Ceremonies honor outstanding students

As I sit here writing this column, I’m more than a little sore after a wonderful weekend with our kids in central Oregon and our oldest son and his family from California. On a whim we decided to try out our new rain gear and make the trip on the Harley. It worked out great except that my husband’s boots weren’t waterproof. Needless to say, wet, cold feet don’t make a guy very happy.

After a five-hour ride, we arrived and began to enjoy the weekend. On Saturday we headed to Smith Rock for some hiking and four hours later we were all headed back home with sore feet and legs that hadn’t walked that far in a long time. Sunday we were going to take a shorter hike just outside of Bend, and after walking another four hours, we made it another day. Of course the younger ones thought it was just a walk in the park, so I guess that means I’m not one of the younger ones any more. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Monday meant another five-hour motorcycle ride back to Washington, which wasn’t too bad, not much traffic and not a lot of rain. Still a little saddle sore though. All in all, it was well worth it, seeing the family and spending some real quality time with all of them. I hope all the readers had a wonderful holiday weekend as well.

News from Naselle:

Don’t forget tonight (Thursday) is the Athletic Awards for Naselle at 7 p.m. These awards are very important to the kids and their families, as they have all worked very hard to earn them. Let them know how proud we are of them and of how well they all represented our school and community.

June 8 there will be a Booster Club meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Next Thursday, the 10th will present the outstanding students of the year at the annual Evening of Excellence at 7 p.m. in the Naselle Commons and graduation will be held on June 12 at 4 p.m.

Nate from the Maritime Museum visited Naselle’s classes again. Students learned all about water safety and how to apply the information this summer. They learned to never turn your back on the ocean’s waves, not to play on or near floating logs, and always wear a life jacket in or near the water. Nate does an excellent job and the students thoroughly enjoy his visits.

Other news from the Westend:

I had a message from Alice Wirkkala of Naselle while I was gone this weekend and she wanted me to check out the rhododendron plant at the Seal River Cemetery under which her husband and his parents are buried. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the message until Monday evening after it had rained. She said that the plant (actually a tree) was completely in bloom with absolutely no green leaves showing. I made a trip to the cemetery on Tuesday morning and I have never seen a more beautiful rhodie. It must be 30 feet tall and at least 20 feet around, with gorgeous, perfectly formed soft pastel pink flowers. Given the opportunity, I would like to know how old the plant is and who actually planted it.

It sounds like the American Legion Deep River Post #111 breakfast was once again a success. Sorry we missed it, but thanks to the members and the community for supporting our vets and our kids, as well as this wonderful organization.

Don’t forget Dollars for Scholars Sturgeon Derby and the Rods and Reels Car Show in Skamokawa this coming weekend. Lots of fun for the whole family.

The Grays River Habitat Enhancement District will hold its regular monthly meeting on June 9 at 6 p.m. in the Grays River Grange Hall. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be served.

Check out the senior lunches being served three days a week at the Rosburg Hall. Pat Potter and her volunteer crew put together a great meal every Wednesday and CAP serves lunches every Tuesday and Thursday.

Birthdays coming up this week include Tylor Russel, Tom Thompson and Abigail Bennett on the 3rd; Bob Engelson, Jordan Badger, John Indermark and Mindy Penttila on the 4th; Brenda See, Errin Smalley, Kyle Donlon and David Bighill on the 5th; Dawn Warden and Leigh-Ann Wood on the 7th; Pete Howard, Zack Badger, Shannon Wirkkala, Erin Wirkkala, Diane Matthews, Jesse Lopez, Linda Bryant and Mildred Ziak on the 8th; Nick Zimmerman, Steve Gacke, Jo Mouliot and John Footh on the 9th. Happy Birthday everyone.

A very special belated birthday to my friend and Hull Creek neighbor Peggy Lerquin. I hope you had a wonderful day last Friday, May 29.

Happy Anniversary to Gene and Wendy Anderson on the 3rd; Tim and Deanna Wilson on the 4th; Richard and Linda Cary on the 5th and Arne and Aliisa Wirkkala on the 8th.