AUGUST 2021
A Personal Message from the Director
Pines is underway again! We served Blintzes in the Dining Room! The staff is worn out! Seems like old times.

Work has restarted on the Pines project. Completion is expected in October. Thanks for all your patience. It will be rewarded with a beautiful new asset to the campus. Look for information coming about work parties, open houses, and ribbon-cutting. You will also be contacted soon about one last chance to help finish the Pines while keeping the financed amount low.
We have started a system where we are borrowing from Seabeck guests to finish the building and to pay off higher-rate loans. If you are interested in how you can help Seabeck and get a good return on your money, contact Chuck.

We hosted over 200 people from Seabeck Family Camp last week. Everything went well considering how understaffed we were. The SFC guests were great and everything went smoothly. We even served blintzes. It took four months of trying and ordering, but they finally arrived. We still couldn’t get strawberries, but a mixed berry topping sufficed. It’s all part of the new normal. I never know what the food delivery company will have on a daily basis. It keeps us on our toes.

The Fall still looks good and groups are reporting close to normal attendance. We are starting to pull out of this mess. I see a bright future ahead!

Thanks,
Chuck
Seabeck Welcomes New Staff Member
Meet our new Guest Greeter, Buster.

No, we have not loosened our pet policy. Buster is a campus resident having been adopted by Chuck. He is seven months old and came here from Guam. There is a huge stray dog problem on the island and a group started advertising available dogs on Facebook. One look at that face, and he was on his way. Originally listed as a Chihuahua/Corgi, his DNA test revealed he is actually Jack Russell Terrier/Beagle/Rat Terrier and Cocker Spaniel. He spends most days in Chuck’s office where he is available for greeting or you will see him on campus dragging Chuck around on a leash. He is very friendly and loves to kiss faces. Approach with caution HAHA
Updated COVID-19 Precautions
July 31st Sunset at Seabeck
August Random Acts of Kindness
Here is your August Random Acts of Kindness Calendar. Make someone smile today!
August 'Unofficial' Holidays!
August 1

National Friendship Day occurs every year on the first Sunday of August — August 1, 2021 — and celebrates the importance of loving platonic relationships. Friendships are the purest type of human relationships. For more than a century, we’ve celebrated the strength of friendship, and thanks to social media, we’re able to continue celebrating with our friends no matter where they are in the world.
August 2

Celebrated every year on August 2, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day conjures up visions of our favorite summer treat. It’s a simple thing, really, but oh, what deliciousness! In our American version, take two rectangular or circular flat cookies made of chocolate or oatmeal and match them with your favorite flavor of ice cream. Then, make it into a neat little sandwich. There’s nothing better than the taste of sugary sweet, ice cold creaminess and sometimes, chocolate all together in one outrageously-good dessert!
August 3

Did you know that watermelon is 92% water? No wonder it’s so refreshing! People have been digging into this tasty, juicy fruit for millennia and it all started in Ancient Egypt. It’s said that watermelon cultivation began in the Nile Valley as early as the second millennium B.C. Watermelon seeds were even found in King Tut’s tomb! On August 3, we celebrate this ancient berry in a feast of juicy deliciousness—otherwise known as National Watermelon Day.
August 4

National Cookie Day is observed every year on August 4 and we are celebrating it this year by… eating cookies! Biting into a Chocolate Chip Cookie can transport us back to the halcyon days of our childhoods when the days were long and the milk was cold.

August 5

It may be a dog-eat-dog world out there, which can force you to work like a dog even during the dog days of summer! Work Like a Dog Day, which is celebrated on August 5, honors people who put in that extra bit of hard work. This quirky day is inspired by the reputed strong work ethic of canines, especially service dogs. Today, pause to appreciate the hard workers who inspire (or in some cases, frustrate) you.
August 6

Diet? Not on August 6. It’s National Root Beer Float Day, after all — a time to enjoy one of the best beverage/dessert combos on the planet. On that day, some even compete for root beer float greatness. It all started in Colorado back in 1893. Frank J. Wisner was inspired. Surrounded by Cow Mountain where his Cripple Creek Brewing Company was located, Wisner came up with a novel idea. While mountain gazing, he didn’t see snow-covered peaks. Instead, Wisner envisioned scoops of ice cream floating in root beer. 
August 7

Ground from the seeds of a mustard plant, mustard is one of America’s favorite condiments. Food lovers can celebrate this versatile topping on National Mustard Day, August 7. The National Mustard Museum was the originator of the holiday and celebrates the day every first Saturday in August. Guests who visit the museum on this special day can take part in a wide variety of games and even try a free hot dog and mustard sampling. Of course, you don’t have to go to the museum to have fun. 
August 8

It’s that time of year when keen gardeners have way too much zucchini on their hands, and so August 8 is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. Those tasty zucchini plants are so rich in produce that even the most hardcore zucchini muncher will struggle to eat it all. With that in mind, this cheeky day is your chance to sneak up your neighbor’s garden path and leave a little surprise for when they open the door.


August 9

Books are the purest form of escapism. They can take you to any time, place, or culture. In honor of National Book Lovers Day August 9, we put away our smartphones, pull out a good book and simply read. (Well, an audiobook will suffice too.) From clay tablets to today’s eBooks, literature has played a crucial role in preserving cultures, educating the masses, and storytelling.
August 10

We honor the most commonly packed camping snack by celebrating National S’mores Day on August 10. Summertime is finally here and with it comes camping and gathering around the firepit in the great outdoors. Originating right here in the U.S.A., the s’more has us salivating in anticipation of smashing those tasty toasted marshmallows with a slab of chocolate between two graham crackers. Read on for the latest trends in s’more-making and try a new twist on an old favorite tonight.
August 11

National Son and Daughter Day is celebrated annually on August 11. This love-centric family holiday (which we’re sure has gained the approval of both Gloria Steinem and Smokey Robinson, as you’ll see) reminds us to take a step back from the whirlwind of paying the bills, surviving the maelstrom of current events, and meeting what seem to be thousands of daily obligations, and spend time with our children.
August 12

Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance, this August 12, we honor one of Earth’s most magnificent creatures with World Elephant Day. Over the last decade, the number of elephants has significantly dropped by 62% and they could be mostly extinct by the end of the next decade. It is estimated that, every day, 100 African elephants are killed by poachers. The desire for ivory in Asian markets has led to the slaughter of thousands of elephants. World Elephant Day was created to raise awareness and create change to save these majestic creatures.
August 13

The first Friday the 13th of the year, which is August 13, 2021, marks National Blame Someone Else Day. Don’t we blame that day for anything that goes wrong anyway? If you must leave the house today, go ahead and plan your best stories of how someone else (or some thing) may be at fault for whatever happens. We’ve all had plenty of practice so it shouldn’t be a wildly daunting task. But, read on if you need a little more inspiration!
August 14

I scream, you scream, we all scream for National Creamsicle Day on August 14! Every year on this day, one of the most famous frozen desserts in history is honored, and just in time, since we are in the middle of the hottest month of the year. Whether you are making ice pops at home or listening for the bells and music of the ice cream truck, today is the perfect day to indulge in a cool, sweet treat.
Creamsicles date back to the early 20th century when Frank Epperson accidentally created what would later become known as the Popsicle. As the story goes, Epperson left a concoction of fruit juice and water outside overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing. When he found the frozen mix the next morning, with a stir stick frozen in the middle, the Popsicle was born.
August 15

Sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the roses. So, on August 15, we celebrate National Relaxation Day. While you won’t make it far in life without putting your best foot forward, that American work ethic can be a double-edged sword. It’s hard to avoid burnout without kicking that foot up on an ottoman every now and then!
August 16

A horse walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Why the long face?”
And there you have it: the classic joke. An innocent setup that leads to a punch line — which in turn, sparks big laughs and lifelong admiration from both friends and family. You hope. (Nobody said comedy was easy.) In our opinion, this day should be celebrated all year long.

August 17

On National Black Cat Appreciation Day, August 17, black cats could use a good spin doctor. They’re so sleek and seductive with their all-knowing yellow and green eyes, but black cats seldom get positive press even though they’re just as adorable as other cats. Let’s look at facts about this national day that honors our beautiful, sleek cats, and the reason why it was created in the first place.

August 18

Get some steak sizzling over an open flame because August 18 is National Fajita Day. It’s a day to celebrate the authentic taste of the Southwest with the fiesta of flavor known as the fajita. Throw in some awesome black beans or even add a little hot sauce, guacamole, sour cream, or cheese. The combinations are endless. It’s National Fajita Day so you know what you’ve got to do (eat fajitas, obviously).
August 19

Potatoes have been a popular food for centuries so it’s about time we recognize this versatile and ap-peeling favorite. Mashed, smashed, chipped, or covered in cheese, potatoes can be eaten with just about every meal — or as a meal! — making these starchy veggies a delicious and easy way to get iron, potassium and vitamin c. The puns are just baked right in! Now just fry and stop us from telling you the whole scoop on what makes National Potato Day so …spudtacular.
August 20

This August 20, join your community in celebrating National Lemonade Day! Participating cities will have the chance to teach youth about setting up their own lemonade stand and running their own company. It’s a great way to meet people in your city, sip on a refreshing beverage and put your money to a good cause.
August 21

Do you have an elderly person in your life that you love and appreciate? National Senior Citizens Day, August 21, is the day to let them know how much you care and it’s an opportunity to recognize their accomplishments. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.
August 22

National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22 lets the kid in you relive all the fun of remembering how the Tooth Fairy swapped your front tooth for a few coins or even a dollar, which you discovered under your pillow in the morning. The myth is comforting for many children who are afraid of losing a tooth.

August 23

While there are many variations of the cake, one of the most popular is the Victoria sponge. Named after Queen Victoria (who is said to have enjoyed a slice of sponge cake with her afternoon tea), the cake consists of raspberry jam and whipped cream sandwiched between two layers of sponge. Whichever variation you prefer, be sure to bake (or buy) yourself a cake and celebrate!
August 24

August 24 is National Waffle Day. Pass the syrup! We’ll welcome any occasion to indulge in this iconic international treat. With so many varieties — Belgium, Hong Kong, stroopwafels, galettes – to enjoy in countless ways from adding classic toppings like butter and syrup, fruit, and chocolate, to waffle sandwiches and hotdog buns, we can’t wait to eat them at every meal.
August 25

Surprisingly, the original banana split wasn’t created in an ice cream parlor but in a pharmacy in 1904. Banana splits were the brainchild of David Evans Strickler, a pharmacist’s apprentice who enjoyed experimenting with new soda fountain sundaes in his free time. They were so popular with the college crowd that students willingly paid 10 cents, double the price of a normal sundae. Try a banana split today and you’ll understand why this amazing dessert is a classic!
August 26

National Dog Day is on August 26 and we are getting ready to celebrate all our furry friends in the best ways possible! Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend? It is time to pull out all the cake and pictures of your pup and share your love for them with the world!
August 27

On August 27, you won’t need a reason to celebrate. All you need is National Just Because Day. Why? Well, just because. If you want to make spaghetti for breakfast wearing last year’s Halloween costume, more power to you. If you want to climb a tree as an adult, take the risk. It’s a day to stop worrying about the whys.
August 28

National Bow Tie Day, on August 28, is the one and only holiday dedicated to everyone’s favorite underrated accessory. It’s the perfect day to dig out your favorite bow tie and parade it around town to show everyone just how dapper and sophisticated you are! Even if you pair it with jeans, you’re sure to look top-notch while wearing such a statement accessory. So, today, we celebrate these classic fashion devices and all the people that regularly choose to wear them.
August 29

Lemons are the main ingredient in one of America’s favorite summertime beverages and a necessary accessory to any seafood feast. But don’t just drink the juice: use the oil from the lemon rind to make a nontoxic insect repellant or spray the juice on your hair to give it a lighter, beachier color! The options for lemons are endless!
August 30

Everyone loves a good day at the beach, right? Celebrate your affinity for the coast on August 30, National Beach Day. Started in 2014, this holiday raises our awareness of the beauty of beaches while also calling attention to keeping them clean and safe.

July 31

Eat Outside Day, falling on August 31, encourages everyone to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors whilst enjoying a meal, too. Our earliest ancestors ate outside, so it’s no wonder we love to eat in the open air as they did. Whether you want a luxurious al fresco dining experience or a simple, rustic bite surrounded by nature, we’ve got some suggestions to make you salivate over Eat Outside Day.










SEE
YOU IN SEPTEMBER
Ways to Donate to Seabeck
WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT
SEABECK CONFERENCE CENTER
Want to help us lay the foundation for the next decade of Seabeck Conference Center?
There are many ways, not all of them involving huge disbursements of cash.
Here are some creative ideas you might not have thought about:

Cash Donation Today
Tax-deductible gifts via check, credit card, in person, or online. Please consider
upping your regular gift by another 10 percent.

Automatic Monthly Payments
Gifts can be deducted periodically from your bank account, making larger donations
easier by spreading them over time.

Low-Cost Appreciated Stock
Avoid paying the capital gains by giving full-market value to Seabeck Conference Center.

In-Kind Donation
We are always in need of furniture, lighting, rugs, and much more - the market value is tax-deductible.

Multi-Year Pledges
A great way to ensure support will be there when we need it year after year.

Designated Gifts
Donate to a targeted project or capital campaign.

Commemorative Gifts
Donate a bench or rocking chair in honor of someone or something important to you.

A Bequest in Your Will
Your gift can be a specific sum or a percentage of an estate after other bequests.
Just add an addendum to your existing will.

Life Insurance and Savings Accounts
Same as retirement plans, except those payments made to Seabeck Conference Center
are exempt only from estate taxes.

IRA's and Retirement Plans
Your estate receives a charitable deduction for the full gift amount on estate and income
taxes, while we receive full donation value. Non-charitable heirs receive only a part of
the value (since inherited assets are subject to estate and income taxes).

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity. QCDs can be counted toward satisfying your required minimum distributions (RMDs) for the year, as long as certain rules are met. You must be 70 1/2 or older to be eligible to make a QCD.


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 chuck@seabeck.org.

Seabeck Conference Center
13395 Lagoon Dr NW
Seabeck, Washington 98380
360.830.5010 Email | Website