Plan Fourth of July at the Beach

One of our favorite times at the Beach is the Fourth of July. We are usually just getting used to the summer days, Westport is finally bright and noisy with visitors and fishermen, and everyday the giant American flag flies proudly over the Maritime Museum visible from our house miles away.

We love to dress the kids in their matching red, white & blue and head down to the presentation of the colors by the U.S. Coast Guard Grays Harbor at the Maritime Museum. The Old Fashioned Fourth of July is one of those events that makes me thankful as a parent to live in a small town.

This year, according to Westport-South Beach Historical Society president Peggy Coverdale, visitors can enjoy musical entertainment with Captain Pete’s Lollapalooza (Pete Darrah of the Wilapa Seaport Museum & percussionist for the Grays Harbor Banjo Band), a magic show (amazing tricks and outrageous fun with magician Jeff Evans) a cake walk, clowns, children's games, face painting, vendors, a plant sale, silent auction, hot dogs, strawberry shortcake and root beer floats at the former Coast Guard Lifeboat Station.

The 4th will also mark the opening of a special exhibit of limited edition Lighthouses by Harbour Lights. The collection was recently donated by Gretchen and John Lamb of Aberdeen and is valued at more than $10,000. The Destruction Island Lens Building will be open, providing visitors an opportunity to examine a first order Fresnel lens up close. The museum itself will also be open from 10AM until 4PM on July 4.

The Maritime Museum is located in Westport’s Marina District. The Westport-South Beach Historical Society operates the museum and is presenting its 17th annual "Old Fashioned Fourth." Museum admission will be $5 for adults and $2 for children under age 12. There is no charge for admission onto the grounds and access to the events.

When the Maritime Museum's Old Fashioned Fourth is over at 4PM, visitors can enjoy a dinner in one of Westport's many restaurants or stroll on the waterfront, until the Shoalwater Bay Casino presents the South Beach community's spectacular fireworks demonstration. The exhibition will beginning at 10PM in Tokeland—where the fireworks will light up the skies.

We will probably hit the beach after dark, and watch the amateur pyrotechnics go wild with their fireworks, make a fire, and have too many smores. The boys love to eat food they cooked on sticks :) The beach on the 4th, with all the families, the campfires, the fireworks, is quite a sight. Somehow, the next day, it all gets cleaned back up.

Where ever you go on the 4th, have a great one! See ya at the beach!

Whale of a Sale - Collectibles & Junque - A whole pod of things you can't live without!

As if there wasn't enough to do in Westport this weekend, the Westport South Beach Historical Society will be putting on their "Whale of a Sale" on Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17 from 9am - 5pm at the Westport Maritime Museum on the Marina. There will be Toys & Games, Sporting Goods, Books, Pet Supplies, Jewelry, Small Appliances, Household Goods, Small Furniture, and more!

The proceeds will benefit the Historical Society, who are the caretakers of Washington's Tallest Lighthouse & the Maritime Museum on the Marina.

Watercolors & Wine - Monday's July 25 - August 22 @ the Winery

I was always one of those kids that got an "E" for effort in art and all things creative. Actually it more of an "E" for save your effort for something you might actually be good at, like math. I was always a left brained gal, but as I get older, certain things that were off limits for me are becoming interesting.... things like layups, the idea of running marathons, and painting pretty pictures.

So maybe the 26.2 miles will have to wait until my kids can get them selves ready in the morning without my assistance, but the Winery has an interesting offering this summer that I might just have to schedule around. Ken Mitchell will be giving a 5 week (1Monday each week) workshop on watercolors, and it just sounds like a lot of fun. The last time I held a paintbrush and a cocktail at the same time did result in disaster, but still, I'm a lot older now.

Anyway, the details are below, you can get more info directly from the source. Maybe I'll see you there!

Artists of all stripes are invited to join renowned watercolor instructor Ken Mitchell in a watercolor workshop this summer at Westport Winery. This course will be held in the winery’s gathering room over five Mondays, July 25, August 1, 8, 15, and 22, from 9am to 4pm. This course is for all levels, from beginners to experienced artists. The final class will include a group critique which students may invite guests to attend. Mitchell has a BA and MA in Fine Arts from Colorado State University. He has taught art at all levels for the past 30 years and has won numbers awards for his watercolor and oil paintings. From murals to stage sets to illustrations, Ken has excelled as a professional artist his entire life as he has also taught others the techniques to pursue their own dreams. The course fee for this class is $100. This fee includes instruction only. Students need to bring their own paper, pencils, watercolors, brushes, and non-glass containers. Lunch is available to purchase during class. Sack lunches and outside food and drinks are not allowed. Students need to provide the following supplies. These can be purchased from Cheap Joe's Art Stuff at 374 Industrial Park Dr., Boone, N.C. 28607 (1-800-227-2788) or Daniel Smith Art Supply at 4150 First Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98134 (206-223-9599) or online. 1. Watercolor paper: white 140 or 300 lb., 2 sheets 22"x30", cold press (we will be cutting them into 2-4 sheets each during workshop). 2. Brushes—synthetic, blend or sable (synthetics and blends are less costly). Rounds #0, #4, #10 and a flat 1-1/2" or any brushes you prefer if already a painter. 3. Beginner should look for the seven colors with a * after them. All paints are in 15ml tubes. Ken prefers Windsor Newton, Grumbacher or Daniel Smith brand paints: yellow (aureolin*), orange (cadmium yellow), red (alizarin crimson*, rose madder* or Indian red), violet (permanent mauve or mauve), green (Hooker's green and sap green*), blue (cobalt blue or Joe's blue* or ultramarine blue* or cerulean blue or manganese blue), brown (burnt umber*), and white (Chinese white). 4. 16"x 12" plastic (no glass please) watercolor palette or a large white plastic plate or similar size 5. Water container (medium sized plastic cup like a white plastic butter container) 6. Roll of paper towels 7. Other--painting sponge, additional painting equipment or materials you normally use (if you already paint), a board to tape your paper to (optional) and a roll of masking tape (optional).

Winery Eclipse Concert Series Starts on June 26!

Tickets for Westport Winery’s Eclipse Concert on Saturday, June 26 are now on sale. This evening of music, food, wine, art, and lunar magic begins with hors d’oeuvres at 6p.m. The Ericka Corban band will begin playing at 7p.m. Guests may purchase wine, beer, and sodas before and during the concert. This is the first of the winery’s Twilight Concert series held outdoors in the gardens adjacent to the vineyards.

Westport Winery’s much anticipated new red wine Bella, will be released for its first tasting at this event. Bella is a bold blend of Tempranillo, Primitivo, Refosco, Barbera, Merlot and Syrah, barrel-aged to perfection. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this wine benefits the Mt. Rainier Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In addition to music from the Twilight movie, the band will be performing rock, jazz, country, and original songs by Ericka Corban. The other members of her band are Mattaniah on the ukulele and accordion, Mike Peterson on drums and percussion, Jeff Perrin on the bass guitar, and Joe Perry on the electric guitar.

At 6p.m. that evening the Roberts family will unveil the latest commissioned art in their sculpture garden by Mike Peterson a renowned metal artist (and drummer in the band). Peterson elected to create a sculpture for the wine Shorebird Chardonnay. This wine benefits the Grays Harbor Audubon Society.

The price to attend the concert is $20 per person and space is limited. Tickets include the concert and hors d’oeuvres. All ages are welcome at the winery which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for wine, cheese, chocolate and charcuterie tasting. In case of inclement weather the performances may be moved indoors. Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.

Destination Turin Culinary class at the Westport Winery

Even though we've been having amazing warm and sunny weather the past few weeks, February and Valentine's day always causes me a bit of wanderlust. Just as I was imagining a week abroad, I recieved this announcement for a cooking class featuring the Piedmont region of Italy. I will admit, I had to look up Turin, but it sounds wonderful. If you're experiencing some wanderlust, the entire announcement is listed below.

Also, if you haven't been in lately, the Winery is now carrying award -winning Estrella Family Creamery cheese, created locally in Montesano. Very worth the trip!

Join us at Westport Winery for the second stop following the travels of Jules Vernes’ intrepid adventurer Phileas Fogg as we travel to the Piedmont region of Italy. On Sunday, February 21, from 3p.m. to 5p.m. Chef Erin Worth, will share with students some of the secrets in creating authentic Piedmontese cuisine in her class called Destination Turin. Each of these five courses will be expertly paired with Westport’s award winning wines with an emphasis on selections made similar to those in the Italian tradition.

The class will start with bread and Bagna Coda (Bah-nya Kaw-dah) a classic dip comprised of olive oil, garlic, anchovies and spices. As an appetizer the class will learn to create an antipasto called Uova alla Sarda (Ew-oh-vah ah-la sar-dah) or Sardinian hard-boiled eggs paired with Pinot Noirvana. The next course will feature Panzanella (pahn-sahn-ella), a bread, tomato, and cucumber salad paired with Night Watch. The soup of the day is Mestra di cicerchie (may-strah dee chi-chair-kee) or chick-pea which will be paired with Charterboat Chick’s Cabernet Sauvignon. An entrée of Agnolotti(ah-nyuh-LAHT-tee), a Piedmontese stuffed pasta filled with meats and cheeses will round out the dinner menu paired with Jetty Cat Red. However, no meal is complete without dessert. And this is where Chef Worth will teach you to make Zabaglione (za-bal-yone) with a cookie that is hand dipped in chocolate to go with the custard complimented by Going Coastal, Westport’s sparkling Gewurztraminer.

The price to attend this class is $30 per person or $25 for wine club members. Reservations are required to attend this latest culinary adventure. For more information call Westport Winery at 360-648-2224.

Grayland Beach Shipwreck Find

One neat area out here that we rarely get to explore is Washaway Beach. This is the beach area between North Cove and Tokeland that is known for recent rapid erosion that has in the past 5 or 10 years has caused huge parts of a neighborhood to fall into the ocean. The beach is kind of neat to walk (and sad, also because so many lost property there), because you can see old foundations and septic tanks and water pipes the have been abandoned where homes have washed away.

A coastal storm over New Years caused a little more erosion and also uncovered a bit of a treasure that has caused some excitement on the South Beach. An old shipwreck, about 100' long was found peeking through the sand. According to the Daily World, "they" believe the ship is the "Canadian Exporter", a freighter that went down in 1921 at the mouth of Willapa Harbor.

According to Rex Martin, the Executive Director of the Maritime Museum, its a pretty complicated process to determine who owns the salvage rights to the wreckage, and it would be a bit of a job to uncover the whole thing. So it sounds like it might just end up laying there until it breaks up into flotsam. But in the meantime, its a sight to behold.

We went down there this afternoon to check it out, and there were more people on the beach than I've ever seen down there, actually more than I've ever seen on a South Beach outside of a warm clam dig. The shipwreck itself is pretty cool. Definitely worth a look. To get there, drive south on the beach to just south of Warrenton Cannery Road, or drive South on highway 105 from Westport, and park on Warrenton Cannery Road and it's just south of the entrance.

Safety first! The county has posted "no trespassing" signs and built a sand barricade where the road has washed away, due to the danger involved in walking down there. Be mindful of the tides, and don't get caught out there in a storm.

Another great culinary class at the Westport Winery...

The Westport Winery has announced their latest culinary class, which looks fabulous. One of these days, I will get a babysitter and check out Chef Worth.

From the Winery Announcement:

It’s time to begin the tour of the culinary world in eight days in 2010 at Westport Winery. Following the path of Jules Vernes intrepid adventurer, Phileas Fogg, the winery has crafted a calendar of world foods to explore this year.

The first destination is Paris, France, on Sunday, January 17, from 3p.m. to 5p.m. At this class the winery’s chef, Erin Worth, will teach and serve a five-course menu created for Francophiles. The appetizer course will feature petatou de chevre fraise, a potato tart, topped with fresh goat cheese from Estrella Family Creamery. This will be followed by bouillabaisse, a classic French shellfish and fish stew featuring fresh local seafood. A salade Niçoise will be served next, this is butterhead lettuce topped with potatoes, green beans, egg, olives, tomatoes, and tuna. The entrée will feature roulade de boeuf, braised beef stuffed with vegetables, breads, and meat. This gustatory experience will finish with a classic chocolate silk Napoleon pastry with vanilla Anglaise.

As always each course will be paired with one of Westport’s wines. The price to attend this class is $30 per person or $25 for wine club members. Reservations are required to attend this latest culinary adventure. For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224.

Get married at the Beach! Learn how at the Harbor Bridal Show!

The second annual Harbor Bridal Show is Saturday, January 9 at Westport Winery. From the venue to the food and wine, from the hair to the gown, and from the announcement to the music, this casual and personal presentation will help answer questions and offer suggestions on each aspect of wedding planning with the least stress while staying within a budget.

Paula Rudberg-Lowe, the editor of South Sound Event and Wedding Magazine will share current trends in wedding planning along with important etiquette considerations. The team from Dunsire’s Printers will offer suggestions on how to keep costs down and quality up on each piece of printed material.

Margaret Tingwall and Lorrie Walsh from Passion Salon will teach you how to create lovely hair, skin, and make-up for your bridal party. A bridal fashion show presented by Lorna’s Line will inspire you, while the designers from Bayside Floral will explore how to best compliment the gowns. Merrill Photography will show you how to capture both candid and staged memories that will last forever.

The Roberts’ family from Westport Winery will discuss various beverage and catering options. Suzie’s Cakes will offer samples and suggestions on how to be both original and traditional with the perfect wedding cake. Jenny Leighton and Lindell Stacy-Horton will perform music and highlight options to help you set the mood for your guests. And Journey Travel will explore some of the best means to find the perfect honeymoon.

Space is limited for this incredibly personal and educational one-day event so pre-registration is required. There is no charge to attend the Harbor Bridal Show. Brides-to-be and their guests can register for either the 10am to noon session or the 2-4pm session. Because of space limitations children are not invited to participate in this event.

Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). The winery is open daily, year around from 11am to 6pm and after hours by reservation. For more information and registration call Westport Winery at 648-2224.

Razor Clam Season Set for 2009!

Razor clam season tentatively set
to open in mid-October

Digging at all beaches will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.

Tentative opening dates and evening low tides in October are (the best time for digging is 1 - 2 hours before low tide):

• Friday, Oct. 16 ( 5:50 p.m. -0.5 ft.)
• Saturday, Oct. 17 (6:38 p.m. -0.8 ft.)
• Sunday, Oct. 18 (7:23 p.m. -1.1ft.)
• Monday, Oct. 19 (8:06 p.m. -1.1 ft.)

In addition, WDFW has tentatively scheduled four other digs through Jan. 3.

Digs scheduled in November include:

• Wednesday, Nov. 4 (7:33 p.m. -1.3 ft.)
• Thursday, Nov. 5 (8:18 p.m. -1.2 ft.)
• Friday, Nov. 6 (9:07 p.m. -0.9 ft.)
• Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:59 p.m. -0.5 ft.)

• Saturday, Nov. 14 (4:34 p.m. -0.3 ft.)
• Sunday, Nov. 15 (5:21 p.m. -0.7 ft.)
• Monday, Nov. 16 (6:05 p.m. -0.9 ft.)
• Tuesday, Nov. 17 (6:47 p.m. -0.8 ft.)

Digs scheduled December 2 through Jan. 3 include:

• Wednesday, Dec. 2 (6:32 p.m. -1.2 ft.)
• Thursday, Dec. 3 (7:18 p.m. -1.4 ft.)
• Friday, Dec. 4 (8:04 p.m. -1.3 ft.)
• Saturday, Dec. 5 (8:51 p.m. -0.9 ft.)

• Thursday, Dec. 31 (6:16 p.m. -1.1 ft.)
• Friday, Jan. 1 (7:01 p.m. -1.8 ft.)
• Saturday, Jan. 2 (7:45 p.m. -1.6 ft.)
• Sunday, Jan. 3 (8:29 p.m. -1.2 ft.)

The WDFW website lists "Twin Harbors" as the location for a 4 day clam dig. That is actually code for the 18 miles of beach that stretches from Willapa Bay to Grays Harbor, ie. Westport/Grayland/Tokeland.

I have made a little primitive map which shows where the best places to find Razor Clams are. If you want to go to Westhaven, I recommend following the map to Westport, then turning toward Westhaven State Park on Jetty Access Road. Park at the state park and walk down to the beach.

To try Grayland, you can access the beach either on Bonge Road or Grayland Beach Road. The area in between these two roads are prime razor clam habitat.

Good luck & happy Clamming!

Cranberry Festival Week! Grayland/Cranberry Coast

I love autumn at the beach! The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and most often, the sun is still out. We have been having the most wonderful late-summer-early-fall weather this year, and the weatherman is forecasting sunny skies through this weekend - Cranberry Fest weekend!

I love Cranberry Festival weekend, for the kitschy community festival, for the cranberry harvest tours, for the bog jog, but mostly, because I am one of those people who will do anything for a blue ribbon, I love Cranberry Fest weekend for the cranberry cookoff. Unfortunately, I will be headed south for a wedding, which leaves the cookie category up for grabs this year :) Haha.

If cooking is not your thing, there are other reasons to head to Grayland this weekend. There are harvest tours (by bus), there is a cranberry eating contest (have you ever tried to eat uncooked, unsweetened cranberries?), a "biggest berry" contest among the farmers, and some farm fresh cranberries to be purchased. There are also food vendors, cranberry crafts, and live entertainment. After you stuff yourself with fair food and kettle corn on Saturday, head to the bogs for a friendly 5k "Bog Jog" to work it off on Sunday morning. There may be nothing nicer than the quiet cranberry bog lined roads of Grayland for a fall workout.

Check out the Cranberry Coast Chamber for specifics!

This just in... Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill takes home another Blue Ribbon - 1st place at Bite of Seattle

We couldn't be prouder! The Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill bested out 61 other restaurants in a competition judged by 4 independent food critics to take home the #1 entree at Bite of Seattle. Not bad for a little seafood shack on the marina!

Congratulations to brother Donovan & his crew!

If you're in the City this weekend, head over to Seattle Center and give a shout out to Team Half Moon Bay Bar & Grill!

Westport Winery’s 2009 Bottling and Production Tour & BBQ

Westport Winery’s second free bottling and production tour for 2009 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. Bottling will begin at 8am both days and will run until 6pm. The winery already has plenty of volunteers who will be working on the bottling line, so this is simply a chance to come and observe the process while enjoying the scenic vineyards and farm. There is no charge to watch the action and all ages are welcome. Bill Hamlin, of Custom Mobile Bottling in Benton City will again keep the line rolling. You are encouraged come to meet or reacquaint yourself with Bill and see his incredible bottling truck.

The winery will be bottling their 2008 reds including the much anticipated Pinot Noirvana. (This wine will not be released for purchase until September 25 during the Kurt Cobain Memorial Committee’s Lounge Acts weekend.) The winery is also bottling several new fruit blends this weekend for release throughout the summer including Pineapple Express and Dawn Patrol.

As part of the weekend’s open house, guests are invited to enjoy a barbecue picnic from 11am to 3pm. Catered by Sherrie Rust and Jaymie Towle of Westport Event and Wedding Planning, visitors may purchase of lunch of beef bratwurst or hot dogs on hoagie rolls, homemade pasta rotini with fresh vegetables, potato salad, Heath and chocolate chunk cookies, chips, and a beverage. The price for this lunch is $10. Reservations are not required for this fun outdoor picnic.

Vehicle access to the production barn is limited so guests should wear appropriate footwear as the trail to the barn is not paved. Those with mobility issues should check in at the tasting room and someone from the team will escort them to the production area.

The winery is open daily, year around from 11am to 6pm, and after hours by reservation. For more information call Westport Winery at 648-2224. Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’).

Fleur de Lis Festival for Flag Day at Westport Winery!

Join the Westport Winery in celebrating Flag Day with their Sweet Flag Irises or Fleur de Lis Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 from noon to 5pm. This free event will highlight all things Francophile in a tribute to the long history of French wine, cheese and chocolate making.

In the new culinary herb garden the Roberts family has built a Petanque Court. The game is similar to Bocce with the goal to throw aluminum balls as close to the “jack” as possible. This is a sport often played in French villages. Throughout the weekend the winery will host a Petanque challenge with prizes for the winners.

This new garden space will increase the area available for the winery’s sculpture garden. Sculpture garden artists will be selling some of their work in the garden in the style of a French market. Classical guitarist Scott Lindenmuth will be playing in the winery’s Gathering Room on both days.

And Chef Erin Worth will offer Fleur de Lis French Onion Soup for those who wish to purchase food while listening to music and tasting wine. A series of French cheeses and chocolates will also be available for tasting and purchase.

All these festivities will be set against the backdrop of the winery’s 10,000 irises (which may or may not be in bloom on this date, but everyone is keeping their fingers crossed.) There is no charge to attend this inaugural Fleur de Lis Festival.

Westport Winery is open daily between 11am and 6pm to guests of all ages and is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’).

Springtime means Crab Races

This weekend bring Westport's Annual "World Famous" Crab Races, Crab Feed, and Crab Derby. It also brings a forecast for SUNSHINE! So come on down to the beach and check out the crazy event known as crab races. As I've written in past years, its a wacky event, kids love it, but probably not a favorite of animal rights lovers. It consists of a big tent, a sloped table, and a lot of screaming and pounding, you can't imagine - you just have to come check it out.

Here's the details:

Crab Derby:
8:00 AM Saturday - Noon Sunday
$5 per ticket
You can bring your own crab pot or rent one from one of the many marina-front businesses that rent them. The local crab fishermen will "seed" the marina with crab, so there should be lots of them to catch. I'm not sure how they mark the crabs, but prizes for certain crabs caught will be distributed on Sunday. (The derby goes from ).

Crab Races:
Registration: 11:00 AM Saturday
Races: 1:00 - 5:00 PM Saturday
Entry fees: $2 to Race your own crab, $3 and they will provide a crab for you.
This is in the big parking lot down on the marina district. Drive down to Westhaven, near the Islander and the big Blue Viewing Tower, and look for the white tent ("The Crab Pavilion"). You can't miss it. I believe it actually costs $2 to enter the Crab Pavilion as well.

Crab Feed:
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday
$15 Whole Crab Dinner (includes salad, baked beans, garlic bread & beverage)
$10 Half Crab Dinner (includes salad, baked beans, garlic bread & beverage)
$4 Hot Dog & Pop
$4 Wine or Beer
$4 Shrimp Cocktail

If the idea of mass shellfish dinners doesn't appeal to you (and some people are weird about festival food, I get it), check out the races, and then walk across the street to the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill (kitty corner to the Blue Tower, in the Islander Hotel), and have a Surf Melt and Clam Chowder to satisfy your seafood craving. Or go crazy and just have a Bloody Mary for lunch, it's Washington's best, after all!

See you at the Beach!

April 19: Westport Winery Great Lecture Series: Birds & the Bees

Do you know about the birds and the bees? If not, maybe you should attend Westport Winery’s next Great Lecture called “Learning About The Birds And The Bees”. Although it may not include what you first think, you will garner valuable information. This seminar will feature Dianna Moor and Erin Potter, both longtime gardeners who will teach you about the best habitat to create in your own garden to promote healthy pollinators. This free class will be held at the winery on Sunday, April 19 from 3-5pm.

Dianna Moor has been a Master Gardener since 2006, an avid birder for a decade, and serves on the board of the Grays Harbor Audubon Society. In her portion of the class Moor will talk about gardening with native plants in order to provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for birds. “I hope those who attend my talks will go home and look at their gardens through new eyes.” She wants you to ask yourself if your garden is full of plants that look lovely for a few short months, but don't provide anything for the birds, butterflies, or bees.

Moor said the second step in the analysis of your garden is listening. “Do you hear any birds in your yard besides crows, starlings and house sparrows? If that is all you are hearing, you probably have too much lawn.” Moor will teach you what to plant to attract birds, and how to keep them in your yard. You will also learn how you can help rid your space of bugs, mosquitoes, and yes, crane flies! It's all about the plants. She said it’s also critical to use products in your home garden that promote a healthy environment for animals, plants, and people.

Erin Potter, a member of the Organic Beekeeping Society said her instruction will offer a similar view in terms of bees. She will begin with an overview of the conventional hive structure. She will then educate everyone on the cycles and functions of worker bees, drones and queen bees. And she will finish her conversation with details on the natural cycle of a honeybee colony in a temperate (four-season) climate.

Potter has been gardening for eight years and bases many of her organic beekeeping practices on the organic gardening practices she has learned. Potter is a mother and instructor at Grays Harbor Community College. She is also a Lieutenant Commander in the Coast Guard Reserves where she writes emergency plans and practice emergency exercises.

In coordination with the Roberts family, Erin is placing a hive on the winery property on April 26. This is just one strategy implemented by Westport Winery and Vineyards By-the-Sea in the Salmon Safe program’s habitat enhancement section.

Westport Winery is open daily between 11am and 6pm. For more information or reservations on this class call the winery at 360-648-2224. Westport Winery is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road (halfway between Aberdeen and the Westport ‘Y’). For early notification on all of Westport Winery’s Great Lectures, Culinary Classes, Concerts, and Festivals email: WineClub@WestportWines.com to have your email address added to their early notification list.

The end of an Era: Saying Goodbye to Neddie Rose Farrington

Here in Westport, a lot has changed over the past 4 years, but some things don't change. This is a small community, everyone knows everyone, and if you need something: dinner, advice, seek out Neddie Rose.

Neddie Rose Farrington was the unofficial matriarch of the South Beach. The owner and operator of the Islander Motel & Charters for over 40 years, she was the very living heartbeat of the Marina. She was a hardworking business woman who ran a tight ship. Even after her retirement, when she visited the Islander for lunch and one of her old employees stopped to say hello, Neddie would bark "are you on a break?!"

I personally only met her a few times. I can recall her sharply criticizing the new Islander owner for having too many employees, and not working hard enough. She scolded him, going step by step in detail how she would run it in her day, stopping every few minutes to offer to come in a shape up his staff.

I had heard for years of the love story, how she cared for her husband who was injured in World War 2 for over 50 years. I have heard from countless old timers how she fed them, offered advice, or loaned some money when they were in need.

She was a beautiful woman who had lived an amazing life. The kind of woman you can only hope to be like.

Neddie's family will be holding a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 10, at Ocosta High School at 1PM. A reception will follow, to be announced at the service.

Grayland Driftwood Show

The Cranberry Coast Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 46th Annual Driftwood Show on March 15 and 16, 2008 at the Grayland Community Hall. I have wanted to attend this for years, and am looking forward to finally making it this year.

You can purchase a "hunting license" for $3, which entitles you to "hunt" in designated locations on Grayland Beach for a specially marked sand dollar. If you find one, you can exchange it for a glass float. It looks like a lot of fun - who doesn't love a treasure hunt?

Additionally, there will be tons of driftwood, flotsam, jetsam, and the like on display (and being judged for awards). You can enter your interesting driftwood and beachcombing finds, as well as photography on Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. For more information, check out the Cranberry Coast Chamber's website at http://www.cranberrycoastcoc.com/driftwood2003.html

Good luck!

Winter Beach Day

After a long hard winter, full of 133 miles per hour winds, weeks on end of overcast weather, and the most rain I have seen since I moved here, we are having a fantastic February. This past week we have been treated to clear skies, a fantastic lunar eclipse, and warm (for winter) weather. The weatherman is forecasting 50's and sunny for the next few days, and we are taking advantage of as much sunshine as we can get our hands on.

As an added bonus, the end of winter and beginning of spring means the start of shorebirding season. I am looking forward to seeing what kinds of birds the recent clearing at the Links site might bring, as well as the changes made a Bottle Beach State Park. Today, we enjoyed the sandpipers on the beach here in Westport.

Crack Crab for Kids

The 11th Annual Ocosta Schools Booster Club annual Crab and Spaghetti Feed is taking place this weekend, Feburary 23, from noon to 8PM at the Ocosta Rec Hall. Tickets are $20 for those over 13 and $10 for those 6 - 12, and free for kids under 5. All proceeds will be used to provide scholarships, sports uniforms and equipment, camps, and provide support for various programs of the Ocosta Jr/Sr High School.

Go get some yummy fresh crab and support local students at the same time!

Westport Winery Debut, March 22, 2008

On March 22, 2008, 6:30 PM, the Roberts will be debuting their wines at a special Winemakers Dinner at the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill.

Wines that will be available for tasting include the Grays Harbor Gewurztraminer, Elk River Riesling, Compass Rose, Surfer's Last Syrah, Shorebird Chardonnay, Mermaid's Merlot, Charterboat Chuck's Cabernet, Ancient Mariner's Asian Pear, Red Sky at Night (Raspberry Wine with Chocolate flavor).

The wine will be accompanied by a four course meal including such delights as baked brie, grilled pear, and cabrales crostini; procuitto wrapped scallops, seared prawns with braised leeks; hazelnut crusted wild salmon with beet risotto and butter roasted parsnips; grilled new york steak with sauteed wild mushrooms; and tiramisu and candied citrus.

Entertainment will be provided by the Electric Park Jazz Band, along with wine tasting notes by Kim and Blaine Roberts and their winemaker Dan Wood.

It should be a night to remember, and a great way to welcome the Westport Winery to our little town, so don't miss it! The dinner, including the wines is $75 per person. Reservations are required, and can be made at the Islander front desk at 360-268-9166. The address is 421 E. Neddie Rose Drive, Westport, WA 98595. Josh Wood, the Half Moon Bay Bar and Grill manager can answer any questions you have, and he can be reached at 360-268-9166.