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October 2018 Vol. 1, Issue 4 What's Happening at GHC?, Part 1

Outdoors: Fishing

KIDDOS KORNER ART, MUSIC, BOOKS PUZZLES and more!

The Garden Plot: Rain Gardens & Barrels Nonprofit Spotlight: Clean Streams and Memes

The histo ry of

Abe a star fro m Walk rdeen of St ars ins

ide

Made by Aberdeen, about Aberdeen, in Aberdeen, for Aberdeen and beyond.

Fern Hill Cemetery Photo by Ruth Zschomler

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KIDDOS KORNER

THE PUZZLE PLACE

OCTOBER 2018 SPONSORED BY

It's Slime Time

GRAPHICALLY DEB

ANSWERS PG. 3

DEBBI JENSEN

A colorful set of metalic jacks. DEBBI JENSEN for 98520.LiFE

Although you can make slime anytime, October Slime has a fallish gooey-ghoulish feel to it. This activity is for the young and the young at heart. After reading up on a “bazillion" ways to make slime, I found one with just three simple elements for your easy-peasy science project. Here’s what you’ll need: Two bottles of washable 4 fluid oz. of school glue (purchased mine at Rite Aid for 79 cents each), a box of baking soda ($1) from Dollar Tree and a 2 fluid oz. trial travel kit of saline solution ($3.59 at Rite Aid). You will also need an airtight container, a medium size glass or plastic mixing bowl and measuring spoons, a 1/4 measuring cup and a big spoon to mix with. Optional items: 1 box food coloring and/or a container of glitter. First, pour the glue into your bowl, then, if using food coloring, 1 to 2 drops or your desired color(s), and, if desired, 1/4 cup

glitter. I used glitter, but no liquid food coloring (the word on the street is that it tends to dye your hands). Now add one teaspoon baking soda, and stir till smooth. Then add 3 Tablespoons of the saline solution. At this time your mixture will become firm and stringy. Keep mixing until you have a ball of slime. You may add a little bit more saline solution if your mixture seems too sticky.You may also add some plastic spiders or bats to make your slime more ghoulish. It’s important to remember, since you made your creation with glue, to rinse out your utensils and bowl with warm, soapy water. Playing with your October Slime on a plastic tablecloth or plastic placemats will make clean up a breeze. Your airtight container will keep your slime from drying out, too. After you’re done with play, be sure and wash your hands. Wishing you happy and fun creations!

BOOK NOOK HOUSE by bestselling, master supernatural suspense/thriller writers Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker is just the edge-or-your-seat read you need for the season.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY HARBOR

also staying at the inn. That's when things begin to get really creepy. But, if that's not enough...

The lights go off, and an unseen serial killer locks them in. He It all begins when a married couple on throws a soup can down through the chimney with a message the verge of a divorce find themselves lost on a deserted road. Taking scrawled on it stating that he has killed God and will murder the advice of a highway patrolman, all seven of them unless they kill they head down a long dirt road, where they run over spikes, flattening one of their own by dawn. all of their tires and stranding them. Mystery, intrigue, gut-wrenchThey are near an old Victorian house ing suspense, creepy characters being used as an inn in the backand surprises wait at every turn woods of Alabama, occupied by a of the page. weird family of three. They check in and have a strange dinner with the Review by Gregory E. Zschomler family and another dating couple,

BOOKS & GIFTS

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OCTOBER 2018

SPONSORED BY THE ABERDEEN ART CENTER

See Artists at Work: Take a Twin Harbor Drive for Art's Sake D. ROD for 98520.LiFE

another event coordinator. "It is also meant to provide exposure to artists in the Harbor," she adds.

The dates are set for the first Twin Harbor Art Drive Studio Tour, which will be held over two weekends in October. Beginning Columbus Day weekend, Oct 6, 7 and 8.

The event is fashioned after Centralia’s successful Art Trails Studio Tour, now in its sixteenth year. This year’s first Twin Harbors Studio Art Drive will feature about 50 artists displayThe event will continue throughout the following weekend, Oct. ing in 32 studio spaces. Some will be working and displaying in shared studios. Five artists will be featured at 200 W. 13 and 14. Art studios will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. [The Market Street, in Aberdeen. event actually begins with a Thursday, Oct 4," invitation only" reception for advertisers, public officials and event donors.] “The hope is that the event will draw people to take in the local shops, eateries and explore the natural beauty the The free, self-guided Art Drives Studio Tour is designed to "bring visitors to the Harbor and allow local artists the chance harbor has to offer,” says Douglas Orr, board member for Our Aberdeen, the non-profit umbrella group for the event. to have their work and process,” says Carrie Larson, one of the event's group coordinators. There, also, will be an opening reception Friday, Oct. 5, for participating artists, their family, friends and supporters. The reception will be held at the D&R Events Center from 5 - 8 p.m. It is free and open to the public. “The two-weekend event is designed to make the Twin Harbors a destination for art buyers” says Nancy Eichenberger,

“There has been a great deal of enthusiasm from participating Harbor artists,” according to Larson.

Attendees can expect to see a variety of art from both emerging and established artists here in the Harbor. Among the arts represented will be oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, along with pottery, basketry and jewelry art.

OUTDOORS

Participating Aberdeen artists are Fran Allen, Jim Allen, Cassie Andre, Deborah Ivey-Boone, Anita Bucklin, Arlene, Nancy Eichenberger, Eubanks, Ken Hunt, Kimmi Kerns, Douglas Orr, and Mery Swanson. Art Drives Studio Tour will include North Beach stretching from Ocean Shores to Moclips, the South Shore stretching from Westport to Tokeland and portions of the inland Harbor, including Montesano, Cosmopolis, Hoquiam and Aberdeen, and Grays Harbor City. For more information please visit the Aberdeen Art Center (catalogs available soon) or https:// artdrives.blogspot.com/ SPONSORED BY

FOXWELL CREATIVE

Hooked on Fishing Our Local Streams MELVIN JENSEN for 98520.LiFE

Many other spinners and blade combinations are available and work well.

"Fish on," those are the words a fisherman likes to say and hear. And, here it is, time to catch some salmon again.

I generally cast out as far as I can or need to in order to get to where I think the fish are. Then I reel in at a slow 1-2-3-4 pace, pole tip down and to the side. If I feel the spinner stop or a bump (bite) I set the hook with a side pull on the rod. (Be sure to keep the line tight, but be sure you set the drag right so the fish can run some before landing.)

I’ve found two or three really nice spots right here in Aberdeen on the Chehalis River: behind Walmart and all the way up to the end of Morrison Park East. Both are very popular fishing holes for anglers. Up the Wishkah River—when the salmon are running—as well as on the Hoquiam River, are some of my favorite spots. I use a 9' salmon rod. A 9'- 11' is ideal to make long casts out there. I prefer a Spincast reel able to hold 200 yards or so of braided 20-30 lb. test line because it feels like 10 lb. but is very strong. Next, I tie on a snap swivel and a pink colored #6 Vibrax blue fox lure with a single mashed barb hook. Red and chartreuse are also good colors.

Actually, catching a salmon is dependent on the right fish at the right time with the right lure or bait. Then, we fisherman hook them up and get them in. Endurance is what it takes after casting and casting. Still no nibbles or bites, no fish. Suddenly a strong bite.Yes! Fish on and so is the fight. When a strong fish comes up out of the water, shaking to get slack to loose the hook, hold on, keep it tight, get it in.

When the fish is ready to let me dip it out I get the net in the water and swim him into it while scooping it up. Boom!–beautiful salmon and a legal keeper. Awesome! Additional Tips: Don't get hungry, always pack a lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Some days I might be fishing all day if they are biting. It is nice to have some boots or waders too keep feet dry. I have found that fishing at high tide is best (generally, I go two hours before to two hours after). Tide information is available at Mobile Geographics online or by phone. Save fines and stay up on the rules. Be sure to buy a license and pick up a rule book. These days it's easy to buy one online, at your favorite sporting goods store or 24/7 licensing is available by phone through WDFW at 360-902-2464. Now, when you catch your first salmon you will be hooked like me.

MERLIN JENSEN One of my favorite salmon fishing spots, just behind Wal-Mart.

Thanks to Our Wonderful Community Sponsors: 98520.LiFE OPEN HOUSE Come one, come all, come as you are! Every month on publication day—the forth Thursday of the month—we hold an open house for all. It's the day to meet our editorial staff, knock around story ideas, find out how YOU can be invloved, volunteer your skills and services, have some light refreshment and, best of all, pick up "hot off the press" copies of the new publication BEFORE they hit the streets! JOIN US 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the fourth THURSDAY for the the next 98520.LiFE OPEN HOUSE! (Thanksgiving Day excluded)

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Big Changes at Grays Harbor College Part 1of 3

BUSINESS BRIEF

Preparing for the Big One SUSAN MƇDANIEL for 98520.LiFE

Editor’s Note: Step into Northwest Surplus and Outdoors and you’ll be greeted warmly by either Susan or Pat McDaniel, owners. You’ll also see an array of gear that looks like it might be useful were you hiding behind enemy lines. Yes, there is a lot of military type gear to be had, but much of what you’ll see will also be useful when it comes time to survive a local disaster or even for enjoying the outdoors. Artist's rendering, provided LAUREN GARRET for 98520.LiFE

Students returning to Grays Harbor College this fall may have noticed some changes around campus – a huge part of it is gone! Last school year, many of the remaining buildings from the early 1960s were vacated with teams of student employees aiding in the removal and demolition of furniture and fixtures. Over the summer, those buildings were completely torn down and the area leveled to make way for the final installment of the series of new, updated buildings.

“We’re always in a state of construction and change,” says Keith Penner, Chief of Campus Operations. The planned three-story building is slated to house all the current “HUB” (Hillier Union Building) occupants: the cafeteria, bookstore, and several main offices. In addition, it will include the kitchen classrooms for GHC’s new Commercial Cooking certificate program, which is geared to grow into a fully accredited Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. An additional professional kitchen will be built into the cantilevered 500 occupant conference center on the third floor.

past ten years a small percentage of student fees has been set aside to help pay for the building. Keith Penner interprets the college’s vision of being “a catalyst for positive change,” as two-fold. The growth of Grays Harbor College not only assists in getting students employment ready and improving quality of life in the Harbor but, through these major projects, has also put millions of dollars into the local economy by using regional companies for as many materials and services as are available.

“We are an integral part of the economic and cultural engine of this county,” says Keith. The new Student Services and Instructional Building’s design has been planned to match the style of the other new campus buildings and refurbished library, which could be described as sleek and clean, yet cozy and ideal for gathering. “Studies show students learn better when they can get together, lounge areas have been and are designed into the plan,” Keith says.

The overall campus layout is designed to make for a more cohesive experience with open space in the center, ringed by instrucThe building has been in the design and plan- tional buildings, with the newest building ning stages for a year and a half with input as the central focus. Paths will be direct and from the student body via its government. level for increased safety and accessibilGroundbreaking on the new building could ity. Once the building is complete and its happen anywhere between one and three occupants moved, the current HUB will also years depending on how quickly the $35 be torn down. million project can climb the list of budgeted funding from State Legislature. This will mark, “the culmination of twenty years of construction and planning,” Keith The construction itself can take up to two says. Then the next 5-10 year “master plan” years to complete. While the majority of can begin to take shape. funding will come from the State, for the Part 2 of 3 next month.

OCTOBER 2018

This month’s Business Profile is a little different as, Susan, the store’s co-owner offers, in her own words, some survival supply basics. Here she shares just a smidgen of the knowledge and expertise she and her husband have to offer. Lately there has been a lot on the news and the Internet about natural disasters and the importance of being prepared and yet a large percent the population remains unprepared. This is mostly due to one of two things, either people do not know where [or how] to get started or the belief that it takes thousands of dollars to be prepared. The truth of the matter is that being prepared can be as simple as picking up a few extra things every time you go to the store. While the list of needed supplies varies from family to family there are some basic items everyone should have. [Note that] the Dept. of Emergency Management recommends having enough supplies for 72 hours, but given our rural location two weeks is a better. To get started, think of what your family would need to survive for two weeks if going to the grocery store was not an option. Let’s face it, if (when) a tsunami were to hit it would close all the stores, gas stations and convince stores for some time.

Some basic supplies everyone should have are as follows: •Water. Water should be #1 on the list for every 72-hour kit; it is the most basic and most important thing you need to survive. The recommended of amount of drinking water is one gallon per day per person, and don’t forget about your pets. •Non-Perishable Food. Look for “noncook” items, last thing you want to deal with in a disaster is cooking and dirty dishes. Remember, you need enough food

GREGORY E. ZSCHOMLER Northwest Surplus and Outdoor at 421 E Wishkah St. in Aberdeen, Wash.

for three meals per day per person. Suggestions include crackers, trail mix/dried fruit, granola bars, canned beans, meat, tuna. Don’t forget to pack a can opener! •Flashlight and Extra Batteries. Keep the batteries separate until you need them or they might leak and ruin your flashlight. We usually tape the batteries to the flashlight, so we always know where they are. •Emergency two-way Radio. Keeping yourself informed and having the ability to communicate during an emergency is invaluable. My husband and I have a set plan in place for if we are ever separated as to the time and channel we will be on to communicate with each other. •Lighter or Waterproof Matches. There are many uses for these from lighting candles to starting a fire if safe to do so. •First aid Supplies and Medications. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, children’s medication, any other personal medication prescribed along with a basic first kit. Antidiarrhea meds are also a good addition •Toiletries. Toilet paper, toothbrush/ toothpaste (travel size), feminine hygiene products, deodorant. Again, this list isn’t meant to be all-inclusive but, rather, a starting point. Just as every family is different, so is what and how much you need for emergency supplies. Make sure to check your supplies every six months or so for expired products or damaged items. Store your emergency items in one central location or even [in] a good backpack that can be grabbed if you must leave suddenly.

98520.LIFE

OCTOBER 2018

PROGRAMS AND PROGRESS

Trick-or-Treat from Main Street to Your Street WIL RUSSOUL Main Street Executive Director

Welcome to October and our fourth issue of 98520.LiFE. This month is a great example of businesses and community connecting together. Often, I am asked about how to make downtown safer and, in part, “Trick or Treat” holds a piece of the answer. In past years I have participated in handing out treats to families and it’s almost overwhelming how many people are downtown during that event. The sidewalks are full of LiFE with children in costumes as parents' guide them from one storefront to the next. During this event it appears

former concerns regarding safety are diminished. Last year I was among families who walked with or past people that otherwise, on another day, might have been a “concern for safety.”

The good news is that our new Aberdeen Police Chief is implementing Citizen Patrols, Crime Watch and officer foot patrols downtown to increase safety.

when you patronize our downtown. And we will continue to plan more events and work with others who are doing a fantastic job volunteering their time to hold activities downtown. We are so thankful for the continued support from our businesses and community to keep this publication going. Happy fishing, y'all!

No one wants to be in an unsafe area but perhaps our concerns diminish when we gather in a larger group. So, let’s continue to work together by inviting your family, friends and neighbors

98520.LiFE is published the fourthThursday of each month and distributed to local businesses.

PUBLISHER Wil Russoul, Main Street Executive Director EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gregory E. Zschomler, Harbor House Writers, LLC editor@98520.life ASSCOCIATE EDITOR / AD SALES Deb Blecha, Graphically Deb sales@98520.life WEB / TECHNOLOGY Todd Fox, Foxwell Creative, LLC web@98520.life DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Debbi Jensen STAFF WRITER Lauren Garret Guest Contributors this issue: Debbi Jensen, Merl Jensen, D. Rod, Craig Nichols, and Ruth Zschomler. © 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval sys-

Wil Russoul, 98520 Believer

CALENDAR of EVENTS St. Mary School OKTOBERFEST HOLIDAY BAZAAR:

DANCE CLUB OF GRAYS HARBOR OPEN MIC, 7 p.m. every first and

OUT of the DARKNESS WALK:

JOHN TORNOW, Wild Man of the Wynooche:

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., October 6. The bazaar coincides with Oktoberfest featuring stage entertainment, bingo, Christmas Corner, the Bavarian Coffee Haus, Great Bites Cafe and the Kids Carnival! Website: https://www.facebook.com/ events/272243653351691/ 9 a.m. to noon, October 7. Join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Aberdeen to raise awareness and funds to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. Free.

ART DRIVE: Twin Harbors Studio Tour

October 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14. More than 50 artists open their studios for your visit. Watch as painters, sculptors and other artists create their work right before your eyes. artdrives.blogspot.com

tem, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express consent of the publishers.

To Submit Content and Press Materials: Email: content@98520.life Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1593, Aberdeen, WA 98520 We strive to be family friendly in content; however, the views expressed herein (as

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Managing Rain Water Naturally and Beautifully RUTH ZSCHOMLER for 98520.LiFE

Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day… I’m sure many Washingtonians have quoted this little ditty some time or another in their life. But what if you could actually benefit from all the precipitation we get? I’m talking about saving on your summer water bill or beautifying that perpetual swampy spot in your yard. I’m talking about rain barrels and rain gardens.

RAIN BARRELS: Collecting Runoff for Later Use in Your Landscape Gardening Collecting rainwater is not a new idea and can have many significant benefits including reducing the amount of fresh drinking water used in home gardens, greenhouses and other outdoor uses such as cleaning paintbrushes and tools. Finding water from alternative sources for non-consumptive uses helps stave off the depletion of the aquifers. According to usclimaatedata.com, Aberdeen averages around 84 inches of rainfall per year. As Grays Harbor County continues to develop, greater amounts of impervious surfaces appear. These surfaces cause greater amounts of storm water runoff directed towards streams leading to erosion and flooding. Excess rainwater flowing into streams often carries contaminants such as chemical fertilizers, oils and pet waste, reducing the water quality. Harvesting the rain helps reduce the amount of excess runoff. And rain barrels are a good way to store the water safely and easily until needed. In some places legislation has made it illegal to collect rainwater. In Washington, rainwater is considered a water resource of the state and the law says that water resources include “all water above, upon, or beneath the surface of the earth, located within the state.” (RCW 43.27A.020) However, the Department of Ecology, which manages the State’s water, doesn’t require permits for collection systems that hold "minimal amounts of rainwater" such as a residential rain barrels. Almost anyone can build and use rain barrels which are set up under one of your house’s

downspouts. This allows collection of the roof runoff instead of letting it to flow into the sewer or road. Be aware that all roofs are not created equal. Homeowners with old tar and gravel, old asbestos shingle and treated cedar shake roofs should not harvest roof water. Also, be careful with roofs that have been treated for moss. And remember that the water you collect is not potable for humans. Rain barrels can easily be made at home with a few simple tools and supplies. Most of the supplies needed—like a spigot, hose and fittings—may be purchased at any hardware or plumbing store (like Tractor Supply Co. or Ace). Barrels should be food grade which can often be found at food manufacturers though you'll see plans utilizing plastic trash cans, too. [Instructions and full material lists can readily be found on the Internet] Most barrels hold 50-55 gallons of water and can be connected together in a row. They should be on some sort of raised platform, such as cinderblocks to assist the flow of water out a faucet attached to the bottom of the barrel. This allows the homeowner easy access to the water. A good rain will fill one barrel in an hour or so; that’s why it is necessary to have an overflow hose at the top of the barrel as well. It should be directed away from the house so it doesn’t compromise the foundation. One good idea is directing it towards a rain garden.

RAIN GARDENS: Filtering Runoff Naturally while Beautifying Your Landscape You’ve heard of flower gardens and vegetable gardens, but have you heard of rain gardens? No, you don’t grow rain; that comes naturally in our part of the country. However, you do use the rain in a unique way. Instead of letting storm water run into storm drains it is directed into the rain garden where water is stored filtered and slowly reintroduced directly back into depleting aquifers. Just as rain barrels collect water for home use keeping it from the storm drains, rain gardens also help mitigate the water cycle. Rain is meant to be absorbed back into the soil. With increasing amounts of impervious surfaces found in urban areas, more storm water is forced to bypass that stage of the water cycle. Fresh drinking water from

RUTH ZSCHOMLER

Rain barrels, surrounded by native plants accustome to a wet location, grace an out-of-the-way backyard spot, collecting roof runoff for when it's needed.

the aquifers, something we have always considered a renewable resource, is being depleted. Rain gardens help to naturally recharge the local groundwater supply while controlling standing water during excessive rain storms. Rain gardens also help reduce flooding both on neighboring properties and in local streams. They filter chemical fertilizers and pesticides seeping from lawns into waterways. Oil and grease from driveways, as well as other pollutants, are filtered too. According to the Department of Ecology, storm water is the leading contributor to water quality pollution of urban waterways in Washington. Besides, rain gardens can add beauty to your landscape and also attract birds, butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. Rain gardens, unlike vegetable and flower gardens are not level or raised. Rather, they are usually dug out like a shallow pond and planted with appropriate plants. Although native plants work best, you can try anything you like. If it doesn’t survive, don’t give up, just fill in that space with another variety. Some recommended perennials are Bleeding Heart, Coneflower, Marsh Marigold,

Blue Flag Iris, Black-eyed Susan, Rush, and Sedge. Shrubs that work well include Currant, Elderberry, Mock Orange, Huckleberry, and Oregon Grape. During the first couple of summers, rain gardens need watered (hopefully by using roof runoff you've collected in your rain barrels) thoroughly and deeply at least once a week to encourage deep roots and vigorous growth. Rain gardens are not designed to hold water more than a few hours, but are meant to absorb the water. Mosquito larvae need several days to hatch so if the garden is created correctly it should not become a breeding ground. Besides, the gardens attract insects and wildlife that actually control mosquitoes. Weeds may be a problem while the garden is being established. Weed cloth and compost can help keep down the amount of weeds. Of course, you may always pull unwanted flora by hand. For more information on rain gardens look up Washington State University extension agency’s website at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/publications/1310027.pdf

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We're looking for CONTRIBUTORS!

OCTOBER 2018

Sidewalk Stars of Aberdeen

Writers, Photographers and Artists we need your submissions. This is your community publication and it's YOUR place to share what YOU have to offer. PRESS RELEASES about events, stories, story ideas, comics, cartoons, and photographs are all welcome. CRAIG NICHOLS

All materials must be positive in nature and family-friendly.

Just tell us or show us what you love about Aberdeen. Or tell us what's going on that you want others to be involved in. We'll do our best to fit as much content into this publication as we can and what we can't fit here we'll post on our website (as long as it meets the criteria we listed above).

SUBMIT your materials (text as rtf or MS Word doc; photos as 300 dpi jpegs or tiffs, 5X7 or 12X12 for cover) to:

content@98520.life Or see our Facebook page for meeting times and show up.

The Aberdeen Walk of Stars features famous folk who hail from or have lived in our city. This month's star features Ralph Faulkner (1891 â€“ 1987) who was an American fencer and film actor. As a youth he moved to Aberdeen (1907) graduating from Weatherwax High School in 1011. After a short-lived job as a forest ranger he moved to L.A. and began film work in the 1920s. A knee injury led him to fencing for the physical therapy. He competed in the team sabre event at the 1932 Summer Olympics. In Hollywood he rapidly became known as the "Swashbuckler to the Stars," working on more than a hundred films, TV shows and stage plays. He trained the likes of Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and his films include many classic swashbucklers from 1935 into the 1940s and then into the 1960s.He fenced into his 90s and even taught Bo Derek in the 1980s. He died at 95. The stars are forged by Aberdeen's Bergstrom Foundry.

98520.LIFE

OCTOBER 2018

Fern Hill Cemetery, Founding History DAVID BIELSKI & 98520.LiFE STAFF

“Cemeteries tell the history of a community, and Fern Hill is no exception,” says proud, third generation owner/operator David Bielski of his family business. According to David the cemetery was ‘founded’ quite by accident in 1885. Mary Hutchens and her child drowned in the Wishkah River just across from where they are now buried. As the property grew, funerals were conducted downtown and then, if the family was able to afford it, the body was loaded onto a raft or barge; less affluent families used a row boat or canoe to transport the departed. Since its early beginnings, Fern Hill has grown to roughly 100 developed acres, with another 180-200 acres of land surrounding it as buffer. Aberdeen’s Founding Father, Sam Benn and his family are buried here. However, the Benns are not the only pioneer family claiming Fern Hill as their final resting place. Most early residents—Captain A.J. West, Charles McDermoth, AlexanderYoung and the Weatherwax family to name a few (see map at right)—now lie in the same area, close to the original mausoleum. In addition, you’ll find the grave of Laura Law, victim of the most famous unsolved murder case in the state of Washington. Several thousand veterans from a frontier scout to soldiers that fought in Afghanistan and Iraq are buried here. The grave of Freddie Steele, middle-weight champion of the world (1936-1938), can also be found at Fern Hill. There are areas of heritage like ‘Finn Hill,’ and union areas, even paupers’ graves. There have been expansions throughout the years like a mausoleum, built in 1909. Cremation services were added in 1928. “Today,” says David, “we employ seven full-time staff and 2-3 seasonal staff during spring preparation for Memorial Day.” For patriotic holidays the cemetery installs their

DEB BLECHA Fern Hill mausoleum; you'll find the graves of our founders nearby.

Avenue of Flags for veterans, using flags given to families at a veteran’s funeral. The flags are flown en-mass on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and weather permitting, Veteran’s Day. In addition, during Memorial Day, the cemetery places small flags at each veteran’s grave. In 1973, David’s dad and others, along with Dr. Glenn Hilliard, a veterinarian, started a pet cemetery and crematory. Today, Petland, as it's known, serves nearly 150 veterinary clinics and hospitals as well as several animal shelters, and two zoos. The beautiful grounds are an interesting place to explore, and a great place to walk. There’s a lot of history, too.

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The Ghost of Billy Gohl, a Haunted Harbor History GREGORY E. ZSCHOMLER 98520.LiFE Editor-in-Chief

William "Billy" Gohl (1873 – 1927) has been widely recognized as Washington State's first known serial killer. While working as a union official, he murdered sailors passing through Aberdeen. He was a suspect in dozens of murders until his capture in 1910. Spared from the death penalty, by a request for leniency made by the jury, he was sentenced to life in prison at Walla Walla State Penitentiary. There, in 1927, he died from lobar pneumonia and erysipelas complicated by dementia paralytic caused by syphilis. A real ghoul in life, Gohl was thought to have shot most of his victims in the union building where he worked alone. Then, after relieving them of their money and valuables, he would dispose of them into the Wishkah River which ran behind the building and into Grays Harbor. According to some reports, there was a chute which descended from a trapdoor in the office directly into the river. Not much is known about Gohl's early life though at one point as an adult, he went chasing gold in theYukon. It is said that he

was unsuccessful in that venture and, upon his return to Aberdeen, he took on work as a bartender after which he became employed by the union. Neither the union offices nor the tavern where Gohl once worked were located in the bar and grill now so named for him on Heron Street, And yet, legend has it that he haunts the building's bar to this day. He is pictured above so that you may recognize him when you, apparently, see the ghostly ghoul after dinner and a few too many drinks.