News from Naselle:
Only a few more days before the kids will be hitting the books again. Where has the summer gone? I’ m sure they are asking the same question, with just one more long weekend before school starts.
I spoke with Naselle-Grays River Valley superintendent, Alan Bennett and the school is ready for a new year and students. The new 50 year roof has been installed, new black top in the teachers parking area, the new bus loop from the bus barn directly to the loading zone in front of the school is ready for use, and lots of other little maintenance items have been done in preparation for the new school year.
Parents of the Naselle cheerleaders will be holding a community garage sale on August 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., near the drive-thru coffee shop in front of the school. Bring your goods and set up your table for a nominal fee and help defray some of the costs for uniforms. It looks like the weather may even cooperate for this event. For more information contact Josie Ciambetti.
It’s a pretty somber and sad time for the community of Naselle, having lost one of their own to an accident last week. My most sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Shirley Grabenhorst, for their loss. She was an exceptional lady, and will be dearly missed by all. My prayers are also with the survivors of the accident for a speedy recovery.
Other news from the Westend:
What a beautiful day it was last Friday, just perfect for a ride. And so we did. Heading east, we had to stop at the Fair. What a wonderful day it was for Kids Day. The 4-H groups seem to have everything under control, the different displays were exceptional this year, lots of entertainment for everyone, as well as delicious food. There seemed to be lots more people enjoying our Fair than I have seen before. That’s good news.
Speaking of Kids Day. I spent some time with a few of the “more mature” kids who were especially enjoying their toys. Ray Badger offered me a ride in his 1925 Model-T and I jumped at the chance, having never ridden in one. What a kick! Then it was off to the races for him and five or six other racers. They competed two at a time. From the start line they had to drive to a second line and stop their car, get out, take a balloon out of a box next to the track, return to their car, restart it by pulling the crank, get back in and drive to the finish. Sometimes the cars don’t like to restart, so the driver got a little extra exercise by cranking, cranking and cranking. After the racing session, they offered rides to the audience so I took advantage again and went round the track with Gordy Oman in his 1917 Model-T. Now that’s my kind of fun.
The Community Computer Center is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 1-5 p.m. each week. We would still like to have a few more volunteers to spend a couple of hours each week helping out. Then we would be able to have the center open until 7 p.m. again. If you are interested, contact Norm Bolton or Judy Durrah.
Got stress? Yoga classes are being taught at Johnson Park. Take advantage of the stress relieving techniques being taught by Jack Braman on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the old Rosburg School.
TOPS (Take off pounds sensibly) meets in the exercise room at Johnson Park on Tuesday at 5 p.m. For more information on TOPS please call: 465-2656 or 465-2321.
The Johnson Park Art Group has enjoyed a pretty successful exhibit at Redman Hall in Skamokawa. They are quite a talented group of folks. If you are interested in joining them, they meet on Thursday evenings at Johnson Park at 7:00 p.m. For more information call Noreen Fitts.
Don’t forget the Gospel Concert on August 30 being held at Valley Bible Church (4723 SR 4 West) in Rosburg at 7 p.m. Local, Grays River resident Edward Downs, and Steve Peterson of Sonora, California will perform some beautiful gospel renditions for the audience. Ed plays trumpet and Steve plays Alto and Soprano Saxophone. Also joining them will be guest vocalist, Miguel Verazas from southern California.
Bring a friend! Enjoy the evening.
Birthdays coming up this week: Mona Givens, Michael Hurst and Wendy Anderson on the 28th; Pat Rose, Michal Corbin, Calen Thompson, River Andring, Thomas Gradt, Shellie Baker, Kim Gray, Laura Swanson, Luke Gardner and Curt Reitz on the 29th; Desmyn Wirkkala on the 30th; Duane Kent, Lisa Colombo and Shellie Wirkkala on the 31st; Macey Weston and Sidney Rae Wirkkala on September 1st; Ryan Erickson and Alex Bennett on the 2nd; Amy Rose on the 3rd. Happy Birthday everyone.
Anniversaries being celebrated this week include: Jack and Marge Smith on the 28th; Joe and Jeanine Helvey and Tim and Denise Lewis on September 1st; Happy Anniversary to all of you.
Enjoy a safe holiday weekend.