Westend busy with many varied events

News from Naselle:

Sports calendar for the Naselle Comet teams this week: Today (Thursday), middle school track-league meet at North Beach at 3:30 p.m., baseball district playoffs in Naselle with opponent and time to be determined; Saturday, baseball district playoffs at Knights Field in Bremerton; Wednesday, high school track district meet in Naselle. Go Comets!

The Naselle-Grays River Valley school board will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Do you have a child entering kindergarten in the fall? It’s time for the Kindergarten Roundup which will be held on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

The Appelo Archives Center Cafe is now open. Their hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. under the watchful eye of the chief cook and bottle washer, Tiffany Coop. My sister and I decided to check it out first hand on Tuesday, and I must say we weren’t disappointed. The combination of the day was a delicious vegetable soup with a sandwich that we split. It was well worth the trip into town, and very reasonable pricing for a nice meal. Great coffee as well.

While we were there I had the pleasure of meeting the new director of the Archives Center, Kelly Shumar. She is a very personable lady and is anxious to get to know the locals. She will definitely be an asset to the Archives Center. Come on in to the center on Saturday at 1 p.m. and join with her in celebrating our very own local historian Carlton Appelo’s 96th birthday. Enjoy cake and coffee with Carlton and wish him a very Happy Birthday.

The Friends of the Naselle Timberland Library will hold their annual officer elections on June 5 at 6 p.m. during their regular meeting. The community is encouraged and welcome to attend. For more information call 360-484-3877.

Westend news

The annual Postal "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive is happening this Saturday and is the perfect way to help out local families in need. Check your mailbox this week for info-postcards and donation sacks. Then, on Saturday, simply fill up the sack with non perishable food items and hang the bag from your mailbox; your mail carrier will take it from there. All of your donations stay local, and help to stock the shelves of the West End Food Pantry in Rosburg and the Assembly of God pantry in Naselle. Drop boxes will also be in place at both post offices.

A representative from the Charlotte House will be on hand today (Thursday) at the West End Food Pantry in Rosburg, located in the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park. She is available every two weeks to answer questions about service and/or to give referrals.

A legal clinic, with an attorney from Northwest Justice will be held quarterly in the West End Food Pantry and the next clinic is scheduled for July 13. If you have legal issues, this is your opportunity to get some answers from an expert.

The West End Food Pantry is open on Thursdays in the Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park 1-5 p.m.

The ladies of the Grays River Methodist Church will host their 16th Annual Spring Tea & Luncheon in the Rosburg Community Hall on May 20. You will be treated to a complete lunch with entertainment consisting of music and stories of courageous women of the Oregon Territory. As usual “Pick Your Own Prize Raffle” and a silent auction with proceeds going to the West End Food Pantry. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each and there is a suggested donation at the door of $8 per person.

The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. giving everyone time to look over the exhibits of items people probably used on the wagon trails, and to view the prize and raffle tables. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. This event brings folks from all around and is lots of fun. Come dressed up as a pioneer or come casual. Hats are especially encouraged. For more information call 360-465-2240 or 360-484-7749.

The fundraiser sponsored by the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation last Saturday was a fun event. They are well on their way to bringing something new to our area in a bull-riding event, scheduled for July 20. The Mexican dinner, auction and bake sale was well attended and yes, I came home with a few goodies as well as a full tummy after the delicious meal. They will also be holding another flea market sale at the fairgrounds in Skamokawa on Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

You have a double chance of finding a treasure in the same vicinity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as the Skamokawa Grange #425 just next door to the fairgrounds is holding their own fundraising garage sale. My contact person, Becky Ledtke, says they have some awesome, cool stuff for sale and the proceeds will help support the Grange. Shop local, support local.

Happy Birthday to the following celebrants this week: Ike Howerton, Bryon Parrino, Tina Laney, Isabella Colombo, Brad Warra, Gilbert Haataia, Lamar Wirkkala. and Carlton Appelo.

This coming Sunday we celebrate Mothers. If you are one, have been one, are going to become one or have filled in for one, know what a blessing you have made to someone’s life. This day is for you and in appreciation of you, no matter who you are. Happy Mother’s Day!