Community Calendar: 1.4.2012

Published 4:00 pm Monday, January 2, 2012

Wednesday, Jan. 4

GED classes 

    ILWACO  Winter quarter begins this month at Grays Harbor College CEC in Ilwaco.  Adult Basic Education/GED classes are offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Attendees can earn a GED certificate or improve skills to meet the requirements for enrolling in higher-level academic or vocational classes.  For more information call 642-9433 or stop in 208 Advent Ave in Ilwaco.

Little Mary Sunshine

    ILWACO  The Peninsula Players next musical, Little Mary Sunshine, will have auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. at the River City Playhouse, 127 Lake Street in Ilwaco. Rita Smith is directing. Call 665-0028 with questions.

Grief support

    SEAVIEW A Grief Support Group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m., in the fireside room at Peninsula Church Center at 5000 N Place in Seaview. Call 800-772-1319 if you have questions, or just come to this support group.

 Neptune Classic Movies

    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 Jan. 4 is Two Mules for Sister Sarah, starring Clint Eastwood and Shirley Maclaine. 1969. 105 min.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Vertical Flight

    ASTORIA  The Columbia River Maritime Museums free Science on Tap program about helicopters entitled, Vertical Flight, will begin at 7 p.m., Jan. 5 at Fort George Brewery and Public House in the Lovell building. Retired Coast Guard Captain Doug Kaup will discuss these complex machines and the difficulty in flying them. Helicopter pilots must think in three dimensions and use both arms and legs constantly to keep a helicopter in the air. Kaup is an experienced pilot, having flown helicopters for the Army and Coast Guard during his more than 30-year military career. He served as commander at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River before retiring in 2011. Be prepared to hear stories of daring rescues in the Bering Sea, Kaups involvement in the Exxon Valdez disaster cleanup, and other experiences. This program is free and open to the public; minors mare allowed with an adult. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 503-325-2323 with questions.

Toastmasters

    ILWACO  Ilwaco Toastmasters Night Owls group meets from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Ilwaco Community Building. The Lunch Bunch group meets from noon to 1 p.m., on the second and fourth Mondays in the community room at the Ilwaco Community Building.

Free Thursdays

    ILWACO Thanks to the generous support of the Port of Ilwaco, 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. Bring the family and come see what treasures our local museum has to offer.

Aging council meeting

    PORT HADLOCK  The Olympic Area Agency on Aging council of governments meets via conference call at 10 a.m., on Jan. 5. Agenda items include the approval of the 2012 Older Americans Act contract, and election of officers for 2012. If you have questions call Carol Ann Laase at 866-720-4863.

Friday, Jan. 6

Indoor market

    LONG BEACH Long Beach Grange is holding an indoor market on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Available will be hand-crafted and homemade items, produce, goat soap and cheese, lavender products, and so much more. Plus, they will be serving something delicious in the kitchen for lunch. Bring your appetite and come on by. Every 10th visitor through the door will receive a complimentary desk calendar/calculator.

Al Anon family group

    KLIPSAN  An Al Anon family group meets from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., every Friday in the conference room at Golden Sands at 21608 O Lane in Klipsan. The group is open to anyone who has been affected by alcohol use in a family member or friend. For information call 665-2510.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Tsunami talk

    SURFSIDE Beginning at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 7, there will be a Lets Talk Tsunamis gathering at the Surfside Homeowners Association clubhouse at 31402 H Street. Come learn about the tsunami warning system, local and distant tsunamis, personal preparedness, mapping your neighborhood, hazard mitigation, and much more. If you have questions call Natasha Nesbitt at 642-9409. This is sponsored by the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency.

AA meetings

    OCEAN PARK and SEAVIEW Alcoholics Anonymous has two group meetings on the Peninsula. The Ocean Park group meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Ocean Park Methodist Church at 1202 262nd Place on Mondays and Fridays. The second group meets seven days a week at 6:30 a.m., noon and 8 p.m., at 4603 Pacific Highway in Seaview. For more information you can call 642-2902 or go to http://area72aa.org.

Sunday, Jan. 8

Orchid meeting

    ASTORIA Sunset Empire Orchid Society meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 8 at 2 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church at 725 33rd Street in Astoria.  Guest speaker is member KC Heckenberg, who will discuss his favorite orchid related internet information sites. If you have favorite sites you have discovered, bring their addresses to share with the group.  As always, visitors and new members are always welcome.  For more information, call Georgia at 665-5565.

Monday, Jan. 9

AARP meeting

    KLIPSAN Because of the holiday the next meeting of AARP will be held one week later than normal. The next monthly meeting is set for Jan. 9, at noon at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center in Klipsan. This is a potluck meeting. Call Doris Shoemaker at 642-2205 for more information.

Water District meeting

    OCEAN PARK North Beach Water board of commissioners will hold a special meeting beginning at 6 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 9 at their office at 25902 Vernon Avenue in Ocean Park. The agenda includes expenses and discussion items such as the districts cross connection control program. Call 665-4144 for information.

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Legion meetings

    ILWACO The American Legion Don R. Grable Post No. 48 and Auxiliary Unit No. 48 meet at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco. A potluck will be at 6 p.m., followed by meetings. Start your new year by meeting some veterans and their families. For information call 642-4188.

Bible study

    SEAVIEW A study of the Gospel of Mark resumes Jan. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Peninsula Church Center at 5000 N Place in Seaview, led by nationally known Rev. Tom Schaffer. All are welcome.

Coastal Writers Critique

    LONG BEACH  Coastal Writers Critique meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the PUD Building on Sandridge Road. Discussion and critique of writing works in progress, encouragement, support and inspiration! Call Jan at 642-4932 for more information.

Do Nothing Club

    OCEAN PARK Its time to break away from the humdrum of everyday life and do absolutely nothing for a few hours as part of the Do Nothing Club. All men who want to have some fun on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., at the Ocean Park Lutheran Church at 24002 U Street in Ocean Park can just drop in. Pool, cribbage, exchanging stories and lunch are the order of the day. No membership, no officers and doing nothing are the goals of the group. For more information, call Jack McBride at 665-2721.

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, Jan. 11

Make Parenting a Pleasure

    LONG BEACH WellSpring Community Network is offering a special parenting series to run weekly each Wednesday from Jan. 11 through March 14 at Long Beach Elementary School. This is a group-based class for parents and caregivers with children up to age 8. Attendees will learn practical stress management and communication skills, gain a greater understanding of children, learn effective parenting skills and positive approaches to discipline, and meet and network with other parents. There will be dinner at 5:30 p.m., with the class running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost is $25, with scholarships available. Reserve your spot today by calling 783-2356 or email jean.fisher@oceanbeachschools.org.

Shoalwater Birders

    OCEAN PARK  The Shoalwater Birders will hold a quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Ocean Park library at 1308 256th Street. Local resident and avid birder Mary Atherton will be speaking on hawks, eagles and vultures. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 665-3593.

Ilwaco Merchants

    ILWACO  Ilwaco Merchants Association holds their monthly general membership meeting Jan. 11 at 8 a.m. at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum on Lake Street in Ilwaco. For more information, please call Clint Carter at 642-8667.

Crafts gathering

    RAYMOND Raymond Timberland Library is hosting Crafternoon at the Library, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Jan. 11 for children. Create a new and exciting craft project. For more information call 942-2408.

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.

Wood cutting permits

    CHINOOK Wood cutting permits for Sitka Spruce are now available at Fort Columbia State Park. Please contact Tracy at Cape Disappointment State Park at 642-3078 to get your permit today.

Neptune Classic Movies

    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 Jan. 11 is Mutiny on the Bounty, starring Clark Gable, Charles Laughton. 1935. 132 min.

Future Events

Pacific Transit meeting

    LONG BEACH  Pacific Transit Authority Board will hold its first regular quarterly meeting of the year on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m., at the Pacific County office building meeting room at 7013 Sandridge Road in Long Beach. The public is invited to come and be heard.

Book discussion

    RAYMOND  Raymond Timberland Library presents PageTurners Book Discussion, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Jan. 12 for adults. Join in a lively discussion as members share books that had personal meaning or significance in their lives. Discussions are held in the library meeting room. For more information call 942-2408.

Bunco

    KLIPSAN  The Peninsula Bunco Club hosts a game the second Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m., at the Peninsula Senior Activity Center in Klipsan Beach. The next game is Jan. 12. The public is welcome. There is a $6 charge for each player; $1 is for the use of the senior center and the other $5 goes towards the prize pay out at the end of the session.  For information call Patricia at 360-318-4164.

Local DAR meeting

    OCEAN PARK  Ocian in View Chapter of DAR meets at 1 p.m., Jan. 13 in the Ocean Park library. Contact Mary Ellen Langridge at 665-5615 for more information.

Hobby Beekeeping

    RAYMOND  On Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, Willapa Valley Grange, located at 290 Camp One Road in Raymond, is hosting a beekeeping class. Topics include: information about bees, hive components and equipment, beehive management, how to prepare for obtaining your bees and what to do when your bees arrive. A $5 donation is suggested. Contact Paul Young at 942-5515 to pre-register. Additionally, a Build Your Own Beehive class is scheduled for Jan. 28.  For more information and the cost of supplies, contact Young at 942-5515.

Grange auction

    LONG BEACH The monthly consignment auction at the Long Beach Grange, located at 5715 Sandridge Road, will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. A preview of auction items will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Items for auction may be dropped off at the Grange from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11 through Saturday, Jan. 14. For more information, please call 642-4953.

Living history

    FORT CLATSOP  Lewis and Clark National Historical Park are offering a free special living history program. On Saturday, Jan. 14, and Sunday, Jan. 15, the Fort Clatsop replica will come alive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the parks 11th annual presentation of Wintering Over: Snugly Fixed in their Huts. During this event, visitors are encouraged to converse with expedition members (portrayed by first-person character interpreters) camped at their Fort Clatsop winter headquarters in 1806.  Explore what it is like for these Corps members as they survive off of elk and the good graces of their Clatsop and Chinook neighbors, while preparing to return to the United States.  Discover who these people were, where they came from and what their journey has been like so far.  Come explore the people behind the story! In addition to this event at the fort, there are movies in the visitor center theater. A Clatsop Winter Story, a 22-minute movie about the 1805-06 winter from a Clatsop Indian perspective, will be offered each hour and Lewis and Clark: Confluence of Time and Courage, a 34-minute movie about the entire voyage, will be available. Fort Clatsop is located southwest of Astoria, three miles east of U.S. Highway 101. Admission to the park, and all National Parks, is free for this holiday weekend.  For further information, call the park at 503-861-2471 ext. 214.

History of Razor Clams

    WESTPORT  Discover the history and ecology of razor clams with Alan Rammer on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Westport Winery, located between Westport and Aberdeen. It is free to attend and open to all ages. Space is limited so reservations are required. There is lunch service before the class begins so make a date of it. Rammer is co-author of the book Glass Fishing Floats of the World. He is retired from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and is a graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in shellfish biology and invertebrate zoology. His enthusiasm for the beach is only eclipsed by his gift as an educator. For more information or reservations call Westport Winery at 360-648-2224.

AAUW meeting

    ILWACO The Willapacific branch of AAUW will hold its first meeting of the year Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Ilwaco Community Building. Guest speakers will be Mark Hottowe and Mark Simmons, who will speak to what this organization can do to promote educational goals at Ocean Beach middle and high schools. AAUW is an organization dedicated to the promotion of education with an emphasis on equity for women through advocacy.

Port of Ilwaco meetings

    ILWACO Due to the holiday, the Port of Ilwaco will hold their second meeting of the month at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17. For information call 642-3143.

Women in Business

    KLIPSAN  The next meeting of the Peninsula Women in Business is set for 5:15 p.m., on Jan. 18 at Jimella and Nancis Market Café. Dr. Tracy Erfling has treated women and their families for more than 10 years. She graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2000. She believes in using the most natural, least invasive methods possible to assist the body in achieving optimal health. The cost is $5 for urban bites and $5 for wine pours. Make your reservation by calling 665-4847.

Astoria DAR

    ASTORIA  Astoria Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at the Astoria Golf and Country Club on Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. Leonard Hansen, retired Astoria fire chief, will present the program. Members and women interested in membership are invited to attend. For more information or reservation call Regent Evelyn Laughman at 503-325-4683 or Registrar Sue Glen at 503-861-0574.

Domestic violence training

    ASTORIA The Womens Resource Center is currently recruiting men and women to help with their programs or at events. Some volunteer opportunities include transporting clients to appointments or shopping, filling out paperwork and job applications, mentoring, answering the 24-hour hot line, accompanying clients to court, assisting at the safe-home shelter, and working in the thrift store. Interested applicants must meet with Teri See, volunteer coordinator, to complete the application process before the training begins on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 1361 Duane Street in Astoria, with Executive Director Pat Burness facilitating. For information or to schedule an appointment for the application process, call Teri at 503-325-3426.  Make a difference in someones life and give the gift that keeps on giving.

Archery meeting

    LONG BEACH  Bear River Archers now meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., at the Bear River Archery range located at 85th and Sandridge, next to Lone Fir Cemetery. The next meeting is Jan. 18. Anyone interested in archery and/or bowhunting is welcome to attend. For more information call 783-2453 or 783-1059.

Diabetes support group

    ILWACO  This month the Diabetes Support Group meets at Ocean Park Lutheran Church at 240th and U Street from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jan. 18. The topic of this meeting is Diabetes and Your Eyes, presented by Darren Thorsen, O.D., from Coastal Eye Care. Everyone is welcome. If you have questions you can call 642-6308 or 642-6314.

Ilwaco book discussion

    ILWACO  Ilwaco Timberland Library is hosting a discussion of the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 19 for adults. All with an interest are welcome. For more information call 642-3908.

Living Well Workshop

    ILWACO  Ocean Beach Hospital is hosting another workshop entitled, Living Well with Chronic Conditions, for six consecutive weeks from Jan. 19 through Feb. 23. Why come to the workshop? You can learn to live a healthy life with your chronic condition by managing your symptoms. The course is for 2.5 hours on six consecutive Thursdays in the Ocean Beach Hospital meeting rooms. The workshop is free. For any questions call Denise at 642-6308.

Beach clean up

    PACIFIC COUNTY  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Peninsulas organized beach cleanups. The first one of the year is Jan. 21. Join in this community effort and treasure our beaches!

Womens Heart to Heart lunch

    ILWACO  Gwen Meyer, an advanced registered nurse practitioner from the Naselle Medical Clinic, will be one of three speakers featured at the annual Womens Heart to Heart lunch, Feb. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Long Beach Elks Lodge. Listen to Your Heart is the theme of this years forum, which focuses on the unique health issues women face. The event is co-sponsored by Ocean Beach Hospital Auxiliary and Gift Shop and Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics. In addition to Meyer, other speakers will include Dr. Pam Law, a naturopath from Portland and Geri Marcus, the education manager at Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics. Meyers presentation is entitled What Is Your Blood Pressure Telling You? Laws presentation is entitled The Natural Path to a Healthier Heart. Marcus presentation is entitled Staying Alive:  The Importance of Learning CPR. Tickets are available at Ocean Beach Hospital Gift Shop, Peninsula Pharmacies and Campiche Studios.  The cost is $7 and includes a heart-healthy lunch. For more information, call Denise Ross, Ocean Beach Hospitals diabetes educator, at 642-6308.

Strengthening families

    LONG BEACH  Parents and youth ages 10 to 14 are invited to a workshop entitled Strengthening Families to be held each Monday, starting Feb. 6 (except Feb. 20) through March 26. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m., class runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The seven sessions will include family discussions and games, a free meal, childcare, parent discussions and youth activities. The cost is $25, with scholarships available. To register call 783-2356.