Volunteers gather to tidy up the town

Nearly 30 volunteers showed up to help with the first Tidy the Town event, sponsored by the Pioneer Community Association. Several of the people who gave up their Saturday morning in service were new to the area. The volunteers cleaned up the trail near the Elochoman Marina and Strong Park, they weeded sidewalks in downtown Cathlamet and up Columbia Street.

"I was pleased with the turnout," Event Organizer Suzanne Holmes said, echoing comments by PCA President Kay Cochran and Treasurer Jennifer Johnson.

"We had 27 adults and one very busy two year old show up," Holmes said. "Three of our hard workers were 85 years young. Trenton Lai, 29 months old, walked the entire Waterfront Trail delivering water to the workers."

The PCA received a $100 grant from TEGNA, a broadcast and digital media company that is one of the sponsors of Make a Difference Day, an annual day of service all around the US held in October. The mission of MADD is simply to "improve the lives of others."

"Several people commented that we need to do this twice a year," Holmes added. "In the spring, before the tourist season starts and in October, when it dies down. It is my hope that next year we can build a project that is supported by the county and our local mayor in order to shoot for one of the three $10,000 Community Awards."