Community Briefs

Soup & Salad Benefit helps families in need

Love INC of Mason County hosts its annual Soup & Salad Benefit Concert and Dessert Auction at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Shelton Presbyterian Church, 1430 E. Shelton Springs Road, Shelton.

Proceeds from the event benefit hundreds of families in need in Mason County.

Attendees can enjoy seven homemade soups, salads, rolls and desserts and in a live auction bid on 25 homemade desserts. Three themed baskets will also be auctioned. Local musician Paul Barber will perform worship music on piano and vocals and will sing three songs that audience members can sing along with. Harpists Emily Hademan and her daughter Ellen also will perform.

Tickets are $20 and are available by calling 360-462-5683.

Love INC (In the Name of Christ) is a nonprofit that partners with local churches to provide goods and services to families and children in need.

Seminar on healing from loss begins today

"Healing From Loss," a 10-week seminar focusing on understanding and healing the pain of losing a loved one and other major losses, begins at 2 p.m. today at Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 Connection St., Shelton.

The sessions are free and everyone is welcome. For more information, call the church office at 360-426-8611 or facilitator Terry Oliver at 253-732-1869.

Workshop series on tourism begins Feb. 1

Mason County Tourism, Scenic WA, KMAS and the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce host a workshop on tourism from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at 24341 N. U.S. Highway 101 in Hoodsport.

Admission is free.

This is the first in a series of workshops, with speakers and resources. Food and drink are provided.

To reserve a spot, go to the chamber's website an events calendar.

Senior center hosts van trips

The Mason County Senior Activities Association hosts trips by van.

On Feb. 6, the van leaves the senior center at 8:15 a.m. for the Seattle Chocolate Factory. The cost is $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Bring money for lunch. On Feb. 28, a trip is planned for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo. The cost is $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers.

Nonmembers can go on most van trips if they travel with a friend or family member who is a current MCSSA member and pay the nonmember price, with up to two guests per member. Any passenger who requires physical assistance must be accompanied by a traveling companion who is able and responsible to assist.

Payment is required in advance to reserve spots. Most trips require a minimum of eight people, and without that they might be canceled. All trips are scent free for consideration of people with allergies. To make a reservation, call 360-426-7374 or email [email protected].

Lunch is served at the senior center at noon Monday through Thursday and at 11:30 a.m. Friday. The suggested donation is $4 for members and $5 for nonmembers ages 50 and older. The cost is $8 for people younger than 50.

Polar Bear Plunge in Union on Feb. 8

The Hood Canal Lions Club hosts the 15th annual Polar Bear Plunge from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa.

The plunge is open to anyone who raises a minimum pledge of $30, with all proceeds benefitting Mason County Emergency Services. All pledges are due at registration. The fundraisers will be recognized in three categories: community member, emergency worker and business. Donations are tax deductible. The event includes raffle prizes, free coffee, hot chocolate and clam chowder.

For more information, email [email protected].