Manic Thunder Improv

by admin on May 6, 2011

Manic Thunder performances are in the Media Works theater in Glenwood Square.

By Scott Klapach Jr.

Photos By Chad Bremmerman

For many, one of life’s greatest fears is public speaking.

But imagine performing without the benefit of a script, notes or direction. Oh, and you have to be funny.

The “Secret” to 26-A’s success

by Robin Salts Beckett on Nov 5, 2010

By Robin Salts Beckett

If you live in Yakima, you probably don’t have much of an opportunity to walk into Yakima’s Red Lion Hotel.

But if you did do just that, let’s say, then walked up the lobby stairs, winding around to the right until you couldn’t walk any farther, you would be, after a slight half turn to your left, face to face with a plain set of double doors adorned with simple brass letters: 26-A.

No, it’s not the broom closet. It’s a private club that started about 60 years ago, when the Chinook Hotel, now known as The Tower, was not yet completed. The Depression of the ’30s had forced a halt to the construction of the hotel, and the building, with its hollow and neglected window frames, became known as the “skeleton hotel” for 16 years. It wasn’t until 1946 that work began again, largely due to community fundraising efforts.

Although $2 million was raised, it wasn’t quite enough to complete one area on the hotel’s mezzanine level, which the blueprints for the project identified as “Room 26-A.” According to the club’s history, a “self-appointed committee of three,” Randolph Cunningham, Arthur Coffin and John Bloxom, hatched an idea that would net enough money to complete the last area. The three men formed a “participating group,” in which each of 75 hand-picked members would pay $500 — totaling the remaining $37,500 that was needed. The committee, whose members changed throughout its occupation of the hotel, negotiated a lease with the Chinook that ran until the hotel itself was set to close.

At that time, a new committee incorporated 26-A, forming a board of directors, and found a new home at the Town Plaza (now the Red Lion) in 1978, where it is today. The space it now occupies was built specifically for the club.

Members think that the 26A was originally started as what was called a “bottle club,” where each member had a locker that contained his bottle of liquor. Back then, all the members were men, but the club opened to women years ago, and now about eight of the club’s members are women. Although that number might seem small, all membership benefits are extended to spouses, too.

Membership has fluctuated over time, but during the past several years, a younger generation has taken an interest in the club, giving it a swanky new look, complete with logo. The club boasts remodeled bathrooms, new carpet and a posh new game room, including a pool table, handmade shuffleboard, bistro tables, chairs and a flat-screen television. John Warren, the vice president of United Way Yakima County, serves on 26-A’s board of directors and calls the new game room and updated facilities “outstanding.”  “It provides a great opportunity for 26-A to host events while still meeting members’ needs.”

The most beautiful part of the club, however, are the double doors that separate the new game room, with the logo carved into them. In keeping with the spirit of its founders, much of the labor and materials were donated by club members.

Although a board of directors oversees the business side of things, Club Manager Marilyn Church sees to the members.

“She’s one of the nicest people,” said George Hansen, a local lawyer who joined 26-A this year. Warren also thinks Church’s service is superb. “It’s just enough,” he said.  “Never too much … always at the right time. (She has a) genuine interest in others.”

Church, a consummate professional, is equal parts gracious and confidential. In addition to knowing everybody’s drink of choice, Church knows a lot of history, too, just by listening.

“I love my job,” she said. “I love that I see the same people all the time … people that I’ve known for 30 years. It’s just nice to hear the stories.”[slideshow id=49]

Church is at the club to serve members during lunch and dinner (with food service coming from the Red Lion); although, the club is open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Currently club membership is at about 95 men and women. Members not only enjoy a full-service bar, food service and game room, but there is a card room and conference room too, something Hansen thinks can come in quite handy. “If I have a need to have a business conference, I can’t think of a better place because it’s so private.”

The club can be rented to members for special occasions as well. Becoming a member involves getting sponsorship from two current members and approval from the board. There is a joining fee and monthly dues. The dues and each member’s bar expenses are billed monthly.

In addition to its day-to-day operations, the club has begun throwing special events as well, including trivia nights, wine-tasting evenings, an annual New Year’s Eve party, a swim night and BBQ, as well as an adult “tolo” dance.

Though steeped in history, Warren thinks the 26-A’s future looks bright, too. “We have a promising outlook to attract new members.”

For more information about 26-A, call 509-248-5900, ext. 333 or go to 26aclub.com.

Disclosure: Chad Bremerman, a freelance photographer for Yakima magazine, is also a member of 26-A as well as the president of its board of directors.

A Tale of Two Tablescapes

by Heather Caro on Nov 5, 2010

By Robin Beckett

Photography by Jennifer Dagdagan

It’s a yearly refrain, we know, but the holidays really are just around the corner.

That means busy weeks of shopping and school plays with even busier weekends full of entertaining friends and family.  Now, maybe you’re an expert decorator, but for those of us who are somewhat creatively challenged (or for those who just need a little encouragement), we called upon decorating extraordinaires Pam Edwards and Nancy Melcher to create two different tablescapes. One is meant for a casual and whimsical holiday breakfast, the other for a rustic holiday feast.

So whatever your holiday plans call for this season, take a look at the following pages for your own inspiration.

Nancy Melcher is a perfectionist, even if she doesn’t call herself that.

“I’m self taught,” the smiling 52-year old said recently.  “But I’ve been doing it for friends and family for years.”  Melcher began Signature Style Design about five years ago, after working in a retail tile store. Her style runs the gamut, tending toward rustic, she said. But Melcher prefers to work with her clients’ styles and is particularly good at  taking what people already have (“I can go shop in peoples’ garages”) and using it in ways that make an entirely different space. She mixes up new and old, found and bought.[slideshow id=50]

And she loves what she does. “You can go to any store in the world and get two tables and two chairs and two sofas … and die of boredom.”

Signature Style Design

509-307-3636

Melcher enlisted the help of Kameo’s Merrit Mahre, a 26-year old wonder of floral design with her tablescape.  Mahre’s mother is a master florist, and Merrit inherited her talent.  “I’ve done it since I was 15,” he said.

Kameo Flower Shop

509-453-7166

Nancy’s description of her tablescape:

“I wanted to create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere for family and friends to gather. I used a blend of elegance and rustic charm in order for them to celebrate the meal and linger over good food, wine and conversation.”

Pam Edwards’ girlish enthusiasm is contagious.
The gregarious 56-year old manages “The Gift Shop” at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and spent many years as owner of Seattle’s Sol Floris Studios, a home interiors and antique store.  About five years ago, during a trip to Yakima, she fell in love with a mid-town farmhouse and moved here with husband Stephen Stokesberry, who is himself an amazing craftsman.[slideshow id=51]
Pam defines her style as “farmhouse chic,” and has a knack for picking items that most people would pass by. “I move things around in new ways to save money, and I love working with people; it’s always been my gift,” she said earlier this year. Her color palettes are striking yet serene, and depict her vibrant personality.
Stephan can take Pam’s vision and make it reality, constructing anything from a chicken coop that looks more like a guest house to a kitchen table with the touch of an artist.
You can find Edwards’ alter ego, “Shop Girl” on Facebook.

Pam’s description of her tablescape:
“A Christmas breakfast full of love and laughter, bright colors and a little bit of family chaos … with a dash of quirky whimsy and fun collections that harken to slower times.”

Lasagna Throwdown

by Robin Salts Beckett on Sep 10, 2010

By Robin Salts Beckett

“Are you ready for a throwdown?”

If you watch Food Network, you probably recognize that phrase as what famous chef Bobby Flay utters at the end of every episode of his television show, “Throwdown!” Flay visits regular ol’ joes around the nation who have a signature dish, putting up his version of the dish against theirs. The local community tastes, and two “expert” judges determine the winner.

Terry and Jennifer Bliesner and their friends, Karl and Lindsay Moore, recently decided to host their own throwdown, Yakima style.

La Maison de Falaise: Enter as strangers, leave as friends

by Robin Salts Beckett on May 7, 2010

Kathy Sali

By Robin Beckett

Photos by Chad Bremerman

As soon as you walk through the door and inhale the smells wafting from the stove, you’re hooked.

During one of her recent cooking classes, Kathy Sali’s home kitchen filled up quickly. Students streamed in and mingled with each other, and the smells of garlic and mango being chopped on a cutting board by guest chef Frank Magana of Prosser’s Picazo Seven Seventeen restaurant.

Bon Appetit!

by Robin Salts Beckett on Nov 2, 2009

Members of the Bon Appetit dinner club trade laughs while in the kitchen.

Photos by Chad Bremerman

Today’s foodies might find themselves in a bit of a pickle: loving to cook, yet lacking the time it requires to don an apron, turn to the dog-eared page they’ve been salivating over for weeks and get chopping.

Enter the dinner club.