News from Naselle:

Don’t forget that tonight (Thursday), the Naselle Schools Evening of Excellence for K-12 students will take place in the Commons at 7 p.m. This is always a wonderful gathering of students and families celebrating the results of lots of hard work on the part of each award recipient. Join the fun and let the students know how proud we are of them.

Coming up on Saturday, 4 p.m., the Class of 2018 will switch their tassels as high school graduates and begin a whole new chapter in their lives. Some may go on to college, to vocational schools, into the military or have other plans, but will have had the preparations through 13 years of school to begin this new venture. Whatever they decide to do, this day will be the culmination of 13 years of hard work, good friends, good education and for most a fun time in their life. My personal congratulations to each of the graduates, and wishes for a successful future in whatever you decide to pursue. Congratulations to the Class of 2018.

A few more special events prior to the last day of school include kindergarten graduation on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and on Wednesday at 6 p.m. the 8th Grade Move-up will take place. The final day of school will be the 18th, and students will be released early.

Some fun events at the Naselle Timberland Library: On Tuesday, 6, p.m. a recently released movie rated PG-13 (suited for teens and adults). Check with the library for this week's title. Popcorn is provided by Friends of the Library

Bennett the Dog and his human Jane will be on hand on the 13th at 6 p.m. for kids and their families to cuddle up with a book and read to a canine friend.

Kids bored? Take them on a treasure hunt at the Naselle Timberland Library, ongoing until the 23rd. If they find all the hidden treasures, they will win a prize. This event is part of the Summer Library Program.

Are you looking for some interesting local history? Check out the Appelo Archives Center and the Cafe. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The cafe is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. I have personally checked out the cafe, and the soup and sandwiches were delicious and reasonably priced.

Westend news:

Final day for ordering your locally grown, fresh, cleaned and sliced strawberries with no sugar added and ready to preserve is Saturday. The purchase price for 14 pounds (1 3/4 gallons) is $29 and the 28 pound economy size (3 1/2 gallons) is $49. Orders must be paid in advance. Your prepaid orders must be picked up on June 16 at 10 a.m. at your selected pick up point, Rosburg Store, Wahkiakum High School parking lot or Skamokawa Grange parking lot. For more info or to place an order please call 795-3337 or 849-4003. Proceeds will be used for sight conservation, local scholarships and eye exams. Orders not picked up will be donated to charities.

The West End Food Pantry is open on Thursdays in the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park 1-5 p.m., and summertime is one of those times when easy meals are essential. Kids are out of school and need nutritious, easy items to prepare quickly. The pantry could use items such as peanut butter and jelly, canned raviolis, canned meats, rice a roni, boxed cereals, juices, etc., in order to stay ahead of the extra demand during this time of the year.

Happy Birthday to the following this week: Diane Matthews, Grace Hunt, Steve Gacke, Earl Johnson, Tanner Z. Given and Brent Kragerud. Wishing you all a wonderful, fun filled day.

Happy Anniversary to Hank and Linda Nelson and to Daniel and Lydia Forbes. Here’s to many more celebrations together.

One more graduation to go, and then back to cooler temperatures. Last Wednesday, my air conditioner in my car decided not to work right, so I had to find a dealer to fix it before the triple digit heat wave took over. If you are ever near Modesto, California and drive a Subaru, they are an outstanding service center. It turns out my condenser needed to be replaced. Not only did they get me in with two hours notice, they had the part and replaced it within an hour for free. Can't beat that for service.