For 37 years, the Sequim Logging Show has been a touchstone of community heritage, drawing families, competitors, and spectators to celebrate the region’s timber roots. What began as a simple idea in a cow pasture has grown into a beloved, free event that honors the hardworking spirit of generations past and present.

The first show was held in 1988, brought to life by a group of visionaries and volunteers who wanted to fill the void left when the Sequim Irrigation Festival’s Grand Parade ended. Among that original team were Dave Bekkevar and Trent Pankowski, who—though they didn’t start the event on their own—have remained closely involved ever since. With support from the Sequim Valley Lion’s Club and the Blake Family, that first show took root, despite attendees having to step around cow patties.

“We just wanted to keep the fun going after the parade,” Dave recalls. “And we wanted to honor the logging heritage that built this place.”

Building a tradition

The early years were a labor of love, and now about 25 volunteers help set up each year-mowing fields, moving panels, and preparing for the crowds. The biggest year came on the 10th anniversary, when the show expanded to two days and introduced lawnmower racing, a hit with families and competitors alike. In 2000, Donna and Lyle Hagen joined the effort, bringing their renowned BBQ to feed the masses and adding another layer of community spirit.

“It’s about heritage,” Trent says. “We want people to understand how much logging built this area, and to see families enjoying the events—that’s the best payback.”

A show for everyone

The Logging Show is free, a deliberate choice to ensure everyone in the community can participate, from the old married couple on a fixed income to families looking for affordable entertainment. “This is for the parents who are struggling to entertain their kids, and for people on a fixed income,” Dave explains.

Support comes from local businesses, sponsors, and generous donations for the live auction. The Lions Club, instrumental from the start, remains a steadfast partner and hosts a popular beer garden.

The fireworks show remains one of the most anticipated highlights—especially for kids and families. Organizers are especially thankful to the Sequim City Council for allowing the tradition to continue. “The fireworks have always been part of the magic,” says Trent. “We’re just so grateful we get to keep that tradition alive.”

Passing the torch

It may have started when the friends were young fathers, but now Dave’s son and Trent’s daughter have married, and a baby in a carrier represents the new generation of Logging Show families. “Seeing the next generation here, it’s what keeps us going,” Trent says.

The Sequim Logging Show is more than an event—it’s a living legacy. It’s a chance to open eyes to the region’s heritage, to celebrate together, and to ensure that the spirit of community and hard work endures for generations to come.

To donate or learn more about the Sequim Logging Show, visit their website here.

Leave a comment

Sequim Logging Show 2025

Friday, May 9th

• Truck and Tractor Pulls: noon to 6pm

• Logger’s Ball: 7pm to 9pm

• Fireworks display: Dusk

Saturday, May 10th

• Truck and Tractor Pulls: 9am to 5pm

• Logging Show: 2pm to 6pm

• Live Auction: 3pm until all items are sold

200 North Blake Avenue, Sequim

The Clallam County Watchdog will be at the Sequim Logging Show today and Saturday—visit the booth to chat, ask questions, or just say hi. Please note: there will be no article published this Saturday.

At The Friend’s Place in Dungeness, Wednesdays bring music, laughter, and spirited games like balloon volleyball. More than just a respite program for caregivers, it’s a joyful community where those with memory loss rediscover purpose and connection. With no labels between volunteers and friends, it’s a place where love, music, and belonging shine—even when memories fade.

“The highlight is balloon volleyball,” says Daniel George with a smile, Director of The Friend’s Place at Dungeness Community Church north of Sequim. “We end every day with it.” And it’s easy to see why. As golden oldies from the 1960s fill the room and colorful balloons float above the net, pool noodles at the ready, laughter rises and toes start tapping. For a little while, everyone is simply in the moment—laughing, cheering, and playing together.

Friend’s Place just wrapped up its first year serving the Sequim community, and while it’s technically a respite program for caregivers of loved ones with memory loss, it’s so much more than that. Ask anyone involved, and they’ll tell you: this isn’t just a care service. It’s a social club. It’s a family.

Every Wednesday at 10 a.m., familiar faces start arriving, greeted with warm hellos and the smell of coffee brewing. As loved ones wave goodbye for a few hours of rest or errands, the friends of Friend’s Place settle in for a day full of laughter and meaningful activity.

The schedule is thoughtfully crafted—activities shift every 15 to 20 minutes to spark different parts of the brain and body. Gentle chair stretches lead to a lively game of bingo, then a clever dice game to keep the mind sharp. After lunch, there might be a bean bag toss, an art project, or a word puzzle—but it all builds to the grand finale: balloon volleyball.

Helping guide these joyful days is a devoted team of trained volunteers. But here, there are no labels. Everyone wears the same kind of name tag, and no one is singled out as a participant or a helper. Need to move some chairs? Whoever’s nearby is asked to pitch in. Time to hand out lunches? If you’re standing close, you’ve got a job to do.

“A lot of our friends love being able to help,” Daniel shares. “At home, they might have everything done for them, but here, they have a role. They have purpose.”

Perhaps the most powerful moments happen at the end of the day. Daniel hears it in the voices of husbands, daughters, neighbors—caregivers who arrive to find their loved ones glowing with happiness. “They tell me it’s like getting a piece of them back,” he says quietly. “Like something long forgotten has come to the surface again.”

Of course, there are hard days. There comes a time when a friend’s needs may outgrow the program. But even then, there’s a quiet comfort in knowing that another family will walk through the open door soon, discovering they’re not alone in this journey. There’s a whole community here, ready to love and support them.

Daniel often says that even when memory fades, two languages remain: the language of laughter and the rhythm of music. “You might lose words or facial expressions,” he says, “but a smile, a laugh, or a toe tapping to a favorite song—those things stay with us.”

Wednesdays at Friend’s Place have quickly become a highlight for many in the Sequim community, and the joy has spilled over into other days of the week, thanks to Tim’s Place at Trinity United Methodist Church in east Sequim. Together, the programs now offer three days of respite care. But if Daniel has his way, Dungeness will soon offer a second day—bringing the total to four. All they need is a few more volunteers to help make it happen.

If you ask Daniel, he’ll tell you what makes Friend’s Place special isn’t the games or even the music. It’s the connections. The laughter shared between new friends. The relief in a caregiver’s eyes. And the moments—so many moments—when time seems to stand still, and joy comes shining through.

Leave a comment

If you are seeking respite and have a loved one experiencing memory loss, wish to volunteer, or would like to support in other ways, please contact The Friend’s Place by clicking here.

This “Feel Good Friday” isn’t about a nonprofit or a volunteer. It’s about something rarer, harder, and arguably more life-changing: the quiet miracle of reconnection. It’s about the kind of friendship that survives time, disagreement, and silence—the kind where, even after years apart and unresolved tension, one text can still crack the door open to something honest, vulnerable, and healing.

There’s nothing like spending time with a friend who’s known you for 37 years.

I used to spend the night at the house she and her husband built, pretty much weekly. Every time I’d walk across the dining room, I’d point to the stucco between the logs that I had applied during the home’s construction. I’d remind her that I had built that part of her home. “You’re welcome,” I’d say.

We stood together, waving signs at Sequim’s main intersection for Steve Tharinger. We traveled to Mexico to help Mayan women learn modern skills that they could bring back to their indigenous communities. When I lived in Seattle, she made the trip just to watch me sing with the Seattle Men’s Chorus during the Christmas season. In a crowd of 2,500, all I could see was my friend from back home.

She still keeps the card that I wrote when her mom died, and she was there for me when mine went, too.

Then came Towne Road. September 2023.

That Christmas was the first time in decades I sent her a card and didn’t get one back.
2024 flew by—and, for the first time in years, we were living in the same town and never found the time to reconnect. She zoomed past me on a bike along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Less than a second to register it was her. Did we not stop because we didn’t recognize each other? Or was it about Towne Road? That wasn’t like her, but I wasn’t sure.

While 2024 was the year I found my voice and tried to fill the void left by the presence of my mom, it was also the year that rocked me. I made new friends. I also lost some. I felt deeply supported by my community—and, at times, surprised by it.

The perfect afternoon

After the missed cards and the almost-encounter on the trail, my friend of nearly four decades sent me a text. She wanted to talk. In person.

It wouldn’t have mattered if I were being paid a million dollars to spin ten plates in the air—they’d all come crashing down. A conversation with her would always be the priority.

The chat ended up being exactly what a visit between friends should be.

She was concerned about her community, and she had questions about my role in it. She was curious about my views. And every so often, we talked about how our mothers still manage to speak to us. We laughed. We hugged. We never raised our voices. We didn’t assign labels to each other that we knew weren’t true.

We remembered: we are still the people we’ve always been.

That conversation reminded me what it feels like to be seen—to be challenged with love instead of suspicion. It made me think about the contrast between that kind of connection and the noise I’ve grown used to.

The noise

“How do you handle it?”

That’s the question I get the most. Not from her, but from the friends I’ve made in the past 19 months.

I usually blink and say, “Handle what?”
Then they explain: the vitriol online, the name-calling, the counter-blogs.

Here’s something you should know about me: I’m oblivious. I go to Charter Review Commission meetings, and I do my best to represent my district. I go to the County Commissioner work sessions and meetings too, and when I leave, I’m thinking about mowing the lawn or changing the sheets before my next Airbnb guest arrives.

Most of the time, I don’t really think about it.

Until something like this happens:

To everyone I rolled my eyes at for supporting the Second Amendment or for sleeping with a gun beside the bed…

From a gay vegan who voted for Hillary and Inslee, I have something to tell you:

I’m sorry. I get it now.

There are so many emails I receive—tips, concerns—from people who say, “You can use this, but don’t put my name on it. I don’t want the backlash.”

When someone posts a picture of your home online, you suddenly understand the fear that comes with speaking up. Pushing for transparency in Clallam County can feel dangerous at times.

This isn’t the same town I grew up in. There is unrest raging just behind the sign in Sequim that reminds us to Be Kind.

And if that tension weren’t enough, there's another layer—the online world where the backlash doesn’t just simmer, it seethes.

The tick and I

Did you know there are two blogs dedicated to countering CC Watchdog?

One was started by a subscriber named “Sumgui,” who left CC Watchdog after I asked them to clean up the profanity in their comments (and I’m no prude). Sumgui now runs a Substack where he critiques my “racially charged and misleading narratives” about the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and explains why I’m wrong about tribal land, taxes, and economic impacts.

The other is written by “Ixodes,” which, if you’re not up on your Latin, means "bloodsucking tick."

Ixodes echoes Sumgui, but with bonus content about my employment, marriage, financial situation, and dementia. According to Ixodes, I’m not just misinformed—I’m losing my mind like my mom did.

People ask me how I’m doing when Ixodes drops a new post. I usually say, “Fine.”

It’s true. Someone has to watch the Watchdog.

I read the articles because I’m a vain narcissist who enjoys reading about my life. Some of what Ixodes writes is true. Some of it I wish were true. Some of it is close. And some of it’s so far from reality, it’s better than anything I could make up. I encourage you to read it.

But even with all that swirling, the thing that matters most isn’t the noise—it’s the clarity I found in a quiet, honest moment.

The real point

“Get to the point, Jeff.”

That’s what I just told myself.
And—since I’m oblivious—you’ve probably been saying it too.

Here it is: I just received a gift.

Not one you unwrap, but one that leaves you changed. A friend of 37 years didn’t write me off as a monster. She didn’t assume I grew horns and growled at the priest who performed my exorcism. She asked to talk.

We spent two hours in conversation. We talked about hard things. Familiar things. Emotional things. And those two hours? They’re among the most treasured I’ve ever had.

If I really am experiencing early-onset dementia, like Ixodes suggests, I hope one of my final memories is of that conversation.

If you’ve ever had the chance to reconnect with someone you love—really reconnect—you understand.

And if you ever have the opportunity to talk through a disagreement with a longtime friend, and they give you two calm, respectful hours without yelling or assuming the worst?

That is one of life’s greatest gifts.

Take it.

I just sent my friend an email thanking her for our time together. The last part of the email is something I want my friend of 37 years to know, and it’s something I want you to know too:

If you know of something happening in our County that lacks transparency, you know someone who wants to shed light on it. All I need is a thread to pull, and I'll do the rest. Likewise, if you know of an individual or organization making a positive impact in our community, I'd like to feature them in “Feel Good Fridays."

Wait—Did I mention this already?

Did I tell you the importance of talking to old friends?

I forget.

I think it’s my early-onset dementia kicking in—Ixodes, you were right!

Anyway—just in case—I’ll say it again:
If you ever get the chance to have a grounded, kind, open-hearted conversation with a friend, even one you disagree with, take it.

Seriously. Take it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to take my evening meds and yell at contestants for buying vowels they don’t need.

Leave a comment

Hop into Spring! The Sequim Elks Lodge Easter Egg Hunt returns this Saturday, April 19 at 11 a.m. with 2,500 eggs, special prizes, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Kids 11 and under are welcome—come enjoy this sweet, family-friendly tradition.

Every spring, just as flowers begin to bloom and the scent of fresh grass fills the air, something magical happens at the Sequim Elks Lodge: the annual Easter Egg Hunt springs to life—thanks in large part to Karen Lewis and a dedicated team of volunteers.

Karen has been helping organize the event since 2017, and she’ll be the first to tell you—it takes a village. “The hardest part is stuffing all the eggs,” she laughs. “There’s 2,500 of those tough little son of a guns, but we have nearly 30 volunteers working at it, so it goes by fast.”

This free beloved community tradition will take place tomorrow, Saturday, April 19th, at 11 a.m. on the beautiful, grassy grounds of the Sequim Elks Lodge. It’s open to all children 11 and under, and families are encouraged to come out, enjoy the fun, and make memories.

There are four age-group areas carefully spaced to give everyone a fair shot at the goodies. And of course, the Easter Bunny will be hopping by for photos! Keep an eye out for the golden eggs—two in each age group—which come with a special prize.

“It’s a big team effort. We all make it happen,” says Karen. The event is a labor of love, and its impact reaches beyond the eggs and candy. One moment, in particular, has stayed with Karen over the years. A woman approached her, tears in her eyes, and shared that her family had been going through a tough time. They didn’t have money for an Easter basket that year—but her son found a golden egg. “That’s when I knew I’d be doing the event forever,” Karen confessed.

In the weeks leading up to the hunt, the Elks are always grateful for candy donations and support from the community to help make the day special. Most of all, they hope word gets out and families know they are welcome.

It’s safe, it’s fun, and it’s full of heart—everything Easter should be. So grab your baskets, gather the kids, and come celebrate springtime joy this Saturday at the Elks!

Leave a comment

For Laurie Davies, the Clallam County Fair is more than rides and treats — it's a place where kids learn, grow, and find opportunity. With 23 years of volunteer service, she’s seen children discover where food comes from, win their first blue ribbons, and take home bikes they couldn’t afford.Davies shares why the fair remains a beloved, life-changing tradition for local families.

After more than two decades of volunteering at the Clallam County Fair, Laurie Davies has collected countless memories. Some are lighthearted, some are touching, and many speak to the unique role the fair plays in educating, connecting, and inspiring the community — especially its youngest members.

“There’s a story behind almost every booth, ribbon, and scone,” Davies says. “Our fair is about so much more than competition. It’s about experiences that stick with people, sometimes for a lifetime.”

One moment that stands out to her happened just a few years ago, when a ten-year-old boy walked through the Agriculture Building and pointed to a plate of carrots. “He asked what they were,” Davies recalls. “When the ag superintendent told him they were carrots, he looked surprised and said, ‘My carrots come in a bag.’ He didn’t know they were grown.”

For Davies, that interaction captured the power of the fair’s educational mission — to give children hands-on exposure to the roots of their food, culture, and community. “We’re so focused on learning here,” she said. “Moments like that show how important it is.”

The Clallam County Fair has made itself especially accessible to young families. On Kids Day — always held on Thursday — children 12 and under are admitted free. They’re invited to participate in an educational scavenger hunt, earning answers across the fairgrounds and entering for a chance to win a new bicycle and helmet. “We’ve had families say their child never would have had a bike if not for that drawing,” Davies says.

It’s not just the kids who are committed to never missing a fair. Davies tells the story of new moms who’ve shown up the very next day after giving birth — just to keep their attendance streak going. “We’ve had couples get engaged at the fair,” she adds. “It’s truly a special place.”

Education doesn’t stop with the exhibits. Volunteers like Josh Borte, who oversees antique tractors and machinery, spend hours explaining the history and mechanics of the equipment to curious kids. “Many have never seen a tractor up close,” Davies says. “Josh takes the time to answer every question — it’s incredible to watch.”

What sets the Clallam County Fair apart, Davies believes, is its accessibility. “We don’t charge for entertainment, or the rodeo, or the logging and draft horse shows,” she says. “That means families who couldn’t afford a ticket somewhere else still get to experience those things here.”

The fair’s 4-H program is another pillar. With roots dating back to 1920, when Clallam County began working with what was then the Boys and Girls Club through Washington State University Extension, the program has grown into one of the region’s most robust. Kids raise animals, enter homegrown produce, display woodworking projects, bake cookies, and build with Legos — all under the mentorship of dedicated volunteers.

“For some kids, this is the only chance they have to show something they made or raised,” Davies says. “I’ve seen the look on a child’s face when they win their first blue ribbon — they’re just stunned.”

After 23 years of involvement, Laurie Davies has seen generation after generation pass through the gates. “Families plan their vacations around the fair,” she says. “It’s that important. Without it, I honestly don’t know where many of these kids would get the chance to do what they do here.”

For Laurie Davies and the countless others who make it happen each year, the Clallam County Fair isn’t just a tradition — it’s a foundation. One built on education, opportunity, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to shine.

The 2025 Clallam County Fair is set to take place from August 14th to 17th. The theme for this year is “BEE-lieve In the Magic of the Fair”.

Leave a comment

If you know of an individual or organization making a positive impact in Clallam County, let CC Watchdog know.

Last winter, a downtown ice rink invigorated Port Angeles and its economy, thanks to the heart and hustle of local volunteers and the Chamber of Commerce.

Something truly special happened in Port Angeles last winter—and it deserves more than a passing mention.

The temporary downtown ice rink, organized and operated by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, wasn’t just a festive experience for locals. It became a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. The numbers speak volumes:

• 13,033 people took to the ice.

• 22,722 total visitors came to the rink.

• 21% of them were from outside Clallam County.

• It was all done with a net profit of $56,998.

That’s not just a holiday outing—it’s an economic boost, a tourism success, and a community-wide effort that made downtown feel alive during the darkest, coldest months of the year.

While CC Watchdog reached out to the Chamber for an interview and didn’t receive a follow-up, that doesn’t take away from the incredible achievement. The Chamber’s leadership, organization, and hard work made this all possible. Their vision—and their willingness to roll up their sleeves—gave Port Angeles something truly memorable.

To the slew of corporate sponsors, and to the 866 volunteers who gave their time during what is already the busiest time of year: your contribution goes far beyond hot chocolate and skate rentals. You helped nearly 5,000 visitors from outside Clallam County experience Port Angeles in a new light. You supported local businesses. You made families feel welcome. You brought energy and life to our city when many small towns go quiet.

You reminded visitors—and locals—that Port Angeles is more than a summer destination. You showed that even in winter, this place has something worth traveling for, worth investing in, and worth celebrating.

Your effort had a ripple effect. It brought people to our hotels, which brought revenue to local owners. It filled restaurants, helping servers and staff provide for their families. It kept money moving through our community—one skate rental, one cocoa, one smiling guest at a time.

The Chamber of Commerce, local businesses that sponsored the Winter Ice Village, and every single volunteer deserve recognition for this accomplishment. You turned a seasonal attraction into something bigger: a celebration of what makes this community great.

Thank you—for your time, your energy, and your support of Port Angeles.

Leave a comment

Note: The sheet provided is for the 2023-24 season but was shared by the Board of Commissioners to celebrate this most recent winter’s continuing success.

“We Vietnam Veterans truly appreciate this recognition,” said Commander Lorri Gilchrist of Sequim, a Navy veteran, as she addressed the commissioners on Tuesday after they presented a proclamation honoring local Vietnam veterans.

“It took a long time,” Gilchrist recalled. “We were not really greeted very friendly when this was all happening back in the day,” she said before thanking the commissioners and the gallery for gathering to recognize the service of Gilchrist and other veterans who stood at the podium.

It’s been nearly 52 years since the end of American involvement in the Vietnam conflict, but for many veterans, the war never truly ended. Public hostility and indifference, lack of government support, PTSD and mental struggles, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life are just some of the challenges that many Vietnam veterans faced.

Commissioner Johnson explained that the County’s Northwest Veterans Resource Center is working to start a class called My Healthy Vet, which will help veterans navigate computer registration to access critical resources.

The Northwest Veterans Resource Center (NWVRC) is also home to the Clallam County Veterans Relief Fund, a program providing emergency assistance to qualified veterans and their families. These programs rely on community support and participation to ensure that no veteran is left without the help they need. Connect with this county resource here.

Now, our community has an opportunity to show appreciation for those who served. A “Welcome Home” ceremony honoring Vietnam War Veterans will be held tomorrow, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM at 107 East Prairie Street in Sequim, at the Jack Grennan American Legion.

This is more than just an event—it’s a chance to finally give these veterans the warm welcome and gratitude they deserve. Come stand alongside those who served and let them know they are valued, respected, and never forgotten.

Leave a comment

“I’ve been personally involved for years in the auction that helps to fund many of these graduates’ first steps into the world of college and beyond,” Vern Hestand says. “I even announced for the auction one year as manager of the local radio station.”

The sculpture, carved into a curved slab of spruce, represents nearly 30 years of Hestand’s artistic craftsmanship. Though he didn’t have as much time as he would’ve liked to perfect it—"It was still drying when I dropped it off," he admits—he knew it would bring in a solid donation for the cause.

For Hestand, supporting the community isn’t just about writing checks—it’s about showing up, giving what you can, and making sure the next generation has opportunities to succeed.

Advice for graduates: Be yourself

As another group of Forks High School seniors prepares to step into the world, Hestand advises, “Be yourself. Don’t follow the crowd.”

He encourages young people to remain optimistic, to envision the world as it ought to be, rather than simply accepting it as it is—and then to take action to make that vision a reality.

“Do the right thing for the right people at the right time for the right reason,” he advises, “and doors will open for you every time.”

These words aren’t just advice; they reflect the way Hestand has built his own life in Forks—a life rooted in creativity, hard work, and genuine community.

Building something bigger

Hestand’s love for Forks isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about connection. "There is real love to be had in Forks," he says. “When people find you genuine, they become genuine."

The community’s support became personal when Hestand’s son faced a serious medical emergency. The response was overwhelming—neighbors, friends, and even strangers rallied together to help with bills, prayers, and encouragement. "There is no substitute for the support and loyalty of your fellow humanity. It opens up all the opportunities and shuts down all the nay-sayers."

Through his business, Olympic Artforge, Hestand has been helping build that sense of community for years. More than just a print shop, Artforge is a creative hub—offering design services, 3D printing, engraving, and a space for local artists to bring their ideas to life. Since 2008, it has become a go-to spot for makers and creators in the West End.

A new chapter for Raincon

One of the projects he’s most excited about is Raincon, Forks’ very own pop culture convention. After a five-year pause, Raincon is making a comeback at the Rainforest Arts Center, giving artists, writers, and fans a place to celebrate creativity.

Port Angeles has Squatchcon now, and Hestand wants Raincon to have that same energy—a place where people can come together over the stories and art that inspire them. "My son, Phoenix, actually designed the mascot for Raincon, which was greatly encouraging to his personal journey as an artist."

Events like these aren’t just fun; they’re important. They create spaces where people can share ideas, showcase their work, and feel a sense of belonging—something small towns thrive on.

How can you help?

Hestand believes that we all help each other in the same way—by being good humans. Yet, despite living in an era of unprecedented connectivity, the internet, which was meant to bring us together, has instead pushed us further apart. Not on a global scale, but where it matters most—within our own communities.

“We sit across the table at a restaurant and chat with our friends across town,” Hestand observes. “We wait at the bus stop next to a neighbor and watch TV on our phones instead of sparking a new relationship.”

For him, true community isn’t about city names or geographic boundaries—it’s about relationships. Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim, Clallam Bay, Neah Bay, La Push, and the many small towns in between form a larger, interconnected circle. He urges people to break down the invisible barriers that divide them, to reach out, blend, and engage beyond their immediate circles.

He also believes that the lingering effects of the COVID lockdowns have left many in a kind of societal stupor. But he stresses an important truth: in many ways, the old world is gone. What remains is an opportunity, especially for younger generations, to rebuild and reinvent it.

“This is your world,” Hestand says. “Don’t wait for ‘them’ to fix it. We need your help!”

Olympic Art Forge — 120 S Forks Ave, Forks, WA 98331

Leave a comment

Abandoned but not forgotten, Rayonier #4 has stood as a silent witness to the timber industry’s legacy in Port Angeles for over six decades. Now, one man’s lifelong connection to the locomotive has sparked a passionate community effort to restore it. Discover how history, dedication, and a race against time are bringing this rare piece of railroad heritage back to life.

For many, trains are more than just machines—they are symbols of industry, progress, and personal history. For Scott Golding, restoring Rayonier #4 isn’t just about preserving an old locomotive; it’s about honoring his family’s railroad legacy, his deep ties to the timber industry, and the heritage of Port Angeles. However, Scott is not alone in this endeavor—the restoration has become a passionate community effort, with dedicated volunteers and supporters playing a crucial role in bringing #4 back to life.

Scott’s love for trains was sparked in childhood, chasing locomotives with his mother, whose family worked on the railroads of the Midwest. His connection to Rayonier #4 runs even deeper—it was a familiar sight in Port Angeles, where his father worked, and later when Scott himself built his career at the Rayonier Mill. Though he relocated to Florida when the mill closed in 1997, his bond with #4 never faded. Now, as Rayonier Inc.’s historian, he’s leading the charge to restore the locomotive that has been part of his life for as long as he can remember, alongside a committed team of supporters.

A piece of timber and railroad history

Rayonier #4 is more than just an old train; it’s a tangible connection to the rich logging and railroad heritage of the Olympic Peninsula. Built by Willamette Iron & Steel of Portland, Oregon, it is one of only six remaining locomotives of its kind. Rayonier donated #4 to the City of Port Angeles in 1960 as a monument to the region’s once-booming timber industry. Back then, timber was king, and the locomotive’s presence spoke for itself. However, as the industry’s role diminished over the years, the locomotive became more of an overlooked relic than a respected monument.

Recognizing its deteriorating state, Scott reached out to the City of Port Angeles to ask about its future. The city had long hoped for a restoration effort but had struggled to find leadership for the project. Despite living 3,000 miles away in Florida, Scott immediately stepped up to take the lead. With Rayonier Inc. joining as a project partner and a dedicated team of volunteers rallying behind the cause, the effort to “Restore the 4” was officially underway.

Challenges and triumphs

Restoring a historic locomotive is no small feat. One of the biggest initial challenges was overcoming skepticism—#4 had been sitting untouched for so long that many doubted whether the project could succeed. Securing funding was another major hurdle, as restoration costs quickly exceeded initial estimates. However, the project gained momentum thanks to generous contributions from over 300 individual donors across the U.S., as well as support from local businesses and tourist tax funds.

For Scott personally, the biggest challenge has been managing the project from afar. While frequent trips to Port Angeles and modern technology help him stay involved, there’s no substitute for being there in person to coordinate efforts. Fortunately, a dedicated team on the ground has been instrumental in keeping the project moving forward. Despite the difficulties, progress has been steady. The asbestos cleanup—a crucial first step—has been completed, and the next phase includes bidding out restoration work and constructing a protective shelter to ensure #4’s future preservation.

How the community can help

While significant progress has been made, there is still work to be done. The project team is currently raising the final $50,000 needed to complete the restoration. Community members can contribute in several ways:

• Donate: Every dollar counts toward restoring this vital piece of history. Donation information is available here.

• Sign the Guestbook: The project’s website (www.restorethe4.org) features a guestbook to demonstrate broad community support, which strengthens applications for grant funding.

• Attend Events: On March 30 at 3:00 PM, local historian Steve Hauff will give a presentation on #4 at the Port Angeles Library (across the street from #4), followed by a rare opportunity for attendees to see the locomotive up close.

Keeping on track

With a targeted completion date this summer, the excitement around Rayonier #4’s restoration is growing. The project represents more than just saving an old locomotive—it’s about preserving the history of the community, educating future generations, and honoring the legacy of those who built the region. Thanks to the dedication of Scott Golding, the City of Port Angeles, and countless supporters near and far, #4 will soon stand proudly once again as a symbol of the area’s rich timber and railroad heritage, just in time for Rayonier’s centennial in April of 2026.

Leave a comment

CC Watchdog ends the week on a high note featuring individuals and organizations positively impacting our community.

From warm coats to stocked pantries, Jean Pratschner is proving that small acts of kindness can change lives—one meal, one jacket, and one caring gesture at a time.

When Jean Pratschner moved to Sequim in 2015, she quickly noticed a troubling reality—homeless individuals were sleeping on sidewalks year-round, exposed to harsh conditions without access to basic necessities. Witnessing this suffering, Jean knew she had to act. Her response? A grassroots movement to provide warmth, sustenance, and dignity to the most vulnerable members of her community.

A warming center for the cold ones

Jean’s first major initiative was launching a warming center for those without shelter. Partnering with Serenity House in Sequim and rallying 80 volunteers, she established a safe haven where people could find a hot meal, warm clothes, and a place to rest. Over two years, she helped raise $57,000 and stockpiled blankets, coats, and other essentials. Eventually, the center transitioned to the management of OLYCAP and relocated to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. However, as operations changed and support dwindled, Jean recognized a new need—the unhoused population was still suffering, and she was determined to do more.

Thus, Plan B was born.

Providing warmth and basic necessities

Jean shifted her focus to collecting and distributing winter clothing and survival gear. Scouring yard sales, thrift stores, and online donation groups, she amassed coats, socks, boots, gloves, sleeping bags, and even tents. She delivered these directly to people on the streets, often helping them put on the clothing herself, offering warmth not just in the physical sense but also through compassion and human connection. To date, she has handed out over 57 winter coats and countless other essentials.

However, she soon encountered another issue—hunger.

Little Free Pantries: strangers helping strangers

When Jean gave out jackets, people often asked for food. While food banks were available, they required cooking facilities—something many unhoused individuals lacked. Seeking an immediate solution, Jean was inspired by the Little Free Pantry movement, a nationwide initiative of small, community-supported food banks. She began repurposing old furniture into food pantries, adding roofs and stands, and finding locations willing to host them.

The project took off. Today, Sequim has at least nine Little Free Pantries, regularly stocked with non-perishable food, warm socks, hygiene items, and resources for additional aid. Jean personally fills and maintains these pantries several times a week, often witnessing donations disappear within hours. She actively encourages the community to contribute, reminding residents that "If each person in Sequim gave just one can or box of food each week, there would be no hunger in our town."

Funding the mission

Jean’s work is largely self-funded, with her monthly spending on food and essentials reaching $400-$500. She meticulously shops for the best deals across multiple stores, buys clearance items in bulk, and secures donations from churches, yard sales, and individuals. She also collaborates with the Kings Way Food Gleaners, collecting fresh produce and proteins to distribute to those in need. Her little red truck is constantly on the move, picking up and delivering donations.

And the need is growing—more families rely on these pantries. Nearly half of the pantry users are families with children, reinforcing Jean’s belief that no one in Sequim should go hungry.

A life of service and connection

Despite the immense workload—spending 6 to 10 hours daily collecting and distributing food and clothes—Jean finds deep joy in her work. Her greatest rewards come from the personal connections she makes: a widow donating her late husband’s coat, a grateful hug from someone who just received a warm jacket, and the hope in a person’s eyes when they realize someone cares.

Jean sees her work not as charity, but as a calling—one she fulfills with unwavering dedication. A former medical technician of 55 years, she now considers this her most fulfilling job. “My boss is also my Savior,” she says. “His face is seen in each needy person. My goal is to get that face to smile.”

Through her tireless efforts, Jean Pratschner is proving that one person can indeed make a difference—one meal, one coat, and one warm hug at a time.

Future plans

Jean isn’t slowing down, and she’s always keeping an eye out for donations, help, or someone to “maybe work with me. I need to train someone to take over, just in case.” Jean carries business cards that she hands out to donors, who she calls “her eyes and ears.” The cards say:

Helping others: Food, resources, help, warm clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, and info about HELP to make things better. For adults, kids, pets, anybody. All free, because we care. Sequim area, I pick up items and give them to the needy.

Text me, Jean: 505-264-0278

Leave a comment

Jean Pratschner’s story about making a positive impact in her community introduces a new segment to wrap up the week on a high note. If you have a story about a person or organization making a difference in Clallam County, please share it with CC Watchdog.