Wednesday, March 24OP School Book Fair

OCEAN PARK – Ocean Park Elementary is holding a book fair through March 26. From easy readers, to picture books, to best sellers and more, the scholastic book fair connects kids with books they want to read. The book fair helps raise funds for the Ocean Park Elementary library. Wednesday, March 24 through Thursday, March 25 and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Friday, March 26 you are encouraged to come make your purchases. If you have questions, call 665-4815.

Grief support

SEAVIEW- A Grief Support Group meets every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Peninsula Church Center at 5000 “N” Place in Seaview. Contact them at 800-772-1319 if you have questions.

Classic Movies at Neptune

LONG BEACH – The Neptune Twin Cinemas offers family and classic movies with no charge for admission, subject to capacity. All family and classic shows begin at 1 p.m. The movie on March 24 is “Showboat,” starring Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson and Ava Gardner. 1951. 108 min.

Author Readings

ILWACO – Olde Towne Trading Post, the coffee shop across from the heritage museum in Ilwaco, will be the site of a monthly Authors’ Showcase the fourth Wednesday evening of the month. Writers are encouraged to come share works in progress or published writings, and everyone is welcome to come hear these original stories. Coffee and goodies available at 6 p.m., and writers will sign up for reading slots beginning at 7 p.m. For more information call 642-4932.

Intro to Internet

RAYMOND – Raymond Timberland Library is hosting an introduction to the Internet for adults from 10 a.m. to noon on March 24. Come explore the uses of the Internet including research, finding people and playing games. Space is limited. Only those registered will be admitted to the library for the class. Please sign up at the library’s upstairs desk, call 942-2408, or sign up online.

Fishing Derby logo

ILWACO – The logo design contest for the 18th annual Black Lake Fishing Derby is underway and entries are due by March 24 at Ilwaco City Hall. The winning design will be printed on T-shirts for the event and be used in publicity. The contest is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each student may submit one design that is one color and fits on an 8.5-inch by 11-inch piece of paper. The student’s name, school, grade and parent’s name and phone number must be included with the design when it is submitted. Information on the contest is available at local schools or at Ilwaco City Hall. For more information, contact Normandie Hand at 642-3145, or Elizabeth Johnson at 642-1327.

Thursday, March 25Veterans meeting

LONG BEACH – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3721 in Long Beach holds their monthly membership and business meeting at 7 p.m. March 25 at the Elks Lodge located at 110 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach. For information, call 642-1228.

Connection Group

KLIPSAN – NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group meets every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Golden Sands Assisted Living at 21608 “O” Lane in Klipsan. Anyone with a mental health condition is welcome to these structured, confidential group sessions led by NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group trained facilitators. For information call 665-6305 or 665-4421.

Friday, March 26Bluegrass Festival

LONG BEACH – The Bluegrass Festival 2010 is coming to the Chautauqua Lodge in Long Beach starting Friday, March 26 through Sunday March 28. Enjoy the varied bands – Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Misty Mama, The McMahon’s, Deadwood Revival and others. See page B12 for more information about tickets.

Clamming

PENINSULA – A razor clam dig is scheduled on the Long Beach Peninsula from the Columbia River north jetty to Leadbetter Point on March 26 through April 1, pending marine toxin tests. The best time to start is an hour or two before low tide and it is recommended you take a lantern for evening digs. The digs start as evening digs and then switch to morning digs on March 29. Low tides are as follows: Friday, March 26, 5:37 p.m. 0.0; Saturday, March 27, 6:26 p.m. 0.0; Sunday, March 28, 7:10 p.m. 0.2; Monday, March 29, 7:39 a.m., 0.1; Tuesday, March 30, 8:27 a.m., -0.4; Wednesday, March 31, 9:14 a.m., -0.6; Thursday, April 1, 10 a.m., -0.6. 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.

Grant funds available

PACIFIC COUNTY – WellSpring Community Network has grant opportunities available for local programs focusing on the following areas: prevention of child abuse or neglect, youth violence, youth substance use, youth suicide, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, or child out-of-home placement in South Pacific County. Past grants have been awarded for parenting enrichment classes, summer band camp, summer basketball clinic, Infant Safety Net supplies and youth adventure programs among others. The application deadline is Friday, March 26. Total funds available have been increased to $3,000. Those selected to receive grant funds must expend the funds by June 30. To obtain a grant application, please contact Tara Finch at 360-783-1091 or visit (wellspringpacific.com).

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.

‘Mame’

ILWACO – Peninsula Players is performing “Mame” in the 2nd Story Playhouse at 108 Spruce Street in Ilwaco at 7 p.m. on March 26 and March 27 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 28. Tickets are just $15 each and available at Okie’s Thriftway, Stormin’ Norman’s and at the Imperial Schooner.

Saturday, March 27Clam Digger breakfast

LONG BEACH – Fortify yourself with a great breakfast before hitting the beach to dig clams. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., on March 27 and March 28, the Long Beach Grange at 5715 Sandridge Road, is serving breakfast. The cost for pancakes, eggs and sausage is just $4 per person. Call Rick at 642-7176 if you have questions. Come and get it!

Kite Fun for Families

LONG BEACH – The World Kite Museum on Sid Snyder Drive in Long Beach will hold its annual “Spring Fling” during upcoming school spring breaks. Special Saturday program dates are March 27, and April 3 and 10. The museum is sponsoring free lessons and practice on the beach on how to fly two-line kites. The instructors will have a limited number of kites for you to use or you can bring a borrowed kite or one you own, plus line. Rain or shine, a visit to the kite museum is an enjoyable event. Folks of all ages are entertained and learn new things, besides leaving with a kite they made. Call 642-4020 for information.

Rummage sale

OCEAN PARK – On Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a rummage sale fundraiser for Dunes Pool at 23515 Pacific Way in Ocean Park. Please come help support this great pool. Call 665-5542 for more information.

Dinner & dancing

LONG BEACH – Mark your calendars now to enjoy dinner and dancing to music by Steve Delzell at the Long Beach Elks Lodge on March 27. Members and guests are welcome. Call 642-2651 if you have questions.

Bingo!

LONG BEACH – Spring is here, so spring into the Long Beach Elks for bingo. The Elks has bingo three days a week – every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m. The 15-game program includes a Texas blackout and a $250 blackout. Snacks and pull-tabs are available. The public is welcome. Elks bingo proceeds fund the Washington State Tall Elks Therapy program.

Renewable energy

HOQUIAM – Twin Harbors Coalition is hosting a session entitled, ‘Introduction to Residential Renewable Energy and Public Policy’ from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., March 27 at the Grays Harbor PUD Nichols Building, 220 Myrtle Street in Hoquiam. The discussion outlines local and federal policy as well as solar, wind and hot water solutions. Call Jeff for questions and carpooling at 360-589-3444.

Sunday, March 28Open play readings

RAYMOND – Come one! Come all! Don’t miss a fun afternoon. On Sunday, March 28, at 2 p.m. at the Hannan Playhouse in Raymond, the Willapa Players will be holding an open play reading of a work-in-progress – a new play by their member Russ Wittala. The tentative title is “Celestial Serendipity.” The story is about a phony psychic who pretends to channel an alien from the planet Zukor. There are parts for five women and three men. The play is in two acts and runs about 90 minutes more or less. This is an open invitation to anyone who would like to come down and read – for five lines, five minutes, or as long as you can stand it. It will be an informal event, and you are invited to drop in whenever you want and stay as long as you like. It promises to be an afternoon of hilarious fun.

Overeaters Anonymous

SEAVIEW – Overeaters Anonymous meets at 4612 Pacific Highway (Bill’s place) in Seaview at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Call 642-4932 or 642-8439 for more information. Additional meetings are on Mondays and Thursdays at noon at Golden Sands in Klipsan. Call 665-2535 or 665-2348 for information on these meetings.

Monday, March 29OBSD Spring break

PENINSULA – Spring break for students in the Ocean Beach School District is Monday, March 29 through Friday, April 2.

Art Around Town

PENINSULA – Peninsula Arts Association is proud to present the artwork of the following artists during the months of March and April – Nancy Beliveau and Elizabeth Bonn-Zimmerman are showing their works of art at the Pacific County building. Also being displayed is the artworks of Vivian Easter and Sharon Bernasek. Peninsula Arts Association encourages everyone to take time to admire these creations.

Tuesday, March 30Family stories

NASELLE – From noon to 12:30 p.m., on March 30, all ages are invited to Naselle Timberland Library for family story time. The stories, rhymes, songs and movement games will focus on children ages six years old and younger but all ages are welcome. For more information call 484-3877.

Taekwondo

LONG BEACH – Taekwondo classes are being offered at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., each Tuesday and Thursday at the Long Beach Elks Lodge located at 110 N. Pacific Hwy. Taekwondo is a Korean unarmed martial art that increases strength, stamina, flexibility and confidence while improving your mind and body. Enter through the back of the lodge and come upstairs. Everyone is welcome. Classes are just $5. Come for a free trial. For children’s programs or other questions call 244-4332.

Weight watchers

LONG BEACH – Weight Watcher meetings are being held at the Edgewater Inn in Long Beach on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., and on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Weight in 30 minutes prior to meeting start time. New leader. All are welcome. Call 642-3572 for information.

Bible study

SEAVIEW – The public is invited to an ecumenical Bible study each Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Peninsula Church Center at 5000 “N” Place in Seaview. The study will cover the book of Revelation. For information call 642-2189.

Masonic meeting

ILWACO – Occident Lodge No. 99 meets at noon every Tuesday for a no host luncheon at the Imperial Schooner Restaurant at the Port of Ilwaco. Sojourners are welcome. For information call Jim at 665-6577 or Norm at 642-2258.

Wednesday, March 31Free Admission

ILWACO – During the month of March, admission to the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum at 115 S.E. Lake Street in Ilwaco will be free courtesy of the Ilwaco Merchants Association. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to tour our local museum.

Golf Fun Day

SURFSIDE – Surfside Ladies Golf Club is hosting a “Fun Day” of golf on Wednesday, March 31. Hospitality and sign-in starts at 9:30 a.m., with tee time at 10 a.m. Green fees are $15. All women are invited to join in this fun event.

Kindergarten registration

PENINSULA – Kindergarten pre-registration is being held for all Peninsula children who will be five years old on or before Aug. 31. During the month of March you may pre-register your child at Ocean Park Elementary School or at Long Beach Elementary anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cranberry Road is the dividing line; children living north of Cranberry will attend Ocean Park School, and those south of Cranberry will attend Long Beach Elementary. Please bring your child’s birth certificate and immunization record (copies or originals). Your child does not need to be at pre-registration. If you have any questions, please call 665-4815 for Ocean Park, and 642-3242 for Long Beach.

Classic Movies at Neptune

LONG BEACH – The Neptune Twin Cinemas offers family and classic movies with no charge for admission, subject to capacity. All family and classic shows begin at 1 p.m. The movie on March 31 is “Cool Hand Luke,” starring Paul Newman. 1967. 126 min.

Yoga

KLIPSAN – Gentle stretch beginning yoga classes are underway at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center beginning at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesdays. These classes are open to all ages. Call Barbara at 665-5780 if you have questions.

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.

Gospel services

OCEAN PARK – Come hear the gospel message on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., through April 14 at the home of Deanna Brooks, 919 280th Street in Ocean Park. The purpose is to create faith in those who do not believe and to strengthen the faith in those who do. No collection will be taken. Call Barb at 541-974-6360 for more information.

Free tax help

OCEAN PARK – Seniors and low-income taxpayers can get free help with their 2009 Federal income taxes at the Ocean Park Timberland Library 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 2009), plus a copy of all 2008 tax records/return. If you need more information, call Yvonne Howell at 665-5845.

Future EventsCPR class

OCEAN PARK – Beginning at 10:30 a.m., on April 7, Pacific County Fire District No. 1 certified instructors will teach a free two-hour CPR class at 1409 Bay Avenue. Ocean Park Eagles Auxiliary is sponsoring this class. All students must be pre-registered by March 31. To register call Suzy at 665-6688.

Guessing jar

ILWACO and OCEAN PARK – Both Ilwaco and Ocean Park Timberland libraries are presenting the read aloud guessing jar, April 1 through April 10 for children. One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. Make the closest guess to the number of fish in the guessing jar and win a prize. For more information call 642-3908.

Scavenger hunt

RAYMOND – From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., April 1, all ages are invited to Raymond Timberland Library for the Beverly Cleary scavenger hunt. What’s that Ramona up to now? Join in a spring scavenger hunt and find out where Henry, Otis and Ramona are hiding at the library. There will also be some egg dyeing. For more information call 942-2408.

Boater education class

ILWACO – From 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the first Saturday of each month through June, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is holding a class to assist attendees in obtaining the required Washington state Boater Education card. These cards are required for anyone who is 30 years old or younger who plans to operate a boat. The cost is $25, and pre-registration is requested. The next class is April 3. The classes will be held in the upstairs classroom at the Port of Ilwaco office at 165 Howerton Way. For additional information or to sign up, call Dick at 642-7588.

Book discussion

NASELLE – Naselle Timberland Library is hosting a discussion for adults on the book, “Kabul in Winter: Life Without Peace in Afghanistan” by Ann Jones, from 10 a.m. to noon, April 3. For more information call 484-3877.

NRA banquet/auction

OCEAN PARK – On Saturday, April 3 the Chinook Valley Friends of NRA will hold a banquet and auction fundraiser at the Peninsula Senior Center at 21603 Pacific Hwy. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner starts at 7 p.m., with an auction following. All dinner packages include a chance to win a special rifle. Proceeds go to underwrite programs such as shooting range development and improvements, firearms safety and training, hunter safety, youth programs, Second Amendment education, conservation projects and other crucial NRA Foundation programs. For tickets or more information call 360-749-1181 or e-mail (mduck@wwest.net).

Easter egg hunt

KLIPSAN – “Good Ole Days Easter Egg Hunt” and food drive. There will be an outdoor egg hunt for ages nine and under at Golden Sands Assisted Living Center at 21608 “O” Lane, on Friday, April 2 beginning at 3 p.m. There will be candy and prizes. Make sure the kids dress appropriately for the weather. Also, please bring a non-perishable food donation.

Easter egg hunt

OCEAN PARK – Come on out to the Beach Barons field at 245th and Sandridge Road for the traditional Easter egg hunt at 1 p.m., on April 3. The Beach Barons have had an Easter bunny hiding eggs for a couple of weeks and kids are invited to come and find them. Bring Easter baskets and see how many eggs you can collect. Plus the Beach Barons will have a special prize for everyone who participtes.

Easter egg hunt

NASELLE – The annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by ESA Alpha Theta is set for 11 a.m. sharp on Saturday, April 3 at the Naselle High School football field. Toddlers through grade three are encouraged to come search for hidden eggs. There will be prizes and candy. Please bring a container for eggs.

Naselle Spring break

NASELLE – Students in the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District will enjoy spring break from Monday, April 5 through Friday, April 9.

Weavers/Spinners

ILWACO – The Clatsop Weavers and Spinners Guild meets the first Tuesday of the month. This month’s meeting is April 6. Please call Sharon at 665-5266 for location and directions.

Transit board meeting

RAYMOND – Pacific Transit System is holding its regular quarterly board meeting at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, April 8 at the Raymond office, located at 216 N. 2nd Street. During the meeting there will be a public hearing to review the draft of the Six-Year Transit Development Plan for 2010-15 and the 2009 Annual Report. The public is invited to attend and be heard.

Black Lake meeting

ILWACO – The city of Ilwaco’s Black Lake Restoration Project Steering Committee will meet on April 8 at 5:30 p.m. to share and discuss the final draft of a plan to eliminate the weeds in Black Lake. When finalized, the plan will be submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology for a grant. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the meeting in the Ilwaco Community Building Meeting Room. For more information contact Ilwaco City Hall at 642-3145.

Audubon meeting

LONG BEACH – Discovery Coast Audubon Society of Pacific County meets at 7 p.m. on April 9, at the PUD auditorium on Sandridge Road, just north of Pioneer Road. The guest speaker is Julie Tennis, environmental education specialist with Long Beach Area State Parks, who will be sharing a presentation about the program on the environment that she and a team at Cape Disappointment State Park have been providing to Ocean Beach School District’s fifth and eight grade science students. Certificates will also be presented to members who assisted in creating this chapter. For information contact (www.discoverycoastaudubon.com).

Relay for Life meetings

LONG BEACH – The 2010 Relay for Life campaign is underway. Anyone interested in participating or volunteering to help with the event is invited to attend two events on April 13. The teams meeting is at 6 p.m., and then the committee meeting is at 7 p.m. If you have questions please call Kelly at 642-2858, Prescilla at 642-2382 ext. 4413, Marvis at 642-3054, Tera at 642-1081 or Denise at 642-1312.

Energy Symposium

RAYMOND and LONG BEACH -The public is invited to three free energy symposiums sponsored by the Pacific County PUD. The first is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on April 13 at the Raymond PUD auditorium at 405 Duryea Street. Then on April 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and again from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be gatherings at the Long Beach Grange at 5715 Sandridge Road. An instructor from Centralia Community College will be on hand to discuss topics such as methods of making your home more energy efficient, comfortable and healthy; the most cost effective measures for lowering heating bills; relative costs of heating with wood, propane, electricity, etc.; the potential for renewable energy sources and incentives for conservation measures. In addition there will be refreshments and a drawing for prizes. Call 642-3191 or 942-2411 for information.

Online auction

OCEAN PARK – The Friends of Ocean Park School are hosting an online auction to raise money for their school. The auction will feature a wide variety of items to include gift certificates to local restaurants and hair salons, seafood, day passes to amusement parks, computer services, hotel and bed and breakfast accommodations, paintings from local artists and baked goods just to name a few. The group is raising money to help fund school field trips, recess equipment and assemblies at Ocean Park School. If you own a business or know of a service you could provide or if you would like to offer any items to our auction please feel free to call Kate Bannister at the Ocean Park School 665-4815. The auction will begin on April 16 and continue until the April 25. Everyone is invited to access the Web site and join in on the bidding. The auction can be accessed at (www.benefitevents.com).

English Tea/Market Day

CATHLAMET – St. James Family Center is holding a Miniature Market Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on April 17. Follow the signs to the center from SR-4. The market will feature an array of items including indoor and outdoor plants, handmade pots, porcelain dolls, marmalade and a variety of collectibles, both new and antique. Then enjoy a traditional English tea. Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased in advance by calling 360-795-8612. All proceeds go to St. James Family Center, the only non-profit agency serving children and families in Wahkiakum County.