The official King5 announcement came on a recent Friday: “Voters named Rob Schouten Gallery the Best Art Gallery in Western Washington for 2015. More than 180 other nominees competed for the title, but in the end there was only one winner. Thanks to all who voted, and congratulations to the Rob Schouten Gallery.”
“We were pleased just to be nominated again,” Rob Schouten said. “We won this contest in 2014, and were certainly up for winning it two years in a row. We let people know, and the response was wonderful.”
“Our customers and community cared enough to take the time to vote for us, and that made all the difference; we won ‘Best Art Gallery in Western Washington’ for the second year in a row! ”
Delighted owners Rob and Victory Schouten said they have the 30 Northwest artists they represent and their dedicated customers to thank for the title.
Voters left a steady stream of more than 100 glowing comments about the gallery on the contest website during the race:
“Rob Schouten’s Gallery always has original work by artists from the area. He is a wonderful host and the gallery itself is a jewel shop. You linger and linger.”
“Visiting Rob Schouten Gallery takes you into worlds of beauty: exceptionally talented artists’ works; Rob and Victory’s impeccable taste in selecting and displaying art; and regular gallery events celebrating this Whidbey treasure.”
“The content of the art has deep meaning; the owners and staff are impeccable, the art itself is beautifully made and of the highest quality; the gallery is beautiful.”
Victory Schouten extended her gratitude to the other Greenbank Farm tenants that share the location with RSG. “We are happy to be a part of Greenbank Farm with its other fine galleries, shops and cafe,” Victory said. “We hope our win as “Best Gallery in Western Washington” adds to the buzz making the Farm, and Whidbey Island itself, even more of a destination place, as it so deserves to be.”
Established at Whidbey’s Greenbank Farm in 2008, Rob Schouten Gallery and Sculpture Garden showcases top-quality painting and sculpture, as well as fine art glass, jewelry, ceramics, encaustics, woodworking, printmaking, and fiber arts created by some of the region’s finest artists.
Every week I relish the arrival of Whidbey Life Magazine online. It is so well done, always full of interesting events and blogs and creative efforts. Time after time, the Magazine seems to capture the sweetness and specialness of Whidbey Island, and I am so grateful to have this ongoing reminder of all that I love about the island. I often find myself sharing articles or blog posts with friends who have never been to Whidbey, but for whom I know there will be a high resonance. -Kim Tyler
For WLM publisher and staff, reading this recent letter from a subscriber was like opening a gift. While we are pleased to bring you the best of Whidbey Island, week after week online and twice annually in print, hearing from readers is a special pleasure that never fails to thrill us.
We’ve all noticed the trend toward outsourcing, consolidation and homogeneity. Whidbey Island Magazine bucks that trend in a small but important way by employing all local talent—writers, editors, photographers, publisher—to consistently produce a high-quality magazine about local people, places and events. Think of Whidbey Life Magazine as the media equivalent of your local farmer, chef, artist, author, innkeeper, coffee roaster, brewer/distiller/vintner—along with the many others who contribute to our island’s spirit and character. The stories about local folks that appear in Whidbey Life Magazine could only be written by other local folks with a passion for telling those particular stories.
That’s why, in this season of celebration and generosity, we urge you to consider giving the gift of a subscription to Whidbey Life Magazine, either to someone who lives here on the island, someone who loves to visit, or someone who simply appreciates a lively and colorful publication about a magnificent and magical place. While the weekly online magazine is free to anyone anytime, the print editions contain stories that are selected for their timelessness and relevance to the Whidbey Island of tomorrow. When you subscribe, you will receive our print issues in your mailbox as soon as they come out.
We thank you for your support during this and all seasons.
Sue Taves, Publisher and Dianna MacLeod, Print Managing Editor
November…that time of year when the colors blend together, looking like a child’s dish of paint water—gray with swirls of gold and plum.
It’s the month when Mom Nature puts her finishing touches on the landscape before tucking everything in for the winter. There is no rush as the afternoon meets twilight—wood smoke mingles and lingers, the last of the leaves lazily flutter and fall. Thoughts drift. Only the squirrels seem to be in a hurry, burying the peanuts I leave out for them—treasures for another day.
I love this month—its beauty and serenity calm me and make my heart full.
November’s blending of colors. (photo by Don Leske)
It’s been a teary month for me—the loss of my dog and the onslaught of Hallmark movies and sappy, heartstring tugging holiday commercials have saturated my senses. But however soggy I may be, and no matter how many tissue boxes I have on hand, I am not beyond learning from the many years of sweet companionship from my pet, nor from the movies I watch; there is always something to glean and, as teary as they make me, I am thankful for their lessons.
An Estonian proverb says: “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.”
Give thanks (photo by the author)
I try to be one of those people who particularly looks for the small pleasures in life—the things that bring a smile to faces, the things that warm the soul and touch the heart—ducks flying in formation, the faraway sound of a train whistle, gingerbread, the smile of a child, a walk in the woods, pumpkins marching down porch steps, the smell of burning leaves or freshly mown grass, anyone’s laughter, and the love of family and friends.
I hope gratefulness never escapes me.
The winds came to the island this week and with them broken trees, inky darkness and cold nights. It was cold in my house and I cuddled my pug for added warmth. But as I lay under my comforter, snug and cozy against the chill, I was reminded of not only the small things in life I’m grateful for, but also for the ones that I (and we, collectively) sometimes, too easily, take for granted…food, shelter, health, family.
Even without heat I gave thanks to have a roof over my head and food in my pantry and finances to get me through many days. How could I not? I know there are so many who would give anything for those luxuries.
It’s times like these (power outages and an impending holiday focused on giving thanks) that make me take a step back and pause a moment and really give thanks to what my life is: full and robust, filled with good health and laughter, friends, family, fur-babies and wonderful children, work that is satisfying, finances that are adequate, and the natural beauty that surrounds me on a daily basis, bringing me such joy.
Autumn splendor. (photo by the author)
As you go about your day today, this 394th Thanksgiving, I hope you have a grateful heart. If you are gathering with beloved friends and/or family, I hope you make a toast to those at your table and to those who are not—or can not—be there; I hope you can speak your mind and share your heart.
And if you need a little assistance in coming up with some words, here are a few quotes that might help you out:
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust
“Reflect upon your present blessings—
of which every man has many—
not on your past misfortunes,
of which men have some.” — Charles Dickens
“Here is to the two kinds of gratitude:
the sudden kind we feel for what we take,
the larger kind we feel for what we give.” — Edwin Arlington Robinson
And as you share your dinner and you find your table conversation needs more inspiration than perhaps football scores, try sharing some Thanksgiving trivia tidbits to turn things around:
The first Thanksgiving dinner was in 1621 and was a three-day festival celebrating the Pilgrim’s first successful harvest. The feast included venison, fish, shellfish, and fowl. Berries, root vegetables, leafy greens and corn porridge were also likely served and shared by the 90 Native Americans and the surviving 53 Pilgrims. Not until 1827 was there turkey, potatoes or pumpkin pie!
Besides Pilgrims, the Mayflower was often used to transport wine.
Cranberries are also called “bounce berries” because they bounce when ripe. The state of Washington produces more than 14 million pounds of them annually.
There are more than 189,000 wild turkeys living in New England—far more than anywhere else in the States—most thought to be descendants of only 31 birds. (I’m still hoping to see the turkey that lives near me on my island home.)
An early November morning in Langley. (photo by Sam McCarthy)
Happy day to you. Count your blessings, great and small. Count your blessings, one and all.
Search out things to be grateful for—open your eyes to your neighbors in need, to the beauty of our island, to our wonderfully generous and gifted community members, and the gifts within you. Share your heart.
“If Nature has made you for a giver,
your hands are born open, and so is your heart;
and though there may be times when your hands are empty,
your heart is always full,
and you can give things out of that.” — Frances Hodgson Burnett
Happy November—Happy Thanksgiving!
Les McCarthy is an author, entrepreneur and IPPY bronze medalist for her yearly “Healthy Living ~ Healthy Life: 365 Days of Nutrition & Health for the Family” calendars. She’s been a little over a year on the island and in the NW and loves every gorgeous bit of it (especially the rain and fog). She joyfully tends to her geriatric fur factory and is enjoying the slugs and snails more now that they’re gone!
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
Nov. 4, 2015
Just as baseball was the universally acclaimed national pastime during the last century, on a smaller scale softball was the pastime of Whidbey Island. As early as 1913, the four Mackie brothers—Theodore, Peter, James and David—cleared and leveled the sandy ground at Maxwelton beach to provide a playing field for ballgames. Dave Mackie passed away in 1939 and his heirs donated the land to Island County to create Dave Mackie Memorial Park.
Maxwelton Seals, probably about 1930 (photo courtesy of Doug Green)
A 1913 women’s team at Maxwelton field (photo courtesy of George Mills)
Maxwelton’s ballgames anchored community life during the summer. Families and friends picnicked on the grass to watch the contests until dusk. Before too long, someone had the bright idea to illuminate the field to extend ballgames into the night. Public funds were sparse after the Great Depression and World War Two, however, so the community pitched in and did it themselves. Clayton Mackie and a party of volunteers rigged a device to transport and raise the log light poles and electrician Payton Rudd donated his professional services to wire the poles.
The grandstand as it appeared during the 4th of July Maxwelton parade in the early 1950s (photo courtesy of George Mills)
The lights were dedicated on the Fourth of July, 1947 and the community was proud of the smallest lit ballpark in America. The hat was passed after each night game to fund the electric bill.
The next step toward the big leagues was a covered grandstand to gather spectators and to shelter them from the elements. Once again the neighbors stepped up to the plate; a team of helpers from the Maxwelton Community Club and Woodland Hall erected the structure at the south end of Maxwelton Road, using donated lumber. Foul lines and outfield fences, located out past the light poles, were installed. Construction was completed in November of 1949 and the arrival of a “major league” quality arena fostered fierce competition.
Richard Grubb with his 1950s Maxwelton jersey and his father’s ballcap and glove from the ’30s. (photo by David Welton)
1936 Baseball team (photo courtesy of Doug Green)
A surprising number of middle-aged and older players, from both Little League and adult recreational teams, still live nearby. They gathered recently to reminisce about the good old days.
Doug Green recalled the pre-television-1950s as a “transition era. Communities did stuff together at churches and gathering places,” he said. He remembers bobbing for apples at Woodland Hall.
Ralph Green, Bob Miller and Doug Green hoist the 1947 tournament trophy, engraved with parents’ and uncles’ names (photo by David Welton)
Ralph Green and Parker Wildes, a barrel-chested first baseman of Ruthian proportions, were known for prodigious home runs that occasionally landed in the surf beyond the short right-field fence. Richard Grubb claimed “the outfielder had to wear hip boots.”
Doug Green swings an antique bat and Richard Grubb takes his place as catcher. (photo by David Welton)Lanny Workman, right, shows off the reminder of days gone by. (photo by David Welton)
The center fielder had to dodge the light poles that were 20 feet inside the outfield fences. There were no ground rule doubles, so “if the ball hit the pole, you had to play it off,” said Green.
“There was a particularly spirited rivalry between Clinton and Maxwelton,” Bob Miller said, “with heated games on the Fourth of July.” Local teams from Midvale, Langley and Freeland hosted games at their own fields. A game in Coupeville made for a greatly anticipated but long road trip in those days. Regional teams from Mukilteo and Seattle traveled to play in the crown jewel of the Maxwelton Valley.
Dorothy Mills, far left, watches a late 1930s game with lady friends and two children. (photo courtesy of George Mills)
Little League, adult recreational and pickup games were played there, as well as “hens and chickens” games that pitted single women against their married counterparts. County commissioner Helen Price Johnson grew up in Maxwelton and played in a co-ed league as a child.
The Cross Country Store and gas station, owned by Miller’s grandmother, Julia, and located across the street from the ballpark, stayed open late to refuel hungry players with candy and soda pop.
In the summer of 2011, plastic outhouses were placed temporarily alongside the lean-to storage building next to the grandstand in anticipation of the Whidbey Island Triathlon. Sometime after midnight they were vandalized and set on fire. Although the fire was promptly extinguished, the storeroom was destroyed and the stands were damaged.
Bugs Bunny mural. (Does anyone know more about its creation?) (photo by Steve Marx of Island County Public Works)
Cleanup and demolition revealed a long-forgotten mural, concealed on the first-base side, that featured a 1939-style Bugs Bunny admonishing people to “Keep your park clean, no alcohol allowed.” None of the players from the 1950s remember this work of art. The creator and the date of this drawing remain unidentified, but some speculate it was painted by Carolyn Cook, sometime between 1960 and construction of the attached storeroom.
The economy struggled in 2011 and county resources were once again strained so, in the grand Whidbey tradition, work parties—comprised of parents of South Whidbey Crab Little Leaguers—rebuilt and painted the grandstand and modernized the dugouts.
Steve Marx, Assistant Director of Island County Public Works has pointed out that most older wooden ballparks have fallen to decay or fire and no longer exist in the United States. Nevertheless, the grandstand at Dave Mackie Park still remains—a physical reminder of the community spirit of Whidbey Islanders.
Image at top: Richard Grubb’s 1950s Maxwelton jersey and his father’s ballcap and glove from the ’30s. (photo by David Welton).
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine. He thinks and processes information visually and, therefore, [he says] he is a man of few words with limited verbal communication skills.
“Then…and Now” is an occasional series of historical Whidbey Island photographs paired with contemporary images by David Welton. If you have a “Then…and Now” story to share, contact 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.
Congratulations to Claire Gebben, our “Whidbey Writes” featured writer for November. We’re pleased to be able to share her work of short fiction with you.
Whidbey Writes is a collaboration between the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts (NILA) and Whidbey Life Magazine (WLM). Its purpose is to give WLM readers an opportunity to enjoy short fiction and poetry by writers who have a connection to Whidbey Island.
We look forward to publishing the original work of selected winners at the beginning of each month as part of Whidbey Writes. NILA and WLM congratulate Claire and thank volunteer editors Heather Anderson, Mureall Hebert and Chris Spencer, who review submissions on solstices and equinoxes and pass on the work they enjoy most to Whidbey Life Magazine for publication online and in print.
To find out more about Whidbey Writes and the submission criteria, visit the NILA website. To make a submission, use this page.
They weren’t ahead of the curve, but they weren’t behind it, either. Dominick and Agnes retired on schedule, booking their ocean cruise, something that seemed expected, if not required. As far as Dominick and Agnes could tell, anyone who could afford to did the same.
Agnes had been annoyingly mournful as they locked up the house, her eyes misting over as she stood on the apron of lawn in front of their white clapboard home.
“Good-bye, little house. If we could stay, we would,” she said in sorrowful tones. She stood a while longer, watching the swallows flit in and out of the garage eaves. “Little birds, whatever will you do?”
Dominick felt like honking the horn to give them one last startle. All those bird droppings and the repeated nests. He couldn’t permit sentiment. Every creature had to adapt, or perish.
Even this far north, they could no longer escape the flood. Dominick said not one word of reproach to Agnes, enduring her tears as they drove past the patchwork of asphalt parking lots and neon business signs, the billboards that carved rectangles in the sun-blazed sky.
By Dominick’s reckoning, this end-of-life cruise had been steering toward them for decades. Long ago, he’d given up the notion he could choose. Nonetheless, he’d counted on retiring in style. He’d lived modestly all these years, determined to save up against future misfortunes, proud of what he’d sacrificed for both of them.
So it hurt Dominick, it really did, how, on their first night at sea, the ship plowing toward deeper waters, Agnes stood at the entrance to the casino, pocketbook in hand. He tugged on her arm to get her attention. She shrugged him off. He begged her to join him in their cramped cabin berth, smaller than he’d imagined, but not all that claustrophobic. Agnes acted as if he hadn’t spoken, her eyes peering into the dimly lit rooms toward the glowing slots.
Dominick entered the casino with Agnes. His presence, he could tell, meant nothing to her, but still. For an hour or so, he watched the strawberries, bells, and lucky 7’s rattle by. Agnes gambled like a woman gone mad. Eventually, Dominick fled the casino to pace the upper deck in one complete circuit, then another. Pausing at the stern’s railing, melancholy and alone, Dominick tipped his head skyward at the dome of night. Stars bubbled across it like spilled champagne.
Much later, just before night turned to day, Agnes entered their room and collapsed across the narrow berth. Dominick held his breath, his head and stomach stirring with nausea as the room rose and fell.
“Why, Agnes?” he said.
“We gambled and lost,” she said in a tired, flat voice. Moments later, her breath whispered in and out of a deep sleep.
Dominick got up, dressed, and climbed back on deck to watch the dawn. Their ship had reached the last of the glaciers by now, a destination just like before, so for all appearances it could have been a cruise of old, out on a holiday. Blue-gray snow calved into the saltwater depths, pushing wave after wave toward their ocean liner.
Dominick pictured their house, the water by now lapping ever so gently through the front door. Far below him in the ocean waves, a sea lion poked out its head and stared up at him with black, glistening eyes.
The photo by and courtesy of Erica Patterson
Claire Gebben holds an MFA in Creative Writing through the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts. Her historical novel “The Last of the Blacksmiths” (Coffeetown Press, 2014) tells the moving story of a German immigrant blacksmith who pursues the American dream. More at http://clairegebben.com.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
Whidbey Life Magazine’s Fall/Winter print issue captures the magic of life on Whidbey Island. This issue highlights the way our landscape—farms, valleys, views, vistas—inspires and influences Whidbey Islanders. Musicians, painters, writers, actors, all of us seem to draw something from the sights, sounds and scents of Whidbey.
Fog glides up and over Hill Road in Coupeville. See the article “A Winter Weekend On Whidbey” (photo by Rick Lawler, whidbeyphotos.com)
With summer past and daylight ebbing, winter brings with it the opportunity to make our world a cozy one; we’re here to help with suggestions for projects and places. Whidbey has its own particular beauty in the winter and our weekend tour article helps you discover it.
The “Colonel’s House” at Camp Casey in Coupeville overlooks the fields and the Straits of Juan de Fuca. See the article “Shining a Light on the Past:Whidbey Island’s Fort Casey and Admiralty Head Lighthouse.” (photo by Marsha Morgan)
Plus we highlight several notable historic buildings—Admiralty Lighthouse, Camp Casey, Whidbey Playhouse—and the people who breathe life into them.
Pick up a copy at a local retailer (on newsstands by Oct. 15). You’ll find Whidbey Life Magazine in some of your favorite shops and stores island-wide. This high-quality, 52-page full color magazine is created by talented Whidbey writers, photographers and artists with the goal of sharing the best our beautiful island has to offer.
A student gathers natural materials for a recent dye-making workshop at Pacific NorthWest Art School in Coupeville. See the article “Well Schooled in Art.” (photo by David Welton)
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor to our fair isle, Whidbey Life Magazine will help you make the most of your time here. And as an added bonus, 10% of Whidbey Life Magazine print issue sales are earmarked for the WLM grant program. Your purchase helps make great things happen in our community!
Hundreds brave the icy water at Double Bluff beach on New Year’s Day. See the article “A Winter Weekend On Whidbey” (photo by David Welton)
Subscribe now and we’ll mail you two issues each year—in October and May. Your $18 annual subscription includes postage and makes a great gift.
Stay informed between print issues with fresh weekly content on the free online magazine at www.whidbeylifemagazine.org. Register here and we’ll send a weekly Flash email with exciting headlines and events.
Image at top: Fall 2015/Winter 2015 Cover photo—Admiralty Head Lighthouse sits on a bluff 127 feet above sea level. See the article “Shining a Light on the Past: Whidbey Island’s Fort Casey and Admiralty Head Lighthouse.” (photo by Marsha Morgan)
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
Hedgebrook, a writing retreat for women located on the south end of Whidbey Island, held its annual open house on a recent Saturday. The event pleases everybody: alumnae who revisit the place that’s nurtured and encouraged them, islanders who tour a few of the 48 acres and glimpse the handcrafted cottages where writers work their magic on the page and staff who host a celebration of all things Hedgebrookian.
Hedgebrook springs from the mind and heart of Nancy Nordhoff, local philanthropist and Langley resident. Once the land suggested itself to her as a haven for women writers, she began creating the kind of paradise she thought would inspire them. Some of the elements of her mind/heart quest included: gently-cultivated nature that shielded one dwelling from another for privacy; a distant horizon that included a contemplative view (of Useless Bay); healthy, tasty, locally-sourced food; simple, beautiful, functional dwellings; the camaraderie of other writers over one shared meal every day.
Nordhoff’s ambitions coalesced around, and eventually emerged as, the notion of “radical hospitality.” Accordingly, Hedgebrook’s huge garden provides vegetables and fruit from which produce is canned in the golden light of summer and served to writers in the blue light of winter. Routines have been streamlined to minimize interruptions to the work of writers. The crew has figured out ways to care for the acreage by eliminating certain utopian features that turned out to be problematic or worked against the grain of the land.
Although Hedgebrook is rural and offers peace and privacy free from distractions, it knows it lives in the modern age of technology-driven lives and, consequently, has had to choose the best of both worlds, both for the writers in residence and for itself. Contemplation is necessary to creativity, yes. But computers make writing the next draft easier and faster; the internet delivers research to the doorstep. At the open house, this creative tension was artfully expressed by a video about Hedgebrook looping on the latest edition of an Apple computer nestled into a wood cookstove (cold, for the moment) manufactured around 1922. Technology meets hospitality…meets humor.
More than 1,500 writers have dwelt at Hedgebrook over the last 26 years for residencies lasting from two to six weeks. During this time, the focus of Nordhoff, the board and staff has increasingly shifted to what is truly essential: the mission to support women writers so they, in turn, can tell the stories and communicate the ideas that shape our culture through novels, poems, plays, songs, screenplays, graphic novels and memoirs.
The notion of Hedgebrook has expanded from a place to a state of mind through salons, master classes, festivals, lectures and other events held periodically—on Whidbey Island, in Seattle and further afield. Through these offerings, the public is invited to participate in the intellectual and emotional life of Hedgebrook.
Hedgebrook has local roots but international influence. Alumnae have received prestigious fellowships, prizes and awards. Prominent female authors and thinkers speak glowingly of the importance of a residency to their own work and to the concept of Hedgebrook as a “nest” and “a haven of deep grace.”
But lest things become too heady, the Hedgebrook cookbook—zucchini bisque, ginger pumpkin bread, smoked salmon cheesecake—brings it all down to earth, back to the land that was so very central to Nancy Nordhoff at the beginning.
The open house at Hedgebrook was a celebration of the spirit and promise of the place and its people. And so, of course, I wish you were here.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
BY SEAN FLETCHER Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor October 7, 2015
An autumn chill is in the air once again and people everywhere know what time it is—time for scary movies, stuffing ourselves with sweets and for Starbucks to dust off that never-spoiled bottle of Pumpkin Spice they keep in the backroom year-round.
But here’s something else fun to add to your spooky holiday traditions: the “Thrills & Chills” speaker series at the Coupeville and Oak Harbor Sno-Isle Libraries.
The series assembles local mystery and thriller authors to share their writerly wisdom, secrets of suspense and tales on how they got their works published. Join this eclectic collection of local authors and learn, perhaps, some spook-tastic writing secrets of your own.
Authors will discuss their books, the writing process and the business of publishing. A book-signing will follow each talk, with books available for purchase courtesy of Oak Harbor’s Wind & Tide Bookshop.
The authors will include:
Leslie Rule
LESLIE RULE– Author of seven books with paranormal themes, Leslie Rule is also the daughter of legendary true crime author Ann Rule, which means guaranteed shivers! Writer of both suspense novels and collections of real-life supernatural occurrences, Rule’s books are guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats…and up all night. Monday, Oct 12 – 1:30 p.m. Coupeville Library
Jeanne Matthews
JEANNE MATTHEWS – The author of the Dinah Pelerin mysteries features an anthropologist sleuth. Matthews graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism and has worked as a copywriter, high school English and Drama teacher and paralegal. Her books—including her latest, “Where the Bones are Buried”— are chock-full of more than enough suspense, creepiness and, yes, murder, to keep any chills junky happy. Monday, Oct. 19 – 1:30 p.m. Coupeville Library Tuesday, Oct. 20 – 1:30 p.m. Oak Harbor Library
William Dietrich
WILLIAM DIETRICH – The Pulitzer prize-winning journalist is the author of the “Barbary Pirates.” From England to America to France and back again, explore the exciting world of a swashbuckling, romantic (and devilishly handsome) rascal in the Ethan Gage historical thrillers. Monday, Oct. 26 – 1:30 p.m. Coupeville Library Tuesday, Oct. 27 – 1:30 p.m. Oak Harbor Library
If you’re looking to start the season of screams off right, you can’t do much better than joining those among us who bring the thrills and chills to the page. For further information, call the Oak Harbor Library at 360-675-5115 or the Coupeville Library at 360-678-4911.
Thank you to Sno-Isle Library for sharing some of the biographical information about the authors for this article. Images courtesy of the authors.
Sean Fletcher is an author, as well as an editor with Andrea Hurst & Associates. He spends his free time adventuring on and around Whidbey Island.
WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.
BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
Sept. 30, 2015
The merry sound of children laughing filled the air Saturday, Sept. 26 at the annual Children’s Day Festival at South Whidbey Community Park. Program co-ordinator Carrie Monforte sent a bright technicolor message of thanks to the 46 businesses and organizations with booths, and numerous volunteers with fun activities for area children and families that made for a memorable first weekend of Fall. “I can’t recall a more well attended Children’s Festival” said Monforte at the end of the day. “I enjoy watching this event unfold because I see so many happy people.” She added, “attendance estimates are imprecise, but the South Whidbey Kiwanis Club handed out 850 hot dogs free of charge.”
A fire truck with souvenir fire hats was stationed at Castle Park, open for tours. There were ponies for petting and riding, and children could become acquainted with appropriately sized musical instruments. The local chapter of the Red Cross stressed safety tips for the winter living and fun was had by all.
The bounce houses were among the three most popular attractions, along with bubbles and face painting. A happy child’s voice from inside exulted “this is the most fun day of my whole life!” Tom Lindsay, the “Bubble Man” went through 25 gallons of “bubble juice” as he taught eager 5 year olds how to create giant bubble sculptures, who quickly got the hang of it and gave him a run for his money. His pleas to let the bubbles live were ignored by children eager to pop them.
Kids queued up for a turn with the team of face-painters at the Mother Mentors booth.
A big sister voices disgust at the black widow spider on her brother’s forehead.
Larry Dobson coached young stilt walkers on the proper technique to safely lace in, then danced with protege Grace in front of the baseball field.
This young lady jumps to the sounds of the DJ and Karaoke, as her free hot dog from South Whidbey Kiwanis awaits her. Multitasking face painted stilt-walkers speak with helium fueled squeaky voices and avoid face-plants on the lush grass, which was revived by recent rainfall.
A relatively quiet moment with play-doh sculptures at the South Whidbey Children’s Center booth. The creative chefs from Kids First of Island County orchestrated hourly competitive pie-eating contests. A stuffed participant signals that he is finished by raising his empty hands. An empty mouth proves that he is not hiding un-eaten pie.
David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life Magazine. You’ll see him with his camera and ball cap at many festivals and events capturing the faces of people enjoying Whidbey Island.
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.
Harvest season is here. You can see the proof at farmers markets where the farmers haul out tons of produce they have worked all summer to produce. The bounty is in.
Just because you can’t find me and our cheese at market right now doesn’t mean you can’t pick up plenty of local goods. Whether you’re participating in the 10-Day Local Food Challenge with Vicki Robin, supporting your local community, or interested in obtaining the freshest produce possible, Bayview Market and Coupeville Market are still open for this plentiful season.
If you’re unsure what to do with all the bounty try my favorite, simple recipe for delicata squash.
Delicata on the way to market
Delicata is a delightful squash, not stringy like acorn squash and quite mild. The skin is edible and thin enough that many chefs don’t even remove it in preparation (it’s delicious in a stir fry or roasted with sausage too). However, for my sweet tooth I love delicata donuts. For the donuts I prefer to remove the skin.
The recipe is so easy, I think if you try it and see how delicious it is I’m likely to see you while I’m shopping at market on Saturday. Just save a few squash for me!
In a bowl combine:
3 tablespoons of local honey
¼ cup of melted butter
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and
a sprinkle of nutmeg
Preparing for donuts
To make the delicate donuts use a sharp knife or a peeler and peel the skin off a squash. Cut off both ends and use a long knife to clean out the seeds.
Cleaning the squash is quick and easy
Cut the squash into ½” or larger rings.
Place the rings on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Delicata rounds waiting to become donuts
Drizzle the honey mixture over the rings and place them in the oven at 375F until they pierce easily with a fork (about 25 minutes depending on how thick the squash is). Add a chunk of butter in the center of the ring for optimum “frying” of these little donuts.
Delicata donuts! Mmmm!
Let the rings cool and serve for dessert. A scoop of ice cream would make these decadent rings an even more perfect end to a bountiful local meal.
Delicata last a long time if stored properly (ask your farmer for hints), don’t forget to pick up some for your holiday meals and to treat yourself through winter.
Vicky Brown, Chief Milkmaid at the Little Brown Farm, puts her passions on the page writing about food, agriculture and the tender web of community.
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.
