Antique doll has history of helping

Well, it seems that summer is finally here, with a vengeance. The really hot days are not my favorite. Even my sister, Sharon, who is still here from California, said it is just stifling with the humidity. Lots of folks are really enjoying all the heat, though.

Nancy George’s garden seems to be doing pretty good, especially in the lettuce section. She said she has an overabundance of it.

News from Naselle:

It won’t be long now before the kids will be back in school with homework, sports practice, and all the other activities that go along with the end of summer vacation. Let’s all encourage the students to do their best and make this year another successful one for our kids and our school.

Activities are still going on every week at the Naselle Timberland library, so take advantage of their offerings. In my mind, libraries and reading should be a part of everyone’s life, both young and old.

Other news from the Westend:

The auction for the Olson family was quite an event. If you missed it, and still would like to donate to their building fund, you can do so at the Bank of the Pacific. I had the opportunity to talk with them, and they are doing OK. Their shop has been converted to temporary living quarters, while their home can be rebuilt.

The many generous donations for the auction, once again show what a wonderful area we live in. One item in particular, has a special story behind it. It was an antique porcelain doll donated by Barbara Lewis of Winlock and brought to the auction by her daughter, Robyn Lewis Cothren. An auction was held in Chehalis at the fairgrounds to raise money for a heart/lung transplant for Barbara Lewis’ daughter, Shannon Lewis, (Robyn’s sister) in the 1980s. The doll was purchased by Shannon’s grandmother at the auction and was on display in Shannon’s room until she passed away in 1990 at the age of 19, having had the transplant at Stanford Medical Center in 1988.

Robyn reminisced, “Since that time my mom has kept the doll carefully wrapped and stored not wanting to part with that memory. When my mom and I went to the Chevron station in Cathlamet and saw the flyer we knew that we had to help the Olson family in one way or another even if we had never met them. After spending the weekend with our family here in Cathlamet my mom went back to Winlock and decided that my sister would be much happier knowing that her prized doll went to help someone in need rather than just having it in storage. My sister was always the first to volunteer and had a heart of gold so we are very happy that once again this doll was able to help a family in need.”

I did not get the name of the person who purchased this precious doll, but I hope her journey of helping others will continue. This gesture from Shannon Lewis and her family gives hope to another family through this doll.

Robyn also told me that she and her family suffered through a fire just two years ago, so she is truly in sync with others who have had this terrible thing happen to them. Thank you Robyn for sharing. God bless you.

On a lighter side, at the end of the auction, Corbett McMaster was passing out a few left over t-shirts that read “please donate” and someone offered to bid on the shirt he was wearing. When the bidding stopped at $85 he was asked to remove the shirt and give it over to the winning bidder. He was embarrassed, but someone brought him a replacement (see photo). Thanks to Corbett, and all the others who organized and solicited donations to make the event a success. Thanks also to auctioneer, Dewey Adair for volunteering his services, and to all the bidders for your efforts.

Last weekend seemed to be the one for everyone to have a garage sale. I understand that the one on Hull Creek at Bill and Peggy Lerquin’s, did quite well. A big thank you to them for letting my sister and I come by to see if there was anything we needed before the sale. I actually got several pans that fit in my little oven in the motor home and quite a few storage containers.

I understand that Dale Dutcher of Rosburg is slowly recovering from his stroke. We are thinking of you, and wishing you a speedy come back.

News regarding Johnson Park has come to my attention and it looks like Wahkiakum County will assume full ownership after the latest appeal. With that said, there will be a community meeting sometime in the near future, with the county, to determine the next steps to be taken in making it into a community center.

Jack Braman’s wife, Jeannie will be headed to Europe for a few weeks, so he will be working at home where he is busy on projects. Yoga and aerobics classes will be on hiatus, and will start up again sometime towards the fall. The yoga classes normally meet at Johnson Park on Tuesday and Thursday.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will enjoy a cool taco salad with all the trimmings and dessert on the 25th.

CAP sponsors senior lunches as well on Tuesday and Thursday at the same location. Menus for the coming week include: Thursday, the 19th- BBQ sandwich, French fries, pineapple slaw, sliced melon, and chocolate chip cookies; Tuesday, the 24th- sweet and sour pork, steamed rice, Asian veggies, gingered pears and brownies; Thursday, the 26th- baked chicken, country trio, Penne Alfredo with broccoli, mango chunks, and tapioca pudding.

By the time we go to press, my sister, Sharon will be back home in California. This was certainly an interesting visit with her, what with all the upheaval from the fire. Fun though, to have the three of us together at the same time.