Westside Stories

After being out of town for a week, we returned to a vibrant spring landscape. Areas we hadn't mowed yet had grass growing two feet tall, blackberry bushes were thriving, and the trees had fully leafed out. We spent Sunday afternoon on the mower and tractor cleaning up our property. While I was writing my column today, temperatures soared into the 80s. If the weather continues like this, we may be in for a long, hot summer.

On Sunday, we attended the chicken dinner fundraiser at Rosburg Hall and, as always, the food was fantastic. The salad bar was my favorite part, featuring dishes provided by several women in the community. The youth volunteers did an excellent job serving the meal, cleaning up the dishes, and bringing around a cart filled with a variety of delectable desserts.

I would like to take a moment to recognize the incredible women of the Rosburg Community Club who played a vital role in organizing the fundraiser. In particular, I want to acknowledge Diane Hollenbeck, Frieda Footh, and Sonja Kruse, who are truly invaluable to our community. They dedicate countless hours at Rosburg Hall, faithfully preparing meals for the senior lunch, assisting with and organizing events, and volunteering every week at the Westend Food Pantry to ensure that those in need receive food. Their camaraderie, cultivated through years of friendship, is truly inspiring.

Through my participation in senior lunches and volunteering at the food pantry, I have come to know all three of them well; they have become cherished friends. Diane remains steady and calm, even amidst the chaos of a busy afternoon at the food pantry, where donations are flowing in, there's a line of customers at the door, and shelves still need stocking. Freda keeps everyone on their toes with her clever banter and infectious sense of humor; she seems to have endless energy that keeps the other volunteers motivated. Sonja greets everyone with a warm smile, kind words, and much-needed hugs. Although she is soft-spoken, she knows how to keep us all in line when necessary.

If you are a patron of the senior lunches or the food pantry, please take a moment to give each of them a well-deserved pat on the back the next time you see them. They work incredibly hard for our community.

This Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. will be the final performances of "The Drowsy Chaperone, Jr." in the Naselle School Commons. I've heard rave reviews about this production. Saturday evening will also be Senior Night, where they will honor the graduating members of the cast.

Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $5 for students, and children 10 and under can attend for free. Please note that tickets purchased at the door can only be paid for with cash or check. Don't miss out on this great show.

The Pacific County Sheriff's Office has issued a warning about scammers who are calling residents using what appears to be the Sheriff's Office's legitimate phone number (360-642-9395). These scammers claim that individuals have outstanding tickets that require immediate payment in person at their office. This is a fraudulent attempt to deceive residents.

Please note that ticket payments are handled exclusively through the court system, not at the Sheriff's Office. The scammers are even using the name of a real employee from Pacific County; however, this employee does not deal with ticket matters and does not work at the Sheriff's Office. This indicates that the scammers have some local information, which makes their scheme seem more credible.

Be extremely cautious of any unsolicited calls urging you to leave your home. Always verify the caller's identity and the reason for their call by contacting the relevant agency directly using publicly listed contact information.

Westside Happenings

May

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

9,10-Naselle Drama Club production,

Naselle School Commons, 7 p.m.

10 – Seal River Cemetery Assoc. meeting at

Grays River Fire Hall, 10 a.m. Cemetery

cleanup at 1 p.m.

15 – Appelo Archives Author Series,

Tami J. Whitmore, 1 p.m.

17 – American Legion Breakfast at

Rosburg Hall, 8-11 a.m.

22-Appelo Archives Author Series,

Shaun Martin, 1 p.m.

29-Appelo Archives Author Series,

Greg Jacob, 1 p.m.

June

21 – Finnish Midsummer Tea at Appelo

Archives Center, 1 p.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.