Big weekend here in Skamokawa

SO-SO--The big Memorial weekend has come to an end and while it wasn't a total bust for weather, it could have been better. While some were enjoying sunshine on Saturday, most of us here in Skamokawa were stuck in sea fog and windy conditions, which meant it was a bit nippy, especially for those on the beach. On Sunday things were a little warmer but still mostly cloudy, while Monday morning saw us with wet roads at first, but then it dried out enough to mow the lawn.

Last week we had an unusual day with quite a bit of thunder, and it really shook things up for quite awhile.

Today marks the end of yet another month, so it's goodbye May and hello June. I swear the time is flying by faster than ever before and I can barely get one thing done before it needs doing again, like yardwork, housework and news. Where does the time go?

THIS IS IT--It's time for the Seventh Annual Rods and Reels Rod Run this Saturday, June 2 at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, park and Skamokawa Grange areas. It is free to come in and look around at all the amazing cars, but you can buy a salmon and chicken dinner for just $8 or for just $5 if you have kids under 10. You can still register your rig if you haven't done so already. All high school students get to enter their cars for free; otherwise, it is $25. There's going to be music, a trout pond for the kids and tons of great prize tables, so come on down for this great fund raiser that is put on by the Dollars for Scholars organization, with all the money raised going towards Naselle and Wahkiakum High School Student Scholarships.

One thing I haven't mentioned much is the yummy dessert that is available for sale: Strawberry shortcake! We have to give a huge thank you to Sharon and John Buennagel for donating all of the supplies, plus their time to serve it up, so they are huge contributors to the dollar amount raised for this event. As advertised, all monies raised this day in the fairground area, go towards scholarships, which is why individuals may not set up to raise funds for any other group or private business. Those folks who give of their time, money and energy to help make this event such a huge success are truly appreciated. Folks from the west and east sides of KM have donated many hours in putting this event together. Kudos to one and all!

Registration for the car show is 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the awards being handed out at 3:30 p.m., along with the prizes for the car show; the fishing derby part is an hour later. If you'd like more information about the car show, contact Lee Tischer at 360-430-4377. See you Saturday!

BREAKFAST--Don't forget the early morning breakfast before the car show at the Skamokawa United Methodist Church. It starts at 7 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m., with biscuits and gravy served along with pancakes and sausage and eggs. Add some juice or coffee for just $7 or $4 if you're between seven and 12. A percentage of their profits is being donated to the car show as well. So fill up on that, head to the car show across the foot bridge, then chow down on the chicken and salmon for lunch. Gee, this looks to be a no -cooking for you day!

KEEPING FINGERS CROSSED--If all goes well, the new Duck Inn will be open this weekend, so after breakfast and lunch out, you might be able to head there for dinner. How's that for dining out all day? However, I have to turn in this article by Tuesday at noon, so I am not positive this will happen, but that is the plan. As I was taking a tour of the new Duck and visiting with Arlene Jester last weekend, all systems were going full steam ahead to open by this weekend. The place is looking great, from the lit-up stained glass wall decorations featuring wild animals common to our neck of the woods, to the seating out on the deck. It all looks fantastic! Here's to Don and Arlene Jester and Logan Britt for making such a positive impact to our little town!

TICKETS--Don't forget the fun when it comes to the Smoky Water Follies which features local talent performing for three days at the Skamokawa Grange Hall, June 29, 30 and July 1. Tickets are just $10, with a $20 family ticket being available for the Friday night performance. Tickets are available at several of our local businesses: The Skamokawa Resort, Sharon's Pizza and More, Moore Auto and Marine (NAPA) and The Video Store, as well as the Bank of the Pacific in both Cathlamet and Naselle.

STILL WORKING--The Oasis Tavern is sporting a new sign saying it will open soon, so they are still working on the inside of it and hoping to be open before long. When asked for a opening date, there was nothing definite. Soon was all we could get, but trust me, when they get it all fixed up and are ready to open, you'll be hearing about it. You're going to like what they've done to the place I'm sure, so keep posted for their grand opening.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from May 31 to June 6 are Tim Rushing, Benjamin McClain, Becca Helms, Roger Davis, Gary Emery, Gale Luthi, Barb Bain, Jill Havens, Justin Lindsey, Robyn Longtain, Terry Vik, Sharon Hart, Mason Kennedy Pittman, Shannon Cochran and Brian Good.

We've got a new birthday to add to the list, as former resident, Gwen Good Ronninghaug is now a grandma with the birth of a granddaughter, Nathilie in Norway. Congrats to the new parents and grandparents!

Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Al Bergseng, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Melton, Karla and Robert Kyle and Sharon (Stout) and BJ Servis. Enjoy!

QUARTER OF A CENTURY--Bill and I celebrated an anniversary of a different kind recently when we celebrated our 25th year in West Valley. I can hardly believe it's been so long. It seems like only yesterday that Bernie Schroder was telling us "You guys ought to buy this house" and we did! We have Frank and Carol Quigley to thank for being so accommodating to us in buying this house, and we were truly grateful that these honest folks turned down a cash offer from someone else shortly after our "handshake deal." Here we are, all these years later, still enjoying the deer, the elk, the bear, the bobcats and all the other critters that have gotten used to us being here on their land that we now call home.

REUNION MEETING--June 16 is the date for the next All School Reunion meeting at the Chamber of Commerce in Cathlamet. Let the Mule Train roll!

All the forms you need are on various social media sites, like Facebook, Classmates.com or Alumni.com or you can contact Susan Kuhn at sjmcq1@yahoo.com. Make sure your subject line includes something about the reunion so she knows it's not just junk mail.

SAD TIMES--We lost a couple of true icons this past week with the deaths of Jimmy Durrah and Bill Cheatley. If you saw a guy with a huge smile to match his huge hands, well, that was Jimmy. What a wonderful man he was, and we truly mourn his loss. I understand his services will be this Sunday. Jimmy and George Durrah were two gentlemen who will never be replaced. They were truly special men, with big smiles, big hearts and wonderful attitudes. May we all aspire to be more like them.

If you were ever at a game with a ref in it, more than likely, you saw Bill Cheatley; that man was still working the courts this past basketball season I noticed. Amazing! I can remember thinking he was old when I was a kid in school, and yet, here he was, 50 years later, still dressed in black and white and still on the court. He was like the Dick Clark of referees. What a guy! We send our sincerest condolences to these remarkable men's families. They will be missed.

COLLECTING--The Skamokawa Grange #425 is collecting used stamps, aluminum can tabs, little soaps, eye glasses, etc. to take to State Grange in the next couple of weeks, so if you have any of those things you'd like to donate, please contact Chuck and Sheran Parker as they'll be our delegates to State this year and taking those things with them. Our next meeting is on June 11 and you could always drop them off at the grange hall that evening, or give me a call and I'll see if can arrange for them to get picked up.

FREE CAMP OPPORTUNITY--If you are a Skamokawa resident with a child between eight and 15, and they would like to attend the Junior Grange Camp at Camp Morehead between July 8 and July 13, the Skamokawa Grange will fully sponsor them. That's a wonderful deal! This is a great way for your child to meet new friends, enjoy crafts, swimming, sports and games with kids their own age. The camp is just North of Nahcotta, which is just east of Ocean Park. If you'd like your child to take advantage of this amazing free offer, it is imperative that you contact us in the next couple of weeks in order to meet the registration deadline. Call Chuck and Sheran Parker at 795-3782 by June 14 and get all the information you need to send your child to camp. Free is a good thing!

BERRY TIME--The Wahkiakum Lions Club is having their Sixth annual Strawberry Sale but you must order before June 16. They are fresh, clean, and sliced with no added sugar. They are $26 for 14 pounds or for an even better deal, $46 for 28 pounds. They will be ready to be picked up on June 23 from 10 a.m. to noon and you can choose your point of pick-up between the Wahkiakum High School parking lot or the Skamokawa Grange parking lot. There have been ads and forms in this paper or around town, but if you don't see one, call 795-3337 or 849-4003 and they can answer your questions or take your order. This fund raiser helps pay for eye exams, sight conservation and scholarships.