FAIRLY WET--As I begin this column, the sun is actually shining but there have definitely been some wet moments to the day, and from the looks of it, we’ve got more of that kind of weather headed our way. So, while we may see some dry days now and then, there just doesn’t look to be a string of nice dry days coming our way, which we’d hope to see by now. But as we all know, these Spring forecasts can change at the drop of a hat, so I’m hoping those days that are showing “50 percent chance of rain” wind up being 20 or 30 and that those rain chances come in the night and we actually do wind up with some decent days; fingers crossed!

NICE TIME?--I hope all of you Moms out there had a very nice time this past Sunday on Mother’s Day, and from the looks of things, there were a variety of happenings going on, from attending sports events, to having a big brunch with family members, to heading out on a trip or even attending graduating ceremonies, and I daresay, everybody was looking pretty doggone happy!

I joined quite a few other Moms and wives and husbands, at Rosburg Hall this Mother’s Day, where we all enjoyed a wonderful chicken dinner! As always it came complete with a wonderful salad bar and dessert, and no cooking for me, so that was all a big hit with everyone else I talked to, so way to go Rosburg Ladies; you did it again! Great job!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from May 12-18 are Don Nicholes, Christeena Bassi, Bryce McClain, Mike Iverson, Vicki Bergseng, Shelly Hedges, Stacey Wegdahl, Stephanie Cochran, Steve Doumit, Jayden LaRouche, Shannon Jones, Joe Spitzer, Brandon Swanson, Erica Nepsund, Bobbi Peek, Jen Wolcott, Hannah Helms, Nikki Hoven, Mark Phillips, Dru Grasseth, John (J.T.) Luthi, Michele Thomas Fladebo, Patrick Lee Thompson, Kamryn Watkins, Kaelee Dearmore, Shelby Hoiland, Sage Miller, David Rust, Rachael Reynolds, Rian Blain, James H. Pedersen, Leslie Monroe and Pete Sechler.

Celebrating their anniversary this coming week are Frank and Carolyn Pedersen. Happy days, everyone!

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY--There is a gentleman by the name of Victor W. Butler that will soon be celebrating a special birthday on May 21, and who just so happens to be the last of his kind, as he is the last surviving member of the all-Black flying squadron, called the Tuskegee Airmen. They were often referred to as “Red Tails” and between 1941 -45, this group of airmen flew in over 15,000 sorties in over 1500 missions. Their incredible service to their country for their excellence in all they did was truly remarkable. Retired Sgt. Butler will soon be turning 100 years old and the only thing he said he’d like to receive are some birthday cards, so I’m hoping we can have some folks here hop on the “birthday bandwagon” and send him a card ASAP so he’ll get it by May 21. You can mail your card to Victor W. Butler, C/O Gary Butler, P.O. Box 3523, Cranston, RI 02910.

THIS SATURDAY--The monthly Flea Market will be held at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds this Saturday, May 14, so come and check out all the good deals from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. While you’re in the area, head to Redmen Hall and check out their gift and book shop.

That evening, head over to Puget Island and enjoy some bingo games at the Norse Hall; doors open at 5:30 with games at 6 p.m.

MUSIC THIS SUNDAY--It’s time to head to the Skamokawa Grange Hall on Sunday, May 15, as they will hold a “May Open Mic - Live Music” event! That’s right, come on down and sing and play your instrument, join in with the others and have a good time listening to the local musicians. If you don’t play an instrument or sing, you can always come down and tap your toes and clap your hands and enjoy it all; especially at the end when they close with a big jam session! The sign up time is at 3:45 with the music beginning at 4 p.m. For more info you can call Jerry at 360-795-3434 and don’t forget, “The Coffee's always on!”

MAY 19--Don’t forget to return to the Skamokawa Grange next Thursday, which is May 19 at 2 p.m., for Bill Holmes' “Introduction to Bee Keeping” event. The cost is $15 per family which he is donating back to the community breakfasts that are held at the Grange on Thursdays from 10 to 12.

MAY 21 SHRED IT--You can bring all those papers that you’d like shredded to the Bank of the Pacific parking lot on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The bank is located at 56 Main Street in Cathlamet. You are allowed to bring two “banker boxes” worth of stuff to be shredded but you need to make sure there are no metal clips (staples) or rubber bands or plastic sheeting on your paper items. A donation of $5 is being requested. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Skamokawa Continued Community Outreach program. If you have any questions, call 360-795-3007.

50TH REUNION--I got word from Debra Moore Takko that the WA-KI-HI Class of 1972 will celebrate their 50th class reunion this coming year and they are hoping to get in contact with all their former classmates in order to come together for this special milestone. The reunion will take place August 13 at the Elochoman Slough Marina in Cathlamet under the larger covered area. Darlene Dobbins Almer is rounding up names and would love to have all those in that class contact her via email at: darlenea@aol.com as soon as possible so they can figure out how many will be coming, etc. If you are in that class, or know someone who is, please let them know about this upcoming event right away so they can be included in all the fun!

55 YEARS--The WHS Class of 1967 will celebrate their many years together this summer with a gathering at the home of Dale Jacobson right after the Bald Eagle Day Parade on July 16 at 1:30 p.m. All members of this class are asked to spread the news as well, and all those that usually attend know the “bring your favorite dish to share (as you’ll be taking home any leftovers) and bring your favorite beverage so we don’t buy a ton of stuff nobody wants to drink. We have gotten thrifty in our old age! You can get ahold of me at the above number or email address if you have any questions.

FIRST RUN SCHEDULED--The very first Inaugural Terry Bonny Fun Run and Walk will take place July 16 at 8 a.m., prior to all the other Bald Eagle Day festivities. While Terry may not have wanted a big service, I’m pretty sure he would be very pleased to see everyone come out and support this event. Registration starts at 7 a.m., at the high school. You’ll leave the track area and head to Puget Island, then finish on Main Street in front of Maria’s restaurant. All proceeds will go to the Wahkiakum Track and Field program. Your host for this event is Tina Merz.

OUT OF THE HOSPITAL--I was sorry to hear that Linda Elliott was recently in the hospital, but happy to hear that she is now home recuperating nicely after a two week stay there. We hope she continues to heal and stays healthy and her next trip is to someplace fun!

Our former Island girl, Lori Wika, has had some hospital time herself lately and wants to let everyone know about a simple test that may help save a life, like it did hers. It seems there is a heart CT scan which gives you a calcium score, which is an indicator of how your heart is doing. According to Lori, if she hadn’t had this simple test, she may not be here today to even tell us about it. I’m thinking that maybe some of us with a history of heart attacks and strokes in our family should be made aware of this test. As we get older, and our bodies opt to forsake us when we least expect it, I’ll take all the helpful, first hand information I can get!

NEW FACE--We spotted a new face at the Skamokawa Post Office recently, and would like to welcome Pearl Blackburn to our post office. We certainly hope she enjoys her work here and stays a good long while!

You may remember me mentioning Pearl’s name before, but this was because she is in charge of this area's “Dress a Girl” program, which aims to make sure all girls around the world have a dress to wear. If you have a little time and know how to sew, and you’d like to help Pearl and her group, you can contact her at dressagirlpearl@gmail.com and get all the info you need. The simple patterns and material are provided for you.