Nearly a year has passed since turbulent storms toppled trees and power lines and caused flooding across Pacific and Wahkiakum counties last December. To commemorate the anniversary of the 2007 storm and celebrate the community’s resiliency, Disaster Outreach Services is inviting the public to “The Winds of Change,” an open house on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the World Kite Museum in Long Beach.
Pacific and Wahkiakum counties suffered damages that made a huge impact on the farming and seafood industries, as well as on residential, civic and businesses infrastructures. “The efforts of these two counties to pull together and work to help each other during this past year of storm recovery is something to celebrate,” says Bill Weiss, team leader for Disaster Outreach Services of Pacific and Wahkiakum counties. “We wanted to celebrate community resiliency and get residents involved in recognizing this milestone as we prepare for a new year.”
The community is being invited to gather at “The Winds of Change” to share their stories and help memorialize the storm by lending signatures to the 25-foot tail of a commemorate dragon kite that will reside in the World Kite Museum. Children will be able to make kites to take home. Door prizes and food will be available. Additionally, residents can get ready for a new winter season by picking up storm preparedness information.
For the past year, Disaster Outreach Services of Pacific and Wahkiakum counties has offered free and confidential support, information and referrals to services to help in storm recovery efforts. The work has included supporting individual residents and providing educational presentations to schools, businesses, civic organizations and other groups. The DOS team members in the community include Craig Smith, Jackie Sheldon, Judy Cothran and Sharon Saunders.
For additional information on “The Winds of Change” or to speak to a DOS outreach worker, call Disaster Outreach Services at 1-800-850-8775 and press “4” for Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.
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