Westside Stories

The weather forecast definitely wasn’t exaggerated this week. It poured heavily, straight through Sunday and into Monday and, by late Monday night, the Grays River had had enough. It jumped its banks and spread across the valley, swallowing fields, creeping into barns, and shutting down roads all over the West End. SR4 went under in Grays River and Seal River, and parts of Naselle weren’t any better. The Grays River Grange Christmas party was canceled, and Naselle Schools called off school for the day on Tuesday.

Mark and I slogged out into the mess Monday evening to check how our own creeks and culverts were handling the onslaught. For the first time since we’ve lived here, the culverts couldn’t keep up, and water spilled right over the driveway. Behind the house, the main creek was moving so fast it carved out a piece of bank and created a brand-new waterfall. My weather app estimated that half an inch of rain was falling per hour, and it sure looked like it.

By Tuesday morning, we were back out there, navigating whatever roads were passable to take photos. Pastures that should’ve held cows looked like lakes, and the riverbanks had vanished into a single, sweeping sheet of water. Barns and outbuildings that usually sit safely above the floodline were suddenly islands. We’ve seen high water out here before, but nothing quite like this. With more rain forecasted for the rest of the week, there’s no pretending we’re done.

In more positive news, the Leadership Class at Naselle High School is launching a new version of the Angel Tree program this year. They’re calling it “The Comet Tree” to help local students and families who need extra support during the holiday season.

Each tag on the tree near the school office displays a student’s age, clothing sizes, and a short wish list of both needs and wants. School staff, community members, and students can quietly select a tag and shop for that child. The students chosen for the program were referred by counselors, teachers, administrators, and support staff.

Gifts can be dropped off (unwrapped) at Haleigh See’s classroom, where they’ll be sorted before being discreetly sent home or arranged for pickup.

If you would like to sponsor a child, please visit the high school office and select a tag. Any questions can be directed to Miss See at hsee@naselleschools.org.

Westside Happenings

December

14 – FAFF Christmas Events:

12:30 to 4:30 p.m. - Tour of Homes

1:30 p.m. – Christmas Concert at Historic Deep River Church

2 to 7:30 p.m. – Christmas Bazaar in the Naselle School Commons

4:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Soup supper and baked potato bar in the Naselle School Commons

6 p.m. – Christmas Bingo in the Naselle School Commons

14 – Appelo Archives Center Santa Night, 4 to 6 p.m.

17 – Senior Lunch Christmas Potluck at Rosburg Hall, noon.

18 – West End Food Pantry Christmas Box distribution, 1 to 5 p.m.

21 – 4th Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 4 p.m. Register at nasellefinnfest.com.

For a list of regular monthly events, please refer to the Wahkiakum Calendar. To add an event to the calendar, or share a story idea, please contact me at lisa@waheagle.com.