Westside Stories

The West End Food Pantry's Valentine's Day fundraising dinner was an enormous success. With minimal promotion, organizers Diane Hollenbeck and Shonda Ware were pleasantly surprised when 96 people filled Rosburg Hall for an evening centered around good food and a good cause. Guests enjoyed a hearty meal of tender prime rib, tasty green beans, twice-baked potatoes, a full salad bar, and strawberry shortcake topped with whipped cream.

Tables were dressed in red and white tablecloths and set with heart-shaped chocolates, and potted primroses, generously provided by Robbie and Marilyn Johnson. The flowers were later sold as part of the fundraiser, adding a thoughtful touch to the evening while increasing the total raised.

An event of this scale depends on many hands. Katherine Wheeler, granddaughter of Wes and Shonda Ware and a California-based chef, traveled to cook the prime rib and donated the meat for the dinner. Her contribution anchored the entire meal.

Organizers also extend their gratitude to Cheryl Dutcher for selling tickets; Robbie and Marilyn Johnson for their donations, decorating the hall, and assisting with cleanup; Will Ware, Maggie Ware, and Jordan Buckley-Cheatum for washing dishes, parking cars, bussing tables, and serving; Frieda Footh for providing the dinner rolls; Ken Elliot for coordinating cleanup efforts; and Ann Duncan and Martha Troyer for staying late to ensure the kitchen was left spotless.

The evening raised approximately $1,500 to support the West End Food Pantry, and plans are already underway to host the dinner again next year. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated beyond the ticket price, and volunteered their time to make the event such a meaningful success.

In other good news, the healthcare kiosks that the Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services have been working on for months are now stocked and ready for use. Both machines are fully operational and available 24/7, offering convenient access to preventative healthcare supplies whenever they're needed. Community members can find the kiosks on the porch of the community center in Cathlamet and outside the food pantry entrance at Johnson Park.

Westside Happenings

February

21 – Nordic Winter Market at Suomi Hall in Astoria, 10 am – 4 pm Pannukakku breakfast at 10 am

22 – Lasagna Dinner at Rosburg Hall, 1 – 4 pm, The meal is by donation and will include a silent auction and bake sale. Proceeds benefit the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation.

March

1 – Finnish American Folk Fest Meeting at Appelo Archive Center, 4 p.m.

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.