Town Crier July 4, 2018
PRSRT STD ECRWSS
US. Poistage Paid Winlock, WA 98596 Permit No. 5
Covering rural communities in Southwest Washington since 1967
Vader 4th of July festivities Independence Day is an important day for all of us, the day America became a country. It's also the day that Vader puts on their 4th of July festivities. "We are a community of Patriotic Americans," said Vader Mayor Ken Smith. "We love to gather together to celebrate with fireworks. This year, as in the previous years will be bigger and better than the past. We love to celebrate with our country, our constitution, our flag and fireworks. We enjoy this day for all the freedoms they represent." There are many events scheduled for the day, beginning with the Corn Hole tournament; sign-up begins at 1:00 p.m. Corn Hole is a game in which small bags filled with dried corn are tossed into a hole at one end of a wooden platform. There is a $5 buy-in and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will split the pot. Just to name a few of the many vendors that will open their booths at 4:00 p.m.: Randt Williams Boutique will offer many wonderful items for the home, Toledo Lavender, and an ice cream truck. There
will also be classic cars from the Quarter Milers group. The Little Crane Cafe will be open for business. This is a tradition that has been going on for many years. Lewis County Commissioner Edna Fund stated, "I applaud Vader, the little town once called Sophera and Little Falls. They brought together a community for Independence Day. This town is a role model for others to work together for a common goal. Jason Dailey, owner of the Little Crane Cafe, stated, "It's going to be fun. We will be serving hot dogs and have games for the kids. Come on down and enjoy the fun." The fireworks show starts at 10:00 p.m. and the show will last from 20 to 30 minutes. Jakes Fireworks has donated $2,000 for fireworks and the City of Vader has donated $3,000 for the event. Mike and Victoria Parsons have been busy organizing the Vader 4th of July event. Mike Parsons, city council member, stated, "This has been a long-running tradition in Vader. We are excited to continue this tradition."
Happy Birthday, Schaefer turning 90
David Schaefer
On Saturday, July 14 at 1:00 p.m., lifetime Winlock resident Mr. David Schaefer, will celebrate his 90th birthday at his home at 157 Minkler Rd. in Winlock. Schaefer was born in Chehalis on July 12, 1928. He has resided in the Winlock family home ever since. Mr. Schaefer's family has
owned a 100-acre farm where he learned the value of family, faith and hard work. "I was brought up to work and I have always worked hard," stated Schaefer. His secret to having a long life is "keep working and keep active." Schaefer still bowls, plays pinochle, and enjoys puzzles. "He still hunts," stated his son, John. It is
obvious that Schaefer does not let the grass grow under his feet. Schaefer graduated from Winlock High School and was employed by Weyerhaeuser as a radio communication worker on the railroad. After two years with Weyerhaeuser, Schaefer was drafted into the Army with a two-year assignment in Austria. "They had us there because Russia was not being kind. They called us the suicide troops because our job was to stop the Russians from the channel. We patrolled one side of the Danube and the Russians were on the other side," stated Schaefer. After his time in the Army, Schaefer returned home to work for Lewis County PUD. He started as a meter reader and worked his way up to a line foreman before retirement. He worked for the Lewis County PUD for 30 years. His son, John, followed in his father’s footsteps, starting as a meter reader and working his way up to line foreman before his retirement.
Schaefer has always been active in the community. He has been in many organizations around the area. He has been a big supporter of St. Urban Grange, having held offices in local, county and state. Unfortunately, St. Urban Grange is closing down due to low participation but many of us have had our class reunions, wedding receptions and many other events there. Schaefer and his wife Rosalie raised their nine children on the farm. "I raised my kids in this house. I was raised here and learned to work. They were raised here as well. They learned to work hard but they also learned responsibility," stated Schaefer. All nine children, Ron, Karen, John, Karl, Jerry, Denise, Don, Mike and Paul, all attended and were graduated from Winlock High School. After Rosalie passed, in 1996 Schaefer married his present wife Chris and they continue to live and work the farm. Please join family and friends in celebrating his 90th birthday.
Toledo band and choir seniors
THS hosts band/choir concert by Merrilee Bark Tuesday, May 22, the Toledo High School hosted the end-of-the-year band and choir concert, directed and hosted by Miss Kathy Welch. This was the band and choir seniors last highschool performance before graduation in June. The band seniors each offered Miss Welch a gift to thank her, and each senior took home a balloon. Band and choir seniors were introduced, including Shelby Brown, Lilly Thorpe, ShyAnne Hill, Tiana Berg, Cheyenne Crowe, Kyle Hawkins, Emily Tyner, Cheyenne Strom, and Ashlyn Rustan. Miss Welch
spoke about each senior and explained their future plans after graduation. The choir performed Come to the Music by Joseph M. Martin, Here Comes the Sun arranged by Mac Huff, Lullabye arranged by Mac Huff, The Bare Necessities arranged by John Leavitt, Pretty Little Angel Eyes arranged by Jay Althouse, and River in Judea, arranged by John Leavitt. The band performed Where Eagles Soar, by Steven Reineke, Yellow Mountains by Jacob de Haan, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them arranged by Jay Bocook, and See band Page 3
Allen retiring after 43 years 40-year class reunion Winlock Raylee Allen taught school for 43 years, and 39 of those were for the Winlock School District. She retired at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Raylee was the first family member who went to college, starting with her BA from WSU and then she received her 5th year teaching certificate from the University of Washington. Raylee started her teaching career in Brewster, Washington, and was there four years before coming to Winlock. "I was looking for a job, especially in the Everett area because they had a math coach program. I was putting applications everywhere and Winlock called me in for an interview. There were 350 applicants, per Cy Meyers, and I was the one chosen to teach 4th grade," stated Raylee. "I taught 4th grade for many years until my daughter became a 4th grader and she asked me to change to 5th grade and that is where I stayed," continued Raylee. Raylee said she enjoyed teaching all those years. "I just love the kids. Each one has something to offer… the fun, the joy. I enjoyed letting the kids have their own thoughts and ideas,"
The Winlock High School class of 1978 is having their 40-year class reunion which starts with a potluck on Saturday, July 14 at 3:00 p.m. at 191 Antrim Rd, Winlock. They offer dry camping so bring your camper, motor home, trailer or tent. They are still looking to get in contact with several class members: Roberta Al-
Raylee Allen
she continued. “Teaching is a calling. You have to have a love for children and you have to be flexible because something always came up and it had to change," said Raylee. If you don't know Raylee, you have missed out. She is a very positive person with a love for her students. “After so many years of teaching,” she stated, "I am at a point where I want to spend more time with Bob, my husband, and my two daughters, Shira
and Shalene. I also have 4 grand-fur-babies that I love spending time with.” When asked what she will miss the most, she responded, "The fun, the laughter, the projects with the kids. The kids have kept me young and I will miss them all. I was teaching the children of the students I had taught many years before.” Raylee is one of those rare individuals who followed her calling and the students are better because of it.
len, Lee Blum, Tod Bowen, Wendi Christensen, Jack Dueber, Dennis Finley, Jesse Helland, Kevin O'Sullivan, Randy Paul, Jim Trodahl, Denise Ulfers, Carmeletta Vian, Terry Willoughby and Karen Young. If you have any information as to where they are please call Robin Goodman at (360) 669-3166.
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