San Juan Island, Roche Harbor Resort's formal gardens for lovely wedding ceremonies

        

 

Come and savor Afterglow Spa in October...

 

 

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September 12, 2009

 

Okay Anglers... get your nets out!

 

             

 

This is one of our guests, Dave Pellegrini from Issaquah, Washington, who came up to the Country Store just recently to show off his big catch!  He caught it in our area 7 fishing grounds - however, location not revealed - as he is registered in our 2010 February Salmon Derby Invitational and considers this catch a "practice run"

for the derby.  Just goes to show that they are out there!

If you want to give Dave a run for his money then you had better get signed up for one of our three upcoming derbies held at Roche Harbor:

September 24-27th is the Einar Nielsen Salmon Derby 2009 held each year with loads of wonderful prizes.  Contact for this event is Tim Judkins - 360-378-2949

December 3-5th - Roche Harbor Hook'em & Hold'em Derby 2009 with lots of fun involved. Click here for more information - Contact person is Debbie Sandwith - 360-378-5562.

February 4-6th - Roche Harbor's Salmon Classic Invitational 2010 - with a first prize of $10,000 cash!   This derby always fills up quickly and we had many disappointed anglers last year who waited too long to get their entries in to Debbie.  As of this writing we only have 35 spots left - so if you are planning to attend you had best get cracking and give Deb a call at 360-378-5562.

 

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Employee Appreciation Party 2009

 

Thank you Debbie Sandwith for sending these great pictures! Just a few of the costumes at the beginning of the evening.  Looks like a great time was had by all!

Can you guess who is wearing what?

(Yes - bottom right is our infamous Mr. Snow along with Debbie Sandwith and bottom left is - can you believe? ... Bill Shaw!)

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Tuesday, September 8th

 

CONGRATULATIONS are in order!

for Pat and Debbie Sandwith, Roche Harbor Water Company and Roche Harbor Company Store employees on their 30th Wedding Anniversary today!

They were married in Roche Harbor 30 years ago where they enjoyed a wonderful reception in the Pavilion.  Our congrats and best wishes to you both!

...and while we are on the subject of wishes...

Happy Birthday Kevin Carlton!  Our Marina Harbormaster is celebrating his ***** birthday!  Have fun Kevin!

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WARNING: To our Valued Guests...

 

 

On Tuesday, September 8th, the Management of Roche Harbor will be giving their

ANNUAL EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION COSTUME PARTY

 

 

 

The party will be held at the Friday Harbor Yacht Club with buses ferrying our employees between Roche and Friday Harbor.

Our visitors/guests might be inconvenienced a little because many of our services will not be operating that evening in order to give all employees a chance at having some fun before as the season ends.

 

 

Closures for Tuesday Evening September 8th only:

On Tuesday evening the Country Store will be closing at 6 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. - so be sure to get all your groceries by 6 p.m.!  

The Madrona Grill will close at 5 p.m. and McMillin's Dining Room will not be open all evening.

 

 

We thank all our employees for helping to make this summer a great one and we hope to see you back next summer!  Thanks for your hard work!

*Pictures above are some of the creative costumes from last year's party - this year's theme - HOLLYWOOD!

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Saturday, August 29th

 

A beautiful day for a Carlton wedding...

 

The weather was perfect for the wedding of Katie Carlton - daughter of Kevin and Colleen Carlton, Roche Harbor Marina Harbormaster and Gas Dock Manager, to her high school sweetheart Andrew (Andy) Flierl.

Katie has been working in the Naked Bean in Friday Harbor while Andy has been working in the marina and learning the ropes from his now new dad-in-law! A wonderful honeymoon for them both in Mexico will follow in November after the busyness of the island dies down.  They have a beautiful little 2-1/2 year old daughter, Paige, who is the absolute "apple of her grampa's eye"!  

Another news worthy note - it was Assistant Harbormaster Troy Buck who conducted the ceremony held in the Sunken Garden. (Wow! Hard to imagine... I wonder how many times he practiced this?)

The couple were brought to the dock on the Pool Lawn by good friends Marsha and Ken on their boat "Old Hat" - where about 300 guests helped Katie and Andy celebrate their wedding day at a beautiful Roche Harbor reception.

We wish you both nothing but happy days ahead!  Congratulations from all of us.

 

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August 20, 2009

Last 3 nights...

    

 

If you've been wanting to see "Shakespeare Under The Stars" at Roche Harbor - and the Island Stage Left production of AS YOU LIKE IT - well you have three evenings to make this happen before they are finished at Roche Harbor.

Dry weather is predicted but it would be fun to bring a blanket to curl up into and enjoy the evening performance at the Roche Harbor Amphitheatre under the stars - up on the hill above the Hotel de Haro. Of course, all of Island Stage Left productions are free, however, they are always grateful for donations to keep their performances going.  We think you will enjoy this immensely - so make sure you don't miss it!

The last performance is Saturday evening at 8:15 p.m. - there will be no performance on Sunday.

For more information about Island Stage Left please see their website.

 

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August 17, 2009

 

Weekend Visitors...

 

 

 

Visiting us this past weekend were Jim and Opal Larson from Shelby, Montana shown in this picture with Roche Harbor Company Store Manager, Debbie Sandwith.

Jim's wife surprised her husband with a stay at our historical hotel for his 80th birthday. 

 

His father, Roy Larson worked at the Roche Harbor Company Store in 1910.  Jim said his father always sopke of wanting to make a return visit to Roche Harbor to see how the old place was holding up - but unfortunately never made the trip.

We are so pleased this wonderful couple came to visit us and hope they will return again someday - and by the way - Happy Birthday Jim!

 

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                                   JULY 4TH CELEBRATIONS 2009

We finally have loads of pictures from this year's Roche Harbor July 4th Celebrations.  What a grand time was had by all with the weather absolutely picture-perfect!

 

 

CLICK HERE to view all the pictures

Pictures were taken by Paul Nestor, a marina visitor who has been coming to Roche Harbor for this holiday for many years.  He has done a magnificent job putting together all these pictures in an album for you to enjoy.  Thank you Paul - we love them!

(If you have questions about any of the pictures you can reach him at:  paul@paulnestor.com)

 

Left:  Darlene, Manager of Roche Harbor Gift Shop getting ready for the big weekend.

 

 

 

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July 30, 2009

 

We will miss you

Joan Komen...

A memorial service and celebration of life was held at Roche Harbor in the Pavilion yesterday for Joan Komen, wife of Roche Harbor's part owner Rich Komen.

Joan passed away at her home in Roche Harbor on July 23rd after fighting a very courageous battle for 2 years with ovarian cancer. She had received a multitude of treatments for her disease but never complained, always looked on the bright side and lived a full and energetic life throughout her struggle. 

Joan and Rich met at the University of Washington and were married in 1959 and have three sons - Mark, Greg and Brad.

She was devoted to her loving family and her many friends and was an inspiration to all with her warm and caring personality. We will all miss her very much and send our heartfelt love and condolences to her family.

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July 29, 2009

 

Arriving finally to Roche Harbor...

The summer treat we have all been waiting for arrives tomorrow (Thursday 30th) when the performers of Island Stage Left presents As You Like It.

If you are going to be at Roche Harbor this weekend or on any of the Thursdays thru Sundays until August 22nd, then you MUST make this a "have-to-see-have-to-experience" part of your summer entertainment.

This brilliant cast of performers are eager to play on the outdoor theatre stage at Roche Harbor purely for your enjoyment. The stage is located on top of the hill above Roche Harbor about 100 yards along the small treed pathway.  If you are driving into Roche Harbor - as you approach the Carrriagehouses sloping down to the right you will see a stop sign.  The stage is straight ahead about 100 yards - the road will bend to the right but please keep going straight ahead along the treed path.

We will all be looking out for you!  The play starts at 8:15 p.m. and it would be good to bring a blanket and dress warmly in case of evening chills.  A really fun time for the whole family!  Of course, as usual, the admission is free, but donations will be very gratefully received.

Note to Pilots: 

Please refrain from taking off, landing or flying over the venue on Thursdays through Sundays between 8 and 10 p.m.  during this time period.   (July 30 - August 22)

The cast and audience thank you for your thoughtfulness during these times!   Enjoy!

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July 18, 2009

 

Roche Harbor marks gathering of workers of the Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Company at a book signing event

 

        

 

Since 1886, Roche Harbor has been a lime company town and a resort town. But the common thread – a thread dating back earlier than the settlement era – is that it’s always been a community of people. 

Richard Walker, editor of The Journal of the San Juan Islands, has written a book about the fascinating and rich history of Roche Harbor and the people who have lived and worked in this quaint village over the years.  A book-signing was held on Saturday, July 18th to mark the publishing of the book called "Images of America - Roche Harbor" and to introduce it to history buffs who have been longing to read more of the history. 

A lunch hosted by Roche Harbor welcomed members of some of Roche Harbor's early families, as well as workers still living - including Kendo Yasuda and RH chief engineer Wolf Bauer, and Ed Tuck, Assistant Foreman.

To read more about the book and the author's findings click here.

The book is available from Roche Harbor Gift Shop and The Company Store, along with 15 postcards from Roche Harbor's historical picture collection. 

 

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July 15, 2009

 

 

 

McMillin's Dining Room receives noted Award

 

The U.S. Commerce Association selected McMillin's Dining Room as the winner of

"2009 Best of Friday Harbor Award" in the Seafood Restaurants category. 

In recognition of this award a special plaque was designed for display in the restaurant.

Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.  These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Congratulations to Executive Chef Bill Shaw and his wonderful crew in the Food and Beverage Department!

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July 7, 2009

Finished in time for the busy July 4th holiday crowd, the newly renovated and larger Lime Kiln Cafe welcomed our hungry visitors.

 

 

A nice large skylight in the newer portion of the cafe helps to bring the island sunshine inside.  Come and enjoy the larger Lime Kiln Cafe next time you are here!

 

 

Thank you Ian Byington of San Juan Island Update for these pictures

 

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July 4, 2009

 

                  

 

Happy Independence Day!


JULY 4th

FUN RUN RESULTS!

And what a fun run it was today!
The day began warm & cloudless and turned into the warmest day of the year so far, reaching 85 degrees by mid-afternoon.

The Run is always fun, and this year was no exception, with record times being turned in by the runners!

 

Click to view the Fun Run
July 4th 2009 Results

 

Update:  First Female in the 50-59 age group was Laurie Barrett 20:26.

               Her dog LEO finished 1st in dog category at 20:26

               Congrats to you both!

 

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July 3, 2009

Are you interested in the history of our little village of Roche Harbor?

A brand spanking new book has just come out published by local author, Richard Walker, island historian and editor of the Journal of the San Juan Islands. Full of beautiful historical images, some not seen by the public before, detail the distinct periods this wonderful island place has visited over the years.

The book's 128 pages are organized in eight chapters:

- This Place Called Whelaalk

- The Settlement Era

- Lime: San Juan Island's Gold

- A Community Called Roche Harbor

- A Doctor in the House

- Characters, Legends and Lore

- The Birth of the Boatel

- The Village Era

This book "Images of America - Roche Harbor" is published by Arcadia Publishing and is available in Roche Harbor Gift Shop and The Country Store for $21.99 plus tax.

Also available is a set of 15 postcards featuring images from the book at $7.99 plus tax.

Richard Walker will be holding a book signing event on Saturday July 18th from 2-4 p.m. in the Market Square at Roche Harbor... a great time to meet the author and maybe ask a few questions!

If you haven't got your copy yet, give the Gift Shop or the Country Store a call - they will be happy to mail you a copy.

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June 29, 2009

With July coming up - it's time to pamper yourself. Try out one of these spa specials available for the month of July...

 

     

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June 22, 2009

July 4th is just around the corner! 

Here is what will be happening during our big yearly celebration...

                

... and here is the fun and games schedule for Saturday, July 4th...
we hope we will see you out here!

 

         

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June 12, 2009

Watching Lime Kiln Cafe grow...

         

When you come out to visit us this summer you will certainly see an improvement in Lime Kiln Cafe!  Slated for expansion for many years now, Lime Kiln Cafe will become larger and airier for its many customers who just rave about the food. Should be completed by the end of this month - just in time for the big July 4th rush!    Come and enjoy!

Thank you to Ian Byington of San Juan Update for the picture.

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June 10, 2009


To all you "sweet-tooths" out there...

...if you haven't gone to visit this unique little masterpiece which is sitting under the huge copper birch tree in the market square, you are in for a treat!

The Sweet Shoppe owner, Barb Persinger, has so many surprises in store - you just cannot believe all the varieties of candy she has to offer.These are hard-to-find candies and candies of distinction because almost all of them are imported from ENGLAND!

We have so many visitors from England who rave about the place, as well as well travelled Americans, after they see the many varieties of candies they used to enjoy as kids growing up or travelling in England and in Canada.

Of course, The Sweet Shoppe carries so many of the famous English Cadbury varieties including: Curly Wurly's, Flakes (an all-time favorite) - both dipped and non-dipped. How about Fry's Peppermint Creme bars? Hmmmmm... have manged to put a few of those away over the years, and loads of black-currant items such as blackcurrant pastilles and licorice, and get this! ...Rowntree's Fruit Gums! By now, you can probably tell I originated from England and grew up on these "delicacies" not realizing how much you miss 'em until you can't find them any more. How about those Barrett's licorice wheels and sherbert fountains, and Murray Mints (...the too good to hurry mints!) along with mint humbugs and sherbert lemons? Or Dolly Mixture and jelly babies, and do you remember the English "peppermint rock" we used to get from the seaside? She has sticks of rock too! Wow! For the English toffee lovers she gets in a variety of the super-creamy Walkers toffees including my favorite - treacle toffees! So many to choose from and if she doesn't have them in stock she will get them for you - no problem. She is a woman who likes to please on the nostalgia side and loves to see kids (and the grown-up kids) marvel at the offerings of her little shop.

Make it a point to stop by and say hello to Barb and check out the great treats she has. She is located in one of the little artists boothes - you just cannot miss her. Open on fair-weather weekends right now, but open 7 days a week during July and August and into September.  

 

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June 2, 2009

Be one of the first to find out!

A new fishing derby coming to tempt all anglers!

This is going to be a great event - we have 30 anglers signed up already for this one! Come celebrate the December opening of the Salmon Fishing Season!

 

               

 

*Call Debbie Sandwith at 360-378-5562 or email her for more information

 

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May 30, 2009

 

Mark the date! Coming this summer to Roche Harbor!

         

For more information go to Island Stage Left website.

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Check out earlier stories -

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