I hope everyone made it through that heat wave Mother Nature threw at us last weekend. It was not what I like. With the dry weather predicted for the next few days, please think carefully and plan for safety if you are having fireworks for the 4th.

News from Naselle:

It appears that one young man who attends Naselle-Grays River Valley High School is being rewarded for his prowess in several sports by being chosen as Male Athlete of the Year by the Daily News. He is Donny Edwards, of Rosburg, a junior and he is an all-league football and basketball player and was also chosen as a co-MVP all league pick in baseball. Congratulations to a very deserving young man, with a bright future ahead of him.

Westend News:

In speaking with Shonda Ware with the West End Food Pantry, on Tuesday, I was informed of the death of one of their board members, Pat Potter. She passed away on Sunday. The board members would like me to convey their warmest condolences to Pat’s family and friends.

My sympathies as well to Pat’s family. She was a wonderful, giving soul and did an amazing job with our senior citizens through her Wednesday lunch program. At this point, I have no information regarding the continuation of that program, and would welcome any input on the subject.

God bless you, Pat for being the friend I considered you to be. Rest in peace.

The West End Food Pantry will host a fundraiser July 1-4 at the Dismal Nitch rest area near the Megler Bridge on SR 401. Volunteers will offer free coffee and cookies to travelers coming through the stop. A donation jar will be on hand for those who wish to make a contribution that will benefit the Food Pantry. If you are interested in helping out please contact Shonda Ware at 465-2722.

The pantry is open on Thursdays 1-5 p.m. and is located at Johnson Park (old Rosburg School.) During the summer months, they are always in need of extra items for families with kids who are out of school. You can donate items such as peanut butter, jelly, bread, canned meats such as tuna and chicken, soups, mac and cheese, juices, etc., by stopping by Johnson Park on Thursdays during the above hours to drop your donations. There is also a drop box available in the north end of the building on other days when the building is open. If you wish to make a monetary donation, you can mail a check to PO box 55, Rosburg, WA 98643.

As a child, I remember attending Vacation Bible school during the summer months. It was alway a fun learning experience and a great way to spend time with my friends. The Valley Bible Church in Rosburg will hold Vacation Bible school from July 10-13 from 9 a.m. to noon and welcomes kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. For more information please contact Tari Zimmerman at 465-2147.

Mark your calendar for another wonderful, fun weekend. Poul and Zenaida Toftemark will once again open their property to a three-day, event filled family party/campout which will culminate with their famous pig-roast. This year’s event will be August 4-6. You can enjoy camping on their beautiful property, swimming, volleyball, tetherball, basketball and football, karaoke with a stage, possibly a band on Saturday and as always, a fun-filled family event with the best host and hostess around.

Bring your own lawn chairs, drinks of your choice and most important of all--lifejackets for the kids. Bring a dish or two to share for the pot luck on Saturday. The pig should be ready to feast on around 3 or 4 p.m.

If you have never attended this event, you are truly in for a treat. Poul and Zenaida have been doing this for many years and each year it gets bigger and better. Don’t forget to wish them a happy anniversary as well. Their special day coincides with this annual celebration. Hope to see you there.

I understand that the Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch held a potluck yesterday at the Valley Bible Church and had planned to discuss the continuation of the weekly lunches. I hope to have additional information for next week’s column.

On Thursdays, CAP provides a senior luncheon in the Rosburg Hall. Lunch is served at noon.

Happy Birthday to Taylor Rose Eaton and Angelee Torppa.

Happy Anniversary to Rod and Darlene Amber, Josh and Sue Holt, Cliff and Kaye Weimer.

A very special belated birthday to a pretty wonderful guy, Randy Collver. He is an inspiration to me and many others as we go through this life we live. Always the philosopher, fun, caring and brave. You are an amazing friend, and I hope your special day was perfect for you. Love and hugs from me.

This coming weekend is a very special one celebrating Independence Day. With the dry weather we will be having, please be careful with campfires and fireworks.

We should also be extra vigilant with our pets, as many are prone to be frightened by the noise and commotions related to Fourth of July fireworks. I know my three 100+ pound four legged babies hate thunder and fireworks. They are either trying to get in my lap or hiding in the bathroom. Many pets run away during this time of year due to being scared, so keep a close eye on your family pets, check with your vet for more ideas and keep them safe.

Happy 4th of July everyone! I will be celebrating with a few of my family members as well as friends. Have a safe holiday from my family to yours.