Open house at Hedgebrook celebrates 18 years of service

Published 7:00 am Saturday, July 15, 2006

For 18 years, women writers have come to Hedgebrook Writers Retreat to clear their head and work in a nurturing environment.

Many influential writers have resided at Hedgebrook over the years. Most recently, writer and activist Gloria Steinem returned for a second, month-long visit.

Steinem said of her first visit in 1997, “I’ve always written in the midst of chaos, like a journalist, but I craved a different way. Hedgebrook has allowed me to find it.”

Steinem’s return after nearly a decade signals her heartfelt appreciation for the “unique place” where she feels “nurtured and valued as a writer.”

Writers come from all over the world. It’s a treat for both, the visitors and the locals.

New executive director Amy Wheeler said it was amazing to see Steinem come for a return visit.

“Her unparalleled career as a champion of women’s voices continues to inspire generations of writers and activists,” Wheeler said.

“That she would choose to come back now makes it clear – no matter where a writer is in her career, Hedgebrook offers an invaluable gift: quiet time and space to write – and a community of writers to share your work with,” she said.

This weekend is your chance to learn what Hedgebrook is all about. Hedgebrook is inviting the community to a free party from

1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Visitors get the chance to meet some current residents, the new executive director, listen to an award-winning author and live music, as well as ice cream and pie.

There will be marimba music by Marimba Dindaro and guest marimba students of Dana Moffet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The Kitchen Door is donating fresh-baked pies by Shirley Read, and the ice cream will be provided by Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company – all good neighbors of Hedgebrook.

The annual award ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. with the official introduction of Wheeler.

Dr. Neil Hochstadt will then award the third Annual Adrienne Reiner Hochstadt Award to Manjushree Thapa, a Hedgebrook resident from Nepal. The award is a $1,500 cash prize granted to one outstanding resident each year.

After accepting the award, Thapa will read from her latest work.

More than 1,000 women from around the world have stayed at Hedgebrook’s handcrafted woodland cottages at no charge since it was opened by Langley resident Nancy Nordhoff in 1988.

Nordhoff said she’s excited about the arrival of the new director.

“Amy will create positive visibility and support for Hedgebrook’s mission – furthering our outreach to women writers around the globe,” Nordhoff said.

Hedgebrook gives women writers space and time to devote to their craft in the natural solitude of a beautiful 48-acre wooded property, and the premises are usually closed to visitors so the writers may work in seclusion.

Applications for 2007 are currently available online at www.hedgebrook.org.

Hedgebrook is located at 2197 Millman Road, near Freeland. Call or e-mail for directions or further information: 321-4786 or info@hedgebrook.org.

Michaela Marx Wheatley can be reached at 221-5300 or e-mail mmarxwheatley@southwhidbeyrecord.com.