A Special Thanks to Eagle Readers

As long as I have been here I have done a lot of exploring on these old legs along many of the rivers as well as putting a lot of miles traversing the roads in the area. I also have spent many hours at various museums and doing my own research with books as well as use of the internet. Some of what I write about may be a bit redundant for some of you yet at the same time it can be informative or comical. I hope that what I write will bring fond memories that lift your spirit. My primary intent is to bring more readership to the paper while at the same time give you, the reader, a reason to pick up a copy. This last three days I have had close to a dozen strangers approach me to tell me that they recognized me from Downriver Dispatches. I have been so encouraged and inspired by your responses that it has moved me to give back to the community through writing to bless those around me here.

I have had the honor to have been a part of The Wahkiakum County Eagle since I first approached Rick Nelson about an idea for a story a little over a year ago. He would usually have me on an assignment at least once a month for the last year until I was offered to write Downriver Dispatches. The last two months I have been giving weekly readers a chance to see what upcoming events to choose to go to. I always have told my college students that what you believe will motivate you. I knew that and it made me realize that all these diverse events are being done by volunteers who believe in what they are doing and I need to see and hear for myself why they do these things. I then decided to go to every event possible to partake in their joy. Well, it worked. These last three weeks people have been laying the blessings on me in ways I never dreamed of. I was eating lunch at Maria’s with my wife and a total stranger sitting at a nearby table bought our lunch anonymously. I have many more stories such as this, but suffice it to say I am proud to call myself a friend to my new hometown and community. I do not find it a point to talk of anything of the negative that occur; we have an outstanding Sheriff in Mark Howie leading his deputies by example protecting our rights to help keep the bad guys in check.

Skamokawa Grange #425 Open Mic

On February 24, the Grange will invite all musicians, singers, and all lovers of music for a night of fun. Admission is free. The coffee is always on and snacks will be available. Sign up is at 3:45 p.m. with the open mic beginning at 4 p.m. A jam session will follow. Skamokawa Grange #425 is located at 18 Fairgrounds Road. For additional information contact Jerry Ledtke at 360-795-3434. Donations to the Skamokawa Grange are greatly appreciated.

Rosburg News

The Wahkiakum Lions Club, as many of you may know, focus on eye sight and hearing. They now have the glasses carousel in Wahkiakum County making reading glasses available free to anyone who may need them. The glasses carousel will be at Rosburg Hall until the end of February.

For those who have attended or are planning to attend the Naselle/Grays River Valley Seniors luncheon on Wednesday for all those who are 55 and older can join, also the potluck will be at the Valley Bible Church on every fourth Wednesday. Anyone interested in renting the Rosburg Hall is encouraged to contact Sonja Kruse at 465-2251 or Barbara Rose at 465-2251. Thursday luncheon at noon at the Rosburg Hall is sponsored by the Community Action Program (CAP) out of Kelso/Longview. All vegetables are cooked at the Rosburg Hall while the main course is prepared by cooks in Kelso from Grounds for Opportunity. Any questions, contact Denise Rae at (360) 425-3430 extension 259.

Grays River Valley Community Center at Johnson Park still has spots available for their 6th Annual Super Sale. This is an open invitation to vendors and individuals who wish to participate and will be able to purchase a table to promote their business. The Grays River Valley Center will host the event on March 23 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Items can be used, new, crafts, vintage, antiques. There will be over 50 table spaces available, approximately 6' X 10', plus room outside. The cost for the first table is $10 each, additional space will be $5. All reservations need to include payment. For more information and to make a reservation call 360-465-2310.

Naselle News

The Appelo Archives has announced with great sadness the passing of Carlton Appelo at age 96. He passed away on February 12. For those who had the honor to know him, he will be missed. Arrangements are pending.

The Naselle Community Center at 14 Parpala Rd held their first concert on Saturday with performing artists including Lydia Ballif, piano; Carl Wirkkala, Country musician; Richard Ellis, vocalist; Kim Angelis, violinist; and Gene Quilhaugh, folk singer and guitarist. The wonderful event was by donations only. Mike Swanson was modest when he first told me about the food. I thought I would leave early enough to get to the Rosburg Store for a burger, but as I went down the stairs the aroma was too much for me to ignore. As I gazed at this banquet of food fit for a king, I knew right away that the burger would wait for another day.

Their next event is slated for March with five talented artists displaying for sale their artwork. For more information about the event or renting the Naselle Community Center, contact Mike Swanson at 360-484-3388 or 360-484-3602.

The Naselle Timberland Library is located at 4 Parpala Rd, Naselle. Play Group is held every Tuesday at noon through March 26 for children birth to six years of age with a participating adult. The first Friday of every month until June 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. children of all ages can make amazing Lego constructions, and display them at the library. The first Saturday of every month join them for their Family Movie Matinee at 1 p.m.

The Naselle Sports Club Crab and Oyster Feed had nearly 100 hungry patrons feasting at the Naselle-Grays River Valley School. The dinner included crab, oysters, coleslaw, baked beans and garlic bread with an optional hot dog an available option. All proceeds go to help furnish uniforms, equipment, and other items for the basketball, baseball, and softball programs. If you were not able to attend and would still like to promote youth activities, send donations by checks or money orders to: Naselle Sports Club, P.O. Box 113, Naselle WA 98638.