January 2018 News & Views
Look for News & Views in your inbox every month to see what's happening at Seabeck.

A Message from the Director
 
2017 was a good year for Seabeck in many ways, particularly financially. Our income went up more than our expenses and guest days remain solid. I am grateful to run such a financially viable center. This isn't the case in many conference centers across the country as centers struggle to survive. I don't have to worry about how to pay the electric bill next month, so I can work on how to be ready for guests in 2018 and beyond. We could go on just like we are for many years, but at the end of that time, we would be a broken-down place unusable by guests. We are working now to never get to that point. A new Pines provides a sustainable future for Seabeck and helps guarantees your great grandchildren will grow up with Seabeck in their lives. 

"Our dreams are big-our hopes are high-our goals are long term-and the path is difficult. But the only failure is not to try."

I just saw that quote on the internet today. It was attributed to Jimmy Carter. I couldn't confirm that anywhere else on the internet. In any case, it's a great quote and seems to directly relate to our little conference center. We have some big audacious goals and dreams for 2018.

First of all, we are going to complete the fundraising drive for Pines. The new Pines is a game changer for this campus and will set us up for a vibrant future. The Campaign kicks into high gear this week. You will see invites to Seabeck gatherings in Portland and Vancouver, BC in early 2018. Our Seabeck Ambassador program is ready to launch, so you might hear from a friendly person from your group in the spring. We are always looking for help, so please let me know if you could volunteer some time to help us get Pines built.

We will not let the campus get neglected while we focus on Pines. We recently added new carpet to Reeser and Firs. Firs also got a much-needed bathroom remodel. It now has four single service rooms: two with showers, two with toilets. Plans this year include: adding guest access to free ice, doing some work on our exterior lighting, and hopefully improving the front patio of the Inn. Other projects will come up as the year unfolds. Stay tuned to News and Views for more information.
2018 is going to be a very busy year here at Seabeck. Busy years are our best years. I hope to see you here often in 2018!

Thanks,
Chuck
The Maple Trees



The maple trees in front of the Inn were beyond their lifespan and needed to be taken down, but there are now two new maples in their place.
Seabeck in December


Early evening on December 29th the sky in Seabeck was an beautiful shade of purple. 
Seabeck Staff Christmas Party


The staff enjoyed the Christmas party at Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant in Silverdale on December 20th. Thanks Chuck! 
Look Whose at Seabeck When You're Not!

Altissimo in Music
Mission Statement:  To create an enriching musical and educational experience for young cellists.  They will have the opportunity to learn from master cellists as well as build a community among their fellow musicians, not to mention all the fun they will have!
















 
"Altissimo in Music" ("AIM" High in Music!) is a nonprofit  organization serving our musical community, led by Elizabeth Gue, Executive Director, along with Foothills Suzuki Institute teachers.  "AIM" has taken over sponsorship of Foothills Suzuki Camp Seabeck and the Foothills Cello Festival. But it's much more than that! We are so excited with the possibilities of having our very own nonprofit organization dedicated to serving students and families in our community.
 
Altissimo in Music holds a retreat in Seabeck each year. It is a fantastic setting for a great musical experience for the entire family.  When not enjoying classes or performances, the grounds include hiking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, row boats, a swimming lagoon as well as a beautiful view of Hood Canal.

Your January/February Horoscope


Capricorn
December 22 - January 21

Happy Birthday to all you responsible, dependable, industrious souls! Your new yearly astrological cycle begins with a lot of planetary movement in Capricorn. The Universal energy puts the spotlight on YOU.

Express yourself, share thoughts and ideas. Change or enhance your appearance. Ask for what you want. The 10th would be an ideal time to begin a new project that has your personal stamp on it. Get plenty of exercise to help relieve that hard to identify restlessness. After the 19th, you must begin to address your values and earning power. Intense emotional issues could arise on the 25th.

Remember you have Jupiter moving direct for the first time in several years in your birthday chart. That means a whole year of extra opportunity and unexpected luck - keep your eyes and ears open.

Aquarius
January 22 - February 19

Again, it's time to go within. Spend time with nature, reflect, and seek solitude. Listen to the Universal whisper its truths. Charitable work provides a breath of fresh air to your soul. The 10th would be a good time to begin a spiritual/metaphysical discipline that would help you get in touch with your emotions.

Take a leading role in some group or organization. You'll have the stamina to see you through. After the 19th, you begin to recharge yourself and burn off the personal fog surrounding you. You're ready to share the personal truths and ideas you've uncovered.

There could be something to address in partnerships/relationships on the 25th - be patient and tactful. after the 30th, you're ready to communicate with others and may say things to shock and catch people off guard.

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].
STAY CONNECTED WITH SEABECK
  Like us on Facebook
Seabeck Conference Center | 360.830.5010 | Email | Website