Wednesday, May 20Boat launch now open

CAPE D – The boat launch at Cape Disappointment State Park has reopened again after construction of a comfort station. Contact the park office at 642-3078 for more information.

Fair Queen candidates wanted

PACIFIC COUNTY – Pacific County Fair is looking for candidates for the 2009 Fair Queen Contest. All interested girls, high school and home-schooled, are encouraged to participate. The deadline to apply is May 20. For more information please contact Ava Robinson 360-942-5450 or Leslie Goodin 360-942-9208.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser

ILWACO – Ilwaco Middle School’s Highly Capable Students’ Empty Bowls Fundraiser is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 20 at the Ilwaco Community Building at the PACE dining room, 158 1st Avenue North. Students are creating ceramic bowls, which will be used in the local Empty Bowls Project to bring awareness to hunger in our area. This is a fundraiser for P.A.C.E Senior Nutrition Program. The $10 entrance gets you a handmade bowl. In that bowl will be soup made by a local chef and bread made by a local baker. Please come and join us and support our students and senior citizens.

Daughters of American Revolution

ASTORIA – Astoria Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution meet at 11:30 a.m., on May 20 at the Astoria Golf and Country Club. Kathleen Zimmer will present a program on her recent travels and new members will be inducted. Women interested in membership may call Sue Glen at 503-861-0574. Those planning to attend may call Pat Wendt at 503-325-2216. The chapter will begin collecting U.S. flags needing retirement for their annual flag retirement ceremony to be held on June 14 at 1 p.m., at the Fort Stevens Historical Park. Flags may be given to any member or dropped off at sites to be announced later this month.

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.

Wednesday Art Groups

PENINSULA – Art Bunch meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. It is open to anyone; with a $5 fee for attendance Then the Firehouse Artists meet each Wednesday at the Ocean Park fire hall from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. All are welcome and there is no fee to participate. These groups meet to paint, draw, create and critique in an atmosphere of camaraderie and support.

Art show

ILWACO – The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is hosting a special exhibit of art work completed by Ilwaco High School students. Come check out these talented students.

Thursday, May 21Diabetes support

ILWACO – Ocean Beach Hospital’s Diabetes Education Department presents, “Wii Can Get Fit Together” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Thursday May 21. Deanna Duret RD and Denise Ross RN, will host the gathering in the second floor meeting rooms at Ocean Beach Hospital in Ilwaco. The meetings are free to public. For more information, call 642-6308.

Memorial Weekend Book Sale

OCEAN PARK – The Friends of Ilwaco-Ocean Park Libraries will hold their semi-annual book sale from May 21 through May 24 at Ocean Park Library. Hours are Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for members only; books will be double the regular price but you get first chance. You can join at the door. Hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine! Come stock up for the summer and help your local libraries.

Master Gardeners meet

ASTORIA – The Clatsop County Master Gardeners are hosting Gretchen Taylor of Kellogg Supply Inc., who will present on “Feed the soil … not the plants” at their brown bag luncheon meeting at noon on May 21 at the Astoria Aquatic Center. (The business meeting starts at 11 a.m.) Taylor has spent more than 25 years working in the lawn and garden industry. She has a working knowledge of garden products, gardening techniques and consumer gardening trends and in 2004 was recognized by the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association as “Tradesman of the Year.” For the last five years she has been working for Kellogg Garden Products, a company that manufactures and distributes high quality organic soils and fertilizers. This event is free and open to the public.

Community dinner

KLIPSAN – The senior center is holding a fundraising dinner open to the community on May 21 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It will be a meatloaf dinner with all the extras. The cost for this great meal is just $7 for adults and $5 for children and includes mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, green salad, dessert and beverage. The public is encouraged to attend.

Overeaters Anonymous

KLIPSAN – From noon to 1 p.m., each Thursday, an Overeaters Anonymous group meets at Golden Sands Assisted Living Center in Klipsan (across from the senior center). Anyone having a problem with food is welcome. If you have questions call Dianne at 665-2348.

Veterans meeting

LONG BEACH – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3721 in Long Beach holds their monthly membership and business meeting at 7 p.m., May 21 at the Elks Lodge at 110 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. For information, call 642-1228.

Art around town

ILWACO – Ocean Beach Hospital is hosting artists Theodore Diebold and Rick Houston during May and June. Come see some of the incredible photography of these two members of the Peninsula Arts Association.

Computer group meets

LONG BEACH – The BeachMUG (Macintosh Users Group) meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Super 8 Motel on Thursday, May 21. Anyone with an interest is welcome to attend. Call 665-5357 for more information.

Friday, May 22Sale & Auction for Marlee

CHINOOK – On May 22 and May 23 All Season’s Kidstuff in Chinook is hosting a charity garage sale and silent auction to benefit Marlee Hughes. All items donated will be sold and the monies earned given to Jennifer and Mike for their mounting expenses. Please stop by, donate or sign the, “We Support You” board. Let them know that their community is here for them. For further details please call Season at 777-8697. They are accepting items large and small on May 20 and May 21.

Garage & bake sale

ILWACO – Pacific Bible Church at 501 North Highway 101, opposite Black Lake in Ilwaco, is holding a garage and bake sale on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23. Doors open at 9 a.m. and they promise “something for everybody.”

Baking beauties

OCEAN PARK – The Bay Avenue Baking Beauties are at it again! Their annual fundraising bake sale for the benefit of ReachOut Food Bank will be held Saturday, May 23, from 9 a.m. until the goodies are gone. This bake sale includes that wonderful “Adults Only” table! There will be many delectable goodies featuring your favorite libation including Black Russian Cake, Margarita Cake, Bacardi Rum Cake, Apple Walnut Cake with Whiskey Glaze, and new this year, Caliente Spiced Rum Cake. Many of the Peninsula’s best bakers will be showing off their great talents for this event so be there early for your best selection. If you would like to donate to this event or need more information, please call Judy at 665-0770.

New Museum Director

ASTORIA – From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 22, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is hosting a reception for their new executive director, Dr. Sam Johnson. The public is encouraged to come meet this thoughtful, engaging, humorous, down-to-earth and energized man. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Kern Room.

Living w/Chronic conditions

ILWACO – Ocean Beach Hospital continues its workshop series on ‘Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions’ from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Fridays, through June 12 in the hospital conference rooms. There is no charge to attend this course that is ideal for people with heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other chronic illnesses. Topics include techniques for dealing with pain, frustration, fatigue, isolation, depression and much more. For more information or to register call Denise Ross, R.N., at 642-6308 or Gloria VanDeHey at 642-6314.

MAMAS group

LONG BEACH – A group called “MAMAS” meets every Friday from 11 a.m. to noon at 811 Pacific Hwy S, Suite 16 in the midwifery office between THC Organic Market and LB Coffee Roasters. This is a support group for mothers on the Long Beach Peninsula and surrounding areas. Just some of the mothering issues that will be discussed include breastfeeding, parenting, birthing and nutrition and answers to questions pregnant women or new mothers may have. There is no charge to participate and children are always welcome. Contact Tamy at 509-220-9915 or 642-2033.

Parkinson support

OCEAN PARK – The Parkinson’s disease support group meets from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., May 22 at the Ocean Park Lutheran Church, 24002 “U” Street in Ocean Park. For information, call Patti at 665-3284 or Jerry at 642-2273.

Saturday, May 23Boy Scouts car wash

LONG BEACH – Got Dirt? Your local Boy Scouts of Troop 28 will be participating in a car wash fundraiser this Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Bank of the Pacific parking lot in Long Beach. No appointment is necessary, just show up in your car, truck or RV and the Boy Scouts will get it shiny and clean in time for the Memorial Day holiday. Cash donations are greatly appreciated and enthusiastically accepted. Funds raised will be used to offset the cost of summer camp, uniforms and new troop equipment purchases. Thanks for your support! Questions? Contact Tom Sutherland, Scoutmaster Troop 28 at 360-244-1611.

Quarantine Station open house

KNAPPTON COVE – Knappton Cove Heritage Center is hosting an open house event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, May 23. Celebrate national historic preservation month with a visit to the historic quarantine station on the Columbia River, visit the Pesthouse Museum and pick up a map for the treasure hunt. The heritage center is located on Hwy. 401, three miles east of the Washington side of the Astoria-Megler bridge. Call 503-738-5206 or e-mail thecove@theoregonshore.com for information.

SummerFest begins

LONG BEACH – The city of Long Beach hosts horse and wagon rides, face painting, kids games, clowns and more each weekend beginning Saturday, May 23 through Labor Day weekend. Come to town and have some fun.

Museum exhibit extended

ILWACO – The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is pleased to announce the extension of the exhibition, “We Are Still Here,” featuring the artwork of Charles I. Funk, Chinook elder. The exhibition will remain open through June 7. In addition, the Ilwaco High School art students will be displaying their artwork at the museum May 16 through June 2. Call 642-3446 for more information.

Saturday Market

ILWACO – The Saturday Market at the Port of Ilwaco is open every Saturday through Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For highlights and more information go to www.portofilwaco.org/saturdaymarket.html or call 360-783-1143.

Sunday, May 24People and Places

SKAMOKAWA – Sunday, May 24 is the last day to see the exhibit “People and Places” by well-known Cathlamet artists David Goodroe and Mitzi Christensen at Redmen Hall in Skamokawa. This exhibit is their vision of and connection to the lower Columbia. Redmen Hall is in downtown Skamokawa just off SR-4 and is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Young Life car wash

LONG BEACH – Young Life youth group will hold a car wash on Sunday, May 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bank of the Pacific parking lot. Come help kids raise funds for summer camps. Support our youth!

Summer camp

PENINSULA – Do you want to go to summer camp? Reach Out Ministries may be able to help with camp fees. They will pay up to $200 per child. This program is available for students in first through 12th grade. Pick up scholarship applications at the school, or call Pat Smith at 665-6632. Don’t delay; get your child’s application in today. Reach Out Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping youth on the Peninsula. Tax-deductible monetary donations are appreciated. Send them to: ReachOut Ministries, P.O. Box 59, Long Beach, WA 98631.

SandSations T-shirts

LONG BEACH – The SandSations Committee is on the hunt for SandSations T-shirts from the past 25 years. Do you have any SandSations shirts that are still in good condition and you’re willing to part with? If so, bring your T-shirt donations to Long Beach City Hall at 115 Bolstad Avenue West in Long Beach. Once all 25 shirts are collected they will be sewn into a quilt for next year’s event. The committee is also looking for volunteers to help with SandSations. For more information, contact Ragan Andrew at Long Beach City Hall or 642-4421.

Monday, May 25Holiday Closures

PENINSULA – All banks, credit unions, post office branches, school, city, county and state offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. The Chinook Observer will be closed that day as well and will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Memorial Day Observances

PENINSULA – On Monday, May 25, the American Legion and Auxiliary Don R. Grable Post and Unit No. 48 will observe Memorial Day. Observances will begin with raisings of the American Flag at Oysterville Cemetery at 8:45 a.m., Ocean Park Cemetery at 9:15 a.m. and Lone Fir Cemetery at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., the main program at the Ilwaco Cemetery will be held, followed by a program at the Black Lake Memorial in Ilwaco. Ed Leonard, Vietnam veteran and former mayor of Ilwaco, will be the main speaker. Lunch will be served at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco after the Black Lake Memorial observance is concluded. If it rains, Mr. Leonard will speak at the lunch. The main dish, coleslaw and dessert will be provided, and salads to share are welcome. For further information, call Post Commander Dick Wallace at 642-4188.

Circus in town

LONG BEACH – The Culpepper Merriwether Circus is coming on May 25. Hosted by the Lions Club, the circus will be set up just south of the Bolstad approach in a lot on the dunes. This should be a delightful activity for families, with two performances, one at 2 p.m. and a second at 4:30 p.m. For more information go to the Web site www.cmcircus.com, or call 642-8322.

Cemetery vases available

PENINSULA – Replacement cemetery vases are in. Please call Lee Crowley at 642-2891 for purchase and pickup arrangements.

AA meeting

OCEAN PARK – AA meets each Monday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean Park United Methodist Church located at 1202 262nd Place in Ocean Park. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 642-8449.

Tuesday, May 26Road closure

PACIFIC COUNTY – There will be a temporary closure of Sandridge Road at MP 2.40, north of Sid Snyder Drive and south of 65th Street beginning at 7 a.m., on Tuesday, May 26, and continuing through 5 p.m., on Friday, May 29. Pacific County will be replacing existing cross culverts. Additional information regarding this temporary road closure can be obtained by calling 642-9368.

Writers’ Critique

LONG BEACH – Coastal Writers’ Critique meets May 26 at 10 a.m. at the Long Beach Coffee Roasters in the First Place Mall, 811 Pacific Avenue South. For more information call 642-4932. Meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Amnesty from traffic fines

PACIFIC COUNTY – South District Court for Pacific County is offering a “collection amnesty program” throughout the month of May. Designed to help those with outstanding traffic tickets and fines, the court and their collection agency have agreed to waive interest and a 40 percent of collection costs. For those paying by credit card an additional $25 will be added to the balance owed. The court is offering the 30-day program through May 31. Those with outstanding tickets or fines should contact the court directly by calling 642-9417 x 2517.

Ilwaco council

ILWACO – The Ilwaco City Council meets at 6 p.m. on May 26 (because of the holiday closure) at the new Ilwaco Community Building at 158 1st Avenue in Ilwaco. The meeting is open to the public. Come get involved in your community. Call 642-3145 for more information.

Wednesday, May 27Puzzles and clothespins

LONG BEACH – Do you have old puzzles packed away somewhere that you don’t want or need? Or maybe you have some plastic or wood clothespins around the house? Ragan Andrew is looking for old puzzles and clothespins to use for kids art projects. Donations may be dropped off at Long Beach City Hall.

Friends of the CRMM

ASTORIA – The monthly meeting of the Friends of the Columbia River Maritime Museum will meet at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, in the Kern Room of the museum. The speaker will be Suzie Conner, CEO of Leland Vessel Assistance. She will give a presentation on providing services for ship owners and worldwide shipping agencies. The hostesses for this meeting will be Jan Van Dusen and Suzie Conner. Call 503-325-2323.

Big Book meeting

OCEAN PARK – The Ocean Park Big Book meeting is at 6 p.m. each Wednesday at Ocean Park Methodist Church at 1202 262nd Place. All are welcome. For information call Jeannie at 665-3831.

Al-Anon/Alateen

SEAVIEW – Al-Anon family groups meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 4603 Pacific Highway in Seaview. These non-smoking meetings are open to all. Call 642-2902 for more information.

Veterans’ services

LONG BEACH – The local Veterans office is now located downstairs at 318 NE 2nd St., in the old Pacific County building in Long Beach. This is a full service office with a trained service officer available to assist veterans and their families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays. The phone number is 642-1228 or e-mail vfw3721@reachone.com.

Future EventsTown hall meeting

ILWACO – The WellSpring Community Network is sponsoring a town hall meeting on Thursday, May 28 entitled, “Growing a Great Place to Live” that will focus on what our young people need to succeed. National speaker and author Clay Roberts will discuss developmental assets that help build strong communities, including family support, adult role models, youth programs, creative activities, self-esteem, caring neighborhoods and much more. The event, held at Hilltop Auditorium, is free of charge and includes dinner from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the town hall gathering from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Anyone with an interest in youth is encouraged to attend.

Building assets

ILWACO – The community is invited to the Ilwaco Middle/High School auditorium at 3 p.m., on May 28 to hear national speaker and author Clay Roberts discuss his book, “Growing a Great Place to Live.” He will discuss a community-wide focus on building developmental assets that can reinforce the reasons of the heart that inspire careers in education in the first place, and it can help students K-12 become academic achievers as well as healthy, caring, responsible, productive members of society. Also he will provide a suggested process for building awareness and sustaining the change for good; and provide a wealth of handouts, including charts, action lists and assessment tools. There is no charge for this event.

“Laura,” a murder mystery

ILWACO – Laurie Carter is directing the Peninsula Players’ production of “Laura,” a murder mystery in three acts at the 2nd Story Playhouse, 108 Spruce Street in Ilwaco. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7 p.m., starting May 29 and 30, June 5 and 6 and June 12 and 13. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m. on May 31, June 7 and June 14. Tickets are just $10 and are available at the Imperial Schooner Restaurant at the Port of Ilwaco, JT’s Café in Ilwaco, Stormin’ Norman’s in Long Beach and Okie’s Thriftway in Ocean Park.

Family concert

ASTORIA – The North Oregon Coast Symphony is performing their season finale concert featuring “Peter and the Wolf” and movie theme favorites at the Performing Arts Center at 16th and Franklin in Astoria beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29. In addition you can enjoy pre-concert music by bagpiper Tyrone Head at 6:30 p.m. Admission is just $10 per person, with students 12 and under admitted free. For tickets or information call 503-368-7160.

Wood products workshop

OAKVILLE – On Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., NW Certified Forestry will host a one-day workshop on small-scale custom sawmilling and wood-drying at the Wild Thyme Farm in Oakville. This workshop will provide useful information for a wide audience, including small woodland owners, small mill operators, wood manufacturers and others. For information log onto www.nnrg.org/news-events/events, or contact Kirk Hanson at 360-316-9317 or kirk@nnrg.org.

Sturgeon Derby, BBQ & car show

SKAMOKAWA – The Derby Dollars for Scholars event is May 30 at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds in Skamokawa and begins with a fishing derby and continues with a salmon and chicken barbecue dinner at the fairgrounds. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the day for an array of outstanding prize packages. The sturgeon derby weigh-in starts at 1:30 p.m. and only one sturgeon is allowed per participant. Bank and boat fishermen are welcome. The Rod and Reels Run is open to vehicles dating from 1897 through 2009. There will be many trophies and raffle prizes awarded. Proceeds from these events provide scholarship monies for students at Wahkiakum and Naselle-Grays River Valley schools. For more information call Diane at 360-849-4257.

Baccalaureate services

SEAVIEW – Baccalaureate services for the graduating members of Ilwaco High School, the alternative school and home schoolers is set for 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 at the Peninsula Church Center, 5000 “N” Place in Seaview. All seniors, their parents and friends are invited. The Peninsula Christian Council, a cooperative group of area churches, sponsors the service. Pastor David George will deliver the address and members of the senior class will participate in the service. A reception in the social hall will follow the service. If you have questions call 642-2021.

New library hours

PACIFIC COUNTY – As of June 1, Timberland Libraries in Pacific County will be open the following hours. Ilwaco: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ocean Park: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Naselle: Tuesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. South Bend: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raymond: Tuesday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Improvement Association meeting

OCEAN PARK – On Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m., at the Ocean Park fire hall, the North Peninsula Improvement Association (NPIA) will hold their annual meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to elect a board of directors and officers. Members must have their annual dues of $10 paid up-to-date in order to vote. Membership is open to owners of property located north of Cranberry Road. NPIA has initiated community improvements and projects including flood control, junk car removal, illegally stored RV’s and trailer removal, the North Beach Water District and the Beach To Bay Trail. The public is welcome to these meetings as input is necessary for continuing improvements in our community. For information, call Tom Morrow at 665-5858.

Family Movie Night

SEAVIEW – On Thursday, June 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Young Life is hosting a family movie night at Peninsula Church Center in Seaview. This is a fun evening with a family-friendly movie projected on the wall. Concessions will be available to help kids offset camp costs. All are welcome.

Building dedication & open house

LONG BEACH – On Friday, June 5, there will be a dedication and open house for the Pacific County Administration Facility at 7013 Sandridge Road in Long Beach. From 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the Pacific County Board of Commissioners will welcome everyone and special guests, and there will be the facility and courtroom dedication ceremony; then from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., enjoy the open house, tours and refreshments. The public is encouraged to come see this beautiful new facility that is home to the south county administrative offices of the assessor, auditor, community development, emergency management, health and human services, PACNET, sheriff’s department and south district court. Call Kathy at 642-9337 or 875-9337 for more information.

Ilwaco Graduation

ILWACO – The graduation ceremony for 2009 graduates of Ilwaco High School will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 in the old high school at 404 School Road in Ilwaco.

Car show & shine

OCEAN PARK – Ocean Park Lutheran Church is sponsoring a car show and shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 at 24002 “U” Street. Any year car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or project vehicle is welcome. There will be door prizes, oldies music and games for all. There is no entry fee. Lunch is available for just $3 to $5 per person. Proceeds benefit the Community Table at the church, which provides free Monday lunches for the community. Call Jim Wirth at 665-2420 for more information.

Gourmet breakfast

SEAVIEW – Reservations are suggested to attend a special gourmet breakfast at the Shelburne Inn at 4415 Pacific Way in Seaview from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. A portion of the proceeds from your breakfast will be donated to the local Relay for Life efforts on the Peninsula. The cost is just $11.95 per person and includes the entrée, potatoes, coffee, juice and fruit. Come help in this fight against cancer. Call 642-4150 to reserve your place today.

Dance and Dessert Social

SKAMOKAWA – Join your friends and neighbors for a night of traditional American folk music and dancing presented by Grays River and Skamokawa granges on Saturday, June 6 at the newly-refurbished Skamokawa Grange Hall, from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. This dance will feature Contra, traditional line dances with English origins and long a part of American rural life. Astorian Dave Ambrose will call and local musicians Andrew Emlen and Jeffrey Reynolds will provide the lively music. Learn the basics at 7:30 p.m.; the dance begins at 8 p.m. There will also be several waltzes. All dances are taught and easy to learn. The granges will host a refreshment and dessert table with homemade pies and cookie plates available. All ages, singles, couples and families are welcome. Admission is $8. Kids under 12 and accompanied by an adult, free. Skamokawa Grange is located within sight of SR4. Turn north on Skamokawa Valley Road at the bridge, then a left onto Fairgrounds Road. For information call Steve at 360-465-2205.

Naselle graduation

NASELLE – Graduates of Naselle High School for 2009 will hold their graduation ceremony at 4 p.m., on Saturday, June 13 in the Lyle Patterson Gymnasium.

Doggie Olympics

LONG BEACH – June 19 and June 20 is the date of this year’s Doggie Olympic Games, which will be held at the Bolstad beach approach in Long Beach from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The mission is to provide an event where owners and dogs of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities can bond, play and laugh together in a friendly competitive environment. A variety of events including: Peanut Butter Lick, Babe Ruth Obedience Baseball, Filla Brush Shedding, Frisbee Throw, Rip Van Winkle Sleep Off, Pavarotti Commemorative Sing Off and many more such fun categories will be offered. The cost is $10 for the handler and then $10 for each event entered or $40 if your dog is entered in five or more events. Don’t miss the fun. Go to www.funbeach.com or call 642-2400 or 800-451-2542 for more information or event registration forms.

NW Garlic Festival

OCEAN PARK – The 28th Annual Northwest Garlic Festival sponsored by the Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce is coming June 20 and 21. This year the event will be held on Wilson Field, also known as the Beach Barons Rod Run Field. This will allow off-street parking and more space for the vendors and entertainment. For vendor information you may contact Phyllis Knight at 665-5495.