Here is Local 20/20’s latest column in the Port Townsend Leader. Thank you, PT Leader!
All County “Picnic in Place” Returns in August
Neighborhood Gatherings Build Community, Emergency Preparedness
By Megan Claflin
The 9th annual All County Picnic (ACP) invites East Jefferson County to strengthen neighborhood networks as part of a community-wide celebration of resilience and emergency preparedness. This year’s event will take place Aug. 21-22 and features both in-person and digital events, including:
All County “Picnic in Place” Neighborhood Gatherings
On Sunday, Aug. 22, neighborhoods throughout Jefferson County are encouraged to celebrate. With support from the All County Picnic, neighborhoods will self-organize events with the help of their Local 20/20 NPREP Team. Events will be social, fun neighborhood gatherings focused on building relationships, networking, and paging up on preparedness topics. Neighborhood organizers can determine the timing and activities included in their own events, while the ACP Team is available to answer questions about health and safety protocols.
To receive FREE corn on the cob to prepare and enjoy at your neighborhood’s “Picnic in Place” you must pre-register and pick-up that delicious golden goodness with your “Go Bag” at a designated Community Points of Distribution. More information and physical addresses will be shared with all who have RSVP’d for corn in advance of the “Picnic in Place” event.
To register your neighborhood, visit theproductionalliance.org.
Community Points of Distribution
Community Points of Distribution (CPODs) are sites where the public can pick-up life-sustaining emergency relief supplies following a disaster. CPOD sites are activated in the event that retail establishments close and the public cannot access basic commodities such as shelf-stable meals, water, medical supplies, etc. CPODs may also be utilized as emergency evacuation points or for sheltering in place. Familiarity with site locations and how to utilize the resources available at CPODs is critical in the event of an emergency.
On Saturday, Aug. 21, community volunteers will gather to participate in a CPOD training exercise at six sites located in Brinnon, Quilcene, Chimacum, Gardiner, Port Ludlow, Port Townsend. In the morning, event coordinators and volunteers will create “Go Bags” with FREE corn on the cob (an All County Picnic tradition), “Picnic in Place” supplies, and critical information from local public health and safety agencies.
Local residents are encouraged to visit the site nearest their neighborhood to pick up their “Go Bag” and connect with emergency management staff, first responders, and local leaders to learn about planning and response efforts ongoing in Jefferson County.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit theproductionalliance.org. The All County Picnic is a collaborative effort of The Production Alliance, Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management, and Local 20/20’s NPREP Action Group.
Stories of Resilience
A digital series highlighting neighborhood groups throughout Jefferson County coming together to support one another through the COVID-19 pandemic will be offered online in advance of the All County Picnic weekend. Interviewees will share lessons learned about relationship building, collaborative preparedness planning, and practical tips for readying your household and neighborhood in case of a natural disaster or emergency.
To share your neighborhood’s story, visit theproductionalliance.org.
Megan Claflin is the Director of Development for The Production Alliance (TPA), a Jefferson County nonprofit organization who’s mission is to create joy, inspire engagement, and build resilient communities by leading collaborative partnerships to create dynamic and inclusive celebrations and initiatives.
