Drifter's Moon Band at Valley Bible Church

Looks like snow and colder weather is on the way. Time to stock up on a few necessary supplies just in case. Remember to check on your animals, make sure their water is thawed and available, and that they have a warm, dry place to bed down.

It’s also a good idea to check on your neighbors just in case they need something that you might be able to help them with. We’re all in this weather pattern together, so it can’t do any harm to help each other out.

News from Naselle:

The first grade class at Naselle School was alive with excitement that almost could not be contained! Lambie, a two-week-old Katahdin lamb, came to visit during science class to show the distinct characteristics of mammals, sheep in particular. Lambie was able to stand within 15 minutes of birth, ability that helps keep it safe from predators--mainly coyotes, here in our area. Katahdin sheep, named for Mt. Katahdin in Maine, where they were first bred, have a coat that sheds naturally, so doesn’t have to be shorn. They are a hardy sheep that like to eat brambles as well as grass.

As a side note to the previous story, I lived near Mt. Katahdin in Maine as a child, so I was quite interested to see that the sheep originally came from an area that I knew well. One of the reasons I liked it here so much, is that it reminded me of “home” as far as the trees, the summer climate (not quite as much rain there), and the four seasons (not quite as cold nor as much snow here).

Get ready for another spectacular performance with the Missoula Children’s Theater as they cast “King Arthur’s Quest.” Auditions, practice and performances will take place in just a week’s time. Talk about talent. The show will take place at Naselle Commons on March 11th and 12th. More details next week.

In recognition of the Naselle area senior citizens, a dinner is planned by Alpha Theta #3711 (the Naselle chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, an international leadership and service organization), and invites all our local senior citizens to a free dinner on Sunday, February 27th at 12:30 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Naselle, located at 278 Knappton Rd. This is an annual event.

Don’t forget the Finlandia Foundation Columbia-Pacific Chapter of Portland, Oregon is presenting the first annual Wilho Saari Award for Finnish Kantele on Saturday, March 5th, at their Mannerheim Dinner. The dinner is open to all FFCPC members, Finns, and friends of Finns. It is $30 per person for wine, dinner, and entertainment. It begins at 6 p.m. at Smith Center at Portland State University. Smith Center is next door to the Finnish Classroom. Please RSVP to Seppo Saarinen by Monday, February 28, 360 450-9748 or seppo.saarinen@comcast.net . Send checks to FFCPC, Dirk Schulbach, Treasurer, 0231 S.W. Palatine Hill Rd., Portland, OR 97219. The FFCPC Annual Meeting is that same day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Finnish Classroom.

Other news from the Westend:

Here’s your chance to spend a nice family friendly evening, sit back and enjoy some great music by some of our most popular local musicians. Carl Wirkkala and his group “Drifter’s Moon Band” will treat concert attendees to some good old “country gospel” on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Valley Bible Church located at 4723 SR 4 West in Rosburg. Coffee hour will follow. The concert is free but donations will gladly be accepted.

The annual American Legion Crab and Oyster Feed is almost here. Sponsored by the Deep River Post #111 this feast is cooked and served by the Legion members (with a little help from a few others), and is the feed of the year, as far as I’m concerned. This event is always a sell out, so if you don’t have a ticket yet, you may want to get one right away.

The feed will take place on March 5 at the Rosburg Hall with doors opening at 6 p.m. For only $25 you get crab, salad, baked beans, with all the other homemade sides and all the oysters you can eat, steamed to perfection. A spectacular raffle will also be held, with some very nice prizes, and all this benefits our own American Legion Deep River Post #111. In turn, they provide scholarships, donate to charities and help out local veterans.

After dinner they roll back the tables and set up the dance floor for an evening of dancing and music. Always a fun time for everyone. Come on down and do the “Chicken Dance” with the best of Wahkiakum County. I’m sure they will be there.

The seventh annual Wahkiakum Food and Farm Summit will take place on March 19 in Cathlamet at the middle school multi purpose room from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Wahkiakum WSU Extension Service and Master Gardeners, this event will feature workshops for urban and rural growers. Learn about edible landscaping from Vern Nelson; northwest vegetable gardening from Ed Hume; small farm farming-making a living and surviving for 30 years on a small farm with Beverly Klock; and GMO’s, organic and sustainable farming for the little guy with Charles Benbrook. This full day program will give the attendees lots of good information for their own use, as well as new ideas for their growing adventures. For more information on the program please contact Carrie Kennedy, WSU Wahkiakum County Extension, Director at 360 795-3278.

Looking for something unique, maybe an antique? Here’s your chance to check out some antiques and collectibles right here in Rosburg. There will be a special sale on March 4 and 5 held at Johnson Park by Teresa Search. The sale will be inside the cafeteria so come check it out, rain or shine. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall always enjoy a nutritious meal prepared by Pat Potter and her volunteer crew. Thanks to Pat and all her helpers, the lunch goers can spend time socializing with their neighbors as well as getting out.

CAP sponsors lunches for seniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well at the same location. Both venues give an excellent opportunity to our residents for nutritious meals and great company.

Birthdays being celebrated this week include Craig Mattson, Marsha Woods, Jackie Sotka, Shannon Tetz, Shirley Miller, Barbara Tienhaara, Stephanie Forbes, Hayden Gudmundsen, Joel Strange, Maria Rogers, Bob Paavola, Penny Harley, Jadon Bjornsgard, Mike Matthews Jeremy Forbes, Ashley Albright, Jack Reinertsen, Riki Saari, Debbie Littlefield, Crystal Lanz, Michael Gilbert, Seth Scrabeck and Blake Johnson. Happy Birthday everyone.

Wishing a special Happy Anniversary to the following couples this coming week: Charlie and Joyce Otterson and Danny and Amber Parker.

Since I forgot to wish my sister, Sharon (she reads the column online from California), a Happy Birthday in last week’s column, I just wanted to let her know I did send her a birthday card on time. I hope she had a wonderful day, and that she got to spend a part of it with her hubby Larry, who has been in the hospital since October 15, but is on the road to recovery. I hope he showed her some good progress as a birthday present. Love you lots. Happy Birthday, Sis.

We now have electricity in the house and the drywall is here. The sheetrock hangers will be here on Wednesday (yesterday) so we are well on our way to walls and ceilings. It’s starting to look like a home again.