This calendar is the place to find fun events happening throughout Grays Harbor County including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Westport, Ocean Shores, Elma, Montesano and beyond.
Have an event that isn’t listed? Please email events@GraysHarborTalk.com with the following information:
- Name of Event
- Date, time and location (name of business if applicable and complete address)
- Organizer(s) name
- Cost
- URL to purchase tickets
- Website URL
- SHORT description of event
- Photo
Our editors will review and post within a few business days.
In 2008, one of the great modern explorers of the world’s oceans, Dr. Robert Ballard, formed the Ocean Exploration Trust with a goal of making oceanic explorations accessible to the public over the internet. The flagship of this Trust is the E/V Nautilus, and it carries two Remotely Operated Vehicles. A grant allowed for four days of exploration by these vehicles in the Quinault Canyon off the shores of Washington State, where they mapped ocean floor terrain, sampled for ocean acidification, and looked at methane seeps and deep water organisms. Joe Schumacker and Olympic National Marine Sanctuary coordinated with the ship during this time, and in this presentation Joe will share information, photos, and video footage.

Sunergy Systems, an employee-owned solar installer, will be presenting a free solar educational workshop in Hoquiam. This free solar workshop, known as “Solar U”, will cover a host of solar-focused topics like how solar plays a role in solving our country’s energy issues, how solar works and how it works specifically in the Pacific Northwest. They will learn about how solar reduces environmental impact all while increasing a home’s resale value, and just what makes a good site for solar. In addition, attendees will learn all about the WA State Incentive Program, the 30% Federal Tax Credit and Net Metering available for solar customers.
Do you like to doodle? Learn about the relaxing art of doodle art. All materials are provided for the program.
This workshop will cover a host of renewable energy topics including solar electric, solar thermal, wind, anaerobic digestion, and in-line hydropower. It will provide information on how to get grant writing assistance, receive available utility incentives, tax subsidies and financing for farmers and rural business owners who wish to purchase renewable energy equipment. The USDA Renewable Energy For America Program (REAP) grant deadline is March 31, 2018.
To RSVP, email us.
Join others in a conversation about the book “The Grapes of Wrath,” by John Steinbeck. Everyone is welcome to join any or all discussions.
Join us for a special magic presentation by Jeff Evans, a free book, and cake! Families are invited to dress up as their favorite book character.

Stretching for 13 miles, from Copalis to Moclips, this year’s 11th annual festival promises to be an amazing experience. As the only event bridging together the small communities along this section of the Washington Coast, the Chocolate on the Beach Festival has grown into the perfect winter activity in the region. No matter what the weather, smiles, sweets and happiness abound, as it is always raining chocolate during the last week of February along the coast.

Stretching for 13 miles, from Copalis to Moclips, this year’s 11th annual festival promises to be an amazing experience. As the only event bridging together the small communities along this section of the Washington Coast, the Chocolate on the Beach Festival has grown into the perfect winter activity in the region. No matter what the weather, smiles, sweets and happiness abound, as it is always raining chocolate during the last week of February along the coast.

Stretching for 13 miles, from Copalis to Moclips, this year’s 11th annual festival promises to be an amazing experience. As the only event bridging together the small communities along this section of the Washington Coast, the Chocolate on the Beach Festival has grown into the perfect winter activity in the region. No matter what the weather, smiles, sweets and happiness abound, as it is always raining chocolate during the last week of February along the coast.

Stretching for 13 miles, from Copalis to Moclips, this year’s 11th annual festival promises to be an amazing experience. As the only event bridging together the small communities along this section of the Washington Coast, the Chocolate on the Beach Festival has grown into the perfect winter activity in the region. No matter what the weather, smiles, sweets and happiness abound, as it is always raining chocolate during the last week of February along the coast.
Huge variety of used books, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s, Fantasy, Western, Hard Back, Paper Back, DVD”S, CD”s, Books On Tape and so much more. Most are 2 for $1. All proceeds help fund the library programs and services. Friends of the Library is a 501 C 3 Non Profit Organization. Come out and support Your Local Library
Learn what opioids are and how to react to an opiate overdose. Immediately following the presentation will be an opportunity to ask questions as well as to receive a free Naloxene kit from Grays Harbor County Health Department.
Join others in a conversation about the book “Fordlandia,” by Greg Grandin. Everyone is welcome to join any or all discussions.
If you are an adult who likes to read Young Adult books, then this book club is for you. This month we will be discussing “The Wrath and the Dawn” by Renee Ahdieh. New members are always welcome.
Join other teens at the library to talk about some of your favorite (or not so favorite) books, hear about what other people are reading, and eat pizza. For teens.

The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session for citizens interested in joining the COASST Marine Debris program. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to collect data on the characteristics and location of debris – data that will ultimately be used to map the source and transport pathways of debris and to identify potential harm to people, wildlife, and local coastal ecosystems.
There is no charge to attend, but we ask participants to provide a $20 refundable deposit if they would like to take home a COASST survey toolkit. Beach surveys are best conducted in groups of 2 or more – please come with a survey partner in mind or plan to join a team during training. No prior experience is necessary, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month. Training activities take place indoors. Reserve your training spot by calling emailing.
Join others in a conversation about the book “A Passage to India,” by E.M. Forster. Everyone is welcome to join any or all discussions.
Come learn from the lessons the Watts family, third-generation forestland owners, have learned over the years of managing their 70-acre tree farm. Topics covered will include pre-commerical thinning, invasive species removal, restoration, and road building. There will be time for questions and discussion.
Join others in a conversation about the book “The Girl Who Wrote in Silk” by
Kelli Estes. Everyone is welcome to join any or all discussions.
This workshop seeks to describe the measurable differences in stream micobial populations as related to human impacts in forest, residential, and industrial areas. Simple interventions to minimize these impacts will be described.
Tour of the GHC Fish lab optional to follow

Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy
Meetings 1st Monday Monthly at 10:00AM
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy is a tuition-free career training and education program that will connect students with the skills and educational opportunities they need to establish real careers in the high-demand healthcare and information technology industries. Students in the Cascades program receive FREE college education on local campuses, wrap around services, and extensive tutoring, mentoring, and skills development. Students also have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Imagine Academy certifications and industry-recognized credentials in healthcare or information technology via hands-on, practical experience.
Attend the information/application workshops for Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy onsite at the Aberdeen Timberland Library and learn about this exciting NEW Job Corps Pilot Program. We offer two specific Career Pathways:
Healthcare
Associates of Sciences Degree in Pre Nursing or Biology
-Medical Administrative Specialist
-Certified Medical Assistant
Information Technology
Associates of Technical Arts Degree
-Computer Applications Support Technician
-Network Technician
-Game & Web Development
Basic Qualifications:
• 16-21 years of age
• Meet income standards (varies by applicant)
• No pending court dates
• No court fines over $500
• Motivated and committed
This program is completely FREE to eligible students!
If you are ready to take the next step contact Eric, or visit www.CascadesJobCorpsCCA.com
Eric Thompson
Office: 206-212-6189
Text: 253-265-7054
Thompson.eric@jobcorps.org

Should Ocean Shores invest in tsunami vertical evacuation structures?
National experts will discuss the issue and take public questions during a panel discussion from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 12 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. There will be plenty of time for the public to ask questions about tsunami engineering, funding, siting and modeling of wave heights and inundation.
The panelists are national experts in their fields representing: Degenkolb Engineering, the Washington Geological Survey, the University of Washington, and the Washington State Emergency Management Division.
In April, scientists and preparedness experts visited Ocean Shores and spoke about tsunami science, risk, preparedness and mitigation, with more than 300 residents attending their public presentation. Many Ocean Shores residents and visitors are aware of their tsunami risks and understand that Ocean Shores lacks natural high ground in the event of a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake generated tsunami.
“This is exciting not just for Ocean Shores, but for the entire state,” said Maximilian Dixon, Earthquake Program Manager for the Washington State Emergency Management Division. “The more vertical evacuation structures we can build in the most vulnerable locations along our coast, the more lives we will save when a tsunami eventually hits. This is just a start, though. We need many more discussions and many more of these structures built up and down the coast.”
Ocean Shores city officials have heard from residents, who have specific questions about vertical evacuation approaches and would appreciate the opportunity to talk to a panel of experts. This panel has been assembled at the city’s request to provide in-depth information on tsunami risks and vertical evacuation refuges.
In 2016, the first tsunami vertical evacuation refuge in North America was built in Westport, as part of the new Ocosta Elementary School. Other refuges are being considered along the Washington coast.
“History was made when what was once thought of as an unachievable, vertical evacuation project in the Ocosta School District, became a reality,” said Chuck Wallace, deputy director of Grays Harbor County Emergency Management. “Ocosta Elementary School and Gymnasium is North America’s first, vertical evacuation, tsunami engineered, Safe Haven building.”
Six years ago, there were a series of meetings in Ocean Shores to discuss the types and locations of tsunami vertical evacuation refuges. These efforts were referred to as Tsunami Project Safe Haven. Planning reports were assembled from this collaboration between Washington State Emergency Management Division and the University of Washington.
Later this year, the Washington State Emergency Management Division will be publishing a new Roadmap Manual. The manual will help coastal communities better plan for and build tsunami vertical evacuation refuges. This Ocean Shores panel is part of the Roadmap project.
The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation (NTHMP) is funding these efforts. NTHMP is also providing funding for tsunami inundation studies, improved signage and other projects related to tsunami planning and safety.
The panel meeting is hosted by the city of Ocean Shores, Washington State Emergency Management Division, Grays Harbor Emergency Management and the University of Washington Institute for Hazard Mitigation Planning and Research.
More information about the Washington coast tsunami risk and vertical evacuation can be found at http://mil.wa.gov/tsunami