Who are Coupeville Community Allies?  We are a 100% volunteer-run organization made up of your neighbors, your friends, and your farmers.  Some of us are members of military families, and some are business owners.  All of us are concerned about the impact of expanded Growler Operations at NAS Whidbey Island and the Outlying Field (OLF) in Coupeville.

 

Here is a little about each of our members:

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​​Fran Einterz is a local farmer and business owner.  Over the past 35 years he has served on various community Boards such as the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce, the Island County Economic Development Council, the Whidbey Island Conservation District, the Whidbey Islanders for a Sound Environment, the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust, the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Trust Board, and the Washington State RCO Farmland Preservation Advisory Board.

Fran holds an undergraduate degree from Fordham University, and an MBA from the University of Washington.  He is an avid husband, father, and grandfather. When he’s not working at his Jenne Farm you’ll probably find him jogging on a central Whidbey trail or playing the upright bass at one of the local music venues.

 

Anne Harvey has been a faculty member in interdisciplinary liberal arts education for over 30 years and a resident of Coupeville since 1985. She has served on local, regional and statewide non profit boards such as the Community Foundation for the Coupeville Schools and the Women's Funding Alliance; she currently serves on the Coupeville Farm to School Steering Committee, Food Action board of directors and Whidbey Water Keepers team. She enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking and running. 

 

Anne cares deeply about preserving the historical, cultural and biological integrity of Central Whidbey and is concerned about the potential increase in Growler flights on all aspects of our community.

 

Chris Hurley has been a part time Coupeville resident since 1995, slowly
working her way toward full-time privileges.  Professionally, she is a
long-time community health advocate and organizer, currently serving as a
faculty member of a UW graduate program nurturing new public health
practitioners and leaders.  She has worked extensively with individuals
and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, mental illness,
addiction and other traumas.  During a brief detour from community health
she lead Goosefoot, a South Whidbey economic and community development
organization, reclaiming an old shopping center and midwifing the Goose
Community Grocer.  

Chris is deeply concerned about the effect of expanding Growler operations
on all aspects of life and health of Central Whidbey.

 

Kelly Keilwitz has lived and worked in Central Whidbey Island since 1991. He is the founder of Whidbey Sun & Wind, a renewable energy design and installation company.  He is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and Electrical Administrator. Kelly is a board member of Central Whidbey Hearts & Hammers, was active in founding the Sustainable Whidbey Coalition, and has worked on developing local trails.  His passions include sustainability, community, and outdoor recreation.  

Kelly is concerned that a dramatic increase in Growler jet operations at the Coupeville Outlying Field will profoundly harm the community, character, and economy of Central Whidbey Island.

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Jan Pickard’s grandparents moved to Coupeville in 1921 when they assumed ownership of Prairie Center Mercantile; her parents continued their legacy. Jan has had a variety of occupations through life from carpenter to mental health counselor.  She was on the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Board and currently is on the Friends of Ebey’s and CADA Boards. She is committed to preserving the history and preservation of her Coupeville community.

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Lori Taylor moved to Whidbey Island in 1992 as the wife of a Prowler pilot, and was a Navy wife for 20 years.  Her daughter is a Coupeville native.  Lori is a clinical dietitian, sustainability consultant, professor, speaker and business owner.  She served on and led the board of Whidbey Animals' Improvement Foundation in its early years, has served on the Planning Commission for the Town of Coupeville, and has been a Girl Scout leader for 5 years.  Lori is a founding member of Coupeville's Farm to School program and serves as its Vice-Chair.

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Lori personally understands the sacrifices made by military families and the need for a well-trained aviation force.  She also believes that an increase in Growler operations at NAS Whidbey Island will harm the very environment and way of life we are trying so hard to defend.

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Vivian Rogers Decker has been serving the Whidbey Island community since 2000 as a homeless liaison and student support specialist for both the Coupeville and Oak Harbor school districts. Vivian has been part of founding four different non-profit organizations including: Central Whidbey Gifts From the Heart, Coupeville Boys and Girls Club, Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers, and SPIN Café in Oak Harbor. Vivian is passionate about creating communities that are responsive to the needs of all citizens, especially those members who are struggling with issues related to poverty and homelessness.As a service provider, and advocate for youth and families, she is concerned about how increased military personnel and operations at NAS Whidbey Island impacts the availability of affordable and workforce housing in the North and Central Whidbey communities. Vivian is also concerned about the impact of jet noise on our most vulnerable populations, including persons with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and PTSD.

 

Connie Wolfe retired to Whidbey Island from Alaska in 1999, and from her work with The Nature Conservancy in Alaska in 2014.  She has served on the board of the Whidbey -Camano Land Trust, and Friends of Ebey’s Landing National Historic Preserve among other community organizations.  She believes that the military expansion proposed for Central Whidbey will destroy the community’s economy, environment, and character.