Skamokawa News

DAMP START. After some very warm temperatures last week, this week starts with a bit of moisture once again, but then it will dry out. With fall starting this past Monday, we shouldn’t be experiencing any more of those eighties and ninety-degree temperatures anymore. Of course, Mother Nature could throw us a curveball and surprise us, but I hope not. I’m really feeling the nip in the air at nighttime now and those early mornings too, so I think it’s time to add a blanket to the bed and get the sweatshirts and sweatpants on top of the clothing pile, while those thin pants and blouses get hung up until springtime!

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Sept. 25 through Oct. 2 are Brett Havens, Leah Clark, Rownan Vegvary, Shawn Jacob, Sue Kuller, Michael Danker, Michael Zurick, Damien Deaton, Mariah Weissberger, Reese Barth, Linda Newton, Ken Bair, Max Mitchell, Julia Ann Wright, Brenda Rutledge, Brent Culver, Monica Weidmann, Evelyn Lorentz, Scott Kennedy, Blake Anderson, Kevin Weaver, Cheryl Backman, Heather DeBolt, Mary Wingate, Heidi Boehler, Mary Fitzpatrick, Caitlin Heiner, Pete Ringen, Joel Nicolazzi, Jack Turgeon, Daniel Hughes, Marissa Apperson, Ava Marie Zurick-Doran, Max Kotula, Miles Nielson, Sara Jester, Ginger Schmidt, Mathew Elfers, Becky Lloyd, Kaleo Burr, Becky Keithley, Shannon Lewis, Robert Blain, Larri Palmer, Atlas Palmer and Karen Healy. Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Matt and Marsha Helms, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Doumit, Mr. and Mrs. John Hoven, Tyler and Jenna Gorley, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Gorley and Larry and Linda Spieth. Here’s hoping you all have a wonderful day to celebrate your special occasion this coming week... enjoy!

CALL RENE. Currently, the Lions Club is taking information for its 2026 calendar. If you need to add or delete items, please call Rene Robert at 360-355-0871 right away. Also, be sure to remove any other names that may be listed incorrectly or if they have passed and you’d like a cross put by their name now as a memorial to them.

REMEMBERING RUSS. This past Saturday, many family members and friends gathered at the Duck Inn to celebrate the life of Russ Durrah, who left this world so very quickly after becoming ill; we were all pretty shocked by that, so it was nice to gather together and remember him. After a nice chat by Duncan Cruikshank about Russ’ life, a wonderful slide show was presented, which included a bit of singing by Russ himself. So we all got to see him from a kid to his high school days here at WA-KI-HI where he met his wife to be, as well through to his time in the military and back home to work at the Durrah Logging Co. and where he loved his family and friends, as well as taking part in many live shows around our area, and up in Longview, as he loved to entertain. He did a pretty good shuffle, and he had one of those crooner voices, which was always enjoyed. It was sad to see him leave us so suddenly, but as he joins his family in the sky, I’m sure he’ll look down and be very pleased by the tribute his family and friends paid him this past Saturday. Rest in Peace, Russ.

THIS SATURDAY. Yes indeed, this is the Saturday to head over to the Norse Hall and join in the fun, bidding on all the great gifts donated for the fundraiser benefiting the Pioneer Community Association for the Pioneer Center in Cathlamet. This is what they call a “non-auction” event, as there isn’t a live auction bidding time, but a silent auction where you go around and write your bid on the corresponding paper by each gift. The event is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring appetizers, beverages, and entertainment for your enjoyment. So, head on over to Puget Island and help support this great cause. Enjoy some snacks and drinks, and have a little fun as you bid against your neighbor! Can’t make it? You can always donate directly to them at Pioneer Community Association, P.O. Box 24, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

SHOP WITH A COP. Every year, a fantastic fundraiser for our local kids is held at the Duck Inn in Skamokawa. They host the Shop with a Cop event, which raises money for children in our area who may need a little help from us to have a Merry Christmas. This is going to be taking place on Nov. 1 this year, so I hope you’ll mark that down on your calendar, as it’s getting to be pretty busy as the holidays seem to be rushing towards us this year! Once again, we hope you’ll pitch in and donate some great items that folks can bid on. On that evening, our local officers will be there to cheer you on as we have a good time bidding on items during the live auction, which can be pretty competitive sometimes. There will be a silent auction part too, and I’m sure there will be a lot of items to bid on with your help of course. Remember, this is for the kids, so we hope to send our officers and our kids on a wonderful shopping spree to brighten up their holiday after attending and supporting this super important fundraiser at the Duck Inn...let’s make it awesome!

QUICK REMINDER. I’ve mentioned this event several times, but here’s one more notice about the Friends of Skamokawa’s Fall Wine Tasting and Auction, which will be taking place on Oct. 18 down at the Rat Tap Bar in Cathlamet. For more information, call the hall at 360-795-3007. It’s open on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. You can also send a direct donation via a check to P.O. Box 67, Skamokawa, WA 98647.