Horsemanship Challenge Saturday

BRIEFLY WARMER--As this week began, we'd warmed up a bit from the wet and windy spell we had at the end of last week, so that's been nice. But by Tuesday morning, all was soaking wet again. This is pretty typical Spring weather with it springing a leak quite often! Let's hope for some drier days more events are happening which would really benefit from some dry weather conditions.

COMING RIGHT UP--One of those events that would benefit from drier weather would be the second softball game between the Guns and Hoses teams this weekend at the high school ball field. This is a fund raiser for the area's food banks and it should be a dandy as the Hoses (firemen) beat the Guns (Sheriff's department) the last time. Please bring your non-perishable food items to the game and join the good-hearted rivalry between these two groups and help out our area food banks at the same time. The game begins at 4 p.m. on June 16.

HORSES--Starting early on Saturday morning, the Horsemanship Challenge Series begins at the Wahkiakum Fairgrounds arena. This popular series is sponsored by the Wahkiakum County Fair Board and the Island Riders 4-H Club. It's the first of a three part series, with the other two on July 14 and August 18. It will have a speed event, trail event and ranch event and there are various groupings for kids as well. Registration is from 8 to 8:45 a.m. with the event beginning at 9 a.m. To find out more contact the show manager Tina Merz at 360-957-5368 or fair manager Becky Ledtke at 360-560-0371 or leave a message at the fair office 795-3480 and they'll get back to you.

HOTEL G.O.--Also coming right up is the Grand Opening of the Hotel Cathlamet, which is Friday beginning at 4 p.m. New owners are the mother and daughter team of Kay Cochran and Stephanie Prestegard along with their spouses, Wayne and Kevin. Should be a great venture for all involved. Having had the adventure of running this hotel in the 1970s when my folks owned it, I can tell you, it's definitely an experience and one that needs the hands on approach. Folks who come to stay love to hear about our small town; its people, the history and the different areas like Puget Island or Skamokawa and I always sent them down to the museum as well, as that's what tourists like to do. I found that as a hotel owner, you wind up being a salesperson for the county and the more you pump it up and tell them about all that we have here, the better the folks like it and will make a return trip, so I know the gals will be doing a great job of that. Congrats to the Cochran and Prestegard families as they bring the Hotel back to life!

MUSIC THIS WEEKEND--Don't forget the great sound of jazz and blues and everything in between when the Pioneer Church hosts the group, MP6 this Friday at 7 p.m. After going to the Hotel's Open House, you can take in some music for just $12 if you get your tickets at the Bank of the Pacific prior to the show, or else they'll be $15 at the door.

SATURDAY MORNING--This is the last reminder for the Mule Train All School Reunion meeting to be held this Saturday at 10:30 a.m., at the Julia Butler Hansen house on Main Street in Cathlamet. Contact Susan Kuhn for more info at sjmcq1@yahoo.com or write to her at P.O. Box 440 Cathlamet, 98612. RSVPs really need to be sent in by July 4 as we need a head count for the food providers and time is ticking away. Cost is $20 per person. You can call me with any questions you might have as well, 795-3425, but Susan is taking in all the RSVPs and keeping all the lists so she needs your information and money ASAP. Thanks!

COUPLE OF WEEKS--The Smoky Water Follies is in just a couple of weekends, so we sure hope you're planning on attending the show during one of the three performances which offers multiple music numbers, skits and comedy for your entertainment. Remember, families get in for just $20 on Friday night. Individual tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at the Skamokawa Resort's general store, The Video Store, Moores' Auto (NAPA), Sharon's Pizza and More and the Bank of the Pacific in both Cathlamet and Naselle. We're pleased to announce that Opan Whitaker has joined some of the younger members of our cast, such as Nanea Carroll, Tanner Collupy, Reuben Patterson and the Goldinov children, so we're happy to have her. The troupe practiced together last Monday night and we're moving right along with the show, so come on down to the Skamokawa Grange Hall for a great time; shows on June 29 and 30 begin at 7:30 p.m. and the July 1 show begins at 2 p.m. The building is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions, just call me, 795-3425.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from June 14-20 are Robert Montgomery, Jason Ledtke, Keith Hoofnagle, Megan Vincent, Megan Doumit, Gina Robbins, Kelsey Briscoe, Kylee Souvenir, Marti Vavoudis, Nikolai Almer, Jerry DeBriae, Dawn Wika, Erik Grasseth, Monica Gallaird, Lore Twiet, Mike Paulsen Jr., Deloris Wages, Karen Blain and 67'er Noni Gilbertsen Meredith.

Happy Annivesar wishes to Stevan and Kathleen Morgain, Stewart and Ginger Moonen, Mr. and Mrs. Steve McClain and Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Grasseth. Enjoy your special days!

CELEBRATES--Abby Buennagel, a former Skamokawa resident, was the celebrated WA-KI-HI graduate last Sunday, when her folks, John and Sharon Buennagel hosted a party for friends and family at their home in Cathlamet. The barbecue was going and the guests, which numbered around 30 or so, enjoyed delicious pulled pork sandwiches, chicken and hot dogs with all the trimmings, so it was quite a feast. It's hard to believe that little Abby, who we saw toddling around the Duck Inn when her mom worked there, had now graduated and would be headed off to college in Las Vegas. Congratulations to her on receiving so many scholarships and giving such a great speech. We know she's got a bright future ahead of her!

MORE VENDORS--The Skamokawa Grange was notified of more vendors wanting to join the Vista Vendor's Market on July 28. We are welcoming a working blacksmith as well as some folks who will be passing out information about ID theft and elder abuse and so forth. We're happy to include them in our group of folks selling food items to eat there, as some they can take home, like tasty pies from Kathleen Morgain, and yummy jams and things from Carol Carver. The kids will love the fire engine as well as the train ride being brought down by Ralph Keyser, which benefits the Wahkiakum Historical Society as well as many more vendors. We hope you'll mark July 28 on your calendar and come to Vista Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day! There will be several raffles taking place as well, so we hope you'll buy a ticket, support a couple of groups and maybe even be the big winner of a nice prize.

BIG WEEKEND--Pete and Katie Sechler took their two oldest sons, Kyle and Blake to WSU this weekend to get set up in school there this Fall. Pete said it was pretty weird to sit in the same classroom and desk that he sat in 25 years ago. Now he was the parent listening to all those instructions of what to expect in the coming years. I think one of the things that came out of it was that "you'll need to work a lot more" if you're going to have two kids going to college these days! Pete said his days of sleeping in a dorm room are long over and was happy to get back home to his own comfy bed!

NICE TIME/VISIT--David and Connie Shrum spent their 22nd anniversary having dinner at the new Duck Inn Restaurant and Lounge and thoroughly enjoyed the new look and surroundings, as well as their dinner. The place was hoppin' and the staff was working hard to keep everyone happy.

NEW CD--Local musician, Greg Parke, has been working on a new CD and he's happily announced that his latest endeavor is done. It's called Mermaid's Whisper and we can't wait to hear it. Greg has been kept busy playing gigs from Chehalis to Seattle to McMinnville, Ore., to Ocean Park and elsewhere, so we're happy he's staying busy and we'll be looking forward to seeing his new CD on sale soon! Congrats on the new CD, Greg!

PADDLE CENTER--The Paddle Center rental shop is now open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and if you need a special time, it can be arranged by calling Katie or Alex at 795-0882. There will be lots of classes and tours set for the season.You cancheck out their calendar online at http://www.columbiariverkayaking.com/weather.html.

Renowned coach and Columbia River Kayaking founder, Ginni Callahan will offer just one kayaking course this year in North America and it will be held in Skamokawa. Babes in Boats will take place June 29 through July 1. It is tailored particularly for women and gives a lighthearted approach to kayaking safety, efficiency, power and grace. Helping her with this course is CRK co-owner, Katie Beck. For more inforation on this course and all the particulars, call 360-849-4016 or email them at info@columbiariverkayaking.com .

IN JULY--The Kiwanis Club of Cathlamet is sponsoring their Thirteenth Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament on July 7 at Skyline Golf Course and they're looking for folks to participate. This is a limited entry event so all you golfers, get your name in there soon. Contact Carol Danker at 795-3281 during weekdays and 795-8052 on weekends for all the information.

Don't forget the Bald Eagle Day celebration that is taking place in mid-July. They are always looking for sponsors and participants. Contact the Wahkiakum Chamber at 795-9996 for all the information you'll need for this fun day on July 21.