Westside Stories

Members of the Cathlamet Woman's Club gathered on Nov. 19 during senior lunch at Rosburg Hall to announce their 2025 Citizen of the Year. Woman's Club President Pearl Blackburn had the privilege of presenting the honor to Westend resident Mark Letham.

Mark was recognized for his years of community service and for his volunteer spirit. His commitment to Wahkiakum County Fire District 3 is notable. For fourteen years, he has responded during some of the most challenging moments families face, answering calls at all hours with great compassion.

His name will be engraved on a Citizen of the Year plaque, which hangs in the Community Center in Cathlamet. The club will also plant a rose bush in his honor in the Julia Butler Hansen House rose garden. The event is scheduled for June 14, 2026. Mark will also be recognized again in July by joining the club in the Bald Eagles Day Parade.

I want to extend my personal congratulations to Mark on this honor. I've had the chance to get to know him and his wife, Banya, over the past few years as neighbors, at community events, and when I interviewed them for my column a few months ago. Mark truly radiates community spirit and a desire to serve. Since we are just up the road from the Grays River Fire Hall, I've seen him race past our place more times than I can count, heading out to help someone in need. His commitment to serving our community is admirable.

Westside Happenings

There's an important update about the West End Food Pantry's Christmas box distribution. The new date is Thursday, Dec. 18. Volunteers are still needed for both assembly and distribution. If you have questions, please call Diane Hollenbeck at 360-465-2344.

The Grays River Grange will host its annual Christmas Party on Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The evening will include a potluck dinner, caroling, a raffle drawing, a spirited reading of The Night Before Christmas, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus. The event is open to the entire community.

If you're bringing a child, please bring a wrapped gift with their name on it for Santa to deliver. The Grange will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the local food bank. For more information, please contact them at grange@wwest.net or call 360-465-2268.

The Appelo Archive Center is hosting a Christmas gift exchange open to everyone interested in participating. Bring a wrapped, gender-neutral gift valued at $20 and place it under their tree by Dec. 12. You can stop by and select a gift during Santa Night on Dec. 14, or anytime during their open hours from Dec. 16 to 19.

November

30 – FAFF Meeting at Appelo Archives, 4 p.m.

December

6 – Art Show at Grays River Grange, 12 – 4 p.m.

9 – Grays River Grange Christmas Party,

6:30 p.m.

14 – FAFF Christmas Events: Tour of Homes,

DeepRiver Church Concert, Soup Supper,

Bingo, and Christmas Bazaar

14 – Appelo Archives Center Santa Night

18 – West End Food Pantry Christmas

Box distribution, 1 – 5 p.m.

21 – 4th Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas

Parade, 4 p.m. Register at nasellefinnfest.com.

To add an event to the calendar or share a story idea, please email me at lisa@waheagle.com.