“Spring has Sprung” was the order of the day when the Wabanang Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Clatskanie hosted their Spring Luncheon to honor all veterans.
Held at the American Legion Hall, the April 20 event was a rousing success with more than 125 in attendance. Worthy Matron Jackie Groulx headed the day’s festivities and she chose service projects that were important to the Clatskanie community.
Her fundraisers during the year included supporting and donating funds to the Clatskanie Veteran’s Memorial Wall for additions to the memorials wall.
“Our Grand Chapter State Project is PAVE, which stands for Paws Assisting Veterans,” Groulx said. “The organization trains service dogs for Veterans suffering form psychological and or physical disabilities at no charge.”
PAVE provides the service dog, the training and ongoing support at no cost, along with the initial supply of equipment and supplies. It costs PAVE approximately $42,000 per dog which also includes lifetime follow-up, training and support. It takes 1.5 to two years to train a service dog.
Featured speaker for the event was Kris Torrey, Oregon veteran, who brought along Gunner, his service dog. He told of the trials he experienced with his PTSD and how Gunner had helped him to reclaim a peaceful life after his years in the service.
The ladies who attended were invited to engage in a hat contest. There were six categories, including originality and creativity. The contest was judged by the gentlemen in attendance.
There was also a 50/50 raffle, and a wonderful auction of donated items, including Art by Twi, Farmhouse Coffee, Crypted Cookies, Little Red Truck Design, Dollar General, Hi School Pharmacy, Mike George Horse Shoe Works, Jewelry by Mary Merritt, Fultano’s Pizza, and the Hair Place Beauty Salon.
Students at Piercing Arrow Private School, under the leadership of Principal Lori Sherman, served the lunch. Sherman stressed the importance of the student’s volunteer service.
“Not all schools teach the importance of giving back to the community and I feel that when you take ownership in something, and you are more than likely to be more attached emotionally to the people it represents,” Sherman said.
“There is much wisdom in members of our local organizations that we serve that as we get to know them the students might be interested in joining their organization in the future and become active members,” She continued.
Groulx is proud that due to this luncheon and the chicken dinner held in 2023, the group was able to donate close to $10,000 dollars to PAVE and more than $7,000 to the Clatskanie Veterans Memorial Park to construct a new wall.
“We are celebrating our 108th year here in Clatskanie,” Groulx said . “We feel extremely blessed for the generous support of our community and all those who have traveled near and far to proudly stand behind our veterans.”
“We would like to thank all those who supported this event and are passionate to lend a hand in seeing our veterans, many of them who gave of their lives and continue to serve this country every day and live a better life being supported by a companion to guide them, strengthen them and support them emotionally and spiritually to live in the land of the free, because of the brave,” Groulx said.
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