Center acquires mini computer

What a gorgeous winter wonderland to wake up to this past weekend. I’m sure not everyone thought of it that way, especially if they had to drive to work. Walking in the snow always brings back childhood memories of growing up in Maine.

The dogs are in heaven with all the white fluffy stuff to bounce around and roll in. The chickens—not so much. They seem content to stay in the warm henhouse, much like most of us humans who curl up in our warm homes.

It looks like the weather will take a wet turn for the rest of the week and probably warm up, which means high water and possible flooding. Make sure you are stocked up on staples and check on any of your neighbors that you think might need help during our inclement winter weather. It only takes a phone call.

Thanks go out to the road crews who are keeping the roads safe for us.

News from Naselle:

Sports calendar for the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District has had a couple of adjustments for the week due to the bad weather. Check the school website for updates on postponements- http://www.naselle.wednet.edu. Scheduled games for the coming week: Thursday-high school boys basketball at home with Northwest Christian at 4:30 p.m. and high school girls basketball with Northwest Christian at home at 7:30 p.m .; Monday-middle school boys basketball at home with Raymond at 5:45 p.m .; Tuesday-high school girls basketball with Raymond at home at 5:45 p.m .; Wednesday-middle school boys basketball at Ocosta at 5:45 p.m. Go Comets!

The scheduled School Board meeting earlier this week has been changed to Thursday (tonight) at 6:30 p.m. This is an open public meeting.

January 25 is an in-service day for the Naselle School and students will be released from school at 12:30 p.m.

The Comet Booster Club birthday/anniversary calendars are still available. They can be purchased at the school in the district office, at Okie’s in Naselle and at the Rosburg Store for $4. The proceeds from the calendar sales benefit the Booster Club and ultimately, our kids. Pick one up.

The annual Valentine Smorgasbord sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary Post #111, will once again bring delight to the palates of local folks, on February 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Naselle School. Enjoy the famous salad bar, main course offerings of chicken, oysters and meatballs, other hot dishes, desserts and beverages, while donating to a wonderful group that uses the proceeds to benefit our community and our children as well as local American veterans.

Other news from the Westend:

If you and your family are interested in utilizing all the venues at the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park you can do so by purchasing a sponsorship. A family sponsorship (you and your immediate family) is $65 per year and a single is $45 per year. That sponsorship entitles you to the code access keys to the building, gym, exercise room and half price on rental fees for meetings and gatherings. It also benefits the park by maintaining a little money to pay for heating and maintenance costs. If you are not a sponsor, and are attending an activity, the advisory board would like to suggest a $2 donation for this purpose. Thank you in advance.

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the Park/Center, please contact Cindy Lahti or Penny Gregory.

The Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park is the site for a new camera/photography group being formed. The group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. The first meeting will be on February 1. Check them out, learn from others and share your own tips on how you take great photos. For more info contact Judy Durrah.

The Grays River Valley Library/Community Computer Center is now the proud owner of a new Mac mini computer, to be available to anyone who wishes to use it. It will be running Windows software so it is compatible with the other available computers.

I would like to let everyone know that if you are planning an event or would like to rent an area at Johnson Park, you need to contact the events coordinator, Judy Durrah. Judy does an excellent job of keeping the calendar updated and by contacting her it makes her job that much more accurate.

Tickets are available for the annual Valentine’s Diamond Dinner which will be held on February 11 at the Skamokawa Grange Hall. You can feast on a wonderful meal, listen to beautiful music and meet with old and new friends while benefitting a good cause. Raffle prizes are always exceptional, including a diamond necklace and other handmade jewelry. Bring your Valentine and enjoy a fun filled evening.

A new date has been set for the Encore Concert at the Pioneer Church. It will take place on January 28 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will once again feature local artists Andrew Emlen on cello, Jeffrey Reynolds on violin and Ronald Thompson on piano.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet or at the door for $10. This is a real bargain for an evening of great music and will benefit the Pioneer Community Association who sponsors the event.

I know it’s early yet, but the annual Crab and Oyster feed, sponsored by the American Legion Post #111 will be held on March 3 at the Rosburg Hall. There are a limited number of tickets available so don’t wait too long to purchase one. More info to come.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will enjoy Pat Potter’s tater tot casserole, veggies, bread and dessert on the 25th and soups, hot rolls and dessert on February 1.

CAP sponsored lunches, served at the same location on Tuesdays and Thursdays will include the following menus: Thursday, the 19th-chicken Romesco, scalloped potatoes, Swiss chard and carrot cake; Tuesday, the 24th-chicken cacciatore, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and brownies; Thursday, the 26th-stuffed pork, vegetable paella, carrot and raisin salad and peanut butter bars.

Happy Birthday wishes to the following: Andy Bighill, Amy Reach, Craig Kent, Shannon Maki, Tom Gradt, Evert Ehrlund, Jeff Tarabochia, Shelby Leeland, Debbie Saari, Diane Wirkkala, Stacy Katyryniuk, Dan Johnson, Kevin Leaf, Stephanie Gudmundsen, David Leeland, Dorina Fithen, Bobbie Jo Bighill, Rose See, James Henry, Alan Gatens, Amber Eaton, Rita Rafferty, Sheldon Warden, Michelle Wirkkala, Sarah Dotson and Monte Givens.

Happy Anniversary to Duane and Judy Kent. Wishing you many more celebrations.

Rick and Cindy Lahti of Grays River are looking for a much loved friend. Glory, an eight year old Australian silky terrier, has been missing for several days and they would like your help to bring her home. She is missing from the Hull Creek area. If you have any info please call Cindy at 465-2880.

We are looking forward to an extended visit from my sister, Sharon Biggers from California. She is scheduled to arrive today and is bringing a friend with her who is recovering from heart surgery. Sharon says that this is the best place in the world to relax. I tend to agree and look forward to our visit. Welcome back, Sis, and Joanie as well.