The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

HERE WE GO-- Where has the time gone? June means the end of school which includes a new batch of high school graduates accompanied by teary-eyed parents who can hardly believe their babies are now heading off to find their place in this world. This month also means that summer is here, so it'll be time to plan vacations, enjoy the picnics, family reunions and all the events that we like to do during these months.

PERFECT CAR SHOW WEATHER--I also have to mention how happy I was about Saturday’s weather, as it was an absolutely perfect day for the Eighth Annual Dollars for Scholars Car Show! Special kudos to Lee Tischer for doing a perfect sunshine dance as we were getting worried that we might need to put flippers and floaters on the cars, but it all turned out just fine.

There were over two hundred cars at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds. While some of the grounds didn't look totally perfect, the pounding rain going on clear up until Thursday made some work impossible, but the main part of it got taken care of and I doubt anybody cared about the rest. Everyone's focus was on all those fantastic cars. One of the big winners of the day was Dennis Nagasawa, who won the 50-inch television raffle. All of the big raffle tables and door prizes were awesome again this year, so I send big thanks to all the folks who donated items for the show.

To all of you who came to the show and bought raffle tickets and lunch, thanks again for supporting this event and helping our kids!

SPECIAL DAYS-- Those celebrating birthdays this coming week are Brenden McClain, Justin Andersen, Ryan Helms, Gwyn Heriford, Nicole West, Lamar Blix, Peyton Souvenir, John C. Doumit, Chris Songer, Linda Bruce, Erin Turner, Matalyn Longtain, Tyson Hjaltalin, Colton Reynolds and Andrea Hess. Celebrating anniversaries this week are David and Connie Shrum and Mr. and Mrs. Cleave Hedman. I hope you all have terrific celebrations on your special days.

GRADUATION--A reminder to all those planning on going to the Wahkiakum High School Graduation: it will be held next Friday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at the high school, so you've only got a short time to buy cards and gifts for your favorite graduate!

SKAMOKAWA GRANGE BUSY--The month of June is going to be a very busy one at the Skamokawa Grange Hall. There will be a Celebration of Life for Julie Chamberlain on June 15 and also one for Eric Simms on June 22. Friends and family members are encouraged to attend these services to remember their loved ones and cherish and share the memories they have of them.

In July we’ll be having a happy occasion at the grange hall, as Kris Parke will be getting married. That’s the first wedding in the building. In August, there will be a big birthday bash for one of our locals and we'll be having the teen dance during fair time, and in September, the Friends of Skamokawa's annual Wine Tasting and Auction will occur. I hope to see you at the Skamokawa Grange Hall sometime soon.

MORE PRAYERS--There are quite a few folks who aren't feeling quite up to par right now. One of those people is Deb Holland, who suffered painful injuries in a quad accident recently, but is thankfully out of the hospital. Friends have set up an account at the Bank of the Pacific to help her with her medical bills and I understand a rummage sale and bake sale are in the works. Former county resident Kelly Nettles Recupero is recuperating from back surgery and had been experiencing quite a bit of pain since the surgery, so I hope she is pain free and has a complete recovery very soon. And of course, there is Jim Bjorge, who has endured so much lately, and so we’ve got a lot of prayers going up on his behalf. I trust that all of those who are feeling under the weather will be better soon.

GOOD NEWS-- Some of my family's prayers were answered this week when my brother, Ralph Pedersen, was able to get out of the hospital this week after suffering a stroke a couple of weeks ago. The entire family can't thank the community enough for their thoughts, prayers and support on his behalf. While he's come a long way, he's still got a ways to go, so your continued prayers and well wishes are truly appreciated.

NEW EXHIBIT-- I'm hoping all the talented, artistic kids in town got their artwork submitted in time for the new exhibit that will soon be showing at Redmen Hall. The opening is next week, so I hope you'll take a trip to check out the exhibit. If you have any questions, contact Redmen Hall at 795-3007, Thursdays through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

PIGYS-- When I read the letter written by Dean Wesner in last week's Eagle, I could sympathize with him on the dilemma of the future of the Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale that is taking place at the end of this month. I'm hoping his letter has enlightened some folks about the time, effort, and expense required to put on an event such as this, and that they step up to do their fair share so that this event continues on. Many groups or organizations in this area could use more help in one way or another, so if you're someone with time on their hands or a couple of bucks to donate, please think about pitching in to help out.

GRANGE--The Skamokawa Grange #425 will meet next Monday with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. The Grays River Grange will hold their regular meeting Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., with a potluck prior to that at 6:45. A special "Draping of the Charter" ceremony will take place during that meeting on behalf of grange member Veryl Chamberlain, my father-in-law who recently passed away. All friends and relatives of Veryl are invited to attend.