This Week Meaningful Movies Port Townsend Presents “Atomic Bamboozle” – Mon, Mar 11th Atomic Bamboozle is a 46-minute documentary that follows anti-nuclear activists, tribal leaders, scientists, and attorneys as they draw lessons from the decades-long campaign to shut down the Trojan Nuclear Power plant in Oregon and extend those lessons into a new struggle to stop small modular reactors (SMRs) from being built in the Pacific Northwest. The documentary follows activists as they expose the true costs of these small nuclear reactor designs that have been opposed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) as well as by several other environmental groups. Zoom link here. More info on Facebook page. Time: 6:30 pm | Location: Zoom Lunch & Learn: Plant-Forward Eating On A Budget: Good For You, Good For The Planet – Tues, Mar 12th Curious about how to incorporate more plant-centric meals and still feel satisfied? Worried about getting enough protein? This free workshop will outline culturally relevant and creative strategies for getting those nutritional and sustainable gems on your plate without breaking the bank. Are you ready for a culinary adventure? Yes, it’s beyond impossible to eat and enjoy a variety of plant-based foods! Join Mary Purdy – Eco Dietitian for this month’s Lunch and Learn. Bring your own lunch. Drinks provided. Suggested donation of $10. Register here. Time: 12 – 1 pm | Location: The Food Co-op Annex, 2110 Lawrence St, Port Townsend Jefferson County Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee Vacancies – Application Deadline: Wed, Mar 13th *New* The Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee is looking to fill four vacancies in Jefferson County. Citizen Oversight Committee members make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the selection and funding of open space projects utilizing the Conservation Futures Fund. The Board of County Commissioners seeks representation on the committee from each commissioner district and a broad spectrum of interests. There are currently two vacancies for citizens to represent District 3 and two vacancies for citizens to represent “open interests.” The committee meets approximately five times per year with the majority of activities occurring in March, April, and May. These are non-paid positions. Interested individuals should request an application by sending an email to Tami Pokorny, the Program Coordinator, or by sending her a letter to 615 Sheridan St, Port Townsend, WA 98368, to arrive no later thanMarch 13. More information here, or call (360) 379-4498. Local 20/20 Council Meeting – Wed, Mar 13th 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. The Steering Council meeting is normally held on the third Wednesday of the month but will be on the second Wednesday in March only due to conflicts. If you’d like more information and/or a virtual orientation, or for the meeting link, contact us here.Time: 3 – 5 pm | Location: Online Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation Presents: “From Straw to Table: Straw Bale Gardening Explained” – Thurs, Mar 14th Is your garden soil less than optimal? Learn how to work around that common problem at the next presentation of the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation by Master Gardener Julia Cordz. Julia’s presentation demystifies straw bale gardening by outlining the essential steps of this gardening technique, sharing tips she has learned from her own experiences. She will also discuss how the straw bale gardening method is being used to solve food insecurity challenges worldwide. More information here.Time: 3 – 4 pm | Location: WSU Extension classroom, Kively Center, 97 Oak Bay Rd, Port Hadlock Conservation Breakfast: “The Olympic Cougar Project: Conservation in a Human-Dominated Landscape” – Thurs, Mar 14th Jefferson Land Trust invites the community to attend its annual conservation breakfast. There will be a fascinating presentation by Dr. Mark Elbroch, noted cougar biologist and Puma Program Director of Panthera, a nonprofit devoted to the conservation of the world’s 40 species of wild cats and the ecosystems they inhabit. Dr. Elbroch and an expert panel will discuss the work and mission of the Olympic Cougar Project, and share how partners like Jefferson Land Trust help protect critical wildlife habitat in a human-dominated landscape. Free registration and more information here.Time: 9 – 10:30 am | Location: Zoom Polystyrene & Low-Density Polyethylene Recycling – Sat, Mar 16th 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. Materials are inspected at the curb, and only clean and dry materials are accepted. Please remove all tape, labels, etc., before you arrive, and please leave plenty of room between vehicles. Email the organizers with questions, and check their Facebook page for weather cancellations. (See below for another styrofoam recycling event later in March.) 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.) Maritime Career Fair – Sat, Mar 16th The Maritime Career Fair, hosted by Northwest Maritime Center, will answer all your burning questions about maritime, maritime careers, and how you can set sail toward an exciting future. There will be interactive exhibits, networking opportunities, and interviews with experts. This event is tailored to middle school and high school students and their families. Anyone interested in exploring opportunities in maritime is welcome to attend! This is a volunteer-run event; if you’re interested in volunteering, please send an email here. More information here. Time: 10 am – 2 pm | Location: Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St, Port Townsend Climate Solutions Film Series – Regenerating Life – Sun, Mar 17th*New* The second film in the series is Regenerating Life – How to cool the planet, feed the world, and live happily ever after. All three parts of the documentary film will be shown. Director John Feldman will join in by Zoom to answer questions afterwards. “Regenerating Life offers a fresh take on the global climate crisis, and on nature-based solutions that can revitalize our human and natural communities. The film shows how, by working with and within the Earth’s interconnected biological systems, we may simultaneously enhance climate resilience, restore biodiversity, and foster community health and well-being,” says Curt Meine, Senior Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation and Center for Humans and Nature. 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 – 5 pm | Location: The Fort Worden Commons, 210 Battery Way, Port Townsend |
Upcoming Events Friends of Fort Flagler Rat Island Docent Program Informational Meeting – Wed, Mar 20th Join the Friends of Fort Flagler (FOFF) in its 2024 docent program, to be held from Memorial Day weekend through August, to protect the delicate habitat and diverse wildlife on Rat Island. Docents will have 4-hour shifts to stand, sit, and walk the Rat Island spit while educating visitors and observing wildlife. With the Avian Flu devastating approximately 80% of the Salish Sea population of Caspian Terns in 2023, protecting their habitat has become more vital than ever. FOFF offers comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary information and tools to be an effective and knowledgeable docent. Register here to learn more and attend a virtual informational meeting, or you can sign up directly here. For inquiries or to express your interest, contact us via email. Time: 4 pm | Location: Online WSU Master Gardener “Growing Groceries” Class – Thursdays, Mar 21st through Apr 25th This class is taught by seasoned Master Gardeners who specialize in growing food in our unique climate. This 6-week in-person course will focus on the following garden essentials: garden design, site conditions, and considerations; soil health, amendments, and improvements; seed starting; crop rotation, cover crops, and plant families; season extenders; common disease and insect problems; and pollinator and beneficial insects. Cost: $50 for class, suggested donation of $10 to attend workshop (Apr 6th) and field trip (Apr 20th). It is the goal of Master Gardeners to make this class accessible to all. Scholarships are available on a need basis. Please contact Bridget for scholarship information. Register here. Time: 9 – 11:30 am | Location: Food Co-op Annex, 2110 Lawrence St, Port Townsend Local 20/20 TLab Meeting – Mon, Mar 25th The Transportation Lab is a Local 20/20 Action Group working to promote a transportation system that minimizes the need for personal motor vehicles. Such a transportation system must be safe, convenient, and healthy, and it must be based on walking, the most healthful mode; bicycling, the most efficient mode; mass transit, the most efficient for moving large numbers of people; and a vastly reduced personal and service VMT (vehicle miles traveled). TLab meets the 4th Monday of every month, and welcomes anyone interested in these issues to attend. Meeting location varies; for current location or for more information, please contact Richard. Time: 4:30 – 6 pm | Location: Varies Polystyrene & Low-Density Polyethylene Recycling – Tues, Mar 26th 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. Materials are inspected at the curb, and only clean and dry materials are accepted. Please remove all tape, labels, etc., before you arrive, and please leave plenty of room between vehicles. Email the organizers with questions, and check their Facebook page for weather cancellations. Time: 9:30 – 11 am | Location: Port Ludlow Bridge Deck, near the Beach Club at 121 Marina View Dr, Port Ludlow Lunch & Learn: Rethink, Reuse, Reduce – Navigating Food Waste In Your Household – Tues, Apr 2nd *New* 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*New* 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 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. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course – Saturdays, Apr 6th through June 1st 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. Course fee: sliding scale from $300 – $500. Registration and more information here.Time: 3 – 5:30 pm | Location: In person (uptown Port Townsend) or on Zoom 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 Friends of Fort Worden Annual Gala and Fundraiser – Fri, Apr 12th *New* 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 “Moving in the Right Direction Conference” – Fri, Apr 19th *New* 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.Time: 9 am – 4 pm | Location: American Legion, 26209 Monroe St, Port Townsend Celebrate Earth Day at Fort Flagler State Park with Meaningful Activities – Sat & Sun, Apr 20th & 21st *New* 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. 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 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 “”, 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: The Early Bird, by Wendy Feltham For the full set of announcements, including Recurring Events, Community Notices, Community Resources, and Resilience Readings, see here. |