| This Week Marine Science Center Flagship Landing Building Phase 1 celebration and preview – Wed, Mar 2nd *New* In August 2021, the PTMSC announced the purchase of the Flagship Landing Building that will eventually house its aquarium, exhibits, store, labs and offices. Since then, efforts have since been underway to open Phase I of the project. The new PTMSC welcome center will demonstrate the non-profit’s commitment to environmental stewardship and invite visitors to be part of its mission. Merchandise will reflect the PTMSC’s educational values and encourage consumer choices that will help the marine environment. Speakers include John Mauro, Port Townsend City Manager; Kate Dean, Jefferson County Commissioner; PTMSC Executive Director Janine Boire; and PTMSC Board President Ellen Hargis. Time: 2pm | Location: Flagship Landing Building, 1001 Water Street in downtown Port Townsend. Greywater Reuse Book Discussion – Wed, Mar 2nd *Online* The second and final discussion of Greywater, Green Landscapes is scheduled for Wednesday, March 2nd. The focus will be on Chapter 7, which is on the codes and regulations that guide practical, sustainable, water conservation solutions. The State of California’s legislative recognition of the human right to water and sanitation has made legalization there easier. Is this an approach that could work in Washington? These questions and others will be taken up later in the year in a session with Greywater Green Landscape author and code expert Laura Allen. This is a program of the Sanitation HAT (housing action team) of the Housing Solutions Network in collaboration with PHLUSH. Time: 5-6pm | Location: Zoom. Request link from carol@phlush.org . Climate On Tap – Wed, Mar 2nd – “Ideas and solutions to lower our transportation footprint!” Jefferson County’s largest carbon emissions come from transportation. How can we lower this? Hosted by Students for Sustainability, you can join 5 fabulous guest speakers focused on transportation solutions in Jefferson County: Students for Sustainability at Port Townsend High School, Steve King, Port Townsend Public Works Director and head of the Electric Vehicle working group, Nicole Gauthier from Jefferson Transit; David Thielk from L2020’s TLab, and Cindy Jayne from the Climate Action Committee sponsoring a Car Free Day event. Bring ideas, answers, and suggestions as we break into interest groups and plan for our sustainable future! FinnRiver Cidery is providing us with their Pavilion space with open-air, socially-distanced tables. Vaccinations and ID required. Food and beverages available including hot cider! Optional overhead heaters make it cozy! This is not a lecture series, but a discussion format with a focus on action taking. For further information email Laura Tucker or call 360-379-4491. Time: 7-8:30 pm | Location: FinnRiver Cidery Olympic Cooperative Network Annual Gathering – Thurs, Mar 3rd *Online* You are invited to the Olympic Cooperative Network’s Second Annual Cooperative Gathering to meet Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula cooperatives and to explore how they might connect with each other to strengthen local economies and communities. The gathering is open to all who are interested in supporting regional cooperative development. Cooperatives play a unique role in building inclusive local economies through advancing democratic ownership and control. The Olympic Cooperative Network was formed three years ago “committed to serving the development of existing and start-up cooperatives” on Washington’s Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas. This year’s gathering will focus on how can we together build a more cooperative, inclusive economy locally and in our region? All are welcome to attend. Register for zoom link at Second Annual Cooperative Gathering Registration. Time: 6 – 8 pm | Location: Online Keep the county clean! Recycle old tires at this event – FREE! – Sat, Mar 5th *Updated* For Jefferson County residents ONLY. Not for businesses. Tires can be on or off of the rim. No large off-road or construction tires. Bicycle tires OK. No limit on number of tires per person, but the event will close early if the truck is filled. People will dump tires in a pile. Castle Tire will have a loader there, and will be loading them into their truck during the event Tires are recycled into aggregate for engineering and construction projects Time:10:00 am – 4:00 pm (will close earlier if truck is filled) | Location: Jefferson County Public Works/Fleet Services, 371 Chimacum Rd, Port Hadlock She Tells Sea Tales – Sat, Mar 5th / Tickets on Sale Now *Online* Hilarious and heartbreaking, raw and brutally honest—She Tells Sea Tales offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of women in the maritime industry. Experience an evening of real sea stories, told by the female mariners who have lived them, in this beloved sell-out event that connects women from across all waters. She Tells Sea Tales will be held virtually in 2022. One ticket, one device—for you and everyone joining you at home. Your ticket purchase helps support female-forward programming at the Northwest Maritime Center, including the Girls’ Boat Project, through our Give Like a Girl fund. Thank you for considering a tax-deductible gift in addition to your ticket purchase. Event information. Time: 6pm | Location: Online EJFR Seeks Local Input for Strategic Plan – Respond by Sun, Mar 6th *New* East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR) is kicking off a strategic planning process to better define their organizational priorities, consider upcoming changes in their operating environment, and identify opportunities to strengthen their systems, processes, culture, and communications. They are launching their efforts by gathering information from community members to understand how they can best serve the East Jefferson community. Please take their short 10-question survey. Thank you for considering, and please reach out if you have any questions. |
| Upcoming Events Community Healthcare Access Monthly Meeting – Wed, Mar 9th *New* *Online* The CHA Group is a long running forum of people from the community concerned about healthcare access in Jefferson County. Discussion topics include Charity Care issues at the hospital, Legislative actions supporting local healthcare, public health issues, dental care, mental health and more. There is no membership needed, the public is welcome. Contact albergstein@gmail.com for the Zoom link to the meeting if interested, along with historical background on the group. Time: Noon-1:30pm | Location: Zoom Climate Working Group – Thurs, Mar 10th *New* *Online* We are restructuring the Local 20/20 climate meetings for the new year. This meeting will include both climate mitigation (reducing greenhouse gases) and climate adaptation (preparing for climate impacts) aspects. The first hour will be a discussion of current and proposed projects – gather feedback on existing projects, share successes, and brainstorm on possible future projects. The second hour will be a general discussion of current climate topics – what’s been in the news, learning opportunities, etc. Feel free to join for either half. Meeting schedule for the year will be discussed and defined. For the online meeting information, contact cag@l2020.org. Time: 3-5pm | Location: Zoom Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course –Sunday evenings Mar 13th through May 8th. Registration open now. *Updated* *Online* Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a mindfulness training program that helps us access and strengthen our own inner resources to 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 the gold standard in mindfulness training. This 9 week Zoom/online course begins March 13th. Registration, pricing, and more information or call: 360-316-6544 for more information. Meaningful Movies: Since I Been Down – Mon, Mar 14th *New* *Online* Since I Been Down spotlights prisoner Kimonti Carter and follows his efforts, as well as a wide group of prisoners, as they create a model of education that is transforming their lives, their communities, our prisons, and our own humanity. Kimonti is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. And yet, he devotes himself every day to educating and expanding the perspectives of his fellow prisoners. Carter is a member of the #BlackPrisonersCaucus and started the prison led education program, T.E.A.C.H. The film, told by the people who have lived these conditions, unravels intimate stories from interviews brought to life through archival footage, cinema verité discussions, masquerade, and dance, unraveling why children commit violent crime and how these children – now adults – are breaking free from their fate by creating a model of justice that is transforming their lives and the quality of life for all our children. Trailer and more info. Time: 6:30pm | Location: Zoom Spring Growing Groceries Class – Begins Wed, Mar 16th, Registration Open Now *Hybrid Online* Join Jefferson County Master Gardeners and local experts for a 6-week course on the essentials for vegetable gardening in our unique environment. This year’s class will be a hybrid format, with online lectures on Wednesdays, starting March 16th through April 20th from 5:30 – 8:00 PM. The two in-person workshops on Saturday March 26th and April 16th. Cost is $45, scholarships are available. Topics include: Location & Climate, Garden planting calendars, Seed Starting and Transplanting, Plant Family/Crop Rotation, Pest/disease management, Pollinator and Beneficial Insects. Register and more information. Time: 5:30-8pm | Location: Online; + 2 Saturday workshops Rescued Harbor Seal virtual update – Wed, Mar 16th *New* *Online* Join Friends of Fort Flagler for a virtual program to learn about the faith of the harbor seals rescued in 2021. Last year was the first year SR3 rescued harbor seals for the Salish Sea. Casey Mclean, the Executive Director of SR3 will present an overview of the number of rescues, treatments, rehabilitation process, and releases. Harbor Seal pups are born between June and August in the Salish Sea and they’re abandoned or separated from mom for various reasons. The good news is that now there is a dedicated marine animal hospital to help some of these seals. Register. Time: 6pm | Location: Online Business Planning Class – Starts Wed, Mar 16th – Registration open now *New* *Online* Do you have a great idea for a business, but no idea how to turn it into a reality? Is your business growing and you need help planning out the next steps? EDC Team Jefferson’s Business Planning Course will help you create a business plan, look at cash flow, funding sources, marketing, and get you ready to start or grow your business. This program is offered in a practical and relaxed Zoom environment for ten weeks. All the presenters have local real-life business experience – they’ve been there, done that. They have experienced both the gratifications and frustrations of being a business owner. More information and registration. Time: 6-9pm | Location: Zoom Jefferson County Land Trust Conservation Breakfast 2022 – Thurs, Mar 17th *Online* Listening to the Land: Understanding the Indigenous Landscape of Jefferson County You’re Invited! Conservation Breakfast is an annual opportunity to gather together and celebrate community-powered conservation. In a lively conversation, you’ll learn and discuss what makes Jefferson County so unique and how you can make a difference. Complimentary Registration. Learn more or register. Time: 9:00 – 10:30 am | Location: Online via Zoom Port Townsend Rain Garden Workparty – Fri, Mar 18th *New* Join the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee in stewarding some of the rain gardens across Port Townsend! Meet at the rain garden located on the corner of Franklin and Adams Streets in Port Townsend at 10AM. Volunteers will help add mulch to this recently installed rain garden, while others may follow leads to other rain gardens within walking distance to help with weed removal. Vaccinations and masks (when within 6 ft) are required. Please bring water and snacks for yourself, as well as gardening gloves, small hand tools for digging/weeding, and if you have some, empty dog food, green waste, or sand bags. Register here! Time: 10am | Location: Meet at rain garden on the corner of Franklin & Adams St. JeffCo Repair Goes Remote Event – Sat, Mar 19th What do you do with…Your favorite sweater with a tear in the elbow? A resume that could use an extra set of eyes? A toaster that no longer works? A vacuum that stopped working and has you stumped? You bring it to a Drop-off Repair Event! Preregister your belongings – small appliances, sewing/textiles, electronics, and more! Sponsored by Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Local 20/20, and WA Dept of Ecology. Preregistration is required. Register and get more information. Time: 1-3pm | Location: Port Townsend Marine Science Center Museum portico (the building next to the canteen in Fort Worden State Park) Recurring Events COVID-19 Update – Mondays *Online* Join the weekly 9:00 am meeting of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), including the 9:45 am COVID-19 update with Public Health Officer, Dr. Allison Berry. You can also listen live to Dr. Berry on KPTZ. Additional COVID-19 information is on the County website here. Styrofoam Recycling Available – Mon, Tues, Sat – see schedule below *Updated* The volunteer Port Townsend StyroCyclers group is recycling expanded polystyrene, commonly known as styrofoam, from East Jefferson County residents and businesses. Because of the huge volume processed by their Kent-based recycler, the StyroCyclers can only accept pieces that are white, rigid, clean, and dry, with all tape, labels, paper, and cardboard removed. They also accept clean and dry packing peanuts of all colors and types (separated from the styrofoam), as well as white styrofoam food trays that are clean and free of stains and writing. Thanks to the Fort Worden PDA, the styrofoam is packed and stored at the Fort Worden Putnam bunker, then delivered to Kent once per month thanks to OlyCap and Northwest Harvest food bank trucks. At the Kent facility, a densifier machine uses heat and pressure to convert the styrofoam into a toothpaste-like consistency that cools into heavy, glassy blocks, which are then sold to manufacturers of products such as picture frames, construction details, and surfboard blanks. The densified product is in high demand because it is less expensive than virgin plastic. Styrofoam is being collected directly at Fort Worden and also at Port Ludlow. Check the schedule below, and/or message them at any time at PTStyroCyclers@gmail.com or through their Facebook page. 2nd Monday of the month, 10-noon, Fort Worden Putnam bunker, (near 229 Alexander’s Loop/park in the middle of the street and not on the grass or dirt) Tues, Feb 22nd, Mar 22nd, Apr 19th, 10-11am, Bridge Deck, near the Port Ludlow Marina 4th Saturday of the month, 10-noon, Fort Worden Putnam bunker, (near 229 Alexander’s Loop/park in the middle of the street and not on the grass or dirt) Forest Bathing Walks at Fort Worden – Sundays *Updated* From Olympic Peninsula Mindfulness. Walk – Sit – Walk: As you enter the ‘cathedral’ of the park’s spaces you can walk comfortably and safely far apart without masks, or as you choose. Their walk follows paths linking the woods and meadows in the park. Several times they will pause, listen to a nature poem, and sit in silence at the Memory Vault; or possibly with a bit of guided meditation led by Ellen Falconer, mindfulness teacher. Please wear clothing which will keep you warm and dry, as we may be sitting or standing about in wet, chilly, invigorating weather. For more information call 360-316-6544 or visit their website. Walks are on Sunday mornings. Time: 9:30 – 11 AM | Location: Fort Worden State Park, meet in front of the Nora Porter Commons Building, 210 Battery Way Climate on Tap – First Wednesdays Climate on Tap is back – in person in FinnRiver’s cozy Pavilion! Each Climate on Tap is held on the first Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 pm. Co-sponsored by Local 20/20 Climate Action, Jefferson County Public Health, and FinnRiver Cidery. This is not a lecture series, but a discussion format. For further information email Laura Tucker or call 360-379-4491. Birding in the Park – 2nd and 4th Fridays beginning March 25th Beverly McNeil, Admiralty Audubon trip leader and photographer, is conducting bird walks at Fort Flagler. Birding and nature tours are on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather. Bring binoculars and your own water. Registration: Please send Bev an email, including where and when you’d like to join at Bevybirds53@gmail.com. It is important to include this information as Beverly does walks in multiple locations and dates. Please note this program is dependent on good weather. Beverly’s photographs are displayed at the Port Townsend Gallery. Time: 9 am | Location: Fort Flagler | Dates: 2nd and 4th Fridays starting 3/25 Community Notices Editor announcement: Historically, we have not accepted “sales-related” submissions to this newsletter. We are reevaluating this position, and will now accept submissions related to vending and sales that are related to our mission on a trial basis for addition to this Community Notices section. Please refer to the bottom of this newsletter for how to submit an announcement. Jefferson Transit’s Kingston Express Jefferson Transit is launching a pilot that connects with the Kingston Fast Ferry to Seattle! And you can ride free all the way to Seattle from Feb 22 – March 31, 2022, with a free ride transfer for the ferry! There will be a morning run and an afternoon run Monday – Saturday (note the fast ferry only runs M – F currently.) The Jefferson County stops are Haines P&R, Four Corners P&R, and the Gateway Visitors Center. Find out more at https://jeffersontransit.com/14kingstonexpress/. You can show your support for this pilot by getting on board, literally! Job Opportunity – School Maintenance Employee Sunfield is seeking a capable, motivated, and experienced addition to their team. The applicant will work closely with the school’s Administration communicating continuously about priorities, plans, designs, and problems. The School Maintenance Employee is expected to plan, design, and execute tasks related to school buildings, outdoor classrooms, campus features and seasonal events. Year Round Part Time Position: 16 hours/week Compensation: $17.00 per hour with a flexible schedule To Apply: Send your resume with 2 references and a cover letter to hiring@sunfieldfarm.org. See website for more information. Full Job Description Global Earth Repair Foundation is hiring a 2022 Part-Time Office Assistant Manager Global Earth Repair Foundation serves a grass-roots, restoration mass movement to re-green our planet and re-carbonize our soils. Start Date: February 2022 End Date: Ideally 1 year (flexible), with possibility to continue Location: 10644 Rhody Drive, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Schedule: 10-15 hrs per week Compensation: $18 per hour to start. Useful skills: Library management, research, outreach, marketing, spreadsheets, databases, website management, video, grant writing. Learn more, or contact Michael Pilarski at FriendsoftheTrees@yahoo.com The Jefferson County Farmers Market Vendor Application is Open – April 1st (Chimacum) Applications are due April 1, 2022 for the Chimacum Farmers Market. Applications are welcomed from Jefferson County farmers, artists, and artisan food makers. Please review their Vendor Guidelines for all vendor information including seasonal products and vendors from neighboring counties offering unique products that are not otherwise represented at the Jefferson County Farmers Markets. The BIPOC Start-Up Business Fund application is open for new Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC)-owned businesses joining the Jefferson County Farmers Markets. Learn more about the BIPOC Start-Up Business Fund and apply on our website. Find information on Jefferson County Farmer’s Market website. Thanks for your interest! “We Are Puget Sound: Discovering and Recovering the Salish Sea,” photo exhibit – through Feb 2022 The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is pleased to announce an engaging photo exhibit, “We Are Puget Sound: Discovering and Recovering the Salish Sea,” which continues through February 2022. The striking photographs and stories will be on display at 1001 Water Street in downtown Port Townsend on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 12-3 p.m. More information can be found on the the PTMSC’s website at https://ptmsc.org/visit-us. Free to the public. Community Resources Biochar for Farms & Gardens *New* The Olympic Carbon Fund is continuing its mission to increase carbon sequestration in the soils of our region by continuing to give away biochar for food-growing soils. Farms, market gardens and large shared gardens are eligible for a full cubic yard, while home food gardeners may partake of the “Bucket Share”. Other soil regeneration projects may also be eligible for free biochar, if community resilience is enhanced by the project. More information and order. Sequestering carbon in our soils is a multi-win strategy. Yes, it will help to mitigate climate change — a drop or two in a very big bucket — but more importantly at this point, it will help us adapt to an increasingly disruptive climate. It supports the biology of the soil, enhancing nutrient delivery to the plants and producing more nutrient-rich food. It significantly increases water retention capacity, helping plants to survive both drought and flood. The increase in total vegetation supported by the soil means less erosion and more carbon continuously captured from the air. Let’s do it. New Public Health Dept E-Newsletter *New* Sign up at https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/list.aspx, and allow your mail tool to receive e-mails from listserv@civicplus.com. New informational Electric Vehicle web tools for Jefferson County Jefferson County’s 2018 Greenhouse Gas Inventory indicates that transportation accounts for 66% of our greenhouse gas emissions. This might be your best excuse yet for buying the most responsive (fast), fun vehicle you’ve ever had! Our community has a new set of web tools that can help you in your EV research: https://jeffersoncan.org/electric-vehicles/ Local 20/20’s COVID-19 Resources Online Local 20/20’s COVID-19 resource page is a central location for community-wide information relating to COVID-19, updated frequently. Includes Reliable Information Sources, Vaccine info, Food Sources, Community Covid-19 Resource pages, Giving and Getting Assistance, Community Events Online, Community Face Mask Program, and information web posts related to COVID-19. Look in the red box at the top of the page for all the newest information. Master Gardeners Q&A Have a question about a plant/insect/composting/landscape issue? Master Gardener volunteers are here to help. You can fill out our online intake form and a Master Gardener will get back to you via email. Just Soup on Tuesdays Every Tuesday at 11:30 – 1:30, Just Soup provides free, hot soup lunches at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1020 Jefferson St, on the Tyler St. bus line (by the Bell Tower). Enter the rear church parking lot on Franklin, and whether you are on foot, bike, or car, you will be in line for curbside pickup, with masks, gloves, and safe distancing protocols in place. Pick up a lunch for yourself or your neighbor in need. No questions asked. Many partners and supporters have come together to feed Port Townsend one bowl at a time. This information also appears on Local 20/20’s COVID-19 Resources Meals Page. Time: Tuesdays, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1020 Jefferson St. Emergency Text Alerts from Jefferson County Sign up to receive Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management’s emergency alerts by text on your mobile phone and/or by email. NIXLE messages provide crucial information in an emergency & are sent directly to your text-enabled device and/or email. The sign up web page also has information about other alert and warning systems, including the tsunami warning system and the WSDOT alert system. NPREP: Prepared Neighborhoods Prepare for emergencies with your neighbors by joining or starting an NPREP neighborhood. There are currently over 100 NPREP neighborhoods organizing here in Jefferson County. Learn if you live in an NPREP trained neighborhood. Learn about NPREP. A Tool for Neighborhood Organization Nextdoor is a private social network for YOUR neighborhood. Use this link to join one of 59 Nextdoor Neighborhoods in Jefferson County. Currently there are 14,344 subscribers, with many new members joining each day. Email Pete Hubbard with questions or comments. Calling Local Photographers Local 20/20 Weekly Announcements invites local photographers to submit images that capture the character of our community and its natural setting. For the opening photo of each weekly email (which is also posted to our website), we seek local color, horizontal (“landscape”) orientation, and jpeg format. Please no children, pets or recognizable faces. Kindly send to events@l2020.org. Please include your name in the jpeg filename. We are an all-volunteer non-profit, so compensation for your talent and generosity is a photo credit and our profound thanks. Resilience Readings Do you have readings, podcasts or videos to share that are aligned with our Local 20/20 mission? Please submit them here. Local 20/20 Leader Column – Showing Our Love for Our Community Local 20/20’s latest column in the Port Townsend Leader highlights how we can show our love for our community through volunteering. Suzanne Jones describes some ways that we can help co-create a community that serves the needs for all of its citizens, and is even more resilient in the future. What sort of new story do need to build that future? It highlights the many organizations in our county that are helping addressing the needs of our community. And as Suzanne ends, “As we are reminded of how much we love our family and friends this February, let us also remember how much we love our community and consider some ways we can volunteer to keep it regenerating itself.” Quimper Community Harvest 2021 Gleaning Season and Applesauce Project Successes The Quimper Community Harvest group, part of the Local 20/20 Local Food Action Group, made impressive progress in 2021 with over six tons of fruit delivered to twenty organizations! And, the group successfully fundraised for, and implemented, the “applesauce project”, where a cooler was designed and built to quickly cool the fresh sauce. The result was 700 pounds of applesauce being made, to be offered to local schools and other organizations from now until next season. Learn more about these successes, and how you can get involved, in the recent Local 20/20 PT Leader Column about the efforts. Anticipated Meteorological “Bomb” Documented by King Tide Team The Local 20/20 King Tide team documented the tides and water levels on 10/25/21, during a rapidly developing low pressure system, referred to a meteorological “bomb”. The event was selected based on the predicted storm surge and strong winds during a time of moderately high tide. Since the winds had largely subsided and the remaining waves were in the 1′ range, the wave runup appeared to be only about 0.1′. With that in mind, this event was a good chance to compare the storm surge forecast to the difference between predicted and observed water levels at the tide gauge. In this case, the surge forecast was very good! See the post linked above for photos of the event and the full analysis. Local 20/20 Leader Column on Electric Vehicles and New Web Tools The October Local 20/20 Leader Column highlighted some of the many reasons to consider buying an electric car. It discussed how far they can go on a charge, compares costs, and notes rebates available. Also described are the wide range of electric vehicles available now – not just passenger cars, but SUVs, motorcycles, and pickup trucks! And it mentions the new web tools where you can learn more about Electric Vehicles at https://jeffersoncan.org/electric-vehicles/. |
