The American Legion opens membership to most vets

The American Legion Post #150 is now accepting membership of most U.S. veterans due to the LEGION act. This act was signed into effect on July 30, 2019, and honors U.S. service members that were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

"It used to be that you had to serve during a time of war like the Vietnam Conflict or Korea," said American Legion Adjutant-Finance Officer Gordon Aleshire. "There were gaps in between those conflicts where those guys weren't eligible to join. The LEGION Act said that since December 7, 1941, if you served in the military, you can join the Legion."

The act gives approximately 6,000,000 veterans access to the American Legion programs and benefits. The main change was to reduce the seven war categories down to two: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 2918, and December 7, 1941, to a date to be declared later.

Francis man hit by Steam Train

On the evening of Sunday, October 27, the Chehalis Steam Train hit a local Francis man. The Lewis County emergency responders rushed to the scene of the accident at the 300 block of Spooner Rd.

The Chehalis Steam Train was backing up on the tracks and struck a vehicle driven by 69-year-old John Hodel. The intersection is equipped with a sign only. There are no lights and no crossing bar.

Winlock business owner passes; leaves a void in the community

This week Winlock lost a business owner and friend, Suzanne Smith owner of Grinders for the past 22 years. She passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in Centralia Washington.

For many, Suzanne was how they started their day. She would fill everyone up with a morning coffee drink, hot or cold. She had a beautiful smile and when you drove up to her window, you were guaranteed to get a smile. She was always happy to see her customers, she made a point of knowing everyone's favorite drink. If you changed it up, she would always ask which drink today.

Suzanne was loved by many in the community, the posting of her passing on Facebook was full of comments.

Winlock Community Garden adds orchard

On Saturday, November 2, the community gathered to plant the Winlock Community orchard to add to the garden at Winlock High School. People from all over town joined together to plant trees for the orchard. Mary Lewin (the "permaculture designer" or garden architect of the project) has big plans for the garden.

The current design depicts pathways, archways, and actual farm crop areas. Saturday was a great step in the right direction. Students led by Lisa Collins started the initial garden planted last school year after idea of providing fresh food for students who may not have enough to meet their needs surfaced. Now it is truly beginning to develop into a beautiful garden and gathering place it was meant to be.

BRIEFLY

Get your event in the Brieflys! Send your event information to karenc@flannerypubs.com by Friday 5:00 p.m. to get your event on our calendar.

Yoga Classes
Free yoga classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Pacific Arts Gallery on Third St. in Raymond. Donations gladly accepted.

Grief Support Group
The Grief Support Group is held at 3:00 p.m. every Wednesday at the Raymond Timberland Library. This meeting is sponsored by Harbors Home Health & Hospice.

Narcotic Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2200 N. Nyhus in Westport.

SOS meeting
Save Our Selves, a non-religious recovery group, holds it meeting every Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Tradewinds multi-purpose room, 4305 Pomeroy Ave. in Tokeland. An SOS recreation group also gets together every Sunday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Shoalwater Bay gymnasium. There is no charge to attend, but donations are always appreciated.

Veterans Day Lunch
The Raymond School District is having a lunch in honor of local veterans on Thursday, November 7 at 11:45 p.m. at the Raymond High School. An assembly follows at 12:45 p.m. Call for lunch reservations at 360-942-3415 option 2.

Writing workshop
Every Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. a writer's workshop will be held. Write your story. Your life. Your dreams. Where you've been. Where you want to go and why. Yes, you can write! Think! Put it down on paper and share it with others. Location: 118 Kendrick, South Bend.

Food Bank Info
The North Pacific County Food Bank, located on the corner of Larch Street and Park Avenue in Raymond, is generally open to serve those in need every Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Commodities are issued beginning the first Thursday of each month until supplies last.

Gyotaku Art
Learn the art of Gyotaku (fish printing) from artists Vernon and Melissa at the Raymond Timberland Library on Thursday, November 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All materials will be provided. Sponsored by a grant from the Willapa Heritage Foundation. Please register by contacting the library at 360-942-2408.

Veterans Assembly
The South Bend School District is holding a veterans assembly on Friday, November 8 at 9:30 a.m. The assembly includes a presentation.

Haunted Hannan Playhouse
The Hannan Playhouse, 518 8th St. in Raymond, presents the Haunted Hannan Playhouse, a musical comedy by Russ Wiitala. This show is performed on the nights of November 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are on November 10 and 17 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets available at South Bend Pharmacy and Everyone's Video in Raymond.

Willapa Country Christmas Craft Fair

The Willapa Country Christmas Craft Fair is Saturday, November 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Willapa Harbor Community Center, 916 West First in South Bend. Local artisans with their creations will be on hand to help you get your Christmas season started. Email info@willapahrbor.org for vendor details.