Skamokawa News

CLOUDY BUT DRY. As this week begins, it’s a bit cloudy, but at least it’s not raining... not yet, that is. However, by the end of this week, the chances of rain showers are looking to increase. While we may not like to see that happening so late in June, I’m thankful it will help deter the chances of wildfires here. Many areas are currently reeling from these fast-spreading wildfires. I really won’t complain about the rain, as it adds to our water systems and waters my plants, so I don’t have to.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from June 19 through 26 are Bailey Havens, Keith Hoofnagle, Mary Baldwin, Bobby Helms, Tyson Clark, Kay Holland, Travis Gibson, Joel Moore, Rusty Kiest, Amber Mallot, Brandy Foley, Jerry DeBriae, Phyllis Painter, Signe Sause, Grace Nortrup, Zachary Bair, Brendan Bair, Apollo Recchia, Natalie, Thomas, Natalie Vossen, Kati Cork, Bryson Peacook, Carol Ross, Scott Tomlinson, Ryder Hector, Nick Hummel, James Anderson, Candice Thomason, Ryan Nguyen, Nicci Bergseng, Larry Horman, Sarah Palmer, Kaia Figueroa, Katie Sechler, McKenna Spieth Mackintosh and Annette Millers’ grandson, Mason. Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Steve and Debbie McClain, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. Cal Grasseth, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Souvenir, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Nortrup, Mr. and Mrs. Brett Freeman, Randy and Susan Kuhn, Tim and Haley Batt, Andrew and Hayley Nortrup and Phil and Elaine Rolf. Enjoy your special days.

SAID OUR GOODBYES. Many long-time friends and patrons of the Duck Inn from back in the “old days” came to say their goodbyes to Judy Smith this past Saturday. Judy was born on August 14, 1946, and passed away on March 6. We all loved Judy, and it was sad when the old Duck Inn closed after Skamokawa Pete passed and she moved away. Some of us got to chat with her when she worked at Parker’s Restaurant in Castle Rock, which was always fun, but certainly never the same as “back in the day.” Eventually, her health made it impossible for her to work there anymore, and once she was in Portland all the time, we could only visit via cards and phone calls. She and Pete will always live on in our hearts, as they were quite the pair. They gave many of us jobs and supported all our local school kids. When it came time to help the community during major flooding issues or to host a fundraising event, they were there. We hope they know we’re thinking of them.

PIGYS. The Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale will take place next week from June 27 through 29. I hope you have checked in with Darlene Jensen and got your signs and all your sale items ready to go, as I’m sure the “let’s make a deal” folks will be out in full swing that week. With a little luck, you’ll be able to make a few bucks on all the things you’re trying to unload. Be sure to stop by the Puget Island Fire Hall to take advantage of their sale items as well and some lunch. If you’re over there on Friday, you can check out the Norse Hall too, as they’ll have their pulled pork sandwiches that day only, since they have a wedding there the following day. At any rate, all shoppers are asked not to block the mailboxes of those holding sales, as postal delivery people need that access to deliver their mail. Your cooperation is appreciated.

MUSEUM. I spent this past Sunday afternoon at our museum in Cathlamet, and once again, I saw some new faces and met some great folks from near and far—like those from Florida and others from right across the river in Swenson, as well as people who have moved to Cathlamet but hadn’t visited before. It was a busy day, and it was wonderful to meet new folks and show them around our Wahkiakum County Historical Museum... they all loved it. I co-hosted with Ann Pederson, whose dad had been our mailman, and whom I hadn’t seen in about 60 years, so we enjoyed a nice chat as well. I urge you to stop by 65 River Street either Saturday or Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. to take a look around and see the cool displays and great pictures that show how things used to be. If you have some spare time and would like to be a docent, please give Kari Kandoll a call at 360-849-4353. She can help you get the training, which isn’t overly difficult, and you might find yourself immersed in our history in no time.

FOS. Speaking of history, we hope you’ll check out the Central School/Redmen Hall/River Life Interpretive Center right here in Skamokawa. This historic building was saved from ruin in the eighties by a group that called themselves “The Friends of Skamokawa,” and what a journey it has been to get from its previous state to what it looks like today. Please stop by and explore; I think you’ll love the history of the place and be amazed by the before-and-after pictures. The lower level features the lovely Gift and Book Shop, which offers unique gifts and books about the area’s history. Meanwhile, those climbing the stairs to the Interpretive Center will enjoy breathtaking views while checking out the large panels around the room that detail the area’s history. As always, new members are welcome, and your donations are appreciated, as these places continually need a little TLC to keep the doors open. Visit us from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. With the building situated on the north side of SR 4 in downtown Skamokawa at Milepost 29, you can’t miss it.

CAR SHOW AND MORE. The 25th Anniversary of the Wahkiakum Dollars for Scholars Sponsorship and Auctions will take place on June 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at the River Mile 38 Brewery, located at the Marina in Cathlamet. Come down and check out this big event, which features live and silent auctions, the Duck Inn’s food trailer, and the Rods and Reels Rod Run Reunion Car Show. This event supports our WHS with scholarships each year, making it not only a fun occasion but also an important one for our students who might receive a helping hand for their education through these scholarships. They hope to see you there, and we’ll all be praying for a nice day.

BALD EAGLE DAYS. The big doings in Cathlamet will be coming up in a month, so we urge everyone to tell their friends and family members to come and enjoy Bald Eagle Days. There’ll be food, vendors, a big parade, and, of course, fireworks at the Elochoman Slough Marina that evening to cap it all off, plus much more. Come and check it all out on July 18 and 19, with the parade and fireworks on Saturday. Here’s to a fun time for all. See you there.