PORT ANGELES — First Step Family Support Center, 323 E. Sixth St., a United Way community partner agency, recently received a $1,100 grant from the First Book Advisory Council and will distribute books purchased with these funds to Clallam County children this year.
“Research shows that reading to and with children is the single most important activity parents can do to prepare them for school and future successes,” said Nita Lynn, executive director of First Step.
“It is also a fun, relaxing way for parents to bond with their children.”
The books purchased with this grant award will be distributed to families who participate in the Port Angeles and Sequim drop-in centers, “Make Parenting a Pleasure” parent education course and Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups.
Families who visit the drop-in centers in Sequim and Port Angeles can access the free shelf of books and make a selection.
Parents of children ages up to 3 who are enrolled in the 12-week “Make Parenting a Pleasure” parent education course receive six new books and are encouraged to read a new book weekly with their children.
Children ages 6 and younger who attend weekly Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups will receive up to six books over a 10-week series.
English, bilingual and Spanish language books will be available.
For more information about this program or the agency, phone 360-457-8355 or visit www.firststepfamily.org.
For more information about First Book, visit www.firstbook.org.
Chimacum students recognized in Active Transportation Art Contest
PORT TOWNSEND — Eight students from Chimacum Elementary School were recognized in the Active Transportation Art Contest held last month.
Alicia Jones, Hope Aman, Andrew Good, Mikaila Nelson, Lauren Stewart, Denisse Lopez, Emily Hannigan and Eva Casey, students in Laurel Rowan’s and Shari Glessing’s fifth-grade classes, were honored.
Jefferson County Public Health, along with The ReCyclery and Jefferson County Library, teamed up with Chimacum Elementary for the contest.
Contest submissions from the entire Chimacum fifth-grade will be on display at the Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Ave., in Port Hadlock through July.
The fifth-graders created posters to visually illustrate highlights and key points of lessons about the health benefits related to Active Transportation, including walking and biking.
For more information, phone Jefferson County Public Health at 360-385-9400.
Soroptimists give eighth-graders special ‘Girl Day’
SEQUIM — Eighth-grade girls recently participated in “Girl Day,” an all-day event sponsored by Soroptimist International of Sequim, in partnership with Sequim Middle School and the Sequim Boys & Girls Club.
Two general sessions were held.
The first had Lorraine Shore of the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office speaking on Internet safety and how to protect oneself and one’s personal information.
Later in the day, a three-woman panel shared its “not-so-direct path to success,” teaching the girls that things don’t always go their way and stressing hard work and a positive attitude as some of the keys to success.
Throughout the day, there were several breakout sessions.
A variety of speakers covered a wide range of topics, from exercise and fitness to career opportunities.
“We are thankful to Soroptimist of Sequim for putting together such a day,” school counselor Cathy Shea said.
“We are very lucky that our girls attended such an event as they transition to high school and are starting to think about the future.”
Garden Club presents 3 scholarships
PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles Garden Club members met the three scholarship recipients during a recent luncheon, where their awards were presented.
The club has fundraisers during the year to raise money for scholarships and community donations.
This year, it awarded scholarships in the amount of $1,650 each to three 2014 high school graduates: John Reid of Port Townsend High School and Erik Eyestone and Micah Needham, both of Port Angeles High School.
Reid is the son of Jack and Debbie Reid, Eyestone is the son of Laura and Paul Eyestone, and Needham is the grandson of Patty Elofson.
All three men will be studying environmental science — Reid at Western Washington University, Eyestone at Peninsula College and Needham at Evergreen State College.
Coffee with mayor
SEQUIM — The city of Sequim “Coffee with the Mayor” program continues in July.
Sequim residents can meet with Mayor Candace Pratt at ehe Oak Table Cafe, 292 W. Bell St., at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 17, at 8:30 a.m.
Pratt will be available to listen to anyone who wants to chat, ask questions, express a concern or make a comment about the city or the community.
Because of Independence Day holiday, there will be no Coffee with the Mayor on Thursday.
For more information, phone Pratt at 360-582-0114 or email cpratt@sequimwa.gov.
Strait Mac group
PORT ANGELES — The Strait Macintosh User Group will meet at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St., at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Jerry Freilich will continue his beginner’s series with Mac 101.
These talks begin with Freilich explaining some basic Macintosh tasks like placing photos in an email.
The discussion follows a meandering path as members ask questions.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information, phone Craig Gottschalk at 360-775-1250 or visit www.straitmac.org.
Sequim City Band
SEQUIM — The Sequim City Band will host its annual free Independence Day celebration at the James Center for the Performing Arts, 563 N. Rhodefer Road, at 3 p.m. Friday.
There will be patriotic music of all kinds directed by Tyler Benedict.
The announcer for the concert will be veteran community actor and writer Paul Martin.
The Sequim Rotary will sell hot dogs and drinks at the James Center starting at 1:30 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunglasses and a hat.
For more information, visit www.sequimcityband.org.
Fiber trunk show
PORT TOWNSEND — Community members can meet visiting Whidbey Island fiber artists during the Local Color Fiber Studio Trunk Show and Gallery Walk.
The event will be held at Bazaar Girls, 126 Quincy St., from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Participants will have the chance to purchase local and naturally hand-dyed yarn.
Admission is free.
For more information, phone 360-379-9273, email info@bazaargirls.com or visit www.bazaargirls.com.