Skamokawa News

DAMP. This past weekend was a bit soggy but how soggy depends on where you were located. One friend of mine was experiencing "buckets" of rain just a few miles east of me, while I was just sitting under some clouds with occasional sprinkles and a dash of sunshine thrown in. Now, nighttime was a different story, as it poured off and on Saturday night. I'm hoping that by the end of the month we have some drier weather showing up since there are many events planned and they are much more enjoyable when the sun is shining! Regardless, we are much better off than some of those poor folks back in "tornado alley" who have had their homes and towns just ravaged or completely destroyed by multiple tornadoes. If you have family living in those areas, I do hope they are all right. Houses can be rebuilt and replaced, people can't.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from May 22 through May 29 are Bryson Havens, Elle Britt, Candice Jantz, Devin Helms, Serene Snow, Jeanne Paulsen, Asher Frink, Bonnie Bigler, Mary Jodi McClain, Emberlynn Lorenzo, Mitch Moonen, Scarlet Engle, Bill Faubion, Colton Bloomer, Kelly Hammond, Kolbi Robinson, Keil Charles Parker, Mark Schubert, Marilyn West Patti LaBerge, Lisa Marsyla, Denley Bardsley, Brooks Olsen, Wes McClain, Bryan Prestegard, Amanda Wisdowm Steve Howarth, Jon Peterson, Tiernan Cochran, Katie Vegvary, Lennie Clark, Tim Rushing, Julie Holland Black, Donna Palmer, Mary Jo Brown, Katrina Pedersen Freeman, Lisa Sechler, and 67'er Linda Holland Toste. Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. John Fitzpatrick, Tylor and Chandler Nortrup, and Bill and Linda Mahitka. May all of your birthday and anniversary celebrations be full of good times and lots of fun this week!

BIG WEEKEND. This is Memorial weekend, which means a three day holiday for many, so there is bound to a be a lot of extra traffic on the roadways. Please be mindful when traveling, as there just seem to be a lot of folks traveling too fast and are in too big of a hurry with some bad attitudes. Let's try to keep this holiday safer and slow down, keeping those tempers in check. Better to get where you're going a few minutes later than not at all. Don't forget to turn those headlights on!

MUSIC AT THE GRANGE. Don't forget that the Grand Ole Skamokawa Swamp Opry will be playing at the Skamokawa Grange Hall this Saturday, May 24 at 7p.m, doors open at 6 p.m. The cost is only $5 for folks 12 and older, so come on down and tap your toes!

MAY 31 IS BUSY. The last day of this month finds us in a quandary as there are so many things going on that day. Our first event is the sixth annual "Cruzin to the Fair” car show at the fairgrounds. Let’s hope for some sunshine that day. To enter a vehicle, pre-register by this Friday, May 23, to get the good deal. You can go online wahkiakumfair.org or call either Patty at 360-795-3480 or Diane at 360-465-2825

SAYING GOOD-BYE. Located right by the fairgrounds is the Skamokawa Grange Hall and on May 31 it will be full of friends and family of Skamokawa native, Cherish Collupy-Smith, who tragically passed away at just forty-seven years of age; she would have been 48 on May 30. Her Celebration of Life services will begin at 1 p.m. and the family asked that, in lieu of flowers, you donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For more information on how to donate email helpline@komen.org or call 877-465-6636. Our sincere condolences to Cherish's family, which includes her Mother, Nance and brother Treasure who live here locally and of course her husband, Patrick Smith and only son, Keegan who had made their home with Cherish in Florida.

MUSIC IN Cathlamet. There are only two more Saturdays in this month and many folks have enjoyed going to the Pioneer Center in Cathlamet to listen to "Mel and Leah and friends" there at 4 p.m. This Saturday, May 24 will be no exception, but please note that their last performance will be on May 31. They have been joined by many locals and they have had a lot of fun singing and playing their instruments and entertaining all the folks who have come by since first getting together on April 5.

SALMON DINNER ON THE ISLAND. Members of the Sons of Norway, Helgeland Lodge 2-30 will be putting on their annual Salmon Dinner over at their lodge, the Norse Hall, on May 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. Here's hoping you get a chance to stop by and get a nice salmon dinner. While tickets can be purchased at the door, you can purchase them ahead of time by calling Phyllis at 360-431-0382. If you're new to the area, the Norse Hall is located at 444 SR 409 on Puget Island. You will love that salmon, baked potato, Cole Slaw, Garlic Bread and dessert for just twenty-five dollars. Hope you can make it!

PUGET ISLAND FIRE SEEKS DONATIONS.

Earlier in the day on May 31, the Puget Island Auxiliary will be at the Puget Island Fire Hall just down the road from the Norse Hall, and they will be collecting donations of good, used items from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day to sell during the Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale event that will be held June 27 through 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Naturally, all items should be in clean condition and no damaged items. No large furniture items are being accepted. If you have questions about a donation, or maybe even need someone to pick your items up, please call either Sherrill 360-951-3985 or Liz at 360-200-2247. I'm sure there will be lots of folks who want to take part in the PIGYS this year, so be watching for more information, it’s happening soon!

DONATIONS ACCEPTED NOW. There are two big events coming up, one is a Dinner and Auction benefit on June 5 at the Skamokawa Grange Hall which will benefit WAAG and Wah. Shoeboxes of Joy. Your help in providing items for the auction part of this would be greatly appreciated. Cost of dinner is fifteen dollars ahead of time and twenty at the door. Come on down to the Community Breakfast at the Skamokawa Grange Hall on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and get more info or buy those tickets early. If not there, then go to the Duck Inn, the Cathlamet Video Store, or the Jabber Shack on Main Street in Cathlamet.

WAHKIAKUM DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS. The time has come to consider donating to the WDFS for their annual fund raiser, which helps our graduating WHS students with scholarships. Letters have gone out recently but if you'd like to donate and didn't get one, call Diane Tischer at 360-562-6467 or Doug Martin 360-751-4497. It's their 25th year and a Rod and Reels Rod Run Reunion Car Show will be held down at the brewery in Cathlamet on June 28, along with the auction, etc. Please have your donations ready by June 13, your support is truly appreciated.