This Week
Polystyrene & Low-Density Polyethylene (“Styrofoam”) Recycling – Tues, Apr 2nd *Updated*
Port Townsend StyroCyclers, a Local 20/20 Beyond Waste Project, collects white styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, or EPS), all colors of polyethylene (LDPE-4), white EPS food trays, and separated biodegradable (squishy) packing peanuts, but not crispy (EPS) peanuts, and no mixtures. Clean and dry materials only! Materials are inspected at the curb. Please remove all tape, labels, etc., before you arrive, and please leave plenty of room between vehicles. Please combine your materials with those of your neighbors and friends to help decrease the number of vehicles coming to these events. Email the organizers with questions, and check their Facebook page for weather cancellations. Volunteer with Port Townsend StyroCyclers! They have a big team so that volunteers can have flexible schedules. (See below for other collection dates in April.)
Time: 10 am – 12 pm | Location: Battery Putnam, near Alexander’s Castle, at 229 Alexander’s Loop, Fort Worden, Port Townsend. (Park your vehicle in the middle of the street in front of the battery.)
Lunch & Learn: Rethink, Reuse, Reduce – Navigating Food Waste In Your Household – Tues, Apr 2nd
Did you know that food waste contributes to 6-8% of greenhouse gases? Join eco-dietitian Mary Purdy for an engaging and informative workshop focused on reducing food waste right in your own home! In this interactive session, she’ll explore practical tips, creative strategies, and simple changes you can make to minimize food waste and stretch your grocery budget further. From meal planning and smart shopping to proper storage and creative recipes for leftovers, you’ll leave with the tools and knowledge you need to make a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment. Bring your own lunch; drinks provided. Suggested donation of $10 to help pay for speaker’s time.Register here. Contact Mary Purdy for more information.
Time: 12 – 1 pm | Location: The Food Co-op Annex, 2110 Lawrence St, Port Townsend
Local 20/20 Beyond Waste Group Meeting – Wed, Apr 3rd
The Beyond Waste Action Group looks at a number of issues including food waste composting, plastics reduction and recycling, reduction of garbage on an individual and community level, and various other waste-related topics that spontaneously come up during the meeting. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome. Email Lisa for info on monthly agenda and zoom link.
Time: 10:30 am – 12 pm | Location: Online
Local 20/20 Health & Wellness Group Meeting – Wed, Apr 3rd
The Health & Wellness Action Group, also known as Citizens for Healthcare Access, is a Local 20/20 Action Group working to promote health and healthcare access in East Jefferson County, with a particular focus on local, affordable, quality healthcare, including behavioral and dental healthcare. The group will not meet in March, but members will be kept updated on developments via email. The next scheduled meeting will be held via Zoom. They will discuss the status of exercise classes for seniors, persons with mobility impairments, and those with limited means. To get on the email list, please send an email here. Being on the Health & Wellness email list also means access to member notes taken at the Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Commission meetings, and starting next month, notes taken at the Jefferson County Public Health meetings. It’s a great way to stay informed on healthcare-related developments in the county.
Time: 12 pm | Location: Zoom
Spring Break Week at the PTMSC Museum – Wed through Sun, Apr 3rd through 7th *New*
Celebrate spring break with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center! The museum will be open three extra days with all sorts of bonus activities, from nature printing to the elephant seal skeleton to a native plant walk and more! All activities included with regular admission. Find out more here.
Time: 11 am – 4 pm | Location: PTMSC Museum (across from the beach and pier at Fort Worden State Park), 502 Harbor Defense Way, Port Townsend
Newt Crossing Community Site Design Workshop – Sat & Sun, Apr 6th & 7th
| Newt Crossing Community is a local, forming, intergenerational cohousing group with land just three miles outside of Port Townsend. If living in a small village that is welcoming, safe, and eco-friendly appeals to you, now is the time to get involved. The Site Design Workshop, lead by cohousing expert Charles Durrett, is where decisions will be made by consensus on how this community will be laid out. The workshop is the first step in buying your home and helping to design the common spaces in this new community. For more information and a tour of the site, contact them by email. Climate Solutions Film Series – Grassroots Movements for Earth Repair in Africa and India – Sun, Apr 7th *New* The third showing in the series features a number of short movies from Africa and India about restoration movements that involve millions of people and have successful outcomes. The films show how we can regreen the land, restore the hydrological cycle, and feed the people. African short films are: Tony Rinaudo and Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration in Niger and the Sahel; The Man Who Stopped the Desert, the story of Yacouba Sawadogo; and Chikukwa, Zimbabwe. Indian short films are: Water Bandits, a recently released film which features Rajendra Singh; Organic WINS Over Chemical Ag,”Paani Foundation India #3; and Ever Slow Green, a movie from Auroville. This will be the last showing of the Climate Solutions Film Series this Spring; they will resume this Fall. This film series is brought to you by Global Earth Repair Foundation, United Earth Networks, and Local 20/20. Financial sponsors are welcomed, contact Michael Pilarski for more information. See here for film series information. Time: 2 – 4 pm | Location: Fort Worden Commons, 210 Battery Way, Port Townsend |
| Upcoming Events Forest Health Assessment Training – Mon, Apr 8th Jefferson Land Trust is currently seeking volunteers to help conduct hands-on forest health assessments on several of their nature preserves. Volunteers will participate in an all-day training with Land Trust staff to go over the assessment protocol and navigation, and to practice using diameter tapes and other equipment needed for data collection. This spring, the forest health assessments will need to be completed before the end of May. Volunteers will work in teams of two to four for quality control and safety, as the assessments require walking off trail, through thick brush and over uneven terrain. This project also involves entering data into an online data form after the in-the-forest assessment is complete. The forest health assessments help to evaluate the ecological integrity and functions of forests and streams within preserves. If interested, please contact Cristina Villalobos by April 3. Time: 9 am to 3:30 pm Racial Equity 101 Workshops – Mon, Apr 8th & 15th Presented by Usawa Consulting, this two-part workshop (four hours total) is for individuals interested in understanding how racial inequity impacts our lives and communities. The curriculum was developed and is facilitated by a team of Black, Indigenous, and White educators and community organizers in Jefferson County. Their goal is to create a more equitable, welcoming, and accountable community. These workshops center on racism with the understanding that by liberating BIPOC/People of the Global Majority (PGM), all people are liberated. An attempt is made to take participants through the process of increasing awareness, developing analytical skills and strategies, learning ways to take action, and establishing relationships that will help participants be accountable allies (accomplices or co-conspirators) for people who experience marginalization. Cost per person: sliding scale $100-$225. More information and registration forms here. Time: 6 – 8 pm | Location: Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Rd, Chimacum Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke Safety Community Training – Wed, Apr 10th |
Jefferson County Public Health will present a free community training focused on extreme heat and wildfire smoke safety. All members of the community are encouraged to attend. This training will provide valuable information on how to stay safe during heat waves and wildfire smoke events, particularly targeting outdoor workers, families, and individuals without access to air conditioning or air filtering HVAC systems. Expert speakers will include Dan Nelson from the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency and Orly Stamfer, an Air Quality Specialist from the Washington State Department of Health, among others. Attendees can expect to learn practical tips and strategies for protecting themselves and their loved ones during challenging environmental conditions. The training is co-sponsored by the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management, emphasizing the collaborative effort to promote community resilience and safety. The Finn River taproom will be open for drinks but there is no food service on Wednesday evenings. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic or snacks. No outside beverages or alcohol allowed. More information here, or email questions to Lara Gaasland-Tatro at Jefferson County Public Health, or call (360) 385-9430.
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm | Location: Finnriver Cider Garden, 124 Center Rd, Chimacum
Program: “Introduction to Bats of Washington & Marrowstone Island” – Wed, Apr 10th
Are you curious about bats in Washington, including the types of bats found on Marrowstone Island? Join Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Watchable Wildlife Coordinator, Kelsey Hansen, as she shares about bat life history, bats in Washington and on Marrowstone Island, and ways to watch and help bats. There’s so much to learn about our winged neighbors! This is a free, online event presented by the Friends of Fort Flagler. Registration here.
Time: 5 pm | Location: Zoom
Presentation: “The Natural History of Olympic Prairies” – Thurs, Apr 11th
The Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation presents “The Natural History of Olympic Prairies.” Forest Shomer, owner of Inside Passages seed company, will talk about prairie preservation, the theme for this year’s Native Plant Appreciation Month. Forest’s talk will highlight geologic history, conservation, and the restoration of Western Washington prairies as well as the contribution all of us can make by knowing the native species and integrating them into our landscaping. More information here.
Time: 3 – 4 pm | Location: WSU Extension Classroom, Kively Center, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock
Friends of Fort Worden Annual Gala and Fundraiser – Fri, Apr 12th
Help the Friends of Fort Worden celebrate another year of supporting Fort Worden State Park! They are pleased to have Author, Street Smart Naturalist, and Geoduck Enthusiast David B. Williams as their special guest for the evening. David will be presenting a fascinating and hopeful narrative of the intersection between the people and places of the Puget Sound from the Ice Age to the present. Delectable appetizers and cash bar (beer and wine). Seating is limited – RSVP here.
Time: 5 – 8 pm | Location: The Fort Worden Commons, Fort Worden State Park, 210 Battery Way, Port Townsend
Birding by Ear/Bird Language Weekend Walkabout – Sat & Sun, Apr 13th & 14th
Join CedarRoot School for two days of springtime birdsong while strolling through the north side of Port Townsend. Participants will practice identifying birds by their distinct voices and aim to gain understanding about what they’re communicating, while reading the landscape through the ancient lens of bird language. Tuition: $140.00. Full description & registration here. Questions? Send email here.
Time: 8 am – 2 pm | Location: North Side of Port Townsend
Lecture: “The Mysterious World of Plankton” – Sun, Apr 14th *New*
Join the Port Townsend Marine Science Center for the Future of Oceans lecture, “The Mysterious World of Plankton: Cascading Migrations in a Fertile Fjord.” Dr. Stephen Bollens and Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens will be presenting. To keep this series accessible to all, regardless of the ability to pay, there is no set charge for the event; however, donations are always welcomed and appreciated. Learn more here.
Time: 3 – 4 pm | Location: Fort Worden Chapel, 24 Fort Worden Way, Port Townsend
Local 20/20 Council Meeting – Wed, Apr 17th
The monthly Local 20/20 Steering Council meeting is open to all and welcomes those interested in involvement in Local 20/20 leadership. Newcomers are always welcome, we will be meeting via zoom. If you’d like more information and/or a virtual orientation, or for the meeting link, contact us.
Time: 3 – 5 pm | Location: Online
“Moving in the Right Direction Conference” – Fri, Apr 19th
To move as a community in the right direction, Transportation Lab (TLab), a Local 20/20 Action Group, invites you to attend a free, all-day conference on April 19. Along with world-class presenters, they will explore the intersection of transportation, housing, health, equity, climate, and economic vitality. In breakout sessions, they will develop purpose statements to update local comprehensive plans. There will be a box lunch available for purchase in advance, or you are welcome to bring a bag lunch. Lunch will not be available for purchase the day of the event. See more details and register here. Attendees are asked to park at the Haines Place Park & Ride and take the #11B free shuttle to and from the conference location downtown.
Time: 9 am – 4 pm | Location: American Legion, 26209 Monroe St, Port Townsend
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course – Begins Sat, Apr 20th *Updated*
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a 9-week mindfulness training program that helps access and strengthen inner resources, to more actively engage in the moment, and find greater balance, ease, and peace of mind. MBSR is the original mindfulness course, has been exhaustively researched, and is considered to be the gold standard in mindfulness training. Learn mindful approaches to manage physical, emotional, and psychological pain, stress, and difficulty in an effective way. Overcome old and unhelpful habits of thinking and reactivity, and forge new pathways of responding with wisdom and compassion. Included is a full day of mindfulness on June 12th. Course fee: sliding scale from $300 – $500. Registration and more information here.
Time: 3 – 5:30 pm | Location: Uptown Port Townsend
Jefferson County Connectivity Fair – Sat, Apr 20th
The 2024 Jefferson County Connectivity Fair will include over 80 nonprofits and service groups offering unique ways to volunteer in our vibrant community. This is a free event hosted by local community groups, such as Skillmation, Local 20/20, and many more. This inspiring day will begin in the Chimacum School auditorium with a Chemakum Tribal welcome by Rosalee Walz, followed by a short introduction to the day. There will be a gymnasium filled with tabling by many local community groups and organizations sharing their latest updates and how you can pitch in. Breakout presentations on topics such as housing, food, and emergency preparedness from many of these organizations will begin at this time as well, so make sure to look at the schedule to decide what to take part in. The schedule will be updated closer to the event, so keep coming back to this website for the most recent schedule. There will be food trucks, free childcare, and much more. For more information, email the event planners here.
Time: 10 am – 4 pm | Location: Chimacum School, 91 W Valley Rd, Chimacum
Celebrate Earth Day at Fort Flagler State Park with Meaningful Activities – Sat & Sun, Apr 20th & 21st
Friends of Fort Flagler and Fort Flagler State Park are excited to present a diverse array of activities for Earth Day, featuring their inaugural Earth Day fair. The fair will be held on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. It promises an enriching experience with engaging presenters, informational booths, and fun activities tailored for kids. Then, on Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, join in the effort to preserve the ecological balance by participating in the removal of invasive seagrasses from the beach near the lower campground. This hands-on activity will let volunteers make a direct impact on the health of the coastal environment. Register for seagrass pull here. Also, on Sunday from 12 to 4 pm, you are invited to participate in the beach cleanup initiative. Help maintain the pristine beauty of the shores by dedicating part of your Sunday afternoon to removing plastic and other debris. Your action will contribute to the overall well-being of our coastal ecosystem. Register for beach cleanup here.
Polystyrene & Low-Density Polyethylene (“Styrofoam”) Recycling – Sat, Apr 20th, and Tues, Apr 23rd *New*
Port Townsend StyroCyclers, a Local 20/20 Beyond Waste Project, collects white styrofoam (expanded polystyrene, or EPS), all colors of polyethylene (LDPE-4), white EPS food trays, and separated biodegradable (squishy) packing peanuts, but not crispy (EPS) peanuts, and no mixtures. Clean and dry materials only! Materials are inspected at the curb. Please remove all tape, labels, etc., before you arrive, and please leave plenty of room between vehicles. Please combine your materials with those of your neighbors and friends to help decrease the number of vehicles coming to these events. Email the organizers with questions, and check their Facebook page for weather cancellations. Volunteer with Port Townsend StyroCyclers! They have a big team so that volunteers can have flexible schedules.
Dates/Times/Locations:
Apr 20th, 10 am – noon | Location: Battery Putnam, near Alexander’s Castle, at 229 Alexander’s Loop, Fort Worden, Port Townsend. (Park your vehicle in the middle of the street in front of the battery.)
Apr 23rd, 9:30 – 11 am | Location: Port Ludlow Bridge Deck, near the Beach Club at 121 Marina View Dr, Port Ludlow
AAUW Home & Kitchen Tour – Apr 24th – 30th (Virtual) and Sat, Apr 27th (Live) *New*
This will be the 26th annual AAUW fundraising kitchen tour. The Live Tour is through Uptown homes, modern and traditional, on Saturday, April 27. There will also be a 3D Virtual Tour, April 24-30, that features homes around Jefferson County, highlighting NetZero energy solutions and future-proofing aging in place concepts. The workshops/presentations include the themes Women in the Trades, Designing for Aging in Place, Emergency Preparedness, Passive Energy, Tiny Homes, and more. AAUW is working closely with Jefferson Transit to use the #11 bus to let visitors park at the Transit Center. Learn more details and make ticket reservations here. Send questions here.
Time (Live Tour): 9 am – 5 pm | Location: The Welcome Center at First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin St, Port Townsend
Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival – Fri through Sun, Apr 26th through 28th
The Port Townsend Heritage Association proudly presents this festival as a celebration and educational event focused on Port Townsend’s heritage during the Victorian era. This year is the 28th annual festival featuring downtown and uptown walking tours, historic home tour, Magic Lantern show, fashion show, community contra dance, historic Post Office renovation tour, fascinating exhibits and presentations, afternoon teas in heritage homes, and more. Online ticket sales begin March 1. Visit here for full details.
Time: Varies each day | Location: Downtown Port Townsend
Community Repair Event – Sat, Apr 27th
Repair Events are free community gatherings in which people with repair skills share their time and talents to fix their neighbors’ belongings. Volunteers donate their time to help with small appliances and electronics, textiles/clothes, bicycle repair, tool sharpening, and other household items. Limit of two items per person. If you know the specific part needed to repair your item, please bring it along. Bring your toaster that no longer toasts, sweater with a hole in the elbow, and excitement to get these belongings repaired while also learning how you could do it yourself next time! Learn more about this and other upcoming Repair Events here.
Time: 10 am – 1 pm | Location: Quilcene Community Center, 294952 Hwy 101, Quilcene
Program: “Who Are The Orcas That Frequent Our Local Waters?” – Wed, May 1st *New*
In nearly every month of 2023 Transient (Bigg’s) Orcas were spotted passing by Marrowstone Island and Port Townsend. Come learn about these orcas as Rebecca Berger does a deep dive into one particular Bigg’s Orca family that raised some eyebrows last September when they came into Kilisut Harbor! Rebecca recently completed the Whale Museum’s Marine Naturalist training program as well as the Bigg’s Orca STaRs program offered by the Orca Behavior Institute and The Salish Sea School. She has spent the past year immersing herself in learning about the Salish Sea and the marine life within it with a special focus on Bigg’s Orcas. This program is hosted by Friends of Fort Flagler. Registration here.
Time: 5 pm | Location: Hospital Building behind the Museum at Fort Flagler State Park, 10541 Flagler Rd, Nordland
Program: River Otter Beach Walk/Talk – Wed, May 15th *New*
Come learn about these cute and curious creatures that live throughout the Puget Sound. This program will be a beach walk on East Beach past the Wansboro Battery at Fort Flagler and discussion about the river otter’s life cycle, behavior, and where you might find them. If lucky, participants may even see one! Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothes, and a rain jacket. The presenter, Jennifer Riker, has a deep passion and love for the Pacific Northwest and all the beauty and wildlife that can be found here. This program is hosted by Friends of Fort Flagler. Registration here.
Time: 10 am | Location: East Beach past Battery Wansboro, Fort Flagler State Park, 10541 Flagler Rd, Nordland
Arts and Cultural Events
Local 20/20 recognizes the positive impact that the arts have on the well-being of our community, and we are so grateful that we reside in such a community that fosters creativity. To avoid overloading these announcements and duplication with other sources, Local 20/20 announcements include art and cultural events if they are directly related to our mission of promoting sustainability and resiliency through action and education. We encourage folks to check out “Bareboards”, My City Scene, KPTZ, the Port Townsend Leader and its community calendar, and the Peninsula Daily News for local arts, music, and cultural eventsTo avoid overloading these announcements and duplication with other sources, Local 20/20 announcements include art and cultural events if they are directly related to our mission of promoting sustainability and resiliency through action and education. We encourage folks to check out “Bareboards”, My City Scene, KPTZ, the Port Townsend Leader and its community calendar, and the Peninsula Daily News for local arts, music, and cultural events.
Photo: Great Blue Heron, by Wendy Feltham
For the full set of announcements, including Recurring Events, Community Notices, Community Resources, and Resilience Readings, see here.
