Breakfast at Tiffany's

7th Street movie schedule available at 7thstreettheater.com

Memorize to save the books you love

I have always been a huge proponent of the public library.  Nay-Sayers for years said that the printed word is becoming obsolete, no need for books when we have computers.  This statement makes me cringe.  And no, I am not going to launch into a rant on how 'I love the feel of a real book, the smell of the pages, the weight of it', because, I too own a digital reader.  It isn't the same though, is it book fans?  Sure you get titles instantaneously and can change books in the blink of an eye, but its just not quite the same.  I think I pinpointed why on my last trip to the used book store. We use media on an almost daily basis.  Sitting in a Dr.'s office we check Pinterest and Facebook.  Shopping at the grocery store our lists are digitized and we look for recipes on the Internet, not in a cookbook.  There is so much media around us every day that sitting down to read a book on a digital reader is not as special, it is just an everyday "task".  Timberland Reads Together has put together and event that highlights what is special about the books we choose to read.

"Timberland Reads Together (TRT) is an annual program of the Timberland Regional Library District that promotes and celebrates reading and community. One book is chosen each year that has widespread appeal across various interests. Everyone in the five-county library district is encouraged to read the book and to attend free book discussions, author presentations, live performances and programs throughout the month of October at local Timberland libraries and other venues."(www.trl.org)

Tonight, at the Aberdeen Branch, the public can become a talking book.  Let the conversation begin with other book lovers about which book you would choose to memorize to save it from the censor's fires.  What books do you want to save for future generations?  Participants may read or recite from memory a short passage from the book of their choice. All readers are welcome to attend, whether they choose a title or not.  The books that are discussed will be used to construct a library of titles to save for the future.  Octobers TRT was Fahrenheit 451, a title often subjected to censorship.

Music Monday: Monster Mash

Last minute costume? Shop Local!

From the state of my Facebook feed, it seems that there are many, many, many Halloween procrastinators amongst us when it comes to shopping for a costume.  Every other post for the past week says something similar to the following; 

"Totally have a party tomorrow and have no idea what to dress up as! 
Maybe I should just go as a cat...again."

This is just not acceptable harborites.  We have got to use our imaginations when it comes to the last minute Halloween costume.  Especially when we don't want to spend an inordinate amount of money at (ugh) Halloween overpriced City.  Our solution here at GoGo?  Shop our local stores for items that you can use even after Halloween to make a kick-butt costume that wont break your budget.

Lets start with our beloved local Dennis Co.  While wondering the aisles on a random Tuesday a few weeks ago, a friend and fellow blogger noticed an entire wall of Boyscout pins, ribbons, scarves, belts and vests.  Talk about a treasure trove for last minute costume planning.  How easy to take a few patches and a vest and pair with a skirt or jeans and white sneakers for an instant costume!

Last weekend I was shopping in town for a new side table for my living room when I decided to stop in at the Variety Store in Elma for some fabric for pillows.  Walking in this establishment is like taking a step back in time to the variety stores of the past.  They literally have EVERYTHING you could ever need for your home and you life.  As far as costumes ideas are concerned, the only thing i could think of is grandma..But in the spirit of Halloween dressing as grandma is just not enough, so I have a few options for you.  The Variety store has gardening supplies and big floppy hats.  Pair this with a pair of capri pants and a over sized button up shirt and presto... Martha Stewart.  Secondly, how about an ensemble costume.  Go for Little Red Riding Hood, The Big Bad Wolf and, you guessed it, Grandma.

Hometown feed is a frequent stop on my errand runs, our dog is a super demanding puppy and I love buying dog bones to keep him occupied.  Walking around this store, several costume ideas come to mind.  First, dog collars, cat collars.. you could go the traditional route and dress as an animal, or use one of the dog beds, cut open, as a potato!

Harbor Saw and Supply is my ultimate place for a costume that can double in your everyday life.  How about the Brawny Paper Towel Man!  You all probably have a pair of jeans hanging out in your closet and since you live on the harbor, I am going to assume here that you have a pair of work boots hiding out in the garage.  Pick up a flannel at Harbor Saw and some paper towels at Swansons and Presto! Insta-costume.



Haunted Harber Events

I was sitting at work yesterday was working very diligently yesterday morning, contemplating exactly what to write about Halloween that hasn't been written one million times before.  You see dear harborites, this holiday and I have a rocky relationship.  As a kid, I loved playing dress up.  I loved being on stage and transforming into a character.  On the other hand.. As an adult, I loath the scary, hate the horrid and am squeamish about the gory.  That is why I like to embrace the 'little kid' aspect of Halloween.  The cute princesses, the strong superheros, the adorable bunnies, and not the creepy zombies, bloody axe murderers, and blood sucking vampires.  Fortunately for those of you reading this (you are out there reading this, right?), I am among the minority when it comes to embracing the macabre aspects of Halloween. If you are in the majority of the population and love the fun escape that this holiday provides then starting this weekend the harbor has a vast array of ways to celebrate both with the little ones and without.

Lets start with Haunted Hoquiam.  In addition to the 7th Street Theater's showing of Poltergeist on Friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th, Hoquiam has cooked up a whole host of events on Saturday to delight the Halloween craving masses. Businesses in Hoquiam will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters from 1-3pm on Saturday (you can find a map of the businesses participating here), which also includes the locally famous Haunted Lobby!  If you plan on gorging yourself on candy and treats and want to do so guilt free, make sure you register for the Haunted Hoquiam Fun Run.



Aberdeen is also hosting their annual Downtown trick-or-treating with businesses on Heron, Wishkah,  and adjacent side streets.  This will go from Noon - 2 pm.  During the downtown trick-or-treat, Aberdeen Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Halloween Spooktacular on 102 West Wishkah (next to Pizza Hut).  Bring the kids in for a costume contest and more!

Elma is also jumping on the Downtown Trick-or-Treating by handing out candy at the visitors station on Halloween night from 3-6pm October 31st!  Treat bags will be available for the first 250 kids and Treat route maps will help parents shuffle their kids around the neighborhood scaring up goodies.

Makarenko Park in Cosmopolis is hosting the Relay for your Life Zombie Run on Sunday October 28th.  Registration starts at the spooky hour of 5:30 and the race starts at 7 pm.  Costumes, while not mandatory, are encouraged!  Even to someone like myself who is not into the undead, this event sounds fabulously spooky.

Halloween Movie Treats

Poltergeist - 7th Street Theater -  Friday and Saturday,

 October  26-27 at 7:30

Alien Encounter - Timberland Regional Library -  Friday, 

October 26 at 6pm

Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy -  Live Theatre Pipe Organ Played by , Andy Crowe. 

Fern Hill Funeral Home - Free Admission & Free Popcorn
October 30 at 6:30 and 9:00

9th Annual Irish Festival

When you hear the following, what do you think of?

Molly's Revenge, Darby O'Gill, Sons of Malarky, Stout Pounders...

If images of tall frothy glasses of Guiness and rollicking fiddle music fill your imagination you are on the right track. 

This weekend the 9th Annual Irish Music Festival, the largest on the west coast, is set to commence.  There will be 3 fantastic venues on the Harbor, with 8 stages to enjoy the music, and 25 Irish bands to dance along with.  Starting on Thursday October 25 and continuing through Sunday the 28th, come out and check out the festival events in Ocean Shores and Hoquiam.

Ticket sales are available by cont Galway Bay Irish Pub at 360-289-2300 and the price for the All Venue pass is just $60.  Not to bad for an entire weekend of music and drinks!
(If you choose to go day by  day the schedule of pricing is available below.)

Day                 Galway Bay               Ale House
Thursday       5pm til close-$5         Dinner $25/person
Friday         11am til 5pm-$10         Free
Friday         5pm til close-$15        $5
Saturday       10am til 5pm-$15         $5 all day
Saturday       5pm til close-$20        $5 all day
Sunday         10am til 5pm-$5          Free

ShamRock the Coast!


Those Venues once more for the 9th annual Irish Music Festival for 2012:
Galway Bay Irish Pub - Ocean Shores, Washington
8th Street Ale House - Hoquiam, Washington
Ocean Shores Convention Center - Ocean Shores Washington
Cli here for the schedule of events!

Minors are not allowed at the 8th Street Ale House

Minors are not allowed at Galway Bay after 5pm on Friday, all day on Saturday, and Sunday before 5pm

Minors are allowed at the Ocean Shores convention center all days until 10pm
Bands are scheduled to come from Ireland, Canada, Illinois, Oregon, California, New York, and Washington

Hoptoberfest in October

Honoring Octoberfest, the two week beer festival in Munich, Germany, the East County Rotary Club is sponsoring Hoptoberfest 2012 .  This festival is featuring craft brews from Dick's, Fish Tale, Manny's, Mac & Jack's and many more.

Ocean Shores Quinault Beach Resort and Casino is hosting Hoptoberfest on Saturday October 20th from Noon to 10pm.  Stop by anytime during the festival to sample seasonal craft beers, food and hear live entertainment provided by Jackie Mitchell and Humptulips. 

The Mary Hill and Nicole's Red wineries will be represented as well.

Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at hoptoberfest.org.

Mardi Gras Night in Ocean Shores

When you hear of a Mardi Gras Night you know you are in for a treat and a fun-filled party.  Mardi Gras has a rich history that some say began in the US when the French explorers celebrated the holiday in New Orleans in 1699.  

If you do not own a time traveling machine, and cannot go back to this first Mardi Gras, there is an alternative. 

Saturday night, October 20 at 5:30, travel out to the Ocean Shores Convention Center to celebrate Mardi Gras Night.  Hosted by the Ocean Shores/North Beach Chamber of Commerce, Mardi Gras Night has all the trimmings of a celebration not to be missed. 

Tickets are on sale at the Chamber main office for $35, and all proceeds are going to help support the chamber and the work it does for our beach communities. 

Included in the evening festivities will be a live auction with local radio personality Luceman and weekend travel packages will also be available for bidding.

Enjoy delicious Creole and Cajun food including jalapeno corn bread, blackened salmon, and sweet potato souffle, while you dance with the Ocean Shores Pirates to Zydeco music from Charlie Baer's collection.  At the conclusion of the evening, the Business of the Year award will be bestowed on one of the monthly winners throughout the year.

10th annual Mushroom Festival

Webster dictionary defines a mushroom as

"an enlarged complex above ground fleshy fruiting body of a fungus ...

that consists typically of a stem bearing a pileus; especially : one that is edible". 

Sound yummy? 

To a mushroom enthusiast it sounds like the amazing Mushroom Festival at Lake Quinault Lodge

happening this weekend October 19-21. 

This yearly event is in its 10th year,

 and is packed full of events all weekend long that will make any fungi lover rejoice.

Beginning with a  welcome reception that includes a wine and cheese social to mix and mingle,

guests of the mushroom convention can enjoy chainsaw sculptures in the shape of mushrooms

 made by Jeff Coleman, and lectures from Dr. Steven Trudell and Heather Risher.

Saturday is the day for guided tours to forage, identify and collect native mushrooms including; chanterells, oysters, king boletus and chicken of the woods.

 

Demonstrations are happening all weekend, with cooking tips and recipes, a grow your own edible mushrooms class and lectures on the types of mushrooms that you can find here in the PNW.

Saturday ends with fungi-bingo

and all weekend long vendors will be peddling their mushroom goods.

Schedule of events Here.  Official website Here.

Debut Concert Comes to 7th Street

You have heard whisperings, it is showing up on your Facebook feed and you love the name of the band.  Now here we are to give you all the up close and personal information you need to be at the right spot on the 20th of October.

A live recorded Debut Concert at 7th Street Theater for Roy Reinertsen and The Oarsmen at 7 p.m. is where you need to be this Saturday night.  If you need more convincing check out these videos here, and here!

Roy Reinertsen is a Bluesy-Folksy-Country singer who also happens to play an amazing acoustic guitar.  Born near Pullman, Wa, Roy grew up playing in the school band, however it wasn't until High School that Roy picked up a guitar and the rest was history.  Those first guitar chords he learned because of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, but Roy is also inspired by the songs of Woody Guthrie, Bukka White, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan as well as by the places he has lived and traveled though over the years. He has lived all over the pacific northwest including Portland, Seattle and Aberdeen, but traveled extensively through Europe, Canada and Korea.  Roy and the band currently live in Olympia, Roy with his adorable dog Bart.  Roy's day job is a full time nurse at a retirement community in Lacey, but his passion is and will always be music as he plays at local festivals and fairs around Puget Sound, including our own Lake Sylvia Festival in Montesano.

Recorded last year was Roy's first studio Album entitled Roy Reinertsen, and he is hoping that the upcoming debut concert will give him the push he needs to become a full-time mainstream musician.  His songs are one part heartbreak, one part fun and most importantly they tell a story.  What is so unique about this debut concert that began as a Kickstarter campaign is that Roy will not only be performing his solo routine, which consists of songs from his first album, but The Oarsmen will be joining him and playing songs from their upcoming album of the band.

The special guest of the evening is none other than Kelsey Bergey of Bergey Voice Studio. A contralto and voice instructor and a personal friend of GoGo Grays Harbor, you can learn more about her here. She will be lending her amazing voice singing arias, expressive melodies for a solo artist, in Italian, French and English.

Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets online and Grays General Store.  Tully's Coffee will be working on promotions and 7th Street Theater is putting on the production.  It is sure to be a wonderful evening, and remember it will be recorded live and the live production will be for sale after the show.  Come out and support local music and musicians while you dance the night away to great live music!

Music Monday: Ballad of Skinny Roy

Winterizing your Home

Being first time homeowners this winter has forced me to think 'like a homeowner' as fall and winter approaches.  This piece of property that I am working to own is something I truly want to take care of so that it will continue to house my family for the next thirty-something years. 

While the rain has started in this morning (and this girl is very happy about it!), there is still plenty of time to prepare you home for the coming months, why not start this weekend?

Gutters/Downspouts

If the thought of cleaning out your gutters conjures up images of cartoony people falling backwards off ladders, you watched alot of Looney Toons as a kid, and think again because it is a relatively simple task that can save you a ton of hassle later on.  Cleaning out your gutters will most definitely stop that annoying drip drip drip noise that happens when it rains and you are trying to sleep but you cant because all you can hear is the rain falling in the clogged gutter. (I have very vivid memories of this from my childhood apparently!)  Clean out the gutters using your hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away dirt and leaves and general gunk.  Leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts can help to direct water away from the foundation, which is a good thing.

Seasonal Equipment
Have you ever stopped to consider that we have season specific equipment to work on our homes?  We do, you certainly don't mow your lawn in the winter, unless of course you live in California.  We don't shovel snow in the summer, unless you live in Alaska!  So drain the gas from your mower, clean and dry your summer garden tools and store in a safe place for winter.  The flip side of this is tuning up snow blowers and sharpening snow shovels and buying sand and de-icer. (Unless of course you believe the world is ending...)

Pipes/Foundation
Plumbing can be a silent terror in a home that can cause extra trouble in the winter when water freezes.  The first thing you should locate is the water main, so that in an emergency you know how to shut off the water to your home.  After you use your hose to clean out your gutters, drain and disconnect from the faucet.  Then, my favorite part of this, use foam covers with zip ties to cover the faucets to insulate and prevent freezing!  Just yesterday my husband and father climbed under our new home to wrap some pipes and put flashing around the vents on the foundation so we are ready for winter.

Seal decking, fences and driveways to prevent mold and cracks.
All woodwork could use some protection before the wind and rain hits so seal it up!

Clean Fireplace or Furnace
Growing up my parents had two types of fireplaces in our home, a pellet stove and a wood burning stove.  This is the first home that I myself have has a fireplace and while it used to be wood it is now propane and making sure both are clean is a top priority.  We just bought our home this year, and while we inspected the chimney to make sure it wasn't going to fall off the roof and wasn't cracked, we have no idea if it has been properly cleaned in the past twenty five years.  If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
In addition to all the cleaning:

      -Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
      -Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.
      -Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.

Happy Winterizing Grays Harbor!

Traditional Salmon Bake

I don't know about the general public here on the harbor, but this writer has never really been in the know about fishing.  Cooking fish however, has recently become quite fun for our family, as the fishermen in my life have been providing lots of material to cook with.  When this fun event crossed my email boasting the title, "Traditional Salmon Bake", I was more than a little intrigued and had to instantly walk my fingers across Google search and do a little digging to find out exactly what a "traditional" salmon bake entailed.  To start with, did you know that there is a specific way to filet the salmon in order to cook it in the traditional style?  It is true!  Check out the image below.

Split your salmon down the back, remove the bones and voila!  A beautiful slab of salmon ready to cook...but not on the grill and not in the oven.   

The coastal Native Americans did not have the modern tools we use today and instead would roast the meat by fire.  They would prop fish between skewers with the belly to the flame and slow roast the filet to savory perfection.

This is how you will find the salmon cooking at the Community Hall at Schafer State Park this Saturday, October 13.  The salmon feed starts at 1 pm and is sponsored by FOSLS, The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Park.  Discovery Passes are available at Schafer during the event and attendees are also encouraged to join FOSLS for just $15.  If you decide to join, the $15 buys you a free dinner with your membership.  Non-members are welcome as well and a $7 donation is encouraged.

Salmon and all the 'fixins' will be provided, but potluck additions are also welcome.

               (360) 789-9953  www.TheSchaferStateParkTeam.org

Craicmore at GHC Bishop Center

Craicmore is the perfect mix of Irish words to describe the band.  Craic is an Irish word meaning fun, and mor is an English translation of the Irish work for big.  Craicmore is quite literally music that is "Big Fun".  Grays Harbor College Bishop Center is playing host to this fun group of musicians this weekend, Saturday October 13th.  Sponsored by Lewis and Helen Lord and the Washington State Arts Commission, the contemporary Celtic band will be delivering three part harmonies that are breathtaking.  No rebel music and drinking songs here, this family event will bring a smile to your face, young or old. You might even recognize the music from some of the popular shows on Prime time television.

Right to left: Sean FayeCullen, Nancy Johnston, John MacAdams,Dave Champange

$15 Adults, $12 Seniors, $10 Student
Childern 12 and under are free w/adult ticket


Visit  www.craicmore.com for more information on the band and click on the link for GHC Bishop Center to buy tickets in advance!

Cranberries and the Beach

Don't know much about the simple, delicious cranberry?  Neither do we here at Go Go.  However that is all about to change this weekend  We will be where you should be, in Grayland, at the 2012 Cranberry Harvest Festival.  Running two days, the 13th and the 14th, the festival includes a cook off, cranberry bog tours and Jog the Bog and Beach on Sunday.  Kick off the weekend with a Cranberry Harvest Breakfast from 8 am to Noon on Saturday then cruise the Cranberry Market Place and vendors starting at 10 am.  Sign up for one of the many Bog Tours throughout the day and then relax listening to the music of Bob Gorton and Virgil Stroeheon.  Saturday night concludes with a Firefly Parade at 8 pm and Sunday ends with the awarding of a trophy to the winner of the Big Berry weigh in and a Cranberry eating contest.

We cannot wait to check out this festival this weekend and will be sure to share information and pictures as soon as we can.  Come join us this weekend in Grayland for a Bogtastic time.

Thanks for the Summer!

Am I the only one who blinked, looked at the calendar, and realized it was October? I mean. Yesterday. The air in my neighborhood is flooded with the smell of wood burning stoves and I can no longer take the dog out in the morning without a coat. There are less kites flying on the beach and there are whispers of clam digs to come. Autumn is getting into the swing of things and I'm getting excited for family dinners, new yarn for cozy crochet projects and planning a family of Halloween costumes. Summer was been really busy and really gratifying, but I'm excited to watch the seasons change into something new.

In the beginning of the summer, here at Go Go Grays Harbor we sent out an open calling to small, local businesses in Grays Harbor County for our Brighter Summer Business opportunity. We had big goals to immerse ourselves in as many festivals and events as possible, bring along our Green Screen, hand out sunglasses and have a lot of fun. We were met with tremendous support and these few adventurous companies gave us the opportunity to prove what we already knew was true: Grays Harbor County has so much to offer, you only need to get out and explore it.

These businesses also sponsored our first event: End of Summer Sand Fest! We had a blast hosting and we're pretty sure everyone that came out enjoyed the sun with us! We're excited for next year and can't wait to grow this event into something even more fun.

Music Monday: Gun Me Down

Giving some love to Roy Reinertsen and The Oarsmen who will be performing at 7th Street Theater on October 20th!

Friday Five: Fall Inspired Coffee

It was T.S. Eliot the prolific English language poet of the 20th century, who reflected on the passing of time by saying, “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.”  For me, in the fall, I can measure the passing of the fall and winter months by the number of coffee sleeves in my recycling bin.

If you haven't noticed, or you have been living under a rock, you can feel the chill in the air when you wake up in the morning.  It's foggy in the early hours of the day and there is a frost on the ground.  The leaves are beginning to turn colors and the sun, while still bright and shiny, is slow to warm up.  It is the perfect time of year to stop by one of our many quality coffee shops on the harbor and pick up a dressed up cup of joe. 

If you are like myself, and not an avid coffee drinker, you might have trouble deciding what fall combination of flavor to add to your regular latte or mocha.  So my husband and I took it upon ourselves to canvass the harbors' coffee shops and taste what fall had to offer... here is what we came up with! 

The first thing we realized is that the standards are out there, in abundance and everyone has them.  Eggnog? They all have it.  Pumpkin Spice?  Tons of it.  However, if you want to fall of the metaphoical coffee table and take a leap into something unique you have to ask your barista for a fall drink that is something special. 

Let me start with something simple but lovely.  Gingerbread.  The word conjures up Christmasy thoughts and you can almost smell it baking in the oven.  Starbucks does a nice version of this classic wintertime treat, but I am almost positive you can find it at Consistent Cups which is right down the street and local!  With just a hint of nutmeg on top,  a gingerbread latte will get your fall morning off to a good start.  This blogger liked the spicy quality, but was looking for something a little sweeter.  Not too big on the coffee flavor, as I myself like a little coffee with my creamer.

Pumpkin anything... I know this sounds crazy, but these Baristas are putting pumpkin with everything.  Pumpkin White Chocolate, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Cupcake, Pumpkin Eggnog...the list is essentially endless.  We went for the Pumpkin Cheesecake at Coffee Brake.  No kidding, it tasted like Cheesecake, and this girl knows her cheesecake.  Instead of a regular cake for my birthdays as a kid, I always requested Cheesecake, so I know exactly what I am looking for when it comes to the creamy, cheesy flavor of classic cheesecake.  The latte was a great mix of the pumpkin flavor and creamy cheese and satisfied the craving for all things fall.  I believe I have also seen this flavor on the reader board at Spill the Beans and Fresh Pot Espresso. 

Ah Eggnog.  You must have known we would get around to it sooner or later.  Eggnog is that mysterious liquid that only shows up to the party when there are presents to be exchanged.  It hibernates through the spring and summer and only comes out to play when the ground is wet or white and the chilly air forces our tanned arms into sweaters and coats.  It is Bourbons friend and pairs well with a shot of espresso.  No flavor required with an Eggnog latte, the milk is the flavor!

New to the fall scene is Apple Pie spice.  Much like its cousin Pumpkin Pie Spice, this fruity and spicy combination has an aroma that is intoxicating.  We had this combination out at the beach, Pacific Beach to be exact.  It added much warmth to the hands and throat with its sweet flavor that reminded us of homemade apple pie (a particular favorite of my husbands).

Brown Sugar Cinnamon White Chocolate gets a whole-hearted thumbs up from this writer and her husband.  We picked this flavor combination up by the recommendation of the barista at Coffeeman.  A must for fans of sugar cookies and chocolate, it has a delicious sweet quality that manages to smell like Christmas and taste like fall all at the same time.  I happen to love white chocolate with anything, (no seriously, if I am ordering a coffee without white chocolate you should probably take my temperature as I am most likely deliriously ill) so when you add my favorite flavor to brown sugar and cinnamon it was like a party in my mouth.  A great way to wake up the senses on a cold fall morning.

What are your favorite fall lattes and mochas?  Let us know your favorite flavors and where to get them on the Harbor so we can add them to our list for next time!

Wine at the Beach Festival

Luuuuucy!  You got some 'splaining to do!

Your First Crush is important.  You remember how old you were, where you were, and what you were doing when you first fell in love.  First Crushes make an impression, not only in love but in wine!  The aptly named first crush can be defined as the first press, the noun crush refers to the harvest. The verb crush refers to breaking the de-stemmed grape skins before press. 

However you define it, The Crush Me, Squeeze Me, Make Me Wine (at the Beach) Festival is happening this Sunday, October 7 from 11am to 4pm, and is shaping up to be just as memorable as your own first crush.

Come out to experience a (pardon the pun) grape-stomping good time.  There will be soup, music, and the Lucy and Ethyl look-alike contest open to men, women, children and dogs.  Yes, you can fulfill the fantasy that every I Love Lucy fan dreams about by tying your hair up in a cute little bandanna, wearing your long flowing skirt in a way that reminds me slightly of a large adult diaper (sorry but it does!) and stopping the seeds our of fresh vine grapes to dye your toes purple.  I personally would love to dress my friends little puppy in a lucy-look-a-like costume!

More importantly if you find your way out to the Westport Winery this weekend you will get the chance to learn about wine making form berry to bottle by picking, crushing, sipping and stomping the silly out of the grapes.  (too much sipping and you might be silly as well)

Visit the Winery's event home page at westportwinery.org  or call at 360- 648-2224 .
Westport Winery, Corner of SR105 & South Arbor Road, halfway between Westport and Aberdeen.

Out of the Darkness Community Event

Out of the Darkness is taking place October 6,  2012.  A community walk that benefits AFSP, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  Walk on Saturday with thousands nationwide to help with funding and educating the public on suicide prevention and awareness.

Our local chapter has organized a walk this Saturday at Morrison Park-near Top Foods
The event begins at 10:00 am and ends at 12:00 pm.
Registration cutoff is Friday at 3:00 pm, and even if you are not planning on participating in the walk, donations are accepted through January 1 of 2013.

Contact: Jessy Finlayson 360-593-2993  jessyfinlayson@live.com  
                Margie Shaw 360-500-3258,  margies25@hotmail.com

"Suicide is a national health problem that takes an enormous toll on family, friends, co-workers, and the entire community. AFSP provides opportunities for survivors of suicide loss to get involved through a wide variety of educational, outreach, awareness, advocacy and fundraising programs." (http://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1031)

A treat for October: A man named Roy

Have you heard of Roy Reinersten and The Oarsmen?  If you haven't yet you certainly will be!  Stay tuned Grays Harbor for more to come!