Downriver Dispatches

Women Empowered Verses “Rule of Thumb”

We use words and phrases every day without really knowing the origin of the words or phrases. For example the 1890's time period was referred to as the “Gay Nineties,” and this had no inference to anything remotely sexual. We have also heard the term “rule of thumb” and its understanding that what is practiced is common or that’s the way we do things around here. It originally was a 17th century English law that requires a husband to beat his wife with a switch no bigger than a man’s thumb. The absurdity of a law that would allow such nonsense is mind boggling, yet that attitude has been prevalent into the early to mid-20th century to such an extent that when police were involved in domestic disturbances, even when they arrested the man, they still often ask what the woman did to cause the man to assault her, leaving her with feelings of guilt as if her spouse is now the victim. The social records of that era prove that even centuries of rule of thumb have kept many prisoners to what was an acceptable social norm when in reality it was a misogynistic oppressive system. The sad part is that many law enforcement officers responding to domestic calls are more likely to encounter hostility from both the male and/or the female sometimes resulting in the officer’s death. Women to some extent have been socially conditioned to ignore their rights. This patriarchal system is not working as well as it justifies itself. That is changing not only because women are empowering themselves, but also because there is a movement among men to allow women to be who they are. Now it is time to hear what women are saying. Our first of many teachers has been our mothers and grandmothers. Most of our school teachers have been women. They have a powerful voice to change the world for the better. Men, are you ready to listen?

Westend News

For those of you that want to eat some great home cooking, then suffice it to say that March 10 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. is the place to be at the Rosburg Hall for home style chicken dinner with a large salad bar, homemade pies and dessert. The cost is only $10 for teens and adults, $6 for children 8-12, and for children 4-7 is only $4. This event is sponsored by the Rosburg Community Club.

The Naselle/Grays River Valley Seniors luncheon meets every Wednesday at noon for all those who are 55 and older can join; 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.

Don’t forget that there is still 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. - 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. You can mail or call in your reservation. All reservations need to include payment. For more information and to make your reservation call 360-465-2310, if there is no answer, please leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

Naselle News

The Naselle Timberland Library is located at 4 Parpala Rd, Naselle. Play Group is held every Tuesday at noon through March 26 for children birth to six years of age with a participating adult. On the first Friday of every month until June 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., children of all ages can make amazing 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.

Set the date on your calendar for Wednesday March 13, 6-7:30 p.m., to be at the Naselle Timberland Library for a delightful evening with award winning naturalist Robert Michael Pyle. He will be reading from his long-awaited new novel “Magdalena Mountain” and discussing this latest work. His books will be available for purchase and signing.