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

HOT ENOUGH?--I hope you had plenty of sunscreen on during the Bald Eagle Day parade and doings, as it was definitely hot and sunny! While it's great to have dry weather for the event, it would have been nicer if it had been about 15-20 degrees cooler as some folks, like me, just wilt in that kind of heat and wind up hiding in a cool basement instead of braving the heat wave! Sunday started out like it was going to be another brutally hot day, and in some areas it was, but here in Skamokawa, a nice breeze came up and we were in the 70's by afternoon, with clouds drifting in. By the time you read this, it is supposed to have cooled down a lot more and we may even see a shower or two.

FIRE DANGER--In spite of the slightly cooler weather, the threat of a wild fire is still extremely high, so please be extra vigilant if you're having a BBQ at home and remember, there is a burn ban in effect, so don't try burning any brush piles right now. If you're out in the hay fields, be aware that your hot exhaust pipes could set a fire, as that recently happened on the west end of the county after a tractor caught fire which then caused a baler to be burned. If in doubt about having an open fire in a pit or at a park, be sure to contact authorities first as there are various rules for different situations in multiple places; better safe than sorry!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from July 23-29 are Randy Montgomery, Al McClain, Suzet Parker, Aaron Mahitka, Natasha Montgomery, Kyler McKinley, Levi Helms, John Buennagel, McKenna Longtain, Ruth Doumit, Linda Wright, Joel Gaillard, Kelsey and Ashley Hedges, Chris Sauer, Cody Olsen, Jerry DeBraie Jr., Jon Hauff, Leslie Horman, Carol Cooper, Jeff Lundborg, Molly Jorgensen, Paula Monroe, Hannah Davison, "Big Art" Pedersen, Peggy (Mrs. Ralph) Pedersen and yours truly, Kay Pedersen Chamberlain. Here's to some terrific celebrations for all of us!

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Andrew Emlen and Audrey Petterson, Tim and Sharon Schmitz, Mark and Patti Phillips, Gary and Jody Havens, Mike and Erla Crouse, Steve and Lori Finkas and Bill and Kay Chamberlain. Here's to making lasting memories on our special days!

THIS SATURDAY--It's going to be horse lovers time at the Wahkiakum Fairgrounds this Saturday as the second of the three "Silver Buckle Series" will take place on July 25. Contact Patty Dursteler for more information. The fairgrounds phone is 795-3480.

COMING RIGHT UP--Columbia River Kayaking has a Price Island Beginners Tour this Saturday, with a Wildlife Refuge Tour on Sunday, so if you want to get in on either of those two kayaking tours, you should call right away, 360-747-1044. Both of these tours are Levels one and two. The following weekend, from July 31 to August 2, there will be the Slow Boat to Astoria tour, so if you're up to a Level three experience, this would be the weekend tour for you. Happy paddling!

COFFEE STAND--This nice weather has sure brought the people out to enjoy the cool coffee drinks at the Ship Channel Coffee trailer located in Skamokawa Vista Park. Of course, the early morning folks still like their espressos and lattes and all those other great hot coffee drinks. They also seem to like breakfast sandwiches or bakery treats to go with that, so if you haven't tried them out yet, you're really missing out. For me, it's all about the smoothies and the shakes, so if you're in the area, stop by and have your favorite drink, whether it be hot or cold. They are open until 2 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and are open until 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

67'ers GATHERED--Several members of the WA-KI-HI Class of 1967 got together last Saturday, as host Dale Jacobson had a nice covered area out of the sun for the group to be under. With ribs and chicken and bean dishes, salads and veggies, with some yummy desserts as well, there wasn't anybody going to go away hungry! Coming the farthest was Sharon McKie, who lives in Florida so it was great to see her once again. She said her Mom, Donna will soon turn 90 and she hopes to bring her next year for the big 100 year commerative all school reunion for WA-KI-HI, so we hope she can make it. Enjoying the afternoon gabfest was Linda Holland Toste, Pam Below Lazor, Elaine and Phil Rolf, David and Kathi West, Keith and Karen Lawrence, Judy Lindwall Bergman, Kay Pedersen Chamberlain and hosts Dale and Bonnie. The group loaded up some plates of food and jumped in a couple of rigs, (well, loaded up in them anyway) and went to see fellow classmate, Dennis Havens, where they gabbed a bit before heading back to Dale's. Dennis is having some health issues and so after enjoying the parade, felt he needed to get back home where it was cooler rather than endure more heat. We wish only the best for a great classmate!

There were several July birthdays happening for this class, so Elaine's Texas sheetcake served as the birthday cake for Dale, David, Sharon and Kay, who were there, and also Doug Wright and Joanne Tarabochia Longtain, who were not there. We ate their share I believe!

Sadly, we learned that fellow 67'er, Noni Gilbertsen Meredith had lost her husband recently and was unable to attend. We send her and her family our condolences. Also, Nancy Jacobson Brady lost a family member and had to be at a celebration of life service, so she was also unable to attend. Sympathies to her family for their loss as well.

It was decided that the next informal gathering of the 67'ers will be held at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 22, where they will order lunch at one of their favorite eateries, and just gather up together and once again, gab away. The group has been trying to get together every month on the second Friday, but multiple obligations within the group have made changes to that schedule recently. Here's hoping to see you at the fair!

CLASS OF 1968--While the Class of '67 chatted down by the marina, Dennis Emery stopped by to visit us. He also wanted me to remind all of his WA-KI-HI '68 classmates that they will gather on August 8, at the upper covered area in Skamokawa Vista Park at 1 p.m., so he hopes as many as possible can make it. It's a potluck affair, but for further details, call Dennis at 360-957-5063.

LIONS CLUB--Once again, the Lions Club will have their screening van at the Wahkiakum County Fair, so on Senior Day, which is Thursday, Aug. 20, you'll be able to get checked for several things: sight, hearing, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and glaucoma. This is a great opportunity to have these health issues checked out. According to Carol McClain, they are looking for volunteers to help get folks signed in so if you've got some time to spare, call her at 795-3337.

SKAMOKAWA GRANGE--The Skamokawa Grange #425 wants to remind you that they no longer meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, but have changed to accomodate other members who found it more convenient to hold them on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. If you have a Lions Club calendar, the meeting dates will be listed incorrectly as the calendars came out prior to the grangers decision to change the days that they meet. The potluck gathering is held at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting at 7 p.m., with music showcased after that.

SONS OF NORWAY--The Norse Hall on Puget Island is where all members gather on the first Wednesday of the month to hold their meetings, 7 p.m., and discuss their upcoming events. I think everyone is thinking "fair time" as it will be here before we know it. Almost all county organizations will be thinking up decorations and such for that which takes place Aug. 20-22.

FOS--Have you been up to Redmen Hall lately? No? Well, we hope you will take some time between Thursday and Sunday from noon to four, to stop by and check out the wonderful books and gifts that they have. These things are located on the first floor and are accessible from the paved parking lot and paved path through the back door of the hall, so it's an easy access for those who have limited mobility.

The upper part of the hall requires climbing stairs, but for those who can do that, seeing the intrepretive panels up there is really great, as are the views, which are even better if you can make it clear up to the bell tower.

The Second Sunday Concert series will continue on the second Sunday in August. Listen to the Bridge City Jazz Quartet. More information about them, or any other FOS doings, can be had by contacting the hall at 795-3007.

WHSC--If you have company coming to town and they'd like to see a great representation of the history of our area, don't forget to take them down to our wonderful museum in Cathlamet! The Wahkiakum Historical Society is always looking for volunteers to help man the museum, so if you're looking for a great volunteer post, just stop by and sign up; they'll be happy to have you. If you'd like to make a donation to keep the doors open and the heat on, or the fans, you can send a donation to WHSC, P.O. Box 541, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

POST OFFICE--By now, folks around here have gotten a card about a Post Support Employee (PSE) that is needed at our Skamokawa Post Office. Like many, I was totally baffled and a tadbit upset given all the recent changes and hoopla that has been going on with our post office and I thought maybe our current behind the counter person, Lisa Mooers, had quit. However, she did not quit, but has been promoted to the Cathlamet Post Office, and it seems that she either accepts this promotion or she is out of a job. OK, excuse me, what? Beings there are rules and regulations within the post office, which make no sense to me whatsoever, this is how it has to be I guess. I'm sure that at one time, the current rules probably had a basis for their existence, but currently, this just seems silly to me and many others. At any rate, we will once again say goodbye to a great and knowledgeable worker, although she may be here awhile as she could be doing the training, but most likely, we will soon be welcoming someone else behind our Skamokawa Post Office counter.

NOT YET--I gave a shout out to one and all to see if anybody knew who wrote our Wahkiakum High School's Alma Mater, but so far, I haven't had any calls. We'd sure like to find out who wrote it and when it first got put into use, so here's to finding out the real scoop about this classic piece real soon!

OUT OF THE LOOP--Just in case you are one of those people who are used to getting ahold of me via Facebook, I just want to let you know that I am currently unable to get on that site, so please give me a call at home (795-3425) with any news that you want me to share. Leave your name and phone number (speak slowly) and I'll call you back. Thanks!