Westside Stories

Season of Gloom

When Mark and I were first considering moving to the Northwest, we had a lot of people ask us how we were going to do with all the rain. We honestly brushed it off without much thought. We had visited many times and we felt like we would be fine. Our first winter proved us wrong. Coming from Denver, Colorado, where the sun shines on average 300 days per year, we were not prepared for days upon days of rain and gloom. Seasonal depression has been a very real thing for both of us. To top it all off for me, I already deal with depression and anxiety that can take me out for days if I'm not careful.

So, going into the Season of Gloom, I am attempting to be a little more prepared and intentional in combatting the spiral it can cause. I bought an exercise bike, I've been looking at light therapy lamps, we've booked a cruise to Mexico in March for my 50th birthday, I plan to visit Denver a couple times to visit my grandson, and I'm pushing myself to get out more and actually talk to people on a regular basis. What do you do to battle the gloom? Are there intentional things you do in the winter months that are helpful to ward off the seasonal blues?

Honoring Veterans

The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. At that moment on November 11, 1918, "the war to end all wars" finally came to an end. Originally called Armistice Day, declared in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson, Veterans Day became a legal holiday in 1954 to honor American Veterans of all wars.

Our community does such a wonderful job honoring local veterans. The Naselle Grays-River Valley School will host a Veterans assembly in the gym on Thursday, November 7 at 1 p.m. American Legion Post 0111 will host their annual Veterans Breakfast at Rosburg Hall on Saturday, November 9 from 8 - 11:30 a.m. And on Monday, November 11 at 11 a.m. there will be a dedication of the Wahkiakum County Veterans Memorial Monument in front of the county courthouse in Cathlamet, hosted by American Legion Post 0111 and VFW Post 5297.

Local Spotlight

Grays River resident Andrea Vincent is no stranger to chronic pain. She has been struggling with it for years. Navigating these challenges since her early thirties, Andrea has learned the hard way how to be her own advocate for her health. Numerous surgeries, doctor and ER visits, skepticism from healthcare professionals about her issues, trying many medications and supplements, and coping with diagnosis after diagnosis led to the creation of the Growth, Resilience, and Grit Journal. "I wanted something that could keep track of all the puzzle pieces," Andrea explains. "A way to show doctors, 'Look, there's got to be something going on here.'"

The GRG Journal is a quality tool for anyone struggling with chronic health issues. It consists of ten sections including tracking symptoms, medications and supplements, treatments and surgeries, and areas to express gratitude and positive self-talk. Also included are realistic body stickers to help pinpoint trouble spots.

Despite her ongoing struggles, Andrea thrives in her day-to-day life, especially in her involvement in our community. She is a real estate agent with Wahkiakum Realty, she is the Secretary for Fire District 3, she is a caretaker for a neighbor, and she has numerous hobbies that keep her busy.

To learn more about Andrea's journey and the GRG Journal, please visit http://www.grgmindbody.com.

Westside Happenings

November

7 - Veterans Assembly at Naselle School – 1 p.m.

8 - Johnson Park Harvest Dinner – 6 p.m.

9 – American Legion Veterans Breakfast at Rosburg Hall - 8-11:30 a.m.

9 – Bingo Night at Johnson Park – 6-8 p.m.

13 – Grays River Flood Control District Meeting at GR Firehall - 5:30 p.m.

16 – Appelo Archives Harvest Auction & Dinner – 5 p.m.

19 – Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

23 – Naselle Community Center Christmas Bazaar – 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

December

8 – Christmas Concert at Deep River Church – 1 p.m.

8 – Naselle Community Center Soup Supper & Tree Lighting 3-6 p.m.

15 – FAFF Tour of Homes – 12-3:30 p.m.

15 – 3rd Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade – 5 p.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to reach out to me, please contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. To highlight your event, please consider supporting the paper by placing a paid advertisement.