School starts September 3, 8:15 a.m.

Our trip to California was wonderful, lots of visiting with old friends, a soccer tournament for our grandson (the team took 3rd place), and lots of hugs and fun time with family. The weather wasn’t too bad, only in the high 80s and low 90s. You can have the noise of the city though and the awful traffic, it was good to come home.

News from Naselle:

Well, it’s that time again, the last big weekend before the new school year begins on Tuesday, the 3rd at 8:15 a.m. for students of the Naselle-Grays River Valley School District. Let’s go Comets, and make it another great year.

The first Comet football game is scheduled for Friday, the 6th at 7:00 p.m. at Rainier.

Kudos to local student, Grace Zimmerman for organizing a blood drive at the Valley Bible Church on September 5th as her senior project. You can donate by going to the site on the 5th, or you can call Grace at 465-2168, or you can visit redcrossblood.org using Sponsor code: valleybiblechurch to make your own appointment.

Let’s help her meet her goal for this blood drive and get 25 blood donations.

The Appelo Archives Center will be holding a swap meet on Friday, the 30th and on Saturday, the 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information about the event please call 484-7103.

Don’t forget the big weekend long Jessi Harman Benefit being held on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st. 4 year old Jessi was severely injured in an accident on Mother’s Day and these events will be raising funds for therapy that isn’t covered by insurance, in the hope that Jessi will make a full recovery.

On Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be Barrel Races at the Peninsula Saddle Club located at 6407 Sandridge Road in Long Beach. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. there will be a BBQ dinner and a silent auction at the Long Beach Elk Lodge located at 110 N Pacific Highway in Long Beach. Suggested donation is Adults: $15.00 and children 12 and under: $8.00. On Sunday, September 1st there will be a Cowgirl Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by Barrel Races from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Other news from the Westend:

Don’t forget that the Grays River Valley Library and Community Computer Center will be closed until September 16th for the big move to the north end of the building. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

The rooms are being primered and painted as this edition of the paper goes to press. We could use a few more volunteers if you are willing to get your hands dirty and help us out. Remember, this center is being put together for your use, and we look forward to seeing many new faces, as well as those who have been long time users and supporters.

Mark your calendar for a nice family friendly afternoon and evening at The Grays River United Methodist Church located on highway 4 in Grays River. They will be hosting a Free Family Fun Day on September 7th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the church grounds.

Everyone is welcome to join in the games, snacks, and a barbecue complete with s’mores, and singing around the campfire. Special children’s activities include making pine cone bird feeders, face painting, crafts, and an egg hunt. You can also enjoy a visit with Donkey Holler’s famous donkeys, thanks to Mary Steller. Come check out the fun.

The Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch meets each week at the Rosburg Hall for a home cooked meal prepared and served by Pat Potter and her volunteer crew. The meal is served at noon.

Rosburg Senior Community Lunches are served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same location and time and are sponsored by CAP. Seniors can enjoy nutritious meals three days a week and an opportunity to get in a little socializing as well.

Happy Birthday to the following celebrants this week: Pat Rose, Michael Corbin, Calen Thompson, River Andring, Thomas Gradt, Shellie Baker, Kim Gray, Laura Seiferd, Luke Gardner, Curt Reitz, Desmyn Wirkkala, Hannah Haataia, Larissa Genn, Duane Kent, Lisa Colombo, Shellie Wirkkala, Macey Weston, Sidney Rae Wirkkala, Joyce Bolton, Ryan Erickson, Alex Bennett, Jamie Gilbert, Lynn Laney, Hans Varila, Vieno Denney and Kristen Grose. Wishing each of you a perfect day.

Happy Anniversary to Kayse and Maria Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Carlson, Tim and Denise Lewis and Joe and Jeannine Helvey. Enjoy your special celebrations for many more years.

With the long holiday weekend ahead, please remember the extra traffic and activities going on all around us. Be careful and have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend everyone.