< October 2008 >

We encourage you to take a closer look at each farm that is on tour this year. There are 18 to choose from and you will want to be sure you visit those that are of the most interest to you. Some of the farms are open on Saturday ONLY, so be sure to check the map and list. Simply click on the name of the farm on the left. You can also download a copy of the Whidbey Island Farm Tour Map. and a detailed list of Participating Farms to accompany the map.

With everything from animals, vegetables, flowers and shellfish, Whidbey Island has a wonderful and diverse variety of farms, and we think you will be both pleased and surprised at the farms and activities choices.

Please give us your comments, suggestions and feedback both before and after the tour. Our participating farmers would particularly enjoy hearing from you, and there are comment boxes for each farm.

We hope you enjoy the Whidbey Island Farm Tour, and we look forward to seeing you.

*Pumpkin Carving and Pretzel Baking Demos on the courtyard at The Chef's Pantry from 1 till 3 pm *Commemorative Oktoberfest Beer Mugs for sale and special deals on featured beers or other drinks At Prima,TheFishbowl,Village Pizzeria, Chef's Pantry, The Edgecliff and Useless Bay Coffee,
*Brats and Sausages behind Island Angel Chocolates from noon till 3 pm *Special Oktoberfest Menu Items at Participating Restaurants and Cafes *Live Music at 3 pm featuring gypsy jazz guitarist Troy Chapman & friends Art Walk beginning at 5 pm.

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Whidbey Island's very own Saratoga Chamber Orchestra is pleased to announce the first set of concerts of the expanded 2008-2009 season. Under the musical direction of Maestro Legh W. Burns, the Traveling to Scotland concerts on October 6 and 7 will feature the sounds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands with Mendelssohn's "Hebridean Overture, Op. 26 - Fingal's Cave", and the delightfully engaging "Four Scottish Dances" of Malcolm Arnold.

A highlight of the concert will be special guest soloist, Randolph Kelly, performing the West Coast premiere of Michigan-based composer Braxton Blake's 1997 Viola Concerto (reconstruction based on pieces by J.S. Bach). Mr. Kelly is the principal violist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and will be accompanied by the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, including his sister, Roxallanne Medley, SCO Concertmaster and local Coupeville resident. "This is a terrific opportunity for us to share the stage and make music together" Medley says. "Our careers have been separate for over 50 years. We are thrilled to finally be playing together, especially on Whidbey Island, a place loved by both of us."

Tickets are $20/$18/$15 and available for the Coupeville concert at bayleaf in Coupeville and Oak Harbor.

Whidbey Island's very own Saratoga Chamber Orchestra is pleased to announce the first set of concerts of the expanded 2008-2009 season. Under the musical direction of Maestro Legh W. Burns, the Traveling to Scotland concerts on October 6 and 7 will feature the sounds of the Scottish Highlands and Islands with Mendelssohn's "Hebridean Overture, Op. 26 - Fingal's Cave", and the delightfully engaging "Four Scottish Dances" of Malcolm Arnold.

A highlight of the concert will be special guest soloist, Randolph Kelly, performing the West Coast premiere of Michigan-based composer Braxton Blake's 1997 Viola Concerto (reconstruction based on pieces by J.S. Bach). Mr. Kelly is the principal violist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and will be accompanied by the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, including his sister, Roxallanne Medley, SCO Concertmaster and local Coupeville resident. "This is a terrific opportunity for us to share the stage and make music together" Medley says. "Our careers have been separate for over 50 years. We are thrilled to finally be playing together, especially on Whidbey Island, a place loved by both of us."

Tickets are $20/$18/$15

available through the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

The Coupeville Arts Center hosts its Plein Air Photography Art Exhibit. Students were challenged to capture the 'Essence of Coupeville' on camera in three days . This juried exhibit is the result of the Plein Air Photography: Shoot, Show and Sell' CAC workshop, taught by renowned Puget Sound photographer Ray Pfortner.
Best of Show and Award of Excellence
ribbons will be presened. Attendees can cast theirvote for the 'People's Choice' award. All works will be for sale.

Oct 7 - 5:30pm award presentations - photography will be on display 9am-4pm Mon-Fri during October

This exhibit and sale will remain in CAC Gallery through Oct.

Coupeville Arts Center Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, October 9, 2008, 6:00 -8:30 pm, Coupeville Arts Center Randy Emmons "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Picasso Coupeville Arts Center 15 NW Birch St Coupeville WA 98239 (360) 678-3396

Au Sable Institute Community Lecture and Tour- BUILDING RIGHT, B UILDING GREEN: Sustainable Living on Whidbey Island

City: Coupeville

Thursday October 09, 2008

AU SABLE INSTITUTE COMMUNITY LECTURE AND TOUR

BUILDING RIGHT, BUILDING GREEN:

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ON WHIDBEY ISLAND

Au Sable faculty member Joe Sheldon will lead a discussion/presentation on his recently completed green home. Co-presenting with Dr. Sheldon will be award-winning green designer/builder Ted Clifton of Clifton View Homes and Kelly Keilwitz of Whidbey Sun and Wind: Renewable Energy Systems.

The home has a HERS Index rating of .32 and is a finalist (top 15) for the 2009 national Energy Value Housing Award and the 2009 Green Builder of the Year Award. The house received two of the top awards (most innovative design and landscaping) in the September Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA) Built Green Home Tour.

The property is Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. It features two rain gardens and a small restored prairie garden. A tour of the home will follo

Hundreds of locally owned Whidbey businesses showcased. Many creative business owners you may not know about. Uniquely Whidbey is an annual expo that gets local entrepreneurs together under one roof, so you can meet them and their products. Many give-aways and drawings. This is an event you don't want to miss. Pick up a directory of local businesses for future reference.

FREE ADMISSION

Octoberfest

The leaves are turning, the farmers are harvesting, and the beir is flowing! Come celebrate Autumn at Greenbank Farm Annual Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 11th, from 3pm-11pm.
The festivities will start with family activities from 3-6:30pm and will lead into 21 and over only starting at 7:00pm. Those dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing will receive either a free glass of root beer or $2.00 off their first stein of beir!

Families can chow down on traditional Bavarian food including bratwurst from Bavarian Meats in Seattle, sauerkraut, authentic bakerei pretzels from Morning Star Bakery in Seattle, homemade potato salad, root beer, and plenty of Wunderbeir and Gewürztraminer and Riesling wine for the adults. Tighten your shoe laces and get ready to dance as you enjoy the musical styling of shifty sailor Vern Olsen on his accordion from 3-4:00pm.

After that there will be many fun activities including a pumpkin toss, a life sized memory game, eating and drinking contests, German style kids craft making, and much more.

At 7:00 pm Oktoberfest will shift gears and will only be open to people 21 and older. The Pickled Herring Band will take the stage performing several sets and leading the crowd in the chicken dance throughout the evening. Prepare to grab your neighbor round the arm and join the band in singing traditional songs sung in Munich (lyrics will be provided).

Paulaner will be the official beir at Oktoberfest featuring their Oktoberfest brew, world famous Hefeweizen, and their darker Salvator. Beir is available in several quantities including in the enormous Oktoberfest liter steins which will also be available for purchase.
This is a major fundraising event for Greenbank Farm and helps to ensure the preservation of this beautiful landmark.

For those attending from off Island, make a weekend out of the experience and stay at one of Whidbeys wonderful lodgings, check out www.whicbeycamanoislands.com

Tickets are $15 for adults (%10 off for seniors) and $8 for children kids (5 and under are free). You can purchase tickets by calling the number below, or at the following locations:

Greenbank Farm Wine Shop- Greenbank
Beer Works- Oak Harbor
Videoville-Coupeville
Joe's Island Music- Langley
Sound Business Center- Freeland

Cheers!

MaKiDa: Lenses on the World On view at the Historic Bayview Cash Store, Whidbey Island

Photographs by Marian Myszkowski, Kim Tinuviel, & David Freed

MaKiDa are three photographers with three different experiences and interpretations of the world around them. Their first exhibit together will be on display in the Front Room.

Travel is the muse for Marian Myszkowski's photography. She seeks to capture the feeling of being in another world, in another culture, in another state of existence when one is dropped into a landscape of unfamiliar sights and sounds. She has traveled extensively, primarily on her own, and has most enjoyed photographing Rome, Las Vegas, Barcelona, and Havana

Kim Tinuviel's work reflects the abstract textures and colors of our everyday world. She is currently exploring the third dimension of abstract textures and colors, printing on alternative materials and using photography as the medium. Also a fine musician, Kim has enjoyed bringing her joyful spontaneity and technical mastery to her photographic creations.

David Freed's forest walk series captures the mystery and sense of transformation that the forests close to his home on Whidbey Island hold for him. Based on an ongoing series of abstract forest photos he has taken over several years, David strives to capture the spirit and essence of the object he is photographing.

MaKiDa invite you to share in their experiences, experiments, and examinations of the world around them.

The Bayview Cash Store is located at 5603 Bayview Road, Langley, on South Whidbey Island. From the Clinton ferry dock, travel 7 miles on Highway 525 and turn right on Bayview Road. The Front Room is located on the second floor.

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Giant Pumpkin Contest and 1st Annual Harvest Relay

Teams of 5 will compete in five hilarious races, potatoe Dig, Egg Nesting, Apple-on-a-String, Udder Pull and Pumpkin Dribble

In addition to many wonderful booths with local produce and products the Greenbank Farmers Market will enjoy a workshop offered by Kevin Pardue.
Beginners can learn to make hypertufa pots. Anyone can learn how to make affordable pots with their own hands using a concrete product that imitates the tuffa stone from Europe.

Workshop including all materials is $20 for adults and $10 for children

Of course there is no charge to visit the Sunday Market-located inside the Greenbank Barn and open every Sunday throughout October

A panoramic slide show by Don Baldwin, noted impersonator of environmentalist John Muir, will be presented in three Whidbey Island venues. John Muir is recognized as one of America's most significant and influential environmentalists. Founder of the Sierra Club, Muir challenged the nation to love, enjoy, and preserve its natural treasures. Don Baldwin, a retired clergyman, was appointed to serve as Resident Minister in Yosemite National Park. His love of nature and his skills as a photographer led him to develop an entertaining and compelling presentation of Yosemite and the Sierras, while taking on the persona of Muir.

Spectacular scenery comes alive on a twenty-seven foot wide triple screen, using six projectors and stereo music to dramatize the inspiring message of environmental stewardship.

"An Evening with John Muir" will raise funds to support Saratoga Community Housing, a nonprofit community land trust affordable housing project formed one year ago. Working with Habitat for Humanity, three families have moved into new homes and a fourth will be renovated and ready for occupancy in the next 60 days.

All programs start at 7:00 pm and last 90 minutes. Families are encouraged to attend. Donations of $10 for adults and $15 for families are encouraged

Dates:
Thursday,
October 16, 2008

hidbey Island Center for the Arts has joined theatres in more than 120 cities from coast to coast to take part in theatrical history -- Theatre Communications Group’s 4th Annual Free Night of Theater program. This year, the national program is being presented by more than 600 theatres that are offering free tickets to over 1,000 performances around the country.

Free Night of Theatre is an audience development program designed to attract new patrons to live theatre and give existing patrons access to theatres they have never been to before.

WICA invites area theatergoers to attend a special preview of Sweeney Todd on October 16,

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding - or would like to attend! - Sweeney Todd.

ABOUT SWEENEY TODD

Benjamin Barker had everything -- until a man of power stole his freedom, destroyed his family, and unjustly sentenced him to prison. Upon his return to London, Barker extracts his revenge by becoming

Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who "shaved the heads of gentlemen who never

thereafter were heard from again..."

Sweeping, tragic, epic and strange, Sweeney Todd is, without reservations, one of the greatest musicals written for the American stage.

Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, directed by Deana A. Duncan. Musical direction is by Dana Linn and Robert Marsanyi. Performances will begin at South Whidbey High School, 5675 Maxwelton Road, on Friday, October 17 and continue through Saturday, November 1.

Tickets range in price from $12 to $20, with discounts available for students and groups, and are available from www.WICAonline.com or 360.221.8268 – 800/638.7631.

This unique event co-hosted by the OakHarbor Elks and the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Is. County is designed to encourage non use of alcohol by youth, responsible use of alcohol by adults and safer roads by no driiving under the influence.

Come join this fun and educational evening. Munchies and beverages

Live Music, Games of Skill with Impairment Goggles: Boozketball, Games of Chance: Wheel of Misfortune - Games and Door Prizes, Silent Auction and Raffle tickets $5 wonderful gift baskets and certificates for merchandise

Traditional Celebration of Octoberfest

The musical is direted and choreographed by Martha Murphy with vocal direction by Milinda Mack, costume design and construction by Carrie Carpenter and set design and theater decoration by Glenn Jones and Gina Simpson

The show features a large cast of talented youth actors and include audience participation. A special Family Night performance, Oct. 17, offers all tickets at $7

Adults $12, students $8

Advanced reservations call or visit website

This will be no ordinary party! Gourmet Balkan cuisine will pamper your palate, and World Class Eastern European band Balkanorama will set your toes tapping with their lively tunes. The Hungarian inspired dance troupe Bokréta will delight you with twirls, spins and Hungarian whoops.

The event is produced by the Northwest Language Academy (NWLA) a Whidbey based Center for World Language and Cultural Exchange. The Northwest Language Academy, a not-for-profit organization, provides conversation-based language instruction, cultural literacy, and unique travel opportunities to adults and children on Whidbey Island and around Puget Sound as a way to promote individual growth and global understanding. For more information www.nwlanguageacademy.com

Seating is limited and attendance to the gala fundraising event is a by reservation only.

Please reserve online at:

http://nwlanguageacademy.com/gala_event_2008.html

or call NWLA You can also mail in your reservation to:

NW Language Academy

P.O. Box 1587

Langley WA 98260

Nancy Pearl Book Recommendation

City: Langley

Monday October 20, 2008

Friends of the Langley Library Program

What's Next on the Book List? An Afternoon with Nancy Pearl. Nancy is back again with her book recommendations. Her knowledge of and love for books are unmatched, and she enjoys sharing with Whidbey Islanders. So many books, so little time..... Nancy's very entertaining book talk can help every reader decide what to read next.

Presented by the Friends of the Langley Library, this event is free and open to everyone. No sign up necessasry. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Susan Gideo

Rockhoppers Open Mic has been moved to Tuesdays. They will be hosted by Eric Christensen and are open to any and all musicians, poets, readers of the written word, actors, or comedians or anyone who just wants to spend some time in front of the mic. Sign up is at 6:30PM and we will begin at 7:00PM.
Rene Schlangen
www.ferryfolk.com

Touch Drawing is a profoundly simple and natural process. As you draw with your hands, your soul pours through your fingertips and onto the page. Deborah will demonstrate Touch Drawing and share the search for a more natural way to draw that lead to her revelatory discovery of the process in 1974. Through pictures and stories, she shares how Touch Drawing is being introduced into a great range of settings as a vehicle for healing, transformation and expression of the soul. Deborah will close the evening with an inspiring sequence of images accompanied by her live music. On Saturday, Oct 25 Deborah will give a daylong experiential workshop at Deer Lagoon Grange. Contact her at 221-5745 or www.touchdrawing.com for more information.

Deborah Koff-Chapin (B.F.A. Cooper Union) has been developing Touch Drawing since 1974. She is Adjunct Professor at California Institute of Integral Studies and has introduced Touch Drawing at conferences and graduate programs internationally. She is creator of SoulCards 1&2 and author of Drawing Out Your Soul and The Touch Drawing Facilitator Workbook. www.touchdrawing.com

Event profits are contributed to The Island Coffeehouse and Books

Register by calling The Chiropractic Zone at or Email Dr. Craig
All events will be moderated by Dr. Craig Weinston, D.C.

Visit www.TransformationalDialogues.com for more information.

Learn about renewable energy sources of sun and wind at Skagit Valley College, Hayes Hall Room 137 in Oak Harbor. If you are considering investing in renewable energy, sun and wind are two main sources of power that are abundant and pollution free. This seminar will discuss the latest technology, new tax incentives and 'net metering' pobbibilities.

Free to public - call for more information

Sponsored by City of Oak Harbor

Enjoy an entertaining and informative evening looking at three important pioneers of our area. Presented by South Whidbey Historical Society

The deadline to reserve table space is October 17th

Participation is free

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Nearly 30 employers participated in the May Job Fair and 250 job seekers were looking for new employment. Employers will have the opportunity to meet applicants, hand out applications and/or interview on-site. If your company is interested in sponsoring the October Job Fair and would like to have your logo on our advertising and websites, please contact the WorkSource office by September 19. WorkSource Whidbey has 2 Job Fairs each year. If you are an employer interested in meeting qualified potential employees, please contact Anne Hallam, Center Coordinator, at 360-675-5966 or email For more information on WorkSource, visit or go to website.

The Whidbey Camano land Trust will receive 50% of proceeds from sales of Craig Johnson's original and limited edition avian watercolors.

Beverages and hors d-oeuvres served.

Upstairs in the Front Room

Rockhoppers is hosting an artist reception Thursday, October 23, at 6:00PM for our new artist, Kim Merritt. You can find samples of her work on the web at www.ferryfolk.com.
Kim is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and new artist. Originally from St. Louis, Kim has recently relocated to Whidbey Island with her family.
Having been struck with a debilitating illness resulting in chronic pain, Kim found a new voice. She started her painting journey 14 months ago on a daughters rejected canvas, and hasn’t stopped since!

Her inspiration is from her heart and soul; it is from her family, her faith and the beautiful world around her.

In viewing her work you catch glimpses of her struggles, but mostly you see her laughter…you see her joy of creation…you experience hope.

Come view Kim's work and get to know our new artist. Rockhoppers will be holding a happy hour during this reception with free horsdeouvres.

Frightville VIII Schedule

October 24th – 7 to 11pm ($6/person)
October 25th – 11am to 1pm “Lights On” Matinee ($3/person)
October 25th – 7pm to 11pm ($6/person)
October 29th – 6pm to 9pm ($7/person)
October 30th – 6pm to 9pm ($7/person)
October 31st – 7pm to Midnight ($8/person)

Location
Boys & Girls Club of Oak Harbor
Roller Barn
98 NE Barron Drive
Oak Harbor

For More Information Call:
240-9273

Firefighting Exhibit at Museum

Coupeville - Island County Historical Museum is hosting a temporary firefighting exhibit. “Saving Lives – Killing Fires” will be up through November 15, and features such articles as Coupeville’s first fire helmet, an authentic steel-wheeled hose cart, an Uruguayan Bombero’s helmet, a hand-pumped Chinese water gun, vintage extinguishers and equipment and numerous photos and articles from the turn of the 20th century through present.

Island County Historical Society

P.O. Box 305, Coupeville, WA 98239

360.678.3310 - FAX 360.678.1720

ed-ichs@whidbey.net

Halloween Bash - Dance to Swing and Zydeco Music

Costume or not, join us for a rockin' out party featuring Ken Pickard and the Zydeco Explosion. These guys are an ultimate dance band for Swing, Zydeco, Walz and more.

Pre-dance workshop is $5, Zydeco Two-step variations with Walter, Janice and the girls

Dance cost is $10 per person at the door

Crockett Barn is located on Crockett Farm Rd. East on Ft. Casey Rd. (3/4 mile north of Keystone Ferry) Look for the bigt red square barn.

For more information on Coupeville - Ebeys Preserve

For More Information Contact:
HYPERLINK ""walterdill@whidbey.com
HYPERLINK "www.EveryoneCanDance.com

Time:
7;30-8:30 pre dance workshop - Dance 8:30-11pm

Dates:
Saturday,
October 25, 2008

There's a chill in the air, the leaves are falling, and dogs all across Whidbey are wagging their tails just a little more impatiently. And you might wonder, why? You guessed it. The Mutt Strut dog parade and costume contest is just around the corner!

This year's prize categories are: best dog and owner costume combo, best trick, best dog costume, and best celebrity dog.

Ever-ebullient Jim Freeman emcees this menagerie while our literary panel of judges takes carefully crafted notes of your creativity and élan. You'll be dressing to impress Drew Campion, Molly Cook, Sue Frause, Elisabeth George, and Janice O'Mahony, led by MuttStrutJudgeforLife Emily Berg. You're gonna' have to be on your game!

All this dog on fun happens on Saturday, October 25, 11 am - 3 pm. Register for the Mutt Strut beginning at 12:30. The parade starts at 1:30 sharp.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

It's also Apple Day, so Bayview Farm & Garden will be hosting their spectacular apple tasting station. The Bayview Farmer's Market has all sorts of goodies planned. There's mask making in the Cash Store. And Ro Purser and Neil Brown are back this year to play bluesy, wistful, gritty, and heartfelt tunes about living large and loving hard.

See you at the Corner!

Saturday October 25th Rockhoppers welcomes TCJC back for a lively evening of jazz music. TCJC is a local group of musicians who have played up and down the island. Their leader Steve Tarr has gathered this group to make music that will have you wanting to move and groove to the tunes. There is a $5 cover charge and the music begins at 8:00PM. The music is preceded by a wonderful Rockhopper dinner at 6:00PM. Reservations are required for the dinner and must be made by closing time on Friday. Call for more info about the menu and the price.

Touch Drawing is a profoundly simple and natural process. As you draw with your hands, your soul pours through your fingertips and onto the page. Deborah will demonstrate Touch Drawing and share the search for a more natural way to draw that lead to her revelatory discovery of the process in 1974. Through pictures and stories, she shares how Touch Drawing is being introduced into a great range of settings as a vehicle for healing, transformation and expression of the soul. Deborah will close the evening with an inspiring sequence of images accompanied by her live music. On Saturday, Oct 25 Deborah will give a daylong experiential workshop at Deer Lagoon Grange. Contact her through website or phone

Deborah Koff-Chapin (B.F.A. Cooper Union) has been developing Touch Drawing since 1974. She is Adjunct Professor at California Institute of Integral Studies and has introduced Touch Drawing at conferences and graduate programs internationally. She is creator of SoulCards 1&2 and author of Drawing Out Your Soul and The Touch Drawing Facilitator Workbook. www.touchdrawing.com

Register by calling The Chiropractic Zone at 360.331.5565 or Email Dr. Craig
All events will be moderated by Dr. Craig Weinston, D.C.

See forest birds and sea birds, and a variety of native plants found along the trails. Be prepared for walking. Meet at 9 am at Partridge Point (end of Libbey Rd.)

Public welcome

Meet at Cook's Corner in costume - parade on Front Street in historic downtown Coupeville. Free flashlights to first 100 kids 12 and under; parents come join the fun.

John Marshall will discuss some of the innovative ways Japanese textiles can be used to decorate your home or office, as well as spice up your wardrobe. After the lecture, guests may view a broad range of treasures on display. All displayed textiles, including clothing items such as haori and kimono will be available for purchase.

Cost is $5 to public, free to Coupville Arts Center members

Light refreshments will be served

Frightville VIII Schedule

October 24th – 7 to 11pm ($6/person)
October 25th – 11am to 1pm “Lights On” Matinee ($3/person)
October 25th – 7pm to 11pm ($6/person)
October 29th – 6pm to 9pm ($7/person)
October 30th – 6pm to 9pm ($7/person)
October 31st – 7pm to Midnight ($8/person)

Location
Boys & Girls Club of Oak Harbor
Roller Barn
98 NE Barron Drive
Oak Harbor

For More Information Call:
240-9273

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Island Thrift presents No Tricks Safe Treats, Oak Harbor's safe and fun trick-or-treating event on Pioneer Way! Children elementary school-aged and younger are invited to dress up in their scariest Halloween best and trick-or-treat the safe way!

Are you brave enough for this guided raft tour through the fog? Treats are provided for all participants. Fee: $3 or $6.75 for the whole family.