News from Naselle:
Looks like work is underway for the new school bus loop between the bus barn and the loading zone in front of Naselle-Grays River School. Now the busses can go directly to the loading area without entering the highway.
The new roofing materials are all piled on the roof of the school, ready to be put on. It looks like lots of preparations being made for the new school year. It’s almost that time again. School begins September 2.
Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Superintendent, Alan Bennett has invited the public to come to the August 19 school board meeting. The meeting will be held in the Commons and will give concerned citizens an opportunity to voice their concerns and offer any solutions they may have with regard to the VFW Hall property on South Valley Road.
I’m sure many of you have seen and probably signed a petition being circulated in the Naselle-Grays River areas, encouraging the school board to deed that property to the cemetery board. Bennett has provided some history on the issue in a letter to his key communicators stating: "First of all, this property was previously part of a larger parcel that contained the Naselle Grade School. In 1956, when the land to the west of S. Valley Rd. was no longer used for a school, it was sold to the cemetery board for $1. The small property that was retained by the district was then leased to the VFW on a 99 year lease. It is only about a third of an acre and used to house the VFW hall there. It was also used as a place for Boy Scouts to meet. When the VFW post dissolved, and the building was abandoned and fell in to disrepair, the building was torn down and it became an empty lot. Cars have parked on the county right of way for South Valley Road all this time as well.
On May 12, the school district’s Facility Committee voted to recommend the board declare this property surplus. The board did declare the property surplus at its May 20 meeting. The land serves no direct purpose for the district and due to the fact that it won’t pass a perc test, has limited value. Once the property is declared surplus, the district can then lease it or sell it. If there is no probable future use of the property by the district, the best option is to sell it because it reduces the district’s potential liability if there is an injury on the property etc. Another benefit of selling the property is that any revenues from the sale go in to capital projects, which help the district accomplish facilities goals. The proceeds from this would go for enlarging the current playground.
The board is in a difficult position in regards to this request. On the one hand, board members respect and appreciate the concerns of the community. On the other hand, they have to follow the law and look out for the best interests of students. As for deeding the property over to the cemetery board, this isn’t legally possible. Board policy and state law require that if school district property is sold to an individual or a corporation, such as the cemetery board, it be sold for at least 90 percent of appraised value. The district has hired an appraiser and the appraisal should be in this week. Another option is leasing the land to the cemetery board. This wouldn’t bring in needed monies for facilities projects, or minimize the district’s liabilities, but it would secure the land’s use for the community.”
Concerned citizens are encouraged to come to the August 19th school board meeting and voice their opinions. There will be adequate time for concerns to be heard. The choices for the board will be:
• Sell the property
• Lease the property
• Do nothing...perhaps not a great option since it has been declared surplus.
Bennett suggests that it would like to hear from representatives of the cemetery board and members of the community who want to have a voice in this decision. He would like to see people come up with a solution where the community has the parking they need along with a park if they so desire, and the district has the money it needs to enlarge the playground.
Other news from the Westend:
As I passed Meserve Park last weekend I noticed several people doing a major cleanup. It turns out that a Farm Market came to Grays River on Tuesday afternoon. Though in its infant stages, it looks like a great place to set up and sell your produce, breads, meat, flowers and plants, etc. Now that the Puget Island Friday market is up and running, why not bring some of the same to our side of the hill. It was wonderful to see products from Puget Island, Deep River, and grass fed beef from the Zimmerman farm here in Grays River.
Grays River Grange Master Krist Novoselic has promised to keep me updated on the progress of this market and I certainly hope it will continue. What better way to get nutritious produce and meat while buying local, and saving gas at the same time. A big thank you to the Grays River Grange for sponsoring this event. You can also enjoy a pot luck meal on the second Tuesday of each month with food prepared from local ingredients, served at 6:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall, prior to their regular meeting which begins at 7:30 p.m.
Let these folks know how much we appreciate them being here. Buy local! As I was taking a few photos, who should drive up but Jennie Pearson and Glenrose Hedlund. If you want to know about something going on, just follow these two young ladies, they know what’s happening.
The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch that meets at Rosburg Hall will enjoy another of Pat Potter and crew’s lunches on the 20th , which will include sloppy joes, cole slaw, oven spuds and dessert. Lunch is served at noon and you can have your blood pressure checked at 11:30 a.m. for free.
Yoga classes are still going strong at Johnson Park. Lots of folks taking advantage of the stress relief being taught by Jack Braman on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the building (old Rosburg School.
The community computer center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. We have had a few new users coming in lately, learning how to use the computers and even bringing their own laptops. We appreciate the opportunity to help.
Got a band? Now is your chance to strut your stuff. Battle of the Bands is coming to Skamokawa, at the fairgrounds, on August 23 at 7 p.m. $300 total in prizes ($100 each for best song, originality, and presentation). This competition is sponsored by the Grays River Grange, Skamokawa Grange and the Elochoman Grange. Entry forms can be picked up at Thiel’s Music in Astoria and Longview or at the Fairgrounds office.
Birthdays being celebrated this week include Carol Ervest and Anna Ehrlund on the 14th; Colby Engelson and Cathy Francis on the 15th; Rebecca Strong, Bob Eaton, Alina Ashe and Myka Thompson on the 16th; Amanda Haataia, Dale Heiner, Michael McIntee and JJ McCullough on the 17th; Lee Clark, Noah Kent and Rhiana Jacot on the 18th; Eric Ervest and Travis Pakenen on the 20th . Happy Birthday to each of you.
Anniversaries coming up: Ed and Amy Hunt and Roland and Dawn Thompson on the 15th; Bob and Judy Paavola, Charles and Sharon Ross and Peter and Nancy McGuire on the 16th; Travis and Jen Boggs and Glen and Shirley Miller on the 17th; Scott and Lynn Boyle, Jim and Debee Bauer and Todd and Jen Blanchard on the 19th. Wishing all of you a very special day.
Another spectacular program is coming to Cathlamet’s Pioneer Church, sponsored by the Pioneer Community Association. All That Jazz, a swing band from Ilwaco will perform on August 23 at 7 p.m. The group will entertain with old standards, pop tunes, Latin favorites and some light jazz.
Two of the performers, Jim Miller and Jerry Pedersen are locals from the Cathlamet/Puget Island area. Other members of the band include Glen Hansen, Lee Stromquist, Chuck Windham, David Graves, Jeanne Bellinger, and Chris Jacobsen. Local favorite, Sunrise Fletcher of Skamokawa will also join in with the group.
Tickets for the Pioneer Church performance are $12.50 for adults and $8 for youth. For information and purchase contact Trillium Books, 65 Main Street in Cathlamet, or call 360-795-8428, or email pca1896@hotmail.com. Remaining seats will be sold at the door on the night of the performance.
This past couple of weeks have really been wonderful family time for my siblings and I. The four of us had not been together for about 10 years, so we spent many an hour laughing and reminiscing, going through old photos and taking new ones. Thanks to all three of you for coming and I really hope we can do it again soon. Family is so important, enjoy them every chance you get.