With the winter doldrums behind us and daylight-saving time completed we venture into April with the hope of no showers! We are looking forward to seeing everyone out supporting all local businesses and enjoying Port Gamble and all it has to offer.

We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the Kingston Kiwanis in their third annual March Murder and Mayhem, “Evil Spirits”.

Zombies of Mass Destruction (ZMD) Update:

We are excited to tell you that the ZMD movie that was filmed in Port Gamble in 2007 with many local people as extras has finally finished and is going to be shown at the Washington D.C. Film Festival (April), Seattle International Film Festival (June), Port Townsend Film Festival (September) and a special screening in Port Gamble (July).

ZMD was directed by Kevin Hamedani and produced by John Sinno; the cast and crew were in Port Gamble for several months. Please check our website for updates on the film and its debut in Port Gamble.

BUSINESS UPDATES:

Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. Our new wedding, conference and event facility is well underway in Port Gamble. The 2,900-square-foot facility is located on the site of the former Hotel Puget overlooking Hood Canal. Completion is scheduled for June 30. The site is a popular wedding destination on the Kitsap Peninsula. The Hood Canal Vista Pavilion is the first significant structure to be built in the town since 1920. The architecture compliments the towns’ historic roots and features a stone fireplace, numerous windows and French doors that open up to beautiful Hood Canal views.

Of Sea and Shore Museum.

Also opening after being closed for remodel is the Of Sea and Shore Museum located on the second floor of the Port Gamble General Store. Please come see the exciting changes that were made to the museum.

Of Sea and Shore Inc.’s museum presents a small part of one of the largest private shell collections in the country owned by Port Gamble native Tom Rice whose great-grandparents came to the area from East Machias, Me. (the town of the Pope and Talbot families) in 1858. Tom’s interest in shells was sparked in early childhood during beachcombing trips with his grandmother who collected driftwood for floral arrangements. Later, school biology projects continued and expanded his interest. The present collection has been built over the past 50 years during collecting trips to more than 40 countries and through exchanges with collectors and purchases from dealers around the world. Tom now resides in Rawai Beach, Phuket, Thailand.

The Dauntless Bookstore.

Our charming little town bookstore is moving! 

Not far … just around the corner. On March 22, The Dauntless Bookstore in Port Gamble will be closing its doors to reopen again on April 25 in its new location at 32220 Rainier Avenue NE, Port Gamble.  Call 360-297-4043 for further information.

Have you thought of owning your own business or living in historic Port Gamble? If you or anyone you know of is interested, please contact ssmith@orminc.com or (360) 297-7251.

Upcoming Events:

7th Annual Sunday Market

The annual Sunday market starts on April 5 and opens at 11 a.m. Please come visit our new and returning vendors on Puget Way, by the old maintenance building. The maintenance building is currently home to an Antique Mall. There will be local music during the market, please visit our website for music updates or if you would like to participate as a vendor.

Port Gamble Night on the Town

Every First Friday. Next Art Walk: April 3, 2009, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Businesses in downtown Port Gamble, along Rainier Avenue, will feature local artists monthly and a monthly gourmet dinner at the Port Gamble General Store.

Here is what happening at various businesses for Port Gamble’s Night on the Town:

Port Gamble General Store Dinner — Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required. For reservations please call (360) 297-8074 or (360) 297-7636 to reserve your space for April and May.

Evening Dessert Tea at the Tea Room at Port Gamble, April 3. Our Evening Dessert Tea is a romantic way to spend the evening, with candles, soft music and decedent foods. The meal features gourmet dessert cheese/crackers, scones, fruit tarts, cookies, truffles and a wine glass of chocolate mousse at the end. Special music will be sung by the owner of the Tea Room. Cost per person: $23.95 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations strongly recommended. 6:00-8:00 p.m.; (360) 297-4225

Best Friends Antiques: Collage artist Katie Walters will be featured at Best Friends Antiques.  Katie explores color texture and design with hand painted tissue paper collage art. She will have a selection of pictures and note cards for sale.

The Dauntless Bookstore: Open Mic Night, hosted by Michael G. in the music room. Bring your instrument and join in!

Harmony by the Bay: Steve Young, a local crafter and custom wood sign maker will be on site to talk about his work.

Walker Ames House: Susan Najarian, Jeff Krewson & Karen Ulvestad take over the house. Their art will be displayed 4-8 p.m.