Choo Choo rides, Christmas party, owl class among Peninsula activities

Choo Choo rides, a Kids’ Christmas Party and a class on owls are among the upcoming activities on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Information also is available on the interactive calendar at www.peninsula dailynews.com.

PORT TOWNSEND

Procrastinators Fair

PORT TOWNSEND — The second weekend of the 14th annual Procrastinators Fair is Saturday and Sunday.

The fair at the Flagship Building, 1007 Water St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Handcrafted gifts made by 12 local artists will be available.

Proceeds from the sales will benefit Gatheringplace.

For more information, call 206-356-4568, email melinda@redfern-designs.com or visit the event’s facebook page.

Winter Waterland

PORT TOWNSEND — Mountain View Pool invites the public to its Winter Waterland event at 7 tonight.

The family-friendly event at the pool, 1925 Blaine St., will be winter-themed and will feature games.

Admission is $5 per person.

For more information, call 360-385-7665.

Book signing, demo

PORT TOWNSEND — The public is invited to a book signing and tool demonstration by Jim Tolpin at 2 p.m. today.

Tolpin, of Port Townsend, will sign copies of his fourteenth woodworking book, “From Truth to Tools,” at the Wooden Boat Chandlery at the Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St.

Tolpin is a founder and instructor at the Port Townsend School of Woodworking.

During the event, merchandise at the Chandlery will be 20 percent off.

For more information, call 360-385-3628, email Anika Colvin at anika@nwmaritime.org or visit www.nwmaritime.org.

Happy huladays

PORT TOWNSEND — Harmonica Pocket will present Happy Huladays at the Port Townsend Library at 7 tonight.

Equipped with hula hoops, ukuleles and a suitcase of props, the Pocket will celebrate the holidays in the library’s Carnegie Room, 1220 Lawrence St.

For more information, call 360-385-3181.

Conversation Cafe

PORT TOWNSEND — Conversation Cafe will meet at 11:45 a.m. today.

The public is invited to take part in discussions at Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, 842 Washington St.

For more information, visit www.conversationcafe.org.

Discovery Dance

PORT TOWNSEND — The next Discovery Dance session will feature Werleyburg at 8 tonight.

Admission is $12 to the dance at the Masonic Lodge, 1360 Jefferson St.

A free waltz lesson will be led by Janice Eklund at 7 p.m.

The venue is smoke- and scent-free, event organizers said.

For more information, contact Sally Chaplin at 360-385-7789 or discovery dancept@gmail.com.

Contra dance

PORT TOWNSEND — Countercurrents will be the featured musical entertainment at the next Quimper Grange contra dance and social Saturday.

Tickets are $6; children younger than 16 will be admitted free at the grange, 1219 Corona St.

The event will begin with a half-hour lesson at 7:30 p.m., after which the dance will be held until 11 p.m.

For more information, visit www.quimpergrange.com.

Christmas concert

PORT TOWNSEND — The New Life Church will sponsor the annual Christmas music gala from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

The featured musical performer at the church, 1636 Hastings St., will be the Gospel Opry Band.

For more information, call 360-385-7717 or email pastormelannie@yahoo.com.

Choo choo rides

PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Main Street Program and Kiwanis Clubs of Port Townsend will offer Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is $5 per person to the family-friendly event.

Attendees are asked to meet across the street from the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, 540 Water St.

Proceeds from the rides will benefit Port Townsend School District art education programs.

For more information, call 360-385-7911 or email admin@ptmainstreet.org.

Big Brass Yule Ball

PORT TOWNSEND — The Brass Screw Confederacy and Olympic Peninsula Steam are looking to steam up the holidays with music in the dark of the year at the Big Brass Yule Ball on Saturday.

The Olympic Express Big Band will offer brassy horns and rhythm at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St., from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-brass-yule-ball-tickets-39839117874.

Guests are invited to “come as you are” whether that be Victorian, Steampunk, fancy dress or blue jeans.

Open Parlor Tours

PORT TOWNSEND — Olympic Peninsula Steam will host tours of four decorated buildings and homes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The 19th century buildings and homes will be dressed up for Christmas with historically costumed docents, seasonal music, and holiday treats.

Tickets are $15. They may be purchased online at http://www.op-s.net/yule or at the first stop of the tour at 313 Walker St.

Reservations are recommended.

Holiday bazaar

PORT TOWNSEND — The Palindrome will offer a holiday bazaar for last-minute holiday shoppers from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Attendees can peruse local vendors’ wares and sip wine at the Eaglemount Tasting Room, 1893 S. Jacob Miller Road.

For more information, call 360-385-1992 or email info@eaglemountwinery.com.

Geology presentation

PORT TOWNSEND — An illustrated lecture about LiDAR will be lead by Ralph Haugerud at 4 p.m. Saturday.

A $5 donation is suggested for entry to the event at the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 2333 San Juan Ave.

Airborne LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a tool that enables geologists and land managers to render a bare-earth view.

Haugerud will discuss some LiDAR examples from Washington.

For more information, call 360-379-0609 or visit www.quuf.org.

Dock lights celebration

PORT TOWNSEND — Sound Experience and the Port of Port Townsend invite the public to its inaugural Dock Lights Celebration at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Music, cider and festive lights aboard the schooner Adventuress, 2900 Washington St., will be available until 6 p.m.

For more information, call 360-379-0438 or email katie@soundexp.org.

BRINNON

Christmas party

BRINNON — A Kids’ Christmas Party will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Brinnon Community Center.

Homemade pizza, cookie decorating and gifts from Santa will be available during the event at the center, 306144 U.S. Highway 101.

For more information, call 360-796-4350.

GARDINER

Raptor party

GARDINER — Jay and Gary Moore of the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center will present birds of prey from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The public is invited to get an up-close and educational look at the birds at Wild Birds Unlimited, 275953 U.S. Highway 101.

Those who bring a donation for the raptor center will receive a free hummer feeder.

Those interested are encouraged to bring a camera and questions.

Suggested donations include bird seed, saw-whet owls’ boxes, Dawn dish soap, laundry soap, scrub brushes, metal bowls, tall kitchen and 55-gallon garbage bags, wet or dry cat and dog food and disposable gloves.

For more information, call 360-797-7100.

SEQUIM

Paws to read

SEQUIM — Members of the public are invited to read with service dogs at the Sequim Library at 11:30 a.m. today.

Every second Tuesday of the month, Olympic Gentle Paws Therapy dogs and their trainers will be available at the library, 630 N. Sequim Ave., until 12:30 p.m.

According to a news release: “Reading to a dog or other pet creates a supportive and fun environment in which readers of all ages and abilities can practice their skills with confidence and joy.”

For more information, call 360-683-1161, email discover@nols.org or visit www.nols.org.

Focus on owls

SEQUIM — The Dungeness River Audubon Center will roll out the first installment of its new family-friendly Focus On series at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The two-hour presentation about owls costs $10 per person and will be held at the Audubon Center, 2151 Hendrickson Road.

Each month until May, a class will explore the unique adaptations, habitats, and life-history of a select bird.

For more information, contact Jenna Ziogas at 3690681-4076 or reducation @olympus.net.

Guild thrift shop

SEQUIM — The Sequim-Dungeness Hospital Guild Thrift Shop will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The shop at 204 W. Bell St. will feature china dishware and stocking-stuffers.

Also featured will be gently used winter clothing and dresses.

White-tagged items will be marked at half-price.

Consignors and new volunteers are always needed.

The store will close Saturday and reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2, event organizers said.

For more information, call 360-683-7044.

Dungeness River walk

SEQUIM — The public is invited to Olympic Nature Experience’s walkabout on the Dungeness River on Sunday.

Attendees will meet at 10 a.m. at the Dungeness River Audubon Center, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, after which a nature experience naturalist will guide participants around the park until noon.

All ages are welcome and admission is by donation.

The naturalist will speak about native plant and animal identification and behaviors.

Proceeds will benefit the nature experience’s 50 Days of Fall Sharing program.

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Prairie dance

SEQUIM — The Sequim Prairie Grange will host a Christmas Dinner Dance at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Buck Ellard Band will provide music for the event at the grange, 290 Macleay Road.

Admission is $10 for the dinner with a dance.

Drawings for various items will be held throughout the evening.

For more information, call 360-683-5622.

Yoga and meditation

SEQUIM — Blue Mountain Yoga will host two events at its studio at 803 Carlsborg Road on Sunday.

Admission to both events is $15 each.

From noon to 1:15 p.m., Sophia Engkvist, accompanied by her 13 crystal singing bowls, will lead attendees through Qigong, — a practice of breath, meditation and movement — after which a time of relaxation will be held.

From 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Engkvist will be joined by Ben DeFrancisco for a Meditation Concert which will include Engkvist’s bowls, two alchemy bowls and DeFrancisco’s Reiki healing energy.

Seating for the event is limited and event organizers urge those interested to reserve a spot in advance.

For more information, contact Engkvist at 360-460-7455 or Sophia EngkvistMusic@gmail.com, or DeFrancisco at 847-323-4555 or Ben.DeFrancisco@gmail.com.

Shipley concert

SEQUIM — Shipley Center will host a Christmas Concert from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 921 E. Hammond St.

Tickets are $5 for members and $8 for non-members.

Entertainment will include the Olympic Peninsula Ukelele Strummers, Grand Olympics Chorus, Na Hula ‘o Wahine ‘Ilikea Dancers led by Mahina, and the Washington Old Time Fiddlers.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit during intermission.

Call 360-683-6806 for more information.

Elks bingo

SEQUIM — The Sequim Elks Lodge invites those 18 and older to play bingo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free.

The minimum buy-in for the game is $10 at the lodge, 143 Port Williams Road.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase.

For more information, call Crystal Parker at 360-683-3034.

Software group

SEQUIM — The Olympic Peninsula Software Development & Data Network, a meetup.com group, will gather at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Anyone who has an interest in technology is invited to the free meeting at Clallam Coworking, 502 S. Still Road.

The group will gather to network, eat pizza and discuss technology on the North Olympic Peninsula, tech news, the group’s successes, challenges and collaborations, as well as a project for the group.

Contact the group through www.meetup.com or Steve Bearman at sxb@xemaps.com.

Winter solstice

SEQUIM — Blue Mountain Yoga plans an all-day celebration of the winter solstice Thursday.

It will donate all proceeds to the Peninsula Home Fund.

Classes will be offered from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the business at 803 Carlsborg Road, Suite D. Admission will be by donation. The studio and all instructors are donating their time. An open house is set from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, see www.bluemountain yoga.co, call 360-775-9078 or email bluemountain yoga@olypen.com.

Get writing

SEQUIM — A spontaneous writing session is set for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Sequim Library, 630 N. Sequim Ave.

The free event is designed for writers who want to get their creative juices flowing. All writers are welcome, regardless of experience.

Bring paper and pen (no electronic devices). Prompts are provided.

Participants write for 10 minutes, then read what they write.

Similar sessions are held the third Monday of the month.

For more information,contact group host Ruth Marcus at Ruthmarcus@olypen.com.

Downtown caroling

SEQUIM — Community Christmas caroling led by Craig Buhler is set for noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Place, on the northeast corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street.

The community is invited to enjoy singing or listening to the carols.

The event is sponsored by Dungeness Community Church.

Day of Giving

SEQUIM — The Dungeness Bay Sea Hawkers will host a Day of Giving celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sunland Golf & Country Club clubhouse, 109 Hilltop Drive.

The celebration includes a number of events, including free pictures with Santa; creating tie-blankets for retired veterans and homeless in the community; assembly of care kits for the homeless (to be distributed later this month); a donations bin for Toys for Tots (ages 1 to 18, but teens and pre-teens needed most), Sequim schools and the Sequim Food Bank and Operation Gratitude cards, in which young people send crafts to deployed service members.

A $2 raffle will be held for autographed Seahawks items and tickets.

Live music will be provided by Sarah Shea and Sequim Acrobatics will perform.

PORT ANGELES

Christmas open house

PORT ANGELES — The public is invited to Morningside Service’s Christmas open house at 4 p.m. today.

Games, prizes and food will be available to those who would like to stop by Morningside, 113 S. Valley St., and discover more about the business.

For more information, call Amber Wheeler at 360-406-5005 or visit www.morningsideservices.com.

Celebration of life

PORT ANGELES — Assured Hospice of Clallam & Jefferson Counties will host a celebration of life ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The public is invited to honor a loved one with remembrance bells at the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center, 328 E. Seventh St.

A light reception will follow.

For more information, call 360-582-3796 or visit https://www.assuredhospice olympicpeninsula.com.

CreativiTea session

PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Library invites members of the public to its “CreativiTea” arts and crafts event at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Attendees can sip tea and repurpose discarded book pages to create holiday-themed crafts at the library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

All supplies will be provided.

For more information, call 360-417-8500, email discover@nols.org or visit www.nols.org.

Monday Musicale

PORT ANGELES — Monday Musicale will meet in the Queen of Angels Fellowship Hall at noon Monday.

Following the meeting at 209 W. 11th St., the public is invited to hear the Grande Olympic Chorus, under the direction of Connie Alward, perform Christmas carols at 1 p.m.

For more information, call Helen Coleman at 360-775-0594, or Wendy Foster at 360-683-0141.

PDN blood drive

PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula Daily News will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The blood mobile bus will be located in the parking area on North Cherry Street, next to the Peninsula Daily News building, 305 W. First St.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-398-7888 ext. 2, or visit www.blood worksnw.org.

For more information, visit www.bloodworksnw.org.

Cocoa with critters

PORT ANGELES — Members of the public are invited to Feiro Marine Life Center’s final “Cocoa with the Critters” event at noon Wednesday.

Event organizers said the drop-in event is recommended for children ages 5 or younger at the marine center, 315 N. Lincoln St.

The cost is free for members and $2 per child of nonmembers. The price includes cocoa.

The event will feature an hour-long ocean-themed story, craft or game.

For more information, email Rachele Brown at racheleb@feiromarinelife center.org.

Toy distribution

PORT ANGELES — The Crossing Church will host the Christmas Angel Program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Toys will be distributed to parents with children who are not financially able to purchase gifts at the Fairview Bible Church, 385 O’Brien Road.

Gifts will be available for infants to 18-year-olds.

Event organizers advised that the event might end before 3 p.m., depending on whether or not all gifts are distributed by that time.

The Crossing Church partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots to make this program available.

JOYCE

Benefit breakfast

JOYCE — The Crescent Bay Lions Club will host a benefit breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday.

The public is invited to the breakfast at the Lions’ clubhouse at 181 Holly Hill Road off state Highway 112.

The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger.

The menu includes eggs cooked to order, hot cakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, hashbrowns, ham, bacon, sausage, coffee, tea and orange juice.

All proceeds will go to the Crescent Bay Lions for community projects.

FORKS

Kiddie’s Christmas

FORKS — The annual Kiddies Christmas Party will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The public is invited to the free event at Forks Elks Lodge, 941 Merchants Road.

Featured will be crafts, goodies, games and photos with Santa.

Elks bingo

FORKS — The Forks Elks Lodge will host bingo games at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Early bird sessions will start at 6:30 p.m. with regular bingo at 7 p.m. at the lodge at 941 Merchants Road.

Concessions will be available for purchase.

Garden meeting

FORKS — The Bogachiel Garden Club will meet to hear a presentation by Candy Bettelyoun from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Bettelyoun will present “Beauty Products from Herbs” at the Forks Community Center, 91 Maple Ave.

Bettelyoun has made lotions, creams, and soaps from home for 27 years using organic products, according to a news release.

For more information, email Kris Ayers at kayers @hawaii.edu.

________

Items for this listing of community events must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays. To submit, call 360-417-3527, fax 360-417-3521,email news@peninsuladaily news.com or visit the newsroom at 305 W. First St., Port Angeles, WA, 98362.

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