May, 2008 - Mendocino Fun

1812 Tall Ship Lynx at Point Cabrillo Light Station for Publicity
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008 by dff

The 122-foot square topsail schooner Lynx, an interpretation of a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812, was at Point Cabrillo Light Station this week posing for publicity photos. Accompanied by a 47-foot motor life boat from the U.S. Coast Guard Noyo Station in Fort Bragg, the Lynx crew manuevered on calm seas back in forth behind the lighthouse May 28 for a half dozen photographers taking photos to be used to promote Point Cabrillo’s centennial planned for 2009. The Lynx is fitted with period ordnance and flies pennants and flags from the 1812 era making her one of the first ships to defend our freedom. Her crew wears period uniforms and operate the ship in keeping with the maritime traditions of early 19th Century America.

Did Anyone See Shark Swarm?
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 by dff

Poster for Shark Swarm Last summer, they filmed the movie Shark Swarm here in the Mendocino area. It finally aired for the first time yesterday on the Hallmark Channel, but we don’t get that channel in Mendocino. The movie stars Darryl Hannah and John Schneider. Here is a review of the movie — thanks to Debra DeGraw for the pointer. It’s pretty fun when the film crews come to town — they were shooting all around the area last year. It’s a hoot to see places you know in a movie…. I was just watching “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming” recently, which was filmed all around the area. I even know someone who got to be an extra in the film as a young boy. Fun stuff! Check out the Chamber Visitor Center when you come up here — they have a lot of information about the many movies filmed here over the last 100 years.

It’s Spring and It’s Beautiful at the Botanical Gardens
Saturday, May 24th, 2008 by dff

Just the other day, near lunch time, I was passing by the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and decided to stop by for a walk to see what’s blooming. Well, everything is. You say, “of course dummy, it’s spring.” But with the new entrance that sweeps you into the garden and lush flowers everywhere, the bloom is even more dramatic than ever before. I was overwhelmed with all the colors. Check it out.

Gas Prices – Fort Bragg & Mendocino No Higher Than the “Big City”
Saturday, May 24th, 2008 by dff

Note: gas prices are subject to rapid change so these are just guides

A few weeks ago, I returned from the Bay Area (Walnut Creek and Lafayette) where I was shocked to find regular grade gas prices on just about every corner at $4.15 and more. On the outskirts of Petaluma I bought a tank for $4.09 and then discovered that up here on our isolated coast, Fort Bragg prices are no higher. This past week, prices hit over $4.50 in the Bay Area. I no longer shocked. It seems like high gas prices are hear to stay. For some, like the French tourist I met at a motel in Santa Rosa, U.S. prices are wonderful. Said he: “they are half the price of gas in France and here you have big roads and parking places. It’s wonderful to drive a car in the U.S.

On your drive here, the best buys: (more…)

Mendocino Film Festival Sponsors
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 by nancy

The Mendocino Film Festival is fast approaching (May 29-June 1), and once again the selection of films is top-notch. As with every successful venture, it takes a lot of people to make it happen. MendocinoFun.com would like to recognize and thank a few of the local lodging owners who have donated lodging to house invited filmmakers during the event.

Agate Cove Inn in Mendocino has generously donated a 3-night stay to filmmaker Celia Carey. Celia Carey produced a very engaging film, “Mr. Dial Has Something to Say” from the Films on the Arts category about an older Black folk artist from the south who has gained national and international recognition. Agate Cove Inn is a beautiful bed & breakfast inn situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. It has one of the best views in Mendocino, spectacular gardens, and gracious hosts, Laraine & Roger.

Coast Getaways is hosting director Jerry Rapp, his film is Mohave Phone Booth. The film tells the tale of four people in Las Vegas connected by seemingly random objects, such as a phone booth in the desert. Showing May 30 at 8 pm. Coast Getaways has vacation rentals to suit anyone’s needs – from a cottage for two to ocean view homes for families.

The Mendocino Hotel is hosting two distingusted guests – featured speaker, Albert Maysles, and Jim McCullough from SF Festival Board. Hotel owner, Tom Kravis, is also sponsoring the Opening Party & Sneak Peeks on May 29 from 5-7 pm at the Hill House in Mendocino. Enjoy Fetzer Family wines and hors d’oeuvres, meet the filmmakers, and sneak a peek at festival film clips. Cost: $15

Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund Dine-Out
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 by nancy

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Wednesday evening May 21st, the owners of the MacCallum House Restaurant on Albion Street in Mendocino Village have generously offered their restaurant and bar profits to the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund. Please join us anytime between five pm and nine pm for the MCCF Mac House Dine Out. Come share a drink or two, a light bite, a wonderful entrée or scrumptious dessert. You will be rubbing shoulder and saying hi to caring folks just like yourself. Please dress casual and join us. Just great food and company! It’s our first community dinner in fifteen years and we would love to see you on the evening of the 21st of May at the Mac House. It will be a Mendocino Coast Children’s Fun(d) evening and we would love to have you join us at this no host event. You can call the Mac House to reserve a table or simply drop by the bar or restaurant. The Mac House phone number is 937-0289. Please invite your friends and family to join us. The more the merrier. We will be delighted to see you and to thank you for all that your kindness does to benefit local low income coastal children.

Submitted by: Gloria Liner, Rosi Acker, Ahulani McAdam, Holly Kuchar, Lorraine Davis, Sally Welty

Point Cabrillo Gets (Keeps) Old Name
Friday, May 16th, 2008 by dff

The California State Park and Recreation Commission today voted to approve “Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park” as the park’s new official name. The vote was unanimous after the commission visited the light station and heard impassioned pleas from a wide range of supporters to keep “Light Station” in the name despite a park staff recommendation to leave it out. Mendocino County Supervisor Kendall Smith appeared in support as did representatives for Congressman Mike Thompson and State Senator Wes Chesbro. Point Cabrillo Light Station draws nearly 100,000 visitors a year, many of whom stay and eat in Fort Bragg.

Opera Double-bill: “The Medium” and “Jewish Humor from Oy to Veh”, through May 17
Sunday, May 11th, 2008 by dff

This review is from Larry Wagner, itinerant theatre critic and frequent contributor.

Talent just continues to show up on the Mendocino Coast. I had the pure enjoyment of taking publicity photos for the opera double-bill The Medium by Gion Menotti and Jewish Humor from Oy to Veh by Seymour Barab. I saw both the first dress rehearsal and opening night at MTC.

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A séance goes awry

The Medium is a gripping story of Madam Flora whose séance fraud becomes a reality when ghostly hands grab her by the throat during one of her sessions. She doesn’t cope with this incident very well. The singing and acting of the cast is wonderful – Susan Makovkin, playing the possessed Madam Flora, is riveting. Abigail Rowland, a new star in the area, has an angelic voice as the daughter, Monica. Lisa Norman, playing the mute gypsy accomplice has no singing role (obviously), but her dancing and dramatic moves make her one of the stars. The three attendees at the séance, Jenni Windsor, Dan Fowler, and Betsy Taylor carry out their roles with aplomb. The Medium is a modern opera, different from the big stage variety, but it is enthralling, beautifully sung, and under an hour long.

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Jewish Humor from Oy to Vey

Jewish Humor from Oy to Vey is silly, but entertaining – an excellent antidote for the drama of The Medium. It consists of 15 very short acts that are both hilarious and fun to watch. The music reminds one of Fiddler on the Roof. The voices and acting of Richard Goodman, Jary Stavely, Sarah Wagner, and Susan Pennebaker carry it off quite well. The challenges of the timing are significant but they meet the challenge.

For a different and memorable evening, give it a whirl. It is playing tonight (Saturday, May 10) at 8, Sunday at 2 PM and the following Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17 at 8 PM at the Mendocino Theatre Company. For reservations, call 937-1018 or get tickets at the door.

The Farmers Market is Open!
Thursday, May 8th, 2008 by nancy

Spring is officially here for me when the farmers market opens. I like to stroll through once just looking, and then make my selections on the way back. It takes my entire lunchtime because I meet fellow locals along the way. Don’t miss out on the fruit (and veggies) of Mendocino County at the Certified Farmers Market! Fort Bragg on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:00 at the corner of Spruce and N. Main St (lot next to Century 21, N. Fort Bragg) and Mendocino on Fridays from 12:00-2:00 at Howard & Main St. 707-964-6718

Still tickets left for the Spring Pelagic Trip
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 by nancy

Join Mendocino Coast Audubon Society for their Spring Pelagic Trip on May 18, as they sail from Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg aboard the Trek II (departing at 8:00 AM and returning about 3:00 PM). To reserve your spot, please mail a check, PAYABLE TO MCAS, for $95 per person to: K. Havlena – Pelagic Trip, PO Box 40, Fort Bragg, CA 95437-0040. Please include name(s) of participants, mailing address, telephone number and email address. For information call 964-6835.

Archive for May, 2008

1812 Tall Ship Lynx at Point Cabrillo Light Station for Publicity Wednesday, May 28th, 2008 by dff

Did Anyone See Shark Swarm? Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 by dff

It’s Spring and It’s Beautiful at the Botanical Gardens Saturday, May 24th, 2008 by dff

Gas Prices – Fort Bragg & Mendocino No Higher Than the “Big City” Saturday, May 24th, 2008 by dff

Mendocino Film Festival Sponsors Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 by nancy

Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund Dine-Out Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 by nancy

Point Cabrillo Gets (Keeps) Old Name Friday, May 16th, 2008 by dff

Opera Double-bill: “The Medium” and “Jewish Humor from Oy to Veh”, through May 17 Sunday, May 11th, 2008 by dff

The Farmers Market is Open! Thursday, May 8th, 2008 by nancy

Still tickets left for the Spring Pelagic Trip Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 by nancy