Hello everyone! Summer is definitely over and I’m sort of sad, but autumn is nice in our corner of the country. I don’t know about anyone else, but we had quite a few unexpected animal sightings in our neighborhood this summer. We have a deer family of 3 who hang out, several rabbits, some big redheaded woodpeckers and an owl who hit a window at the neighbors house. These are all in addition to the regular raccoons, and birds of all kinds and an occasional possum. I guess we are all having to learn to live with each other as the houses and people increase and the animals have to find some place to go. It’s kind of fun though! Although we are hoping we don’t encounter bears or other undesirable animals.
The members of District 6 had a meeting/jam on Sept. 5th that was well attended and enjoyable. I didn’t get to attend, but I was told that it featured about 20 people and they had a good time playing music, eating lunch and catching up with friends not seen so much in the summer. They also celebrated Cici’s 10th birthday and Roy’s birthday as well, although he’s got her by quite a few years. It is always so fun to see everyone at this jam because it’s the first one after the summer break, so I was sad to miss it. Shawna provided a couple of pictures and stood in for me as secretary at the meeting. Thanks to her for helping out!
Also, I did get to attend the jam on Sept 26th which was a real thrill! (I get thrilled easily at this stage of my life.) We had a good group of musicians and an aspiring musician as well. His name is Bob and he just sat in and tried to follow the chords on his mandolin by watching Bernie. We were glad to welcome him to our circle. It was also a great surprise to welcome Adam Kimball and his banjo. He really added a lot to our jam. There were 3 banjos, 6 fiddles, and 2 mandolins plus quite a few guitars and one bass and one harmonica (my husband!). A great variety of instruments. We got to play or sing along with quite a few different songs. That’s what’s great in a jam with each person picking a song. Roy stumped us, though, with a song no one had ever heard of. Hopefully he’ll bring the music to the next jam so we can learn it. Chiara also played a song we didn’t know but will be able to back her up in the next jam since she had the music with her. We all try to accommodate each other and work on our skills. Here are some pictures from this jam. (As you can see, there were a variety of different ages. What a great thing!)
Just a reminder, you can pay your dues for renewal or new memberships online. Just click on the membership renewal section on the home page. The directions are all there. There is also a section where you can download and print a form and send in a check if you prefer. Also, Tyler has promised to bring his laptop to the October 24th jam at the Mason’s hall to let people sign up on line. So come with your credit card to renew or to join the Washington Old Time Fiddlers for 2027.
The list below shares the dates and times of our District 6 events which always include jams. All events listed are at the Mason’s Hall in DesMoines, WA. Specific information can be found on the website or you can contact me with any questions. All are welcome. Come when you can. NEW: THE MEETING/JAMS ON NOVEMBER 7th and THE CHRISTMAS PARTY ON DECEMBER 5th WILL HOST A SLOW JAM ON THE FIRST HOUR. (This jam will have a set list of songs they will play slowly and you won’t be able to pick songs) The rest of the jam and the potluck and meeting will be the same as always with people picking their own songs and others joining in.)
- Sat, October 3rd, Meeting/Jam, 11 am – 4 pm
- Sat, October 24th, Circle Jam, 1 pm – 4 pm
- Sat, November 7th, Meeting/Jam, 11 am – 4 pm
- Sat, December 5th, Christmas Party, 11 am – 4 pm
- Sat, January 2nd, Meeting/Jam, 11 am – 4 pm
Thanks for reading this report. I hope you enjoyed the pictures. We have a great group of people here in District 6. Thanks to everyone for the things you do to keep our district thriving. Come join us for our events any time. You can just watch or play music. All ability levels are encouraged. Any questions or comments, contact me at timbuktoe@yahoo.com.
Jenny Swanson