Community Calendar: 3.25.09

Published 5:00 pm Monday, March 23, 2009

Wednesday, March 25Auditor 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.

Health dept closed

LONG BEACH – Pacific County Health Department will be closed through March 27 for the move to the 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 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 25 and 26. Call 642-9382 to schedule. 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.

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.

Yoga

OCEAN PARK – Gentle stretch yoga is offered each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center. Call 665-5780 for more information.

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. Call 665-2598 for further information.

Kite spring fling

LONG BEACH – The World Kite Museum in Long Beach continues its spring fling with special exhibits and activities. You’ll see historical kites, read about kite adventures, enjoy a self-guided tour plus make a box kite to take home. There is a lot going on at the kite museum, 303 Sid Snyder Drive. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 642-4020 for more information.

ThursdaySheriff’s office closed

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach office of the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office will be closed from March 26 to April 1 to accomplish the move to the new facility at 7013 Sandridge. They apologize for any inconvenience to the public and appreciate your patience. During that time clerical and business matters may be addressed at the public safety building at 300 Memorial Ave in South Bend in person or by phone at 360-875-1642 or 642-9395. If you have an emergency, dial 911. Law and emergency service response will continue as usual and not be affected by the move.

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.

Grief support

OCEAN PARK – A Grief Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. and the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The remaining meeting this month is March 19. Meetings are at the Ocean Park Lutheran Church at 240th and “U” Street. Harbors Home Health and Hospice sponsors these gatherings. Contact them at 800-772-1319.

CERT team meeting

OCEAN PARK – South Pacific County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) will meet at 6 p.m., on Thursday, March 26, in the Ocean Park fire hall community room. All persons interested in the CERT resource are invited to attend. Core training may be offered this spring if enough people are interested. If you’d like to be trained but cannot attend the meeting on March 26, please call Kerry at 665-3710.

Forestry meeting

RAYMOND – The Twin Harbors Coalition is proud to sponsor Kirk Hanson, South Sound Director for Northwest Certified Forestry who will discuss new market opportunities for small woodland owners including carbon markets, FSC certification and marketing “green” certified forest products. This is an excellent opportunity for woodland owners of five to 100 acres to learn of the various options available. This event will occur on March 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Pacific County PUD No. 2, 405 Duryea Street in Raymond. Please contact Jeff Gee at 360-589-3444 or jeff_s_g@yahoo.com for more information.

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. There will be a meeting on March 26 at 6:30 p.m., 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.

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 a new location – the Elks Lodge located at 110 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. For information, call 642-1228.

Just for men

LONG BEACH – On Thursday, March 26 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., a session called Just for Men gets underway. This is confidential support for Mr. Nice Guy recovery; men’s issues including addictions, partnering and parenting. This is a six-week class with co-therapists Steven Fox CDP and Sherry Berteaux, LMHC. Call to register at Berteaux Counseling at 642-8915.

Line dancing

LONG BEACH – Everyone is welcome to come to the Elks Lodge in Long Beach for line dancing every 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 every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Peninsula Baptist Church, 23802 Pacific Hwy., Ocean Park. Everyone is welcome no matter what your marital situation. Call 665-0804 for details.

Free Thursdays

ILWACO – Did you know you can visit the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum at 115 SE Lake Street in Ilwaco on Thursdays free of charge. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. There is always something new, so bring the family and come see what treasures our local museum has to offer.

FridayBluegrass Festival

PENINSULA – The 5th Annual Long Beach Bluegrass Festival is 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. You don’t want to miss this great musical, community event where you will hear incredible talented musicians perform. Call Ruth Ann at 665-4141, Steven at 642-5625 or the city of Long Beach at 642-4421 for tickets.

Parkinson support

OCEAN PARK – The Parkinson’s disease support group meets from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Ocean Park Lutheran Church, 24002 “U” Street in Ocean Park. For information, call Patti at 665-3284 or Jerry at 642-2273.

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.” 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. Remaining performances are Fridays, March 27 and April 3 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, March 28 and April 4 at 7 p.m., and Sundays, March 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.

SaturdayGrowing food

LONG BEACH – From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, come to Green Angel Gardens at 6807 Sandridge Road in Long Beach for an intermediate workshop 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 leave your contact information.

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 29, 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 are available at Okie’s Thriftway Market in Ocean Park or Stormin’ Norman’s in Long Beach.

Art exhibition

ILWACO – From March 28 through May 12, the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is hosting featured artist Charles Funk. As a child he fished the rivers and bay and hunted the hills of the Willapa as his Chinook ancestors did. He has taught in both elementary and high schools as well as being a commercial artist. Charles is an elder of the Chinook Tribe. Included in the exhibition will be landscapes, drawings and a series of works that illustrate Chinook stories.

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, on Saturday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m. The lecture is free for museum members or with paid admission. Call 503-325-2323 for information.

Ducks Unlimited

ASTORIA – The 32nd annual banquet of the North Coast Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be held on Saturday, March 28, at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is at 6:30 p.m. The event includes a fine dinner, live and silent auctions and assorted raffles and games of chance. Wildlife art, carved decoys, firearms and useful merchandise are featured. About 30 guns will be auctioned or given away. Regular ticket price is $45. Special ticket packages are available for youths, significant others and sponsors. All tickets include the dinner, Ducks Unlimited membership and magazine and a chance at the door prize gun. Members of the Long Beach Ducks Unlimited chapter are especially invited and will only need to pay the $25 dinner cost. Tickets and information are available from Jennifer Biamont at 503-738-5580. Advance purchase is highly recommended.

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.

Cribbage

LONG BEACH – The Longest Beach Cribbage Club meets every Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Chautauqua Lodge in the Anchor lounge at 14th Street and Ocean Beach Boulevard. The play will be 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.

SundayOysters & Chili

NASELLE – The Naselle Sports Club is hosting an oysters and chili feed event from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at the Naselle School commons. The cost is just $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 years old and younger. The menu includes homemade chili, steamed oysters, garlic bread, cheesy potatoes, green salad and blueberry dessert. This annual fundraiser helps to provide money for uniforms, baseball field maintenance and equipment for kids who are five years old to 15 years old and want to play baseball. Come support this great community event. Call Andi Shotwell at 360-875-6069 for more information.

Gospel sing

ILWACO – Everyone is welcome to an all-church gospel sing at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at the Pacific Bible Church, on Highway 101 across from Black Lake in Ilwaco. Don’t miss this uplifting event.

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.

MondayChildren’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.

Running start

ILWACO – A Running Start information meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on March 30 in room 214 at the high school. Students who will be juniors or seniors for the 2009-10 school year may be eligible for community college admission to gain concurrent enrollment in high school and college classes. Call Amy at 642-3731 for more information.

Flushing notice

SURFSIDE – The Surfside Water Department will continue their annual water flow and hydrant flushing between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This process will continue for about one month, until April 23. Customers may experience temporary low pressure and/or water discoloration during the flushing process. If these conditions continue after 3:30 p.m., call 665-4171, ext. 228.

Grant opportunities

PACIFIC CTY – WellSpring Community Network has grant opportunities available for local programs that focus on the following areas: prevention of child abuse or neglect, youth violence, youth substance abuse, youth suicide, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, dropping out of school, or child out-of-home placement issues in south Pacific County. Past grants have been awarded for parenting classes, a basketball clinic, and Infant Safety Net supplies, among others. The application deadline is April 15. Total funds available are $2,500. Those receiving a grant award must expend the funds by June 30. To obtain a grant application, please contact Margaret Harshfield at pcn_south@yahoo.com or call 360-208-3295.

TuesdayRotary meeting

SEAVIEW – On Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 a.m., the SW Pacific County Peninsula Rotary holds their monthly meeting at the 42nd Street Café in Seaview. Cliff Dochterman who served as the world president of Rotary International from 1992-93 will visit the club via DVD presentation to talk about how “Real Happiness is Helping Others.” The fun-loving Peninsula club meets weekly for breakfast, fellowship and a half-hour presentation by a guest speaker. Club members welcome guests interested in learning more about Rotary, or who would simply like to enjoy the week’s program. Breakfast is $10. Commitment is zero. Contact Carol Lynn Ockfen for more information: 665-5806 or carollynnockfen@comcast.net.

Community 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.

Drawing class

KLIPSAN – Beginning drawing classes are offered each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center in Klipsan. Instructor Carol McNatt will lead the classes. For information call 665-6124.

Do Nothing Club

OCEAN PARK -The Do Nothing Club is a men’s group that meets on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at 24002 “U” Street in Ocean Park. You can play cribbage, shoot pool or sit around and just grouse if you want. Meet and make some new friends. For more information, call Jack McBride at 665-2721 or Jim Wirth at 665-2420.

Wednesday, April 1Lent services

OCEAN PARK – Lent services will be held every Wednesday through April 1 at 7 p.m. at Ocean Park United Methodist Church. A soup supper at 6 p.m. will precede the service. Call 665-4177 for more information.

Free 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.

ESL classes

OCEAN PARK – English as a second language classes are offered each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ocean Park Methodist Church. There is no cost for these classes and all levels are welcome. Flexible times may also be available so please contact Marya at 642-3475 for more information.

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 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.

Writers’ Circle

OCEAN PARK – The Writers’ Circle meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Ocean Park Library. The meetings are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The purpose of the meetings is to critique each other’s work in friendly, helpful ways. For more information call 642-6424 or 665-3835.

Advisory Board

LONG BEACH – The Pacific County Advisory Board meets at 4 p.m., on April 1 at Willapa Behavioral Health, 2204 Pacific Highway North. Call 642-3787 for more information.

Future EventsWater Music benefit

SEAVIEW – During April, every Tuesday night the 42nd Street Café will set aside 10 percent of their sales to benefit the Water Music Festival Organization. This year Water Music Festival is celebrating its 25th Anniversary of bringing high quality music of various genres, including classical and jazz to the Peninsula. Also every day during April all diners at breakfast, lunch and dinner will have a chance to enter a Water Music Festival raffle for special prizes to be awarded at the end of the month. 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.

Poetry & Songs

SKAMOKAWA – Fisher Poet Dave Densmore and songwriter Alexa Wiley will perform a set of music and poetry together on April 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Redmen Hall/River Life Interpretive Center in Skamokawa. This unique educational and entertaining performance, entitled “For the Love of Fish,” is about fishing and the proposed liquefied natural gas terminals. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission donation is $8 per person or $15 per family, with children using floor seating. For information call 360-795-3007.

LB Merchants

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach Merchants Association meets Friday, April 3 at 8 a.m., at Benson’s Restaurant, 504 S Pacific Ave., in Long Beach. For more information call this year’s president, Steven Linhart at 642-5625.

Rummage sale

OCEAN PARK – There will be a rummage sale at the Dunes Pool on Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pool is located at 23515 Pacific Way, Ocean Park. Anyone with donations for the sale can call the pool at 665-5542 to arrange a drop off time.

Quakers meetings

SEAVIEW – The Lower Columbia Worship Group normally meets the first and third Sundays of each month at 3 p.m. in the fireside room at the Peninsula Church Center at 5000 “N” Place in Seaview for silent, unprogrammed worship to which all are welcome. The April 5 meeting will be in Portland with the Multnomah Friends. For further information call 642-0709 or e-mail LowerColumbiaQuakers@gmail.com.

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 – 10.

Water District mtg

OCEAN PARK – The North Beach Water District board of commissioners will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 6 at the district office at 25902 Vernon Avenue, Suite D in Ocean Park. The meeting is open to the public.

Hazard sirens testing

SOUTH BEND – The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA) will begin monthly testing of the All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) sirens on Monday, April 6, at noon. Monthly tests will occur at noon on the first Monday of each month. The AHAB sirens will sound the Westminster chimes for 10 seconds followed by a 15 second verbal message stating “This is a test of the Emergency Management Agency Tsunami Warning System. This is only a test.” The PCEMA has requested assistance from Pacific County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services volunteers in tracking the success of each test. Residents with questions or concerns may contact the PCEMA office at 360-875-9340 or 642-9340.

Humane volunteers

LONG BEACH – Volunteers or those interested in volunteering at the South Pacific County Humane Society are invited to their monthly meeting at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7. Anyone with an interest is welcome. Call 642-1180 for information.

Emergency management

SEAVIEW – The Pacific County Emergency Council meets at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 9 at the Emergency Operations Center in South Bend. These meetings are open to the public. Call 875-9340 or 642-9340 for more information.

Photography club

LONG BEACH – The photography club meets April 9 at 7 p.m., at the Picture Attic, 711 Pacific Avenue North in Long Beach. Come share and learn with others. Call 642-4770 for more information.

Transit Board Meeting

RAYMOND – Pacific Transit System will hold its regular quarterly board meeting on Thursday, April 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Pacific Transit’s Raymond meeting room at 216 N. 2nd Street. A public hearing will be held to hear comments on the Transit Development Plan 2009-14 and the 2008 Annual Report. The public is invited to attend and comment.

Easter Egg Hunt

OCEAN PARK – Calling all kids! The Easter Bunny has been busy hiding some colored eggs at the Beach Barons Field on 258th and Sandridge Road. Bring your Easter baskets and be there at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, and see how many eggs you can find. The age categories are 0 to 5 years, 6 to 9 years and 10 to 12 years. There are prizes for every child who participates. Refreshments will be served after the hunt.

Tilth mtg/plant swap

LONG BEACH – From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturday, April 11, members or those with an interest in membership are invited to Green Angel Gardens for the annual Tilth meeting and plant swap. This is a potluck meeting so bring something to share. Bring your starts for swap or sale. Call 503-791-3129 for more information.

Food/farm summit

CATHLAMET – “Grow our own groceries” is the theme of the workshops for urban and rural growers that will be held at the 5th Annual Food and Farm Summit on April 11 in the River Street meeting room at 25 River Street in Cathlamet. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The keynote address begins at 9 a.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The cost is $20 for individuals and $35 for couples. This full day will cover the farm-to-table movement, growing your own vegetables, designing a garden, starting a home orchard and more. For information and advanced registration call Diane Stockhouse at 360-849-4145 or e-mail botman@centurytel.net.

Pancake breakfast

KLIPSAN – A fundraising pancake breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 11 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center. For just $5 for adults, $3 for children, you have a choice of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage or biscuits ‘n’ gravy with scrambled eggs. Plus, a beverage is included. The public is welcome.

A Decadent Affair

RAYMOND – The Northwest Carriage Museum is holding “A Decadent Affair” on Saturday, April 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 314 Alder Street in Raymond. For a $5 donation at the door you can join their mystery guests from the past as they tell tales that will take you back to the era of horse-drawn carriages. Blain and Kim Roberts, owners of Westport Winery will unveil their Maritime Muscat. This delectable wine exhibits flavors of banana on the nose with honey, tropical fruit sweetness and subtle spice on the palate. It’s excellent with cheese, desserts or simply to enjoy on its own. Best of all a portion of the proceeds of sales of this wine will go directly to the museum. For more information, please call 360-942-4150.

Shorebird classes

LONG BEACH – Discovery Coast Audubon Society of Pacific County is offering the first beginning shorebird classes on April 13, 20 and 27. The classes will meet at 9 a.m. at Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort at 12417 Pacific Way in Long Beach. The instructor, Mary Atherton, can be reached at birdingclass@yahoo.com; or call 360-244-3021 to register. Please register early as there is limited seating. There will be two field trips. The instructor will be using Donald and Lillian Stokes “Beginners Guide to Shorebirds,” but you can bring your favorite shorebird book.

Pac Cty Commissioners

SOUTH BEND – Pacific County Commissioners meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon in the Commissioners’ meeting room at the County Annex Building. April’s meetings are April 14 and April 28. Call 642-9337 or 875-9337 for more information or go to www.co.pacific.wa.us/commissioner/index.htm for details of upcoming meetings.

Audubon mtg

LONGVIEW – On Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., Willapa Hills Audubon will sponsor a program, “Wild Utah: America’s Redrock Wilderness.” The program is free to the public and will be held in the Cowlitz P.U.D. auditorium at 961 12th Ave in Longview. This multi-media slide show documents citizen efforts to designate public lands in southern Utah’s spectacular canyon country as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. In conjunction with the program, Bob Brister, interregional outreach coordinator for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, will give a presentation on the current status of the Utah wilderness movement. This is a must see event for those who want to learn about this tremendous American public lands conservation effort.

Spring into gardening

ASTOIRA – Clatsop County Master Gardeners are hosting spring into gardening with two upcoming events. From 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, April 16, TV personality and gardening expert Ed Hume will discuss “Growing Vegetables on the Coast” at Astoria High School auditorium. The cost is $5 at the door. Then on April 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, eight speakers will present a variety of talks aimed at helping everyone grow their own vegetables and flowers. Attendees will learn how to stretch their budget by growing everything from exotic lettuces to carrots and peas. Topics include organic vegetable gardening, wild birds in the garden, pest controls, fruit tree care and pruning, growing cut flowers, community gardens and gardening with kids. The cost is $18 for the full day.

Poker run/pigout

CHINOOK – JJ’s final memorial benefit Poker Run and Pigout is set for Saturday, April 18. Sign up at the Chinook Inn in downtown Chinook from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $10 per person and includes the year bar and barbecue after the run. The run covers approximately 135 miles along the Columbia River. For information and to pre-register call Jamye at 665-6513 or 642-3127, or Lenny at 484-7226. Proceeds will benefit JJ’s family.

Loyalty coronation

LONG BEACH – Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Ilwaco Middle/High School Auditorium the coronation program for Junior Miss Loyalty and the Loyalty Days Queen will be held. The master of ceremonies is Mark Dobney. Admission is $1 or a Loyalty Day button.

Beach cleanup

PENINSULA – The Grassroots Garbage Gang is hosting a beach cleanup on Saturday, April 18. Meet at any major beach approach at 9 a.m. that morning and help clean our beaches. For more information contact Shelly Pollock at shelly@ourbeach.org.

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 11 a.m. at the Planter Box at 12706 Pacific Way. The next meeting is April 18. Beginners to advanced collectors are welcome. Call John at 642-8732 for more information.

Hot dogs & Garage Sale

KLIPSAN – Peninsula Senior Activity Center is holding a garage sale and hot dog extravaganza from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 25. Donations are now being accepted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m. Donations may include clean and useable clothing, household goods, antiques and jewelry. Antiques and special items are gratefully accepted. Unfortunate