Downriver Dispatches

Life Transitions

The reason I am writing this is because of a comment from a young man of 35 years of age who said Grays River had not changed in 20 years. I replied that in 35 years he would look back and see lots of change, to which he agreed. Some of life’s transitions go unnoticed while others happen very quickly, such as a death of a loved one. Some transitions may take decades. For example, the Rosburg Store was once on the river and now on the highway. It opened in 1951, but how many years did it finally dawn on the owners that it was in their best interest to move? Another example of a quick transition is when the Astoria-Megler Bridge was completed in 1966. This practically put the ferry businesses defunct almost immediately.

What one invention does for good also makes other trades obsolete. When automobiles became the trend, hundreds of jobs were lost by men who had previously been dedicated to the removal of horse manure on the streets of New York City. They got rid of one problem to only inadvertently create a new one, smog. Those men and women who lost their jobs either went on to get other jobs or they moved out of the area entirely further creating economic hardships on the area.

Once the highway was completed connecting Longview with Long Beach, river life would forever be changed. Anyone traveling in either direction on SR 4 can see the remnants of what once was from all the eroding pilings of the many docks along the river's shores. Many of you will remember the control burn of the house on the KM a few years back that by morning there was nothing left but the ashes and the memory of what once was.

Some transitions are evident in the faces of veterans whether they were in combat or not. When they know they are in the presence of another veteran, something passes between them that only they are aware of. They understand what many went through, and some of their untold transitions of pain often go to their graves. The blessings I have received since moving to this wonderful county have helped to heal me. I no longer have dreams of the military. This has been a wonderful transition for me, and I am sure there are others both male and female who understand exactly what I am saying.

Transitions in life are inevitable so rather than burden yourself about what you cannot change, try to put a smile on your face and enjoy the ride. It may not be easy, but it’s worth a try.

All of you have memories of this area worth revisiting regardless of when it happened. I believe the readers as well as I would love to hear them. Contact me through The Wahkiakum County Eagle at darrell@waheagle.com.

Community News

Grays River Grange #124 has served western Wahkiakum County since 1902. It is located just west of Duffy’s on SR 4. Grange Master Krist Novoselic is the one to contact about Grange activities, meetings, or rental of the Grange. Anyone interested or just has questions can call the Grange at 360-465-2268.

The next Dress a Girl meeting will be held March 4 at 10 a.m. at the Grays River Valley Community Center sewing room. The simple dress patterns and fabric are available. The goal of the Dress a Girl program is that each girl around the world should have at least one new dress in their lifetime to cover their bodies with dignity. The colorful dresses will be on display at the GRVC Super Sale on March 23. A tea and fashion show is being planned for April 28 at 3 p.m. at Valley Bible Church. The Dress a Girl dresses will be modeled by young girls.

The Wahkiakum Lions Club now have the glasses carousel at the Rosburg Hall making reading glasses available free to anyone who may need them. Today is the last day to receive your free pair of glasses.

The Naselle/Grays River Valley Seniors luncheon meets every Wednesday at noon for all those who are 55 and older; also the potluck will be at the Valley Bible Church on every fourth Wednesday. Anyone interested in renting the Rosburg Hall is encouraged to contact Sonja Kruse at 465-2251 or Barbara Rose at 465-2251. Thursday luncheon at noon at the Rosburg Hall is sponsored by the Community Action Program (CAP) out of Kelso/Longview. Any questions, contact Denise Rae at (360) 425-3430 extension 259.

This is an open invitation to vendors and individuals who wish to participate in Grays River Valley Community Center’s 6th annual Super Sale. Participants will be able to rent a table to promote their business. The event will be held on March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items can be used, new, crafts, vintage, antiques. There will be over 50 table spaces available, approximately 6' X 10', plus room outside. The cost for the first table is just $10 each additional space will be $5. Set up will be on March 22 from 2-8 p.m. All reservations need to include payment. For more information and to make a reservation, call 360-465-2310.

The Appelo Archives has announced with great sadness the passing of Carlton Appelo at age 96 on Feb. 12. For those who had the honor to know him, he will be missed.

The Naselle Community Center in March will host a display of artwork by five talented artists. For more information about the event or renting the center, contact Mike Swanson at 360-484-3388 or 360-484-3602.

The Naselle Timberland Library will have two events this week. On the first Friday of every month, 3:30-4:30 p.m., children of all ages can make Lego constructions, and display them at the library. All designs will be on display for one week after the program. On the first Saturday of every month, join them for their Family Movie Matinee at 1 p.m. They will provide the popcorn; you bring a pillow to sit on.

According to Sherry Hartline, president of The Friends of the Naselle Timberland Library, they will meet from 6 - 7 p.m., on March 5. They will have our election of officers. Join them and help plan library events and activities. For more information call 360-484-3877. The Friends help with funding various Library programs, children and adult.