Graduation is this Saturday at 4 p.m.

Well, it looks like we had at least a couple of summer days. It seemed like a perfect day for the Dollars For Scholars Sturgeon Derby and Barbecue, as well as the car show. Once again a huge success.

News from Naselle:

Naselle-Grays River Valley Class of 2011 will hold their graduation ceremony on June 11 at 4 p.m. in the gymnasium. I would like to congratulate each and every on of these students on this accomplishment and wish them well in the new chapter of their lives. You have been given a huge opportunity by going to school in Naselle, so take it and run, into a bright future. It may not be an easy road but you can do it if you really set your mind to it. Go for it, whatever your choice may be.

Though the seniors will graduate on Saturday, school will remain in session until June 17. Kindergarten students will graduate on June 13 at 6:30 p.m. and 8th grade move-up will take place on June 14 at 6 p.m. Congratulations to all the students celebrating these important milestones in their education.

Congratulations to the 2011 Lower Columbia Cal Ripken AAA baseball team champions from Naselle, after sweeping the tournament this weekend in Knappa, Ore. Results of the games were 10-0, 14-9, 10-0 and 9-2. Way to win it boys! The team is sponsored by Elkhorn Oysters. Thanks to the coaches Chris Dorman, Lonnie Eaton and Keith Fauver and especially to the players, Donny Edwards, Corey Gregory, Nick Gaines, Cole Dorman, Paul Bjornsgard, Jake Eaton, Tye Johnson, James Heitsch, Ian Fontanilla, Vince Fauver, Shon McEneny, Eric Lund and Parker Dalton.

Pacific County Chapter of ABATE is gearing up for the Wildwood Rally to be held at the Deep River Campgrounds on SR 4 West between mileposts 10 and 11 on July 8-10. Open to everyone, whether you ride a motorcycle or not.

Get well wishes go out to two of our own ABATE members from all of us. Chuck Jensen and Bill Hoffman are both spending some time in the nursing home in Raymond for some recuperation. Some of the members made a trip to visit after the meeting last Sunday morning. Wishing you both a speedy recovery, and back on two wheels.

Other news from the Westend:

Once again I would like to thank our two county commissioners, Blair Brady and Dan Cothren for voting in the ordinance which restricts the use of septic sludge and class B biosolids. It seems that there is some media interest in this subject as well, now that Department of Ecology (Goliath) is suing Wahkiakum County (David). As citizens, we need to continue our support for the county ordinance.

On June 19, at 10 a.m., Grays River United Methodist Church will conduct a special service for their annual blessing of the animals. Everyone and their animals are welcome at this service which will be held outside. There will be a lunch following the blessing. For more information call Lois Burkhalter at 465-2240.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will enjoy smoked salmon chowder as well as a second choice of soup of the cook’s choice, hot rolls and dessert on the 15th. Join your friends and neighbors for a great meal and good company, and tell Pat Potter and her volunteer crew how much you appreciate their efforts.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays seniors can also get a nutritious meal sponsored by CAP at the same location. Thanks to Mary Saari for sending me the menus and to the site manager, Nicole Browning for handling the job of working with the volunteers and for giving our seniors the opportunity of such good meals. Menus for the coming week include: Thursday, the 9th-pork chop and gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and strawberry shortcake; Tuesday, the 14th- sweet and sour pork, Cantonese vegetables, brown rice, Mandarin oranges and a fortune cookie; Thursday, the 16th- chicken enchiladas, Spanish rice, fiesta vegetables and raspberry bars.

Happy Birthday wishes to the following celebrants this week: Nick Zimmerman, Steve Gacke, Jo Mouliot, John Footh, Nicholas Strange, Tera Query, Chad Gregory, Brent Kragerud, Steven Amala, Megan Wirkkala, Sue Thomas, Lauren Rose, Alan Bennett, Abbie Magee, Hannah Magee and Morgan Maddux, Enjoy your special day.

Wishing the following couples a Happy Anniversary in the coming week: Hank and Linda Nelson, Tom and Susan Gradt, Steve and Gayle Gacke, Jim and Josie Eastham, Bob and Rosalie Eaton and Paul and Nikki Footh. Wishing you many more.

Looks like gardeners loved last weekend and took the time to spruce up their veggie patches. We finally got our yard mowed (it looked like a hay field) so it looks more like a lawn. I took on the task of priming the facia board around the house and then putting a coat of paint on as well so we can put up new gutters. What a job! Paint a bit, get down off the scaffold, move the scaffold to a new section, paint a bit, and so on. You don’t realize how big your house is until you have a paint brush in your hand.

We are still waiting for the moisture content of the wood flooring to match the OSB flooring inside the house so we can begin to lay it in. If it would only quit raining! Our carpet should be installed upstairs this week. New wood stove coming at the end of the week. Tile all laid in at the entry ways to the house. Just about ready to order cabinets. It’s finally looking like we can see the end.

Father’s Day is fast approaching. Put on your thinking caps and figure out what to do for that special guy. I know we always go to great lengths to celebrate Mother’s Day, and it seems like Dad sometimes gets left out. This year, let’s see if we can’t make his day extra special. Don’t forget June 19 is his day.