An informational meeting to discuss the formation of a Community Emergency Response Team will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at the Montesano Church of God, 371 E. Spruce St. Grays Harbor County Emergency Management Director Charles Wallace will explain the CERT program. The program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may affect their area and provides training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. CERT members then can help others in their neighborhood or workplace following an emergency when professional responders are not immediately available to help. For more information, call the church at 249-3242 or Wallace at (360) 249-3911.

Aberdeen Monday, Feb. 1
• The Dance Club of Grays Harbor will meet at 7 p.m. for its regular membership meeting. Dinner will be available from 5-7 p.m. There will be music for dancing following the meeting.
Thursday, Feb. 4
• The Grays Harbor Mental Health Advisory Board will meet at 9 a.m. in the Pearsall Building small meeting room, 2109 Sumner Ave. Call Margi two days in advance at 532-8665 ext. 278, if special language, hearing or accessibility assistance will be needed. Written material is also available in alternate formats upon request.
Thursday, Feb. 11
• “Hearts and Roses,” a lunch program for women of all ages, will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the Rotary Log Pavilion. The program will feature the Popcorn Factory, music by Roberta Cleland and Mary Elmore, and guest speaker Roxanne Bowman of Florence, Ore., speaking on “Creating a Mold for Success.” Cost is $12 and is all-inclusive. Reservations and cancellations are required; call Jeanette at 532-7908 or Linda at 532-3129. Complimentary daycare for children ages 1-12 will be provided with reservations. The program is hosted by the Grays Harbor Christian Women’s Connection and sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries.

Beaches
Saturday, Jan. 30
• A dinner and auction to benefit the Ocean Shores Interpretive Center will begin at 4 p.m. at Waves Restaurant and Bar in Ocean Shores. A silent auction, no-host bar and snacks will be offered from 4-6 p.m. Entertainment and the announcement of silent auction winners will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. A plated dinner (sold out) will take place at 6:30 p.m. followed by a live auction at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5 at the door for the auction and entertainment. The benefit is sponsored by Best Western Lighthouse Suites Inn, Waves Restaurant and Bar, Westport Winery and Bendistillery.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 5-6
• The Bruce Hughes Band will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Ocean Lounge at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 12-13
• Bullet Creek will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Ocean Lounge at Quinault Beach Resort.
Saturday, Feb. 13
• The Rotary Club of East Grays Harbor will host its fourth annual Pair of Hearts Ball at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. A social hour begins at 6 p.m. with a prime rib buffet dinner following at 7 p.m. The ball will feature silent and live auctions and live music. Tickets are $35 each if purchased by Jan. 29 at Grays Harbor Radio in Aberdeen, Timberland Bank in Montesano or Foothills Massage in Elma. Fifty percent of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Grays Harbor.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 19-20
• Randy Linder and the Classix will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Ocean Lounge at Quinault Beach Resort.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 26-27
• Funk Factory will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Ocean Lounge at Quinault Beach Resort.
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 27-28
• The Museum of the North Beach will host its third annual Chocolate on the Beach Festival. Admission is $1 per person and free for children under 12. The festival will feature a baking contest, chocolate and wine, pancake breakfast, S’more Fun on the Beach, a specialty chocolate shop, treasure chest, cake decorating, eating contests and more. J.P. Patches will also be on hand Saturday afternoon at the Pacific Beach Elementary School gymnasium, acting as a guest judge for the chocolate baking entries. Raffle tickets are available for a year’s worth of gourmet chocolates provided by AmazingClubs. The winner will get chocolates once a month, valued at $335. Tickets are $1 each and available at the museum, Dolores’ and Fay’s in Ocean Shores, Newrizons Federal Credit Union in Hoquiam, Hi-Tide Resort in Moclips or by mail at: Year of Chocolate, Museum of the North Beach, PO Box 231, Moclips, WA 98562. Tickets will be mailed promptly. The drawing will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Hall of Sweets (Pacific Beach Elementary gymnasium). You do not have to be present to win. For more information, visit www.chocolateonthebeachfestival.com.

Elma
Thursday, Jan. 28
• The Board of Commissioners for the Mark Reed Health Care District will meet at 6 p.m. at Elma City Hall council chambers, 202 W. Main St. Everyone is invited.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
• The Mark Reed Health Care District Board of Commissioners invites all to a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the library at Elma High School, 1235 Monte Elma Rd. The town hall meeting will discuss the district’s facility replacement projects and present a market analysis, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Grays Harbor College
Friday, Jan. 29
• A celebration and recognition of mentors in the county is planned for 7 p.m. in room 2250 of the Manspeaker Building. “Gifted Hands,” a movie about the positive impacts of mentoring will be shown. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the movie starting no later than 7 p.m. Parking will be available in the lot by the Bishop Center.

GH County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, Jan. 27
• WSU Extension will host a food handler class from 3-4:30 p.m. (weather permitting) at the Extension Office. Students should arrive 15-20 minutes early to register and should 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.
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 6-7
• A swap meet will open at 10 a.m. both days.
• Barrel racing will begin at 8 a.m. both days and is open to the public at no cost.
Saturday, Feb. 20
• The WSU Master Gardeners will host a garden revival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the dog barn. Those interested in learning how to grow their own food because of rising food prices and lack of fresh produce can take advantage of the free workshop tailored for the novice gardener. Register by calling 533-9942, 612-0437 or e-mail master_gardener_ghpc@yahoo.com.

Hoquiam
Tuesday, Feb. 2
• 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.
Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 4-7
• The Hoquiam High School Drama Club will perform a musical production of “Once Upon a Mattress” at the 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. Organizers say that the musical is a hilarious version of “The Princess and the Pea.” Cost is $10 per adult and $7 for children and students. Tickets can be purchased from Hoquiam High School, Harbor Drug, Crown Drug, Rosevear’s Music Center or at the door.
Saturday, Feb. 13
• The Grays Harbor Genealogical Society will meet at 10 a.m. in the meeting room at Hoquiam Timberland Library. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Everyone interested is invited. Participants will make a vintage Valentine card and learn about St. Valentine’s Day traditions around the world. For more information, call Pam at 532-6611.

McCleary
Thursday, Feb. 4
• The Mark Reed Health Care District Board of Commissioners invites all to a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the McCleary Community Center, 726 W. Simpson Ave. The town hall meeting will discuss the district’s facility replacement projects and present a market analysis, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Saturday, Feb. 13
• The McCleary Firefighters Association will host its annual dance featuring Black Hills Gold from 8 p.m. to midnight at the McCleary VFW. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at McCleary City Hall, Fast Break Espresso or any McCleary fireman; all proceeds go to the McCleary Firefighters Association.

Montesano
Thursday, Jan. 28
• The Missoula Children’s Theatre will show a documentary film “The Little Red Truck” at 7 p.m. downstairs at W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library. Guests will see firsthand how the group puts shows together, and children will have the opportunity to audition in February for a show at Simpson School. There is no cost; snacks will be offered.
• A final workshop for the possibilities at Lake Sylvia and Schafer State Parks will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the city hall. The workshop, hosted by the Washington State Parks Department, is the third part of the Classification And Management Plan. For more information, e-mail Planning@parks.wa.gov or call the Friends of Lake Sylvia at 249-2573. A Soup for Supper dinner will take place from 5-6 p.m. at the kitchen at Lake Sylvia; $5 suggested donation.
Saturday, Jan. 30
• Everyone is invited to a dedication service for the First Baptist Church’s newly refurbished steeple and new church sign to take place at 1 p.m., at the church, 303 W. Pioneer Ave. Refreshments will be served following the service. For more information, call the church’s office at 249-4401.
Tuesday, Feb. 2
• The Coastal Conservation Association will meet at 6 p.m. at the W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library to discuss the conservation of fish resources in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. For more information, call John at 249-4931.
Wednesday, Feb. 3
• Children in grades 1-3 can once again participate in Music Makers, a children’s choir, at 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays, at First Baptist Church, 303 W. Pioneer Ave. The program will feature kid-friendly music with movement, hands on activities, song teaching techniques and an occasional performance. To register or for more information, call Pastor Randy or Kerri Brown at 249-4401 or 249-2253.
• The Chronic Illness and Pain Support group, known as ChIPS, will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. downstairs at the W.H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library. The group is open to all who experience chronic illness or pain and their families and friends. There will be opportunities to give and receive help, as well as open discussion and speakers. There is no cost. A disabled-accessible entrance and parking are in back of the library. For more information, call Mary Lewis, a licensed mental health counselor, at 249-2332, Karen at 249-2600, Anne at 249-4258 or Terry at 249-4193.
• The Chehalis Valley Historical Society will meet at 4 p.m. at the museum building, 703 Pioneer Ave. The public is welcome. For more information, call 249-4950. The society is also looking for some help. Those interested in volunteering as tour guides or helping to catalog artifacts are asked to call Les Foss at 249-4950 or Randy Beerbower at 532-7510. Training is available.
Monday, Feb. 8
• Life Line Screening for strokes and osteoporosis, will be offered at the Moose Lodge beginning at 9 a.m. Organizers say that strokes are the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of permanent disability; 80 percent of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs prior to their stroke; preventative ultrasound screenings can help avoid a stroke, and that the screenings are fast, noninvasive, painless, affordable and convenient. Screening packages start at $139, and take about 60-90 minutes to complete. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.
Saturday, Feb. 13
• St. John’s Catholic Church invites all to a spaghetti dinner from 4-7:30 p.m. in its church hall. Wine will be available for an additional $2 per glass. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. For more information, call 249-4746.
Monday-Friday, Feb. 15-20
• The Missoula Children’s Theatre will host auditions at 1 p.m. at Simpson School for students in kindergarten to 12th grade. Sixty students are needed to perform in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.” Performance will take place at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.
Sunday, Feb. 21
• Jenny’s Joggers and Tom’s Trotters, Relay For Life teams, will host a chili feed, silent auction and live dessert auction from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Montesano Moose Lodge, 3 Monte Elma Rd. Cost is $5 per person and $20 for a family. All proceeds go to the Grays Harbor Relay For Life.
Monday-Tuesday, March 1-2
• An AARP driver safety class will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the W. H. Abel Memorial Timberland Library. The class, developed by AARP, is recently updated and designed especially for motorists 50 and older. Participants 55 and older who complete the course will qualify for a reduction in their insurance premium. Drivers under 55 may also qualify; check with your insurance company. There will be no tests; Cost is $14 per person and AARP members receives a $2 discount with proof of membership. Class size is limited, and can fill up quickly — pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Danny Wills at 249-5977.
Miscellaneous
• The Senior Citizen Lunch Program for Feb. 1-5 will feature:
Monday: Taco soup, cornbread, green salad and apple crisp.
Tuesday: Fish sandwiches, tater tots, fruit salad and cake.
Wednesday: Cooks’ choice of soup, Savory Faire bread, fresh fruit and peanut butter cookies.
Thursday: Goulash, green salad, garlic bread and applesauce cake.
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, Jan. 29
• The USA Dance Olympia will host an anniversary celebration from 7-11 p.m. at the Eagles Ballroom, 805 Fourth Ave. E. in Olympia. Rhett Powers and Shona Bailey will teach a pre-dance triple step swing lesson from 7-8 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Rhett Powers for dancing from 8-11 p.m. Special performances and raffles will be featured. Cost is $10 per person.
Sunday, Jan. 31
• Local author, Mike O’Connor of Montesano, will read and sign his book “Unnecessary Talking: The Montesano Stories” at 7 p.m. at the Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle, 101 S. Main St. The book is set in the 1950s and features his boyhood stories and memories.