By Walt Dulaney

Creak, thud, grrrkkk! … This rusty rhapsody plays as ADE's resident columnist shakes off five years' hibernation. For three years before ADE was born, I circulated missives trumpeting the triumphs of Hawai'i's drama educators. In 1980 this evolved into the "Go-fer", the Alliance for Drama Education's newsletter. For two decades we published Gutenberg style, 'til rising print and postage costs mandated electronic dispatch.

I was terminally shy, and folded the "Go-fer" rather than lay my lily whites on a computer keyboard. But bribery and shame scored a partial victory when our board inquired sweetly why I wasn't answering their emails. Whatchaknow? That's kinda fun. So, da bear is back from five years of silence, and will now and again provide some background on ADE-ventures.

This marks my fourth debut as an opinionist. Please note that my thoughts are mine, not necessarily those of the organization, board or staff. If you've another take, enlighten me via email at ade@hawaii.rr.com.

I am in this business for selfish reasons: I want to see our community raise youngsters I can trust as neighbors. I believe drown-proofing, driver-education, and performer-readiness training is essential education. I've taught one student to drive, two students to swim, and 20,000 to face an audience and provide a supportive house … so guess what I'll chat about?