Westside Stories

Spring has definitely arrived in Grays River Valley. The days are getting longer, and the sun is higher in the sky. I can feel the winter blues fading away, replaced by glorious sunshine and the sweet smell of freshly cut grass. Flowers and trees are blossoming, and wildlife is returning to the lower pastures. Recently, we've enjoyed some clear evenings filled with the chorus of frogs. The early misty mornings have revealed elk grazing in our lower field. I am looking forward to soaking up some much-needed vitamin D.

Cemetery Forum at Naselle Community Center

On Saturday, April 26 from 9–11 a.m., the Finnish American Folk Festival will be hosting a Cemetery Forum at the Naselle Community Center. This event will highlight the vital role cemeteries play in preserving community heritage. Cemeteries serve not only as final resting places, but also as historical records that enrich our understanding of the past and connect generations.

The day will kick off with a round-table discussion moderated by Robbie Johnson. This discussion will delve into the pressing challenges faced by local cemeteries. Participants will share insights on maintenance issues such as outdated landscaping and repairs; accessibility concerns for visitors, especially those with mobility challenges; and the historical significance of various burial sites.

The next segment will showcase innovative tools and resources designed to enhance cemetery visitation and genealogical research. Attendees will be introduced to user-friendly digital maps that provide layouts of cemetery grounds, as well as databases like FindAGrave.com that help individuals locate gravestones and learn more about the lives of their ancestors. This will provide a practical understanding of how technology can facilitate a deeper connection to our heritage.

There will also be a discussion on various ways community members can get involved. Opportunities include joining clean-up days to help beautify cemetery grounds, assisting with record-keeping or database updates, and how to participate in Memorial Day preparation efforts.

Lastly, there will be an open forum where attendees can ask questions, share personal experiences, and offer suggestions related to cemetery preservation and engagement. This segment will encourage dialogue and community bonding as participants discuss their memories and connections to local cemeteries.

Representation from each of the following cemeteries will be in attendance; Grays River Grange Cemetery, Deep River Cemetery, Seal River Cemetery, both Salmon Creek Cemeteries, Peaceful Hill Cemetery, Rosburg Cemetery, Eden Valley Cemetery, Ilwaco Cemetery and Lone Fir Cemetery.

The Finnish American Folk Festival is grateful for the caretakers who have all expressed an interest in participating in this event. Providing this venue is a way for the organization to help preserve our community heritage and connect us to the generations who have passed before us. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided.

Another upcoming event at the Naselle Community Center is a painting party with Abbie Mumley on Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. These events have been well attended in the past and enjoyed by the participants. Abbie will guide painters in capturing the beauty of Haystack Rock. To sign up, please contact Barb Swanson at bibs40@hotmail.com or 360-484-3602. The cost is $40 per participant and includes supplies.

April

19 – Easter Egg Hunt, 5th Grade & younger,

Naselle School, 10 a.m.

22 – Cowlitz Tribe Habitat Restoration Presentation at Grays River Grange, 6:30 p.m.

25 – Pajama Storytime at Naselle Library,

5-6 p.m.

26 – Cemetery Forum at Naselle Community

Center, 9-11 a.m.

26 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, all ages, Okies

Park, 9 p.m.

27 – FAFF Meeting, 4 p.m.

May

2 – Adults Create, Naselle Library, 3:30 p.m.

3 – Painting Party at Naselle Community

Center, 2 p.m.

9- Messy Art, Naselle Library, 3:30 p.m.

4 – Chicken Dinner at Rosburg Hall, noon

17 –American Legion Breakfast at Rosburg

Hall, 8-11 a.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.