Supporters strike a chord for teacher

Sisters teacher Gary Bowne has a passion for the stage, so it was appropriate that more than 600 enthusiastic supporters turned out for the Sunday-evening benefit at Sisters High School, to aid the local drama teacher and former Americana Project instructor as he recovers from serious injuries he suffered on October 19, when his bicycle collided with a car on Highway 242 near the high school.

The entrance-by-donation concert venue included a silent auction of donated art works, goods and services. A variety of food, donated by local businesses, was also quickly snapped up. It was estimated that over $10,000 was raised for Gary's family.

Gary is the artistic director of the Bend Theatre for Young People. He is also a part-time drama teacher at Sisters High School, and teaches a class as a theatre arts instructor at Central Oregon Community College.

Bowne was instrumental in developing and bringing back the drama program to Sisters High School. Through his work as Americana Project instructor, he taught hundreds of students the craft of songwriting and self-expression.

According to the Bend Theatre for Young People's website, in 1988 he earned his teaching credential at Western Oregon University, then earned a master's degree at the University of New Mexico before working in the Albuquerque Public Schools.

He returned to Bend in 1996 and has performed in and directed a variety of shows with the Cascades Theatrical Company. He is also the lead singer of Big Pine and the Pitchtones.

Because of Sisters School District budget cuts, Bowne's position with the high school was reduced to one class period, which eliminated his health insurance coverage. It ran out at the end of September. Principal Joe Hosang said Bowne has been a teacher at Sisters High for five years. Through the decades, friends said, Bowne has taught hundreds of children and touched many lives.

Bowne's step-daughter and family spokesperson Kellie Jones reported at the concert that it has been determined that Gary's accident will be covered by the COBRA insurance grace period. That will help defray his rapidly mounting medical bills.

Elize van der Laan, one of Bowne's Americana students for three years said, "GB is one of the most open and exciting people I have ever met. When I performed as a freshman I was so nervous that I couldn't touch the strings, now I perform in front of hundreds of people. He was a mentor in Americana and in life."

Michael Najjar, an assistant professor of theatre arts at UO, traveled to Sisters for the concert to support Bowne. Najjar first met Bowne when they were both students at the University of New Mexico. They formed an "instant friendship," according to Najjar. When Najjar formed his theatre company, they directed each other in many shows.

"When I was working in Los Angeles, Gary called me to come help him with the Bend Theatre for Young People. I worked with him seven summers in a row," said Najjar. "The things he did, the opportunities that he has given - he will touch your life and give you so much, and never ask for anything in return."

Bowne's nephew C.J. Butdenschoen sang Gary's part when Bowne's band, the Pitchtones took the stage. C.J. relayed a message from Gary to the audience: "Tell everyone music is love."

October 30 was also Gary's 60th birthday, so with a number of Gary's extended family on stage, Bowne's step-daughter Kelly Jones dialed Bowne's hospital room and via speakerphone the entire audience sang Happy Birthday to Gary. "Thank you for all your efforts," said Gary over the speakerphone. "I am so proud to be part of the Sisters Schools Foundation. I'm in really good hands. I'm so glad to be part of your lives. I'm overjoyed with love."

According to Jones, Gary is doing far better than the doctors expected.

"The showing of support is incredible," said Smith. "We always knew what an amazing community this is (Sisters), but you never really realize it until you need to call on it. The amount of love and prayer that has been out there for him I really think has made all the difference. He has a long road ahead of him. We are hoping we get all of our Gary back. His sense of humor is there. That gave us a lot of hope. His bandmates have come and played songs with him. He knows all the words and all the harmonies."

The concert performers donating their time and talents included The Pitchtones, The Anvil Blasters, Brad Tisdel, Laura Curtis, Nathan Wood, Travis Ehrenstrom, and Dennis McGregor.

Monitor Bowne's progress at www.caringbridge.org/visit/garybowne/journal/. There is a donation account at Bank of the Cascades.