OLD Whidbey Life Magazine

Category: Community

What’s Happening: Thursday, August 20-Sunday, August 24

SUBMITTED BY KATY SHANER
Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
August 20, 2014

The Visitor Information Kiosk welcomes you to Whidbey Island and the many places to visit while you are on the island. In this handout you will find events and activities happening this weekend.

Since 2008, the Visitor Kiosk has welcomed over 18,000 visitors to Whidbey. The island offers a wealth of activities, places to stay, eateries, shopping and an abundance of the natural environment to enjoy and appreciate.

Whidbey Island, ‘as a crow flies’ is 45 miles long but, by road, about 60 miles. There are public beaches open to visitors, hiking trails, five state parks and even the first of its kind in the whole of the US – the Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve!

So welcome and enjoy your visit. Do come back.

The Visitor Information Kiosk is funded by the Greater Freeland Area and Langley Chambers of Commerce. Prepared by Katy Shaner Manager and Volunteer Coordinator – Visitor Information Kiosk ktshaner@whidbey.com. Contributions from drewslist@whidbey.com and Whidbey Life Magazine www.whidbeylifemagazine.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

CLINTON THURSDAY MARKET Indoor/Outdoor Market at the Clinton Community Hall. Held on Thursdays through August 28 3:30 – 7: p.m. Back by popular demand: Tim Donovan & Ron Rossel. Lesedi African Food and fresh produce. The Lunch Box will be serving up Whidbey Ice Cream in handmade fresh waffle cones! www.clintonthursdaymarket.com. Located 1/4 mile from the ferry on 525.

ISLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL proudly presents “RICHARD III” and “THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.” Weekend schedule:
• Thursday and Saturday “Taming of the Shrew” at 5 p.m.
• Friday and Sunday “Richard III” at 5 p.m. Seating is limited for Richard III. Richard IIIis not appropriate for children under 10.
Admission is FREE! A pass-the-hat donation after each performance supports the program. Dress warmly. Arrive early, allow time to park. House opens at 4:15 p.m. for all performances. No late seating. PLEASE: No toddlers & babes in arms. Under the Big Top tent located at 723 Camano Ave, behind Langley Middle School. www.islandshakespearefest.org Service dogs only, please.

WICA SLAPHAPPY X this Thursday 8 -10 p.m. Michael Nutt Mainstage at WICA. Slaphappy returns to the big stage at WICA, this time celebrating the 10^th year of crime fighting and shenanigans on the Island. Slaphappy is an A Capella Quartet that has been thrilling Island audiences for a decade now. But it’s a comedy show more than a concert. You’ll laugh and cry. 360-221-8262 for tickets! Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Avenue, Langley. info@wicaonline.org and www.wicaonline.org

TROY CHAPMAN GROUP at Ott & Murphy this Thursday from 7-9 p.m. They will play tunes from their current CD “Time and The Hours.” www.troychapman.com. Relax, enjoy the view, have a glass of fine wine and groove to some fine jazz with Troy, Jon Small and Scott Small. Enjoy this special experience with Ott & Murphy Wines in the intimate environs of the O&M Cabaret. Selections from a small plate menu are available. Cover Charge: $9 per person Reservations recommended 360-221-7131. 204 First Street, Langley www.swedehillcellars.com.

BURNING WHIDBOY. OPEN MIC NIGHTthis Friday at 7 p.m. All ages welcome! FREE, with donations accepted. Share your music, poetry, writings, videos, and other performances with the public. Hosted by Kimmer Morris. Please dress warmly for this outdoor event. Bring the family and relax under twilight skies (along with some blankets & pillows!) Burning Whidboy. 625 Edgecliff Dr., Langley. Carl at fiferpig@whidbey.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

DIGGING 4 DINNER This Friday at Double Bluff Beach, Freeland at 7:30 a.m. WSU Island County Beach Watcher Eugene Thrasher has been digging and eating Pacific Northwest clams for more than 50 years. Join Thrasher and the Beach Watcher team this summer on two of Whidbey Island’s best clamming beaches to learn how to dig clams for your dinner. Learn: recreational shellfish harvesting rules and regulations, how to harvest clams safely and sustainably, which clams are best for which recipes. Reservation 360-240-5558 Stinger Anderson stinger.anderson@wsu.edu or www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/

LANGLEY SECOND STREET MARKET 3- 6 p.m. Fridays through September 19. Across the street from Useless Bay Coffee Company. This week at the market we will have an awesomely eclectic mix of farmers, crafters, bakers, florists & great music! Woody Virgil as the market accompaniment. www.langleymainstreet.com.

SUMMER ART TOUR Opening Reception this Friday 5- 7 p.m. at the Coupeville Rec Hall—showcasing the Whidbey Island Arts Community this Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Also next weekend 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Participating Artists from Freeland to Oak Harbor. www.whidbeyworkingartists.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

BAYVIEW FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Bayview Corner. Kim from Pickles Deli is doing a chef demo this week, so gather round and watch while she turns local produce into tasty dishes! picklesdeliwhidbey.comGloria Ferry-Brennan is the musician this week; a violin virtuoso who heads a jazz band. Gloria solos with well-known orchestras across the country. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z6S7Qnq-14 and www.bayviewfarmersmarket.com.

GRAND OPENING this Saturday 10-2. Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique is in their new location at 221 2nd Street in Langley Village. Special Prices – Buy One, Get One FREE! Balloons, Balloons, Balloons! Chocolate-Dipping Stations! Fun! Fun! Fun! Mona’s 360-221-2728 sweetmonas.com.

SHAKIN’ THE VINES Whidbey Island Winery. Pearl Django Returns! Back for their 3rd performance, Pearl Django lights up the vineyard with a history spanning almost two decades. http://www.pearldjango.com. “Pearl Django plays gypsy jazz and they do it with such verve, skill, and pleasure that they’re pretty much irresistible to jazz and non-jazz listeners alike.” —Seattle Weekly Concerts are held on the lawn/orchard in front of the tasting room, with the vineyard creating a beautiful backdrop. Take a blanket and picnic and soak in some tunes. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine. Additional glasses & bottles available throughout the evening. Admission price is $25. Tickets online at brown paper tickets. Winery is at 5237 Langley Rd. www.whidbeyislandwinery.com.Service dogs only, please.

POETRY, WAR & RESOURCES this Saturday at 2 p.m.at CLINTON COMMUNITY HALL 6411 Central Ave. Clinton. Linda Beeman will share poems from “Collateral Damage,” her new book featuring a scrapbook of poems and personalities who confront us with unanswered questions about war, its costs and its rewards. Copies will be available for purchase and signing. Retired Colonel Gregory Stone, the president of the board of directors for the Veterans Resource Center, will share their mission: www.whidbeyvrc.org. Find out how you can support veterans and their families. This free library program is supported by the Friends of the Clinton Library.4781 Deer Lake Road Clinton www.sno-isle.org/locations/clinton 360-341-4280

ROUND THE ROCK this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. -7 p.m. This is a motorcycle and classic car benefit ride that tours the whole island and ends up at Oak Harbor’s VFW for a large community BBQ. Registration starts at the Tyee in Coupeville at 9:30 a.m.. The ride takes you from Clinton to Oak Harbor and stops in-between. You do not have to join the ride to attend the BBQ. The end of the Ride BBQ is all you can eat, hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, teriyaki chicken, sides, desserts, and more. Musical guests are HWY 20 and Jacob’s Road. Raffles prizes and kids events will be held throughout the evening. Benefits RYAN’S HOUSE. www.ryanshouseforyouth.org/Contact Mike Hammett at 360-632-1513.

SPOILED DOG WINERYMusic at the Vineyard this Sunday, from 2 – 4 p.m. “Local Commotion.” Come wander through the vineyards, drink a glass of wine and enjoy the music. Bring a chair. Winery open Friday noon 5 p.m. Saturday 11 – 6 p.m. Sunday noon – 5 p.m. 360-661-6226 for appointments at other times. 5881 Maxwelton Rd, Langley. www.spoileddogwinery.com

7TH ANNUAL BLUEGRASS IN THE GARDENSLose yourself in the rhythms and harmonies offered by some of Whidbey’s favorite bands. • Bluegrass Workshop at 11 a.m. with Faast & Blair • Noon-1:10 p.m. Bayview Sound www.bayviewsound.com • 1:25-2:35 p.m. Me and the Boys www.meandtheboys.com • 2:30-4 p.m. Faast & Blair www.mikefaast.com

Musicians are invited to a jam session after the concert! Event Contact: Kevin Lee 360-661-4978 orca@whidbey.netSound Engineer & Sound System: Barry & Kathy Rix. Admission $15. Children 15 & under free. Dogs on leash welcome. Food & soft drinks available for purchase. 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank www.meerkerkgardens.org 360-678-1912 or 360-222-0121

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

FORT CASEY STATE PARK Concerts at the Lighthouse presents Shifty Sailors. Plus other fun performers — a FREE afternoon concert on the lawn! Admiralty Head Lighthouse 2 – 4 p.m. • Fort Tours at 1 and 2:30 p.m. • Fun Kids Games & Activities! • “From Bluff to Beach” Interpretive Talks! WSU Ext. Beach Watchers • Free Lighthouse Interpretive Center & Gift Shop! AdmiraltyHeadLighthouse@gmail.com360-240-5584 Sponsored by Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse www.admiraltyhead.wsu.edu , Fort Casey State Park & WSU Extension Lighthouse Program of Island County. A Discover Pass is required for all vehicles within the Park.

WAG ‘N’ WALK 2014! This Sunday 11 a.m. -3 p.m.at Greenbank Farm. Join WAIF at Wag ‘n’ Walk for an annual celebration of the adoption efforts of WAIF supporters and more. It’s FREE to attend and everyone is invited (including your canine friends on leash)! Lots of fun games and contests for your canine friends, too. www.wagnwalk.org Merritt Atwood at: 360-331-6264 atwoodjm@whidbey.com

SUNDAY MUSIC AT BLOOMS WINERY TASTE FOR WINE & ART Hear some great Americana Folk with a favorite Texan Russell Clepper and his Muse Sarah Dial Primrose this Sunday. The Muse and Eye will be performing from 3-5 p.m. with original tunes and old favorites. The new art show for July and August is “Clay, Glass and Steam” with the work of Carol Rose Dean of Dean Tile, SteamPunk art by Jacob Bloom and glass jewelry of Sherren Anderson, plus Rust Revival jewelry and more. Bayview Corner Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Rd. www.bloomswinery.com, 360-321-0515.

TILTH FARMERS’ MARKET Cool jazz on the warm summer breeze continues this Sunday. Danny Ward, Whidbey’s premier saxophonist returns to the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market. The market is open from 11 – 2 p.m. with fresh produce, concessions, unique gifts. SNAP cards and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons are welcome. 2812 Thompson Road and Hwy 525. www.southwhidbeytilth.org/market.Look for the scarecrow.

OUR ADVERTISERS HELP THE VISITOR KIOSK WELCOME YOU TO WHIDBEY. PLEASE VISIT THEM WHILE YOU VISIT OUR FAIR ISLE.

Blooms Winery “Taste for Wine”

Whidbey Island Vintners Association

Harbor Inn

WiFire Coffee Bar

Whidbey Telecom

One Spirit Garden

Whidbey Life Magazine

Whidbey Island Bank

CLICK HERE to read more entertaining and informative WLM stories and blogs.

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 18, 2014
Langley’s Soup Box Derby rolls out the laughs

PHOTOS and CAPTIONS BY DAVID WELTON
August 18, 2014

It was a fine day on First Street as the Soup Box Derby contestants raced downhill during the annual Soup Box Derby on Sunday, Aug 17. Since 1972, Langley’s Soup Box Derby has entertained with the innovative car designs and costumes. The streets were lined with spectators and straw bales, the bales being used only one time by local legend Peter Lawlor and his “over-ripe old banana” car. The Whidbey Island Winery won by a barrel and trophies were handed out to all the participants.

Peter hits the straw bales at the end of the course but explains to Gretchen that no straw was injured.

No straw bales were injured in this crash.

Wren Leoshefskie is driving with Alden Allen behind in the Zippy car, Car 13

Colin Campbell is at the wheel of the Bob Bowling drag racer complete with drag chutes and sponsor logos.

Robin Black, Langley’s new city councilwoman, is at the wheel of the black racer.

Siobhan Wright pulls the green car uphill with the help of Wren Leoshefskie and Lila Stack. They were up all night getting the car ready for the race. Tim Leonard built the car and Siobhan decorated it for the race.

Siobhan speeds down the course in the little green racer.

Gary Piper in his “official use” outhouse outruns Bob Bowling’s racer.

Phil Simon’s rig, built on a Formula One chassis, showed some speed.

Peter gets a lift up first street from Noah Stevens.

Noah Stevens gets edged out by the reclined Randy Thompson in yellow in Donkey Hotay.

Luca Fallows and Janoah Spratt prove that two is company, three is a crowd

Elizabeth and Greg Osenbach’s Whidbey Island Winery grape barrel mobile edges out Donkey Hotay to win.

(photo at the top: Village Pizzeria speeds down to the course)

CLICK HERE to read more entertaining and informative WLM stories and blogs.

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 18, 2014
“Burning Whidboy” events continue through August

August 12, 2014

The Burning Whidboy Studio has been created to provide space and opportunity for art, performance, music and alternative creations and will continue holding events throughout August.

This weekend there will be music from Nick Toombs & Matt McDowell 7 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 14. Presenting an evening of adventurous listening, including extended reinterpretations of the music of John Fahey & traditional tunes. Bring the family and relax under twilight skies (along with some blankets & pillows!) Free, donations accepted for Burning Whidboy.

The studio is open for the month of August only, generally between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. We’ll be showing the work of several local artists and will have movement classes, interactive video, music in many forms and more. – Check the Calendar http://tinyurl.com/lzx4eh8 for the details on many events. Click on each item for more details.

The Burning Whidboy Studio is located at 625 Edgecliff Dr, Langley. Contact Carl Magnusson, fiferpig@whidbey.com for further information and to discuss your ideas and involvement.

August 18, 2014
Location, Location, Location: Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program

BY DIANNA MACLEOD
Whidbey Life Magazine contributor
August 13, 2014

What’s true for homebuyers is equally true for writers: place is paramount.

The Captain Whidbey Inn in historic Coupeville on Whidbey Island (all photos by Martha McCartney)

According to novelist Molly Gloss, “The small, essential details of place make the fictional world whole and convincing, as if these particular people could only have performed these particular acts in this particular setting.” Her remarks, delivered at the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Residency Program held at the Captain Whidbey Inn Aug. 4-12, had the writers in attendance nodding their heads and taking notes. The Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program is one of the writing programs offered by the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts (NILA), located on Whidbey Island.

If place is as important as Gloss claims, there’s a kind of genius at work in NILA’s choice of venue. The Captain Whidbey Inn—intriguing, suggestive, evocative—is not unlike a good tale. It contains twists and turns: narrow passageways, blind alleys, innumerable staircases inside and out. It grafts myth to fact: although reputed to be constructed from trunks of the Madrone tree, it’s hard to believe the twisted stems of such trees could produce logs straight enough for building. The Inn’s history is filled with reversals and surprises: today’s front door was originally the back door because in the early 1900’s most guests arrived by boat and entered from Penn Cove. The Inn has what writers call “backstory” and what the rest of us call a past: it formerly served as a boarding house, private residence, post office, general store and girls’ school. The Inn is even reputed to have a hovering presence, a ghost of its own—and it’s not who you might think. Even the name of the Inn has changed—as if the original name, Whid Isle Inn, was a working title abandoned for something better suited to the evolving story. Here in this setting, with its “details of place”—treadle sewing machines, steamer trunks, spinning wheels, crank phone, pump organ—gathered the 57 students enrolled in NILA’s master’s program for ten days of study, discussion and debate about the art and craft of writing.

The origins of the program, a story in itself, begins in 2002 with a five-person team of designers including current director Wayne Ude. They faced the kind of hurdles that keep innovative programs like NILA’s from ever taking off. “I faced mountains of blankety-blank paperwork,” he recalled. But with a doggedness not always typical of the visionary, Ude methodically won the necessary approvals from state, federal, and agency authorities for his hybrid program—part online, part on-the-ground.

“As of this residency’s graduation on August 9th, 52 alumni will have completed the program,” Ude said. “We’re about as large as we ever intend to be.”

Despite its growth, the program has managed to keep a front-and-center focus on a community in which established and aspiring writers encourage and mentor each other.

Nowhere is this more evident than the evening readings held in the Inn’s dining room. Against a backdrop of old mirrors hanging on the wall, students—both new, continuing and about to graduate—read their poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to their peers in an atmosphere of delight, pride, and encouragement—the kind shared by working artisans devoted to their craft. It’s further testament to the program that many graduating students remain in the fold, volunteering their time and skills to improve NILA—expanding social media, refining information technology, spreading the word. In NILA’s case, there are no better ambassadors than the graduates themselves.

Fiction author Doyce Testerman is one such ambassador. An instructional designer in academia and a working writer, Testerman was initially skeptical. “The focus of most MFA programs seems to be turning out teachers of writing,” he observed. “I wanted something focused on living as a writer.” Testerman is exactly the sort of person for whom the program is designed: those with busy lives, families, jobs. Before enrolling, he weighed the sacrifices. “In order to attend the residencies, I’d have to chew up all my vacation time, leave my wife and three kids for periods. Why? My agent and publisher didn’t care if I had an MFA.”

After enrolling in a nine-day residency to sample what NILA had to offer, Testerman signed on. “I knew I would become a better writer. The faculty and students make me want to try harder. When I see what students and grads bring to the readings, I step up my game to match.” The 43-year-old Denver-based author is due to graduate next August.

Fantasy writer Nicole J. Persun is four days into the MFA program. A published writer, the 20-year-old native of Port Townsend was introduced to Wayne Ude five years ago by her father, who is also a writer. “I started my first novel at the age of 13,” she recalled. “When I was very young, my father made up bedtime stories with me.” In fact, Persun’s final project for her bachelor’s degree was a comparison of actual events in the life of her father, Terry Persun, and events in the fictional lives of his characters. Because NILA is in her own Northwest backyard, Persun hesitated before applying. Her association with Ude helped tip the scales. “Wayne has seen my development as a writer,” she said. Affordability was also a factor. “I decided not to go $100,000 into debt for a two-year degree.” Active in several writers’ associations as a board member and/or instructor, Persun had ample opportunity to compare MFA programs, both on paper and through word of mouth, before settling on NILA. “It was my first and foremost choice,” she said.

Former cop Craig Anderson is the first veteran to be enrolled in the program. After 26 years in the military, Anderson enrolled in Eastern Washington University to develop his writing skills. Upon submitting a short story and a chapter from his novel-in-progress (“Alone Against the Dead” featuring a retired military cop as protagonist), Anderson was accepted by NILA. Together with Ude, Anderson had to climb the “mountains of blankety-blank paperwork” to ensure the 9-11 GI Bill would cover his tuition. But he considers it well worth his time. “I’m a native of Spokane. I don’t have to move, I don’t have to uproot my life. This program works for working people.” After 15 years in public relations, 55-year-old Carla Sameth knows the power of image and the potency of story. Teaching others to write memoir has reinforced that knowledge. “For years I’ve been helping other people tell their stories; now I want to tell my own,” she said of her reasons for enrolling in NILA’s MFA program. A resident of California, Sameth plans to write about her own experiences as well as continue to help others—community college students, youth, incarcerated populations—write about theirs.

Although Jim Gearhart, 48, is a student in the MFA program, he is also about to become editor-in-chief of NILA’s biannual magazine, “Soundings Review.” Like Testerman, Gearhart “test drove” the program by enrolling in a residency in the summer of 2012, hoping to learn more about his chosen genres: fantasy, science fiction, nonfiction and essay. “I’d taken online courses and felt there was something missing,” he recalls. “Here at the NILA residency, the morning workshop is a turbo-charged writing group.” He also likes the opportunity NILA provides for students to continue to react to each other’s work online after the residency has ended.

“The atmosphere here is incredibly supportive,” commented Gearhart. “There’s no feeling of competition. You learn from your fellow students. We’re in it together.”

Gearhart’s sentiments are widely shared. “The people involved in NILA are a large quirky family,” added Testerman. “We keep track of each other, of our personal bogeymen.” It’s just as Molly Gloss said: these people could only have written these words in this setting. All together, at the Captain Whidbey Inn, in early August 2014.

One can’t help but feel that the ghost drifting up and down the twisted staircases of “Whid Isle Inn” would agree.

For more information about the MFA program, NILA’s individual residencies, or the October Whidbey Island Writers Conference visit nila.edu. To learn more about the writers mentioned in this article, visit their individual websites.

(All photos of the Captain Whidbey Inn by Martha McCartney)

_________________________

Dianna MacLeod received her journalism degree from the University of Michigan and is an alumnae of Hedgebrook writing retreat for women. Under the critical eye of her Whidbey Island writing group, she hopes to complete her novel, “Sainted,” in 2015.

CLICK HERE to read more entertaining and informative WLM stories and blogs.

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 13, 2014
Koncert for Kalob at Click Music Saturday, August 16

August 13, 2014

Kalob Tatum, scheduled to attend Manhattan School of Music on a violin scholarship in the Fall, sustained a serious head injury in an accident last month. Kalob’s musician friends will send good vibes his way as the community comes together with KONCERT for KALOB in support of Kalob Tatum and his family in this time of recovery.

The concert will be Saturday, August 16, 2014, 7:00 pm at Click Music, 1130 NE 7th Ave, Oak Harbor. Please contact Avi at Click Music 360-675-5544, if you would like to perform, donate or help in any other way. Invite your friends!

August 13, 2014
What’s Happening: Thursday, August 14-Sunday, August 17
SUBMITTED BY KATY SHANER
Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
August 13, 2014

The Visitor Information Kiosk welcomes you to Whidbey Island and the many places to visit while you are on the island. In this handout you will find events and activities happening this weekend.

Since 2008, the Visitor Kiosk has welcomed over 18,000 visitors to Whidbey. The island offers a wealth of activities, places to stay, eateries, shopping and an abundance of the natural environment to enjoy and appreciate.

Whidbey Island, ‘as a crow flies’ is 45 miles long but, by road, about 60 miles. There are public beaches open to visitors, hiking trails, five state parks and even the first of its kind in the whole of the US – the Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve!

So welcome and enjoy your visit. Do come back.

The Visitor Information Kiosk is funded by the Greater Freeland Area and Langley Chambers of Commerce. Prepared by Katy Shaner Manager and Volunteer Coordinator – Visitor Information Kiosk ktshaner@whidbey.com. Contributions from drewslist@whidbey.com and Whidbey Life Magazine www.whidbeylifemagazine.org

THURSDAY AUGUST 14^th

CLINTON THURSDAY MARKET Indoor/Outdoor Market at the Clinton Community Hall. Held on Thursdays through August 28^th 3:30 – 7:00. This Thursday music by Quinn Fitzpatrick. Kevin Lungren, avid outdoorsman, will share 10 essentials for Salmon fishing on our Whidbey shores. Lesedi African Food plus fresh produce. www.clintonthursdaymarket.com. Located 1/4 mile from the ferry on 525.

ISLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL proudly presents “RICHARD III” and“THE TAMING OF THE SHREW”. Weekend schedule:
- Thursday and Saturday “Richard III” at 5:00.
- Friday and Sunday “Taming of the Shrew” at 5:00.
Seating is limited for Richard III. Richard IIIis not appropriate for children under 10. Admission is FREE! A pass-the-hat donation after each performance supports the program. Dress warmly. Arrive early, allow time to park. House opens at 4:15 for all performances. No late seating. PLEASE: No toddlers & babes in arms. Under the Big Top tent located at 723 Camano Ave, behind Langley Middle School. www.islandshakespearefest.org. Service dogs only, please.

TRIO NOUVEAU QUARTET plays at 6-8:30 this Thursday atPrima Bistro featuring Keith Bowers and Troy Chapman playing lyrical swing guitar accompanied by Kristi O’Donnell on upright bass. Enjoy the French inspired cuisine paired with music of Trio Nouveau. www.kristio.comPrima Bistro 201½ First Street, Langley www.primabistro.com. 360-221-4060

BURNING WHIDBOY Music from Nick Toombs & Matt McDowell this Friday 7 – 8:00. Presenting an evening of adventurous listening, including extended reinterpretations of the music of John Fahey & traditional tunes. Bring the family and relax under twilight skies (along with some blankets & pillows!) Free, donations accepted for Burning Whidboy. 625 Edgecliff Dr., Langley. Carl at fiferpig@whidbey.com.

FRIDAY AUGUST 15^th

LANGLEY SECOND STREET MARKET 3 – 6:00 Fridaysthrough September 19. Located between City Hall and the veterinary hospital on 2^nd St.The market will host a number of favorite and rotating vendors – fresh organic produce, arts and crafts, handmade items, wood products, a masseuse and musicians. www.langleymainstreet.com

CASCADIA IRISH MUSIC WEEK CONCERT this Friday at 8:00. Camp Casey Auditorium A 1276 Engle Rd., Coupeville. Cascadia Irish Music Week returns for its second year on Whidbey Island. Some of the finest Irish musicians in the world will be on Whidbey Island teaching and performing. The Friday night Instructors’ Concert is open to the public. Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com/event/779362. This will be a fantastic concert featuring all the instructors at the camp, most of whom are traveling from Ireland to teach at Cascadia Irish Music Week. Last year’s concert sold out, so please either pre-purchase tickets or check our website on the day of the show for availability at the door. More information: http://www.cascadiairish.org. Questions? Diane Murphy at: diane@cascadiairish.org.

SATURDAY AUGUST 16^th

SHAKIN’ THE VINES Whidbey Island Winery. Summer Concert SerieswithMassey Ferguson at 6:00. Back by popular demand, Massy Ferguson is sure to wow with their energetic sound! Also known as “The People’s Band,” this roots Americana quartet combines steady, blue collar alt-country with Southern rock and an every-man ethos that has helped them land gigs all over the world! Concerts are held on the lawn/orchard in front of the tasting room, with the vineyard creating a beautiful backdrop. Take a blanket and picnic and soak in some tunes. Tickets www.brownpapertickets.com/event/674271. Admission price at $20 includes a free glass of wine. 5237 Langley Rd. www.whidbeyislandwinery.com 360-221-2040. Service dogs only, please.

WHIDBEY ISLAND TRIATHLON Start 10:00 Road Restrictions for Whidbey Island Triathlon. The following road restrictions will be in effect to facilitate the safety of runners & bicyclists.

8:00 – 9:45 Lakeside Dr. one way only (northwest-bound) between Traverse Rd. & Pintail Rd. (no street parking except select volunteers). • 9:45 – 11:45 Traverse Rd. and Lakeside Dr. closed • 10:15 – 12:30 Limited turns from Bayview Rd. onto Andreason Rd. • 10:00 – 12:30 DeBruyn Rd. closed between Saratoga Rd. and 3rd Street • 10:00 – 12:30 Second St. closed between Park & DeBruyn

Drivers will also encounter runners & bicyclists using the following routes from 10 – 2:00:

• Lone Lake Rd. between Andreason Rd. and Saratoga Rd. • Goss Lake Rd. between Traverse Rd. and Lone Lake Rd. • Saratoga Rd. between Lone Lake Rd. and Park Rd. • DeBruyn Rd. between Saratoga Rd. and 3rd St. • 3rd St./Brooks Hill Rd./Bayview Rd. between DeBruyn Rd. and Andreason Rd. • Park Rd. between Saratoga Rd. and Camano Rd. • Camano Avenue/Langley Rd. between Park Rd. and Sports Complex Park • Maxwelton Rd. between Langley Rd. and South Whidbey High School Drivers are asked to exercise extreme caution along these routes. South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District apologizes in advance for any inconvenience the road restrictions may cause & appreciates the public’s patience during this annual event. Questions? Contact the District Office at: 360-221-5484. www.swparks.org

MASTER OF THE GREENS GOLF TOURNAMENT Island Greens and D-Up Delivery Service proudly present this Saturday or Sunday. 18 holes Straight-up Golf9 – 5:00 Free Giveaways, Prizes, and Trophies! Free Island Greens T-shirt, Sponsors on every tee, DJ Music! Registration upon arrival: $35 registration fee. Open Dawn to Dusk 7 Days a Week Island Greens 3890 French Road, Clinton 360-579-6042. www.whidbeyislandgreens.com

BAYVIEW FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays from 10 – 2 at Bayview Corner. All the summer crops are flooding into the market now, and August is Farmers’ Market Month, so make a special effort to attend and support local! www.bayviewfarmersmarket.com

WHIDBEY CAMANO LAND TRUST 30TH ANNIVERSARY Explore & Play: Family-Friendly Celebration of the Land! Salmon BBQ – Mweya Marimba Band – Inspirational Speaker, Martin LeBlanc of the Children & Nature Network – Activities & Guided Tours. 2 – 5:30. Camp Casey Picnic Area, Coupeville $10/Individual and $25/Family. Information & to register, please visit: www.wclt.org Pre-registration by August 8, 2014 is required. Please contact Janelle Castro with questions: 360-222-3310 janelle@wclt.org Whidbey Camano Land Trust 765 Wonn Road, Barn C-201, Greenbank

CLUB CLYDE Brian Moote Returns to Club Clyde with fellow stand-up comic Geoff Keith this Saturday at 10:00. All tickets to the show are $10 festival seating. Doors will open at 9:30. Advance tickets can be purchased at The Clyde at night or at either The Taproom at Bayview or at Wander on Whidbey in Langley (closed Tuesdays). 217 First Street, Langley 360-221-5525. www.theclyde.net

OTT & MURPHY WINERY presents “Siri Plays Solo” at 6:45 & 8:15. Come join Siri Bardarson as she performs her out-of-the-box cello thing! More info at: www.siribardarson.com Enjoy this special experience with Ott & Murphy Wines in the intimate environs of the O&M Cabaret. Selections from a small plate menu are available. Cover Charge: $9 per person Reservations recommended (360) 221-7131. 204 First Street, Langley www.swedehillcellars.com

SUNDAY AUGUST 17^th

SOUP BOX DERBY this Sunday Registration: 9:00 Races Start: 10:00. Bring a racer or bring the family and enjoy the fun on First St in Langley. Entry fee per vehicle: $25 Adult Division, Children’s Division, & Seniors. Entries restricted to 32 vehicles. Every entry receives a trophy. Entries must comply with Rules and Regulations, sign a Release of Liability and Informed Consent document. Applications available at: Langley City Hall or Langley Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by the Langley Community Club Langley. Questions? 360-221-4188

SING-A-LONG AT TAHOMAZEN MONASTERY 4th Community Concert this Sunday, at 2:00 6499 Wahl Road, Freeland. Bring your blanket, lawn chair, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and loud singing voice to shout out Peace, Love, and Justice. Song sheets will be provided. This is a Benefit for the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center. Questions? Dairin 360- 331-4142. onedropzen.org/community/usa/tahoma_sogenji

SUNDAY MUSIC AT BLOOMS WINERY TASTE FOR WINE & ART Listen to the sounds of Baby Bahia, great jazz with a little Latin style. The new art show for July and August is “Clay, Glass and Steam” with the work of Carol Rose Dean of Dean Tile, SteamPunk art by Jacob Bloom and glass jewelry of Sherren Anderson, plus Rust Revival jewelry and more.Bayview Corner Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Rd. www.bloomswinery.com 360-321-0515

TILTH FARMERS’ MARKET Kevin Lungren of the Whidbey Island Fishing Club will offer fishing and crabbing tips at the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market from 11:00 to 1: 30 this Sunday. He’s ready to share techniques, answer questions and make suggestions. Lungren is president of the Fishin’ Club which meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the M-Bar-C Ranch. Danny Ward performs soothing jazz. The market is open from 11 – 2 with fresh produce, concessions, unique gifts. SNAP cards and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons are welcome. www.southwhidbeytilth.org/market 2812 Thompson Road and Hwy 525. Look for the scarecrow.

GREENBANK FARM DOG & PONY SHOW this Sunday 12 – 4:00 FREE & very family friendly! Coordinated by Jerry and Connie Lloyd to highlight their merry band of friends, dogs and horses. Galleries, shops and café will all be open as well, and the trails are ever present, waiting for you to spend time with them. 360-678-7700. 765 Wonn Road
Greenbank gbfarm@greenbank.com

OUR ADVERTISERS HELP THE VISITOR KIOSK WELCOME YOU TO WHIDBEY. PLEASE VISIT THEM WHILE YOU VISIT OUR FAIR ISLE.

Blooms Winery “Taste for Wine”

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Harbor Inn

WiFire Coffee Bar

Whidbey Telecom

One Spirit Garden

Whidbey Life Magazine

Whidbey Island Bank

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August 13, 2014
Paul Schell Send-off Procession and Memorial Service

August 13, 2014

Everyone is invited to celebrate the life of Paul Schell on Thursday, August 14. The celebration begins with a New Orleans’ style procession through First and Second Streets in Langley, followed by a service and reception at WICA, 565 Camano Ave.

The Procession begins at 1:30pm at the Inn at Langley and proceeds through First Street, turns right on Second Street, turns right on Anthes, and turns right again for one last pass through First Street. Please feel free to step into the procession at any time. The motorcade will continue to WICA, where everyone is invited to join the meet-and-greet gathering in Zech Hall.

Paul’s memorial service will follow in the Michael Nutt Mainstage Theatre. Extra seating will be provided in Zech Hall. A reception follows the service in Zech Hall, with hors d’ oeuvres and libations provided by local Langley restaurants.

For more information see the WICA website.

August 13, 2014
Come Graze on the Prairie with Me
BY VICKY BROWN
August 12, 2014

The Friends of Ebey’s will hold a fundraising dinner this Saturday, August 16 at the picturesque Historic Smith Barn at Willowood Farm on Ebey’s Prairie. Proceeds will benefit Whidbey’s own Ebey’s Landing Historic Reserve.

Willowood Farm on Ebey’s Prairie (photo credit David Welton)

Donating her efforts for this fabulous affair is Renee Erickson. The Renee Erickson. The James Beard-nominated chef and devotee of fresh, local food.

Because I’m providing the cheese for the event (insider tip: our Little Brown Farm Caprine Cream Chevre will be there along with copious amounts of Ugly Butter), I had the perfect excuse to call Renee.

“This is a great opportunity for people to support the fantastic things going on at the Prairie,” Renee said.

Renee already supports agriculture on Ebey’s Prairie, using tons (literally) of produce grown on the Prairie at her restaurants and hundreds of pounds of dairy products made from animals thriving on a diet of prairie hay.

Chef Renee has quite the culinary feast planned for the lucky supporters of the fundraiser. She mentioned braised and grilled short ribs prepared with compound (Ugly) butter from Little Brown Farm and garlic and thyme from Willowood Farm.

There will be potatoes—also from Ebey’s Prairie—flavored with, you guessed it, garlic!

A crop of garlic hangs at Willowood Farm (photo courtesy of Willowood Farm)

I can guarantee there will be no vampires on the Prairie this Saturday.

If you think I will be spilling all the beans (ooh, like Rockwell beans and mussel salad, dang it!), I won’t.

Just as I won’t hint at the appearance of a special private reserve aged goat cheese or a special item from Willowood that Renee mysteriously refers to as similar to a “seabean.”

I may be lousy at keeping secrets, but I promise there are still plenty of surprises left for the evening.

This meal, prepared especially to raise funds for Ebey’s Prairie, will include many of the fresh foods grown right in the soil of the Prairie; the idea warms my heart. As a “milkmaid” who uses hay harvested on Ebey’s Prairie to feed my goats, I’m honored to be a part of this feast, both as a diner and a producer.

The tickets are limited to 100; at the time of this post, only a few remained. The cost of a ticket is $200; because so much of the food and talent is being donated, a large portion of the ticket price will go directly to the Friends of Ebey’s fund.

If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation to this worthy cause. If you are able, consider treating yourself to an exquisite meal while supporting a fabulous cause.

Renee Erickson, chef and owner of The Whale Wins (photo courtesy of The Whale Wins)

Your local farmers, and anyone who loves the open spaces and wide skies of the prairie, will thank you.

World-class chef Renee Erickson is responsible for the culinary delights of
She is also now a published author with “A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus: Menus and Stories” available in September at this Amazon link.

Vicky Brown, Chief Milkmaid at the Little Brown Farm, puts her passions on the page writing about food, agriculture and the tender web of community.

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August 12, 2014
Whidbey Island’s First Pride parade

BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Photographer
August 11, 2014

WLM photographer David Welton was on hand to photograph the first Pride parade on Sunday, August 10 in Langley.

August 11, 2014
Jubilation in the Streets: Whidbey Island’s First Pride Parade

Queer Pride Poster (design by Dane Herforth)

BY KATIE WOODZICK
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 7, 2014

On May 15, Kathryn Lynn Morgen was filling out an online survey. She voted for Whidbey Island as her favorite island in North America and then clicked on the “share this on Facebook” button. She added two words to her post: Island Pride!

These two words would be the inspiration for Whidbey Island’s First Pride Parade. Kathryn did her research and found, to her surprise, that there was not already a parade on island celebrating the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning community and their allies. Exhilarated, she went to work finding a date and applying for the necessary permits.

But could she pull it off in less than three months?

Never underestimate what a small, dedicated group of artists can create. Kathryn quickly enlisted the help of her then fiancé, now husband, Michael Morgen and Bonnie Stinson.

All three of the event organizers are affiliated with local arts organizations. Kathryn works with Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Michael works with Whidbey Children’s Theatre and can be seen under the Island Shakespeare Festival Tent this summer, and Stinson works with Hedgebrook.

The parade will be a celebration of self-expression, Kathryn explained.

“It’s not just gay or straight, male or female,” she said. “We are creating new pronouns. We are experiencing a massive shift in consciousness about the way we express our identities and the Queer Pride Parade is here to honor that.”

Rainbow flag (photo by Ludovic Bertron)

The parade will start at the top of Cascade Avenue in Langley at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 10 and loop through downtown. Grand Marshal for this event is Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer, who was a driving force in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Attendees can expect a rich landscape of pageantry—from motorcycles to musicians, arts organizations with floats as well as individuals marching in the parade.

“There is a rich history of queer identity intersecting with the arts,” Stinson said. “For so long, because of societal expectations, the queer community used underground zines, coded music, visual art and salon-style performance spaces to tell their stories when the mainstream stage wasn’t available to them. We are especially excited to see who comes out of the woodwork here on Whidbey from within the arts community. We have so many talented artists and arts organizations of all stripes here, and the beautiful expression of self is something that we can all stand behind.”

The community is not only encouraged to attend, but also to participate. Pre-registration is available on the parade’s website and registration will also be available the day of the event starting at noon.

Stinson enthusiastically detailed all the actions that community members can take to support the parade:

“You can attend the parade and clap for the participants! You can buy a t-shirt and wear it proudly (all proceeds go back into the event). You can tell your various communities (churches, music groups, reading groups, small businesses, neighborhoods) about this event and why it’s personally important to you, and organize a group to walk in the parade. You can volunteer to help out on parade day. You can seek out the stories and art of queer people and share them with your communities!

For more information on the Queer Pride Parade on Whidbey Island, please visit http://www.queerparade.com/.

Questions? Email mailto:queerparade@whidbey.com.

Image at top: Kathryn Lynn Morgen (photo by Bonnie Stinson)

Katie Woodzick works at Hedgebrook as an External Relations Manager. She is also an actor and director who can be seen on local stages. She is excited to play Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods,” opening October 10 at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.

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August 6, 2014