A Personal Message from the Director |
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Another summer in the books at Seabeck. It wasn’t a normal summer, but it’s getting closer and closer to normal. About half of our normal summer groups came this year, most at about half their normal size. We were able to scale our expenses to match the small groups and should actually be in the black for the year coming out of August. July and August represent the first positive cash flow months since October 2019.
Things are starting to look up. With careful management we will continue to climb out of the hole the pandemic created. The future remains bright for Seabeck.
Two years ago today, I started the demolition of old Pines. Habitat for Humanity was out taking light fixtures down, so I went into the closet and flicked off the main power breaker. The Meeting House went dark. From that point on, this project has been a series of challenges. It seems to be smoothing out now. The new Pines is a busy place right now. Multiple contractors are working at the same time to finish the building quickly. I have ordered the bricks, and most of the furniture and appliances. It feels like we are in the home stretch. The elevator goes in next week. The meeting areas are drywalled and exterior is painted. We aren’t close enough to set a firm ribbon cutting date, but I bet by the next newsletter we will have a date in late October or early November. We will also host a few work parties as the building gets completed.
Our new guest greeter, Buster, had a great summer. Thanks to all who stopped to pet him or allowed him to jump on you. He thinks everyone in the world adores him and knows his name. I should have some time this fall to take a few classes to get me trained to be a better dog escort. He has turned out to be a perfect dog for me and the campus.
We are hosting the final meeting of the International Association of Conference Center Administrators (IACCA) this week. About 40 people from across the country are here to celebrate IACCA’s 45 years of service to non-profit conference centers. We are giving them the full Seabeck treatment including a salmon bake and ice cream social. We are also taking an Argosy cruise through the locks. Everyone is sure to have a great time!
Later this month you will receive information on the last push to finish the Pines. We have financing in place, but any donations given now will help lower the debt we will incur to finish. The debt is manageable and at a good rate, but the lower our long-term debt turns out to be, the better for future viability. We are working on gathering some matching gifts that will make your donations go even farther. Thank you to all have supported this project. When you see the results, I am sure you will be proud to have been a part of it. I sure am.
Have a great September. Stay safe. Go Hawks!
Thanks,
Chuck
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Buster
Seabeck Guest Greeter
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If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give Buster
only two of them. He knows and won't stop until he gets the last one!
Buster is a very smart dog and loves his job at Seabeck! After only being here for a short time, Buster has made a friend out of every guest that he greets. He always does his job with his tail wagging and never complains.
Make sure you congratulate him
next time you see him.
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Note: We still do not allow dogs on the property that are not service dogs. Buster lives here! |
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Prime Summer Dates Available |
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Is your nonprofit group looking for summer retreat dates at Seabeck?
We have not had summer dates available for new groups for quite some
time so this is a unique opportunity for a summertime retreat.
Group space is available for up to 100 people
Sunday, July 31 - Saturday, August 6, 2022
Call 360-830-5010 or email to seabeck@seabeck.org for reservations
before these dates are gone!
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Updated COVID-19 Precautions |
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September Random Acts of Kindness |
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Here is your August Random Acts of Kindness Calendar. Make someone smile today!
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September 'Unofficial' Holidays! |
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September 1
National No Rhyme Nor Reason Day, celebrated on September 1, aims to recognize words that do not rhyme with anything. It also encourages activities and actions performed without a reason. Yes, this day is very random, but that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. And guess what? It is based on a famous idiom from a Shakespearean play. So without further adieu, understand the entertainment factor behind the day and celebrate it to the fullest. Here are a few non-rhyming words to get you started: ‘orange,’ ‘woman,’ ‘purple,’ ‘spirit,’ and ‘chimney.’ Now come up with a list of your own and start sharing.
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September 2
National Blueberry Popsicle Day is here on September 2. With its vivid blue color and sweet berry flavor, blueberry doesn’t get the love it truly deserves! Popsicles are great — a frozen treat made by freezing flavored liquid or juice on a stick. Popsicles are widely known as ice pop, freeze pop, ice lolly, or ice block. Popsicle is actually a brand that has become a generic term in the U.S. due to its popularity. The word Popsicle is interchangeably used with the frozen treat, and has been around since the 1920s.
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September 3
National Lazy Mom’s Day on September 3 this year is observed on the first Friday of September every year. It’s your reminder to lend a hand and give your mom a much-deserved break from her daily tasks. Sure Mother’s Day is a wonderful day where we celebrate our mothers and shower them with gifts and praise. However, even on Mother’s Day, our moms are still found cooking and cleaning for our families, not having time to sit back and relax. So today we’re making sure mom knows how much we love and appreciate her. More than once a year, today, no purchases necessary, just cover her duties and tell her to cool it!
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September 4
America marks National Wildlife Day on September 4. It’s an opportunity for everyone to step back, take a deep breath and think about all that surrounds us. It inspiring to consider preservation and conservation efforts that work to improve the natural world. There remains so much to learn. As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “In wildness is the preservation of the world.” We couldn’t agree more. So let’s take a closer look at this special day.
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September 5
Hold the toppings, please! National Cheese Pizza Day is celebrated annually on September 5, and it’s time for you to celebrate in cheese-pizza style. We all love the classics, like pepperoni, pizza with pineapple, barbecued chicken pizza, or juicy meat lovers. But nothing surpasses the basics of holding a gently folded, single slice of melty deliciousness — the cheese pizza.
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September 6
Caffeine and ice cream lovers unite for National Coffee Ice Cream Day this September 6! Celebrating a combination that has swept the world by storm since at least 1919, this day recognizes a particular flavor that often goes unnoticed. Not anymore! Coffee ice cream lovers, today is your day in the sun, and those who have yet to expand their frozen dessert palette, get ready to taste decadence!
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September 7
Beer and the process of brewing beer goes back to ancient times in cultures the world over. The crafting of beer carries rich traditions, often requiring years of training and experience in the trade while the methods, grains, and flavors continue to change and evolve over time. Becoming a brew master can take years of fine-tuning the skills to make an exemplary beer or even an ale. One sure requirement is a love of beer and the craft. Today, fill your glass with an ice-cold, frothy beer and savor every gulp!
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September 8
National Ampersand Day is celebrated on September 8 each year to honor ‘&,’ a Latin character and a logogram that depicts the conjunction ‘AND.’ The ampersand has been in use since the first century A.D. Although most people don’t give much thought to this symbol, it has a long and illustrious history. Even if you don’t consider yourself a language nerd, we think it’s the perfect day to celebrate.
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September 9
Teddy Bear Day is celebrated on September 9 annually, a day set aside for everyone to bring out all their teddy bears to thank them for their companionship, the wonderful moments we’ve had with them, and all the days and nights they’ve comforted us. The teddy bear is one of the most popular toys for children, and it occupies a particular place in the hearts of many adults as well. Teddy Bear Day is a holiday dedicated to this adorable teddy animal. It allows people to take Teddy out of the closet and make them the focus of attention.
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September 10
National TV Dinner Day is celebrated on September 10. It is the holiday that captures the essence of TV Dinner. This is a day to let yourself enjoy a complete meal without having to cook. It is also a good time to enjoy a nice show on TV. Did you know that the first TV Dinner was a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, peas, cornbread dressing, and sweet potatoes? It was the company C.A. Swanson & Sons that developed TV Dinners in 1953.
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September 11
This may come as a shock — but did you know that we spend a third of our lives in bed? So, treat your bed with the respect it deserves on September 11, National Make Your Bed Day. While you’re turning off your blaring, chirping or beeping alarm, consider that having an actual bed to sleep on is still relatively new, given the entirety of civilization.
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September 12
On the first Sunday after Labor Day we celebrate National Grandparents Day. This year the date falls on September 12. Like Mother’s day and Father’s day we also have a whole day dedicated to our grandparents. Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to both make grandparents live longer, and also make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure that connection and spend some quality family time together.
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September 13
There’s a very funny bit in the Marx Brothers’ classic film, “Duck Soup,” where Chico runs a peanut stand. We won’t give it away here but it’s something to watch on National Peanut Day, an annual event that rolls around every September 13. It’s incredible that such a small groundnut has everybody talking today!
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September 14
National Cream-Filled Donut Day is celebrated on September 14, and once you bite into one that’s just right, it’ll be clear why these special donuts deserve their very own day. One of the most famous cream-filled donuts is the Boston Cream Donut, named for its resemblance to the Boston Cream Pie. This donut is a butter cake filled with rich vanilla flavored custard, deep-fried, and given a layer of chocolate glaze. Not only does it look appetizing, but the taste is just as good!
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September 15
Linguine goes well with pesto and seafood, breaking the monotony of the customary red and meat-based sauces. For an easy meal, cook some fresh linguine in salted water until the pasta is al dente. Drain, then add extra virgin olive oil and top off with fresh basil and parmesan or pecorino cheese. Yes, it’s all carbs but it’s also all good! So, today, get your twirl on but make sure you’ve got your napkin handy.
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September 16
It’s not just a side dish anymore. On National Guacamole Day every September 16, we elevate this tasty green blend into the spotlight. Guacamole (or “guac”) is made of avocados, which are well-known for the health benefits related to their high vitamin content and lots of cholesterol-lowering healthy fats. Originally native to Mexico and Central America, avocados grow on trees. In fact, avocados are technically considered a fruit!
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September 17
Preen your feathers and warm up your singing voice because September 17 is National Pet Bird Day. It’s a chance to recognize and celebrate the joy that being a bird’s pet parent can bring to your life. National Pet Bird Day is sponsored every year by the Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (yes, it spells BEAK!). The organization promotes safe, fun, and responsible bird ownership and has tips and tools to help you find your feathered soul mate.
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September 18
September 18 is National Dance Day! We brought the music, you bring the moves! Or, feel free to bring your own tunes. We’re not too particular on the music choice or who brings the beats. We really just can’t wait to see you on the floor! If you have a favorite dance move or go-to routine, this is the time for all to break it down on the dance floor.
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September 19
Created by two friends in 1995 as a joke, Talk Like a Pirate Day, on September 19, has become a beloved faux-holiday that lets everyone channel their inner Jack Sparrow. Although real pirates likely didn’t use much of the vocabulary we now think of as “pirate lingo,” Talk Like a Pirate Day gives us a fun opportunity to break out of our routine, learn some history, and celebrate a bygone era.
So grab some grog(if you’re of drinking age), gather up some maties, and let your imagination take you on an adventure on the high seas!
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September 20
Pepperoni and pizza, a deliciously mouth-watering, gooey combo right out of pizza heaven! It’s something to consider on National Pepperoni Pizza Day, which is tossed up every September 20. Pizza might be most heavily associated with Italy, but the pepperoni pizza is purely American. Served on more than a third of American pizza orders, it’s safe to say that pepperoni is the U.S.’s favorite topping, and that’s a reason to celebrate. So, today, get up to your local slice shop and get down with National Pepperoni Pizza Day!
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September 21
Miniature Golf Day is celebrated worldwide on September 21, not to be confused with National Miniature Golf Day celebrated on the second Saturday in May, in the United States. Miniature golf can be traced back to the 19th century. It was originally created in Victorian Scotland to allow women to play golf because, at the time, it was considered unladylike for women to raise a golf club above their shoulder level — this basically meant that regular golf was not an option. Now, miniature golf is played worldwide by women, men, and children.
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September 22
From the dawn of time, everyone from philosophers to the the man or woman on the street has scratched their confused heads over this mind-boggling question — how can you hold and eat ice cream in your hands without making a mess? This September 22, celebrate the long-awaited answer — National Ice Cream Cone Day — by taking a bite into America’s favorite way to eat a cool, sweet treat!
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September 23
Redhead Appreciation Day on September 23 reminds us of the beauty and uniqueness of red-haired people. They possess the rarest hair shade and are often associated with having a “fiery” or “hot-tempered” nature. Whether that’s true or not, we can’t deny that redheads are like rare birds of paradise, making up just four percent of the world’s population! Nicknamed gingers, carrot-tops, flame-haired, “ranga”, “bluey,” redheads can often feel like outcasts and stand out in the crowd. So if you are a redhead, or have a redhead friend or family member, today is the day to appreciate them in all their flaming glory!
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September 24
There is so much to like about German Sandwich Day, which falls on September 24, that we must face up to the fact that — try as we might — we could very well run out of superlatives to properly describe the celebration. But where, oh where, shall we begin? With an appetite, of course! And with the basics — which means a quick look at the inspiration for this observance, an item both beautiful and delicious in its simplicity: the Butterbrot — which means “butter bread” in German. The Butterbrot is just as it sounds: butter with bread. And it’s eaten at any time of day — most especially on German Sandwich Day.
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September 25
Now considered a fine delicacy throughout most of the world, the crowd-pleasing crustacean has seen darker days. Pacific Standard Magazine writes of a time when “consumers could buy Boston baked beans for 53 cents a pound, canned lobster sold for just 11 cents a pound.” In a time when Maritime New England was practically covered in lobsters, they were a food relegated to prison feed. Lobsters have had quite a journey as a food item. Because rags-to-riches stories are always worth celebrating, on September 25, we observe National Lobster Day!
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September 26
National Chimichanga Day is on September 26 and it’s an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest culinary accidents in history — the deep-fried goodness that is the chimichanga. Created by the founder of Macayo’s Mexican Food in 1946 — the same year as the popular Mexican restaurant concept was launched — the chimichanga (which means ‘thingamajig’ in Spanish), has become a staple on Mexican restaurant menus around the country. To celebrate the deep-fried sensation that is the chimichanga and their 75th anniversary,
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September 27
National No Excuses Day celebrated on September 27 is the day that we stop making excuses and make sure that we have some fun. Canadian organization SCENE founded National No Excuses Day because nowadays everyone is so focused on keeping up with the demands of life that we can quickly forget that we should be enjoying ourselves. Today you should let your day-to-day worries rest for a bit. On No Excuses Day, the rule is simple: a wholly honored and honorable commitment to making memories with your favorite people.
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September 28
On National Ask a Stupid Question Day, September 28 — or, if that day falls on a weekend, the last school day of September — there really is no such thing as a dumb question. At some point during the 1980s — the researchable resources in terms of exact details are scant — American school teachers recognized that some of the questions their shyer students were holding back would make for fruitful classroom discussions, should those questions be asked out loud.
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September 29
Starbucks is one of America’s true iconic brands. Right up there with McDonalds, there are few places you can go in the world and not find a Starbucks. In other words, it is a brand worth celebrating. More than that, it is a brand worthy of an entire day. Thus, September 29 is National Starbucks Day. From humble beginnings in the coffee-crazed city of Seattle, Starbucks has become the name behind coffee all over the world!
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September 30
People write songs about it or read poems inspired by it but do we really know what love is? That’s something to consider on National Love People Day, held annually on September 30. Many religions and non-religious spiritual practices center on the idea of giving love wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. This day is dedicated to inspiring and supporting others with the power of unconditional love.
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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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