Blood drive is coming up fast

After I posted my column last week from California telling everyone how hot it was, the weather took a turn to cooler. The rest of my trip was in the high seventies and low eighties. Nobody wanted me to leave, because apparently I brought the nice temps with me. It turns out the weather was warmer here than down there. Go figure.

I just know it is so good to be home in the trees, green grass and quiet. No traffic noise, sirens and weird folks walking up and down the sidewalks.

Three of my granddaughters will be flying in on the 7th for a couple of weeks, and during that time my niece and great niece will be here as well. This will be such a treat for me.

News from Naselle:

It’s that time of year again--graduation. A happy, exciting and somewhat bittersweet time for students, parents and teachers. After 13 years of learning in the somewhat small school atmosphere, many of the students who are headed to college will be in for big changes. It will be an exciting time, being on their own away from home and a challenge to learn new responsibilities. If they have paid attention to their instructors and their parents, it should not be a problem. Best of luck to each of them.

Those grads who opt not to continue their education at this time but will seek employment for now, will also have learned much in their school years at Naselle. Good luck with whatever you choose to do after you have made the big step, and graduated from high school.

A few students will join the military. This is really a big choice to become a part of the groups that are responsible for the freedoms our society enjoys. They too will benefit from their choices, and can continue their higher education at a later time. To these students I say thank you for your service to us and our country.

The Naselle-Grays River Valley class of 2017 will hold their graduation ceremony on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Congratulations, Class of 2017.

Kindergarten graduation will take place on Wednesday at 6 p.m., and Eighth Grade Move-up will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Westend news:

Spots are still available to make an appointment for the next blood drive which will be held on June 14, 12:30-6 p.m. at the Valley Bible Church located at 4723 SR 4 West in Rosburg. Appointments are also available online on the Red Cross site.

This is your chance to give the gift of life to someone else. These blood drives are necessary to keep up with the demand for transfusions when they are needed. Almost all of us know someone, whether friend or family who has benefitted from this life saving liquid.

As an added incentive, April Zimmerman always has some of her famous sliders on hand for snacks. They are delicious.

With summertime here and kids out of school, our local West End Food Pantry will be needing more supplies to meet the needs of families who rely on them. If you are out shopping, why not pick up a few extra items and donate them to the pantry? They can always use canned fruits, cereals, mac and cheese, canned meats such as tuna, juice, and other easy to prepare items for the families.

You can also mail cash donations to them or deliver it personally on Thursdays 1-5 p.m. They are located in Johnson Park (old Rosburg School).

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

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

Happy Birthday to Jacob Eaton, Tawnya Steenerson, Abigail Bennett, Mindy Penttila and John Indermark. Wishes for the best birthday ever.

Happy Anniversary to Tim and Deanna Wilson and Richard and Linda Cary. Here’s to many more celebrations.