Concert to benefit adult education

By Sharon Salyer

Herald Writer

Members of the Seattle Opera Chorus will perform at Everett Community College Thursday night in a benefit performance for low-cost adult continuing education classes in Lake Stevens.

The concert will feature Finnish, Russian, German, American and British folk songs.

The program will include American folk songs by Aaron Copeland, a group of poems by William Blake set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Russian songs, including "Song of the Volga Boatman" and "The Steppe."

The event begins at 8 p.m. in Baker Hall Room 120 on the EvCC campus, 2000 Tower St. in Everett. Tickets are by donation, with a suggested donation ranging from $5 to $8.

All proceeds will be donated to supporting 10-week continuing education classes and supplies for these classes offered through the Lake Stevens Senior Association. The adult education classes are taught by EvCC student volunteers who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, an undergraduate honors organization for community college students.

"They really put their heart into it," said Kathleen Friend, interim coordinator of the Lake Stevens Family Center, which cosponsors the classes with the Lake Stevens Senior Association.

"It amazes me to see these students between 18 and 22 who are all giving their time and asking nothing in return," she said.

Although the classes were begun through the senior association, they are open to anyone. Class members are asked for donations to help pay for gasoline for the instructors, Friend said.

The next series of classes begins June 23. The topics offered this quarter are oil pastel drawing, beginning watercolor, senior support group, creative writing, introduction to computers, guitar class and chess club.

For information on the concert or the continuing education classes, call the Lake Stevens Family Center at 425-397-7433.

You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486 or send e-mail to salyer@heraldnet.com.