HALF TERRIFIC--This past weekend we got one perfect day, and one "so-so" day. With some of our states experiencing wildfires already, I have to say, the raindrops that started on Sunday afternoon, were really a blessing I thought, as were the ones that fell on Monday, as we've had an extremely dry May, which is pretty rare for us, and so things are already quite dry.

WRAPPING IT UP.--The "perfect day" was this last Saturday, which was the day of the last Wahkiakum Dollars For Scholars Rods and Reels Rod Run (car show) so for that, we were truly grateful! But, I just thought it was terrific, as earlier forecasts in the week were calling for rain, but obviously, Lee Tischer's sunshine dance prevailed once again, and we just had a wonderful day to end this 13 year annual event.

There were over 200 cars pre-registered, and more showed up that day and they all glistened in the sun and made all that chrome and fancy paint jobs just sparkle. We got to see cars and people that we've never seen before, and that's always fun. I know three WA-KI-HI graduates who showed up that had never been before, as Pete Sechler, Pat Shanahan and Henry Pype traveled from near and far to attend, and they thought it was really great!

Again, the food, salmon and burgers, with all the fixings, was done just right and so kudos to all those that have worked getting that accomplished. Naturally, the sponsors are all great and have made raising all this money for the graduating seniors a real treat and added boost to those who received this honor. There are so many helpers that are involved in this, that naming them all would be impossible, and for fear of leaving someone out, I won't attempt to list them, but most of us locals know who they are and as always, "Good job, everyone." It was great!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from June 7-13 are Ryan Helms, Brenden McClain, Justin Anderson, Erin Turner, Matalyn Longtain, Nicole West, Elijah Doiron, Peyton Souvenir, Paige Kehrli, John C. Doumit, Sandy Boldt, Terri Elfers, Johnnie Peyrollaz, Mark Howie, Alec Christensen, Shirley Good, Colton Reynolds, Andrea Hess and Kristian Pedersen, who turns 17 this week.

Happy Anniversary wishes to David and Connie Shrum, Wally and Linda Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Skip Nortrup and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Moffitt. Belated anniversary wishes go out to fellow classmate and her hubby, Sherrolin (Mace) and Jack Powell, as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. Congrats you two!

TODAY--Happening this morning at 10:30 a.m., at the Skamokawa Grange #425, they are having a "Dress a Girl" event. They will be making two dresses each and you should bring two yards of material for each dress. You will cut them out there at the hall and sew them at home. One dress will be given to the "Dress a Girl" program and you can do what you wish with the other, like enter it into the Wahkiakum County Fair that's coming up in mid-August.

EVERY FRIDAY--We have a couple of things going on each Friday, and one of those is the Friday Market at the Elochoman Slough Marina, where you can sell your produce, etc., and have a nice big area to set up and park as well. If you'd like to take part in this, call Mackenzie Jones at 360-795-3501.

Also, you can attend the free movie on Friday nights at the Community Center in Cathlamet on Main Street, with shows beginning at 7 p.m.

BIG DAY--For one of my grandsons, Austin Good, it is going to be a big day on Saturday as he graduates from Central Washington University. He is gradauating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a specialty in finance and economics. His childhood friend, Zach Calvert, who has been with him throughout all of their graduations from kindergarten on up, will also be graduating from CWU that day with a Bachelor's in Business Admistration Management with a focus on Marketing. A hearty congratulations to both Austin and Zach, and may your future days be successful and rewarding.

THIS SATURDAY--June 9 is the very last day to order the fresh, sliced strawberries by the bucket, which are being sold by the Wahkiakum Lions Club. This is their 13th year of holding this event. Once ordered and paid for, your berries will be delivered on June 16, at the pick-up site that you selected on the order form. Contact Carol at 360-795-3337 or Renee at 360-849-4003 for further information.

FLEA MARKET--Once this Saturday comes around, it's also time to head back to our Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds and check out their monthly Flea Market. It begins at 9 a.m., and usually goes until about 3. Remember, you can always sell your own goodies here too, so stop by and check things out and rent a table for $10, which can help you clear your house of unwanted items and helps support the fair as well.

FOS--If you didn't get a chance to get up to Redmen Hall/Central School this past weekend, you can still head to the River Life Intepretive Center located in the hall and check out their new exhibit, Thursday through Sunday, noon to four. This latest exhibit is being put on by the Wahkiakum School District's Fine Arts Students in the Visual Arts, Architecture and Music classes and is called, "Welcome Home....a sunnier look at our surrounding community." We hope you can check it out. For more information, contact the hall at 360-795-3007.

EVENING BINGO--The Sons of Norway want to invite you to their monthly bingo game, which will be held June 9 at the Norse Hall on Puget Island. The doors open at 5:30 with games beginning at 6 p.m. Needless to say, you've got a full day of things to do this Saturday.

PIGYS--Speaking of the Norse Hall, there will also be a spot to stop and shop during the annual "Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale" which will take place June 22 - 24. You can rent a table from the Sons of Norway for just $10 and sell those extra things you'd like to part with and be right there while they serve up a tasty lunch. Contact a lodge member for more details. Also, you can pick up one of the pulled pork sandwiches for lunch at the Norse Hall.

Remember, all those that are signed up for the PIGYS sale, get put on a map and then this gets handed out to all those going shopping for deals those three days. I was told there are over 40 people having sales around the Island, and the hours are from 9 to 5. For more questions about the upcoming event contact co-ordinator Sandie York at 360-430-0951.

KITE FESTIVAL/VENDORS WANTED--After you do some early morning shopping at the PIGYS sale, then Skamokawa Vista Park will be the place to be on Saturday, June 23 as once again, all the big fancy kites will be there! Last year there were vendors selling food, jewelry and other items and they hope vendors will once again come and set up at the park. If you are interested in selling "whatever" that day, give the park office a call at 360-795-8605 ASAP!

VBS--The Community Vacation Bible School for grades K - 5, will take place June 18-22, at the Heritage Bible Church on Puget Island, 193 North Welcome Slough. It lasts from 9 a.m., until noon. You can register online at: http://www.vbsmate.com/Wahkiakum or register that June 18 morning at 8:45 a.m. There will be Bible learning fun, crafts, games and snacks. This is sponsored by the Wahkiakum Interfaith Network and there are six local churches participating, which also includes the Skamokawa United Methodist Church. You can call Cheryl at: 509-378-1188 for more information. With prior arrangements, you can also get transportation from the St. James Family Center.

SO SHOCKED--This past week we learned of the passing of a friend and former neighbor of ours, Joan Evenson, 63, and like most people, were just stunned to hear of her death. Joan had lived in Skamokawa for quite some time before moving to Cathlamet a few years ago and had worked at the Cathlamet post office for many years. I contacted one of her sisters and she said that they want to have a local gathering on her behalf but at this time, nothing has been decided. We certainly send our deepest sympathies to her mother and sister, Chris of Longview and another sister, Sue who lives in California.

SYMPATHIES--We also want to offer our sympathies to the family of Mary Ann Brusco Mabey, who I remember as a gal who was always wearing a smile on her face and always treated people with kindness. She was a graduate of WA-KI-HI, who had also been one of the cheerleaders for the school back then. She passed away on May 27 and her services were held this past Saturday. Also, I was told that Jim Miller, the husband of another former local gal, Linda Kerstetter Miller, passed away recently at the age of 87, and we send our symapthies to Linda and her family as well.

SKAMOKAWA "KIDS"--I have been asked to remind all those that went to school here in Skmokawa "back in the day," to come to a school reunion on Aug. 17, at the Skamokawa Vista Park at 2 p.m. Please help spread the word. More on this to come at a later date but just wanted to get this on your list of things to do, as time is flying by!

NICE ONE...Connie Bassi was certainly tickled by her daughters this Mother's Day, when they presented her with a birthstone ring. This lovely ring signified the birth of each of her girls, Jordyn, Kaylyn and Nicole, and needless to say, she was certainly thrilled with her Mother's Day gift. Way to go girls; such a nice, thoughtful and beautiful gift which your Mom will treasure.