September 2018 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 the Director
And just like that, summer is over. One day I was setting up fans everywhere and last night I was wearing a sweatshirt on the beach and was still a little chilly. Now if it would just rain a little at night.
We had a great summer season. Groups came in at or above numbers, seemed happy and lots of old friends returned after considerable absences. Last week we hosted The Center for Spiritual Living-Seattle. A couple of their members hadn't attended in fifteen years. They were surprised by all the changes. We get busy and forget to take a second to reflect on all the good things that have gone on here on campus. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to remind us of all the good work.
Speaking of CSL, we had a great week with them. Their members gave generously to both the Pines Campaign and Staff Fund. They shattered their own Staff Fund contribution record, giving $5367.10! What a great thing to do! We get a little short staffed this time of year as students return to colleges across the country. Those that stay sometimes feel a little over worked these last few weeks of summer. Those that stayed on will get around $100 each from that great gift. That is a great thank you to the hard-working staff.
The Pines Campaign is rapidly approaching the $1.1 million mark. We are very close to being able to ask Foundations for support. Now is the time that we can really use your help. If you have been considering a gift to Pines, there is no better time than now. I would love to spend the winter completing Foundation Grant packages. Your gift could put us over the top. Please give today.
Happy Labor Day. September looks to be very busy again. We are still way ahead of this point last year. 2018 could be one for the record books!
Thanks,
Chuck
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The Portables Have Arrived
The two buildings arrived last week from Klahowya Secondary School. After their 6.2 mile journey to our campus, they are being set up in the Rhododendron area near the Inn. These buildings will be used for approximately 18 months before and during the Pines replacement project. This will allow groups that traditionally use Pines to have a place meet while the building is removed and rebuilt. It is particularly exciting because it is the first tangible step in the project. We expect them to open in October. They will be removed shortly after the new Pines is finished.
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A Song About Seabeck
Eliot Creative Arts had
Brooksie Wells, Intuitive Songwriting, to the retreat this year for one of their workshops.
Intuitive Songwriting: A Spiritual Journey through Music.
Participants will bring songs and song ideas with them along with instruments and lyrics. We will share our personal reasons for creating music. We will work together to complete pieces and also do some co-writing. We will explore the business of music as well as the art and craft of songwriting. Our end result will be some lovely songs and a shared artistic experience.
Here is a link a video they made!
The Seabeck Song
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Friends of Seabeck Weekend
December 8-10, 2018
We will start registration in October for the Friends of Seabeck Weekend. We will hold it in conjunction with the Kitsap Historical Society's Mill Town Christmas. We will start on Saturday December 8th with lunch. Activities will include chocolate making classes, Christmas crafts, receptions, gourmet dinner, movie night party, maybe even a sip and paint session. There will updates on Seabeck and the Pines Campaign. We will set up the schedule so you can leave after lunch on Sunday, after Mill Town Christmas that evening or stay until Monday breakfast.
The cost for any overnight stay of any length will be just $100. More details will follow next month. I hope to see you there.
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How Do Plastic Straws Affect the World
We will no longer have straws available at Seabeck. If you really need a straw while you are here, please consider purchasing some reusable straws to bring with you. There are many options out there, including paper, silicone and metal. Click the link below to see what's best for you.
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Some Things to Do While at Seabeck
Seabeck 2 miles away
Don't forget to pack a picnic for your date at Scenic Beach. This Hood Canal state park was recently named "Best Romantic Spot" by area residents.
Is your dog the love of your life these days, or does Fido tend to get lost in the chaos of family life? Either way, your pooch will be thrilled to walk with you on the shore. Scenic Beach is dog friendly, just don't forget the leash.
A short drive from Bremerton, Scenic Beach State Park is the quintessential out-in-the-country neighborhood park. Its beaches and shaded picnic areas are a mecca for locals, while the park is also a popular wedding site and camping park for out-of-towners.
This picturesque little park, with its views of Mount Olympus hovering over the toothy Olympic mountain range, welcomes everyone. Groomed trails provide access to the historic Emel House, a pretty gazebo and a country garden, all of which add to the charm of Scenic Beach.
Park features
Scenic Beach State Park is a 121-acre camping park with 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront on Hood Canal. The restored 1912 Emel House, plus a gazebo and stellar views have made it a popular wedding venue. The park is known for its wild, native rhododendrons in spring.
Boating -
Crabbing -
Diving -
Fishing (saltwater) -
Personal watercraft use -
Swimming
Beach exploration -
Bird watching -
Fire circles -
Horseshoe pits -
Volleyball fields
Seabeck 5.9 miles away
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Olympics from a secluded cove with many different types of seabirds and wildlife. Try to keep your feet dry while exploring a series of trails amid the historic 184-acre Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve.
Begin by hiking downhill on the Main Access Trail, located opposite of the parking lot. Ignore trails branching left and meet up with the Sawmill Trail. Continue right as the trail descends through a canopy of cedar, hemlock and fir--eventually becoming the Margaret Trail. Round a switchback and arrive at the bottom of the hill. Turn left, passing the rundown Nest House and emerge at a kiosk.
After periods of heavy rain, the meadow across from the kiosk can flood, making access to the beach difficult. There are plans to build a boardwalk through this wet area, but until then, if conditions (or waterproof boots) allow, cross the bridge over Boyce Creek and follow the rerouted Beach House Trail past the old house to the saltwater cove. Watch for seabirds, including the black and white pigeon guillemot for which the cove was named.
If a soggy meadow stops progress towards the beach, try hiking the Stump House Trail to its namesake: a large hollowed out cedar stump house with roof. The Stump House Trail isn't obstacle-free; ensure careful footing on the slanted boardwalk that spans the creek as well as on slippery mud throughout the meadow.
For a possibly drier alternative, the Maple Tree Trail begins just past the fallen-down remains of an old barn a short distance from the kiosk. This level trail connects with the River Trail Loop and meanders beneath giant, moss-covered big leaf maples, some of which are more than 200 years old!
On the hike back to the parking lot, consider following the access road. The first obvious trail leading left reconnects with the Sawmill and Main Access Trail junction.
Bremerton 5.7 miles away
Come see our majestic seven acre gardens at the foot of the Olympic Mountains
Among rare trees and ponds you will see the most beautiful array of rhododendron hybrids and species in the Northwest. You will also see an abundance of azaleas, magnolias, maples, conifers, kalmias, camellias, perennials, trees, shrubs and ground cover.
If you can't come to us, we can ship to you anywhere in the U.S.
Rhododendrons begin blooming in February and the peak bloom of fragrant rhododendrons is in early May. Visit during the fall colors of large Oaks, Maples, Magnolias, Beeches, Plums, Katsuras and many colorful deciduous shrubs and companion plants.
Stroll along a half mile of sand and gravel pathways through level and gently sloping terrain (wheelchair accessible). See the trees determined by the University of Washington Department of Horticulture to be the oldest living specimens of its species in the state.
Benches and tables provided for picnics.
Admission to garden: $1.00/person, children under 12 free.
Bainbridge Island 13.3 miles away
Bloedel Reserve is an internationally renowned public garden and forest preserve. The founders' vision was "to provide refreshment and tranquility in the presence of natural beauty," and Bloedel's mission is to "enrich people's lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes."
Purple Scent Lavender is a Lavender farm in the Pacific Northwest using organic practices and growing Lavender in an eco-friendly way. The Lavender we grow is sold all over the United States, it is also used in all our products. We are proud to say that our Lavender lotions and all Lavender Bath & Body products are made with the freshest and finest quality of natural ingredients.
Once you step into my Boutique you will be uplifted with the scent of Lavender from bouquets in the summer months to Dried Lavender bundles all year round. On our shelves are Lavender filled sachets, pillows artfully stenciled with Lavender, an antique table pilled high with natural Lavender soaps, essentials oils, and Lavender candles. We have a variety of Culinary Lavender products too, ground Lavender, Herbs de Provence, teas, sugar and cookies. We have handcrafted gifts to give to a special friend or use in your home. You are always welcome to come back and fill your shopping cart with all things Lavender.
You are welcome to visit us in the summer months when our Lavender is in bloom. Our boutique is open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 to 5:00, May through July. In August the boutique is open only 10:00 to 4:00 Wednesday through Saturday.
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SEPTEMBER QUESTION:
What name was chosen for the new Pines building?
AUGUST QUESTION
There doesn't seem to be anyone that knows anything about the Totem Pole in front of Chuck's house. Does anyone out there have the answer?
AUGUST ANSWER:
No one had the answer for this one!
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Look Who's Quilting at Seabeck
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PUYALLUP VALLEY QUILTERS PVQ is a non-profit quilt guild dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the art of quilt making through education, workshops, lectures, demonstrations and exhibits offered to our members and to the community.
As part of our efforts to aid our community, the Puyallup Valley Quilters provide quilts for various non-profit organizations such as
Helping Hand House
, which aids families in Pierce County. We also have donated quilts to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness/Research, children's quilts to the Puyallup Police Department for crisis situations involving children such as domestic violence, child abuse situations and car accidents. Many PVQ members continue to seek out ways that they can individually give additional support to our community.
PVQ holds their retreats at Seabeck in March and October every year.
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QUILTS FROM THE HEART From The Heart is a nonprofit public benefit organization that brings caring and comfort to children, teens, and adults in our community who are most in need, by providing handmade patchwork quilts to warm the body and soothe the heart and soul. Our members share their love of fabric, quilting and friendship in a "no pressure" atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. After 20 years, we had given away over 8,000 quilts - thereby supporting many small charities in an attempt to make people's lives a little better. Quilts From the Heart is at Seabeck in January, April and September.
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NARROWS CONNECTION QUILTERS Narrows Connection Quiltmaker's is a nonprofit association dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the art of quilt making. It is organized exclusively for fellowship, education, and support of our chosen charitable community service projects. Narrows Connection Quiltmaker's was formally organized in 1982 to share the love of quilt making. We have been coming to Seabeck Conference Center for our annual quilt retreat since 1990. Our community service projects include making lap quilts for individuals coping with cancer, holding silent auctions with the proceeds going to two local food banks, making colorful cloth bags and donating clothing and supplies to go in them for the Children's Advocacy Center at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Narrow Connection is at Seabeck every Spring.
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KITSAP QUILTERS We are over 150 quilters who love to quilt! The Kitsap Quilters guild offers opportunities to learn, sew with others who are passionate about quilting, make friendships with creative people, contribute back to our community, participate in groups - large and small - and to display our work at our annual Quilt Show. We draw from a large geographic area. Most of our members live (at least some of the year) on the Kitsap Peninsula, but some live further away. No matter your needs, or time commitment, Kitsap Quilters offers a venue for your creative sewing expressions. Kitsap is at Seabeck in January, March and November.
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EVERGREEN PIECEMAKER'S Evergreen Piecemaker's Quilt Guild's goal is to promote the art of quilting and quilt making through workshops, lectures and exhibitions offered to members and the general public. We will work to preserve the heritage of quilt making and quilt appreciation. We provide an informational base for those interested in quilt making and related art, and encourage excellence in those while providing a source of inspiration and fellowship for quilt enthusiasts. We strive to enrich our lives by the commitments of donations related to quilts and other fiber arts (i.e. quilts, scholarships, time and efforts) to deserving organizations, hospitals, groups or individuals. Evergreen Piecemaker's are at Seabeck in January and October.
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STITCHING GIRLS SOCIETY
We are a non-profit organization established in December 2009 by a group of people who had been attending the
Vashon Island Sewing Retreats
for 25 years. The purpose of the Stitching Girls Society is to promote interest in and perpetuation of sewing, garment making, quilt making and other needle and fiber arts skills; to provide inspiration, fellowship and educational opportunities through events, classes and sewing retreats; and to encourage and facilitate the donation of sewn articles to charitable organizations. Stitching Girls Society will hold their first retreat at Seabeck this month.
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WASHINGTON STAR QUILT GUILD
Our guild provides a forum for sharing our interest in the art and craft of quilting in all its forms through regular membership meetings, special programs, quilt shows, classes, group projects and charitable works. Washington Stars Quilt Guild members lovingly hand make items to donate to a variety of recipients in our South Sound community including, Foster Children, Providence St. Peters Family Birth Center, Thurston County Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Baby Bank, Hospice and Safe Place. Washington Star Quilt Guild will hold their first retreat at Seabeck in May 2019.
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QUILTERS ANONYMOUS
Quilters Anonymous is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to share the love and knowledge of all aspects of quilting and related items, and to provide education and quilting-related community service. In fact, our community service record dates back to 1984, when the Preemie quilt program started with University Hospital's Neonatal Unit. It was then expanded to include Kirkland's Evergreen Hospital's Neonatal Unit and to date QA has made 10,000+ preemie quilts. Other charities include: Atlantic Street Center, Children's Hospital (Seattle), Camp Erin, Fisher House, U of W Medical Center, Evergreen Hospice, Madigan Hospital, and nursing homes throughout greater Seattle. Quilters Anonymous has their Seabeck retreat every Spring.
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GIG HARBOR QUILTERS We meet the first Wednesday of the month at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club, located in downtown Gig Harbor at 8209 Stinson Avenue. Social hour is at 1:00 pm and the meeting is 1:30 - 3:30 PM. We are the only guild in the region that meets during the daytime. Currently our guild's 90 members sew for 3 different charities, A Place Called Hope, Kids Come First, and the pediatric patients at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Our retreats at Seabeck are so popular with members that we recently sold out within 24 ho
urs of taking registration! Gig Harbor quilters come to Seabeck in November.
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FEATHERWEIGHT CLUB OF SKAGIT VALLEY The Singer Sewing Machine Company released a Featherweight model of sewing machine from 1933 to about 1964. The machine was a popular model then and is now collected by people who enjoy the convenience, the vintage, and the fun of sewing on them. The Featherweight weighs about 11 pound and is characterized by its fold-up bed extension which gives a bit of room on the left of the needle and allows it to be tucked into an almost cubical wooden case along with its attachments. It was sturdily made, is very quiet and although it only sews a straight stitch, it sews that stitch beautifully.
The Featherweight Club of Skagit Valley celebrates this vintage brand of machine and gather twice a year for retreats at Seabeck from around the Pacific Northwest. The group's emphasis is on supporting each other in learning about the machine, how to use the attachments, to sew on them and to have fun together. The group makes Alzheimer quilts that are given to memory care centers in the Mount Vernon area where many of the members meet monthly.
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S & B QUILTERS S & B quilters began about 1990 when we gathered a group of friends mostly from church to meet monthly in each other's homes. We would bring handwork and show and tell. Our meetings have continued monthly from the beginning. About two years in, a couple of us attended a quilting retreat and thought we should bring this experience back to the group; so since that time, we have had an annual retreat. We have been meeting at Seabeck for quite a few years now and look forward to our time there every winter! Several in the group have moved away from the area but still come back for the retreat - including one who flies in from Virginia! It's a great time of fellowship, support and education (and a lot of laughing!). We choose a project ahead of time and each person makes the same quilt in their own fabrics, or brings a project to work on. We usually include a project for charity as well during the weekend.
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CEDAR RIVER QUILTERS are a
group of friends dedicated to promoting the art of quilting, and giving back to the community.
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HANDS ALL AROUND QUILTERS
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FRIDAY QUILTERS
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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 (ready by Spring 2020) that will be a place for future generations to gather.
All gifts are welcome. Seabeck Conference Center is a 501c3 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 chuck@seabeck.org.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH SEABECK
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