Letter to the Editor: Thank You from StoryFest Apprentices

–from Eth-Noh-Tec’s Apprentices, Aug. 5, 2015 (delay in publication due to technical difficulties) —

The Eth-Noh-Tec apprentices at Orcas Storyfest 2015, flanked on the left by Tom Rawson, on the right by Connie Regan-Blake and Nancy Wang. Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, center

Thank you Orcas! Five strangers gathered on Orcas Island from July 25-31 as Eth-Noh-Tec’s apprentice storytellers. Wow! What a privilege to personally meet the legendary and magical fairies of Orcas Island, manifested through a universal and unconditionally warm welcome from Orcas residents.

There were casseroles, salads and desserts organized by Marj Franke; fresh organic fruits and vegetables from Black Dog, MorningStar, and Maple Rock Farms, and gardeners Charlotte Sumrall, Didier Gincig, and Michael Sterling; Fred Franke’s fresh caught salmon.

We enjoyed gourmet meals organized by Ginni Stern: sandwiches donated by Rose’s, Southwest Salad by Olga Cafe, juicy burgers from Lower Tavern, and bountiful pizza from Portofino Pizza.

There were magnificent handmade sausages from Bill Patterson, a warm communal lunch at the Senior Center, drinks and cookies from Enzo’s, and a generous gift certificate from Island Market!
Orcas has destroyed the myth: ‘Starving Artist’! Thank you thank you!

Shearwater donated kayaking; Dr. David Shinstrom, Beverly Franklet, and Gil Blinn airplane rides; Fred & Marj Franke boating, the Lambiel and Orcas Historical Museums entrance; and discounts from Eclipse Whale-Watching Charters on our one day off! We were busy!

Eth-Noh-Tec donated use of their truck, taxiing, their home and tenting in their forest, while neighbors Moana Kutsche and Marj Franke donated showers until Nancy and Robert’s shower leak was fixed by their friend Les Katsura (who also built our training platform)!

Thank you thank you!

Such support and generosity allowed us to focus on Eth-Noh-Tec’s storytelling and performance intensive, and rehearse for the Orcas StoryFest, supported in part by the Friends of the Orcas Library.

Our first performance was in the library on Tuesday. By Wednesday, while walking to Enzo’s and Kathryn Taylor Chocolates for Ice Cream, we found ourselves greeted on the street with “Hey! There are the Storytellers!!” Friendly, laughter-filled conversation always ensued. By Thursday, with a couple more performances under our belts, we were greeting people by name on sidewalks and through the windows of our van! Despite the brevity of our visit, we felt welcomed and a part of the Orcas community.

Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec, graciously shared their knowledge, teaching, and talents for free: We were introduced to and developed our performance skills, ensemble culture, and storytelling craft, while experiencing what it takes to produce a festival. And because of their ability to create community, we were exposed to some of the best storytellers in the country: Connie Regan-Blake, Motoko, and Eshu Bumpus.

The gracious and truly magical spirit of Orcas Island will remain with us forever.Thank you, Orcas, for supporting the arts.

We would like to express our gratitude to the following cooks and bakers: Marj Franke, Sharon Inman, Shirley Gare, Tish Knapp, Joyce Green, Linda Todd, Marie Liedick, Evelyn Jensen, Rosie Kuhn, Sue Lamb, Adrian Apana, Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo.

And a big thank you to Margie Doyle of Orcas Issues!