Downriver Dispatches

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don't criticize

What you can't understand

Your sons and your daughters

Are beyond your command

Your old road is rapidly agin'

Please get out of the new one

If you can't lend your hand

For the times they are a-changin'

- Bob Dylan, 80 years old

Change: In talking with a few neighbors over the past weeks, there is a common theme, change. For those who have been here for a lifetime and for those who have lived here for 20 years, like me, it can be a hard time. As we get older, it seems we have a tougher time with change. Many of us assume that the world will be the same today as it was when we were growing up, but it's just not so. We've lost so many of our old-timers that our neighborhoods aren't the same. Land isn't being used the same. One woman told me, 'I miss the land not being used for farms." Another one mentioned that he felt a "hollowness" inside because of being unable to be with friends and family due to being vulnerable to covid. Another one said, "I no longer know who lives in every house, so I can't just stop by for coffee anymore."

Yes, life is changing more than ever it seems. And yes, to Bob Dylan, we as older folks have to explore how we fit in this world now. But love continues and never fails. I hope that for most of us reading Bob's Dylan's lyrics, we realize we don't want to get out of the way, we just need time to work through what the changes are going to mean to us. One good place for that is to attend the twice monthly Senior Lunch Club meals at Rosburg Hall at noon on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Come have lunch with grandparents or visit with your neighbors and enjoy!

Photo of the Week: Elk and more elk are everywhere in the upper Grays River Valley. There are two elk herds of about 20 here in the valley. Early this week, they merged and came to graze in front of my house. Bendog stayed on the porch and watched. Bob Torppa took photos from higher up in his house. Down in my house, I was amazed at how calm they were. There are elk herds in Naselle, too. Maybe it's because it's so warm. Who knows the reason? They are just lovely to watch in these early spring days.

Neighbor news: I visited with Tony, new owner of the Zerr place, and found him to be friendly and easy to visit with. He wants his land to be organic and he has lots of plans. He is adjusting to the change in climate from California and happy with his new home. Very personable and very busy!

New Project: You may have heard that Wahkiakum West will soon offer a cable option for our TV's. This will include a local cable channel. Ken Johnson, CEO, is busy developing formats, programs and ideas for the channel. If you've lived in an area with a local channel, you know how helpful it can be advertising for local activities and informing us about local news. It will have programs that feature local people and issues.

Tomorrow February 11, starting at 10 a.m., I will begin interviewing six local folks about their history, businesses, families, jobs and more. These will be featured on the local channel in March (hopefully it will be up and running then) on a program called, "Take a Break with Karen." I have six individuals lined up for interviews at the Appelo Archives Center beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through the day. They will serve as six different programs. Please drop by if you'd like to be part of our "live" audience. Ken Johnson will be the first to be interviewed, giving us information about the new cable offering and what's happening at Wahkiakum West.

Wahkiakum County 4-H will host a morning of free youth activities Saturday February 12, 9 a.m. to noon at Johnson Park in Rosburg. Wahkiakum County 4-H volunteers will host a variety of projects for youth ages 5 and up. All are welcome, no need to be a current member of 4-H to attend. Parent or guardian participation is appreciated. Some projects scheduled include hand sewing, scribble bot robotics, pearl bead crafts, and more. Handwashing, masks and social distancing are required. Please RSVP to lfrink@wsu.edu so that enough materials are available. Anyone requiring auxiliary aides or services should contact the WSU Extension office one week prior to the event at 360-795-3278, or lfrink@wsu.edu.Participation is free! Need not be in 4-H to participate. Sat., Feb. 12 at Johnson Park Ages 5 and up.

Karl Marlantes: Author of the best seller book, "Deep River," Karl Marlantas, will be at the Naselle Community Center on March 19 at 2 p.m. to speak about the book and answer questions. No firm information has come yet regarding tickets and cost. This is one you will not want to miss so get it on your calendar so you'll be able to attend.

Kim Angelis, our very own Naselle violinist will perform at the Naselle Community Center on Saturday, March 5 and again, you will want that on your calendar [this is corrected; first publication mistakenly listed the venue as the Valley Bible Church-ed.]. Both events are sponsored by the Finnish American Folk Festival.

Senior Lunches: The next Senior Lunch Club will meet for a potluck luncheon on February16 at noon at Rosburg Hall. CAP box lunches are also available for pick up every Thursday at noon at Rosburg Hall. Call ahead to Denice to reserve your lunch at (360) 762-3111.

Word for the Week: Spring.