Motorcycle fatalities surge in August

Labor Day weekend marks the end of the season for summer motorcycle riders, and the Department of Licensing urges motorcycle riders to continue to use caution when riding. With 12 rider deaths so far, August is already this year’s deadliest month. A total of 48 riders have lost their lives so far this year, an increase over this time last year. "Most of the people who die on motorcycles haven’t taken any form of rider training," said Steve Stewart, manager, DOL Motorcycle Safety Program. "Riding a motorcycle takes a lot of mental preparation and planning. Training helps you learn how to escape when life or death situations arise on the road." Adding to the statistics are inexperienced riders turning to fuel-efficient motorcycles in response to skyrocketing gas prices. Some are unaware that they need an endorsement and training to legally operate their new moped, or "scooter." If a motorcycle’s engine is larger than 49 cubic centimeters or is capable of traveling faster than 30 mph, the operator is required to have an endorsement. For more information on training and endorsement, visit www.endorseyoursport.com.

Sequim library begins story time series

The Sequim branch of the North Olympic Library System will launch a new series of story times for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families starting in September and running through December.

Weekly story times will start on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and conclude on Dec. 17. Born to Read, a series of story times especially for babies and the adults who love them, will offer children ages 6 to 12 months, and their caregivers, a first experience with board and cloth books, along with rhymes, lap games and interactive activities. This program helps children develop language skills and is a great way for new parents to meet each other. Born to Read programs will be held weekly; they will begin at 11:30 a.m. and last about 30 minutes.

Toddler story times, for children ages 12 to 24 months, and their special adult, will start at 10:45 a.m. and last about 30 minutes. Preschool story times will be held weekly; they will begin at 10 a.m. and last about 30 minutes.

Monthly "pajama" story times for families will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and continue on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month through Dec. 16. Starting at 6:30 p.m. and lasting about 30 minutes, these story times are for families with children ages 3 and older. Fuzzy slippers, pjs and teddy bears are welcome!

For more information about the Sequim branch library and story times, call the library at 683-1161, e-mail branch manager Keitha Owen at Sequim@nols.org, or visit www.nols.org and click on

"Sequim Branch Library."

Working the trails

Peninsula Trails Coalition will have a work party from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 13. Volunteers will be working on weed control and trail maintenance in central Sequim. Meet at the Sequim Middle School parking lot on Hendrickson Road. Bring sun gear, water to drink and weed removal tools. Lunch provided for those who RSVP by noon Thursday, Sept.11. To RSVP and for more information, contact Chuck at chuckpreble@msn.com or at 683-4549.

‘Everything But Food’ drive

JACE The Real Estate Company and Re/Max Performance Team are sponsoring the fourth-annual "Everything But Food" drive. Donations of new unopened toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, disposable diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper and paper towels, as well as pet food and supplies will be accepted during business hours at JACE’s Port Angeles office, 933 E. First St., and Sequim office, 521 S. Sequim Ave., from Sept. 5-11. Donations will be distributed to Port Angeles and Sequim area food banks. For additional information, call 452-1210 or 683-9399 or visit www.jacerealestate.com for an extensive list of needed items.

Citizens groups plans open meeting

The Citizens for Carlsborg will host an informational meeting regarding the proposed crematorium in Carlsborg at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 131 Business Loop Park. The group plans to share reasons for opposing the crematorium. For more information, go to www.citizensforcarlsborg.org.

Interested in Irrigation Festival?

The Sequim Irrigation Festival Planning Committee will meet tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Mariner Café in Sequim. Dinner will be at 6 p.m., followed by a 6:30 meeting. Volunteers interested in planning for the 2009 festival are welcome. For more information, call 683-3408.

Public meeting to oppose

Gardiner passing lane set

A public meeting to discuss the planned U.S. Highway 101 Gardiner passing lane will take place from 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesday (tonight), Sept. 3, at the Gardiner Community Center. The meeting, sponsored by the Committee to Oppose the Gardiner Passing Lane, will provide information about the highway project and offer citizens the opportunity to share their concerns about potential environmental and traffic safety impacts. For more information, e-mail jalynndbr21@earthlink.net.

SNAP hosts anniversary celebration

Special Needs Advocacy Parents will host a 10th anniversary celebration at Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park band shell from 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. "A Community with Heart Includes Everyone," features live music from Sequimarimba and Tapwater, an exhibit of SNAP artwork, silent auction and a raffle for a $3,000 mini-barn shed, which includes free delivery and set-up within a 50-miles radius. Featured speakers will include Sequim Mayor Laura Dubois, Timothy Hockett, executive director of Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP), and Ruth Marcus, counselor, author and community activist. Admission is free, and the entire community is welcome to come . The nonprofit organization has grown to include programs and services providing education, personal and family support, life and social skills development and opportunities for self-expression. SNAP’s goal is inclusion and equal opportunities for all community members.

For more information or to purchase a raffle ticket for the mini-barn, contact SNAP at 360-681-8642.

Slide show presentation

to benefit Nepal school project

Suzie Rivard, who recently traveled to Nepal on a medical mission to serve villages along the Tibetan border, will present a slide show of her trip at

7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Pioneer Memorial Park in Sequim. As a special guest, one of the Nepalis who served as a translator during the trip will be at the slide show and will give a short presentation on a project he is working on to build a school in his village. There is no fee, but donations will be accepted for the school project.

Historical Society hosts

garage sale fundraiser

The Clallam County Historical Society will hold its largest fundraiser of the year on Sept. 5-6 and 12-13. Doors at Lincoln School, located at Eighth and C streets in Port Angeles, open at 8 a.m. and close each day at 2 p.m. Members of the Historical Society are invited to the Members Only sale on Thursday, Sept. 4., from 4-6 p.m. Memberships in the society can be purchased at the door before and during the preview sale.

The Clallam County Historical Society has about 450 members and was established in 1948 to preserve and interpret the historical record of Clallam County.