Downriver Dispatches

Grange installs new sign for Meserve Park

William Nelson Meserve 1867-1953 and his wife Harriet Alta Meserve 1878-1951 operated the Meserve Store at approximately the same location as the park lies today in Grays River. William was not always a mercantile man as most might think. As early as 1889 he along with his friend Simon Benson fell logs for a living when their only tool was an ax. The Grays River Grange #124 added the new sign for Meserve Park made from salvaged redwood donated by Erik Ervest. The Rayonier Company helped with financial contributions to the Grange for the sign. Brian Fleming from Longview provided the powder coated letters. In the near future a Sani-can will be established for the season at the park courtesy of Wahkiakum West Communications. Meserve Park is a Grange property that offers public benefit.

Westend News

Today (Thursday) at 7 p.m., the Grange is proud to announce that “Giants in the Trees” will have their record release benefit concert with a suggested $5 donation to benefit Moon and Sol Mertz through a time of medical issues. If you have not heard them, then you are in for a treat. To describe this band is an understatement because they have a unique sound that is new and mesmerizing. They have a sound that is part grunge and folk with a touch of rock and roll. Giants electrifies the audience as Jillian Raye with her magical voice plays a six string banjo along with Ray Prestegard, who is phenomenal on guitar, and Erik Friend captivates you with his smile while keeping an enchanted beat on the drums. Krist Novoselic keeps his bass going in perfect harmony to help this band create a distinctly new sound coming out of Wahkiakum County. There will be Grange food available too. This is an opportunity to hear good music and meet new people and get to know the community. The Grange Hall is located just west of Duffy’s on SR 4. Grange Master 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 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 inspired to volunteer or would like further information, please contact the Naselle/Grays River Valley Seniors’ president Diane Hollenbeck at dianemarye@gmail.com or phone her at 1(360)465-2991. 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. Thursday’s menu consists of baked potato chili, sour cream/salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, and a tossed salad. Any questions, contact Denise Rae at (360) 425-3430 extension 259.

Johnson Park is the place for those of you who are new to the area and are in need of food, and then I suggest you contact Shonda Ware at the West End Food Pantry or call (360) 465-2344. The food for you is free at no charge. The pantry is more like a little local grocery store.

Please take time this Sunday at 3 p.m., when the Valley Bible Valley Church at 4723 State Route 4 west will present the Dress a Girl Around the World Fashion Show and Tea Party. Women from all around Southwest Washington have been creating dresses for Dress a Girl to give to high risk girls in poverty around the world. After the fashion show the dresses will be sent to a distribution center in Iowa. This is also a fundraiser for the Van Winkle family from Lacey who lost their home due to black mold. As a result their six year old daughter Sophia suffers from Pans disease and has seizures. Donations to help the family will be greatly appreciated. Visit Sophia at mold2miracle.com. Also visit dressagirlaroundtheworld.com. Tea and pastries will be served. Tickets are only $10. For information or tickets contact Diana at (360) 465-2800, Becky at (360) 465-2260, or Pearl at (360)465-2347.

The Naselle Lutheran Church is happy to announce they will host their Annual Salad Luncheon on Saturday. The church building is located at 308 Old Knappton Road, Naselle, and serving time is 10 a.m. until1 p.m. If you have not attended before then now is the time to enjoy a variety of salads for a donation of only $7. I recommend this event. The salads are filling and delicious for even the pickiest of eaters. Once again, a variety of plants including tomatoes grown by Tom Hall, quilts and a variety of baked goods will be for sale. Their motivation for this charity event is to give the proceeds to support missions. For further information, contact 360-484-3826.

Attention to all music aficionados, the Naselle Community Center will have their second concert coming up May 4. Thanks to members of the Finnish/American Folk Festival who have been instrumental in helping the center with these events. The center is located at 14 Parpala Rd in Naselle and will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by desserts and coffee downstairs. The concert features original country music songs on acoustic guitars by Carl Wirkkala and his cousin Lucas Homgren. Also presenting her talents will be Kim Angelis on violin and Jennifer Goodenberger on piano. They will share numbers from their recent tour, including some piano music from the Finnish composer John Sibelius. Also featured will be Pastor Anna Haugen from the Naselle Lutheran Church and her woodwind ensemble associated with the North Coast Symphonic Band. This will be a benefit concert to help offset costs for upgrading the new center. Contact Barb Swanson for more information: 360-484-3602.

The Naselle Timberland Library is located at 4 Parpala Rd, Naselle, and there are many activities on the schedule.

The Friends of the Naselle Timberland Library will meet from 6 - 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. On Saturday, join Kate Tossey of Kate's Herbs for a talk on Edible Weeds. They will discuss a variety of "weeds," their nutrition, growing information, recipes and more. Handouts will be provided, and some samples will be on hand to explore. Next Tuesday will be the last day for Play Group from 11-noon for children birth to six years of age with a participating adult. It is a time for children to hear and sing songs, hear stories and play. During May, patrons may make creations with Perler beads. All materials are provided. And on first Friday of every month until June 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., children can make Lego constructions, and display them at the library. The first Saturday of every month, join them for their Family Movie Matinee at 1 p.m. These movies may be PG-13 rated suitable for teen or adult audiences. They will provide the popcorn; you bring a pillow to sit on.