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.
Washington State Parks are offering eleven fee-free days for park entry. No Discovery passes needed on these dates.
Washington State Parks are offering eleven fee-free days for park entry. No Discovery passes needed on these dates.
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
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
Washington State Parks are offering eleven fee-free days for park entry. No Discovery passes needed on these dates.
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.
The National Park Service has announced four fee-free days in 2018. No passes needed on these dates.
Washington State Parks are offering eleven fee-free days for park entry. No Discovery passes needed on these dates.
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 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.
OLYMPIA – Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a four-day opening beginning Nov. 8.
State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and evening low tides:
• Nov. 8, Thursday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 9, Friday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Nov. 10, Saturday, 8:15 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 11, Sunday, 8:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
OLYMPIA – Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a four-day opening beginning Nov. 8.
State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and evening low tides:
• Nov. 8, Thursday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 9, Friday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Nov. 10, Saturday, 8:15 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 11, Sunday, 8:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
OLYMPIA – Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a four-day opening beginning Nov. 8.
State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and evening low tides:
• Nov. 8, Thursday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 9, Friday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Nov. 10, Saturday, 8:15 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 11, Sunday, 8:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
The National Park Service has announced four fee-free days in 2018. No passes needed on these dates.
Washington State Parks are offering eleven fee-free days for park entry. No Discovery passes needed on these dates.
OLYMPIA – Razor clam diggers can return to various ocean beaches for a four-day opening beginning Nov. 8.
State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and evening low tides:
• Nov. 8, Thursday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 9, Friday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Nov. 10, Saturday, 8:15 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 11, Sunday, 8:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
