Community Calendar: 3.11.09

Published 5:00 pm Monday, March 9, 2009

Wednesday, March 11After school fun

OCEAN PARK – From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., on March 11, children in grades one through six are invited to Ocean Park Timberland Library for after school activities and participate in a Dr. Seuss birthday party. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ilwaco and Ocean Park Timberland Libraries. For more information call 665-4184.

Kiwanis

LONG BEACH – The Ilwaco-Long Beach Kiwanis meets at noon the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the El Compadre Restaurant at 1900 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. Anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. If you have questions or need additional information, call 665-2598.

Doggie Olympics

LONG BEACH – The next 2009 Doggie Olympic Games volunteer meeting is Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m., at the PUD building on Sandridge Road. If you are interested in being a part of this very fun annual event, please call Barbara at 642-0705 or Jill at 665-6395, or just show up.

Mentor workshop

ABERDEEN – The public is invited to a senior culminating projects mentor training workshop for projects with a natural resource or environmental focus from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at Grays Harbor College, room 1512. The goal is to foster the sustainable use of coastal natural resources through community-based education, science and technology. Workshop participants will receive valuable tips concerning project structure, recruiting and working with students. R.S.V.P. to peiculmproj@gmail.com or call Breanna at 360-902-2485.

Caregivers’ support

KLIPSAN – Caregivers Support Group meets at Golden Sands Assisted Living Facility at 21608 “O” Lane in Ocean Park on March 11 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information call Don Cantrell at 642-3787, ext. 226.

LB Lions

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach Lions Club meets at noon the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Anchor Restaurant at Chautauqua Lodge in Long Beach. Call 642-8322 for more information.

ThursdayGenealogists Go Techie!

WARRENTON – Members of the Clatsop County Genealogical Society will share their experiences with DNA testing (and some had very interesting results) at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12 at the Lewis and Clark Fire Hall, located at 34583 Alternate Highway 101 in Jeffer’s Garden near Warrenton. All those interested in tracing their ancestors are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served, if you have questions contact Sali Diamond at 503-325-1963.

Line dancing

LONG BEACH – Everyone is welcome to come to the Elks Lodge in Long Beach for line dancing each Thursday. Beginners are at 5:30 p.m. and intermediate at 6:30 p.m., and are just $3 per class. Line dancing is great fun – come check it out. Call Linda at 360-783-2389 if you need more information.

Divorce Support Group

OCEAN PARK – A divorce support group meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome whether you are just separated or have been divorced 20 years. Call 665-0804 for details.

Photography club

LONG BEACH – The photography club meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., at the Picture Attic, 711 Pacific Avenue North in Long Beach. This month’s meeting is March 12. Come share and learn with others. Call 642-4770 for more information.

FridayFree concert

ILWACO – On Friday, March 13, starting at 7:30 p.m., Cap’n Matt Moeller and Mary Garvey will perform a free community concert at the Inn at Harbour Village in Ilwaco. The event will include sea shanties, songs, poems and tales from around the coast of Washington. Moeller is a great entertainer who writes and sings of his home waters. His performances are known for their wry humor, poignant history and powerful images. Garvey is a talented singer and songwriter.

One-Act Plays

RAYMOND – The Willapa Players of the Hannan Playhouse are hosting a night of Pacific County one-act plays at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13 and March 20 and Saturday, March 14 and 21 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. The plays include: “Beware the Strangers” by Russell Wiitala; “Queen of Hearts” and “Dissention Among the Ranks” both by Jan Bono. Tickets are $8 and are available at South Bend Pharmacy, Everyone’s Video and More in Raymond and Long Beach Coffee Roasters. For information call 360-942-5239.

Literacy Tutor Training

ASTORIA – On March 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, anyone interested in literacy and how adults acquire it are invited to come to the Badollet Library conference room at Clatsop Community College. This will be a short training in an on-going series for practicing tutors and others who are interested in volunteering as literacy tutors. Learn from other volunteers what works best for students who face many barriers. Get practical advice on simple lesson planning and assessments. Learn about literacy rates, how our ideas of literacy have changed, and, best of all, meet interesting people. Call 503-338-2557 to sign up or get more information.

Flushing notice

LONG BEACH – The city of Long Beach Water Department will be flushing and flow testing hydrants in Long Beach and Seaview through Friday, March 13, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. This action may cause temporary discoloration of the water due to iron sediment, and a reduction in pressure. There are no health risks associated with the discoloration. If you have any questions, call 642-2203.

SaturdayMuseum Meeting

ILWACO – The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum holds its annual membership meeting on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m. in the museum’s main hall. New board members will be introduced at this time and outgoing board members will be recognized. In addition there will be a presentation by William S. Hanable. Mr. Hanable is the author of the book, “Lighthouses and Lifesaving on Washington’s Outer Coast” a part of the Arcadia Press, “Images of America” series. He now manages Northwest Heritage Consultants, specializing in maritime historic preservation projects. During the afternoon a power point presentation will be shown honoring the museum’s hard working volunteers. For more information please call 642-3446.

Power Workshop

LONG BEACH – On Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a workshop on solar power, wind power and P.U.D. programs at the WSU-Long Beach Cranberry Research Station at 2907 Pioneer Road in Long Beach. Some of the presenters include Anthony and Victoria Stoppiello, Mike Nelson, Greg and Richard Preus and Jim Dolan. The program is open to the public. Call Melinda Crowley at 642-2891 for more information.

Whateverly Brothers

SEAVIEW – On Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m., the Whateverly Brothers return to the open-beamed living room of Seaview’s historic Sou’wester Lodge for a musical celebration. Members of the group bring almost 30 instruments to their performances. Everyone is welcome. Light complimentary refreshments are provided. Admission is by voluntary donation to charity. Because of limited seating advance reservations are advised. For information and reservations please call the Sou’wester at 642-2542.

Bake sale & more

KLIPSAN – Have a heart and come take part in a bake, book and collectible sale to help raise money for a defibrillator at the senior activity center. The event is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 and is a wonderful opportunity to stop by and pick up a pie, cake or some cookies to share with friends or family and you might even find a treasure. You can also help by donating goods for the sale by calling 665-3999. Your support can really make the difference in the life of a friend! This sale takes place during the monthly pancake breakfast that includes scrambled eggs and sausage or you can order biscuit ‘n’ gravy with scrambled eggs. Beverage is included. It is a terrific deal at just $5 for adults, $3 for children. The public is welcome. Call 665-3999 for information.

Connection Group

SEAVIEW – NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group meets every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the north end of the Peninsula Church Center in Seaview. Local residents facilitate this structured, confidential recovery group open to anyone who has lived with a psychiatric disorder. For information or a ride, call 665-6305 or 665-4421.

Overeaters Anonymous

SEAVIEW – Overeaters Anonymous meets at 4603 Pacific Highway at 46th South (Bill W’s place) in Seaview from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays and from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on Saturdays. The only charge is a desire to stop eating compulsively. Can’t drive? Phone meetings are available. Call 642-5360 for more information.

“Laura”

ILWACO – Come and try out for the Peninsula Players’ spring play, “Laura.” This romantic mystery has parts for four men and three women, aged mid-20s and up. Auditions will be held Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at the 2nd Story Playhouse, 108 Spruce St., above Just Treasures Cafe and Antique Mall in downtown Ilwaco. Performances are scheduled for late May and early June. For more info, e-mail director Laurie Carter at laurie.carter16@gmail.com.

Crab & Oysters

SOUTH BEND – The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce is the location of the 84th Annual Pacific County Crab Feed and Silent Auction from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. Featured speakers will be Gov. Chris Gregoire and Rep. Brian Baird. Tickets are $25 at the door. Even if you can’t attend the crab feed, you can still purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes. Tickets are available at The Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet, or by calling the chamber at 360-795-9996.

90th Birthday Party

ASTORIA – The American Legion and Clatsop Post 12 are celebrating their 90th birthday with a special program beginning at 1 p.m., on Saturday, March 14. After the war, many members of the American Expeditionary Forces (Doughboys) still in France began talking about the creation of a veterans organization. The Paris caucus was held March 15, 16 and 17, 1919. It was headed by Theodore Roosevelt and was so successful that the American Legion today celebrates those three days annually as its birthday. The initial formation of Clatsop Post 12 started at the same time with 38 combat veterans from Clatsop County. A lot of history will be on display and special guests will be in attendance at this birthday celebration. The public is invited. For members and guests they will serve biscuits and gravy at 8 a.m., soup and sandwich from noon to 1 p.m., and a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. All meals are served until the food is gone and donations will be accepted. Then at 6 p.m., they will have live music by The FOG. Come and celebrate our veterans. For additional information call 503-325-5771.

Growing food

LONG BEACH – From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, March 28, come to Green Angel Gardens at 6807 Sandridge Road in Long Beach for basic and intermediate workshops on the methods of bio-intensive food production. Topics include seed selection, sowing or transplanting, fertilizers and minerals, composting and much more. Pre-registration is required and the workshop is limited to 20 participants. Sign up by calling 642-4018 and leaving your contact information.

Cribbage

LONG BEACH – The Longest Beach Cribbage Club holds a tournament every Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Chautauqua Lodge in the Anchor lounge at 14th Street and Ocean Beach Boulevard. The play is according to ACC rules. The cost is $5, with double elimination and 100 percent payback. Anyone with an interest is invited. For more information call 642-3994.

SundayOysterville Club

OYSTERVILLE – Oysterville Community Club hosts a St. Paddy’s Day social soup ‘n sandwich potluck at the historic Oysterville Schoolhouse on Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. This is a great Sunday afternoon opportunity to have a cup of coffee, get a bite to eat (maybe even corned beef and cabbage), visit the schoolhouse, maybe play a game or simply visit with folks. Membership is not required. There will be a door prize. Come one, come all! Bring a potluck dish to share and maybe wear something green in keeping with the spirit of the occasion. Call Donna at 665-2336 or Karen at 665-2425 if you have questions.

Boat launch closed

CAPE D – The boat launch at Cape Disappointment State Park will be closed through June 30, during construction of a comfort station. Contact the park office at 642-3078 for more information.

Theatre meeting

ILWACO – Peninsula Players will hold their annual meeting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. This will be a combination business meeting and a potluck dinner. Members as well as interested non-members are invited to come and have fun. Bring a dish to share. The meeting will be held at the 2nd Story Playhouse, located at 108 Spruce St. in Ilwaco, above Just Treasures Cafe and Antique Mall.

Photo Exhibit

ILWACO – The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s new temporary exhibit is “Art of the Park,” a photo exhibit by local photographers and park staff showing some of the most beautiful sights within Long Beach Area State Parks. The exhibit will be open through Memorial weekend.

MondayFree CPR

OCEAN PARK – The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Ocean Park is sponsoring a free CPR class and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training on March 16 at 10 a.m. All members of the community are welcome to attend. Call Suzy at 665-6688, or leave a message at 665-5846 after 2 p.m.

LB council

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month at city hall located at 115 Bolstad Avenue West. The next meeting is March 16. The agenda is available at www.longbeachwa.gov or at city hall prior to the meeting. These meetings are open to the public. Call 642-4421 for additional information.

Lone Fir mtg

SEAVIEW – The Lone Fir Cemetery Association is holding their annual meeting at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 16 in the memorial room at the Peninsula Church Center, 5000 “N” Place in Seaview. All officers and friends of the cemetery are encouraged to attend. We need your input for the cemetery care. For information, call 642-2891.

Library Town Mtgs

PACIFIC COUNTY – Timberland Regional Library is holding town meetings to provide the public an opportunity to understand the financial challenges facing the library district, learn what various programs, initiatives and services cost and participate in a facilitated discussion. In Pacific County, a meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 16 at the Ocean Park Timberland Library and on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a meeting at the South Bend Timberland Library. In addition to town meetings, during March patrons will be able to provide comments and suggestions via an online survey at www.TRL.org, by suggestion forms in all library branches or by e-mail to comments@trlib.org. If you have questions call 360-704-4508.

Water District mtg

OCEAN PARK – The North Beach Water District’s board of commissioners meets at 6 p.m., on Monday, March 16 at the Pacific County Fire District No. 1 at 26109 Ridge Avenue in Ocean Park. For information call 665-4144.

Democrats meet

SEAVIEW – The Seaview Democratic Precinct No. 1 meets on Monday, March 16 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pacific County Transit Building in Seaview. Call Pat Donnelly at 642-2130 for more information.

Friends of Chinook

CHINOOK – The Friends of Chinook School meet at 7 p.m. March 16 at the Chinook fire hall. The meetings are open to anyone with an interest in the school. Call 777-8211 for more information.

Lupus & Fibromyalgia

SEASIDE – The Northcoast Lupus and Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on March 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the education center at the Seaside Hospital. The guest speaker will be Michelle Brannon, a personal trainer/instructor and owner of the Sunset Family Fitness in Seaside. She will show yoga moves to ease body and mind. If you have any questions, please call Sheila at 665-4870 or Carol at 503-325-1100.

TuesdayCommunity nights

SEAVIEW – During the month of March, every Tuesday night the 42nd Street Café will set aside 10 percent of their sales to benefit the South Pacific County Humane Society’s “no kill” shelter. Also, every day during March all diners, whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner, will have a chance to enter a special raffle for two different get-away packages: one at the Inn at Spanish head on the Oregon coast and the second at Breakers Resort in Long Beach. 42nd Street Café is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch and at 4:30 p.m. for dinner. The phone number is 642-2323.

Spring art show

LONG BEACH – Pre-registration for Peninsula Arts Association’s 18th Annual Spring Art Show is going on right now. The deadline to enter is March 17. Information about participating may be found at www.beachartist.org or you may call Bonnie Cozby at 665-6041 to have a packet sent to you.

PAA meeting

OCEAN PARK – The Peninsula Arts Association will meet at the Ocean Park Timberland Library at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. After the general meeting a program will be presented by Scott Leahing, owner of Dots N’ Doodles in Astoria. The program will consist of ways to present your artwork and exhibits in shows. This information will be helpful for the upcoming spring art festival at the World Kite Museum on April 3 through April 5. Call 665-4592 for more information.

Alpha Theta

NASELLE – Alpha Theta No. 3711, ESA meets at 5:30 p.m. on March 17 at the Naselle Timberland Library. Soup will be served for Disaster Fund.

Wednesday, March 18Free tax help

OCEAN PARK – Seniors and low-income taxpayers can get free help with their 2008 Federal income taxes at the Ocean Park Timberland Library on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 15. No appointment is needed – this is a “sign in and wait your turn” service. Please bring all current tax records (including all amounts of rebates/credits received in 2008), plus a copy of all 2007 tax records/return. If you need more information, call Yvonne Howell at 665-5845.

Astoria DAR

ASTORIA – Astoria Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution meet at 11:30 a.m., on March 18 at the Astoria Golf and Country Club. The program will be presented by Chapter Historian Macy Yates. Women interested in membership and members are invited to attend. Reservations may be made by March 16 by calling Regent Evelyn Laughman at 503-325-4683 or Vice Regent Pat Wendt 503-325-2216.

Future EventsFundraising dinner

KLIPSAN – Come enjoy a chicken fried steak dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, a vegetable, slaw salad, beverage and dessert on Thursday, March 19 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center. The public is welcome to participate in this fundraising dinner that is a great meal for all ages and only costs $7 for adults and $5 for children. Call 665-3999 if you have questions.

Poet laureate @ library

RAYMOND – Enjoy an evening of poetry with Sam Green, Washington state’s first Poet Laureate at the Raymond Timberland Library at 507 Duryea Street, on Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m. Refreshments and time for questions and discussion will be provided. Named Washington Poet Laureate in December 2007, Green is a native of Washington and resides on remote Waldron Island. A distinguished poet and author of 10 poetry collections, including his new book, “The Grace of Necessity,” his work has appeared in numerous publications. For more than 30 years, he has served as editor of a small press focusing on the work of Washington poets. Green has served as a visiting poet in a wide range of settings and has been teaching poetry at Seattle University for several years. For more information, call 360-942-2408 or go to www.TRL.org.

Alzheimer support

RAYMOND – A free information and support group for care partners, family members and friends of individuals with dementia will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 324 Jackson St. in Raymond, on the first Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on the third Thursday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The next meeting is March 19. Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with dementia. Contact group facilitator Laurie Johnson at 360-942-2603.

Ilwaco Merchants

ILWACO – Ilwaco Merchants Association invites your input on how best to utilize the new Town Square facility. Do you want concerts? Swap meets? Dances? Fundraisers? The first meeting is Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Inn at Harbour Village. Bring your ideas and opinions. For information call Peter Bale at 642-0087.

Open mic

LONG BEACH – Open mic at Akari located at 203 Bolstad Ave. W. in downtown Long Beach, will be March 19, starting at 7:30 p.m. Sign up to present music, a reading or any style of performance, or just join the audience for the show. This is an open forum for the poetic, lyrical, melodic and beyond for the exchange of ideas, views and thoughts. For information call John at 777-8019.

Quilt Guild show

ILWACO – The 14th Annual Peninsula Quilt Guild Show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, then noon to 4 p.m., March 22 at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum at 115 S.E. Lake Street in Ilwaco. “Quilting at the Beach” is this year’s theme. In addition to the more than 100 quilts on display, there will be a special feature show of quilts by Janet King, quilt designer and teacher, who uses non-traditional colors to give a modern twist to traditional patterns. There will be ongoing demonstrations of various aspects of quilt making during the show, plus there will be a raffle drawing for a prize quilt, “Cranberry Relish.” Admission to the show is free. Refreshments will be available. Call 642-3446 for more information.

Regards to Broadway

ILWACO – The public is invited to the 2nd Story Playhouse, above Just Treasures Antiques in Ilwaco for the performance of the classic George M. Cohan musical “Give My Regards to Broadway.” Performances are Fridays, March 20 and 27 and April 3 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, March 21 and 28 and April 4 at 7 p.m., and Sundays, March 22 and 29 and April 5 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and are available at Okie’s Thriftway in Ocean Park, Stormin’ Norman’s in Long Beach, JT’s Café and The Imperial Schooner in Ilwaco. This production is directed by Rita Smith and produced by Laurie Carter, with choreography by Maggie Rose and Brianne Emry and accompaniment by Sandra Nielson and the Ilwaco High School Jazz Band.

Republican Dinner

SOUTH BEND – Republicans in Pacific County will convene for their Lincoln Day Dinner event on Saturday, March 21 at the Willapa Harbor Chamber building in South Bend. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Matt Manweller an associate professor of political science at Central Washington University and an adjunct scholar for Washington Policy Center, a non-partisan independent policy research organization in Seattle and Olympia. Manweller is the author of numerous books and articles on constitutional law, direct democracy, and judicial politics. His most recent article “The Key to Economic Stimulus” was published in February as an OP-Ed in the Washington Times. The reception and silent auction begins at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are justs $25 and can be purchased by calling Nan Malin 642-2444.

China sale

CATHLAMET – Spode, Staffordshire, Irish Dresden and Lomonosov china are just some of the items that will be for sale at a fundraising event to be held on Saturday, March 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at St. James Family Center, 11334 Columbia Street in Cathlamet. The sale features a variety of china teapots, cups and saucers, plates and figurines, as well as linen, silver and glass pieces, new and antique. There is no entry fee for this event but raffle tickets for a collectable Pat Talbott bear will be on sale. In additional a traditional English tea will be hosted by the ladies of St. James Episcopal Church from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for the tea only are $10 and advance reservations are requested by calling 360-795-8612. Al proceeds go to St. James Family Center.

Stamp Club

LONG BEACH – The Peninsula Stamp Club has changed the date and location of their meetings. Meetings are now the third Saturday of each month at the Planter Box at 12706 Pacific Way. The next meeting is March 21. Beginners to advanced collectors are welcome. Call John at 642-8732 for more information.

Library closed

ILWACO – The Ilwaco Timberland Library will be closed March 21 through April 5 for the move back into their newly remodeled space in the Ilwaco Community Building. The library will reopen on Monday April 6.

Willapa RFL

RAYMOND – Team Luke with Relay For Life of Willapa Bay is sponsoring a scavenger hunt fundraiser on March 21. The scavenger hunt will begin and end at Tombstone Willie’s Saloon (Hwy 6 and Camp One Road in Raymond). Each participant will receive a packet of “clues” which lead to different locations where they will have to find a flag or perform a task within a certain time limit. The search area will cover the entire Willapa Valley School District. There will be cash prizes awarded to the top finishers. There is a $75 entry fee and registration form that must be turned in by Wednesday, March 18 to Linda Miller, P.O. Box 529, Raymond, WA 98577. If you have questions or for further information please contact Linda at 360-942-2961.

Health dept closed

LONG BEACH – Pacific County Health Department will be closed March 23 through March 27 for the move to be new south county office building at 7013 Sandridge Road. If you need help during this closure, contact the South Bend office at 642-9343. The health department will reopen on Monday, March 30.

Com. Development closed

LONG BEACH – The Pacific County Department of Community Development will be closed from March 24 through March 27 for the move to the new South Pacific County Administrative Facility at 7013 Sandridge Road. Limited building inspections will be conducted March 24, 25 and 26. Call 642-9382 to schedule. No water samples will be taken in Long Beach on March 24. The food handler’s class for March 24 has been cancelled. Regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. will resume on March 30. Starting April 7, all food handler classes will be held at the new location.

Auditor closed

LONG BEACH – The Pacific County Auditor’s Long Beach licensing office will be closed on March 25 for the move to the new offices at 7013 Sandridge Road. Call 642-9310 for more information.

Court closed

LONG BEACH – South County District Court will be closed March 26, 27 and 30 for their move to the new county offices at 7013 Sandridge Road. They will reopen for business on March 31. Call 642-9417 with questions.

Veterans meeting

LONG BEACH – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3721 in Long Beach holds their monthly membership and business meeting at 7 p.m. on March 26 at the Elks Lodge located at 110 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. For information, call 642-1228.

Bluegrass Festival

PENINSULA – Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Long Beach Bluegrass Festival coming March 27 through March 29 at the Chautauqua Lodge. There will be 20 sets of music, each 45 minutes long, starting at 6 p.m., on Friday, March 27, along with the band scramble and workshops available Saturday morning. Sunday morning’s gospel session is free. The 2009 band line up includes: Charlie Sizemore Band, Cascades Mountain Boys, Lee Highway, Fern Hill, Great Northern Planes, Runaway Train, Solomon’s Porch, Old Circle, Northern Departure and the Beppe Gambetta Workshop and concert. Tickets are $15 for Friday and $20 for Saturday. Call Ruth Ann at 665-4141, Steven at 642-5625 or the city of Long Beach at 642-4421 for tickets.

Clamming

PENINSULA – A razor clam dig is scheduled on the Long Beach Peninsula from the Columbia River north jetty to Leadbetter Point on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, pending marine toxin tests, with digging allowed before noon. Low tides those days are as follows: Saturday, March 28, 9:32 a.m. -0.1 and Sunday, March 28, 10:13 a.m. -0.3. Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. Licenses are available at numerous local businesses.

Treasures Of Time

KLIPSAN – On March 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center, the American Association of University Women is presenting an afternoon tea celebrating the lives of three women who made a difference in the advancement of women’s rights. While the guests are enjoying a traditional English tea, each of the women will be personified in a monologue highlighting their experiences and contributions to the advancement of women’s education and political rights. The cost is $20 per person and $10 for children 12 years old and younger. This is a great way to enjoy a lovely tea, learn about some great women and help the young women of our local area. Tickets will be available at Okie’s Thriftway Market in Ocean Park, Stormin’ Norman’s in Long Beach, or send a check to AAUW, P.O. Box 385, Long Beach WA. 98631 to be received no later than March 20.

Drift boats & dories

ASTORIA – The Columbia River Maritime Museum is hosting author Roger Fletcher who will discuss his book, “Drift Boats and River Dories,” which contains a history of the river pioneers who designed, built and used river dories and drift boats. The lecture is free for museum members or with paid admission. Call 503-325-2323 for information.

Children’s theatre

ILWACO – Missoula Children’s Theatre will be holding auditions for Pinocchio on Monday, March 30 at the Hilltop Auditorium for children ages 5 through 18. The auditions will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information contact Kelly Jacobsen at 360-244-9689.

Spring break

PACIFIC COUNTY – Students in the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District and the Ocean Beach School District will enjoy spring break from April 6 through April 10.

Convertible owners

LONG BEACH – Loyalty Days Parade organizers need you to carry from one to four guests in the Loyalty Day Parade the first Saturday in May. If you have a convertible and are willing to help the cause and have fun in the process, contact Steven at 642-5625.