Make the library your library by telling them what you think Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. Teens share their ideas for library programs, purchases and improvements, and earn community service credit. Snacks are provided. The library is located at 1000 SE Regatta Dr., Oak Harbor. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

THURS., FEB.2 DAV Meeting: Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 47, Oak Harbor, will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Sno-Isle Library meeting room, Skagit Valley College, Oak Harbor. Contact the DAV office at 257-4801 for information.

Spirit of Writing: Whidbey Island Writers Association will celebrate the Spirit of Writing contest winners at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 at the Oak Harbor Library. Refreshments provided. Call 675-5115 or go to www.sno-isle.org for information.

Unusual Garden Club: The Greenbank Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 at the Greenbank Progressive Clubhouse. The program will be “Growing Unusual Plants from Seeds,” plus a question and answer time on roses and perennials. The speaker is April Davis. The public is welcome. Call Nancy at 678-5933 with questions.

Ready Readers: Children ages 3 to 5 years enjoy stories, songs and getting ready to read with a parent or caregiver Thursday, Feb. 2 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr., and at 9:30 a.m. Call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

FRI., FEB. 3First Fridays at the Farm: Greenbank Farm stays open once a month for this special event, held the first Friday of the month from 5 to 8 p.m. Meet the wine makers, shop the galleries and enjoy dinner. Call 678-7700 for information.

RESERVATIONS: www.seatacshuttle.com360-679-4003 • 877-679-400

AIRPORT SHUTTLE & CHARTER SERVICE

WHETHER A PRIVATE PARTY OR A COMPANY FUNCTION, LET US TAKE YOU IN STYLE

AND BE YOUR DESIGNATED DRIVER.

Stay safe and book your special event

transportation with us.

We have vans, buses and a

limousine to make the most of your trip.

Friday, Jan. 27Double Feature $5 adults/$2 youth

7 p.m. - Adventures of Tintin (PG)9:15 p.m. - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (PG 13)

Saturday, Jan. 28Matinee$3 adults / $1.50 youth

2 p.m. - Alvin and the Chipmunks:

Chipwrecked (G)

FREE Double Feature6 p.m. - The Muppets (PG)8:15 p.m. - The Sitter (R)

Sunday, Jan. 29Each movie $1

2 p.m. - Hugo (PG)4:30 p.m. - Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (PG 13)

Information: 257-5537

JOIN US IN

675-4837

Sunday Worship ...8:30 am & 10:45 amClasses For All Ages...................9:45 am

Youth Ministries-Choirs-Bible Studies

Dave Johnson, PastorChet Hansen, Music Minister

Shelly Carman, Youth Director

675-2441 • www.ohfumc.org1050 SE Ireland St • Oak Harbor

First UnitedMethodist

Church

Oak HarborLutheran ChurchNW 2nd Avenue & Heller RoadAcross the street from OHHS Staadium

Nursery Available Sunday Evening Prayer 6:30 PM at

St. Mary Catholic Church in CoupevillePastor Jeffrey Spencer

Pastor Marc Stroud, Caring MinstryLynne Ogren, Music & Children Ministry

679-1561

Saturday Worship ................. 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Worship ....8:00 & 10:30 a.m.Sunday School .........................9:15 a.m.

House of Prayer Faith Tabernacle of Praise

Monday Prayer Meeting - 6:00 P.M.Tuesday Night Bible Study- 6:30 P.M.Friday High Praise Service- 6:30 P.M.

Sunday Celebration/Children’s Ministry – 9:30 A.M.Sunday Morning Worship Service – 11:00 A.M.

Church Telephone Number (360)679-1003Bishop Charles And Pastor Effie Boyles (360)929-3127

620 A/B Erin Park DriveOak Harbor, WA 98277

(NEXT TO U-HAUL BLDG.)

Sunday Services8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am

(“Kids on the Rock” Ministry for Children

ages 3mos.-5th grade meets at all services)

“Amped” Jr. High Youth: Sun., 5:00 pm“Legacy” High School Youth: Sun., 7:15 pm

Small GroupsWomen’s Ministry • Men’s Ministry

Russ Schlecht ~ Senior Pastorwww.elivingword.org

490 NW Crosby Ave., Oak Harbor 675-5008

WhidbeyPresbyterian

Church1148 SE 8th Ave

Oak Harbor11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Dave Templin, Pastor

Bethany Popkes, Youth DirectorKurt Imbach, Adult Facilitator www.whidbeypres.org

679-3579Child Care is available and Everyone Welcome

Oak HarborUnited Pentecostal Church

Sunday Service - NoonWednesday Bible Study 7pm

Pastor Mark Dillon404-661-4653

mdillon@oakharborupc.com

Mailing Address:41 NE Midway Blvd Suite 103

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

CALVARY APOSTOLIC TABERNACLE(The Pentecostals of Island County)

............... ............

..........................

632-7243

Word OfEverlastingLife & FaithChurch

721 S.E. Barrington • Oak Harbor360-632-3642

SundayBible Study 9:00am

Worship Service 10:00amEvening Service 6:00pm

Come Worship With Us!Thursday Bible Study 7:00p.m.950 S.W. Upland Ct • Oak HarborPastor Dr. Thomas Stoneham Sr.,

Minister Donald Cole

Oak HarborChurch of Christ

1000 NE Koetje Street(Just North of Offi ce Max)

“To Know Christ & Make Him Known”Sunday Morning:Worship Assembly -------------------------9:30 amBible Classes for all ages --------------- 11:00 amWed. Classes for all ages ------------------6:30 pm

Joe Cook, Preaching Ministerwww.churchofchrist-oh.org

oakharborchurch@gmail.com

675-3441

679-1288

ConcordiaLutheranChurch

Missouri SynodWorship Service .........................Sunday 10:00amAdult Bible Study & Sunday School .....11:15amEvening Service ....................Wednesday 6:30pm

Nursery Available

Pastor Juan Palm360-675-2548

Preschool 360-679-1697590 N. Oak Harbor St • Oak Harbor

www.concordialutheranwhidbey.org

Whidbey IslandChurch of Christ

3143-G North Goldie RdOak Harbor

Sunday Worship ........9:00 a.m.Sunday Bible Study 10:00 a.m.Sunday Evening ........5:00 p.m.Wednesday Evening .6:00 p.m.

For more information call:Gary 675-5569Jerry 679-3986

Come Worship With Us.Promote Your Place Of Worship In

The Whidbey News-Times For Only $11.25/week. Now You Can Have Additional Promotion In Whidbey

Crosswinds Double The Coverage For Only $20.00/Week.

Please Call 360-675-6611 Today!

St. Stephen’s AnglicanThe Rev. Paul Orritt

SUNDAY SERVICE8:00 AM

SOLEMN EUCHARIST

9:30 AMSUNG EUCHARIST

11:11 AMEUCHARIST CELEBRATIONwww.ststephensanglicans.org

2 CHURCHES - 1 BUILDING555 SE Regatta Dr.

Oak Harbor679-3431

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A Church, A FamilyA Spiritual Home

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Island Vineyard Community ChurchPastor James Gallagher

6:00-7:30 PMSUNDAY NIGHTS

www.islandvineyard.org

Mabus visits USS Ingraham in PanamaBy CTT3 ANDREW B. COX

USS Ingraham

VASCO NUNEZ DE BALBOA, Panama — While pier side in Vasco Núñez de Balboa (VNB), Panama, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frig-ate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) welcomed aboard the 75th Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Honorable Ray Mabus, Jan. 15.

The visit occurred during Secretary Mabus’ recent trip to Central and South America. He was getting a firsthand look at the forces in support of Combating Transnational Organized Crime (C-TOC) operations and meeting key leadership of partner nations vital to U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) strategic objectives.

Meeting with the Commanding Officer of USS Ingraham, Cmdr. Kristin L. Stengel, he discussed the Navy’s impact on C-TOC operations and the ability to combat a dynamic and persistent threat. Topics included the ever-changing tac-tics of traffickers as well as the potential impact of the new Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). LCS is the planned replacement for the Oliver Hazard Perry-class of frigates, scheduled for decommissioning by 2020.

During the course of the visit, Secretary Mabus toured one of the secure compartments on board where the U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 104 keeps under lock and key 400kg of seized cocaine. He then proceeded to the flight deck for an all hands call, where he pinned a newly qualified Surface Warfare Officer and four Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists. He presented five additional awards and administered the “Oath of Enlistment” to one reenlisting Sailor.

To conclude his visit, Secretary Mabus took the time to speak to the crew about the future of the Navy and praise the crew for the sacrifices they have endured to provide this critical service to the nation.

“You are a part of the less than one per-cent of the country that has volunteered to protect the other ninety-nine percent,” said Mabus.

Prior to departure, he shook hands and posed for pictures with Ingraham Sailors before departing and continuing on to a scheduled dinner at the U.S. Embassy in Panama.

With a final note, he reflected on the ability of the Navy to provide the world the right support, for any given mission, at any given time.

“This is the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen,” said Mabus.

Homeported out of Everett, Wash., Ingraham’s main mission during its

five-month deployment is to Combat Transnational Organized Crime (C-TOC) by intercepting and seizing narcotics that are en route to American soil.

Secretary of the Navy, Honorable Ray Mabus visited the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) during a port visit in Vasco Núñez de Balboa (VNB), Panama and spoke with the crew. The visit occurred during Secretary Mabus’ recent trip to Central and South America. U.S. NAVY PHOTO