Downriver Dispatches

Woodworker Extraordinaire

Nobody at the Art Show at the Grange would have any idea the impact that the show would have on me. After talking with the artists and others, it occurred to me that there is so much talent in the Westend that it fathoms the imagination. The genius that is in the Westend has been hidden in plain sight. When all those around you can do generously amazing things with their talents, it goes unnoticed because it is so common.

One of those talented woodworkers extraordinaire goes by the name of Wes Ware. He is a Washington native who has been a servant to the community with his wife Shonda for nearly a decade. Those who live in the Westend have seen him volunteering at Johnson Park or working at Duffy's or at the Rosburg Store getting coffee. He is instantly recognizable with his black Stetson hat and grizzly gray beard. He appears like someone out of a western dime novel, but don't let that fool you. He has a heart of gold with a great disarming smile. I have had the privilege of knowing this neighbor for these last six years and in observing him I have noticed how gracious he has been to the community.

What people do not know is that this man has a gift with wood that seems to come naturally to him. He can make anything from wood. He made his daughter a cedar chest without nails; he crafted a casket for Al's dog. He also made a really nice bed frame for his daughter that included shelves as a headboard and drawers under the bed. Wes just likes wood and believes there is nothing prettier than a piece of wood. His inlay work is amazing and a work of art in its own right.

Wes started doing wood carving only a couple of years ago, but one would think that he has been doing it all his life. He is a humble man when talking about his talent. I have worked with wood most of my life, but I never had the passion that Wes has. It is this passion I have seen over the years in not only Wes, but the many people I have encountered who have devoted themselves in service to this wonderful community.

American Legion Crab and Oyster Feed

Deep River Post #111 is holding their annual Crab and Oyster Feed at the Rosburg Community Hall on Saturday. Advanced tickets are on sale for $28, but only 200 tickets will be available. The meal will include crab, oysters, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and garlic bread. Price of admission includes the dance. Cost for the dance only is $5. No-one under 21 will be allowed in the bar area. Happy hour is from 6-7 p.m .; dinner is from 7-9 p.m .; drawing is at 8:30 pm; and the dance is from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight. Outside alcoholic beverages not permitted in the hall. For tickets and information contact Dale Rose at 465-2234, or Ken Elliot at 465-2274, or Nick Nikkila at 465-2595. All proceeds are for supporting our veterans, youth, and local charities.

Census 2020 jobs in Wahkiakum County

There are 2020 jobs available in Wahkiakum county. You can earn extra income while helping your community. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. They are hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, including supervisory staff. Census Field Supervisors can earn $24-$26 per hour; all others earn $16.50 per hour. Supervisors conduct fieldwork to support and conduct on-the-job training for census takers and/or follow-up in situations where census takers have confronted issues, such as not gaining entry to restricted areas. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and must be a U.S. citizen. To Apply you must complete an online job application at http://www.2020census.gov/jobs. One application for all jobs! The application includes assessment questions about your education, work, and other experience. Apply online at http://www.2020census.gov/jobs.

Naselle News: Another crab feed

The Naselle Sports Club crab and oyster feed fundraiser will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Naselle High School cafeteria. Cost is $25 for full crab dinner or $15 for a half dinner. Dinner includes crab, oysters, baked beans, coleslaw, and a dessert. For those who do not eat crab, then a hot dog, baked beans, coleslaw, and dessert will also be provided for $5.