COMMUNITY CALENDAR
If you have a local event coming up, email the details to CommunityCalendar@BicoastalMedia.com. You can also fax it to 360-423-1554 or mail/bring it to 1130 14th Avenue, Longview WA 98632. Emailed text is our preferred format. At least two weeks notice is highly recommended. We reserve the right to include events as space and time allow.
May 13-17: Cowlitz County’s 5th Annual "Bike to Work Week" aims to motivate non-bike riders and those already cycling to get involved. The goal is to raise awareness of cycling within our community, and to promote a healthy, fun and inexpensive mode of transportation. To join the fun and be eligible for prizes, fill out the registration form at www.cowlitzonthemove.org.
May 16-17: The Humane Society of Cowlitz County will be at Three Rivers Mall in the former Fibre Credit Union space Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17, with adoptable pets from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. All animals are current on shots and micro chipped; cats are spayed/neutered. For details, visit www.cowlitzhumane.com or www.petfinder.com.
May 17: Cowlitz County Search & Rescue will host Bingo Night on Friday, May 17 from 6:30 to 10:00 PM. The organization’s fundraiser will be at Longview Eagles, 1526 12th Avenue. Cash prizes and concessions will be available. For more information, call Jayme at 360-772-9907 or go to www.cowlitzsar.com.
May 17: "A Night of Blues" with Curtis Salgado and Robbie Laws returns to the Regent Restaurant and Lounge on Friday, May 17 at 7:30 PM. Advance tickets are available now at The Regent, L&J Bar and Grill, and at Bicoastal Media in Longview. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. www.curtissalgado.com
May 17-18: The Young Republicans of Cowlitz County will have their community-wide yard sale Friday and Saturday, May 17 & 18 at 915 Tennant Way in Longview. Rent a table for $10 to sell your stuff or stop by to shop. The sale begins at 8:00 AM each day. For more information, call 360-836-0480 or email info@cowlitzyoungrepublicans.com.
May 18: The Washington State Patrol will hold applicant testing for the position of Trooper on Saturday, May 18. The testing will be held at the Southwest Washington WSP Headquarters located at 11018 NE 51st Street in Vancouver at 7:30 AM. Applicants should come prepared to complete a physical agility test and written examination. Walk-in applicants are welcome. Physical requirements can be found at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/employment/trooper.htm. For information about becoming a Washington State Trooper or the testing process, contact Trooper Jason Cuthbert at 360-623-5103.
May 18: Ash Kicker 2013 will be held Saturday, May 18 at the Toutle River RV Resort, located off I-5 at exit 52 in Castle Rock. This is the third year for the 5k adventure run – which includes mud, foam, and insane obstacles that will be a true test of your strength and will power. Compete individually or gather a team. Team discount of $5 per person for teams of 4 or more. Paid registration includes an Ash Kicker tech shirt, race bib, chip timing, swag bag, and (for those over 21 years of age) one beer. Sasquatch trophies awarded for best team and individual costume, best male time, best female time, best team time, and most realistic Sasquatch. Proceeds from Ash Kicker will be awarded to Longview Parks & Recreation, Lower Columbia School Gardens, North County Recreation Association, Reading Is Fundamental, and Spencer's HeartStrong Foundation. Plus, there’s music, food, a bounce house, and more. Registration and other information can be found at www.ashkicker.org.
May 18: Kelso True Value Hardware and Marine will host a free tomato plant giveaway on Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 AM to Noon. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions. One free four-inch tomato plant per household will be given to the first 200 people. Must be 18 years or older. For details, call 636-3300.
May 18: Safe Kids Lower Columbia is offering a free Car Seat Clinic on Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, 701 Vine Street in Kelso (just follow the signs). 96% of car seats checked last year in Cowlitz County were installed incorrectly. Make sure yours is not one of them. Have your seat checked by a certified technician. New seats are available at reduced prices for income-eligible households. For more information, contact Brandi Ballinger at 360-575-6280 or brandi.ballinger@c2fr.org.
May 18: Kress Lake Safety Day is Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Take a walk and enjoy the many displays, exhibits and activities that surround the lake. After finishing the safety course, children ages 4-14 may fish for rainbow trout in a special netted section. Fishing rods and bait are supplied. Made possible in part by Cowlitz County Fire District #5.
May 18: A "Soup’s On" lunch will be provided by Kelso First Baptist Church on Saturday, May 18 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. A clothes closet will also be available for people in need. All services are free. The church is located at 214 South 4th (corner of 4th and Vine). For more information, call 423-2513.
May 18: The 28th Annual Pow Wow in honor of our children is Saturday, May 18 at Kelso High School. Dancing, drumming, raffles, and vendors will be part of the event, which runs Noon to 9:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Shelley Hamrick at 360-501-1655.
May 18: The 1st Annual Clatskanie Elementary School Student Art Auction is Saturday, May 18. Bid on arts and crafts, plus other local goods and items. The silent auction is at 6:00 PM with the live auction starting at 7:00. Tickets are $10. Funds raised will enhance learning opportunities for CES students.
By May 20: The City of Longview is accepting applications for a City representative on the Cowlitz County Big Idea Tourism Board. The board works collaboratively to identify eligible projects or programs that promote tourism and tourism-related activities. Applicants must be Longview residents and should be individuals with backgrounds and experience in tourism, planning, advertising, and/or marketing. Applications can be requested from the Executive Office on the second floor of City Hall or downloaded at http://mylongview.com/boards/. Completed applications must be received by Monday, May 20. For more information, call 442-5004.
May 21: Help support students from the Rainier classes of 2016 and 2017 attend the Washington DC and Colonial Williamsburg Educational Tour this summer. Another fundraiser is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Kelso Burgerville. For more information, contact Mr. Demko at 503-556-4215.
May 24-25: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary will be distributing red crepe paper poppies Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25, in memory of those who lost their lives in our nation’s wars. The handmade poppies are assembled by disabled and hospitalized veterans. Your contribution will give continued aid to needy veterans, their families, and servicemen and women.
May 25: A car wash fundraiser for the medical expenses of Tawnda Kerle is Saturday, May 25 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tawnda has been diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. The car wash will be at Les Schwab Tire Center on Industrial Way in Longview. Donations in her name can also be made at any Red Canoe Credit Union.
May 25: A fundraising car show will be held Saturday, May 25 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Kelso Burgerville. The event includes raffles, trophies and t-shirts. Proceeds benefit local veteran Spc. Christopher Anderson. For more information, call Earl at 360-749-5163.
May 26: The "Showers Bring Flowers" March for the Mountain is an annual silent auction fundraiser for Mountain Ministries. Enjoy live music, face painting, and activities for all. The free family event is Sunday, May 26 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Tam O’Shanter Park in Kelso. Mountain Ministries is a Christ-centered recovery program that restores lives affected by addictions of all types. For more information or to donate, visit www.mmrnw.com.
May 30: May is Volcano Awareness Month. A presentation from USGS scientist Tom Pierson about volcano hazards in the Pacific Northwest will take place Thursday, May 30 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the PUD Auditorium (961 12th Avenue in Longview). The free presentation covers the broad spectrum of hazard types and eruption probabilities for Cascade volcanoes, as well as disaster preparedness. There will be refreshments and door prizes. Please RSVP to dem@co.cowlitz.wa.us or call 577-3130.
Thru May 31: The Longview Historic Preservation Commission presents Historic Preservation Month in May. Celebrate Longview’s 90th birthday with tours and special presentations all month long. For details on events, call Bill Kasch at 423-6704.
June 1-2: The Kelso Lions Club Gun and Knife Show is Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Cowlitz County Expo Center in Longview. Admission is $6 or $5 with active NRA membership Card. Patrons 18 years and under are required to have the accompaniment of an adult. All Lions Club project proceeds are returned to the public through community projects.
June 8: The Kelso Downtown Revitalization Association is seeking vendors for the 5th Annual Kelso Downtown Spring Fling. Crafters, artists, home businesses, food and farmer’s market vendors, fundraisers, and others are welcome. Local musicians and bands are invited to play. The event is Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 10’x10’ spaces are available for only $15. Contact Joyce at 425-4451 or Mike at 636-3000 for more information.
June 8: The challenging "Guts & Glory" event is Saturday, June 8 at 10:00 AM at the Army National Guard Armory on Vandercook Way in Longview. Refreshments and drawings for prizes will follow the race. The cost is $25 to participate. For details and to purchase tickets, go to http://gutsandglory.eventbrite.com.
June 8: Express Employment Professionals is partnering with United Way and Wal-Mart to help fight hunger. "Brand It Blue Day" is Saturday, June 8, and volunteers will be at local Wal-Mart stores to collect food items for the BackPack Buddy’s program, an organization that helps feed hungry kids in our community. You can also support the cause by picking up a tote bag at your local Express office, along a list of items that are needed. Fill the bag and drop it by the office anytime prior to the event. The Express office is at 1208 Washington Way, Suite 140 in Longview. To volunteer for "Brand It Blue Day," sign up at http://branditbluelongview.eventbrite.com. Volunteers will receive a free blue Express t-shirt.
June 22: The 10th Annual Winlock Lions Egg Day Car Show is Saturday, June 22 at the Winlock Plaza on Kerron Avenue. Registration is $10 per car and begins at 9:00 AM. All pre-79 vehicles are welcome. Don’t forget about the parade at 11:00 AM, egg salad sandwiches at the elementary school, and more. All proceeds go to community projects. For more information, call 360-785-4252
Thru June 30: Are you confused by financial matters? Consider attending a free Money Smart workshop from Lower Columbia CAP. These classes cover topics from balancing your checkbook to preventing identity theft. Classes are held four times a week. Call 360-425-3430 extension 248.
Thru June 30: The 2013 fund drive for the Cowlitz County Historical Society is underway. Your membership and ongoing support is crucial to their core programs. These include exhibits, classroom presentations, workshops, the newsletter and more. Gifts of all sizes are needed and appreciated. The Cowlitz County Historical Museum is "alive with history." http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/Index.aspx?NID=218
July 5: We want you for a 5K! The "Jingle in July" Fun Run/Walk is Thursday, July 4 at 11:30 AM at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso. The cost is $25 with a shirt or $20 without a shirt, with substantial discounts for families and teams. Prizes will be awarded for most festive group and individual costumes. To register, go to www.kelsolongviewchamber.org. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Go Fourth Festival Association. Contact Race Director Brooke Fisher at 360-423-8400 with questions.
By July 5: Registration for the 2013 Strive 2 Drive academic initiative is now open. Strive 2 Drive recognizes both GPA increases from the first to second semester as well as overall GPA successes. At the end of the school year, contest winners will be selected at an open forum event at Washington State University Vancouver. The grand prize winner will have the option of selecting one of eight new vehicles or $15,000 donated by Dick Hannah Dealerships. The program is open to all high school students that have met the qualifications and there is no cost to participate. For details, contest rules and answers to general questions, go to www.dickhannah.com/strive2drive.
By July 12: The Cowlitz County Elections Department is inviting all Cowlitz County high school students to participate in the 6th annual Local Voters’ Pamphlet Cover Design Contest. The winning design will be featured on the cover of the 2013 Cowlitz County General Election Local Voters’ Pamphlet. Entries are due at the Elections Department no later than July 12. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and quality of artwork. Final judging will be July 25-28 at the Cowlitz County Fair. Judges will be the fair attendees. The winning artist will be notified after the fair and will receive special prizes. Their name and school will be printed in the Pamphlet as well. Contest forms are available at the Elections Department, 207 North Fourth Avenue, Room 107 in Kelso, or at www.vote.wa.gov/cowlitz.
August 2-4: After a successful first year, the Watershed Music Festival is returning to the picturesque Gorge Amphitheatre Friday-Sunday, August 2-4. Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Lee Brice, Terri Clark, Kip Moore, Thompson Square, Chris Young, and many more scheduled to appear. Three-day festival passes and camping are on sale now at www.watershedfest.com, www.ticketmaster.com, and www.livenation.com. Camping starts at $110 and festival passes are priced at $149 including taxes and fees.
By August 31: Attention Longview parents of children who will be turning five by August 31st. It’s time to register your future kindergarten students. Packets can now be picked up and returned to your neighborhood elementary school. You’ll need your child’s birth certificate, current immunization record, and two proofs of residency. Timely registration will assure your student’s timely placement in a classroom. Longview is excited to welcome our littlest learners!
Thru September 1: Child and Family Development Programs, Head Start, is a free comprehensive preschool program now recruiting children from the Rainier, Clatskanie, and St. Helens areas. Head Start includes nutrition, education, medical and dental services for the enrolled child, and home visitations. USDA meals are served and limited transportation may available. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2013 and be of limited income households to qualify. There are no income limits for children with disabilities and/or special needs. For an application, St. Helens and Scappoose area families may call Julie at 397-4114. Rainier and Clatskanie families may call Celeste at 728-2940. The program is open to children regardless of race, sex, creed, nationality, or disabling condition.
Thru September 21: The 2013 Mt. St. Helens Motorcycle Club race schedule has been released for Castle Rock. Day races start at Noon and night races start at 7:00 PM. Friday practices are from 5:00 to 9:00 PM ($25). 50cc riders get the first class for free. Must be 16 years old to ride the Pro Class. Must be 14 years old to ride the Pro/Am Class. For more information and a complete schedule, go to www.mshmc.org.
Until Further Notice: Lower Columbia College is facilitating pre-employment testing for County positions that require it. LCC utilizes WorkKeys Skills Assessments, which is comprised of three core areas: Applied Math, Reading for Information, and Locating Information. Prospective applicants may take all three core sections of the test at once, or take each section separately. The complete test cost is $48, which includes the certificate, then $15 for each core area to retake. For more information, contact Jim Zdilar or Stephanie Dunn, Cowlitz County Human Resources, 360-577-3065 or view the information online at http://lowercolumbia.edu/biz/get-a-job/workkeys-skills-assessment.
Until Further Notice: Did you know you can borrow over 10,000 e-books and e-audiobooks for your Kindle, Nook, i-Pod or other electronic device for free through the Longview Public Library website? You’ll need your library card number to log-in at www.longviewlibrary.org. Just click on "E-Books & E-Audiobooks." For more information, call 360-442-5300.
Until Further Notice: If you’re a small business owner who’s been turned down by traditional lenders, take advantage of Lower Columbia CAP’s small business loan program. Cowlitz County entrepreneurs can call 360-425-3430 extension 215 for information about funding to grow their business. You could qualify for up to $20,000. www.lowercolumbiacap.org
Until Further Notice: The Superior Court for Cowlitz County has launched a new website, which is part of the effort to respond to the access to justice survey. Information is now easier to find, with a wider selection of court forms online and information on how to access the court less challenging to obtain. Schedules, many policies, and some useful links are included. The site will help the court respond to the public’s need for information in a more efficient and timely fashion. www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us
Until Further Notice: If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, the Crime Victim Advocacy Program wants you to know that you have rights and you have a voice. Call the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-425-1176 for free and confidential services. Advocates are available to provide support, safety planning, information and referrals.
Until Further Notice: Additional event information from the City of Longview can be found at http://www.mylongview.com/news/weekly/.
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