Don't forget to spring forward your clocks, columnist says

BRRR—The ground was covered with frost in West Valley on the first two days of this week, but with the sun coming out and shining for most of Monday, it made the cold nights bearable. However, it looks to be a wet one today (Tuesday), so I hope you're all getting to stay in as much as possible or have an umbrella handy! Having this rain isn't nearly as bad as in the Midwest and East Coast, where people are getting slammed with heavy, wet snow. I hope everyone’s family and friends in the storm’s path will stay safe, as it sounds really bad back there.

BIG NEWS-- I think the biggest news of the year so far has been the WA-KI-HI Mule boys taking the third place trophy at the state basketball tournament last Saturday. This year marks the best we've placed since 2007 and I know I'm not alone when I say how proud we are of the team. They were awesome! Of course, not to be forgotten are the wonderful cheerleaders, Mule mascot, coaches and those fantastic Mule fans. You all rocked! Having a grandson who was able to experience this first-hand was wonderful as well, and I have to say, all of us grandparents and parents were bursting with pride and shedding a few tears of joy when it was all over. At any rate, congratulations to the Mules and I'm so happy that you will have these memories to keep for a lifetime. Besides winning that trophy, I'm sure you'll never forget that stretch limo ride to Dick's Burgers. What a treat!

SPECIAL DAYS-- Those celebrating birthdays this coming week are Mark Whitaker, Quin Bassi Sr., Jami Rainey, Rick Kuljis, Azery Gribskov, Gretchen Mahitka, Ian Turner, Ryan McNally, Teah and Rhiannon McNally, Tyler Hoven, Jean Wallen, Evadell Beard, Paul Ehrensberger, Kelly Zink, Micaela Sause, Sandy Wirkkala, Larry Bonds and Mary Thomas. Happy birthday, everyone! Celebrating their anniversary this week are Frank and Cynda Webb. Enjoy your special day, you two!

THIS FRIDAY-- If you like to play an instrument and you want to strut your stuff, then head to the Oasis Tavern where "Rock and Roll Congress" will be hosting an open mic night Friday beginning at 7 p.m. Anyone wanting to play should come in about 6:30 to get signed up. This is an event for those aged 21 and over. Here's to some great fun and good music in Skamokawa on Fairgrounds Road tomorrow night as you play, jam, watch or listen.

THIS SATURDAY-- The crab and oyster feed at the Norse Hall is this Saturday, so if you love seafood, this is the time to go over to Puget Island and get your fill. This event is put on by the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce and offers three separate seatings: 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. So whether you like to eat early or late, there's a time slot for you. You can buy tickets for $30 at the Bank of the Pacific. Don't forget to bring your own crab cracking and oyster shucking tools with you, as they are not provided. Also, you might want to bring along any special condiments such as Tabasco sauce or garlic butter.

CORRECTION—I had the incorrect date for the end of Redmen Hall’s antique sale in my column last week. I had February 24 for the end of the Antique Sale instead of March 24. Just to set the record straight, the event started last weekend, but you have three more weekends to delve into the goodies on the second floor of Redmen Hall. I took a look around on Sunday afternoon and Keith Hoofnagle said they'd been quite busy selling antique furniture and other items. If you like pottery, glass, paintings, old toys, jewelry and everything in between, you'll probably find some of it up at the hall. Carol Carver was manning the downstairs and she said they'd still take items for the sale, so it's not too late to put something in the hall if you'd like.

Also, if you've got some time to spare, enjoy talking about the history of the area and meeting new people, why not sign up to be a docent at the hall? The Friends of Skamokawa would love to have some new volunteers and would happily train you. For more information, contact the hall at 795-3007.

NEXT WEEK-- There will be a community meeting at the Skamokawa Grange Hall on March 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. put on by Columbia Riverkeeper. The conversation will deal with the current and projected uses of the Columbia River, its impact on our way of life, water quality and more, so if you'd like to weigh in on all that is going on along the river, please come and join the conversation.

HOSANNA MUSICALE-- In a little over two weeks, the Skamokawa United Methodist Church will be holding their annual Hosanna Musicale featuring singers and performers from around our area. This afternoon of inspirational music begins at 2 p.m. on March 24 and there will be a freewill offering to benefit St. James preschool program. Refreshments will be served following the program.

BINGO TIME-- Don't forget to head to the multipurpose room of JA Wendt Elementary School on March 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the Wahkiakum Fair Board’s Easter Bingo. There will be ham and turkey giveaways, as well as many prizes for winners. The raffle item, a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 2, will be given away that evening. You can also buy raffle tickets at the Skamokawa Store, or you can buy them from Jason Rainey, my husband Bill Chamberlain, or me. The doors open a half hour prior to bingo time, so I hope you'll come and have a hot dog or some nachos and enjoy an evening of bingo!

FOLLIES MEETING-- Whether you are a seasoned performer or would like to join us for the first time, the Smoky Water Follies director and the Skamokawa Grangers would love to have you in our show this year, so please attend the first meeting of the troupe on March 23 at 3 p.m. at the Grange. The Follies will take place June 28-30, so write those dates down and help spread the word about this fun, comical, totally entertaining three day musical event that helps keep our grange doors open. We appreciate your support!

MOVED-- The Columbia River Kayakers have moved from their original spot behind the Skamokawa General Store and Resort down the road and around the corner to 957 Steamboat Slough. This is the Skamokawa Landing site, which also houses the Inn at Skamokawa Landing and Heidi Heywood's law practice. So if you're looking for some kayak lessons, a ride in a canoe or some fantastic excursions given by the group, you'll be able to find Andrew, Mark, Ginni, Josh, Levi and Katie there ready to help and guide you.

PLANTS-- If you continue down Steamboat Slough Road just a little further, you'll find Danny Silverman and his Skamokawa Gardens Nursery getting all set for the upcoming planting season. I talked to him the other day and he's got just about everything growing that a person would want.

CONGRATS—I was happy to learn that former Skamokawa residents Sharon and John Buennagel opened The Diner on Main, their new restaurant in Cathlamet last Saturday evening. We were amongst the many people who opted to check the place out on Sunday afternoon and wished Sharon a hearty congratulations and best wishes on her latest venture!

GREAT TIME-- There was nothing but smiles and full bellies as the crab and the oysters were devoured by a nice crowd at the annual Crab and Oyster Feed at the Rosburg Hall this past Saturday night. While the crowd wasn't quite as large as I’ve seen it in the past, my group of 17 was happy for the elbow room and definitely had a good time. I didn't hear the name of the woman who won the diamond and sapphire ring, but I can report that Henry Blankenship won the rifle giveaway. The cooks and servers did a great job and the whole evening was a great success.

WELCOME-- If you've been to the Skamokawa Store lately, you'll have seen a friendly new face in town- Lance Britt. Lance is great at greeting new folks as they come in the store, putting a smile on your face and helping you out if he can. Remember the days when we had no store? I can tell you, it was pretty miserable having to put 23 miles on my car for a gallon of milk. We needed this store; we got this store, so now let’s support it by shopping there!

SYMPATHY-- The Gorman/Chamberlain family lost one of their family members recently, as Julie Gorman Chamberlain, passed away in Bend, Oregon on February 28. Julie was a 1966 graduate from WA-KI-HI and while she was at the Cathlamet Nursing Home, she had many wonderful caregivers over the years. She leaves behind several siblings: Becky, Allen, Shari and Jim, and two sons, Brandon and Nathan Chamberlain, as well as many other relatives. A gathering of friends and family is being planned for later on this spring or summer.

SHOE REPAIR-- I got several calls regarding my inquiry as to where the shoe repair shop was in Cathlamet long ago and I thank all those who called in. Those that called said that Dave Neilsen had a shoe shop in the little spot by the old "Spar," which was most recently known as the Dew Drop Inn at the former Chinese restaurant. That little spot also used to be where optometrist, Dr. Pierce had his office when I was in high school and Dr. Cheslock later on. Jackie Ostervold said she talked to Becky Neilsen, who said that during the flood of 1948, they lived in that office space which was a pretty tight fit. Also, a shoe repair shop was remembered by some down at Wright’s Hardware and later on, you could also leave shoes at George Mylett's and he had a guy from Longview who would repair shoes. I enjoyed hearing all of the different stories from folks like Ray Danielsen, Jan Silvestri, Ora Lorraine Bauer and others. Thanks for the information.

TIME CHANGE-- Last but not least, don't forget to set those clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, or you'll be late for church, work, or whatever else you've got going on Sunday morning, as the "Spring Ahead" clock change time is here. Have a good weekend, everybody!