Nihilism: A total rejection of established laws and institutions; Anarchy or other revolutionary activity.
If you had stumbled into the Cascade on the first Wednesday this month, you might have thought nihilists had taken control of the theater. Bearded men in bathrobes, bowlers in purple jumpsuits, seductive redheads wearing trench coats and ex-military men donning army-green vests mingled in the lobby sipping on White Russians.
The only true nihilists were on the theater’s big screen – characters in the film “The Big Lebowski.” The cast of eccentrics in the lobby came out in force to support a screening of the cult classic (with prizes for best costume based on the film) presented by Redding Catalyst, a group of local young professionals. Their own brand of nihilism: to create a social network for young professionals in a region where many 20- and 30-somethings find it difficult to create community.
A big part of Catalyst’s mission is to attract other young professionals to the region and encourage others to stay. “It’s no secret that Redding is a retirement community,” laments Ashley Wagar, a founding member of Catalyst, who also wants to change the not-so-positive image of community members who share her age demographic.
Wagar, the sales and marketing manager for Redding’s Ochoa and Shehan Builders, developed Catalyst with a group of high-school friends who returned to Redding after college. “We knew each other but struggled with how to meet people,” says Chris Haedrich, a Catalyst co-founder. Chris claims to have “one foot in, one foot out” syndrome, characterized by divided loyalties between a rewarding life in the north state and a feeling of missing out on the verve in larger, more metropolitan areas.
Catalyst partners with a local non-profit to bring us the “Indie Element,” a cultural happening held the first Wednesday each month and focused on film, music and art. The non-profit provides the street cred to find sponsors who fund the event, the public pays admission and the non-profit is the recipient of any money generated from ticket sales, beverages and snacks. A win-win. Proceeds from the Big Lebowski screening benefitted the Cascade Theatre.
Catalyst’s first event, a selection of nine films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, raised $5,000 for Redding Independent Film and Television. That’s when the winning concept was born: “collaborative philanthropy.”
Catalyst is a surprisingly cohesive crew, considering that there are no dues for members, no attendance requirements, no board of directors, and no officers. Members, all with different personalities, in different stages in life, are encouraged to bring event ideas to the group and form “committees” to make them happen.
“Everyone works their butt off,” Ryan Haedrich says proudly – a shout-out to the sweat equity expended to organize not just community events but monthly business meetings, weekly socials and the “Breakfast of Champions.” This quarterly morning gathering features educational, motivational guest speakers. Recent keynoters included blind extreme mountain biker Bobby McMullen and Ray John, CEO of Haven Humane.
“There are so many people who complain but don’t do anything about it,” says Haedrich, in further praise of Redding Catalyst, its development and its members. “I’m amazed by the events we’ve had so far.”
Check out some of Catalyst’s upcoming events. Their enthusiasm for their community is inspiring.
As Walter says to Donny in “The Big Lebowski”: “These men are nihilists. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Click here for more information about Redding Catalyst.
Adam Mankoski is a recent North State transplant who feels completely at home here. He enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Email your NorthState weekend events to adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
This portrait of Adam Mankoski was created by Shasta High School students Chance Norman and Kenzi Bell.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of anewscafe.com.
