🎻 Washington Old Time Fiddlers – District 4 Newsletter 🎻

February 2025 Edition

Hello, Fiddlers!

January has been a fantastic month filled with music, camaraderie, and enthusiastic audiences! Thank you to everyone who played, helped, and supported our musical gatherings. Here’s a recap of recent events and a look ahead at what’s coming up.


🎶 Upcoming Play-Outs 🎶

Mark your calendars!

📅 Tuesday, Jan 28 – Country Meadows, Sedro-Woolley @ 2:00 PM (1501 Collins Rd)
📅 Friday, Jan 31 – La Conner Retirement Inn @ 3:00 PM (204 N. 1st St)
📅 Friday, Jan 31 – Lynden Senior Center (Lunch @ 12:00 PM, Play @ 12:45 PM) (401 Grover St, Lynden)

📌 February calendar is attached!


🎻 Recent Highlights

🎵 Mountain Glen & Mount Vernon Senior Center

  • A lively crowd of 40 listeners enjoyed music from Gary, Forrest, Greg, Vern, Mici, Jim, and Dwight.
  • At Mount Vernon, 12 musicians entertained a crowd of 20! Thanks to Vicki, Bob, Steve, Banjo Greg, Mandolin Greg, Forrest, Mici, Jim, David from Bellingham, Denise, Dwight, and Rich.
  • Special thanks to Nancy for kitchen help and to Dahlia, the 3-year-old granddaughter of Margaret and Ken, for dancing to every tune!

🎶 Sedro-Woolley Senior Center & Life Care, Mount Vernon

  • A full house at Sedro-Woolley Senior Center enjoyed a turkey pot pie dinner while listening to our talented group. Vicki led “This Land is Your Land”, and the group included Bill, Forrest, Jim, Mici, Vern, Steve, Greg, Denise, Dwight, and Gary.
  • Life Care in Mount Vernon had a great turnout with 13 musicians and a wonderful mix of instruments: fiddles, guitars, mandolins, banjos, and great voices!

🎵 A special tribute to Peter Yarrow – Vern led everyone in singing Puff the Magic Dragon in honor of the late Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul & Mary. Thank you, Vern!


🎼 Fiddle Tune Workshop 🎼

🎻 Next Session: Friday, February 14 @ 5:00 PM – Mount Vernon Senior Center

  • January’s workshop was well attended by Jack (Mandolin), Sandy (Guitar), and Greg (Mandolin).
  • Dennis and Barry are pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm—join us for another great session in February!

💲 Donation Discussion – Your Input Needed!

As a 501(c)(3) organization, we rely on donations to support our student scholarship program, equipment, and event expenses. Traditionally, we request $50 per play-out, but other districts receive between $75–$100+.

At our next gathering, there will be a simple survey sheet with different suggested donation amounts. Please mark your preference so we can determine a fair request for our performances. Your input is greatly appreciated!


🎟 Membership Renewal – Grace Period Ends Soon!

🚨 Don’t forget to renew your 2025 WOTFA membership! 🚨
🔗 Renew here: https://wotfa.org/membership-renewal/
💲 Annual membership: $25

New musicians are welcome to jam with us twice before officially joining. Your membership ensures insurance coverage for play-outs and helps us keep the music alive!


🎤 Reminders for Jams & Play-Outs

Song Time Limit: Please keep songs to 3 minutes to allow everyone a turn at the mic.
Be Ready: Having your song prepared when it’s your turn makes everything run smoothly!
Encourage New Members: Let’s welcome new musicians and encourage them to join after their first two jams!


🎵 Thank You & Final Thoughts

A huge THANK YOU to everyone for your dedication to old-time music! Whether playing, helping, or supporting, your contributions make each event special.

🎶 Special shout-out to:

  • David Stewart for his sound support at the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center—best wishes on your next projects!
  • Barry, Judi Wood, and Rich—wishing you all a speedy recovery!
  • Peggy & John—glad you’re safe after your deer encounter!

🎻 Looking forward to more hand-clapping, foot-stomping tunes in February! Stay warm, stay safe, and keep making music!


📢 Contact Information

📍 Interim Chair: Fred Robbins | 📞 (206) 786-3369 | ✉️ fred@robbinsmetal.com
📍 Treasurer: Sarah Buntin | 📞 (360) 679-6595 | ✉️ itsrustyoldhalo@frontier.com
📍 Event Scheduling: Sarah Buntin | 📞 (360) 679-6595
📍 Calendar: Fred Robbins | 📞 (206) 786-3369 | ✉️ fred@robbinsmetal.com

🌐 Website: https://wotfa.org/

🎶 Keep Fiddlin’! 🎶