38th Annual Mystery Weekend February 25-26, 2023
Tickets, apparel & posters
on sale now at VisitLangley.com/store
Whidbey Island’s most popular event is back for its 38th year. First teaser clues have begun circulating on our website and via our newsletter. Advance ticket sales are already brisk. (Tickets make great gifts!)
Beef Bidding Battle to Determine “Cosmocattle” Course
Texas A&R University has announced there will be an auction in Langley before the course correction is sent to the Cosmocattle Rocket to determine where it will be sent.
Doctor Ariane Falcone, Orbital Animal Delivery System Project Director and Werner von Tanner, a recent graduate of South Whidbey High School and the Rocketeer Club (and protege to Doctor Falcone) who is overseeing the Rocketry Department’s work on the project, will represent Texas A&R at the auction. The auction will take place once the herd has been shot around the world in stable orbit.
Meeting at the Langley gazebo on Second Street, representatives from the Grand Duchy of
Freedomskia and the United Islands of the Kithless Archipelago will bid on having the Cosmocattle capsule land in their territory.
“Werner and I feel this is the fairest way to determine where the Cosmocattle pod lands,” Doctor Falcone told The Gazette, “Our school is not funded by the government, so we can use the additional funds to help cover the costs of future launches.” The Gazette has to wonder: “What could possible go wrong in Langley in February?”
Langley Chamber of Commerce is looking for a part-time Visitor Center representative. Scroll down to “Announcements” for the job description.
Events
First Saturday Art Walk
February 4, 5-7 p.m.
Artworks Gallery welcomes two new artists in February. Tim Legree paints primarily in oils, but also in watercolor, charcoal and colored pencil. Subjects are rural Whidbey and Pacific Northwest scenes. Legree also creates small, elegantly crafted wood vessels. Ceramic artist Sasha Polanco uses natural materials in her work, utilizing the earth here on the Island to create functional and beautiful ceramic art. Visit Artworks online store on our website: www.artworkwhidbey.com
Museo pairs two painters who’s work will transport you. Either to warm quiet interiors or to other realms, both artists bring an interest in landscapes, realistic or illusory, that reflect their musings and observations. Please join us to view this work by two very talented artists.
Price Sculpture Forest is open daily 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. or sunset (whichever occurs first) throughout the year.. Located at 678 Parker Rd, Coupeville. Free Admission. https://SculptureForest.org
Rob Schouten Gallery presents their Winter Group Show February 1 – March 27. The gallery will be showing a variety of outstanding pieces from gallery artists. Included are new works by painters Alfredo Arreguín, Anne Belov, Brian Mahieu, Rob Schouten, and Keiichi Nishimura, sculptures by Georgia Gerber, Dan Freeman, and Sharon Spencer, glass by Dale Reiger, Dan & Joi LaChausseé, Richard La Londe, and Robert Adamson, mixed media by Sara Saltee, woodwork by Don Wodjenski, Gary Leake, and Bruce Launer. https://www.robschoutengallery.com/(above: Winter Solstice – oil on canvas by Alfredo Arreguín – 36” x 48″)
Whidbey Art Gallery’s artists are looking forward to a fresh, new member show for the February entitled “Red.” It’s an allusion to the month of hearts, love, Chinese New Year, and all things passionate. Featured artist for the month is photographer Holly Davison, a fourth generation islander who draws her inspiration from her deep connection to the natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest. Through her photography she strives to encapsulate the peaceful emotional connection into a single image. www.whidbeyartists.com
Valentine’s Day Gifts and Events
Valentine’s Dinner for Two, please! Planning a romantic night out? Dine with Prima and Saltwater this Valentine’s Day and weekend! In addition to their dinner menus, both restaurants will be featuring Valentine’s specials, decadent desserts and a curated selection of bubbles and wines. Prima reservations: Call us at 360-221-4060 and leave a message with your requested day and time, along with your name, party size and phone number. We will call you back with a confirmation. Saltwater is first come, first serve – so stop by early, put your name on the list and take a lovers stroll around Langley by the sea while you wait for a table.
Valentine’s Jewelry Sale at Senior Thrift: 15% off Gold and Silver
30% off Costume Jewelry. Thursday, February 9th through Saturday, February 11th
Senior Thrift @ 5518 Woodard, Freeland https://senior-resources.org/thriftstore/
Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique has an Assorted Chocolate Valentine’s Day 7.5 oz Heart Box for $30 plus many more sweet options for your sweetheart.
Valentine’s Sweets from Seabiscuit are now available for pre-order! Choose from sweet treats like our festive Cookie Boxes, Conversations Hearts, Chocolate Ganache or Raspberry Citrus Tarts, Layer Cake and Chocolate Cherry Tea Cake. Pre-orders close Friday, February 10th or when we sell out – so be sure to order soon for your special someone! Pick-up on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Bakery.
Consider Gift Cards to one of the following:
Local beauty shops (C’est Moi Salon 360-949-3533 or Bandbox www.bandboxbeauty.com, both on Anthes Avenue in Langley
Wineries including Ott & Hunter, Village Wine Shop, Bloom’s, Comforts, Dancing Fish, Spoiled Dog and distilleries such as Misfit Island Meadery and Whidbey Island Distillery.
Jewelry stores (Foamy Wader 206-778-8469) and art gallleries (Artworks, Museo, Rob Schouten and Whidney Art Gallery),
Local theaters such as WICA, Outcast, Whidbey Children’s Theatre and Whidbey Playhouse.
Free Midwinter Appetizer Tasting
Whidbey Seafoods is hosting an Appetizer and Recipe Pop-Up this weekend to make sure you are prepared for Superbowl and Valentine’s Day!
Come stop by the Whidbey Seafoods Distribution Building in Bayview. We will be featuring Alaskan Sidestripe Shrimp, Scarlet King Crab, and your favorite Smoked Seafood from the Seabolt’s team.
Enjoy complimentary small bites and leave with ideas, recipes, and of course…our seafood!
When: Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 14596 WA-525, Langley, WA 98260
Cost: Free
Improvisation Class with Billy Tierney at WICA starts February 2
Professional improviser and teacher Billy Tierney is offering a weekly class centered around improvisation starting February 2. Possible benefits from learning improv:
Increased capacity for human connection, better listening skills, increased awareness, understanding situational context clues, activating social and emotional intelligence, improving sense of humor and stage presence, and more.
Life is improvised, so come check it out for your own sake! The class will take place on Thursdays from 3:30 – 6:00 PM, is open to anyone interested regardless of improv experience (18+ unless with instructor permission), and the cost is by donation to the Center. The class will most likely be held in Zech Hall, through the main entrance to the Center.
If you would like to be added to the e-mail list for improv classes and improv shows at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts please email Billy at Billy.Tierney@WICAonline.org
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
565 Camano Ave., Langley
360-221-8269
Conversations on the State of American Politics with Robert Merry @ WICA Saturday, February 4th @ 7:30 p.m.
Robert Merry is coming back for another interview on the State of American Politics, this time with author and one of the world’s “Top Global Thinkers”, Robert D. Kaplan.
Kaplan’s February 4 appearance at WICA will correspond to publication of his latest book, The Tragic Mind, which will be made available for purchase at the event. He will talk about his background, extensive travels throughout more than a hundred countries of the world (including far-away and out-of-the-way places), and particularly about his views on the state of the world in a time of chaos, with attention to U.S. relations with Russia and China and the forces driving us away from the U.S. dominated global structure that has guided world events since 1945. Kaplan is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. He lives with his wife, Maria Cabral, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts.
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
565 Camano Ave., Langley
(360) 221-8268 tickets@wicaonline.org
Join us for a fun, all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner with your South Whidbey neighbors!
Meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available.
The suggested minimum donation is $5, with event proceeds supporting our mission in the community.
* Hearts & Hammers is the designated charity for February’s Round Up for Charity Program at the Goose. Round up your purchase at the Goose to help support this fine volunteer organization.
Friday events are by reservation only and your entrance fee includes appetizer selections served directly to your table. Wine is available by the glass or bottle for your enjoyment. Reservations will be for tables of 2, 4, or 6 guests.
February 4, Galen Clark, D’Vonne Lewis, Andy Cole Trio (sold out)
February 11, 7 p.m. The Back Pages, $20
February 18, 6 & 8 p.m. Nick Mardon Trio (2 shows 6 and 8 p.m.) $25
February 25, 7 p.m. Duende Libre Quintet
Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room
360-221-7131
Penn Cove Brewing Company Freeland
Every Monday & Tuesday $5 Pints This Pint Special is good all day on Mondays and Tuesdays! Entire Month of January $5 Featured Pint Special Enjoy $5 pints every day of Holmes Harbor Cold IPA and Penn Cove Pilsner all month.
Every Monday Board Game Night at 5 p.m. Join us for a weekly game night! We’ll provide boards & pieces or bring your own!
Thursday February 2nd, 9th & 16th, Open Mic with Asher and Asa at 7 p.m. Bring your musical talents into Freeland and join the melodic rumpus with our Beertender, Dani! Sign up at the bar.
Sunday February 5, Sea Shanty & Pub Songs with Johann at 2 p.m. Join us for Sea Shanty and Pub songs lead by Johann, learn the tunes and belt away!
Wednesday February 8, Your Dad’s Trivia at 6:30 p.m. Put your thinkin’ caps on and play “Your Dad’s Trivia” with Rob!
Tuesday February 14, Dungeons & Dragons & Draughts at 6 p.m. $20 Ticket to play which includes a pint!
Whidbey Island Orchestra returns to South Whidbey High School for a romantic and eclectic selection of music on Valentine’s evening, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets @ wicaonline.org
The Woman in Black @ WICA
February 16-25
Adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, From Susan Hills gothic ghost story
The acclaimed original West End production, which has thrilled crowds in London for 30-plus years, is set to make its Whidbey Island premiere in February in partnership with the Langley Murder Mystery Weekend events.
The hauntingly good show runs February 17 – 25. Set at an isolated windswept mansion with tragic secrets hidden behind its shuttered windows where a young lawyer encounters horrific visions in the house set amidst the eerie marshes and howling winds of England’s forbidding Northeast Coast.
February 16, 17, 18 | 7:30 p.m. February 19 | 2 p.m.
February 23, 24, 25 | 7:30 p.m.
Evening shows: WICA Star Ticket: $45, Standard Ticket: $30, 20 for $20 Ticket: $20
Matinee shows: WICA Star Ticket: $35, Standard Ticket: $25, 20 for $20 Ticket: $20
*Thursday shows are ”Pay What You Will” at the box office www.wicaonline.org
Whidbey Children’s Theatre Presents A Wrinkle in Time February 17-26
It’s almost time for some more WCT magic! Tickets for this epic adventure go on sale January 25. Visit our website wctmagic.org to get yours!
A little bit about A Wrinkle In Time:
One of literature’s most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry, joins forces with three out-of-this-world witches – Who, Which and Whatsit – her brother Charles Wallace, new friend Calvin O’Keefe and more to battle the forces of evil to rescue her father, save humanity and find herself. In the end, we know two things for sure:
1. Love CAN overcome evil.
2. There IS such a thing as a tesseract.
Cook on Clay Offering Class
Handbuilding Spirit Houses: a 3-Day Pottery Workshop
A spirit house is a shrine to the protective spirit of a place.
The place could be a garden, a home, an altar, a grave, any place significant to you. Join Maryon Attwood to create a personal spirit house in a fun and relaxed environment. We’ll use slabs of clay to build, tools to texture, and colors to embellish our spirit houses.
February 17 – 19 ~ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
+ a group gathering TBD @ Cook on Clay Studio, Coupeville
$350 includes clay + firings
Bring a towel + apron, lunch + drink for a mid-day break, and your curiosity. No experience is necessary. Class size is limited to 5 participants.
P.S.Cook on Clay is consolidating all our production on the South end and is seeking a new home for our production equipment. We need 1000+ sq ft, a ceiling height of about 15 feet, and an entrance to move the press into the new space. This new workspace should have a solid floor, 220 or the ability to install 220, and access to water. We can make improvements to the right space.
Please let us know if you have or know of any place that might work for us. Call or text 360-720-0088 or email maryon@cookonclay.com
Mardi Gras Party at Bayview Hall February 21, 6-8:30 p.m.
Join us for a Fat Tuesday Celebration at Bayview Hall on February 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with music provided by Janie Cribbs & the T.Rust Band. Free admission, family friendly, charge for beer, wine and soft drinks. Mardi Gras food specials available at the Taproom at Bayview Corner. Prizes for best costume and best mask.
Sales & Markets
Bayview Garden Offers Northwest Flower and Garden Festival Tickets
NW Flower & Garden Festival Early Bird Tickets are Here!
Tickets are available to purchase now, in the garden shop, for the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival. Buy your tickets early for $21 each and save $5 off the regular price. The show takes place at the Seattle Convention Center, February 15-19. For more information and a complete seminar guide, visit www.gardenshow.com at the Cafe
Christopher Powell fell in love with cider when he first traveled to London. He decided to start making his own cider in his basement eight years ago, based on the ciders he loved from England, dry, and delicious, using sourced juice from local stores. Over the years he tried different styles, mixtures, yeasts, apples and honed his craft. He purchased property on Whidbey and started an orchard, with a variety of English and French cider apples that hopefully will result in future single varietal ciders. Powell’s trees are still growing, so for now he is sourcing apples from local sources, and Washington farms.
Misfit Island Cider company represents the love Christopher and Anna Powell have for dry cider, and the hope to share that love with people all over.
Bandbox Beauty Supply is here to celebrate your individuality! We are an all-welcoming public beauty supplier providing a wide range of cosmetics, skin care, hair care, nail care, beauty tools, spa products, and self care items, in person and online. Our mission is to provide every person who walks through our doors with the proper expertise, tools, and high quality products they need to feel their most authentic. We strive to offer you trustworthy access to non-toxic, vegan, inclusive, indy, and professional grade products from companies that contribute to social good. We’ve got everything you need to feel fresh out of the Bandbox!
Sign up for our newsletter at www.bandboxbeauty.com for exclusive sales and new product announcements.
Socials: @Bandboxbeauty
Bandbox Beauty Supply
Open daily 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Located at 225 Anthes Avenue Suite 102, Langley
Island Transit Delivers on Promise to Provide Improved Services Across County
Island Transit continues service improvements under the agency’s initiative, Island Transit Maximized. In September of 2022, the agency introduced a new route, Route 9 West, optimized existing Route 14 by separating it into Routes 2 and 10, and implemented a pilot on demand program for NASWI personnel. These changes provide service to previously unserved areas and increased accessibility and frequency to existing routes.
Beginning January 30, additional service improvements for South Whidbey riders will be realized as residents can now travel into Freeland with Route 60. Service hours were also increased across many of the routes on both Whidbey and Camano Islands, including two more service runs with the newest Route 9 servicing West Oak Harbor.
The most compelling change on January 30 is the expansion of On Demand services, beginning with Zone 3 in northwest Oak Harbor, previously known as Route 3. The expanded pilot program, Island Transit Go!, provides a flexible and convenient alternative to fixed route services designed to improve connections to transit hubs and popular destinations such as shopping centers and grocery stores. Riders can schedule online, with an app, or by calling dispatch. This service matches multiple riders headed in a similar direction into a single vehicle, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips. Additional on demand zones will be created as the year progresses.
The service for Zone 3 will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. NASWI personnel will now have increased pickup and drop off locations to and from the base in the morning and afternoon hours. The new On Demand system will also take the place of the current paratransit booking system.
Meerkerk Gardens Offers Grants to Benefit Native Plants
One of the most striking specialty license plates on the roadway is fashioned
after the native Rhododendron Macrophyllum, which is Washington’s state flower.
Did you know that when you purchase one of these beautiful plates,
you are supporting Meerkerk Gardens?
These specialty plates are sold at all licensing offices throughout the state.
For more information, visit www.meerkerkgardens.org/license
or contact Meerkerk Gardens at 360-678-1912.
Langley Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Visitor Center Representative to work in our downtown Langley office part time.
Job Summary
Seeking a dynamic, multi-faceted, self-directing person that enjoys wearing many hats and has a customer service mindset to be part of a small staff in downtown Langley on a part-time basis.
Responsibilities
As part of the Langley Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center team, and as an ambassador of the City of Langley, you will be responsible for greeting visitors to the city in person, via email and on the telephone. Maintaining contact with our local member businesses, event purveyors and attractions, to stay current, is also a key component of the position.
You will be responsible for management of the LCOC’s social media, with the Executive Director’s input, to include developing social media strategies, scheduling ongoing campaigns, developing seasonal campaigns, developing content, and analyzing results.
Updating the LCOC website, VisitLangley.com, and adding content will also be part of the day-to-day responsibility of your position.
You will be part of producing several events the LCOC sponsors each year. As part of that function, you will be responsible for obtaining and coordinating licenses, insurance, vendors, venues; soliciting sponsorships; managing communication and analyzing results.
The position is part time (20 hours per week) and requires office hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Additionally, other hours, as required by the demands of the job, which may include attendance at meetings and events, some of which occur on weekends or evenings.
Job Requirements
Proficiency in speaking to the public and business writing.
Outgoing, friendly personality.
Ability to adapt to changing job requirements.
Knowledge of, and ability to use computer programs, such as word, excel, InDesign and Photoshop.
Knowledge of and ability to use social media programs to include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Knowledge of Whidbey Island and the business community is helpful.
Prior customer service experience is helpful.
Marketing background is helpful.
Prior business background is helpful.
Drop off your resume at the Visitor Center at 208 Anthes Avenue or email langley@whidbey.com
Why Not Me?
Helping my 80-year-old widowed mother locate the help and resources she needed was confusing and frustrating. I thought, someone ought to do something. Then I realized, why not me? I can be that someone. So, I joined the Island Senior Resources Board to help create a better future for others like my mother and me.
Do you have the desire to enhance the well-being of seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in our community? Join us to ensure we all have the resources we’ll need as we age. If you’re thinking someone ought to do something, as I did, ask yourself, “Why not me?” For more information call 360-321-1600 or email me at kathryn@islandseniorservices.org.
Kathryn Beaumont
ISR Board Vice President
Whidbey Community Foundation’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan
Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) envisions a vibrant, healthy, and unified Whidbey Island. Their mission is to improve the quality of life on Whidbey by providing support for the nonprofit sector, assisting donors to build and preserve enduring assets for charitable purposes, and meeting community needs through financial awards.
In the second half of 2022, the WCF board and staff came together to reflect on this purpose and look ahead to how they will achieve their vision. They are pleased to present their 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which includes strengthening nonprofits, increasing grantmaking impact, and reaching donors with more options to leverage their philanthropic interests. For instance, they plan to increase their Annual Grant Cycle from $125,000 to $150,000 in 2023 and are thrilled to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Whidbey Island this year.
WCF started in 2016 with just $20,000. Today they steward over $3 million across 28 different funds. And that’s not counting all of the distributions that have already gone back out into the community – in just 6 short years they have given over $1.5 million in grants to local organizations. Their vision is that by 2036, on their 20th anniversary, WCF will have disbursed at least $5 million in grants to nonprofits and manage community assets of at least $20 million across multiple funds all dedicated to causes important to this island.
Please review Whidbey Community Foundation’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan and 2021-2022 Impact Report, along with more information about Ways To Give and Where To Give. Sharing their passion for doing good in our community propels WCF into this next year – and beyond. Thank you for being a partner in this work.
