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

After a tiny sabbatical from the paper, I’m happy to be back. I enjoy these Thursday opportunities to be a part of your day. Lots happening everywhere, so don’t blink.

Much to my chagrin, The Key Influencer campaign has been picking up speed, with a positive buzz. The tag line, “You are the most powerful influence in your child’s life,” holds a lot of weight and I’m enjoying the conversations I get to have with folks in town about it. Lock Boxes designed to keep cannabis products out of the hands of our youth, are still available to any parent or guardian, for free. Changing the norms and navigating this together as a community, responsibly, is the best way to show our kids that we want to see them succeed. It’s a whole different world as a teenager, compared to when most Eagle readers were that age. If you are a Key Influencer in a kid’s life and have cannabis at home, you can get your Lock Box today and draw the line. Each box has tips and talking points of how to speak with your kids about the risks of youth cannabis use and new law information. Both cannabis retailers in our county have a demo Lock Box and information for you on how to get your own.

The Annual Seed Exchange is fast approaching. In my humble opinion, growing your own food is an aspect of personal sovereignty that leads to freedom. Nothing excites me more than to plant a seed and witness the transformation; in the plant and the planter. Thinking about little sprouts of green? Are you shrieking in anticipation to get your hands in the soil, too? No better way to start your spring planning than by joining this yearly gathering of ‘green thumbs.’ Save the date of March 28! This annual heirloom seed exchange and the stewards who make it happen are invaluable to this community.

Summer meal programs rely on innovation and collaboration to reach children who need good nutrition when school is out of session. Outdoor Café 2020 planning is underway, and we are looking for volunteers to help make it all come together once again. Last summer 875 lunches were served. Let that sink it. Without this program, its dedicated volunteers and its donor support, that would not have been possible. As the SNAP grant contractor, I’m looking forward to new ways of collaborating with both sites. If you have interest in being a part of Outdoor Café, the first monthly meeting will be today, Thursday Feb. 6 at 1 p.m., at the Community Center and the following first Thursdays of every month at 1 p.m.

If you find yourself in a pinch or know you would benefit from extra money, I highly recommend you come to the Community Center for the Census Hiring Event. No skill set required, $16.50/hour, paid training, mileage paid, 8-12 weeks of work and this work does not affect assistance. This is a perfect opportunity to get ahead or to get out of the red. Every Tuesday and Wednesday in February from 10-12 will be your chance to sign up and learn how to pocket some great cash.

“It is best and easiest not to discredit others, but to prepare oneself to be as good as possible.” Socrates. Be Well, Wahkiakum!