Downriver Dispatches

Sad day for state workers: Today is the date set for state and other workers to lose their jobs if they haven't had a covid shot. Did we have to go this route? I want folks healthy, especially children, but this does seem extreme. Masks are easier than this! I feel for all those who now have no job and are leaving the state or looking for another job in the area. Stay believing in better days and say a prayer for those who are without jobs, please.

Photo of the Week: Debbie Littlefield and her husband, Bill, have lived here for 24 years, coming from Southern California. Chatting with her, I learned that she has always done art, starting as a child with crayons. Her favorite medium is acrylic paints. She often paints from photographs after studying the subject or landscape. In the photo you will see at the top a portion of her mural painted up high in the logging room at the Appelo Archives Center. It's a small but full length, mural of Wahkiakum County historic sites, including the old Appelo Store, covered bridge, a farm with milk cows, and much more. She is meticulous and likes to do research on the subject before beginning to paint. She has always enjoyed painting dogs and horses. Her prices depend on the amount of difficulty and detail in a painting. She displays and sells her art at the Tsuga Gallery in Cathlamet. If you have an idea for a piece she could do for you, she can be reached at drkhorse@wwest.net or at (360) 484-3286.

Naselle/GR Valley School Update: Superintendent Lisa Nelson tells me no students have been sick since school started. This is wonderful news. She says the students are wearing masks and all are doing well.

Clinic Art: Several local artists, including Debbie Littlefield, are meeting to plan art pieces for the Naselle Clinic. Local artists may put their art on display there and have it for sale. A notice needs to be on the art piece with the artist's name and phone number so those interested can call the artist directly to buy it. Having art on the walls is so welcoming when patients first enter. If you have art in your home that you'd like to loan for this project, please give me a call at (360) 465-2414 to have it picked up. Dave and Cheryl Nelson donated three Ducks Unlimited pieces that are much appreciated. They are beautiful and will be a lovely addition to the art collection. Rotations of art pieces is planned. Art on loan will come back to you if that option appeals to you.

Update on Blanchard Work Truck: Marshall recently found another truck in California (B) that will provide a newer cab and frame than the one he acquired earlier. (A) The final truck (C) will hold the "box portion" that has tools, welder, compressor, and parts from the A truck. The rest will be the B truck. Hope this makes sense to you! This is Marshall's best gift. He can put two trucks together to build the one he wants. It's nothing out of the ordinary to him. That's why he is so respected with heavy equipment/dump truck owners. Way to go, Marshall!

Kim Angelis: Many are asking what the new pole building is for at the Angelis property with the new dark red color on SR4 east of Johnson's One Stop. Kim has two collies, and the new building will be used for training them for competition and herding.

New Group: A new knitting/crocheting group is starting up at Johnson Park. The group will meet the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. Our first get together will be next Tuesday. Bring your unfinished projects or start a new one. Learn to knit or crochet. All levels welcome. For information, call Diane Hollenbeck at 360-465-2991.

4-H Celebration: October 30 is the date for the Wahkiakum County 4-H End of Year Celebration held at the Grays River Grange. For information, call Carol Ervest at (360) 465-2275.

Rosburg Community Club Bazaar: The annual Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser for the Rosburg Community Club will be November 6 from 10-2 with a lunch at 11:30. This annual event is not to be missed. There will be at least 10 vendors with holiday items for sale. Proceeds support Rosburg Hall's operating expenses.

New Art Class: A new art class will be held on November 13 at 2 p.m. at the Naselle Community Center just past the Library in Naselle on Parpala Road. The class will be taught by Abbie (Smith) Mumley at a cost of $30. If you'd like to register, you can contact Barb Swanson at 484-3602 or email her at: bibs40@hotmail.com.

Annual Halloween Bash: Now in its third year, the Annual Halloween Bash will be held at the Naselle Community Center at 14 Parpala Road. Holly Zabodyn Engelson started the event and this year, in partnership with the Finnish American Folk Festival, it will be held at the Naselle Community Center from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, October 31. Donations are appreciated at the door with proceeds going to the Community Center. To volunteer at the event, or donate candy or decorations, give Holly a call at (360) 484-3948.

Trunk or Treat: On Halloween evening, state troopers will be at the Washington State Patrol office in Naselle, next to the bus barn near the school with all their patrol cars parked there with candy in the trunks. Officers will be hosts for the kids. It was a hit last year, so I hope all kids will visit there as a stop on their trick or treat route. This one lasts from 3-6 p.m. so it will work for trick or treaters to visit this event, as well as the Halloween Bash at the Community Center.

Plan for Christmas: Remember the Christmas Concert at the Deep River Church on December 5, followed by tour of homes and a soup supper. Hold that afternoon because it's about as close as you can get to a Finnish holiday. That concert at Christmas is a great event to "open" Christmas for local families and visitors. That little church is so precious to the whole area. Folks come from the beach and Astoria as well.

Senior Lunches: CAP box lunches are available on Thursdays at Rosburg Hall by calling Denise at (360) 762-3111. Today's lunch will be: beef and tater bake, California Blend, Strawberry Parfait; October 28: sausage tortellini bake, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit salad, garlic bread and cookies. November Senior Lunch Club dates: November luncheons at the Rosburg Hall are planned for November 3 and 17.

Word for the Week: Appreciate