Mike Cohen’s Birthday/Open House
Posted December 10, 2014 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a note from Pamela Hoke of SJI Nature Connect…
San Juan Island’s Nature Legend, Mike Cohen’s 85th birthday creates epic earmarks, Open House this Sunday
Mike Cohen entertains with his banjo – Louise Dustrude photo
This week, legendary outdoor nature educator of 70 years, known 25 year full time island resident, musician and local contra dance host, Michael J. Cohen, turns 85 years old. In order to honor this epic event, that marks a special anniversary year of career and personal accomplishments in Cohen’s lifetime devotion to the natural dance of community and wellness, there will be a special open house held at the Grange, Sunday, December 14th, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Island residents are invited to attend for a chance to get to get to know this nature-connected legend a bit more, while enjoying some snacks and cake, and music with fellow residents. There will be free learning experience opportunities and literature for those who wish to adventure into the nature-connected world of Michael J. Cohen.
He is most known to the local islanders as a folk musician, with years at the Farmer’s Market, Grange member, and host to years of contra dances on the island. What many locals do not know about Cohen is that this year marks 30 years as founder of his now virtual school, Project NatureConnect. His school has been offering accredited degrees in Organic Psycholog, attracting hundreds of students from around the world to visit him throughout the year, and via an annual student gathering at Lakedale Resort. Some of his students have even become full time or part time residents, including Pamela Hoke, a 5 year student of Cohens, PhD candidate in Organic Psychology, and now a full time island resident artist. Hoke will be offering an nature re-connecting orientation course from Project NatureConnect to local residents starting in January 2015.
Other lifetime accomplishments Mike’s birthday marks include: Over 8,000 hikes up Mount Young, 25th year as full time island resident, 20th year playing music for the San Juan Island Farmers Market, 3rd year as Songmaster for local Grange, 55th anniversary founding Trailside’s Outdoor Programs, 70th year as a performing folk song artist, 18th year performing over 200 programs for Road Scholar groups on San Juan Island, 60th year as a folk and contra dancer and instructor, 40th year as a published author: ten books about environment, education and psychology; two books about folk music, 40th year sleeping outdoors year-round in natural areas, and several more.
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Categories: Around Here
4 comments:
4 comments...
Careful, some folks think this December birthday boy could be the south end of Sagittarius heading north and sometimes I’m one of these folks. I’ve learned to deal with this conflict by taking life one decade at a time.
Pamela, fill me in: I assume that “Road Scholar” is something distinct from “Rhodes Scholar,” and am awaiting enlightenment. Also, why not capitalize “Nature?” The only reason we don’t is because of Christian paranoia over Pagans like me worshipping it (or “her,” if you prefer). And happy birthday, Mike, you old scoundrel! Ta’a yedigo adei’t ‘i!
Thank you for being such a great mentor Mike. Your work has changed so many lives and keeps changing lives…A powerful date (14/12/14) to turn 85 indeed! Celebrate and rejoice! Owls and Howls!
Mr Cohen! Lot’s of HOWLS AND OWLS on 14/12/14. You are leaving one big ecological footprint in the wilderness! PNC has changed my life and the life of many! Keep up the great work and let’s go for another decade Mike! 14/12/24. Big hug!
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