Food pantry starting holiday food drives

October has been a wet one, and hopefully it's not a predictor of what the rest of the winter will bring as far as precipitation. My rain gauge here in Grays River reads over 18 inches for the month. Fortunately we were only flooded in one time.

It's a really good idea to get prepared for the worst. Make sure you are equipped with supplies for yourself and your family, your pets and even keep an eye on your neighbors--just in case. Fuel for your generators and vehicles is also a must--just in case. Carry an emergency bag in your vehicle with warm blankets, weather gear, water and a few food items as well as extra batteries and flashlights. We can't be too careful.

News from Naselle:

Sports calendar for the Naselle Comet teams this coming week include: Saturday, cross country state meet in Pasco and a district volleyball championship round with Naselle at Black Hills High school; Tuesday, middle school girls basketball at Ocosta at 5:45 p.m. Go Comets!

With the holiday season looming, it's time to start thinking about gifts for family and friends. There is always that person who has everything they need or want, so what do you get them? Why not think about some of our local businesses and organizations. Maybe a gift certificate to one of the coffee stops either Valley Cup or Mochas & More, the Archives Cafe, Hunter's Inn, Grays River Cafe, Duffy's Irish Pub, a nice massage from Bryon Parrino at the Naselle Massage Clinic, a haircut from the Hair Villa or even some adult beverages from Hoff Brothers Enterprise. All of these businesses are local and the folks who run them are your friends and neighbors. Even a sponsorship to the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park or to the Appelo Archives Center would be appreciated by many. Shop local and keep the revenue local.

Westend news:

Don't forget the annual Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Deep River American Legion Post 111, honoring all veterans and men and women in uniform, to be held on Saturday, 8-11:30 a.m. The menu includes all you can eat pancakes, with sides of ham or sausage and eggs, coffee, orange juice and milk. Adult and teen tickets, $6, and children 3-12 years, $4.

Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase during the breakfast for the drawing at their annual Crab and Oyster Feed which will take place on January 28, 2017.

This organization is a huge advocate for vets, our local community and our youth. If you are looking for an organization to join, this would be a good one.

Please help out the West End Food Pantry by participating in the "Fill a Feedbag" program. Items collected will help them fill Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for our neighbors in need. Pick up a bag from the West End Food Pantry, fill it up with non perishables, return it by November 17 for the Thanksgiving Holiday or before December 15 for the Christmas Baskets. Mine is almost ready to turn in for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I may pick up another for Christmas. I understand that donations of turkeys and hams are also needed but I'm not sure about their freezer space, so it would be a good idea to call for that information. We live in such a generous community, and I consider myself extra fortunate to be able to help out.

The Westend Food Pantry is open on Thursdays, 1-5 p.m. each week. For more information or to pick up a bag call 465-2312. Let's make sure no family is without a holiday meal.

The Rosburg Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch meets each week in the Rosburg Hall for a home cooked meal usually prepared and served by Pat Potter and her volunteers. I understand that Pat has been a little under the weather lately, so apparently the volunteers have stepped up and handled it. Sending best wishes and a prayer for a speedy recovery for Pat.

On Thursdays a senior meal is also served in the Rosburg Hall and it is sponsored by CAP. Lunch is served at noon both days.

Happy Birthday to Peyton Dalton, Joshua Holt, Jayden Steenerson, Renee' Hunsinger and Barbara Swanson. Wishing you a perfect day of celebration.