Westside Stories

We had a wonderful time attending two amazing community events this past Saturday. The lasagna dinner fundraiser hosted by the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation at Rosburg Hall was absolutely delicious. That was the best lasagna I’ve ever had! It was a delight to meet all the fantastic volunteers who pour their hearts into planning and organizing events at the fairgrounds. Their dedication keeps the fairground facilities filled with activities all year round.

About 40 people came out to the Grays River Grange movie night fundraiser. The evening kicked off with a raffle featuring numerous donated items and baked goods. Before the movie was shown, Bob Pyle gave a presentation, discussing his experiences related to the film rights, the filmmaking process, and sharing personal anecdotes.

The film presented at the event was a heartfelt journey written and directed by Tom Putnam, featuring actors David Cross and Debra Messing and tells the story of a grieving man who embarks on a 30-day trek through the Dark Divide, the largest roadless area in Washington, situated between Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams. Following the death of his wife from cancer, Bob Pyle is awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to continue his research on butterflies and moths. The plot includes various trials, vibrant encounters with unique characters, and highlights Bob’s growth and transformation throughout his journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but it may not appeal to all viewers due to its slower pace in certain areas. The performances were noteworthy, particularly that of David Cross, who infused humor and eccentricity into his character. Cross’s ability to carry much of the film on his own while performing his own stunts, at times sustaining injuries, added depth to the performance. Although Debra Messing has a smaller role, her scenes were impactful and emotional. The Dark Divide is currently available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime.

After the film, Bob participated in a Q&A session where he clarified some differences between his memoir and the film's portrayal. He noted that the timeline surrounding his wife Thea's battle with cancer was adjusted for dramatic effect, and his Guggenheim Fellowship was actually awarded for studying the Bigfoot phenomenon rather than his research on butterflies and moths. Bob also shared that his growth and connection with nature developed over many years, contrasting with the film's depiction of a single journey. The evening provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights directly from Bob, one of the community’s notable residents, about his writing journey, the filmmaking process, and his personal loss.

The Grange will be hosting additional events throughout the year to help raise funds for building improvements, including a roof replacement.

Naselle Community Center Update

On Mar. 23 from 3-5 p.m., the Naselle Community Center will have an open house for anyone interested in purchasing the building. Inquiries related to the sale or to submit a formal offer, contact buildingsale@nasellefinnfest.com. For additional information about the building and to view photos, visit nasellefinnfest.com.

Westside Happenings

March

22 – Open House at Johnson Park, noon – 6 p.m.

23 – Building Sale Open House at Naselle Community Center, 3-5 p.m.

28 – “Learn How to Grow Your Own” Workshop at Naselle Timberland Library, 6-7 p.m.

30 – FAFF meeting at Naselle Community Center, 4 p.m.

April

26 – Cemetery Forum at Naselle Community Center, 9-11 a.m.

26 – Bingo at Naselle Community Center, doors open at 5:30 p.m., games start at 6 p.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.