It was a blast from the past! There’s nothing that compares to finding old friends and reconnecting with them — especially if you’ve watched them on national television.
One day, last August, I took a gamble and decided to friend my old friends, Jim and Molli Martin. It had been over 20 years since we’d spoken, so it was a gamble; and to make it even more of a gamble they were now in the national spotlight with their new venture of Copa di Vino at Sunshine Mill.
The experience was wonderful. Molli was so effervescent in giving us the stories of the building and how they’d added their own touches. To be honest, it’s been awhile since I’d seen such enthusiasm and passion.
The mill, despite it’s been deserted for some time had new life. As we walked the corridors and found the rooms for various functions Molli gave us the run-down and the future plans. You could tell she was bursting at the seams.
Aside from the main tasting room, furnished with Molli’s ingenious and creative recycling of mill materials, we headed into a grotto-like “hall” which is quite reminiscent of something European. This was reception hall for weddings and other functions. We found other rooms for much the same purpose, depending on the size of the gatherings.
They told us of future plans, which I won’t share, as it may be bad luck.
On Friday nights, beginning the end of June, they will begin showing movies on the side of the mill, where people can camp out on the grass and enjoy themselves in the warm breezes off the Columbia.
For a reasonably small town, this is quite an attraction in itself, as well as good business.
Their concepts are quite appetizing and their zeal is something I’m sure the town supports, as well. While the winery “movement” has brought more traffic to The Dalles and the region, this is one landmark that can boast many good uses for everyone inside the city limits.
To have reunited with friends who have built a dream for themselves, while also enhancing the environs of The Dalles with a landmark, and employing more people, is a gift that you behold in your community. And so, it is with envy I must state that I must make the drive there more often, even though I’d prefer to have this nearer to mine own home.
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