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

NOT TOO NICE--As this week begins, we've got thunder and downpours and some wind. Saturday had us dodging large hailstones off and on in West Valley, in between the heavy rain showers and a few sun breaks, so depending on where you were and when, you were either enjoying a little outdoor time, or you were hiding inside. With the exception of this past sunny Monday, this week looks to be pretty wet.

With all this darkness and gloomy weather, it's really imperative to turn on those headlights as while you may be able to see, people can't always see you. It's also a good time to check out those headlights and brake lights as I've seen quite a few "winkers" out there lately, so here's to being seen, which will help to keep you safe.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Nov. 11-17 are Rory Heywood, Mark Helms, Ty Briscoe, Virgil Cothren, Pat Ohrberg, Ashley N. Helms, Andrew Prestegard, Misty Holland, Brandi Seaberg, Hap Anderson, Martina Snow, Layton Elliott, Dean Seaberg, Heidi Souvenir, Samantha Havens, Zachary Stewart, Katie Watson, Roberta Trotter, Jody Kephart, Kylian Cochran, Julianne Bell and LuAnn Davison.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Mark and Terri Slape, Roy and Cathy LaBerge and Jim and Karen Blain. May you all have wonderful celebrations this coming week.

VETERANS DAY--Today, Thursday Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. I hope you will take a minute to thank all those who have served and are currently serving this country; their sacrifices should never be forgotten or taken for granted. We are the land of the free because of the brave. Thank you one and all!

FLEA MARKET--It's Flea Market time in the Youth Building at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds in Skamokawa. There are huge highway signs that mention the fairgrounds prior to getting into Skamokawa on both the east and west ends of town and some on either end of the bridge over Skamokawa Creek, so if you turn right by Redmen Hall, you won't be able to miss the fairgrounds on your left. The flea market runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Come on down and check it out!

LEFSE MAKING TIME--If you want to learn how to make lefse or just help make it, or put an order in, then head to the Norse Hall on Puget Island, where members of the Sons of Norway will be from Nov. 11-13. By Saturday there should even be some for sale, so head that way for a tasty treat! Contact Jan Silvestri with any questions 360-431-1705.

BINGO TIME--On Saturday evening, the doors will open at the Norse Hall at 5:30 for their bingo games that will begin at 6 p.m. Not only should you have a fun time playing bingo, you could also pick up some Norwegian goodies!

MUSIC TIME THIS SUNDAY--If you like live music, and want to join in performing on your own or with others, then come to the Skamokawa Grange Hall this Sunday afternoon, Nov. 14. Sign in time for this "Open Mic" event will be at 2:45 p.m., and the music will begin at 3 p.m., with a fun jam session at the end!

If you don't want to participate, that's okay too, as many folks just want to come and listen to the local folks get together and have a good time, so here's your chance to come to 18 Fairgrounds Road and tap your toes and take in some music that is sure to soothe your soul!

STAR PROGRAM--If you you are in need of help providing Christmas gifts for your children, we have a great group of folks in our area who are willing to help you. Time is flying by however, so don't delay in either calling the Star Program phone number: 360-431-5232 or stop by the Health and Human Services offices out the Elochoman or just stop by the Sheriff's office and get a form. These forms need to be turned in by November 23 so you have less than two weeks to get that taken care of. There will be trees set up in local businesses so that one can pick out a tag and fill that child's wishes, but you'll need to return the tag and gifts to the place you picked it up by Dec. 13; just a bit over a month away. You can always leave a donation at the Bank of the Pacific as there may be tags that don't get filled, so with those funds, gifts can be purchased so that all those children will have a gift under the tree this Christmas. Let's all do our part and help make dreams come true for all the children in our area.

DINE/ENJOY/HELP--There are a couple of dinners coming up that not only help us wives that are sick of cooking, but they also help our local restaurant, which is always great after all the hassles they've gone through, but it will also help another great fundraising event: "Shop With a Cop!" We can dine locally and enjoy a "no cooking and cleaning" day/evening and then a portion of the meal will be donated to this great cause, so it's a win, win for everybody! If you want more info on the two dining out events, one on Nov. 20 and one on Nov. 25, call 360-795-6055.

SHOP LOCAL--Christmas will be here before you know it. There will definitely be some holiday bazaars and other doings after Thanksgiving, so we hope you'll be watching for those ads and buying things here locally to help support all the artisans and craftsmen that will be selling their homemade items at these special places.

DECK THE HALLS--One of those places that you will want to be sure to check out this holiday season is right here in Skamokawa at the historic Central School/Redmen Hall with its River Life Interpretive Center on the second floor. The hall is always dressed up in holiday decor and cheer and is a great spot to look for those unique gifts. This annual holiday event includes three weekends, Friday through Sunday from 10 to 4 beginning Nov. 26 and going through Dec.12 so if you're a vendor and you'd like a spot, contact the hall at 360-795-3007.

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1946, the week began with a "lovely day" and it was off to the movies for the Everests as "The Virginian" was showing and they both thought it was real good. Later on that week they saw "Kitty"....no comment was made. After several nice days, the heavy fog rolled in and the temperatures dropped, which made for several days of very cold weather. George Everest was leaving Hawaii on the USS Gen. Bittner as he was heading out of the military. He had hoped to be home in time for Thanksgiving but it looked like that was just not going to happen. Mrs. Shirley Robbins went to join her husband, Alvin (Skip) Robbins, who was serving as a radioman and stationed in Panama at the fleet air base there. The couple was expected to be there for two years. Shirley was the daughter of locals, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jacobson, who resided in the Rosedale area.

This week back in 1951, the week began with a horrible storm, which was so bad that ships could not cross the Columbia bar, which was the first time that had happened all year long. As the weather began to clear a couple of days later, Frank and Jean Shane were making their way towards Cathlamet, to see Jean's sister, Elsie Everest. They had not been this way in five years due to a multitude of health issues. Sadly after just a short weekend stay, they had to go home due to their daughter having to go to the hospital, but they'd had a great visit with family while they were here. During the stormy weather, the Buick of Krist and Carol Pedersen wound up being damaged on the Puget Island bridge after it took a skid; it was not exactly a good day for the ole car! Former Cathlamet Crown Zellerbach Personnel Manager, E.M. (Chet) Boddy, was pictured in the paper this week, as he had been named the new sales rep for Thornley Buick Company. He was currently an officer in the Marine Corps reserve as well. All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diaries.