Editor,

Thank you, Clinton community, for coming to our second annual free Clinton Town Picnic where good food, music and company were found in ample supply. This year we had more than enough food for all. The Town Picnic Committee would like to thank our business supporters: Craven Insurance (special thanks to Bob Craven, chef-of-the-day), Britt’s Pickles, Clinton Food Mart, Cozy’s Roadhouse, Matt’s Import Haven, Simmons Garage, Hong Kong Gardens, and Dairy Queen.

We also thank Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson for spending part of her birthday with us, and Jan VanMuyden with Island County Parks for making sure Dan Porter Park was cleaned, mowed and ready for a large public event. Our many volunteers along with our talented local band, The Heggenes Valley Boys, provided good spirit.

The picnic, a collaboration between the Clinton Progressive Association, the Clinton Community Council, and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, encourages the residents of Clinton to identify with their community and to feel a part of something. We are growing. We have new businesses.

The progressive association oversees the spacious community hall (clintoncommunityhall.org) providing our island community with a convenient meeting and event venue. The organization also holds quarterly member meetings and fundraising events (MayFest, pancake breakfasts) for the purpose of maintaining our public building. We would love your participation in these events.

We have a group of civic-minded individuals who formed the Clinton Community Council (communityofclinton.org). The council meets monthly to review community needs, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, etc., and gives Clinton a voice before the Whidbey Island commissioners and the greater Whidbey Island community.

These organizations need and encourage your participation. Joining gives you a stake in the future of our community, informs you of upcoming Clinton community events, and provides you with opportunities to meet your neighbors. Please visit their websites or like them on Facebook.

Thanks again, Clinton community.

CATHERINE BILLERA, BOB CRAVEN, DOUG HOFIUS and ELISA MILLER

Town Picnic Committee