PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 5, 2016
On the first weekend of October, under wide blue skies and with bright sun and children’s smiles brightening the day, Children’s Day proved a perfect Whidbey Island event. Each photo captures what this island’s community represents, including its culture of outdoors, play, and joy for all ages.
Children’s Day at South Whidbey Community Park is a yearly event bringing together adults and children for a magical time. For instance, South Whidbey Children’s Center’s booth included balloon animals and actors promoting the upcoming presentation of The Magic Garden. In addition to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Island Strings, volunteers included people such as Tom Lindsay who blew giant bubbles and Larry Dobson who taught stilt walking. David Welton, photographer, volunteered as official photographer for the event.
This was a day that showed of Whidbey Island at its glorious best!
David Welton is a Whidbey Island photographer who credits his grandmother’s travel slide shows and her gift to him of a Kodak Starflash camera for his interest in photographic art. His goal to use his photographs to inspire others to realize their unrecognized potential. To learn more about Welton, visit David Welton.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
BY DON WODJENSKI Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
September 28, 2016 (updated 9/30/16)
A photograph reveals and deepens the mystery, when we choose to look.
Zenigata Mizubachi (photo by Don Wodjenski)
Consider what our world would be like without photography. Unless you’re living off the grid, you’ll likely see hundreds of images today.
Billions of images are available to view online, anytime. Many of those images are captured by professional photographers on assignment—experts who have been schooled in the art and techniques of quality image creation. Multitudes of amateur shots of vacations, dinners, family and friends create a visual record of personal experiences, filling social media sites. Regardless of origin or intent, images have become our lingua franca, communicating a shared recognition of the world.
When we consider a photograph, we implicitly accept the photographer’s premise or suggestion of meaning in what we see. We emotionally connect with recognizable images that describe the world as well as photos that portray nature or the human condition in unexpected ways.
Do knowledge and experience matter in the creation of photographs? As a professional photographer and educator, I’ve met many photography students who felt that ‘something’ was missing from their photos compared to the work of professional photographers. Usually, a quick tutorial in camera operation solves many technical issues, and suggestions on ways to compositionally frame an image can help refine their skills. Image quality always improves with exposure fundamentals and thoughtful image framing becoming familiar through regular practice.
So what are the kinds of images we might consider to be worth a second, third, or longer look? Or, to put it a different way, what are the criteria for “quality” in an image? Most of us recognize quality in a photograph, but struggle to define its characteristics. Do we judge a photo solely by how it makes us feel? Are there images we respect for their creativity even though we don’t relate to the subject? What combination of visual elements and emotional content do we take into consideration?
To help answer these questions, I’ve invited a dozen well-known Whidbey Island photographers to share their opinions. These esteemed friends and associates are professional photographers with years of knowledge and experience. Collectively, they encompass traditional and current photographic trends. To illustrate their philosophy of what constitutes quality in photography, each has contributed a personal image.
Every Other Year (photo by Skip Smith)
To me, a quality photo is one that I want to look at twice, one that draws my interest and makes me think, one that shows the photographer thought about what she or he was doing and made lots of decisions before releasing the shutter. A quality photo contains vision (composition, craft, etc.) but also contains something of the artist. — Skip Smith skipsmithphotography.com/
Blades of Grass — Grass detail abstraction; Lewis and Clark State Park, WA (photo by Earl Olsen)
Photography requires a combination of both right- and left-brain skills—artistic to compose and technical to produce. Find a subject that pulls you in like a good book. Slow down and really look at what surrounds us every day. — Earl Olsen earlolsen.com/index.htm
Havana Boxing Club (photo by Lorraine Healy)
The Holga camera gives an unsharp image that is vignetted, blurry, with light leaks galore, and a dreamy look. I love it! With a Holga, I realized that I didn’t have to ‘take a photo,’ I could make an image. — Lorraine Healy lorrainehealy.com/
Lorrie’s Dory (photo by Tom Hanify)
Photographs are crafted with an intent to capture the essence of the subject or the story. Most importantly, great photographs evoke an emotional reaction and are memorable. — Tom Hanify tomhanifyphotography.com/
A “quality” photograph, to me, represents my curiosity for the intimacy of design, shape and form. I see with the hope of inspiring others to see beyond the obvious. To cause a reaction, negative or positive, means I have succeeded. — Nancy Duncan whidbeyartists.com/duncan.html
Third Eye (photo by Louie Rochon)
When an image literally takes my breath away, jars me loose from reality and throws me into an emotional state—then I feel such joy and I KNOW that I have co-created a “Quality Photographic Image.” … as opposed to a snapshot. — Louie Rochon louierochonphotography.com/index
Langley Harbor (photo by Linda Schwarz)
A quality photograph draws me in and holds my attention like a meditation. Intent, simplicity, composition, design and use of light are most important in creating a quality photograph. — Linda Schwarz whidbeyartists.com/schwarz.html
June’s Web (photo by Tom Trimbath)
The pause, the thought, and the emotion prior to taking the photograph makes the difference, for me. And, of course, luck… — Tom Trimbath fineartamerica.com/profiles/tom-trimbath.html
I always approach my projects by “listening” for the shot. For me, I hear melody and harmony in color and texture, so listening really helps me zoom in on the visual energy. — Kim Tinuviel kimtinuviel.com/
Ferry House (photo by John Olsen)
Beauty is not necessarily quality. Newness and originality in a photograph might better reflect a response to reality, and maybe only reflect concerns internal to the photographer. — John Olsen johnolsenphoto.com/
To discover more about these fine photographers through their websites, click on their names.
For more on other artists living and working on Whidbey, visit my website featuring Artists of Whidbey Island.
Don Wodjenski is an artist, photographer, teacher and musician living in Coupeville. Recently retired after 20 years as an arts instructor with South Whidbey Schools, he remains active in the Whidbey arts community. Although never without an opinion on Art and Culture, he’s new to blogging.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOESSAY BY SUSAN S. SCOTT Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor September 21, 2016
Discovering moments of wonder on Whidbey Island takes no more time or effort than stepping outside on any day and beholding what the natural world offers. It might be in the manner a simple yard plant is backlit by the sun or in the traces of wind sweeping clouds through the sky.
Backlit by the sunClouds sweep the sky.
Moments of wonder can reveal themselves when we are sitting quietly on the ferry, riding between Mukilteo and Clinton.
Sunrise at the Mukilteo ferry dock
They happen walking with our dogs along the lane bordering Fossek’s field in Langley.
Becoming good neighbors
Bicycling on Whidbey is another way to encounter a multitude of wondrous moments, such as these images I came across.
Casting shadowsPicking blackberriesLearning to pick blackberries
Having lived on Whidbey Island for twenty years now, it seems to me that moments of wonder only increase with time. They don’t ever become redundant or taken for granted, even though they might become familiar. Perhaps this is one of the gifts of being on Whidbey, no matter the length of one’s stay. I still delight in watching visitors stop their cars by the side of the road to “catch photos” of the island magic they see along the way.
Close-up of a Whidbey snailA new Langley resident finds his way.Gathering material for a nest
A long view from the bluff overlooking the Langley Marina reflects its own bit of wonder in a poetic way.
From the bluff
Like a beacon in the dark, this white Hollyhock reminds us that the bountiful moments of wonder make themselves available to us night and day, in all seasons and weather, even when we are not able to see them.
Hollyhock light
Susan Scott, photographer and author, enjoys daily explorations of Whidbey Island and catching glimpses of extraordinary moments of ordinary life with her camera. www.susanscottphd.com.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 24, 2016
Hundreds of Whidbey Islanders and visitors welcomed a break in the recent heat spell by turning out for Langley’s 2016 Soup Box Derby on Sunday, August 21. The fun-run, which featured close to 30 “vehicles” this year, is put on by the Langley Community Club.
After registration and a quality-assurance check, completed by a run down the hill for each entry to assure braking and safety of the tricked-out barrels, boats and pontoons, the racers towed their craft back up First Street hill and paired off for the first of many two-by-two races.
Chris Spencer adorned his vehicle with a fearsome papier mâché triceratops and a pteradactyl that hoovered over the stern.“BeYouTiFul” returned this year, with cosmetic enhancements to the stinger-end.The Karate Kid, aged six and a half, was the youngest driver.Peter Lawlor, aged 95, gets a happy send-off from family and friends as he begins his practice run.A four-wheeled tandem racer, with a concrete block counterweight extending over the front-end, speeds by the crowd in front of Music for the Eyes.A street luge with handbrakes crosses the finish line first and exits the course.Phil Simon, with aerodynamic advantages, easily beat Cary Peterson in her vegetable cart.Gary Piper gives an enthusiastic thumbs-up to a competitor from 2nd Street Boutique.Boatwright Brad Price lost control of his speed pontoon racer and crashed. The announcer proclaimed: “We told you this could happen, do not sit on the hay bales!” Fortunately there were no injuries, and Brad only suffered a blow to his pride.Peter Lawlor’s girlfriend, Roberta Brown, is glad Peter will be back next year.Will Collins awarded gold medals to the intrepid participants. He said he enjoyed making the whimsical trophies with other Langley Community Club members at The Commons, using materials donated by Good Cheer.A few of the winning racers pick out their trophies.
After the final three-way heat, the crowd moved to Whale Bell Park for a pie-in-the-face fundraiser to benefit Good Cheer, Meals on Wheels and the Generation Park Improvement project. Paul Sarkis winds up to deliver a cream pie to his son Charlie.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 10, 2016
The 2016 Whidbey Island Fair is now a wrap and planning has already started for the 2017 event, with a call for volunteer staff, vendors and participants to share their skills, art and products.
On the eve of this occasion, voters of Island County approved a measure to transfer operation of the fairgrounds to the Port of South Whidbey, with a levy to provide funds for improvement and maintenance that will assure certainty for the future.
These photographs provide a peek into a four-day slice of Whidbey Life.
Matt Hoar at the head of the parade with his steam-punk blaster as Kelly Baugh looks on.David Locke encourages a young listener to play the accordion, assuring him “believe me, it is a chick magnet.”Lila Stach rejoices when she learns she won a Superintendent Ribbon for her photography.Massive pony power was on display at the horse arena.Cadence Smith naps on the side of her gentle pigs.Anita Smith demonstrates a foot powered antique sewing machine. She vows to “save the treadle.”Spinning takes dexterity and focus.Duane Fulgham spins the political wheel of fortune at the Island County Democrat booth.It is a good thing that Shelby Healy posed with a Hillary Clinton cutout the first day of the fair, as Hillary mysteriously took a walk that night and vanished.Girl scouts marched in the parade.Political viewpoints of all persuasions mingled freely.Big bubbles, always a favorite!A variety of foods and treats nourished the crowd, and curly fries were among the most popular.Merry-go-round horses and woodpeckers are almost exciting as the real thing!
A robotic giant turkey delights the young at heart.Keely Conners waited in line to have her face painted and is transformed as a fierce tiger.Long John Silver the pirate rolls his “aarghs” at the main stage as a lowly entertainer looks on.A rooster prepares to fly the coop as Matt Hoar looks on during the Chicken OlympicsMerchandise available on the midway included handcrafted Tibetan beads by Kalsang Ghongpa.It’s hard to not be happy when surrounded by goats!4H Knight Rider horses with purple ribbons braided into their tails parade in front of the Eva Mae Stage. “The End.”
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BY MARSHA MORGAN
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 20, 2016
I recently had the opportunity to attend an excellent photography workshop taught by Keron Psillas at Coupeville’s renowned Pacific Northwest Art School. A part of every day’s work included venturing out of the classroom to complete photography assignments.
A barley field on the prairie and the Ferry house glow in the late summer evening. (photo by Julie Boyd)
One of the most fascinating aspects of the class, to me, was realizing how we all interpreted many of the same assignments with varying viewpoints—the same locations, but seen, by each of us, with very different “intention.”
We began to learn to reveal—to ourselves—what motivates each of us. What is it we feel compelled to convey? Are our eyes drawn to the larger landscape or the smaller details? Is it the light we long to capture or the serenity of the person on the trail? The rhythm of the barley in the wind? The mood of the sky?
The vista below Sunnyside cemetery (photo by Julie Boyd)
After the workshop I asked three participants, all South Whidbey residents, to send me images from Ebey’s Historical Preserve to use in this photo essay. These are the unique viewpoints of four photographers as they wandered the preserve.
My thanks to photographers Julie Boyd, Marie Plakos and Marcia Wesley.
Above the state beach parking lot looking up at the bluff trail (photo by Marcia Wesley)
A lone hiker walks the bluff trail (photo by Marcia Wesley)A barley field shortly before harvest (photo by Marsha Morgan)Hill Road looking east (photo by Marsha Morgan)An old tractor on Ebey Road (photo by Julie Boyd)Hay bales dot a field after harvest (photo by Marie Plakos)A welcoming entrance (photo by Marie Plakos)The porch of the Ferry House is a marked contrast to the modern harvester. (photo by Marie Plakos)The block house of Isaac Ebey (photo by Marcia Wesley)Bridge pilings cross Crockett Lake. (photo by Marsha Morgan)
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 13, 2016
Have you ever wondered how water is delivered to a rural fire, far from the source, with no hydrants nearby?
Tanker trucks!
Actually, “pumper” trucks are the first to depart a fire station and they’re always ready to roll, loaded with a thousand gallons of water—a fraction of the amount required to extinguish a house fire. The massive tanker trucks quickly follow with 2,800 gallons.
Captain Jerry Beck details the fine points of tanker truck operation.
AJ Agnew, Brian Boyd and Maxwelton Station 33 Captain Tom Peterson, in red hat, prepare for a drill with the new tanker.
The South Whidbey Fire Department has two new tanker beauties, based at the Clinton and Maxwelton stations. Each machine has a complicated instruction manual to match the $350,000 price tag. Volunteer firefighters enthusiastically attended the first training session after the first truck arrived in April, learning how to adjust the various gauges, knobs and nozzles; they put it to use just a few days later at a barn fire near Ken’s Corner.
A collapsible 3,000-gallon portable swimming pool, stored on the tanker, is deployed next to the pumper and can be filled in five minutes. The depleted tankers then race back to the source for more water while the pumper sprays the fire.
The storage pool is deployed from a slot in the rear of the tanker.The framework is unfolded and the pool is erected, ready to receive water.AJ Agnew, with a twist of the valve, releases water into the pool.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that almost 70% of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers. Volunteers don’t earn any wages, but they’re reimbursed for certain expenses and—on the south end of Whidbey—receive retirement benefits.
The fire department pays for training at the firefighting academy and a level-one firefighter certificate can lead to a full-time professional position. Male and female applicants must be over the age of 18 and be in “reasonable physical condition.” Volunteers can also receive training to become Emergency Medical Technicians. Weekly drill and training sessions help volunteers maintain and enhance skills and, periodically, buildings slated for demolition are provided for “practice fires.”
The pumper now has almost 3,000 gallons to quench the flames.
There are over 45-50 volunteers in the South Whidbey Fire Department and they responded to over 2,000 calls last year. The department was founded in 1950 and also employs a few professional full-time firefighters in administrative positions.
Tom Peterson, a circuit board designer at an engineering firm near Boeing, is Captain of Maxwelton Station 33 and has been with the department for over 21 years. “I always wanted to become a fireman,” Peterson said, adding that he played with Tonka fire trucks as a child. “The South Whidbey Fire Department feels the same as a winning team,” he said, recalling his high school football squad. “I know we have the right [skills and] tools to help people out.”
And, Peterson noted, if he’s the first person to arrive at the station when called, “I get to drive the fire truck.”
A practice fire at Little Lambs Daycare provides training for the volunteer firefighters.
Terry Welch, a Coupeville Middle School science and math teacher, had a first-hand experience fighting a wildfire while working for the Bureau of Land Management in Idaho. Always drawn to community service, she answered the call for volunteers in the wake of 9/11. She now specializes in marine rescue and firefighting, using the new firefighting boat based at the Langley marina. Some structures on the shoreline are more easily accessed from the water, she mentioned, and the boat is equipped with a water gun that pumps seawater. She’s always been accepted, she said, and has never had to prove herself to her male peers; firefighters are “ohana,” an ancient Hawaiian term for extended family.
The biggest reward, firefighters always note, is the respect and gratitude of the community. Joe Menth recalls the wildfire that threatened his home near Double Bluff Road on July 3 last year. “I was at work when I got the phone call and immediately headed home,” he said. Highway 525 was blocked so he took side roads. “Once we were home we could only watch while we awaited the evacuation notice. The wall of flames and smoke crept closer. Had the fire burned another 20 feet or so across the adjacent property, it would have ripped across the grass field next to our house, with a clear path for the flames to our front door.”
Jim Doberfuhl, with other volunteers, position themselves between the inferno and residents of South Whidbey Island
The experience of helping Menth and others like him—saving lives and protecting property in a way most people won’t experience—is more than sufficient compensation for the volunteer firefighters and EMTs of Whidbey Island.
Candidates may apply online or at department headquarters.
Image at top: Heroic volunteer firefighters of Whidbey Island combat the firestorms.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 6, 2016
Whidbey Islanders had two simultaneous celebrations: our country’s 240th Independence Day and the 101st Anniversary of the Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade. The well-organized event was attended by thousands and all had a good time.
WLM staff photographer David Welton was present to record the festivities.
A contemporary Uncle Sam, aka Bob Bowling, greets marchers at the foot of Swede Hill Road.Korean War Veteran veteran Herbert Weissblum, of the Whidbey Island Marine Corps League Color Guard, led the parade.This year TWO gorillas shared their bananas, courtesy of The Goose Grocer.
Chickens and ducks and marchers tossed candy to children along the two-block parade route.
Racecars sped along Maxwelton Road to Dave Mackie Park.Others chose to walk the whole parade while hula-hooping.Candidates Helen Price-Johnson, Angie Homola and their political supporters exercised their First Amendment rights.
Dan Anderson, in traditional Swedish garb, marched with Island Strings as he played his nyckelharpa.Patriotic attire was mode du jour.
Fun and games, and hot dogs awaited at Dave Mackie Park.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
TEXT BY MADISUN ELIZABETH
PHOTOS BY DAVID STERN Whidbey Life Magazine Contributors June 15, 2016
To celebrate their Centennial Anniversary in 2016, the National Park Service has challenged people all over the country to “find your park” and “share your story.”
Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve responded by challenging independent filmmakers to participate in a 50 Hour FilmSlam Competition: writing, producing, filming, editing and completing short films within a specified 50 hour time period. Filmmakers were asked to show what makes Ebey’s Landing nationally significant, and the results were described by the judges as “love letters” to the Reserve.
The competition culminated with a grand premiere of these films on Saturday night, June 11, at the “Ebey’s Reserve FilmSlam Film Festival”, at the Coupeville High School Auditorium. The audience was full of supportive community members and visitors alike who bought tickets to benefit the Reserve. Many purchased VIP tickets, enjoying a Red Carpet experience complete with gourmet catering. All proceeds of this event directly benefited the Friends of Ebey’s, who are working to preserve, protect and enhance the Reserve.
An award ceremony followed the screening; filmmaking team “Dakota Guys” was awarded the Judges’ Choice Award and team “WINOT!?” received the People’s Choice Awards. Team SOULLESS, made up of local Girl Scouts, received their Film Making Badges. The main consensus was that it was a tough decision to choose the winners, while the whole event was a win for Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve.
Competitors were asked to show and tell what makes Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve so unique. Many of them found inspiration in the nature that abounds within the Reserve’s 1,800 acres. This seagull was seen on the Reserve during the weekend of filming.
All films shown at the premiere were created from start to finish within the 50 hours permitted, with most filmmakers utilizing the full time allowed.
On the night of the premier, VIP ticket holders felt as though they were walking into an exclusive party as they approached the entrance.
The VIPs were swept onto the Red Carpet and photographed by local “paparazzi” as soon as they arrived.
Gourmet catered delicacies and all-ages-friendly sparkling juice were served at the Red Carpet party leading up to the grand premiere of the FilmSlam showing.
The VIP area was standing room only. It was an intimate affair.
Filmmakers were Special Guests on the VIP Red Carpet and anxiously awaited show time while they mixed and mingled at the party. Photographer David Stern managed to take this portrait away from the bustling scene.
The audience filled the Coupeville Auditorium and, before showtime, looked over the program, which included their People’s Choice ballot to cast a vote for their favorite film.
After the films were shown, there was commotion in the illuminated auditorium as filmmakers made their way to the stage for the awards ceremony.
There will be ongoing celebrations and community service work for Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve during the National Park Service Centennial in 2016. Visit www.nps.gov/ebla for more ways to support the Reserve and become part of the community that protects it.
David Stern and Madisun Elizabeth participated as a team making their film debut in the 50 Hour FilmSlam competition. Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve is a place they call home and regularly find inspiration. More about their various endeavors can be found at WhidbeyCustomPhotography.com or find Whidbey Custom Photography on Facebook.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
TEXT BY MADISUN ELIZABETH PHOTOS BY DAVID STERN AND MADISUN ELIZABETH
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributors
May 30, 2016
On Saturday, May 28, the town of Coupeville remembered the greatest sacrifices made by fallen heroes. To honor these sacrifices, the community marched in the streets in celebration of freedom at the Memorial Day Parade.
Heroic survivors lead the parade, followed by passionate tributes and vibrant local color in a procession across the town to a community picnic in Town Park. During the picnic, the Coupeville Lions Club served a seemingly endless amount of complimentary hot dogs and ice cream bars while families enjoyed a musical salute to the Armed Forces and the nearby playground bustled with youthful energy.
Mayor Molly Hughes lead a Remembrance Service, with a keynote speech by Captain Geoffrey Moore, new commanding officer at Whidbey Island’s Naval Air Station.
The Coupeville Memorial Day Parade took place on Saturday, May 28 during Memorial Day weekend.
Veterans of the Marine Corps League proudly represented fallen heroes at the head of the Memorial Day Parade.
Pearl Harbor Survivor John Hunting of the US ARMY was joined by many other local Veterans at the head of the Memorial Day Parade in Coupeville.
Many generations of The Coupeville Lions Club participated in the march across town in honor of Memorial Day.
There was inspirational joy during the Memorial Day Parade as candy was tossed into the streets, while smiles were shared by all-ages.
While the mood was respectful, there was still lighthearted fun to be had at the Memorial Day Parade.
A cavalcade of Classic Cars cruised through Coupeville in honor of Memorial Day. Many of the drivers are Veterans.
Whidbey’s bravest marched alongside the community for whom they have dedicated their service.
A view from the back: veterans and young family members lined the Memorial Day Parade route as spectators.
A powerful Remembrance Service with Mayor Molly Hughes and Captain Geoffrey Moore followed the Parade.
Young community members are proud to represent the Armed Forces.
The Coupeville Lions Club served complimentary hot dogs and ice cream bars to the whole community following the Memorial Day Parade in Coupeville.
Whidbey Custom Photography is a married duo of local photographers who believe in capturing the custom community that surrounds us. David Stern and Madisun Elizabeth use artistic approaches to showcase real life on Whidbey Island, which can be both industrial and romantic. In addition to event photography, they provide a variety of professional production services. Learn more about what they do at www.WhidbeyCustomPhotography.com and find Whidbey Custom Photography on Facebook for more of their photos.
The couple is grateful to Whidbey Life Magazine for supporting them as local contributors.
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.
Children’s Day at South Whidbey Community Park is a yearly event bringing together adults and children for a magical time. For instance, South Whidbey Children’s Center’s booth included balloon animals and actors promoting the upcoming presentation of The Magic Garden. In addition to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Island Strings, volunteers included people such as Tom Lindsay who blew giant bubbles and Larry Dobson who taught stilt walking. David Welton, photographer, volunteered as official photographer for the event.
Sponsors for the Children’s Day also included many Island organizations, most especially Island County, as well as Sno-Isle Libraries, GoWhidbey DJ, South Whidbey Kiwanis, South Whidbey Children’s Center, and Aptitude Habilitation Services.
Competitors were asked to show and tell what makes Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve so unique. Many of them found inspiration in the nature that abounds within the Reserve’s 1,800 acres. This seagull was seen on the Reserve during the weekend of filming.
All films shown at the premiere were created from start to finish within the 50 hours permitted, with most filmmakers utilizing the full time allowed.
On the night of the premier, VIP ticket holders felt as though they were walking into an exclusive party as they approached the entrance.
The VIPs were swept onto the Red Carpet and photographed by local “paparazzi” as soon as they arrived.
Gourmet catered delicacies and all-ages-friendly sparkling juice were served at the Red Carpet party leading up to the grand premiere of the FilmSlam showing.
After the films were shown, there was commotion in the illuminated auditorium as filmmakers made their way to the stage for the awards ceremony.
There will be ongoing celebrations and community service work for Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve during the National Park Service Centennial in 2016. Visit 
