The Poppybank Gallery, a gallery in Langley specializing exclusively in photographic art, is hosting a photography contest with the theme of “The Pacific Northwest.” Photographers are encouraged to submit their photos via the gallery’s Facebook page, where the Photo Contest link can be found. A direct link to the entry form is http://bit.ly/pnwpbg.
“We’ve had lots of enthusiastic photographers enter our gallery looking to ‘talk shop’,” says gallery manager Leslie Evans. “We thought this could be a fun way to reach out to both the local and greater community and let them show us their talent.”
Contest entrants must be 18 years of age or older. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2014. Evans and her co-owner/husband, photographer Christopher Evans, will narrow the submissions to a set of semi-finalists with the grand-prize winner to be chosen by public vote on Facebook or at the gallery. The winning photo will be professionally printed and framed, then displayed at The Poppybank Gallery during late August.
Business hours for The Poppybank Gallery are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). They are regular participants in Langley’s First Saturday Art Walks from 5 to 7 p.m.
Our 11th annual Lavender Festival is bringing back wine and music for your enjoyment. Relax walking the lavender fields, then sit back and sip some local wines and listen to music. Want to learn how to make a lavender wreath or a lavender wand? This year we have booths with lavender craft activities, a children’s activity booth, and a wide variety of art booths by fabulous local artists. Oh, and did we mention food? You will find an amazing array of tasty treats for any palate.
You don’t need tickets to come. Free Parking, if you are nice to the parking attendants!
SUBMITTED BY CHRISTY KORROW Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
July 14, 2014
Hop on your bicycle or take a drive through the countryside to explore Whidbey Island’s many roadside farm stands and stores.
The new Whidbey Island Roadside Farm Stand and Farm Store Directory lists 21 farm stands, tucked into nooks and crannies throughout our island and stretching from Clinton all the way to Deception Pass. The farms range from well-established farms such as the 116-year-old Case Farm north of Oak Harbor to well-known farms such as 3 Sisters, which now has an on-farm store in Coupeville, to newer stands such as Ebb Tide Produce in Bayview and the Market Garden at the Anderson Farm right in the city limits of Langley.
The colorful new guide is a collaboration between Whidbey Island Friends of Food and Farming (WIFFF) and Goosefoot. WIFFF is a loosely-knit group of local food activists who care about increasing the prosperity of our local food economy. In February, the group convened a meeting of island farmers at the Bayview Cash Store so that local growers could share their successes and challenges. The Roadside Farm Stand and Farm Store Directory was created in response to farmers who emphasized the need for Whidbey Islanders to increase the amount of produce they purchase from local farms.
The variety of goods available at our island farm stands and farm stores is diverse, and a friendly legend indicates what might be for sale at each location, along with seasonal availability. You’ll find vegetables, meats, berries, eggs, flowers and dairy products. Pumpkin patches, you-pick berry farms and the six farmers’ markets throughout the island are also listed in the guide. Addresses of each farm stand and market are included, along with a few tips or “Rules of the Road” such as—remember to bring cash and small change, since many of the stands are honor-system-based with a secure cash box and well-marked prices.
In addition to providing us with fresh, nutritious food, the benefits of a thriving local farm and food economy are many: farmers maintain our watershed, protect land from development and provide us with food security.
Ebb Tide Produce, Bayview corner (photo courtesy of WIFFF)
The Whidbey Roadside Farm Stand and Farm Store Directory reminds us that island-grown food is available every day at our many farm stands, not just on weekends at the Farmers’ Markets. This fun tool will help guide you and your family off the beaten path while stocking up on Whidbey Island’s fresh, local bounty at the same time!
Would you like to help distribute copies of the directory? If so, please contact: Marian at mailto:info@goosefoot.org.
WIFFF members include: Judy Feldman (Greenbank Farm), Carol Flax (Clinton Thursday Market), Christy Korrow (editor and farm wife), Marian Myszkowski (Goosefoot), Vicki Robin (author) and Sandy Whiting (Goosefoot).
Image at top: Greenbank Farm (photo courtesy of WIFFF)
_________________
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.
SUBMITTED BY KATY SHANER
Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
July 16, 2014
“WHAT’S HAPPENING”
THURSDAY – SUNDAY
JULY 17 – JULY 20, 2014
VISITOR INFORMATION KIOSK
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
The cast of “Earnest”
THURSDAY, JULY 17
ISLAND SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL proudly presents “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde. The first production is from the newly formed Classic Conservatory for Young Adults. This Wednesday – Friday at 5 p.m. Admission is FREE! A pass-the-hat donation after each performance supports the program. Under the Big Top located at 723 Camano Ave. behind Langley Middle School. www.islandshakespearefest.org
CONCERTS IN THE PARK Free live music at Community Park. Cranberry Bog Bluegrass Band (Bluegrass/Americana) will be performing this Thursday 6:30 – 8 p.m. 5495 Maxwelton Road, Langley. Picnics welcome, concessions available. South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District. www.swparks.org
CLINTON THURSDAY MARKET held on Thursdays through August 28, 3:30 – 7 p.m. Indoor/Outdoor Market at the Clinton Community Hall. Located on Hwy 525 about 1/4 mile from the ferry. clintonthursdaymarket.com and info@clintonthursdaymarket.com
LANGLEY WHALE CENTER Orca Network’s Langley Whale Center celebrates and shares the lives of gray whales, orcas and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea. Orca Network’s programs include the Whale Sighting Network, Education programs, the Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the project to retire L pod whale Tokitae/Lolita. from the Miami Seaquarium. Thursdays – Sundays 11 – 5 p.m. 117 Anthes, Langley 360-331-3543 www.OrcaMonth.com
FRIDAY, JULY 18
LANGLEY SECOND STREET MARKET 3 – 6 p.m. through September 19. Located between City Hall and the veterinary hospital.The market will host a number of the favorite vendors plus some fun new items with a variety of products and some rotating vendors—fresh organic produce, arts and crafts, handmade items, wood products, a masseuse and musicians. www.langleymainstreet.com Contributed by drewslist@whidbey.com.
Gabe Harshman, Max Cole-Takanikos and Teresa McElhinny get into the hijinks of Christopher Durang’s “Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them.” It opens July 11 at OutCast in Langley. / Photo by Jim Carroll
OUTCAST PRODUCTIONS presents Christopher Durang’s absurdist comedy “Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them.” The show runs through Saturday, July 26. Durang turns political humor upside down with this raucous and provocative satire about America’s growing homeland “insecurity.” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $14 for students/seniors and $18 for adults. 819 Camano Ave. Whidbey Fairgrounds Black Box Theater www.outcastproductions.netBrown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/733769 or reserve tickets by emailing ocp@whidbey.com.
THE HOT CLUB OF TROY, celebrating the Spirit of Django Reinhardt, is playing this Friday at Ott & Murphy 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Join guitarists Troy Chapman and Keith Bowers, accompanied by bassist Kristi O’Donnell, for an evening of swinging, lyrical, gypsy jazz. Cover charge $10. www.kristio.com. Reservations recommended. Ott & Murphy Winery Tasting Room, 204 First Street, Langley. 360-221-7131
SATURDAY. JULY 19
CLUB CLYDE presents “A Hard Day’s Night” 50th Anniversary showing of this Beatle’s Classic at 10 p.m. this Saturday. $10 (cash or check only) and can be purchased at The Clyde Theater from 8-10 p.m. 217 First Street, Langley 360-221-5525. www.theclyde.net
SPOILED DOG WINERY presents Music at the Vineyard this Saturday with Skinny Tie: Fran & Brad from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy a glass or bottle of wine and sit outside and enjoy the music. Bring your own chair. Spoiled Dog Winery open Friday noon- 5 p.m., Saturday 11 – 6 p.m., Sunday noon – 5 p.m. Anytime the gate is open. 360-661-6226 for appointments at other times. 5881 Maxwelton Rd, Langley. www.spoileddogwinery.com
NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY will be hosting an Open House, 5K Run this Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is an opportunity for the public to learn about past, current, and future operations at the Navy’s only air station in the Pacific Northwest. A 5K run along the base’s flight line will be held at 9 a.m. with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. Aircraft displays include the EA-18G Growler, EA-6B Prowler, P-3C Orion and MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter. Visual displays, guided bus tours, and a K-9 Working Dog demonstration. All guests will enter onto Ault Field via Charles Porter Gate, located just west of the Ault Field and Goldie Road intersection. All visitors over the age of 18 are required to have state or government issued identification for access to the base. Information: www.facebook.com/NASWhidbeyIsland
SUNDAY, JULY 20
TILTH FARMERS’ MARKET Enjoy music, food and community. Singer and songwriter, Sommer Harris, performs her original songs this Sunday. Her work is her own styling influenced by other women artists; it sets a mood and tells a story. Experience this local talent while shopping for local food, flowers and gifts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Concessions and children’s activities are part of the market experience. SNAP cards and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons are welcome. 2812 Thompson Road, PO Box 252, Langley, WA 98260. market@southwhidbeytitlh.org and www.southwhidbeytilth.org/market
SUNDAY MUSIC AT BLOOMS WINERY TASTE FOR WINE & ART Enjoy the wonderful original tunes of Jim Castaneda 3 to 5 p.m. this Sunday. You may have seen him on stage at WICA and Whidbey Playhouse and his talent is amazing. No cover, no minimum. Just fabulous wines and great music! 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. Hours: Thursday noon to 5 p.m., Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m., Monday noon to 5 p.m. Bayview Corner Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Rd. Langley. www.bloomswinery.com, 360-321-0515
“Glad Tidings,” watercolor by Kay Parsons
ROB SCHOUTEN GALLERY presents paintings by Kay Parsons, “Watercolors in the Garden,” a water colored wonderland of botanical delight,s which runs through July 30. Parsons paints close-ups of flowers and garden life that are rich in “aromatic exuberance.” Weekends: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank, info@robschoutengallery.com 360-222-3070.
OTT & MURPHY WINERY proudly presents The Riveting Rosies 6:30 & 8:15 p.m. By popular demand, the Riveting Rosies return to Ott & Murphy! They are a creamy, tight-harmony girl trio of curvaceous crooners who sing Golden Age tunes with an intoxicating sound in pert, sassy, vintage pin-up style. The Rosies are: Jenny d’Armand, Billie Wildrick, Candice Donehoo and pianist Katherine Strohmaier. Enjoy award winning Ott & Murphy wines and selections from a small-plate menu in the Cozy Cabaret. Cover Charge: $12 per person. Reservations recommended. Winery Tasting Room 204 First Street, Langley, www.swedehillcellars.com, 360-221-7131
OUR ADVERTISERS HELP THE VISITOR KIOSK WELCOME YOU TO WHIDBEY. PLEASE VISIT THEM WHILE YOU VISIT OUR FAIR ISLE.
PHOTOS BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Photographer
July 5, 2014
Whidbey Life Magazine photographer David Welton attended the Maxwelton Parade on the 4th of July and shared his images with us. Whidbey Life Magazine was there and it was a beautiful day full of festivities, cheering and candy throwing! Thanks to all for putting on a great community parade!
BY DIANNA MacLEOD
PHOTOS BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributors
July 2, 2014
On the last Saturday of June, more than 800 people toured five “patches of paradise” during the Whidbey Island Garden Tour.
The event requires a full year of planning by the Garden Tour board and an entire day of participation by the 120 volunteers serving as parkers, greeters and docents. Along with the board and phalanx of volunteers, the garden tour has both friends and patrons—local businesses and individuals who regularly pledge their expertise and financial support.
The first tour in 1995 was organized by campaigners attempting to save Saratoga Woods; to this day, the proceeds of the garden tour are donated to local charities.
“We try for a variety of gardens to put on display, from postage stamp to grand, new to mature, sun to shade,” said WIGT President Penny Harger. “Over the years we’ve acquired all the gear needed for event parking, so we lend it out to the Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade and the Chicken Coop Tour. It’s all about community!”
If you missed the tour, here’s your chance to walk down the garden path—albeit virtual. After you’ve taken the tour, mark your calendar for next year’s event. For more information, visit www.wigt.org or call 360-321-4191.
___________________
Cynthia Tilkin
The breathtaking views of Saratoga Passage from “Bluff Bliss” are enhanced by tall trees, raised beds and sunny stretches of lawn. Native vegetation, artfully pruned by owner Cynthia Tilkin, is viewed against a backdrop of stone walls, benches and ponds. The garden is designed with an eye to outdoor entertaining and quiet contemplation.
Tom and Robin Callison
The in-town garden of Tom and Robin Callison is a backyard getaway that displays an array of plant material suitable for the small-scale cottage garden. The owners’ love of art and poetry is evident in the sculpture and plaques—including the lyrics to John Lennon’s “Imagine”—found in the garden.
Carol Livers
Nestled deep in the forest, the garden of Carol Livers invites exploration. The owner, originally from Britain, flies the Union Jack flag above her beautifully cultivated “English Idyll.” The garden surrounds a house that is equally detailed and colorful.
John and Margi Bachert
By taking advantage of the natural kettle formations created thousands of years ago, owners John and Margi Bachert have designed a garden that offers numerous vistas. Winding paths lead from one garden room to another: the serene philosopher’s garden, a hillside of flowers, vegetable garden, a hedge of roses. Contemporary and classical art abound.
Debra and Colin Campbell
Overlooking Saratoga Passage, “Eagle Sanctuary” enjoys sweeping views of Camano Island, Mount Baker and the Cascades. Owners Debra and Colin Campbell have created paths that wind through stands of rhododendrons, native shrubs, and shade-loving plants. The many sculptures found throughout the garden add to the feeling of drama created by the owners’ contemporary house.
___________________
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.
BY CAROLYN WEST Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
June 25, 2014
1. The winter wind storms. Especially when I’m completely alone, lights flickering. The huge trees speak their own sounds, thrashing and bending and swooshing. I stood in my open door for hours, listening to them singing and dancing in the deep dark perimeter.
2. The Frog Marsh outside my bathroom window, how I love it! Little saplings grow in it and it’s ringed with ferns. One day, a tiny orange-breasted hummingbird suddenly appeared in the window, like a lost woodland fairy, then vanished.
3. Forty Canada Geese swimming in a perfect “V” formation across the lake, while a Great Blue Heron stood completely motionless on the opposite shore.
4. Mom and Dad Mallard in their own special little slimy pond area. Never more than three inches apart, they touched each other constantly. Was there ever a happier couple?
5. I went outside on the front porch late one winter night and realized for the first time just how many stars I was going to be able to see in the summer. I wanted to sleep out under the stars. I said “I love living here” out loud to no one.
6. One day, watching expectantly but seeing nothing at all, I said to myself that this is really just a boring, stupid lake. I turned back and, there in front of me, was a huge Bald Eagle, sunning and preening his feathers. I wept.
7. The rising of the full worm moon, bursting from behind the cedars like an otherworldly sun, silver-gold and impossibly large. It shimmered its reflection into the lake and the lake made ripples on it.
Carolyn West has lived in the Pacific Northwest for 20 years and is currently writing a book on gold.
All photos courtesy of the author
Love your corner of the island? You’re invited to submit your own “Snapshots from…” for consideration. Contact us for submission guidelines.
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.
Sesame shrimp bruschetta with herb crostini paired with SDW 2013 Estate Rose of Pinot Noir (photo by Karen Krug)
KAREN KRUG
Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
June 25, 2014
A triple WOOF event by Spoiled Dog Winery was held at Roaming Radish on June 22 as the first in a series of Friday special dinners. Spoiled Dog Winery’s six course winemaker dinner created by Roaming Radish was a culinary delight.
The wine pairings were superb and the dinner benefited Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) in a winning evening for all. Guests were treated with a first course of sesame shrimp bruschetta on herb crostini which was paired with SDW 2013 Estate Rose of Pinot Noir. Salmon poached with Pomo di Moro (apple-pear wine) and apple slaw followed as the second course, with a pairing with SDW Pomo di Moro.
Brown butter caramelized scallops, wilted kale greens with cilantro chutney paired with SDW 2013 Pinot Gris (photo by Karen Krug)
The third course of brown-butter caramelized scallops with wilted kale greens and cilantro chutney paired exceptionally well with SDW 2013 Pinot Gris. The SDW 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir came next, paired with the fourth course of seaweed and cucumber salad.
For the final savory fifth course, saffron Penn Cove mussels, paella rice and Washington asparagus was paired with SDW 2011 Malbec.
Seaweed and cucumber salad paired with SDW 2012 Reserve Pinot Noir (photo by Karen Krug)Saffron Penn Cove mussels with paella rice and Washington asparagus paired with SDW 2011 Malbec (photo by Karen Krug)
Roaming Radish created an elegant sixth course of sea salt ice cream (hand churned) Bon Bons dipped in a chocolate ganache she had made with SDW’s Deception wine, accompanied with candied tart cherries and house caramel sauce.
Quinn Fitzpatrick serenaded with his guitar throughout the dinner. The setting was beautiful overlooking Holmes Harbor, the weather was perfect and everyone left spoiled, full and happy. Woof, woof, woof.
For more information on Spoiled Dog Winery’s events, visit their website. Find out more about the Roaming Radish here.
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.
BY MARTHA McCARTNEY Whidbey Life Magazine contributor
June 25, 2014
Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other- Genesis 11:7
I had always suspected that something was not right in the area of language since the Tower of Babel became an unfinished construction project. After speaking with Josette Hendrix, my suspicions were confirmed.
Ms. Hendrix is the founder of Northwest Language Academy and her belief that language represents a potential for neural enhancement, a doorway to other cultures and an intersection between world views is an important part of the organization’s core mission.
The entrance to the Northwest Language Academy – showing the current events (photo credit Martha McCartney)
“Acquiring new language gives people a tool for gaining self-knowledge and that is where a change begins. The act of learning opens uncultivated pathways in the brain and challenges the student of language to think and explore concepts in fresh ways. It is by following these paths that we can attain a firsthand perspective of cultures other than our own, and it is through these means that we can learn to co-exist in peace.” said Ms. Hendrix while explaining the role of Northwest Language Academy.
Northwest Language Academy was founded in Langley in 1996. It all began as a summer camp for children with a focus on language education and has grown into the diverse program it is today. The summer camps continue and each experience includes a sampling of different cultures by incorporating regional food, dance and music along with language.
A pond filled with water lilies graces the grounds of the Northwest Language Academy (photo credit Martha McCartney)
The heart of the Academy is the Cultural Center, which is located on three well-groomed acres on Southern Whidbey Island. The Center includes an expansive kitchen–suitable for several people to participate in cooking or to watch a demonstration–surrounded by spacious meeting areas both inside and outside that can be utilized for classroom or dining. There are six large attractively furnished guestrooms that can be rented to provide accommodations. The facility is also available to be used for private functions and is not limited to Center events.
In addition to serving the youth populations, there are adult-learning programs and “drop in” conversational groups for all ages. There are immersion weekends in which intensive instruction on different levels is given, ranging from beginners, to updating already mastered skills. All programs include partaking in cultural experiences with native speakers and the sharing of stories–an essential part of the learning method used by Northwest Language Academy.
NWLA’s June 28th event, “China Pearls”, is perhaps the largest and most diverse to date, certainly one of the most exciting. The program is divided into several components throughout the day.
The first is a Chinese cooking class, which can be considered a stand-alone event, being held from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. This class will be taught in the kitchen at the Northwest Language Academy Cultural Center at 5023 Langley Road. Cooking students will learn to make traditional dishes including shaved noodles, hot pot and dumpling. As a take-away, each participant will receive a cookbook with recipes contributed by the instructors. Space is limited and pre-registration required. For information and additional details call 360-321-2101. Tuition for the class is $35.
Dancers for NWLA’s “China Pearls” (photo credit: Melody Institute)
The dinner and performance portion of “China Pearls” takes place at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) at 565 Camano Avenue in Langley. Dinner consists of a Dim Sum buffet and cocktails from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The final part of the program will follow dinner from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a unique blend of contemporary and classical music incorporating traditional Chinese elements, a selection of folk song and traditional dance. The performers all hail from Cascadia and include composer Austin Huang with the Saratoga Orchestra musicians, Imperial Dance Ensemble, Melody Xie Dance School , soloist Chrystal Yu hai Yang and Whidbey Island Dance Theatre. English and Chinese translations will be provided throughout the event.
“Each element of the daylong program is similar to one treasured pearl, which is being strung together by the sharing of story, a blend of learning and culture, aided by translation” Ms. Hendrix said.
Tickets for China Pearls at WICA can be purchased now. China Pearls cooking class registration can be completed by contacting 360-321-2101. Details regarding the menu and performances will be posted on the Academy’s blog.
Northwest Language Academy is planning upcoming events including a Bavarian Festival on September 27 and a Russian Winter Festival in early December. All events and classes are frequently updated on the website.
(photo at the top: Talented Chinese traditional dancers will be featured in NWLA’s “China Pearls” event June 28 (photo credit: Melody Institute))
Martha is a poet, photographer, mixed-media artist, persistent gardener and candle-maker. She has never really gotten over not being photographed for a Richard Brautigan book cover. Currently she is learning to navigate by using her inner compass which she keeps pointed towards her own true north.
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.
