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

WEEKEND ENDS--We certainly had a couple of batches of heavy snow around West Valley this past week, but at least when I woke up Saturday morning, the sun was shining and temperatures were above freezing and that certainly was a huge improvement over the 19 degrees we'd had the day before that! I have to say, I was pretty happy to see temps in the forties and "just rain" on Sunday morning as that really helped turn things green once again, instead of solid white!! Of course, I did start to worry a bit when late that evening, we saw a snow begin to fall but thankfully, it was just a light dusting, at least here, so that was great! On Monday morning, I was told that those "clear" roads were actually quite icy and slick, so it's still a good idea to go slow and be wary of those shady areas whose temps may not yet HAVE risen above the freezing mark. With possible snow showers expected this week, let's hope we can avoid some of those "ditch runs" that have occurred recently.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays this coming week in this brand new month, March 1-7 are: Deb Holland, Audrey Petterson, Sara Fletcher, Ian Turner, River Wallin, Joanne Brockway, Ray Brooks, Becky Hoven, Jessica Hoven, Donny Meyers, Felicitie Knight, Tony Parker, Mason Christensen, KaraLin Reynolds, Judy Pedersen, Krystal Ellison Zickefoose and Jonas Owen. Belated birthday wishes to Cindy Jacobsen Elmore who celebrated her birthday earlier this week.

Celebrating their anniversaries this week: The Brian Dorions, the Lyle Nielsons, Adam and Sara Fletcher and Brandon and Debbie Chamberlain--here's wishing all of you some wonderful celebrations on your special days!!

OPEN HOUSE--Congratulations to Steven and Paige Lake as they open up the Bradley House Inn situated in Cathlamet on Main Street. They will be having an Open House on Friday, March 2 from 2 to 6, so if you've always wanted to see the inside of this historic 1907 home, now's your chance!

FRIDAY PM--There are five Fridays in this month, so you've got five chances to come and take advantage of the free movies and popcorn at the Community Center located in Cathlamet at the end of Main Street by the Pioneer Church. This week, they are showing a drama which encompasses everyone but yet is still regarded as a PG-13 movie. All movies begin at 7 p.m., and you're free to bring in your own snacks. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all these weekly movies.

FOS/VINTAGE SALE--There has been a tadbit of confusion as to the opening of the Antique and Vintage Fair up in the River Life Interpretive Center located in the historic Redmen Hall/Central School building in downtown Skamokawa, located on the northern side of SR 4, at MP 29, up on the hill. I had been told that the event would be held on the first weekend in March, but I found out that was incorrect--sorry about that. Then a poster went out via the Wahkiakum Chamber, which listed it as opening on "Saturday, March 9;" March 9 is actually a Friday. I contacted Friends of Skamokawa President Pam Emery and she assures me that the opening day of this event is indeed, Friday, March 9, and regrets any confusion. But, that being said, please stop by and check out this sale of vintage and antique goodies from 10 to 4 on March 9 and 10.

Also, there has been a lot of confusion about the signs concerning the current building. When an anonymous donor gave the Friends of Skamokawa a sign, they made it appear that the building itself was the "River Life Interpretive Center." However, while most of us know that it started out as the "Central School," and after the school closed, was opened again as more of a community center by the Order of Redmen and thus, called, "Redmen Hall," many new folks or tourists don't. When the FOS was formed back in the mid-80's and finally purchased the building, all fund raising events have always been done for the "further maintenance and restoration of the historic Redmen Hall," so the name "Redmen Hall" has been used for many, many years. But, because many of the events are held up in the RLIC on the second floor, the anonymous donor made that the prominent name on the donated sign. According to President Pam, efforts are currently underway to add another sign to the bottom of the current sign, which will read: "Redmen Hall/Central School," so, here's hoping that clears things up for all the tourists who come by to visit!

FLEA MARKET--The monthly Flea Market down at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds will be taking place at its usual time, which is the second Saturday of each month and begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. so, that's March 10. If you're interested in setting up a table down there to sell some of your extra items that you may no longer need, let Patty Dursteler know by leaving a message on the fairs' phone 360-795-3480.

At the end of the month, there will also be Easter Bingo. If you'd like to donate something to this, again, contact Patty or Cheryl Backman, as all donations are truly appreciated.

LATER ON--Also March 10, you might just want to head over to the Grays River Valley Center in the evening hours, where they'll be serving up a corned beef and cabbage dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

BINGO/MEETING--If you're not a fan of corned beef, or don't like going over KM in the dark, maybe you'd rather head over to the Norse Hall that same evening and take part in a few games of bingo! The Sons of Norway lodge members invite you to come and buy a card for five bucks and maybe you'll be a lucky bingo winner and take home a cash prize. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with games beginning at 6 p.m.

Also, just a reminder, the monthly meeting for the Sons of Norway is on March 7; they always meet on the first Wednesday of the month, at 7 p.m., at the Norse Hall on Puget Island and all are invited to stop by.

CONGRATULATIONS--Well, talk about the come back kids!! Our Lady Mules were down 22 points in their game against White Swan last Friday night but, lo and behold, they rallied together and wound up beating them 63-56. Wow! So, congratulations to these girls who never gave up and hung on to bring them this fantastic win! They were going to be going to state (Spokane) anyway, but from what I heard, this win will give them a bit of cushion by going into the second round of competition, so that's great. Here's to your success in these upcoming games, Lady Mules, go get 'em!!

SYMPATHIES--Well, I was truly sorry to learn of the passing of Cece (Cecelia) Cooper on Feb. 16 at the age of 84. She and her family were neighbors of ours for awhile and they were rays of sunlight whenever we would meet up. When Cece was moving, she sold me a few dishes that she knew matched some of the kind I already had, so as I use these things on a regular basis, I can always imagine that smile on her face every time I use them. Condolences to her children Kathi, Kelly, Elizabeth and Margaret and the rest of her entire family. Her services were held last Friday at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Cathlamet.

Also, a former resident and former WHS alumni, Julie Jo Rasmussen Strong, has passed away. I didn't know her, but she used to live out in East Valley, and lots of friends and family are mourning her loss, so we offer our condolences to them all.