Saturday, May 28, 2011

AVATAR: The Exhibition Press Previews June 1-3

Posted on behalf of EMP.

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Anita Woo

EMP’S AVATAR: THE EXHIBITION OPEN FOR PRESS PREVIEWS JUNE 1-3

SEATTLE – EMP will host exclusive press tours of AVATAR: The Exhibition Wednesday, June 1 – Friday, June 3 with exhibition curator Brooks PeckAVATAR:  The Exhibition offers an unprecedented, first-hand look inside the highest-grossing film of all time.  Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, AVATAR: The Exhibition dives deep into the world of Pandora, the culture of its Na’vi inhabitants, and the groundbreaking technology that brought the blockbuster film to life.  The exhibition features iconic props and costumes, concept models, drawings, and interactive installations that allow visitors to directly experience the creative world-building and innovative technical filmmaking processes of AVATAR.
AVATAR:  The Exhibition opens to the public Saturday, June 4 at noon.  To schedule a press tour, contact Anita Woo at anitaw@empsfm.org.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS:

Interactive Installations:
·         Performance Capture:  Visitors perform actions in a scene and see themselves rendered as a CG character from AVATAR in real-time.
·         Virtual Camera:  Visitors direct a virtual scene from AVATAR using hand-held monitors with motion-sensors, similar to the virtual camera system used by James Cameron.
·         Pandoran Plant Builder:  Visitors learn how science informed the design of Pandora and create their own Pandoran plant using a kit of parts, colors, and textures based on AVATAR plant designs.
·         Sound Design Kiosk:  A multimedia touchscreen allows visitors to explore and isolate layers of sound used in AVATAR, and learn how sound design contributes to the reality and mood of a scene.
·         Na’vi Language Reading Rail:  Visitors push audio buttons on a reading rail to hear Na’vi words that are associated with artifacts on display.
·         Na’vi Cultural Videos:  Short films featuring topics about the culture and language of the Na’vi, and including original EMP interviews with cast and crew as well as science and cultural experts who consulted on the film.
·         Woodsprite Projection: As visitors approach a life-size projection of the Pandoran forest, animated woodsprites begin to appear, flock and land on the visitor’s shadow, dynamically moving in response to the visitor’s movements.

Artifacts:  Film Props, Concept Art, Production Tools
·         AMP Suit (Amplified Mobility Platform) prop
·         Cellular Ammunition Rifle Base (CARB) shotgun prop
·         Motion capture suit, helmet, and camera rig worn by actor Sam Worthington
·         Virtual camera used in the production of AVATAR
·         RDA (Resource Development Administration) Trooper costume
·         Na’vi phrasebook
·         Busts of Jake Sully’s avatar, Neytiri and Mo’at
·         Maquettes of Pandoran creatures including the Hammerhead and Banshee
·         Neytiri’s arrow prop
·         Handmade artist’s reference for Neytiri’s willow glade necklace and Jake Sully’s warrior headdress 




ABOUT EMP
EMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in music, science fiction, and popular culture. EMP combines interpretative, interactive exhibitions with state-of-the-art technologies, and educational programming to offer visitors of all ages a first-hand, multi-dimensional experience of the creative and artistic process.

EMP is housed in a 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry-designed building. This spectacular, prominently visible structure has the presence of a monumental sculpture set amid the backdrop of the Seattle Center.

EMP Museum Hours
Summer: May 27, 2011 - September 5, 2011, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Winter:  September 6, 2011 – May 25, 2012, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

EMP General Information
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2700, main line
206-770-2702, box office
1-877-EMP-SFM1, toll-free
www.empmuseum.org

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX CONSUMER PRODUCTS
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

EMP's AVATAR Premiere Events Features Cast and Creators

Posted on behalf of EMP:

EMP ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED EVENTS FOR THE WORLD-PREMIERE OF AVATAR: THE EXHIBITION JUNE 4

AVATAR Stars Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Laz Alonso, and CCH Pounder Featured in Panel Discussions 

SEATTLE – EMP is kicking off the world-premiere of AVATAR: The Exhibition with star-studded events that will feature cast and creators from the highest-grossing film of all-time Michelle Rodriguez (Trudy Chacon), Giovanni Ribisi (Parker Selfridge), Laz Alonso (Tsu’tey), and Grammy and four-time Emmy-nominated actor CCH Pounder (Mo’at)

Saturday, June 4 – 12:00 PM AVATAR:  The Exhibition Opens to the Public

          12:30 p.m.  AVATAR:  The Actors’ Experience Panel
A star-studded insider look into the making of James Cameron’s AVATAR with   principal cast members Michelle Rodriguez (Trudy Chacon), CCH Pounder (Mo’at), Laz Alonso (Tsu’tey), and Giovannni Ribisi (Parker Selfridge). Hear from the actors themselves what it was like to act in a virtual world, utilizing new filmmaking technologies, and be a part of the highest-grossing movie of all time.  Exhibition curator Brooks Peck will lead the intimate discussion with the actors and take questions from the audience.  Tickets $40 Members, $50 Non-members.

            3:00 p.m. Pandora:  The Creation of a New World Panel
          Dive into the vivid worlds of James Cameron’s AVATAR.  From lush, alien landscapes and magnificent bioluminescent creatures, to the rich Na’vi culture, and the groundbreaking technical advancements that made it all possible. This discussion will look at the many facets of creating AVATAR and the process of translating decades of vision into big-screen blockbuster magic.  Panelists include Yuri Bartoli (Virtual Art Director), Terry Notary (Movement Choreographer), and Glenn Derry (Virtual Production Supervisor), moderated by exhibition curator Brooks Peck.  Tickets $15 Members, $20 Non-members.

ABOUT AVATAR:  The Exhibition
AVATAR:  The Exhibition offers an unprecedented, first-hand look inside the highest-grossing film of all time.  Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, AVATAR: The Exhibition dives deep into the world of Pandora, the culture of its Na’vi inhabitants, and the groundbreaking technology that brought the blockbuster film to life.  The exhibition features iconic props and costumes, concept models, drawings, and interactive installations that allow visitors to directly experience the creative world-building and innovative technical filmmaking processes of AVATAR.

ABOUT EMP
EMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in music, science fiction, and popular culture. EMP combines interpretative, interactive exhibitions with state-of-the-art technologies, and educational programming to offer visitors of all ages a first-hand, multi-dimensional experience of the creative and artistic process.

EMP is housed in a 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry-designed building. This spectacular, prominently visible structure has the presence of a monumental sculpture set amid the backdrop of the Seattle Center.

EMP Museum Hours
Summer: May 27, 2011 - September 5, 2011, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Winter:  September 6, 2011 – May 25, 2012, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.


EMP General Information
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2700, main line
206-770-2702, box office
1-877-EMP-SFM1, toll-free
www.empmuseum.org


ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX CONSUMER PRODUCTS
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

NWSFS Picnic & Election Social - June 18th

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

NWSFS Election and Picnic Social - Saturday - June 18th, 2011

Please join us Saturday, June 18th, 2011, for the NWSFS Picnic Social at Woodland Park Shelter # 4. The social will begin at 1:00 P.M. and end at dusk, or thereabouts.

There will be a grill available. The club will provide burgers, hot dogs, condiments and buns. Please bring a contribution of munchies, salad, side dish or dessert that will complement the grilled main course. Bring your own beverages. To coordinate contributions you may contact us at info@nwsfs.org

Please RSVP so we know how many burgers and dogs are needed.  NWSFS members are encouraged to attend and non-members in the community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

Election ballots will be accepted until  5 PM.

Logistical Information:

The shelter has a covered table that we use for serving. Grills and water are available under shelter.   There are a couple uncovered tables near the shelter.  Please be prepared for changeable weather. Experienced picnic attendees recommend that you bring a lawn chair, blanket, & sunscreen.  Bathrooms are across the parking lot. The shelter is right next to the parking lot. No stairs are required. Some handicapped parking and plenty of general parking is available. There is a fenced off-leash dog area down the hill. There will likely be toys such as super-soakers™, frisbees™ and other non-pointy toys for the young & the silly!

Directions:

    * I-5 North & I-5 South, take the NE 50th St exit.
    * Turn LEFT if from I-5 Northbound; turn RIGHT if from I-5 Southbound.
    * Continue on NE 50th Westbound.
    * Turn RIGHT at N 50th St and Stone Way N. Stone Way N will turn into Green Lake Way N when you make the turn.
    * Move into the LEFT lane and continue on Green Lake Way N to W Green Lake Way N, which is at the Green Lake Pitch and Putt Golf Course.
    * Turn LEFT onto W Green Lake Way N.
    * Make the first LEFT into the parking lot, and then quickly turn RIGHT to go up the hill.
    * Shelter No4 is immediately on the LEFT hand side of the road at the top of the hill.
    * Look for the NWSFS signs.

REMINDER: NWSFS - June MFR - Tup Tim Thai

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

Thursday, June 2nd at 7:30 P.M.  - My Favorite Restaurant

Please join NWSFS on June 2nd, 2011, at 7:30 PM at one of Don & Vicki Glover’s favorite restaurants: Tup Tim Thai in Seattle, Washington. The Tup is one of the most long-established Thai restaurants in Seattle and home of (in Vicki’s opinion) the best Thai food  in the area.  Food is served family-style and can be ordered from 0-5 stars in spiciness (and they can provide a spice tray for those who wish to add more).  Though not officially on the menu, Don & Vicki recommend ice cream topped with the Tup’s peanut sauce for dessert (but the sticky rice with mango is yummy, too).

118 West Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98119-3930
(206) 281-8833


Parking is to be found fairly easily on the street, or there is a pay lot right next to the restaurant.  If you bus it, they are within a couple blocks of several bus routes that serve lower Queen Anne/ Seattle Center West side.

Please RSVP to info@nwsfs.org or the hotline at 425-68-NWSFS.  

Seating is limited and reservations will be confirmed with the restaurant so we will not be able to accept responses later than the evening of Tuesday May 31st.

Updated NWSFS Event Calendar -- Includes Norwescon Volunteer Appreciation Picnic (for extra fun!)

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:
 
Hey geek peeps! Mark your calendars with these upcoming NWSFS events (and one Norwescon event). 


June 2nd  MFR – Join us at one of Vicki Glover’s favorite restaurants, Tup Tim Thai. 
June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)
June 25th – Avatar: The Exhibition at EMP|SFM
July 6th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)
July 8th – 10th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon
July 16th Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.
July 23rdNorwescon Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, Ravenna Park, Noon.
Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.
Aug 15th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17th.
Aug 20th Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.
Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD
Sept 17th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 
Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Location may change, Date TBD
Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD
Nov 19th Social at Katharine Bond’s home

Friday, May 20, 2011

NWSFS visit to "Avatar: The Exhibition"

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

NWSFS will visit EMP|SFM for "Avatar: The Exhibition" on Saturday, June 25th.

Group discount admission is $13.50 for adults.  Regular admission is $15

Admission is limited.  RSVP to info@nwsfs.org or the hotline at 425-68-NWSFS.

empmuseum avatar image

AVATAR: The Exhibition opens June 4th, giving fans a first-hand look at the innovations and imagination behind the world of Pandora. Learn more about the exhibit here.

Battlestar Galactica: The Exhibition  features three stunning, full-size prop spaceships, iconic costumes, new exhibition films, music and other props from the original and re-imagined series. More information can be found on our website.

REMINDER: NWSFS May Social

Posted on behalf Jeanine Swanson / NWSFS Vice-Chair:

Please join NWSFS for our May Social at the home of Yvonne and Eric Pawtowski on Saturday, May 21st. The social will begin around 5 PM and continue until around 10 PM, or whenever we get tired.

7100 187th Place SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Nominations will be opened at this social for the officers of NWSFS / SFN:  Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer.  If you can not make the social and wish to nominate someone in advance, please contact info@nwsfs.com

This is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish, side dish, munchies, or dessert. BYOB if you want something particular, although some basic beverages will be available. NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the SF/Fannish community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

There will be a grill running.  The Pawtowskis will be cooking some extra sausages and dogs to share.  Anyone who wants to bring stuff to grill is quite welcome.  There is a small hot tub, covered, which may be operational, weather permitting. 

The main television has a VGA input and will likely be used to display photos of interest.  If you have electronic photos to share, from Fannish events, the previous Norwescon, or whatever, please bring them.

Logistics: There is parking on the street near the house.  Parking in the driveway is okay, you don't need to worry about blocking anyone in.  Usually it's not hard to find parking.  The neighborhood has a lot of hills, so be careful. There are three stairs leading to both entrances.  The back door doesn't have stairs, but the path is too narrow for a wheelchair, and possibly more trouble than it's worth. There are no domesticated animals living there. Smoking is outside only, please.

Buses:
Unfortunately, the nearest bus stop is near the intersection of 196th St. and 68th Ave, near Edmonds Community College.  The Community Transit local routes are 112, 114 and 115 west-bound and 114 and 118 east-bound. No commuter lines stop there. Closest transit center/park and ride is Edmonds Community College. (not much farther than the closest stop) Community Transit local routes 112, 118 and 131.  No commuter lines on weekends.  There are closer bus stops, but those buses don't run on weekends.

Directions:
From Northbound I-5:
Take exit 181-A
Turn left at the stoplight at the end of the exit - 44th Ave.
Turn left at the second stoplight - 200th St.
Turn right when the road ends at Edmonds Community College -68th Ave.
Go straight at the stoplight with 196th St.
*** see below

From Southbound I-5:
Take exit 181, go west on 196th St.
Go straight for a while, the seventh light will be Hwy 99.  Cross
Hwy99.  Turn right at the second stoplight after 99, this is 68th Ave.

***
There will be a 4-way stop in front of a fire station.
Go straight; the road's name will change to Blue Ridge Drive.
Turn left at 185th Pl. (the first road on your left) The road will make a sharp left turn, and its name changes to 70th Avenue.
Turn right at the stop sign onto 187th Pl. SW The street takes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill and becomes 71st Avenue.
Our house is on the left side of this corner.
Gray with white trim.

Upcoming Events:  
May 5th, MFR  – Join us at one of Yvonne, Eric, & Daniel Pawtowski’s restaurants, Buca Di Beppo.
(Lynnwood
May 21st  – Social and Nominations for NWSFS officers at Yvonne & Eric’s home.
June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)
July 6th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)
July 8th – 10th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon
July 16th Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.
Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.
Aug 15th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17th.
Aug 20th Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.
Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD
Sept 17th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 
Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Date TBD
Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD
Nov 19th Social at Katharine Bond’s home

EMP Announces 2011 Sci-Fi Hall of Fame Inductions

EMP Announces the 2011 Science Fiction Hall of Fame Inductions
Reserve free tickets to ceremony starting May 23, 2011

SEATTLE—EMP is proud to announce the 2011 Science Fiction Hall of Fame Inductions. On Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 4:30 p.m., four science fiction luminaries will be inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Those being honored this year are: Vincent Di Fate, Gardner Dozois, Harlan Ellison, and Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud. The induction ceremony will be held in the JBL Theater at EMP. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of the annual Science Fiction Weekend which includes The Locus Awards Ceremony  and NW Media Arts writing workshops.

Tickets to the Science Fiction Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are free and can be reserved starting Monday, May 23, 2011 by calling the EMP box office at 206-770-2702.
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame honors the lives, work and ongoing legacies of science fiction's greatest creators. Founded in 1996, the Hall of Fame was relocated from the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction at the University of Kansas to its permanent home at EMP in 2004. Hall of Fame nominations are submitted by EMP members. The final inductees are chosen by a panel of award-winning science fiction authors, artists, editors, publishers and film professionals.

BIOS

Vincent Di Fate
Vincent Di Fate has been one of the world’s leading science fiction and fantasy artists for more than 30 years. Throughout his prolific career he has created both imaginative and scientific paintings of space and futuristic technology for book covers and clients such as IBM, The Reader’s Digest, The National Geographic Society and NASA. His paintings are vivid and precise with strikingly elegant brushstrokes and their impact on the world of science fiction is unmistakable. Di Fate has been honored by the most prestigious awards in his field including the Frank R. Paul Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science Fiction Illustration, the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist, the Skylark Award for Imaginative Fiction, The Lensman Award for Lifetime Contribution to the Science Fiction Field, and the Chesley Award from the Association of Science Fiction/Fantasy Artists for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

Gardner Dozois
Gardner Dozois is best known for his work as the editor of Asimov’s Science Fiction from 1984 – 2004 and the annual Year’s Best Science Fiction anthologies from 1984 onward. He has a reputation as one of the foremost editors of science fiction and fantasy with a record 15 Hugo Awards for Best Editor, and is also a two-time Nebula Award-winning author. Throughout his career he collaborated with magazines such as Galaxy Science Fiction, If, Worlds of Fantasy, and Worlds of Tomorrow, has co-edited a series of themed anthologies with Jack Dann, and currently writes short fiction reviews for Locus while also continuing to edit the Year’s Best Science Fiction annual anthologies.

Harlan Ellison
Harlan Ellison is an acclaimed speculative fiction writer who has produced over 1,000 works including short stories, novellas, screenplays, teleplays, and essays as well as literature, film, and television criticism. He has contributed to a number of popular television shows including The Outer Limits, Star Trek, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Babylon 5. His collections of television criticism, The Glass Teat and The Other Glass Teat are highly regarded. Ellison’s writing is edgy and aggressive and his tone can be both humorous and dark. His large collection of awards includes 10 Hugo Awards, 3 Nebula Awards, 18 Locus Poll Awards, the Bradbury Award, 6 Bram Stoker Awards, The Edgar Allan Poe Award, and 2 Georges Méliès fantasy film awards.

Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud
Jean ‘Moebius’ Giraud is an internationally-renowned comics artist originally from a suburb of Paris, France. Giraud began using the Moebius pseudonym in 1963 specifically for his fantasy and science fiction work which includes the L’Incal, The Airtight Garage, and Arzach series, as well as storyboards for films such as Les Maîtres du temps, released in English as Time Masters. Moebius has since become the name by which he is best known in the US, where he’s contributed production design for films such as Alien, Willow, The Abyss, and The Fifth Element. The style and tone of his artwork is very adaptive and through the course of his career has generally shifted from more realistic, as seen in his early Blueberry series, to more expressive and fantastical compositions.


ABOUT EMP Museum of Music + Sci-Fi + Pop Culture
EMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration of creativity and innovation in music, science fiction, and popular culture. EMP combines interpretative, interactive exhibitions with state-of-the-art technologies, and educational programming to offer visitors of all ages a first-hand, multi-dimensional experience of the creative and artistic process. EMP is housed in a 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry-designed building. This spectacular, prominently visible structure has the presence of a monumental sculpture set amid the backdrop of the Seattle Center.

EMP MUSEUM HOURSWinter hours September 7, 2010 - May 26, 2011, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Summer hours May 27, 2011 - September 5, 2011, 10:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

CONTACT INFO
325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2700, main line
206-770-2702, box office
1-877-EMP-SFM1, toll-free
www.empmuseum.org

SOCIAL MEDIA
flickr.com/photos/empsfm/

Sunday, May 15, 2011

NWSFS - June MFR: Tup Tim Thai in Seattle, Washington

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson NWSFS Vice-Chair:


Thursday, June 2nd at 7:30 P.M.  - My Favorite Restaurant

Please join NWSFS on June 2nd, 2011, at 7:30 PM at one of Don & Vicki Glover’s favorite restaurants: Tup Tim Thai in Seattle, Washington. The Tup is one of the most long-established Thai restaurants in Seattle and home of (in Vicki’s opinion) the best Thai food  in the area.  Food is served family-style and can be ordered from 0-5 stars in spiciness (and they can provide a spice tray for those who wish to add more).  Though not officially on the menu, Don & Vicki recommend ice cream topped with the Tup’s peanut sauce for dessert (but the sticky rice with mango is yummy, too).

118 West Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98119-3930
(206) 281-8833


Parking is to be found fairly easily on the street, or there is a pay lot right next to the restaurant.  If you bus it, they are within a couple blocks of several bus routes that serve lower Queen Anne/ Seattle Center West side.

Please RSVP to info@nwsfs.org or the hotline at 425-68-NWSFS.  

Seating is limited and reservations will be confirmed with the restaurant so we will not be able to accept responses later than the evening of Tuesday May 31st.

Upcoming Events:  
May 21st  – Social and Nominations for NWSFS officers at Yvonne & Eric’s home.
June 2nd  MFR – Join us at one of Vicki Glover’s favorite restaurants, Tup Tim Thai. 
June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)
July 6th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)
July 8th – 10th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon
July 16th Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.
Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.
Aug 15th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17th.
Aug 20th Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.
Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD
Sept 17th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 
Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Date TBD
Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD
Nov 19th Social at Katharine Bond’s home

Sunday, May 8, 2011

NWSFS - Trip to Crater Lake

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

RSVP to: adonno at aol dot com

NWSFS goes to Crater Lake
Tentative dates:  July 8, 9, & 10
Tentative hotel:  Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn, Salem, OR

Please RSVP as tentative or definite so that Becky can make hotel and transportation plans. 

It’s an eight hour drive from Seattle to Crater Lake, Oregon so Becky will arrange for a layover in Salem, Oregon which is about mid point.  Becky will work with Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn in Salem, Oregon for accommodations for our group.  She will also make arrangements for bus or van transport from the hotel to Crater Lake & back to the hotel.   Becky estimates hotel room costs at $100 per night (including a hot breakfast) and transportation costs at $50 & $100 per person.  each.  Room night and transportation costs will be updated on the NWSFS web site. 

Friday, July 8th  -  Meet in Salem, Oregon.
Saturday AM, July 9th – Board transportation for the 4 hour drive to Crater Lake, Oregon
Saturday, July 9th – Explore Crater Lake, visit Mazama Village
Saturday PM, July 9th – Board transportation for the 4 hour drive to Salem, Oregon.
Sunday AM, July 10th – Leave Salem and meet at Powell’s Books in Portland, Oregon.
Sunday PM, July 10th – Dinner and then return home.

National Park Service, Crater Lake: http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Crater Lake Boat Tours - $28 for adult. Tours are given daily from July to mid-September, weather permitting. Reservations can be made for half the tickets for each boat. (Reserved tickets must be picked up  at the Cleetwood Ticket booth before hiking down.) First-come, first-serve tickets are sold at the Cleetwood Cove Trailhead parking area. (PLEASE NOTE: Boat tour access requires hiking 2.2 miles round trip on a strenuous trail!)  Please check with Xanterra Parks & Resorts for the most current boat tour schedule and reservations. 
Trolley Tours - $25 for adults.  Join a park ranger on a 2-hour tour aboard a historic-styled trolley. Offered daily from July to mid October (weather permitting). Starting at Rim Village a driver will navigate the 33 miles of Rim Drive around Crater Lake including 4 stops. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour or ahead of time from the Crater Lake Trolley or by calling 1-541-882-1896

Did You Know?
Crater Lake was formed when a massive eruption of Mount Mazama 7700 years ago caused the mountain to collapse, leaving a steaming caldera. Centuries of rain and snow filled the caldera creating Crater Lake.
At 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the ten deepest lakes in the world!

NWSFS May Social

Posted on behalf of Jeanine Swanson - NWSFS Vice Chair:

Please join NWSFS for our May Social at the home of Yvonne and Eric Pawtowski on Saturday, May 21st. The social will begin around 5 PM and continue until around 10 PM, or whenever we get tired.

7100 187th Place SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Nominations will be opened at this social for the officers of NWSFS / SFN:  Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer.  If you can not make the social and wish to nominate someone in advance, please contact info@nwsfs.com

This is a potluck, so bring your contribution of a main dish, side dish, munchies, or dessert. BYOB if you want something particular, although some basic beverages will be available. NWSFS members are encouraged to attend, and non-members in the SF/Fannish community are welcome, as always. We hope to see you there.

There will be a grill running.  The Pawtowskis will be cooking some extra sausages and dogs to share.  Anyone who wants to bring stuff to grill is quite welcome.  There is a small hot tub, covered, which may be operational, weather permitting. 

The main television has a VGA input and will likely be used to display photos of interest.  If you have electronic photos to share, from Fannish events, the previous Norwescon, or whatever, please bring them.

Logistics: There is parking on the street near the house.  Parking in the driveway is okay, you don't need to worry about blocking anyone in.  Usually it's not hard to find parking.  The neighborhood has a lot of hills, so be careful. There are three stairs leading to both entrances.  The back door doesn't have stairs, but the path is too narrow for a wheelchair, and possibly more trouble than it's worth. There are no domesticated animals living there. Smoking is outside only, please.

Buses:
Unfortunately, the nearest bus stop is near the intersection of 196th St. and 68th Ave, near Edmonds Community College.  The Community Transit local routes are 112, 114 and 115 west-bound and 114 and 118 east-bound. No commuter lines stop there. Closest transit center/park and ride is Edmonds Community College. (not much farther than the closest stop) Community Transit local routes 112, 118 and 131.  No commuter lines on weekends.  There are closer bus stops, but those buses don't run on weekends.

Directions:
From Northbound I-5:
Take exit 181-A
Turn left at the stoplight at the end of the exit - 44th Ave.
Turn left at the second stoplight - 200th St.
Turn right when the road ends at Edmonds Community College -68th Ave.
Go straight at the stoplight with 196th St.
*** see below

From Southbound I-5:
Take exit 181, go west on 196th St.
Go straight for a while, the seventh light will be Hwy 99.  Cross
Hwy99.  Turn right at the second stoplight after 99, this is 68th Ave.

***
There will be a 4-way stop in front of a fire station.
Go straight; the road's name will change to Blue Ridge Drive.
Turn left at 185th Pl. (the first road on your left) The road will make a sharp left turn, and its name changes to 70th Avenue.
Turn right at the stop sign onto 187th Pl. SW The street takes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill and becomes 71st Avenue.
Our house is on the left side of this corner.
Gray with white trim.

Upcoming Events:  
May 5th, MFR  – Join us at one of Yvonne, Eric, & Daniel Pawtowski’s restaurants, Buca Di Beppo.
(Lynnwood
May 21st  – Social and Nominations for NWSFS officers at Yvonne & Eric’s home.
June 18th – Social and Elections for NWSFS officers at Woodland Park (shelter #4)
July 6th MFR - Join us at one of Judy’s favorite restaurants, Bob’s Burgers & Brew. (Marysville)
July 8th – 10th – Excursion to Crater Lake, Oregon
July 16th Chili Cook off social at Shawn & Kat’s home.
Aug MFR – Join us at one of William’s favorite restaurant.  Date and location TBD.
Aug 15th  -  Road trip to Worldcon in Reno. The train leaves Seattle Monday, August 15th.  Worldcon begins Wednesday, August 17th.
Aug 20th Social at Chris McDonell’s home for console gaming.
Sept MFR - Join us at one of Barry’s favorite restaurants, Dorky’s Arcade (Tacoma). Date TBD
Sept 17th  – Sci–Fi cocktail party social at Barry & Paula Currey’s home. 
Oct  MFR – Join us at one of Shawn & Kat’s favorite restaurants, Lombardi’s Cucina (Issaquah). Date TBD
Oct Social  – Mad Scientist Social at Mike Ormes’ home.   Date TBD
Nov 19th Social at Katharine Bond’s home