The Valley arts community lost a caring and ardent supporter last week when Flywheel member David Banigan-White (pictured above with daughter Charlotte) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his Easthampton home on Sunday, Aug. 9.

David was instrumental in the coordination and promotion of kid-friendly programming all over the Valley, best illustrated by his championing of—along with "Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child" host Bill Childs—the Pancake Mountain events, family celebrations featuring live music, games, art and food for children of all ages. David epitomized the very best ideals of a collective like Flywheel: love of art, community, collaboration, equal access, and fun.

David is survived by his wife Kate, his daughter Charlotte and countless family and friends. Though he will be missed dearly, his great spirit will live on with the Flywheel community. David described his vision of Flywheel this way in an email he sent out in May of 2005, encouraging folks to volunteer and stay engaged:

"The spirit of Flywheel for me might be the surreal image of seeing the Flywheel bar full of very young kids eating pancakes (as if it was like any Friday night) or it might be seeing a DJ dancing on stage while 50-60 people in the audience dance to the music or it might be the impromptu parade of two drummers, one tambourine player and 50 kazoo-playing kids and adults marching out the front door of Flywheel and around the block stopping traffic and handing out kazoos to those lucky enough to be walking by."