Editor’s Best Bet
Veterans Memorial Museum to Honor All WWII Veterans at Pearl Harbor Dinner
Honoring those who fought in World War II, the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis will host its 20th annual Pearl Harbor Survivor Dinner on Sunday.
The dinner begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the museum. Tickets are on sale now for $25 each, and space is limited to 150 people. The Napavine Jazz Band will perform big band classics from the era. Each World War II veteran in attendance will be individually honored at the dinner.
Museum Director Chip Duncan said no Pearl Harbor survivors are expected to be at the dinner, since the last known area survivor, William Furrer, died in September. However, the dinner is to honor all who served in World War II, Duncan added.
“This is a generation that is quickly going away,” Dun
can said.
The dinner is an opportunity to meet and talk to veterans who served in the conflict, he said. The veterans grew up during the Great Depression and then, when the United States entered the war, they found themselves on the other side of the globe.
“When you finally get to hear some of the veterans’ stories you get an image of how life was back then,” Duncan said. “That is something you won’t get out of the history books.”
Some of the stories may not come from combat.
For example, Margie Lantz, Furrer’s daughter, told The Chronicle in September about one of her father’s favorite war stories from his time in the Navy.
While Furrer was stationed on Funafuti, a tiny atoll about 3,000 miles east of Australia, the Japanese conducted an air raid right after the garrison had received a new supply shipment.
The fresh shipment of potatoes the explosions hit was scattered throughout the airfield, Lantz said.
This year, Duncan will give the presentation because a local veteran who wanted to talk was not found, he said. He will talk about local veterans and his grandfather, who was a B-24 Liberator pilot in the China Burma India Theatre of the war from 1942-44.
“He has an unique story,” Duncan said.
He is also working on publishing a book about his grandfather’s service.
Learn more at www.veteransmuseum.org.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Pinochle, 6 p.m., Chehalis Eagles, 1993 S. Market Blvd., Chehalis, 360-748-7241
Libraries
Book Babies and Playgroup, 10:30- 11:30 a.m., Centralia Timberland Library, for children birth - 24 months, books, bounces, music and play for babies and their participating caregivers. Includes unstructured playtime.
Family Storytime, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Mountain View Timberland LIbrary, Randle, for all ages, music, movement, books and crafts
PageTurners, Book Discussion, noon-1:30 p.m., Vernetta Smith Timberland Library, for adults, discuss “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren
Organizations
Chehalis-Centralia Cribbage Club, 6:30 p.m., Chehalis Moose Lodge, 1400 Grand Ave., Centralia, 360-485-2852
S.T.O.P. and Swim, 7 p.m., Fort Borst Park, Kitchen 1, Centralia, 360-269-3827 or 360-736-4163
Cougar Squares dance club of Toledo fall square dance lesson, Napavine Elementary School, 7 p.m.
Junior PageTurners, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Winlock Timberland Library, for grades 1-3, chat about the current book, enjoy snacks and a craft or activity
Support Groups
Connections, NAMI Lewis County, recovery support group for adults with mental illness, 2-3:30 p.m., Mary Room, Centralia United Methodist Church, 506 S. Washington Ave., 253-468-7435
GriefShare, a recovery group for those who have lost a loved one, 7-8:30 p.m., Mountain View Baptist Church, 1201 Belmont Ave., Centralia, $10, 360-827-2172
Friday, Dec. 8
Evergreen Playhouse Presents ‘Children of Eden’
“Children of Eden” is a story about family.
And the Evergreen Playhouse’s version, which opened Friday, is about families in more ways than one.
The show’s cast of 32, which ranges in age from 5 to 70, has husbands acting with their wives and mothers and fathers acting with their children. Several family units, including one three generations strong, are working together in this production.
Written by Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, the story of “Children of Eden” is based on the first nine chapters of the book of Genesis in the Bible. The story begins with Father (Mckenzie Sullivan) creating the world and introducing it to Adam (portrayed by Michael Green) and Eve (portrayed by Lucy Page) and the subsequent generations of their family and their interactions with one another.
When: Dec. 1-17, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Special artists benefit pay-what-you-can performance 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7
Cost: $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Advanced ticket purchase recommended to reserve preferred seating
More information: www.theevergreenplayhouse.com
Oregon Trail music and dancing, open mic with Side Kicks Band, 7 p.m., Cowlitz Prairie Grange, 360-864-2023
Pinochle tournament, 1 p.m., Twin Cities Senior Center
Harvey Nelson and Swing Stuff Band, country/western, 7-9:30 p.m., Twin Cities Senior Center, $6, 360-350-2423
Karaoke, with Jimmy Abbott, 7:30 p.m., Chehalis Eagles, 1993 S. Market Blvd. Chehalis, 360-748-7241
Justice League, 9 p.m., Morton Roxy, $9 adults, $8 seniors and students
Libraries
Family Storytime, 10-10:45 a.m., Salkum Timberland Library, for all ages 6 and under, stories, rhymes, songs, movement games
Preschool Playtime, 10-11 a.m., Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, for children ages 3-6, stories, songs, activities for preschoolers and caregiver
Organizations
Skookumchuck I.O.O.F. Lodge 129, 7:30 p.m., Bucoda Odd Fellows Community Center, 101 E. Seventh St., second floor, Bucoda, 360-736-6717
Lewis County Writers Guild, 5 p.m., Station Coffee Bar & Bistro, Centralia, http://lewiscountywriters.wordpress.com/
Veterans Hospital Bingo Fundraiser, 7 p.m., Olequa Senior Center, 119 SW Kerron Ave., Winlock, $5 per card, all welcome, 6 p.m. American Legion Post 101 Annual Community Potluck Christmas dinner held beforehand, 360-785-0929
Support Groups
H.O.P.E., all addictions, 7:30-9 p.m., Heritage Baptist Church of Tenino, 1315 Sussex Ave. E., Tenino, 360-480-0592, hopedirector@hotmail.com
Celebrate Recovery, dinner 6 p.m., large group 7 p.m., small groups 8 p.m., Grace Foursquare Church, 3030 Borst Ave., Centralia, 360-736-0778, www.gracefoursquarechurch.com
Friday Night Live, Narcotics Anonymous, 7-9 p.m., Dayspring Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 2088 Jackson Highway, Chehalis, 360-508-6495
Saturday, Dec. 9
Tractor Parade Coming to Centralia for Eighth Year — Followed by Fireworks
The annual Lighted Tractor Parade will hit the streets of Centralia beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday.
The parade, which courses through downtown Centralia, has become a favorite in Lewis County. It features dozens of floats and vehicles draped in Christmas lights.
This year, the event will be followed by a special addition — a fireworks show.
The city announced last month that for the first time, thanks to a donor, there will be a fireworks show at Tiger Stadium following the parade.
As part of the new Winterfest Celebration in Centralia, the city and the Centralia Downtown Association will host what they’re billing as the largest fireworks display ever offered in Lewis County.
“We’re excited to give the people of Centralia and all the visitors who come to town for the Lighted Tractor Parade and the Borst Park Christmas Light Show a fun new way to celebrate the holiday spirit,” said Centralia Mayor Lee Coumbs in a press release. “It’s hard to believe, but this fireworks display is going to be even bigger than our great Independence Day fireworks show. Come out to Centralia for a great time during our Winterfest Celebration and enjoy all the events including the fireworks show.”
The display will be located at the athletic fields behind Tiger Stadium starting at 8:30 p.m., according to the press release. Admission is free but donations are encouraged and will help fund the bronze statue of Centralia’s founder George Washington and his wife Mary Jane.
The 20-minute display by Wolverine West Fireworks includes 100 8-inch shells with a 100-salute finale. It was donated to the city by Karl Petree in memory of his close friend Mark Solkover.
For more information, contact the Centralia Downtown Association at centraliadowntownassociation@gmail.com.
Breakfast with Santa, 9-11:30 a.m., Adna Grange #417, 123 Dieckman Road, Adna, $6, pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit and drink. Kids meal includes craft and visit with Santa
Santa Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m.-noon, Fords Prairie Grange, 2640 Reynolds Ave., Centralia, $7 adults, $4 children ages 5-12, free for kids 4 and under, pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, coffee, tea
Club Mom Children’s Clothing Bank and Exchange, 1-3 p.m., Centralia Christian Church, 1215 W. Main St., 360-736-7655
Karaoke with Lou Morales, 7:30 p.m., Chehalis Eagles, 1993 S. Market Blvd. Chehalis, 360-748-7241
Dress for Success, Reliable Enterprises, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., New Life Thrift Store, 1757 N. National Ave., Chehalis, 360-736-9558, ext. 149
Coach Train Excursions to Milburn, 1 and 3 p.m., Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, 1101 SW Sylvenus St., Chehalis, steamtrainride.com, 360-748-9593
Riverview Train Excursion to Ruth, 5 p.m., Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, 1101 SW Sylvenus St., Chehalis, steamtrainride.com, 360-748-9593
Steam Train Ride and Museum Visit, 11 a.m., 2:15 p.m., Mt. Rainier Railroad, Elbe, 888-STEAM-11
Open garden, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 4162 Jackson Highway, Chehalis
Open Mic Gospel of song, testimony or instrument, 5 p.m., Ethel/Silvercreek Grange, 1624 Hw. 12, Ethel, 360-791-7467
Justice League, 9 p.m., Morton Roxy, $9 adults, $8 seniors and students
Visit Santa, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Yard Birds, photo, cookie, cider and ornament off the tree
Libraries
Build & Play, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Centralia Timberland Library, for children, create with LEGO bricks, straws, blocks and other interactive toys
Home Sweet Tiny Home, 1-2:30 p.m., Centralia Timberland Library, for adults, Andrea Fender will share about means to live tiny and essentials about starting your own tiny home
Tech Toys @ The Library, 1-4:30 p.m., Winlock Timberland Library, for all ages, robots, circuits and construction toys
Organizations
Prairie Steppers Square and Round Dance Club, 7-8 p.m. Plus, 8-10:30 p.m. Mainstream, potluck at break, Oakview Grange, Centralia, 360-736-5172 or 360-273-4884
Gluten Intolerance Group of Lewis County, 10 a.m., Providence Centralia Hospital chapel conference room, 509- 230-6394, tg728792@centurylink.net, http://goo.gl/bWXTmr
Open Mic Gospel event, 5 p.m., Ethel/Silver Creek Grange, 1624 Hwy 12, Ethel, 360-791-7467
Support Groups
Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, 10:30 a.m-noon, Centralia First United Methodist Church, 506 S. Washington Ave., Centralia, 360-628-4980
Sunday, Dec. 10
Bingo, doors open 5 p.m., bingo starts 6:30 p.m., Forest Grange, 3397 Jackson Highway, Chehalis
Community meal, 1-3 p.m., Rotary Riverside Park, Centralia, free, sponsored by Jesus Name Pentecostal Church, Chehalis, 360-623-9438
Coach Train Excursions to Milburn, 1 and 3 p.m., Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, 1101 SW Sylvenus St., Chehalis, steamtrainride.com, 360-748-9593
Steam Train Ride and Museum Visit, 11 a.m., 2:15 p.m., Mt. Rainier Railroad, Elbe, 888-STEAM-11
Visit Santa, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Yard Birds, photo, cookie, cider and ornament off the tree
Support Groups
GriefShare, a video seminar focusing on helping people who have lost a loved one, 12:30-2 p.m., Shoestring Valley Community Church, 104 Frase Road, Onalaska, 360-870-2782, http://svcchurch.com/griefshare/
Monday, Dec. 11
Game Night, Fords Prairie Grange, 2640 Reynolds Ave., Centralia, potluck dinner 6 p.m., 360-918-1356
Pinochle, 6 p.m., Chehalis Eagles, 1993 S. Market Blvd., Chehalis, 360-748-7241
Justice League, 9 p.m., Morton Roxy, $8 adults, $7 seniors and students
Public Agencies
Lewis County Commission, 10 a.m., BOCC board room, second floor, Lewis County Courthouse, agenda available at http://goo.gl/agwWM, 360-740-1120
Chehalis City Council, 5 p.m, City Hall council chamber, 350 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, agendas available at http://ci.chehalis.wa.us/meetings, 360-345-1042
Centralia Historic Preservation Commission, 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 118 W. Maple St., Centralia, 360-330-7695
Lewis County Board of Health, 1:30 p.m., BOCC Board Room, second floor, Lewis County Courthouse, agenda available at http://goo.gl/zKXB3, 360-740-1148
Centralia Parks Board, 5 p.m., Fort Borst Park Kitchen 2, 360-330-7662
Mossyrock Fire Department, fire commissioners, noon, main station, 137 E. Main St., Mossyrock, 360-983-3456
Grays Harbor Fire District 1, 7 p.m., Oakville Fire Hall, 360-273-6541
Lewis County Cemetery District 4, 6 p.m., Randle Fire Station annex, 360-494-4031
Napavine Planning Commission, 6 p.m., 407 Birch Ave. SW, Napavine, 360-262-3547, ext. 213
Organizations
Chehalis American Legion Post 22, general meeting, 4 p.m., 555 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, 360-740-7889
Lewis County Community Network, 3-5 p.m, second floor conference room, Lewis County Public Health & Social Services Building, 360 NW North St., Chehalis, 206-719-3226
Centralia Bridge Club, noon, Unity Church, 800 S. Pearl St., Centralia, 360-748-1753, hraj@localaccess.com
Centralia-Chehalis Emblem Club, 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1732 S. Gold St., Centralia, 360-736-5439
Support Groups
Grandparents as Parents, 6-8 p.m., 420 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia, 360-736-9391, ext. 298 or 1-877-813-2828
Lewis County Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m., Providence Regional Cancer Clinic, 2015 Cooks Hill Road, 360-304-8472
Lewis County Breast Cancer Support Group, 5-7 p.m., Providence Regional Cancer System — Centralia, 2015 Cooks Hill Road, 360-304-8472
Support for mothers, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Bethel Church, for mothers with children pregnancy through 6 years old, sponsored by Chehalis MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), 360-520-3841 or 360-864-2168, email chehalismops@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/chehalismop