Downriver Dispatches

March is raining by. It's sure strange to have snow and hail and rain and wind, oh but wait...it's still winter, isn't it? Did lots of reading in past couple weeks. First a fairly new biography of Julia Butler Hansen that's top notch by John Hughes. Mayor David Olson showed it to me, so I borrowed it and got my own copy. I cannot understand why someone in Cathlamet isn't selling it. Since the Mayor is working hard on recognizing the importance of her life and her house, it would be nice to have her book for sale in town. It's from the Secretary of State's office in Olympia and full of fascinating information. I learned about just how much she did for her hometown and our local area. The second book was "Spare" by Prince Harry. It's brand new and well written. He is a unique man.

So glad to hear that 22 juniors and seniors at the Naselle GRV High School are traveling this week to visit three schools in Oregon. Linn Benton Community College, Western Oregon University and Oregon State in Corvallis. They will also visit the arboretum in Corvallis. Hope they have a wonderful trip.

I thought this week I would list some area businesses that have appeared in the last year. First, Craig Frueling's sawmill on Parpala Road. His "little" sawmill is growing quickly. He does custom cuts with custom wood. His wife, Dawn, has established the Elk Horn Creek Design business. She does crafts and all sorts of projects. They are busy people that add a lot to our area.

Ryan Nortrud has the Bullfrog Project Maintenance business that has impressed quite a few. He does gutter cleaning, clears moss off roofs and general maintenance work. I will call to see if he'll clean my windows because climbing ladders isn't so easy anymore. He's at 360-214-6924.

Kudos to Wahkiakum West for their new phone book cover. Great job of using Gene Strong's photo of the Sorenson place owned by Jenna? I hope Darrell will send me her married name, but she's still a Sorenson. The photo shows her barn next to the Rosburg Bridge at flood. Great job, Gene!

I've mentioned before that Jennifer Penttila has opened a flower shop, Finnhill Flower, on the north end of the Hair Villa building on SR 4 and at 360-484-3777. What a great business to offer us.

Had a call from Austin Burkhalter. He wants everyone to know that the next Port Two meeting will be at the Grays River Grange Hall on Friday, March 21 at 3:30 p.m. They like to have a meeting out this way once a year to gather information and ideas from residents and to share what they are planning. If you have questions for Austin, he's at 360-576-2768. While talking to him, I learned that Port 2 can only work on projects on the land they own. Since they don't really own any land other than Vista Park and the boat launch on Puget Island, we can help by identifying places out here that might work best if owned by Port 2. Just a thought.

Have been wanting to get this into the Dispatch, so here you go: My recipe for Sourdough Chocolate Cake, the only cake for birthdays in my family. It's a heavier cake. Blend 1 cup thick sourdough starter with 1 c. water, 1-1/2 cups flour and ¼ cup nonfat dry milk. Allow to ferment in warm place till it's bubbly and sour-milk aroma can be detected. In large bowl, cream ½ cup soft shortening or margarine. I never used butter but you can try it. Gradually stir in 1 cup brown sugar, 2 t. cinnamon, ½ t salt, 1 ½ baking soda and 1 t. vanilla. Add two eggs and beat well. Melt 3 squares of baking chocolate (not chocolate chips, but real deep chocolate for baking) over hot water. Add starter mix and chocolate to creamed ingredients. Mix on low speed on mixer or beat 100 strokes by hand. Grease and flour 2 layer-cake pans. Pour batter into pans and bake in 350 degree preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate icing. For different texture with more bulk, separate the eggs and add only the yolks to creamed mixture. Beat whites till they form peaks and fold gently in last of all. This is not a light little cake. This is skookum and lasts all afternoon if sent in a lunch box. If you make this cake, would you bring me a piece, please?

Events:

Tuesdays: Naselle Lutheran Church sponsors quilters in mornings and knitters in afternoons. Verified by Carol Ervest. Thanks, Carol.

Wednesdays: AA meeting at the Grays River Grange at noon.

First Thursday of the month: Gardening group meets at Johnson Park at 6 p.m.

First Thursday of the month: Caregiver Support Group at Naselle Library with Ocean Beach Hospital staff from 1-2 p.m.

March 8: Grays River Habitat Enhancement Board at Grays River Fire Hall.

March 11: Karl Marlantes at Redmen Hall at 4 pm after Antiques and Collectibles Show at Redmen Hall opening at 10 a.m.

March 21: Port 2 meeting at GR Grange at 3:30 p.m.

March 21: School Board meeting at 6:30 in school library.

March 25: Bunny Bingo at school. Hot dogs/Potato at 4:30 and Bingo at 6. Concessions at school. Supports Naselle Sports Club.

March 26. FAFF building committee meets at 2 and Festival Board meets at 3 at Naselle Community Center.

April 8: Easter Egg Hunts in morning and evening.

CAP Senior Lunches: CAP/Thursday Senior Lunches are located inside Rosburg Hall at noon.

Next Wednesday Senior Lunch is March 15. Hope to see you there. Age is not a requirement to come, but if you're 50 or over, come give it a try, especially if you're new to the area.