Your July Newsletter is Here!

Check out all the FUN!

Executive Director's Corner


Hello friends,


This month marks my first year as director of the Funhouse Commons. Looking back, I am filled with immense gratitude for the crucial role the Funhouse plays in the health of our community. The positive social bonds formed in the lives of young people are powerful predictors of their future success and well-being.


The Funhouse team has worked tirelessly to ensure we offer diverse and equitable programs and events that drive social change. The results of this hard work are evident in the wide variety of new programs, events, and initiatives created to reach young people from birth to adulthood. With a modest budget increase, we have more than quadrupled our programs and events over the past year.


There have been many highlights, from a child quietly expressing their excitement at discovering something new to the large spectacle of our FunFest, where hundreds of young people of all ages experienced the joy of fun. The Funhouse is deeply committed to promoting fun—not just because it is enjoyable, but because a wealth of scientific research shows how powerful fun can be. Fun helps heal past trauma and protects against the adverse experiences that we all inevitably face. And fun isn’t just for young people!


I am looking forward to sharing more of our highlights and future plans of the Funhouse at the Funhouse Commons Gala on July 28th at Family Tide Farms. I hope to see you there!


It takes a Village and a Funhouse!


Ryan Carpenter

Executive Director


Purchase Gala Tickets HERE! Come Join Us!

Funhouse FunFest Huge Success!


Friday, June 21st was exciting with the last day of school, the official start of summer and the first annual Funhouse FunFest! The community came together for an unforgettable outdoor event that brought joy and tons of fun to all who attended. The event, held on the Village Green was a resounding success, with families and friends enjoying a day filled with fun activities, and good times.


The Green was alive with the sound of laughter and excitement as families played games, savored delicious food and listened to live music. The sun shone brightly overhead, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of outdoor festivities including the very popular dunk tank and waterslide.


In addition to all the splashing, there were various other activities that kept families entertained throughout the day like face painting, arts & crafts, a bounce house, lawn games, potato sack races, sweet treats and bubbles. So. Many. Bubbles! And lest we forget the amazing homemade paella which was almost too beautiful to eat, prepared with love by our very own Funhouse ED, Ryan Carpenter and John Vechey. The mouth watering ribs were prepared by Chef Gil Becerra, and grilling up the hot dogs was Evan Westcott. A very special thank you to Maia Vechey, Funhouse President and volunteer extraordinaire for pouring her heart and soul into this very special event.


“This was by far the best, most enjoyable, fun-filled event that I have seen in a long time,” said Judi Lingren. Stephanie Iverson agreed, adding, “that was epic! Wow.” Justin Paulsen chimed in with “awesome production Funhouse crew!”


Overall, the Funhouse FunFest was a true celebration of community spirit and togetherness. Everyone came together to enjoy a day of fun, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Funhouse kid Gordon summed it up perfectly by saying,“it was life changing!” We agree Gordon! We agree. So we’re going to do it again. Here's to many more successful community events in the future!

 





More FUN stuff to check out! Join Us!


SONGLAB


Acquire the secrets of songwriting from a published musician with 20+ years of experience, and get access to instruments and a modern recording studio! There will be two classes per week geared towards students 12 to 18 years old. Led by local music educator and performer Pedro Lopez De Victoria, Songlab will take students through the process of songcraft, from abstract ideas to finished and publishable recording!

Cost: $450 per student (Scholarship Available. No one turned away for lack of funds.)


REGISTER HERE


Orcas Analog Adventures: A Super 8 Cinematography + Eco-Processing Workshop


Join Orcas Microcinema and Echo Park Film Collective for this super fun day of Super 8 cinematic wonder. No prior filmmaking experience necessary, simply come with an open heart, a curious mind, and a LOVE of MOVIES!!


In the morning, we’ll learn all about analog cinematography and then make a collective movie using vintage Super 8 cameras and black + white film.


The afternoon session will be devoted to processing our film with a homemade, eco-friendly developer created with beautiful plants, fruit, and flowers from around Orcas Island! We’ll wrap up the workshop by learning how to use old school film splicers and projectors for a special sneak preview of our magical moving pictures.


Participants are welcome to attend either or both sessions. The finished film will have its world premiere on Saturday evening at a free public screening curated by Orcas Microcinema. 


Workshop Event Details:

  • August 2nd (11am-1:00pm) 
  • Super 8 Cinematography Workshop
  • August 2nd (2:00-4:00pm) 
  • Ecoprocessing Workshop


Microcinema Outdoor Film Festival Event Details:

  • Friday, August 2nd (doors at 8:30, screening at 9)

Screening of workshop participant films before Orcas Microcinema presents HUMMINGBIRDS, a youth-directed, written and produced film about teens living on the Texas/Mexico border. (Free to the public)

  • Saturday, August 3rd (doors at 8:30, screening at 9)

Screening of workshop participant films before Orcas Microcinema presents CLEANERS, a semi autobiographical collection of stories about a rebellious group of high schoolers in the Philippines in the mid 2000s. (Free to the public)



REGISTER HERE

 


• Gala - July 28

Family Tides Farm 4pm - 7pm


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