Theme Speaker

Diane Taraz

Steeped in history, Diane Taraz uses the music of various eras to show the inner lives of people who lived long ago. The stories of women and those at the base of the social scale have often been left out of the simplified stories we tell ourselves about the past. Diane shines a light on people from many walks of life who deserve to be better known for their courage, ingenuity, and endurance.

Among those people was Candace, a woman enslaved from an early age by Gosport’s beloved minister, John Tucke. From 1742 until just before the Revolution she lived and worked on Star, enduring a life made more difficult by her status. At least four other people were enslaved in Gosport. In her introductory day Diane detailed what we know about their experience, and the mindset and social and economic conventions that made their enslavement possible. For much too long their story was not part of our story, and it is well past time to include them.

The second day’s talk traced events from the American Revolution. As the new nation began, conceived in liberty, it did not extend the right of liberty to all. The legacy of this injustice persists. Day Three celebrated the life of Elizabeth Freeman, known as Mum Bet, who sued for her freedom during the Revolution and won her case in a Massachusetts court. Her remarkable legacy included a large estate for her daughter and grandchildren, and her victory set in motion other cases that led to the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts.

Day Four took a deep dive into the Civil War and its remarkable music. The repercussions of this struggle, made inevitable by the compromises made at the nation’s founding, remain very much with us today. The last day’s program explored the effects of the invention of steam power, from early pumps and vessels to steam automobiles that originally outnumbered both electric and gasoline cars. The railroad brought many changes worldwide, and in the U.S. fueled both the Civil Rights Movement and the Great Migration.

Diane performed in hand-sewn garments made from original patterns, and accompanied her singing on dulcimer and guitar.

Diane is on the Scholarly Advisory Board of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, based in New York City, and brings her programs to museums, universities, libraries, and historic houses throughout New England. She directs the Lexington Historical Society's Colonial Singers, a group of music-loving reenactors. She researches and arranges songs, teaches them to the group, and leads them in various events. She has produced two CDs for the group, and in 2017 and 2018 directed three presentations of a play from 1728, The Beggar's Opera, which she adapted.

She just released her latest of her many recordings, “More Songs of the Revolution.” More about her can be found at www.Diane Taraz.com.

Writing Circle

with Ellen Schmidt

The Writing Circle creates a supportive and stimulating environment for anyone who wants to discover more about themselves and to connect more deeply with others. Whether you consider yourself a writer or not at all a writer, you are warmly welcome! Writing is different from thinking or speaking. Writing is magic: You make a few scratchings on paper or tap-tap-tap on a keyboard in a certain order — and presto! — you give your thoughts and feelings shape, parameter, and clarity. When you write a story from your life or your imagination, you know a bit more of who you are. As we listen to each other, we come a step closer to one another. In a world that is coming apart at the seams, writing has the power to connect us and to create community.

Each day I will provide a different writing “spark” to get you started on a short write. There’s no way to do this wrong; it’s inconceivable. Everyone will have the opportunity, but not the obligation, to share their writing. You can attend one, some, or every day of the LOAS II week. Please bring your favorite writing implement and a notebook. (I will have a few extras.)

More about Ellen Schmidt: www.WritingRoomWorkshops.com

Batik

with Elizabeth Hutchinson

Resist!

In this workshop we will explore batik and other resist dyeing techniques that are a fun way to create

vibrant clothing, linens and other household objects. We will start by creating designs with glue to be tie-dyed and move on to techniques that involve hot wax and multiple layers of dyeing with indigo. Finally, we will add shibori stitching. You can use traditional and modern stamps to make patterns or create your own free-form designs. Some materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own t-shirts, scarves, napkins and bags that are in need of refreshing.

Thinking About Gender

with Eleanor Willard

Do you wish you were more comfortable talking to and about trans people? I am a nonbinary trans person who wants to help you get there!

In this workshop, we will start with Gender 101 (vocabulary and data), and then move onto a deeper examination of how gender as a societal construct shapes all our lives. We will reflect on our own identities, and focus on common experiences shared by trans and cis people, rather than differences. I hope by the end of the week participants will feel more equipped to create welcoming communities at home and to resist anti-trans oppression.

I ask that you commit to attending every day of the workshop, so that we can build trust and have one long conversation throughout the week. While I will focus on education about transness, people of all genders, identities, and awareness levels are welcome to attend.

Star Scouts

with Sara Coursen

"I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, use resources wisely, make the world a better place and be a friend to every Star Scout"

OK, ok. I stole a lot of that from Girl Scouts — but ever since I started coming to Star, the idea of badges for completing Star Island traditions (or making new ones!) has been percolating in my brain. Old Shoaler? Come to this workshop and share your Star fun! New Shoaler? This is a perfect place to come and find out all the amazing things to do on Star! Do you have something you have always wanted to do on Star and were unsure how to do it? (For me it took me 10 years to be brave enough to row to Smuttynose Island.) We will find you a buddy to make your Star dreams come true!!! Are you the kind of person that just likes to collect badges? Come learn how to add badges to your sash (or other collection area — many choices for how to display your prizes!). Here are some previews — Lime Rickey Badge, Porch Rocking Badge, Polar Bear Badge, Napping Badge, Children's hour volunteer badge.... and so much more!

Ahoy, ye hearties and fair maidens!

Ye be cordially invited to set sail on a night of swashbuckling enchantment at our Pirate Prom. 'Tis an evening where the high seas meet elegance, and adventure awaits at every corner.

Join us on 8/26 at 6:30pm at our decked-out pirate cove, transformed into a realm of treasure and romance. X marks the spot on the map enclosed. Prepare to don yer finest pirate garb or elegant attire that would make even Blackbeard himself swoon. Pirattire can run the full gamut: gritty tattered pirate, a fancy dandy pirate, prom queen pirate.

The night shall be filled with wondrous delights fit for a crew of fine buccaneers. Feast upon a bountiful buffet of savory delights and indulge in sweet treats that rival the finest plunder. Raise yer tankards high as we toast to friendships forged on this memorable night.

But the feast is just the beginning of the adventure! Engage in lively conversation with fellow rogues and share tales of daring escapades at the after party!

The sea shanties shall echo through the night as our talented musicians weave melodies that will set yer hearts aflutter. Be prepared to dance the night away, guided by the light of the moon and the spirit of adventure in yer souls.

Capture the memories of this special occasion with our pirate-themed photo booth, where ye can strike a pose with treasure chests, cutlasses, and all manner of pirate props.

Spaces be limited, so do not tarry, or ye risk walkin' the plank!

We promise ye an evening of revelry, camaraderie, and memories that will forever be etched in the annals of pirate lore. So hoist the anchor, set sail, and join us for a prom night unlike any other!

Fair winds and a starry sky,

Captain Jack Swallow (Justin) and the Haase Crew

Pirate prom attire typically incorporates elements of classic pirate fashion with a touch of formal elegance. It often includes:

Shirts: Ruffled, billowy shirts in white or off-white colors are commonly worn, sometimes with lace-up fronts or open collars.

Coats and Jackets: Velvet or brocade coats with rich, dark colors such as black, burgundy, or navy blue. These coats may feature wide lapels, gold or silver trimmings, and ornate buttons.

Pants: Tight-fitting trousers or breeches, often in black or dark colors, occasionally embellished with buckles or laces at the knees.

Belts and Sashes: Wide leather belts with oversized buckles or decorative sashes worn around the waist can add a pirate flair.

Boots: Knee-high or calf-high leather boots, preferably with a worn or weathered look. These may have fold-over cuffs and sometimes feature buckles or straps.

Accessories: Eye patches, tricorn hats with feathers or ribbons, bandanas, and long, flowing scarves are popular pirate accessories. Men might also wear gold hoop earrings and carry a sword or dagger (usually decorative or prop versions for safety).

Jewelry: Gold or silver necklaces, rings, and bracelets can enhance the overall pirate look.

Remember, pirate prom attire allows for some creativity and personalization. Consider adding unique touches such as faux tattoos, faux facial hair, or incorporating elements like a parrot accessory or a treasure chest-inspired clutch to complete the ensemble.

Art Show Coordinator

After Banquet Children's Activities

Bingo Coordinator/Caller

Bingo is a popular and fun event that benefits the island, full of cheering and good humor. Expect a turnout of 50 to 60 people of all ages for this very multigenerational activity. The game pieces are usually stored with Conference Services so that the front desk can get them for you on the island.

The game runs on StarBucks, $1 coupons redeemable only at the snack bar. (They must be guarded, as they serve as currency, so don't leave them strewn about your room.) You can get last year's design from the people who did it last year, or you can have fun creating your own. (They fit three on a page If sized similarly to a dollar bill.) Before the event, the Bingo Coordinator discusses the StarBucks with the Snackies (the Pels who run the Snack Bar) and arrange to give them real cash immediately following the game in proportion to the StarBucks awarded as prizes.

The Coordinator needs to recruit several volunteers to run the event. Several of these tasks could be combined and done by one person, or you can create a large team of helpers.

A couple of people to sell bingo cards, at $1.00 per card, shortly before the event begins. Be sure the cost is on the chalkboard and is mentioned in any announcements, so no one will be surprised that there is a charge to play. Emphasize that this is an event that offers financial support to the island. Helpers to set out bingo chips on each table. Someone to "call" the numbers and someone to read back the winning card before awarding the prize. A banker to announce what the winner gets for each game. The prize usually starts at a couple of dollars and creeps up to a whopping $10.00 at the end of the evening. To make the evening more exciting, someone (it could be the banker, or another volunteer) can award random prizes between games. For example, s/he might ask who has a birthday in June, or on the 15th of any month, or who celebrated a double-digit birthday this year, etc. Anyone who answers correctly gets a StarBuck. This spreads out the winnings and makes the event more fun, as it keeps one or two people from raking in lots of StarBucks while others get none. This is a critical role because the prize awarder needs to set a pace of giving out StarBucks so that we do not exceed the dollars taken in from selling cards, and so that the event lasts about an hour without running out of StarBucks.

Chalkboard Scribe

Chapel Bell Ringer - Morning

Chapel Bell Ringer - Evening

Chapel Flowers

Chapel Service - Intergenerational

Chief Polar Bear(s)

The Chief Polar Bear encourages Shoalers to partake in a daily early-morning dip in the ocean. Often, the Chief Polar Bear employs a theme for the week, plus ridiculous costuming, special recognition, and prizes for those who participate. For some reason, the Chief’s goal is to spur every Shoaler to participate.

Preparation:

Consider a theme for the week, plus costuming, that draws attention to your mission.

Design a badge to award each Polar Bear. Number each badge in ascending numerical order since Polar Bearing is an evangelical activity that seeks daily converts.

o For those who repeatedly take the polar fling, devise a method - e.g., numerical stickers, color-coded marking - to distinguish their daily progress.

· Since you can award a daily prize for outstanding valor in the category of your choice or can award several prizes at the week’s end, consider bringing some gag gifts to Star.

Procedure:

Upon your arrival at Star, ask the Front Desk Clerk to direct you to Star’s liaison for Conference Services.

o Introduce yourself as the Chief Polar Bear and explain that you will be leading the Polar-Bearing at the dock from 7:00-7:45 each morning. A lifeguard must be present and will be provided by Conference Services.

You might be asked to explain Polar Bearing at Conference Orientation.

Explain that the sport is for thermally-hearty swimmers and that people should bring a towel and something warm to wear after the dunk. Explain the qualifications for becoming a Polar Bear. Traditionally, a child has been required to enter the water to the neck, whereas an adult has been required to submerge. As Chief, you’re the arbiter of the requirements, depending on weather & temperature, that a person must satisfy. Prepare a chart for the names of participating Polar Bears in ascending numerical order.

Arrive at the dock each morning of the conference, weather permitting, just before 7:00. Greet each Polar Bear, record his or her name, and give a badge when he or she comes out of the water.

o You could ask the Chalkboard Scheduler to update the tally of Polar Bears.

Remind the Polar Bears that warm drinks are available from 7:00-7:45 on the porch or in the lobby each morning and that breakfast starts at 8:00.

Last but not least, a Chief Polar Bear leads by example.

Children's Carnival Coordinator

The children in the Lunging, Cedar and Duck Youth Groups are treated to a Carnival and Field Day on the front lawn of Star. The coordinators are typically young adults who have the energy, imagination and charisma to run such an activity. The Junior High Youth Group (Smuttynose) traditionally staffs the activities under the coordinators’ guidance.

Preparation:

Confirm the Carnival’s time and date with the Chairs. Before arriving on Star, ask the Chairs for the names of the Youth Coordinator and the Leaders of the Junior High Youth Group. Contact the Youth Coordinator to plan the logistics of timing, activities, materials and oversight. Share your conclusions with the Junior High Leaders. Ask the Youth Coordinator for the amount of the budget for the Carnival. Aim for simple, safe activities that involve crafts, feats of skill and entertainment. Consider “spin art,” face painting, soap bubbles, ring tossing, sponge tossing, relay racing, a “fish pond,” fortune telling, and hide-and-seek (and dunk) the Senior Highs. Avoid eating, avoid materials, such as latex balloons, that will endanger or clutter Star’s ecology. If providing “spin art,” determine if you must bring batteries, paint and paper for the two machines that reside on Star. Procedure on Star:

Inform the leaders of the Lower, Middle and Upper Elementary Youth Groups of the Carnival’s date and time. Arrange a time with the Smuttynose Group to explain the event, to recruit and train activity leaders, and to possibly brainstorm ideas. While training, emphasize that the Smutties should act respectfully and encouragingly with the younger kids and among themselves. Explain that Smutties also help with the set-up and clean-up of the Carnival. Foster safe practices. On the second day of the conference, contact Star’s liaison for Conference Services to determine the equipment; tables, chairs, etc. that Star can provide. The Desk Clerk can guide you to the liaison. Publicize the Carnival. The Carnival’s traditional closing activity is to “hide and seek (and dunk) the Senior Highs” who come at the end. When a kid finds a Senior, the kid leads the Senior to the ocean for a dunk. Consider substituting or including the Jr. Highs if that works better. Have fun! After the Carnival, praise the Smutties in a public forum for their service. For Next Year:

Immediately after the Carnival, note the successful and unsuccessful procedures. Augment this job description with corrections and with a list of this year’s successful activities and their required materials. Give guidelines about procedures that do or do not work well. Email your notes to next year's chairs.

Children's Hotel-Door Sign Creator

Final Banquet Hosts

The Final Banquet is a celebration of our week together. The atmosphere is more formal to befit the occasion; decorations in the Dining Room and on the tables, a printed Program (printing a program is optional), a celebratory menu, and the opportunity to dress with more formality.

The Banquet Hosts are the masters of ceremony for the array of events in the Program. These events are a microcosm of the week, invoking the spirit, showing our appreciation for those who work so that we can play, eating with delight, praising athletic accomplishment, honoring our children, thanking the volunteers who give energy and creativity to the week’s success, looking ahead to next year by naming new Chairs, and dancing a march of amazing energy and joy as a testimonial to shared community.

Budget:

Money is included for decorations in the line item on the budget for Final Parties, ask Chairs or Treasurer how much is available. It’s typically around $50. You can get a reimbursement form on Island from the Treasurer.

Preparation:

Consider forming a small group of helpers.

Plan to provide simple decorations in the Dining Room.

- Avoid helium balloons since helium is illegal to transport on the ferry.

- Avoid small items that will fall on the floor and make it difficult for the staff to sweep up

- If decorating with vinyl balloons take care to keep them from leaving the dining room. To prevent the balloons’ damaging wildlife, deflate all balloons after the banquet and dispose of the pieces off Island.

Check with conference services to see that flowers will be on the tables. If you would like, you can add additional table decorations.

Produce a Program (again, optional) that is formatted as an 8.5" X 11" folded sheet of paper. Make 150 copies. Place Programs at the tables at every other place setting.

Suitable text for the Cover tells the location, Conference Name, date, Theme, Chairs, and Banquet Hosts.

Also consider putting a graphic on the Cover.

The second page is available for quotations of Star Island wisdom.

The third page lists the order of the Program’s events: Invocation; Clap out the Waitrae; Meal; Clap out the Waitrae, Bakers, Dishwashers, Snackies, the Butter-Cutter, Cooks, Hostess; Children’s Recession to Elliott Hall; Athletic Awards; Acknowledgments by the Conference Chairs; Announcement of next year’s LOAS 1 Chairs; Grand March.

It’s helpful to put the lyrics to the "Star Island Song" on the back page, plus the "Star Island Cheer."*

Produce the Programs off Island. Send a copy to the Chairs, the manager of Conference Services, and to the Head of Food Services.

Once on Island: Contact the Head of Food Services to estimate when the meal will end.

Contact the coordinator of Post-Banquet Child Care to determine how the younger children will recess from the Dining Room. Decide whether or not to accompany their recession with celebratory music.

Contact the leader of the Grand March to discuss the music for the Grand March, and to coordinate the end of the Banquet and beginning of the March.

Contact the Island Music Director to confirm music for the Grand March.

Invite the Minister of the Week to make the Invocation.

Procedure:

On the morning of the Banquet, ask the Dining Room staff when (after lunch) you and your helpers may begin decorating the room.

Review with the Chairs the timing of their portion of the testimonials.

At 6:35 P.M. begin the Invocation with the Minister of the Week, followed by the Clapping of the waitrae into the kitchen and the Meal

By 7:15 proceed with the rest of the program so that the Grand March can begin at 8:00.

Remove decorations after the Banquet and dispose of any waste-paper products off-island.

Final Banquet Table Decorations

Final Party Host - Adults

Final Party - Teens

Final Party Facilitator for Senior High Youth Group

Traditionally, the Appledores have a farewell party on the final evening of LOAS. The party starts at 10:00 P.M. and continues until midnight.

The party serves three purposes: it’s an enjoyable closure to the week’s activities; if offers a chance for important farewells for those entering their final year of junior/high school (or going off to college); it gives the youth another opportunity to behave responsibly.

Preparation:

The Chairs recruit the Facilitator to help the Youth Coordinator with food, decorations, oversight and clean-up.

o The Provisioner orders food and beverages. o The Facilitator brings low-budget decorations to Star.

The Facilitator, the Youth Coordinator, the Appledore youth group leaders, and the Appledores will meet mid-week to plan the party. They will discuss behavioral expectations, food, music, activities, clean-up, and curfew.

Location:

Usually Brookfield but check with Appledore Youth Leaders

Procedure:

Two days before the party, the Youth Coordinator speaks with the liaison to Conference Services (ask at Front Desk of Oceanic) about the party.

o They make sure the area is available and ready o They agree on the level of clean-up that is requested from the Appledores and the Facilitator after the party.

On the day before the party, the Facilitator attends a meeting with the Youth Coordinator and the Appledores’ parents to discuss a level of discreet oversight at 45-minute intervals.

o One way to drop in is to ask if the kids have enough food and drink.

On the day of the party, the Facilitator works with the Appledores to offer help decorating the area.

Confirm with Conference Services the day before the party where refreshments for the final party should be delivered

The Facilitator greets the Appledores at 10:00 p.m. and turns over the space to them.

The Facilitator, or an adult designee, will help end the party at midnight and will work with the Appledores to put the area in suitable order.

Final Party Facilitator for Junior High Youth Group

See job description for senior high and just substitute "junior high". Recently, a cost saving measure is to combine both the senior and junior high parties, as the individual parties tend to be lightly attended.

Grand March Marshall

The chief purpose of the Grand March is to say good-by to everyone in the
conference. We do this by passing everyone individually as we spiral in and spiral
out. We also have a lot of fun.
Due to COVID the Grand March now takes place on the porch.

Decide with the Chairs how the march will be configured. Ask to have a couple of minutes at the end of the Final Banquet to explain of the Grand March: The line forms behind the Grand Marshall with Current Chairs followed by the next two years of Chairs. The march proceeds through Elliot to pick up the kids, out through Gosport, and onto the porch. Once everyone is on the porch, switch to Auld Lang Syne with arms crossed and holding hands, then a Star Cheer for next year’s conference. Have someone in the banquet who will cue the Music Director when to play the March and then cue when to switch to Auld Lang Syne.

Ask conference services to turn rocking chairs sideways and push chairs up to the railing.

Arrange music and timing with the Music Director.

Ask someone to sing the new song into a mic that projects onto the porch.

Make sure the porch speaker system is on and active.

There are two versions of the Grand March:
Version I is for the Hotel Lobby. It’s more intimate and has better singing.
Version II is for the front lawn. It can handle a large crowd – children, adults, entire
conference. Don’t use this version unless there’s enough outdoor light. It’s
important that you see faces as the line passes you. For LOAS, at the end of the
banquet, it is usually dusk and beyond – hard to make out faces.
Version I
1) Arrange music and timing with Music Director.
2) Have lobby cleared of furniture.
3) Make sure porch speaker system in on and active (so music can be heard when
outside.
4) Form pairs (by two’s) led by March leader, this year’s conference chairs and
then next year’s chairs.
5) March around dining hall, thru Elliot (pick-up children), onto porch, down east
porch onto lawn and up the front stairs to enter lobby.
6) Go to the right when entering lobby.
7) Immediately switch to single file. Station someone at the door to make sure
everyone is single file.
8) Spiral in and then out. Use entire lobby space from the piano to writing desk
and front door to snack bar door to make spiral as large as possible.
9) Form single or double line to make a big circle and hold hands.
10) Sing Auld Lang Syne, then a Star cheer for next year’s conference.
Version II
1) Follow steps 1 – 5 in Version I, but omit going up the front steps. Stay on the
front lawn.
2) When everyone is on the lawn, switch to a single file, holding hands and begin
the large spiral.
3) Follow steps 8 – 10 in Version I to finish the Grand March.
4) Have someone on the front porch, watching the Grand March, who will cue the
Music Director when to play the music, when to play Auld Lang Syne, and when to
stop for the final cheer.

Silent Auction Coordinator & Helpers

You will be responsible for organizing and running the silent auction, the proceeds of which go into our Lee Reid Scholarship Fund. The first thing you will need to do is contact all of the conferees. This can be done in a number of ways. You may mail a letter to everyone, you may send a group e-mail to all of the conferees, you can ask the chairs to include your information in the letter they mail to the conferees in July, or you can do any combination. It is critical to have the conferees think about what they want to donate or make for the silent auction before they leave for Star, otherwise, they will not be able to participate.

Before you arrive on Star, you will need to make copies of a bidding sheet. The bidding sheet should contain the following information at the top of each sheet:

Name of item, donor of item, starting bid, and the minimum increment for bids.

Then make four columns down the length of the sheet: bidder name, amount of bid, bidder name and amount of bid.

You will need to bring the following items with you to the island:

Bidder sheets, pencils, tape, push pins and any material you wish to use to decorate the tables which will contain the auction items.

The auction is usually set-up in Newton front, however, check with the chairs to see if they have a different location in mind.

At the orientation on the first night, introduce yourself, tell people how to get their items to you, when the auction will begin and when it will close. In the past few years, the auction has been closing at the end of social hour on Thursday night. The auction used to close at the end of social hour on Banquet night, however, people found it was difficult to get everyone to pay and hand out their items, get to the banquet on time and then they were spending Friday evening tracking people down to pay and give them their items.

If you have one really nice item, you could consider holding a separate raffle for that item. If so, plan on bringing raffle tickets with you and also check with the donor to see if they are agreeable with the idea.

On Thursday night, have the social hour hosts announce when the auction will be ending. At the appointed time, go around and circle the highest bid on each sheet. Have a table set-up where the highest bidders may pay you. You an accept either cash or checks made payable to "LOAS". Turn the money over to the treasurer.

Keep track of who owes you money and who has not picked up their items. Sometimes people will pay during social hour and forget to pick up their items before they go to dinner. All auction items need to be out of Newton by the end of the banquet so people can begin to set-up for the final party.

Marshmallow Roast/Bonfire

Mussels and Clams Coordinator

Musicale Host

The Musicale is the presentation of a musical evening on Star, reminiscent of Victorian times. It occurs in the Lobby of the Oceanic Hotel, itself of Victorian vintage. The tone is refined, usually featuring trained musicians.

Time

Check with the chairs to find out which day the Musicale will be held.

Preparation

When you arrive on island (or before), contact Star’s Music Director to discuss auditions and plans for the Musicale.

Post an Audition Sheet on the Lobby’s “Sign-up Table.”

- List the time of the Musicale.

- List the time of the Auditions.

- Number the sheet with 15 blank slots.

On Saturday evening at the Conference Orientation make an announcement regarding the Musicale. Describe the Musicale as an opportunity for musicians to share their talents with us.

Tell interested people to sign the Audition Sheet and attend the audition, bringing any necessary sheet music.

On the day of the musicale, discuss with Star’s Conference Services representative, available on the bench near the Front Desk for fifteen minutes before each meal, preparations for the Musicale.

You may need one or two microphones with the sound system, music stands, and a couple of stools.

Chairs must be arranged for the audience.

Find someone to lower and raise the lights at the performance on your signal

Audition

The Musicale presents a range of abilities from enjoyable parlor music to polished performances.

Offer positive evaluations.

For a Shoaler whose presentation is not suitable for the Musicale, having a different tone, you can suggest that the Talent Show or the Starlight Cafe may be a better venue.

Take care not to duplicate presentations that would be in the Talent Show.

Measure the duration of each presentation so that you can predict the length of the program. The program is about an hour in length.

Develop the program with balance and variety from one presentation to the next.

Present any children at the beginning of the program. Performance

Ask the performers to gather in the Pink Parlor at 7:45 P.M.

At 8:15, lower the lights and wait briefly for the audience to become silent.

Welcome the audience.

Introduce each performer with enthusiasm, telling the person’s name and the musical selection.

Close the performance by thanking the audience and the performers.

- Ask members of the audience to help return the chairs to their appropriate places.

Name Tags

New Conferees Orientation

New Conferees Mentoring Coordinator

Porch Bell Ringing Superintendent

Softball Coach

Near the end of the week, there is a softball game played on the infamous Star Island Softball Field between the Conferees (who choose to play) and the Pelicans (who are young, cut and play together all summer). The Softball Coach is to field a team and to try to win. Decide if you would like to hand out a Trophy for MVP and if so, bring it with you (past awards have included the Game Ball, singed by all players, Golden Gloves, Silver (mini) Bats, Certificates and Starbucks. Announce at the Conference Orientation that we will need conferees to field a team to play softball against the Pels. Putting a signup sheet on the writing desk allows players to sign up. Here is a downloadable PDF file for the sign up sheet: Softball Sign Up Sheet Suggest players be at least age 16 (because of past injuries). Set up practice days (usually 2 to 3) in between other afternoon events. Do it early and make sure it shows up on the chalk board. Check with the Chairs to make sure there are no conflicts. (One suggestion is to have practices at 4pm on Monday & Wednesday and have the game on Thursday or Friday). Play softball against the Pels and win or lose with dignity, grace and good humor. Report the score or major accomplishments at the Final Banquet. Present the MVP award and if desired, congratulate/console the Pels (especially if there is a large LOAS component). The setup of the team is your decision and who you pl;ay and when is all up to you. here are some of the structures that have been used in the past: Limit the amount of players to 20 to field two 10-person teams. They can alternate innings in the field or you can mix and match. With this, you then can bat all 20 in one batting order. PRO: very easy to manage, everyone gets lots of playing time. equitable. CON: Hard to win. Some may be upset they cannot play.

Allow for any amount of players and you can either set up one batting order, or if ambitous, you can bat 10 people and substitute as desired. PRO: Easiest way to get the best players on the field and in the batting order. Best chance to win. All can play. CON: Can certainly be unequal, as better players will play more. May get hurt feeling if someone does not play, or play enough. Much harder to manage.

The Adults’ Social Hour occurs each afternoon of the conference. It’s a time for mixing, munching and enjoying a glass of wine or beer. (For conferees who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, an alternative venue is usually offered in the Pink Parlor.)

Preparation:

· Consult with the LOAS Provisioner to learn the scope of the snacks and alcohol that the budget affords, and to learn what the Provisioner will order and what you must order. The provision provides wine, beer & sherry. No liquor is allowed to be served at social hour.

- In some past years, people have purchased tickets for “Clams & Mussels." (This is a separate volunteer job.) Also, conferees have offered a wine-tasting. The budget may allow you to order hors d’oeuvres from Star’s kitchen on one day.

· Consult with last year’s hosts to learn how they managed the set-up and the clean-up of glasses, snacks, and beverages each day.

- The kitchen in Newton Center is your preparation area.

- A Pelican from Star’s Conference Services may help with set-up and clean-up.

· Consult the Chairs to decide the location of Social Hour.

- In good weather, Social Hour can take place on the lawn of the Stone Village or on the Lindquist Deck. In windy or rainy weather, Social Hour occurs in Newton Center.

* A Pel delivers and puts away the sound system each day.

* Electrical outlets are in Parker (near lawn of Stone Village) and on the Lindquist Deck.

· Optional: You may choose a theme for the Social Hour, and assign daily sub-themes to enhance humor and sociability. A balance that honors introverts and extroverts is wise.

- Inform the Chairs if you plan themes; they’ll be listed in the Chairs’ Letter to Conferees so that people can plan in advance.

- Consider bringing prizes—gag gifts—for winners of the daily theme contest.

· Consider arranging with the LOAS Registrar to arrive on the conference’s first day on an early boat so that you can begin preparations for Social Hour.

Procedure:

· On your arrival at Star, ask the Front Desk Clerk to help you contact Star’s liaison for Conference Services. Arrange for daily set-up and removal of tables, glasses, etc. Also confirm that you and the Music Appreciation Host have a spot for the sound system.

· Prepare your snacks in the kitchen and set up tables and glasses at 5:15.

· The Social Hour runs from 5:30 to 6:15. At 6:10, inform parents that they must leave to pick up their children from their Social Hour(s) at 6:15.

· Welcome the participants; at about 5:45 present a competition around the theme; award a prize for the person who best represents the theme.

· Verbally solicit contributions to help pay for refreshments. (No signs with written amounts may be posted at Social Hour.)

- You may set a “Contribution Basket” on a table with snacks, but not with liquor.

· LOAS’s liability insurance does not cover damage to persons and property that results from intoxication.

· People under the age of 21 may not be present where alcohol is being served.

· Clean up the area at the end of the Social Hour.

Talent Show Emcee

The Talent Show is an opportunity for Shoalers—both youth and adult—to entertain us. The Show is traditionally a high point of the week.

Notification:

Announce early in the week that there will be a Talent Show on a given night, starting at 8:00 P.M. Describe the range of entertainment that is customary. Remind people that there are several venues for performance at LOAS 1. Suggest that—to prevent the Show from being too long—if people choose to entertain at the Musicale or at the Coffee House, they could consider giving others the first chance to entertain at the Talent Show. Auditions:

Announce the “try out” times a couple of days before the Show. Place a sign-up sheet for “try outs” on the Writing Table in the Lobby. When reviewing potential acts: Encourage brevity. Try to use everyone who wishes to perform. Stress appropriateness. If a youth hopes to perform something that’s questionable, ask him or her, “Would you want your parent to see this?” or “Would your parent want to see this?” Tell adults that 10-year-olds will probably remain after the “intermission” that allows younger kids to be put to bed. Although props are the performers responsibility, make helpful suggestions. Coach a performer if guidance will help. Help from Star’s Conference Services:

Meet with the staffer from Conference Services to discuss how Star’s resources can support the Show. You may require help with the sound system, with stage lights, and with props. You may need Star’s Music Director as an accompanist. Ask for drinking water and cups back-stage for the performers. Help from Volunteers:

Ask someone to work the curtain. Usually a teen does the job. Ask someone to work back-stage to cue the sound system so that any intended recorded music plays soon after an act is announced. Have the Sound Person MAKE SURE the music is cued up on whatever device they have. Arranging the Show:

Limit solo acts to three minutes. Allow a bit more time for group acts. Tell the performers to prepare and to await their turns in the Sandpiper Room, across from the Press Room. Arrange for younger children to perform first, while sequencing the types of their performances for enjoyable pacing and variety. Tell the first few performers to arrive early and be in place for a prompt curtain time. Post an Order of Performance in the stage’s anteroom (Press Room) so that participants will know when to perform. This will limit unnecessary conversation. When time, announce a 10-minute break for parents to put young children to bed. Have an Interlocutor entertain the audience between acts that require a longer time to set up. End the Show at 9:45 at the latest. Evening Chapel is at 10:00 P.M.

LOAS II 2023

Collective Memory:

The stories we tell about ourselves

Collective Memory: The stories we tell about ourselves

Theme Speaker

Diane Taraz

Minister of the Week

Rev. Anastassia Zinke

Conference Chairs

Cece Braun and Topher Soltys

Registrar: Alison Green

Alison is the one to contact with any questions around registering for the conference, including accommodation issues.

Youth Coordinator: Anna Henschel

Anna is putting together a team of youth leaders, who will lead morning and afternoon activities for children.

WORKSHOPS

Week-long classes, offered daily

Writing Circle

with Ellen Schmidt

Batik

with Elizabeth Hutchinson

Resist!

Thinking About Gender

with Eleanor Willard

Yoga

with Nicole Tomassi

Sock Monsters for Everyone!

with Diane Taraz

Star Scouts

with Sara Coursen

STARBURSTS

Mini-workshops led by conferees

BANQUET NIGHT

CONFEREE LIST

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Judy Samuelson

Beverly Smith & ???

Sara Kornbluh & Jeanna Steele

Jessica Robidoux Leger

Sara Kornbluh

Kendra Trufahnestock

Carolyn Sears

Jessica Hessel

Andy Moran

Hunter Drake

Erin Barbot, Bill Barbot, Beverly Smith

Lilo Rheinstein

Susan and Justin Haase

Irene Gibson

Bromwyn Cotton

Mark Gibson

Amber Gaumnitz

Erika Zarowin

Susan Soltys & Mike Soltys

Elizabeth Hutchinson

Terri Behm & Tiffany Reed

Amy Strano

Aziz Huq & Abbie Roth

Ali Gibson

Margaret Ladner & Sara Kornbluh

Myra Aaronson & Arthur Eves

Susan Haase

Kirsten Chetwynd

Mike Soltys

Matt Adams

Mark Gibson

Kristin Keefe

Paul Jensen

Peter and Kendra Trufahnestock

Jessica Robidoux Leger and Sarah Jensen