Editor,

The South Whidbey Commons would like to thank this wonderful community for their support this year. Thank you to our patrons, to the over 190 donors, and to local organizations, including Puget Sound Energy, the Langley Community Club, South Whidbey Academy Youth in Philanthropy, Whidbey Institute, and St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church Women. With your help, the Commons is on the road back from surviving the Second Street construction to thriving in 2015.

Also, a correction is needed due to misinformation on our website. A paragraph in the Dec. 12 Record article regarding the Commons’ Langley history should have stated: In 2005, Island Coffeehouse & Books opened in the former Golden Otter Bookstore as a program of the South Whidbey Community Engagement Center funded by “Learn and Serve America.” In 2006, Island Coffeehouse & Books bought the bookstore. Their leadership and volunteers developed the barista training program, fostered youth involvement, and initiated many activities, including Friday Night Live. In 2007, South Whidbey Commons became the umbrella organization for Island Coffeehouse and Books. In 2008, the building was purchased by the Commons. In 2009 through 2013, significant remodels were accomplished with support from this community and the Boeing Community Fund.

Today we continue as a community-driven, youth-powered non-profit, offering the Workplace Training Program to help young people become career ready and get a job. We continue our commitment to our mission of strengthening our community by creating opportunities for people of all ages to gather, learn, and grow.

CATHY ROOKS and SUE HAWORTH

South Whidbey Commons,

co-presidents