Memorial for Pat Potter set for September 13

It looks like Mother Nature must be mad at something or everything. Unprecedented hurricanes, flooding and fire all over the country is affecting so many people. My prayers go out to the families who are being affected by these catastrophes.

Prayers and thanks as well to the firefighters (including my cousin, Tom Hammonds who is responding to the Eagle Creek Fire as I write this), and all the other responders and volunteers who are helping out.

Be aware also that the smoke and ash in the air can cause problems with breathing, especially children and older adults. Think about your animals also, and give them a safe place during this distressing time. Stay indoors if you have any issues.

It looks like we may get a little bit of rain today (Thursday), so let’s pray it is true.

News from Naselle:

Students are back to the books for the 2017-18 school year. Here’s to another successful one. Sports calendar for the coming week includes: Thursday, the 7th-high school volleyball in Naselle with Ocosta at 5:45 p.m .; Friday, the 8th-high school football in Naselle with Rainier Christian at 7:00 p.m .; Monday, the 11th-high school volleyball in Naselle with Pe Ell at 5:45 p.m .; Tuesday, the 12th-high school volleyball-Columbia Valley League Jamboree at 5:00 p.m. Go Comets!

Westend news:

Tickets are now on sale for The West End Food Pantry’s annual Lasagna Dinner to be held on Saturday, September 23 from 5-7 p.m. They are dedicating this event to the memory of their former board member, Pat Potter and the proceeds donated to her son, Randy Potter. In the future, proceeds from this event will go to one needy family in our community.

The menu includes lasagna (gluten free eggplant variety available), salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Prices for tickets are as follows: adults, $10.00 and children (12 years and under) $5.00. You can purchase tickets from board members and they are available at the Pantry on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. Please contact Shonda at 465-2722 for more information.

In a special memorial tribute and in loving memory of Pat Potter, the Naselle-Grays River Valley Seniors will host a potluck luncheon on Wednesday, September 13 in the social hall of the Valley Bible Church at 11:00 a.m.

Those of us who knew Pat, knew how much she did for the community, especially for the seniors. She lived her time here helping others and loved doing it even when her health became compromised. She was a true asset to our little corner of the world and she is deeply missed.

Please join her family and friends in honoring her life and her efforts to make this world a better place.

Happy Birthday to Norilyn Pakenen, Abbie Smith, Emilia Boggs, Jeff Bjornsgard, Justin Finley, Jason Gardner, Paul Gardner, Darlene Ammer, Hollie Haataia, Cole Norman and Sheila Kilponen. Here’s to a perfect day for each of you.

An extra special Happy Birthday to my good friend, Penny Gregory this week. Hoping your special day brings you all the good things you wish for and deserve. Here’s to many more. Enjoy, my friend.

Happy Anniversary to Steve and Roxy Forbes, Scott and Colleen Smith, Caleb and Kellyn Hazen and Greg and Karen Nelson. Wishing you many more celebrations together.

Had a delightful visit from my son and daughter-in-law from Bend this past weekend, along with two of my grandsons. Did lots of hanging out, some floating on the river even though there isn’t much water. It’s so much fun to see an 8-year old and a 6-year old discover new things and doing new things.

A bittersweet ending to the visit though, as I said goodbye to our Harley Davidson as it will now belong to my son. When he started it, after nearly five years, it brought back many happy memories of trips with my husband, but now it will be back on the road being loved and ridden instead of locked in a dusty shop. And, I may don my helmet for a ride when I am down in Bend. Win, win for the Harley.