Hank Worden has a way of filling a room simply by walking into it. Since the first time he showed up at a Masquers board of directors meeting, and announced that he could raise the money for a new theater home for Masquers, he has maintained his focus on that project, and his vision of what the Jolly Theater can become in the community.

Hank spent several years in Ephrata where he managed the Edward Jones office. Two years ago he and his wife, Catherine along with their three young sons moved to Walla Walla, but he continues to be involved with this community and with Masquers.

Growing up in Missoula, Montana where his mother still lives, Hank learned from his father’s example the value of giving back to the community.

"We’re only here on Earth a short time," Hank says, "And as far as I know we don’t get a re-wind so we had better make the best of it. I can’t imagine not giving back to the community where I made my livelihood. If your life is only about yourself, it becomes very small. I would recommend a book, How Full is Your Bucket by Don Cliffton. It has a very positive outlook."

"Soap Lake is on the verge of something big," he goes on to say, "And the Jolly Theater Building is at the hub of it. It can be a hub of Grant County. We are just beginning to entertain the public. In the future I see us being more expansive, changing our thought processes and cateringh to many parts of the society that have not even envisioned walking through the theater door. With the new multi-media system we are getting, with a drop down screen, and complete sound system, it will not only be better for plays and concerts, but will also accommodate company retreats for businesses, seminars, perhaps even super bowl parties, and definitely family reunions."

Warming up to his subject with infectious enthusiasm, he continues on the topic of giving back to the community, "Our largest donations came from people who had businesses in the community. Jeanette Jolly who the theater is named after and who passed away a year ago, started an endowment fund for Masquers in her will. The way that works is that the investment can never be touched, but Masquers gets 5% interest on it every year. This is an attractive investment for older people especially because their money goes on to support an arts organization forever. If Masquers goes out of business, we are required to give our endowment fund to another arts organization."

"I never stop learning," says Ida Van der Veen. She has a lot to remember also, having been born in Belgium while World War I was still raging. She was the 7^th of 16 children born into a family of painters, sculptors, wooden shoe carvers and fine furniture builders.

At an early age she learned two trades, barbering and podiatry. Some of her colorful background is reflected in her work, including a painting of her mother.

Times were difficult in Belgium, and Ida migrated to Canada, and then California where she worked as a massage therapist, and married Van der Veen. They bought a dairy farm in Moses Lake, and later moved to Royal Slope. She started painting in 1978, and is very prolific. She lives in Soap Lake now and belongs to both the Sagebrushers and the Art Guild of Soap Lake Area. She spreads joy to all, not only through her paintings but also through her exuberance.

Magical Strings, who played a sold out concert at Masquers’ Jolly Theater in 2003 will be back this year with their yuletide concert on December 2. The featured artists are Philip and Pam Boulding on the Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer.

"While most performers of Celtic music are content to repeat the glories of the past, Magical Strings strive to bring the tradition into the present and carry it into the future through their own original compositions...Ambitious...Poignant and moving."
-- HEARTBEATS