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

Wahkiakum Community Network has a new public relations coordinator. Kellyn Pakenen Hazen has been hired to fill a vacancy left when previous coordinator Tammy Peterson resigned to take a full-time job in the county auditor's office.

Pakenen-Hazen grew up in Naselle and graduated from Naselle High School. She attended the University of Washington and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Diversity Studies.

"I moved back to Naselle in June because I can't imagine calling anywhere else home," she wrote in a letter of introduction to the Network board of directors. "My husband and I love this area and the sense of community that is here. Both of us have always had a respect for Wahkiakum's sense of unity (that is clearly present at any of Wahkiakum's sporting events!!), and I love that I have found a job that unites the two communities of Naselle and Wahkiakum . . .

"I get to work for a cause that I dedicated my college career towards and that I am passionate about, work with the amazing youth in our area, work with all of you who have such great perspectives and ideas, and whatever else is thrown my way!"

Pakenen Hazen said her first project will be to join staff and the Network web developer in launching the Neighborhood Information and Community Exchange website.

"I think this website is going to be such a wonderful resource for our community, as a whole," she said.

She'll also be working with youth on a project to reduce marijuana use.

"I am very impressed with the determination and passion that our high school youth have presented in this project," she said.

Pakenen Hazen will have an office in Naselle.The office phone number is 360-484-7115; her work schedule is going to be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.