June 2017 News & Views
Look for News & Views in your inbox every month to see what's happening at Seabeck.
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A Message from Chuck
It's interesting how things work out. I was worried about taking down Rhododendron House. I was careful to say, "If it is in the condition I fear, we will have to take it down." I wanted an out in case it was savable. It was actually worse than I expected. Then I worried about losing the first thing you see when you cross the bridge. Even though that has been a staff house for 100 years, and no guests ever stayed in it, it was on Main Street and in many guest pictures. I hurried and hired a contractor before I lost my nerve. It came down quite easily. The bits went to be recycled in Belfair at a fiber company. We saved the big trees in front and back, so you barely notice it is gone. We had 250 people here this weekend and no one asked. I made a Pines speech and I saw people look shocked when I mentioned the removal. The capper came on Sunday when a Seabeck Board member came into the office and asked about the status of Rhododendron. "It's gone," was my answer. Then we ran out to look. Sure enough, it was gone. I am looking forward to grooming that area and having it ready for guests to enjoy the shady spots this summer. I think we will eventually build a small house with a large meeting area there, but that is farther down the road. I think that will be the last of the old buildings that will have to be removed. I think we have saved the others. I was feeling guilty about Rhododendron, then it dawned on me that this decision was really made 50 years ago. I hope we are taking good actions now so that future staffs won't be faced with these choices.
The Pines Campaign is rolling along. Contributions are coming in mostly from people who attended the kickoff and the staff is gearing up or the summer push. I am very pleased with the reaction to the plans. Everyone has been very enthusiastic. There is considerable buzz about bricks with names on them. More on that as the campaign evolves.
The eagles are active. We are finding bullhead fish everywhere. That is a sure sign of summer. We are wrapping up a lot of the community things we do in the shoulder season. We hosted a public forum with our state reps, have Girls Scouts "bridging" across our bridge, and the final four community events (our neighbor's homeowners association, the Kitsap History Club, Rotary and Community Club BBQs) are later this month. We switch from good neighbor mode to summer survival. HAHA. I think I'm almost ready. I have one more vacation before I settle in for the next ten weeks or so. I look forward to seeing so many of friends each summer.
I hope to see you soon!
Chuck
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First Salmon Bake of the Season
Where does the time go? We can't believe that we're already cooking up some salmon for the first big group of the season. Eastshore/University Unitarian Universalist Churches enjoyed the salmon, and the weather. We have heard guests saying that this is the first time in many years that the weather has been this nice. Most of their Salmon Bakes have been held in the dining room because of rain, or it was too cold, or both.
Glad we could make their weekend memorable!
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June Groups
New Beginnings Christian Family Center
The Compassionate Friends/WICS
Seattle Center for Self Realization
Kitsap County Public Works
Suzuki Institute of Seattle
Coltura
The Featherweight Club of Skagit County
Camp Seabeck
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Seabeck Group Profile
Suzuki Institute of Seattle
Coming to Seabeck since 1981
Mission Statement
Suzuki Institute of Seattle provides music education for children.
The Suzuki method of music instruction was developed over 50 years ago by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Matsumoto, Japan. The method is based on the concept that every child's innate musical talent can be nurtured. A child can be taught music at a very early age much the same way that he or she learns to speak. Children learn language through encouragement, exposure, and repetition. Together, parents and Suzuki teachers use these principles to provide an ideal environment at the lessons as well as at home. The triangular arrangement of teacher, parent, and child is the key to success through early childhood, and it leads to increasing independence and self-motivation in the teenage years.
One aim of the Suzuki method is to develop each child's character to its fullest potential. The skills which are developed while learning an instrument - concentration, coordination, memory, long attention span, respect for other people, taking turns, working together in a group - are all skills that are valuable for any person. Dr. Suzuki emphasized that his ultimate goal was to develop the natural musical ability of a child for his or her own happiness.
Each June, the Suzuki Institute of Seattle offers a three day music camp for students and parents at the
Seabeck
. Many parents comment that the camp improves student motivation and helps make home practice more fun for the student.
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The New Pines Campaign
We have a desire to continue to offer our services for many years to come. Seabeck Conference Center is happy to serve people like you, and we invite you to be a part of our legacy. Your donation will help us build a new Pines that will be a place for future generations to gather.
The New Pines will have:
- Flexible Floor/Bed Plans
- 20 Private Bathrooms
- Two Meeting Rooms
- Spacious Lobby
- Kitchen
- Conversation Areas
- Increased Accessibility
- Hidden Parking
- New Plaza with Seating
- Keeps Big Trees
Levels of Donor Recognition:
* All donors will be acknowledged in the new Pines
* $1,000 - Acknowledged on a brick in the Pines Patio
* $5,000 - Acknowledged on a bench in the Pines Plaza
* $20,000 - Acknowledged on Guest Rooms
* $50,000 - Acknowledged in Lounge Area
All gifts are welcome. Seabeck Conference Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your contribution may be tax deductible. If you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Chuck Kraining at (360) 830-5010 or email him at [email protected].
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