New grandchild makes number 11

What a week! I hope all the readers had a wonderful Christmas. We certainly did, as well as the few days prior to the holiday. I spent last Thursday afternoon at the birthing center in Astoria, and at 7:05 p.m., we welcomed our 11th grandchild, 8 pound 8 ounce Wyatt Lee Cruz to the world. He was 22 inches long. Wyatt is the second son for Shane and Delena, and he was eagerly hugged by big brother, Emmett, about an hour after he was born. Life is certainly a miracle.

We headed to Oregon on Friday for the holiday and spent most of our time eating more food than it should be legal to consume. All the home made goodies just kept calling though, so most of us obliged. Thanks to our kids for a perfect weekend.

News from Naselle:

Classes will resume on January 3 at the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District after the holiday break. A new year with new goals for many.

The Naselle Timberland Library’s adult winter reading program will begin on January 1st and end on March 15th. Read your favorites and enter to win several great prizes. For more information contact the library.

Other news from the Westend:

The new siding is up on the two exterior repaired walls of the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park and the roof repair is done. Thank you commissioners for the timely repair and for your support.

The Grays River Valley Library and Community Computer Center will reopen on January 3 with their regular hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Check out all the scheduled activities listed on the calendars posted at both the north entrance and west entrance of the building. There are lots of things going on at Johnson Park and if you would like to help out or just participate in an activity, please contact Judy Durrah. She can give you more information.

Remember that a new group for camera buffs is being formed. No dates yet, but if you would like to meet with them, call Judy Durrah.

It’s not too early to think about your favorite valentine. The annual Valentine’s Diamond Dinner is coming up on February 11th at the Skamokawa Grange Hall. With your $25 dinner ticket you also get a ticket for the diamond necklace and many other wonderful prizes. This is a dinner you won’t forget while it also benefits our Wahkiakum County Fair.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall invites all seniors to join them every week for a delicious home cooked meal and great company. Thank you to Pat Potter and her volunteer crew for your efforts in our community.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, senior lunches are also provided at the same location and are sponsored by CAP. Both of these wonderful groups do so much for our seniors, and are certainly appreciated by those who are enjoying the lunches they provide. Check them out.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to the following celebrants this week: Melvin Ross, Sara Swanson, Ellie Chapman, Wendy Macy, Stacy Lane, Richie Bennett, Nathan Reitz, Dolores Nelson, Dorothy Johnson, Leonard Vaughn, Marcie Dunham, Cheryl Caetano, Heather Leonard, Alan Wirkkala, Keith Wirkkala, James Ray Smith, Lawrence Busse, Laura Ann Leaf, Logan Sandell and Tracy Shirek. Have a perfectly wonderful day.

Happy Anniversary to Just and Sue Thomas, Brandon and Lori Rose and to Richard and Gwen Angstrom. Wishing you many more.

It looks like the nice weather is over for this year, and it’s pouring outside. The county has posted that we will probably get wind to go along with the rain. Oh well, after all it is winter, isn’t it? The creek is rising so I guess more rain has fallen higher up in the hills and it’s all draining down. Guess it’s time to pick up a few essentials, just in case.

2011 is all but done, and I want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year. This past year has been both good and bad for our family, but we are all looking forward to better times and better happenings for 2012. We wish the same for all of you.