The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Well, back to the lake in our field and driving through inches of water to get out to the highway. It’s not all bad though. We have seen swans for the first time in years, and the usual flocks of duck and geese, as well as blue herons wading in the water. It looks like more is on the way, so guess I’d better do a little stocking up.

My husband and I watched our dogs run down the hill from the house on Sunday and followed to see what they were after. Lo and behold, stuck in an icy pond close to the Grays River, was a sea gull. What a sight! He was wriggling and pulling to free himself before we got closer to him and finally made it when we were about 30 feet away. Alas, no camera. Nature is truly amazing.

News from Naselle:

Sports for the upcoming week include: Thursday-high school boys basketball at Raymond at 5:45 p.m .; Friday-high school girls basketball at Valley at 5:45 p.m .; Saturday-middle school boys basketball at Valley at 2 p.m. with high school boys basketball following at 5:45 p.m .; Monday-middle school boys basketball in Naselle with North Beach at 5:45 p.m. and high school girls basketball at South Bend at 5:45 p.m .; Tuesday-high school boys basketball at North Beach at 5:45 p.m .; Wednesday-middle school boys basketball at South Bend at 5:45 p.m. Go Comets!

Get ready for the annual Valentine Smorgasbord sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, to be held at the Naselle High School on February 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The usual sumptuous faire will include all you can eat salads and main dishes as well as home made pies and other desserts. Adults: $10, pre-teens: $6 and under six, $2.

Other news from the Westend

There are more good things happening at Johnson Park, to benefit our entire community. The Grays River Valley Center will be designated as a Red Cross Shelter in the event of an emergency situation. However we need a few volunteers to go through some training in order to keep things running smoothly in the event of an emergency. On February 3 there will be a shelter training class held at the GRVC from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. This is a free class taught by the Red Cross giving some vital information on how to run the emergency shelter during a disaster. We need as many volunteers as we can get. All you need to bring is your volunteer spirit and your lunch. Time is short so if you are interested, you can sign up in the Grays River Valley Library or contact Cindy Lahti at 465-2880.

The Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park would like to thank the family and friends of Larry Badger, and the members of the Rosburg Community Club. With all the flooding last weekend, and the parking lot of the Rosburg Hall under water, the memorial service for Larry was moved to Johnson Park. With short notice, these folks were able to pull together everything they needed to make the service a memorable one and a wonderful tribute to a pillar of our community. I want to thank the group for utilizing the building, and showing others it’s true potential, and especially for leaving it in even better shape than when they got there. This is truly a special community that we live in.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Grange Master Krist Novoselic this morning. He was checking out the progress on his latest venture in Grays River. Krist is the new owner of the old Creamery building as you come around the corner in downtown Grays River. When I asked him what future plans he had for the building he replied, “The exterior of the building will reflect the fact that this building is an art deco jewel.” He has no plans for the interior yet, but said that he wants people driving through to see a beautiful building as they pass through. Thanks, Krist, for your insight and sharing.

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Valentine Diamond Dinner to be held on February 12 in the Skamokawa Grange at 6 p.m. You will be treated to a delicious filet mignon steak with all the trimmings and a delectable dessert as well as a tasty glass of wine. You will receive a raffle ticket for the diamond necklace with the purchase of your dinner ticket and you can then buy additional tickets for other prizes as well. Tickets can be bought at the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet or you can contact Becky Ledtke.

The annual oyster and crab feed sponsored by the American Legion Deep River Post 111 is approaching. There is still time to get your tickets from Legion members. The event will take place on Saturday, March 3rd at the Rosburg Hall in Rosburg. There are only 225 tickets available at $28 each. This is a don’t miss event in my opinion, with fabulous food, good company; wonderful raffle prizes and benefits our kids and our vets. Thank you, members of the Legion, for this annual fete.

Happy Birthday to the following: Andrea Kay Smith, Esther Gregg, Jill Keller, Patty Rose, Caitlin McGuire, Deanna Gjovik, Bruce Harkness, Dan Moravec, Jeff Reimann, Ron Stube, Bill Wood, Bill Littlefield Shellie Badger, Brittany Legler, Clayton Strong, John Didion Jr., Joe Dziados, Garett Boggs, Joyce Otterson, Troy Wasmundt, Erin Saari, Melissa Olson and Hannah Footh. Have a wonderful special day.

Happy Anniversary to Alfred and Carolyn Simukka, Craig and Diane Mattson and Otis and Renae Hunsinger. Wishing you many more.

I want to wish a very special Happy Birthday to my sis Diane Gray. She will be able to celebrate her day with our sister Sharon Biggers as well this year. Sharon is visiting from California with her friend Joannie Stepp. It is such a treat to have both of my sisters here and the only thing that could make it better would be to have our brother David here as well. Maybe next year.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will feast on clam chowder and smoked salmon chowder with crackers and dessert on the 29th.

Rosburg Senior Community Lunches, sponsored by CAP are also served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the above location. The menu for Thursday, the 26th is: stuffed pork, vegetable Paella, carrot and raisin salad and peanut butter bars.

We will be adding a new member to our household this week with the addition of a new puppy. Her name is Freyja and she is seven weeks old. She will join our older dogs, Grym (10 years), Lita (six years) and Grym and Lita’s pup, Remus (three years). With 78 acres, we have plenty of room for exercise and fun for our canine family, and they all get along with our cats and chickens. See what happens when you don’t have kids around anymore—you turn to pets with your nurturing.