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Tag: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

These Are Stories You Have Time For

For the past decade, Chris Spencer has encouraged local writers to keep it short and submit 100-word stories (exactly 100 words), for a “Short Story Smash” at WICA. Spencer, who has published two books of 100-word stories, says, “I like the constriction of working in a limited space. It helps with editing skills, concise sentence construction, and word choice.”

Spencer keeps performances of these short pieces interesting by having two readers, alternating masculine and feminine voices, and altering humor and pathos. At the latest event, which took place on Oct. 27, 2016, the following authors received cash prizes.

First place: “Ashes” by Jim Milne
Second place: “Trickster” by Dianna MacLeod
Third place: “The Things We No Longer Hear” by Paul Goldfinger

Ashes

By Jim Milne

I picked up Mom’s ashes at the funeral parlor and took them home. My brother Donny was there. We’d have our little ceremony before we scattered her ashes.

Mom was Irish, a real lady, but she liked her Guinness.

Donny lit a couple of candles; I got out two bottles of Guinness and glasses. We set the urn in the center of the table and prepared to drink a toast to Mom. I had a thought.

“Shall I pour a little in there for Mom?” I nodded at the urn.

“Better not, or we’ll never get her out of there.”

Trickster

By Dianna MacLeod

My parents shunned Halloween, that debauched holiday. For ten years they dimmed the lights, lowered the shades, sent me to bed early, prayed to protect me from pagan powers.

Eleven—my year to trick. Costume from a pillowcase. Escape through a window. Wandering the witching hour. Freedom! Thrills! Treats!

Then—rain slicking the pavement, eyeholes askew, sack heavy—I fell. On hands and knees, in darkness, I fumbled for each heavenly morsel.

Sack upended on my bed, I flashlight-lit my damply, shiny pile.

Moving? Writhing? Alive!?

Worms! Slimy wigglers clung to every piece!

God, the greatest trickster of all.

Things We No Longer Hear

By Paul Goldfinger

I hadn’t talked to my family in years. But I had no choice. I was dead broke and had no one else to turn to.

After panhandling just enough change, I found a pay phone and dialed home.

Mom answered: “Hello.”

“Hi Mom, it’s Paul.”

“Oh, Paul. It’s so good to hear your voice. How are you?”

“Physically, I’m fine. But I’m broke. That’s why I’m calling.”

“I thought you were calling about what happened to Dad.”

“Why? What happened to Dad?”

“Dad had a …“

Just then the Operator cut in saying, “Deposit 25 cents for three more minutes.”

[Not part of the story, but I can hear Lily Tomlin’s “Ernestine” character saying the final words.]

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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 2, 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
Katie Woodzick Takes A Final Bow on Whidbey Island

BY OLENA HODGES
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
July 20, 2016

A performer, a master networker and an innovator (who now uses the singular “they” pronoun)—Katie Woodzick has created a space for themself* in the Whidbey community that will certainly leave an impression long after they’ve moved on to their next adventure.

Woodzick came to Whidbey Island nine years ago. In the summer of 2003, they had recently graduated with a BA in Theatre and was touring as an actor and director with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s production of “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

Woodzick harasses Ed Cornachio in the role of the “Defenseless Creature” in Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor. “ (photo by Jason Dittmer)

They had the option to renew their contract and continue to tour the Midwest, but decided instead to apply for multiple AmeriCorps positions. They submitted 12 applications for positions all over the country, and Whidbey Island was the first to offer them a spot.

“I was in a place where I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so I decided I was willing to move anywhere, even though I had never been to Washington State,” Woodzick remembered. “It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

In August of 2003, Woodzick packed all of their belongings into their car and drove from Minnesota to Washington State in two days. By spring of 2004, they were cast in two plays and offered a directing spot in Whidbey Island Center for the Arts’ 2004-2005 Theatre Series season.

Promo shot for “Franklin and Figaro” with (l-r) Woodzick, Deana Duncan and Patricia Duff. (photo by Jason Dittmer)

“Katie brought their familiar energy, creativity, intelligence and flair to Island Coffeehouse and Books [in 2008], and made a difference in the lives of many, many young people in our community,” recalled Susie Richards, who led the AmeriCorps program at the time. “It’s been a joy for me to watch that passion and talent continue to touch our community in so many, many ways. Katie will always be a member of this community!”

Deana Duncan is the Programming and Production Director at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. She remembers Woodzick coming in to pitch the idea of a partnership with AmeriCorps. Duncan has since worked with them on multiple productions.

“Directing Katie is a lot like trying to hold on to a thunderstorm,” she said. “Katie brings a power to the process and the roles created that can sometimes be misunderstood. I remember sitting with Katie in rehearsal, deep in conversation about how to spark the role and realizing again that this actor needs everyone involved to be giving 100 percent or we would be in trouble. How wonderful is it when one person on the team can hold the bar so high that everyone else strives to stay at top form? That’s Katie.”

Curtain call shot from “The Rocky Horror Show,” in which Woodzick played Magenta. (photo by April Forde)

Woodzick has worked with multiple theatres on Whidbey Island and in Seattle. Their love of the craft of theatre inspired them to start the Theatrical Mustang podcast, which features interviews with local artists and innovators. The podcast has produced over 90 episodes, which have been listened to over 8,000 times.

Most recently, they directed “The Flick” with OutCast Productions. Artistic Director Ned Farley has worked with Woodzick as both an actor and a director. He spoke enthusiastically of Woodzick’s artistic and marketing work with the company:

Woodzick strikes a pose with Ned Farley and Ken Martinez in “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.” (photo by Jim Carroll)

“Katie has been a delight to work with on many levels,” Farley said. “In all capacities their work has allowed OutCast to grow and [allowed] our audiences to see the variety of skills that they bring to theater. As an actor they have worked hard to bring each character to life. As a director, they have challenged audiences with sometimes difficult and uncomfortable material. As a ‘behind the scenes’ support person, they have helped bring OutCast to community members who might not have found us otherwise.”

Last month, Woodzick found out that they had gotten off the wait-list for Naropa University’s MFA in Contemporary Performance. This program is a two-year interdisciplinary graduate degree in theatre. They are moving to Boulder in mid-August.

“Into the Woods” is one of Woodzick’s favorite shows. They played Little Red Riding Hood at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. (photo by Tyler Raymond)

When Woodzick found out they were leaving the island, they decided to put together a farewell concert performance. On Saturday, July 23, Woodzick will be singing 21 songs from 18 musicals, including favorites from Whidbey performances. The concert will be held at Whidbey Children’s Theater in Langley.

“This concert is my love letter to Whidbey Island,” Woodzick explained. “I have grown so much as an artist in this supportive community, I wanted to take the stage one more time to express my gratitude.”

Tickets can be purchased for Woodzick’s concert online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/wlm/2569933.

Olena Hodges is the Associate Artistic Director of Island Shakespeare Festival and is also a founding member of ISF’s acting company. Olena is a graduate of the BFA acting program at Southern Oregon University and holds a certificate from Circle in The Square Theater School’s two-year Professional Actor Training Program. Olena is also the associate producer of the Theatrical Mustang Podcast.

* * *

*We are happy to support Katie Woodzick’s pronoun preference in this article. For additional information on the practice of using the pronouns “they,” “them” and “their” as singular gender-neutral pronouns, visit the following websites: http://grammarist.com/usage/they/, http://feministing.com/2015/02/03/how-using-they-as-a-singular-pronoun-can-change-the-world/ or search online.

Poster for Woodzick’s July 23 concert at Whidbey Children’s Theater

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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.

July 20, 2016
You’re invited to the annual Hedgebrook Open House on Sept. 10

Sept. 6, 2016

The annual Hedgebrook Open House will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.10 at Hedgebrook Retreat, 2197 Millman Road in Langley.

We welcome friends, new and old, to wander the forest paths, tour the gardens, listen to live gypsy jazz music, sample tasty refreshments from Hedgebrook’s kitchen and breathe the fresh island air.

Families and children are warmly welcomed; please leave pets at home. The event is free and open to the public! Come early to enjoy all the fun!

• 1-3pm: Tours of the grounds available (last farm tour at 3 p.m.)
• 3:15-4pm: Readings by Hedgebrook Alumnae
• Music provided by The Hot Club of Troy, who celebrate the spirit of Django Reinhardt’s swing music, featuring the guitar interplay of Troy Chapman and Keith Bowers accompanied by bassist Kristi O’Donnell.

Please RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-hedgebrook-open-house-tickets-26713744529.

There’s nothing like seeing the magic of Hedgebrook in person. We’ll save you a seat!

July 6, 2016
What’s Happening || Thursday, May 12 through Sunday, May 15

BY KATY SHANER
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
May 11, 2016

Welcome to the weekend on Whidbey. “What’s Happening” includes many weekend events starting Thursday and running through Sunday. “What’s Happening” is a collaborative information guide project between the Visitor Information Kiosk and Whidbey Life Magazine.

THURSDAY, MAY 12

“PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN 7 p.m. at the Whidbey Children’s Theater. Thursday, May 12 is opening night and the show runs through Sunday, May 22. Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, Robert. When he dies she has more than grief to deal with: there’s her estranged sister, Claire, and Hal, a former student of her father who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that Robert left behind. And a further problem: how much of her father’s madness (or genius) will Catherine inherit? This Pulitzer Prize-winning play opened at the Donmar Warehouse in 2001.

Whidbey Childrens Theater, 723 Camano Ave., Langley • Recommended Ages 13+ for language and mature situations • Adults: $16 / Youth: $8 • Purchase Tickets Online: http://wctmagic.org/calendar/2016/5/12/proof-by-david-auburn

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WICA! 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Whidbey Island Center for the Arts community open house. In celebration of WICA’s 20th anniversary, the entire community is invited to take a stroll down memory lane during an open house this Thursday evening. Refreshments, light hors d’oeuvres, libations, and birthday cake will be served as guests view pictures, posters, costumes and props, and other memorabilia representing 20 years of our shared experiences in the arts. The Open House is free and open to the public. Whidbey Island Center of the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley www.wicaonline.org

THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL WONDERS OF DECEPTION PASS 7 p.m. Located at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. Presented by Park Manager Jack Hartt. Since the turn of the last century Deception Pass State Park has been transformed from rugged federal land donated to the State to one of the most-visited state parks in Washington. From sand dunes to old growth forests – freshwater lakes to beaches on the Salish Sea – an abundance of wildlife including 174 species of birds. Explore some of the natural and cultural history of the park – how it came to be and the challenges we face as we head into the future. Preceding the 7:30 program, scholarship winners will be introduced and annual officer elections will be held.

The public is welcome to attend this free event • Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St., Coupeville • Whidbey Audubon: www.whidbeyaudubon.org

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: BOOK DISCUSSION 6:30 p.m. Located at the Langley Library. It is satisfying to see someone get their just desserts. Many novels explore this theme. Join the delicious discussion to talk about your favorite novels where characters get their due. “Let Them Eat Cake” by Gesine Bullock-Prado is our featured cookbook. Just desserts will be served! Langley Library, 104 Second St., Langley • 360-221-4383

BEACH LITTER PICKUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Ft. Casey State Park • 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Open to all adults 18 and older (sorry, no minors). Please contact Stinger to learn about opportunities available to youth. Contact Stinger prior to attending a beach cleanup to let him know to expect you, preferably at least two days before. This will insure that, if there is an emergency change or cancellation in the schedule, he can then notify you. Bags, gloves, and other equipment will be provided. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and footwear for walking over sand, cobble, and driftwood. Schedule can change due to adverse weather conditions. A one-day volunteer park access pass is available for volunteers who do not have a Washington State Parks Discovery Pass. For a map or more information about any of these cleanup locations, contact: Stinger Anderson, Community Litter Cleanup Program Coordinator • stinger.anderson@wsu.edu • 360-240-5558 (office) • 360-941-3171 (cell)

BILLY THE CELLOIST 11 a.m. Live and strung at UBCC. A good time is likely to be had by all, but especially Billy. Useless Bay Coffee Company, 121 Second Street, Langley • 360-221-4515 • www.uselessbaycoffee.com/

FRIDAY, MAY 13

THE RURAL CHARACTERS VARIETY SHOW 7:30 p.m. Located at WICA. Enjoy The Rural Characters as they host a variety show featuring many of the artists who have graced the stage over two decades, including: Sing!Chronicity (the very first performers at WICA!), Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, Saratoga Chamber Players, The Heggeness Valley Boys, WOW! Stories, Troy Chapman, Judith Adams, Theatre skits, Drew Christie Animation. All Seats $22 • Tickets by phone: 360-221-8268 • Online: tickets@wicaonline.org • Whidbey Island Center of the Arts 565, Camano Ave., Langley • www.wicaonline.org

STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us for Hammons Preserve Blackberry Bonanza with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Would you like to help steward the land and restore habitat? We have volunteer opportunities coming up on our nature preserves, and we need your help. The Land Trust provides tools, snacks, and drinks. All you need to bring is a pair of work gloves and be ready for outdoor fun with fellow volunteers. To sign up online: www.wclt.org/events • By phone contact Kyle at: 360-222-3310 • Email: kyle@wclt.org

PETE 7 – 9 p.m. Located at Bayview Hall. Admission is free. Donations for the band are highly encouraged. There will be a charge for beer, wine, and sodas. Brought to you by Goosefoot and Bayview Hall. Bayview Hall, 5642 Bayview Road, Langley • For questions contact: 360-321-4145 • info@goosefoot.org

OTT & MURPHY WINES – RUSTY FENDER AND THE MELODY WRANGLERS 7 p.m. Alt-Country and Americana.“There will be dancin’ in the street”. Contributions for the music gratefully accepted. Reservations are recommended. Ott & Murphy Winery Tasting Room, 204 First St., Langley • 360-221-7131

THE LANGLEY 2ND STREET MARKET 2 – 6 p.m. Every Friday through September 30. Our European-style market includes several local produce and flower farmers local soap makers, artists, jewelers, baked goods, food by Dorcas of Lesedi Farm, and numerous local musicians. For more information or to inquire about being a vendor, contact Ben at: secondstreetmarket@whidbey.com

“PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN – WHIDBEY CHILDREN’S THEATER 7 p.m. (See Thursday, May 12 for more information.)

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 – 8:30 p.m. Blooms Winery Tasting Room at the Bayview Corner. Open Mic Night is the second and fourth Friday of each month. The Open Mics Night, hosted by Ron Eaton, provide an opportunity in a casual and intimate setting for musicians to perform live and play a song or two and perhaps join in with fellow musicians on stage, or for a poet to recite some of their verse. Anyone interested in being included in the evening’s talent showcase can call the tasting room at 360-321-0515 for more details. Drop-ins are accepted as time allows.

Special Friday night food menu includes Blooms regular menu, our Friday Flatbread special and a few additional choices with wonderful award-winning Blooms wines by the glass or bottle, as well as craft brews by Foggy Noggin and Boundary Bay, and non-alcoholic choices! Blooms Winery Taste for Wine & Art, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley. www.bloomswinery.com • www.tasteforwinewhidbey.com • 360-321-0515

SATURDAY, MAY 14

SAVOR SPRING FOOD AND WINE TOUR 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Four wineries and a distillery on Whidbey Island open their tasting rooms to present the annual Savor Spring Food, Wine and Spirits Tour. This tour includes not only tastes of wine and spirits – many of them new releases for spring – but each venue will also feature a food vendor that will have samples of locally made and grown foods, creating a true taste of Whidbey Island. Participating wineries and distillery are:

Comforts of Whidbey/Gordons – 4361 Witter Road, Langley
Spoiled Dog Winery/ Roaming Radish 5881 Maxwelton Road, Clinton
Whidbey Island Distillery/ Prima Bistro 3466 Craw Road, Langley
Blooms Winery’s Tasting Room/ Glass Alley Café / Sundance Bakery 5603 Bayview Road, Langley
Holmes Harbor Cellars/ Mile Post 19 4591 Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland

The tickets for the tour are $20 in advance, available at the participating tasting rooms or online at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2498855 • Tickets are also available at the door for $25. Although the tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., some winery tasting rooms will be open later. For more information on the tour, visit the Whidbey Island Vintners Association website at: www.whidbeyislandvintners.org, or call Blooms Winery tasting room at: 360-321-0515.

PENN COVE WATER FESTIVAL 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located at the Historic Front Street in Coupeville. Celebrating our Native American heritage this one-day freefamily festival features tribal canoe races, Native American arts and crafts, demonstrations, story-telling, music and dance performances, educational displays, food, and youth activities.. For full info: www.penncovewaterfestival.com

EARTH SCIENCES FOR KIDS AT EBEY’S LANDING 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Whidbey Camano Land Trust. The dramatic beauty of our Island’s beaches and bluffs is something to enjoy and cherish. But have you ever wondered what made them? The rocks, sand, and living organisms are full of clues. Join the Whidbey Camano Land to explore the effects of wind, rain, waves and sun on our island shores. This is a family-friendly tour aimed at elementary and middle school kids aged 10-13. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free, but space is limited! To sign up visit our website: www.wclt.org/events • By phone contact Kyle at: 360-222-3310 • By email: kyle@wclt.org

SPRING SHRED EVENT – SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF SOUTH WHIDBEY ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITY BANK 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Time to clean out your file cabinets, garages, and storage rooms. Securely dispose of your personal and financial records. Minimum donation $5.00: bankers box or grocery bag. $10.00: oversized box or garbage bag. All proceeds benefit Soroptimist International of South Whidbey Island’s Grants and Scholarships Program. Licensed and Bonded SECURE Shredding Company. Contact: Tara Long www.coastalbank.com

BUILDING HOPE TOGETHER – SOUTH WHIDBEY HOMELESS COALITION 4 – 7 p.m. St. Augustine’s Church in-the-Woods. Enjoy an evening of fun music, good food, and a celebration of the work of the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition, whose mission is to help make homelessness a brief and rare experience on South Whidbey. BBQ chicken dinner, no-host bar, live music and silent auction. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets or make a donation call: Victoria Ritts at 206-992-4054, Linda Rush at 509-859-3070 • St. Augustine’s Church in-the-Woods, 5217 Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland

THE RURAL CHARACTERS VARIETY SHOW 7:30 p.m. WICA (See Friday, May 13 for additional information.)

“PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN – WHIDBEY CHILDREN’S THEATER 7 p.m. (See Thursday, May 12 for more information.)

SUNDAY, MAY 15

“MOSTLY FEATHERS” – WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY OF GOVINDA ROSLING 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Artist’s Reception at the UUCWI Gallery. Govinda photographs mostly birds, working with a variety of lenses that enable zoomed shots, some through blinds, some by sitting and letting the birds come to her. She focuses on aspects of their life in each photograph – their quirkiness, intensity of foraging, their place in the world. “Mostly Feathers” will continue on display throughout the months of May and June. UUCWI, 20103 State Route 525 (approximately two miles north of Freeland on the west side of the highway) • www.uucwi.org/

THE HOT CLUB OF TROY 12 – 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15. Playing lively swing music with a romantic French flair. Useless Bay Coffee Company 121 Second St., Langley (360) 221-4515

19TH ANNUAL HEDGEBROOK WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL 4 p.m. WICA. $5 suggested ticket donation. New works by Kristiana Rae Colón, Virginia Grise, Dawn Renee Jones, Madhuri Shekar and Regina Taylor. Hedgebrook partners with regional theatres across the country with strong track records of commissioning and producing new works by women playwrights. This year’s festival partners include Denver Center Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Southern Rep Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.hedgebrook.org/hwpf-dl Whidbey Island Center for the Arts 565 Camano Avenue, Langley.

“FORAGING FOR EDIBLE FOOD” WITH KELSI FRANZEN – SLOW FOOD WHIDBEY ISLAND’S 1 – 4 p.m. May 15. Pacific Rim Institute. This unique three-part event, learn what wild plants can be combined as delicious and unique ingredients into your daily meals. Educator, farmer, and fifth generation Coupeville native Kelsi Franzen will engage all of your senses first on a hike, to learn how to identify some common edibles in several Pacific Northwest ecosystems, followed by a presentation on how to create meals inspired by and infused with Whidbey Island’s wild and cultivated foods.

Kelsi Franzen holds a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Non-Profit Administration from Western Washington University, in partnership with North Cascades Institute, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Education from Western Washington University.

Program cost will be $15 for a one-hour foraging tour on the Pacific Rim Institute grounds followed by a one-hour presentation in the auditorium for $10. There will be a one hour break between the two events to allow people to tour the Pacific Rim hoop houses and learn about their exciting plans for the future of PRI or just linger, chat and snack in the Auditorium building. Pacific Rim Institute, 180 Parker Road, Coupeville. Contact Kathy at kathy46@whidbey.com to sign up.

Important: Please note: The one-hour foraging tour at PRI is already full but we can put you on the waiting list.

SAVOR SPRING FOOD AND WINE TOUR 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (See Friday, May 14 for more information).

TILTH MARKET 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. South Whidbey Tilth’s Farmers’ Market’s features local farm produce and plants, concessions and crafts. Island There’s lots of parking, clean restrooms, free WiFi and children’s play areas. SNAP cards are welcome. South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market, 2812 Thompson Road, Langley • www.southwhidbeytilth.org/market.html

“PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN – WHIDBEY CHILDREN’S THEATER 2 p.m. (See Thursday, May 12 for more information.)

OTT & MURPHY WINES – TROY CHAPMAN AND GARY WAY 3 – 5 p.m Conversations in jazz with guitar and piano. An afternoon of beautiful music, wine and view. No cover. Ott & Murphy Winery Tasting Room, 204 First Street, Langley • 360-221-7131.

SUNDAY MUSIC SERIES – RUSSELL CLEPPER 3 – 5 p.m. Enjoy Sunday afternoons all year long with live music at Blooms Winery Tasting Room at Bayview Corner Store. Russell Clepper will play some of his favorite original tunes. Russell has a wonderful style that captures your heart and moves your soul. No cover and no minimums but we ask you to please tip appropriately. Fabulous wines, good food and great music! Blooms Winery Taste for Wine & Art, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley • www.bloomswinery.com • www.tasteforwinewhidbey.com • 360-321-0515

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The Visitor Information Kiosk is funded by the Greater Freeland Area and Langley Chambers of Commerce and What’s Happening is prepared by Katy Shaner, Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. Contact Katy at ktshaner@whidbey.com.

Got an event you’d like to see on What’s Happening? Make sure to put it on the Whidbey Life Magazine Calendar at https://www.whidbeylifemagazine.org/submit-your-event/.

Since 2008, the Visitor Kiosk has welcomed over 22,000 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. Welcome and enjoy your visit. Do come back.

Event contributions from Katy Shaner, Whidbey Life Magazine, www.whidbeylifemagazine.org and drewslist drewslist@whidbey.com.

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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.

May 3, 2016
Audience WOW’ed by Whidbey’s Women at WICA

BY KATE POSS
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
March 23, 2016

Imagine standing in the spotlight telling your story with confidence and grace.

More than two dozen of Whidbey Island’s talented women took to the limelight for the Fifth Annual WOW! Stories held at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley on March 11 and 12.

Friday night’s speakers and coordinators end their evening’s event onstage. (photo by Tyler Raymond)

Musician Kristi O’Donnell, a bassist with the gypsy jazz band Trio Nouveau, opened the event with music the first night. Her band performed “Blues for Hildegard,” a piece O’Donnell composed based on the poetry of Hildegard of Bingen. “The song is about living the creative life and celebrates love from the stars and the beauty of the natural world,” she said. O’Donnell is also an artist and has a show at Prima Bistro through the end of this month.

The motto of WOW—an acronym for Women of Whidbey—is “inside every woman is a story worth sharing” (and often they are stories one might not expect). WOW! Stories grew from Diana Lindsay’s inspiration in 2012 while she was watching TED Talks (“Technology, Entertainment and Design”; learn more at https://www.ted.com/talks).

Why not organize a TED-like talk, she thought, for all the interesting Whidbey Island women. She shared her idea with friends and, within two hours, the women had agreed to make WOW a reality. Her can-do friends—Rene Neff, Lynn Willeford, Mary Fisher and Debora Valis—created Seriously Fun Productions and the first WOW! Stories event was held in 2012. Ticket sales supported Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) and Whidbey Island Nourishes (W.I.N.). Shannon Arndt and Heather Racicot joined Seriously Fun Productions in 2013.

Another speaker this year was Toni Marthaller-Anderson, an integrative nurse practitioner at Women to Wellness in Greenbank. A passionate advocate for promoting gut health, Marthaller-Anderson hosts regular workshops on healthy eating along with ways to nourish the billions of good bacteria that live in our digestive system.

“Well, I decided to participate in WOW because I had a gut feeling that I should,” she said. “The ‘Seriously Fun’ women are supportive, organized, energetic and simply awesome.”

Giving homage to our ancestors, Julie Glover sang three Celtic laments. “I chose to share these songs at WOW! because they give a rich sense of the lives of our ‘foremothers’—our ancestors upon whose shoulders we stand today,” Glover said. (You can hear “I Once Had A Sweetheart” here.

Kathryn Lynn-Morgen works in theater as a designer, actor and director and helped create Langley’s annual Pride Parade. She spoke about how, through the alchemy of theater, we can create our own worlds: “You can find yourself,” she said. “Suddenly you have a voice. You have ideas and beliefs. You recognize your own personal creativity and process. It is exhilarating. It is terrifying and joyous and heartbreaking and healing.”

Marilyn Main bought tickets for the second day of WOW! Stories and said she was brought to tears after hearing the story by Katy McGregor, who talked about her role as a surrogate mother. The original family, she said, eventually decided that they didn’t want the baby after all. But through an odd twist of fate, her baby became the balm for a bereaved couple who had just lost their young daughter.

Main said she was impressed, also, by professional boxer, Dakota Stone, who held the title of Top Ten Women Boxers of the World for a decade. Stone owns Solid Stone Boxing Gym in Clinton and trains women, men and youth in boxing skills, confidence building and physical and mental fitness.

The audience joins Saturday afternoon’s speakers following the event. (photo by Tyler Raymond)

Other speakers and performers at Wow! Stories included:

Barbara Dunn, PhD, LICSW, MT-BC, who is a musician and has produced four CDs. She is also a music therapist, social worker, psychotherapist and author of the books “More Than a Song” and “Exploring the Healing Art of Music Therapy.”

Chris Peterson, who traveled the world in the 1970s and then worked for a number of nonprofits in the housing, education and environment fields. She created the popular Public Radio show “BirdNote” (http://www.birdnote.org/shows) and has since retired as the show’s executive producer.

Carrie Whitney, an artist, teacher, mother, wife, and friend. She spoke about how she integrates her life into her art.

Claudia Walker, who sings, plays instruments, has taught music and works as a music therapist, integrating music and medicine for end-of-life patients.

Pam Schell, an avid supporter of local arts, who runs the Inn at Langley and was married to Paul Schell, former Seattle Mayor.

Trish Rose is a Major General with the Air Force. She is currently the highest-ranking openly gay member of the US Military.

Members of South Whidbey High School’s award-winning jazz ensemble call themselves “The WOW Sisters” — Annie Saltee, Katyrose Jordan, Mara Bush and Cat Ballestrasse (photo by Tyler Raymond)

Josh Hauser grew up in a dusty Texas town and owns and runs Moonraker Books in Langley—a decidedly undusty and green place. She’s owned the bookstore for more than 40 years.

Melissa Young once built cabinets. After getting involved with building a school in Nicaragua 30 years ago, she began producing social justice documentaries.

Brook Ott is a nurse practitioner at South Island Medical. She spent her early days on the island and now treats elder patients she knew as a young girl.

Elizabeth Guss currently works as a pastoral administrator at St. Hubert Church in Langley. She also worked as a major fundraiser for the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Guss is a co-author of the book, “Whidbey Island: Reflections on People & the Land,” which celebrates the island’s history and explains its remarkable appeal.

Jeanne Strong is an educator known recently for her efforts in promoting peace in the war-torn African country of Burundi, where she is committed to educating its children. She is a guardian-ad-litem, advocating for children in foster care, and continues her involvement in schools as a consultant in helping to develop healthy learning environments.

Linda Good, founder of Island Strings, is a long-time strings teacher and musician of South Whidbey. She has taught hundreds of South Whidbey children to play the violin and to appreciate music

Erin Morgan, a self-described “strong and willful woman,” talked about fitness, nature, the power of family and rising above challenges.

Hannah Weatherford, a self-employed photographer, enjoys the outdoors. She teaches photography to young people, helping them creatively express themselves.

Cynthia Brix promotes healing internationally between men and women over sexual issues and taboos. She works with the interfaith Satyana Institute—bringing women and men together to confront gender injustice.

Martha Murphy started singing and acting as a child growing up in Dallas, TX. She created the Whidbey Children’s Theater 35 years ago as a way for Whidbey’s kids to learn the magic of theater.

“The WOW Sisters”—Mara Bush, Katyrose Jordan, Annie Saltee and Cat Ballestrasse, are members of South Whidbey High School’s award-winning jazz ensemble.

WOW! Stories are put online as soon as processing allows. Individual videos are produced for this event by WhidbeyTV/Whidbey Telecom, you can view videos from 2015 and previous years here: https://www.youtube.com/user/WhidbeyWOWStories/videos?shelf_id=0&sort=dd&view=0

Kate Poss works as a library assistant at the Langley Library. 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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March 23, 2016
Went Dumpster Diving at WICA—found some C.R.A.P.…

BY DONNA HOOD
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
March 2, 2016

…and so did nine Whidbey Island multi-genre artists who combined their talents, skills and treasures to put together the Creative Recycled Art Projects show happening at WICA’s Zech Hall. C.R.A.P. will be open to the public the first two Fridays and Saturdays of this month: March 4 – 5 and March 11 – 12. Friday hours are 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday hours are 1 to 5 p.m. The first glass of wine is free at the Friday, March 4 opening night reception.

Lucky me—I got a sneak preview of a few of the pieces. As you can imagine, words cannot do justice to this eclectic and unique display of art; you’ll have to see it for yourself (if for no other reason than to totally agree with me).

First there’s the life-size “Kit the Caboodlenaut,” the poster child for the show. Kit is the creation of Janet Pheifer who told me she created the dazzling piece so Whidbey Islanders could see that “junk” in the right creative hands can turn into a showstopper. It certainly stopped me.

Janet Pheifer was one of 25 artists selected to adorn an astronaut’s suit for the 50th anniversary of The Museum of Flight. She painstakingly covered the suit with thousands of wine foils and other fun stuff. “By itself, junk is just junk,” Pheiffer said. “But in collage, it becomes texture, context, shape and color.” (photo by Marsha Morgan)

Next, my eyes are drawn to what just has to be a “Buffy Cribbs.” I’m no stranger to Cribb’s well-known and adventurous mixed-media work. The whimsical wood and metal sculpture has something to do with elephants – just what that is, is up to you.

Buffy Cribbs creates imaginative and whimsical 3-D pieces using collected objects from both found and manufactured sources. (photo by Buffy Cribbs)

Moving right along, I spy an intriguing handblown glass and metal sculpture. It’s by Katrina Hude who, according to the description card, has created this 2-foot long Red Truck to entice viewers into creating their own story about this cast-off piece of history. Hude hints that the truck may carry a payload or dispense with a burden. I’m grateful she helped me see some symbolism I might have missed.

Salvage, nostalgia, reclaimed treasure, off-cast and unwanted material excess are all opportunities for creative dialogue about social and cultural behavior. (photo by Katrina Hude)

When last I spoke with Kim Kelzer, she told me she was taking a break from making her trademark furniture. “Do we really need more stuff in our world?” she said. “My goal is to both re-purpose and elevate what we throw away. Found objects intrinsically carry a history that they can imbue in new work.” Well, the collage she calls “Standard American” certainly accomplishes her new objective. I can see a lot of conversation happening around this one.

Found objects intrinsically carry a history and are often inspiration for new work. In this collage, Kim Kelzer’s materials are more than decorative; they are also a comment on the world. (photo by Kim Kelzer)

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a screen of jewelry. I gravitate quickly. Now we’re talking my kind of art—functional. Sarah Primrose’s Rust Revival jewelry creations will be one of my purchases at the show. Primrose told me she’s always looking for found items or “treasures,” many of which she finds when she and partner Russell Clepper, locally known as the singing duo “The Muse and Eye,” go on their troubadour travels.

A line of jewelry Sarah Primrose calls “Rust Revival” features one-of-a-kind pieces made from rusted (and some not-so-rusted) discarded bottle caps and other metals. (photo by Janet Pheifer)

Moving on to Natalie Olsen’s art, a wry smile comes across my face. Loincloths. The last time I was in Olsen’s weaving studio, I couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you keep so much stuff besides yarn?” There were stacks of Diet Pepsi tabs, a box of wine foils, red onion skins, scraps, bark, used paper towels and some other things I didn’t recognize. Capacitors? Really? Loincloths? Really? (Wonder if Natalie’s husband, Earl, will be changing his wardrobe soon?)

Natalie Olsen used up some of her stash creating a few loincloths. This one incorporates soda tabs and wine foils. Another is made from used teabags and a flattened wire coil, decorated with capacitors. (photo by Earl Olsen)

Looking at the creations of Sara Saltee was an education for the not-too-deep-into-meaning art person that I am. What is an “assemblage artist”? I’m not sure, but if Sara is any example, they certainly create some thought-provoking objects.

Sara’s webpage describes assemblage as something that is “deeply grounded in reverence for things that are cast-off or left behind.” (Sounds a little like a definition for “junk,” but in a good way.)

Sara Saltee’s one-of-a-kind assemblages and collages use the flotsam and jetsam of everyday life, often alongside snippets of text, to express a poetic sensibility and a fascination with themes of identity, nurturance, and freedom. (photo by Michael Stadler)

Also intriguing are the creations of Johanna Nitzke Marquis. An impressive bio, telling us that Marquis was the first Director of Public Art in Washington and, later, a Seattle gallerist, prepares me to understand how her work reflects what she calls her political, personal and professional epiphanies. I translate that to mean that what I see before me demonstrates how vintage objects, combined artistically, can have meaning far beyond the vintage parts that create the art. Classic book covers and an old leather belt are much more than they appear.

Compelled to pass on the design qualities of old book covers, Johanna Nitzke Marquis makes books of just the covers, in collaboration with Suzanne Schlicke. (photo by Richard Marquis)

I didn’t get to see the works of Fritha Stand as she is madly completing them for the show. Guess you and I will just have to see them for the first time together.

Image at top: Janet Pheiffer and Kit the Caboodlenaut (photo by Marsha Morgan)

Artists’ websites:

Buffy Cribbs: http://www.cribbs-morrow.com
Katrina Hude: http://katrinahude.weebly.com
Kim Kelzer: http://milkpaint.com
Sarah Primrose: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimordialPath
Natalie Olsen: http://www.natalieolsen.com
Sara Saltee: http://sarasaltee.com
Johanna Nitzke Marquis: http://jnmarquis.com

Donna Hood is a writer, not an artist. She hopes her words, however, have inspired you to attend the show.

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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.

March 9, 2016
In Search of Truth and Beauty || Finding Shelter

BY JONI TAKANIKOS
January 20, 2016

Sometimes the past knocks on the door of your present moment and demands attention.

The memory that marched up the walk and knocked loudly on my door was from January, 2007. That was the year I was fortunate to be selected to be part of the WICA Local Artist Series.

I had proposed a multi-media event that seemed like a great idea at the time. But when I found out I had been awarded an evening to pull off this extravaganza, I was not at all sure I could do it. I knew I wanted visual artists involved as well as musicians and poets. In an early meeting with two of the eventual 14 visual artists, we decided upon the theme of “shelter.”

“Winter Happening for Shelter” takes flight. (photo by Eric Nussbaum)

Shelter turned out to have many layers of meaning and emotion. When I think back on the show, it is like a dream with many levels, and if anyone reading this was a part of that night so long ago, thank you for entering the dream of “A Winter Happening for Shelter. ” The idea of shelter is not limited to four walls and a roof. In the end, the show was all about love. It’s what we are made of beneath all of the other rubble.

WICA generously gives free rental of their space for the evening, but to produce a show still requires significant funds. I was fortunate to have underwriting from a patron to cover the other costs of the evening. Thanks to that generous patron and a sold-out performance, we generated a healthy donation to the Family Resource Center. Because there was no local homeless shelter at the time, the Family Resource Center seemed the best conduit to get funds to families in need. I remember someone from the FRC who told me of a family asking for help to pay for their campground fees, so they could afford to stay in the park. This was in the winter and I thought of that family and so many others forced to take shelter in the cold.

Besides the issue of homelessness on our island and elsewhere, I was also interested in shining a light on the commerce behind rental properties. It is well known that rental costs can rise dramatically in certain areas. Homeowners with a mortgage of $1000 might be able to charge $2000 to rent their property.

When it comes to the commerce of shelter, it would be beneficial to find a way to profit without driving away working families and single income workers. I know there are those who do charge less than the market will allow so that they can provide affordable housing. I applaud them and wish there was more encouragement in our society to do this more often.

Joni Takanikos and James Hinkley (photo by Eric Nussbaum)

Here on Whidbey Island we are still grappling with increasing homelessness, as well as a scarcity of rental properties. Many property owners have decided to rent to vacationers only; this is very lucrative but further lessens availability of rentals for families. If you are fortunate to have rental property on our fair isle or elsewhere, you might consider that you can profit by helping someone find affordable shelter.

I admit to having high hopes that we can offer shelter to those in need and we are getting closer to that ideal since 2007. Lori Cavender officially founded Ryan’s House as a non-profit in 2010 but had already been working for 10 years to provide resources for homeless youth on Whidbey. Today Ryan’s House is in the home stretch of a major campaign that would afford them the capability of a full time shelter in Coupeville. To donate or find out more about this heartful organization, visit ryanshouseforyouth.org or call Lori Cavender at 206-356-2405

The South Whidbey Homeless Coalition was founded in 2014 and, in 2015, this dynamic and diverse group of concerned citizens opened the House of Hope as temporary transitional housing for families in need.

They have plans for a Hope Village that will provide permanent housing/tiny homes to serve the chronically homeless. They have also partnered with the Langley Methodist Church in Langley and have opened a Warming Center in the Fellowship Hall at the church. It is open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., but only when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Their hotline is 360-221-5848.

The Warming Center is staffed by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please contact southwhidbeycoalition.org or call the hotline.

Artifact—a part of the program for “A Winter Happening for Shelter” (photo courtesy of Joni Takanikos)

I recently spoke with Joanne Pelant, who is Island County’s housing resources coordinator. County and federal laws mandate that a “point in time” count of the island’s homeless population be done on a randomly selected day yearly. Although the count is mandated, there are no specific funds attached to the count. Island County is seeking 100 volunteers for the count and offers training the week prior. This year the count will be on Jan 28. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Joanne Pelant at 360-678-7962

I confessed to Joanne during our conversation that if I were to ever win the lottery, I would like to build a shelter that is always open—a place with an eye toward beauty that is comforting to the body and soul. I envision a beautiful and comforting environment for those seeking shelter. Joanne said she has a similar vision. Well, sometimes we begin to create change by “dreaming a better dream” and the more of us engaged in the dream, the better.

As I write this from a warm and cozy house I pray that all beings find shelter and love.

Joni Takanikos teaches yoga at Half Moon Yoga Studio in Langley. The theme of shelter is still unwinding in her heart and soul.

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January 20, 2016
From Stage to Page || An actor’s tragedy finds art imitating life
BY ERIC MULHOLLAND
January 6, 2016

This month, on Sunday, Jan. 17, I will take to the WICA stage for a dramatic reading of the play “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom, based on his best-selling book of the same name.

In the play, the central character, Mitch, reconnects with his old college professor from Brandeis University, Morrie Schwartz, when he learns that Morrie has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mitch finds himself visiting his professor every Tuesday throughout his illness and is the only student in what becomes Morrie’s final class; the subject is: The Meaning of Life.

Coming together to embark on a creative journey with fellow theatre artists is always exciting. There is that ‘first day of school’ feeling when you sit down at the first table read and dive into the story of a play, getting lost in the lives of the characters, examining what makes them unique and interesting and then figuring out how to express their truth to an audience. And then there’s the excitement of all the production elements coming together, such as lights, costumes and sets—imagining how it will all appear to the audience on the day of the performance. That’s the magic of theatre making and it always excites me.

Eric Mulholland, left, and Charlie Murphy (photo courtesy of Betty Flerlage)

However, for me this project is different. It’s a true labor of love, one that has more heart and meaning for me than any other theatre production I’ve been involved with before. This time it’s deeply personal because the subject of this story hits close to home.

Let me start by saying that 2015 was a hell of a year for me. It’s the year that my happy life was turned upside down and inside out, never to be the same again. On April 28, 2015, my husband of 13 years, Charlie Murphy, was diagnosed ALS.

ALS is a fatal disease with no known cure or treatments. There are approximately 20,000 people living with ALS in the United States at any given time and the prognosis is bleak.

We are making every effort to slow down the disease progression by trying as many cutting-edge treatments we can find. We’ve done a lot to combat the onset of symptoms, including spending over two months in China, where we lived at a hospital trying to slow down the disease progression with intensive courses of herbs, acupuncture and massage. We are currently halfway through a medical trial and researching new treatments in stem cell therapy and hyperbaric oxygen, all of which require resources that we never thought we’d need.

Actively pursuing treatment is what we can do to help us keep hope alive. We’re optimistic that we will stumble onto a treatment that will buy us more time and slow down the disease progression. Yet it’s challenging to hold hope when you see the many physical changes occur.

Now, as I spend my days helping Charlie lift his arms to wash and dress, I wonder how this journey will play out. Will we find hope in the face of this hopeless disease? Like Mitch in “Tuesdays With Morrie,” I find myself learning about the meaning of life from Charlie, who is becoming my teacher. To me, he is the embodiment of love. His gentle spirit and dignity in the face of this fight inspires me to be a better person every day.

Eric Mulholland as Mendy in “The Lisbon Traviata,” produced by Theatre22 (photo courtesy of Corey McDaniel)

And so here I am, preparing for a role that cuts to the heart in deeply personal ways. As an actor, it’s essential to remain objective in the preparation of a role as you lead up to the performance. You work on all aspects of the character—understanding his/her role in the arc of the story, the relationships between people and so on. And it’s easy to be objective when you have no first-hand experience of the story’s subject matter because you get to be a student, learning about the material you are attempting to express. And when the day of the performance arrives, you let go of that objectivity and trust that what you express is the character’s thoughts and feelings.

This process of developing the character is usually a real thrill for me. I enjoy being like a detective, following the playwright’s clues to discover the many intriguing aspects of a character’s life. This time, however, I find it’s very difficult to remain objective in the weeks leading up to the production because I am living with ALS. I read the play and so much of what Morrie faces is what Charlie and I are facing in real time and it hurts. No matter how much love we have for each other or how hopeful we remain, the pain of the situation is always present.

So how does an actor make space for objectivity when the reality of a difficult situation is staring him in the face on a daily basis? I don’t really know the answer to that question. I only know that I am going to do my very best to approach this project with the same passion and enthusiasm I have for every other role I have portrayed and trust that the love I have for Charlie, and for my craft, will guide me to express Mitch’s thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way to each of you, the audience.

This production is a staged reading to benefit Charlie’s healing fund and it is so much more than a creative project and fundraiser to me. It’s an opportunity to share with our community the great challenges we will all face in life and to explore the role each of us will play in the lives of each other and how we can ease the difficult road ahead for us all.

When this project was first arranged, Charlie asked me, “will you be one of the actors in it”? It hadn’t occurred to me to be onstage! I was happy to be an audience member, sitting in the darkness, making this journey with everyone else.

I started to look at this as a gift I can give Charlie. But it turns out it’s as much a gift to myself as it is for him. I have the great pleasure of continuing to grow in my art while doing something tangible to help ease the path for my beloved husband. I am happily sharing the stage with fellow actor Andrew Grenier in this production, which is directed by Deana Duncan.

Charlie and I are learning the extraordinary power of love and hope that expresses itself so beautifully in the people who surround us. There have been other community gatherings to benefit Charlie’s fund, like the film “Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton” at the Clyde Theater and a community concert with the Open Circle Singers. And now—this staged reading at WICA that was so generously proposed to us by Stacie Burgua and Deana Duncan as a way of supporting Charlie.

Though we are in the trenches, fighting for time and a miracle, we are ever grateful for this community and the many ways the people in it show up to offer us support. ALS hasn’t extinguished hope in us and I have a strong sense that the gift of it is that it’s teaching us all the meaning of life.
- Whidbey Island Center for the Arts presents a staged reading of “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17. A benefit for the Charlie Murphy Healing Fund. Directed by Deana Duncan. For tickets: https://tickets.wicaonline.com/public/
- If you cannot attend the production, you can still support the Healing Fund. Please visit: youcaring.com/charlie-murphy-361893.
Eric Mulholland is an actor, teacher and writer living on Whidbey Island.

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January 4, 2016
Signs Of The Season – ‘Holiday Happenings’ through Dec. 20

BY KATY SHANER
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
December 2, 2015

With all there is to do on Whidbey Island this holiday season, you may find it a challenge to choose. But go for it… And enjoy! It’s the holidays!

Turn that page on your calendar and start filling it in. The first week in December is the true meaning of abundance.

Ashley Morrison and Ed Halloran Rotary Club of Whidbey-Westside (photo by Katy Shaner)

Want a Christmas tree or a wreath? Every day, from 11a.m. – 6 p.m. through Dec. 20, you can choose a tree and/or wreath at the Rotary Club of Whidbey-Westside lot at Bayview Rd. and SR 525, Langley. The proceeds help support the South Whidbey High School girls’ basketball team.

Friday–Sunday, Dec. 4-6

Start your weekend from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 with a “Holiday Hoedown” at Greenbank Farm, a Barn dance with the live music of PETE. And don’t forget “First Friday” from 5 to 7 p.m. as all farm businesses stay open late for visitors. Plus check out the special Santa events for the kids. http://greenbankfarm.biz/calendar-2015/.

“A Dickens’ Christmas Carol (A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts)” will be presented at Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on weekends, Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 20. Matinee Sundays are at 2:30 p.m. In this play within a play, the “Stykes-Upon-Thump Repertory Co. Inc.” rolls into town to perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the umpteenth time on their road show tour. Led by Sir Selsdon Piddock, they find their way through snowstorms and battling divas to the grand finale to bring their audience a Merry Christmas Caper that will lighten hearts and warm the spirit.

Holiday balls and Swag in Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)

Whidbey Island Community Orchestra, led by conductor Cynthia Morrow, will perform a Holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 at St. Augustine’s-in-the-Woods on Honeymoon Bay Rd. in Freeland. Admission is free (but donations to support the orchestra are accepted). Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Food Bank to help those less fortunate this holiday season.

Join the Whidbey Community Chorus in celebrating the advent of Christmas at their annual holiday concerts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the First United Methodist Church on SE Ireland Street, Oak Harbor. Admission is free, but donations are very gratefully accepted.

5K Run or a Walk?

You have two opportunities during the first weekend of December.

Head over to Camp Casey and Fort Casey State Park on Saturday, Dec. 5 for the Jingle Trail 5k Fun Run and Walk from 9 a.m. to noon. The race begins at 10 a.m. Be sure to join in the warm-up exercises with Harada Physical Therapy. Snacks will be available following the race.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, (with a check-in time at 9 a.m. and start-time at 10 a.m.), join the Elf Chase 5k Run and Walk at SW Parks and Recreation’s Community Park on Maxwelton Rd. Join in a morning of running, walking (dogs on leash are welcome), and elf chasing!

Do you enjoy shopping locally?

Bayview Winter Market at the Bayview Community Hall (photo by Katy Shaner)

There are markets providing produce, baked goods, hot foods, crafted items and artwork. Visit Bayview Winter Market in Bayview Community Hall, Langley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Dec. 19. And stop in the Hummingbird Farm–Oak Harbor Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 19. The market is located at the intersection of Zylstra and Ft. Nugent Roads in Oak Harbor, within Hummingbird Farm’s covered and snug greenhouse solariums. If weather permits, play a game of bocce ball, picnic and stroll about the Farm.

Plus, don’t forget the “Holiday Market on Pioneer” in Oak Harbor from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5—with arts, crafts, food and more. Shop for gifts made by local vendors. Watch for the special appearances from Santa.

Here come the parades!

Langley’s Holly Jolly Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Musicians, service and youth groups, pets, families and floats will march up and down First and Second St. Later in the afternoon, many businesses will be open late for a festive evening’s “Holiday Shop and Stroll,” as locals and visitors alike shop while enjoying Langley’s First Saturday Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m.

Further up the island, the Greening of Coupeville Christmas Lights Parade, Tree Lighting and Carol Singing will begin at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Santa arrives in Coupeville, bringing music and floats along with him. Be sure to stick around for Oak Harbor Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade of Lights along the Harbor.

Enjoy music?

Decorations in front of the Braeburn (photo by Katy Shaner)

The Saratoga Orchestra’s Holiday Concert “Peter and the Wolf,” Prokofiev’s timeless classic, will be held at the Coupeville High School Commons from 1 – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in conjunction with the Greening of Coupeville. This is a free family friendly event! Participate in the Saratoga Orchestra’s fun and unique “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where the young and young-at-heart have a chance to get up-close- and-personal with the instruments of the orchestra.

Feel like some comedy and laughs? Try Comedy Island’s Holiday Improv Show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Black Box Theater, located at Langley’s Island County Fairgrounds. Exercise your funny bone as Tony Caldwell, Marian Myszkowski, Erick Westphal and LuAnn Wolfe make up scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions.

And all of that is just the first week in December! There’s more to come as we head into week two! So remember all the events that continue on through this week, but add in these new events.

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13

‘Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime – Songs Of The Season will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at Langley United Methodist Church with Mathew Habib, tenor and Sheila Weidendorf, piano. Celebrate the season with this concert that includes selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” “He Shall Feed His Flock” and “Every Valley” and perennial Christmas favorites such as “I Wonder as I Wander” and “What Child is This?” Nothing heralds Christmastide quite like music!

Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s dazzling production of “The Nutcracker” is an Island holiday favorite. Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 18 through Dec.19, with evening shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget; it’s all about “the excitement of watching twinkling lights rise ever higher on a magical tree. The thrill of being swept away by snowflakes to a faraway land. No holiday season is complete without a trip to the Land of Enchantment!”

Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique (photo by Katy Shaner)

Decorating sugar cookies and ginger bread is a tradition this time of year. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique is holding Gingerbread and Sugar Cookie Decorating Classes. Reserve a space and be creative as you decorate a tasty treat.

Whidbey Institute Holiday Concert – “May Peace Be” is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. This musical celebration of the winter holidays and the return of the light features the Open Circle Community Choir, Randy Hudson and the Heggeness Valley Boys, poet Judith Adams and the SW5 A Cappella Group in Thomas Berry Hall.

Friday-Sunday, Dec. 18-20

Weekend three is here, Dec. 18 – 20, and brings us to the last week of events to share. It’s almost the Solstice Yule and Christmas and two concerts are scheduled.

Joyeux Noël – Celebrate a French Christmas with Island Consort will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at Langley United Methodist Church. Celebrate “un Noël Francais” with this concert of French early music, including instrumental works by Boismortier and Couperin, a trio sonata by Michel Corrette with flutist Kimberly Breilein, a Lully chaconne, a Campra cantate with soprano Fumi Tagata, and featuring Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noël with the Island Consort Singers, conducted by Dr. Dianne Vars.

Decorated Tree, Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will present – Solstice Concert: Duo Flamenco – Eric and Encarnación – Flamenco En Navidad from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. Poet Judith Adams will be a special guest. This is a one-of-a-kind holiday concert with Eric and Encarnación, the internationally renowned flamenco duo known for the deep connection and intense energy that permeates their live performances.

Gather together, reach out and welcome into your lives the many Holiday Happenings available this season on Whidbey Island.

Katy Shaner is the volunteer coordinator and manager of the Visitor Information Kiosk. Shaner writes the weekly “What’s Happening” and monthly “Gallery Watch” for the WLM “Flash.” For greater detail on each of the events mentioned in this article, go to the December weekly “What’s Happening.”

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December 10, 2015