COMMUNITY BRIEFS

John Steinbeck's ties to Hood Canal topic of historian's talk

Historian/author Michael Kenneth Hemp will talk about "Western Flyer's Departure and Connections to the Hood Canal" at 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club, 330 E. Country Club East, Union.

Hemp is investigating the Hood Canal connections to ecologist Ed Ricketts, author John Steinbeck ("Grapes of Wrath," "East of Eden") and the ship The Western Flyer. The Gig Harbor resident is a member of the Mason County Historical Society.

Hemp will also sell and sign copies of his book, "Cannery Row: The History of John Steinbeck's Old Ocean View and Its Connections to the Pacific Northwest."

The book is available at the Mason County Historical Museum in downtown Shelton.

Resources for kids with developmental disabilities

Thurston/Mason County Developmental Disabilities hosts the Mason County Resource Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the Shelton High School Mini-Dome.

Support is available for middle school, high school and transition-age students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and their families and teachers. The topics of the vendors will include advocacy and family support, employment, government agencies and transportation. For more information, call 360-867-2539 or go to http://[email protected].

October auditions for Connection Street show

Connection Street Theatre hosts auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at 1 p.m. Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection St., Shelton.

Roles are available for people between 8 and more than 80. The show is adapted from the Broadway musical, but no singing in this version is required.

For more information, go to http://www.faithshelton.org/connection-street-theatre.

Shelton senior center hosts fashion show fundraiser

The Mason County Senior Activities Association hosts a Fall Style Show highlighting fashions from its Nifty Thrifty shop at 11 a.m. Oct. 21 at the senior center at The Pavilion, 190 W. Sentry Drive, Shelton.

Attendees must be at least 21 years old. A light lunch will be served. Tickets purchased in advance are $20, or $25 at the door. All proceeds benefit the association.

Local vendors at Christmas bazaar in Hoodsport

A Christmas bazaar runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 in the community room at St. Germain, 600 Lake Cushman Road, Hoodsport.

Church vendors will offer items that include handmade crafts, decorations and stocking stuffers. Refreshments are available.

Holiday bazaar coming Nov. 4 to senior center

The Mason County Senior Activities Association hosts a holiday bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at The Pavilion, 190 W. Sentry Drive, Shelton.

More than 50 vendors offer seasonal decorations, handmade quilts and knitting, holiday baskets, jewelry, hand-tooled leather items, wood décor and toys, silver and turquoise jewelry, and pottery. Senior center members will sell homemade baked goods, and coffee and other beverages are available. All proceeds benefit the association. For more information, call 360-426-7374 or go to [email protected].