NHS class writing about veteran

Naselle Comet sports schedule for this week includes today's high school track at Raymond, a freshman track meet at Centralia on Saturday, and a middle school track meet at home on Monday. Go Comets!

Naselle-Grays River Valley Booster Club will hold its monthly meeting on May 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Lyle Patterson joined Mr. Dalton’s junior US History class on April 29 to continue their interview project with local veterans. The program is a partnership with the Appelo Archive Center and American Legion Post 111 in an effort to preserve the veterans' stories. The end product will be displayed at the Appelo Archive center.

Information shared by Lyle:

Lyle was born at the beginning of the Great Depression in 1929. When he was six, his mom died and his dad had become sick, so he and his other three siblings were farmed out to relatives. He ended up living in Spokane with an uncle and aunt. He eventually moved in with his older brother whom he hadn’t seen in many years. He said this was probably the best thing to happen to him.

Lyle joined the Army Air Corps in 1947 where he was part of the occupation force in Japan. He later served as Buck Sergeant as the chief gunner on the top window on a B-29 during the Korean War. He described it as “the best viewpoint.” He flew 31 combat missions and went on to share stories of tracers the size of basketballs flying right by his head and Migs (name for a type of military aircraft) that would come out of the sun. He was stationed in Okinawa for many of his trips into “Mig Alley.” Lyle shared his viewpoint on the restrictions of war for both the Korean War and Vietnam. He said he felt that the U.S. should have crossed into China to bomb the planes on the ground rather than wait to try and get them when they were in the air.

Lyle then told how he ended up coming to Naselle, where he was a teacher and coach for many years. Lyle said that after meeting then-Superintendent Grabenhorst, he felt that he had found a guy he could work for and became a math teacher. The class asked him questions about coaching football and basketball, and he commented on some of his best teams and players throughout the years.

He ended the presentation by telling the kids that life is about trying to find a job that they like. “If you find something that you like to do then it isn’t work,” he said, and told them whatever they choose to do they just need to work hard at it.

Other news from the west end:

Are you looking for a good book and maybe something sweet and yummy to go with that cup of tea or coffee while you get comfy and do a little reading? Here’s your chance to take care of both of those needs. There will be a Book and Bake Sale from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Johnson Park (the old Rosburg School). Proceeds from the sale will help with the expenses of combining the community computer center and the Grays River Valley Library into one room. With this move the two programs will be able to expand their hours and utilize volunteers in a more efficient way.

If you would like to donate some baked goods, you can contact Penny Gregory at 465-2775. She will also be at the site at 8:30 a.m. Saturday if you would like to drop something off. Thank you all in advance for your help and support of this project.

The rummage sale held last Saturday at the Rosburg Hall to help with the financial end of purchasing and training a service dog for Kenzie Abbott of Cathlamet was a huge success. They raised about $1200. I had a call from her mom, Lorinda Alexander (formerly an employee at the Rosburg Store and daughter of Walt and Clara Berkshire of Grays River), and she asked me to convey their deepest thanks for all the help from several folks in particular: Marlea Blain, Geri Lee, Bobby Olmstead, Walt and Clara Berkshire, and Kathy Hillsbery. She also wanted to thank the shoppers who purchased items and especially those who so generously gave donations. This money will go a long way to help with expenses and in giving Kenzie a more independent life.

I purchased some very reasonably priced items at the sale and I must say it was quite a nice event. They tell me there will be another sale sometime in June, so stay tuned. If you are interested in one of Kenzie’s fundraising cookbooks, they are still available for $12 at the Rosburg Store or by calling (360) 795-0575. The book includes some really awesome recipes from lots of local folks and would make a great gift.

The Grays River Habitat Enhancement District will hold its regular monthly meeting on May 11 at 6 p.m. in the Grays River Grange Hall. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend these open meetings. Refreshments are always served.

Birthdays being celebrated this coming week include Berniece Helton, Wesley Bjornsgard, Julie Hampson, Kenzi Wirkkala, Carol Haven, Marilee Wirkkala, Debee Bauer, Allyn Bauer, Jon Wirkkala, Angie Calvert, Parker Kilponen, Nicole Laney, Arne Wirkkala, Carol Harley, Holly Rogers, Pat Vernon, Ike Howerton, Sonja Kruse, Jessica Gregory, Raymond Badger and Missy Harley. Happy Birthday to all of you.

A special Happy Birthday to one real community minded spirit. Norm Bolton will celebrate his big day this week. He is the new owner of the Rosburg Store. He and his family stepped up and re-opened this iconic local store, and the community really appreciates it. Have a very special day, Norm.

Happy Anniversary to the following couples this week: Cary and Melanie Bloom, Mike and Diane Matthews, Larry and Yvonne Howell, George and Pat Vernon, Randy and Vickie Wirkkala, Bert and Carol Haven and Robert and May Adair. Wishing you many more special celebrations.