LOOKING GOOD--This past weekend was nice, although Saturday morning it began quite wet around here, which was nice for our lawns and plants but not so great for those who had hay down! Luckily, the sun came out and things dried out pretty good and Sunday was all sunshine from the get-go, so that was helpful. It seems we are going to end July with some pretty decent weather and August could start out nice too, but then again, forecasts can change overnight so who knows? We just hope that come fair time, we have some nice, sunny weather, that's not too hot and is "just right" as animals and people don't seem to do heat real well!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from August 1-7 are Sheran Parker, Jennifer Norris, Betty Huber, David Black, Robby Meyer, Steve Havens, Tabitha Anderson, Zak Everman, Kamie Helms, Austin Smith, Cassi Luthi, Danny Eaton, Susan Brown, Aaron M. Eaton, Maureen Zacker,-Bockius John L. McClain, Monte Robinson, Kyle Cothren, Amy Gorley, Brian McClain, Fred Johnson, Jen Pedersen, Jason Blain and 67'ers Nancy Jacobson Brady, Judy Lindwall Bergman, Marnee Ostervold Davis and her twin, Martin Ostervold and a former WHS teacher of ours, Terry Bonny. Belated birthday wishes to Ed Stevens who celebrated his special day last Saturday.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McClain, Mr. and Mrs. Don Speranza, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoven, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Thomason and Doug and Sunny Manary. Enjoy your special days everybody!

FRIDAY NIGHT FREEBIE--There's a new month of free movies taking place at the Community Center in Cathlamet at 101 Main Street beginning this Friday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. This is an NR adult documentary. Remember, along with the movie being free, the popcorn is free too and you can always bring in your own snacks; enjoy!

NEW MONTH--August is our last full month of summer and we all know how busy it's going to be, so I hope you've got your comfy shoes on, as the days ahead are going to keep you running from one thing to another! Besides the above movie on Friday evening, there is also the Friday Market at the Elochoman Slough Marina from 4 to 7 p.m. There is always an array of items down there, so you really need to stop by each Friday as you just never know who will be there with their goods or just what they'll have an abundance of that week.

If you love horses, then head to the fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 3, as the third part in the Silver Buckle Series continues in this make-up event after a flooded arena kept riders from competing when originally scheduled. This will start at 10 a.m., so check out these riders and their skills.

You can enjoy the Wooden Boat Festival on August 3 and 4, at the Elochoman Slough Marina, and you can begin that event by enjoying breakfast served by the Kiwanis from 8 to 10 on Saturday morning. Later on, River Mile 38 Brewing Co. hosts their Ugly Car Show, so lots happening this weekend.

If you're an avid bingo player, then head to the Norse Hall on Aug. 10, as the members of the Sons of Norway will hold their monthly bingo games, which are held on the second Saturday of each month. The doors open at 5:30 and the games begin at 6 with cards costing $5 each, so here's to all you lucky bingo players and your cash prizes!

The Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, located in Skamokawa, is about to explode with activity as everyone starts decorating booths and stalls and buildings and entering their items for the big event, the Wahkiakum County Fair Aug. 15 through 17. Please, please read your fair books closely and familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations and entry dates for each of the items you may be entering, and of course, there are various classes of things and you need to pay close attention to these rules so that your item is not turned down due to an error on your part. This is a good time for kids to make a little money, and grown ups too, as school will be starting soon, so a little extra cash from all those ribbons comes in handy for that, as well as being able to stick it away for Christmas.

SINGING AWAY--If you were at the Bald Eagle Day festivities, you more than likely got to hear WHS graduate, Laurie Miller, sing our National Anthem. As always, she did an outstanding job. Laurie has been in much demand by multiple groups and organizations for various events, so it's no surprise to us that the organizers of the Washinton State Fair have once again signed her up to perform multiple times in the next two months. She was asked to sing eight times in September, with a couple of rodeo performances and also opening for "Old Dominion & Brandon Lay" and also "Brad Paisley with Riley Green" but she was extremely excited to get two more additions to her schedule this month, when she found out that she gets to open for Billy Idol on Aug. 30 and Keith Urban on Aug. 31. Way to go, Laurie! So, if you happen to be going to the WA ST Fair in Puyallup, check out the schedule and find out if you can catch Laurie performing for the masses once again!

SYMPATHIES--I didn't learn about the passing of Mike Vincent's father, Mel, until after I had already turned in my column last week, but we certainly want to send our condolences to him and his family. It seems Mel was walking his dog when he tumbled down an embankment, hitting some rocks along the way and succumbed to his injuries in this fall; just so tragic. Again, our condolences to Mike and to all who knew and loved Mel Vincent.

SERVICES--For those of you who are planning to go to the Celebration of Life service for Roger Davis, this is just a reminder that it will take place this Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m., at the Moose Lodge in Longview, 921 Washington Way. Again, our sincerest condolences to Roger's family and close friends.

FAMILY GATHERED--It looks like the Parker family had quite a get-together recently, as Chuck Parker, Mike Parker, Anita Parker Beyer, Bev Parker Moonen and Dick Parker were all in one spot, along with a batch of kids and grandkids, so a good time was had by all. The Parkers take turns having their reunions between here and Canada, so next year, watch out, Canada, the Parkers will be heading that way!

WHS REUNION--Quick reminder about the Wahkiakum High School Class of 1959's 60th reunion on Aug. 17. There's a "meet and greet" with classes 1958 - 1960 in the park by the fairgrounds, during fair time, Aug. 17 at noon, so grab some of the BBQ salmon or other food and come and visit with the 59'ers at that time. That evening, dinner at the Duck Inn for just the class of 1959 will take place; 5:30 chat time - 6:30 dinner time. Contact Helen Keyser for more info and please spread the word if you're in the above mentioned classes!

CONGRATS--As this month comes to an end, so does the job that Connie Shrum held for many, many years, and we are happy to wish her a hearty, "Happy Retirement" as of July 31. It's always sort of a bittersweet feeling I think to find yourself out of the work force and away from many great colleagues and those that have made the job a challenge but yet rewarding. However, there also comes that time when you just know it's time to leave and set your sights on new possibilities as well as that sense of freedom you will now have. It wasn't that long ago that her husband, David said good-bye to his job as well. With that said, we know that the Shrums will now enjoy a lot more time traveling around in their new trailer and will truly enjoy not having to worry about their work schedules anymore. Congrats to this latest set of retirees who will make their move to Skamokawa a permenant one now!

NEW IDEA--"Cathlamet Paws 4 Change" is a new group on Facebook that is trying to get a start at taking care of feral cats, like a catch, fix and release program, and a veterinarian to come here and help out low income families with their pets and making it possible to rescue and take care of animals in need. This group was started by Tiffany Pritchett and she is trying to get this non-profit rescue going, and is open to all ideas as to how to network all of this and how to make this need become a reality.

SCHOOL STARTS--I'm sure all of you parents are busy getting those school clothes and supplies purchased, as school starts on Tuesday, Sept. 3, so it won't be long until the lunch making, homework, sports practices and games and all that other fun school stuff starts up once again! You can check out the website at: wahksd.k12.wa.us for more information. A big "Welcome" goes out to Brent Freeman, as he takes on the job of Superintendent of the Wahkiakum School District.