COMMUNITY NEWS
Englund Marine & Industrial Supply Celebrates 80 years
July 2024
Englund Marine & Industrial is celebrating its 80th year in business this year.
On Monday, July 22, the company hosted a “Thank You” event at its seven retail stores to celebrate the milestone and offered a great discount on Englund Marine gear. The entire Englund family and the crews at all the locations wish to express their gratitude for the long years of support given to them by their customers and the communities they serve.
Englund Marine was founded on July 22, 1944, by Axel and Freda Englund in a small storefront at the foot of 15th Street in Astoria, OR. It continues today as a family-run business. Axel’s son, Jon Englund, is the current CEO. There are also four grandsons active in the company: Kurt Englund works at the Astoria store and is the Company’s President; Jay Englund manages the Raft Shop in Warrenton; Dean Fleck is a manager at the Newport OR store; and Mark Fleck manages the Coos Bay store.
The company has grown over the years to include seven retail stores in harbor towns along the Washington, Oregon, and Northern California coasts. It also operates a life raft certification and re-pack station in Warrenton, Oregon, and three wholesale warehouses in Oregon, Arizona, and Montana.
Englund Marine prides itself on being the go-to store in its communities for boating, outdoor clothing, and industrial products. The company has products for commercial and recreational fishermen, professional tradesmen, and weekend warriors. In two of the seven store locations, it also has full-service rigging shops for fabrication, splicing, custom rigging, and hydraulics.
Humboldt Botanical Garden Legacy Circle Planting Seeds for the Future
Humboldt Botanical Garden is planting seeds for the future with the launch of its Legacy Circle. A dozen founding members are investing in the future growth of the garden by each pledging a gift to the nonprofit through their will, trust or other estate plans.
The garden was founded in 1991 by a group of volunteers whose vision was to create a world-class botanical garden for outdoor recreation, conservation and learning.
Since its beginning, the garden has grown into a unique 44.5 acre site south of Eureka, with ten separate gardens, a greenhouse and an outdoor event space — with more to come! The garden is cared for by its nonprofit board, a small staff, and a cadre of more than 200 volunteers and 1,700 members, made up of individuals, families, students, area businesses and educational partners.
“Throughout the year we fundraise for operating and program expenses,” said Board President Evelyn Giddings. “The creation of our Legacy Circle is a next step in our planning for the future sustainability and growth of the garden,” Giddings said.
The Legacy Circle’s recent launch was celebrated at the home of Jim and Julie Sessa, two of its founding members. Jim Sessa, President and CEO of Coast Central Credit Union, has served as a volunteer on the garden’s board of directors since 2001.
“In my role, I understand the garden’s significant economic impact,” Sessa remarked, welcoming the gathering. “Every year, the garden draws a large number of visitors—both local residents and tourists—who shop in our stores and stay in our hotels.”
“But beyond its economic benefits,” Sessa continued, “the garden is a green and peaceful sanctuary. It offers a place of respite, beauty, and serves as an increasingly vital center for education and conservation.”
“I want others to know what a treasure the garden is now and in the future of our community,” said Board Member Bob Crane.
“It has inspired Sue and me to give and, we hope, encourage you to join us,” Crane said. Along with his wife Sue, Bob Crane founded C.Crane, a Fortuna-based company of internationally marketed radio and audio products. Bob joined the garden’s board this year and with his wife became legacy donors.
Evelyn Giddings, who with her husband David Lemm are in the Legacy Circle, told the group to spread the word that making a legacy gift is not just for those with wealth.
“Anyone who has an individual retirement account through their job or has other assets—no matter how big or small—can make the garden a beneficiary of a future gift and join our Legacy Circle,” Giddings said.
“A bequest may be of any size. It can provide immediate tax benefits now while ensuring the garden can be around for generations to come,” said Legacy Circle member Tim Walsh, a retired certified financial planner and board member of the American Rhododendron Society, with members worldwide. Tim, along with his wife June, also co-curate one of the garden’s ten separate gardens.
Anyone interested in learning more about Humboldt Botanical Garden and its Legacy Circle can call Evelyn Giddings at (707) 834-6146.
Tidal Gallery is honored to present an extraordinary exhibition featuring the mesmerizing works of Bob Benson, a revered Tsnungwe* tribal elder and accomplished artist based in Humboldt County. Set to run from May 31 to July 20, this eagerly anticipated showcase promises to captivate art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
Benson’s art is a poignant reflection of his deep connection to his native homeland as he intricately weaves traditional geometric motifs, native symbology, and subtle references to place into his pieces.
Benson’s approach to art is deeply rooted in practical knowledge, drawing inspiration from geometric forms encountered while building traditional ceremonial structures and crafting regalia. “I try to find forms that are compelling on their own,” he says. “Although I do like to draw from traditional motifs, the goal of my work is to create something new that honors tradition and culture. This show is more intimate and offers an insight into my own personal mythology.” His mastery of the medium is evident in every piece, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and contemporary expression that is both captivating and evocative. The exhibit itself is a showcase of the evolving nature of Benson’s workshop and process juxtaposed by the final forms of some of his most impressive recent works. Inspired by sculptural artists such as Brancusi, one side of the gallery functions as a metaphorical snapshot of the metamorphosis from raw material, to evolving ideas and finally to the final polished forms on the opposing side of the gallery space.
Prior to this period in his career as a prolific artist, Benson was a tenured art professor at College of the Redwoods, where his watercolor courses have left an indelible mark on generations of aspiring artists. His enduring influence on the art curriculum underscores his commitment to fostering creativity and nurturing artistic talent within the community.
The exhibition will run May 31 through July 20. A closing reception will be held with the artist on Saturday, July 20, from 5-7 p.m. where visitors can learn more about Benson and his process before the show departs.
* Tsnungwe are the Native American people indigenous to the modern areas of the lower South Fork Trinity River (yisinch’ing-qeh), Willow Creek (xoxol-ding), Salyer (miy-me’), Burnt Ranch (tse:n-ding/tse:ning-ding) and New River (Yiduq-nilin).
Tidal Gallery is a premier art space located at 339 2nd Street in Eureka, California. Dedicated to showcasing the work of local and regional artists, Tidal Gallery provides a platform for creative expression and cultural enrichment within the community.
Jim Sessa welcomes Humboldt Botanical Garden’s Legacy Circle and its founding members. Submitted
Julie Hodge to Exhibit at RAA July and August, 2024
Julie Hodge is exhibiting a selection of new oil paintings at the Redwood Arts Association in Eureka from July 15 through August 12, 2024.
“The fluid merger of Art and Music is a major inspiration for my work — what excites me,” Julie explains. “The gestural quality of paint changes constantly to inform the next color or the next brushstroke, as I continue to explore the experience of form in space. My goal is to synthesize color with rhythms of sound and forms. I am excited by the movements of the land, the sea, and the sky — and the stresses and balance between color values and pictorial depth. I invite the viewer to enter this new space, experience and reflect on how they see and are moved by its existence.”
A resident of Eureka, Julie received her BA in Fine and Applied Art from the University of Oregon and her MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. She has shown her work in over a dozen solo shows and more than 40 group shows in California, Oregon and Rhode Island, as well as London, Calgary and Budapest.
The RAA is located at 603 F Street, Eureka. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Julie’s artwork will be in Gallery 3 and she will be present for Arts Alive! on August 3 to greet visitors
Eureka Natural Foods’ Change 4 Change Program
“Eventide II,” oil on canvas, by Julie Hodge. Submitted
Artist Bob Benson’s Captivating Exhibition Celebrates Modern Tsnungwe Culture
“Little Blue Jay Feather” by Bob Benson. Submitted
Area 1 Agency on Aging Receives SAGECare Credential
SAGECare credential indicates LGBTQ+ cultural competency training
Area 1 Agency on Aging has recently been awarded the prestigious SAGECare Platinum Credential. This recognition is granted to service providers whose staff have successfully completed SAGECare’s LGBTQ+ cultural competency training. SAGECare is a division of SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the country’s largest and oldest non-profit dedicated to providing services and improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) older adults. According to SAGE’s website, sageusa.org, current reports estimate that there are approximately three million LGBTQ+ adults over age 50, and that number is expected to grow to around seven million by 2030.
SAGECare’s training equips individuals and organizations to develop respectful and harmonious relationships with LGBTQ+ seniors through empathy, communication and inclusivity. The credential is an indication of the highest level of dedication to person-directed care, open to all people and welcoming to LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
“For 44 years, A1AA has been dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities,” said Maggie Kraft, A1AA Executive Director. “We have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging. Earning the SAGECare credential is part of that commitment. We want all people to know that they will receive help from A1AA in the welcoming and caring way that they deserve.”
Area 1 Agency operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Assistance is available by voice at 1-800-408-4636, or 707-442-3763, email at info@a1aa.org. We have specialists bilingual in Spanish, and all other languages can be accommodated via our language interpretation service.
Forest Moon Festival is a Big Success
From May 31 through June 2, 2024, the Humboldt-Del Norte Film Commission celebrated the Redwood Coast as the film site for the forest moon of Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi by hosting the Second Annual Forest Moon Festival. The festival spanned both Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
Like last year’s inaugural event, this year’s festival included Lucasfilm-approved costumers appearing throughout various events hosted and co-hosted by the film commission, rebel training courses enjoyed by youngsters, movie screenings and more. New to year two’s festival was a passport and scavenger hunt with large prizes and live music at Crescent City’s Beachfront Park organized by the Del Norte Association for Cultural Awareness. Senator Mike McGuire was a special judge for the City of Eureka’s costume contest at Sequoia Park.
“We had over 60 vendors this year participate! That is triple the amount compared to last year. Some of those vendors/events had their own vendors within their event,” states Cassandra Hesseltine, the Film Commissioner for the redwood region. “So the number just keeps growing on how many businesses were affected by the festival.”
Senator McGuire judges the costume contest in Sequioa Park. Photo by Mark McKenna
In addition to the increase of vendors, this year the festival had a home base and app. Redwood Coast Museum of Cinema not only hosted the latest Forest Moon Exhibit, “The Redwood Coast’s History as the Film Site of Endor,” but is the home base for the festival with a festival store. The museum is located at 235 F Street, Eureka.
The Redwood Coast Film Experience app not only was used for the festival but for all things film on the Redwood Coast. It includes a new version of the Map of the Movies, a self-guided tour of film sites in the area. It is downloadable for both iOS and Android.
Attendees came from all over the state and well as Oregon, Washington, Utah, Ohio, Idaho, North Carolina and Florida. The attendance numbers aren’t all in yet but the festival is feeling good about it’s overall attendance. The week of the festival, the website had more than 5,000 unique views and the app was downloaded almost 1,200 times.
The film commission wishes to thank everyone and anyone that helped in some way — vendors, community partners, costumers, volunteers, donors and attendees. “This really is a community event by and for the local community and the bigger Star Wars community as well. We are ever so grateful for everyone who was part of it in any capacity,” says Hesseltine.
The film experience app is sponsored by Humboldt-Lodging Alliance. The Forest Moon Festival is sponsored by Measure J, Canopy Offshore Wind Farm/RWE, County of Humboldt and County of Del Norte. The film commission would also like to thank City of Fortuna, City of Crescent City, and City of Eureka for their collaboration in co-hosting events.
Sequoia Park Zoo Celebrates New Philanthropic Partnership
Sequoia Park Zoo is excited to announce our philanthropic partnership with Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation (HAF+WRCF), an organization known for more than 50 years of charitable work and service to the redwood region.
“Humboldt Area Foundation has a stellar charitable reputation,” says Donna Wood, City of Eureka Director of Community Services. “It’s wonderful to partner with a trusted philanthropic organization with deep community connections in Eureka and across Humboldt.”
Redwood Sky Walk. Photo courtesy of the Sequoia Park Zoo.
Sequoia Park Zoo’s established charitable funds, including the Conservation Fund, Animal Enrichment Fund, and Everyone’s Zoo library program, will have a home at HAF+WRCF, and donors will be able to support their favorite programs and projects with ease.
“Working with Humboldt Area Foundation ensures that donation dollars are used for their intended purposes,” says Jim Campbell-Spickler, Sequoia Park Zoo Director. “Relying on their philanthropic expertise allows the zoo to continue what we do best - care for our animals, host amazing education and conservation programs, and innovate new habitats and experiences at the zoo.”
Sequoia Park Zoo has been proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for over 25 years and is committed to the highest standards of animal wellbeing, conservation, and education. The zoo currently cares for over 150 animals representing more than 50 diverse species, from red pandas and river otters to bald eagles and bush dogs.
In recent years, Sequoia Park Zoo has enjoyed record-breaking visitorship, thanks largely to the popularity of the award-winning and ADA-accessible Redwood Sky Walk and the arrival of rescued black bears Noni and Tule. Widely recognized as a world-class destination for guests of all ages and abilities, Sequoia Park Zoo offers a truly unique and immersive experience in the redwoods.
“We are delighted for the zoo to continue our beloved community traditions, such as Party for the Planet, Boo at the Zoo, and a new personal favorite, Zoo Lights,” says Kim Bergel, Mayor of the City of Eureka. “Having seen the zoo’s growth and success over the past few years, I am confident in the zoo director and entire team, and I am excited to see what they have planned for the future.”
The philanthropic partnership between Sequoia Park Zoo and HAF+WRCF deepens the existing connections between two long-standing area institutions with compatible missions while creating new pathways for protecting wildlife and wild places, strengthening and serving our communities, and achieving our shared conservation goals.
The Sequoia Park Zoo has been owned and operated by the City of Eureka since it was founded in 1907. It is the oldest zoo in California and one of the smallest facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Sequoia Park Zoo is home to over 150 individual animals from across 50 species and includes the award-winning Redwood Sky Walk and the tallest urban forest on the planet. Visit redwoodzoo.org and redwoodskywalk.com for more information.
Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife.
For more information about HAF+WRCF, visit hafoundation.org or call (707) 442-2993.
Uplift Eureka Launches Old Town Stewards Volunteer Program, Seeking Community Ambassadors
Uplift Eureka announces the launch of the Old Town Stewards Volunteer Program, inviting passionate individuals to join as community ambassadors in Eureka’s historic Old Town neighborhood this summer.
Modeled after successful ambassador programs in other cities, Volunteer Stewards will play a pivotal role in fostering goodwill and hospitality, offering guidance on local resources, and assisting both residents and visitors alike.
Volunteer Stewards will engage in various activities including greeting community members and visitors, providing directions and recommendations, collaborating with local businesses, and participating in beautification projects such as landscaping and litter cleanup. They will also connect residents with essential local resources and spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing the Old Town community.
Beyond its immediate impact on Old Town, the program offers a platform for residents, businesses, community groups, and social service providers to collaborate with the city on neighborhood-level issues.
To learn more about becoming an Old Town Steward and to express interest, visit EurekaCA.gov/OldTownStewards or contact OldTownStewards@eurekaca.gov.
Eureka Natural Foods is grateful to be a part of the community in Humboldt County. Eureka Natural Foods saw a need in the community for ways to help local organizations and non profits spread the word and receive donations. The Change 4 Change program does just that, bringing awareness to the community and helping fund events, programs, projects, expansions and more. It is their honor to partner with many local organizations to promote this ideal. Humboldt Permaculture Guild, Betty Chin Foundation, Friends of the Eel River, Sequoia Humane Society, and Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods are just a few that have participated in the Change 4 Change program. With over $50,000 raised in the last year and half, all proceeds during the Change 4 Change go to the specific organization, and they continue to build partnerships with these amazing local organizations and help them with community donations.
Humboldt County Bee Keepers receive a Change 4 Change check. Submitted
Eureka Natural Foods revel in the opportunity to be a valuable educational resource for customers, educating them about natural and organic foods, general health care, nutrition and body care as well as environmental concerns and of course community. Eureka Natural Foods knows the importances of fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Check out Eureka Natural Foods website www.eurekanaturalfoods.com or their social media pages @eurekanaturalfoods to stay up to date on their upcoming Change 4 Change programs to donate at check out.
Humboldt Botanical Garden Orchids Awarded Medal at London Flower Show
The “Orchids in the Wild – the Beauty of Nature” display at London’s Chelsea Flower Show has been awarded a Silver Gilt Award, the second highest award available. The exhibit features species of orchids from Humboldt Botanical Garden native to Humboldt County, and has drawn thousands of attendees, including King Charles and Queen Camilla of England.
The Orchid Conservation Educational Exhibit raises global awareness for the conservation and protection of natural orchid habitats, which play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems.
Inspired by last year’s success of “Finding the Rare Florida Ghost Orchid” at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, a world-renowned Orchid Conservation Team of experts was assembled from across the US, including Dr. Benjamin J. Crain of Humboldt Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian’s North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC). In showcasing a variety of native orchids, the team brings together specialists, horticulturists, and the public in celebration and encouraging efforts to protect these precious plants and their habitats.
For more information about the Show and Awards, visit https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/chelsea-flower-show-winners-list-2024
The Humboldt Botanical Garden is located on Eureka’s College of the Redwoods campus and is open seven days a week. Visit https://www.hbgf.org.
King Charles I the Silver Gilt Award-winning orchid display with Humboldt Botanical Garden’s Dr. Benjamin J. Crain at the Chelsea Flower Show. Submitted