I would like to write a short note in recognition of one of our fine citizens, Stephen Vogler.

It has been my privilege to have been involved with Stephen in his efforts to get his Saturday at the Point artist run collective. The idea was to use the old hostel site to foster a sense of artistic endeavour in the valley.

Stephen has been tireless in his drive to get this thing going and last night was a roaring success. There were workshops for children accompanied by enthusiastic scissor and glue gun-wielding parents, acoustic music played by Michael Faiella, painting and photography adorning the reworked walls of the “heritage” building along with fresh healthy food served up by Mr. and his quietly hard-working wife Peggy.

The evening included a session of improv comedy, orchestrated by Aude Ray as well as a play, written of course by Stephen and performed under the Perseiad Shower filled night sky on the dock floating in front of the hostel. Music was tastefully included in the production by Simon Striblings extremely accomplished hot swing band.

As if that weren't enough the evening concluded with a session in the old hostel with the swing band kickin' it hard and everyone dancing.

Stephen's enthusiasm is infectious – he is clearly not interested in making any money (I watched as one of the cast of the play insisted on paying for her admission – the princely sum of $18).

The sense of positive energy and a real swingin' good time is owed to Stephen Vogler.

I am happy to have been involved in what we all hope will have been the first of many of these events to come.

Thanks Stephen.

Jeff Heintzman