[All entries are Listed chronologically, unless there are multiple
entries for the same venue or are connected to a specific organization (such
as Sno-Isle Libraries) in which case all entries for that venue or organization
are listed collectively in chronological order under one heading. Religious
services are listed separately at the end of the
list.]
Friday, November 30, 7:30PM
PAC, Coupeville
Cost: $10
The Greening of Coupeville concert this year features the Whidbey Community Chorus,
who will be performing a large variety of holiday music, traditional, classical
and whimsical pop, chosen to appeal to and delight families of all ages.
Tickets are available in Coupeville at Lind’s Pharmacy, Videoville,
Bayleaf, Coupeville Coffee and Coupeville Auto Repair; in Oak Harbor at
Wind & Tide Books and The Daily Grind; in Freeland at The Book Bay and in Langley at
Moonraker Books.
See schedule below
WICA, Langley
To purchase tickets for these events, call the WICA Box Office at (360)221-8268
or (800)638-7631 or visit www.WICAonline.com.
This Child
Fridays and Saturdays, November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15, 7:30PM;
and Sundays, December 2 and 9, 2:00PM
Cost: $16 adult; $14 senior; and $12 youth
This holiday season, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is proud to
present a new work by Tim Rarick. This Child, based on Tim’s family history,
opens in 1929 during the preparations for a Christmas pageant (minus a Joseph
and a runaway Donkey!) and unfolds around members of a local parish as it
copes with a devastating crisis.
A funny and heartfelt tribute to family, This Child is destined to become
the new Christmas classic.
There is as an opening night reception (November 30) hosted by Edgecliff
Restaurant & Lounge.
Fridays and Saturdays, November 30, December 1, 7 and 8, 7:30PM; and Sundays,
December 2 and 9, 2:00PM
Whidbey Children’s Theater, Martha Murphy Mainstage, Langley
Cost: See below
Dancing reindeer, persistent carolers, clever cats, mischievous mice
and the perfect family all come together for one December night, Christmas
Eve. Directed by Kira Keeney and featuring performers ages 5 to 15 (and a
few scattered adults). This zany ‘Twas the Night is a heartwarming holiday
show sure to bring laughter to many and smiles to all.
Tickets are Saturday and Sunday reserved seating, $12 adults and $8
students/seniors. All Fridays are Family Festival Fridays! $6 all seats -
festival seating. To purchase tickets, please call the Whidbey Children’s
Theater Box Office at (306)221-2282.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Thursdays, November 30, December 1, 6 - 8, 13 -
15, and 20 - 22, 7:30PM; Sundays December 2, 9, and 16, 2:30PM
Whidbey Playhouse, Oak Harbor
Cost: See below
Winner of the 2000 Olivier Award (the British equivalent of the Tony
Award) for best new musical, “Honk!” is a contemporary and comic adaptation
of one of the most beloved stories of all time, Han Christian Andersen’s “The
Ugly Duckling”, and celebrates the ugly duckling in everyone in a beautiful
way. The musical reminds us to accept and celebrate the differences that make
us all special, a perfect family production during the holiday season.
Tickets are $16. Groups or ten or more receive a $1 discount on each
ticket. Call the box office at (360)679-2237, for further information, show
dates, group discounts, and reservations, or email at playhous@whidbey.net,
or check the web site at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.
See following schedule
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Clinton
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is located at 6309 Wilson Place in Clinton
(behind the Whidbey Island Bank).
Annual Christmas Village Sale
Friday and Saturday, November 30 and December 1, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Crafts will be available for sale and lunch and baked goods will also
be available on Friday.
Lutefisk Dinner
Saturday, December 1, 5:00PM and 6:30PM
There will be two seatings and it will be held in the church fellowship
hall. Swedish meatballs will be available for those who are not connoisseurs
of the great Nordic dish. Traditional sauces and other goodies and delicious
desserts will also be served. For reservations call the church at 360-341-4715
or e-mail at stpeters@whidbey.com.
Saturday, December 1, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Eagles Club, Freeland
The
annual holiday bazaar is featuring many items for your Christmas
pleasure. Decorations, crafts, beautiful knit items, specialty food
items including Joanies’ Special Pretzels, candies, red & pink
Pointsettias, home baked goodies, many items to numerous to mention.
For more information, call (360)321-5636.
Saturday December 1, See times below
Various locations, Coupeville
Cost: Free
Ring in the holiday season at the “Greening” of Coupeville and parade.
The “Greening” is an annual event in historic Coupeville that offers family
fun and welcomes the holiday season with warmth and charm. Schedule of Events:
Parade
4:00PM
Regardless of weather, the parade starts on South Main and continues
through Front Street.
Town Tree Lighting
5:00PM
Cook’s Corner (corner of Main and 9th Streets), after tree lighting
there will be music and singing. Area merchants will provide hot cider.
Lighted Boat Parade
Approx. 6:00PM
Weather permitting, the Oak Harbor Yacht Club sponsored boat parade
will be passing by the Coupeville Dock
Art & Antiques Walk
5:00PM - 8:00PM
Front Street and surrounding street gallery and antique shops will be
open. Brass band will be playing during walk. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages
served.
Saturday, December 1, Times see below
Bayview Hall, Langley
Cost: See below
Walter Dill & Daughters are collaborating with
Northwest Language Academy to create an evening of culture, music, and
dance. Evening schedule:
A Taste Of Spanish
5:30PM - 6:30PM
With Pegg of the Northwest Language Academy, you’ll learn essential
pronunciation skills and key “courtesy” phrases, plus basic pronunciation
and key phrases that will help you to successfully negotiate your way though
Latin America. $10 at the door. For more information, call (360)914-0391.
Potluck
6:30PM - 7:30PM
Will include Latin American food, or bring your best hot dish, appetizer,
beverage, etc. Chips and salsa will be provided. Also bring your own plates,
cups, and utensils to save on waste. Everyone welcome.
Pre-dance Workshop
7:30PM - 8:30PM
The first half will be Merengue, featuring Colombian exchange students
from Coupeville High School, along with Twyla Dill. The second half will be
a Salsa Workshop covering basics plus a couple of fun and tricky moves for
the experienced dancers. Pre-dance workshop and dance: $10; $7 students.
Dance to the hottest recorded Salsa music
8:30PM - 11:00PM
They will also play Cha Cha, Merengue, plus a smattering of other dance
styles. Refreshments provided.
Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2, 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Island County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, Langley
Looking for unique gifts for those special people on your holiday list?
Avoid the ferry lines and crowds by selecting from an inviting array of handcrafted
items in a friendly island atmosphere. Lunch and goodies will be available.
For more information, call Barbara Pearson at (360)632-1931 or the fair office
at (360)221-4677.
Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, December 1, 2, 8 and 9, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Cultus Bay Nursery, Clinton
Wreaths,
swags, garlands, decorations, kissing balls, centerpieces, jams,
jellies, fruitcakes and cookies, soaps & lotions, hand bound books,
and treats for birds. For more information please call (360)579-2329.
See Schedule below
Presented by the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County. A requirement
for all Whidbey driver’s education students, who should be accompanied by
one of their parents; free for them and general public. For more information,
go on-line to www.idipic.org, or call (360)675-8397 or (360)672-2378.
Saturday, December 1, See times below
Sear’s House, Bayview Corner, Langley
Doors open at 12:45PM, presentation runs from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. No late
admittance.
Tuesday, December 4, or Saturday December 15, See times below
Hayes Hall Room 137, Oak Harbor
Doors open for the Tuesday panel at 6:45PM, presentation runs from 7:00PM
to 9:00PM, on Saturday doors open at 2:45PM, and the presentation runs from
3:00PM to 5:00PM. No late admittance. Hayes Hall 137 is located down the hall
from the Oak Harbor Library.
Saturdays and Sundays, December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16, 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Greenbank Farm, Greenbank
Sample international cuisine and mouth-watering chocolates. Spoil yourself
and loved ones with handcrafted jewelry and one of a kind gifts. Art, photography,
glasswork, clothing, sculpture, fragrant soaps and much more.
Visit Santa on Saturdays 11:00AM - 2:00PM, through December 15 at the
Jim Davis House. Make sure to bring your own camera to take pictures with
Old St. Nick. The Farm is a drop off point for Toys for Tots so please bring
an unwrapped gift for deserving Island kids.
Enjoy this unique Whidbey Island tradition and feel good about shopping
locally. For more information, please call Missy at (360)678-7710.
See schedule below
Whidbey Institute at Chinook, 6449 Old Pietila Road, Clinton
Events take place in the Thomas Berry Hall at Chinook, unless otherwise
indicated. For more information or to register (where required), call (360)341-1884.
Rediscovering Development: Money, Organization, and Community
Saturday, December 1, 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Cost: $65
Designed for the many volunteers in non-profit and community organizations
who care about “fund-raising”, this celebration fosters sustained change in
how money plays out both personally and organizationally. Co-sponsored by
the Whidbey Island Waldorf School. By registration.
Winter Celebration Concert
Sunday, December 2, 2:00PM and 5:00PM
Cost: See below
The Saratoga Chamber Orchestra presents a winter celebration concert.
There will be “A Meet the Artists” reception between performances. Featured
on the program will be the music of Bach, Handel, and Respighi; as well as
special arrangements of holiday music.
Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $5 for small children who will
sit on pillows in front, Children who are able to sit on parents’ laps will
be admitted without charge. Admission price includes coffee, hot chocolate
and holiday cookies during the Meet the Artist reception. Tickets are available
at Joe’s Island Music in Langley, Bay Leaf in Coupeville and Mr. Music, in
Oak Harbor. Free shuttle service will be provided from the parking area to
the concert site.
First Monday Supported Personal Retreat Day
Monday December 3, 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Cost: $45
Take a day of rest and renewal on the beautiful Chinook grounds with
the Whidbey Institute staff and friends. Get a room of your own for the day,
option for Spiritual Direction art supplies, good food and nothing you “have”
to do. By registration.
Reflective Reels
Wednesday December 5, See times below
Cost: By donation
In The Symphony Of The World: A Portrait of Hildegard of Bingen. Nine
hundred years ago, Hildegard promoted “Symphonia,” the integration of mind,
heart and body through music and celebration of the heavenly harmony here
on earth. An inspiring account of an irresistible spirit and vibrant intellect.
Come early and join the community potluck at 5:30PM. Shuttle service is available
from Freeland, Clinton and Langley. Movie begins at 7:00PM Please call (360)341-3959
to reserve. Movie is followed by a labyrinth luminary walk facilitated by
Vivienne Hull.
Taize Gathering
Friday, December 7, 7:00PM
In the Sanctuary. Taize is a contemporary monastic Christian community
in France that has inspired many throughout the world to gather around a cross
to chant and pray for peace. All are welcome. Donations appreciated.
Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream
Saturday, December 8, 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: See below
Join in this expanding global initiative to change the dream of the
modern world as you explore the links between three of humanity’s most critical
concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment.
Co-sponsored by the Heritage Institute. By registration, cost is $45 (includes
lunch), $20 for 21 and under, and for special need.
Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 9, 7:00PM
Join the Rural Characters, the Open Circle Community Choir, Charlie
Murphy, and friends for an evening of music celebrating Solstice, Hanukah,
Christmas and the return of the light. There will be social time after the
concert. Bring the whole family and a plate of cookies to share (if you like).
Donations are always appreciated. Please arrive early for parking and shuttle
to the hall. They are offering more sustainable transportation from Freeland,
Clinton and Langley for the Holiday Concert, to reserve a space on the Jingle
Bell Shuttle please call (360)341-3959 and leave your name and number. RSVP
by Friday December 7 at 3:00PM.
Winter Solstice Ceremony
Saturday, December 22, 4:00PM
In the Story House. Darkness and the coming light – a time of affirmation.
For more information, call (360)341-5430.
Sunday, December 2, 12:00PM - 5:00PM
Various locations
Cost: See below
The 14th Annual Bed and Breakfast Guest Lodging Tour and Taste of South
Whidbey Island. Select lodging members of the Langley Chamber of Commerce
will be opening their doors to the public for just one afternoon. This is
the once a year opportunity to get a peek at some of the renowned places to
stay in Langley and the surrounding area. These special accommodations will
be decorated for the holidays and serving a taste of some of their favorite
recipes which will be compiled in a souvenir 2007 Tour and Tastes Cookbook.
Tickets are $20 per person and include the full listing of host lodgings,
a driving map and a souvenir cookbook. They are available at The Langley Chamber
of Commerce office at the Langley Visitor Information Center, 208 Anthes Street,
Flowers by the Bay in Freeland and the Oak Harbor Visitor Information Center
in Oak Harbor.
For more information, call the Langley Chamber of Commerce at (360)221-6765.
Tickets are limited and this event usually sells out.
Sunday, December 2, 1:30PM – 4:00PM
Community Park, Maxwelton Road, Langley
Cost: Free
Join the South Whidbey Park & Rec
for a festive afternoon of music, fire engine rides, and refreshments.
This is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Free digital pictures
available of you and a special guest from the North Pole. A great family holiday
picture
opportunity.
Sunday, December 2, 6:00PM
Trinity Lutheran Church, Woodard Road and State Route 525, Freeland
Saturday, December 8, 2:00PM
Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd Avenue, Oak Harbor
Sunday, December 9, 7:00PM
First United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland Street, Oak Harbor
Cost: Free
Celebrate the holiday season with the Whidbey Community Chorus’s Christmas
concerts. The three concerts include religious pieces such as Randall Thompson’s
“Alleluia,” and secular tunes like Richard Carpenter’s “Merry Christmas, Darling.”
Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Friday, December 7, See times below
Greenbank Farm, Greenbank
Join them in the wine tasting room for an exciting evening of wine tasting.
Let the wine shop be the place to learn all about Puget Sound Wines and for
the month of December they are featuring wines from Blooms Vineyards located
in Freeland. They are keeping their doors open until 8:00PM so you can come
by after work and unwind. Come by that night and get 10% off any purchase
in the tasting room this evening only and after have a dinner at The Whidbey
Pies Café prepared by Chef’s Steph and Scott of Midnight Pasta Company.
Meet your friends for a great evening at the Greenbank Farm, The farm
has been decorated for the holidays with a wonderful Christmas tree and holiday
lights for everyone to enjoy compliments of the Greenbank Farm Gardeners Club.
Get into the holiday spirit here at the Greenbank Farm by shopping at the
wine shop to receive 10% off all wines during the month of December by clipping
out our “First Fridays at the Farm” advertisement along with your local address
and receive our Locals Only Holiday Discount!
Friday and Saturday, December 7, 8, 14, and 15, 7:30PM; Saturdays and Sundays,
December 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2:00PM
South Whidbey High School Theatre, 5675 South Maxwelton Road, Langley
Cost: See below
Make merrier your holidays by sharing in the magic as Whidbey Island
Dance Theatre (WIDT) presents the Nutcracker, now in it’s 15th season! Children
and adults alike savor WIDT’s version of the enchanting Christmas ballet.”
Traditional and wildly imaginative choreography are blended to stage
the whimsical tale of Clara and her dream-like journey through an enchanted
realm... where a Rat King makes war, snow flakes and flowers dance, fairies
hold court, and a handsome Prince comes to the rescue. The company invites
over 50 guest artists and young dancers to join the cast in order to stage
the Nutcracker. Guest artists Danielle Wilkins will dance the part of the
Faerie Queen, while Eric Dahl will dance the part of the Nutcracker Prince.
The Snow Queen will be portrayed by WIDT alumna Christine Monaghan.
Lead roles this year are Raelani McLean Kesler as Clara, Jon Transue
as Drosselmeyer, Jacqueline Cerra as the Rat King, and Jachen Mackner as the
Flower Faerie.
Nutcracker tickets are available at the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre
Office (Ken’s Korner Shopping Plaza, Suite 221, in Clinton), or by calling
(360)341-2221, or on their website www.whidbeyislanddancetheatre.org. Advance
sale tickets prices are $20 for adults, $15 for children 17 and under, and
$18 for seniors. Opening night tickets are discounted to $15 each. Special
rates for groups of 15 or more are available (call for specifics). At the
door, all seats are $20. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. For more information,
visit the website.
Friday , December 7, 5:00PM - 7:00PM, Saturday, December 8, 10:00AM - 7:00PM;
and Sunday, December 9, 12:00PM - 5:00PM
Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor
Sponsored by the Harborside Merchant’s Association. Come ashore on Pioneer
Way, and shop locally!
On Friday, December 7 by 7:00PM, Santa will arrive in his lighted pirate
ship just in time to light this year’s magnificent 35’ Downtown Christmas
Tree. The tree was donated by Gail and Chuck Jaeger, masterly moved and secured
by the Fire Association, City workers, and Kreig Construction. On the corner
of Dock and Pioneer, 1200 lights sponsored by the Soroptimists will be lit
along with the fabulous Snowburst Tree Topper from the Harborside Merchants.
Carols will be provided by the wonderful Oak Harbor High School Choir.
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Soroptimists of Oak Harbor’s Christmas
Village (in Paint Your World) and have your photo taken. The Village will
be open on Friday night until 9:00PM.
Enter to Win a $100 Shopping Spree in downtown Oak Harbor with every
purchase you make at any participating merchants during the weekend. Drawing
will be held on Sunday, December 9, at 4:00PM by Santa. Snack on refreshments
provided by the merchants, and get in on their holiday sale specials and drawings.
Saturday, December 8, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Various locations, Coupeville
Cost: $17 Per person
Sponsored by the Island County Historical Museum. Tour some of the unique
homes in our community, all done up for the holidays and waiting to greet
you. Homes include: The Bernhardt Home, 702 NW Broadway, eclectic collection
of Christmas Trees, and an amazing “I Spy” collection. Mock House, 801
NE Leach, Italianate style, built in 1904 by Moses Mock, nearly all original.
Gillespie House, 606 N. Main, currently Anna’s Tea Room, former residence
of Carl Gillespie, Livery co-owner. Tingstad Home, 508 NW Broadway, world-class
HO scale model railroad layout – the perfect compliment to the Trains On
Whidbey
exhibit. The Anchorage Inn, 807 N. Main, an excellent example of classic
Queen Anne architecture, The Leach House, 801 N. Main, built as a short-lived
saloon
in 1884, this classic cottage has been lovingly restored by its current
owners. The Griffith House, 101 NE 9th, built by “Little Tommy” Griffith
in 1869,
the current owners open their doors for you to explore their extensive
collections of antiques and collectibles. The Kineth House, 606 N. Main, one of the “Lovejoy Classics,” built
for early settlers, John and Jane Kineth, now the Blue Goose Inn, features
classic Victorian details and a fabulous wooden Santa collection.
Tickets are $17 per person, includes $1 discount coupon for museum admission,
and are available at the Island County Historical Society Museum located at
908 NW Alexander Street in Coupeville. For more information, call (360)678-3310
or go on-line to ed-ichs@whidbey.net
Saturday, December 8, 2:00PM and 6:00PM
PAC, Coupeville
Cost: See below
Candy Canes and baby dolls come to life as Alice entertains a cast of
characters in The Ballet Slipper production of “Alice in Winter Wonderland.”
The Ballet Slipper has presented this original ballet, performed by
a selected few, twice before. Some of the girls, who now don lead roles, danced
minor roles in the previous performances. With a small cast of only seventeen,
the dancers are literally “on their toes” changing from one lavish costume
to the next as they weave the story of Alice on the eve of Christmas.
A spin-off from the ever-popular “Alice in Wonderland”, Alice (danced
by Sasha Leaman) once again finds herself chasing the White Rabbit (Mara Powers)
through a myriad of seasonal personalities. Megan Murphy leaps and turns as
she dances the demanding role of Queen Poinsettia.
Rudolph and the 8 reindeer, Frosty and Flurry, the Grinch, as well as
Santa and his elves are amongst those who Alice meets along her journey in
search for the true meaning of Christmas.
All tickets are $5 reserved. General admission tickets may be purchased
at the door, also $5. Tickets are available at Pilgrims Nutrition Center.
For more information call (360)929-5828.
Saturday, December 8, 7:30PM - 10:30PM
Bayview Community Hall, 5642 Bayview Road, Langley
Cost: $10
Come and dance with TCJC, Talking Circle Jazz Collective. The band’s
name derives from the landmark Langley community where they rehearse. With
backgrounds ranging from big bands and Latin to traditional jazz, swing and
bop as well as rock and rhythm and blues, TCJC enjoys playing a wide variety
of styles. Come ready to swing as they play big band standards, salsa and
some funky blues.
Bayview Community 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. Ten dollars is all it takes
to have some fun while helping the hall. Drop by early to relax and practice.
Saturday, December 8, 10:00AM - 8:00PM; Sunday, December 9, 11:00AM - 5:00PM;
and Monday, December 10 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Bayview Corner, Front Room, Langley
This is the 2nd Annual ‘Thread of Hope’ Benefit sale. Come browse the
“reach out and touch me” displays and treat yourself or a loved one for a
good cause during this fabulous show of hand-loomed textile arts and more.
Discover one-of-a kind scarves, shawls, table runners, wall hangings, accessories
and other items from Myanmar (Burma), Lao, Thailand and Ladakh that represent
ancient weaving traditions fast disappearing in the modern world. These silk
and natural fiber pieces were selected by Enso House volunteer and textile
collector Lee Compton, from his trip to SE Asia and India this year. Also
included in the show is the fine collection of contemporary chenille scarves,
shawls, jackets, men’s and women’s wear and accessories from ‘A Thread of
Hope,’ a women’s fair-trade cooperative in Guatemala. Proceeds from the sale
will benefit Whidbey Island’s non-profit home for end-of-life care located
in Freeland (www.ensohouse.org). For more sale information, call (360)221-2001.
See schedule below
United Methodist Church, 3rd and Anthes Streets, Langley
Holiday Cookie Walk
Saturday, December 8, 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Cost: See below
The Langley United Methodist Women are baking dozens and dozens of fancy
cookies for you to buy. The community is invited to the Fellowship Hall of
the church, pick-up an empty box for $9, stroll among the cookies and fill
up with the sweets of your choice. Ribbons and gift cards will be available
so your cookies will be ready to give to shut-ins, friends or neighbors, or
freeze for the holidays. Proceeds benefit the local and worldwide mission
programs of the United Methodist Women.
Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 16, 7:00PM
Beautiful Christmas music from the Chancel Choir of Langley United Methodist
Church will be heard at their annual concert. Entitled “What Child is This?”
the evening will feature candlelight, organ and other instrumentalists, and
reflective choral music focused on Mary and the child, all directed by Bill
Humphreys.
Thursday, December 13, 5:30PM
Coupeville Rec Hall, Coupeville
The annual holiday party for members and guests of the Whidbey Island
Democratic Club. Ham and turkey dinners will be served and members are asked
to bring a side dish or dessert. Oak Harbor Wildcat Catering will be assisting.
The theme of the party is Peace; Sue and Jack Tingstad will be the speakers.
Please bring non-perishable food items for Gifts from the Heart. Come and
get together with old friends while making new friends. For more information,
call (360)675-0860.
Friday, December 14, At dark
Fort Nugent Park, 2075 SW Fort Nugent Road, Oak Harbor
Explore the night sky and view distant galaxies and nebulas at this
free public star party hosted by the Island County Astronomical Society (ICAS).
No telescope is needed and people of all ages are welcome to attend. Please
note that the event will be canceled if the weather is cloudy. For more information,
contact Rick at (360)675-2269 or ICAS_rick_krys@comcast.net, or visit their
web site at http://groups.msn.com/WashingtonICAS.
Friday, December 14, 12:00PM - 4:30PM
Government Offices, Coupeville
The county government offices in Coupeville will be participating in
an open house. Of course, as government offices, most are open to the public
all year long to answer your specific needs and questions. But on the 14 they
want to tell you more about what they do and how they operate.
WSU Extension is hosting the event, offering treats, displays, and demonstrations
from each of their programs. They will also help folks get started on their
tour of the other county offices. “Extension has a long history of providing
citizens with the information they need to make good decisions about local
issues,” says Island County WSU Extension Director, Don Meehan. “These days,
part of what citizens need to know is how to take those first steps to connect
with their government. That’s what this Open House is all about.”
The tour of offices is only as involved as you’d like to make it. There
will be a few signs up to help you navigate between buildings, and individual
offices will have information posted on the door describing the general functions
they provide.
“The courthouse can be an intimidating place,” says Commissioner John
Dean, “and perhaps a little confusing when you’re trying to figure out the
difference between an auditor and an assessor, much less where their office
is or what goes on inside.” Commissioner Mac McDowell adds “I’m looking forward
to the community having the opportunity to wander through our facilities and
engage with county employees regarding what their jobs entail and what services
are available to the public.”
Dean again stresses “while the courthouse is always open to the public,
this is a particularly open opportunity for people to walk around and open
doors. Visit department heads. Meet elected officials. Ask questions. Visit
offices. It’s your courthouse, your government, and Island County invites
you to come inside and make yourself at home!”
For more information, call the WSU Extension Office at (360)240-5558
or (360)321-5111, ext. 5558.
Saturday, December 15, 6:30PM - 9:30PM.
Captain Whidbey Inn, Coupeville
Cost: $100
The Captain Whidbey Inn is hosting Island County Historical Society
as they present “A Centennial Feast: The First 100 Years of Captain Whidbey
Inn.”
In 1907, Judge Lester Still built what was to become a world-famous
log Inn that over the years has hosted thousands of Central Whidbey guests
from all over the world. The inn is celebrating its first century with a special
holiday feast and program presented by Island County Historical Society The
program will feature tours of the Inn, live guitar music, and a “mystery gift
auction”. Tickets are $100 per plate, with all proceeds benefiting the Island
County Museum.
The program will also feature reminiscences of John Stone, former owner
of the Inn, and will be hosted by Loyd Moore, the inn’s new owner.
For more information or reservations, call (360)678-3310.
Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15, 7:00PM
Langley CMA Church, 6th and Cascade, Langley
Cost: $2
This Christmas stand in the shoes of those who first heard the news
that Christ was coming. Join a man and his granddaughter in their search for
the meaning of Christmas, as they meet those different people involved in
the birth of Jesus, and learn about the greatest gift of all. Refreshments
will cap off this Christmas evening. The Expected Visitor, a musical drama,
is intended for all ages, doors will open at 6:30PM.
Through Tuesday, January 8
Island County Historical Museum, Coupeville
The historical Society is featuring a train collections exhibit in their
Side Room over the holidays. Items ranging from rare railroad paperweights
and shaving mugs to large scale model trains and railroad art will be on display
– all from local collectors.
Inspiration for the exhibit was taken from the fact that Whidbey Island
was once under serious consideration as the Northwest rail terminus for
the Great Northern Railway. For more information, call (360)678-3310.
Religious Services
Every Monday, 5:30PM
St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods Episcopal Church, Freeland
Celebrated by Brothers of the Ecumenical Fellowship of St. John, an
order of Benedictine monks and is open to the community, regardless of faith
or belief, the service is an island of calm in a busy day and gives an opportunity
to stop and take a breath for a few moments, enveloping the self in the candles,
the incense, the music, and the reverence.
Evensong, or Vespers, is the ancient evening prayer of the Church, a
time of contemplation, of reflection, of thanksgiving for the day just passed.
The various Offices sanctify all parts of the day, and thanksgiving is the
theme of this Office. Much of the half-hour service is chanted or sung, but
you don’t have to be a singer, and a small amount of incense is used. St.
Augustine’s is located at 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road. For more in formation,
call (360)331-4887.
Every Sunday, 10:00AM
Sears House (Goosefoot headquarters), Langley
Worship is in silence and offer opportunities for all to share reflections
on their spiritual journey and ethical concerns. For health reasons please
no fragrances.
For more information, contact John Goertzel, clerk (360)341-2434 or
og on-line to www.whidbeyquakers.org
The
Sears House/Goosefoot, is located at Bayview and Meinhold Roads. (one
block toward Langley from traffic light at Bayview and State Route 525.