Skamokawa News

GLOOMY START. As this week begins, it’s pretty gloomy and a bit damp this Sunday morning, but by the time you read this, it’s supposed to be nicer and drier, and will give all of us who still have outdoor work to do, another chance to get some things done. I swear this summer went by so fast that I can’t believe we’re in the latter half of yet another month and the holidays are fast approaching...yikes! So, if you’re one of those folks who still needs to wash your outside windows or clean out those gutters, or get that extra stock of wood already piled up, here’s hoping you’re able to get those things done during this upcoming dry spell... good luck!

REMEMBERING RUSS. A Celebration of Life gathering in memory of Russ Durrah (Walter Russell Durrah) will be held this Saturday at the Duck Inn at 2 p.m. and you’re all invited to attend. A private family burial has already taken place, but for those who have known Russ for years and years, whether it be from your school years or maybe through work or from his times singing and performing, you are welcome to come and spend a little time together at the Duck this Saturday afternoon.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Sept. 18 through 25 are Tracy Carroll, Shona Heywood, Jay Mace, Rownan Vegvary, Monte Longtain, Elisa Anderson, Bruce Holland, Mandy Giesler, Sylvia Gray, Colleen Shannon, Eliye Coley, Shawn Smith, David Vik, Robin Herren, Theresa Jacobson, Damien Kuhl, Ellie Kensinger, Erin Little, Hannes Vik, Ole Vik, Madison Zacher, Dan Turner, Tammy Johnson, Shelby Robinson, Daniel Mirelez, Lee Recchia, Jim Watkins, Terry Mathers, Max Mitchell, Damien Deaton, Brett Havens, Mariah Weissgerber, Michael Zurich, Leah Clark, Ken Bair, Michael Danker, Reese Barth, Karal Kyle, Lori Kyle, Larri Palmer, Atlas Palmer, Isabella Maccione, Susan Shook and Adam Pedersen. Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Mr. and Mrs. Dan Keilwitz, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sittauer, Mr. and Mrs. John Burdick, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Anderson, John Jr. and Teri Hoven, Mr. and Mrs. David Noonan and Kevin and Jessica Palmer. May all of you celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this coming week have a wonderful day with those you love and cherish.

WELCOME. I saw in last week’s Eagle that we have a new Wahkiakum School District Superintendent, Mr. Ralph Watkins, and I’d like to welcome him and his family to our community. We truly hope they will enjoy living in our beautiful county along the mighty Columbia River and working at our schools with all of our awesome students. A good curriculum that gives the kids the basics to get through life is essential, and without all the “noise” of today, it is even better. Welcome to Wahkiakum County!

GRANGE FUND RAISER SATURDAY. The Skamokawa Grange #425 is having a big sale at their grange hall located at 18 Fairgrounds Rd. this Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They hope you’ll stop by and pick up some real bargains and help them raise a few bucks for the grange as well! It sounds like they have a wide variety of items, including lamps, books, antiques, a brand-new printer, bicycles, bicycle gear, baby things, arts and crafts, and many more. So, come on down and check it out.

GIFT IDEAS. In just a little over three months, Christmas will be here, and if you’ve ever wondered about what to get somebody on your “gift list” that has everything already, why not think about donating to one of the many groups or organizations in their name? For instance, You can send them a nice card and tell them that since they love books, you’ve made a donation to the library; or maybe they are history buffs so you could donate to our county museum or to the groups trying to save a historic building in town; or maybe they’d like to join a group and you could buy them a membership to one of the areas’ many groups, or gift certificates to our local restaurants, etc...just a thought. Of course, we have many talented folks around who are selling their wares at our local flea markets and soon to be Christmas markets, and having some of those wonderful, homemade, useful items might just fit the bill, too. You might even want to give somebody a subscription to The Wahkiakum County Eagle, as I know there are lots of folks who still don’t seem to be “in the know” about things around here, and what better way to find out than reading our local paper! They have an awesome events calendar!! The idea is to support our local folks and businesses, so I’m hoping that we can remember that if we don’t support our local stores, we might lose them and that would be a real shame for all of us. Here’s to supporting those that support our community; you’re the best!

FUNDRAISERS. There are a couple of upcoming fundraisers that give you the chance to bid on some great gift baskets and other donated items. Not only will these events raise money for the organizations, but they might also be the perfect items to bid on and give as Christmas gifts... a win-win! As I mentioned before, the Pioneer Community Association will hold their fundraiser at Norse Hall on Saturday, Sept. 27th, starting at 4:30 p.m. We hope you’ll be able to attend and support them if you can. Additionally, the Friends of Skamokawa will host their Fall Wine Tasting and Auction at the Rat Tap Bar on Oct. 18, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available here at the Redmen Hall or the Skamokawa Store, or in Cathlamet at the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce office or at the Rat Tap Bar. If you’d like to donate something, there’s still time. Please contact the FOS by calling the hall at 360-795-3007 to find out a good time to drop off donations. The hall is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4.