Chuck Woodbury had his video camera out on this beautiful, sunny Saturday in Edmonds, showcasing the ferry coming and going with the magnificent Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Most people have seen at least an episode or two of the popular, long-running television show M*A*S*H. The series, which ran from 1972 -1983, had scores of faithful viewers. Its finale was the most-watched television episode in U.S. history at the time, with a record-breaking 125 million viewers, according to the New York Times.

If you’ve been missing your buddies in fatigues, you’re in luck! Our friends at Driftwood Players are preparing to perform the stage version of M*A*S*H, based on the book written in 1968 by Richard Hooker.

Cast members include, left to right, BriAnne Green, Jenny Price, Don Taylor, Tabitha Bastien, Jonathan Locke, Garr Godfrey and, on the table, Rob Perkins. Photo by Michael Bury Photography

“This adaptation is from the book,” explains producer Joanne Branch, “And some of the characters are definitely recognizable [from the TV show], but there are others that most of our patrons will not know, and some they may expect to see who are not part of the story. Much will be familiar, however. And I am pleased with the attention to the period – it is the early ’50s and the cast has worked hard to keep that flavor in mind.”

Set during the Korean War, M*A*S*H, the play, is a black comedy about life in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit located only three miles from the front lines. As the primary mission of a MASH unit is to provide immediate medical treatment to Americans wounded in combat, the young surgeons are often up to their elbows in blood and guts for long periods of time. But when they’re off duty, the MASH personnel keep their sanity by pursuing a wacky, irreverent lifestyle that leads to some hilarious adventures.

Lighting designer Syrinda Sharpe and producer Joanne Branch.

Lighting designer Syrinda Sharpe has been enjoying watching the script come to life during rehearsals. “There is a lot of emotion in this show. It runs the whole range. [Patrons] should expect to have fun, see some familiar characters in perhaps a different light and enjoy some great acting. I saw a run-through last week and it was excellent – two weeks out from opening!”

Sharpe has been volunteering with Driftwood since 1991. In addition to the occasional stint at the lighting board, she helps “administer the Facebook page and work with the local papers and blogs to publicize what Driftwood is working on, as well as coordinating the photographers for the promotional shoots, rehearsal pictures and candids that are seen on Facebook and in the lobby.”

Branch also joined the Driftwood crew in 1991. “I got started because it was a way I could see some live theater for free – sort of – and got really hooked,” she said. “Started with painting sets, moved into some set construction (I can handle power tools), then into set design. I have served on the board for the last seven years, handling Front of House requirements, and began producing perhaps five years ago.”

As producer, Branch oversees the production, helping the director bring his vision to life by rounding up the technical personnel needed (lighting, costume and property designers, as well as backstage help and sound and light-board operators) and keeping an eye on the budget. “It is fascinating to watch a large, diverse bunch of people become a working, functioning unit,” she says.
Both women keep busy outside the theater, too; Sharpe is a records specialist for a law firm and budding photographer, and Branch, a retired teacher, serves as adjunct faculty for Heritage University. But it’s clear that they cherish their time with Driftwood. “I feel there’s nothing like a live performance to get one’s juices going,” exclaims Branch. “And the best part is that anyone can participate – one does not have to be on stage to have a great time!”

Sharpe agrees, saying, “This is what community theater is all about – allowing someone who knows nothing about a theater art to learn and practice that skill. I spend a lot of time at the light board fixing looks and getting the timing right. I am also mentoring someone who hasn’t done lights before, so that I can pass on what I have learned.”

Whether you would like to get involved with the process of mounting a show or you prefer to join the audience for a great performance, there’s room for you at Driftwood – and this production of M*A*S*H.

Branch extends a warm invitation to all: “Come and enjoy an evening of live entertainment! You’ll laugh out loud at much of this show – it’s really funny and the cast is having a great time.”

Performances will be at Wade James Theatre, 950 Main St., in Edmonds from Feb. 10-26. Showtimes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are at 8 p.m. and on Sundays, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 425-774-9600.

General admission is $23. Junior (18 & under), Senior (60+) and Military (with ID or in uniform) tickets are $20. Call for group pricing. An ASL-interpreted performance will be held Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

With a background in theatre and journalism, Ellen Chappelle is perfectly poised to cover the local arts scene for My Edmonds News. She also keeps busy writing and editing for artists and small businesses, publishing an informational site for dog owners and creating handcrafted jewelry. Please keep her posted about all things artistic in Edmonds by emailing her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.

1932 Glee Club at Edmonds High School.

My Edmonds News is proud to present a monthly look at Edmonds history, straight from the archives of the Edmonds Historical Museum. For the month of February, we’ll revisit 1932.

The operetta “All At Sea,” presented by the Edmonds High School glee clubs, was big news in February 1932. At that time, the operetta was the biggest production ever put on at Edmonds High School. Reserved seats cost 35 cents, while general admission was 25 cents. Articles in the high school newspaper asked for donations of costumes, including “a long black graduation robe, a sea captain’s hat, an admiral’s hat, and a pair of Japanese sandals,” among other items.

The operetta was “a galaxy of singing, dancing, and witty-pater [boasting] characters ranging from fairies to pirates; from a deck hand to a Mikado.” The day before the production, The Wireless printed the entire cast and crew list, which included nearly 100 students, and the highlights of the story that would be set to stage the following night. According to Miss Carlson, the music director, the department wanted an operetta that would involve as many students as possible, and give them the chance to develop talent. Even the ninth-grade glee club was allowed to participate and gain experience on stage.

Advertisement for “All At Sea,” printed in The Wireless Feb. 5, 1932.

The production displayed its talent well, as was written in The Wireless: “It gives such a range of emotions that it will appeal to everyone. If you love light comedy, you will enjoy Koko, the Lord High Executioner, who has never yet killed anyone and hesitates to begin with himself. Or perhaps you enjoy seeing a dance by a group of beautiful girls. If so, you will not be disappointed when you see those charming fairies let their feet wander where they will… If you enjoy solos by voices ranging from a soprano to a bass, you can listen to your favorites to your heart’s content, because the twenty-three leads afford a range that is excellent in every department. A mixed chorus of more than fifty voices adds a touch of harmony to ‘All At Sea.’”

The operetta contained popular songs such as “When the Foeman Bares His Steel,” “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One,” “Titwillow,” “A Maiden Fair to See,” “Taken From A County Jail,” and many others.

“Wolf Sucking Up the Resources,” an oil painting by Linley B. Logan.

The Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation and the Edmonds Arts Commission are highlighting the multimedia artwork of Linley B. Logan from now through March 12 at the Frances Anderson Center.

Logan interacts as a multidisciplinary artist creatively ranging from the traditional arts to contemporary artistic expression. His artistic educational background includes industrial and graphic design, and multidisciplinary fine arts. His employment experience encompasses cultural artistic consulting and presentation.

He has curated and co-curated two contemporary Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy) art exhibits and has authored articles published by the Smithsonian Institution as well as presented cultural program presentations for the Smithsonian Institution. He has participated by invitation in two International Indigenous Visual Artists’ Gatherings in Hawaii 2007, and Rotorua, New Zealand 2010. Logan serves on local and regional arts boards in Washington state and is the current Chairman of the Kitsap County Arts Board.

Works shown in this exhibit feature a broad range of two-dimensional arts, from printmaking to painting and three-dimensional arts worked in carving and lost-and-found art creations.

The artist attended the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, N.M., where he received an AFA in Two Dimensional Arts, and AFA in Three Dimensional Arts, and engaged Museum studies. He also attended a session in ceramics at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle Main and later attended the Rochester Institute of Technology for a BFA in Industrial Design.

The Edmonds Arts Festival Museum and the Edmonds Arts Commission Display Case are located in the Frances Anderson Center, Main Entrance – 700 Main Street, Edmonds. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 425-771-0228 or 771-1984. For more information about the arts in Edmonds, visit www.eaffoundation.org and www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/ArtsCommission.

Over the years, my wife and I have been involved in several alcohol-related interventions involving family members. Each one brought with it a certain degree of anxiety, as we were never certain what the outcome would be — would our loved one fight it or go along? Would he/she resent us? Those questions and more typically made it to the front and center of our thoughts. Fortunately, after the first two, the next few became quite simple; our family members realized they ought to just “check themselves in” and so our intervention days were over (and all the interventions/treatments turned out positive).

However, not all experiences have positive outcomes – sometimes this issue can divide families. It tends to be one of those “issues” that, if not put in check, can — according to senior ranking officers — lead to more troubling outcomes.

The Army’s study, “Generating Health and Discipline in the Force,” released two Thursdays ago found, that “Many soldiers who are suffering from behavioral health issues or ‘invisible wounds’ remain undetected throughout the force, suffering in silence in Army formations at camps, posts, and stations and – within the Reserve component – across communities nationwide.”

Incidences of domestic violence among soldiers increased by one-third between 2006 and 2011, the study found. At the same time, alcohol abuse that was associated with domestic violence increased by 54 percent. As much as 43 percent of active-duty soldiers reported binge drinking “within the past month,” according to a recent study. I won’t even go into prescription-drug abuse among troops.

So what’s the answer? Warrior Checkup.org. Conducted by the School of Social Work at University of Washington, the Warrior Check-Up is a telephone-based brief intervention for active duty Army personnel who are experiencing an alcohol or other drug problem, are untreated and have not been reported. This is essentially the “check yourself in before someone else does” intervention – totally voluntary, confidential and allows one to explore options with a non-judgmental mental health practitioner.

This Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program is being conducted from October 2010-October 2013 and accepted participants are compensated for each time they complete a phone questionnaire, but not the counseling session – up to $175 by the end of the project.

A Certificate of Confidentiality protects all information obtained from participants, including the very fact they are a participant in the study. However, if a participant speaks about plans to harm themselves or someone else, project staff takes action to protect those involved, which may include breaking confidentiality. Soldiers can choose to participate anonymously.

The study has been approved by the Army’s Human Research Protection Office and the University of Washington’s Institutional Review Board. Garrison Commander Colonel Thomas Brittain and Madigan Army Medical Center Commander Jerome Penner have provided letters of support for the project (Joint Base Lewis-McChord).

If you or a loved one is struggling with the issue of alcohol or drug use, and happen to be active duty, check out the Warrior Checkup. If you want to talk with a live human being, call 1-888-685-DUTY (3889) or you can reach out to the UW team Project Director Tom Walton, MSW, at 206-543-7511 or email towalton@uw.edu, or the Principal Investigator Denise Walker, PhD  at 206-543-7511, email ddwalker@uw.edu.

Michael Schindler, Navy veteran, and president of Edmonds-based Operation Military Family, is a guest writer for several national publications, author of the book “Operation Military Family” and “The Military Wire” blog. He is also a popular keynote and workshop speaker who reaches thousands of service members and their families every year through workshops and seminars that include  “How to Battle-Ready Your Relationship” or “What Your Mother-in-Law Didn’t Tell You.”  He received the 2010 Outstanding Patriotic Service Award from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Food and Drug Administration requires that all animal foods, the same as food for human consumption, be safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances and be labeled truthfully.

For any pet food product to have the words “complete” and/or “balanced” printed any place on the package, the claim must have been validated by meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards based on the product’s recipe or by laboratory analysis. If the product passes this test, there will usually be a statement to that effect: “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.” This means the product can be fed to a dog as its sole ration, along with free access to water.

Another, more rigorous verification uses the previous AAFCO profile but also has been verified by feeding trials. If a product has achieved this standard it will carry a statement to the effect: “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition”.

Here’s a good resource to check for brands that meet these standards or have been recalled for a problem: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com.

Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids known as essential amino acids. Because the dog cannot produce them, they must be supplied in the diet. The essential amino acids provide building blocks for many important biologically active compounds and proteins. They also donate carbon chains needed to make glucose for energy. High-quality proteins have a good balance of all of the essential amino acids, “meat products” not so much. Dogs will usually avoid food that lacks even a single essential amino acid.

Dogs are also unable to synthesize essential fatty acids. Animal fats and the seed oils of various plants provide the most concentrated source of energy in the diet and supply essential fatty acids. They also serve as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins. Fatty acids are needed for healthy cell structure and function. As in our own diet, fats enhance the taste and texture of the food. Butter makes most anything taste better. The essential fatty acids also maintain healthy skin and hair coat. Deficiencies in the “omega-3” family of essential fatty acids have been associated with vision problems and impaired learning ability. Maybe that dog that won’t come when he’s called is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, NOT.

All pet food labels must state guarantees for the minimum percentages of crude (refers to the method used to test the product, not the quality) protein and crude fat, as well as the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. The label should also provide the percentage of the daily requirements for vitamins and minerals provided.

Dogs get some of their energy from carbohydrates — sugars, starches and dietary fibers. The major sources of carbohydrates in commercial dog foods are cereals, legumes, and other plant sources. Absorbable carbohydrates like, glucose and fructose, are directly absorbed; they do not need to be digested by enzymes. Enzymes in the dog’s intestinal tract break down digestible carbohydrates before they can be absorbed.

Certain starches and dietary fibers are classified as fermentable carbohydrates. They pass undigested through the small intestine to the colon, where microbes ferment them into short-chain fatty acids and gases. There are studies that suggest that fermentable fibers may aid in the regulation of blood glucose concentrations and enhance immune function. Non-fermentable fibers, such as cellulose and wheat bran, contribute almost nothing for energy or nutrition. Fermentable carbohydrates may be used to decrease the caloric intake of overweight animals.

Puppies need increased protein and calories for growth. Very active working dogs, such as sled dogs, require large amounts of protein and calories to remain fit. Decreased physical activity and slowed metabolism in older dogs mean they need as much as 20-percent fewer total calories than do middle-aged adult dogs. If the dog gets too fat, disrupted carbohydrate metabolism can lead to diabetes.

Common types of commercial dog foods are dry, semi-moist or canned. The moisture content of these foods ranges from 6 to 10 percent for dry, 15 to 30 percent for semi-moist, and 75 percent for canned. Most canned food has relatively more fat and protein and fewer carbohydrates than do dry and semi-moist food, and generally contain higher levels of animal origin protein. When reading labels, it is important to pay close attention to the percentages of the five top ingredients.

As always, if you have questions about your pet’s specific requirements consult your veterinarian.

Dr. David Gross of Edmonds graduated from Colorado State University’s veterinary school in 1960 and was in private practice for 10 years. He retired in 2006 as Professor and Head of Veterinary Biosciences, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Gross is the author of “Animals Don’t Blush,” which describes the unique patients and even more unique clients of a veterinary practice in Sidney, Montana in the early 1960s. The book is available at the Edmonds Bookshop.

Nomeda Lukoseviciene’s work is based on the Lithuanian tradition of Verbos, the creation of palms for Palm Sunday. Available at Gallery North.

By Ellen Chappelle

As January turns to February, the arts continue to keep Edmonds warm with new art shows and performances. And for those who like to get involved, we’ve got some auditions and volunteering opportunities just for you!

“Ink, Paper, Paint and Nature,” Gallery North’s February show, features three gifted local artists: painter Jurate Harrison, photographer Jeff Harrison and Verbos artist Nomeda Lukoseviciene.

Jurate Harrison, a resident artist at Gallery North, presents her unique vision of the world in oil or acrylic paint on canvas. “I absorb my impressions of the world and process it all in paint, pencil, ink – on canvas, paper or whatever I can get my hands on,” she says.

Northwest photographer Jeff Harrison seeks to capture a sense of wonder in everyday things, from architecture to the natural world. In his photographs, the most mundane objects seem to transcend the commonplace and take on a sense of the spiritual.

Lithuanian-born Nomeda Lukoseviciene creates extraordinary collages which include a variety of plants and flowers. Her work is based on the Lithuanian tradition of Verbos, the creation of palms for Palm Sunday. Because there are no natural palm trees in Lithuania, the verba or dwarf pine tree branches are used to make the Verbos, evolving into elaborate religious tokens and decorations for Spring and Easter celebrations.

The public is invited to meet the artists at Gallery North on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 2-5 p.m. and also during the Edmonds Third Thursday Art Walk on Feb. 16, from 5-8 p.m.

In operation for more than 50 years, Gallery North is one of the longest running artist cooperative galleries in the nation.

Cole Gallery’s February Feature Show runs from Feb. 16-March 14, presenting the work of bronze artist Rip Caswell and pastel artist Sandy Byers.

Celebrated for his ability to capture the spirit and essence of his subjects, bronze sculptor Caswell has been featured all over the world and will be bringing brand-new pieces for this show. His elegantly crafted bronze animals will set your soul soaring.

Award-winning artist Byers’ soft and luscious pastel paintings seep into your soul and captivate you to the core. She brings a beautiful show of cherished furry friends and awe-inspiring Northwest landscapes.

Meet both artists at a reception at Cole Gallery on Feb. 16 from 5-8 p.m.

Not to be outdone, Phoenix Theatre is also mounting a new show, “Thunderbolts and Dunderheads,” which runs Feb. 3-26.

Iris, the Goddess-Of-Rainbows, goes to the “head office” on Mount Olympus looking for a promotion. Instead, she’s threatened with being downsized. Her only hope of survival is to take on the one job no one else wants. So what’s a poor goddess to do? Find out when this myth-sterically funny, award-winning farce comes to the Phoenix to breathe hilarious new life into the Ancient Myths.

For those who prefer hanging out on the stage to sitting in the audience, Phoenix Theatre will hold an open audition for “The Golden State” on Monday, Feb. 6, from 7-10 p.m. For character bios and more about the show, visit the audition page of their website.

And what would a community theatre do without their army of volunteers? Many great opportunities to work behind the scenes at Phoenix are just waiting for the right person. They include: set construction, set painting, set decoration, props, box office, concessions, play reading, lights and sound, marketing and advertising, grant writing, community outreach and more.

Driftwood Players, too, are holding open auditions. Parts for 5-6 women and 5-6 men are available in “Harvey.” Auditions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, beginning at 5 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. Please see the audition page of their website for additional information and character breakdown.

Please prepare a one-minute contemporary, comedic monologue and provide a headshot and resume if available or copy of a recent photo. Auditions will be held at The Driftwood Rehearsal Annex at 2nd and Dayton in downtown Edmonds. Appointments may be made online or by calling 425-774-9600.

Attention, budding playwrights! Driftwood is also seeking submissions for their third annual Festival of Shorts. Submitted short plays must be less than 15 minutes long and centered on the theme “serendipity.” For more information, visit the guidelines page on Driftwood’s website.

With a background in theatre and journalism, Ellen Chappelle is perfectly poised to covers the local arts scene for My Edmonds News. She also keeps busy writing and editing for artists and small businesses, publishing an informational site for dog owners and creating handcrafted jewelry. Please keep her posted about all things artistic in Edmonds by emailing her at arts@myedmondsnews.com.

This event is free and open to the public.

Those attending will be encouraged to have their “Passport to Wellness” stamped as they participate in various activities and visit exhibits throughout the Chase Lake commons and gymnasium. Once their passport is complete, it becomes a ballot that can be entered to win one of many wellness-themed prizes donated by national and local companies.

The Edmonds Family Fitness and Health Fair will include vision and blood pressure screening, limited oral exam, “Prescription for Exercise” booth staffed by Birth & Family Clinic physicians from Swedish/Edmonds and taste-testing of healthy foods from the PCC Natural Markets Kid Picks Mobile. Bindi Yoga & Zumba will get the crowd moving with a Zumba class and the Seattle Seahawks will host a bean bag toss.

Chase Lake Elementary is located at 21603 84th Ave. W.

Mike Meeks

Join the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Jan. 25, for the first 425 Launch event of the new year. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, are about to start a new business or have already started one, this free discussion forum presented by the the Chamber is just the place for you. Taking place in the Brackett Room at Edmonds City Hall – 121 5th Ave. N – from 5:30-7:30 p.m., this month’s guest presenter will be local accountant Mike Meeks.

A principal of the firm Dewar Meeks + Ekrem PC, Meeks specializes in tax planning and consulting for small businesses with the goal of developing a balance between the business and individual for income and estate tax minimization. He has extensive training and experience in all areas of taxation and his talk will cover a broad range of topics based on the interests of those in attendance.

A program of the Chamber, 425 Launch seeks to strengthen the community by promoting and fostering entrepreneurship by providing a forum for all entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and experiences. The 425 Launch forums are held bi-monthly; no reservations are required.

For more information on this event or the Chamber in general, contact Jan Vance at 425-670-1496 or email chamberexec@edmondswa.com.

Co-sponsored by Swedish/Edmonds and the Edmonds School District with support from the Verdant Health Commission and Top Food and Drug, Healthier Choices will feature cooking demonstrations and nutrition advice from internationally known culinary and television personality Graham Kerr and Swedish/Edmonds registered dietitian, Megan Ellison. Kerr, best known as The Galloping Gourmet, lives in Island County and is committed to helping people make healthy, creative, lifestyle changes to increase consumption of fresh, local edible plants and seafood.

Healthier Choices is an opportunity for families to learn fun ways to make healthy food choices and prepare easy, affordable breakfasts and snacks. Cooking demonstrations will include after-school snacks that can be prepared in less than five minutes; how to prepare a green-monster smoothie that will make any child want to eat their spinach; and nutrition information from a Pacific Northwest bear (who bears a striking resemblance to Kerr) about the importance of eating whole grains.

“We all know childhood obesity is a concern across the U.S. and here in Snohomish County,” Ellison said. “We want to reach out to local families to provide them with healthy breakfast and snack options that they can prepare with very little time and money, any day of the week. Our goal is to show families how to sustain an easy, healthy meal plan that includes fun and tasty options that kids will want to eat.”

According to the Snohomish Health District, students who are obese or overweight report lower grades, lower expectations to go far in school, and more disabilities than students who are not obese or overweight.

“This partnership with Swedish/Edmonds and the fun, nutrition information it will provide to families goes hand in hand with other school district programs to reduce childhood obesity in our community including our Move 60! program, which encourages kids to exercise at least one hour a day,” said Jennie Hershey, a health and fitness coordinator for the Edmonds School District.

Recipes, prizes and free food samples will be offered at the Healthier Choices event and Spanish translation will be provided. For more information, visit swedish.org/classes.

Cedar Valley Community School is located at 19200 56th Ave. W., Lynnwood.

Thursday, Feb. 23
Thursday, March 15
Saturday, April 28

Times and locations for these events will be announced in the near future.