Big weekend for all to enjoy

GORGEOUS--The weekend was great after rain fell last week; not a welcome sight to those who had hay down, but luckily the sun returned and dried the hay, so tractors were tedding and got the hay in wind-rows and then the pounding of the balers and bale wagons made for some long, long days, but some great hay! It's a bit drippy this Tuesday, and I hope they're over and done with by this weekend as we've got a busy time ahead!

THIS FRIDAY--One of our local artists, Mike Rees, will have several of his color photographs on display at the new Tsuga Gallery in Cathlamet. Their grand opening is tomorrow (Friday) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Main Street, formerly the Golden Ladder. Also showing their works are Ruth Doumit, Frank Loomans, Mike Swift, David Vik, Martie Vavoudis and others from the Westend, like Kathy Hamilton, as well as several others, so our artisans will have a great place to showcase their work.

The band Hidden River will help celebrate the opening of this new business, which should go well with their wine and refreshments. The gallery will also be open during the Bald Eagle Days weekend....both Saturday and Sunday.

We heard that new owner, Janet Cimino, was taken to the hospital last week. We hope she's going to feel fine for her opening and wish her good health in the days to come.

BALD EAGLE DAYS--The big weekend for our area is upon us, with a parade, vendors, fireworks and more going on this Saturday! If you want to have a reunion without the work, just come down to Main Street, Cathlamet and you're bound to find your neighbors, family, classmates and everyone else there. The theme, Land of the Free, Because of the Brave is a good one and I can hardly wait to see the floats that people thought up. We've got a group coming that plays bagpipes and it seems John and Mary Gustafson's niece will be amongst them. The beer garden opens at 6 p.m. and the Lost Creek Band will play at the Marina at 7 p.m., with the fireworks going off at dark, so it will be quite a day. Enjoy!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from July 14 -16 are Jaimie Kincaid, Marietta Montgomery, Randi Curtis, Mary Ann Nelson, Jerry Ledtke, Marsha Cleveland, Kaisha Harris, Kim Hedges, Bev Moonen, Rick Benfit, Denise Parker, Larry Hendrickson, Rosie Jameson, Mary Schroder, Janelle Seaberg, Rocky Rose, Gerald Olson, 67'er Sharon McKie and grandson, Kyle Sechler. Happy birthday everybody!

Happy anniversary wishes this week to Mr. and Mrs. Gary Huber, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Olson and Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Rose.

TURNED FIVE--Justin Norris had a belated birthday outing when members of his family took him down the Oregon coast to see all the animals at the Wildlife Safari, which included the elephant car wash--now that's a sight most people don't see! Along with Justin for the great weekend adventure were his parents, Jen and Ty, aunt Debbie and uncle Brandon and grandparents Gary and Betty Huber.

REMINDER--Don't forget the new FOS exhibit going up in Redmen Hall this weekend, as the Clatsop Weavers and Spinners will show off their recycling skills with this latest exhibit. Should be very interesting. The hall is open from Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

SIDE TRIP--It's one of those calls all parents seem to get when their kids are small: "You need to come and get your son, we think he needs to go to the ER." That's just what happened to my son Pete Sechler as he and his wife were headed out to dinner one night. Seems that their youngest son Luke had cut his hand hut he’ s doing just fine. It's one of those "why parents turn gray" moments!

HOOPS GALORE--Tessa Sechler is playing basketball full time and recently played in the AAU National BB Championship Tournament. They even had former NBA players, like John Stockton on hand to watch them play. Tessa will just be a Freshman this coming school year, but has already been playing varsity BB for Ballard HS, so as you can see, my granddaughter is a live and breathe basketball player!

JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY--Members of the group putting together the Vista Park Vendor's Market to celebrate Skamokawa Vista Park's 30th anniversary, met last week and things seem to be going smoothly. I keep running into folks who don't know about this event yet, but I'm hoping everyone spreads the word and we see you down here in a couple of weeks, as it's bound to be a fun day.

50TH REUNION--I got a call from Jim Rodal who asked me to reach out to the members of the WA-KI-HI class of 1961 to make sure they know they are invited their 50th class reunion at Parker's Steak House in Longview on August 20 at 6 p.m., with members meeting earlier to gab a bit. If you can't make it to the dinner, hopefully you can come to the Cathlamet City Park the following day, for a potluck picnic. If you have questions you can email Jim at j_rodal@yahoo.com or call him directly at 360-742-0047.

JUST A MONTH--It's crunch time as our 103rd annual Whakiakum County Fair takes place on August 18-20. There are so many things you can enter, so check out that fair book that is out in various places and check the rules and dates for entry, as a month is going to fly by.

PRAYERS ASKED--We've received a couple of prayer requests as David Whitney's mother Betty Golden is in the hospital back East and is quite ill, and could use your positive thoughts and prayers . Also, Puget Islander John Nelson is dealing with some serious health issues and could use your well wishes and prayers as well. Members of his family have asked for help with the care of his animals, or even possibly adopting some of them. You can call his daughter Sheena at 360-431-9123 or Bob Jungers at 795-3637.

Just recently, Kitty Speranza from the Inn at Crippen Creek Farm had to have surgery and is recuperating nicely, so we're happy about that, but we want to send her our take care wishes as she's one hard working lady and I'm sure her hubby Don will be happy when she's able to go full steam ahead once again.

SERVICES--Mike Gregory's Celebration of Life services will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m. at the J.A. Wendt Elementary School's multi-purpose room. Mike passed away suddenly on June 27.Our sympathies to all of Mike's family as they deal with their sudden loss.

MORE SYMPATHIES--George Oller was one of those guys who always had a smile on his face and just lit up a room when he walked in, and when he used to stop by the Duck Inn, he was always a welcome sight. Sadly, George, 87, was killed this past week when his ATV rolled over on him. Our hearts go out to his family on their loss as everyone that knew George, from his days in the woods and around here, to his neighbors in Castle Rock, knew him to be a hard working, fun-loving, good guy. He will be missed by all that knew him. Our sympathies to the entire Oller family. His services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at the Longview-Kelso Seventh Day Adventist Church at 77 Soloman Road in Kelso.

ACCIDENT--A tragic accident on SR 4 this past Monday took the life of Deon Brown of Cathlamet when her car and a log truck came together. I didn't know Deon personally but from those who knew her through their churches, she was a nice lady; a tireless worker and will be missed by all that knew her. Our sympathies go out to her husband, Jim and her entire family.