A Personal Message from the Director |
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Happy July Everyone!
What a weird month June was here at Seabeck. Ups and downs, twists and turns, and it ended with some of the hottest days in the history of the area. I never thought I would welcome 70° and sprinkles on July 1st.
We survived the heat the best we could. We started the heatwave with a 15-hour power blackout. The power came back on just as the first members of Camp Seabeck crossed the bridge. I came down and iced down the perishables and had to cook a small breakfast by cell phone flashlight. We had no fans or AC during that time. It was absolutely the hottest night I have ever seen at Seabeck. It was over 80° on my deck at midnight. The power outage combined with the heat knocked out one of our walk-in refrigerators, the freezer, and some office equipment. All have been repaired. Big thanks to Camp Seabeck for sticking with us during 108° days.
Somethings are coming back and it makes us feel normal. We hosted our first Salmon Bake and it was delicious! Bagged, warm rolls replaced the sourdough bread, but the salmon was unchanged. It was so nice to be on the beach again! A neighbor wrote to say how nice it was to hear the bells ring after over a year of silence. The new food service style in the Dining Room seems to be working and well received by guests. We will continue to do a buffet with one form or another of serving style through the end of the year. We will talk as a staff and I will decide what is best, but I am thinking family-style in the summers and buffet during the rest of the year. We shall see. We will continue to require vaccinations of our staff and guests even as the State opens up.
Our Board of Directors will meet next week to discuss and vote on a proposal that would see the Pines project restart ASAP. I won’t go into the details until approved, but it would allow Pines to be completed in time for a busy fall season. I appreciate your patience during this project. No one wants that building open quicker than me, but we must do it in a way that will sustain the operation and not get crippled with debt. This new plan accomplishes that. We continue to raise funds for Pines. Every dollar helps keep the final debt manageable. I don’t know how many times I have changed the opening date, so I wouldn’t listen to me either, but I feel very confident that the pieces are in place this time.
Our staff has always been incredible, but they have been especially awesome during this stressful re-opening process. We are not in the position to be able to offer bonuses or raises yet, but I could give everyone more time off. Therefore, the Seabeck Campus and Offices are closed July 3, 4, 5. The entire staff is getting much-deserved time to relax and enjoy a rare summer holiday with family and friends. We will answer emails and return calls when we reopen on the 6th. I hope everyone, both staff and guests, has a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Thank you all,
Chuck
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The New Website is Up and Running |
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The newly designed Seabeck website has been activated. Take a look and if you run into any broken links, see something that isn't right, or just want to let us know what you would like added to the website, please let us know.
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Friends of Seabeck Weekends |
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The Friends of Seabeck Weekends that we offered through the end of June helped us out during this very slow time at Seabeck. Our staff was minimal, services were cut and no one complained. They were just happy to be here. That's a win-win!!!
We had a total of 136 Friends of Seabeck with a
total of $23,200 in revenue. This accounted for 19.4% of the total fees for the first half of 2021.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support us!
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Seabeck Phone of the Wind |
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The Seabeck Phone of the Wind is ready for our guests.
behind the original Wind Phone in Japan.
Here are more stories about other Wind Phones
There was also one in Scotland but vandals destroyed it after only 10 days.
Let's hope that does not happen here.
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July Random Acts of Kindness |
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Here is your June Random Acts of Kindness Calendar. Make someone smile today!
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July 'Unofficial' Holidays! |
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July 1
And thus begins another International Joke Day on July 1. Really, really, we’re glad you’re here. Where would any of us be without jokes and laughter to brighten our spirits? It can help any situation. This July 1, we invite you to take some time out of your day to recognize the important job humor plays in keeping stress at bay, building relationships, and bringing levity to a world that badly needs it.
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July 2
UFOs have been the stuff of legend for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that freaky flying saucers grabbed national and international mainstream attention. Since then, UFOs have captured the minds of old and young alike, and witness’ stories have proliferated around the world.
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July 3
For New Englanders, an addiction to fried clams is a rite of passage, one that is celebrated every July 3 on National Fried Clam Day. Fried clams have been part of the New England coastal culture for more than a century. Fried clams are an acquired taste for some; for others, it is nothing short of love at first bite. Folks who live or summer along New England’s stunning Atlantic coast cannot imagine summer without the brush of a salty sea breeze on the cheek, and a basket of fried clams and a cold drink in hand.
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July 4
Americans come together on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s birthday and Independence Day. On this day, most Americans enjoy grills in their backyards, at beaches, or in parks. Some partake in parades or marches and enjoy the fireworks that are often launched at dusk. We kick off the festivities with details, trivia, and anything else you need to know about Independence Day. Happy Fourth!
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July 5
National Workaholics Day is on July 5, and it’s meant to remind us to find a good balance between our home and work life. In general, workaholics tend to put work before almost everything else. This includes family, friends, and even their own health for the sake of work performance and their quest for perfectionism. As a result, multiple areas of their lives are affected negatively.
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July 6
Fried chicken’s a greasy, deliciously indulgent comfort food enjoyed all over the world. But did you know that the ultimate soul food originated in our own backyard — where Scottish chicken-frying methods were combined with West African seasoning traditions — to create what is now one of the world’s favorite guilty pleasures?
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July 7
Some like it dark and bitter, others smooth and sweet, but no matter what your flavor preference this World Chocolate Day, on July 7, join us in taking a bite. The cacao bean, which is responsible for that unmistakably rich flavor we know and love so well, is native to Mexico as well as South- and Central America but has been transplanted into the U.S. and some European countries to match the high consumer demand for this delicacy.
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July 8
We look forward to National Chocolate with Almonds Day when it pops up on our calendar every July 8 and we celebrate one of the world’s most popular confections. We confess, this national day is not just another day we circle on our calendar. We also add this one to our to-do list for today so we don’t miss out. We know we really don’t need a special day on the calendar to indulge in one of our favorite guilty pleasures.
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July 9
Arguably one of the greatest holidays of all time, National Sugar Cookie Day falls on July 9 each year and provides us with the perfect excuse to indulge in our guiltiest, sugar-filled cravings. They’re fun, they’re classic, but most importantly, they taste unbelievably delicious. Originating back in the 1700’s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, sugar cookies were initially referred to as Nazareth Cookies by German Protestant settlers and baked in the shape of a keystone, their state’s symbol.
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July 10
Kittens! Who doesn’t love tiny, adorable kittens? …their big heads, giant eyes, tiny pink paws and noses, and the adorable mews they make…. We can’t resist their cute and furry charms. Surprisingly Americans seem to like cats and kittens best: According to the American Humane Society, 95.6 million cats were owned, while 83.3 million households owned a dog. There is certainly nothing wrong with dogs, but a tiny kitten is irresistible!
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July 11
National Free Slurpee Day is on July 11 and we can’t wait to get our sugar fix while beating the heat, for free. 7-Eleven began celebrating the day back in 2002, but the beloved frozen treat has been around since the late 1950’s. With more than 300 flavors ranging from sweet (Vanilla, 7-Elemon), to sour (Warhead, Sour Apple), to the exotic (Mango, Lychee). There’s a Slurpee for every palette.
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July 12
We’re simply nutty over today’s honoree, National Pecan Pie Day on July 12. It’s pretty easy to get behind a day dedicated to one of our favorite desserts. Indeed, 90% of Americans surveyed believe eating a slice of pie is one of life’s simple pleasures, indulging in 186 million commercially sold pies every year! People who prefer pecan pie over the many other types of pies describe themselves as thoughtful and analytical.
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July 13
Cow Appreciation Day, coined by Chick-fil-A, occurs annually on the second Tuesday of July. There are more reasons to celebrate cows than just free Chick-fil-A in July, but a free chicken sandwich isn’t a bad perk!
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July 14
It’s perhaps the king of comfort foods, the dominant dish of America, and a favorite of all ages all over the country: Macaroni and cheese. Golden and gooey, baked and hearty, this sideline staple or main dish can be served up any number of ways, and on July 14, you’ll have the opportunity to try as many of these as you can on National Mac and Cheese Day, also known as National Macaroni and Cheese Day.
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July 15
National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15, and it’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe in a fire. For many of us, pets are our most precious asset so it makes sense that we would dedicate a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. It was started by the Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe.
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July 16
High summer is peak season for delicious corn, so what better day to celebrate National Corn Fritter Day than July 16? We love eating corn in all ways — cornbread, corn salad, corn hash, corn on the cob slathered in butter — but one of our very favorites is crispy, golden brown corn fritters. A fritter is a dish where some ingredient (meat, fruit, vegetables, seafood, you name it) is mixed with batter and fried. Corn fritters originated as a dish in the South but now can be found on menus throughout the country.
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July 17
Communication in the Internet Age now goes far beyond pressing send on a simple text message. Check your social media feeds or text messages… how many smiley faces, flying hearts, avocados, and unicorns do you see? These iconic little Japanese images, known as emoji, are more popular on the internet today than ever before—so naturally, they have their own special day.
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July 18
Thanks to President Reagan, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day every third Sunday in July, meaning July 18 this year. Reagan wanted to commemorate a treat enjoyed by over 90 percent of the US population. In 1984, he decreed a day for ice cream, and his proclamation actually glorified the dairy industry in America. In fact, Americans still lead the world when it comes to eating this frozen delight: 23 gallons a year to be precise.
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July 19
An engineer named Jennings Cox supervised a mine in a village named Daiquiri in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. After work, Cox and his colleagues would gather at the local bar. One day Cox mixed Bacardi, sugar, and lime into a glass of ice. Named after the Daiquiri mines, the drink became a popular staple in Havana.
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July 20
Without a doubt, National Lollipop Day on July 20 is a day that children of all ages can celebrate. We’re looking at you, grandparents — relive some childhood memories! People in the Midwest call lollipops suckers but they go by other names as well — lolly, or sticky pop. They come in many flavors but mostly fruit flavors for licking or biting.
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July 21
When we think of summer, hot dogs come to mind almost immediately. It’s just part of the overall experience. A summer day at the amusement park or at a baseball stadium pairs nicely with a hot dog (or tofu dog, for those of you who prefer a meatless version). Hot dogs don’t have to be made with meat, and anyone can enjoy the age old American favorite food any time of year. Sure, hot dogs can be purchased and enjoyed at any time of the year, however on July 21 is absolutely the day we hold them in the highest regard.
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July 22
National Hammock Day is celebrated every year on July 22 to commemorate the universal symbol for relaxation. Developed by the Mayans of Central and South America for sleeping or resting, a hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope or netting, which is suspended between two points such as posts or trees. Most often, hammocks were made from the woven bark from the Hamack Tree — hence “hamacas”.
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July 23
Maybe you call her Nana. Maybe you call her Granny. Maybe you call her when you’re in trouble because you know she’ll be there for you at the drop of a hat. Whatever the case may be, today is her day. But it’s not just Grandma Day—oh no.
This July 23, we celebrate National Gorgeous Grandma Day. Today’s the day to tell ol’ Granny just how stunning she really is.
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July 24
National Drive-Thru Day on July 24 celebrates the fact we can pick up and eat a meal without having to leave the comfort of our car. We may take it for granted but eating in our cars is a privilege that would have sounded bonkers had you suggested it a hundred years ago. With that in mind, this day is for celebrating those establishments who allow us to take multitasking to a whole new level. Pick your favorite drive-thru and go grab yourself a bite to eat.
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July 25
One of the most basic, yet classic food-and-drink pairings is wine and cheese. Sipping a tangy red or white between bites of a creamy, nutty cheese on a cracker is one of the most pleasant experiences around. That’s why freelance writer and wine lover Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Wine and Cheese Day on July 25.
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July 26
National Aunts and Uncles Day is observed every July 26. Our aunts and uncles are unique parts of our family; they can be like a second set of parents, or great friends you happen to be related to. Often, they’ve watched us grow up, and are full of stories about things we did in our youth we might not even remember.
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July 27
In a miraculous stroke of culinary genius, someone thought that topping vanilla custard with a brittle crust of caramelized sugar would taste good. Of course they were wrong — it tasted incredibly delicious! The dessert is best known as Crème Brûlée (“burnt creme” in French) and depending on where you’re from, it’s also known as Crema Catalana and Trinity Burnt Creme. Whatever you like to call this intensely creamy, crunchy and luxurious dish, schedule your day of indulgence on July 27, National Crème Brûlée Day.
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July 28
Calling all chocolate lovers! National Milk Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on July 28. When solid chocolate is combined with either powdered, liquid or condensed milk; it’s known as milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is the most popular member of the chocolate family and with good reason. It’s creamy, smooth and mostly used in candy bars. It is believed that in the mid-1800s, milk chocolate was first created as a beverage in Germany.
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July 29
Waterfalls of ranch dressing? Check. Gobs of blue cheese? Check. Napkins? Check. An insatiable hunger for the ultimate party food, complete with a willingness to eat far beyond your comfort level? Definitely! Well then, you’re ready to take on National Chicken Wing Day on July 29. Oh, and don’t forget the full bottle of antacids.
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July 30
International Day of Friendship was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (U.N.). On July 30, we step back and get thankful for these relationships worldwide, as they promote and encourage peace, happiness, and unity. The U.N. encourages governments, community groups, and other organizations to coordinate activities and events that celebrate the friendships that we keep close to us. Many events focus on reconciliation, bridging understanding and consensus, and finding comfort in those friendships that feel like home.
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July 31
Dogs are special and there are oodles of national and international holidays to prove it. But unlike most of our doggy days, National Mutt Day, on July 31, focuses on the mixed breed dogs who sometimes get overlooked. This holiday inspires people to learn more about adopting one.
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Ways to Donate to Seabeck |
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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.
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Seabeck Conference Center
13395 Lagoon Dr NW
Seabeck, Washington 98380
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