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

Now that the days are a little warmer and the humidity is lower, we are about to tackle painting my husband’s 1959 Ford pickup. It seems like he has been waiting forever to finally get it done.

Darrel Sotka has finally had enough dry days to get the hay baled in our fields, and even a few berries are beginning to ripen. Maybe that means summer is finally here.

News from Naselle:

It’s time for FinnFest once again. Lots of fun for the whole family, Finnish or not. This three-day event, held in even years, will take place on July 23 through July 25, and there is something for everyone.

The main site for the many events is the Naselle-Grays River Valley School campus with activities starting on Friday, including singing, and dancing as well as “Mummu” stories interspersed throughout the programs. Saturday will bring the Paavo Nurmi Run beginning at 8 a.m. with the Marimba Band playing for the finishing runners. Opening ceremonies for the festival will begin at 10 a.m. after which the Maypole dancers will perform and then the long awaited Wife Carry and Boot Toss. The rest of the day will be taken up with more dancing, singing and music from the Marimba Band. A community worship service will be held on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. with a coffee hour at 11 a.m. in the Commons. At 1 p.m. there will be a 100-year celebration at Peaceful Hill Cemetery, located on South Valley Road in Naselle.

In addition to all the other planned events there will be a salmon dinner at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Commons, as well as many other exhibits and demonstrations. Enjoy authentic Finnish dishes, arts and crafts, war memorabilia, a Kantele room with workshops, genealogy workshop, a quilt exhibit, an exhibit of Audrey Wirkkala’s photos, train rides for kids, a gillnet boat and an opportunity to talk with some published authors in the 4th grade taught by Alan Bennett.

A logging accident last week has left a young logger Michael Gilbert injured and unable to work for the time being. He has a young family and a donation site has been set up at Okies in Naselle, to help defray some of their immediate expenses. If you can help, please make your donation at the store.

Lots of fun things going on at the Naselle Timberland Library. Check them out.

Other news from the Westend:

The Valley Bible Church in Rosburg is extending an invitation to all children ages three through those going into the 6th grade to Vacation Bible School, starting on July 26 through July 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. The four days will be filled with lessons, crafts, singing and lots of fun activities. For more information or transportation requests please contact Katie Bjornsgard at 484-7275.

The Grays River Grange will sponsor a Primary Candidate’s Forum to be held on Tuesday, July 27th at Johnson Park. The forum will begin at 7:00 p.m. Come and meet the candidates for some of the state races as well as candidates for the local positions.

It’s Pig Roast time, and Poul and Zenaida Toftemark once again invite family and community members to help them celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary on the 31st. The 14th Annual event will take place on July 30, 31 and August 1 at “Echo Meadow,” 4491 SR 4 West in Rosburg. This is a weekend of nothing but fun, fun, fun. Bring your tents and camp for the weekend, or just come by for the pig roast on Saturday.

The kids will be in heaven on this beautiful piece of property, which Poul and Zenaida take such pride in. Entertainment available includes a huge slip 'n' slide, trampoline, soccer, volleyball, horseshoes, tetherball, swimming and canoeing (which requires that you provide swimsuits and lifejackets).

The pig is usually ready for the feast on Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Please bring along a dish or two to share, your own chairs to relax in, your own liquid refreshments, a smile and good conversation for all to enjoy.

David and Claudine Hammonds in Grays River have been enjoying lots of company for the past couple of weeks. His brother Paul and his wife Rosie from Ceres, Calif. spent several days visiting with them. They also brought along their granddaughter Marlena who was totally impressed with all the green trees.

Last weekend, the Hammonds had a visit with granddaughter Kaitlin, from Juneau, Alaska and one of their daughters, Melinda from Portland. Now they are enjoying a visit with daughter Mary and her husband Brian and their daughter Shawna from Juneau. Quite a houseful, but I know they love having family around. It also gives me a chance to hangout with some of my cousins.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch, that meets at Rosburg Hall, will enjoy Sloppy Joes, potato salad, veggies and dessert on the 28th. Come on in and meet your neighbors.

On Tuesday and Thursday the Rosburg Senior Community Lunches which are sponsored by CAP, will serve the following menus for the coming week: On Tuesday, the 27th: chicken Dijon, mashed potatoes, creamed kale, tossed salad and brownies; on Thursday, the 29th: chicken Parmesan, cheesy polenta, tossed salad, cauliflower and peas and Congo bars.

Birthdays being celebrated this week include: Bill D. Didion and Mark Galbraith on the 22nd; Donna Tyyska, Dorothy Cook and Jennifer Salme on the 23rd; Linda Thompson, Kyle Johnson, Louise Beck, Teresa Wood and Kyler Rogers on the 24th; Larry Sherk, Donna Oman, Donna Linstrom and Michael Harley on the 25th; Kayli Nelson, Norma White, Richard Ellis and Danette Rogers on the 26th; Ken Chapman on the 27th; Chris Cary, Pat Nelson and Miriam Galbraith on the 28th. Happy Birthday to each of you.

Happy Anniversary to the following couples this week: Melvin and Carol Rose on the 23rd; Ike and Pat Howerton on the 25th; Terry and Kim Tarabochia and Ken and Susan Chapman on the 27th; Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Busse on the 28th. Wishing you many more.