DNR crew's hard work benefits Johnson Park

I don’t know about you but the warm rain was quite refreshing at the beginning of this week. Don’t get me wrong, I like the sunshine, but when it gets above 80, it’s too hot. That was one of the many reasons to leave California.

The farmers making hay probably didn’t appreciate the rain much as many of them are still trying to get the bales into the barns, and there are still quite a few bales in the fields. It looks like more good weather on the way though, at least through the weekend.

News from Naselle:

One more week until school begins for the 2011-12 school year. Classes will be in session beginning at 8 a.m. on September 1 , at the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District.

Sports practices have been held over the past few weeks for the fall sports lineup and games will begin as soon as school starts. Go Comets!

Other news from the Westend:

Last week Johnson Park and our entire community were the recipients of an absolutely wonderful volunteer crew’s work. The DNR crew from the Naselle Youth Camp, Mariner Lodge, supervised by Tim Tienhaara, gave us two days of nothing but progress in our efforts to keep the grounds at Johnson Park looking nice. The crew shoveled, sawed, raked, hoed, and chopped most of the weeds and excessive growth from around the buildings and the parking areas. It’s amazing, what this group of young men accomplished in two days. Topping off the project, on the second day, we now have a long awaited walking/nature trail (approximately a half mile long) through the forest surrounding the ball field. Check it out, as both ends of the trail are marked by pink ribbons.

I understand that these kids are in the Youth Camp for a reason, but I must say that they worked very hard at what they were doing; they were very polite, and very appreciative. As a thank you, several volunteers decided to barbecue hot dogs for the crew, and in addition they had chips, cookies, fruit and root beer floats. Thanks to the volunteers for their efforts, Penny Gregory, Judy Durrah, Georgene Scott, Cindy Lahti and Trudy Fredrickson.

When the state talks about closing down a facility like the Youth Camp, it saddens me to think that programs like this one that gives kids a chance to learn new skills, work in the public sector and take pride in a job well done, might be lost for good. Just so you know, Mariner Lodge DNR Crew and supervisor Tim Tienhaara, you are really appreciated and if you would like to come back and do some more work, you are more than welcome. Thank you, Thank you so much for all your help.

Remember the young lady, Kenzie Abbott from Cathlamet, who is in the process of having a Seizure Alert Dog trained to alert her prior to a seizure event? She still needs our help, and heaven knows she and her family are working hard at getting the job done. But it is expensive. Here is how we can help. Her family is holding another rummage sale. The event will take place at the home of Kenzie’s grandparents, Walt and Clara Berkshire, 111 Loop Road, Grays River, WA. 98621 on September 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on September 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you would like to donate gently used items, please contact James or Lorinda Alexander at 360 795-0575 or Walt and Clara Berkshire at 360 465-2436. You can also purchase Kenzie’s Heavenly Delights cookbook for only $12 at the Rosburg Store, which is dedicated to her loyal companion and friend, Keesha. Look around and see if you have unneeded items that you can donate to this special cause.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will enjoy sloppy Joes, tater tots, veggies and dessert on the 31st. The lunch menu on September 7 looks like a pot luck of favorite dishes and dessert.

The lunches served to this group is funded by donations and volunteers, as well as a nominal donation by the diners, and they are cooked and served by Pat Potter and her volunteer crew. It seems that they are struggling to make ends meet with our economy, so if you would like to donate goods, supplies, time or even cash, I’m sure it would be appreciated. The group will be meeting at the Valley Bible Church on the fourth Wednesday of each month in order to defray some rental costs.

CAP also sponsors senior lunches at the Rosburg Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays, thus giving the diners a nutritious meal at least three days a week. We have many seniors that enjoy the time out with friends as well as good food.

Happy Birthday to the following people this week: Julie Howell, Gabriel See, Ann Hurst, Jeff Johnson, Eddie Wirkkala, Makenzie Matthews, Josie Eastham, Yvonne Howell, Jon Gudmundsen, Joyce Kilponen, Norman Anderson, Dan White, Mona Givens, Wendy Anderson, Emma Kragerod, Pat Rose, Michal Corbin, Calen Thompson, River Andring, Thomas Gradt, Shellie Baker, Kim Gray, Laura Seiferd, Luke Gardner, Curt Reitz, Desmyn Wirkkala, Duane Kent, Lisa Colombo and Shellie Wirkkala. Wishing each of you a wonderful day.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to the following couples this week: Dewey and Shannon Adair, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Blake, Robert and Dawn Footh, Lonnie and Kim Eaton, Bob and Thelma Miller, Jack and Marge Smith, Kayse and Maria Rogers and Mr. and Mrs. Glen Carlson. Wishing you many more.

The Wahkiakum County Fair is over for another year, with many good things said about it. Lots of happy ribbon winners, great entertainment, awesome 4-H program, nice old cars and tractors and wonderful food and company. Thank you one and all for another great fair. Good job, fair board, manager, volunteers, participants and attendees. See you next year.