Aberdeen
Thursday, Sept. 17
• The Grays Harbor chapter of the Washington State Music Teachers’ Association will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 4th and Broadway. Erica Hollen will host an orientation of the new Musicianship Olympics program. Anyone interested in teaching music is invited. For more information, call 532-7294.
Friday, Sept. 18
• Jewish High Holy Day services will be led by Ms. Sandra Getter of Cocoa Beach, Fla., beginning at 7:30 p.m., and continuing at 10:30 a.m. the following day at Temple Beth Israel.
Saturday, Sept. 19
• The works of five local artists will be featured at Clyde and Sylvia’s Frames-N-Things during Aberdeen’s art walk. Artists include painter Bruno Pieraccini, photographer Margaret Sherwood, painter Phyllis Emmert, writer Harvey Price and artist Wayne Fjeld.
• An art walk — “Future of Grays Harbor,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will feature artists, photographers, performers, food, creativity and kids’ art wall. To register as a vendor or for more information, visit www.artwalk.jaiwa.com.
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will host “Harvest Hoe-Down” dance party with music by “The Musicman,” Charlie Baer, from 7-11 p.m. at the Hoquiam Masonic Hall, 513 K St. Arlene Hoiland will teach a free swing dance lesson from 7-8 p.m. General dancing, mixers, demos, refreshments and raffle prizes will take place from 8-11 p.m. Cost is $6 per member and $10 per guest. Singles are welcome.
Sunday, Sept. 20
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will host “593 Singers Dance Party” from 1-5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1712 S. Boone St. Arlene Hoiland will teach a dance lesson from 1-2 p.m. Dancing to the music of The 593 Singers will take place from 2-5 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
Thursday, Sept. 24
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will host dancing to the music of “Dukes of Swing,” from 7-9 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1712 S. Boone St. There is no charge for dancing but dinner by reservation only will be served at 6 p.m. Steak dinner is $9 per person and chicken is $8 per person.

Beaches
Saturday, Sept. 19
• The Ocean Shores Friends of the Beach invites all to join Operation Shore Patrol at 8 a.m. on the beach at Chance A La Mer approach, near the Shilo Inn. Participants just need to bring gloves, bags will be provided.
Saturday, Sept. 19-20
• Paddle the Shores will take place at North Bay Park in the lakes and canals. All kayak, canoe and rowing enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to join in the human-powered boat activities. Activities include a 6-mile and a 2-mile boat race, poker paddle, cardboard boat race, boat try-outs, skills demonstrations, seminars, a picnic, and the latest in paddling and rowing equipment. For more information, visit www.oceanshoresACT.com or call (360) 289-5632.

Elma
Tuesday, Sept. 22
• A food handler class offered by WSU Extension in Elma will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. at the extension’s office at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds. Students should arrive 15-20 minutes early to register. The class will enable those working in food services to obtain or renew a food handler’s card. Cost is $10, payable by cash or check; students need to bring a driver’s license or picture ID, and a current, valid Washington State food handler card if owned. For more information, call Sue at the extension’s office at (360) 482-2934.
Friday, Sept. 25
• The Elma High School Class of 1942-45 will host its 65th reunion at 6 p.m. at the Elma Eagles. The class of 1941 is also invited to join. Cost is $20 per person. For more information or to register, call Roger Landberg at (360) 482-3331.
Miscellaneous
• The East County Food Bank will change its hours beginning in October to ease parking congestion in the area. The food bank will be open every Monday from 1-3:55 p.m. and every second Monday from 10:30-3:55 p.m. Commodities are given out on the second Monday; if you miss the day, commodities can be picked up the following Monday. Government regulations allow for only one pick-up of commodities; those who pick them up at more than one location are in violation of the regulation. The food bank also asks participants to bring their own bags and boxes. The food bank is located at 106 W. Main St., with the entrance located in the alley next to the senor center and across the alley from the library parking lot.

Elsewhere
• Anyone in Washington State who becomes a member of the Arbor Day Foundation during the month of September will receive 10 free live oak trees as part of the foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, at the right time for planting. The 6-to-12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. New members will also receive “The Tree Book,” which includes information about tree planting and care. To become a member, send a $10 membership contribution to Ten Live Oaks, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Sept. 30 or join online at www.arborday.org.

Grays Harbor Area
Saturday, Sept. 26
• The Mary M. Knight PTO will host its 60th annual Harvest Dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. Dinner will include roast beef or ham, baked potato, glazed carrots, salad bar, dinner roll and beverage along with a potluck dessert. Cost is $9.50 for adults and students in grades 7-12, and $8 for adults over 55 and for students up to 6th grade. A silent and live auction will also be featured. Proceeds will go to help FFA members with activities throughout the year. For more information, call Linda Black or Tim Schneider at the school, (360) 426-6767.

Grays Harbor College
Monday, Sept. 21
• Rehearsals for the Grays Harbor Symphony Orchestra will take place at 7 p.m. Mondays, in the Music Pavilion Rehearsal Hall, on the main campus. The orchestra’s next concert will take place Sunday evening, Dec. 6, and will feature favorite scores from recent movies. Grays Harbor Symphony Orchestra is among the oldest community musical organizations in the state, college officials say. For more information or to audition, call conductor Robert C. Richardson at the college at (360) 538-4171 or at home (360) 538-9442.

G.H. County Fairgrounds
Saturday, Sept. 19
• The Elma McCleary Youth Soccer Club will host a pancake breakfast (dinner) fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. at the pavilion. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for adults 55 and over, and children 5-12, and free for children 4 and under.
• The Grays Harbor Mounted Posse will present team penning at 9 a.m. The event features a team of skilled riders herding cattle for points.
Saturday, Sept. 26
• Grays Harbor Rock Fest, sponsored by Staapline Records, is set for 3-11 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds Pavilion. A free T-shirt will be included in the $15 ticket purchase. Bands that will play include Gebular, No Talent, Tsavo, Listen Louder, Not So Distance, Wil Russoul’s Tide Cow, Caparza, Rusty West, Rebel Skum and more. All ages are invited and food will also be available. A raffle will also be offered with 50 percent of the proceeds to be given to foster children in Grays Harbor, the voter registration table, confirmed attendance of political representative(s) and guest speakers. For more information, call (206) 497-6588 or e-mail nirvana711@hotmail.com.

Hoquiam
Saturday, Sept. 19
• The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society invite all to join its meeting at 10 a.m. in the meeting room of the Hoquiam Timberland Library. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Jim Johnson, from Heritage Quest Research Library will present a program on old handwriting and will also have books for sale. For more information, call 532-6611.

McCleary
Saturday, Sept. 19
• The McCleary United Methodist Church will participate in the citywide garage sale, and is looking for vendors. Tables can be rented inside for $10, and can be used for selling used items, crafts, food and home party sales; outside space can also be rented. The church will host its sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will serve biscuits and gravy from 7-10 a.m. for a nominal fee. The church is located at 3rd and Oak. For more information, call Kathy at 495-3703 or Barbara at 495-0091.
• The McCleary Chamber of Commerce will host its 15th annual citywide garage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in conjunction with the 13th annual Simpson Families Helping Simpson Families swap meet. For more information, call McCleary Video at 495-3344.
Thursday, Sept. 24
• The Board of Commissioners of the Mark Reed Health Care District will meet at 6 p.m. at the McCleary Community Center, 726 W. Simpson Ave. The public is invited to this regular monthly meeting of the board.
Montesano
Thursday, Sept. 17
• The local Alzheimer’s Association caregiver support group will host a free public viewing of Part 4: Caregivers; the last part of The Alzheimer’s Projectis, a HBO documentary series that investigates what it means to have Alzheimer’s, the effects on the lives of families and caregivers and the recent advances in Alzheimer’s research. The viewing will take place at 7 p.m. at the Montesano Methodist Church, 401 E. Spruce Ave. The running time of the segment is approximately 48 minutes. For more information, call (360) 249-4259.
Saturday, Sept. 19
• Harbor Saw Relay For Life team will host its first annual Run, Walk or Ride Poker Run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Friends Landing. The event will end with socializing and a barbeque lunch. Those who do not register for the run are invited to stay for lunch at a cost of $5 per person. Prizes are awarded for the best hands. Entry fee is $20 per person and includes a T-shirt, lunch and possible prizes. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. To register, send your name, T-shirt size and check payable to the American Cancer Society to: Attn: Debi, Harbor Saw and Supply, 3102 Simpson Avenue, Hoquiam, WA 98550. Registration will also be available the day of, however T-shirts may not be available.
• The Montesano Lions’ 5th annual Turbo Turtle Trek will take place at 2 p.m. Turtles are $5 for one, $25 for 6 or $50 for 13 and can be purchased in Montesano at Price and Price Realty, Sterling Savings Bank, Timberland Bank, Burkhamer Property Services and Edward Jones. Prizes for winning the trek include a $1,000 grand prize, four tickets to a Seahawk game, a trip for two on a Brusco tug towing a ship in Grays Harbor, a chartered fishing trip and more. For more information, call Turtle Central at 249-6602.
• Tickets are available for a tour of internationally acclaimed Cavanah Garden, to take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden is located in Schafer Meadows near Montesano. Tickets are $10 each and are available at Thriftway, The Abel House and at the garden on tour day. Additional ticket locations will be announced in the newspaper. Proceeds will benefit Montesano Community Education.
Sunday, Sept. 20
• The Montesano High School Class of 1980 will meet to plan its 30-year class reunion for next summer at 7 p.m. at the home of Chris and Connie Church, 210 N. 7th St. For more information, call 249-4746.
Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 21-22
• An AARP Driver Safety Class will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library. The class, recently updated, is designed for motorists 50 and older. It covers a wide range of driving situations. Participants 55 and older who complete the course, will qualify for a reduction in their insurance premium. Drivers under 55 may also qualify. There are no tests; the class is $14 per person. AARP members can receive a $2 discount with proof of membership. Pre-registration is required; call Danny Wills at 249-5977. Classes can fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
• A new children’s choir is being formed for children in grades 1-3 at the First Baptist Church. The children will meet weekly from 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 23, at 303 W. Pioneer Ave., across from State Farm Insurance. The semester’s theme is “Strong Tower.” The children will participate in hands-on activities, music teaching techniques and age-appropriate music to perform on occasion. For more information or to sign up, call Karri at 249-2253 or Pastor Randy at 249-4401. Transportation may be provided if needed.
Thursday, Sept. 24
• GriefShare recovery seminar and support group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Church of God, 317 E. Spruce St. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. The topic to be discussed will be “The Uniqueness of Grief Part 1” The only cost for the series is $12 for the manual. For more information, call the church at 249-3242.
Thursday, Oct. 1
• A toddler group, offered by the Montesano School District, will be available to Montesano residents who have children that have special needs between the ages of 12 and 24 months. The program will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursdays, at Simpson School. A parent must be in attendance with their child while participating in the program, and must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and current immunizations before attending. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis; cost is $35 per quarter. To register, call student services at 249-2114.
Miscellaneous
• The Senior Citizen Lunch Program for Sept. 21-25 will feature:
Monday: Tater Tot casserole, Jell-O salad, rolls and cookies.
Tuesday: Sweet-n-sour chicken, rice, green salad and ice cream.
Wednesday: Hamburgers, French fries, baked beans and blueberry cake.
Thursday: Pepperoni pizza, green salad, fruit and brownies.
Friday: Cooks’ choice.
The cooks note that the menu is subject to change, due to their mood. Alternate meals are available with two days notice; visit www.monteseniorcenter.webs.com. The senior center is located at the Silvia Center, 120 W. Marcy Ave.