Foundation set up to help local EMS needs

Home, Home, Home! There is nothing like Home! It was a wonderful 6,000 mile journey with one of my sisters, a week long cruise with two of my sons and their families to the western Gulf of Mexico, a few days with a cousin in Arizona that my sister had not seen in over 50 years, and a train ride to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. A once in a lifetime dream come true. That said, I missed everything about home and it is so good to be here again.

By the way, I must tell the readers that there really is “Hell.” I have visited there, had my passport stamped and since it was too full, I came back. Like I said, a once in a lifetime trip.

I hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas as I did and though I’m not really caught up with local news yet, it is good to be sitting in front of the computer again, and typing out a few newsworthy items.

News from Naselle:

Even though the students are on Winter Break, the sports calendar is still on. This week’s calendar for the Naselle Comet teams include: Today (Thursday), high school boys and girls basketball JV Tourney; Saturday, high school boys and girls basketball in Naselle with Knappa at 10 a.m. Go Comets!

Tickets may still be available to enjoy the music of local musicians “Giants in the Trees” at the Liberty Theater in Astoria on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Check them out. They are a wonderful, entertaining group.

Westend news:

Don’t forget the next Blood Drive is coming up on January 4 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the Valley Bible Church in Rosburg. Start the year off right with the gift of life for someone who needs it. Appointments can be made by contacting the Red Cross or you can also get info from Susan Burkhalter.

The annual Crab and Oyster Feed sponsored by the American Legion Deep River Post #111, will take place on January 27. Get your tickets now as there are only 200 available and the cost is $28 per person. Tickets can be purchased from Ken Elliott 465-2274, Nick Nikkila 465-2595 or Dale Rose 465-2234.

This is always a night to remember, with good food--crab, oysters, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw and garlic bread, live music and dancing this year by the King Brothers and the usual awesome raffle of some great prizes including a gun.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for happy hour. No outside alcoholic beverages will be permitted.

Proceeds from the event will support our veterans, youth and local charities.

I came home to some noteworthy information provided to me by Joel Fitts and Steve Puddicombe. Several years ago Fire District 3 set up the 501(c)3 Grays River Fire and Ambulance Foundation to assist in providing the best first aid and fire fighting capability to the people of the Westend of Wahkiakum County, when public funding can’t be utilized due to state laws prohibiting how tax dollars are spent.

The newly elected officers of the foundation include Jon Gudmundsen, predident; Amber Davis, vice-president and other officers Ed Hunt, Frieda Footh and Kim DeJesus.

Joel says, “Another thing we can do is set up a fund for a family recovering from a devastating house fire and we can do fundraising.

“We’d like folks to know that if they want to contribute as an expression of gratitude, to assist in our benevolence towards others in need or just to help your fire prevention and EMS people, the best place to donate is to the foundation. We’re completely separate from the district legally and can help out in ways they can’t. Our charter means that every dollar stays right here in the community-and that’s important.”

If you would like more information or would like to make a donation you can contact one of the board members. Donations are tax deductible and can be made directly to any branch of the Bank of the Pacific or mailed to Grays River Fire and Ambulance Foundation, PO Box 5, Grays River, WA. 98621.

As someone who has been affected by a house fire and utilized the EMS services, this is an incredible way to give back for the unselfish service these dedicated folks give to our community.

Happy Birthday to Tim Willson, Bryce Kilponen, Wendy Macy, Sue Holt, Cheryl Caetano, Dorothy Johnson,Tim Steenerson, Capri Parrino and James Ray Smith.

Happy Anniversary to one of the nicest couples I know, Ted and Sally Swanson. Enjoy your special day.

Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all the readers.