April 2024

 With our Merv-13 air filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well! See each event for health precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular sponsored events (see below for more info).

  • April 14 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jack Dwyer & Friends
  • April 20 - An Evening of live Balkan Music + Folk Dancing - a QG Special Event!
  • Wednesdays - Balkan Dancing (all but first Weds of the month).
  • April 28 - KALOS returns - Celtic Roots music - KPTZ 91.9 FM public radio co-presents.

EVENTS - APRIL 2024



Sunday April 14th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jack Dwyer & Friends!

Great tunes to dance or listen to! 6:30-8:30 p.m. Entrance is free although donations are appreciated. Masking is optional. Presented by Cheri & Doug Partner Dancing.  Jack Dwyer and his band will perform Americana & country roots music for your dancing enjoyment. Hosted by Cheri & Doug Partner Dancing. This dance event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted at the door. All donations support monthly social dances with (mostly) live music. Masking is optional.



A Quimper Grange Special Event

An Evening of live Balkan Music + Folk Dancing

Joe Finn ~ fiddler extraordinaire, Dina Trageser & Tedy Dimitrova ~ impressive vocalists, David Bilides ~ tupan/kaval, and Michael Lawson ~ fabulous accordionist/vocalist will perform an evening of live music to get your feet moving...you can also attend to just listen! Snacks to share welcome.

Saturday, April 20th, 7:00 pm

Doors open at 6:45,  sliding scale $5-$20

Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368





Wednesdays April 10, 17, & 24 - Balkan Dance  7 pm, $5 entry. 

No partner needed. Evenings start with mellow dances & progress to intermediate. Fast pace & fun! Richard & Susi Watson host.



Sunday April 28th, 7:00 pm, KPTZ co-presents: 

KALOS Celtic Roots Music with Energy & Pulse 

Jeremiah McLane (accordion), Ryan McKasson (fiddle), & Eric McDonald (guitar)

KALOS are three innovative interpreters and composers of Celtic roots music. Ryan McKasson, Eric McDonald, & Jeremiah McLane are masters of tradition who create a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. They purposefully explore the dark corners floating on its edges, delivering an alluring musical complexity full of spontaneity and joyful exuberance. They set the standard for traditional repertoire with an underlying drive and pulse charged with rhythmic electricity and integrity. www.kalosband.com

Sunday April 28th

Doors open at 6:30,  concert begins at 7:00 pm

1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368

$20 at door; please wear a mask.

KPTZ co-presents!
 


FUTURE EVENTS - Save The Date!


Saturday May 11th 7pm Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman Irish Harp & Guitar 

Maire Ni Chathasaigh, considered one of Ireland’s most important and influential traditional musicians, and Chris Newman, “one of the UK’s greatest guitarists” (BBC RADIO 2), have toured in twenty-three countries with their distinctive mix of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque - and striking new compositions. KPTZ co-presents! www.mairenichathasaigh.com


FOOD BANK GARDEN NEWS

by Barbara Tusting

Spring has sprung
The grass has riz
I wonder where
The birdies is?

This was my father-in-law's favorite spring poem. I recite it each year, as it always seems appropriate given the fickle spring weather we have around here.                                            

January through March yielded 137 pounds of mostly greens from the Grange Garden to the local food banks. This winter we served both Port Townsend and Quilcene food banks. That's a lot of salad mix and stir fry mix!

Snap and shelling peas can still be planted directly into your garden (assemble your trellis first!).  They're likely to be healthier if you coat your seeds with pea inoculant. You can buy it locally or order it online.

Our peas are accompanied this year by Shuksan strawberries. They say they're June bearing, but truly they bear into August under the right conditions. The two strawberry beds are being lovingly planted and tended this year by our Community Connections friends. They were planted with lots of rich worm dirt grown right in our garden by Jo's careful tending. 

It's too early to start squash plants. The will come up, but it'll be such a struggle for them in this cooler weather that they will not thrive and won't produce what they could with a warmer start. Aim for May 6, not April 6, according to Linda Gilkeson, Master Gardener from Salt Spring Island in Canada. Their climate is much like ours, and we follow most of what she recommends.

What we are direct sowing right now are spinach, beets, arugula, onions (bunching and bulb) and chard. Carrots will also come a bit later. And we aren't planting many brassicas (broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc) because we're giving the garden a break from those for a year or two. It is said that one should separate growing brassicas in the same bed for 3-4 years to prevent disease and pests attracted to that plant family.

ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one near you.


Pot washing on a warm-ish spring day by Community Connections volunteers. 
Left to Right: Blaine, Robin, Scott, Larry, and Debbie.



March 2024 dances, tool sharpening, concert

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for health precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular sponsored events (see below for more info).

  • Saturday March 9th - DIY Tool Maintenance Clinic
  • Sunday March 10th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jonathan Doyle & Friends
  • Tuesday March 12th - Beginning Country Two Step with Cheri & Doug
  • Wednesdays March 13, 20, and 27- Balkan Dancing (all but first Weds of the month).

EVENTS - MARCH 2024


Saturday March 9th - DIY Tool Maintenance Clinic •  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Co-Sponsored by Quimper Grange and Food Bank Growers

Dust off the dirt, sharpen your shovels, and lubricate your loppers in preparation for the Spring 2024 growing season! Learn to maintain your own tools from seasoned helpers at this hands-on workshop on Saturday, March 9th from 10:00-1:00 at the Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona Ave, in Port Townsend. This event is co-sponsored by Food Bank Growers and Quimper Grange and is open to the public.

You bring: work gloves, your garden tools (labeled with your name), and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We provide: files, whetstones, oils, rags, wire brushes, and best of all, mentorship so that you can learn how to maintain your own tools at home. The Quimper Grange and partner Food Bank Garden will be open for tours, for help with veggie questions, and to answer questions about how to volunteer.

Entrance is free. Visit FoodBankGrowers.org for more information.


Sunday March 10th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jonathan Doyle & Friends!

Great tunes to dance or listen to! 6:30-8:30 p.m. Entrance is free although donations are appreciated. Masking is optional. Presented by Cheri & Doug Partner Dancing.



FULL - Tuesday March 12th - Beginning Country Two-Step with Cheri & Doug

Learn to dance this traveling two-step with a partner. Registration is required - email douglasgroenig@gmail.com. Lessons are free, but donations gladly accepted. Masks are required for all our lessons, as we change partners frequently.  Presented by Cheri & Doug Partner Dancing. Class is full. To learn about upcoming classes, email Doug.


Wednesdays March 13, 20, and 27 - Balkan Dance  7 pm, $5 entry. 

Richard & Susi Watson host. Evenings start mellow and progress to intermediate.




Early Music at the Grange Presents...
Flûtes-en-Bois - A Baroque Flute Ensemble

Saturday, March 30th

Directed by Janet See, Flûtes-en-Bois is a truly unique ensemble, possibly the only one of its kind in the country. The ensemble was established in 2010 as a result of a large and enthusiastic gathering of local baroque flutists at the renowned Seattle Baroque Flute Workshop, held each summer at Seattle Pacific University.

The members of the ensemble are Nayoung Ham, Liz Hunter, Carla Tachau Lawrence, Miguel Rodé, Marty Ronish, and Molly Warner on baroque flute; and Lee Inman on cello.

The flautists perform on wooden, one-keyed baroque flutes, which is the type of instrument for which all 18th century flute music was written. The sound is particularly sweet, warm, and expressive. They are supported by Lee’s sonorous cello on the bass lines.

Flûtes-en-Bois performs music of the 18th century and also carefully selected works of 19th and 20th century repertoire, expertly transcribed for the group by current members Miguel Rodé, Douglass Hjelm, and with a former member Charles Cooper.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m., concert begins at 2:00 p.m. $20 admission.

 


FUTURE EVENTS


Sunday April 28th 7pm Kalos Celtic Roots Music with Energy & Pulse 

Ryan McKasson, Eric McDonald and Jeremiah McLane are masters of tradition who create a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. KPTZ co-presents! www.kalosband.com


Saturday May 11th 7pm Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman Irish Harp & Guitar 

Maire Ni Chathasaigh, considered one of Ireland’s most important and influential traditional musicians, and Chris Newman, “one of the UK’s greatest guitarists” (BBC RADIO 2), have toured in twenty-three countries with their distinctive mix of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque - and striking new compositions. KPTZ co-presents! www.mairenichathasaigh.com/


FOOD BANK GARDEN NEWS


Our garden team is busy with many tasks this month! Weeding and mulching our paths are unending jobs, but keeping the weeds at bay is so important.

You can plant snap and shelling peas directly into your garden (assemble your trellis first!), but we prefer to start them indoors. We use toilet paper tubes and put 2-3 peas in each one. They like climbing together, so we don't break them apart, we just plant the whole tube. That causes the least root disturbance possible. Then, when they're about 6" inches tall, we plant them outside. The birds don't peck them to pieces that way. One final pea tip - they're likely to be healthier if you coat your seeds with pea inoculant. You can buy it locally or order it online.

You can also get new strawberries snugged into their beds - or clear out the dead leaves in your existing beds. Leave about 18" inches around each plant to provide an uncrowded, airy, and accommodating bed for those luscious beauties!

Our microgreens have been a big hit at the Quilcene Food Bank. We've used everything from egg cartons to sanitized take-out containers to donate nutrient-rich greens into our community. 

ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one near you.



Left to right: Volunteers Barbara Tusting, Mary Beth Haralovich, Mary Paxton, and Louise Huntingford with Feb. 27th bounty bound for the Quilcene Food Bank. Included are microgreens, pac choi, bags of salad greens, turnips, turnip greens and radishes.

February 2024 dances and events

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

WITH THANKS TO KATHLEEN HUDSON! Kathleen Hudson has retired as Bookkeeper for the Quimper Grange after many years of keeping our financial heads about us. Kathleen has been a wonderful support to this group, and we will miss her. Many Thanks from all of us!

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EVENTS THIS MONTH

Weds Feb 14, 21, and 28 - Balkan Dance Wednesdays - 7 pm, $5 entry. Richard and Susi Watson host. Evenings start mellow and progress to intermediate.

Sunday Feb 11th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Tony and the Roundabouts! Great tunes to dance or listen to! 6:30-8:30 p.m. Entrance is free although donations are appreciated! Masking is optional. Here’s a video of Tony and his group:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6A10r5wjYA&t=40s

FUTURE EVENTS

April 28th 7pm Kalos Celtic Roots Music with Energy and Pulse
Ryan McKasson, Eric McDonald and Jeremiah McLane are masters of tradition who create a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. KPTZ co-presents! www.kalosband.com

May 4th Plant Sale More details soon, some details below in Garden section

May 11th 7pm Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman Irish Harp and Guitar
Maire Ni Chathasaigh, considered one of Ireland’s most important and influential traditional musicians, and Chris Newman, “one of the UK’s greatest guitarists” (BBC RADIO 2), have toured in twenty-three countries with their distinctive mix of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque - and striking new compositions. KPTZ co-presents! www.mairenichathasaigh.com/
_______________________________________________________________________

Food Bank Garden News
Food Bank Growers, of which the QG Garden is a member, is pleased to announce a partnership with Master Gardeners in our first combined Plant Sale on Saturday, May 4th! QG Garden is starting a number of herbs and veggies in preparation for the sale – this is also the time to gather your seeds, prepare indoor seeding areas, and get some veggies started for your own gardens!

The Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden is applying for a grant to help us improve growth and donations during the winter months. We hope to be building some raised beds over our soggy garden areas, putting gravel in the hoop houses to navigate standing water and muddy slick, and to re-skin two of our hoop houses. Keep a lookout! If we get this grant, we will be sending out a call for volunteers to help with digging and re-building the beds.

This winter we are growing microgreens to expand our donations of nutrient-rich greens into our community. The biggest hiccup right now is having a good way for the food bank customers to get them home, as they’re rather damp and fragile. If you have experience in this area, we’d love to hear from you.

ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one near you.

Grange Membership
Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure (from www.quimpergrange.com membership tab and scroll down) and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals
Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates and more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations Your support keeps the Grange hall open to offer music, dance, community events, and private rentals. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

January 2024 Dances, and the future!

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!
Sun Jan 14 CANCELLED DUE TO ICY ROADS - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jill and Kevin with The Other Guys
Wed Jan 10 17 24, and 31 Balkan Dancing Wednesdays (all but first Weds)
________________________________________________________________
Help needed! (volunteer position)
Someone to publish our newsletter and webpage. We use Mail chimp and Blogger. If you are computer savvy and don’t know these we can give you training!
All information and photos sent to you, you just populate and send/publish.
Takes 3-4 hours, and is done in the last few days of each month for the next month.
Interested? Write to Quimpergrange @ gmail.com Subject: newsletter help
The last one will be February if we don't get help! Thank you!
_______________________________________________________________________

2024 Events

April 20 7pm Balkan Bash! Music and singing and dancing
Joe Finn, violin . Dina Tageser, vocals . Michael Lawson, accordion and vocals
Come listen and/or come dance! Sliding scale $5-$20

Our acoustic concerts are $20. Enjoy the intimate setting!

April 28th 7pm Kalos Celtic Roots Music with Energy and Pulse
Ryan McKasson, Eric McDonald and Jeremiah McLane are masters of tradition who create a sound compelling enough to transcend boundaries and appeal to music lovers of all stripes. KPTZ co-presents! www.kalosband.com

May 11th 7pm Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman Irish Harp and Guitar
Maire Ni Chathasaigh, considered one of Ireland’s most important and influential traditional musicians, and Chris Newman, “one of the UK’s greatest guitarists” (BBC RADIO 2), have toured in twenty-three countries with their distinctive mix of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque - and striking new compositions. KPTZ co-presents! www.mairenichathasaigh.com/
_______________________________________________________________________
Regular Events
Wed Jan 10 17 24, and 31 - Balkan Dance Wednesdays - 7 pm, $5 entry. Richard and Susi Watson host. Evenings start mellow and progress to intermediate.

Sunday Jan 14 CANCELLED DUE TO ICY ROADS - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jill and Kevin with The Other Guys playing for your dancing pleasure!
Entry is by donation; masking optional. 6:30-8:30.
_________________________________________________________________

Food Bank Garden News
The Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden is one of the few Food Bank Growers gardens to produce crops throughout the winter for our local food banks. We are very proud to announce our year end totals for 2023:
Total Donated Produce = 2,437 pounds – the highest production by an all-volunteer workforce of all the Food Bank Growers’ gardens
Total Volunteer Hours = 2,038 hours – the most volunteer hours of any garden (and one of the happiest crews!)
This winter, we are trying a variety of new ways to grow more greens to expand our donations of nutrient-rich greens into our community. If you have experience in this area, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for reports on our experiments!

ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one near you.

Grange Membership
Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure (from www.quimpergrange.com membership tab and scroll down) and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals
Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates and more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations Your support keeps the Grange hall open to offer music, dance, community events, and private rentals. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

December 2023 - a concert, a special Balkan event, a Holiday Dance party to help the homeless, and more!

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!
Sun Dec 10 - Second Sunday Special (!) Holiday Dance
Wed Dec 13, 20, 27- Balkan Dancing Wednesdays (all but first Weds)
Friday Dec 8 - Balkan Dance Party (only one because of special dance)

________________________________________________________________
Help needed! (volunteer position)
Someone to publish our newsletter and webpage. We use Mail chimp and Blogger. If you are computer savvy and don’t know these we can give you training!
All information and photos sent to you, you just populate and send/publish.
Takes 3-4 hours, and is done in the last few days of each month for the next month.
Interested? Write to Quimpergrange @ gmail.com Subject: newsletter help
The last one will be February if we don't get help! Thank you!
_______________________________________________________________________
Special Events

Pint, Dale, Opland, and Freeman Winter Returns: Songs of the Season
Saturday December 9th 7:00 pm


Well-known PNW performers William Pint, Felicia Dale, Tania Opland, and Mike Freeman will present seasonal songs across the ages from around the world, played on a vast array of exotic instruments. Hurdy gurdy and hammered dulcimer rub shoulders with cittern and bouzouki, recorders, whistles, violins, and even the odd guitar or two (or three).
Doors open at 6:30
Co-sponsored with kptz.org
www.WintersReturn.com
Admission $20, masks requested

_______________________________________________________________________

An Evening of Balkan+ Music, Singing, and Folkdancing
Saturday Dec 16th at 7:00 pm

Joe Finn, fiddler extraordinaire, Dina Trageser, impressive vocalist, and Michael Lawson, fabulous accordionist and vocalist, will provide an evening of music to get your feet moving!
You can also attend to just listen!
Snacks to share welcome
Doors open at 6:45 sliding scale $5-$20

Michael Lawson began playing accordion for his college folk dance club in 1973 and since then has played for parties, festivals and weddings in the International Folk Dance Scene on the West Coast as the band leader of Nišava, Balkan Cabaret and Kafana Republik. Michael has been on staff for the East European Folklife Center Mendocino Balkan Music Camp, Stockton Folk Dance Camp, Mendocino Folklore Camp, Oregon's balkanalia! camp and Port Townsends' Voice Works workshop. In 1995, Michael traveled to Bulgaria to study accordion, and in 2013 he appeared in the movie Taži Baba/This Grandmother, accompanying the singer Penka Enčeva. Michael is currently the director of the Bulgarian Voices of Seattle, a choir of Bulgarian women who perform the songs of their home country. He is also the “Osem” of the Balkan duo Osem i Devet (with David “Devet” Bilides).

Dina Trageser is a singer and multi-instrumentalist in Seattle, and is the founder and director of Dunava Balkan Women’s Choir. She has been studying and performing Balkan folk music since 1997, and has sung in various classical and folk choirs, including the Radost Women’s Choirs Kosava and Dodole, and Russian vocal ensemble Pava. For five years she sang and played Bulgarian tambura with the Balkan folk dance band Orkestar RTW. Previously she performed with the Eugene folk dance band Balladina in Eugene, Oregon.

Joe Finn is a violinist and fiddler, and has played multiple styles of music. He’s been in Nišava, Westwind International Folk Ensemble (Music Director/Coordinator), Zapadne Lole, Joe and Leslie (Scandinavian Duet), Kaba Vence, FOAM (Friends of Appalachian Music), Northern California Greek Strings Ensemble, Balkan Cabaret, True Life Trio (guest musician), Dobre Veče, Bok Pojkar (Scandinavian with Peter Michaelsen), and currently is in Sviračhi!

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Regular Events

Wed Dec 13, 20, and 27 - Balkan Dance Wednesdays - 7 pm, $5 entry. Richard and Susi Watson host. Evenings start mellow and progress to intermediate.

Friday Dec 8 - Balkan Dance Party - 7 pm, $5 entry
Sheila Long and Ed Boring host. All dances taught.

Sunday Dec 10th - Second Sunday Special (!) Holiday Dance
Cheri and Doug Partner Dancing presents a special dance this month. This is a dessert pot-luck, holiday-themed dance party with recorded music from Cheri’s vast collection. Special Note: All proceeds from this dance will be donated to Bayside Housing and Services, with a $500 Challenge Match presented by Cheri, Doug, Rocky and Barbara. If you aren’t able to make the dance, you can send a check to Bayside Housing, PO Box 927, Port Hadlock 98339 memo: Cheri and Doug’s Partner Dance; or, place your check in the Grange mailbox on 32nd St at the foot of the driveway. Entry is by donation; masking optional. 6:30-8:30.

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Food Bank Garden News

Fallen leaves have helped winterize the garden beds and give extra protection to veggies. The leaves will break down over the winter, adding luscious goodness to the soil, and will protect the soil from becoming compacted from rain. More leaves are needed from maple trees especially, and free from branches, dog soil, dirt, other yard waste, etc. We can share the extras with other Food Bank Growers’ gardens. Leaf donations can be bagged and left outside the garden gates with our thanks.

A hopeful winter project for the garden is to rebuild many of the garden beds with galvanized steel sides, which will last much longer than the scrap wood we cobble together every year. Master Gardener Imo has researched using this method of raised beds and found plans for us to use. We are starting to accumulate materials, hoping to have some beds completed by Spring.

The Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden is one of the few Food Bank Growers gardens to produce crops throughout the winter for our local food banks. In Jan-April 2023, the Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden donated 526# of fresh vegetables to local entities; the next highest producer was Swan Farm at 127#. ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one near you.

Grange Membership

Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure (from www.quimpergrange.com membership tab and scroll down) and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals

Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates and more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations Your support keeps the Grange hall open to offer music, dance, community events, and private rentals. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

November 2023 - Two concerts plus Partner and Balkan dancing

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!
Sun Nov 12 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Ranger and the Re-Arrangers
Wed Nov 8, 15, 22 and 29 - Balkan Dancing Wednesdays (all but first Weds)
Fridays Nov 10 and 24 - Balkan Dance Party
________________________________________________________________
Help needed! (volunteer position)
Someone to publish our newsletter and webpage. We use Mail chimp and Blogger. If you are computer savvy and don’t know these we can give you training!
All information and photos sent to you, you just populate and send/publish.
Takes 3-4 hours, and is done in the last few days of each month for the next month.
Interested? Write to Quimpergrange@gmail.com Subject: newsletter help
Thank you!
_______________________________________________________________________
Special Events - Two concerts this month!

Kevin Henderson and Neil Pearlman
Thursday Nov 16 at 7:00 pm

Photo: Dylan Ladds

Two stand-out artists in the world of Celtic music, Kevin Henderson (“effortless grace and skill” -BBC2 Folk and Acoustic) and Neil Pearlman (“tremendous pianist” -BBC Radio Scotland) have joined forces to form one of the most exciting new acts in the Celtic music world. The duo is launching their debut album Burden Lake with tours of the US and UK over the next few months and their live show is not to be missed. Kevin's Shetland fiddle style is both fiery and sensitive while Neil's piano style supports with lush harmonies and syncopated, driving rhythm. The album features several new tunes composed by both musicians, with some traditional Shetland melodies scattered throughout.

A standard bearer for the rich fiddling tradition of the Shetland Islands, Kevin Henderson is known for his work with Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Boys of the Lough, Session A9 and Fiddlers Bid. Neil Pearlman is recognized throughout the Celtic and acoustic folk world for his unique approach to the piano which finds him in high demand often performing or recording alongside such figures as Alasdair Fraser, Darol Anger, Wendy MacIsaac, Katie McNally and many more.

Admission $20, masks requested
Co-Sponsored with KPTZ 91.9fm
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Early Music at the Grange - Odd Pearl Consort
Saturday Nov 18 at 3:00 pm

L - R: Randall Wilkins, Miguel Rodé, Amy Warren, Bonnie Wilkins, not pictured - Lee Inman.

You are invited to attend the second of three concerts in the “Early Music at the Grange” series on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at the Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend. The performance starts at 3:00 PM.

The event is titled, “Superstars of the High Baroque” and features chamber music from 18th century Europe by the most renowned and skilled composers of the era: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, among others. The Odd Pearl Consort performs on reproductions of instruments used in the period, including Baroque flute, Baroque violin, harpsichord and viola da gamba.

Highlights of the program include three works that require two violas da gamba: two sonatas by Telemann, and a suite by Francois Couperin. These pieces are rarely heard, and are among the most delightful works by these excellent composers.

Performers in the consort are Miguel Rodé (Baroque flute), Bonnie Wilkins (Baroque violin), Randall Wilkins (Harpsichord), Amy Warren and Lee Inman (viola da gamba).

Tickets are $20 at the door; masking requested.

For further information, email fritzrl@gmail.com, or quimpergrange@gmail.com.

_______________________________________________________________________

December Concert:

12/9 7pm Pint, Dale, Opland, and Freeman Winter Returns: Songs of the Season
_______________________________________________________________________

Regular Events

Weds Nov 8, 15, 22, and 29 - Balkan Dance Wednesdays - 7 pm, $5 entry. Richard and Susi Watson host. Evenings start mellow and progress to intermediate.

Fri Nov 10 and Fri Nov 24 - Balkan Dance Party - 7 pm, $5 entry Sheila Long and Ed Boring host. All dances taught.

Sun Nov 12 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Ranger and the Re-Arrangers!
Cheri and Doug Partner Dancing presents Seattle’s "Gypsy Jazz" band Ranger and the Re-Arrangers! They evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Romani campsite with their version of Hot Club Swing. “At the heart of their sound is Ranger Sciacca's sweet violin playing… his sense of melody and daring improvisations” (World Rhythm). The band’s repertoire includes swing standards, traditional European melodies, the music of Django Reinhardt, and Ranger's unique originals. Entry is by donation; masking optional. 6:30-8:30.
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Food Bank Garden News

The first frost of the year provides our carrots, beets, and celeriac with extra sweetness! It also reminds us of the importance of keeping our beds covered, not only to protect from freezing, but also to protect the soil from the rain’s erosion and compaction.

About half of our ‘cover crops’ have been sown, using Crimson Clover, Austrian Field Peas, and Diana Fava Beans as the main crops. The field peas and fava beans double as edible crops! These will be harvested and/or chopped into the beds before spring crops are planted.

The rhubarb patch has been divided to create another permanent crop bed. We use the ‘lasagna’ method of layering fresh greens and fall leaves, with a layer of dirt on top, and sprinkled with clover seeds. This method will produce a deep, luscious layer of compost in which to plant our crops in the spring. Other permanent crop beds, besides rhubarb, include elephant garlic (grown for winter greens), and late-season strawberries.

There is plenty of work to do. The Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden is one of the few Food Bank Growers gardens to produce crops throughout the winter for our local food banks. How can we do that? With the help of hardy volunteers, donations of supplies and funds, and our donated hoop houses which extend our growing season enormously.

We really need help in harvesting, washing pots, making lasagna beds, and weeding! Join the team any time Tuesday or Friday afternoons 1:00-3:00 to have fun, learn about growing (food/friendships), gathering (harvest /camaraderie), and giving (food/support to each other). ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one near you.

Grange Membership

Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure (from www.quimpergrange.com membership tab and scroll down) and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals

Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates and more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations Your support keeps the Grange hall open to offer music, dance, community events, and private rentals. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

October 2023 Music items sale, dances, dance lessons

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!

Sun Oct 8 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Tony and the Roundabouts
Tues Oct 10 - Partner Dance series starts - NightClub Two-Step
Wed Oct 11, 18, 25 - Balkan Dancing Wednesdays (all but first Weds)
Sat Sept 16th - Food Bank Garden 10 year Anniversary and Open House
Fridays Oct 13 and 27 - Balkan Dance Party
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Special Events

ALL THINGS MUSIC SALE - SAT OCT 21, 1:00-3:00 PM

Reserve space now to sell those musical items that you're ready to pass on to others. Items can include instruments, equipment, stands, records & CDs, books, sheet music, etc. Space is limited, reserve your area now by dropping a $10 check or cash into the Quimper Grange mailbox. Please put Sale on the bottom corner of the envelope.

Each vendor will receive a 6' table space with space around it for floor items. Set-up is 11-1. The sale is Saturday, October 21, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Quimper Grange, 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend. Jpeg images are encouraged for advertising purposes; send those to quimpergrange@gmail.com, subject line: "Music Sale".

Interested in starting on or continuing on your musical adventures? Come peruse the lovely instruments and items at this special sale. Admission is free. Family Friendly!

Co-Sponsored by Crossroads Music and the Quimper Grange

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Regular Events

Sun Oct 8 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Tony + the Roundabouts!
Entry is by donation; masking optional. 6:30-8:30

Tuesdays, Oct 10, 17, 24, Nov 14 and 21 - Partner Dance with Doug and Cheri - Introduction to NightClub Two-Step! 6:30-8:30.
By donation. Contact douglasgroenig@gmail.com to register. Masking required.

Weds Oct 11, 18, and 25 - Balkan Dance Wednesdays - NEW! 7 pm
Richard and Susi Watson host. By donation. Evenings start mellow and progress to intermediate.

Fri Oct 13 and Fri Oct 27 - Balkan Dance Party 7pm $5
Sheila Long and Ed Boring host. All dances taught – no experience necessary

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Food Bank Garden News

Fall has definitely arrived in the Garden. The sunflowers are now feeding the birds, the winter squash vines are drying up, and the last of the summer vegetables are being collected.

However… we still have lots of work to do this month. The Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden is one of the few gardens that grows crops throughout the winter for our local food banks. How can we do that? With the help of hardy volunteers, donations of supplies and funds, and our donated hoop houses which keep things a lot warmer inside than out.

Our tasks this month are to plant the seedlings that we grew, and to sow new seeds to include radish, spinach, turnips (for greens and root), beets (ditto), Asian greens, mache, and more hearty veggies. We also need to clean out old beds, plant cover crops (they keep the soil healthy and ready to plant next spring) and clean up our tools.

We work even in the depths of winter. Join the team any time Tues or Fri afternoons, 1:00-3:00 to have fun, learn about growing food, support your community, and share in a worthwhile experience. ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one in your area.

Grange Membership

Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure (from www.quimpergrange.com membership tab and scroll down) and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals

Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates and more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations As donations continue to arrive, improvements to the hall continue. You can see the improvements just in the last year thanks to donors (and members) like you. Your donations help keep the Grange hall open. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

September 2023 Master Storyteller (Cancelled) , dances, Open House and celebration, changes in regular events

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!

Fri Sept 8th - Balkan Dance Party
Sun Sept 10th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Chicago Bob and Friends
Tues Sept 12th - Partner Dance series starts - Cha-cha
NO! Fri Sept 15th - Joe McHugh - Master Storyteller CANCELLED
Sat Sept 16th - Food Bank Garden 10 year Anniversary and Open House
Fri Sept 22nd - Balkan Dance Party
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Friday Sept 15th 7pm Joe McHugh -
The Wheel of Fortunate Stories with a Master Storyteller


Alas, cancelled due to health issues. We wish him the best.

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Quimper Grange - Open House and Food Bank Garden 10 Year Anniversary!
Saturday Sept 16th 1:00-3:00

Help celebrate 104 years of community service by the Quimper Grange with live music, free ice cream and dancing on the grass! Not only has the Grange been serving our community since 1919, but it has supported an essential community resource, the Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden. We are celebrating ten years of the garden’s operations under Quimper Grange’s sponsorship and the Food Bank Growers.

Come enjoy ice cream while you listen or dance to live music; experience some of the community programs the Grange sponsors; tour the food bank garden; and take home a fall vegetable start or two.
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Regular Events

Fri Sept 8th - Balkan Dance Party 7pm $5 Dances taught, no experience necessary, masking optional. Dances from the Balkans and beyond!

Sun Sept 10th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Chicago Bob and Friends. 6:30-8:30 Entry is by donation; masking optional.

Tuesdays, Sept 12, 19, 26 - Partner Dance with Doug and Cheri - Cha-cha 6:30-8:30. By donation. Pre-registration required, contact douglasgroenig@gmail.com. Masking required.

Fri Sept 22nd - Balkan Dance Party 7 pm $5 Dances taught, no experience necessary, masking optional. Dances from the Balkans and beyond!

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Changes!!!

The Old Time jam is gone for now; however starting in October there will be Balkan Dancing on all Wednesdays (but the first), lead by Richard and Susi Watson! 7-9pm, $5.
Starting with mellow and progressing to intermediate, fast-paced and fun!

The 4th Friday International dance is now a second Balkan Dance Party, both lead by Sheila Long. All dances taught - no experience necessary. 7-9pm, $5

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Food Bank Garden News

Barbara is away, but the Garden is still producing. A report will happen next month when she returns.
Contact Barbara at barbaratusting97@gmail.com to help in the Grange Food Bank Garden.

Grange Membership

Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals

Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates & more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations As donations continue to arrive, improvements to the hall continue. You can see the improvements just in the last year thanks to donors (and members) like you. Your donations help keep the Grange hall open. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

August 2023- dances, classes, concert

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!

NO Old Time Jam this month - taking a break
Tues August 8th - Partner Dance series starts - Intro to Salsa
Fri August 11th - Balkan Dance Party
Sun August 13th - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jack Dwyer and Friends
Fri August 25th - International Folk Dancing
Sat August 26th - Early Music Series concert #1 _______________________________________________________________________

Sat August 26th "Early Music at the Grange" Concert

Music From Frederick the Great

We are pleased to announce a series of three remarkable chamber music concerts at the Quimper Grange starting early this Fall: “Early Music at the Grange.” Each of these concerts will present a different aspect of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century music, played on instruments appropriate to the period.

In the first concert, on Saturday, August 26 at 3:00 pm, the ensemble Schola Galante focuses on music from the court of Frederick the Great, ruler of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. The so-called “Berlin School” of which he was a generous patron, attracted over 25 of the finest European composers and performers whose creations – chamber and orchestral music, as well as operas -- epitomized the latest evolution of musical styles. Most of his brilliant musicians have since faded into obscurity, but their influence on subsequent generations of composers (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven) was profound. Frederick was also a talented amateur flutist, thus most of the music written under his sponsorship brilliantly demonstrates the capabilities of the Baroque flute.

Ensemble Schola Galante members are (L to R) Dahti Blanchard, Lee Inman, Miguel Rodé and Douglass Hjelm.
Doors open at 2:30pm, tickets are $20.  Co-Sponsored by KPTZ.  Please mask to protect the performers!

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Regular Events

NO Old Time jam this month only - taking a break

Tuesdays, August 8, 15, 22, 29 - Partner Dance with Doug & Cheri - Introduction to Salsa! 6:30-8:30. By donation. Pre-registration required, contact douglasgroenig@gmail.com. Masking required.

Fri August 11 - Balkan Dance Party- 7pm $5 Dances taught, no experience necessary, masking optional

Sun August 13 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jack Dwyer and Friends. Entry is by donation; masking optional. 6:30-8:30

Fri August 25- International Folk Dancing- 7 pm $5 - Dances taught, no experience necessary, masking optional. Live band!

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Food Bank Garden News

The Quimper Grange Food Bank Garden just passed it's 1,000 pound mark for produce donated to our area's food banks in 2023! Not only that, but the Garden has grown and donated 1200 plant starts to food bank clients with more to follow. Giving a vegetable start to a food bank client to grow for themselves gives everybody more options!

This week we'll be planting fall snap and shelling peas, many more onion sets, and transplanting a bunch of kale starts to prepare for the fall & winter harvests. We're currently harvesting beans, beets, carrots, basil, radishes and cabbage. With volunteer summer vacations looming, we can always use an extra pair of hands to fill in gaps - see if you like it by trying it once or twice. No experience needed, we're all learning 'on the job'! Contact Barbara at barbaratusting97@gmail.com to help in the Grange Food Bank Garden.

Grange Membership

Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00 pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals

Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the Calendar of Events on our website, quimpergrange.com for available dates & more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations As donations continue to arrive, improvements to the hall continue. You can see the improvements just in the last year thanks to donors (and members) like you. Your donations help keep the Grange hall open. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!

July 2023 Fire prevention, dances, classes, jam, dessert auction

With our Merv-13 filtration system, we feel confident having our events. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or may have been exposed! See each event for COVID precautions.

Mark your calendars with these popular upcoming events (see below for more info)!

Sun July 9 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jonathan Doyle
Tues July 11 - Partner Dance series starts - Cajun Two-Step
Wed July 12 - Old Time Jam
Fri July 14 - Balkan Dance Party
Fri July 28 - International Folk Dancing
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Thursday July 13th – 6:30 pm Fire Prevention workshop given by EJFR. Free.
Professionals from the Fire Department and Emergency Services will talk about steps you can take in the event of a fire, and steps to take beforehand to minimize problems. There will also be information on how to prepare for other emergency situations!

Saturday July 15th – 1pm until all items are gone! All-Peninsula Granges Dessert Auction.
Auctioned items provide funding for all participating Granges. Held at Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road, Sequim WA 98382. Email us at quimpergrange@gmail.com if you want more information, or just donate money without buying anything!
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Regular Events

Sun July 9 - Second Sunday Social Dance with Jonathan Doyle Entry is by donation; masking optional . 6:30-8:30

Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25 - Partner Dance with Doug & Cheri - Introduction to Cajun Two-Step! 6:30-8:30. By donation. Contact douglasgroenig@gmail.com to register. Masking required.

Wed July 12 - Old Time Jam - 7 pm $5 - Round-robin – bring tune suggestions!

Fri July 14 - Balkan Dance Party- 7pm $5 Dances taught, no experience necessary

Fri July 28 - International Folk Dancing- 7 pm $5 - Dances taught, no experience necessary. Live band!

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Food Bank Garden News

Did you know that the Quimper Grange supports a 7,000 sq ft food bank garden? The Grange’s garden is one of twelve (!) gardens belonging to the Food Bank Growers network. The Grange provides the land, water and electricity to keep this garden vibrant and growing - ALL the produce grown at this garden is donated to food banks and other similar entities to enhance food security in our area.

July 1st is Carrot Day! Plant (and cover) carrot seeds on this day to supply your family with fresh carrots well into the winter.

Although our summer crops are slow to come in this year, many other Food Bank Growers’ gardens are taking advantage of the amazing greenhouse setup at the Grange’s garden to seed kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli and other vegetables. We all share the starts that will produce fresh vegetables through the winter. The Grange and FBG are committed to support as much winter produce as possible for our community.

This is a productive garden even in the depths of winter. Come join the team any time Tues or Fri afternoons, 1:00-4:00 to have fun, learn about growing food, support your community, and share in a worthwhile experience. Contact FoodBankGrowers@gmail.com to volunteer at this garden or one in your area.

Grange Membership

Support your local Grange! Become a member! Keep the doors open to our community! Meetings occur the third Sunday of the month, at 7:00pm at the Quimper Grange hall. Come at 6:30 and meet some of the group, and learn about activities, concerts and new projects we’re considering. Download and print our brochure and mail to: Quimper Grange - 1219 Corona Ave, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Building Rentals

Rent our Grange Hall for your event or meeting. We have an excellent air filtration system and a beautiful interior. Contact Doug at quimpergrange@gmail.com and arrange for an orientation. Check the website for more info or leave a message at 360-531-0326.

Donations As donations continue to arrive, improvements to the hall continue. You can see the improvements just in the last year thanks to donors (and members) like you. Your donations help keep the Grange hall open. Checks made out to “Quimper Grange #720” can be mailed to 1219 Corona Ave., Port Townsend WA 98368.

See you soon!