Archive for the ‘Recreation Opportunities’ Category

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

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.

Biking, hiking and more

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Wow, the weather is calling everyone outside. The longer days and flowers in bloom are delightful.

It’s the start of road biking for me…can you ride up the hill at Ebey’s Landing without stopping or suffering? How about Keystone hill? That one’s longer and deceptively tougher. Let’s not forget the doozie on West Beach, starting past Joseph Whidbey State Park. That which does not kill you makes you stronger, and fitter and healthier. It helps to have a spouse like mine who will “assist” with a hand to the back as I climb. He’s been known to help complete strangers too–probably helped five people at the Tour de Whidbey. People are friendly here, and it made him stronger too.

Speaking of which, one of the things I love about mountain biking at Fort Ebey is the variety of trails. If I’m feeling in the mood for a ‘post-partum’ ride, i.e. flat and easy, I’ve got plenty to pick from. Want to see if I’ll pass out from exertion…how about scrambling up Ladder. The first time I made it up that steep, loose rock trail, I rejoiced. Or try climbing Hokey-ka-dodo. It’s twisty, technical and requires some power kicks. If I’m taking the kids, we’ve got options for them too. They both enjoy riding Humpty Dump and even Roy Evans, not bad for five and eight year olds. For a low-stress ride with them, there’s always the Kettles Trail through the park, then along HWY 20 to Miriam’s for a kid cookie pit-stop.

Have you hiked the bluff trail at Fort Ebey or the one at Ebey’s Landing? If not, you’re missing one of the greatest things about Central Whidbey. Pack a picnic, or simply some water, and check out one of the treasures this weekend. The views of the Puget Sound waters and distant Olympic Mountains are breathtaking. For beginning hikers, park at the gun battery at Fort Ebey to eliminate a hill. For advanced, park at the Beach parking area. For beginners at Ebey’s Landing, park at the cemetary viewpoint off Sherman Road to eliminate most of the climb, advanced, park at the Landing.

That’s one of the great things about Krueger Commons–accessing this trail network from the parking lot. Folks can hike, bike or run toward the surrounding parks or head down to the waterfront and enjoy ice cream, a beer, or some candy!

Art, wine tasting, boating and other events

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Sorry for the late post.

First Fridays at the Farm–Greenbank Farm. Wine tasting and art. Artworks Gallery First Anniversary! Music provided by artist Brenda Pike. 5-8pm.

Showcase of the Arts–12th annual student art show, on exhibit Saturday at the Rec Hall. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women, 12-4pm.

Marine Gear Swap Meet–boaters, stop by the parking lot of the Oak Harbor Marina and find treasures. Sponsored by the Deception Pass Sail & Power Squadron.

Relay for Life Garage Sale. Saturday at the Wal-Mart parking lot. Sales benefit all the teams on the island. Starts at 8am.

And if you like garage sales, while you’re in Oak Harbor, stop by the Knights of Columbus Annual Sale, Friday & Saturday, at the Knights Hall, starting at 8:30am. Or, stop by Crescent Harbor Elementary’s sale at the gym, starting at 9. Garage salers, rejoice.

In Oak Harbor, on Sunday, it’s the Sustainability Fair at Skagit Valley College. Learn about recycling, the free bus service, bicycling, green building, gardening, and even see Graham Kerr “The Galloping Gourmet” star of television and cookbook fame. Includes kids activities, live music, and a mini farmers market too! The fair is noon until 5pm.

Spring is here. Get outside and play, but don’t forget the Monday & Wednesday night Adult Rec Volleyball, 6:30-8:30pm, at the school gym near Red Apple grocery in Coupeville. Fun!

Road biking

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Ah…my first road bike ride of the season. The spouse and others have been out plenty of times before, but the other day was my first ride. Two hours, winding along Madrona, through town past the condos at Krueger Commons, out into the hills of the prairies toward the ferry landing at Keystone, then back up Fort Casey Road, passing cows, horses and the new high school.

The views were amazing, the temperature just right and the traffic…same as usual. Few cars and the ones we did see giving us plenty of room to enjoy the ride.

Central Whidbey and road biking. A perfect match!

Volleyball Rec League Expanded

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

Attention volleyball players…starting April 6th, the rec league (16 or older) will now be playing on Monday and Wednesday nights at the High School Gym in Coupeville. (across from Red Apple grocery)

6:30 – 8:30 PM…Monday & Wednesday…8 weeks starting April 6th.

$30 registration fee. For the registration form, email:kandrews@coupeville.k12.wa.us

There is a $5 drop-in fee, so if you have a friend (16 or older only) who would like to play for a night to try it out, they are welcome to come.  We will have a sign-in sheet just for drop-ins with a waiver of liability at the top.  No sign – no play.

Biking and hiking

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Don’t forget, you can stop by Krueger Commons and pick up the new Island County Road Biking Maps. These are terrific if you’re into road riding, or if you’d like to do a family ride on the weekend. It shows elevation gains, hill directions, restrooms, scenic vistas (the whole island–LOL) and more. I’ll grab some of the Kettles & Fort Ebey maps too for the hikers & mountain bikers.

Today, the ground is soggy and I guess it’s supposed to rain. But, the weekend looks nice on the island. I’ve mentioned the terrific road biking around Krueger Commons. You can go solo or find a ‘groupo’ to enjoy the miles of traffic-free roads.

Another terrific thing about Coupeville, is the proximity to the mountain biking at nearby Fort Ebey State Park. You can hop on a trail outside the condos, head on the paved Kettles Trail that leads from Main Street all the way to the park. Then, enter a world of fun and adventure! From twisty single-track with tree roots and stunts, to wider trails with smaller climbs (I call them post-partum, since they were the ones I chose after having kids), you’ll find the traction is superb year-round at Ft. Ebey. On rainy days, you can stick to the single-track and stay dry from the overhanging trees (though the salal may get you wet on your legs).

I’ve ridden near Anacortes, at Deception Pass, at Green Mountain in Silverdale, Winthrop and more. Some areas are dust-bowls in the summer and slogfests in the winter–tearing up your components and creating a laundry issue to boot. Plus, those all have really long climbs. Some people like climbing for an hour straight–but I’d rather have variety. If I need a challenge–that’s what the middle chain ring is for!

Ft. Ebey is awesome because 1) the climbs are varied–from chutes & ladders type short climbs to longer, but manageable stints up Windsucker or Ladder. Practice on the small climbs and soon, you’ll be able to grind up Ladder; 2) great traction–on rainy days, stay near the Kettles side–near Campground you have more tree roots which can be a pain or a challenge on wet days depending upon your desire for self-abuse; 3) acres and acres of fun for hiking, biking or horsebackriding. And yet–you often don’t see anybody else on the trails!; 4) awesome scenery–the views of the Olympics and Puget Sound on the Bluff trail, descending through the primeval forest of Shepherd’s crook, the craggy madrone trees at the top of Ladder.

Even on a misty day like today, don’t be afraid to go outside and enjoy the trails around Coupeville.

Weekend Events 10/24-26th

Thursday, October 23rd, 2008

Here are a few more things to do:

Friday, at Ft. Nugent Park in Oak Harbor, a Star Party. Come when it’s dark & view the stars with experts & aficionados from the Island County Astronomical Society (ICAS). They usually do this monthly. I’ve yet to go…but this is something I want to learn. FREE. Dress warmly, bring binoculars (though they let you use their telescopes), and use parking lights when you enter the parking lot (so you don’t kill everyone’s night vision).

Saturday–Whidbey Audubon Field Trip. 9 am, meet at Partridge Point, at the end of Libbey Road. Join Steve Ellis and learn about the forest & sea birds, along with native plants and more. Open to the public. FREE.

Saturday Night– Halloween Zydeco Stomp Dance at Crockett Barn off of Fort Casey Road. $10 at the door. Best costume contest too!

We’ll have Open Houses, Friday through Sunday, from 1-4. Activity is starting to pick up. So, if you’re waiting for the lowest price…you’re about to miss it.

Upcoming Events, September 26-28th

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

The weather is supposed to be nice. Here’s what’s happening this weekend around Coupeville:

Friday, 9/26, 1PM, Coupeville Elementary Multipurpose Room. Early Release Day Program. The Whidbey Island Beach Watchers will present stories, games, artifacts, and info. about the ecosystem of beach life on Whidbey. For children and families. Supported by the Friends of the Coupeville Library. Free.

Friday, at 7PM, Coupeville United Methodist Church. Opera Night. Free, but donations are welcome. Encore performance by La Bella Coro, a local children’s choir. Accompanied by Shirley Christensen. Special guests Victoria Chausee and Misha Myznikov will join Noel Curtis, all members of Seattle Opera Night Singers.

Saturday, 9/27–Tour de Whidbey, benefiting Whidbey General Hospital. 40, 50, and 100 mile rides from Greenbank Farm, check in 7-9:30am. Free pancake breakfast for registered riders at Greenbank Farm from 6:30-9am. End of ride chili feed at Greenbank Farm from 12- 4pm. New this year is a10 mile ride from Coupeville Elementary School. Riders check in between 10-noon at the Elementary School at Hwy20/Main Street. You can get the free pancakes too, but you’ll have to go to Greenbank Farm before your ride to enjoy. But they’ll have their own end of ride chili feed at the Elementary School from 12-4pm. Keep an eye out for bicyclists…you’re allowed to safely cross a double yellow line to give them room.

Saturday & Sunday–Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour. $20 for up to 2 adults, includes a 15-month calendar/tourbook to 77 different artists from all genres in their studios. Work will be available for sale. You can pick up a ticket every day until Sunday, 10am-5pm at either Crockett Barn, 1056 Crockett Farm Rd, Coupeville or in Langley at the Bayview Cash Store. This is a good reason to come to Whidbey for the weekend.

Sunday, 9/28–Keep your eyes open for lots of motorcycles heading to the annual Oyster Run in Anacortes. We’ve been to this. It’s fun to look at all the different bikes, mostly custom choppers. Have fun and be safe!

There’s also DjangoFest in Langley all week. Tickets are still available. If you like gypsy jazz, try to catch a performance.

Whew…that’s a lot of stuff, and that’s not all the island stuff. We’ll be open Friday and Sunday 1-4, and Saturday extended hours of 11-4. So, stop by before or after your bike ride, art tour, concert, environmental kid program, or whatever you enjoy… www.kruegercommons.com

Tour de Whidbey Update

Sunday, September 21st, 2008

This fundraiser bike ride for Whidbey General Hospital is this Saturday, September 27th. Several ride options are available, 40 miles, 50 and a century ride, all beginning at Greenbank Farm. New this year is a 10-mile option starting and ending at Coupeville Elementary School.

The Tour takes you on some of the most scenic riding you will experience. So, visit the Tour de Whidbey website to learn more and register. The century ride is considered one of the most demanding centuries in Western Washington. A regular training ride that encompasses most of the route covers 78 miles and has an ascent of 7163 feet! You will be challenged and wowed by the views, plus see why Whidbey Island has great road riding.

Feel free to stop by Krueger Commons at 1st and Wilkes after your ride. On Main Street heading North, turn left onto 1st Street, across from the hospital. We’re at the end of the road, past Coupevile Health & Fitness gym.