e e r
F
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Bundle up and take your umbrella Originally published in The Chronicle Vol. 140 Nov. 2, 2022 JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.
The National Weather Service’s (NWS) latest winter outlook shows a 75% chance of La Niña December through February for Columbia County and the rest of the state. El Niño and the Southern Oscillation, commonly referred to as ENSO, is a periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperature (SST) and the overlying atmosphere across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It is a defining model for weather forecasters. This would be the third consecutive year for our weather to be influenced by El Niño. Weather experts said that influence is directly related to climate change. The NWS outlook suggests that the La Niña impact will likely continue through mid-winter. NWS Climate Prediction Center (CPC) outlooks: • Wetter than normal Fall 2022
• Equal chances of wetter, drier or near normal precipitation December, January and February • Greater chance for slightly cooler temperatures than normal December, January and February The NWS outline shows equatorial SSTs are below average across most of the Pacific Ocean, which would favor wetter and cooler than normal conditions for the Pacific Northwest this winter. The NWS November outlook favors a greater chance of above normal precipitation with equal chances for above, near or below normal temperatures. The outlook for December through February shows a greater chance for above normal precipitation and a greater chance of below normal temperatures. The Oregon Drought Monitor shows moderate drought along the Oregon Coastline with abnormally dry to moderate drought inland and extreme drought in eastern and southeast Oregon. The NWS long-range drought forecast shows conditions improving or even ending across much of Oregon and Washington through December. Forecasters said it’s too
Courtesy photo from the NWS
This illustration shows the winter weather outlook for Oregon and the nation.
early to tell if St. Helens, Scappoose, Rainier and Clatskanie will see snowfall this winter, but they said it’s always best to be prepared. Three weather ele-
ments, cold offshore flows, an air mass in place and moisture from the Pacific, rarely come together often, according to the NWS, but when that does happen it increases the chance of
snow at lower elevations in Columbia County and across the state. The NWS said under La Niña, winter temperatures in the lower elevations of the Pacific Northwest can
range from the mid 40s to low 50s day side and from the 20s to 30s overnight. Jeremy C. Ruark may be reached at jruark@countrymedia.net.
Clatskanie Community Choir returns, first concert Nov. 18
Courtesy photo from Jamie Erwin
The Clatskanie Community Choir.
Originally published in The Chief Vol. 131 Nov. 4, 2022 LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article
There is good news for lovers of song: The Clatskanie Community Choir is once again active and will be performing its first concert November 18. The concert will be held at the Birkenfeld Theatre in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, located at 75 S. Nehalem St. The concert will start at 7 p.m. and admission is free with donations accepted. The choir director, Jaime Erwin, who is also the music and drama teacher
at Clatskanie Middle High School, has been around music her entire life. She is an accomplished multiinstrumentalist and holds a degree in music education from Humboldt State University. Erwin was integral in bringing the Clatskanie Community Choir back together. “The choir had not been together for approximately 15 years,” Erwin said. “I thought it was time to regroup, so I put a call out on Facebook. Forty people responded, ranging in age from 19 to 70.” Accompanying the choir is pianist Gwen Larson. “It is great to have Gwen, and we have been
practicing with the choir since August,” Erwin said. According to local resident Elsa Wooley, the history of the Community Choir is a long one. “It started out as the Choralaires in the 1960s under the direction of Rusty Carver,” Wooley said, and was revised in later years by Clatskanie Middle High School teacher Bob Emminger.” The songs the choir will present are eclectic – everything from sacred to pop, according to Erwin. The songs are “Seasons of Love,” “Simple Gifts,” “Kyrie,” and “Tuimbe.” Another song, “No Time,” will be sung with the students. Choir member Scott Fal-
coner said he initially joined because men were needed in the new choir formation. “I have always sung at church, even during COVID (virtually). It is really fun and helps me to develop my voice,” he said. The high schoolers who will sing at the performance said they also love what being part of the choir has done for them. “Mrs. Erwin is great and encourages us to work independently,” student Even Bergman said. “That really helps to develop confidence. And of course, it is always great to meet new friends.” “She is one of the best teachers I have ever had,” student Sommer Burnard said. “Choir is one of my
favorite things to do. I have always been involved in performing arts and singing is a great way to connect with people. It gives me a chance to express myself.” Choir member Lori Sherman said she feels honored to be a member of the choir. “I feel privileged to be a part of such an amazing group of people with such talented instructors,” Sherman said. “Jaime Erwin and Gwen Larson are a joy to work with and I love their style of teaching… they really make it fun. The Clatskanie Community Choir has brought me new friendships and has brought me back together with old friends. It has given me an avenue to do what I love
and that is to sing. I hope to see my family and friends on November 18 to come listen to the choir.” The choir recorded a version of the concert which will be shown on YouTube and is dedicated to our local veterans. The veteran’s photos will be shown as the choir sings. “It will be in a YouTube link that has not been set up yet,” Erwin said. “It will soon be shared on Facebook and through the school’s blackboard account. One can also search CMHS Veterans Day 2022 on YouTube.” For more information, contact Jamie Erwin at 503728-2146.
Below is a list of WHERE to pick up a FREE copy of the print edition of the News-Advertiser. Also available every week at: thechronicleonline.com and at thechiefnews.com CLATSKANIE • CLATSKANIE SAFEWAY • HI SCHOOL PHARMACY IN CLATSKANIE • CLATSKANIE MARKET SCAPPOOSE • ROAD RUNNER GAS & GROCERY • JACKPOT 76 • ENGSTROM CHEVRON • B&B MARKET
• FRED MEYER • SMOKE SHOP • NELSON NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET • ACE • GROCERY OUTLET ST. HELENS • CHUBB’S CHEVRON • SHERLOCK’S • YANKTON STORE • ZATTERBURG’S
• MARKET FRESH • WALGREENS • BEST WESTERN • MOLLY’S MARKET • WALMART • ACE • DON’S RENTAL DEER ISLAND • DEER ISLAND STORE
COLUMBIA CITY • COLUMBIA CITY GROCERY & GAS RAINIER • ALSTON STORE • DOLLAR GENERAL • GROCERY OUTLET WESTPORT • THE BERRY BATCH RESTAURANT • WEST MART STORE
Let us know what YOU think EMAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: CHRONICLENEWS@COUNTRYMEDIA.NET