Growing up I first met Matt Mechler when I made the advancement from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He is also probably one of the most influential guys in Troop 498 that I looked up to. He was the guy who always knew his stuff and at the same time was very approachable. Matt was also the first member of our troop to achieve to top rank of Eagle Scout. I know it sounds dumb, but without his paving of that path to Eagle Scout none of the rest of us may have made it.
(top row: Eric H., Matt Mechler, ?, John Youill (sp?), Jeff Myers, Frank Gecze (sp?), Brett Jackson, ?, ?
Middle row: Sean Young, Ian Young, myself, Randy Anson, Paul Austin, ?, Jason Koenig, Brian Pilkington, ?
Front row: Scoutmaster Tom Mechler, Jason Hauschildt, ?, Glenn Johnson, Tom Addleman)
The above photo was taken my second year in Troop 498, I am thinking the spring of 1984, at a campout in Carnation, WA. I am impressed that I was able to remember all of those names, but at the same time kinda bummed that I cannot remember the rest.
Earlier I was scoping out the website for Salmon Days in order to come up with the best strategy for parking and such this weekend. While clicking through I found Matt’s name. The Ohfishals for Salmon Days have chosen a piece of art by Matt as the Ohfishal Print for 2007. See below:
From the Salmon Days website:
“Historic Return” by Matt Mechler
The Spirit of Issaquah: A Celebration of Northwest Treasures
Mechler is a Washington native and calls Issaquah his hometown. He spent much of his childhood exploring the Issaquah Alps in search of old mines, fossils, and other hidden treasures. “I’ve always enjoyed history and love the outdoors,” said Mechler. Mechler graduated from Liberty Senior High School and attended Western Washington University where he majored in Geography. Matt and his wife live in Kent but they both spend most days in Issaquah working for the City.
“I discovered one rainy winter day that I could create some neat images by altering my digital photographs on the computer,” said Mechler “Historic Return” is a compilation of fourteen different digital pictures and images that have been enhanced. “I wanted to produce an art piece that people would associate with Issaquah and I feel I accomplished that.” “There is a lot to see but you have to look closely to find everything,” said Mechler.
This 2007 Limited Edition Print is produced by the Festival, and signed and numbered by the artist. The previous Salmon Days series became extremely popular with both long-time Salmon Days’ supporters as well as with fine art collectors.
The print is on sale at the Chamber office for $65. Proceeds assist in producing the Festival, which is the major fundraiser for the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce. We accept cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard, and can ship anywhere in the United States.
Individuals who purchased the last print in the Spirit of Issaquah series have been notified of the opportunity to purchase the same number in the 2007 print.
Congratulations Matt! I look forward to picking up a print this weekend and hanging it with pride in my home.