By anyone’s standards, the year 2001 was not a year like any other year. Any “look back” must inevitably bring into sharp focus the events of Sept. 11, which punctuated South Whidbey’s history as it did the world’s with the shock and tragedy of terrorism.

The people of Clinton, Langley, Freeland and Greenbank came together in many different guises to share their grief, loss and uncertainty. There were candlelight vigils, moments of silence, church observances, and an upsurge in patriotic feeling. What will always be known as 9-11 remains a constant in a world that has changed irrevocably.

But Island life in 2001 did have its moments of joy, pride and achievement. And the tradition of community that defines South Whidbey remained alive and hopeful as the year turned to 2002.

Many of those traditions are centered in a philosophy of care and concern for those around us. In May, Hearts and Hammers marked its seventh workday, with more than 400 volunteers working at 31 homes of disabled, elderly and low-income households.

Habitat for Humanity dedicated its second house on the south end in August, with donated materials and labor providing a home for a family. The Relay for Life brought hundreds to the South Whidbey High School track to aid in the fight against cancer.

Special events raised funds for numerous causes: a golf tournament to benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Association; a quilt sewn and then raffled for breast cancer patients; a Box Lunch prepared to help the In A Pinch Childcare and Crisis Center.

Organizations ranging from Kiwanis and the Lions Club to Rotary and Soroptimist funded numerous community projects. Libraries brought programs to kids and adults. And churches helped people both here and in other countries. One even provided a free oil change for the elderly and single women.

Two churches, St. Peter’s Lutheran in Clinton and Langley United Methodist, turned 100 years old in 2001. Trinity Lutheran completed a major expansion, including a gymnasium that will be available for use by the community.

The calendar of events on South Whidbey drew thousands of locals and visitors. Langley’s lighthearted Mystery Weekend probed the mystery of “The Cat’s Revenge.” A blossoming Writers Conference again put South Whidbey on the literary map. The annual Garden and Home tours were sold out. Choochokam, Langley’s Festival of the Arts, took place again in faultless summer weather.

We celebrated July Fourth with the decades-old Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade and the newer but inspiring Celebrate America. Greenbank Farm hosted the luscious Loganberry Festival and the dramatic Highland Games. A benefit music festival for cerebral palsy brought nationally known bands to play on South Whidbey. And the Island County Fairgrounds again came to life with kids, animals, music and carnival rides.

There were two Farmers Markets this year, at Bayview and at Tilth’s own property down the road. Bayview Corner itself, including the old Cash Store, underwent a major restoration and played host to events as different as “Bayview Corner Live,” stories told by longtime islanders, to spirited gatherings of Mariners fans as they watched their team in the playoffs.

South Whidbey schools showed the community the impressive potential of its young people. The high school jazz band won first place at the prestigious Lionel Hampton Festival; individual students earned numerous honors; two events celebrated intergenerational connections: A “Senior Prom” at Langley Middle School and a Holiday Dinner Dance with senior citizens at the high school.

As always, the arts played a big part in island living. Professional drama and community theater were staged at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Bayview Hall, the high school auditorium and The Clyde Theater. Concerts by island musicians and bands alternated with off-island guests, including the Seattle Symphony. School plays, art walks, “The Nutcracker,” even a 30-artist studio tour, showcased South Whidbey’s rich and diverse artistic culture.

Southend islanders danced at a Sweethearts Ball and a Harvest Moon event. They also took classes in subjects ranging from investing to foreign language.

Finally, a South Whidbey tradition continued that uniquely characterizes the community: its Hometown Heroes. Honored this year were Paul Benz, Joe Murphy, Naomi Buzard, Kathy McLaughlin, Bruce Hymas, Ralph Nakamura, Herb Bacon, Linda Good, Clancy Overturf and Bettie Bell.