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.
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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“We are coming together because we are tired of Grays Harbor County’s economic devastation and we are working together to make our city a better place for everyone,” says Mashyla Buckmaster, organizer with Harbor Rising and Chaplains the Harbor.
June 12th, 2018
CONTACTS:
Mashyla Buckmaster (360) 580-4278
Stina Janssen (360) 301-3340
Downtown Future Housing Site Tour and Vigil to advance vision for 2,000 affordable housing units in Aberdeen Revitalization Plan
Aberdeen, WA – Residents of Aberdeen who have experienced homelessness first-hand and housing-insecure families advocate that affordable housing must be a central emphasis in Aberdeen’s Revitalization Plan. Saturday, under the banner “Harbor Rising,” we will gather to welcome the Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, to the streets of Aberdeen. Having sermonized at the Royal Wedding, Curry is now an international household name. Presiding Bishop Curry’s presence honors the work of our local community, which is rising to the challenge as we face down a housing crisis and advance lasting solutions.
Local residents will lead a downtown tour highlighting both our plight and our potential for future affordable housing and treatment centers, demonstrating our vision to the Presiding Bishop and members of the New Poor People’s Campaign visiting from across Washington State. We will end the day with a vigil at Aberdeen City Hall to honor the many lives lost due to homelessness in our community. The tour will meet at 3:00pm Saturday, June 16th in the parking lot next to Jay’s Fruit Stand (corner of South G St and E Heron St, Aberdeen, WA 98520) and will end at City Hall (200 E Market St) for a vigil.
Making housing a central priority in Aberdeen’s Revitalization Plan would address issues at the heart of citywide concern for Aberdeen’s economic future.
In recent weeks, the City has responded to homelessness with ordinances that would punish homeless people for the housing crisis. There have been community efforts to evict the largest homeless camp in the city. Like the City and the business community, we want a better future for our city and we want businesses and workers to do well.
We mourn the devastating loss of the Aberdeen Armory, which housed vital services including Meals on Wheels, the Museum of History, and Coastal Community Action Program, a provider of housing assistance. Despite the backlog the fire’s destruction will place on housing resources, we know that as a resilient community, we will rise.
Those who know homelessness firsthand have a vision to restore our county and its people by rebuilding our housing stock. One in sixteen people—approximately 1,000 people—are homeless in Aberdeen (DSHS 2017). For every 100 extremely low-income families in Grays Harbor, there are just 17 housing affordable units available. For the 1,775 extremely low-income households in the county, there are only 615 affordable units available, and for the 1,715 very low-income households, only 605 affordable units are available (American Community Survey Data 2016).
Meanwhile in Aberdeen, 11.7% of housing, 862 units, stand vacant (US Census 2010), most of these currently unfit for human habitation. We propose that 2,000 units be built or restored in Aberdeen to fill the gap in affordable housing availability. Harbor Rising imagines responsible agencies partnering with local organizations to provide housing including pathways to home-ownership and employment in housing construction and restoration. The Future Housing Site tour, led by people who have experienced homeless and housing insecurity first-hand.
The tour will end at City Hall for a vigil for those who have died on the street, prayer, and words from Presiding Bishop Curry.
Harbor Rising is made up of people with experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity, local residents, and organizations including Chaplains on the Harbor, Democracy Rising, Blind Justice and more.
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy
Info Session Every 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 fines over $500
• Motivated and committed
This program is completely FREE to eligible students!
If you are ready to take the next step contact, or visit www.CascadesJobCorpsCCA.com
Eric Thompson
Office: 206-212-6189
Text: 253-265-7054
Thompson.eric@jobcorps.org
Join us in celebrating award-winning author Peter Donahue’s new book Three Sides Water at Harbor House Writers with novelist Scott Elliott in Aberdeen on Saturday, June 23, 2018. Washington author Peter Donahue will read from his new book Three Sides Water at Harbor House Writers with novelist Scott Elliott in Aberdeen on June 23, 2018 at 12:00 PM. In his latest work of literary fiction, Donahue distills the raw and vivid world of the Olympic Peninsula into a stunning work that challenges what it means to live life with purpose and integrity.
THE BOOK
Across the dramatic landscape of the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Peninsula, Donahue’s characters take extraordinary actions to transcend the limitations imposed upon them. Marguerite struggles with the emotional aftermath of sexual assault amidst the mysticism and untamed wilderness of the Pacific coast in the 1920s. Avery navigates life as a “juvenile delinquent” while the social and political convulsions of the 1960s transform the world around him. Chris escapes the present-day mill town where he grew up, only to find he must reconcile his true self with the troubling persona he’s taken on.
THE AUTHOR
Peter Donahue is the author of the novels Clara and Merritt and Madison House, winner of the 2005 Langum Prize for American Historical Fiction, and the short story collection The Cornelius Arms. He is co-editor of the 2016 edition of the memoir Seven Years on the Pacific Slope and the anthologies Reading Seattle and Reading Portland. His Retrospective Review column on Northwest literature has appeared in Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History since 2005. He teaches at Wenatchee Valley College at Omak and lives in Winthrop, Washington.
In addition to reading passages from each of the short novels in Three Sides Water, Peter will be spending some time discussing Olympic Peninsula literature and fielding questions from the audience.
Cascades Job Corps College & Career Academy
Info Session every 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 fines over $500
• Motivated and committed
This program is completely FREE to eligible students!
If you are ready to take the next step contact, or visit www.CascadesJobCorpsCCA.com
Eric Thompson
Office: 206-212-6189
Text: 253-265-7054
Thompson.eric@jobcorps.org
In 1968, Vietnam, civil rights, women’s liberation, and conservation coalesced—and tragedy led the 6 o’clock news. It changed us in ways still rippling a half-century later. 1968: The Year That Rocked Washington features a collection of online stories and an exhibit at the Washington State Capitol with profiles, compelling photos, and artifacts that document the activism and aftershocks of a landmark year in world history.
Please join us for Channel Point Village’s opening Speaker Series event with John Larson, Executive Director of The Polson Museum in Hoquiam, WA, as he explores the theme “Capture the Moment” in relation to the museum’s community-based oral history project “My Harbor Story” and his work at the museum.
The American Lung Association is hosting our second annual cycling event Reach the Beach Washington on September 29, 2018. This cycling event takes place over a fast and flat course with multiple starting points. 100 miles from Lacey, 88 miles from Olympia, 44 miles from Elma, and 25 miles from Cosmopolis, all ending on the beautiful beach in Westport. There will be rest stops ever 15 miles, with hot lunches and hydration at each stop. There will also be bike mechanics along the route to provide quick fixes to popped tires, chain malfunctions, etc. Once across the finish line, we will celebrate with good food, good drinks, and good company!
For more information about the race and volunteer opportunities please visit our website reachthebeachwa.org
*VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR REST STOPS*
The Puyallup Festival of Books celebrates its 5th year with an amazing line up of authors and events.
On Friday, October 5th, we’ll have an evening reception, which is free and open to the public, with beer and wine will be available for purchase (cash only). Enjoy an episode of Longmire before a talk with Craig Johnson, author of the Longmire novels.
On Saturday, October 6th, Jeremy McCarter, co-author of the New York Times #1 Best Seller Hamilton: The Revolution, will join us at Pioneer Park Pavilion in the afternoon to discuss his work with Lin-Manuel Miranda writing the “Hamiltome.”
Harvest Moon, Storyteller and Quinault Tribal Ambassador shares stories from the Northwest Coast Indian tradition. In partnership with Hoquiam Timberland Library.
The Friends of the Elma Timberland Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale. Pick up great books at even better prices!
The Friends of the Elma Timberland Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale. Pick up great books at even better prices!
Support the Central Park PTO and join us at the 3rd Annual Central Park Bazaar. Enjoy a free cup coffee or hot chocolate, and shop for baked goods, Christmas decorations, clothing, jewelry, and more! We are raffling off a Seahawk’s & Chocolate basket this year.
Santa will be available from 11:30 am-2: 30 pm.
We look forward to seeing you soon and thank you for your support.
The Friends of the Elma Timberland Library are hosting their Fall Book Sale. Pick up great books at even better prices!
Channel Point Village Speaker Series – Financial Outlook and Market Trends with Miles Longenbaugh, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones. Refreshments served.
Storyteller Rebecca Hom will share the stories of several Women Airforce Service Pilots, (WASPs) as well as the history of the program. The WASPs were an essential part of the US military’s air efforts during WWII.
The WASP training base was in Sweetwater, Texas – A dry desolate place where 1,100 women trained at Avenger Field, during WWII. They were selected from more than 25,000 applicants from all over the United States. Those chosen were highly qualified civilian pilots, and became the first females to earn their Silver Wings and fly military aircraft. These women flew over 60 million miles, in pursuit, cargo, and bomber planes during the brief two years of the WASP program. Their proficiency, enthusiasm, and spirit served the country, broke the norm, and paved the way for the future inclusion of female pilots.
Storyteller Rebecca Hom will share the stories of several Women Airforce Service Pilots, (WASPs) as well as the history of the program. The WASPs were an essential part of the US military’s air efforts during WWII.
The WASP training base was in Sweetwater, Texas – A dry desolate place where 1,100 women trained at Avenger Field, during WWII. They were selected from more than 25,000 applicants from all over the United States. Those chosen were highly qualified civilian pilots, and became the first females to earn their Silver Wings and fly military aircraft. These women flew over 60 million miles, in pursuit, cargo, and bomber planes during the brief two years of the WASP program. Their proficiency, enthusiasm, and spirit served the country, broke the norm, and paved the way for the future inclusion of female pilots.
Aberdeen author and Disney collector Gregory E. Zschomler will present on the life and times of the most famous of Disney characters, Mickey Mouse. Mickey celebrates his 90th birthday on Sunday, November 18. Zschomler’s talk coincides with the display of his Mickey Mouse memorabilia at the library, running throughout November and December.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library.
Employees can be your most valuable asset, as well as a significant liability to your nonprofit. By approaching human resources from beginning to end, you can set the stage for a successful partnership with your employees. A cohesive environment will set the stage for employees being their best, creating opportunities and creativity. Often these same roles are filled by volunteers and having successful strategies will help you help your organization be the best it can be!
In this workshop we will be covering what you need in place before you are ready to hire, assessing your organization’s culture and best practices when seeking your next team member, what tools and methods can be employed to show them you value them, and how to support your team as a whole when its time for that employee to leave the organization.
Aberdeen, WA – The Board of Directors of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport (GHHS), operators of the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, has scheduled a strategic planning workshop on December 8th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss long term planning for GHHS’s headquarters of Seaport Landing, vessel maintenance, and tall ship programs. No action will be taken at this meeting.
First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen and local community experts are hosting a FREE collaborative community event to provide basic information on a variety of topics that individuals and families face as they or their loved ones get older. You are invited to join in for discussion and learn more about end of life planning. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. For more info: www.aberdeenpres.org ~ email: info@aberdeenpres.org ~ 360.532.1330.
March 28th will be Grays Harbor Stream Teams first Biology and Brews pub talk at Mount Olympus Brewing in Aberdeen WA.
Kiley Smith, the Grays Harbor Noxious Weed Coordinator will be speaking on invasive and native plant species and how they relate to our community.
The talk will start at 5:00 pm and go till 6:00 pm, I will be around till 7:00 pm to answer questions.
The Radio Fryer food truck will be at Mount Olympus Brewing to serve burgers, hot dogs, and fries.
I hope you can join us!
