Tom White's Whidbey Blog

Mark Your Calendars for the Whidbey Island Artist Open Studio Tour

Tom's Whidbey — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:26:00 GMT

The Whidbey Island Artist Open Studio Tour is a fun event that is Free this year.

Mark your calendar for Sept 25th and 26th.

Here's a link to information about it. Maps, brochures etc are available on the left side

of the web page:

http://islandartscouncil.org/ost_info.html

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Soupbox Derby

Tom's Whidbey — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:37:00 GMT

Gather your friends and family and build a race car! The Soupbox Derby 2010 will be held on Saturday, September 18, from 9am-noon. Be one of the 32 entries racing down First Street Hill in Langley or be on hand to cheer for your favorite racer.

The derby was started in 1972 and has become a city tradition (except for a brief hiatus). Every entry receives a trophy and there will be a Pit Crew and Driver Fashion Show. Don't miss it! For more information on entering, call 221-4188.

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Pending home sales index climbs 5.2% in July Nationwide

Tom's Whidbey — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:02:00 GMT

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Pending home sales in July rose 5.2% from downwardly revised June levels, the National Association of Realtors reported Thursday, though the indicator shows the market for existing homes is still depressed after the expiration of a key tax benefit. TEST

Pending home sales on the south end of Whidbey also rose 5 % from June to July even though

the tax incentives expired in June.

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South Whidbey Children's Center

Tom's Whidbey — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:48:00 GMT

Congratulations! The South Whidbey Children's Center in downtown Langley celebrates 30 years as an early learning facility, teaching children from ages 1-11. The non-profit center has taught over 4500 students in its history, currently offering 5 programs including preschool and after-school sessions. To find out more about current enrollment and information about the center, go to http://www.swchildrenscenter.com.

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The Palka's Beautiful Landscaping

Tom's Whidbey — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Johnny and Yvonne Palka were the first couple to purchase one of the Ross Chapin designed cottages in the Highlands of Langley.

I just love the flowers in their Landscaping.

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1st Highlands homeowners meeting

Tom's Whidbey — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:21:00 GMT

I thougth you might like to see a pic of the first Langley Highlands homeower's meeting. Sorry Diane, somehow I missed you!

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Gone Until Next Year!

Tom's Whidbey — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:35:00 GMT

The Island County Fair, that is. It was a fun-filled and successful fair again this year. There was a bit of rain on Sunday morning, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those looking for a good time. The Coldwell Banker Tara Properties' booth was located in the middle of the commercial building and we enjoyed talking to people strolling through. Many past and present clients stopped by to say 'hi'. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with folks we hadn't seen in a while plus meet some new friends.

We had drawings for 4 gift certificates to local restaurants: Gordon's in Freeland, China City in either Oak Harbor or Freeland, Prima Bistro in Langley, and Fraser's in Oak Harbor. Whidbeytel supplied our DSL line for fast computer access.

Thanks to all those who participated and we look forward to continuing this years-old tradition again next year.

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Fair Time Again

Tom's Whidbey — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:58:00 GMT

It's August and that means Island County Fair time. For 4 days (8/19 through 8/22), you can enjoy rides, food, exhibits, contests, rodeo stunts, and more. It's great fun for the entire family.

Coldwell Banker Tara Properties has their usual booth in the Commercial Building. This year we'll have a daily drawing for restaurant gift certificates from Gordon's ($75), China City ($75), Prima Bistro ($100), and Frasers ($75). Come by and sign up and maybe you'll soon be having dinner at one of these local dining establishments.

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Seattle 96 Whidbey 84

Tom's Whidbey — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:59:00 GMT

No, Whidbey and Seattle haven't started Pro Basketball. Those were the max temps yesterday.

Right now the Seattle Airport is 84 and Whidbey is about 70 Degrees... paradise

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Love Those Street Fairs

Tom's Whidbey — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:52:00 GMT

And this is a good one! This Saturday and Sunday (8/14 & 8/15) from 10am-6pm, stroll the streets of downtown Coupeville in one of Washington state's oldest, continuously run festivals, Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival. It is renowned for its focus on quality arts and crafts, handmade by artisans from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The setting for the festival is the historic town of Coupeville on Penn Cove that provides stunning waterfront views. The festival offers fine and folk art, handmade crafts, free children's activities, free live entertainment and a variety of food vendors. Ample parking is available.

http://www.coupevilleartsandcraftsfestival.org/

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The Highland Games

Tom's Whidbey — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:32:00 GMT

This Saturday (8/14) from 9am-6pm, you can explore your Scottish heritage (if you have some) and attend the Whidbey Island Highland Games at the Langley Middle School. Even if you DON'T have any Scottish heritage, the day promises to be loads of fun!

The centrepiece of the Games is competitions in four major areas, Highland Piping, Drumming, Dancing, and traditional Scottish Athletics. Bring your family and experience the Scottish music, culture and enjoy the variety of Celtic performances which are scheduled throughout the day on the Main Stage. Trace your ancestry as you stroll amongst the Clan Tents or enjoy browsing throughout the vender shops, which display traditional Scottish clothing, literature, music and much, much more. Tickets, adults $10, military/senior/student $6, children under 4 free, no pets Admission: adults $8, seniors/military/children (5-12) $6, 4 and under free, no pets.

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WISH for fun!

Tom's Whidbey — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:52:00 GMT

This coming Saturday (8/7), from noon-5pm, Whidbey Island Share a Home (WISH) will sponsor A DAY OF FUN, MUSIC, FOOD AND SILENT AUCTIONS TO BENEFIT Whidbey Island Share a Home (WISH) SIX Bands froms blues to bluegrass to ska to country for listening and dancing GREAT Bar-b-que From 5-star Whole"E"Cow BBQ Company All proceeds go to benefit the homeless of Whidbey Island WISH is a non profit that helps the home seekers find safe affordable housing with home providers that are in need of a helping hand. Over 75% of our seekers and providers are over the age of 65 and are women. Please come and have fun while helping your neighbors in need.

The fun and festivities will be at Interstate Label Co., 1715 Main St., Freeland, WA.

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Fun and Free on Whidbey

Tom's Whidbey — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:46:00 GMT

One of our favorite non-profit organizations is WAIF (Whidbey Animals Improvement Foundation) and this year's Wag 'n' Walk event will celebrate 20 years of saving our animals. Come and join us on Sunday, August 22, from 11am-3pm at the Greenbank Farm and bring your favorite canine companion. This year, FETCH! is a co-sponsor. FETCH! operates 5 off-leash dog parks on Whidbey Island.

There will be demonstrations, contests, and the crowning of the King and Queen of Wag N Walk.

Deborah Jones, of our Freeland office, is one of the sponsors of the day.

Be sure to visit the website to get the day's schedule, and the 'rules' if you want to bring your dog. Hope to see you there. http://www.waifanimals.org/wagnwalk/index.html

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Get Out Your Dancing Shoes!

Tom's Whidbey — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:24:00 GMT

This Saturday night (7/24) from 7-10 pm, Whidbey Island's Concerts on the Cove Annual Barn Dance will be held at the Crockett Farm Barn in Coupeville. The John Holte Radio Rhythm 6 piece Orchestra (back by popular demand) is the last in a series of Seattle swing bands. This orchestra currently led by Pete Leinonen, in various configurations ranging from six to fifteen pieces, with and without vocalists has been in existence since 1972, first as The New Deal Rhythm Band, followed by the Swingland Express, John Holte Swing Band, and finally Radio Rhythm Orchestra, and have been credited with inspiring the West Coast Swing Revival. Tickets: $10

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Loganberry Festival

Tom's Whidbey — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:18:00 GMT

On Saturday and Sunday (7/24 & 7/25), take a trip to Greenbank to enjoy Whidbey Island's annual Loganberry Fesival.

It's Greenbank Farm's annual wine tasting with up to 20 Puget Sound wineries, a beer tent and music and art extravaganza! The field is filled with artists, artisans, and craftspeople while local musicians entertain. There are food booths with locally provided cuisine and a play area for children. Check each day's schedule for the loganberry pie-eating contest. Admission is free, there is a $5 donation charge for parking in the field.

Greenbank Farm, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank.

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We Always Knew It...

Tom's Whidbey — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:05:00 GMT

Whidbey Island as a romantic getaway? You know it! Now the rest of the world will too if they happen to read July 2010's Travel + Leisure's Most Romantic Summer Destinations. Whidbey Island ranks as one of the top 14 areas in the WORLD as a Romantic Summer place-to-be. The other 13 are pretty darn nice, too.

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Welcome To Whidbey Island Recycle

Tom's Whidbey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:17:00 GMT

Keepin It Fun on Whidbey Island. Thanks to the Girls at Island Recycle!! We Love you!

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3 Sisters Cattle Co.--100 Years

Tom's Whidbey — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:02:00 GMT

On Saturday, July 17, from 10am-4pm, you can get a glimpse of what life on a Whidbey Island working farm is like. 3 Sisters Cattle Co. is celebrating 100 years of farming at their family farm at 938 Scenic Heights Road in Oak Harbor. There will be lots of activities for the young and old, kids activities, trolley rides, informational booths, historical speakers, music, BBQ food for purchase, 4-H clubs to talk and demonstrate with animals.

The 3 Sisters Market will be open. Take home some beef to try. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Island County 4-H program. BBQ lunch will be available for purchase.

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Choochokam!

Tom's Whidbey — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:52:00 GMT

Be in Langley this weekend (7/10 & 7/11) for the 35th annual Choochokam Arts Festival!

Come enjoy the community celebration of Whidbey Island's rich arts heritage. The picturesque streets of downtown Langley are lined with 100 premier artists. The air is filled with the sounds from four separate stages, each with its own flavor. Meet and converse with Puget Sound artists who work in all mediums. Purchase art directly from its creator. Listen and dance to the music of some of the hottest up-and-coming new performers in the region. Join us in celebration at our Saturday night Street Dance, a community tradition for decades. Bring your children to our Children's Arts Area, a great place to immerse future artists in hands-on projects. Visitors and interested exhibitors and entertainers can visit www.choochokamarts.org for info.

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Diane and Dave's Move to Whidbey

Tom's Whidbey — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:10:00 GMT

Diane and Dave Share thier Move To Whidbey

Check out Diane's blog:

http://offtowhidbey.blogspot.com/

It will be available on the blog links to the right as well.

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Join Our Parade!

Tom's Whidbey — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:13:00 GMT

On Sunday, be a part of the Fourth of July Parade in Maxelton. The annual Maxwelton Community Independence Day Parade started way back in 1915, and today it's still goin' strong. Now in its 95th year, the Maxwelton Parade begins at 1 PM at the corner of Maxwelton and Swede Hill roads on South Whidbey Island. If you want to be in the parade, show up at 11:30 AM (vehicles allowed this year). The 1/4 mile parade ends at Dave Mackie Park for games, entertainment, food and refreshments.

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We're Number 1!

Tom's Whidbey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:09:00 GMT

Our Oak Harbor office received the Top Office award for listing units in the first quarter of 2010. Lawrence Wallace and Ronald Macdonald both received Top Agent awards for listing units for the first quarter of 2010. Great job, Lawrence and Ronald, and all the agents in the Oak Harbor office! We're number one!

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Night of Wine!

Tom's Whidbey — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:11:00 GMT

Notte di Vino, or Night of Wine, will be held at the Whidbey Island Winery (5237 Langley Road, Langley, WA) on Friday, July 2, from 7-9pm.

Join us for a spectacular evening at Whidbey Island Winery, featuring the release of our '09 Estate Grown Siegerrebe and live music from local artist Matt Schmiesing. Bring a friend, pack an evening picnic, and enjoy the intimate setting of our winery & vineyard! $10 advance purchase, $15 at the door. Includes a glass of 2009 Estate Grown Siegerrebe.

http://www.whidbeyislandwinery.com/nightofwine for more details.

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Check out the Whidbey Island Waldorf Video

Tom's Whidbey — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:09:00 GMT

Here's a link to a great video about the Waldorf School produced by a Whidbey Island Waldorf School Student. Part of it centers on a second generation Parent/student. Turn up the sound since it isn't very loud.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na1Nn64UYno

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Start Your Engines....

Tom's Whidbey — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:26:00 GMT

This Saturday (6/26) from 9am-2pm at the Island County Historical Museum in Coupeville, witness the first ever Barn Rally driving event. Participants will enjoy family fun road games for cool prizes as they motor along Whidbey Island back roads to and from Coupeville. Spend lunchtime on Historic Front Street for car show, merchant sales, food, music and more. Barn Rally donation $20 per car to steward preservation of historic structures, artifacts and documents by the Island County Historical Society. Call to register 360-678-3310

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