Hi all! As most of you are probably aware, Rona LeDoux, who has managed Kenney Grove Park camp ground for 37 years, will retire at the end of June, 2018. She transformed the park into the garden spot it is today while maintaining all the campsites and amenities we so enjoy.
As a token of our appreciation, Sally and Dana Charette will provide a guest book you are encouraged to sign at the Memorial Day camp out. If you would like to donate a cash contribution to Rona’s “retirement fund,” Sally will collect funds in advance and we will present them to Rona on Memorial Day Weekend. Rona will be relocating from the park, so like a lot of us, she’s downsizing!
Lynn Furnis has written a song for Rona called Rona’s Paradise. It will be sung at the Memorial Day Campout. The chords and lyrics are available here: Rona’s Paradise – chords and lyrics Here is a recording of the song by Lynn and Bill Johnson:
Inevitably, Rona’s retirement will bring changes to the way the camp is run. Ventura County Parks is still in the process of re-mapping the campground. I am in touch with VCP regarding group reservations for future Songmakers camping weekends and will let you know how to make reservations as soon as I can. If you’d like to pencil in dates, we are aiming for July 19-22, September 20-24 (Labor Day Weekend), and October 11-15, 2018.
Camping at Kenney Grove has brought Songmakers together for nearly 20 years. It helped us form friendships from all reaches of Southern California, strengthening our club. We’ve learned about music and public performance through workshops and concerts held at KG. I hope you all will join me in honoring this long and rich tradition.
The Memorial Day Campout at Kenney Grove will be held May 24 – 28, 2018. Reservations must be received by Saturday, May 19, so mail them by Wed. May 16. You will receive confirmation by return email by Monday, May 21.
2018 Memorial Day Registration Form
The schedule is:
Thursday-Friday May 24-25- Informal jamming and evening campfire song circles
Saturday, May 26 – Informal jamming throughout the day
10 a.m. – Songwriting Workshop with Don Truby
11:30 a.m. – Performance Workshop with John McFadgen
1:30 p.m. – Ice Cream Social & Concert Sign-Ups – bring a bowl and spoon
5:30 p.m. – Potluck – Bring a dish to share, a plate, flatware and napkin
7:00 p.m. – Evening concert
Post concert campfire song circle and informal jamming
Sunday, May 27
10-12 noon – Songs of Meaning & Band Scramble assignments
1 p.m.-4 p.m. – Ukulele Jam with Alan Ferentz – drop in and play!
4:00 p.m. – Meet with your Band Scramble group to create magic!
7:00 p.m. – Band Scramble performance followed by campfire song circle and informal jamming
Monday, May 28
12:00 Noon – Check out time
Sally Charette