August is here, a reminder that summer is two thirds over! For the Drewes family, it’s been a great one so far – camping, hiking, and of course, the Seattle AGO National Convention, which was just superb. And now, even while anticipating another getaway before the summer is over, I find myself on alert as September approaches, with all its attendant duties resumed, wonderful even if hectic at times.

Gardening helps me appreciate the measure of time. At our house, the garlic has cured, the second planting of peas has popped through the soil, as has the first planting of beans. We’ve been eating blueberries for a month, and strawberries are finally taking off. We are too hot with this heat wave, but the tomatoes, basil and peppers are basking in glory. Even the notoriously fussy carrot seeds have sprouted. Successive harvests are coming, and by September, plans for the over-wintering garden will have begun.

The TAGO board has also been planting seeds, cultivating ideas for a year’s worth of varied and engaging programs. I encourage you to join us for the first three:

• Saturday, September 17: Opening Picnic Hosted by David Dahl and Loi Le in their beautiful backyard garden. Social time is from 4:30 – 5:30, with food served at 5:30. Bring a food item as you are able.
• Monday, October 17: Fright Night Cheryl Drewes performs spooktacular organ music and accompanies the silent movie “Haunted House,” starring Buster Keaton. Spanaway Lutheran Church.
• Monday, November 14: Celebrating Margaret Sandresky Wyatt Smith presents a program celebrating the life and organ compositions of Margaret Sandresky. Wesley Homes Gardens, Des Moines.

One more seed to plant: the application process for the TAGO organ scholarship is now open. The scholarship is intended to encourage young musicians to study organ by assisting in the cost of private lessons with a teacher who is a member of the TAGO. Applications, which require a written essay and audio recording, must be received by September 30, 2022. For more information, please see our website.

Cheers, and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Cheryl