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

BLUSTERY--As I begin this column, it is a very blustery Monday and the tree branches are breaking and debris is flying, so if you’re getting this windy weather, I hope you’ve managed to keep your outside things from flying away! I also hope you don’t have to be outside as falling tree branches can be detrimental to one's vehicle or your well being! It looks like we’re in for a soggy week, so keep those boots handy, as I believe we’re going to need them!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays this coming week are Patty Calvert, Cindy Lloyd, Bill Mahitka, Erla Crouse, Holly Lindsey, Kara McNally, Roy LaBerge, Vanessa McClain, Jan Silvestri, Russ Durrah, Joey Moore, Jerod Moore, Elaine Robinson, Pam Teachman, Jake Collins, Brittney Robbins, Trystan Mendez, Veronica Wallin, Ashley Turner, Ty Finkas, Holly Pedersen Norton, Chris Norton, Angela Blakely Grim, Shane Pedersen and 67’er Enid Martin Fountain.

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bergseng, Bill and Krista (Blix) McGuire and Holly and Chris Norton. May you all have wonderful celebrations on your special days!

DATE CHANGE--Due to a scheduling conflict, the “Bigfoot Boogie” dance session scheduled for this Saturday at the Skamokawa Grange Hall, has been changed to the last Saturday of the month, January 28. The time of this event remains the same; from 3 to 4:30 p.m. All subsequent monthly gatherings will be held on the last Saturday as well, so they will meet February 25, March 25, April 22 and May 27. This is a great way to get your body moving and have fun while you get a little exercise and even perk up your mood as you will meet with your neighbors and other new folks too. Plus, you don’t need a partner for this therapeutic dance session so come on down and join in if you’re between 16 and a 100 plus! There is a small cost with those under 18 and over 65 just $5 and general admission costing $10. If you’d like more info, you can contact Aurora del Val at: althea.pnw@gmail.com. All proceeds go to help the Skamokawa Grange #425 to help pay for continuing maintenance and upgrades.

FLEA MARKET--The Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds will be the place to be this Saturday, Jan 14, as there will be things in the Youth Building and the T-building as well. The sale begins at 9 in the morning and ends at 3 in the afternoon. Come to Skamokawa and check it out!

CRAB FEED--The very first crab feed of the month will also be at the Fairgrounds and that will be the following week, on Saturday, Jan 21 at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Duck Inn, Maria’s Place and Naselle Hardware. Their menu consists of crab, oysters, potato salad, baked beans, garlic bread and cake for dessert. There will also be raffle tickets sold and a no host bar.

ANOTHER C & O FEED--The American Legion Post 111 Crab and Oyster Feed in Rosburg, will be held Jan 28. This feed takes place at the Rosburg Community Hall and helps benefit the Legion and Hall. It’s always a great feed and fun time with live music and a chance to win some great prizes, so here’s hoping you’ve gotten your tickets already as these always sell out fast! Check with Ken Elliott to see if anymore are available: 360-465-2274.

SERVICES THIS SATURDAY--Just a quick reminder that services for George Malakowsky are this Saturday at 2 p.m., at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Castle Rock.

ANOTHER LOSS--We heard that we lost another former Islander, as well as a WHS 1962 graduate, as I understand that Ray Toste passed away this last week. We want to offer our sincere sympathies to his entire family. A service date is yet to be determined.

MORE CONDOLENCES--We’d also like to send condolences to Sheila Arriola who had to say good-bye to George Keoki Monroy this past weekend, and we extend that to all his family and friends.

We also heard Sue Garn passed away recently and we want to send all her friends and family members our deepest sympathies as well. There have just been way too many losses lately and we certainly feel for each and every family during this very sad time.

NEED FLOWERS?--Don’t forget, Nicole Emery is back in the flower business, so give her a call at her new number, 360-849-4445 and order up your beautiful bouquet today. For an extra fee, you can also have them delivered and if you’re like me, it is one service I am more than willing to pay. Help support our local gal and keep Daisy Chain Floral busy.

MUSIC--The most entertaining, “Skamokawa Swamp Opera” musical group will perform January 22 at 3 p.m., at the Naselle Community Center, so if you’d like to have a fun, toe-tapping time, head to 14 Parpala Road in Naselle.

NASTY ACCIDENT--Things got a bit hairy for a couple of Puget Islanders recently, as Sandra Hilker and Rebecca Rezac were involved in a very nasty accident this last Friday in Warrenton. It seems one rig pulled out from the left in front of an oncoming GMC SUV, which then spun the first rig into them head on! While the vehicles were totally smashed, thankfully they escaped serious injuries. This is not to say they weren’t feeling a whole lot of aches and pains from the impact, and as many of us know, can feel even worse the next day after the adrenaline has subsided from the initial shock. So, I wish the ladies a speedy recovery and we’re certainly grateful they didn’t have to be hospitalized. Take care/get well soon!

GREAT JOB--Many of you helped donate to the “Shoeboxes of Joy” that took place at Christmas time but did you know how many shoeboxes got filled? It was an astounding 96 boxes that got filled and wrapped and delivered by a wonderful group of volunteers. Wow; that’s awesome! Of course, they couldn’t have gotten filled without all of you making some very generous donations, so kudos to all of you who took part in this wonderful program!

If you’re like me, I like to shop all year long for little items that could fit in these boxes, as things like note pads, colorful pens, playing cards, word puzzle books, etc., can all be tucked away to donate later and not put a big dent in your budget all at once, and then one can buy the candies and cookies and that other perishable type of items as you get closer to the holidays. Bringing joy to others gives us joy as well and heaven knows, we could all stand more of that!

HEADS UP--I know it’s a month away, but now’s the time to decide what you’re going to do for that special someone in your life, as Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, and you don’t want to be “on the outs, or in the doghouse” because you hadn’t planned anything special! So, here’s your fair warning; and be sure to check out all your local dining places as they’ll be sure to have something special to celebrate that day.

LOOKING AHEADVENDORS WELCOMED--The Friends of Skamokawa want to remind you about their annual Antique and Vintage Sale that will take place March 10-12 this year. They will have all kinds of antique tools and furniture and more and if you’d like to be a vendor as well and sell some of your own treasures, contact Lori at 360-795-3007 between 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., on either Tuesday or Thursday.