Friends of Langley Newsletter May 2, 2024

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Langley Chamber of Commerce is open 11a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.ย 

Friends of Langley Newsletter

May 2, 2024

May’s LCOC Member Meeting will be in the evening this month at Ott & Hunter’s. Please join us!

Events

First Saturday Art Walk May 4, 5-7 p.m.

Artworks Gallery’s restoration from Januaryโ€™s water damage is progressing quickly, so mark your calendars for our Grand Reopening celebration, where we will commemorate our triumphant return to Langley!ย  We will not be ready to open for the First Saturday Art Walk.
May featured artists are Morgan Bell and Ginny Oโ€™Neill.
Morgan Bell is a glass enthusiast who pays great attention to detail while creating beautiful jewelry and exquisite crystal lamps using tempered glass fragments. She also breathes life into free-standing sculptures by combining glass with upcycled metals.
Ginny Oโ€™Neill specializes in representational art that reflects her passion for portraiture, whether it’s a boat, a bird, or a tree. In her current series, Ginny focused on the magnificent Pacific Northwest beaches (above: Power & Majesty)
Artworks Gallery, located at 221 Second St. Langley artworkswhidbey.com
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May at Museo welcomes artists Kris Ekstrand, Joanne Bohannon & Dewey Schurman. This show brings together their passion for the natural world through a wide range of mediums by showcasing Ekstrandโ€™s detailed charcoal nest drawings, unique monotype and painted landscapes; Bohannonโ€™s quirky, mixed-media constructions; and Schurmanโ€™s colorful, stylized scenes.
Kris Ekstrand’s work, in any medium, is a contemplative study of her subject matter โ€“ carefully processed through her strokes, use of color and composition. Whidbey Island artist Dewey Schurman takes a seemingly simple, everyday scenes and makes them captivating.ย  providing a fresh perspective on landscape paintings. Joanne Bohannon’s whimsical figurines are crafted out of ceramic and mixed media elements. In this series, she brings to life the essence of the Owl through intricate details and quirky humor.

Rob Schouten Gallery & Sculpture Garden presents Carolyn Doe’s batik paintings on silk depicting landscapes and birds on random patterned backgrounds that exude a quiet warmth in soft colors. โ€œWhen dye touches silk it spreads quickly. The wax creates a boundary. This dance of control/no control captivates me. Through this ethereal quality, I convey the essence of a place and the creatures that dwell there.โ€ Doeโ€™s inspiration comes mostly from the natural environment. For further information, call 360-222-3070 or email info@robschoutengallery.com

Whidbey Art Gallery’s May show features ceramic artist Tricia Balok. Her colorful, energetic pieces are useful and beautiful. Pieces are guaranteed to add a pop of color to your home. Our 2D artist is painter Stuart King. Heโ€™s currently working on a brand new piece for the show. You may remember his skate deck pieces that he painted. Well, they sold out! Stuart’s latest development in his Surf Art motif has gone back to his roots as a 3D designer with literally bringing the canvas to life with ripping and curling portions to create a 3D element and depth to the work while also borrowing natural features from using reclaimed wood as beach representations.
We welcome guest artist, oil painter, Bronwyn Groman to the gallery. She feels her graphic design background has helped her communicate through her paintings. Join us for the First Saturday Art Walk on May 4 from 5-7. We are located on Second St. in Langley and are open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m

Whidbey Children’s Theater Presents “She Kills Monsters” April 26-May 5

www.wctmagic.org

A Celebration of Dance with WIDT

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Whidbey Island Dance Theatre Company presents its annual Celebration of Dance 2024, where young dancers come together with seasoned choreographers and guest dance companies to offer a full variety of stylish dance pieces.

Friday, May 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 4 @ 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m
.
https://www.widtonline.org/

Performances at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley.

Whidbey Island Dance Theatre
714 Camano Ave. Langley

Save the Date: Shred Event at SaviBank
May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

ย 
Mark your calendars so you won’t miss this great fundraiser organized by Soroptimists International of South Whidbey Island.
Find us at SaviBank, 1737 Main Street, Freeland on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
See you there and then!

Two Sno-Isle Library Events in May

Meerkerk Gardens Library Walk Tuesday, May 7, 2-4 p.m.

Join us for a docent-guided tour of Whidbey’s Meerkerk Gardens. Learn about Meerkerk’s collection of rhododendrons and other blooms while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views of Holmes Harbor.
The tour will be on wide, gravel paths with minimal grade changes. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested, along with weather-appropriate clothing.
Registration is required. Please complete registration for each person attending the tour.
This free outdoor program is part of the Sno-Isle Libraries’ summer-long Library Walks series. Visit new Whidbey Island locations all summer to learn about Whidbey’s local gems and complementary library resources.

https://sno-isle.bibliocommons.com/events/65ea18b1d6ce063600591104

Grown-up Book Fair @ Fare Market Restaurant Wednesday, May 8, 4-7 p.m.

Relive the excitement of an elementary school book fair! Browse a curated selection of books to stock up on your summer reading materials. Chat with a Sno-Isle librarian to find your next favorite read, mingle with attendees, or find a quiet corner for some solo reading time. https://sno-isle.bibliocommons.com/events/65f48cb05e1ddf36005d1268

Borderlands at Outcast Productionsย 
May 10-25

Borderlands marks a place of intersection, a liminal space where roads end but new paths begin, where new horizons reveal themselves but also where collisions do harm. Borderlands is a play about coming out, about cars and salesmanship, about death and God and sexual desire. And a space, perhaps in a minivan, where these characters dare to tell themselves the truth, and are appalled to find how little it sets them free.โ€‹
Directed by Jim Carroll. With: Jameson Cook, Melanie Lowey, Vicki Robin and Billy Tierney
Adult – $22/ Student/Senior (62+) – $18ย  *Discount ticket performance on 4/19 – all seats are $16

Performance Times:
Fridays, May 10, 17, 24 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays, May 11, 18, 25 @ 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 23 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19* @ 4 pm

Email us at ocp@whidbey.com and reserve seats to pay at the door by cash or check only.

Whidbey Jazz Residency @ WICA May 10

Whidbey Jazz Residency returns for another stellar musical weekend with more special guests and surprises. Special guests include Whidbey native Stuart Hambley on trombone, Alex Dugdale on sax AND tap dancing, and Nancy Nolan returns to captivate with her vocals. Some other surprises are sure to take place as well as they deliver some jazz, Latin and maybe even a little funk.
Friday, some of the SWHS jazz band members handpicked by Chris Harshman get to sit in with the group and play a few songs.
Whidbey Jazz Residency is: Keegan Harshman (Bass), Troy Chapman (Guitar), Roy Gabelein (Drums), Grant Neubauer (Piano/keys), Danny Ward (Sax) and *Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews (Sax/clarinet/keys).ย 
*Eric will be out of town for this show because heโ€™s jazzing in New York!

www.wicaonline.org

Festival of Flowers May 11

Festival of Flowers, a spring festival happening at the South Whidbey Community Center
in Langley and hosted by Whidbey Island Waldorf School will take place Saturday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. โ€“ 1:30 p.m.
This event will be in the field behind the SWCC. We will have Maypole dancing, crafts, games, a cake raffle, photo booth,
face painting, popcorn, The Bubble Guy, LIVE music and more!
This event is FREE of cost, and open to ALL !
Cafe and lemon peppermints for sale at low cost, cash preferred, thank you.
For more information: 360-341-5686, info@wiws.org
See you there and bring your family and friends!

Whidbey Island Waldorf School
360-341-5686

Mother’s Day Concert @ Meerkerk Gardens

Bring Mom and a picnic to Meerkerkโ€™s Mother’s Day Concert on May 12, right in the middle of peak bloom season. The scenery will be spectacular, the vibe peaceful and the music delightful. Everything takes place between noon and 4 p.m. Adult admission to Meerkerk on Motherโ€™s Day is $15 (pay at the entry gatehouse or pay in advance at www.meerkerkgardens.com/events). Kids under 13 are free.
Three local musical groups will perform for your enjoyment:
โ€ขย ย  ย Pickled Herring Band, Noon-1 p.m.
โ€ขย ย  ย Doug Roraback and the Double Diamonds, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
โ€ขย ย  ย Island Jazz Collective, 3-4 p.m.
This event also is a great time to present Mom with a rhododendron from Meerkerkโ€™s specialty nursery, which will be open during the concert. You can also purchase a delicious slice of pie from Whidbey Pies. Treat Mom to a great time!
Meerkerk Gardens, a 53-acre woodland wonder on central Whidbey Island, is open at 9 a.m. every day of the year. Enjoy two-plus miles of trails, stunning vistas and a renowned collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and specimen trees. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Women Build 2024 – Habitat for Humanity of Island County (islandcountyhabitat.org)

Trio Bistro in Concert @ WICA
Friday, May 17, 7:30 p.m.

Pearl Django in Concert @ WICA
Saturday, May 18, 7:30 p.m.

Violinist/Fiddlers Michael Gray and Julian Smedley are joined by cellist James Hinkley to form the Puget Soundโ€™s most unique bowed string ensemble, Trio Bistro. What distinguishes Trio Bistro from their string peers is the sheer joy of improvisation inherent in the Trioโ€™s DNA. Both Michael and Julian are melodic improvisors par excellence; Michael with his 25 plus years in Pearl Django; Julian through his association with the Hot Club of SF and a 30 year career in composing and performing jazz classics; and James, who is equally at home playing the Korngold cello concerto as he is with soloing and arranging jazz standards.

With a performance history spanning more than 29 years and having released 15 CDs, Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today. The bandโ€™s signature style is marked by pristine and dexterous string work, colors of Bal Musette, the steady pulse of rhythm guitar and an unmistakable swing that delights audiences of all musical sensibilities. Throughout the years, Pearl Django has cultivated a devoted and enthusiastic following and they continue to play to packed houses wherever they perform.

Combination w/ Pearl Django (through Box Office only):
May 17-18 Double Star: $70
May 17-18 Standard: $50

Single Tickets available:
WICA Star: $45
Standard: $30
$20: by request to Box Office
Youth 18 and Under: Free
www.wicaonline.org

Penn Cove Water Fest in Coupeville May 18

The Festival features annual tribal canoe races, native arts & crafts vendors, storytelling, musical and dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic native foods, youth activities, exhibits and displays.
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Entertainment Schedule

11:00-11:30 Welcome / Announcements with PCWF President Gary Piazzon, Coupeville Mayor Molly Hughes, Samish Elder Rosie James and PCWF Native American Advisor Lou LaBombard (Seneca)

11:30-11:50 a.m. Dedication of Festival in Memory of Tsimshain Haayuuk Elder Doreen May Nathan and Artist Roger Purdue
12-12:45 p.m. Shifty Sailors (Songs of the seas)
1-1:45 p.m. Peter Ali (Flute Music)
2-2:45 p.m. Swil Kanim (Violin/ Stories)
2:45-3 p.m. Lou LaBombard (Storytelling in Historical Museum)
3:00-3:45 p.m. Rona Yellow Robe & Bruce Withamย (Songs/ Stories)
4-5 p.m. Tsimshian Haayuuk Dancers (Traditional Dancing)

Between performances, we’ll hear updates of the Canoe Races that can be viewed from the Wharf, along Front Street and/or at the Boat Launch in Capt. Coupe Park.

WSU Master Gardener Education Series

This summer, gardeners from beginner to advanced from across Whidbey Island and beyond will be able to attend a series of six free classes designed to help implement best practices in the garden. The Island County WSU Master Gardener Education Series classes are open to the public and cover everything from dealing with pests to growing great vegetables. The series is presented by the Island County WSU Master Gardeners.

The series highlights how climate change and new knowledge about the impact of human behavior on nature inform and influence best garden practices.ย  The way we garden has a big impact on our Island ecosystems.ย  Gardeners can make a direct difference in caring for the environment in their own back yards because what is done there can affect wildlife, biodiversity, water use and human health. ย 

Classes will be offered on the third Sunday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. May through September, and will take place at the Greenbank Education Garden, located at Greenbank Farm on Whidbey Island.

โ€ขย ย  ย May 19: Good Bug/Bad Bug
โ€ขย ย  ย June 16: Firewise Gardening – Landscaping for Fire Resistance
โ€ขย ย  ย July 21: Good Lawn/Bad Lawn
โ€ขย ย  ย August 18: Winter Veggies Growing Guide/Island Stalwarts
โ€ขย ย  ย September 15: Go Green in the Garden: Using Natureโ€™s Own Plant Food.

Island County Master Gardeners

Art Talks – Undiminished: Elder Artists

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Wednesday, May 22 @ 11 a.m.

From Michelangelo to Jacob Lawrence, Rebecca Albiani delves into the world of those artists blessed with longevity who battled loss, ill health, or dementia and continued to produce works as radiant as Monetโ€™s water lilies. From Chardin to Goya, from Oโ€™Keeffe (above) to De Kooning, many great artists worked with undiminished creativity and thoroughgoing wonder well into their elder years.
Please click below to purchase tickets!
https://tickets.wicaonline.org/TheatreManager/1/login?event=2101

WICA
565 Camano Ave., Langley

Whidbey Ren Faire 2024
A Medieval Fantasy Festival May 25-26

Whidbey Ren Faire 2024 will be held May 25-26 at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds in Langley.

โ—ย  Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
โ—ย  During the event hours, we expect between 5,000-10,000 attendees. ย 
โ—ย  We will have amplified sound during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.on May 25-26.

This event represents not just a revival of a historical era but also the power of community spirit and collaboration. Whether youโ€™re a fan of turkey legs, puffed garments, or simply looking for a unique weekend adventure, the Whidbey Ren Faire is an event not to be missed. For more information and to get involved, visit: whidbeyislandrenfaire.org.
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Rotary Westside Derby Saturday, June 1

Saddle up for the 2nd Annual Westside Derby Day!ย  The track heats up on Saturday, June 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Events Center Pole Building. Tickets are $60 per person and include a generous assortment of light bites and a signature souvenir Derby glass. Beer, wine, and mint juleps will be available for purchase. The event will feature a Dessert Dash with delicious homemade cakes and pies! Join the fun and place your bets (wagering is for adults 21+).

This isn’t Churchill Downs, and the ponies are of the stick variety, but the racing and the wagering (21+) are all very real. So, don your best Derby Hat or Favorite Fascinator (there will be a best hat contest!) and join us for a fabulously fun day at the races!

Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside, it’s a night of fun and philanthropy! Every buck you bet supports vital Rotary grants, innovative programs, and transformative projects in our community.

The Rotary Club of Whidbey Westside has brought life-saving AEDs to public spaces around South Whidbey since 2016. This year, we’re adding additional units and updating existing locations; making our community safer, one heartbeat at a time. Your support of events like the Westside Derby helps fund vital programs like this in our community.
For sponsorship info or more information contact Jane Helten:ย  JaneHelten@gmail.com or call: 360-631-0752

Classes at Wildly Beloved Foods

Learn the art of pasta making with workshops at the Wildly Beloved Foods Marketplace and Studio. Register for one of our classes instructed by founding owner Aurora Echo. Each workshop includes

  • Wine pairing
  • Light charcuterie
  • Fresh Pasta tasting

Choose your favorite themes including: a simple pasta, egg pasta, spinach pasta and stuffed pasta.
Inquire about private events! Friend events, birthdays, family gatherings, corporate team-building, and just for group foodie fun.
*In anticipation of the Farmers Market season please note our workshop days will move to Thursdays starting April 25.
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Workshop dates:

Thursday, May 9 @ 5:30 p.m. Fresh Cheese Filled Spinach Ravioli Pasta Class, $120
Thursday, May 23 @ 5:30 p.m. Fresh Tortelloni Pasta Class, $120

Wildly Beloved Foods
6348 Frost Ave., Clinton
360-321-5000
https://www.wildlybelovedfoods.com
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Story Time @ River Horse Writing Studio

Thursday โ€“ Saturday @ย 1 p.m.
Join us for a free story and playtime at River Horse Writing Studio!ย 

angie@waterhorsewriting.com

River Horse Writing Studio
http://riverhorsewriting.com

Bloom’s Winery & 5511 Bistro Live Music @ 5:30 p.m.

  • May 4, el Colonel Flamenco guitar
  • May 11, The Lounge Sound with Jana & Yana
  • May 18, Trio Nouveau

Open Wednesday through Sunday. Now open Wednesday and Thursday for dinner, seating from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Open Friday and Saturday lunch and dinner, seating from noon to 7:30 p.m. Open Sunday lunch and dinner seating from noon – 6:30 p.m. Reservations recommended by calling 360-321-0515.

Blooms Winery Tasting Room, 5511 Bistro
5511 Freeland Ave, Freeland
360-321-0515
http://www.bloomswinery.com
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Dancing Fish Vineyards Thursday Nights Live Music @ 5:30 p.m.

  • Monday Bites: Dinner, wine and live music, 4:30-7 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 2, Terry Robb
  • Thursday, May 9, Cafe Impromptu Quintet

Dancing Fish Vineyards
1953 Newman Road, Freeland

Double Bluff Brewing Company

Double Bluff Brewing Company is a place for community events and live music, and now they’ve addedย  โ€œHop Handmade,โ€ a new pop-up art event (that coordinates with the First Saturday Artwalk in Langley) to โ€œSolo in the City,โ€ a mid-week solo performance from 5:30 to 7 p.m. by a new local artist.
In the summer Double Bluff has live music every Saturday performed under their outdoor bandstand.

Visit Double Bluff Brewing Company in Langley, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Upcoming Wednesday performances:

May 8: Mandy Johnson

Ott & Hunter Live Music Saturdays 7 p.m.

  • May 5, Greg Beck Quartet, $25
  • May 11, Richard Russell & Anil Prasad, $27
  • May 18, Kareem Kandi Orchestra, $25
  • May 25, Marina Albero Trio, Two shows 6 and 8 p.m. $30

Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room
204 First Street, Langley
www.otthunter.com

Sales and Markets

South End Farmer’s Markets Open Now!

Bayview Farmer’s Market opened April 27 and will be open every Saturday until October 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
South Whidbey Tilth opened April 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and runs every Sunday until October 13.

Bard’s Boutique Explores Scarf Tying Saturday, May 4, 1-2 p.m.

Whidbey textile artists Peggy Juve and Laurie Covill, who create gorgeous scarves at Bard’s Boutique in the Bayview Cash Store, will be your hosts for an hour of fun with exploring scarf tying, knots and a general demonstration of scarf style.
Feel free to bring your own scarves or try on some of the hand-crafted scarves sold in the shop, made from silk, wool and rayon. These scarves are really “wearable art,” made as they are by these talented artists, who both evidently love color and design!
Allow Peggy and Laurie to show you several different ways to wear these versatile clothing accessories.
This workshop is pay-what-you-will by donation event to support Island Shakespeare Festival as are all the profits from the little Bard’s Boutique.

The Bard’s Boutique, Bayview Cash Store
5603 Bayview Road, Langley
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Island Thrift One-Day Mother’s Day Sale

ย Mother’s Day Market event at Greenbank Farm May 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ritual Mischief Offers Mother’s Day Specials

10% off to Celebrate Moms & Mothering!
Today through May 13th, enter the code: ThanksMom! at checkout to receive 10% off your entire Ritual Mischief order online.
Send mom or auntie or the mothering people in your life a treat! Everything we make holds local plants that we gather and grow ourselves on land we love. Check out the Mother’s Day ideas in this newsletter or browse our website for more ideas.
If you live on or near Whidbey, you can also bring this discount code into our herbal studio in Langley through May 13 and/or to the Mother’s Day Market event at Greenbank Farm on May 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. One use per person.
ย 
Our herbal studio is open the following days in May & June:

  • Tuesdays, noon to 5 pm
  • Wednesdays, 11 am to 5 pm
  • Saturdays, 11 am to 5 pm (except closed June 1 and June 15)
  • All other days and times by appointment–just call or text.

Find us at these local makers markets this season:

  • Greenbank Farm Mother’s Day Market, Sunday, May 12, 10-4
  • Greenbank Farm Father’s Day Market, Saturday, June 15, 10-4

And in the gracious hands of these local family run shops:

  • Flying Bear in Langley
  • Bayview Garden at Bayview Corner
  • Madrona Supply in Clinton

Ritual Mischief grows and ethically gathers 50 different plants to create local plant-infused herbal balms, salves, lip balms, lotion bars, infused oils, soaps, shampoo bars, shower steamers, dish soap bars, dog shampoo bars, herbal sleep and dream pillows, and more. Current favorites are our Forest Bathing soap, Love You lotion bars, Gardener’s hand balm, Rest & Rise soaps, Sore Muscle Rub oil, Grief Support lotion bars, Moment of Wonder cuticle balm, Better Boundaries Balm, and Say It Sister lip balm.
Parking: Park in the driveway or in the open field just past the driveway if the driveway is full. The herbal studio is up the driveway and around the front of the house to the south. Follow the signs. Getting lost here is fine too.
Accessibility: The driveway is paved, most of the path to the herbal studio is flat and paved, and the last ~20 feet of the path is a flat, woodchipped path. We’re happy to bring your online order to the driveway for you if you don’t want to make that journey.
Online, Pick Up, & Delivery: You can order online anytime, choose Pick Up to avoid shipping, and then come pick up orders from us in our driveway. This time of year, we also deliver up the entirety of the island, typically on Sundays, so folks in Greenbank, Coupeville and Oak Harbor, you can also choose Pick Up to save on shipping. I’ll email you to arrange pick-up and delivery times. We also ship within the continental US.

Ritual Mischief
4683 Tompkins Rd., Langley
206-805-9978
ย 
https://www.ritualmischief.com/

The Backyard Whidbey Spring Offerings

ย 
Two-hour base parties 20% off!
ย 
The Backyard is a fun place for the whole family to play together!
Come work out while your kids play, run around with the kids and play together,
or celebrate a birthday or special occasion with us!

The Backyard Whidbey
723 Camano Avenue, Langley
thebackyardWhidbey@gmail.com
ย 
http://TheBackyardWhidbey.org

Book Your Summer Bioluminescence Tours Now with Whidbey Island Kayaking

We are excited to announce our 2024 Bioluminescence Experience dates and booking process!

Key Details:
โ€ข Booking access links will be shared only via our email blasts
โ€ข We cannot โ€˜holdโ€™ dates for you
โ€ข Our standard cancellation policies apply

2024 Bioluminescence Dates:

  • June 28, 29, 30
  • July 1, 5, 6, 7, 27, 28, 29
  • August 2, 3, 4, 5, 29, 30, 31
  • Sept 1

https://www.whidbeyislandkayaking.com/kayaktours
* If you wish to book a private bio tour on a different date than what is listed above, please contact us directly.

Whidbey Island Kayaking
360-221-0229

Announcements

Welcome New Member: Freeland Hall

Nestled at the head of Holmes Harbor on South Whidbey, Freeland Hall has been a cherished venue for a wide range of gatherings since 1915. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or a special celebration, our hall provides the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable moments.

The history of Freeland Hall reflects the enduring spirit of community and the evolution of a cherished gathering place on South Whidbey.
The site that would become Freeland was platted in the 1800s by real estate promoters. Initially known as St. Louis, the area failed to develop into a town. It briefly took on the name Newell, named after the nearest post office at the time. In 1899, a trio of Seattle visionariesโ€”Henry L. Stevens, George Washington Daniels, and Henry A. Whiteโ€”formed The Free Land Association with a visionary goal in mind: to create a utopian society that embraced communal, socialistic ideals. They laid the foundation for Freeland by platting the area into five-acre lots and officially incorporated it on January 12, 1900. The founders of Freeland aspired to create a community where all residents worked for the common good. However, this grand vision of a socialist utopia did not come to fruition, and the Free Land Association declared bankruptcy in 1920.

The idea of constructing a community hall, which came to be known as Freeland Hall, emerged in August 1914. The Freeland Improvement Club spearheaded the project. The hall was built with volunteer labor and was completed sometime after the spring of 1915.ย 
Generations have come together to celebrate life’s milestones and create lasting memories at Freeland Hall.
For info about renting the hall, email info@freelandhall.com

Welcome New Member:
Experience Whidbey

Experience Whidbey is a group of spirit makers who have joined together to produce a comprehensive and informative map ofย  Whidbey Island distilleries, wineries, a meadery and craft beer makers. Visitors can pick up the map at local outlets, such as the Langley Chamber of Commerce/Visitor’s Center. Owners Karen and David Meyer have a goal of being a trusted resource for craft beverages on Whidbey Island.

Did you know that #ExperienceWhidbey is an island-wide initiative to promote the entrepreneurial spirit found here? Check out our wonderful partners: Dancing Fish Vineyards, Spoiled Dog Winery, Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room, Ogres Brewing, Thirsty Crab Brewery, Wicked Teuton Brewing Company, Hierophant Meadery, Whidbey Island Distillery, Misfit Island Cider Company, Holmes Harbor Cellars and Greenbank Cidery.
https://experiencewhidbey.com/

Welcome New Member: ย ย 
Bearly Awake Coffee Company

Welcome to Bearly Awake Coffee Company, a brand new coffee trailer serving espresso, milkshakes, smoothies, Italian sodas, energy spritzers and more!
Hours of operation: M-F 5 a.m.-Midnight, Saturday 6 p.m.-midnight

Bearly Awake Coffee Company
360-969-5263
3229 Old Goldie Road, Oak Harbor
bearlyawakecoffee23@gmail.com

ย 

Reminder: Sandwich Board Signs Prohibited in Langley

Meridith Penny, Langley’s Director of Community Planning, reports that “Recently Iโ€™ve seen a proliferation of sandwich board signs popping up outside our local businesses downtown. Sandwich board signs are not a permitted sign type under our zoning code. As you know, we have limited staff at City Hall, so I typically conduct enforcement only on a complaint basis. It seems that our local residents are taking note of the signs as well and Iโ€™ve received a couple complaints recently.”
The City of Langley would like to remind local businesses that sandwich board signs are not an allowed sign type in the City of Langley. This is for two main reasons: 1) to address the aesthetic issues of too many signs in the City and 2) to keep the right of way and store entrances clear for those with accessibility needs.
Please contact Meredith Penny, Director of Community Planning, with any questions: planning@langleywa.org

South Whidbey Parks 2024 Summer Activity Guide

Our 2024 Summer Activity Guide is now available online and registration is open for most camps and activities.

โ€ขย ย  ย Nature Camps
โ€ขย ย  ย Adult Softball
โ€ขย ย  ย Basketball Camp
โ€ขย ย  ย Tennis Camp
โ€ขย ย  ย Soccer Camp
โ€ขย ย  ย Magic Camp
โ€ขย ย  ย VolleyKids
โ€ขย ย  ย Kayak Camp for Teens
โ€ขย ย  ย Paddle Board Camp for Teens
โ€ขย ย  ย PaddleSport Camp
โ€ขย ย  ย Youth Wrestling
โ€ขย ย  ย Underwater Robotics
โ€ขย ย  ย Rowing
โ€ขย ย  ย Skim Camp
โ€ขย ย  ย Youth & Adult Sailing
โ€ขย ย  ย Tuesday Concerts in the Park
โ€ขย ย  ย Nosework

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about the field of early learning? Are you eager to be a part of building a world-class early learning system? Do you enjoy facilitating connections and promoting collaboration?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Whidbey Community Foundation and the Partners for Young Children (PYC) Steering Committee are interested in learning more about your qualifications and experience. We are currently looking for a dynamic and energetic person to work as the PYC Coordinator.

Work schedule can be somewhat flexible but the current estimate is 20 hours per week for the first 12 months. This person will be in the forefront of building a world-class early learning system in Island County and will have the excitement of working with community-based organizations, school districts, early learning professionals, county peers, and state agencies. The Coordinator will be called upon to help continuously improve the way PYC collaborates with its partners locally, regionally, and at the state level.

This posting is dated April 15, 2024, and will be open until the position is filled. Please email a letter of interest and resume to: pyc@whidbeyfoundation.org
More information about the position can be found here: PYC Coordinator Job Description
Priority will be given to those who submit prior to May 15, 2024.

About Whidbey Community Foundation:
Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) connects people who care to causes that matter. WCF was founded in 2016 by long-time local community leaders who understand Whidbeyโ€™s needs and strengths and who are committed to making the Foundation a gateway to more meaningful relationships between donors and local nonprofit organizations.

Summer Camps at Whidbey Island Waldorf School July 8-August 1

Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 8 – August 1 for children ages 3-12
For camp details and registration see our website summer camps page: https://wiws.org/summercamps
Cost $300 per week for Grades campers and $425 per week for Early Childhood campers (ages 3-6)
Early Childhood families: we are offering a 10% discount if enrolling in all 4 weeks of EC Camp. No sibling discounts
There is limited financial assistance available, to apply please email summercamps@wiws.org
For more information call 360-341-5685
www.wiws.org

Island Senior Resources Launches New C3 Program

C3 brings together older community members to make new friends, enjoy activities together, laugh, and learn. It links participants with trained volunteers within communities across Whidbey Island to reduce social isolation and increase access to services.
Are you interested in playing cards, going on walks, visiting art galleries, exploring markets, or connecting one-on-one with others? Our volunteers will create meaningful social engagement opportunities each week. We hope you and your loved ones will join C3 and share the joys with us!
How do I sign up? If you are interested in joining this program call 360-321-1600 or email your participant or volunteer interest form to bailey@islandseniorservices.org.

Island Senior Resources needs volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers. Please call 360-321-1600.

Join the lunch bunch at Island Senior Resources for nutritious food and good company.

Keep up to date with ferry schedule changes:
Washington State Ferries | WSDOT

https://wsdot.wa.gov





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Langley, WA 98260

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