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PO Box 4001 • Roche Harbor, WA 98250 • roche@rocheharbor.com • 800-451-8910 • Marina: 800-586-3590 |
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Archived News July 4th thru August 26, 2007
____________________________________________________________ August 26, 2007 Rhythm & Blues, Funk & more Blues... Lloyd Jones here Thursday! 
Speaking of events coming up! All you Rhythm & Blues fans will not want to miss this! Lloyd Jones will be playing in Roche Harbor's Amphitheater on the hill behind the Hotel de Haro this coming Thursday, August 30th from 4:30 p.m. until sunset. Lloyd Jones is a consummate guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, performer and bandleader. He was born in Seattle into a musical family who influenced his love of music greatly. In the 70's he got deeper into the blues and now living in Portland, became the leader of one of Portland's most popular blues band, Brown Sugar. He has performed with Robert Cray, Charlie Musselwhite, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, Earl King - just to name a few - even Roy Orbison and Chuck Berry! Plan on being at Roche for this super event. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Hotel Front Desk. This is an event for the over-21 crowd as beer and wine will be available for purchase. To read more about this phenomenal artist click here for his website. ____________________________________________________________
August 25, 2007 Trooping of the Colors Today!
Don't forget to come to Roche Harbor and enjoy tradition at its best today. ?This is one event that happens at Roche Harbor every August -- the very colorful "Trooping of the Colors" by the Battery D troops who invite their fellow Canadian Marines down for a weekend encampment at English Camp. They march into Roche Harbor lead by bagpipers for a formal salute at the flagpoles on the West Lawn. These pictures were taken at the event held in 2004. Look for them Today at 6:30 p.m. - they will be marching along the road in front of the Chapel, in front of the Hotel and on down to the West Lawn.
They will be firing off their 1841 model 12lb mountain howitzer cannon so be prepared for a"big bang!" Some members of the Elliot Bay Pipe Band who have been to this event before will be in attendance, but there also will be an appearance of the Columbia Fife and Drum Corps. Click on this link for more information about English Camp Encampment.
Don't forget to bring your camera! ________________________________________________________________
August 24, 2007
Here is someone all patrons of McMillin's Dining Room will recognize! Our very own supremo server BooBoo Keane! Looking quite toned and tanned BooBoo is shown stretching out for the 8.8K Loop Run (used to be called the Journal Run) in Friday Harbor just recently. With quite a few other runners competing, BooBoo made the 8.8K run in 47 mins 20 seconds. Not bad for a forty-something or other!!!! Congratulations BooBoo - you did great! Now we know why you are such a speedy server!
(Picture courtesy of Ian Byington, San Juan Update)
* * * Tonight! Friday, August 24th! Sponsored by Roche Harbor
Roche Harbor has been a contributing supporter of the San Juan Community Theatre for many years, and it has been only fitting that we have supported the performances of "The Life and Times of General George Pickett." Michael Vouri is a hometown actor and historian, as well as being Chief of Interpretation at San Juan National Historical Park, and first performed his acclaimed one-man historical drama in 1996 at the Theatre. He has returned to act the play every summer season since then along with his good friends Michael Cohen who accompanies him with music, and Chris DeStaffany who offers direction and technical support. Vouri takes his audience back to the late 1800's and introduces them to Pickett and the variety of events, both historic and tragic, that shaped the General's life, including Pickett's experience as Commander of the U.S. Forces on San Juan Island during the Pig War. Roche Harbor is a proud sponsor of this event and we hope those of you who will be on the island on Friday, August 24th will enjoy this production. Don't miss it! For more information check out SJCT website. ______________________________________________________________
August 22, 2007 
Is it time for you to get the portrait drawn that you have been wanting for years? Well, we can point you in the right direction. Just supply artist Rachel Blagden with a photo of what you would like to have a portrait of, (grandchildren, dogs, pets!) and you will end up with the most wonderful piece of artwork. That is what I did and you would have to see it to believe! She has an incredible artist's eye, of course, and her work is so detailed. Rachel not only draws from stills but also from life, to not only capture the physical aspects, but the personality of her subject - no matter what it is - person, animal, landscape or object. Using watercolor, pastels, graphite or charcoal, her drawings seem to come to life by attaining the unique character of her subject. Rachel is a graduate of the Maryland Institue College of Art in Baltimore where she received a talent based scholarship for four years. Look out for her next time you are at Roche Harbor and don't forget to bring that picture! For more information on Rachel's work, visit her website at www.artbyrachel.com. (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) _____________________________________________________________ August 21, 2007
Before they all go home after a very busy summer is the Hotel Front Desk Summer 2007 Crew who have put in long and hard hours to try and make your stay as comfortable as possible. In this picture from left to right in the front row are: Brenna Woody from Montesano, Washington, Matija Balantic from Slovenia, Polona Benedik from Slovenia, Summer Intern Candice Gammon from St. Louis, Missouri, Front Office Manager Janine Wells from Roche Harbor and Yvette Meyer from South Africa. In the back row are: Lauren Ingram from New York, long time employee Joe Dunham from Seattle, Kristin Mouk from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Courtney Smith from Friday Harbor, Washington. Thank you to all of you for a job well done this summer!
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Introducing two great Roche Harbor Artists sharing a booth. Pictured on left is Andria Buttwinick of Rhine Designs & Studio specializing in oil paintings. Andria originally was the artist who crafted all those wonderful ladies purses and handbags we all drooled over for a couple years, but has now moved on to her second passion of painting in oils. Standing next to her is glass artist Darleen Nixon - who crafts ladies fine jewelry - and when I say fine -I mean fabulous! Darleen has been a (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) ____________________________________________________________ August 20, 2007
Roche Harbor Artist Pat McDole is the artist who always has a smile on her face. Her sweetness of spirit is translated through her beautiful watercolor pictures that all emit her tenderness. She says it best in her own words... "There are moments in life so poignant your soul sings. We can't dwell in these moments for long. It is their echo that I am trying to capture that it might serve to transport us back to these memories. For me it might be a beautiful sky, the notes of a soaring melody, the warmth of love and kindness, a fragrant flower, sun on a sparkling sea, creatures great and small in their complexity, a wild storm or a quiet calm that is so evocative. These moments speak to what is best in all of us. They enable us to step beyond our daily lives and inspire us to a greatness of heart. I try to bring a soft smile of the memory of these moments to my work." Stop by Artist Booth Number 1 and see for yourself - she has some beautiful pictures of Roche Harbor and also makes a yearly calendar with prints of her work if you want to make them last throughout the year. To see more of her work CLICK HERE, or better yet, say hello to her in person in Booth Number 1 - you will see what I am talking about! (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand)_____________________________________________________________ August 18, 2007
Reminder! Coming up next weekend - the English Camp Encampment 2007. If you enjoy everything historical, then you should not miss this event. For more than 10 years, re-enactors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada have been gathering to celebrate peace each August on the English Camp parade ground. Throughout the joint occupation the garrisons exchanged visits to celebrate holidays that included Christmas, the Fourth of July and Queen Victoria’s birthday. Typically the men would participate in athletic contests, imbibe in spirits and other refreshments and usually host a dance to which the community was invited. The troops enjoy parading down to Roche Harbor just as they might have all those years ago, so therefore the annual "Trooping of the Colors" by the Battery D troops was incorporated into the re-enactment complete with their 1841 model 12 lb mountain howitzer cannon firing a couple of rounds. Look for them on August 25th at 6:30 p.m. - they will be marching along the road in front of the Chapel, in front of the Hotel and on down to the West Lawn. Some members of the Elliot Bay Pipe Band who have been to this event before will be in attendance, but there also will be an appearance of the Columbia Fife and Drum Corps. For more information check out the Encampment 2007 website. ______________________________________________________________ August 17, 2007
Showing her work in Artist Booth number 7 is Kristy Gjesme who finds inspiration for her watercolor originals and reproductions in the beauty and solitude of her home, the San Juan Islands. Kristy expresses this spirit in her paintings by exploring the brilliant colors she finds uniqe to the Pacific Northwest. She received her B.S. in Art Education from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and studied at UCLA, Otis Parson Art Institute, and California State University in Painting and Art Therapy. Kristy has taught watercolor, oil painting and drawing in her studio and as an instructor at the local college on (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) __________________________________________________________________________ August 16, 2007
Meet a Roche Harbor Artist who has a very visually colorful booth. This is Marjorie Puckett who owns a 6-acre Working Alpaca Farm and Design Studio called Honey Lane Farms where she raises a quality herd of alpacas, each alpaca being carefully selected for outstanding fiber, gentleness in temperament and friendliness. Her Design Studio features natural colors of alpaca fiber and yarn with over 50 custom colors, as well as hand painted alpaca yarn. She produces her own knitting patterns and kits, as well as skin care products made with natural oils and sells good old fashioned weather sticks. Never heard of one? Well this Pretty accurate so they say! In this picture you can see the curly scarves hanging up called "scurly scarves" and Marjorie sells the patterns for all you knitters and crocheters looking for a fun new project. But then of course, there are so many neat patterns to choose from as you can tell on the Honey Lane Farms website. Marjorie is located in Artist Booth Number 2. Be sure to stop by and see her beautiful knitted items on display and ask her about her alpacas!
(Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) _____________________________________________________________________ August 15, 2007
Another Roche Harbor Artist to introduce you to is Gary Matthews. Gary has lived in the marina for many years and so has become one of the regular Roche Harbor faces you will see around the village. Gary paints in watercolor and paints a lot of commissioned works - especially portraits of our guest's boats in the marina. He also has a great eye for painting nature and enjoys experimenting with colors. Be sure to stop by Artist Booth Number 4 and say hello and check out some of his paintings. He would love to have a chat with you!
(Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) _____________________________________________________________
August 14, 2007
Meet Margaret Thorson from Thousand Flower Farm on remote Waldron Island. Margaret is the artist you will see knitting away as she sits in Artist Booth Number 5 while tending all the great artwork and craft items on display. Her love of textiles began when she started weaving while she was taking an art class where she first used a big floor loom in the late 60's. She moved to Waldron Island in 1972 and enjoyed weaving gifts for friends - eventually working up to production looming in 1984. Her husband, Joel, began hand spinning yarn from their lambs wool and she used the yarn in her knitting projects. She also began to weave rugs from a cotton warp material. It was at this point that the rugs were enjoyed by many people and they started Waldron Woolens. Margaret decided since she could not carry a loom around with her she should take up knitting and that is how her wonderful hat business got going. She has a line of handmade felt hats and knitted hats in all colors and shapes. Check out her website for more information and to see her line of hats and scarves for purchase. (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) ____________________________________________________________ August 13, 2007
Meet another Roche Harbor Artist, Chris Trienens , who displays her work in Artist Booth Number 7. Chris has lived in the San Juan Islands for over 30 years - and lived on remote Stuart Island for 14 of those years where she raised her family of three sons. It was when she came to live in Friday Harbor that she began to teach art to children and where she reconnected with her creati (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) __________________________________________________________ August 12, 2007
This is Michael Bertrand, from Michael Bertrand Photography in Friday Harbor. If you have visited Roche Harbor before, you will know him as the photographer with the incredible eye for a good picture - in Artist Booth Number 6. His work is on display right outside his booth and you can't help but browse through the vast collection of photography, not only of Roche Harbor, but from places all over the Pacific Northwest. If you don't see Mike in the booth, then you will see his "always-smiling" wife, Kim Bertrand, who is at the ready to help you select the perfect print to take home with you. Michael's background is in architecture and design which has helped to compliment his eye for the visual through photography. What you see in his photography is what he experienced when photographing them - he does not alter or enhance them apart from brightness and cropping. Michael is always looking for that "perfect" shot and his desire is that through his photographs, the viewer might appreciate more of the creative beauty around them. Well, we surely do Mike, and thank you for all the great photography you have done for Roche Harbor - we certainly do appreciate it! Check out some of his beautiful photography work on his website and stop by and say hello next time you are in Roche Harbor. (Picture courtesy of Kim Bertrand) _____________________________________________________________________
August 11, 2007
(Picture courtesy of Michael Bertrand Photography) _____________________________________________________________
August 10, 2007 
Have you ever wanted to play the harmonica? It has been a dream for some people since childhood - and if this is you - now is your lucky chance to learn! Coming up tomorrow - Tuition for the class is $30 ...plus a lot of fun! Check out the Sculpture Park website for more information. (Picture courtesy of Ian Byington, San Juan Update) ___________________________________________________________________
Reminder! Mark your calendar...
Coming on Saturday August 25th Trooping the Colours with Battery D troops and Canadian Marines. This is a picture of the Elliott Bay Pipe Band marching into Roche Harbor from a year or so ago. Some of these troops will be with the Battery D troops along with the Columbia Fife and Drum Corps. You won't want to miss this great event along with the English Camp Encampment. March-in begins at 6:30 p.m. with a ceremony on the West Lawn following - along with the firing of the howitzer cannon.
____________________________________________________________ August 8, 2007
So you finally arrived at Roche Harbor - had an interesting but long ferry ride - ready to see the sights, but you are hungry! Well, we can definitely point you in the right direction - and that would be... The Madrona Grill, located next to the beautiful gardens. Come sit a while on the waterfront deck and unwind - get into tune with "island-time" and enjoy lunch with us. Serving up colorful coastal cuisine in the form of a wide variety of original thin crust pizza, hearty salads, gourmet burgers, huckleberry BBQ ribs and potato-crusted fish and chips - to name just a few items. To relax with a drink, you cannot leave without trying our famous "Fluffy Duck" cocktail or a "Harbortender's Margarita". You can sip away as you enjoy the view over the busy harbor and marina while you breathe in the island freshness. Enjoy watching the kayakers coming and going on their tours of the island waters. Some days, usually weekends, we have the mellow sounds of local musicians in the afternoon to soothe your busy day of sightseeing. You don't need a reservation - we will try and seat as soon as we can. Be sure to come see us while you are here! (Picture courtesy of Ian Byington, San Juan Update) ____________________________________________________________
August 5, 2007
Calling all Pilots! We have some wonderful news for you. One of Roche Harbor's neighbors who owns a house overlooking the airfield runway, Fred Schumacher, has put up his own camera with a great shot of weather conditions at Roche Harbor Airfield. It is a really good shot and shows a lot of sky looking to the West so you can check the weather from your computer. It updates once every minute so keep refreshing your page. We thank you, Fred, for sharing this information with us in an effort to keep pilots safe who are landing at Roche Harbor Airfield. He also monitors the airfield weather station which is also available on the Roche Harbor Airfield page - so double thanks to you Fred! Click here to check out his picture. Stay safe pilots! ____________________________________________________________
August 4, 2007 Looking for fun things to do on the island this weekend?
On Saturday at 11:30 a.m. you can take a "Pig War Guided Walk" at American Camp. Park Rangers and volunteers describe events leading up to and including the Pig War and the peaceful joint occupation of San Juan Island by British and American troops. There is no charge and lots of interesting facts for the visitor who always wondered what happened to that pig! If you miss it this week, don't worry - you can catch it any Saturday throughout the summer - check out the Park website. Also today, Saturday, at the English Camp Barracks , on the Roche Harbor end of the island, at 1 p.m. they are holding a workshop on "Coppice Crafts" - a very old English craft of green woodworking. Roger Ellison and Anita Barreca will demonstrate some tools and techniques useful in working small round wood and willow rods. Participants will have a hands-on opportunity to make and take home their own small coppice craft project such as a plant tee-pee, trellis or woven garden edging. You can then go home and make your own garden trellis! This sounds like a fun class and its free! Thursday thru Saturday evenings throughout the summer until mid-September they are giving Sunset Tours of Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse pictured above. From 7 p.m. until Sunset just meet at the lighthouse and you will be given the opportunity to view the Haro Strait from the best vantage point. For more information call 360-378-2044 for this free event. (Picture courtesy of Michael Bertrand Photography) ______________________________________________________________________
August 2nd thru August 5th This weekend is the last chance you have to catch "The Comedy of Errors" produced by Island Stage Left with the full western set on the Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage at 8 p.m. If you are unable to catch it at Roche, then starting Aug 9th and playing Thursdays thru Saturdays for two weeks you can watch its production at its home base at 1062 Wold Road where they have an outdoor stage. All performances will start at 8 p.m. and don't forget to dress warmly and bring a blanket - because it is chillier at Wold Road than it is at Roche Harbor! YeeHaw! ______________________________________________________________
August 2, 2007
Meet Roche Harbor's Marina Summer Staff for 2007 It is a tradition that has been going on for years down in the Marina - a picture is taken of the whole crew on July 4th. These are the wonderful crewmembers from this summer of 2007 who have been at your service in the Marina, handling the boats and meeting the needs of our boatowner guests, until the season is over. We thank them for a job well done so far, and for their super service the rest of the summer!
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August 1, 2007
Happy August everybody! One event that happens at Roche Harbor every August is the very colorful "Trooping of the Colors" by the Battery D troops who invite their fellow Canadian Marines down for a weekend encampment at English Camp. They march into Roche Harbor lead by bagpipers for a formal salute at the flagpoles on the West Lawn. Look for them on August 25th at 6:30 p.m. - they will be marching along the road in front of the Chapel, in front of the Hotel and on down to the West Lawn. They will be firing off their 1841 model 12lb mountain howitzer cannon so be prepared for a"big bang!" Some members of the Elliot Bay Pipe Band who have been to this event before will be in attendance, but there also will be an appearance of the Columbia Fife and Drum Corps. We are letting you know early so you can mark your calendar to be at Roche Harbor August 25th because you won't want to miss this one! It is a fantastic event full of pageantry and wonderful sounds. Click on this link for more information about English Camp Encampment. ______________________________________________________________
July 28, 2007
Don't Forget! - The Comedy of Errors tonight and tomorrow evening at the Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage starts at 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of fun entertainment - don't forget your blanket! Admission is free but a donation is so greatly appreciated by Island Stage Left to help keep this production running throughout the summer.
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July 27, 2007 Well they are finally here! The long anticpated rooms - Roche Harbor's Quarryman Hall Suites - are ready to be put on display, and what a display! The distinctive influence of the island is evidenced in the interior design of the resort's newest suites. Restful furnishings and textiles in island palettes of beige, sage and sand, dress the rooms. Relax in complete comfort and breathe in the island quietness.
The Quarryman Hall Suites stylish living rooms have a fireplace, private balcony, full and partial harbor views, flat-screen TV and complimentary high-speed internet.
The Quarryman Hall Suites have beautiful spa-inspired bathrooms with double sinks in a granite counter, hairdryers and makeup mirror, heated tile floors and all the amenities of home.
The Quarryman Hall Suites are equipped with double queen beds or king sized beds and signature robes to enjoy your stay with us. Two sizes of rooms are 650 sq. ft. and 450 sq. ft.
Our newest suites are just waiting for your company! Come spend a night or two, or a weekend with us and see for yourself how you can enjoy being pampered in luxury. Maybe that special anniversary is coming up - what a place to celebrate! For more information about the Quarryman Hall Suites, give our reservations department a call at 800-451-8910 or go to the Reservations link at the top of this page. ____________________________________________________________
July 26, 2007
When you come out to Roche Harbor you simply must take time to visit the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park and view some incredible works of art situated around the natural lake, such as this one pictured right. Not only do they have sculptures to view - but artists give classes in various forms of media. Coming up this weekend on Saturday is an adult workshop entitled "Learn to Play the Native American Flute" given by Lavelle Foos who has been playing this instrument for 15 years. This is an opportunity to learn an instrument with which you can easily create beautiful music. This class can give you skills in playing music that can soothe the heart and soul and inspire your personal creativity. Lavelle will teach you finger placement, various ways to use your breath, and will work with you to find your personal style and feeling. There is a fee of $40 for the class and $85 if you want to buy the flute.
Saturday, July 28th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. For more information check out the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park website.
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July 24, 2007
A question we get asked about quite frequently is, "Who is it, exactly, that designs the beautiful planters and gardens surrounding the village of Roche Harbor?" For all those inquisitive garden-lovers who visit Roche Harbor to view the magnificent garden settings and plantings of annuals and perennials, the answer lies in a company called Zizania Ltd., run by a very knowledgeable young lady by the name of Christy Erickson. (pictured below)
Christy Erickson grew up in Seattle, Washington and enjoyed gardening so much that she eventually started working in a nursery. After becoming familiar with the plants and their Latin names, she gained extensive experience in commercial and residential color design and ten years later opened Zizania, Ltd. in 1999. Her expertise comes in the designing of container plantings, perennial gardens and seasonal color and anyone who visits Roche Harbor can vouch for her inborn talent of knowing exactly which plant should go where.
Her dynamic use of flowers and foliage insures year-round interest and beauty. Here you see the beautiful old blue wisteria tree on the right paired with dusty blue/grey foliage and blue alium.
Thousands of spring bulbs and flowers are planted each year in the gardens and tubs including the planters on the old lamp-posts. Care is taken to make certain that the colors blend together to create a stunning show come springtime.
Even the tubs outside The Company Store get spruced up for spring! Of course, care throughout the year - after all designing is completed - is given by our resident gardener Alana and crew. A fine job - and so enjoyed by our guests.
For more information on what Zizania Ltd. could do for your planting wishes, and for more beautiful pictures of Christy's creations go to her website at zizanialtd.com. Especially check out her container plantings! Thanks Christy, for allowing us gardeners, as well as our visitors, to enjoy strolling the gardens at Roche Harbor where we can view your many interesting and creative designs. (Pictures courtesy of Christy Erickson) ______________________________________________________________
July 21 & 22, 2007
Looking for something to do this weekend? Pelindaba Lavender Farm is holding the San Juan Island Lavender Festival out at the lavender farm, and there is plenty going on out there. They invite visitors to see, smell, hear, touch and taste the beauty of lavender. Craft workshops on wand making and lavender soap-making, to name just a few fun things - along with tours of the lavender fields and the production center where they make all the different items they have for sale, will keep you busy for a couple hours. Not to mention the picnics in the lavender fields, while musicians play for you - fun! If you arrive by boat to Roche Harbor - no worries on getting out to the lavender farm - you can catch a bus via San Juan Transit leaving from Roche at Noon and again at 2 p.m. or you can just catch the bus into Friday Harbor to then take you to the lavender farm. Saturday and Sunday - they have entertainment all day long, including "Sugar on the Floor" toe tapping grassroots music, Marimba band, world rock, ragtime piano and acoustic style folk songs - something for everyone. Check out the Pelindaba website for times of the events.
Another fun thing to do today happens to be in English Camp - just a short mile and a half away from Roche Harbor. San Juan Island National Historical Park Summer Program presents Living History: Life during the Joint Military Occupation on San Juan Island. Park Rangers and Volunteers create military and civilian life during the Island's early pioneer period. Activities include blacksmithing, coopering, weaving, needlework and exhibitions of military equipment and skills. Admission is free and is open from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. every Saturday through summer. This picture is of long-time Roche Harbor resident Jim Meredith and his dog. A great event to visit if you are out here with us some Saturday.
Then in the evenings - don't forget Island Stage Left is again doing their production of "The Comedy of Errors" at the Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage at 8 p.m. on the hill above the Hotel de Haro to complete your fun day! Island Stage Left website for more details.
______________________________________________________________ July 20, 2007
New sign for an old store! Roche Harbor Market has now become The Company Store ....again! In the days of The Company Town run by John S. McMillin in the 1800's the store was the only place to buy anything on the North end of the island, and Mr. McMillin liked it that way! He paid his workers with "scrip" which was only usable at the Company Store, therefore, all money earned was kept in Roche Harbor. Quite a shrewd businessman was Mr. McMillin and the workers knew it - but could not do anything about it! With all this rich history behind the old Company Store, it seemed only natural to revert the name of the store back to the days of old. Roche Harbor has an old picture in its posession taken back in the early 1900's of The Company Store as it was then - complete with horse and cart standing out front and the old railway visible on the hill in the background. I am sure Mr. McMillin would approve of us coming full circle with the name - however our emloyees are happier than his were! Right Deb? (Pictures courtesy of Debbie Sandwith) _____________________________________________________________
July 19, 2007
Come see The Comedy Of Errors at Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage
Have you seen the Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage yet? It is located high on the hill behind one of our old lime quarries above the Hotel de Haro. Now is your chance! A production by Island Stage Left will be given for four nights beginning tonight, Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m.
Bring your blanket along and enjoy "The Comedy of Errors"
- one of the "Shakespeare under the S Admission is free, however, donations are most welcome to keep this wonderful series going each summer. We are asking all pilots to kindly refrain from taking off during the play 8 p.m. to 9: 30 p.m. - it would help the players immensely!
(Pictures courtesy of Helen Machin-Smith, Island Stage Left) __________________________________________________________ July 18, 2007
Allow us to introduce the Marina Staff 2007 ...just in case you didn't know them already!
Of course we all know the big boss on the left, Harbormaster Kevin Carlton. Did you know that Kevin has been working at Roche Harbor since 1980! That's a mighty long time on those docks Kevin - new and old! Next to him is Assistant Harbormaster, Troy Buck. Troy has been Kevin's sidekick for a whopping 14 years - always travels to really interesting places on vacation and hails from Vancouver, Washington.
Pictured working the Roche Harbor Fuel Dock are a great crew including Colleen Carlton on left, who has been working at Roche Harbor for 25 years, since she was sixteen. Colleen is a relative of the Roche Harbor former owner - Tarte family, and grew up just a short distance from the Resort. And yes, she is the wife of Harbormaster Kevin Carlton and always has a wonderful smile on her face! Standing next to her is Kameron Anderson from Hoquiam, Washington who will be attending Eastern Washington University. This is his second year with the marina. We are pleased you are with us again Kameron! Next to Kameron is Brianna Scarff from Kent, Washington. This is Brianna's first year with us and then she is off to Seattle Pacific University! Good luck Brianna! And sitting up front is our good and faithful golden lab who was raised on the docks - Sarge. Sarge is well known on the Roche Harbor docks following behind his master Kevin Carlton, or anyone else that happens to come by!
Helping visitors to dock their boat are three Friday Harbor kids. At the far end of the dock is Madison Judkins, who has worked at the pool and marina previous years and is off to the University of Montana in Missoula for her second year. Next to Madison is Kelsey Carlton who is following in Mom and Dad's footsteps (Colleen and Kevin Carlton) by working in the marina. She attends Friday Harbor High School. And in the front of the picture is Eric Wells, son of Janine Wells who works in the Hotel, and Bobby Wells. This is Eric's second year in the Marina - and he also attends Friday Harbor High School.
And this is our famous "M.V. Phecal Phreak" very professionally run by Josh Cantor from San Diego who will be going to the University of California-Santa Cruz this fall. Also on board is Matthew Carlson from Edmonds, Washington who will be attending Linfield College in Oregon. This is the first year in the Marina for both these chaps - and we welcome you! Yours is not an easy job ...but our guests appreciate you very much!
On the left is Rachel Forrest from Snohomish, Washington and she attends the University of Northern Colorado. Next to Rachel is Jill Haws from Bend, Oregon. She has been working in Roche Harbor Marina for the last 7 years and is a graduate of Western Baptist College. Next to Jill is Kristin Jobb from Woodinville, Washington who has been working in the Marina for 6 years and has graduated from Western Washington University this year! Congrats Kristin! On the right is Lauren Webster from Gresham, Oregon and she is attending Oregon State. You guys are a wonderful group and we appreciate all your hard work.
Three super girls helping us out this year are - on the left Nyssa Roze who has worked in the marina for the last two years and is here on an H2-B visa from Newcastle, Australia. Nyssa is absolutely awesome in the Marina Office and is responsible for getting all these fabulous pictures of the marina staff to the RH webmaster. We thank you so much Nyssa for your continued patience and perseverence - you did an outstanding job! Beside Nyssa is Jessica Asbridge from Snohomish, Washington who will be attending Lewis and Clarke College in Portland in the fall. Next to Jessica is Michelle Knutson from Bow, Washington who is attending Skagit Valley College. Great job girls!
Working their way up to Marina Supervisors this year are two guys who have been with us for many years. Timmy Aylward on the left grew up in Roche Harbor and has been working in the Marina for 9 years. On the right is Brian Anderson from Mount Vernon, Washington and he has been working in the Marina for 5 years. He attends sizzling Arizona State this fall.
Thanks for your hard work guys!
We feel very fortunate to have such great young people working for us this year in the Marina and we want them all to know how much they are appreciated by the entire Roche Harbor Management. We hope you will choose to come back again next year!
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July 16, 2007
If you have already seen the production at Roche Harbor Outdoor Theater of The Comedy of Errors - you might be interested in a series of free lectures that will be given in Friday Harbor beginning tonight at 7 p.m. at the Pelindaba Lavender Store. A short presentation will be given about this wonderful play followed by discussion with the audience. Entitled "Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast" with themes, plots and characters in The Comedy of Errors by Marc Geisler. PH.D., Western Washington University. If you haven't seen the production at the Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage then plan on taking a blanket and enjoy the open air theater behind one of the Roche Harbor quarries - Thursday thru Sunday evenings at 8 p.m.
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July 15, 2007 Attention Shoppers!
Roche Harbor has a new store for your browsing and purchasing needs. Dominique's House will satisfy your craving for unique home furnishings and accessories. Why not send the kids to the pool and enjoy a leisurely stroll through a collection of exciting and unique items for your home - all masterfully chosen with you in mind! The store is located in our new Quarryman Hall - can't miss it as you enter through the beautiful front doors. The store is run by Dominique Soracco, who is also Manager of Roche Harbor Sportswear (pictured right). Picture courtesy of Ian Byington, San Juan Update _______________________________________________________________
July 13, 14, & 15 2007
...the circus is here! Don't miss it! Just a reminder...
Performing at Roche Harbor with performances on July 13, 14 & 15 is the Wenatchee Youth Circus. This non profit organization has been making the annual journey to Roche Harbor for many years now and is known as the "Biggest Little Circus in the World" and one of several nonprofessional groups presently performing in the United States. Its prime mission is "to reach as many youth as possible, to teach them one by one, the importance of setting goals so they will learn the value of giving back to the community what the community has given to them." The show includes all the regular circus acts with the exception of wild animals. Since 1967, the Wenatchee Youth Circus has been able to award 217 graduating seniors a scholarship from The James A. O'Conner Memorial Scholarship Program toward their education totaling almost $110,000 with donations and proceeds from the show. Of course, all this would not be possible without the dedicated devotion of its Director, Paul Pugh AKA Guppo the Clown pictured above. This is an exciting group of youth ages 4 - 19 who travel each summer throughout the Northwest giving audiences "ooohs" and "ahhhs" at their amazing talents 30 feet high in the sky with the amazing flying trapeze, daring high wire, flips in the air with their teeterboard act, clowns, and many other exciting acts. They have a full concession stand for snacks and treats to enjoy during their performance which is about one hour long. So bring the kids and come support the WY Circus if you are going to be on San Juan Island July 13 - 15, 2007. You will love it! For more information on this wonderful group of kids visit their web site at www.wenatcheeyouthcircus.com
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July 12, 2007 We have pictures of the Fourth of July festivities provided by Sharon Kivisto and Matt Pranger from San Juan Islander. Thanks guys!
These are just a few of the boats all dressed up for the Best Decorated Boat Contest and they just happen to be the long time attendees on the Fourth, the Canadian Contingency!
Harbormasters Kevin & Troy decked out in their July 4th uniform! Lots of big, big, bigger boats this year to keep them busy.
Presenting the new Mayor of Roche Harbor - 2007. Our new mayor, Jonathan Haley, has been coming to Roche Harbor every summer for the last 13 years on his vessel "Oriole". He was certainly dressed to the hilt in red white and blue, but I think it was the Almond Roca that won every one over!!!
Here is Roche Harbor's Security Officer, Scott Leeming, explaining the rules and regulations to the new Mayor, Jonathan Haley.
To see more pictures on San Juan Islander click here! ______________________________________________________________
July 11th 
Sportswear Ladies.... We are very fortunate at Roche Harbor to have some resident island young ladies to work for us during the summer at the Resort. Working in Roche Harbor Sportswear this summer is Katie Strasser (pictured left). Katie is a graduate this year from Friday Harbor High School and is off to Washington State University for studies this fall.
Working alongside Katie in Sportwear is another Friday Harbor graduate, Judy Finn who will be off to the University of Washington - (pictured right).
Also a recent Friday Harbor graduate working in Sportswear with Katie and Judy this summer is Hannah Burke (pictured left) who is off to Oregon State University after the summer. Thanks for helping us out ladies and we wish you all the best as you start out on your career paths!
(Thanks to the Byington Boys for these pics!) _______________________________________________________________ July 9th Just a reminder! Starts Thursday!
Coming soon to the Roche Harbor Outdoor Stage on the hill above the Hotel de Haro is the brilliant production by Island Stage Left of The Comedy of Errors. This is one of the "Shakespeare under the Stars" series where laughter and music abound in Island Stage Left's Old West frontier town setting as two sets of identical twins set off a hilarious chain of events. If you are planning to be at Roche Harbor between July 12th thru August 5th then you simply must not miss this production. Just take your blanket with you and dress warmly and you can experience sitting outside in nature and enjoying good entertainment at the same time. Admission is free, however, donations are most welcome to keep this wonderful series going each summer. All performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Thursdays thru Sundays. If you are on the island between August 9th through 18th - never fear - you can catch this show Thursdays thru Saturdays at the Island Stage Left outdoor stage located at 1062 Wold Road. For more information about future productions by Island Stage Left please visit their website at www.islandstageleft.org or call 360-378-5649. Saddle up for a wild ride! Yee-Ha!!
****Calling all Pilots! ****** Since Roche Harbor has an outdoor theater - we are asking all pilots of private planes to kindly refrain from taking off or landing on our airfield between 8 p.m - 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday evenings from July 12 thru August 5! The cast of "Comedy of Errors" would be most grateful!
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Visiting Roche Harbor? Want to get in on the action out on the water? Do what these folks did and catch a ride with San Juan Safaris to go find the whales and other sea life right from our docks. San Juan Safaris have been at Roche Harbor for quite a few years now and clients come back year after year to go out on a tour with them because they know they will experience this wonderful habitat with a naturalist who can explain the "what's" and "why's" of these magnificent whales. Ride in their comfortable 42' boat the Sea Hawk which has a walk around deck, heated cabin, covered and open outdoor seating and even seating on the bow. And just in case it is needed, a marine head is located in the cabin area. Right now during summer they have two departures a day - at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m. and if you are not arriving untill mid September, no worry - they have an 11 a.m. sailing until the end of September. Sounds great? Call San Juan Safaris to make your booking at 800-450-6858 or better yet, check out their website at www.sanjuansafaris.com. Email is: fun@sanjuansafaris.com Picture Courtesy of Colleen Johansen ________________________________________________________________________ July 5, 2007 Firstly, we have to thank our friend, Ian Byington for sharing some great pictures with us taken on his visit out to the Resort yesterday. Ian is the owner of San Juan Island Update - an online-island-daily-news site where you can get all the skinny on island happenings, as well as his other business of building great websites. Check it out... and thanks Ian!
The brand new Quarryman Hall spent its first July 4th sitting magnificently like it has seen many, many holidays over the years. Housing the new Afterglow Spa - now open for business, and also Dominique's House showcasing fine home furnishings and accessories, many holdiay visitors enjoyed browsing and relaxing in this beautiful new facility.
Making the rounds yesterday after a hard day of Mastering Ceremonies for the Fun Run, Donut-eating Contest and Marina Games is General Manager, Brent Snow with wife Kelly and daughter Rachel. The weather could not have been better for the busiest day at the Resort as you can tell by the huge smile on Brent's face (or is that the look of relief that it's over?)
The Hotel de Haro could not look more spectacular yesterday bedecked in its glory with brand new bunting. We even had enough bunting to cover the fences as you can see! Thank you Barb Persinger for the fine decorating job! It also was a very low tide yesterday as you can tell from this picture. Didn't spoil the day one bit!
The Madrona Grill and McMillin's Dining Room were also dressed to the hilt in bunting.
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We had so much great NEWS that we have now put all previous stories on a new page...
Click here to view our archived news stories!
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glass artist since 1998 and has studied with some of the leading glass artists in the U.S. and is a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers. Darleen uses an oxygen-propane torch that melts a soft glass imported from Murano, Italy which offers a wide variety of the vibrant and unique colors used in her jewelry. She often incorprates fine silver leaf or gold leaf 
is what it looks like (left).
