Centralia Police Officer Ramirez and His K-9 Lobo Visit Oakview Grange Meeting

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Centralia police officer Ruben Ramirez and his police dog Lobo were visitors at the Oakview Grange’s Feb. 5 meeting.

Ramirez spoke about the Centralia Police Department’s K-9 program and its value to law enforcement and the community. The dogs are vital to law enforcement, Ramirez said, aiding the officers in tracking and apprehension of fugitives.

The dogs are purchased solely through donations to the community’s program. Each dog is matched with an officer, and both undergo an extensive training program before the dog ever begins his service career.

Grange members are upgrading their hall with numerous projects planned for 2015. The first of several coats of wax has been applied to the hardwood floor, and the restrooms are sporting fresh coats of paint.

As spring approaches, members will deep clean and inventory the hall and its furnishings. New outdoor lighting is being added, sagging gutters will be reattached, and a sudden leak in the roof was immediately repaired. The Grange has also acquired new “used” pews to replace the old hard wooden benches.



Oakview Grange’s used clothing collection shed continues to be a popular addition to its services to the community. The program helps clothe others while keeping tons of clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bedding and draperies out of landfills.

The Grange continues to collect toiletry items for personal care bags to be donated to the Twin Cities Mission for Women and the Lewis County Gospel Mission.

Members and non-Grange members alike are encouraged to enter the many and varied Grange-sponsored contests. Age categories include juniors, youth and adults. See http://wa-grange.com/ for the Washington State Grange Handbook. Family Living Department contests include baking, candy making, canning, etc. The Lecturer Department contests include sewing, quilting, arts and crafts, photography, woodworking and the like. The deadline is April 18. Entries will be accepted between 10 a.m. and noon at Cowlitz Prairie Grange near Toledo.

Oakview Grange will host the 2015 Talent Contest at 2 p.m. April 26 at the Grange hall, 2715 N. Pearl St., Centralia. The talent contest is also open to non-Grange members. For details go to the Washington State Grange website listed above for rules.

Prior to the Grange meeting, a baked potato potluck supper, with an array of desserts, was held.