Well, it looks like winter and the high water is on its way. I hope everyone is preparing for the inevitable. Make sure you have enough supplies to get you through several days, if you are on medication, make sure you have enough ahead, and don’t forget your pets. We all know how fast the water can rise, so take extra precautions and be prepared.
On that note, there is a website available to the general public for the purpose of getting critical flood information such as flood watches and warnings. All you need to do is send an e-mail request to: listserv@listserv.wa.gov and enter the words- “subscribe WAFLOODS”. You will automatically be placed on their list to receive flood information.
News from Naselle:
Students are beginning the second quarter of this school year. Congratulations to our students, faculty, volunteers, parents and families for making this past quarter a successful one. Lots of recognition for academics, outstanding school award and even a special award for Principal Karen Wirkkala. What more can we ask for, when others also see what a great school and community we have here.
Other news from the Westend:
If you live in the Grays River Valley, you should be very proud to look around and see that you have some really great neighbors. We should thank them and each other, for becoming involved in the issues facing our river, our land, our people, the fish and our future.
After the last Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board/Grays River Work Group meeting at the Grays River Grange on November 4, you might have thought that by telling the group that they’re plan was inadequate, that would have been the end of it. Not so. The three commissioners of the Grays River Habitat Enhancement District traveled to Longview twice last week to meet with Jeff Breckel, Executive Director of LCFRB, in an effort to come to some kind of an agreement and move forward with a plan for the river which would include people and flooding as well as fish.
Last Friday, the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board met in Cathlamet for their regular monthly meeting. According to their agenda they were to discuss: the Lower Grays River community-based habitat strategy development plan and the next steps. There were about 30 landowners/residents in attendance. It appeared that most of the members of the board had no idea what the proposed plan entailed, nor had they seen the project list or the maps. Once again the people spoke out, with their concerns for the proposed plan.
Any further discussion was tabled until the LCFRB meeting next month. I will update the community with the location, date and time in this column. For more information on this and other activities of the LCFRB, go to their website or Google "Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board".
If you missed the Christmas Bazaar at the Rosburg Hall last weekend, you missed some really great items for sale. It appears that it was a huge success. Great food, good company, and lots of local vendors with lots of different products available.
Don’t forget the Fall Breakfast at the Deep River American Legion Post 111, at 8 - 11:30 a.m. Adults are $5 and children under 12 are $3. The proceeds from this breakfast benefit local veterans and youth programs.
The North Coast Marine Corps League Detachment 1228 will have a Toys For Tots collection box at the Legion Hall on the day of the breakfast. All the toys collected will stay in Western Wahkiakum and South Pacific County. Bring a toy for this great cause, and enjoy one of the best breakfasts around. All you can eat pancakes, ham sausage, eggs, juice, coffee. Bring a friend.
The Wahkiakum Historical Society will hold their annual members meeting at the Rosburg Hall on November 22. There will be a pot luck lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the regular meeting from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. New officers will be elected at this meeting. If you are interested in becoming a member of this group or would like more information, contact Nick Nikkala.
The Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic Committee has provided the Library at Johnson Park with a copy of the committee's Clinic Report to the County Commissioners. Until the library is opened the report will be available in the Community Computer Center, which is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1- 5 p.m. Feel free to come in and take a look.
An interesting veteran reunion from Deep River. It seems that a World War II army buddy of Ernie Wirkkala’s came to visit last weekend. J.C. Wood and his nephew, David arrived last Thursday from Georgia to visit with Ernie. The two hadn’t seen each other for many years.
J.C (called Jake by his nephew) is 92, a retired carpenter. He and Ernie served as P-51 Crew Chiefs during the war, in England, France and Germany. The two spent several days reminiscing and according to some, it was like they were still 20 years old.
The Wednesday Senior Lunch Bunch will have an extra special lunch on the 19th. It will be held at the Valley Bible Church at noon, and will be a Thanksgiving Day Special. Bring a dish to share if you wish, enjoy a wonderful meal and get in on the raffle. There are some beautiful prizes.
Are you interested in doing something really terrific for yourself and your community? Come to the Grays River Grange on December 2 and see if you might be interested in becoming an EMT. It is definitely a big commitment, but all the training is done locally and it doesn’t cost you anything but time. All of your gear is also provided free of charge. You can make a difference, in your own life as well as that of the people you will be helping. Talk with those who have already made the commitment. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Check out the new ambulance and enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Birthdays coming up this week: Kori Johnson on the 13th; Darrel Sotka, Jake Clark and Nancy Larson on the 13th; Carl Adair, Judy Kent and Robert Trimble on the 15th; Savannah Bryant, Cody Strange, Jacob Shelter and Kylie Legler on the 16th; Jacob Revis, Barb Rose, Tiffany Coop, Gail Queener and Guy Wirkkala on the 17th; Donna Goddard, Katie Bjornsgard, Natalie Wirkkala, Pat Howerton and Chris Dorman on the 18th. Happy birthday wishes go out to each of you.
Happy Anniversary to the following couples celebrating their special day this week: My good friends, Merlin and Judy Durrah who will celebrate 43 years on the 14th; Mr. and Mrs. John Bergquist on the 16th; Greg and Andrea Smith on the 17th and Rikki and Jill Saari on the 19th.