Brenna Witchie / brenna@chronline.com
To commemorate Jim Haslett's years of contributions to Napavine's Mamie Shaddock Park, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, June 27, bringing together friends, family and local stakeholders to talk about Haslett's volunteer work, gardening skills and community leadership.
The park's newly named Jim Haslett Kitchen is the culmination of a seven-year effort by the City of Napavine with support from Lewis County. Renovation of the kitchen began in 2018 when the City of Napavine began collecting donations after learning the previous kitchen would need to be demolished. The City plans to break construction in September 2023.
Haslett passed away on February 17, 2022. He graduated from Mossyrock High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army three days after graduation. He served for six years.
Nearly everyone who gathered at Mamie Shaddock Park Thursday morning had a story to tell about Haslett and the positive impact he had on them and the community at large.
Hazlett's nieces, Amanda Patton and Amber Jonas, recalled him dressing up as Santa and setting up lights and decorations throughout the park.
Family members fondly reminisced about family reunions and volleyball games held at the park. “I wasn't even born when my dad started taking care of the park! He was always taking care of the park,” Haslett's granddaughter, Sarina James, said with a laugh.
Haslett's son-in-law, Brian Morris, said Haslett and his family moved to the area in 1972. Before working for the city, Haslett worked for the Yard Birds, a department that also included a young sheriff, Rob Snaza, who later joined the police force.
“Jim was the head accountant and I worked there during my college years,” Snaza said. “He helped me when I needed help with my accounting classes.”
Snaza called Haslett a true public servant, saying, “He was at the park every day, doing everything he could for next to nothing.”
Snaza described Haslett and his wife, Laverne Haslett, as part of the town.
Laverne was unable to attend the dedication because she has moved out of state, but a letter she sent was read at the ceremony by her friend, Lynette Hoffman.
As Laverne Haslett put it, “When we see someone being honored like this, we don't often know what's behind it, but we have to assume there's a reason. There's more to it than a name. The family is grateful to the city for honoring Jim. We know how giving he was. There were few things more important to Jim than his family, but this little park was certainly one of them.”
Napavine Mayor Sean O'Neill said Jim Haslett is adamant about restoring or rebuilding the kitchen.
Jim Haslett was looking to update his decaying original kitchen when he realized he needed a complete overhaul, but the project ran into financial difficulties after the coronavirus pandemic doubled the cost of many building materials.
Eventually, the Napavine team pitched the idea to Lewis County commissioners and received funding for the kitchen.
“The kitchen has been a long time coming,” Napavine Police Chief John Brockmuller said, “The city has worked hard on it and residents are already enjoying its presence.”
O'Neill acknowledged the role of Jim Haslett in spearheading the project and highlighted the time and effort of others who worked hard to get the kitchen built.
“I'm grateful to the county commissioners for stepping up to fill that gap. It's not just a gap; it's more than half,” O'Neill said of funding for the kitchens.
He continued, “This is a great example of what happens when people focus on the essence of community.”
The City of Napavine applied for and received a $258,900 Washington State Recreation and Conservation Council grant in 2021 to fund the kitchen project. Lewis County contributed $470,000 and the City of Napavine contributed the remaining $86,500.
Lewis County Commissioner Lindsay Pollock added, “Lewis County is unique in coming together to fill these gaps.”
Before the ribbon-cutting, O'Neill reiterated Jim Haslett's dedication to the park and said he hopes the importance of volunteer work like Haslett's can be taught to future generations.
Following the ribbon cutting, hosted by Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Mudge, attendees enjoyed conversation and refreshments in the Jim Haslett Kitchen.
To make a reservation for the kitchen, visit Napavine City Hall during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 360-262-3547. Mamie Shaddock Park is located at 555 Second Ave. NE in Napavine.
