Providence Point Chamber Quartet returns for 20th year
October 26, 2010
Providence Point Chamber Quartet musicians Virginia Dziekonski, Tom Dziekonski, Eileen Swanson and Ingrid Fredrickson (from left) start their 20th season on Halloween. Contributed
It all started because violist Eileen Swanson had jury duty in 1991.
She met a woman whose mother-in-law, Verona Crane, was turning 85. The family wanted to throw Crane a surprise birthday party, and they wanted a string quartet to feature at the celebration
Swanson agreed, and assembled a quartet of her friends who played for groups across Seattle, including the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, ACT Theatre and Seattle Opera.
“We just had a wonderful time, as everybody out there adored it and asked if we would come back,” Swanson said. Read more
Skyline secures Crest Division title
October 26, 2010
Skyline’s Connor Cree (left), Jordan Simone (21) and Kasen Williams, back right, take down Eastlake running back Sam Gillis after a big run in the second quarter. By Christopher Huber
Sophomore quarterback Max Browne and the Skyline High School football team knew a trip to the 4A KingCo Conference championship game was on the line.
With that in mind, he and his receivers played catch all game long Oct. 22. Browne mixed it up with a strong showing in the short game, as well as with the Spartans’ signature big plays down the sideline.
Browne missed just four passes, a few of which were dropped, and finished the night completing 38 of 42 pass attempts for 386 yards as he directed Skyline to a 36-22 victory against visiting Eastlake.
“We knew we had to do the quick stuff,” he said after the game. “If I just had two seconds, the gap routes were open.” Read more
Aspiring authors find a home at writing cottage
October 26, 2010
The Pacific Northwest Writers Association has opened a “writers’ cottage” in Gilman Village, which will be its new official home as well as a meeting place for casual writers and published authors alike.
Pacific Northwest Writers Association President Pam Binder (left) and Sandy McCormac talk shop in the writers’ cottage in Gilman Village. By Stepphanie Stokes
The association began in 1955 and is one of the oldest writers’ associations in the United States. But only now has it been able to create a real place of congregation for its members, president Pam Binder said.
“A lot of our members kept asking for a place to stop by and talk with writers,” she said. “We never really had a place that was like that.”
To mark this new start, the nonprofit organization will hold an open house at the cottage from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 30. The event will feature book signings with several published authors who are also members of the association.
Aside from events, which they hope to hold monthly, Binder said, the cottage is really a resource for its members and other writers. Anyone who dreams of one day writing a novel may come into the cottage during its open hours and take advantage of what it has to offer.
“If there are people that want to come in and write, we want to be open for them,” she said.
The cottage features a bright, open room illuminated by many large windows; on a recent day, sunlight flooded the space. A large wooden table in the center of the room beckons anyone who wants to sit and work, or chat. Large bookshelves filled with books line two sides of the room. Several comfy chairs in the entryway give a homey feel.
Indeed, the mission of the association, originally formed for the Northwest Writers Conference, is to help authors through the difficult process of finding a publisher and starting their writing career. Board member Sandy McCormac said she believes that each person has a story to tell; the association is there to carry writers from this initial stage to the fulfillment of their potential as a writer.
“It’s about helping people find their voice,” she said.
Inside the cottage are a wide variety of donated books, many of them written by members, including Jane Porter’s “Flirting with Forty.” Binder said they have no intention of becoming a bookstore; rather, they wish the cottage to be a resource where members may find books published by other members.
“We send out these authors and they give back,” Binder said. “We often hear of success stories.”
Although the association covers the Northwest region and beyond, Gilman Village was chosen to be the organization’s new home in part because both the president and vice president reside in Issaquah. Indeed, with the small house-like buildings of Gilman Village surrounding the cottage, McCormac said they hoped it could be a quiet and serene place for aspiring writers.
For that reason, they chose the word “cottage,” which is associated with the idea of tranquility, McCormac said.
Ruth Mohl, owner of Gilman Village, said she was glad that the organization moved in.
“It’s a nice addition to the place,” she said.
In fact, the new location has attracted the attention of many living in Issaquah, Binder said. With a lot of people dropping by, she said, the association has grown in membership.
According to Bill Kenower, editor of the organization’s online magazine, Author, the association offers great resources. He said the board hopes the cottage will attract foot traffic.
“They wanted people to be able to come in and find out what PNWA actually is,” he said.
Those hoping to hone their writing skills with the Pacific Northwest Writers Association can stop by the cottage in Space No. 8 at Gilman Village, or visit the website for a list of upcoming events. Official hours have not yet been set up, but Binder said there is usually someone there most days.
Stephannie Stokes is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Spartan transforms from reluctant goalie to league’s top backstop
October 26, 2010
Skyline junior goalkeeper Tina Vargas dives to make a save during practice Oct. 6. By Christopher Huber
Tina Vargas didn’t necessarily want to be a goalkeeper. But during a practice game in seventh grade, her U-13 coach put her in as goalie. She saved a few shots and proved to be pretty quick and agile. Read more
The Hot List
October 26, 2010
Alex Tucker
— Album: “Hands All Over,” Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s third album, “Hands All Over,” is definitely worth the $10 on iTunes. From the well-known track “Misery” to the heartfelt lament “Just a Feeling,” there is a track for every taste. It even includes a country collaboration with Lady Antebellum (“Out Of Goodbyes”). My personal favorites? The melodic ballad “Never Gonna Leave This Bed” and the upbeat “Stutter.”
— Movie: “Due Date”
From the director of “The Hangover” comes the quirky comedy “Due Date,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis. The movie tells the story of an expectant first-time father (Downey Jr.) who finds himself on a road trip with an aspiring actor (Galifianakis) in order to make it home for the birth of his child. Crazy road trip adventures and laughter are guaranteed.
— Book: “Elixir,” By Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff has added being a novelist to her resume. Her book, “Elixir,” tells the story of a photojournalist who begins to see mysterious figures in the background of her photographs. The book has already received rave reviews from critics and may be the perfect book to pick up on a rainy day.
Event of the Month
October 26, 2010
Nightmare at Beaver Lake
Nightmare at Beaver Lake
If you are looking for a good scare this October, try Nightmare at Beaver Lake. Family Hour is from 7-8 p.m. and Full Fright is from 8-10 p.m. (8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Admission is $12, or $15 on Friday and Saturday. Bring a can of food to save $1 on your ticket. Proceeds will be donated toward community service and humanitarian projects designated by the Sammamish Rotary Club. Check out www.nightmareatbeaverlake.com for directions and more information.
Teen Talk
October 26, 2010
What educational changes would you like to see in schools?
Eastside Catholic High School
“I think that I’d like to see all public school students receive a similar level and quality of education. I believe it is unfair that one’s location is the deciding factor of whether you go to the public school with the brand new facility, great teachers, etc., or the one that has to make do with a run-down campus, old equipment and so on.”
— Katie Jung, freshman
“I’d like to see less busywork, homework that is unimportant and basic, yet takes up large quantities of time and
thus is conceivably given for the purpose of keeping students busy. The main problem is it consumes hours for very little benefit. The result is students end up doing very little thinking while doing their homework. Without the benefits of focused practice or making connections, busywork is useless and a waste of time. Students burdened with busywork become bored or overtired and get much less out of their education.”
— Matt Mahan, senior
Vera Anna (Tomforde) Converse
October 26, 2010
Vera Anna (Tomforde) Converse
Vera Anna (Tomforde) Converse, of Kent and formerly of Issaquah, died Oct. 19, 2010, in Renton. She was 91.
A memorial and celebration of Vera’s life will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 30 at Grace Fellowship Church of Kent, 11135 S.E. 232nd St.
Vera understood that Christ offers to everyone the gift of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life; she received that gift two years ago at age 89. She is now with her lord and savior.
Vera was born May 16, 1919, in Lake City, Minn., the daughter of John and Anna (Stuhr) Tomforde. While living in Minnesota, Vera met Ivan K. Converse, and they were married in 1946. In 1955, Ivan and Vera moved to the King County area in Washington, where they finished raising their five sons. The family lived in Issaquah for 36 years.
Vera was a very warm and loving person. She was a kind and committed wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family, friends and flowers. She never forgot to send birthday or anniversary cards to those close to her. She was famous for her sugar cookies and apple pie. She had a contagious smile with a charming sense of humor and a zest for life.
Maurice Denton Andal
October 26, 2010
Maurice Andal
Maurice Denton Andal, of Issaquah, died in Issaquah on Oct. 16, 2010. He was 85.
At his request, no services will be held. Read more
Mildred ‘Mert’ Childers
October 26, 2010
Mildred Childers
Mildred “Mert” Childers, of Issaquah, died Oct. 15, 2010, in Issaquah. She was 80.
According to Mert’s wishes, there will be no services, but the family will celebrate her life privately. Read more
