Home again and loving it. This trip added nearly 7,000 miles to my car’s odometer, and I have gained a new housemate. My brother Dave is here to stay, and my sister and I are very happy to have him. We drove back to Floodwood, Minn., visited Duluth and Lake Superior, got his essentials packed up into a U-Haul truck (we packed as he has had a recent hip replacement) and drove through some beautiful country both ways, but none as beautiful as here. As most of you know by now, I love home. Wahkiakum County has one more, happy resident for the census.

News from Naselle:

Are you ready for an amazing experience? The Finnish-American Folk Festival is back in Naselle on July 27, 28 and 29. With exhibits, lectures, music, dance and food, it is an incredible weekend. Experience the culture, kinship and folklore of many of our friends and neighbors whose ancestors came from Finland.

As an added bonus this year, our very own local band, Giants in the Trees, will play a free concert on the 28th at 7:15 p.m. for the whole family. Come and enjoy all the fun.

For more info on Finn-Fest you can check them out online at: http://www.nasellefinnfest.com or call:360 484-3388.

My sisters and my nieces and I visited the Appelo Archives Cafe prior to our Minnesota trip and had lunch. Tiffany’s broccoli cheddar soup was some of the best I have ever eaten, along with her yummy sandwiches. We all enjoyed our meal and the friendly atmosphere. Check them out on FaceBook and find out what is new at the Archives Museum as well.

Emma Zimmerman--one of Grays River’s own Veggie Girls--will be performing in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast presented by Peninsula Association of Performing Artists during several performances which began last weekend and runs each weekend, 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, through August 5. Tickets can be purchased online at: http://www.papatheater.com or if you need assistance, please call 360 836-4448. The show will be held in the Fort Columbia Theater in Chinook.

Even though school is out for the summer, the Naselle-Grays River Valley school board still has work to do. They will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend these open meetings.

Westend news:

With our annual Bald Eagle Days this year, the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation has added another first to the fun venues for the occasion. On July 20, 7 p.m., you and your family can sit in on the Challenge of Champions Tour of Professional Bull Riding. This is the real thing.

Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at the Duck Inn for $15 per person and the gate price will be $20. Kids under 5 years old are free.

The Grays River Grange #124 will once again hold their Tuesday Farmer’s Market in the Grange Hall located on SR 4 in downtown Grays River. Great veggies and fruit, locally grown and reasonably priced. Last week I purchased some delicious beets and strawberries, and they were amazing. Nothing like fresh veggies for a non gardener.

Got legal questions? Need help with a legal issue? Here’s your chance to discuss your problems with an attorney through the Northwest Justice System provided by the St. James Family Center and the Charlotte House. These clinics are held on a quarterly basis.

On Friday, 3-4:30 p.m., a representative will be available at the Grays River Valley Center to help you address some of your issues. To reserve your spot, please call 360 795-6401 to make an appointment. You must have an appointment.

Assistance is provided in the following areas: family, housing, consumer/debt, public benefits, disability, etc.

Happy Birthday to the following: Kelsi Nelson, Alyssa Leonard, Andrew Hodson, Joel Fitts, Eric Hendrickson, Jessie Smith, Addison Dalton, Courtney Peters, Lori Gollersrud, Bryan Torppa, Kendra Leeland and Emily Gudmundsen. Have an awesome day.

Happy Anniversary to Lamar and Bekah Wirkkala. Here’s to many more celebrations.