— by Margie Doyle, updated April 13 —
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From babes-in-arms to great grandparents, The Funhouse was jumping with excitement and pride last Saturday, April 7. The occasion was the annual Science Fair and a grand re-opening of the kid-centered institution, which originally opened in 2000.
Gone were the dark green murals and the art yurt in the center of the ground floor. Instead was a wide-open commons area where the Banana Slug String Band entertained the crowd. Visitors toured the light and open spaces featuring a separate quiet study area, a new music and video production studio, a subdivided art and science room with multi-colored tile flooring, a conference room with windows looking out to the rest of the building, an additional stairway to the upper level — and a mini-kitchen for a cherry on top! On Saturday, young school-age scientists presented their exhibits on the upper level at the annual Science Fair. (To see the Science Fair award winners, go to and-the-science-fair-winners-are…/ )
Outside, kids of all ages played at The Funhouse outdoor play area, which has expanded to include a new sport court made possible through the generosity of Greg and Pat Ayers, as well as a new basketball hoop, benches, and fencing. Funhouse board members and volunteers served barbecued hot dogs. Fruit and other refreshments donated by Camp Orkila were served indoors, where more board members gave tours to visitors.
Funhouse Executive Director Maureen Moran said, “The Funhouse vision to revise the facility has become a reality. Our sincere thanks to the many generous donors and volunteers helping The Funhouse meet the evolving needs of our Funhouse kids, island families, and overall community. We’re all excited about this new chapter and the opportunities that will arise.”
Former Funhouse Directors Krista Bouchey and Pete Moe were there, along with staff
▪ Emilie Gincig, Program Director
▪ Sarah McKay, Afterschool Program Coordinator
▪ Trillium Swanson, Mentor & Volunteer Program Coordinator
▪ Jen Vollmer, Community Outreach & Development Manager
▪ Danica Coffman, Afterschool Program Staff
An incredible gift from the estate of Bob Henigson made the ambitious remodeling of The Funhouse Commons possible. Additionally many generous 2017 Gala guests contributed to outfitting the facility with furniture, laptops, and flat screen TV’s. Local construction firm Terra Firma oversaw the project.
Funhouse founder Jim Bredouw, with the assistance of his entire family, created a new multi-media studio with music recording and video production capabilities, and includes a collection of acoustic guitars and other instruments. Orcas High School student Kayleigh Horton will be helping people use the sophisticated recording equipment in the room. The studio is known as “Richie’s Room,” named after Jim’s dear friend and early Funhouse collaborator, Richie Moore, who passed away in 2003.
Artists Anne Bredouw and Jeni Sanders brought fun color into the building by painting the studio space and select accent walls. Kid banners, stories, and art decorate the remaining walls.
During 2017 The Funhouse served 415 youth age birth to 18 through out of school time and expanded learning programming.Funhouse out of school time programs include the Afterschool Program, which offers activities such as sewing, Pokemon, reading and homework clubs, and art, guitar, dance and science classes; the Mentor Program; and a 10-week summer camp program.
In 2017, 204 young people participated in the Funhouse Mentor Program in one-on-one or group mentoring relationships. “Our Mentor Program serves a broad range, not just at-risk kids, but any young person needing a one-to-one relationships with a caring adult,” said Funhouse Director Maureen Moran.
The expanded learning programs are like an umbrella under which a variety of programs are sheltered including:
▪ College Counseling and SAT Test Prep classes
▪ Annual Science Fair
▪ Junior Staff Program (job training for middle and high school students)
▪ Middle/high school teen mental health programming
▪ Birth to five years early childhood learning opportunities
The Funhouse also administers the Henigson Public School Student Fund College Scholarship program, which awards a four-year scholarship annually.
www.funhousecommons.org, 376-7177
