Community news briefs — Oct. 23, 2024

Grief support group set in Sequim

Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (VHOCC) is sponsoring a five-week in-person grief support group every Monday from 1-3 p.m., Oct. 28-Nov. 25, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 N. Blake Ave.

The group offers a place for participants to share with others their feelings and experiences with grief; gain a clearer understanding of the mourning process; and learn coping skills and strategies for dealing with the emotional pain of loss. Confidentiality is essential to foster openness, trust and acceptance.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call 360-452-1511 or email reception@vhocc.org.

VHOCC has been providing free hospice services to patients and their families since 1978. Part of their organization’s mission is to offer grief support groups to not just families of hospice patients, but to anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a loved one, regardless of the circumstances of death.

To learn more about VHOCC, visit volunteerhospice.org or call 360-452-1511.

Resolution center has new executive director

The Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC) announced it has hired Mary Irwin, who has a 15-year career with the nonprofit, as its new executive director.

Irwin’s “extensive experience and passion for conflict resolution make her the ideal leader to guide the center into its next era,” PDRC board members said in a press release in early October.

Irwin started with the organization in 2009 as a volunteer mediator and board member. She also served as program director, where she led the development and played a key role in securing grant funding for several programs.

“My passion for alternative dispute resolution, this agency and our community allow me to do what I love every day,” Irwin said.

PDRC provides a wide range of conflict resolution services for residents of Clallam and Jefferson Counties. These include mediation for personal, family, and workplace disputes; conflict coaching; youth services; and group facilitation. PDRC also offers specialized programs, such as housing stability support and a voluntary law enforcement mediation program.

For more information about Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center, visit pdrc.org.

Land Trust sets 2024 Harvest Dinner

The North Olympic Land Trust’s 2024 Harvest Celebration is slated for 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Field Arts & Events Hall, 201 W. Front St., Port Angeles. Cost is $135 per person.

The event is created to raising funds to support preserving our local farmland, forests and habitats. Community members are welcome to connect with friends and neighbors, stay informed about land conservation initiatives, and discover the latest news from local farms.

The Land Trust will also take this event to honor the 2024 Farmer of the Year.

Space is limited and this event tends to fill quickly, event organizers note. Tickets are not sold at the door. Reserve a spot at secure.givelively.org/event/north-olympic-land-trust/2024-harvest-celebration.

For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact Lexi at 360-417-1815 x2, or lexi@northolympiclandtrust.org.

Elks offer free dinner for veterans

Sequim Elks Lodge No. 2642 offers a free veterans dinner for local veterans from all branches of the military on Thursday, Nov. 7. Organizers said they’ll offer a social hour starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by a turkey dinner and festivities at 5:30 p.m. at the lodge, 143 Port Williams Road, Sequim.

The event is to honor veterans for Veterans Day (Monday, Nov. 11) with a complimentary dinner for veterans. Guests are invited with their dinner cost by donation.

Festivities include a flag presentation from local scouts, patriotic music on the organ, an army colonel speaker, and guest of honor Jim Moody, a 100-year-old World War II veteran. With questions, call (360) 683-2763.

Homeless housing planning to begin

Clallam County Health & Human Services is initiating the development of a Comprehensive Local five-year Homeless Housing Plan aimed at addressing homelessness in our community. This plan will serve as a strategic framework to enhance housing stability, improve access to essential services, and promote sustainable living conditions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Plan adoption is anticipated by April 30, 2025 with public hearing dates to be published 30 days prior to County Commissioners review and adoption.

Submit written comments to Christine Dunn at christine.dunn@clallamcountywa.gov.