This month's Downtown Spotlight is on the Poulsbo Marine Science Center
“Do you remember the Marine Science Center?”
I’ve been bugging friends and locals with this question for some weeks now, and I’ve heard pretty much the same answers and same responses as my friend Lori gave, “Yes. I remember going there when I was in school and learning more in an hour than the weeks we spent reading books. And my son loved it, too.”
For my family, they loved to see the world below the water - seastars, anemone, and crabs crawling around. My oldest fella loved the eels and my other two boys remember learning about the sea cucumber’s defense mechanism, which appealed to their love of all things gross. What is the sea cucumber’s defense? You’ll have to visit the revamped and reopened aquarium to find out. Yep, I said it, after three years of closure, The Poulsbo Marine Science Center and Aquarium (PMSCA) is revamped and reopened, thanks to some dedicated volunteers, donations, and generous grants.
PMSCA was started in 1970 by visionary high school teacher, Clayton Hamm, and Dick Colombini. The spot? The old oyster and codfish plant on the shores of Liberty Bay, where they paid a dollar a year for the lease. The center eventually moved from the plant to a less fragrant location on Front Street.
 From the beginning, education was the focus, and over thirty years the center was well loved and used by our community, schools, and visitors; what most of us didn’t know is that the marine science center was also training teachers and producing curriculum, by which the center earned a national reputation. The aquarium closed in 2005, and it seems that miscommunication was as much a part of the closure as finances.
So, we had an empty building on Front Street, a hole in our local education, and some sad and disappointed children. In fact, one four year old little girl, an octopus and critter loving little girl, cried over the center’s closing, and her story sparked Bill Austin’s interest in reopening PMSCA.
Bill had originally rejected the idea, thinking the task was too massive. But after hearing the little girl’s story, he brought the idea to his team, The Bight of Poulsbo, Inc. After overcoming some skepticism, they held Mudstock - locals danced, ate, had fun, and raised around $30,000, hopes, and some awareness.
 Eventually, Rear Admiral Bill Harlow took over the project and Bill Austin became VP. Then, along with Poulsbo Mayor Kathryn Quade, State Representative Sherry Appleton, and a successful grant writer, Kathleen Byrne-Barantes, they appealed to and received a $250,000 grant from the state, which they used to revamp the center. The interior is redesigned to resemble old town Poulsbo docks. Scott Horner of BIOS designed the aquariums, and Robert Anderson from the Seattle Aquarium designed the life support systems. Blue Sky Printing donated print work, Advanced Rentals donated equipment, the city provided the building free of rent, and the state granted another $100,000 to build a floating lab.
Patrick Mus, a diver and environmental scientist, is the Aquarium Director and does a fantastic job. The rest of the folks at PMSCA are dedicated volunteers, trained by Patrick and talented. Of course, there are always openings for volunteers, so pop in and offer a hand. I asked Patrick about his vision for the center, and he echoed the word, “education” and added the term “non-traditional”. The aquariums provide a look into the lives of the creatures that dwell below the surface of the water we walk by and see every day. Patrick sees the center as a cooperative place, where visitors, students, and teachers can learn to appreciate these creatures and learn to respect their existence, all in an interactive and fun way. Besides all this, the critters are really cute.
Patrick sees the aquarium growing slowly over the years into the nationally known center it once was. And like, the aquarium’s beginning, will maintain an education focus and unlike recent years, that focus will remain fine tuned. There is still a great need for donations, so please keep that in mind when you are planning out your charitable giving. Or, you can come to the Marine Science Fundraiser on Saturday, June 7th from 11am to 4pm, where you can donate, have fun with fishy crafts and goodies and local author, Barbara Helen Berger, who will read from her famous children’s books.
When you visit Poulsbo, be sure to check out the aquarium. It is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. Please be sure to look over the calendar below for events in downtown, including details on Viking Fest, which brings around 30,000 people to our town. And, check here at the beginning of June for another column and detailed information about the PMSCA Fundraiser. Until then, enjoy the spring, and I hope to see you around town.
All Month
During the month of May various stores in Downtown Poulsbo are doing a foodraiser for Fishline, a local food bank. For instance, for five items of food, and you can get 5% off your purchase at Liberty Bay Bookstore. Call Fishline for information on needed items at 360-779-4191.
Weekly Events
Mondays
There is a writing workshop at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House. It might be full at the moment, so be sure to call and check for space and further information at 360-779-9199.
Tuesdays
Game Night at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House provides an evening of games for card sharks, Scrabble experts, Trivial Pursuit brains, chess strategists, and game lovers of all types; gallons of coffee will flow, goodies consumed, and terrific conversation, competition and rousing fun to be had for all from 7-8pm. There is a $5 cover charge. For more info call The Poulsbohemian at 360-779-9199.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Day Time Book Group. They always meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. The group chooses a variety of fiction, non-fiction and sometimes classic reads. You don't have to have read the books to come. Just jump in on the discussion. Call for the title of this month’s discussion book - 360-779-5909.
Wednesdays
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Non-Fiction Book Group. This book group is for those who love to read non-fiction. The group meets at 10 a.m. every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Call for current book - 360-779-5909.
On Wednesdays, Sons of Norway invite one and all to attend a Norwegian lunch with sandwiches, desserts, beverages, and sometimes soup. The lunch begins at 11:00am and ends at 2:00pm.
Wednesdays are open-mic music nights at Tizley’s Europub. The mic opens at 8pm and stays open until 11pm, so grab your instrument or your best toe-tapping shoes and head over to Tizley’s. For further information call 360-394-0082.
Sons of Norway hosts Bingo in their Marine Room starting at 6:00pm. Can you imagine hearing your own voice holler out “BINGO!!” and winning the grand prize of $500.00?
On the first and third Wednesdays Heavenly Choices hosts a Reiki Circle. Jessa and Patti, Reiki Masters, welcome all people to their circles (regardless of level). The event is free and starts at 7pm.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Evening Book Group. The lively discussions begin at 7 p.m (nearly) every third Wednesday. The group doesn't meet every month, so please contact the book store for the group's specific date and book choice.
Thursdays
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Mystery Book Group. Want to branch out into suspense, mystery or thrillers? Come read with us. The group meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. Call for current book - 360-779-5909.
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm Sip-N-Knitters join up and caffeinate or relax with coffee, tea, and goodies while adding to a scarf which will eventually be twenty-two miles long beating the world record held by some sweet little ol’ Scottish ladies. According to the sign-up sheet, to date, more than 200 men, women, and children have contributed to the effort.
Sons of Norway hosts a gathering of local beginner to master level wood carvers from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The curious are invited to see what they are up to and to appreciate their craft.
Magnolia Tree House hosts a musician’s jam. Fantastic local musicians gather and entertain while attendees enjoy meeting, mingling, conversation, and delicious drinks. There is no cover charge.
On the third Thursday of each month Heavenly Choices hosts a Spiritual Discussion Group. Cindy keeps the group running with the topics participants select. There isn't any cost for the event, which goes from 6:30- 8pm.
Fridays
“Reel Time Fiddle Tune Jam” takes place at The Poulsbohemian Coffee House every second Friday from 7:00-10:00pm. Join in and play your favorite reels, jigs, waltzes, polkas, and take a cheap trip ($2.00 cover charge) to Cape Breton, Quebec, New England, and abroad. Folks who can hold a stick, pick, pluck, or squeeze are welcome. For further info please call Jane Landstra at 360-697-6192.
Tizley’s Europub presents Rick May and Gil Yslas with the occasional guest player. This group is the perfect backdrop for a delicious dinner, desert, and a large variety of spirits. For further information call 360-394-0082.
Liberty Bay Bookstore hosts the Joy Luck Book Group on Fridays, starting at 11:00am. If it fits your schedule please join them. The group consistently chooses great reads and does great research, too. The February discussion will be about "A House for Mr. Biswas" by V.S. Naipaul.
Saturdays
Dancing Paint Brush hosts three different workshops from 10:00am until Noon. Each class is $75 which includes the $40 non-refundable deposit, materials, studio time, instruction, and firing. The Metal Clay Basics class teaches you how to make your own silver jewelry out of Metal Clay; in this fun class, artists twelve and up will learn to manipulate, dry, sand, and finish their pieces. Or artists twelve and up are invited to learn the basics of using frit, stringers & other techniques in the Fused Glass Workshop by creating a 7” plate. And artists of all ages are welcome to attend the Clay Handbuilding Workshop; in the workshop you will learn to slab and throw your own clay. Call Dancing Paint Brush today to sign-up for the class of your choice 360-598-3800.
Magnolia Tree House hosts live music every Saturday night - professional acts and no cover. Enjoy the wonderfully moody and intimate setting. Call today to get details about featured artists. 360-697-1447
Tizley’s Europub features live music on Saturday nights. The pub boasts excellent spirits and an excellent selection of wine, beers, deserts, and meals. Start times vary slightly and artists vary, so give them a call at 360-394-0082 for specific dates, start times, and artist information.
May Events
Friday, May 2nd
Tizley’s Europub hosts an evening of blues with Peter Spencer from 8pm to 10pm. All ages are welcome. There is no cover. Call 360-394-0080 for more information.
Saturday, May 3rd
Starting at 7:00pm Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse hosts their Armchair Poetry series. Ronda Broatch, David Stallings, and Roger Midgett read their work. An open-mic provides a venue for rising literary stars. For more information call 360-779-9199.
Thursday, May 8th
Girls Night Out is a special all downtown Poulsbo event. The stores and restaurants are open and catering to us ladies. So come out and enjoy!
Friday, May 9th
The Treehouse Lounge hosts Virginia Klemens Band; Virginia was voted the 2006 Best Female Vocalist by the Washington Blues Society. Music starts at 8pm and ends at 12pm. There is no cover for this over 21 event.
Saturday, May 10th
Tizley’s Europub hosts an evening of original bluegrass with Whidbey Island’s, The Dandelion Greens from 8pm to 10pm. All ages are welcome. There is no cover. Call 360-394-0080 for more information.
Saturday, May 17th
Tizley’s Europub hosts an evening of good ole classic rock and roll with Knucklehead from 8pm to 10pm. All ages are welcome. There is no cover. Call 360-394-0080 for more information.
Friday, May 16th to Sunday, May 18th
Come on out for Viking Fest. Come enjoy this three day event including a parade, eats, lutefisk eating contest, iron chef norwegian themed competition, games, live music, and lots of other fun. If you’re boating and floating, be sure to arrive early; our slips fill up quickly. Please go to www.vikingfest.org for a detailed calendar of events.
VIKING FEST 2008
Fun for the Whole Family!
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