The sun is starting to shine, Winter is almost behind us and the Green Machine is moving forward. We are starting to line up some Spring and Summer performances that will be a delightful way to spend a sunny afternoon at the park or a cool Summer night in a lounge.

We had the honor of performing once again at the Lewis and Clark Montessori Charter School on March 6th. It was for their 2nd Annual "Spring for Education" Silent Auction. It was just as fun and energetic as last year. With a nice glass of red wine and amazing food by Busy Bee Catering, this event is a relaxing evening full of great music and great personalities. It's a wonderful connection we have with LCMCS and we would love to see our relationship continue into the future.

The Green Machine is also currently planning our second Green Machine Expedition to California and camping trip to the Redwood Forest. This is a tradition that we started last year when we traveled to John Day under direction of Alexander Spycher, and explored the fossil beds. The Green Machine will maintain Alexander's love for exploration, geology and the wonders of nature.

Thank you,

Ryan Carlson - Band Manager

Honoring Alexander Spycher (1987-2009)

The George Fox University community mourns the loss of Alexander David Francois Spycher, a transfer student from Mt. Hood Community College.

Alexander, 21, unexpectedly passed away around 6 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. He was living in campus housing and woke up early in the morning with chest pains and was taken to Providence Newberg Medical Center by emergency medical personnel. George Fox University President Robin Baker, Vice President of Student Life Brad Lau and other university officials were alerted and immediately went to the hospital to meet with family members.

Lau informed George Fox students and employees of Alexander's death via e-mail on Thursday morning. "Our hearts ache for his family and friends," he wrote. "Please keep them in your prayers as well as his housemates here on campus."

Because of federal privacy laws, the university does not plan to release any further medical information.

Alexander was a talented musician who studied under noted Portland woodwind instructor Joe Wimmer and had received a music scholarship to play clarinet in the George Fox Symphonic Band. He had enrolled for the fall semester and had been on campus for less than a week.

"He was really friendly and had a beautiful smile," said Pat Vandehey, the director of the George Fox Symphonic Band. "We were looking forward to getting to know him."

Alexander planned to major in either international studies or history at George Fox. After graduating from Clackamas High School in 2005, Alexander enrolled in Mt. Hood Community College. He was the band manager and alto saxophonist for the Green Machine Jazz Ensemble.

His immediate family includes his parents, Pierre and Karen Spycher; his two brothers, Johen Pierre and Nicholas; and his sister Briele.

The university honored Alexander Thursday, Sept. 3, during a 9 p.m. worship service in the Cap and Gown Room in the Student Union Building. Attendees were given the opportunity to sign a large card that will be delivered to the Spycher family.

Memories and condolences also may be shared at the George Fox University Facebook site.