A few months ago, when the Oysterville Restoration Foundation’s Board of Directors planned the celebration for the town’s 160^th anniversary, we decided that it would just be a low-key kind of get-together.  We would honor the town’s April 12,1854 founding with a program at the church – a presentation by the Shoalwater Storytellers and a little ‘period music’ to be followed by the firing of the village cannon and a potluck picnic at the schoolhouse where people could reminisce and tell Oysterville Stories.

Then, a week ago Friday our friend and neighbor Carol Nordquist, died.  She had requested a simple service at the Oysterville Church; travel arrangements by family and friends dictated that the celebration of her life also be held this Saturday.  Since Carol was one of the Board Members who planned our April 12^th Oysterville Celebration, it seemed fitting that the day be shared between the two ceremonies.  It was decided that Carol’s Goodbye would be held at 10 o’clock, just before the Anniversary Celebration.

It will be a big day for the village – lots of people and the gamut of emotions.  There is likely to be some confusion, too. Some people will be coming to the church for Carol’s event, only.  Some will plan to stay for the Anniversary event.  Others will come only for the Anniversary Celebration. Carol’s family is eager for her friends to come to her house for refreshments, yet some family members are actually participating in the Anniversary event, specifically the Firing of the Cannon.

The logistics of it all make my head swim.  Carol’s family have graciously offered to be at her house into the afternoon so that folks who wish to participate in the schoolhouse potluck and go to Carol’s reception can do both.  I’m planning to do just that.  I think it’s the way Carol would have wanted it.  It will be a memorable day for Oysterville, indeed, and for Carol, who participated fully in all things Oysterville, it will be a suitable send-off.