All posts by Dennis Cooper

Our ongoing cleaning cleaning project continues to progress. Dump runs and trips to the recycle center continue. As soon as some critical plumbing repairs are made we will bring out the heavy equipment in the form of floor scrubbers and pressure washers.

A word about vacuuming

I’ve done a lot of it lately! Floors, walls, ceilings, and let’s not forget upholstery. As soon as we clear the debris from an area we start in with the vacuums and go and go and go… and go some more! You get the picture. I’ve developed a love-hate relationship with my commercial backpack vacuum.  I love its power and the ability to safely climb ladders and scaffolding while wearing this marvel of modern cleaning technology. But I’m literally growing tired of our relationship. Day after day. Week after week. Always whirring in my ear and needing its bag changed.

The Woodworking Shop

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Whenever I’ve had enough of the backpack vacuum I take a break and put a little time into organizing the woodworking area of the Bee Tree Folk School. Today the radial arm saw and small table saw were re-assembled and set up for operation. Workbench number one and pegboard number one were put into place. There will soon be many more workbenches and pegboards lining the floors and walls. I’ll be using this modest shop a lot just to get things in shape for our first musical event on April 14th.; the Bluegrass Guitar Masters in Concert.

I have done enough cleaning and hauling to officially declare that “The Grotto” is finally clean enough for friends and community volunteers to join our workforce. If you want to join in the fun just get in touch by email or fill out our contact page. I you prefer not to get dirty, just send money!

In the meantime… mark your calendars for April 14th, 2018 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

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We pulled our dmx lighting system out of mothballs and hung them in “The Grotto”. Don’t worry musicians… the system uses Par 64 LED lights that won’t cook you on stage. Since coming off the road in 2007 about all we have used them for is to light our vendor tent at the Yellow Pine Harmonica and Music Festival early each August, the only event we really ever do anymore besides Fiddle Week.

Next-up… The curtains. We’ll be cutting, stitching and hanging curtains along the side walls in front of the stage to help will the pesky “early reflection” Insulation will fill all of the covered window openings and fabric panels will be created to trap additional reflection. If we have material left we’ll drape the back wall as well. Mr. Ken Avant, owner of Pickers Paradise, was kind enough to drop by and give us great advice for the best use of the available materials. He has also offered to help us in other ways, soon to be announced!

“The Grotto” is coming alive!

Work is well under way to transform the former swimming pool area in the basement of the historic Billings Gymnasium into an intimate performance area.

We are removing 50+ years of accumulated dust, dirt, and cobwebs from the floors, walls, and ceiling. LED house lights are being hung and the stage lighting is installed. We are cleaning and sanitizing the comfortable seating one section at a time.

Our first confirmed event features “The Storytellers” with opening acts to be announced soon on April 28th. Stay tuned… We are about to be “Groovin’ at the Grotto”

For more than 15 years, Sandra and Dennis Cooper have had a dream. We wished to establish a “Folk School” based on the traditional Scandinavian model that has been successfully used for many years. The Scandinavian folk schools are designed to let people explore different arts, crafts, and trades in a casual setting with skilled and helpful instructors leading the way.

On September 29th 2017 Co-opportunities, Incorporated, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation was registered in the state of Idaho with our headquarters located at 2155 Paddock Avenue. (The historic Billings Gymnasium on the Intermountain Institute campus.) We have three founding board members: Sandra Cooper, P. Gary Eller, and Dennis Cooper.

So here’s what is next:

• Establish a Managing Board of Directors
  

We are actively recruiting board members throughout the region with various skill sets, and most importantly, a passion for our vision.

• Find local people with skills, who desire to share them with others

 Our goal is to partner with local people and businesses to offer affordable learning opportunities for our local residents. As we grow we will also be offering workshops and camps for local folks and guests from out of the area. If you want to participate as an instructor please click the “Instructors” link on this website fill out the form. We’ll get in touch right away.

Watch this blog for regular updates and developments.