By Mary Pierce
Here is another update regarding the flags along Main Street that bring so much pride to our community. Kristopher Nowak has been tending the flags after Todd French was no longer able to. Todd had taken on that role when the person who originated the Flags on Main Street project, Cynthia Hoodenpyl, was no longer able to do it, either.
Kris discovered this summer that oil from the loose swivels had badly soiled the flags. Now the flags are cleaned and back up along Main Street. We owe a huge thank you to Cindy McCullough for stepping up to volunteer to clean them with her degreaser product. It took many hours and she nearly rubbed her fingers raw, but she got it done. We thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to keep this project going.
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I want to share news of the achievements of Glenwood High School junior Kerryna Thompson, daughter of Erica Thompson. Kerryna was a last-minute spot filler for a local community powwow and won the title of Ms. Rock Creek 2025-26. She gave up her crown this April and then gave back to the Rock Creek community by sponsoring a teen fancy shawl special with four winners and consolation money to all other participants. She originally began her dancing as a jingle dress dancer and then took up fancy shawl dancing. I’ve been told it’s the most vigorous of all the dance categories. There is much to learn about the songs, double beats, ruffles, trick, southern, and crow hops so the dancer doesn’t misstep during the contests.
Kerryna’s extended family came together to take her to Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and, this year, even up to Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Through these wonderful opportunities, she has met many new people and reconnected with family members who powwow more extensively than she and her mother do. Her mom tells me the dancing has been very healing for her spirit and wellbeing. On the dance floor, Kerryna wore dresses that her mother, grandmother Marlene, and great-grandmother Josephine used when doing fancy dance and traditional. She is excited to soon travel back to her favorite powwow, Black Hills, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her family and all of us here in Glenwood who know her are very proud of the young lady who is known as Meeyuuxthpum.
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I also want to share great news regarding a Glenwood High School graduate, Allison McFall, who has been attending Washington State University in Pullman. Ally, as we all call her here, is the daughter of Sara and Adam McFall. She has just passed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). And I’d like to add, she did it with flying colors, as those of us who know her had confidence she would. Now her next big decision choosing a Law School that is right for her. Huge congratulations, Ally.
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Last Saturday, many friends and family members filled the Glenwood Grange Hall to celebrate “Glenwood kid” Glenn Pierce, who turned 80. Glenn was raised here in Glenwood, on the farm that was his grandfather’s homestead. After college, the army, and a long career as a Forester for the U.S. Forest Service, he loves being back home on the farm where he grew up. The Pierce kids, Amy and Josh and Jake and Keira, with some delicious addition by Joleen Maxwell, prepared a table full of charcuterie boards, salads, platters of fresh fruits and veggies, and two large cakes. It was a great celebration for that “Glenwood kid.” Welcome to the 80s, Glenn.
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The Glenwood Grange No. 94 held an informal meeting on Sept. 27. One of our county’s great historians, Richard Lefever of Goldendale, brought some of his history research, albums, photos, and other displays he has gathered on the history of, not only Granges in the county, but other counties’ history. It was a very enjoyable presentation, and our Grange appreciates Richard volunteering to share that history with us.
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Here’s a shoutout to another valued community member. If you drive through Glenwood, please take notice of the beautiful fall flowers at the church, post office, Glenwood Station, Glenwood General Store, and Glenwood Grange. Our community looks loved and cheerful. Thank you, Linda Johnson. If you happen to see Linda out tending the flowers, please take time to let her know how appreciated she is here.
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Mary Pierce writes about the community of Glenwood every other week in Columbia Gorge News. Please send any news items to gmpierce09@gmail.com.
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