PHOTOS BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 26, 2017
Did you miss the fair this year? Or did you go and want to re-live the memories? Through his photos, David Welton enables you to smell the kettle corn, hear a brass band, and see what a pig pile actually looks like.
Missy-the-pig’s proud “mom,” Coral Caveness, cuddles one of her “grandbabies.”Missy’s 7-day-old litter of piglets shows where the phrase “pig pile” might have originated.Threading the needle on a vintage sewing machine using the original instruction manualA curious alpaca surveys the crowd during 4H judging.A boy gets coached by a Davis Amusement carnie before knocking over three pins with one throw.Alpaca agilityProceeds from the dunk tank benefitted Ryan’s House.The Knight Riders make a grand entry onto the fairgrounds during the parade.A sharp turn challenges both horse and rider.The Navy band Northwest jazzed up the Eva Mae Gabelein stage.Chelsea Bonacello, superintendent of photography, gets a makeover with pink streaked hair.If the ball goes in, and stays in the basket, you win a prize!Caramel-covered kettle corn made by the barrelA Hula Hoop contest at Fiddle Faddle FarmHorsing aroundFine arts and photography, housed in the pole building and accompanied by soothing music, provide a welcome retreat from the heat of the midway.A robotic talking turkeyLogan, of Oak Harbor High School robotics, demonstrates 3-D printing.
Vote early and often
Photographer David Welton is a candidate for Mr. South Whidbey this year, which is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund. Friends of Friends helps neighbors in need with unexpected medical bills. If you’ve appreciated Welton’s photos in Whidbey Life Magazine over the years, you can “buy” votes by donating to Friends of Friends under Welton’s name on this form.
David Welton and Kevin Lungren, last year’s Mr. South Whidbey, took part in the fair’s annual parade. (Photo by Carol Coble)
David Welton is a retired physician who has been a staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine since its early days. His work has also appeared in museums, art galleries, newspapers, regional and national magazines, books, nonprofit publicity, and on the back of the Whidbey Sea-Tac Shuttle!
Enjoy more articles in the print edition of Whidbey Life Magazine, which you can purchase at local and off-island retailers or receive in the mail via subscription.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. You may link to this story. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, please contact us.
BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
December 28, 2016
There seems to be a national trend of polarization and pessimism that, at times, threatens to infect us here on Whidbey Island. I’ve chosen to focus on the generosity, unity, and joy that we share, despite our diverse views and backgrounds. This collection of environmental portraits from local happenings throughout 2016 offers visual proof of our ability to see through our differences. I hope it inspires us to seek underlying goodness and commonality during the coming year.
Jim Freeman, the “Conductor of Fun,” leads the charge at the Welcome the Whales parade in April.
Filmmaker Drew Christie demonstrates a “flip box” or mutoscope, which is featured in his film “The Emperor of Time” a live action short film that was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016.
Cassie (human), Rowdy, and Midori (parrots) at the south-end avian rescue operation that gives sanctuary to displaced parrots, who fly freely—even during cold January weather.
Even the bunnies come out the promote Mystery Weekend in Langley every February.
The Machine Shop arcade game gallery, a new place to hang out with friends, opened in Langley this summer.
Characters from “The Nutcracker Suite” dance down 1st Street for the Langley Holiday Parade.
Halloween events throughout the island, including Spooktacular Langley, encouraged community spirit.
Aspiring actress Carol Wisman prepares for her first appearance at a vaudeville revue with Whidbey Island performers.
Local brewmaster Bob Hodges reveals all (okay, maybe some) secrets of his home brew in “Raising a Glass to Whidbey’s Home Brewers,” which was published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of the print version of Whidbey Life Magazine. You can subscribe to the print magazine here.
Kevin Lungren, Mr. South Whidbey, accepts his trophy. The annual pageant, presented by the non-profit Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, raised more than $29,000 in one night to assist those in need with unexpected medical bills.
Tibetan artist Kalsang Ghongpa shares her smile and colorful necklaces at the Whidbey Island Area Fair.
Patriotism is evident at the Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade. This year, Korean War Veteran Herbert Weissblum, of the Whidbey Island Marine Corps League Color Guard, led the parade.
Whidbey Islanders like to dance! Debra Waterman celebrates life at one of many street dance opportunities.
David Welton is a retired cardiologist and a Whidbey Life Magazine photographer.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. You may link to this story. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
November 2, 2016
The Langley Mainstreet Association sponsored a “Spooktacular” Halloween party Monday afternoon. Costumed merchants and businesses provided treats for young and old in a community-wide family-friendly atmosphere, proving that Langley is one of the happiest seaside towns in the country.
This ladybug was fascinated by the talking skull at Ott and Murphy.Jango Fett revealedYoung Mary Poppins in front of the Dog HouseA hungry shark emerges from a feeding frenzy at Ott and Murphy with sugary treats.Father “Scream” is a source of family pride.FBI agents investigate the kidnapping of a child by a green alien.The elfin chef at Portico serves hot corn chowder on a chilly afternoon.All were invited to a “Trunk or Treat” at the Langley United Methodist Church parking lot for a tailgate carnival, games, cider, and cupcakes.A happy creature feasts at a trunk-load of Halloween goodies.David Tiller distributes treats at Whidbey Island Natural.A fierce beast and a wicked witch stand guard over the candy kettle at John L Scott Real Estate.A hungry mom scores a slice from Village Pizzeria.Minding grandaughter’s umbrella when she enters a crowded store
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. You may link to this story. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor October 12, 2016
October, always my favorite month, brings Fall to life, quickening the senses with color, scents, and sudden winds.
The sculptural, angled light at sunrise establishes the color palette for autumn leaves.As the days grow shorter and nights stretch longer and cooler, we are comforted by orange and black as we sit beside the fire.Within our broad swaths of deep evergreen forests, Whidbey Island presents pockets of intense color.Within our broad swaths of deep evergreen forests, Whidbey Island presents pockets of intense color.A weathered, worn fire hydrant is magically transformed by the glow of a burning bush (euonymus alatus) at South Whidbey High School.Sherman Farm pumpkins and jeweled spider webs set the stage for Halloween.Yellow grape leaves at Whidbey Island Winery contrast with the blue and green windsock and a 12th Man scarecrow.A Seahawk supporter struts his mutt at Bayview Farm and Garden.Puppies, forever youngA child frolics in treefall from the bigleaf maple.But childhood ends, and we transition from entertained to entertainer, and pursue adult pastimes.
October winds stir up a favorite pastime: to windsurf with migratory birds at Double Bluff.Fall richness provides time for harvesting Pinot Noir at Spoiled Dog Winery.An early snowfall calls for a brisk walk with the dogs and announces the coming of a joyous Winter.
David Welton, a retired physician, is a Whidbey Island photographer who credits his grandmother’s travel slide shows and her gift to him of a Kodak Starflash camera for his interest in photographic art. His goal is to use his photographs to inspire others to realize their unrecognized potential. To learn more about Welton, visit his Web site www.davidweltonphoto.com.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 5, 2016
The happy sound of adult laughter filled Freeland Hall on Saturday, Oct. 1, in anticipation of the 11th annual Mr. South Whidbey contest. This major fundraiser supports Friends of Friends, a medical support lifeline assisting with unexpected or unaffordable provider and pharmacy bills for residents of Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, and Clinton. Friends of Friends has raised over one million dollars since inception in 1997. For more information about the organization, visit Friends of Friends.
At Saturday’s event, once the lights were dimmed, each contestant made his spotlight entry dressed in a costume appropriate to Whidbey Island.
Alex Bonesteel wore his kilt and played his fiddle.Kevin Lungren stripped from his slicker and waders to boxer shorts, adding a touch of informality to his tuxedo. Hair-apparent Michael Morgen established his claim to the throne from the very start. Michael Morgen Contestants air their manliness in anticipation of the “Q and A” segment of the show. When asked by MC Sue Frause, “Will you be watching the election returns November 8, and what you will you be eating?” Alex succinctly answered, “No.” Trevor Fleming responds that the last meal he prepared for a woman was Ramen noodles. Kevin shares a gin and tonic with MC Sue Frause.
During intermission, previous contestants circulate, carrying cardboard boxes with plastic cups, each representing a different contestant. Spectators empty their pockets of spare change in support of their favorite. Because this charity doesn’t waste money on frills, the ratio is simple: each dollar equals one vote. Almost $29,000 flowed into the coffers during the course of the event.
Rocco Gianni empties a cup into a coffee can at the tabulation table.
After the interviews, the talent show allowed contestants to exhibit their abilities.
Alex is a virtuoso violinist and owns a fitness and nutrition studio. Alex demonstrated his athleticism and musical talent. Trevor Fleming did a dance number accompanied by his backup performers Trevor FlemingOyster-Man, AKA Kevin Lungren, shucked and ate an oyster to music, and then he caught some big fish.Oyster-Man, AKA Kevin Lungren.David Mayer’s riffs rival the top rock stars. Michael Morgen “added some class” by singing like Sinatra… and then doing a partial-monty. Kevin Lungren is crowned Mr. South Whidbey by Barb Schultz. Kevin holds his trophy high as he travels the runway towards his trophy wife Mary-Jane.
David Welton is a Whidbey Island photographer who credits his grandmother’s travel slide shows and her gift to him of a Kodak Starflash camera for his interest in photographic art. His goal to use his photographs to inspire others to realize their unrecognized potential. To learn more about Welton, visit David Welton.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 5, 2016
On the first weekend of October, under wide blue skies and with bright sun and children’s smiles brightening the day, Children’s Day proved a perfect Whidbey Island event. Each photo captures what this island’s community represents, including its culture of outdoors, play, and joy for all ages.
Children’s Day at South Whidbey Community Park is a yearly event bringing together adults and children for a magical time. For instance, South Whidbey Children’s Center’s booth included balloon animals and actors promoting the upcoming presentation of The Magic Garden. In addition to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Island Strings, volunteers included people such as Tom Lindsay who blew giant bubbles and Larry Dobson who taught stilt walking. David Welton, photographer, volunteered as official photographer for the event.
This was a day that showed of Whidbey Island at its glorious best!
David Welton is a Whidbey Island photographer who credits his grandmother’s travel slide shows and her gift to him of a Kodak Starflash camera for his interest in photographic art. His goal to use his photographs to inspire others to realize their unrecognized potential. To learn more about Welton, visit David Welton.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 24, 2016
Hundreds of Whidbey Islanders and visitors welcomed a break in the recent heat spell by turning out for Langley’s 2016 Soup Box Derby on Sunday, August 21. The fun-run, which featured close to 30 “vehicles” this year, is put on by the Langley Community Club.
After registration and a quality-assurance check, completed by a run down the hill for each entry to assure braking and safety of the tricked-out barrels, boats and pontoons, the racers towed their craft back up First Street hill and paired off for the first of many two-by-two races.
Chris Spencer adorned his vehicle with a fearsome papier mâché triceratops and a pteradactyl that hoovered over the stern.“BeYouTiFul” returned this year, with cosmetic enhancements to the stinger-end.The Karate Kid, aged six and a half, was the youngest driver.Peter Lawlor, aged 95, gets a happy send-off from family and friends as he begins his practice run.A four-wheeled tandem racer, with a concrete block counterweight extending over the front-end, speeds by the crowd in front of Music for the Eyes.A street luge with handbrakes crosses the finish line first and exits the course.Phil Simon, with aerodynamic advantages, easily beat Cary Peterson in her vegetable cart.Gary Piper gives an enthusiastic thumbs-up to a competitor from 2nd Street Boutique.Boatwright Brad Price lost control of his speed pontoon racer and crashed. The announcer proclaimed: “We told you this could happen, do not sit on the hay bales!” Fortunately there were no injuries, and Brad only suffered a blow to his pride.Peter Lawlor’s girlfriend, Roberta Brown, is glad Peter will be back next year.Will Collins awarded gold medals to the intrepid participants. He said he enjoyed making the whimsical trophies with other Langley Community Club members at The Commons, using materials donated by Good Cheer.A few of the winning racers pick out their trophies.
After the final three-way heat, the crowd moved to Whale Bell Park for a pie-in-the-face fundraiser to benefit Good Cheer, Meals on Wheels and the Generation Park Improvement project. Paul Sarkis winds up to deliver a cream pie to his son Charlie.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 10, 2016
The 2016 Whidbey Island Fair is now a wrap and planning has already started for the 2017 event, with a call for volunteer staff, vendors and participants to share their skills, art and products.
On the eve of this occasion, voters of Island County approved a measure to transfer operation of the fairgrounds to the Port of South Whidbey, with a levy to provide funds for improvement and maintenance that will assure certainty for the future.
These photographs provide a peek into a four-day slice of Whidbey Life.
Matt Hoar at the head of the parade with his steam-punk blaster as Kelly Baugh looks on.David Locke encourages a young listener to play the accordion, assuring him “believe me, it is a chick magnet.”Lila Stach rejoices when she learns she won a Superintendent Ribbon for her photography.Massive pony power was on display at the horse arena.Cadence Smith naps on the side of her gentle pigs.Anita Smith demonstrates a foot powered antique sewing machine. She vows to “save the treadle.”Spinning takes dexterity and focus.Duane Fulgham spins the political wheel of fortune at the Island County Democrat booth.It is a good thing that Shelby Healy posed with a Hillary Clinton cutout the first day of the fair, as Hillary mysteriously took a walk that night and vanished.Girl scouts marched in the parade.Political viewpoints of all persuasions mingled freely.Big bubbles, always a favorite!A variety of foods and treats nourished the crowd, and curly fries were among the most popular.Merry-go-round horses and woodpeckers are almost exciting as the real thing!
A robotic giant turkey delights the young at heart.Keely Conners waited in line to have her face painted and is transformed as a fierce tiger.Long John Silver the pirate rolls his “aarghs” at the main stage as a lowly entertainer looks on.A rooster prepares to fly the coop as Matt Hoar looks on during the Chicken OlympicsMerchandise available on the midway included handcrafted Tibetan beads by Kalsang Ghongpa.It’s hard to not be happy when surrounded by goats!4H Knight Rider horses with purple ribbons braided into their tails parade in front of the Eva Mae Stage. “The End.”
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 13, 2016
Have you ever wondered how water is delivered to a rural fire, far from the source, with no hydrants nearby?
Tanker trucks!
Actually, “pumper” trucks are the first to depart a fire station and they’re always ready to roll, loaded with a thousand gallons of water—a fraction of the amount required to extinguish a house fire. The massive tanker trucks quickly follow with 2,800 gallons.
Captain Jerry Beck details the fine points of tanker truck operation.
AJ Agnew, Brian Boyd and Maxwelton Station 33 Captain Tom Peterson, in red hat, prepare for a drill with the new tanker.
The South Whidbey Fire Department has two new tanker beauties, based at the Clinton and Maxwelton stations. Each machine has a complicated instruction manual to match the $350,000 price tag. Volunteer firefighters enthusiastically attended the first training session after the first truck arrived in April, learning how to adjust the various gauges, knobs and nozzles; they put it to use just a few days later at a barn fire near Ken’s Corner.
A collapsible 3,000-gallon portable swimming pool, stored on the tanker, is deployed next to the pumper and can be filled in five minutes. The depleted tankers then race back to the source for more water while the pumper sprays the fire.
The storage pool is deployed from a slot in the rear of the tanker.The framework is unfolded and the pool is erected, ready to receive water.AJ Agnew, with a twist of the valve, releases water into the pool.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that almost 70% of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers. Volunteers don’t earn any wages, but they’re reimbursed for certain expenses and—on the south end of Whidbey—receive retirement benefits.
The fire department pays for training at the firefighting academy and a level-one firefighter certificate can lead to a full-time professional position. Male and female applicants must be over the age of 18 and be in “reasonable physical condition.” Volunteers can also receive training to become Emergency Medical Technicians. Weekly drill and training sessions help volunteers maintain and enhance skills and, periodically, buildings slated for demolition are provided for “practice fires.”
The pumper now has almost 3,000 gallons to quench the flames.
There are over 45-50 volunteers in the South Whidbey Fire Department and they responded to over 2,000 calls last year. The department was founded in 1950 and also employs a few professional full-time firefighters in administrative positions.
Tom Peterson, a circuit board designer at an engineering firm near Boeing, is Captain of Maxwelton Station 33 and has been with the department for over 21 years. “I always wanted to become a fireman,” Peterson said, adding that he played with Tonka fire trucks as a child. “The South Whidbey Fire Department feels the same as a winning team,” he said, recalling his high school football squad. “I know we have the right [skills and] tools to help people out.”
And, Peterson noted, if he’s the first person to arrive at the station when called, “I get to drive the fire truck.”
A practice fire at Little Lambs Daycare provides training for the volunteer firefighters.
Terry Welch, a Coupeville Middle School science and math teacher, had a first-hand experience fighting a wildfire while working for the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho. Always drawn to community service, she answered the call for volunteers in the wake of 9/11. She now specializes in marine rescue and firefighting, using the new firefighting boat based at the Langley marina. Some structures on the shoreline are more easily accessed from the water, she mentioned, and the boat is equipped with a water gun that pumps seawater. She’s always been accepted, she said, and has never had to prove herself to her male peers; firefighters are “ohana,” an ancient Hawaiian term for extended family.
The biggest reward, firefighters always note, is the respect and gratitude of the community. Joe Menth recalls the wildfire that threatened his home near Double Bluff Road on July 3 last year. “I was at work when I got the phone call and immediately headed home,” he said. Highway 525 was blocked so he took side roads. “Once we were home we could only watch while we awaited the evacuation notice. The wall of flames and smoke crept closer. Had the fire burned another 20 feet or so across the adjacent property, it would have ripped across the grass field next to our house, with a clear path for the flames to our front door.”
Jim Doberfuhl, with other volunteers, position themselves between the inferno and residents of South Whidbey Island
The experience of helping Menth and others like him—saving lives and protecting property in a way most people won’t experience—is more than sufficient compensation for the volunteer firefighters and EMTs of Whidbey Island.
Candidates may apply online or at department headquarters.
Image at top: Heroic volunteer firefighters of Whidbey Island combat the firestorms.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 6, 2016
Whidbey Islanders had two simultaneous celebrations: our country’s 240th Independence Day and the 101st Anniversary of the Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade. The well-organized event was attended by thousands and all had a good time.
WLM staff photographer David Welton was present to record the festivities.
A contemporary Uncle Sam, aka Bob Bowling, greets marchers at the foot of Swede Hill Road.Korean War Veteran veteran Herbert Weissblum, of the Whidbey Island Marine Corps League Color Guard, led the parade.This year TWO gorillas shared their bananas, courtesy of The Goose Grocer.
Chickens and ducks and marchers tossed candy to children along the two-block parade route.
Racecars sped along Maxwelton Road to Dave Mackie Park.Others chose to walk the whole parade while hula-hooping.Candidates Helen Price-Johnson, Angie Homola and their political supporters exercised their First Amendment rights.
Dan Anderson, in traditional Swedish garb, marched with Island Strings as he played his nyckelharpa.Patriotic attire was mode du jour.
Fun and games, and hot dogs awaited at Dave Mackie Park.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
Enjoy more articles in the print edition of Whidbey Life Magazine, which you can purchase at local and off-island retailers or receive in the mail via subscription.
