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

Grays River Grange #124 had a very busy 2009. The year began with a flood. Thankfully, the Grange survived with minimal water in the entry but the water left with a muddy mess outside in the parking areas.

2009 brought some much needed upgrades to the Grange. Work began with the bathrooms being remodeled. The ceiling tiles have also been removed revealing the original grand high ceilings.

The Elochoman Grange closed its doors in January. Members from the Elochoman Grange merged with Grays River Grange. Currently, the State Grange is working with Elochoman to reestablish that Grange.

In February, Grays River Grange presented a resolution to the State Grange in Olympia in support of Naselle Youth Camp (NYC). The resolution was brought to the State Grange Convention in Longview where it was adopted. During the 2010 legislative session, if needed, the State Grange will be asked to lobby in support of NYC and as it stands now with the Governor's supplemental budget the need is there. The Governor's budget will reduce NYC from 84 beds to 50 beds. The function of NYC will change to strictly a DNR Forestry Camp. The reduction to 50 beds will dramatically reduce the number of employees at NYC.

This was the Grange's second year hosting the Meserve Park Farmer’s Market. The market was held the second and fourth Tuesdays June through September. Featured at the market were fresh vegetables, flowers, homemade bread, local beef and more. This year’s market is just around the corner. If interested in being a vendor, contact the Grays River Grange at 465-2268 and leave a message or email the grange@wwest.net.

Prior to beginning of hunting season, the Grange sponsored a hunter’s informational forum. The Wahkiakum Co. Prosecutor, officials from Fish and Wildlife and Eyes in the Woods were present to answer questions regarding property owners' rights during hunting season.

The year would not be complete without the Wahkiakum County Fair and the Grange food booth. Thanks to the organization of fair booth coordinators Donna Moody and Esther Gregg, this year's booth was very successful. The saying “It takes a village to raise a child” reminds me of the fair food booth. Without the hard work of members from both the Skamokawa and Grays River Granges cooking, waiting the counter and everything else it takes to run the booth it would not be the success it is each year.

The year came to an end with a fabulous Christmas Party. The Grange began a new tradition of donating $1500 to local groups, charities, and individuals. Not a bad way to end the year. This of course is just a snippet of what the Grange accomplished in 2009. Overall, it was a great year for Grays River Grange.

Visit the Grays River Grange website at http://graysriver.grange.wahkiakum.info for community and Grange news. Email grange@wwest.net if you have an announcement or community event you would like posted on the Grange website.

Grays River Grange Meetings: January 12 and 26; 6:30 p.m. – Locavore Potluck Dinner, 7:30 p.m. – Meeting & Installation of Officers.