Aberdeen
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 11-12
• “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Kathe Rowe, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday at the Driftwood Theatre, 120 E. Third St. To purchase tickets, call Sue Keltner at (360) 532-8243, e-mail jlkeltner@techline.com or visit City Center Drug, Top Food and Drug, Captain’s Cove in Aberdeen, Harbor Drug in Hoquiam, Valu Drug in Montesano or Dolores’ and Fay’s in Ocean Shores.
Saturday, Dec. 12
• A free boater’s education course is planned for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the upstairs community room at Aberdeen High School, 410 North G Street. Class size is limited to 30 on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office says that as of Jan. 1, 2010, all operators of motorboats of 15 horsepower or greater, between the ages of 12 and 30 will be required to carry a Boater Education Card when operating a boat on Washington waterways. By 2014 all boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1955, will be required to have a card. Boaters born before Jan. 1, 1955, are exempt from this law. Cards are $10 and are good for a lifetime. For more information, call Deputy Brad Russell at (360) 249-3711 or e-mail Brussell@co.grays-harbor.wa.us. For more information on the mandatory boating safety education program, visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating.
Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 14-15
• The Driftwood Players will host auditions for the winter production of “The Foreigner” at 7 p.m. both days at the theater, 120 E. Third St. The play, written by Larry Shue, is a comedy that takes place in a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia. Director Margaret Tingwall is looking for five men between the ages of 25-60 and two women, one 30-years-old and one 60-years-old. The show is set to open Saturday, Feb. 13.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
• The Grays Harbor Republican Party will host its Christmas dinner featuring special guest Rob McKenna, Washington Attorney General. McKenna’s work combating meth labs and identity theft and fighting for open government has won him accolades from all political parties and has made him the most popular Republican in state history, chairman Gary Randall says. The dinner is not a fundraiser; cost of the buffet meal is $22 per person. For reservations, e-mail chair@ghgop.org and mail checks to GH GOP, P.O. Box 676, Aberdeen, WA 98520. For more information, visit www.ghgop.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 16
• The Washington Coast Sustainable Salmon Partnership will have its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the offices of the Port of Grays Harbor, 111 S. Wooding. The meeting is open to the public; for more information visit www.wcssp.org or call Dana Dietz at (360) 289-2499.
Thursday, Dec. 17
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will host an adult Christmas party at 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1712 S. Boone St. Dancing will take place from 7:30-9:30 to the music of the Dukes of Swing, and the attire is semi-formal to formal. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., with dinner following at 6 p.m.; seating is limited. Purchase tickets in advance only at $25 per person by calling (360) 532-2211.
Miscellaneous
• A miniature Christmas village is on display at the center of the Southshore Mall. Viewing the village is free but donations for the completion and expansion of the display are accepted. The village is sponsored by the Gregorian Group and the Southshore Mall.

Beaches
Wednesday, Dec. 16
• An Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group for care partners, family members and friends of individuals with memory loss will meet from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Ocean Shores United Methodist Church, 557 Point Brown Ave. NW. There is no cost. For more information, call group facilitator Pastor Alice Hedges at (360) 289-0201.

Cosmopolis
Monday, Dec. 14
• The Cosmopolis Lions will host a free tour of lights through the town with buses running from 6-8 p.m. The Lions Clubhouse will host cookies, coffee, cocoa and a visit with Santa.

Elma
Saturday, Dec. 12
• Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association District No. 17 will offer music for listening and dancing from 7-10 p.m. at the Grange Hall. The public and musicians who play acoustical instruments are welcome. Donations and finger food will be accepted.
Sunday, Dec. 13
• The Promise of Light Christmas Community Choir will perform at 7 p.m. in the commons at Elma High School. The choir includes members of Grace Community, Elma United Methodist, Montesano Church of God and Elma Church of God. Mark Schluter is the director.
Sunday, Dec. 20
• “A Night in Bethlehem,” a hands-on experience of the marketplace in Bethlehem will take place from 5-7 at the Elma Church of God, 109 S. Sixth St. Booths will feature Middle East food, Jewish games, carpentry projects and many other things. A visit to the live Nativity will also be featured. There is no cost.
Thursday, Dec. 24
• The Elma Church of God will host “Candles, Carols and Communion,” a Christmas Eve service, at 11 p.m. The church is located at 109 S. Sixth St.

Grays Harbor Area
Sunday, Dec. 13
• The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia plan to resurrect the traditional Yule log ceremony at 1 p.m. at Schafer State Park. Members say that it was an important Satsop Valley tradition many years ago. Guests are asked to bring a plate of cookies to share and will have the opportunity to warm up at the big fire with some special hot spiced tea. Caroling will also be offered. For more information and directions, call (360) 789-9953 or visit www.TheSchaferStateParkTeam.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
• Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support groups provide opportunities for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also caring for someone with dementia. Recognizing that some rural caregivers find it challenging to attend traditional support groups, the association has a telephone support group that offers the benefits of a face-to-face group without the need to leave home. The toll-free teleconference will be available from 7:30 to 9 p.m., facilitated by registered nurse Barbara Bridges. Those interested in participating or who would like more information can contact Linda Whiteside at (800) 848-7097 or linda.whiteside@alz.org.

G.H. County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, Dec. 16
• WSU Extension will host a food handler class from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Extension Office. Students should arrive 15-20 minutes early to register and bring a driver’s license or picture ID and a current, valid Washington State food handler card if owned. Cost of the class is $10, payable by cash or check. For more information, call Sue at the Extension office at (360) 482-2934.

Hoquiam
Saturday, Dec. 12
• The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society will have its annual Christmas potluck at 10 a.m. at the Hoquiam Timberland Library. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Pam Hagedorn at 532-6611.
Sunday, Dec. 13
• Piano students from Ellen Pickell Studios will perform their Christmas recital for the public at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 729 Eklund Ave. The program will include ragtime, student improvisations and Christmas music. Students include Kjirstin Hopfer and Ray Tucker of Tokeland; Josie Horn of Quinault; Evan Johnson of Ocean Shores; Clara Park, Joseph Park, Danah Yun, Joa Yun and Andrew Schumate of Cosmopolis and the KCPC Duo of Aberdeen and Hoquiam. A reception will follow.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
• Families Against Methamphetamines will sponsor a support group for families and friends of addicts from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Harbor Assembly of God, 716 M St., in the fellowship hall around the back of the church. Organizers say that participants will be able to share with others, become educated and receive encouragement. For more information, call Sue at 533-2619.
Friday, Dec. 18
• The Grays Harbor Art Guild invites everyone to “The Harbor Poetry Project” from 7-9 p.m. at The Six Rivers Gallery, located behind Levee Lumber. The event is free; guests need to bring their own chairs. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Lori Maki at 532-7767.
Saturday, Dec. 19
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will host Snow Ball, a dance party from 7-11 p.m. at the Masonic hall, 513 K St. Arlene Hoiland will teach a free Rumba dance lesson from 7-8 p.m. General dancing to live music by Kregg Mattson will take place from 8-11 p.m., with mixers, demos, refreshments and raffle prizes. Singles are welcome; Cost is $6 per member and $10 per guest.

McCleary
Sunday, Dec. 13
• The McCleary Museum will host a holiday open house from 1-3 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to make a Christmas ornament to take home. Christmas caroling, hot cider and cookies will also be offered. The museum will also sell its 2010 calendar. It is located at 514 S. Second St. For more information, call Tammy at (360) 495-3477 or Elsie at (360) 495-3695.

Montesano
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 11-12
• The Montesano Community Center will host Santa’s Sweet Shop from 4-8 p.m. Friday and from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday. Homemade decorated cookies, eggnog, fudge, caramel apples, peppermint bark, hot chocolate and more will be offered.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13
• The Festival of Lights is planned and will include many events such as a jingle bell jog, a parade and more; see the Festival of Lights special section included in this publication. The deadline for the house decoration contest is Thursday, Dec. 10; submit entry forms at Edward Jones, Pick-Rite Thriftway, City Hall, W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library, Bank of the Pacific, Sterling Savings Bank, Timberland Bank or The Vidette. Contestants are asked to remember to light their displays Friday for judging. Three residential and three business category contestants will each win a $100 gift certificate for Rich Hartman’s Five Star Honda Power Equipment.
Saturday, Dec. 12
• “The Tiger, the Rabbit, and the Rescue of Spring,” will be performed by Last Leaf Productions, a live theater troupe based near Seattle, at 2 p.m. at the W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library, for children and their families. The play is approximately 45 minutes long; guests will have the opportunity to receive autographs and ask questions afterwards. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Montesano Timberland Library and there is no cost to attend. For more information about the troupe, visit www.lastleaf99.org.
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will host a dance to the music of the Dukes of Swing at 8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 3 Monte Elma Road. There is no charge.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
• The Grays Harbor County Civil Service Commission will have a special meeting at 5 p.m. in the county commissioners’ large meeting room on the first floor of the Administration Building, 100 W. Broadway Ave. The purpose is to conduct an appeal hearing of the termination of Gary Bryant as Grays Harbor County Corrections Officer.
The commission will also hold its monthly meeting at 4 p.m. in the same meeting room.
Thursday, Dec. 17
• Montesano High School alumni from 1950s and early 1960s will have their monthly social at 1 p.m. at Gepetto’s Restaurant, 126 E. Pioneer Ave. The gatherings on the third Thursday of each month include visiting, laughing and sharing stories about growing up in a small town during that time. Alumni are welcome to share pictures from the 1950s. Visit www.bulldogtimes.com for alumni news and photos.
• Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group will not meet this month. The regular schedule will resume in January, with a meeting Jan. 21. For more information, call Miriam Mobray at (360) 249-4259.
Sunday, Dec. 20
• The Wynooche Valley Grange will host a potluck dinner at 1:30 p.m. for everyone in the valley from new and old Grange members to friends. Santa will visit; guests are asked to bring a wrapped gift with a name on it for Santa to pass out. Guests are also asked to bring canned foods for the Montesano Food Bank. For more information, call 249-6290. The hall is located at 708 Wynooche Valley Road.
• The Masonic Lodge will host a children’s Christmas party at 2 p.m. Santa Claus will visit and there will be a clown for games, candy and refreshments served. The public is invited to attend. The temple is located at 308 First Street in Montesano (above Whitney’s). For more information, call Buckley Strong, past master, at 532-2061.
Miscellaneous
• Girl Scout Troop 40317 is collecting new and like-new clothing and books for elementary-age children. The items will be distributed to students of Montesano schools from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Montesano Church of God. For more information or to arrange for a pick-up of donations, call 249-2286.
• The Senior Citizen Lunch Program for Dec. 14-18 will feature:
Monday: Tastes-Like-Thanksgiving Casserole, green salad, cranberry sauce and pumpkin bars.
Tuesday: Soft tacos, refried beans with cheese, Jell-O with fruit and ice cream.
Wednesday: Baked salmon, creamy potato casserole, broccoli bacon salad and dessert.
Thursday: Beefy noodle soup, cheese bread, vegetables and dip and banana vanilla wafer pudding dessert.
Friday: Cooks’ choice.
The cooks note that the menu is subject to change, due to their mood. Visit www.monteseniorcenter.webs.com for more information. The senior center is located at the Silvia Center, 120 W. Marcy Ave.

Elsewhere
Friday, Dec. 11
• Love to Dance Club will meet from 7-11 p.m. at the Eagles Hall, 805 Fourth Ave. E. (corner of Plum and Fourth) in Olympia. Karen Ideker will teach a class at 7 p.m.; dancing with music by Shelia White will take place from 8-11 p.m. Arlene Hoiland and Mark Van Hemert will perform a demonstration. Cost is $10 per person; guests should bring their own beverage (ice will be provided). Soft drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, call JoAnn Jamison at (360) 943-5867.
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13
• “An Old Fashioned Christmas” will be showing at the Historic Fox Theatre in Centralia, Friday. Tales and songs for the whole family will be offered. Tickets are $15; all proceeds will go toward the theater’s restoration.
The Dickens Of A Home Tour will take place in Centralia Saturday. Tickets are $12 if bought in advance or $15 the day of the event.
“Victorian Tea” will be presented by the Visiting Nurses Foundation from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, at The Tea Cup, 204 N. Tower in Centralia. The Victorian high tea is a part of the Dickens of A Christmas weekend in downtown Centralia. Reservations must be made by Dec. 10, by calling (360) 623-1560 or 807-1717. Tickets are $25.
A VIP ticket package is available to all three events for $50, and all tickets can be purchased at the Visiting Nurses Thrift Shop, 222 S. Pearl St., in Centralia.
Sunday, Dec. 13
• The Twin Harbors Coalition will celebrate the end of its first year with a blacksmithing workshop conducted by Larry “Dutch” and Sally Holland at their farm in Menlo, 1036 Highway 6. Guests will learn how to forge steel the way it was done in the old days and how to make their own garden and home tools or repair ones they already own. Guests are asked to bring a potluck dish, a long sleeve shirt, gloves and safety glasses (prescription glasses will work). For more information about the Twin Harbors Coalition, visit www.twinharborscoalition.org or call Holland at (360) 942-2616.