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The Faces of 2016 | Through the Lens of David Welton

BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
December 28, 2016

There seems to be a national trend of polarization and pessimism that, at times, threatens to infect us here on Whidbey Island. I’ve chosen to focus on the generosity, unity, and joy that we share, despite our diverse views and backgrounds. This collection of environmental portraits from local happenings throughout 2016 offers visual proof of our ability to see through our differences. I hope it inspires us to seek underlying goodness and commonality during the coming year.

Jim Freeman, the “Conductor of Fun,” leads the charge at the Welcome the Whales parade in April.

A toddler shares his bounty of curly fries at the Whidbey Island Area Fair.

At age 95, Peter Lawlor races down 1st Street in the 24th annual Soup Box Derby in Langley in August.

A game of hide and seek amidst the endangered big trees at South Whidbey State Park is called “Eagle Eye” by the kids.

Filmmaker Drew Christie demonstrates a “flip box” or mutoscope, which is featured in his film “The Emperor of Time” a live action short film that was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016.

Boxer Steve Burr gets in some chin ups during the fitness boxing class developed for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Cassie (human), Rowdy, and Midori (parrots) at the south-end avian rescue operation that gives sanctuary to displaced parrots, who fly freely—even during cold January weather.

Even the bunnies come out the promote Mystery Weekend in Langley every February.

The Machine Shop arcade game gallery, a new place to hang out with friends, opened in Langley this summer.

Characters from “The Nutcracker Suite” dance down 1st Street for the Langley Holiday Parade.

Halloween events throughout the island, including Spooktacular Langley, encouraged community spirit.

Aspiring actress Carol Wisman prepares for her first appearance at a vaudeville revue with Whidbey Island performers.

After a story about the volunteer firefighters who save our homes and lives was published in July, 15 new volunteers stepped forward.

Local brewmaster Bob Hodges reveals all (okay, maybe some) secrets of his home brew in “Raising a Glass to Whidbey’s Home Brewers,” which was published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of the print version of Whidbey Life Magazine. You can subscribe to the print magazine here.

Kevin Lungren, Mr. South Whidbey, accepts his trophy. The annual pageant, presented by the non-profit Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, raised more than $29,000 in one night to assist those in need with unexpected medical bills.

Tibetan artist Kalsang Ghongpa shares her smile and colorful necklaces at the Whidbey Island Area Fair.

Patriotism is evident at the Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade. This year, Korean War Veteran Herbert Weissblum, of the Whidbey Island Marine Corps League Color Guard, led the parade.

Whidbey Islanders like to dance! Debra Waterman celebrates life at one of many street dance opportunities.

David Welton is a retired cardiologist and a Whidbey Life Magazine photographer.

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December 24, 2016
View and Bid on Inuit Art
BY KATE POSS
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
November 9, 2016

Thanks to a donation of First Nation limited edition prints to the Freeland Library, you can view and bid on Cape Dorset Inuit art that’s on display this month. The art depicts life and its connection to the Arctic in images of polar bears, walruses, a kayaker, and musk oxen, among others.

Cape Dorset, known as “Kinngait” in the Inuit language, is a tiny island hamlet in the recently-formed Canadian territory of Nunavut, once a part of the Northwest Territories. The indigenous Inuit, whose traceable culture and art dates as far back as 1000 B.C., learned printmaking techniques in the 1950s. A white man, James Huston, encouraged the artists to print multiple images of their drawings using stone carving, lithograph, and stencil techniques. A cooperative workshop formed, and the hamlet developed a reputation as being the “Capital of Inuit Art.”

Bannister and Margaret Farquhar (Photo courtesy of Amanda Hopkins)

Former Greenbank residents Bannister and Margaret Farquhar collected 10 signed and numbered prints by various Inuit artists who created their work between 1976 and 2003. When the Farquhar’s health deteriorated, and they relocated to Houston to be closer to family, the couple’s long-time friend and estate executor David Norton donated the prints to the Freeland Library per the Farquhar’s request.

“Panniq” and “Playful Cubs,” both stonecuts by artist Kananginak. (Photo by Don Wodjenski)

Because the bequest came with no restrictions on the prints’ use, Friends of Freeland Library chose to keep one and auction the other nine pieces as a fundraiser for a project that has not yet been specified.

“The gift was completely unexpected,” says Betsy Arand, manager of the Freeland Library. The library is not big enough to display all the pieces, so they will keep one of them, “On the Lookout,” which depicts three owls. It will become part of the permanent art collection of the Freeland Library.

“Kayaker’s Reflection,” stonecut by artist Kananginak (Photo by Kate Poss)

“Owls are associated with knowledge, and we’re always on the lookout for helping customers use the library,” says Arand. The artist of the work, Kananginak, was instrumental in forming the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative and was a member of the Royal Canadian Academy. He was one of the original artists whose work was included in the first cataloged collection of Cape Dorset prints in 1959.

Bannister Farquhar and Norton were old friends from Texas who earned their doctorates together in rocket propulsion. Later, Bannister moved to Washington and worked as an engineer with Boeing. His wife Margaret, who earned a doctorate in biology, worked at the University of Washington. The couple moved to Whidbey Island in the 1970s, living first on the south end and later in a home they built in Greenbank. They traveled to Canada and collected art, sometimes with the Nortons.

“Protecting the Herd,” stonecut and stencil by artist Kananginak; “The Lineup,” lithograph by artist Ohotaq. (Photo by Don Wodjenski)

Norton’s wife Connie recalled Whidbey visits. “We’ve all been friends since 1964,” she says. “When Bann and Margaret found their land on Whidbey, they called it a piece of paradise. We visited them once a year. Bann loved to go crabbing with the neighbors. They were wonderful people. When they started having health problems five years ago, they asked David to act as their power of attorney and executor of the estate.”

Art lovers can purchase the prints outright at their assessed value or bid on them for a minimum of 75 percent of their assessment. The library has received several bids and so far, the favorite of patrons is the kayaker print.

To view these works, visit the Freeland library. You can purchase or bid on your favorites by 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, at which time the Friends of the Freeland Library will celebrate the end of the auction and announce the winners at a soiree. The library is located at 5495 Harbor Avenue in Freeland and is open daily.

More information
- Cape Dorset art
- Cape Dorset art archived at the Canadian Museum of History
Kate Poss worked as a library assistant at the Langley Library until last June. She was thrilled to work for three summers as a chef aboard a small Alaskan tour boat from 2008 to 2010. She was a newspaper reporter in Los Angeles for many years before moving to Whidbey Island where she likes “talking story,’” hiking, hosting salons, and writing her novel.

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

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. You may link to this story. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
November 9, 2016
From Russia With Love: The Babushkas

BY RK BUZARD
Whidbey Life Guest Contributor
October 19, 2016

There’s no place like home. Ask Whidbey Islanders, and they’ll tell you that the best part of any journey is that short ferry ride north from the mainland to where the evergreens meet the horizon, where the eagles surf the skies, where the deer and rabbits roam as they please and where friends and family wait to welcome them back to the Island. Back to this beautiful place we call home.

“The Babushkas of Chernobyl” (photo courtesy of Holly Morris)

Half a world away from Whidbey, an intrepid group of Ukrainian women have refused to let one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters keep them from returning to their beloved home: Chernobyl. To tell their incredible story, award-winning filmmaker, “adventure diva” and Hedgebrook alumna Holly Morris is bringing her unflinching documentary “The Babushkas Of Chernobyl” to The Clyde Theatre for a special screening and discussion this Sunday, October 23, at 1 p.m. as part of The Clyde’s Films & Filmmakers Series.

Thirty years ago, at the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl, Reactor Four famously melted down in an accident that created more than 400 times the radiation of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Why would these elderly women return to the toxic “dead zone” surrounding Chernobyl? Did they not know about the risks? When a Soviet official tried to stop one of the “Babas,” she said “Shoot me and dig the grave. Otherwise, I’m going home.” These are women who had faced the forced famines of Stalin and the brutality of the Nazi regime. When warned about the deadly level of radiation surrounding their homes, another of the women said “I don’t fear radiation. I fear starvation. Better that I have five years of happiness in my home, rather than ten in a high rise in Kiev.”

Filmmaker Holly Morris stands in front of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor (photo courtesy of Holly Morris)

The pull of home is powerful thing. Holly Morris is returning to her own Pacific Northwestern roots this weekend, and she is proud to share her warm and wonderful film with a Whidbey audience. At its heart, the film is a story of three women who have decided to shape their own destinies and make their way home, come what may.

“The Babuskhas Of Chernobyl” was produced in partnership with Hedgebrook as part of its new initiative to support women filmmakers. Nancy Nordhoff and Lynn Hays are the executive producers. A portion of the proceeds from this screening benefits the filmmaker.

RK Buzard is writer, artist, and renovator. She kisses the ground of Whidbey on a daily basis.

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To read more WLM stories and blogs, click here. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. You may link to this story. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

October 18, 2016
Postcards From Whidbey Island: Friends Of Clinton Library Spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S

BY DIANNA MACLEOD
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 12, 2016

When the Friends of Clinton Library decided to hold a fundraiser, they settled on the idea of a spellathon–and then set about finding folks who would be willing to form teams, don costumes, invent names for themselves, and then spend Saturday evening, Oct. 1, testing their knowledge of words.

Elaborate costumes included the gray hippos, representing hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia: the fear of long words. (photo by Marcia Wiley)

According to Clinton Library manager Debby Colfer, the Friends consulted with staff of the Everett Public Library, who had learned lessons from their own spelling bees. “The costumes were our own addition,” said Colfer. “Because we were holding it in October, it seemed right.” The Friends decided to offer prizes for best spellers and best team names and costumes.

Jane Jeszeck, Georgia Gerber and Sara Benum made up the Hedgehog WannaBees. (photo by Marcia Wiley)

Rebel Readers (photo by Marcia Wiley)

Spellbound (photo by Marcia Wiley)

Stellar Spellers (photo by Marcia Wiley)

Thirty-six adults entered the competition, dressed in costumes from minimalist (The Queen’s English) to maximalist (gray hippos, representing hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia: the fear of long words). Each team–consisting of three individuals–was part of a swarm of four teams. The competition within a swarm produced one winning team, who went on to compete against the winners from the other two swarms. Each team had 30 seconds to write the given word on a white board, which–at the ringing of a bell–was held up to the audience and the judges. Those 30 seconds passed remarkably quickly for both the teams as they arrived at their decision about a word and also for spectators, who were entertained by the music and musings of Clinton resident (and Rural Character) Randy Hudson and Joe Jeszeck, one of the members of Hudson’s band, Heggeness Valley Boys.

Each team had 30 seconds to confer and write their chosen spelling of a word. (photo by Marcia Wiley)

In addition to the monies raised by the teams’ entry fees, several local businesses acted as sponsors. During the event, which was free to the public, a silent auction was also held. According to Colfer, the spellathon generated over $2,000. She and Friends’ president Arlene Stebbins were pleased by the community response; the funds will help pay for library programs in 2017.

“And we were happy to be able to rent the Clinton Community Hall and support the Clinton Progressive Association,” Colfer said. The hall, a gathering place for the Clinton community, was built by the 100 year old Association in the 1960s.

The winning team, The Brainiacs, included (right to left) Marshall Goldberg (Oak Harbor), Dianna MacLeod (Langley), and Paul Thompson (Freeland) took home trophies for best costume and best spelling.

The Spellathon title for the evening went to the Brainiacs, who sweated and spelled their way to victory against The Queen’s English. The winning word was onychophagia: the practice of biting one’s nails.

And a nail-biting finish it was.

This was Dianna MacLeod’s first spelling bee. Despite her hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, she looks forward to the next one.

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

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

October 12, 2016
The 11th Annual Mr. South Whidbey A Crowning Success

PHOTOESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
October 5, 2016

The happy sound of adult laughter filled Freeland Hall on Saturday, Oct. 1, in anticipation of the 11th annual Mr. South Whidbey contest. This major fundraiser supports Friends of Friends, a medical support lifeline assisting with unexpected or unaffordable provider and pharmacy bills for residents of Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, and Clinton. Friends of Friends has raised over one million dollars since inception in 1997. For more information about the organization, visit Friends of Friends.

At Saturday’s event, once the lights were dimmed, each contestant made his spotlight entry dressed in a costume appropriate to Whidbey Island.

Alex Bonesteel wore his kilt and played his fiddle.

Kevin Lungren stripped from his slicker and waders to boxer shorts, adding a touch of informality to his tuxedo.

Hair-apparent Michael Morgen established his claim to the throne from the very start.

Michael Morgen

Contestants air their manliness in anticipation of the “Q and A” segment of the show.

When asked by MC Sue Frause, “Will you be watching the election returns November 8, and what you will you be eating?” Alex succinctly answered, “No.”

Trevor Fleming responds that the last meal he prepared for a woman was Ramen noodles.

Kevin shares a gin and tonic with MC Sue Frause.

During intermission, previous contestants circulate, carrying cardboard boxes with plastic cups, each representing a different contestant. Spectators empty their pockets of spare change in support of their favorite. Because this charity doesn’t waste money on frills, the ratio is simple: each dollar equals one vote. Almost $29,000 flowed into the coffers during the course of the event.

Rocco Gianni empties a cup into a coffee can at the tabulation table.

After the interviews, the talent show allowed contestants to exhibit their abilities.

Alex is a virtuoso violinist and owns a fitness and nutrition studio.

Alex demonstrated his athleticism and musical talent.

Trevor Fleming did a dance number accompanied by his backup performers

Trevor Fleming

Oyster-Man, AKA Kevin Lungren, shucked and ate an oyster to music, and then he caught some big fish.

Oyster-Man, AKA Kevin Lungren.

David Mayer’s riffs rival the top rock stars.

Michael Morgen “added some class” by singing like Sinatra…

and then doing a partial-monty.

Kevin Lungren is crowned Mr. South Whidbey by Barb Schultz.

Kevin holds his trophy high as he travels the runway towards his trophy wife Mary-Jane.

David Welton is a Whidbey Island photographer who credits his grandmother’s travel slide shows and her gift to him of a Kodak Starflash camera for his interest in photographic art. His goal to use his photographs to inspire others to realize their unrecognized potential. To learn more about Welton, visit David Welton.

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

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

October 5, 2016
Whidbey Celebrates Children

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.

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.

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.

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

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

October 1, 2016
‘Unmade Bed,’ exhibit on sex slave trade, at WICA Oct. 7 – 9

September 16, 2016

Prostitution is said to be the oldest profession in the world. The reality is that prostitution is the oldest ongoing abuse. “Unmade Bed,” an exhibit of visual art, tackles the heart response to the sex slave trade. We hold in our hands and hearts the ability to stop this inhumane practice.

Participating artists from western Washington invite the public to come respond to this powerful topic and exhibit at WICA in Langley from Oct. 7 through Oct. 9. The art ranges from photography to encaustic to video to fiber by artists Debra Calkins, Christina Fairley-Erickson, Jan Fisher, Julie Gautier-Downs, Mary Hilkey, Barbara Matthews, Marie Plakos, Diane Reardon and Cheryl Weisz.

“Unmade Beds” will be on view from from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 and 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 8.

September 16, 2016
Postcards from Whidbey Island || ‘Orcadorks’ Gather in Coupeville

BY DIANNA MACLEOD
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
September 13, 2016

Over Labor Day weekend, a contingent of 50 or so “orcadorks” gathered at the intersection of Highway 525 and Coupeville’s Main Street, many sporting their signature colors (black and white) and some wearing costumes (variations on fins, tails, and snouts).

The “Free Tokitae” Rally in Coupeville on Sept. 3

What’s an orcadork? According to Susan Berta of the Orca Network, an orcadork is a person who knows a great deal about orca whales and, more importantly, cares a great deal. One orca in particular supplied the reason for Saturday’s gathering: Tokitae (also known as Lolita), the orca who was captured in Penn Cove 46 years ago and has been held ever since at Miami Seaquarium in Florida.

Costumed orcadorks

Lily Haight and her dog

The demonstration in Coupeville was part of a national protest of the conditions of Tokitae’s captivity and a demand for her return to the Pacific Northwest. The legal struggle to win her freedom has been agonizingly slow, marked by both progress and setbacks. The courts can’t seem to decide which anti-cruelty laws apply to Tokitae, and her captors at Miami Seaquarium see only as far as their bottom line. The clock is ticking for Tokitae; although orcas can live a long time in the wild, they are susceptible to various illnesses—including depression—when kept in a shallow, concrete tank. In fact, Tokitae is the last orca alive of the seven young whales captured in August of 1970 in Penn Cove. She has outlived her brothers and sisters by 29 years. Amazingly, Tokitae’s grandmother, the matriarch of her family group–known as the Southern Resident pod–still swims in our waters. Bonds are strong and memories long among orcas, and orcadorks hope that one day Tokitae and her grandmother will once again converse in the vocabulary of their species.

During the Labor Day demonstration, Orcadorks were clumping on all four corners of the intersection and lining the pedestrian walkway above the highway. They waved placards and home-made signs at passing motorists, who responded by honking horns, waving, and jabbing thumbs into the air. Curious about their reasons for spending part of their holiday weekend in this way, I asked several orcadorks why they cared so much about the fate of one whale, taken so long ago and held captive so far away.

Young orcadorks

Veyariva, age 10: “It’s not fair that the babies were captured and kept in a small tank. It’s cruel. I’ve cared about Tokitae ever since I was little.”

Jayden, age 9: “I saw her in Florida. It made me sad. They trained her, but it took a lot of practice. In a shed I saw some of the tools used for training her, spears and hooks. Now she’s scared to not do the tricks because she’ll get stabbed. Also, orcas need to dive deep down in the water, and she can’t. And there’s no shade over her tank, and in Florida it’s hot.”

Noelle, age 12: “I think she should be freed. How they captured babies is not fair. It’s not fair to take them young and use them for our entertainment.”

Alexa, age 14: “When I was in fifth grade, I became interested in whales. I wanted to be a marine biologist and joined a program in Gig Harbor called Harbor Wild Watch. When you go to any kind of wildlife park and see animals in cages, you can see the pain in their faces. Humans can fight for what we want; animals can’t do that. More and more people are joining the movement. I’m hopeful that in the next few years Tokitae will be moved to a sea pen.”

The Haight Family

Rachel, age 27: “I grew up in Nebraska and went to the zoo all the time as a kid, never thinking about what the animals experience. When I saw the movie “Free Willy,” I started to care about their captivity. I visited Whidbey when I was 13; that’s when I learned about the captures. I loved the whales so much that I moved out here in 2011. When I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center, I understood how much wild animals hate cages. A week after I learned about the Orca Network, I went out on my first wild whale sighting. What draws me to orcas is that they are family oriented. They are social and emotional. We can’t even begin to understand their intelligence. Who are the people who are paying money to see Tokitae in a tank?”

Minda, age 33: “I began to care about marine animals in the sixth grade. I wanted to be a marine biologist. When I was 18, I worked at SeaWorld, in merchandising. I went whale watching in 2014, and it all clicked: this is where Tokitae should be. I’m a member of the Whatcom Marine Stranding Network. We educate people on shore about what they should do if they encounter a marine animal on the shore. We also collect decayed animals to determine their cause of death. If people could see how related Orcas are to us… Tokitae, even after all these years separated from her family, responds to recordings of their calls. How could you not care about that? I have hope that she will be freed in my lifetime. I want to be there at the moment she’s released into her sea pen. I have this vision in my head of what it will be like.”

The logistics to realize that vision are already in place: the country’s best marine scientists have crafted a rehabilitation plan, a protected sea pen has been created, and a staff is assembled to help Tokitae transition back into the ocean. All that’s lacking is the consent of the marine park owners. And that, it seems, is where public pressure will make the difference between immediate freedom and continued captivity for Tokitae.

You don’t have to stuff your brain with facts about orcas to join our regional pod of Orcadorks; as I discovered, it’s the size of your heart that makes you one of the family.

To learn more about Tokitae, whales, or the Orca Network, visit the Whale Center in Langley (115 Anthes Ave. 360-331-3543) or log on to www.orcanetwork.org.

All Photos Courtesy of the Orca Network.

Dianna MacLeod holds a degree in journalism and environmental advocacy. She is proud to be counted among our island’s orcadorks.

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

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

September 14, 2016
The Machine SHOP Brings Joy to Langley for Teenagers (and Adults)

BY EMILY ALEXANDER
Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
September 7, 2016

When I was a kid, which was not long ago, I loved going into Langley. My mom was a waitress at the Dog House and Mike’s Place was just across the street. But both of these lively places have been closed for quite a while now, and Langley has seemed to be losing its aspect of a fun place to hang out for people my age. There just isn’t much for teenagers like myself to do except sit on benches, look through boutiques that are too expensive for us to actually shop in and drool over the smell of fancy food we can’t afford.

But just this summer I found myself spending more time in Langley and it feels like it’s getting some of its energy back.

Two new places have opened—The Machine SHOP and Sprinklz.

Pinball Wizard Dalan Abernathy, age 6, applies Body English to achieve the proper trajectory. (Photo by David Welton)

The Machine SHOP, which shares an entrance with Sundance Bakery at 630 Second Street, is simply amazing. When you walk in, you’re tempted by delicious looking (and tasting) treats such as cupcakes and cinnamon rolls from Sundance. And then you enter the arcade area… and wow! There are two walls of pinball machines, as well as two Pacman ‘tables’ and two other vintage games. The room is dark, but lit by neon signs and the glow of the games.

The best part of The Machine SHOP is that it’s affordable—just 25 cents to play each game. 25 cents!

Owner Tim Leonard stands next to one of the neon signs he created. (photo by David Welton)

When I went there with my boyfriend for a date recently, it felt like the place had been designed with us in mind. We played every single game, some of them twice, and had money to spare for me to grab a delicious blueberry oatmeal cookie from Sundance for my grandpa.

Afterwards we walked down to Sprinklz at 109 First Street and got two ice cream cones. I appreciate Sprinklz as well, because the ice cream is good and it’s not expensive: about $7 for two single scoops. Again, it’s an affordable place for teenagers to enjoy.

Plus, both places are open fairly late. Sprinklz stays open until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; The Machine SHOP is open until 7 p.m. seven days a week. This is good, because most places close down around 5 or 6 p.m., leaving those of us under the age of 21 with little to do in the evenings.

Blake Willeford tests his reflexes. (photo by David Welton)

Images from two of the restored games (photos by David Welton)

What I love most about these new hangouts is that it’s the innovation and dreams of others that bring them to life. Tim Leonard, owner of The Machine SHOP, and Jennifer Krouse, owner of the Sassy Siren and Sprinklz, have shared what they love with this community and have made the community better for it. And the cooperation of people like Kelly Baugh, owner of Sundance Bakery, who worked with Leonard to come up with an arrangement that would benefit both businesses, is essential to keep the community thriving.

A classic Pacman game attracts visitors. (photo by David Welton)

Another great thing about The Machine SHOP is that there will be music once a month, every first Saturday. This last weekend, Hansen Drive, an up-and-coming garage band of talented 15-year-olds, opened for KrashZen, a local band that describes itself as “a band from outer space, but not too far” and plays rock, reggae, and groove oriented music. Both bands will be playing only original music.

Image at top: Tim Leonard, owner of The Machine SHOP and a craft metal artist, has a lifelong fascination with Atari video games

Emily Alexander, age 18, is attending Gonzaga University as a freshman. She’s passionate about photography, loves animals, and has a flare for cooking and baking.

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

WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

September 7, 2016
Art Show at Blooms features Alex Bonesteel and Natalie Heater

Sept. 6, 2016

The Art Show at Blooms Winery Tasting Room for September and October features two artists who have returned to their childhood home of Whidbey to pursue their dreams.

Alex Bonesteel spent his childhoods fishing on the beaches of Lagoon Point and riding his bike on the trails of Fort Ebey. When his dream of a career in professional hockey was ended with an injury, he decided to pursue his other passions—violin, art, design, fitness and philanthropy. After achieving a BA in Visual Communication at Portland State, Alex pursued his art career. A devastating loss of his entire portfolio from a Portland area gallery was the catalyst that brought Alex back to Whidbey. Since that time he has focused on his new business, Island Fitness and Nutrition, in Freeland, and starting a family. Just recently he has gotten back to his love of painting.

Natalie (Polcyn) Heater, a photographer, has been away from Whidbey Island for nearly 20 years. This will be her first showing of her work on the island since her return. Natalie enjoys the ability to capture unique and beautiful moments in time on film, and then being able to share those with others. Her work includes a close-up look at nature, in both color and black and white, often transmitting a feeling or emotion from the photo.

There will be an Artists Opening Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 8 at Blooms Winery Tasting Room at Bayview Corner. Come meet the artists, view the work on display and sample some of Blooms fine award-winning wines made here on Whidbey. The show will run until the end of October.

For more information visit the website www.bloomswinery.com, see Blooms Winery on Facebook or call 360-321-0515.

Image at top: Alex Bonesteel painting ‘Better Late Then Never‘

September 6, 2016