Summer is finally here and it got me to thinking about the hydroplane races on Lake Washington. Having just celebrated the 4th of July I thought it might be appropriate to bring you a story on Mira Slovak; the famous pilot of the Miss Wahoo. It is a story that talks about the desire to be free and it brings back memories of my childhood, hydroplanes and the Pink Lady.
There were many memories of working with my father in his workshop building a wooden hydroplane; the Hawaii Kai. We would tie the boats to the backs of our bicycles and run them around the baseball diamond; nails in back of the boat provided the rooster tail effect.
I wanted to share an article written by Bob Karolevitz on Mira Slovak and his flight to freedom. They have just recently restored the Miss Wahoo; you’ll find the photos interspersed throughout the article. I spoke with David Williams at the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Seattle and he directed me to some photos by Jim Clark Photography. If your a hydroplane buff; they are both great sites!
Dr Randy Pillow (on the left) longtime hydroplane racing enthusiast and Seafair supporter sharing a moment with Myra Slovak in 2009. Dr. Pillow is a friend of mine who served as a driver, owner, medic, and general chairman for numerous hydroplane races throughout the Pacific Northwest from 1950 to 1975.
The men who pilot unlimited hydroplanes are a brave, speed-loving lot with many interesting stories to tell. One such story begins when the late Major General Claire L. Chennault unfolded a letter which reached him in Taipei, Taiwan. The writer was a crop-dusting pilot in Yakima, Washington, a young man whose message moved the fighting old general who knew first-hand the ravages of Communism.
The letter read:
“I escaped from Communist-controlled Czechoslovakia last year by flying an airliner from Prague to Frankfurt, West Germany. I was granted political asylum in the United States in December, 1953. I feel an obligation to fight against the Communists because I saw what happened in my country. I will fly with you, against the Communists, anywhere, and for no salary. I have only one wish in my life and that is to fight these terrible aggressors.”
The letter was sent by Myra Slovak who later became a favorite of many hydroplane fans here in the Pacific Northwest.
The escape would be made on a scheduled flight from Prague to Brno. Mira would be the pilot of a C-47 Dakota which would carry 26 passengers and three crew members. Among the passengers were Hana and Helmut Cermak and Bozidar Medic, a television engineer who was a last-minute addition to the conspiracy. At 7:20 p.m. the plane lumbered down the runway and took off in the direction of Brno, 115 miles to the southeast.
Once in flight, Slovak turned the controls over to his Communist co-pilot and walked back among the passengers. Helmut Cermak and Medic then accompanied him up front on the pretext of seeing the pilots’ compartment. With weapons brought aboard by the pilot, the escapees overpowered the other crew members and locked them in a baggage compartment. Almost casually Slovak made his final radio contact over Benesov, then tipped the ship downward in a steep dive.
Leveling out well under 1,000 feet, which was below the effective radar screen, the pilot banked the plane sharply toward the west and the 45-minute hedge-hopping flight to freedom. At any moment they expected MIG fighters to pounce upon them. As an additional menace, an attempt was made by Communist passengers to break down the door of the pilots’ compartment. Mira pulled back hard on the wheel and then shoved it forward quickly. The effect was like hitting a huge air pocket and the lurching plane dissuaded any further passenger counter-revolt.
By this time colored lights began to appear in the towns and cities below them. “We knew we were over West Germany then,” explained Mira. “In Czechoslovakia we had no such lights, just dim white ones because of the power shortage.”
Circling high above the American Air Force Base at Rhein-Main, Slovak contacted a passing jet and was led down. The time was then 9:50, and a more suspenseful two-and-a-half-hour drama could not he created on stage or film.
This chapter of Mira Slovak’s life came to a close when he and five of his passengers were granted political asylum, and the next morning headlines throughout the Free World proclaimed the escape.
For over a year Mira worked closely with the U. S. Air Force, in Germany and in Washington, D. C., where he arrived in December of 1953. For his cooperation during those long months of interrogation, he won permanent residency in the United States.
The rest of Mira’s story — from crop-duster to hydroplane pilot — is familiar to all devotees of the sport.
Jim Clark sent me a photo of Mira Slovak riding in the Wahoo with David Williams, Director of the Hydroplane Museum, at Seafair last year, The one on the right is Miss Wahoo.
This post was from Mark Clawson who helps Kathy with the blog site for Good Cheer.
Kathy will be back on Friday for more Good Cheer!
Every once in awhile you read something that just makes sense. It’s especially significant when it is simple and easy to put into action. I just wanted to share this with you.
The Four Agreements from Don Miguel Ruiz:
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Don Miguel Ruiz and his Toltec Teaching can be viewed by clicking here for his website.
Good Cheer!
The South Whidbey Commons grew out of a 1998 Family/Youth Summit. A shared vision and plan for an increasingly healthy and connected South Whidbey community was put forth. It is a vision that has taken roots in our community.
Caitlin Golbaum, an Americorp volunteer, comments on the community, the Island Coffeehouse and Books and the South Whidbey Commons were really on target.
“In my short six months here as an AmeriCorps member, I have been consistently impressed by the way this community cares for its own. There are several incredible non-profit organizations in the community that work tirelessly to ensure that basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are available to everyone. However, there is a fourth fundamental need that often gets overlooked: the need to build relationships with other people. The South Whidbey Commons is a non-profit that is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable place where members of the community of all ages can build connections.”
The HELP Network, which South Whidbey Commons is a member, is truly unique. There is something special about our community and I do think that it is that small town atmosphere that makes it easier to know each other. Having programs that accentuate that belief in sharing and building connections is a way to ensure that we all feel like we are a part of the community.
South Whidbey Commons offers a wide variety of programs that serve as opportunities for interaction with the community. Their free PlayScape program allows children age birth through kindergarten to play together, while caregivers can visit and share experiences.
The Island Coffeehouse and Books is a welcoming communal space and also serves as a training facility for volunteer youth baristas who go out in the community with outstanding customer service and business skills. Every Friday night at 7pm, the coffeehouse offers free music performances where local and national musicians can connect with an audience in an intimate setting.
The Board knew that their facility had structural problems when it was initially purchased. A sinking foundation was the main issue. Work began on February 1st to correct the problem and to begin the remodeling of the facility. It is expected to be completed during the month of April. While it doesn’t appear that much is going on outside; most of the interior of the facility will be new!
Having a free space where people of all ages can engage in conversation and build relationships is vital to a healthy community.
If you want to learn more about the construction progress you can click on the above photo. The Island Coffeehouse and Books blog was started in September of last year and it is full of information. Blogs are all about having a conversation with the community and they have done a great job!
We have our homes and schools or work; the Third Place is the Island Coffeehouse and Books. You can click on the above photo to view a video on South Whidbey Commons.
This from Rosie’s post on The Third Place:
“I’ve heard it said that we all have three places. Our home, our work and a third place we gather for community, friendly discourse and nourishment of all kinds. It’s tricky for me, since this is where I work, but it is often where I find myself, even when I am not working. I am comfortable here. I am nourished here, literally and figuratively. In a world fraught with so many unhappy, isolating things, it is a comfort to find a place where one feels safe. Where there is a sense of belonging.”
Sound like family? You bet it is!!
If you want to make a donation to South Whidbey Commons here is the link.
Good Cheer understands that Easter is a time of celebration and fun!
In keeping with that spirit; we’ve decided to have a little fun at the Good Cheer Thrift Stores.
When you or a member of your family wear an Easter bonnet to the Good Cheer Thrift stores on Saturday, April 3rd, you will receive a 25% discount on everything in our thrift stores. Yes, that means everything; even items marked with an “X”!
This is something that you can have fun with. Just find a cap or a hat and decorate it! Kids love this kind of stuff and it can save you some money when you’re shopping our thrift stores.
Be prepared, the Good Cheer staff will take pictures of everyone who participates and we’ll place the pictures on our new Good Cheer blog. The person who receives the most votes for their hat will win a $100 Good Cheer gift certificate. You’ll want to encourage all your friends and family to vote for your hat!
All you have to do in order to vote is to go to this blog site and look for the “Easter Bonnet Photos Post.” The photo post should be up by Tuesday of next week. We will number each photo; all you have to do is identify the one that caught your eye. Just click on responses at the top of the post; if there are no responses that means your are the first. If you are having problems with that; you can just email me directly with your vote at kathy@goodcheer.org.
Don’t have an Easter bonnet or cap? Make your own! The more unusual and creative the better!
Even adults can have fun!
To most people Easter is a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.
This year the 2010 Easter Date of April 4th applies to the western calendar (Catholic and Protestant Churches), and also to the The Eastern Orthodox church. This is an unusual event since the two branches of Christianity have different methods for calculating the correct date for Easter. There are only a few years each century when the Easter dates match like this so Easter 2010 is seen as extra special.
The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with an uproarious festival commemorating their goddess of offspring and of springtime. Some called this a pagan festival. As it happened, the pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. It made sense, therefore, to alter the festival itself, to make it a Christian celebration as converts were slowly won over. The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.
The Easter Egg
As with the Easter Bunny and the holiday itself, the Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old when Easter was first celebrated by Christians.
From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.
Today, children hunt colored eggs and place them in Easter baskets along with the modern version of real Easter eggs — those made of plastic or chocolate candy.
Good Cheer!
The Good Cheer Food Bank and Thrift Stores are a good cause to support. Good Cheer turns old furniture, clothes, appliances and knick-knacks into food for hungry families and individuals on South Whidbey.
With spring just around the corner, the time is now to start thinking about storing winter clothing and preparing for the warmer weather. Motivated and with spring cleaning in mind, you’re now wondering what to do with the pinstripe pants suit you bought three years ago and never wore, the leather pumps collecting dust under the bed, and the paisley print scarf that just doesn’t really go with anything.
There may be some separation anxiety involved in the process but you can be assured that your donations will have a positive effect on the community where you live. The Thrift Stores have a number of items that they are really looking for. Sometimes visuals have a better impact than a list. You’ll find photos of the items that the Thrift Stores are in need of.
We want you to know that any donation that is made, regardless of type, is deeply appreciated.
Donations are the life and blood of this organization; without which our ability to impact lives in the community would be greatly diminished.
So, with that in mind…………..
Sporting Goods
Bookcases
Dressers
Power Tools
Hand and Yard Tools
Couches and Recliners
Mattresses and Bed Frames
Washing Machines and Dryers
Refrigerators
Small Kitchen Appliances
Corning Ware and Baking Dishes
Camping Gear
Yarn
Art Supplies
Boats? That would buy a lot of food!
Call 221-6454 ext. 5 for pick-up of large furniture and appliances. You can also drop off items at 2812 in Bayview, just north of Bayview Corner. The donation drop-off center is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Our volunteers will sort, prep and price them in our new Bayview facility and then move them to Good Cheer Thrift Stores in Langley and Clinton. Sales from the thrift stores support Good Cheer and help feed people in need in our community.
You can bring smaller donations and food items directly to the thrift stores if it is more convenient.
Remember to get your receipt for your tax-deductible donation.
To find out more about making donations to Good Cheer just click the above photo.
Good Cheer!
Earth Hour 2010 is happening on Whidbey Island! Prima Bistro is moving to candlelight from 8:30 – 9:30 pm for Earth Hour. Maybe, we will have a spontaneous event right here in Langley.
Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday, the 27th March, at 8:30 pm (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future.
Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights, for one hour, and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common –
Our Planet.
For a brief, but significant period of time, we can join the Universe of People on this Planet and have our voices heard. Gary Zukav wrote in his book, The Seat of the Soul, that “millions of individuals are awakening sometimes to their surprise to a hunger for harmony, cooperation, sharing, and reverence for Life. Their challenge is to create those things in a world of discord, competition, hoarding, and exploitation, a world in which life is a cheap commodity.”
In Paul Hawken’s book “Blessed Unrest” he identifies one to two million organizations working toward ecological sustainability and social justice. This social movement is decentralized and has no specific leaders; hence no media following. “This is the largest social movement in all of human history. No one knows it’s scope, and how it functions is more mysterious than what meets the eye.”
Art by saleire
Perhaps there is a Universal Energy that can make the world right; our political leaders don’t seem to get it.
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change.
Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.
In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.
It’s Showtime! Let’s all turn our lights off on Whidbey Island and visit our town centers. This is a time to be together and join hands to help the Planet. We need to be true stewards of the world that we all share.
You can click on the above photo to view the Earth Hour Video. Be sure to view in the full screen mode; you will not be disappointed!
Earth Hour is organized by World Wildlife Fund. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries, it’s one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature. You can visit the WWF website by clicking on the Panda photo above.
It’s all about giving people a voice on the future of our planet and working together to create a sustainable low carbon future for our planet.
Technologies and sustainable energy resources known or available today are sufficient to meet the growing demand for energy, and protect the world from dangerous climatic change.
The first steps must be taken by governments currently in power. The future depends on them making critical decisions in the next five years. Scary thought? That’s why we need to turn out the lights – Earth Hour 2010.
Maybe a Billion or more people will be heard!
For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped children reach their potential through professionally supported relationships with proven results.
In 1904, a young New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter was seeing more and more boys come through his courtroom. He recognized that caring adults could help many of these kids stay out of trouble, and set out to find volunteers. That marked the beginning of the Big Brothers movement. By 1916, Big Brothers had spread to 96 cities across the country.
Around the same time, the members of a group called Ladies of Charity were befriending girls who had come through the New York Children’s Court. That group would later become Big Sisters International.
Both groups continued to work independently until 1977, when Big Brothers of America and Big Sisters International joined forced and became Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters remains true to the vision of bringing caring mentors into the lives of children. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently operates in all 50 states and in 35 countries around the world. That’s what you call momentum; programs that work sustain themselves!
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children in one-to-one relationships based on friendship. Matched with caring volunteers, children gain new experiences while having fun. The agency is always seeking volunteers who possess high standards, are stable, honest and live with integrity in their lives. We assist children of every ethnic, racial, national, cultural and religious group in Island County who may need additional positive role models to further enrich their lives.
As a preventive program, the goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to reinforce positive attributes in children helping them to become confident, caring and competent adults within their communities. A strengthened sense of self worth at home, in school and in the community are often results. Children who have an older special friend tend to be less likely to be swayed by peer pressure, perform better academically and have a more even-tempered attitude. It is through this special friendship that our kids stay great!
Children ages 6-14 who are willing and anxious to build a positive caring friendship. Volunteers age 19 or older – individuals who are willing and able to be a child’s friend can become “Bigs” in community matches. High school volunteers can become “Bigs” for younger students in the school-based program.
If you are interested in enrolling a child in the program here is the link.
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children (“Littles”) ages 6 through 18 with volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) in professionally supported relationships (“Matches”). Matches meet two to four times per month for at least 12 months in one of our programs.
You can donate in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County by clicking here.
If you click on the above photo there is a video about their Mentoring Program:)
Events like these are a great way to get involved.
Remember there are a lot of organizations on South Whidbey Island that provide support to the community. You can find out more be clicking on The HELP Network of South Whidbey Island.
This is the first in a series about the HELP Network of South Whidbey Island. We have an amazing community support system here on Whidbey and there are a number of resources available to those in need.
One of the members of the HELP Network is the Readiness to Learn Foundation.
The Readiness to Learn Foundation provides coordinated services for children and families in Island County and the Stanwood Area. Their mission is to promote student success by facilitating the combined efforts of schools, families, and communities to address the needs of the whole child.
Programs include family support advocacy for children who are struggling with academic or behavior problems and comprehensive services for homeless children and families. Low-income students are provided direct support through a Back to School project each fall and through a Holiday House gift drive each winter. Parent Education classes are offered in a variety of topics and monthly support groups are held for single moms, relatives as caregivers, and for parents who have children with special needs.
Readiness To Learn Family and Student Advocates are available in all 4 districts of Island County, Coupeville, Oak Harbor, South Whidbey, and Stanwood-Camano.
Coupeville Elementary – 6 South Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
(360) 678-4551 x 236 email: vrogers@coupeville.k12.wa.us
Crescent Harbor Elementary – 330 E. Crescent Harbor Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 279-5072
Eldger Bay Elementary School – 1810 Elger Bay Rd, Camano Island, WA 98282
(360) 629-1377
The South Whidbey Family Resource Center is located on the SW Primary School Campus, on 5476 S. Maxwelton Rd., Langley, WA 98260
(360) 221-6808 x 4620
Parent Classes are funded through a generous grant made by the Northwest Children’s Fund. The Northwest Children’s Fund just celebrated their 25th Anniversary Year; you can view a video about the Fund by clicking on the above photo.
Current Parenting Workshop:
Parenting with a Plan
March 9th – March 23rd
Three Parenting Workshops geared for parents who have children ages 2-8 which include: Power Struggles At Home, Problem Solving 101, and Helping Children Resolve Social Conflicts.
Workshops are scheduled to begin Tuesdays, March 9, 16, and 23.
A complimentary, light dinner will be offered at 5:30 in the Family Resource Center and childcare is provided upon request. Class time will be 6:00-8:00 pm. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.
This class is facilitated by Polly Zahn Schmitt, a former director of the South Whidbey Children’s Center and brings with her early childhood development expertise.
Support Groups
The South Whidbey Family Resource Center currently offers three support groups:
The Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP), The Single Mom’s Group, and The Parents of Children with Special Needs Group.
Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP):
This informal group focuses on the unique situation of raising children of relatives. The group meets once a month in a relaxed atmosphere to share resources and support, laughter and tears, and to make connections outside the group to continue that support. The group is provided with information about resources available through the Department of Social and Human Services and other community opportunities. Light snacks and childcare are provided. For more information or to sign up please call Marilynn Norby at 221-6808 x 4602.
Single Mom’s Support Group:
This supportive group is for single moms and moms who feel single!
The group meets monthly in the comfortable environment of the Family Resource Center to share parenting joys and challenges. It’s a time where moms can bring their questions and ideas and feel the support of those who are encountering the same day to day issues. Dinner and childcare is provided free of charge. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.
Parents of Children with Special Needs:
This group welcomes any parent or caregiver who is raising a child with special needs. Share life’s ups and downs in this supportive environment and make connections outside the group to continue that support. The group meets once a month in the Family Resource Center. Childcare is provided. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.
Our Sustainability and Green Living Links starts with a look at the clean energy economy. Climate Progress brings us a report from the Center for American Progress entitled “Out of the Running?” American Progress’s Kate Gordon , Julian L. Wong, and JT McLain explain how Germany, Spain, and China are seizing the clean energy opportunity and why the United States risks getting left behind.
There are a number of charts and a good video that explains why the U.S. needs to make much more progress in this area. You can follow this link.
Here is a little bit of science fiction for you. Mike Chino writing for inhabitat shows us the “Underwater Skyscraper”; with ocean levels rising who knows?
Zachary Shahan at Planetsave makes the following comment. “The bottom line is, people inform themselves of the environmental problems in the world much more than they act. And even for those deeply concerned about the environment, it is very likely there is more they could be doing in their own lives to live a cleaner or greener life.”
Click here for the full article.
You might ask what sustainability looks like? Treehugger has a slideshow that you might enjoy.
Good Cheer! Have a great weekend!
I’m sure that most of you are aware of the Good Cheer Food Garden. The point that strikes me is the depth of what is being done and the variety of the volunteers that we find working at the garden site. This last month we saw the first harvest of the year and the planting of some of the first seeds for later harvesting.
The starts were donated by Molly Peterson and they were planted in the greenhouse in mid-February; they’ve been growing and should be moved outside under protection around mid-March.
Here is a photo of our volunteers harvesting the kale and collards. You can read more about the harvesting and the planting of starts by clicking here.
Molly Zeiger, as you may know, is our Americorp volunteer. She began her tour with Good Cheer and the garden last September and we are lucky to have her around through this July.
“While I am here, I hope to help implement a sustainable and efficient system to turn healthy harvest from the garden into appreciated meals on the table. So far it has been a humbling learning experience.” Molly is a great role model for our younger volunteers and adds an energy that is certainly welcome at Good Cheer.
Last year local chefs Kristian Bentsen, V Smiley and Damien Cortez shared some delicious and easy recipes for garden veggies in their summer series of cooking classes in the Good Cheer Garden. They used produce from the Good Cheer Garden to create tasty and nutritious meals that are simple to prepare. Hopefully, we can do this again!
Last year we had the help of a number of youth organizations from our communities here on Whidbey Island. You can read more be clicking on this link to the garden blog.
This is what the site looked like in January of 2009. There are so many people to thank and so many organizations who have been involved. Their time and efforts are very much appreciated.
The Langley Middle School garden came into being in 2007 and in their first harvest year they donated over 250 pounds of produce to the Good Cheer Food Bank. This is a wonderful story and a way of building a great tradition at the school. Each year they have new classes, new kids, and new crops to go along with all of the shared memories that they have created.
You can see what they are doing at the LMS Community Garden by clicking here.
Even the White House is getting it’s own vegetable garden!
Good Cheer!
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