AE briefs — Sept. 6, 2023

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Authors to offer works at BWG

The Blue Whole Gallery is once again collaborating with the Olympic Peninsula Authors, who will read aloud their captivating stories centered on the evocative topic of “treasures” from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the gallery, 129 W. Washington St. This Writer’s Read event is free and the public is welcome.

“The marriage of visual art with the spoken word is a potent blend,” said Janet Piccola, one of the Blue Whole Gallery board members. “We are excited to host the Writer’s Read authors and allow our visitors to experience ‘treasures’ through a multi-sensory engagement.”

Selected authors will read their stories, offering attendees a chance to connect with the creators behind the narratives. Attendees are encouraged to explore the gallery before and after the event.

Blue Whole Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit bluewholegallery.com.

Sequim’s Christmas chorus returns

After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the Sequim Community Christmas Chorus is inviting singers to join in their 36th annual concert of traditional Christmas choral music.

As has been the case since its founding nearly 40 years ago, this is a non-audition chorus: all that’s needed is a willing voice and committed heart, group members say.

Performances are Friday-Sunday, Dec. 1-3, at the Sequim Seventh Day Adventist Church, 30 Sanford Lane, with rehearsals on Tuesday evenings beginning on Sept. 12.

For more information or to request a registration form, contact BZ Zabora at 360-477-1990 or bz@hvalley.net.

Toastmasters to talk ‘Magic Moments’

Join the Skwim Toastmasters Club from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, for “Magic Moments of Champions.” This will be an analysis of what makes the best of the best when it comes to delivering persuasive words, event organziers say.

This event is free, and open to the public both in-person — at the KSQM 91.5 FM broadcasting offices at 609 W. Washington St. — and online via Zoom.

The presentation will be facilitated by Pres Vasilev, the 2013 World Champion of Public Speaking.

Register to attend in-person or online at champs-skwim.eventbrite.com.

Skwim Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that “empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.” The Sequim club meets every Tuesday at the KSQM offices and on Zoom. Join through the link on the club’s website, skwimtm.org.

Teens can explore interests, meet friends at NOLS branches

The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is offering several opportunities for teens in grades 7-12 to take part in fun activities at their local library and to help shape future events.

All NOLS branches are seeking new members for the Teen Advisory Board. Members will gain leadership skills and earn volunteer hours while collaborating with library staff and peers to plan teen events and “help make the library a fun, supportive, and engaging place for teens,” library officials note. Sign up online at nols.org/tab or by talking with library staff.

Teen Advisory Board members meet once per month at their local NOLS branch. Sequim Library meetings begin Sept. 7 and are held on the first Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Sequim Library continues its popular Teen Board Game and Art Night on the second Friday of each month, from 6-7:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 8. The building stays open after hours for teens only and free pizza is served.

Teens can play board games from the library’s collection or bring their favorites to teach others. Art supplies and origami paper are on hand for a creative outlet.

Also, each Wednesday in September from 4:30-6 p.m., bring your family and friends — and meet new friends — playing lawn games at this all-ages event in the field behind the Sequim Library.

For more information about these teen programs and others, visit nols.org/teens, call 360-417-8500 or email to teens@nols.org.

Call for 2024 Sequim Sunshine Festival performers

The City of Sequim is now accepting applications for musical performers to participate in the 2024 Sequim Sunshine Festival, set for March 1-2.

Performance venues will be indoors, and a sound technician will be on hand. Musical performers of all genres are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found at visitsunnysequim.com.

Applications can be sent by email to pdashiell@sequimwa.gov or mailed to the Sequim Civic Center Attention: Sequim Sunshine Festival, 152 W. Cedar St., Sequim, WA, 98382.

The deadline for applications is Friday, Oct. 13. Applicants must submit a digital file of their work that is a representative sample of the music that would be performed at the festival. An MP3 sampler is preferred. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants notified in late October.