PTHS salon lecture on ‘Unseen Ocean’ set Friday

Port Townsend High School Salon Lecture Series presents “Science, Engineering and the Unseen Ocean” with University of Washington principal engineer and Port Townsend resident Eric McRae at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27 at the PTHS auditorium, 1500 Van Ness St.

The lecture is based on the fact that water covers nearly three-quarters of the earth, and only 5 percent of it has been explored. McRae is helping to change that.

With his colleagues at the University of Washington Applied Physics Lab, McRae helped construct a large network of Internet-connected undersea instruments that, for the first time in history, tracked an eruption off the coast of Washington as it was happening.

The PTHS Friday Salon Series engages students and community leaders with provocative speakers who work on the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering, art and math. The series culminates with a community celebration of high school senior presentations in May at Fort Worden.

Cultivating community, kids discussion Jan. 28 in PT

“Cultivating Community and Cultivating Kids” is the theme of a panel discussion about local food programs taking place 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Port Townsend Community Center, 620 Tyler St.

The Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation is sponsoring the event’s morning session ($12), from 10 a.m. to noon, during which Judy Alexander, Seth Rolland, Lys Burden, Zach Gayne and Karen Kastel discusses how local programs are enhancing food security.

A second presentation (by donation), “Cultivating Kids,” noon-1 p.m., is sponsored by the Jefferson County Local Food System Council. Participants can enjoy a meal of minestrone soup, biscuits and salad; take in a film about a school farm and garden program on Whidbey Island; and participate in a round-table discussion that includes Stacy Larsen, Port Townsend School District food service director.

Pro bono lawyers to offer free drop-in clinic Jan. 28

The Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers organization offers a free drop-in clinic from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Port Townsend Community Center, 620 Tyler St.

Volunteer attorneys are to provide and assist with completing advance directive forms, including a power of attorney for finances, power of attorney for medical issues and a health care directive.

Drop-in clinics are geared to help those who are financially unable to otherwise access an attorney but is open to all those who show up.

A high demand for this clinic is anticipated, so it is recommended that attendees arrive on time to ensure being seen by an attorney, according to a press release.

Estate planning seminar set

A free legal and estate planning seminar is set for 10 a.m.-noon, Thursday, Feb. 2 at The Bay Club, 120 Spinnaker Place, Port Ludlow.

The seminar is presented by Richard Tizzano, a principal at Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind P.S.

Tizzano’s health care planning seminars are designed to explore solutions to help residents age in place, protect assets and remain independent. His seminars are insightful, humorous and informative, according to a press release.

Seating is limited; reserve a spot by calling 779-5551 or going to  legalpeaceofmind.com.

Genealogical society offers course on basics

Jefferson County Genealogical Society is offering a three-session class titled “Genealogy: The Basics,” 1-3:30 p.m. on consecutive Mondays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27 at Historical Society Research Center, 13692 Airport Cutoff Road.

Registration is required by Feb. 1. Fee is $30 for JCGS members, $55 (includes JCGS membership) for nonmembers. Visit wajcgs.org.

National Sew Day set

for Feb. 4 at Legion Hall

The Quilts of Valor Foundation celebrates its fourth annual National Sew Day on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the American Legion Marvin G. Shields Memorial Post 26, 209 Monroe St. Sewing begins at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m., with a break at lunch time for soup, salad and bread, and possibly dessert.

Some quilt kits and other fabrics, patterns, cutting tables, irons and ironing boards are to be provided.

People are invited to bring a project or idea, a sewing machine,  neutral-colored (beige or white or light gray) thread and scissors.

Visitors are welcome to stop by and watch, as well.

Quilts are to be awarded to veterans at the American Legion’s Memorial Day ceremony in late May. Anyone who would knows, or is, an armed forces veteran (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard) who would like to receive a quilt may stop by and fill out a request.

For more information, contact Kathey Bates at 1katheybates@gmail.com.

Housing authority celebrates 5 new homes Feb. 1

The Peninsula Housing Authority is hosting a dedication ceremony of five new homes in the 2400 block of Eddy Street at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1.

The event takes place at the homes on Eddy Street off Carolanne Street in Port Townsend.

This is the 10th group of homes built by families under the Mutual Self-Help Program, and the first group in Port Townsend, according to a press release.

Instead of a down payment, families put in 32 hours or more a week working on their homes and their neighbors’ homes until all homes are completed. Program members represent a cross section of the community: young families, senior citizens, families with no children as well as single-parent households and those with disabilities.

The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Mandy Treadway at 452-7631, ext. 835, or mtreadway@peninsulapha.org.

Squadron to host seamanship course

The Point Wilson Sail & Power Squadron is offering a nine-hour boating seamanship and safety course on three nights at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, 42 Water St., Port Hadlock. Times are 6-9 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23, and March 2.

This is an approved course for qualifying for the Washington State Boater Education Card, which is mandatory for boaters born after Jan. 1, 1955 who operate a 15-horsepower engine or more, on a power or sail vessel, according to a press release.

To register or to get more information,  call Linda Newland at 437-9350. Cost is for materials only. Discounts are available for additional family members sharing one text.

(Compiled by Leader staff writer Katie Kowalski.)