Your October Newsletter is Here!
Check out all the FUN!
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Executive Director's Corner
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Dear friends,
At the Funhouse Commons, every month brings exciting updates about the positive impact we're making for young people in our community, and October is no exception. This month, we’re thrilled to introduce three new music programs: group ukulele, violin, and a kids' chorus.
Over a year ago, we began envisioning and planning for a music initiative at the Funhouse. Now, construction is underway for the Richie Moore Song Shop, a dedicated space where young musicians can explore, create, collaborate, and even record their own songs.
We’re fortunate to have Pedro, a talented instructor, guiding students through the art of songwriting in our Songlab program. And we’re excited to have Miss Mary Wachter, our gifted music teacher, leading the Kids Chorus and teaching group ukulele and violin. Our goal is to make music education accessible to every child, offering scholarships to all who need them. The gift of music is invaluable.
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Music has always been an important part of my own journey. As an 11-year-old, I would carry my guitar in a pillowcase on the ferry from Orcas to Friday Harbor for after-school lessons. I still remember my first song, "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?"—just two chords! Over the years, I learned more, began writing my own music, and discovered how it could open my heart, mind, and soul to a world of creativity and imagination. One of my most cherished memories is producing and recording an album titled, "Storms Upon the Sea" at Jimmy Messina’s Gateway Studios in Carpinteria, CA, with my band, Sweet Onion, (pictured).
At the Funhouse Commons, we are committed to helping Orcas kids discover Music, Art, Science, and Technology (MAST). We invite you to join us in this mission and raise the MAST, ensuring these incredible opportunities continue to grow for our youth.
It takes a Village, and the Funhouse!
With gratitude,
Ryan Carpenter, Executive Director
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Gingerbread Competition and Baking Classes!
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Get ready for the Fifth Annual Gingerbread House contest sponsored by The Funhouse & Island Market! A holiday Gingerbread House Contest for ALL AGES with cash prizes!
AND…..if you're a teen between the ages of 13 - 18 and want to learn gingerbread house baking and building skills, join 3 time Best in Show Winner Bonnie Mahony for a 6 week baking class. Starting Sunday, November 3rd, 1pm - 5pm in the culinary arts classroom at Orcas Island Public School, this 6 week session will help you create your very own gingerbread house from start to finish just in time for you to enter your creation in the Gingerbread Competition. Registration for this special class is through Orcas Island Parks & Rec. Registration opens on October 14th and space is limited. Scholarships are available.
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Registration to participate in the gingerbread house competition also opens on Monday, October 14 through the Funhouse. There are no entry fees to participate but you must register at www.funhousecommons.org by Sunday, December 8th to participate! One entry per person only, though households may submit multiple entries. Once registered, all entries are to be dropped off at the Funhouse Commons on Sunday, Dec. 15th from 12-3pm. Winners will be announced the next day, and displayed at Island Market from December 16th- 24th.
Go to www.funhousecommons.org for full rules, drop-off and pick-up procedures, prize descriptions, tips, and the registration form (required for each entry). Help us get into the holiday spirit and make a beautiful gingerbread house for your neighbors to feast their eyes upon!
| High Schoolers Get Ready for a Spooktacular Night! | |
The Funhouse Halloween Party is set for Halloween Night!
Thursday, October 31st
8pm - 10:00pm
at the Funhouse!
For students in grades 9 - 12 Only please!
Costumes Encouraged!
Free Pizzas & Drinks!
We'll be waiting for you!
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The Funhouse is continuing its successful
Peer Mentor Program with the middle and high schoolers of OISD. During the early release on Wednesdays, high school mentees play games and connect with their middle school mentees. The program is free and available for any middle and high schooler at OISD! Come by the middle school at 2:20 on Wednesdays to find out more.
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Teen Center Update!
Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word about our open positions for the Peach Pit Champions! We’re thrilled to share that 22 youth have applied.
As we launch the Peach Pit, we’ve identified our top priorities to be: completing the space and establishing a strong Champion program. These young leaders will provide peer mentorship, maintain the space, and plan activities, making them vital to our success in attracting their peers. We will offer extensive training for our Champions, equipping them with real skills and confidence to thrive as they step into the world. We look forward to sharing our final candidates with you in next month's newsletter!
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COY Update!
The Coalition for Orcas Youth (COY) has been selected as a recipient of a $625,000 federal grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. This grant program, which will be distributed over the next five years, is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and represents an opportunity to strengthen ongoing efforts in preventing youth substance use in our community.
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• High School Halloween Party
Thursday, October 31st
• Science Fair
Saturday, April 26th, 2025
• Funhouse Gala Birthday Bash!
Sunday, July 27th, 2025
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