Summer fun continues as August arrives

Here it is, August already. Where has this year gone? It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to get done, but I guess time flies when you’re having fun, right? I can say that when I see progress being made on the home front.

It looks like we may see a sprinkle of two later this week. I’m looking forward to it.

News from Naselle:

Kindergarten screening will take place for the Naselle-Grays River Valley School on August 15.

The Play and Learn Group meets at the Valley Bible Church each Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will continue to do so throughout the summer. This program is geared to children ages 0-5 years old and their parents and/or guardians. The activities are structured to encourage good parenting skills and communication and interaction with other families. The Play and Learn Group is free and sponsored by St. James Family Center. If you are interested in participating in this group please contact Becky Erickson at 465-2555 for more information.

Other news from the Westend:

The free Friday night movie last week was Escape from Planet Earth, released in February of 2013. It was a really cute movie for kids and parents alike. We had the pleasure of a couple of families and their children in attendance, spread out on the floor with their pillows and blankets as well as their drinks and popcorn, watching the action on the screen intently. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

Remember to mark your calendar for the special showing on August 23 at 7 p.m. The movie is called Bully and is presented by St. James Family Center and the Charlotte House. The movie is geared toward grades 6 through 12 and it is recommended that parents accompany children in grades 6 through 8. This is the second time the movie has been provided for a free Friday night showing, and we hope to attract as many students and parents as possible.

Concessions are available. Bring your comfy chairs, or sit in ours, watch on the big screen with surround sound and make it an informative and fun family evening.

For more information on this event, contact Renae Hauff, Prevention Advocate, at (360) 795-8612 or (360) 795-6401.

The Rosburg Store has new hours. They are Monday through Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stop by the store to check out their menus for lunch and even dinner with everything from soups to pizza and burgers, made on the premises. For a quick meal, shop local.

The Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch meets weekly at the Rosburg Hall for a delicious home cooked meal prepared by Pat Potter and her volunteer crew. Join in the fun and spend some time with your friends and neighbors.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays senior lunches are also served at the above location and are sponsored by CAP. These two ongoing programs are a great way for our seniors to get out three days a week for a nutritious meal and some good company. There is usually an EMS representative there to take blood pressures if they request it.

Happy birthday to the following celebrants this week: Alissa Dorman, Jennifer Boggs, Katie Olson, Diane Shetler, Karen Jansma, Eric Smalley, Inez Wirkkala, Annie Strange, Scott Smith, Jeff Ammer, Joni Matthews, Makayla Matthews, Austin Smith, Wendy Crozier, Merle Hall, Kylee Tarabochia, Anita Adair, Julie Shaw, Russell Wirkkala, Paige Torppa, Faith Miller, Caleb Corona, Sally Swanson, David Strong, Jeannine Johnson and Ed Boyle. Here’s wishing you the best day ever.

Happy Anniversary to Alan and Diane Bennett, Tim and Angie Calvert, Mr. and Mrs. Corey Sherik and Edwin and Vivian Wirkkala. Here’s wishing you many more celebrations.

I was delighted to get a phone call from my uphill neighbor, Virginia Wendelin, telling me that she is at home again after a lengthy recuperative stay at Northwest Continuum Care for rehab. She said it is wonderful to be home again and that even the weeds looked beautiful and green. It’s so good to hear that you are home and doing well, my friend. Welcome home.

We had a doctor’s appointment in Portland last Thursday with our naturopathic physician and found an excellent book for stroke patients and their caregivers. It only took me a day and a half to finish, but it was an amazing read. The book is called “Conquering Stroke,” written by Valerie Greene, and is a first hand memoir of triumph over tragedy. It took her 12 years of hard work and determination to get to the point of sharing her experiences, treatment and recovery through this book. This inspirational story gives the reader and anyone affected by stroke new outlooks for alternative treatments, prevention and recovery resources that I had not seen before. It is a must read for anyone affected by stroke. I will be donating a copy to the Grays River Valley Library. Check it out.