OLD Whidbey Life Magazine

Author: David Welton

Photo Essay || Whidbey Camano Land Trust teaches Fungi Facts to Locals

BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 21, 2015

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust sponsored a “Walk & Talk with Fungi” along the forest trails at the Whidbey Institute on Saturday, Oct. 17. Ida Gianopulos, Land Protection Assistant at the Land Trust, emphasized the ecology of Fungi.

The Whidbey Institute is one of many organizations and individuals that have established conservation easements in partnership with the Land Trust to preserve the environment. Similar Whidbey Camano Land Trust’s guided tours involve the community, fostering appreciation and protection for our natural surroundings.

“The first ground-rule of mushroom hunting is keep your eyes on the ground,” said Ida Gianopulos, Land Protection Assistant at Whidbey Camano Land Trust, as she guided 20 or more curious souls through the forest at the Whidbey Institute.

Gianopulos bantered with her students while communicating her knowledge of the biology and “lifestyles” of the fungal “Kingdom.”

Despite a lifelong interest in Mycology, wild edibles and a degree in Ecology from Humboldt State University, Gianopulos professed not to be expert at identifying the thousands of mushroom species and relies on a field book. Incorrect identification can result in disaster. “If you don’t know what it is,” she said, “kick it; don’t pick it.”

A student shared her discovery of a mushroom cap just as it was bursting through the soil. It may be the immature fruit of the deadly Amanita, Gianopulos noted, which can develop beautiful red and white coloration.

“Don’t eat this,” Gianopulos advised. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin, but it’s important to wash your hands before handling food.

“Deadman’s Fingers” contribute to the decay of fallen branches, restoring nutrients to the soil. Some mushrooms feed on cellulose, others on lignin, the chemical that imparts stiffness and rigidity to trees.

Georgia Edwards tapped a puffball, prompting the release of a cloud of spores.

Nick Lyle got a close-up of Jean Whitesavage’s orange mushroom, with a “baby” at the base of the stem.

“Sometimes if you look up from the ground, you’ll see shelf mushrooms on trees,” Gianopulos said. Some are specific to spruce and others to Douglas firs.

Paloma examined a pretty mushroom under the watchful eye of her mother, Jennifer Schiavone-Ruthensteiner. Paloma was the youngest participant and was most excited by the “puffballs.”

Image at top: Ida Gianopulos, Land Protection Assistant at the Land Trust (all photos by David Welton).

David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

October 21, 2015
Then, and Now || The Bridge, the Parade and the Tuba Player

BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 14, 2015

Captain George Morse, a New England seaman and early settler of Oak Harbor, recognized that spanning the turbulent waters of Deception Pass was critical to the future of Whidbey Island. As early as the 1880s, he saw the potential for a bridge and, as a newly elected state representative, in 1907 he proposed building the two spans and anchoring them on tiny Pass Island between Canoe Pass and Deception Pass.

After decades of disagreements, it took just a year to build the two bridges. (photo courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation)

Not everyone agreed with his vision, however. Many private transportation companies ran small passenger and freight boats on Puget Sound and nearby waterways and rivers; they were known as the “mosquito fleet.” Berte Olsen, who owned a ferry service at the north end of Whidbey Island, saw the double-span link across the watery passes as the road to ruin and lobbied successfully against construction.

Ready for the trusses (photo courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation)

Finally, funds were allocated and the two-span bridge was built in the mid-1930s by the Puget Construction Company of Seattle for $482,000. Young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), sent by the Public Works Administration during the Great Depression, carved out the approach to the two-lane structure and expanded facilities at the adjacent park. Island residents celebrated the opening of the bridge on July 31, 1935.

Almost ready to span Canoe Pass (photo courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation)

The American Legion Band—with tubas, cornets, trombones and drums—led the parade across the bridge while playing patriotic tunes and Sousa marches prior to speeches by regional dignitaries. Easy access to Whidbey Island soon led to a growth spurt in Oak Harbor and the establishment of the Navy Base.

The parade crosses over the newly-completed Deception Pass Bridge

________________

Denman Moody was only three years old in 1935, but he recalls crossing the new bridge during trips to Whidbey Island from the family home in Sedro Wooley. He has played the double B-flat base tuba since seventh grade and marched in Air Force Bands from 1953 to 1955.

Denman Moody, tuba player and marching band member of the 50th Anniversary Bridge celebration

He and his tuba linked to the past when they participated in the 50^th anniversary memorial of the bridge opening with the Whidbey Island Community Band in 1985, and he still plays with the WT Preston Jazz band in Anacortes.

“This silly horn has taken me and my wife to places I never would have gone to otherwise,” he said. “I’ve met many people.”

Moody presently volunteers with the Whidbey Island Historical Society where he shares “a fountain of misinformation” with visitors. His first choice for a personalized license plate, “OOMPAH,” was taken so his truck now sports “BBFLAT.”

Incidentally, his brother-in-law learned his trade in the CCC and had a career operating heavy equipment in the construction industry.

David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine. Current photos by David Welton.

“Then, and Now” is an occasional series of historical Whidbey Island photographs paired with contemporary images by David Welton. If you have a story to share, contact info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

October 13, 2015
A Fun Day in Photos at the Children’s Day Festival

BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
Sept. 30, 2015

The merry sound of children laughing filled the air Saturday, Sept. 26 at the annual Children’s Day Festival at South Whidbey Community Park. Program co-ordinator Carrie Monforte sent a bright technicolor message of thanks to the 46 businesses and organizations with booths, and numerous volunteers with fun activities for area children and families that made for a memorable first weekend of Fall. “I can’t recall a more well attended Children’s Festival” said Monforte at the end of the day. “I enjoy watching this event unfold because I see so many happy people.” She added, “attendance estimates are imprecise, but the South Whidbey Kiwanis Club handed out 850 hot dogs free of charge.”

A fire truck with souvenir fire hats was stationed at Castle Park, open for tours. There were ponies for petting and riding, and children could become acquainted with appropriately sized musical instruments. The local chapter of the Red Cross stressed safety tips for the winter living and fun was had by all.

The bounce houses were among the three most popular attractions, along with bubbles and face painting. A happy child’s voice from inside exulted “this is the most fun day of my whole life!”

Tom Lindsay, the “Bubble Man” went through 25 gallons of “bubble juice” as he taught eager 5 year olds how to create giant bubble sculptures, who quickly got the hang of it and gave him a run for his money. His pleas to let the bubbles live were ignored by children eager to pop them.

Kids queued up for a turn with the team of face-painters at the Mother Mentors booth.

A big sister voices disgust at the black widow spider on her brother’s forehead.

Larry Dobson coached young stilt walkers on the proper technique to safely lace in, then danced with protege Grace in front of the baseball field.

This young lady jumps to the sounds of the DJ and Karaoke, as her free hot dog from South Whidbey Kiwanis awaits her.

Multitasking face painted stilt-walkers speak with helium fueled squeaky voices and avoid face-plants on the lush grass, which was revived by recent rainfall.

A relatively quiet moment with play-doh sculptures at the South Whidbey Children’s Center booth.

The creative chefs from Kids First of Island County orchestrated hourly competitive pie-eating contests. A stuffed participant signals that he is finished by raising his empty hands. An empty mouth proves that he is not hiding un-eaten pie.

David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine. You’ll see him with his camera and ball cap at many festivals and events capturing the faces of people enjoying Whidbey Island.

________________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

September 30, 2015
Soupbox Derby, 2015, Races to a Finish in Langley

PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
September 2, 2015

The 2015 Soupbox Derby, held in Langley this last Sunday with the most entries in recent years, was a fitting memorial to Tucker Stevens, who is credited with reviving the event. The windstorm and rain retreated in time for the First Street Hill to dry sufficiently that it allowed a safe race for participants and spectators.

“Free Range Chicks” drivers, pit crew and Pam Schell holding candy corn chicken feed, could find nothing else to do while their book club was on summer hiatus.

Oldest racer Peter Lawlor (center) beats the crap out of Gary Piper (left—in his “outhouse”) prompting daughter Gretchen (in red) to run to congratulate him.

Youngest racer and crowd favorite Owen, age three, and his proud father display their trophy.

“Be Beautiful” from 2nd Street Hair Boutique caused the crowd to buzz.

The smallest ‘race car’ — “# 1/2”

Bob Bowling gets ready to launch the largest entry.

Carlos Harry tries to intimidate the competition with mean looks.

The little dog “Dolly”…

…rode in the back of the “Wren” car every time!

The view from the Starting Line at the top of First Street Hill

Image at top: “Free Range Chicks” driver and rider race down First Street.

David Welton is a retired physician, staff photographer (and occasional writer) for Whidbey Life magazine.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

September 2, 2015
WIN’s summer campers serve up ‘Fun with Food’

PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
September 2, 2015

Since 2007 Whidbey Island Nourishes (WIN) has been on a mission to resolve food insecurity for children in the community with over 20,000 free sack lunches each year prepared by a team of volunteers. WIN has partnered with the school district to create a community garden, operated by Cary Peterson, to provide fruit and vegetables for this effort.

Kayla Shorey reaches for a strawberry to add to her fruit skewer.

“Fun with Food,” a 10-week summer camp, culminated with a Gala luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 26 for 50 donors, staff and volunteers. The meal was prepared by the campers with produce harvested from the garden, with guidance from Orchard Kitchen’s Lyn Kiernan and others. The celebratory gala marks the ‘graduation’ of 25 students, ages 5-12.

“Fun with Food” is WIN’s second pilot teaching program, expanding WIN’s programs into teaching children about food in the garden and cooking with that same produce in the kitchen. They learn skills including cooking methods, the importance of nutrition, creativity with foods and the science behind cooking. The results of this pilot further WIN’s efforts to develop educational programs that could be included in the school classrooms.

“We feel that when children see how food grows—tasting fresh beans off the vine and carrots plucked from the fertile soil—they experience life,” said Kristi O’Donnell, program co-coordinator. “In the kitchen, they learn skills to preserve, prepare and present food. These ‘good turns’ of teaching will nurture the kids their entire lives.”

To support and learn more about Whidbey Island Nourishes, visit their website: www.whidbeyislandnourishes.org.

Watermelon hulls with skewer masts make fun sailboats and pirate ships. Barb Schiltz (right) coaches Savanna Allen and Ramiyah Degrace-Kyles: the heavier fruit needs to be engineered at the bottom of the skewers so as not to topple the ship.

Peterson, Ryan Hodges and Jacob Faucher munch fresh carrots, harvested minutes earlier.

Peterson selects the best beans.

The kids decorate tables with fresh fruit, flowers, vegetables and drawings of their favorite activities at the camp. Making “gimy, slimy, gofer guts!!!” topped the list, but fruit pizzas and the bean teepee also rated.

Alohi Elliott strives for perfection.

Hibiscus Tea, prepared and poured by Mary Fisher, WIN founder

Matthew Snyder says he could live for one week in the bean teepee, which will shelter, shade and feed him.

Peterson raises the heavy $10,000 check from WIN to the school district for the garden!

Wilson Castle receives his certificate from Kristi O’Donnell. Tiffany Paine is about to award him with a medallion.

Campers proudly carry the feast in a grand procession from the WIN garden kitchen to the Gala pavilion.

Volunteer Jelcy Romberg pauses among other volunteers, donors and staff as they enjoy the feast of homemade artisan crackers, kale confetti salad, caprese, asian quinoa with ginger dressing and Cary’s garden tacos. Lyn Kiernan from Orchard Kitchen assisted with menu planning and meal preparation.

David Welton is a retired physician, staff photographer (and occasional writer) for Whidbey Life magazine.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

September 2, 2015
Now, and Then || A Home, Lost, Expands the South Whidbey Fire Department

BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 19, 2015

The cry of a distant siren reminds us of our vulnerability, yet reassures us that aid is near those in distress. But it wasn’t always so.

When South Whidbey’s volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1950, the only fire station was in Langley. On a night in Nov. 1953, events on French Road—ten country miles to the south—catalyzed change.

Mary Sue Kinskie, 13, had just put her two younger brothers, Art and Fred, to bed; her mother Susan was working the night shift at White Acres Nursing Home in Freeland. Mary Sue had just settled herself at the kitchen table with her homework when she and her father, Clarence “Tern,” smelled smoke coming from the dining room.

Mary Sue and her brothers, with their scooters beside the house, a year before the fire. (photo courtesy of the family)

Mary Sue rushed to the hand-crank telephone—a party line that served 14 homes. Fortunately, someone at a prayer meeting at the Little Brown Church, just down the hill from the home, answered at the same time as the operator and heard her call for help. The young woman awakened her brothers and, as they fled the house, she tumbled down the front steps, injuring her knee. Her father, an amputee, tried to dowse the flames with a pail of water, but the one-man, one-legged bucket brigade was no match for the growing inferno.

Mary Sue points, on her dollhouse replica, to where the fire began. (photo by David Welton)

The men from the church arrived long before the fire truck; there were rumors of an empty gas tank and a flat tire. They were able to save a few belongings, including the stove, a water heater and, from the basement, a box of dynamite—essential to Tern’s lumber business for the removal of stumps. The house, however, burned to the ground. A firebreak kept the flames back from the tree line.

Mary Sue said one thing she recalls was an elderly neighbor lady who, while the house burned, gave her father a tongue-lashing about the dangers of storing dynamite in the basement—all while she sat right on top of the crate.

The teenager and her brothers spent a sleepless night with neighbors and were sent to school the next day, but with a valid excuse for losing their homework.

The fire truck, barely visible, in 1954 at Dave Mackie Park during the Maxwelton 4th of July festivities. Pictured are Floyd Grubb, Darrell Green, Clay Green, Lincoln Wildes, Lyle Borden, Wayne Hawley, Pat Nourse, Allen Bilderback, John Patton, Randolph Erikson, unknown, Paul Long, Dewey Hoistra, Gus Skarburg. (photo courtesy of George Mills, Maxwelton Valley historian)

The Kinskies had no insurance—forecasting dreary holidays for the family—but the next morning a procession of visitors arrived with gifts of food and clothing. A neighbor allowed the family to stay in his empty guesthouse nearby. Timber was felled and hauled to Green’s Mill at Maxwelton Slough to provide lumber to rebuild the house. A work party soon assembled, and within a year the family was home again.

Everyone agreed it was time for the fire department to expand. A temporary one-bay station was quickly erected on Maxwelton Road and a fire truck acquired. A larger two-bay facility, which stands to this day, rose at the intersection of French and Bailey Roads, just below the Kinskie property.

Mary Sue still lives in the reconstructed house. The rescued water heater still functions in the basement. (photo by David Welton)

Mary Sue got married and moved away, but later returned and still lives in the rebuilt family home where the rescued water heater serves their needs. Looking back, she said “I still chill to this day when recalling the heat of the fire. But, in the long run,” she added “it was a good thing, as it brought the community together.”

Today, she has memories of family and friends and a 1/12th scale replica of the original house. And South Whidbey has a modern, well-equipped fire department with six strategically located stations, numerous fire trucks and even a fire boat. In real life, adversity can lead to happy endings!

Tern and Susan Kinskie along the fence in front of their home, 1938 (photo courtesy of the family)

David Welton is a retired physician, staff photographer (and occasional writer) for Whidbey Life magazine.

“Now, and Then” is an occasional series of historical Whidbey Island photographs paired with contemporary images by David Welton. Read the first story in the series: “Maxwelton 4th of July” here. Contact david@whidbeylifemagazine.org if you have a story to share.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

August 19, 2015
Pigs, Cotton Candy and Rides—Oh My!

PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON AND INTERN EMILY ALEXANDER
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributors
August 12, 2015

It’s a sure sign that summer is in full swing when the Whidbey Island Fair comes to town. If your last weekend was filled with cotton candy, petting farm animals, equestrians, art, music, rides and four days packed full of fun, you might be in some of these photos. If you missed it this year, you’ll want to get your calendar out for next year, because nothing beats a small town fair!

Bubble Butt gets hosed by Joshua Simmons (photo by David Welton)

Roy Fuller, Vancouver WA, relies on lung power; compressors are expensive to repair. (photo by David Welton)

Claire Lawson coaches her hen on the teeter-totter at the Chicken Olympics. (photo by David Welton)

The roller coaster is a scream. (photo by David Welton)

Bagging cotton candy, the health department says sticks are unsanitary. (photo by David Welton)

A young girl proudly negotiates the perils of the big slide. (photo by David Welton)

Genghis Carroll walks his dog Baxter between the Ferris Wheel and the elephant ear concession. (photo by David Welton)

* * *

If you are handed a speeding ticket in Langley, you might get a closer view of this henna tattoo! (photo by Emily Alexander)

Experienced Bunyon Buster shows us how it’s done. (photo by Emily Alexander)

Danny Vernon, voted in the Top Ten in the World as an Elvis impersonator by Elvis Presley Enterprises, gave an amazing show opening night. (photo by Emily Alexander)

The One Man Band blasts off in the fair parade. (photo by Emily Alexander)

Deano the Clown manages to get kids into trash bins—and they seemed to actually enjoy it. (photo by Emily Alexander)

Many compete in the jump rope contest, but none jumped higher than this kid. (photo by Emily Alexander)

Matt Hoar poses for the camera on the Clucky Stage before the chicken show. (photo by Emily Alexander)

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

August 12, 2015
The 2nd Annual Queer Pride Parade is over… and all we got were these photos

PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON and EMILY ALEXANDER
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor and Guest Contributor
August 5, 2015

And then there were two. The 2nd Annual Queer Pride Parade on Whidbey happened under sunny skies in Langley on Sunday Aug. 2.

There was celebration, and rainbow colors were everywhere in downtown Langley for the parade that was organized by Kathryn Morgen and Bonnie Stinson. WLM photographer David Welton was there, and this time he was joined by intern Emily Alexander. WLM is pleased to share both of their photographs in this photo essay.

Emily Alexander is a 17-year old amateur photographer from Ballard. Her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins on her mom’s side (the Littles) live on Whidbey Island and she frequently spends summers on the south end helping her grandparents, working for her grandpa around the farm and spending time with her “awesome family.”

In 2016, Emily will graduate from Ballard High School in Seattle. Her goals are to go to college at Whitman in Walla Walla after high school graduation, become a research psychologist and, of course, continue her photography.

Last summer, during her annual visit to Whidbey, Emily entered some of her photographs in the Fine Arts Photography department at the Whidbey Island Area Fair. She not only won a number of ribbons, but also volunteered as a steward for the photography exhibit. This summer, she has graduated to the position of Superintendent’s Intern, and will be on-site for the duration of the fair. In the meantime, she has spent the summer photographing various island events under the tutelage of David Welton.

These first nine photos are by David Welton.

Matthew Gregory & Travis Reed, newlyweds, shared their beaming smiles.

Charlie Murphy, Grand Master of the 2015 Parade, and his husband. Eric Mulholland.

The Langley United Methodist Church shares the rainbow colors, and mayoral candidate Tim Callison carries a rainbow flag.

Angela Merici from the Sisters of the Mother House of Washington wins for most decorative eyebrows!

Chava Rostov Hill from the 2nd Street Hair Boutique, Kim McLain Oliver and Katie Woodzick (foreground to background)

Valerie Huntington, marching with Island Shakespeare Festival, blows rainbow bubbles.

Matilda the Hunn rocks the color pink this year, and right behind are Bob & Kathy Reim of Skagit PFLAG.

Dyke on Tractor follows a little further behind the traditional starters of the parade, the Dykes on Bikes.

Photo intern Emily Alexander (photo by David Welton)

The photos below are by Emily Alexander

Tisa Seely, the volunteer coordinator at WAIF, winged her way through the parade.

Michael Morgen with Whidbey Children’s Theater shows us the new style of beards with flowers.

2015 Royal Family Member Bristol Branson and her son Branson Bloom ride in the Royal Family boat.

The Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF) marched with two and four legs.

The Langley police managed the parade route and added a touch of pink.

(photo by David Welton)

Whether you sported skates and colorful socks…

or fishnets and pink platforms, everyone was welcomed at the Queer Pride Parade.

Charlie Murphy and Eric Mulholland ride off on their next adventure. Read more in this feature by Katie Woodzick. More on the annual Queer Pride Parade here.

_______________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

August 5, 2015
Looking Back at the Renaissance at the Farm 2015

PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
July 29, 2015

On Saturday July 25, a large crowd attended the first “Renaissance at the Farm” event held at the historic Greenbank Farm. There were theatrics, music, dance, equestrian events, costumes, spinning and weaving, dog events, falconry, and much more. WLM photographer David Welton captured the day through his lens.

The event was organized by the Renaissance at the Farm Committee led by Jerry and Connie Lloyd and they were joined by the international Society for Creative Anachronism, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the preservation, research and recreation of the crafts, arts and experiences of the European Renaissance and Middle Ages. With numerous events and volunteers the event showed us the “then and now” of the Renaissance.

Kimmer Morris performs in front of the historic Greenbank Barn.

Linda Good (far right) and her Island Strings students make music. Courtney Cooke (left), plays guitar with her daughters, Audri on violin and Julia on guitar (in the background). Olive Sichel plays the violin (on the right)

Renaissance attire was prevalent with some notable modern accessories like this fireman’s hat that Olive Sichel wore.

Dan Anderson plays the nyckelharpa with Island Strings.

Attendees watched horses and riders in Renaissance costumes move through their paces in the Renaissance arena. Julie Bloomhall is pictured above and Carol McArdle is in the photo below.

Bryson and Alisoun McCloughen (aka Duchess Angharad, Baroness of Aquaterra), of the Society of Creative Anachronism, turned out in blue.

Steve Layman and his falcon track activity in the sky during Steve’s presentation and demonstration of about the art of falconry.

Kids take some time to play at the more modern playground at the Farm.

The Australian kelpie shows how to stare down a herd of sheep in this herding demonstration.

Madisun Clark-Stern and her husband David enjoy the day on the Farm.

Society for Creative Anachronism member Her Ladyship Kateryn Garnett, (aka Kay Rairigh) demonstrates how to spin at the spinning and weaving demonstration area.

Carol McArdle and her horse show some Renaissance style, a perfect juxtaposition of “then” in the foreground and “now”—a very modern fire truck in the background.

Click here to read Katy Shaner’s story about the event.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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.

July 29, 2015
If you missed Maxwelton’s 100th parade on the 4th of July…

PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 8, 2015

Yes, the Maxwelton Community Club now has it on record—they’ve now officially held ONE HUNDRED Fourth of July parades!

And WLM photographer David Welton was on hand to record it, in case you weren’t able to attend. The annual parade is the single event that Whidbey Island folks most associate with this beachside community. If you’ve never attended, start making plans for next year—to not only show up, but to put yourself smack in the midst of the fun celebration. Form your own contingent of family, friends—or just you, by yourself, and celebrate the Fourth with the community! Here’s some ideas of what you might do to join in…

If you’re gonna march along, bring your own source of shade…and propulsion.

Bashful? Consider camouflaging yourself with patriotic face painting!

Stand tall above the crowds, or plan to swirl around everyone else—like Toni Talia Marcus.

You can’t go wrong if you cover yourself all over in red, white and blue.

Ride your unicycle, bicycle or bring your classic car.

Most people toss treats like candy, but remember—there must be healthy alternatives!

The older your “classic” car is, the better!

Why not create your own band, like these enterprising folks?

It’s the Fourth of July, so it’s really about embracing our patriotism, and sharing in the fun!

What an opportunity for the kids to play!

David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.

__________________

CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

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

July 8, 2015