Archive for the ‘Upcoming Events’ Category

Summer Update for Krueger

Saturday, August 28th, 2010

Yep, haven’t posted in a long time. We’ve had steady sales–a lot of second-home buyers and some military folks too stationed at nearby NAS Whidbey Island.

Summer has been great on Whidbey. It’s a lovely 65 degrees right now, sunny and all the mountains are out. Missed the farmer’s market–busy working on revisions–but enjoyed a nice walk today. Did you know the walking trails around town go all the way out along Parker Road? You can really go for a long walk in every direction.

Tonight’s the Pleine Air Gala Event. It’s been fun seeing all the painters around Ebey’s Landing with their easels.

Also, we had a great dinner last night at the new Front Street Grill on, you guessed it, Front Street. Right on the water, the beautiful craftsmanship will wow you (owner Dan Miranda is also a custom home builder). The food was awesome too. I had a filet mignon and it was no less than spectacular. Would it be so wrong to eat that every day? Women need iron, right? :)

Spring has sprung!

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Sorry for the extended delay! Just when everyone was healthy and whole, I thought, gee, I’ll get a puppy! Boy, I forgot how much work that is. He’s cute, but whoee, a handful. I ended up with a bronchial infection for almost three weeks–just from getting up at night to take him out for his business.

Daffodils are out, cherry trees are in bloom, the birds are all coming back…yeah, Spring! We went for a few family bike rides this weekend–one at Fort Ebey State Park and one on the mainland at Bayview, with a quick stop in LaConner. I’ve seen lots of road bikers out and about too.

Have you stopped by the new Coupeville library? It opened this Monday, the 8th, and we’ve already been three times. Yes, three times. My daughters love it and I do too. Very sunny, lots of room, a super meeting area, room for the staff to turn around and actually work…a nice use of our tax dollars.

Speaking of new, try the new Hawaiian BBQ and Teriyaki restaurant on Main Street, right between the Methodist Church and the Thai Restaurant. Two new restaurants are also planned for downtown, a new steakhouse and a Mexican restaurant–both with amazing views on the water. Yeah!

Johnny Bulldog plays this weekend to benefit the Senior Class of Coupeville High School. Love Creedence Clearwater Revival? Well, you’ll love this band, as the lead singer sings for CCR Revisited. The drummer’s no slouch either–Larry Mason of FunkMason and formerly, the Brandos. Shout out to Marcus hitting the ivory on the keyboard, Kevin on electric guitar and. Saturday, 6:30pm at Bayview Hall in Bayview.

That’s all for now. I’m thick in the midst of sending material to agents and also halfway through my third book.

Pumpkins and Grass-Fed Beef, Pigs and Free-Range Animals on Whidbey Island

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Don’t forget Sherman Farms off Highway 20, north of the pedestrian overpass, 46 S. Ebey Road, Coupeville. Look for the pumpkin signs. I believe they do trolley rides through the fields on weekends, 11-4. They also have a cool catapault where they let you launch Hubbard Squash and watch it splat. Speaking of which, you can always pick up delicious pre-cut squash at Prairie Center/Red Apple in Coupeville. Not sure of other groceries. It’s inexpensive, delicious and full of vitamins. I use their microwave directions, add a bit of butter and brown sugar, and YUM!

Also, stop by the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, 10-2, for Harvest Fest, the last market of the season and check out pumpkins, fall flowers, tomatoes and other bounty from the garden. Georgie from Willowood Farms will have her terrific farm-to-market cart full of local produce. Case Farms and Dugualla Bay in Oak Harbor also offer a pumpkin patch.

After the Market, head south to Greenbank Farm for the Oktoberfest on Saturday!

Speaking of buying local…did you know there are several options for locally grown grass-fed or free-range animals. Vegetarians stop reading! But for the rest of us who like hormone free, tastier and healthier food, here are a few options:

Sherman Farms is now selling grass-fed beef. Call them at 360-678-6344.

Jenne Farm will raise pigs or beef for you. I think poultry too, but I’m not 100% sure. 360-678-4433 or click on the link to get to their email link–sorry, couldn’t post it–and they’ll send you more information.

And 3 Sisters Beef sells beef, pork and free range eggs at the Farmer’s Markets, Prairie Center/Red Apple in Coupeville, Bell’s Farm off West Beach Road (eggs only, though they are grazing cattle there now), Saar’s Market in Oak Harbor, Payless Foods in Freeland and other places and by calling 360-675-2136.

And lastly, speaking of eating locally, did you know one of our Krueger Commons folks has caught TWENTY-THREE SALMON so far this year! From the beach! My poor other friend has only caught Sole from his boat. In fact, another fishing friend gave his wife a fresh salmon “so her husband would know what they look like.” They laughed, ate like kings and gave back some delicous homegrown corn from their garden–their salmon. Which actually, it kind of is as she used the Native American tradition of putting a dead salmon in the planting hole with each seed. She also used some kind of radioactive chicken poop because her garden this year was amazing. Hands down, she has a green thumb.

Enjoy the fall! We had another offer yesterday, so only four units left. Two corners and two interiors, all exceptional.

Weekend events–Tour de Whidbey, Open Studio Art Tour, Kite Festival and more

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Wow, it’s a busy weekend on Whidbey!

Friday is early release day. Come to the Elementary School and learn about astronomy! This free program (open to those outside the district) will start at 1pm at the Multi-purpose Room and is given by the Island County Astronomical Society!

Friday night is an art opening at the Raven Rocks Gallery at Greenbank Farm, 5-7pm, for photographer Tom Trimbath. He’ll display works from “12 Months at Deception Pass.”

On Saturday, look for bike riders for the Tour de Whidbey. Road bikes will roam our beautiful island, participating in the fundraiser which benefits Whidbey General Hospital. The family ride starts at Coupeville Elementary and is a gentle, 10-miles. Other mileage options are available starting from Greenbank Farm, including one of the most challenging century rides in the state.

The Morris Men from Seattle & Vancouver will be downtown at 11am on Front Street performing their dances.

Also, it’s the Kite Festival at Fort Casey on Saturday and Sunday. Free! Free parking. Free family fun.

The Open Art Studio Tour will also be taking place Saturday and Sunday. Tour artists in their studios. I’m telling you–this is very cool. We have some very talented people on Whidbey!

You’ll also see folks on motorcycles driving on their way to the Oysterrun in Anacortes.

Keep a heads up as it sounds like lots of folks driving around this weekend. If you’re in Coupeville, walk to the Saturday Farmer’s Market from Krueger Commons and tour art studios within walking distance. They’ll have free apples from the Whidbey Apple Exchange Event. Folks can enter apple items at the October 3rd Farmer’s Market.

Whidbey Island Writers Association Fall Classes

Monday, September 21st, 2009

WIWA FALL CLASSES 2009

To register:

E-mail  wiwa@whidbey.com with your personal information and choice of class(s). Then mail a check or call the office with your credit card number. Or come by the office in Freeland during office hours: Monday, Tuesday or Thursday mornings 9-noon. Register soon!!

Crafting Fiction that Sells in Today’s Marketplace

Tuesday Evenings, 7-9 PM

September 29-November 17

Fee:  $115 for members, $135 for non-members

Site: United Methodist Church, Coupeville

Instructor: Literary Agent Andrea Hurst

Memoir: Writing Your Story

Monday evenings, 7-9 pm

September 28-November 16

Site: United Methodist Church, Langley

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Barbara Joy Laffey

Writing Poetry: The Body and the None-Others

Saturday afternoons, 1:30-3:30

October 3-November 21

Site: Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Robin Barre


Puzzle Pieces: Navigating the Maze of Writing for Children

Monday evenings, 6:30-9:00

September 28-November 30

Site: Jim Davis House, Greenbank Farm

Fee: $180 for members, $200 for nonmembers

Instructor: Multi-published author Deb Lund

Fiction, or plain and fancy lying

Wednesdays, 10-12:30

September 30-December 2

Site: Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland

Fee: $115 for members, $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Published author and MFA Instructor, Wayne Ude

Coupeville Community Classes

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Coupeville Community Education- Fall Programs (Open to Everyone)

Volleyball Open Gym- Adults
Come out and enjoy a workout and a fun game of volleyball with a great group of people! For more information contact Heather Kortuem hrkortuem@homail.com
Oct 5-Dec 21, Mondays, 6:30-8:30
MS Gym
Cost: $30

Step Aerobics
Step Aerobics involving the use of a bench with varied moved on and off the bench or comparable moved on the floor. We will use weights, bands, and balls for muscle toning and exercise to improve flexibility and balance. For more information call Wendy Belew 678-3142 distinguishedhomes1@verizon.net
Sept 14- Dec 21, Mon & Thur, 5-6pm (12 Weeks)
Elementary MPR
Cost: $70


Seibukan Karate

A traditional martial are originating in Okinawa.
Adults, teens and children (7+) will experience physical conditioning and self defense techniques through basic karate exercise. Students will learn alternatives to violence, balance, and stability, develop self discipline and self confidence. Beginners’ class 6-7pm returning students will stay till 7:30pm. For more information call Chad Cloudy 678-6099seibukansue@aol.com
Ages: 7- Adult
Oct 1-Nov 24, Beginner- 6-7:00pm, Returning students 6-7:30pm, Tues & Thurs,
Elementary MPR
Cost: $100 adults, $60 Students

Beaded Jewelry Making- After School Program
Express your personal style by creating your own beaded jewelry. This eight week course includes learning the basics of making earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Then we will branch out and explore wire wrapping techniques plus polymer clay creations. Instructor: Marianne Borozny, mborozny@yahoo.com
Ages: 8-13
Oct 22-Dec 17- Thurs, 3:45pm-5:15pm
Elementary Art Room #16
Cost: $90  + $25 material fee at first class, tools included.

Intro to Voiceovers- Getting Started in Voice Acting
Have you ever wanted to be the voice everyone hears on commercials and documentaries?
This fun and interactive class covers details of the industry, the importance of marketing, and of a demo tape. You will be coached and recorded for a personal evaluation.  Be warned — many who have taken this class have gone on to become real, bona-?de professional Voice Actors! This class is taught by a professional voice actor from the voice acting training company, Voices For All. Instructor Leah Frederick, Voice Acting Coach & Producer, is a vivacious, accomplished, professional voice actor dedicated to motivating her students by sharing her knowledge, experience and charisma. www.voicesforall.com <http://www.voicesforall.com>
Ages: Adult
Dec 1- 7-9pm
HS Annex Conference Room
Cost: $39


Guitar Boot Camp
If you have been playing guitar and are ready to get basic training on how to make yourself a better guitar player, this workshop is for you!
During this hardcore session, you will learn guitar fretboard logic, scales, practice exercises, fundamental chords and progressions, essential strumming and finger picking patterns.
You will learn everything you should know to have a rock solid foundation in playing guitar! Then learn how to put it all to work with some group soloing and jamming at the end.
Guitar Boot Camp is geared toward folks who have some playing experience and would like to take their playing to the next level. This course gives you the tools to play hundreds of songs in different styles. Songs will be derived from both traditional and contemporary sources. For more information call Quinn Fitzpatrick 360-579-3052quinnfitzpatrick@whidbey.com
#1 Oct 17, 1:30-4pm- Saturday
#2 Nov 14, 1:30-4pm- Saturday
Ages: Adult
HS Annex Conference Room
Cost: $45 per session


Beginning Guitar
Have fun while learning how to play acoustic guitar!
Gain a solid foundation and the tools to play thousands of songs using traditional and contemporary sources, in folk, country, gospel, blues and rock styles. Learn fundamental chords, progressions, strums and finger picking. By the end of this course, you will have the resources to play many songs in different styles. For more information call Quinn Fitzpatrick 360-579-3052 quinnfitzpatrick@whidbey.com
Ages: Adult
Oct 1- Dec 17, 7-8pm, Thurs
HS Annex Conference Room
Cost: $198

Beginning Drawing
Learn drawing in a supportive atmosphere! In this class you will experience your natural ability to draw through exercises that emphasize seeing. You will learn the fundamentals of art and basic drawing techniques including line and contour, value, texture, form/shapes, space, proportion, composition and perspective. Projects will focus on creating both realistic and abstract drawings. Working from photos, objects, still life and the imagination, you will develop your ability to see and translate that visual experience into drawing. Drawing improves creative thinking and problem solving skills. For more information call Quinn Fitzpatrick 360-579-3052 quinnfitzpatrick@whidbey.com
Ages: Adult
Oct 1-Dec 17, 8-9pm, Thurs
HS Annex Conference Room
Cost: $198  (Material fee charged at start of class)

Registration- PLEASE pre-register for the following programs through Coupeville School District. For a registration form and information on upcoming programs please check our website at www.coupeville.k12.wa.us <http://www.coupeville.k12.wa.us> . Please hand deliver or mail in registration form prior to start date.
CSD, 2 S Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239, 360-678-6222, kandrews@coupeville.k12.wa.us

Are you interesting in doing a winter or spring class or program for CCE?
Deadline for winter proposals – Nov 9th   (For programs Jan- Mar)
Contact Kim Andrews at 678-6222 kandrews@coupeville.k12.wa.us

Office Hours:
Tuesday 8am-10:30am
Fridays 8am-10:30am

Whidbey Island Writers Association

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Fellow writers and poets, please attend one of the informational meetings regarding WIWA next Thursday at 7pm at Skagit Valley College, Room 225, Oak Hall.

Tonight was the meeting in Coupeville.

Please attend and give your input for programs, classes and the direction of the Whidbey Island Writers Association.

Don’t forget, Wednesdays, Just Write at the Coupeville pier. Join literary agent Andrea Hurst and local writers for an afternoon of inspiration and education. Come prepared to write, only sharing your daily goals and how you did, prepared to learn, enjoying speakers on topics such as blogging, publishing, and publicity, and prepared to meet kindred spirits. 3-5:30 pm, Wednesdays.

Visit the Whidbey Island Writers Association for more information on local critique groups, classes, contests and more.

Whidbey Open Studio Preview

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

This weekend visit the Crockett Barn near the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry and preview one piece from each of the 93 artists on next weekend’s Whidbey Open Studio Tour.

The Crockett Barn is a beautiful venue, overlooking the waters near Fort Casey.

If you haven’t enjoyed one of the studio tours before, please make a point to go. It’s amazing how many artists are around Whidbey. This tour concentrates on visual artists working in fiber, pottery, painting, woodworking, jewelry making, sculpture, photography, glassblowing and more.

The preview is Saturday and Sunday, the 19th-20th. The Tour is scheduled for next weekend. There is also a preview being held at Bayview Corner.

Wine tasting, art walks, open air painting and get ready for the Tour de Whidbey!

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Chardonnay & Cabernet Tasting at Coupeville Bayleaf!
This Friday, September 4th, 5- 7 pm; Preregister $10 includes tasting and treats

Coupeville Art Walk this Saturday, the 5th, from 5-8pm. Enjoy the galleries along the historic waterfront.

Don’t forget First Fridays at the Greenbank Farm, wine tasting, art openings, music and treats. This Friday is the Tess Gallagher poetry reading at the Rob Schouten gallery. And newly added is First Fridays in Oak Harbor at the Garry Oak Gallery on Pioneer Way. Several nearby businesses will stay open until 8pm. That’s the only gallery in Oak Harbor though.

If you’re heading south, stop by the Bayview Cash Store for the beginning of the Woodpalooza 6th Annual Woodworking Show, Sept. 5-13th, from 11-6pm daily. See the great article and photo from the South Whidbey News Times here.

Next Tuesday, the 8th, begins the Plein Air Painters U.S. Open where painters from around the world gather around the Coupeville area for the entire week and create paintings in the “open” air. The event finishes with a celebration gala & silent auction on the 12th at the Crockett Barn.

Finally, why not dust off your bicycle and put a few miles in around town or on the trails in preparation for the September 26th Tour de Whidbey. Six different mileage options to choose from ranging from a 10-mile family fun ride starting in Coupeville all the way to a challenging 100 mile century ride. Check out the website, with cool elevation stats for the rides.

That’s a fun weekend to mark anyway, because it’s also the Annual Kite Festival at Fort Casey and the Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. It might be fun another Krueger Commons social, but I’m still working on dates.

Don’t forget the Coupeville Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 10-2. Why not stop by the Masonic Lodge on Main Street for their Pancake Breakfast beforehand, all-you-can-eat from 8-11. The Friends of the Library will be selling books at the market too. Construction of the new library is coming along.

Writers and lovers of the written word, take a memo…

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Rob Schouten Gallery & Hedgebrook Present: An Evening with Tess Gallagher

Sat. September 5th, 7 – 9 PM

Suggested Donation: $15, Patron: $75 (No one turned away for lack of funds). Seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served

Guitarist Quinn Fitzpatrick will provide some Irish tunes from 6-7 PM prior to the reading.

Internationally renowned writer Tess Gallagher is the author of eight volumes of poetry, including Dear Ghosts(Graywolf Press, 2006), Moon Crossing Bridge (Graywolf Press, 1992) and My Black Horse (Bloodaxe, 1995). In 2008, Blackstaff Press in Belfast and Eastern Washington University Press in America published Barnacle Soup – Stories from the West of Ireland, a collaboration with the Irish painter and storyteller Josie Gray.

Ms. Gallagher will read new poetry written in Ireland, and excepts from Barnacle Soup (and Other Stories from the West of Ireland)To see Josie’s work and read Tess’s commentary go to: http://www.cerisepress.com/

The Rob Schouten Gallery is located at Greenbank Farm, south of Coupeville, WA. Hours are 10-5 PM daily. For more information call 222-3070 or email info@robschoutengallery.com

Also, Hedgebrook Women’s Only Writing Retreat is now offering 7-day Master Class Retreats. Of course, you can still apply for a free residency (applications due September 24th), but these classes allow people to learn from celebrated writers in an intimate, six-person class. The Annual Hedgebrook Open House will be on September 19th.

Don’t forget every Wednesday, Just Write events from 3-5:30pm at Locally Grown Coffee on the wharf in Coupeville. Literary agent Andrea Hurst hosts this event which has included such guests as blogging expert Tom Masters, author & publishing expert Jennifer Bayse Sanders, and others. Come prepared to learn, be inspired and write in an intimate Whidbey setting.

As soon as I hear about the local readings from instructors of Whidbey Island Writer Association’s MFA program, I’ll post them. Readings have included poets Marvin Bell, Christopher Howell, David Wagoner, author Bruce Holland Rogers and others, all at Coupeville venues. Enjoy!