Westside Stories

Answering an invitation from founder Carlton Appelo and serving on the original board of directors, Anita Raistakka has been a dedicated volunteer at the Appelo Archives Center since 2010. One of her earliest projects was organizing the Finnish library, a fitting role for someone who proudly claims to be 94 percent Finnish.

Although she doesn't speak Finnish fluently, Anita grew up hearing it at home, especially when her dad was upset. That's where she picked up most of what she knows today. "I know all the best Finnish cuss words," she said with a laugh. One favorite, haista napa, meaning "smell my belly button," never fails to land, and she knows exactly when to use it.

Anita's parents instilled a strong sense of Finnish pride, though it wasn't until her 50s that Anita began actively exploring her heritage. That curiosity eventually led her on a solo trip to Finland, a meaningful journey that reflected both her independence and her desire to understand better where she came from. Anita also spent much of her life as an educator, teaching for 14 years in the Edmonds School District. Her focus was literature and the Russian language, and her favorite book to teach was "To Kill a Mockingbird," which she used to help students grapple with justice, empathy, and moral courage. Generations of students benefited from her thoughtful, grounded approach to teaching.

Beyond the archives, Anita has been a familiar sight at the Finnish American Folk Festival, often dressed in traditional Finnish attire and happy to share stories, laughter, and cultural traditions. For her, preserving history has always gone hand in hand with building connections.

On Dec. 16, the Appelo Archives Center honored Anita with a reception marking her retirement as the center's librarian after 15 years of service. Friends and community members gathered to share coffee, pulla, and well-wishes. This isn't Anita's first retirement, and she made it clear she isn't going anywhere. You'll still find her at the Archives, helping out, visiting with friends, and enjoying a cup of coffee. Her legacy of dedication, curiosity, and generosity will continue to influence the Appelo Archives Center for years to come. Thank you, Christy Festzer, for allowing me to use the tribute she wrote in the Archives newsletter in support of this story.

On Dec. 21, the fourth annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade took place on Knappton Road. Despite steady rain, participants lined up at the See farm, getting soaked as they prepared floats and vehicles. Spectators clustered mainly near the ball field, churches, and the clinic turnaround, braving the weather to cheer them on. While turnout was slightly lower than last year, the spirit of the event remained strong.

Just a reminder, a New Year's Day parade will take place in Rosburg, sponsored by Wahkiakum County Fire District #3. Participants should line up at the Rosburg Store at 11 a.m. The parade route will be along Altoona–Pillar Rock Road to the Burkhalter Farm. Mark and I plan to decorate our tractor and join the fun. At noon, activities will continue with a Potato Bar and Chili Potluck at the Grays River Fire Hall at 8 N. Hull Creek Rd.

The West End Food Bank distributed approximately 60 Christmas boxes to local families last Thursday. Heavy rain and ongoing flooding concerns prevented some families from attending, though deliveries were made when possible. With the holidays falling on a Thursday, the food bank will remain closed until Thursday, Jan. 8.

Local businesses stepped up in a big way. Okie's Market in Naselle donated 38 bags of food, along with a check for $229 from shopper contributions, while Cathlamet Market provided 10 coupons for complete turkey dinners. Their generosity, and that of many others, made a real difference this holiday season.

Westside Happenings

January

1 – New Year's Day Parade starting at the Rosburg Store at 11am. Potluck at Grays River Fire Hall at noon.

24 – Exhibition by Darbury Novoselic at the Grays River Grange, 11am–3pm.

25 - Exhibition by Darbury Novoselic at the Grays River Grange, 11am–5pm.

25 – FAFF Meeting at Appelo Archives Center, 4pm.

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