No matter your interests, I am optimistic you can find something of interest in this week’s column.

Last weekend was the “occasionally” annual (not last year) Port Ludlow Artists’ League Auction and Gala, raising money for scholarships for area students who plan to continue their arts education in college. It was clearly successful, with just about everything sold, including a bargain basement purchase by Linda Henderson for the plane ride over to the San Juan Islands. After a day of planting, weeding and mowing, BJ and I decided to head to the gala instead of the Rhody Festival, since the gala was nearby. A similar thought drove a decision to have a chicken dinner at the Wreck Room. It was a fun evening out and about in the "big city."

Next Monday at 11 a.m., you can attend the Port Ludlow Memorial Day flag ceremony, near the flagpole in front of the Bay Club. During the ceremony, veterans recognize and dedicate flags that have been submitted for disposal. Each flag submitted will be burned in accordance with the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Following the ceremony, the Port Ludlow Singers present a vocal program that includes patriotic and traditional music. These events have been impressive and inspirational in the past, and I strongly recommend your support.

June 6 is another opportunity for fun and contribution to the community. Steven Gross and I are once again organizing the Port Ludlow Sock Hop. Music from the ’50s and ’60s will be spun at the Beach Club by Port Ludlow favorites Michael and Leslie for an evening of dancing and/or listening. All of the net proceeds will be donated to the local food bank. In past years, the folks having the most fun seemed to have dressed up in those styles we think we may have worn back then. (Frankly, I never rolled a pack of cigarettes up in my T-shirt sleeve.) You can buy your tickets in advance for $15 at the Beach Club or the Bay Club. In addition, Steven and I also have a supply of tickets. The event is at the Beach Club, but it has been and is for all locals. Come on out at 7 p.m. on Saturday night, June 6. Be there on time to see the video from past years.

Last January, I wrote a column about the website

Nextdoor.com, which describes itself as “the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community.” I actually joined and have occasionally checked in on the things people are saying. I have noted that it has recently taken an intense position on the logging activity by Port Ludlow Associates, using some less than glowing terms in descriptions of PLA and its president, Diana Smeland. Actually, I have had some positive interaction with both Diana and PLA over the years, so I question the personal attacks. But, more than that, the current activity on Port Ludlow’s “Nextdoor Group” seems inconsistent with at least one of Nextdoor’s core values, “Be a good neighbor." Nextdoor guidelines encourage us to “practice moderation and do not overpost in a way that dominates conversations” as well as to “discuss community issues (but avoid campaigning)." I encourage the good folks so active in this intense petition drive to recognize all the good that PLA and Diana Smeland have done over the years in the community. In addition, I encourage residents to volunteer and make suggestions that would help PLA avoid the problems that will inevitably arise in the relationship between it and the residents. I am concerned that the tone so prevalent in the current Nextdoor campaign is not conducive to building a good relationship with the folks at PLA. Frankly, I think PLA may be even more interested than the residents in making this an attractive area. And then, I am reminded of what Germain Glien said, "The older I grow, the more I listen to people who don't talk much."

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week!

(Contact Port Ludlow resident Ned Luce at nedluce@sbcglobal.net.)