Skamokawa News

SUPER NICE. As last week ended and this one began, it was super nice outside and plenty warm. I’m not a heat lover, but for those who are, it looks like you’ll enjoy several days of sunny weather. By the time you read this, the hottest days should be behind us, and that won’t hurt my feelings any. The heat meant watering those plants a little extra this week, so I hope you didn’t forget, as it’s frustrating to buy a bunch of new plants or have a bunch of garden starts come up, only to have them all dry up, and you have to start over. Here’s to keeping both plants and ourselves fully hydrated during this heatwave.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week, June 12 through 19 are Bailey Havens, Mark Howie, Michael McLaughlin, Robert Montgomery, Shane Kehrli, Erin Turner, Tanner Hoven, Terri Elfers, Sarah Phillips, Mike Paulsen Jr., Holly McKeen, Jason Ledtke, Ava Wilson, J. O. McClendon, Rigel Wise, Jessa Booth, Ian Rutledge, Lori Twiet, Kelly Morrow, Rusty Kiest, Amber Mallot, Kelsey Briscoe, D. C. Quintero, Nikolai Almer, Amy Horman, Karen Blain, Kristian Pedersen, Bailey Pedersen, Palmer Shank, Sandra K. Hess, and 67’ers Noni Meredith and Marcia Rich Hage. Celebrating their anniversaries this week are Stewart and Ginger Moonen, Joel and Jammie Spangle, Mr. and Mrs. Justin Watkins, Chris and Lacey Johnson, and Jack and Sherrolin Powell. May all of you have wonderful days in the coming days, celebrating your special days.

NEW ADDITION SOON. Recently, a baby shower was held for Blake and Michaela Sechler as they are expecting a baby girl within the month, making things pretty pink at their house right now. It was a couple’s baby shower, which I thought was unique, and all the guests were treated to a wide array of goodies to eat, provided by the Sechler family. As always, the venue and all the tables were decorated to the hilt, and all the food items had the special touch of soon-to-be grandma, Katie Sechler, who is the absolute best at baking treats, such as cookies shaped like little dresses and hearts and decorated with pink icing. It helps that she has her hubby, Pete, and daughter, Tessa, who assist in making these special occasions completely over the top. The evening was a big hit! Now the family just has to wait a little longer to meet the latest addition to the Sechler/Jones family tree, and I get to add another name to the above birthday list. The fact that this baby girl will be my very first great-granddaughter makes her even more special.

FATHER’S DAY. Speaking of special days, this coming Sunday, June 15, also happens to be a special day, as we’ll be celebrating Father’s Day. Here’s wishing all the Dads out there a great day. I’m sure there will be special dinners being held in our local restaurants for those special people in our lives, so here’s hoping each Dad has a very special day!

GREAT TIME. This past Thursday evening, June 5, there was a special dinner and auction event to benefit a couple of our local groups that truly deserve a lot of praise. With the help of Season Long and her crew, along with Logan Britt from the Duck Inn, the event held at the Skamokawa Grange Hall was well attended. Everyone seemed to be having a great time as they enjoyed a lovely dinner, which was set up perfectly. They then scrambled to place their bids in the silent auction before the live auction began... always lots of fun! The Wahkiakum Animal Advocate Group and the Wahkiakum Shoeboxes of Joy groups were thrilled to see all those smiling faces. Kudos to everyone who helped put this on and to all those who took part in ensuring that everything was beautifully decorated. The food was set up just right, and all the servers and cleaning crew worked together seamlessly to create a fantastic night. We can’t forget, without the generous donations from all some wonderful folks, we wouldn’t have had as many options for bidding. As always, please support those who help make these fundraisers possible. You’re all great!

COMING UP. The second Saturday of the month means two things: first, the Flea Market at the fairgrounds will be in full swing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the T-building. If you want to get rid of some extra household items that are in good condition, bring them down to the fairgrounds for the sale. Why throw away good items when they can be put to use by someone else? Second, Redmen Hall will be open at noon on weekends. Stop by and support the Friends of Skamokawa with your business. They have also changed their membership dates, so if you join them this month, your membership will be valid for one year. For more information, contact Lori Cagle at the hall at 360-795-3007, visit online, or follow us on Facebook. Don’t forget that they will be hosting a fundraiser/auction in just a couple of months to raise funds for maintaining the hall, so please consider donating an item for that.

FAREWELL TO JUDY. Beginning at noon this Saturday, June 14, there will be a memorial gathering for all friends and family of Judy Smith at the Skamokawa Grange Hall. Please bring your favorite dish to share, and we hope many folks will be there to share their stories and offer hugs to her family members as well. Please spread the word to those you know.

DONATION DROP-OFF DATES. If you would like to help another organization, please consider donating your items to the Puget Island Fire Department’s Auxiliary members, as they are raising money during the PIGYS event. Last week, they had one drop-off day, but this week there will be two days to bring items to the fire hall on Puget Island, right on SR 409, just south of the Norse Hall on the east side of the road. You can drop them off on June 12 and 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are unable to drive or deliver any items you want to donate to the hall yourself, give Sherrill a call at 360-951-3985 or Liz at 360-200-2247, and they may be able to arrange to pick up your items. Remember, no large furniture or oversized items can be accepted due to limited space. Here’s to a good PIGYS turnout: June 27-29.

BINGO TIME. Also on June 14, beginning at 6 p.m., the Norse Hall (444 SR 409) will be hosting its monthly Bingo games. They hold these events every second Saturday of the month, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Cards are $5 each, with cash prizes awarded.

TIME IS FLYING BY. It feels like the days are passing faster and faster, and in just a couple of weeks, half of the year will be gone, which seems impossible. So, if you’re planning to participate in the Bald Eagle Days festivities, you’ve only got a month left. Here’s hoping you’re already making decisions and aren’t waiting until the last minute. The 43rd Bald Eagle Days theme this year is “Rooted and Rising,” if you’re planning a parade float. The event spans two days, with the big parade and Main Street vendors in Cathlamet taking place on the second day, July 19. If you’re new here, it’s a great day, and there will also be a big fireworks show in the evening from the marina area. If you’d like to register your float or need to rent a 10 x 10 spot on Main Street with other vendors, registration is now open. Visit the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page, or you can stop by their office located right in Cathlamet.

WAHKIAKUM COUNTY FAIR. After the Bald Eagle Day festivities, you know it’s time to crack down and get ready for the “biggest little fair” in Wahkiakum County, which is right here in Skamokawa. Keep these dates in mind: Aug. 21 through 23. This is a great time to show off your skills, whether it’s in sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, canning, photography, etc. You get the idea. Don’t forget, this goes for the kids too, and it’s a great way for them to earn some of their own money by entering their crafts and plants, so start planning now. Then, when the fair books come out, you’ll be all set and know just what categories your