The National Register listed Skagit Hydroelectric Project and associated Newhalem Creek Hydroelectric Project is an interconnected system of dams and municipally owned company towns. Developed over a 50-year span beginning in 1918 the projects are inextricably linked, both historically and physically, to the development of publicly owned hydroelectric power for the city of Seattle.

Join Jesse G. Kennedy III, Ph.D. as he shares stories and images of the people and construction of the projects.

Laying the Groundwork – Week 1

• Where do you put a dam? The preparatory work necessary before dam construction could begin and the first dam: Newhalem Creek.

We’re in it Now: Gorge and Diablo – Week 2

• How many Gorge Dams were there? Gorge Dam and the unexpected problem that could have sunk the project. Beautiful Diablo Dam and the tiled fishpond in its powerhouse lobby.

Why did Ruby Dam Become Ross Dam? The Man Behind the Curtain: J. D. Ross – Week 3

• Have you ever noticed the front of Ross Dam? Stories about the man Franklin Delano Roosevelt called, “One of the greatest Americans of our Generation.”

Instructor: Jesse G. Kennedy III PhD   

Following twenty years of university teaching, Jesse worked in cultural resource management for North Cascades National Park Service Complex for more than twenty-six years. A Pacific Northwest native, he became the first Chief of Cultural Resource Management at the park in 1995 and continues to explore the history of Skagit County and the North Cascades through the images, stories, and structures of this heroic environment.

Of the most influential classical composers, Ludwig van Beethoven consistently ranks in the top three, along with Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This class will focus on the music and life of Beethoven. We will also discuss the philosophical changes that occurred around him during his life, focusing on the philosophy of art, and more specifically, music. Compositional forms will be discussed throughout the class in order to enhance the listening experience of his music. Anecdotal experiences from his personal life will be given, along with specific historical events that impacted his music. And yes, fragments of his music will be played liberally for all of our enjoyment. No prior knowledge of classical music or philosophy is required; the structure of the class will be for anyone with an interest in classical music.

Instructor: Bryan Haynes

Bryan was raised in a home that was steeped in classical music. After the requisite immersion into the Rock & Roll scene during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, Bryan rekindled his interest in the classics when his son began violin lessons. This led to a concentrated study of the lives and music of many of the classical composers over the last 15 years, and he now enjoys discussing his love of their music with anyone who will listen.

Tips for things you can do to prepare your Spring garden. We have a lineup of great Master Gardener instructors for Spring term.

• May 15 "Building Healthy Soil for Your Own Garden and Landscape” For beginning and experienced gardeners.  How do you know if your soil is "healthy"? What can you do to improve it? - Diana Wisen (MG)
• May 22 "Composting Made Understandable for the Home Gardener"  For beginning and experienced gardeners. - Katryna Barber (MG) and "Proper Planting Tips for Your New Little Plants” Get your new little purchases off to a good start. - Diana Wisen
• May 29 “Pruning Ornamental Shrubs and Trees in your Home Landscape"     Do you ever stand in front of a shrub or tree in your yard and wonder how or even if you should prune it?   Does it sometimes feel overwhelming? Do you know when is best time to prune some shrubs or when is the best time to leave them alone?  Do you know how to prune so you will not have to prune so often?  Beginners and experienced gardeners alike will learn lots of tips to help them with their own landscape.  Will include proper tools selection and care. - Claudia Wells and Diana Wisen

Instructor: Diana Wisen (MG Class of 1991)

Diana graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Education. She has been a WSU Master Gardener for 33 years and focuses on Outreach & Education, the Training Team, Recruitment & Retention chairman, the Know & Grow lecture series, coordinating the Speakers Burean and takes care of the Hardy Fuchsia area in the Discovery Garden.

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning a little more about wine; the viticulture, various grapes varieties, and how to taste and pair with food.

It will begin with a brief overview of how and where grapes thrive and the most common grape varieties. We will cover ‘still’ wine production and classification. We will look at wine laws and labeling. A discussion of what characteristics one should observe when tasting wine and how best to pair wine with food will conclude the three-week course.

Instructor: Connie Pangrazi

Professional Experience: Over 30 years of educational experience – both public and private. Parent, past PTO President, Teacher, Curriculum Director, University Faculty Member. Retired from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University - Assistant Dean of Academics. Skagit Valley College faculty adjunct, Leadership Skagit Class of 2018.

Community Service: Soroptimist International of Anacortes member and past president, Leadership Skagit Coach 2019-21, Anacortes School District Ready to Learn Fair Clothing Drive Coordinator, Island Hospital Therapy Dog Program Coordinator.

Connie Pangrazi retired in 2017 after serving as the Assistant Dean of Academics in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College as well as teaching courses in Exercise Science and Physical Education pedagogy. Prior to entering higher education, Connie taught in public education for more than 10 years.

Connie purchased a home in Northern Italy in 2021. As the property has a small vineyard and Cantina, she became interested in the production of wine. Within the past two years Connie has completed Levels One and Two of the WSET and is currently completing her WSET Level 3 and Wine Specialist Certifications. In the fall of 2025, she will begin courses at UC Davis to obtain her Wine Making Certification. She hopes to one day make her own wine and be involved in the wine industry.