Two-day course
covers safe boating
The Deception Pass Sail & Power Squadron presents BoatSmart, a two-morning class from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday mornings, April 5 and 12.
The course covers boating basics including rules of the road, boating safety, required equipment, navigational aids, radio operations and seaman knots.
The course will be held at the Whidbey Island campus of Skagit Valley College, Hayes Hall,
Room 113, 1900 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor.
Registration and payment starts at 7:45 a.m. today. Cost
is $25 for books, and the
examination.
Seminar offers
tips on fishing here
The Deception Pass Sail & Power Squadron presents “Fishing Our Home Waters,” a one-day seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.
The seminar will address fishing in several locations, including Whidbey Island, Admiralty Inlet, the Eastern Straits, San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands of British Columbia.
The seminar fee is $30 per person and includes break refreshments, a light lunch and, as usual, a door prize drawing. For questions, call Bob Nelson at 360-679-1991.
Lions Club hosts big moving sale
The South Whidbey Lions Club will be conducting a moving sale of living room, bedroom, dining, office and patio furniture, Noritake dinnerware, tools and garden equipment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at 3861 Saratoga Road, Langley.
Exhibit explores
Buddhism in Burma
Marie Plakos, an artist and photographer who lives in Langley, is displaying photographs from her January tour of Burma at the Whidbey Pies Café at Greenbank Farm.
Dedication party at Putney Woods
The Island County Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen are hosting a dedication ceremony party to celebrate the culmination of the project to upgrade the facilities in the Putney Woods.
The party is 10 a.m. today. All equestrians, bikers, dog walkers and hikers are invited to the trailhead parking lot on Lone Lake Road.
Spring show at Artworks Gallery
The 11 artists and jewelers at Artworks Gallery at Greenbank Farm have installed many new works for the spring season.
Barbara Lyter features a new series of photo-intaglio prints and John Olsen explores the confined spaces of Fort Ebey and Fort Casey at night. Painters Eva Blaisdell, Rainey Lindell and Linda Shaffer have brilliant, colorful work to celebrate the season.
Also, enjoy the playful creations of Seattle sculptor Jeff Bowman at the gallery.
Artworks Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
For more information, call
360-678-1871 or 360-222-3010.
Society welcomes
genealogical pro
The Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island proudly presents world-renowned DNA specialist Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick at a seminar today.
She will speak at an all day seminar on four topics: “CSI Meets Roots: The DNA Detective,” “You Will Never Look at Your Old Photos the Same Way Again,” “The Database Detective” and “Forensic Genealogy: Connections, Connections.”
The program will be held at the Useless Bay Country Club.
Fitzpatrick is the author of two of the best-selling books in genealogy and has been featured on NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” radio program.
The cost is $45 and includes a sandwich bar and two salad choices and fruit. Coffee, tea and water will be available.
See www.rootsweb.com/~wagsswi for information or call Laura Roetcisoender at 331-1077.
Waldorf School offers outdoor fun
Whidbey Island Waldorf School will host a nature walk and more from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today.
The morning will include a nature walk, a puppet show, snack and tea, and a chance to play in the warm and wonderful environment of the Waldorf Kindergarten classrooms and the magical forested playground area at the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. Come dressed to play outdoors.
For information, contact Adam at 341-5686, ext. 12.
Classes give tips on growing dahlias
Swede Hill Farm is offering a three-season “School for Dahlia Gardening” for those who want vigorous and more prolific dahlias.
The spring season class, “Starting, Planting and Staking Dahlias Made Easy,” is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Learn how to grow floriferous dahlias, from tubers, cuttings and seeds using inexpensive grow lights and propagation mats.
The summer season class, “Growing, Tending and Harvesting Dahlias Made Easy,” is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday,
Aug. 2. The fall season class, “Digging, Dividing and Storing Dahlias Made Easy,” is from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday,
Sept. 13.
Instructor John Willson, the head gardener and caretaker of the Swede Hill Dahlia Sunflower Farm, will offer a decade of practical dahlia gardening and greenhouse “how to do its” for all experience levels.
For information or to register, call 579-2590 or e-mail jwillson@whidbey.com.
Browse books at
the library book sale
The monthly book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Freeland Library will be held
with new hours, from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. today.
Book lovers will find top quality, gently used materials from gripping mysteries and best sellers to children’s books, A-V media, gourmet cookbooks and more.
Guild offers fiber, fun and spinning
Join the Whidbey Weavers Guild for its 37th Annual Spin-In, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, April 6 at Oak Harbor High School.
Featured spinner Judith MacKenzie McCuin will give a talk today on Bison fiber and a workshop on Sunday on how to spin yak, bison and cashmere fibers into yarn. Vendors will be available both days offering fiber, fleeces, yarns and equipment. The donation is $15 for one day or $25 for both days. Bring your spinning wheel and join the fun.
For information, visit
www.whidbeyweaversguild.org or call 360-678-8486.
Master Gardeners offer helpful tips
Island County Master Gardeners will be holding plant clinics at the Coupeville Farmers Market and Wal-Mart in Oak Harbor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5. Stop by with your questions about plants and gardening problems.
DUI panel will meet in Freeland
The Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County presents its next South Whidbey panel on DUI/underage drinking prevention today.
The panel is open to all and is free unless court-ordered. Doors open 12:45 p.m; it runs from
1 to 3:15 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Grigware Hall on Highway 525. The panel is a requirement for all driver’s ed students who should be accompanied by one of their parents.
For info, visit www.idipic.org,
or call 360-675-8397 or 360-
672-2378.
Learn to salsa dance in Bayview
“First Saturday Salsa” comes to Bayview Community Hall today featuring Hallie Kuperman of the Century Ballroom, Seattle’s top dance venue.
An afternoon intermediate salsa workshop is 2:30 to
4:30 p.m.; the cost is $25. There will be a beginning workshop from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. with salsa variations with Kuperman, followed by a DJ’d dance and practice party from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
The cost of the evening workshop is dance $10 for adults;
$7 for teens. For info, visit
www.EveryoneCanDance.com,
e-mail walterdill@whidbey.com, or call 221-1725.
Soroptimist host Ciscoe Morris talk
Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor presents “Gardening with Ciscoe” from 3 to 7 p.m. today at North Whidbey Middle School. If you are into gardening, want to learn or just want to meet this dynamic individual, you don’t want to miss Master Gardener Ciscoe Morris speak.
Tickets cost $28, and include snacks and refreshments. For info, call Tamra at 360-914-0800.
Learn to tango
at Clinton hall
Enjoy Argentine-style tango dancing every Saturday evening 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Clinton
Community Hall. The first hour is devoted to instruction. No partner required and beginners are welcome — if you can walk, you can dance the tango.
A $10 donation toward the hall rental is encouraged. Contact Robbie at 541-829-3184 or
student405@hotmail.com for info.
Art gallery hosts artists reception
The Whidbey Art Gallery will “Spring Into Art” and feature the works of its newest member, photographer Bart Rulon, and established member Maggie Lancaster, a fiber artist.
An artist’s reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight. Come meet these versatile artists and view the art by these featured artists and the other members of the Whidbey Art Gallery.
Rulon is a naturalist, photographer, painter and author. He graduated with honors, from the University of Kentucky with a degree in scientific illustration. His work focuses on landscapes and wildlife, specializing in birds, and has been in exhibitions, galleries and museums in five countries. Rulon has received many awards, including the Audubon Alliance Artist of the year. He is also the author and illustrator of several books on wildlife and landscape painting.
Look for a new body of work with spring themes and bright spring colors, by Lancaster; her colorful pieces embody the feeling of spring.
Whidbey Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and
Saturday and from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. Sundays through Thursday.
For more info, call 221-7675 or visit www.whidbeyartists.com.
Gallery presents three voices show
Sculptor Sue Taves will join 2-D artists Diane Divelbess and Carolyn Divelbess Denning in the April show at Karlson/Gray Gallery, “Three Women — Three Voices.”
Taves’ fluid sculptural style transforms the surface of stone and manages to capture an individual moment in time. Each sculpture, highly polished, carved and sanded, gives voice to the inherent beauty within the stone itself.
Divelbess once again shows the range of her talents and focuses on the non-objective in this body of work. Pieces range from acrylic on canvas to mixed media. Divelbess was a member of the art faculty at Cal Poly University, Pomona for a number of years.
Divelbess Denning will focus on the landscape, both real and imaginary. Her pieces are rendered in both pastels and watercolors that reflect the landscape of her native Nevada.
An opening reception is from
5 to 8 p.m. tonight.
Karlson/Gray Gallery is open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m daily and is located at 302 First St. in Langley.
New show comes
to MUSEO Gallery
This month at MUSEO in Langley, the gallery presents works by Inge Roberts and Maxine Martell.
Roberts, a Whidbey Island ceramicist, uses a modified method of thin-slab building to create her porcelain forms which are inspired by the iconography of ancient peoples, buildings and sites.
Martell has worked in numerous public and private collections, including the Kobe Art Museum in Japan, The Henry in Seattle, and Microsoft’s art collection. An installation of five large paintings can be seen at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The April exhibit will open with a reception for the artists on First Saturday, from 5 to
8 p.m. tonight, and run through Sunday, April 27.
MUSEO is at 215 First St. in Langley and is open daily from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
‘Tastes of the Region’ in Langley
St. Hubert Catholic Church will host “Tastes of the Region,” a wine and cheese tasting at 7 p.m. tonight.
The fundraiser features Island Winery, Greenbank Cellars and Greenbank Cheese and Specialties.
Brian Plebanik of Vino Amore in Freeland will be the master of ceremonies. The benefit will provide a scholarship for a peer minister at the Newman Center at the University of Washington.
Tickets cost $18/person or $35/couple. For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Steve at 425-530-2119 or gusss@whidbey.com.
St. Hubert is located at 804 Third St., Langley.
Deja Blooze back by popular demand
Deja Blooze returns to the Prima Bistro in Langley from 8 to 10 p.m. tonight. Back by popular demand, the Whidbey Island blues duo will reprise their March standing-room-only appearance at Prima Bistro. The group’s previous appearances filled the bistro to capacity and for two hours entertained patrons with a driving selection of lively blues.
Deja Blooze is David Gregor, guitar and vocals, and Ed Newkirk, lead guitar, and they play lively acoustic/electric blues.
There is no charge, and the performance is open to all ages. Reservations are suggested; call 221-4060.
Check out the Deja Blooze blog at http://dejablooze.blogspot.com.
Workshops at Whidbey Institute
“Finding A Way Home — From Devastation to Transformation” will be presented from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 and May 3 at Whidbey Institute.
Utilizing wood and fiber sculptures by artist/mythologist Penelope Stuart Bourk, these three days of reflection are designed to enter more deeply into discussions about what it means to get home and to feel “at home” — or not — in a rapidly changing world. Attend one, two or all three days.
“From Distraction to Encounter” is April 6.
“From Heartache to Belonging” is May 3.
Days of Reflection costs $65/day or $180 for all three days. Register at www.whidbey
institute.org, or call 341-1884.
Farmers market kicks off Sunday
Greenbank Farm hosts a Sunday farmers market in the barn beginning April 6.
There will be fresh local organic produce, delicious home-baked goods, delectable hot food, gorgeous seasonal plants, beautiful local flowers, and a host of delightful yet utilitarian arts and crafts.
Renowned Celtic harpist David Michael will perform and Master Gardeners will be on site to answer your gardening questions.
The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact GBSundaymarket@whidbey.com
Donna Cori Gibson to sing at St. Hubert
Popular songwriter and recording artist Donna Cori Gibson will be singing at St. Hubert Catholic Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6.
Gibson is heard on Catholic radio and TV stations around the country. The free concert will benefit the parish youth programs.
For information, call 360-579-2362.
Friendship Force holds game night
The next Friendship Force meeting will be held on Sunday, April 6, at the Baby Island Clubhouse at 3616 Saratoga Road in Langley.
The program will be an April Fool’s International Game Night. Attendees are encouraged to wear crazy outfits, weird hats, etc. or just come as themselves. There will be prizes for best costumes.
Game tables will be set up for playing Chinese checkers, Mexican train dominos, Twenty-one, old-fashioned U.S. checkers, Scrabble, Jinga, etc. Instruction lessons will be given in Mah Jong.
Get together time is 5:30 with a potluck meal for members at 6 p.m. Members of the public are invited to attend for the games at 7 p.m. Come and find out what Friendship Force is all about.
Please call Duke LeBaron at 321-7489 for more information.
Individuality is topic at retreat
“Honoring Our Individuality” is the topic at this month’s personal spiritual retreat at the Whidbey Institute; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 7.
Elizabeth Guss will facilitate the day. She has been a spiritual director for more than a decade.
Appointments for personal spiritual direction are available at registration.
To register or for more information, call 341-1884.
Spring Break camps coming
Looking for some fun this spring break? Sign up for WCT’s Spring Break Theater Camps, coming April 7-11.
There will be a theater mask workshop for ages 6-10, an improvisation camp for ages
10-14, and Fairytale Theater for students ages 9-12.
Call 221-8707 to sign up or visit www.wctonline.com for info.
Artists welcome guest speaker
Kathleen Faulconer will present a demonstration of her oil pastel technique for the Artists of South Whidbey at their meeting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 8.
Faulconer is the featured artist on the home page of Women Painters of Washington this month. A native of Seattle, Faulconer says “My work is an attempt to convey a small glimpse of the beauty and majesty that is our little corner of the world.”
ASW welcomes artists of all levels and media to join their meetings, held in the Brookhaven meeting room, Langley. Meetings begin with a sack lunch for informal discussions, a business meeting at noon, and
For more information, please call Wendy Lambeth at 321-2150.
Book club looks at ‘Midwives’
The next Clinton Library book discussion is 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. Join the Clinton Library Book Group for a discussion of “Midwives: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian,” the Whidbey Reads 2008 title.
Copies are available to check out at the Clinton Library. Meet the author at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 19 at WICA. The program is for adults and teens. For more information call 341-4280.
Lyceum focus is on ‘Sound Thinking’
Lyceum 2008 is “Sound Thinking: The Life & Health of Puget Sound.” The lecture series returns for six Tuesday evenings through May 6 at the Bayview Cash Store.
The lectures will focus on Puget Sound: How it works, what its current state is and what the future holds in store.
What’s the truth about pollution in Puget Sound and what are its consequences? The second lecture of the Lyceum Series will explore these questions at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in the Front Room of the Bayview Cash Store.
Presenter Nat Scholz, a South Whidbey resident, is a NOAA zoologist who leads researchers studying the impacts of pollution on coastal ecosystems at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle. He also explores the connections between oceans and human health, and will talk about how people, as integral parts of the Puget Sound ecosystem, are affected by pollution.
On April 15 is “Energy from the Sound: Harnessing Tidal Power” with Mitsuhiro Kawase of the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography.
On April 22 is “Protecting the Sound’s Birds & Mammals” with Kevin Ryan of the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
On April 29 is “Saving the Sound, One Step at a Time” with Sarah Schmidt, co-author of “Getting to the Water’s Edge”
And on May 6, “The Partnership in Our Future” will be presented by David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership.
This series is co-sponsored by the Whidbey Institute at Chinook, WSU Island County Extension, Whidbey Audubon Society, Island County Marine Resources Committee and Whidbey Watershed Stewards.
Lectures will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Front Room at the Bayview Cash Store.
The six-week Lyceum series costs $6 per lecture or $30 series price, at the door or in advance from the Whidbey Institute, 341-1884 or info@whidbeyinstitute.org. Come early for best seating.
Family Storytime at the libraries
Family Storytime is coming to South End libraries this month.
Stories, songs, and simple crafts for children 18 months to 5 and their caregivers will be at 10 a.m. Tuesdays on April 9, 22 and 29 at the Langley Library, and at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 at the Freeland Library.
Free tax help is available now
AARP tax aides will give islanders free help on their returns through April 10.
Tax aides will be ready to help 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Coupeville Library, from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Bayview Senior Center and from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Oak Harbor Library.
New series starts at Whidbey Institute
“Learning from the Land” will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoons at the Whidbey Institute.
What does it mean to “learn from the land” at Chinook? Will it harm or enhance our experience to learn the names of the plants and animals that live there?
Institute naturalists will explore these and other questions in a series of walks together on the land, followed by tea and reflective conversation.
“Heaven Under Our Feet: The soil, nurse logs and eternity” is April 9.
“If Henry Were Here: Seeing Chinook through Thoreau’s eyes” is June 25.
The series will be led by Larry Daloz, senior fellow of the Whidbey Institute and Kathryn O’Brien, a naturalist and horticulturist of the natural world.
To register, call 341-1884. The fee is $15/session, or $50 for the series in advance; $5 for 21 and under and for special needs.
Author hosts slide lecture, book signing
Come enjoy an exciting evening of story and images with Ian McAllister, one of Canada’s leading environmental advocates, during a slide show and book signing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 in Thomas Berry Hall at the Whidbey Institute.
McAllister will present images from his new book, “The Last Wild Wolves.” This book describes his experiences following two packs of wolves, one in the extreme outer coastal islands and another farther inland in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.
The author has lived on the rugged north coast of British Columbia for two decades, one of the last places on the planet where wolves live relatively undisturbed by humans. He is a consummate observer and storyteller who complements his still images with piercing wisdom and delightful anecdotes, providing an intimate portrait that for the first time documents the lives of wolves in an awe-inspiring rainforest wilderness.
There is a suggested donation of $5.
For directions go to www.whidbeyinstitute.org/about_us.html.
M-Bar-C Ranch needs volunteers
The M-Bar-C Ranch is looking for volunteers to assist with its Ranch Experience and Riding Camp programs for children of all ages who are physically, mentally, emotionally or financially challenged. Volunteer orientations are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 10.
The moment children (of all ages) arrive at the ranch, they are treated to a magical kind of fun found no where else. The
M-Bar-C Ranch is located in Freeland and is owned and operated by the Forgotten Children’s Fund.
For info, call Dana Jones at 331-6019 or e-mail dana@
m-bar-c.org.
Whidbey Audubon marks big birthday
Whidbey Audubon is marking its special 25th anniversary on Thursday, April 10 at the Coupeville Rec Hall and is inviting the community to join it in celebrating the beginnings of the chapter.
Twenty-five years ago a few dedicated individuals set about to establish a new chapter of Audubon on Whidbey Island with seed money from Hazel Wolf, a dedicated environmentalist. Much has happened during the last 25 years, and this celebration is to recognize those who have come before.
There will be a student art walk at 6 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with cake and refreshments at 6:45 p.m. The program begins at 7:15 p.m., and will include a history of Whidbey Audubon.
Guest speaker Steve Ellis will conclude the evening with “Wings and Tales.”
Kids can learn dog safety
“The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Safety” is coming to the Clinton Library at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11.
Preschool-aged children and their caregivers to join Kathy Rothschild, former humane society educator, for an educational program to teach young children how to act responsibly and safely around dogs.
For more information call 341-4280.
‘Baby and Me’ at the Freeland Library
“Baby and Me” comes to the Freeland Library at 11 a.m. Fridays, April 11, 18 and 25.
It features stories, songs and movement activities for babies ages 0 – 18 months and their caregivers.
WICA presents ‘Enchanted April’
“Enchanted April” comes to Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in April.
Directed by K. Sandy O’Brien, “Enchanted April” features Deana Duncan as Lotty Wilton, the repressed, satellite wife of a stiff-upper-lip solicitor, Mellersh (Bob Atkinson), and Jennifer Bondelid as the “disappointed Madonna” Rose Arnott, wife of a social-climbing novelist, Frederick (Rob Scott). Returning from their women’s club, the two ladies discover that they have independently read the same “advert” for a rental property along the Ligurian coast offering sunshine and wisteria.
Amid complaints of the English rain, Lotty and Rose plan their getaway and take a hard look at the complexities of their lives in an uncertain time. Adrift in the aftermath of the Great War, the two women appreciate their good fortune in still having their men. But, they feel displaced as the role of women undergoes a post-war redefinition.
Lotty’s persistence prevails over Rose’s apprehension and the two plunk down the pounds to secure the villa. They set out to find a pair of women with similar inclinations to share the experience and expense. The first candidate is the silky Lady Caroline (Patricia Duff), a seemingly carefree “modern” blessed with both looks and means. The second is Mrs. Graves (Mary Kay Hallen), an exacting dowager with a penchant for name-dropping.
Rounding out the cast is Tim O’Brien and Judith Dankanics.
“Enchanted April” is at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. Sundays April 11 through April 26.
An opening night reception on April 11 will be hosted by The Edgecliff Restaurant & Lounge.
For tickets, call the WICA Box Office at 221-8268 or 800-638-7631 or visit www.WICAonline.com.
Daughters of Norway to meet
The Daughters of Norway will meet at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton.
Sue Frause will be the guest speaker and will talk about her Norway Northern Lights trip.
All women of Scandinavian descent or married into Scandinavian descent are welcome.
Experts help solve gardening problems
Island County Master Gardeners will be holding plant clinics at the Coupeville Farmers Market and Wal-Mart in Oak Harbor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12. Stop by with your questions about plants and gardening problems.
Watch gray whales in Saratoga Passage
The gray whales are back in Saratoga Passage, and the public is invited to come and watch them with the Washington State University Island County Beach Watchers.
Beach Watchers are offering 50 spaces on a four-hour cruise leaving Coupeville Wharf at noon, Saturday, April 12, aboard the 100-foot Mystic Sea charter. The trip is a fundraiser for Beach Watchers. The $70 fare includes a four-hour cruise, lunch, beverages and ship’s naturalists.
To reserve space, call Carol at 331-1030, or e-mail events@wsu.edu.
Inner-Peace Fair in Langley
Island Coffee House & Books presents an Inner-Peace Fair with poets and minstrels, singers and dancers, artists and puppets and more from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
The event will also feature guest speakers, yogis, healers and seers, and face painting.
For more info call 221-3661.
Bayview hosts second Saturday dance
Coyote Blues are back to play a benefit dance for Bayview Hall at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12.
They’re known for tasty rock and cookin’ blues. There will also be a workshop from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. where Janice Eklund will take you through some fun intermediate swing moves.
The hall is owned by the residents of the South Whidbey School District and is a wonderful place to dance. But it needs some work, so come on by, listen, and dance to great music; $10 is all it takes to have some fun while helping the hall.
Volunteers are making this happen and get to decide what happens next. Lend a hand and be a part of the fun. Need more? Call Tom @ 360-221-2201 or tetrimbath@whidbey.com.
Series starts at Whidbey Institute
“Practical Sustainability,” the first of four parts of “Ethnobotany of the Northwest: Foraging Tender Shoots & Leafy Greens,” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at the Whidbey Institute.
The session will be led by Eric Conn and Britt Walker, co-directors of the Sustainability Research and Education Project. The session is $15; $5 for those under 21.
John Graham is speaker at forum
John Graham, former Foreign Service Officer, local writer and activist will be the featured speaker at the Whidbey Island Democratic Club Forum from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13.
Graham will read from his just-published memoir, “Sit Down Young Stranger,” and invite a discussion on what individuals can do to make a difference. Graham has been actively involved in peace-building initiatives all over the world. He’s helped end apartheid in South Africa, avert a major strike in Canada, save what’s left of the Everglades, settle a war in the Sudan and find long-term environmental solutions in the Pacific Northwest.
The forum will be held in the Hayes Hall Conference Room at the SVC/OH library. A book signing and refreshments will follow. Admission is free. For more information call 360-675-8318.
Chamber meets for luncheon
Delicious boxed lunches, made especially for the Freeland Chamber of Commerce from the Beach Cabin will be the featured fare at the April 14 monthly luncheon.
Plan to meet at the Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church (in the newer building) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bill Criswell will speak about motivational techniques specific to small business owners.
Criswell has developed many inspirational strategies over his long career, first as a construction company owner and later as founder of Impact Teams International.
The cost is $10; reservations must be made by the Monday prior to the event by calling the chamber at 331-1980 or e-mailing freeland@whidbey.com.
Society hears of Custer’s Last Stand
The Genealogical Society of South Whidbey Island welcomes Christopher Summitt, who will present a program entitled “Village on the Little Big Horn” at the next meeting at 1 p.m. Monday, April 14.
Summitt spent five years with the National Park Service at Custer Battlefield National Monument as a ranger/historian, telling the story of the famous battle. Since then, he has spoken at historians’ conferences and written articles for historical publications on various controversial aspects of the Little Bighorn fight. He lives in south Everett, teaches classical history at Corpus Christi Chapel in Edmonds, and helps his wife edit the Sno-Isle Genealogical Society’s publication “The Sounder.”
Custer’s Last Stand is one of the most famous episodes of American history. The subject serves as a lightning rod of controversy for the differing ways of how Americans, over the years, have interpreted the “Winning of the West” and the Indian wars. With historic maps, art, and photos the program tells the story of how Lakota and Cheyenne warriors happened to camp where they did and how Custer and the 7th Cavalry found them there on the 25th of June 1876.
Education classes start at noon. This month the beginner class will study land and military Records, and the intermediate class will be on genealogy technical tools. The field trip will take place on Tuesday, April 22, to Laura Pemberton Sparr’s library in Mount Vernon.
The society meets at Trinity Lutheran Church Chapel and Community Building located at Highway 525 near Woodard Road in Freeland. Guests are welcome.
For questions, call 331-5715 or 579-2352, or e-mail genealogysociety@whidbey.com, or visit www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wagsswi/new.
Nancy Stewart shares fairy tales
Sno-Isle Libraries is proud to present “Magical Mother Goose” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 15 at the Langley Library.
Join Nancy Stewart, well known children’s recording artist, for a musical celebration of nursery rhymes. Children will help bring the rhymes to life with audience participation and fun props.
GOP Women host Rossi’s island chairman
Sandi Peterson, Dino Rossi’s Island County Co-chairman, will be the speaker at South Whidbey Republican Women’s meeting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 15 at Useless Bay Country Club.
She will be speaking on behalf of Rossi’s campaign for governor of Washington. All Republican women are invited to attend.
For reservations, call Pam Luhn at 579-8868 or Jean Goodfellow at 579-5348.
Students share love of poetry
The Clinton Library is proud to present students from the advanced poetry class of the Whidbey Island Writers Association to celebrate poetry month. They will share original poetry and discuss what motivates them to write on at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at the Clinton Community Hall.
‘One Suitcase Travel’ talk at the library
Penny Todd from the Savvy Traveler in Edmonds will be at the Freeland Library meeting room at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 to talk about the advantages of traveling light.
Todd is a semi-retired nurse who has traveled all over for business, pleasure, disaster relief and on a medical mission to Africa and she does it all with just one carry on bag! She says that no matter what your reason for travel it works better with one bag. She will cover wardrobe coordination, security concerns and the new travel rules, pickpockets and how to avoid them and travel health.
Admission is free.
Relay For Life to meet this week
Relay For Life of South Whidbey is looking for people who want to start a team, join a team or simply support a team. Teams currently being formed include LDS Lappers, China City, Sound Business Center, Freeland Chamber, Fernandez/Holocker Clan, Senior Services, Maple Ridge, Wescott Floors, Barrett Escrow, Island County Wellness and others.
Team captain meetings will be held at China City at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays on April 16 and May 21.
For info contact team development chairwoman Virginia Bloom at 331-3132 or vbloom@soundbusinesscenter.com. Visit events.cancer.org/rflsouthwhidbey.wa for information on South Whidbey’s Relay For Life.
Musical puppet show coming
The Clinton Library invites preschool aged children and their caregivers to join puppeteer Dawn Collins and Talia Marcus, musician, as they present stories, songs, and fun with puppets at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18.
This program will be at the Clinton Community Hall so there will be plenty of room.
Stewart Cubley workshop in Freeland
The Painting Experience with Stewart Cubley for a 2 1⁄2-day workshop at Freeland Hall the weekend of April 18-20.
Join Cubley in the discovery of an extraordinary resource: the vibrant, driving force of your own creative spirit. The Painting Experience appeals to people who are interested in the dimensions of artistic/creative, healing/therapeutic, meditative/spiritual and authentic social change. People from all levels of experience are welcome, including those who have never picked up a paintbrush.
The workshop is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and will be held at Freeland Hall. All materials are supplied. The cost is $425 plus $25 materials fee. Discounts may apply and scholarships are available.
For more information, visit www.processarts.com, call toll free 888.639.8569, or e-mail virginia@processarts.com.
WIWA hosts author reading
Peggy Shumaker will read and sign books at the Freeland Library, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, April 18. For those with short work to share, a brief open mike period will follow.
Shumaker’s new book is “Just Breathe Normally,” from the University of Nebraska Press. She is also the author of several books.
From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, Shumaker will conduct a workshop for writers hosted by the Whidbey Island Writers Association. Proceeds will be donated to Soundings Review, the new magazine from Whidbey Island Writers Association, debuting in September. Cost for the workshop is $40 for WIWA members, $50 for nonmembers.
Registrations must be received by April 15. Contact the WIWA office at 360-331-6714 or Marian Blue at blueyude@whidbey.com for info.
Institute needs helpers for spring workday
The Whidbey Institute at Chinook will hold a spring workday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.
Register by April 11 by e-mailing info@whidbeyinstitute.org or calling Laura at 341-1884.
Please mention if you have any special skills or are interested in a particular project. Free lodging and childcare can be provided if requested in advance. Lunch will also be provided.
Whales Day returns to Langley
Join the Orca Network and Gary the Gray Whale for the fifth annual Welcome the Whales Day festival and parade from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19, in Langley.
This event honors and celebrates the spring arrival of resident gray whales to Whidbey Island with fun and educational activities, music, presentations, and a parade of species featuring the handsome 20-foot gray whale Gary. Begin now to design your critter costume for the parade – or if you don’t have time to make a costume, come early in the day to create your costume before the parade.
The day begins with hands-on educational displays, costume-making, and kid’s activities at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (Third and Anthes streets), beginning at 10 a.m.
Staging for the “critter parade” begins at 12:45 p.m. in the parking lot at Cascade and Sixth Street. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m., educational slide shows will be presented at the Methodist Church by Erin Falcone of Cascadia Research, and by Orca Network staff and Cindy Hansen of the Whale Museum. For more information, go to: http://orcanetwork.org/news/events.html or contact Orca Network at 360-678-3451 or info@orcanetwork.org.
Au Sable Institute hosts prairie tour
“Spring on the Prairie” will be held at the Au Sable Institute campus in Coupeville from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19.
The event features guided prairie walks, artist demonstrations,
entertainment and refreshments.
Au Sable Institute is located at 180 Parker Road, two miles south of Coupeville just off Highway 20.
Pick up pointers in the garden
Island County Master Gardeners will be holding plant clinics at the Coupeville Farmers Market and Wal-Mart in Oak Harbor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Stop by with your questions about plants and gardening problems.
Zydeco workshop and dance in Bayview
A Zydeco groove workshop and dance, featuring workshops with MaryLee Lykes and live music with Ken Pickard and the Zydeco Explosion is coming to Bayview Hall on Saturday, April 19.
Zydeco music and dance originates from the Creole culture in the Louisiana area. Lykes has danced with the locals in Louisiana and taught for many years. She is a longtime friend who truly understands the heart and soul of dance – and will help us all shake our booties!
The workshop is from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and costs $20. Learn variations of one of the most fun dances on earth. (Afternoon participants may take the evening workshop for free.)
And evening pre-dance workshop on Zydeco basics will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; cost of the workshop is $5.
The dance is 8:30 to 11 p.m.; cost is $10 for adults, $7 for teens.
Lions hosts soup supper benefit
The Coupeville Lions Club is celebrating its third annual Coupeville High School scholarship fundraiser for the students, “Friends Forever,” from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Crocket Farm Barn.
The previous two auctions generated 22 scholarships totaling $21,600 given to Coupeville High School seniors thanks to the generosity of donated items purchased by the community and surrounding areas.
The fundraiser is “going local” with soups using locally grown ingredients. Hors d’oeuvre and wine are also included with the soup supper, plus salad and dessert purchased in the dessert auction.
Tickets are $25 each and available at Miriam’s Espresso Café or by calling Molly at 678-8312.
Earth Day celebration at Bayview Corner
The second annual Earth Day festival will take place at Bayview Corner from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20. The celebration includes an art show, children’s activities, live music and poetry, and how-to workshops and demonstrations on such topics as rainwater management, composting, green transportation, solar greenhouses, wind turbine energy, passive solar energy, earth building, and more.
The festival will also feature keynote speaker Vicki Robin speaking on “Less, Local, and Love: Three Keys to a Rosy Green Future.” She is a co-founder of Transition Whidbey, a group seeking to catalyze the community on Whidbey Island to achieve greater food, fuel, energy and economic self-reliance.
Local painter Rob Schouten will guide the creation of a temporary mandala made from natural objects brought by participants, and more than a dozen local and national groups will host information tables.
“Celebrating our Earth with Art,” an art show by community members of all ages, disciplines, and artistic experience and skills will be on view throughout the Cash Store, April 16-23.
Admission is free and event takes place rain or shine. Please call 321-4145 for further information.
Parks to hold Earth Day work party
The South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District will host an Earth Day work party on the Trustland Trails property.
The work day will run from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. Anyone interested in helping should arrive at the Craw Road and Highway 525 access point at noon for a kick-off lunch that will be provided by the parks district.
Volunteers will clear brush and create a handicapped-accessible loop trail.
Over the years the access connection — formerly the old highway — has been used as an illegal dumping site. Many piles of garbage have accumulated and the parks district needs help to collect and dispose of the debris.
Volunteers should come prepared for physical labor and fun with friends and neighbors. Bring gloves, tools, sturdy shoes, eye protection, ear protection, power equipment and bottled water.
For more information, call 221-5484.
Read to Roxie at the Clinton Library
Kids are welcome to come to the Clinton Library to meet and read to Roxie, a graduate of the Love on a Leash program, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24.
Beginning readers are encouraged to come practice their reading skills with this friendly dog.
Good food and a good time
“Good Food,” the latest film from Whidbey producers Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin, will premier at the Seattle International Film Festival in June. People on South Whidbey can preview excerpts of the film at a benefit at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Mukilteo Coffee Company.
These clips will screen together with Young and Dworkin’s recently released “Argentina Turning Around,” a followup to their award winning Argentina-Hope in “Hard Times.” Come help celebrate the revival of local sustainable farming in the Pacific Northwest and the beginning of the new growing season. Local farmers will bring some of their earliest spring greens for a mini-market that evening in anticipation of the opening of the Tilth Farmers Market May 3.
Mukilteo Coffee Company is at 5331 Crawford Road in Langley. The suggested minimum donation is $10.
Contributions to the nonprofit Moving Images will help pay off some of the debts, including music rights, incurred from creating “Good Food.” Some of the music in the film is from Whidbey musicians Jack Knauer, Fredde Butterworth and Tom Hoeflich.
Learn to sign with your baby
Nancy Hanauer will talk on signing with your baby at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 at the Freeland Library.
The presentation will include hands-on experience and basic instruction for hearing families interested in signing with their babies to aid early communication and reduce frustration. Participants will learn helpful hints for getting started and how to incorporate sign into their daily lives.
Learn to make artsy mini books
Nancy Hanauer will show how to make artsy mini blank books during a class at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the Langley Library.
Create one of many artistic blank books with Hanauer as a guide through the process. For ages 10 and up. Registration is required; please call the Langley Library at 221-4383.
Dance theatre presents annual showcase
Whidbey Island Dance Theatre features the talents of both its dancers and choreographers in their annual spring Dance & Choreography Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at South Whidbey High School.
Beyond the production’s yearly treats, special features this year include excerpts from Swan Lake, and guest performances by Peninsula Dance Theatre and by soloist Danielle Wilkins.
WIDT company dancers will perform several excerpts from Swan Lake, staged by internationally acclaimed dancer and teacher Leigh-Ann Cohen and by ballet critic and author Dean Speer. Three premiere works by Whidbey and Seattle area choreographers are also set to be performed by the company; dance genres include ballet, modern dance, and jazz.
WIDT is a regional level dance company, co-directed by Charlene Brown, founder, and Susan Campbell Sandri.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for youth under 18 years of age. Buy tickets online at www.widtonline.org, or call the WIDT Box Office at 341-2221 to order tickets by phone. Tickets will also be available at the door for both performances.
Master Gardeners offer helpful tips
Island County Master Gardeners will be holding plant clinics at the Coupeville Farmers Market and Wal-Mart in Oak Harbor from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Stop by with your questions about plants and gardening problems.
Program to benefit Sack Lunch
“Sound, Music and Healing” with Beverly Graham is coming Tuesday, April 29.
As a shaman initiate, Graham combines her skills as a Sound Healer, Intuitive and energy healer to explore how individuals can heal through the use of vibrational and melodic soundings. As a performing artist/musician, she has extensive experience in sacred settings including healing, death and rebirth.
Proceeds will benefit Operation: Sack Lunch. Call The Chiropractic Zone in Freeland to reserve your seat at 331-5565.
Whidbey lecture series continues
The Whidbey Institute at Chinook is joining with the Institute for Children’s Environmental Health to present the 2008 Environmental Health Lecture Series, “Our Health, Our Environment: Making the Link: Connecting Economics with Health and the Environment.”
This year’s series examines the relationship between the natural world, human society and our economic system, focusing on ecological economics, a growing transdisciplinary field which expands economic theory to integrate the earth’s natural systems, human values and health.
The series continues with “Economics for the 21st Century: Creating a Collective Vision for a Sustainable Future” with Dr. Joshua Farley, professor of Community Development and Applied Economics at the Gund Institute at the University of Vermont.
The lecture is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 and is preceded by a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Advance tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
For information, visit www.iceh.org or call 331-7904.
Register now for women’s growth workshop
Ready for individual growth and development? Grab a sack lunch and enjoy a day of fun, chocolate and creative expression during an expressive arts workshop coming to Fort Casey Inn on May 3.
Margaret Potchatek and Jeanine Hillman will lead a workshop called “Women Seeking Personal Authenticity” — a journey toward discovering and reclaiming one’s forgotten, more authentic selves.
The group will splash paint, play with collage, pound clay, and drum as they move along the path toward self-discovery.
The workshop includes a one-hour personal coaching session, continental breakfast and afternoon chocolates, and art supplies.
For more information or to register, visit www.authenticityworkshop.com or call Margaret Potchatek at 360-678-1030, ext. 2.
Archetypal Healing session in Freeland
A workshop on “Archetypal Healing” with Ann Amberg, Jeff Weeks and Patricia Rohan is coming to Freeland on Tuesday, May 13.
Developed in Europe as a holistic healing system, this paradigm works with sacred geometry and energetic forms to facilitate healing on mental, physical and spiritual levels while working to shift distorted individual patterns on subtle energetic levels. These altered states may have been induced through stress, traumas and diseases such as cancer. This work has been found to restore a sense of harmony and re-alignment.
Proceeds benefit The Enso House. Call The Chiropractic Zone in Freeland to reserve your seat at 331-5565.
Expert describes Matrix Energetics
“Matrix Energetics” with Reggi Shelley, founder of Alchemy Wisdom in Seattle, will be held Tuesday, May 27 at the Chiropractic Zone in Freeland.
Shelley is one of Dr. Richard Bartlett’s (the developer of Matrix Energetics) two primary instructors. Her training includes holographic energy work and shamanic work. Matrix Energetics is a pathway of transformation that uses the power of focused intent to heal, transform and create possibilities that affects and produces lasting transformation changes in all areas of ones life. She will also be available for private sessions throughout this day.
Proceeds will benefit Helping Hand. Call The Chiropractic Zone at 331-5565 to reserve your seat.
Workshops cover our sustainability
The Whidbey Institute at Chinook will host a year of hands-on workshops and walks devoted to practical sustainability.
Eric Conn and Britt Walker, co-directors of the Sustainability Research and Education Project, will lead the sessions.
Follow the seasons of the year with these workshops and walks that focus on appreciating what nature has to offer; learn about foraging native plants, growing your own food and solar cooking.
On May 31 is “The Abundance of the Earth.” On Aug. 16 is “The Harvest Season.” On Oct. 4 is “Rest & Renewal.”
The fee is $25 for a session, $80/year or $10/session for under 21.
For information about these workshops, visit www.whidbey
institute.org or call 341-1884.
Learn mandala creation in Freeland
Sarah Manchester will host a session of “Mandala Creation and Art Therapy” on Tuesday, June 10 at the Chiropractic Zone in Freeland.
Manchester will lead a journey of Meditative Mandala creation to explore our own personal “soul drawing.” As a therapist and painter, she works with adolescents and adults, combining the best of Western psychology and Eastern contemplative and meditative traditions. She emphasizes our inherent wisdom and creativity to encourage greater health and wholeness.
Proceeds will benefit The South Whidbey Commons. Call The Chiropractic Zone at 331-5565 to reserve your seat.
Expert leads talk on animal communication
Jacqueline Sowell will lead a session on animal communication on Tuesday, June 24 at The Chiropractic Zone in Freeland.
Experience animal communication first-hand. Sowell will answer common questions about animal communication through a beginning exercise in telepathy. She will discuss how professional animal communicators help modify problems and end-of-life choices as well as enhance your relationship with your animal companion.
Sowell is a certified professional animal communicator, Theta Healing instructor/practitioner and Matrix Energetics practitioner.
Proceeds will benefit FETCH. Call The Chiropractic Zone in Freeland to reserve your seat at 331-5565.
Registration starts for annual gathering
The 12th Annual Touch Drawing Gathering with Deborah Koff-Chapin will be held July 13-18.
Do you feel inspired to delve into your soul through Touch Drawing? Do you feel called to share it with others? The gathering provides a deep portal to the soul. It is a creative intensive oriented to people with a strong sense of purpose and emotional maturity. Together we generate a resonant field that enlivens us as well as the heart of Touch Drawing.
Registration is now open. For info visit www.touchdrawing.com.
Wine Walkabout helps FETCH!
FETCH!, Free Exercise Time for Canines and Their Humans, presents its fourth annual Wine Walkabout from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Buchanan Vineyard, off Bayview Road in Langley.
The day will be filled with exceptional wines, delicious food, friends old and new, live music and, of course, canines.
Tasting tables will be set around the charming grounds of Buchanan’s vineyard showcasing five wines: Bohemian Highway, Barnard Griffin, Penfolds, Goats de Roam and Rosenblum Cellars. Palates will be also be treated to gourmet cheeses, breads, nuts, chocolate and fruit. And the dogs won’t be left out of the fun, either. Homemade gourmet dog treats and bowls of cool fresh water will be readily available at all tables.
The event benefits FETCH! a grassroots not-for-profit organization which established and maintains Whidbey’s five off-leash parks. The cost is $20 per person in advance or $25 per person at the door, humans 21 or older only please.
Tickets are available at Violet Fields, Bayview Arts, Vino d’ Amoré and The Bayleaf. Check the FETCH! Website for links and further details at www.fetchparks.org or contact Patricia Buchanan at 321-2377 or fetch@whidbey.com.
Fiber sale comes to Clinton
The Whidbey Island Fabulous Fall Fiber Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
Whidbey Island fiber producers will offer fleece and fiber from locally raised llama, alpaca, many breeds of sheep and pygora goats as well as handmade products including handspun yarns and felted, woven, braided and silk-painted items at 4081 Springwater Lane, Clinton. There will also be sheep skins, books, supplies, class information, orders for freezer lamb and raw lamb dog food and more.
