Graduation rites this weekend

WET--As I begin this column on Monday, it's a bit soggy out here, making me glad we got the lawn mowed yesterday. It seems to be growing before our eyes and I'm sure it will need it again by the time we get another nice day. The forecast is a mix of clouds, showers and some drying periods, which some might interpret to mean, they don't know and have covered all their bases!

NOT BAD--The Seventh Annual Rods and Reels Rod Run didn't have as many cars show up as in the past, but was still a great turnout in spite of the occasional drizzle. By the time I finished lunch the sun had popped out and made things much more pleasant for the crowd that afternoon. I figure anytime you can bring in thousands of dollars in just one day, it's a good day, so for all those who bought raffle tickets and meal tickets and registered their cars, our hats are off to you for your support!

DUCK INN OPENS--It was so great to see the cars lined up in front of the Duck Inn once again. They did get their doors open last Friday, just in time for the car show and sturgeon derby crowd. so that was great. The new deck was enjoyed by many throughout the weekend and was really a big hit. The new staff was kept hopping and it was a good test to see what was working and what could be improved upon. We hope the area will support this latest improvement and spread the word that it's now open! The Duck Inn Restaurant opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, but is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The lounge has its own hours; you'll have to come down and check it all out! Congratulations to Logan Britt Enterprises!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from June 7-13 are Brenden McClain, Ryan Helms, Matalyn Longtain, Nicole West, Judy Lorenzo, Nick Danker, Paige Kehrli, Peyton Souvenir, John C. Doumit, Sandy Boldt, Veronica Swift, Kara Hendrickson, Colton Reynolds, Tyson Hjaltalin, Justin Anderson, Chris Songer, Linda Bunce, Erin Turner, Andrea Hess and Kristian Pedersen. Happy Birthday to all of you!

Happy Anniversary wishes to David and Connie Shrum, Mr. and Mrs. Cleave Hedman, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lorenzo, Mr. and Mrs. Skip Nortrup and Mr. and Mrs. Wally Wright. Enjoy your special days, everyone!

GRADUATION--Speaking of special days, it's that time once again when proud parents watch their children graduate from high school and venture out into the world. We wish the Class of 2012 the very best as they file down the aisle and accept their diplomas this Friday night at 7 p.m. Congratulations to all the WA-KI-HI Seniors on this milestone in your life and may all good things come your way. May you have a fun, memorable and safe graduation weekend.

CAMP SPOT STILL OPEN--The Skamokawa Grangers thought they had a taker for the full sponsorship to the Junior Grange Camp in July at Camp Moorehead, but unfortunately, the applicant was not between the ages of eight and 15, so that offer is still open. One must apply before the cut off date of June 15 so if anyone from the Skamokawa area has a child they would like to send to camp at no cost, other than to take them there and pick them up, then please call Sheran and Chuck Parker at 795-3782 as soon as possible.

SERVICES--The sun smiled down on the services of Jimmy Durrah last Sunday afternoon which matched the big smile that Jimmy always had on his face. The Skamokawa United Methodist Church was full, with standing room only, as people from every walk of life came to pay their respects to Jimmy, who had obviously made a wonderful impression on a vast array of people. From his logging skills, to his cooking skills and many in-between, he was remembered with love and laughter and many smiles as we said good-bye to one of our former, favorite, fancy dancers at the Duck Inn. May he rest in peace, and may his family take comfort in knowing how many peoples' lives Jimmy touched with that smile of his.

GUNS AND HOSES--Jimmie Lou Cleveland asked that I remind you once again about the softball games going on between the Sheriff's office and the Fire Departments as they are having this fund raiser to gather food for both of our local food banks. They are desperately low on many items and really need your help, so please take this time to donate any extra food items that you may have, such as peanut butter, chili, canned fruits and veggies and other non-perishable items, as well as personal care products. Here's to a couple of successful food/fund raisers on June 9, which begins at 1 p.m. and June 16 at 4 p.m. at the baseball fields at the high school.

MUSIC, MUSIC--I've been asked to remind those in the area that if they like the swingin' jazz sound, or some music with the Latin flair or even the Blues, you will want to attend the performance of "MP-6" at the Cathlamet Pioneer church on Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $12 if you get them early at either the Bank of the Pacific or Wahkiakum Title & Escrow Co. on Main Street, but will be $15 at the door. With trumpets and saxophones, guitars and drums, it sounds like it's going to be a fun evening. Want more info? Contact Jennifer at 795-3741.

REDMEN HALL--The family of the late, well known artist Martha Boentgen has placed a collection of her artwork in the River Life Interpretive Center, located on the second floor of Redmen Hall. This exhibit will close June 17. The Friends of Skamokawa hope you'll come to see this showing entitled, "The Artist - A Remembrance" before it leaves the building. The hall is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

FARMER'S MARKET-- When I went to the "Two Island Farms Market" to pick up a wonderful veggie basket donated by Rob and Diane Stockhouse for the car show last week, I got a good look at all the vendors there with all their wares and goodies, and brought some home with me as well. If you haven't been there yet, I urge you to visit them on Friday afternoons beginning at 3 p.m. You may be amazed at all there is available.

GREAT DEALS--Another trip I made to pick up something for the car show was to our very own Skamokawa Gardens Nursery on Steamboat Slough. This huge, beautiful hanging basket that Danny Silverman donated was "oohed and aahed" upon by all that saw it, so if you're looking for some gorgeous plants, head to Skamokawa Gardens Nursery. Shopping locally will help keep our businesses here. Danny and his right-hand gal, Dena Friddle can help you plan your new color spot at your house. Hope you stop by soon!

ALL SCHOOL REUNION MEETING--If you want to know what's going on with the All School Reunion that is coming up on August 4, then come to the meeting at 10:30 a.m. on June 16 at the Cathlamet Chamber of Commerce on Main Street. The big event is less than two months away and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. If you'd like to pitch in and help, please come to the meeting and meet up with coordinator, Susan Kuhn, who will be glad to put you to work. While Susan has contacted a lot of people, she cannot contact everybody, so spread the word: August 4, noon to 5 p.m. at the John Thomas Middle School and J.A. Wendt Elementary school. Wayne Gross has rented out the Norse Hall, along with some music, so the fun can continue in the evening hours on Puget Island. That should bring back some great memories as well.

DON'T FORGET--Order your berries from the Wahkiakum Lions Club right away. Time is winding down as the cut off date is June 16. Contact 795-3337 or 849-4003 if you don't see a form in The Eagle.

BIG SHOW, GREAT MUSIC--Have you heard voices coming from inside the Hotel Cathlamet lobby lately? That is the sound of some of the cast members practicing with pianist, Fern Fey, for the upcoming Smoky Water Follies, a three day musical revue held at the Skamokawa Grange June 29 through July 1. Joining us for the first time will be Wendy Vashion, who many may remember from her days performing at the Lurline Auditorium, so we are happy to have her join our cast. The Saari girls are new to us this year, as is Willapa Hills. We've got some great new additions to our already wonderful performers. Returning once again from a short hiatus, is the Professor, Mike Rees, and we always enjoy his witticisms. Tickling the ivories for us again this year, will be Frank Loomans, who really can make a piano spring to life, and we've got the Goldinov children making a return appearance as well, with their sweet voices. The Harmony Hearts are four extremely talented ladies who have figured out how to bring harmonizing to a new level and you'll definitely enjoy listening to them. We've got a grand number planned for our finale with the whole cast. Tickets are just $10 and are available in many places around Cathlamet as well as in Skamokawa and Naselle. You can always call me if you need tickets. Don't forget the Family ticket for Friday night only is just $20, a fantastic deal!

This is a fund raiser for the Skamokawa Grange #425 as we continue to keep the doors open for all the community events in our area, such as the Dollars for Scholars Car Show, the Friends of Skamokawa's Wine Tasting in September and the Wahkiakum County Fairboard's Valentine Diamond Dinner each February, as well as many other functions, so we hope you'll show your support and come and see the show!