Wahkiakum County seems to be quite the anomaly in these ‘times of Covid.’ Our low numbers of cases, our cooperation and our efforts are something to be proud of. Yes, there are stresses and changes. And yes, these are incredibly trying times for a l...

I hope you are all enjoying your modified summer. Somehow it seems like time is going really slow to me. Usually summer is a blink and then it’s gone, but these breezy days, spent 6 feet apart from everyone has me feeling like I am in a time-warp. An...

Have you read any good books lately? I have been trying to read more as a personal goal, but mostly to try and break up my slight attachment to technology. I’d like to hear what books you are reading- or what ways you tune out the technology. I l...

Health and wellness certainly have taken on a new shape and form in the past three months, eh? I’ve taken a lot of interest in noticing the daily reminders of how adaptable people truly are. When I take my son to daycare and I see all those little o...

The volunteers of the Summer Lunch program have completely blown me away. The outpour of folks willing to roll up their sleeves and make lunches for our kids is really something special. Our first week went great, and our numbers of meals are...

There is a lot happening right now, in the world, in our hearts and in our lives. I am certainly not a fortune teller, but I do have a sneaking suspicion that all this change is not only necessary, but also healthy. Some days it doesn’t seem that w...

Change is-a coming. Although we do not have a set date for reopening the community center yet, we are looking to open to the groups that utilize the center after hours, first. After we follow that guidance, our plans for reopening will follow....

In the spirit of keeping things interesting while homeschooling or maybe just something new and foreign to spice up your vocabulary, here is a new word to tryout. Ganawenindiwag. It is the Ojibwe word for “they take care of each other.” We are sti...

While doing some research, I came across an article on starttalkingnow.org. Dr. Yolanda Evans and social worker Erik Schlocker of Seattle Children’s Adolescent Medicine Clinic have recently compiled data and found that the “youth have indicated wor...

Farmers markets, vegetables, summer lunches, oh my! These are welcome words in this uncertain time. Stay healthy, eat your veggies and help when you can: This is my personal mantra I am using for myself and my 6-year old. What is yours? The Senior...

To be of service is one of the most fulfilling aspects of civic life. At times, not everyone will find themselves in the position to help and sometimes those who didn’t need help, suddenly do. There is a balance within a community that is i...

Have you hugged a tree lately? You may laugh, but I’m being quite serious. This might sound silly, but for huggers, this harrowing time of required distance can really do a toll on your dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a hug...

I’ve been thinking about you all quite a bit. I hope you are taking care of yourself. I hope you have your needs met. I hope you have things to be grateful for and that laughter is finding its way to you during these quiet spring days. Today I have f...

Food security. These two little words can mean so much. As these unprecedented times quietly entangle with daily life in Wahkiakum, I realize that there are great differences amongst our community members. For some, self-isolation has been enjoyable...

This county is so impressive- from the helpers to the farmers, to the workers, the volunteers, the parents and the kiddos: Just in case nobody has called to tell you today- You are doing a great job. You matter. You are appreciated. You are loved....

I sat staring at the blinking bar on an empty document for about two hours before I could type anything. I was searching for the right words, but they don’t exist. Nothing can prepare a person for what is happening right now. As I listen to the n...

In order to be proactive about the current situation, the Community Center will be closed until further notice. We will keep you posted as we learn more. Local restaurants will be doing take out orders and they are doing a great job at keeping up...

According to Webster’s the definition of self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health. Self-care has a medical history that dates to the 50’s. Prior to the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, these patients were us...

After a tiny sabbatical from the paper, I’m happy to be back. I enjoy these Thursday opportunities to be a part of your day. Lots happening everywhere, so don’t blink. Much to my chagrin, The Key Influencer campaign has been picking up speed, wit...

It is officially the day after The Holiday, you made it. Did you handle it like a North Pole Elf-Boss? Did you receive a miracle? Were you surprised by a kindness that was unexpected? Did you connect with people you love? Are you exhausted, broke...

The new year is time when a lot of people set goals; a resolution to themselves to improve some facet of their life. As those of you who read my column already know, I am a huge proponent of taking what you have and making it better. Health,...

As a recent transplant to this county, I find myself still becoming accustomed to the weather nuances. It’s enjoyable to me to learn what others consider ‘winter’. I can count quite a few benefits to having a wet winter over a snow filled one, but I...

Have you ever wanted to give crocheting a try? Or maybe knitting? Do you have a favorite pair of jeans that you can no longer wear in public due to a massive rip in the rear? Sandy Sews is an ongoing sewing group that is open to everybody, every...

Driving home after a lovely day at Johnson Park last week, I became flooded with memories of past holidays; who was there, who made dinner, who has since passed on and the new additions of people to call family. I couldn’t help but think of my g...

Perspective is an important aspect to life, and it can be the tool to smooth over uncomfortable lumps of misunderstanding. To some, the holidays are an exciting time filled with food, family functions and abundant joy. To others, it can be painful,...