Skamokawa News

DRY SPELL? I understand that there are a lot of dry days in the forecast this week, and I hope you’ll be able to get out and enjoy them. It’s that time of year when we’re trying to tame our lawns and get control of those weeds and such, which seem to grow ten inches overnight… ha! We may dry out quickly, so be very careful with any fires you may be lighting up around your property. For you folks who may be new to the area, a burn permit is needed if you’re going to burn on your property, and when you do acquire the permit, a call to the Sheriff’s Office before you begin burning is required as well. Let’s keep our surrounding green forests safe from an act of carelessness, as it doesn’t take much to have a disaster on our hands.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from May 8 through 15 are: Lori Parke, Tami Bosch, Rosalie Webb, Don Nicholes, Bryce McClain, Ashleigh Montgomery, Kerry Brown, Katharine E. Parker, Christeena Bassi, Bonnie La Doe, Shelly Hedges, Navarre Stewart, Trevor Gorley, Ryan Lorenzo, Ashlenn Coleman, Sawyer Peek, Amgela Dickson, Evan Quigley, Benjamin Waddell, Markus Parker, Vicki Bergseng, Kathryn Collier, Brandon Swanson, Hunter Kluver, Jen Wolcott, Robyn Livingston, Savannah Ellis, Steve Doumit, Stacey Wegdahl, Ashton Velazquez, Kaelee Dearmore, Kamryn Watkins, Keith Rutledge, Stephanie Cochran, Jayden LaRoche, David Rust, Parker Rusk, Bobby Graham, Mercedes Wilder, Nicole Good, Ashley Rusk, Leslie Monroe and Pete Sechler. Happy Anniversary wishes go out to John and Sharon Buennagel, Jonas and Bofu Owen, and Frank and Carolyn Pedersen. May all of you have wonderful celebrations on your special days! Enjoy!

PIE SALE REMINDER. Head to the Tsuga Gallery on Friday, May 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. for some delicious pies made by the GFWC Cathlamet Woman’s Club. A whole pie costs $15. Remember, these sell out fast, so don’t be late!

CRIPPEN CREEK POP-UP. Our very talented local bakers, Don and Kitty Speranza, will be having another “Pop Up” event where they sell some of the most delicious breads, rolls, and pastries (their cinnamon rolls are divine.) So be sure to get over to the Puget Island Gardens covered area this Friday, May 9, and get those goodies—they go fast! They’ll only be there from 3 to 4 p.m.

MUSEUM OPEN. This is just a reminder that our county museum opened this month, and it was good to see some folks come by and check out this treasure trove of local history and information. The museum is next to the PUD building on the back street of Cathlamet, 65 River Street, so we hope you’ll come by either Saturday or Sunday between 1 and 4 p.m. If you have company coming to visit during the week and really want them to see the Museum, it may be possible that a private tour could be arranged, but it isn’t guaranteed. To find out, call Kari at 360-849-4353.

FAIR FLEA MARKET. The Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds here in Skamokawa will be the place to visit if you need just about anything for your home, as they offer a wide array of items that may be just what you need. To replace worn-out items or set up a new apartment without spending a fortune, come down to the Flea Market/T-building sale and check out what they have on Saturday; hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Happy shopping, everyone!

NORSE HALL BINGO & MORE. It’s time to put down those yard tools on Saturday evening, May 10, and head to the Norse Hall to enjoy some Bingo with your friends and neighbors. The door opens at 5:30 p.m., and games for cash prizes start at 6 p.m. The Sons of Norway Helgeland Lodge 2-30, Norse Hall, is located at 444 SR 409 on Puget Island. They would also like to invite you to their Annual Salmon Dinner, which will be held on May 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. The price is $25. Per plate and includes grilled salmon, baked potato, oleslaw, garlic bread, dessert, and your choice of drinks. You can get tickets at the door or buy them in advance by calling Phyliss at 260-431-0382.

MOTHER’S DAY. It seems impossible that Mother’s Day is here already, but it is, and it’s this coming Sunday, May 11. I hope you’ve got your plans secured by now. Don’t forget our local restaurants when planning your outing, as they could certainly use our support. I had a pretty great Mother’s day fifty-seven years ago when I delivered by first son, Pete, and that just so happened to be the day my Mother, Carol, was leaving for Seattle to start a new chapter in her life after the sudden passing of my father, Krist Pedersen on Christmas Day just a few months earlier, so it was a pretty special occasion.

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE. On Saturday, May 17, a Celebration of Life will be held for George Bates, whose family says they’d rather you didn’t mourn, but celebrate his life, which was rich with joy and love from his family. The service will be held at 1 p.m. at the Heritage Bible Church, located at 193 North Welcome Slough on Puget Island.

Another Celebration of Life will be held on the last Saturday of the month for Cherish Collupy-Smith, who left this world too early. Her family would like you to join them at the Skamokawa Grange Hall from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 31. Our condolences to all.

FUNDRAISER. Speaking of the Skamokawa Grange Hall, there will be a fundraiser next month to help raise some money for the coffers, so to speak. Please mark June 5 on your calendars and be ready to come and enjoy a dinner there from 6 to 8 p.m. More details will come, like, “What’s for dinner?” I’ll let you know when it all gets decided! In the meantime, if you don’t think you can make it to the dinner, you can still help the Grangers by donating to Skamokawa Grange #425, P.O. Box 123, Skamokawa, WA 98647. This historic building is a real keeper, so please help if you can.

AS ALWAYS. While I don’t mention them every week, please remember that the Community Breakfast takes place every Thursday at the Skamokawa Grange Hall from 10 a.m. to noon. Come on down, have a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, visit with friends, and meet the new folks in the area! All are welcome. The event is free, but donations are gladly accepted to help with costs. However, times are tough, so don’t let that stop you from attending. There is also a small pantry where you can pick up a few grocery items if you need them.