April 10, 2023 Weekly Announcements

This Week

Meaningful Movies Presents DamNation – Mon, Apr 10th
Join Meaningful Movies Port Townsend and co-hosts Mt. Baker Meaningful Movies for their online screening of DamNation. A community discussion will follow the film. This powerful film odyssey across America explores the sea change in our national attitude from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that our own future is bound to the life and health of our rivers. Dam removal has moved beyond the fictional Monkey Wrench Gang to go mainstream. Where obsolete dams come down, rivers bound back to life, giving salmon and other wild fish the right of return to primeval spawning grounds, after decades without access.
DamNation‘s majestic cinematography and unexpected discoveries move through rivers and landscapes altered by dams, but also through a metamorphosis in values, from conquest of the natural world to knowing ourselves as part of nature. See the event Zoom link,Facebook Page, Trailer, and more info.
Time: 6:30 PM | Location: Zoom

“Save Energy—Save Money” – Tues, Apr 11th
Learn how to save energy and money both at a presentation and workshop with Port Townsend Indivisible. Learn the many ways your household can save energy and be rewarded for doing so with rebates and tax credits from PUD and the Federal Government through the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) which was included in the recently passed Biden Administration Inflation Reduction Act. Presenters include representatives from solar, electrical, engineering, Local 20/20 and Jefferson PUD—with time for individual questions and assistance. (We’ll be wearing masks.)
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. | Location: Unity Church, 3918 San Jan Avenue across from Blue Heron Middle School.

Volunteer July/August to Protect Caspian Terns & Seals on Rat Island – Thurs, Apr 13th
Washington Fish and Wildlife is holding a two-hour training at Fort Flagler for anyone interested in volunteering as a docent to educate visitors about protecting the wildlife on Rat Island. WFWD is preparing training materials, vests, hats and signage as well. Friends of Fort Flagler has been working with WFWD to provide some protection to Rat Island during the Caspian Tern nesting and Harbor Seal pupping season which occurs during July and August. The goal is to have docents posted at the end of the Fort Flagler spit, across from Rat Island during extremely low tides. The docents will take the opportunity to answer questions and talk about the value of protecting the habitat and wildlife, and how our presence may disturb the chicks and pups.
Folks who may be interested in volunteering for this program are invited to discuss the length of each shift and times. WFWD is looking to cover only extremely low tides (-1.5′ and lower). If there are enough volunteers, volunteer commitments may be as little as twice per month. Register here.
Time: 10:30 AM    | Location: Fort Flagler

Pollinator Plantings: Resources to Perfect the Process – Thurs, Apr 13th
In this Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation presentation, long-time Master Gardener Nita Wester will share native bee and pollinator habitat requirements and explain how gardeners can incorporate best pollinator practices in their own gardens. For the Zoom link go here. Information about the Master Gardeners is here.
Time: 3 PM | Location: WSU classroom, Kively Center, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock or via Zoom

Port Townsend Community Chorus Spring Concert – Apr 14th and 16th
Please join them on Friday, April 14th, or Sunday, April 16th (or both) for the PTCC Spring 2023 concert! They’re doing a Broadway review, singing lots of favorites from Let Me Entertain You, Oliver, and Sound of Music to Les Miserables and Hamilton. It promises to be a fun concert! For details, see http://www.ptchorus.org/.
Time : 7 PM Friday, April 14th | Location : First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin, Port Townsend
Time: 3 PM Sunday, April 16th | Location: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 45 Redeemer Way, Chimacum

Friends of Fort Worden 30th Birthday Features Bird Expert – Fri, Apr 14th
The Friends of Fort Worden State Park are celebrating their 30th birthday. Renowned Northwest birding icon and naturalist Dennis Paulson, Director of the Slater Museum of Natural History for 15 years at the University of Puget Sound, will talk about the seabirds of Admiralty Inlet.
The annual meeting, the nonprofit organization’s first since 2019, will also highlight the Friends’ achievements, acknowledge volunteers, members, and donors, and raise funds for its park projects. Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1993, the all-volunteer Friends group has provided financial and volunteer support for park improvements and programs not funded by Washington State Parks. For more information about the Friends, visit their website.
Time: 5-8 p.m. | Location: Fort Worden Commons

Conference “Moving in the Right Direction” – Fri, Apr 14th
Transportation Lab, a Local 20/20 Action Group, is organizing a one-day transportation conference for decision-makers, transportation planners, and advocates. Moving in the Right Direction features expert presentations, a panel discussion, and inclusive workshop sessions. Keynote speaker Mike McGinn is the Executive Director of America Walks and a former Seattle mayor. Internationally recognized walkability expert Dan Burden will also make a presentation to set the stage for breakout working sessions. Free registration here. Participants may purchase a box lunch when registering or bring their own. Questions? Email TLab.Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM    |  Location: The American Legion, 209 Monroe St, PT.

Connectivity Fair – Sun, Apr 16th
Are you new to the area, or re-emerging from the pandemic, and looking to find ways to connect more deeply with the community and each other? Maybe even looking to connect with local non-profits to hear what they are up to? The Connectivity Fair, a free event hosted by local community groups, will showcase a wide variety of non-profits and service groups from across East Jefferson County that offer unique ways to volunteer in our vibrant community. The event features an engaging 15 minute film about the interconnections at play all around us. That will be followed by a chance to meet others in the community and engage with the people behind local nonprofits that are active in Jefferson County, and to hear about all the amazing work happening in our community!
Learn more about the event schedule here. Preview the film by local filmmaker Rose Madrone here.
Time: 1 – 5 PM | Location: Blue Heron Middle School, 3939 San Juan Ave, Port Townsend

Upcoming Events

Local 20/20 Health and Wellness – no April Meeting
The April Health and Wellness meeting that would normally be held on April 17th has been canceled. If you missed the March 20 Citizens for Healthcare Access meeting on Medicare Privatization, you can get the notes from Angela. This Local 20/20 Action group will resume their normal 3rd Monday of the month meeting schedule on Monday, May 15 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.

Home Composting Classes – in-person OR online! – Apr 18th, 19th or 22nd
Join your fellow Jefferson County citizens for an engaging interactive workshop with instruction on how to create and maintain a healthy compost system with food and yard waste. Create compost to amend your soil, retain moisture, provide essential nutrients for your plants, & MORE! Workshop cost is $25. Participants will receive a $125 Earth Machine compost bin. One per household, please. Participants must attend the full workshop to receive their compost bin. Additional family members and/or friends may attend at no charge with one paid registration. Available only to Jefferson County residents who have not attended a previous compost class with us. Note that the Saturday, April 29th filled up fast, so a new Earth Day class has been added. Register for one class below through Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, email Laura Tucker or call 360-379-4491. Time: 7-8:30 PM, Tuesday, April 18th | Location: Online via Zoom; register for this class here
Time: 10:30 AM-Noon, Wednesday, April 19th  | Location: Online via Zoom; register for this class here
Time: 10-11:30 AM; on EARTH DAY! Saturday, April 22nd | Location: in person at FinnRiver Cidery in Chimacum register for this class here.

Friends of Fort Flagler Edible and Medicinal Plants – Fri, Apr 21st
Did you know Douglas-fir makes a tasty tea, and cottonwood can ease your aching back? Come take a walk at Fort Flagler with a local herbalist and discover how people and plants help each other thrive. Northwest herbalist J.T. delights in connecting people with plants and watching them fall in love. She gathers herbs from mountain to city to sea and has taught hundreds of students how to identify edible and medicinal plants. J.T. likes to mix it up, incorporating her European and Chinese heritage in her herbal approaches. Wherever you find her, a class with J.T. offers practical, joyful knowledge for all your outdoor adventures.Register here.
Time: 2 PM | Location: Meet at Interpretive Trail at Fort Flagler State Park

Earth Day Beach Cleanup – Sat, Apr 22nd
Port Townsend Marine Science Center will be hosting cleanups at multiple locations. Your first stop is to check in at either the Museum Portico at Fort Worden State Park or Chimacum Corner Farmstand. From these locations, they will send folks out to local beaches to collect debris!
Volunteers collect and sort debris as well as contribute data on their findings to the Ocean Conservancy’s international database. Find more details on their webpage. The first 100 participants will receive a $5 gift card to the PT Food Coop and a $1 off any item coupon at the Keg and I.
Contact: Mandi Johnson
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM | Location: see above

Introduction to Mindfulness Practice- Sat, Apr 22nd
A 2-hour class will introduce you to the benefits of, and the techniques for developing a mindfulness practice for your well-being. The class will also give you a taste of the upcoming 5-hour silent meditation retreat on May 21st, as well as the “gold-standard” 26-hour course, “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction”/MBSR which will be offered in September 2023. More information and registration information here, or call 360-316-6544.
Time: 2 – 4 PM | Location: Their office in Port Townsend

Scotch Broom Removal – Sat, Apr 22nd
Friends of Fort Flagler is organizing a park clean up. Help restore the natural beauty at Fort Flagler State Park by removing invasive plant species. The Park will be giving free day passes to any volunteer who does not have a state park pass. Volunteers should bring their own tools, water, masks, and gloves and will be directed to a specific site. Register here.
Friends of Fort Flagler is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoring, preserving and protecting the natural and historic resources of Fort Flagler State Park. Please support our state park by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to our organization. Register here. . More info here.
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM | Location: Fort Flagler State Park

Medicinal Herb Micro-Farming Workshop – Sat, Apr 22nd
Hands-on workshop will show you how to get into small-scale medicinal herb production. Instructed by Michael Pilarski. $90. Contact Michael or at 360-643-9178. www.FriendsOfTheTreesBotanicals.com Registration is at Skeeter.Eventbrite.com
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM | Location: Friends of the Trees Library, 10644 Rhody Dr., Port Hadlock, and Finnriver Farm

The ReCyclery Open House – Sunday, Apr 23rd
The ReCyclery, your non-profit community bike hub, is reopening after a winter of reorganization! Join us at our open house as we share with our community our refreshed space, reimagined mission and vision, strategic plan, governance, and ways to get involved. We will be raffling off a tandem bike just in time for summer and screen printing our new logo (BYO t-shirt)! There will be a casual group ride from The ReCyclery to Fort Worden to follow. For more information please email info@ptrecyclery.org or visit the event webpage.
Time: 12 PM – 3 PM   |  Location: The Recyclery, 1925 Blaine St, PT

Earth Day Beach Clean Up – Sun, Apr 23rd
Protecting Puget Sound from trash and winter debris begins with each of us! As waste continually pollutes our parks, waterways, and beaches, Friends of Fort Flagler provides the opportunity for you to help protect and restore the environment we all call home. Friends of Fort Flagler is organizing a park clean up.. The Park will be giving free day passes to any volunteer who does not have a state park pass. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. They do not allow unsupervised minors to participate in a beach clean-up alone. Fort Flagler State Park will provide some supplies such as buckets, pickers, and gloves. Registration.
Friends of Fort Flagler is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoring, preserving and protecting the natural and historic resources of Fort Flagler State Park. Please support our state park by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to our organization. Learn more at Friends of Fort Flagler.
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM | Location: Fort Flagler

Port Townsend Plant Walk: Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Plants – Sun, Apr 23
Led by Michael Pilarski. Join a local expert toexamine the plants along the beach and in the adjoining bluffs and forest. Contact Michael or at 360-643-9178. Register at Skeeter.Eventbrite.com $50.
Time: 1 – 5 PM | Location: Fort Worden; meet at the Beach Campground Shelter.

Master Gardener Grants Application Deadline – Mon, May 1st
The Jefferson County Master Gardeners Foundation (JCMGF) wants to support Jefferson County residents with up to $1,000 in funding for volunteer horticulture and environmental stewardship projects. Schools, community gardens, individuals, and organizations with not-for-profit projects are eligible to apply. Grants are available for supplies and materials. Monies are not intended to fund salaries and administration costs. Project grants are funded by JCMGF’s setting aside a percentage of income earned at fundraisers such as plant sales, the Yard and Garden lecture series, and the Secret Garden Tour. Up to three grants are awarded each year by the Foundation. Since 2008, JCMGF has provided nearly $48,000 to help to fund 82. The orchard at Blue Heron Middle School in Port Townsend, blueberry plants for a community garden in Quilcene, many deer fences, irrigation systems, garden tools, and more are now realities because of project grants. The grant application is available under “resources” on the JCMGF website. The submission deadline is May 1, 2023.

Friends of Fort Flagler presents Pacific Salmon 101 – Weds May 3rd
Description: Why salmon are important to our ecologically? How do salmon affect our culture? What is the effect on our economy? Join us to learn about the 5 species of Pacific salmon and the differences between them, life cycle, habitat requirements, and finally, major threats that are hindering their recovery.
Presenter: Nate Roberts is a Stewardship Coordinator with The North Olympic Salmon Coalition. Growing up in Gig Harbor, Nate could often be found fishing one of several small inlets, bays, or estuaries in search of salmon and trout. Shortly after receiving a B.A. in Elementary Education, he realized that while he loved working with kids, his desire to work in a career recovering salmon in his home state was even greater. Accordingly, he returned to school and recently received a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, specializing in riparian ecology and restoration. After interning with NOSC in spring 2019, he is eager to rejoin the team as a full-time employee working to improve salmon habitat. Click here to learn more about The North Olympic Salmon Coalition. Register here.
Time: 6:30 PM |Location: Fort Flagler State Park Hospital

Olympia Oyster Restoration in Kilisut Harbor – Sun, May 7th
Olympia oysters are the only native oyster on the US West Coast. They create habitat, filter water, and developed populations enhance the nearshore marine food web. Kilisut Harbor was and continues to be home to an Olympia oyster population. Although native oysters persist, local aggregations are now sparse. Puget Sound Restoration Fund, in partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, are exploring restoration possibilities in Kilisut Harbor for this native species. In these talks and beach walk, we will share information on oyster biology, restoration techniques, and successful projects, and discuss options for next steps.
For attendees participating in the beach walk, please note that a Discovery Pass is required. The presentation will take place at Fort Flagler at 11:00AM. At 12:30 attendees can drive to Mystery Bay State Park for a beach walk. Register here.
Presentation Time: 11 AM |Location: Hospital at Fort Flagler State Park.
Beach Walk Time: 12:30 PM |Location Mystery Bay State Park

Jefferson County Jobs & Trades Fair- Fri, May 12^th
In partnership with the Chimacum, Port Townsend, and Quilcene High Schools, The Production Alliance is excited to announce the 2023 Jefferson County Job and Trades Fair taking place on Friday May 12th at Chimacum High School. Up to 80 participating businesses, companies, nonprofits, civic and government agencies will connect with 600+ high school students who are eager to engage with professional development opportunities. Click here for more information
Have questions? Contact Megan or call 360-305-8488
Time: TBD | Location:Chimicum High School

Tri-Area Repair Event – Sat, May 13^th
Join this free community gathering in which people with repair skills share their time and talents to fix their neighbors’ belongings.
For this event, volunteers donate their time to help repair small appliances and electronics, textiles/clothes, tool sharpening, bicycle repair and cleaning, and other household items.
There’s a limit of 2 items per person. If you know the specific part needed to repair your item, we ask that you 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 they did it and ways you could do it yourself next time! Learn more at JeffCoRepair.com
Time: 10 AM -1 PM | Location:Tri-Area Community Center, 10 W Valley Rd, Chimacum

The Secret Lives of Harbor Porpoises – Saturday May 13th
Join Dr. Hanson to learn about the research being done on harbor porpoises. There are several studies under way to understand their population, their communication and overall assessment of these beautiful porpoises. Register here.
Time: 6:30 PM | Location: Hospital Fort Flagler State Park

Weaving the Web: Soil, Pollinators and Human Health – Sat, May 20th
Join Jill to learn about techniques to create a healthier home garden which include pollinators! She will review the effects of pesticides on pollinators, soil and human microbiome and how we as a community can affect change.
Presenter: Jill Allison – Jill has a background in science and medicine which adds to her understanding of the interactions (and the biology and chemistry) relating to the interactions between soil health, pollinator health and human health. Jill has a B.S. in biology, graduate studies in bacteriology and public health and a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Register here.
Time: 5 PM | Location: Zoom

A Day of Mindfulness Meditation: A 5-hour exploration of Self-in-Presence – Sun, May 21st
The goal is to meet in companionable silence together where we give each other the support and spaciousness to have our own unique experience. You will be practicing in silence as your teacher guides the group through the sitting and movement meditations that most students of mindfulness practices are familiar with. This is an opportunity to be with the pleasant and unpleasant moments that arise and disappear daily- thoughts, sensations and emotions- in a supportive environment. This is ‘together action’ as we focus on becoming more aware of our life as it is – just this- always changing. Information and registration here, or call 360-316-6544.

Forest Ecology Hike in the Olympic Rain Shadow – Weds, May 27th
Join Friends of Fort Flagler for an in-person hike and discussion at Fort Flagler and learn about our forest and plants. We’ll start at the lower campground and hike a loop which should take about 1.5 hours. During the hike, we’ll discuss the trees and plants, as we encounter them. This event is led by Erik Kingfisher, who has been working in land conservation since 1999 and has been the Stewardship Director with Jefferson Land Trust since 2007. Eric holds a BA in Environmental Education, and an MA in Environmental Politics. He also created and annually operates the popular Tidelands to Timberline adult natural history course, and supervises other On-The-Land-Learning community engagement programs of the Land Trust. Register here.
Location: TBD Meet in front of the Beachcomer Cafe near the Fort Flagler Campground.

Brinnon Repair Event – Mon, June 3^rd
Join us for this free community gathering in which people with repair skills share their time and talents to fix their neighbors’ belongings.
For this event, we will have volunteers donating their time to help repair small appliances and electronics, textiles/clothes, tool sharpening, bicycle repair and cleaning, and other household items. Limit of 2 items per person. If you know the specific part needed to repair your item, we ask that you 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 they did it and ways you could do it yourself next time! Learn more here.
Time: 11:00-2:00 PM I   Location: 306144 US Route 101, Brinnon

For the full set of announcements, including Recurring Events, Community Notices, Community Resources, and Resilience Readings, see here.

Last updated:Monday, April 10, 2023

April 10, 2023 Weekly Announcements

Author: Cindy Jayne

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