Countdown begins to new school year

It looks like we have had our summer and we did indeed reach the 100 degree mark last Saturday. The marquee at the Naselle School actually said so, and lots of photos were taken of it. It was really hot. Thank goodness, it cooled off at night, and the misty mornings are welcome as far as I’m concerned.

News from Naselle:

In last week’s column I mentioned that there will be a new spot to get a cup of coffee in Naselle at the junction of SR 4 and SR 401. I’ve just had confirmation that Mochas & More will be opening this weekend on Saturday at noon. I also understand that Laura Rey, the new owner will be serving a few snacks as well. Stop by and welcome our new neighbor, while you enjoy a good mocha or even a plain cup of coffee and a snack.

The countdown begins for the upcoming 2012/2013 school year in the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District. Next week will begin the high school registration process. The schedule is as follows: August 13-senior registration at 6 p.m .; August 14-junior registration at 6 p.m .; August 15-sophomore registration at 6 p.m .; August16-freshman registration at 6 p.m. and on August17-new student registration at 9 a.m.

Other important dates and times prior to school beginning include: Gear Up Orientation on August13 at 5 p.m., August 14 at 5 p.m. and 15 at 5 p.m .; Fall athletic registration will be held on August 15 at 7 p.m .; Kindergarten screening takes place on August 17 at 9:30 a.m .; and football practice begins on August15.

Cross country practice and volleyball practice begins on August 20.

Other news from the Westend:

A huge thank you to everyone who shopped and purchased books at the book sale held last weekend at the Grays River Valley Library at Johnson Park. There were some wonderful books to look over and many were taken to new homes, mine included. A very special thank you to Randy and Ramona Collver for all the work they did to make this sale happen. We plan to do another one in the near future. We would appreciate any ideas the community might have to make our book sale better for you.

The Wahkiakum County Fair is fast approaching. “Hay Bales and Pig Tails” is the theme for the 104th annual fair, and it will run from August 16-18 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check out all the animals, 4-H activities, food, livestock shows and great entertainment every day. Fair passes at a great price of only $6 allow you to get in to the fair all three days, and they can still be purchased at the Rosburg Store and the Bank of the Pacific in Naselle. For a complete schedule of all the activities check them out on the Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce web site or on Facebook.

Becky Ledtke and her volunteers have done a wonderful job of creating a true county fair atmosphere for all of us to enjoy, so if you see the folks responsible for the background work, give them a high five and say thanks. Wahkiakum County is truly a place to take pride in. Our fair wouldn’t be what it is without the kids and their animals, the Grange Food Booth, the other goodies available, the folks who take such pride in their art work, photography, gardens, canning, the fantastic entertainment, and you, the fairgoer. Show your pride and enjoy a fantastic Wahkiakum County Fair.

The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will dine on good old fashioned meat loaf with spuds and gravy, veggies, hot bread and dessert on the 15th and on the 22nd will enjoy their monthly pot luck. Bring a dish to share and meet your friends and neighbors while partaking of new recipes as well as old favorites.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays the Rosburg Senior Community Lunches are also served at the above location and are sponsored by CAP. Menus for the week are as follows: Thursday (today)-chicken divan, corn and carrots, rice pilaf, sliced oranges and lemon bars; Tuesday, the 14th-Swedish meatballs, egg noodles with kale, tossed salad and peach crisp; on Thursday the 16th, there will be no lunch served as it will be closed for the opening of the Wahkiakum County Fair.

Happy Birthday wishes this week go out to Chuck Hendrickson, Scott Johnson, Ryan Wirkkala, Jacob Pakenen, Mike Bighill, Hannah Badger, Jeremy Bennett, Kelli Revis, Kim Tarabochia, Debbie Bighill, Maia Wise, Rhonda Smalley, Carol Ervest, Anna Ehrlund, Cathy Francis and Colby Engelson. Here’s hoping you enjoy an absolutely wonderful day.

Happy Anniversary to Gary and Lori Hamp, Andy and Kristi Mattson, Derrill and Michal Corbin, Robert and Shannon Maki, Greg and Karen Wirkkala, Ed and Amy Hunt, and Roland and Dawn Thompson. Wishing you many more.

Well it looks like the Smith Rock Brewing Company will become a reality. Our kids in Redmond, Ore., will be signing a lease on a building and will be brewing their beer and serving food by the first part of October. At least that’s the target date. Check them out on the web and on Facebook. It’s great to see entrepreneurial tendencies in your children, and to be able to see a plan come together for them.