Community News - October 13, 2011

VFW sponsors youth essay contest

The Cathlamet VFW, in cooperation with Cathlamet schools is promoting the VFW's National Essay Contests.

For all high school students, the subject is "Is there pride in serving in our military?" The 2008 national winner was from Washington State, winning approximately $35,000 in scholarships.

For elementary students, 3-5th grade have "What is an American?" as a theme while 6-8th grade have "Are you proud of your country?"

All entries must be received by the VFW by noon on November 1 through the school's offices. Home schooled students can contact the school or the VFW directly by calling either 360-849-4451 or 360-795-6060.

LCC invites parents to info night Oct. 20

Parents of future college students are invited to a free Parents Night at Lower Columbia College on October 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the LCC Student Center.

Speakers will offer information about how to enroll, financial aid, LCC programs and degrees, and career choices. Students are also welcome.

For more information, contact Kami Bair at 360.442.2411, email kbair@lowercolumbia.edu.

Detour to play Skamokawa Grange

The Americana band Detour will perform in concert at 8 p.m. on November 12, at the Skamokawa Grange. The four-piece band consists of accordionist Toby Hanson, drummer Mike Friel, Steve Nebel on guitar, and band-leader Kristi Nebel on bass. All band members sing. Admission to the two-hour performance will be $10.

Kristi and Steve Nebel from Tacoma, have played previously in Skamokawa with The Celluloid Cowboys at the Wahkiakum County Fair. They've also performed concerts as a duo at Redmen Hall, The Inn at Lucky Mud, and the Pioneer Church in Cathlamet. KMUN Radio in Astoria has played a number of their songs from previous CDs. “Detour” is on tour to promote their recent recording project, which features a selection of early Western swing and country standards along with a few original tunes.

Accordionist Toby Hanson is familiar to the Naselle community with his band The Smiling Scandinavians, regulars at the bi-annual Finnish-American Folk Festival. To hear a sample of the band's sound, visit http://www.sknebel.com/detour/index_files/Page267.htm.

Opening for “Detour” on November 12 will be Sunrise Fletcher with songs from his ninth CD Unplugged, including his own original songs.

Refreshments will be available. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For more information call 360-795-8770. The grange hall is located next to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds at 16 Fairgrounds Road, Skamokawa, WA 98647.

Halloween carnival set for October 29

The St. James Family Center Preschool Parents Group is sponsoring the annual Halloween Carnival to raise money to donate to United Way.

The carnival will take place on October 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. Kids of all ages can participate in a costume contest, pumpkin contest, and many carnival games for the whole family. Admission is free and tickets will be sold five for a dollar or 25 cents a piece. Tickets are accepted for games, food and beverages.

Individuals or businesses wishing to help out are encouraged to contact St. James Family Center at 795-8612.