By Fred McCARTHY

Mayor of Langley

We have been having an extraordinary run of beautiful weather. Don’t you think we live in one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world?

We have received so many positive comments about the Second Street Project from citizens, the construction company, business owners, and the engineers to name a few. It’s a special feeling to walk to work each day and see the dream realized in the form of such a transformed space. Seeing families gathering in the plaza in the middle of the city or sitting on the benches or chairs is very affirming.

My summer reading has included two new books written by local authors that are so inspiring, each in its own way. “Blessing the Hands that Feed Us” by Vicki Robin is all about the adventure of eating within 10 miles of home from the produce grown by local farmers and gardeners in our area. The second book is “Whidbey Island, Reflections on People & the Land.” Elizabeth Guss, Janice O’Mahony, and Mary Richardson have special gifts for writing and storytelling that highlight a deep connection between people and sacred places here on Whidbey Island.

We invite you to check out the newly painted visitor center (Langley Chamber of Commerce), city restrooms and library, featuring the work of Mr. Craig Dill. Have you seen the beautiful edible garden in front of City Hall and the new sign on the front of the building? Thank you, Langley Main Street Association gardeners, Bernita Sanstad, Janet Ploof and everyone else who pitched in for the plant care, and Stan Berryman for the signage.

And when you are stopping by Paul and Mickey Sarkis’ Village Pizzeria look at the copper caps on the railings and stairs at Boy and Dog Park, carefully restored and enhanced by the city’s own carpenter and general maintenance man, Joe Wierzbowski.

Thanks as well to Jim Porter and Eric Richmond for the redo of the Porter Building. What a creative transformation. We are all excited to see how those tasty chocolates will be displayed in Mona’s new colorful expanded location in the Village.

The Whale Center has a bleached white whale jaw bone entry with steel supports handcrafted by Mr. Metalwork, Tim Leonard. Entering the center is like walking into the jaws of the great white whale.

Eric Levine placed an artistic footbridge by his swinging bench over Brookhaven Creek by his newly painted house on Fourth Street. I’ve overheard him invite people walking by to sit and enjoy the space.

Fred Lundahl continues to water those beautiful hanging baskets around town. Things are looking good this summer in the Village by the Sea.