DECENT START--As I begin this column it’s a bit cloudy but with the sun peeking through now and then, it beats the pouring rain by a mile! Plus, with devastating weather events happening in the southeast part of our country, and wildfires in other states, I’d say we are very fortunate to be where we are right now.

The forecast for the weekend looks to be on the dry side, with rain coming back Monday, so we’ll hope the good weather hangs in there and we don’t get fooled on April Fool’s Day!

BIGGEST GAG/JOKE?--Speaking of April Fool’s Day, I’d love to hear the biggest prank that you have pulled on someone on this day. Or better yet, the funny one that was pulled on you! I always believe these gags should be harmless and not anything that would be interpreted as mean and hurtful, or could possibly cause an injury to someone. So, how about it; care to share your April Fool’s Day prank with me? Give me a call!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from March 31-April 6 are Linda McClain, Vaal Gribskov, Ron Rust, Caleb Kensinger, Alicia Cooper, Jaxton Holland, Jake Stratton, Britany Smith, Spring Doiron, George Trott, Crystal Davis, Erin Parker, Amanda Boehler, Ray Ogle, Paul Vik, Dana McClain, Loren Bergseng, Kayli Boehler, Patti Phillips, Brian Doiron, Nicole Schubert, Dorothy Olson, Ashlee Olson Blouin, Marissa Longtain, Mackenzie Jones, Randy Vik, Michaela Phillips, Debbie Cutbirth, Nathan Pedersen, Karen Bell, Barrett Finkas, Mikayla Bell, Samantha Ahrndt and 67er Keith Lawrence.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Mitch and Keri Moonen, Mr. and Mrs. Don Wages, Scott and Deanna Ahrndt and Dan and Julie McKagan who are celebrating 35 years together this week. Enjoy your special days, everybody!

ADD A NAME/OCCASION--Don’t forget, if your information has changed on the Lions Club calendar, please let a member know so it can be changed/corrected for next year's calendar. Also, if you’d like to add somebody, like a new baby or a cousin, friend, in-law or other that would like to have their special day recognized, be sure to let the Lions Club know and get them included for this next year's calendar. They make great gifts! For our area, you can contact Carol McClain 360-795-3777 or Rene Robert 360-849-4003.

CONGRATULATIONS--Speaking of additions, we’ll be adding Ken Nickolaus and Michelle M. who were married March 23. We offer a hearty congratulations to them!

Also, former county resident Frank Corbin announced that he and wife Beth, are now the ecstatic grandparents to their number one grandson, Lincoln who was born at the end of last week. The baby's parents, Tyler and Joy, are of course thrilled to have welcomed their first child into the world, along with everyone else in the family, so congratulations to all of them!

SPECIAL DAY--Frank Corbin has had quite a happy month, as just recently a special service was held commissioning/installing him as the new Pastor at the Toledo New Life Church. He has been there since January but this official welcoming was held March 20. Not only was it wonderful to get accepted as their new pastor but he was joined by several of those that were known to us as former pastors of the Assembly of God Church here in Cathlamet years ago, which included Eugene Ross and Larry Bentz, so along with multiple others that Frank knew, like Don and Brenda Ross, he certainly had a wonderful day. Congratulations, Frank!

SKAMOKAWA GRANGE--Don’t forget that on Thursdays from 10 to 12, you are welcome to the Community Breakfast at the Skamokawa Grange Hall at 18 Fairgrounds Road. They also have other things going on there, so have a cup of coffee (you can bring your favorite mug) and chat with the neighbors you haven’t seen in awhile and meet some new ones.

BINGO OVER THE HILL--The American Legion Auxiliary will hold a fundraiser at the Rosburg Hall on Aug. 9, and they want to invite you to play bingo at the Rosburg Hall that evening! Doors will open at 6 p.m., with games beginning at 6:30. Cards will be three for $10. According to Dian Hollenbeck, there will be coffee and snacks available as well. If you need more information, please contact Dian at 303-913-4991.

DRESS A GIRL/NEW SPOT--Pearl Blackburn would like to invite all those that know how to sew to join her in the effort of the “Dress A Girl Around the World” project to get a dress to every girl that needs one. Thanks to Laura Borak who is the DAG originator, the ones who are doing the sewing will meet Friday, April 1 at the Puget Island Fire Hall from 1 to 2 p.m., and they’d love to have you join them. There is already donated fabric for you to use and the pattern for the dresses, which are fairly simple to make, so if you are able to help out, that would be great. Can’t make it this time but would like to sew some dresses? Contact Pearl at dressagirlpearl@gmail.com and she can probably fix you up. Pearl is the ambassador for this area and has already helped send 200 dresses out this year, so let’s hope that number keeps getting bigger all the time!

FOS--Calling all vendors, the Friends of Skamokawa would love to have you round up your antiques and collectibles and take part at their annual Antiques and Collectibles Exhibit April 8 – 10 at the River Life Interpretive Center, which is located on the second floor of the historic Redmen Hall/Central School Building in Skamokawa. The hours for this event are 10 – 4 on Friday and Saturday and 12 – 4 on Sunday. Please contact them at 360-795-3007 if you’re interested in participating or if you need more information. You can also email them at fos1894@gmail.com.

SECOND WEEK IS SUPER BUSY--Not only is the hall having this sale, but there will be the monthly Flea Market at the Wah. County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 9 so be sure to stop by while you’re down this way.

That evening, you can head to the Norse Hall on Puget Island to play bingo and meet your new neighbors and have a bit of fun trying to win those cash prizes. This is put on by the Sons of Norway lodge members. Doors open at 5:30/games at 6 p.m.

Also that evening there is a big feed at your local eatery and we hope you’ve made reservations to attend that. These “feasts” are a lot of fun, with lots of food, and this time we’ve got seafood and live music, so come and support your local folks!

GREAT TURNOUT--The Elochoman Slough Marina was hopping this past week as they held their “Hook the Hawg” Salmon Derby and boy, did they have some nice fish turned in over those three days! The fishing was good, the prizes were great and everyone who attended said they’d be back for next year's big doing, so those at the Wah. Chamber of Commerce were really thrilled. However, the happiest of all was Kevin Reichert whose 18 pounder got him the grand prize of $1650. So not a bad fishing day at all! First place in the Women’s Division was Ruth Daarud and First place in the Youth Division was Collin Montgomery. A full list of winners will be put out by the Chamber, who did a great job. Congratulations to all the winners and here’s hoping next year is just as successful.

MID-APRIL--Be sure to check out the Easter Bingo and the Easter Egg Hunt that will be held at the Wah. Co. Fairgrounds on April 15 and 16 respectively, with the one being held by the fair and the other by the Lions Club. More on that later.

Also, there’s the big Book Sale at the Cathlamet Library, so you can stop by there from 2 – 5 on Friday, April 15 and from 12 – 4 on Saturday, April 16, so here’s a chance for all you book lovers to stock up on some great books!

MAY OPENING--As far as I know, the opening for the Wahkiakum County Historical Museum will take place May 7. With Covid having had a great impact on the museum and its hours of operation the last two years, it’s hoped that this year will be better. We urge you to support this historical treasure, which has only survived thanks to a very small, hard working and dedicated group of people who have definitely not received enough praise. We urge you to visit and if you can, donate to the museum in order to keep it up and running. I shudder to think of what could happen to all our county’s treasures if this time capsule of information had to close and all of its contents were shipped off to other museums in the state. Please don’t let this happen; donate today! You can send a check to WCHS - 65 River Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

GET WELL--From minor surgeries to major health issues, we have local folks and family dealing with a lot of things right now, so here’s to positive outcomes and feeling better soon to all you folks; we are thinking of you. Take care, everybody!

OLD SAYING--After reading the Sheriff’s report, an old saying comes to mind: “Good fences make for good neighbors.” It also means your farm/large pet animals will not get run over and you won’t get sued for damages when somebody hits one. Spring is here; me thinks it’s time to do a little fence mending/building!