Change, right here in Port Ludlow

Life In Ludlow

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Life almost anywhere is full of change but it seems like the transitions are happening more for us this year.

We have neighbors who are moving to Texas being replaced by folks from Oklahoma. I have a friend who moved from Tala Shores to Arizona. Longtime residents and community contributors Vince and Mary Ann Verneuil are moving from Kala Point to Bellingham leaving a legacy with the Jefferson Community Foundation, the Bayside Housing project, and Saint Vincent de Paul. I am particularly sad that Mary Ann is leaving because she has been a vocal fan of this column, at least she says she is. Larry and Connie Howland supported the construction of the shelter at HJ Carroll Park, the library’s bookmobile garage, the teen center at Chimacum High School and many community improvements. They are headed to Denver. Larry provides sometimes rational and critical review of this column, occasionally wondering why BJ sticks with me, an oft-posed question by those knowing her.

Often forecasted but yet not opened is the new Mexican restaurant replacing the hair salon in Port Ludlow’s village center. A food truck has started to show up in the parking lot adjacent to the recycling center on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. I tried to get a sandwich there last week but they were sold out. They might consider coming back during the Wednesday afternoon car show. The food service at the Tri Area Center is being discontinued for the East Jefferson Rotary Club, prompting a change to something or somewhere else. Jefferson Health Care put a pharmacy in the building previously occupied by the clinic and before that a real estate office. I am getting tired just talking about all this change.

You have been getting ready all summer for the next event by regularly exercising in an almost futile attempt to get in better physical condition. You may have even cut back on the beer consumption, but maybe not. Well, here is a new event for you! The first annual Cycle Marrowstone bike ride is coming up on Sunday, Aug. 25. Kickoff is at 9 a.m. at HJ Carroll Park with bike tours meeting almost every recreational biking objective. Registration opens at 7 a.m. You can get more information and register now for fifty dollars at cyclemarrowstone.com or on the day of the event for sixty dollars. BJ and I are planning to man the rest stop at the Marrowstone Winery (where else), so be sure to stop by for some refreshment.

Frank Trafton and Terry Johnson are part of a group of folks in the Calvary Community Church participating in what they call “Heart for Haiti.” About once each year they head to Haiti to help build schools, churches and houses. They work with the Haitians and even help get medical care for them here in the U.S. to treat significant health issues. Over the past couple of years you may have noticed the renovation of the home at the corner of Egg and I Road and Beaver Valley Road. Terry and his family live there. You may have also recently noticed the small sheds being constructed in the front yard. As it turns out, Terry works for Carl’s Lumber where he buys the materials and then builds the sheds and sells them, contributing any money he makes back to the “Heart for Haiti” project. These people are bringing radical change to the lives of the people of Haiti.

As you consider all this change, remember what George Bernard Shaw said. “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week.

(Ned Luce is a retired IBM executive with a weakness for all things Ludlow.)