I think America is still in a post-Covid wallflower phase, and it’s time to shake it off.
We’ve gotten out of the habit of getting together. We’ve lost the momentum of community life.
I see it coming back in some areas, like sporting events, but I think a lot of us may have forgotten, just a little, about mixing and mingling.
Part of that starts with visiting folks, dropping by and paying a call to neighbors, friends and kinfolk.
Another part comes when we attend public events. There are some great options coming up.
This coming Friday, Feb. 17, our local Christian radio station, KACS, is sponsoring their 11th annual KACS Laugh All Night Family Comedy Night. This year they’re welcoming “stunt comedian” Max Winfrey (who was on the television show America’s Got Talent) appearing with comedian Shawn Reynolds.
The event is free, with general seating and no tickets required. Doors open 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 o’clock in Corbet Theater at Centralia College.
It’s been a few years since my family attended one of the KACS comedy shows, but we’re planning to go this year. It’s a great time.
I remember one of the jokes from comedian David Dean at a show we attended there many years ago: “Stupidity doesn't run in the family, it gallops.”
On a serious note, the event draws attention to a program in Haiti called New Missions that provides education, stability and hope for young people. Man years ago we sponsored a kid there the age of my oldest son who has now aged out of the program. It’s been a blessing to watch his progress along with our own child. We now have a girl our daughter’s age we’re thankful to be able to support.
Big thanks to KACS for putting on this event for the community. Laughter is great medicine and it’s sweet indeed to enjoy it with in the company of others.
My friend (and recent Russ Mohney Recreation Conservation Stewardship Award winner!) Bob Russell has invited me to an interesting event, and I’d like to pass that invitation on to you.
It’s called the Chehalis Basin Film Festival, which will feature films that “highlight the basin’s vibrant aquatic wildlife, salmon recovery efforts, fish and wildlife conservation, habitat restoration projects and the value of collaboration in the Chehalis River basin.”
Whether or not you’re into nature and rivers, there’s great value from the local focus in a film festival like this. Our place here is special, and finding ways to highlight what’s unique about our area is really important.
The film festival will be held at the TransAlta Commons at Centralia College on Friday, March 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A companion film festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, in Hoquiam from 3-5 p.m. at the 7th Street Theatre.
I wouldn’t expect to see any Hollywood celebrities in these films, but I’m told there will be beavers, salmon, and frogs, so that’s probably actually an improvement.
Remember third grade, when art was part of school and it was still fun? It turns out there’s still a way and a place to unleash your inner elementary schooler, and that’s a new spot in Chehalis called the Dandelion Creative Space.
They have art classes and activities for adults, youth and groups (including painting events for couples. Date night!) They’re in a gorgeous house just east of the Lewis County Public Health Building and they’re open on weekends. Stop by and jump in to an artist endeavor.
The Juice Box Public House in Centralia is a wonderful family-friendly venue with all sorts of fun musical acts and opportunities. I’m disappointed to have missed their recent “February Festival,” their first-ever all-day music festival that was held last weekend. But they have lots more music coming up, including regular open-mic nights on Tuesdays.
Whether it’s these or other spots and events, I encourage you to find something you like and take a step out for a night on the town. Let’s party like it’s 2019.
Brian Mittge is a community enthusiast and former journalist who can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com.
