DREARY--This past week has been one of a little sun, a little rain and a bit of fog, with warmer temperatures. By the time you read this, we may even see a couple of dry days, but I'm not holding my breath! However, if it shows up, I hope you'll be able to get out and enjoy it while we have it.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Jan. 11-17 are Jason Rainey, Bill Mahitka, Kyler Suase, Criss Luthi, Gary Havens, Kara McNally, Vanessa McClain, Roy LaBerge, Joey Moore, Russ Durrah, Jan Silvestri, Kim Webb, Elaine Robinson, Brittney Robbins Haddix, Beryl Curtis, Frank Strueby, Patty Calvert, Cindy Lloyd, Madison Rose, Randy Rodahl, Ty Finkas and Holly Norton. Here's hoping each of you have a super birthday!

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Gary and Vicki Bergseng and Mr. and Mrs Glen Holt. Enjoy those special days!

FRIDAY MOVIE--The Wahkiakum Community Center in Cathlamet will show a drama/fantasy this Friday, which can be enjoyed by youth and adults alike. Shows begin at 7 p.m. No children under 12 can attend without an adult. As always, there's free popcorn or you can bring your own snacks; enjoy!

PIE SOCIAL--If you like pie, head to the Community Center on Tuesday, January 23 at 11 a.m., and take part in the Pie Social event they are having on "National Pie Day." If you'd like to be a baker of some pies to donate to this event, they would love to have you sign up. They can always use servers too, so please help out if you can. For all the latest things going on at the community center, stop by and say hello to Kelly Shumar, the co-ordinator there; she'd love to meet you!

BINGO THIS SATURDAY--The Sons of Norway hold their monthly bingo games on the second Saturday of each month. The doors will open at 5:30 and games will begin at 6 p.m. Cards are $5 each and cash prizes are awarded. That's this Saturday, January 13.

OPEN MIC TIME--The music will happen at the Skamokawa Grange this Sunday, Jan. 14, with an Open Mic afternoon! Come and sing and play and enjoy the group that loves to entertain. Sign in at 2:45 p.m., with startup at 3 p.m. Donations to join in the fun? Go to the Skamokawa Grange #425. For more info call Jerry Ledtke at 360-795-3434.

HOME AGAIN/SICK--We were all happy to hear that Don Wright was back at home after a trip to the hospital last week, so we want to send our sincerest get well wishes to him. We also heard that Kathy Perkins headed to the hospital last week for a new hip and they had her up and moving shortly after surgery. They certainly don't waste any time getting people up and about these days! Now that she endured the car ride home, which was pretty painful, we hope she feels better each and every day.

A big shout out to Dawn Pedersen Macchione, who is currently feeling under the weather. We hope she feels better real soon! With the flu reaching epidemic proportions, it's really vital to stay at home when you're sick. Jeanne Paulsen wasn't feeling too hot this past week either, so we hope she's perfectly fine very shortly. Remember, everything you touch can have germs on it and those in vulnerable states of health can really be affected by those who continue to go out and about and spreading their "bugs."

PROUD MOM--Jeanne Paulsen was proud to announce that the Paulsen-Catt Inc., DBA Stop & Save Food Mart, is now officially open, and it is operated by Jeanne's daughter, Laureen and partner, Michelle. Congratulations to them on beginning this new business venture, and if you'd like to stop and visit the former county resident, head to 3446 Pacific Way in Longview and say hello!

FUND RAISER--The Wahkiakum County Fair Foundation will hold a fund raiser at the Roadkill Saloon on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m., where you will find Amber Eaton cooking up a lasagna dinner, and the wait staff will be members from the Wahkiakum Fair Association. The dinner will include salad and garlic bread and you'll be able to order some local beer from Rivermile 38, or wine, milk, iced tea or soda to go along with it. They will also have a Silent Auction from 3 to 6 p.m., and all monies raised will go towards the Wahkiakum County Fair. To make reservations, call 360-606-0179. They hope to see you there!

SYMPATHIES--I heard that we lost a couple more WHS alumni recently, as Kenny Parker, Class of 1974 passed away last week and just this week, Ron Ozment passed away. We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to both of their families.

RESOLUTIONS/CHALLENGE--Why not start out with something we truly need to support here in Skamokawa and that's our Fire Department. I'd like to see this "Five Dollar Challenge" accepted by all who read this column! Won't you please accept? Send your check to Skamokawa Fire Department, (Wahkiakum Fire District #2), P.O. Box 145, Skamokawa, WA 98647. Remember, you may need them to come to your house sometime, so isn't your house or life worth $5? Meet the challenge, make a difference. Let's resolve to help our communities in our area! My check is in the mail; how about yours?