Dogs and Goats

Throughout the Westend all the way to Naselle, I have had the opportunity to talk with many who have a variety of animals from cattle for meat and/or dairy and goat farmers. All these people I talked to have dogs. These dogs are used as work dogs, guard dogs, and pets. They protect the property, animals, and the owners. I have met some who have a goat or goats as pets and they have dogs as well.

I acquired a brown and white chested pit bull as a rescue dog a little over a year ago, and his name is Buddy. He had no teeth. His previous owner had ground down his teeth so he could not bite. His testicles had been removed so he became a very docile and family friendly dog. About a year later my daughter rescued and paid for a white goat with a brown face that was destined for slaughter, and she brought him to a new home at my house. I have never had a goat before and had no idea what to expect. My granddaughter likes to call him Billy goat, but it comes out sounding like bagel. This goat and I have had an immediate bond. I love this goat, but I am very thankful to God he was not an elephant.

As irony would have it this goat's name is also Buddy. When the two Buddy boys were first introduced to each other, the pit tried to everyone's surprise to bite the goat's neck only to become frustrated by constantly sliding off. The two are now inseparable friends. I let the dog out at night to do his business, and the goat remains quiet against possible predators. The dog is taking too long, and I know he is just sniffing around, so I yell to get him to come back. I yell "Buddy" and the goat bleats and the dog returns.

Skamakowa Grange #425 Open Mic

Come to the Grange Open Mic at 18 Fairgrounds Road in Skamakowa this Saturday, 4 p.m. This is a chance for those of you on the Westend to come and perform or just enjoy the talent. You will not be disappointed. There will be a jam session following the open mic. For those who want to perform, you will need to be there by 3:45 to sign up. The admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Westend News

Wahkiakum County Legal Clinic will be at Johnson Park in Rosburg on July 12, 3-4:30 p.m. They will assist with legal problems in family, housing, consumer debt, public benefits, disability, and others. Cases are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call 360-795-6401 for more information.

The Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park is now simply called Johnson Park. Their sewing room is open from 12-3 p.m. every Tuesday. WIC nutrition program personnel will be at Johnson Park by appointment only once a month from 9 a.m.-3 in the afternoon. Movie nights have been cancelled until further notice. They have building-wide Wi-Fi for your convenience. The password is publicguest.

Come to Johnson Park and visit the remodeled weight room. Thanks to Nick Berry, there is a fresh coat of paint, and the equipment is clean and safe. To work out, you must sign a waiver, and no one less than 18 years of age is allowed unless accompanied by a parent. They still are in need of curtains and gym padded flooring. There will be a new fitness director and mirrors coming soon. Donations for these items are being accepted through Johnson Park. If you want access to the gym 24/7, then it is suggested you buy a sponsorship. Sponsorships are inexpensive in February at only $6 for a family and $4 for a single to $72 dollars for a family in March.

Johnson Park is looking for board members to help coordinate the facility. If anyone is interested in volunteering please contact current Johnson Park president Shonda Ware at 360-465-2722 or Toni Fest at 360-465-2393.

Finnish/American Folk Festival

The Finnish/American Folk Festival (FAFF) has always been free. The events that are put on by the FAFF are not without cost. They appreciate the public's support whether it is through donations or memberships. Memberships are yearly beginning in January of each year. Member benefits include notification of events, meeting minutes, voting privileges at meetings and discounts at FAFF sponsored events. The Finnish/American Folk Festival is a Chapter of the Finlandia Foundation National (FFN). As a member of FAFF you will receive mailings from FFN. Individual memberships are $10 a year or $150 for a lifetime membership. A retired couple only pays $15 a year. A family has the option of a yearly cost of $20 or a lifetime family membership for only $250. You can send your membership to Finnish/American Folk Festival at P.O. Box 156, Naselle, WA 98638. FAFF is a 501-c3 registered non-profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible, but not membership. All who support FAFF will be publicly thanked unless otherwise specified.