Cathlamet Strategic Plan

Each Community's journey through the Horizons Program focused on Community Leadership to Reduce Poverty. To view your Community's Stratecic Plan, visit Horizons II Community Information page. Once there, click on your community's link and then on the link for a copy of the Community Strategic Plan.

Paula Carlson Authors a Citizens Handbook

Paula Carlson, the Horizons Steering Committee co-chair, has written a handbook for the citizens of Wahkiakum County. The handbook focuses on how the County budget works. Paula's intent is to inform her neighbors on how their taxes are used to run County Departments and fund County projects.. Simplifying the budget process is essential for citizen involvement in how County services and opportunities are provided.

Value of Local Businesses

Seven Wahkiakum community members, traveled to White Salmon April 15th to learn more on the value of supporting and building local businesses from author Michael Schuman. Schuman is an economist, lawyer and entrepreneur, as well as author of “The Small-Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition.” The day included a presentation from Schuman, networking with other rural Southwest Washington communities, and our own community members working together to identify how concepts learned that day would apply in Wahkiakum County. We identified multiple county assets, such as timber, talent and natural beauty; and discussed how we could add value to them locally and create jobs and wealth at home. Future plans from the day include sharing what we learned via conversations with neighbors and perhaps offering a “Buy Local” presentation or workshop locally. For more information on Schuman and “The Small-Mart Revolution, ”go to http://www.small-mart.org/.

Missoula Childrens Theater comes to Cathlamet

Missoula Children’s Theater came to Cathlamet last week, November 5th-10th. They were sponsored by the PTO. They have come to Cathlamet for about the last 17 years. Auditions were Monday; they took about 50 kids and used the next 5 days to put together “Robin Hood”. Their play included songs, sets, costumes, sound effects, and piano accompaniment by Fern Fey. They cast had an excellent time and learned all sorts of acting tips and techniques. Missoula Children’s Theater was founded in 1970 and now has 33 touring teams. They visit more than 1,200 communities, including all 50 states, 2 Canadian territories & 4 Canadian provinces and 16 countries.

Cathlamet Leadership Training

Our first round of leadership classes ended in great success. We had over 25 people in attendance and all who attended enjoyed the educational experience provided. Carrie Kennedy and Karl Moody proved their abilities as excellent speakers. They educated the group on modules 1 through 9 of the leadership plenty classes. The leadership Plenty classes are designed to educate and assist Wahkiakum County residents on implementing future community leadershp
The classes not only target fundementals of leadership in the community but also address issues regarding sustaining community action in order to address poverty and the civic action required to make change.
The second round of classes that will be held in the fall will again be taught by Carrie Kennedy and Karl Moody. They intend to educate more Wahkiakum residents on what it takes to become successful leaders in their communities.
For informaton on attending the fall classes. Please contact Carrie Kennedy at the WSU extension office in downtown Cathlamet at 360-795-3278.

Climate Convergence

The Convergence for climate action committee, held a series of workshops at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds. This committee is dedicated to Earth-centered, community-based solutions pertaining to the climate crisis that foster local autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Besides the workshops, Willapa Hills and EVLA, which are both local musical groups. Brought music to the event.
Willapa Hills is a folk group spear-headed by local musician Sunrise Fletcher and does traditional folk music. EVLA is a more rock/blues music scene that is also spear-headed by Sunrise Fletcher and includes band member Krist Novoselic who is formerly of Nirvana.
Many people came from all over the state to join in the festivities of this event. Once this event was over, the Convergence proved to be a great success.