Community News - October 4, 2012

Hounds to run for last time this year

The last lure coursing event of the year will take place this weekend at Misty Rivers Plantation, 117 Cross Dike Road on Puget Island.

The AKC sanctioned event is sponsored by the Willamette Valley Basenji Club; qualifying runs will be held first thing on Saturday morning, commencing around 8 a.m. and the regular racing events will follow, running through late afternoon, and again on Sunday.

Also scheduled for both mornings at 8 a.m. is registration for Coursing Ability Tests which is open to dogs of any breed or mixed breed. These dogs run separately and qualify for their own set of awards. Entry fee is $25. The general public is invited to attend as well as well-behaved, well-leashed dogs. Admission is free, and rest rooms and refreshments are available. Contestants park on the coursing field; visitors should park on the grass beside the driveway in front. A limited amount of handicapped parking is available on the coursing field.

Caregivers invited

to workshop series

The Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center are sponsoring a series of workshops on Caring for your Loved One at Home.

To be held at the PeaceHealth Women's Health Pavilion on Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m., from October 24 to November 28, the classes will cover topics including day to day care, nutrition, managing medications, legal and financial issues, community resources and more.

Class leader Shani Potts has over 25 years experience working with older adults and has been an instructor at Clark College for 10 years.

The classes are free and respite care is available. To register, call 360-577-4929.

Photography exhibit opens this Saturday

The Friends of Skamokawa will be opening an new exhibit this Saturday of photographs by a local photographer Nick Deal.

There will be a reception with refreshments to meet Deal from 2-4 p.m. and the exhibit will run until November 18. Redmen Hall is open Thursday to Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 1394 S.R.4 in Skamokawa. For more information contact 360-795-3007.

Timberlands remain closed

Longview Timberlands property in Oregon will continue to be closed to all public recreational entry, including walk-in hunting because of high forest fire danger.

For up to date information on land closures, visit http://www.longviewtimber.com.

Tsuga Gallery holds

art "garage sale"

The Tsuga Gallery will hold a Back Room Sale this Friday and Saturday.

Local artists will clear out their studios and offer original drawings, prints, cards, and crafts as well as frames, art books, and supplies.

"While you're there, enjoy all the beautiful fine arts and crafts available in the gallery," said artist Mitzy Christensen. "There will be a re-hang before the holidays so be sure to see what's available now before it's changed over."

The gallery will change to its Fall hours of Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting today (Thursday).

14th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza Oct. 26

On October 26 The Charlotte House Advisory Board is sponsoring the 14th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Hotel Cathlamet.

Each year local bakers compete for the title of Most Decadent Dessert. Last year Mary Lou Benson was the Grand Prize winner for her layered brownies.

Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12 and seniors over 60 years of age. For $15, to go boxes will be available Tickets may be purchased in advance at St. James Family Center or pay at the door.

All proceeds from The Chocolate Extravaganza benefit The Charlotte House Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs.

"We are grateful for the support of our community and we look forward to seeing you there," said Charlotte House Manager Susan Schillios. Those interested in baking for this event can contact Schillios at 360-795-6401.