Busy weekend ahead in the area

GREAT WEATHER--I know everybody was madly working in their gardens and flower beds over the weekend as we knew that the wonderful, sunny days we were enjoying wouldn't last forever. Sure enough, by the time I sent this column off Tuesday morning, it was back to the usual- dreary, wet and rainy. Hopefully the showers won't stick around too long and we'll be back in BBQ mode very soon.

SAD TIMES--While the weather was great and the days seemed perfect over the weekend, there were some members of our community who suffered tragic losses in their families and so these sunny days were anything but happy for them. I want to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who died this last week. It was a sad one indeed. Having been raised on Puget Island and having known the Bjorge family all my life, it is with utmost sincerity that I offer them my condolences to Jim's family. He was truly a wonderful guy and will be missed by all who knew him. Another former Islander, Iris Hedlund, who was residing in California, recently passed away and I send my sympathies to her family as well.

SPECIAL DAYS-- Those celebrating birthdays this week are: Robert Montgomery, Jason Ledtke, Megan Vincent, Kelsey Briscoe, Kylee Souvenir, Gina Robbins, Mike Paulsen Jr., Deloris Wages, Lore Twiet, Dawn Wika, Martie Vavoudis, Nikolai Almer, Mike McLaughlin, Kristain Pedersen, Sandra Hess, Karen Blain and 67'er Noni Meredith. Belated birthday wishes go to Mark Howie. Here's to fantastic birthday celebrations!

Celebrating their anniversaries this week are Stewart and Ginger Moonen and Stevan and Kathleen Morgain. Enjoy your special days.

FRIDAY--It's Flag Day tomorrow (Friday), so I hope you'll take this time to honor our nation’s colors and fly the flag at your home or business.

This is also Wahkiakum High School's graduation night and I wish all the seniors a safe and happy evening as they celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends. Congratulations on your graduation!

SATURDAY--Saturday will be a busy day with several things going on. First off, the Youth Exhibit sponsored by Rock ‘n Roll Congress will open at Redmen Hall and I hope you'll go see it. The youth of the area are displaying their talents in this exhibit that will run for a month. If you have any questions, call the hall at 795-3007.

Saturday afternoon, graveside services for Julie Chamberlain will be held at Skamokawa Cemetery at 1 p.m. with family and friends enjoying lunch at the Skamokawa Grange Hall afterwards.

The Norse Hall will host Bingo night that evening, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the games starting at 6 p.m. Come and win some cash and have a good time while supporting one of Puget Island’s landmarks at the same time.

PIGYS--Speaking of the Norse Hall, you'll want to to stop by there during the huge Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale at the end of the month, beginning June 28. The Sons of Norway will be selling their fantastically delicious tri-tip sandwich lunch and there will be Norwegian goodies to purchase as well. If you need a spot to rent a table to sell your things, they will also be doing that as well. Give Jan Silvestri a call to get all the information.

ON SUNDAY--Sunday is the day to honor the fathers in your life. Here's to all the great guys out there, and we remember all the dads who are no longer with us. We'll cherish our memories of them forever.

MUSEUM OPEN-- One great way to remember your loved one is to head down to the Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum in Cathlamet and get an order form from them for a brick which you can have inscribed with a loved one’s name. It will be placed in a spot near the entry of the building as a lasting memorial. This also helps to support the museum, which relies on the generosity of its citizens to keep it going. With such great work being done there to improve things, we definitely want to keep it running. Volunteers are always needed to man the museum on weekends, so if you can help out, that would be appreciated. Or just stop by and check the place out. It's got some new displays and looks great. The one of Dr. Fritz's office brings back some memories, as it was in that office where I had my tonsils out when I was six. No hospital trip for me.

VENDORS MARKET--The deadline for returning vendor contracts for the Vendor’s Market that the Skamokawa Grange is hosting on July 27 has been extended. If you'd like to participate, stop by Vista Park’s office to get a contract. Or call me at 795-3425 and I'll get one to you. The cost is $10 for a 10x10 foot spot. With a full park that weekend, we'll have a built-in customer base and it's a great time to earn a few extra dollars for your group or organization. Skamokawa Methodist Church will hold a rummage sale the day of the market, so be sure to check that out as well.

BALD EAGLE DAY COMING SOON-- I hope for a sunny day when Bald Eagle Day comes around next month. The Skamokawa Grange will be setting up a booth this year to sell tickets for our great big gift basket that we'll be giving away just prior to Christmas. It contains everything you'll need for a complete Christmas dinner, presents for a man, woman and child, along with items for your tree and special items from artisans in the area. Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5, so I hope to see you on Main Street in Cathlamet on July 20th.

NEW SPOT TO MEET--There never seems to be enough meeting places in the area, but in case you haven't heard, we've got one more fantastic place in Skamokawa, the newly refurbished conference room at the Skamokawa Resort. This is a much bigger area than their other meeting room. It has multiple tables plus a large deck and the view of the river is simply gorgeous on a nice day. Some former Mules have already discovered it and they'll be having a class reunion there over the Bald Eagle weekend, and it won't be long before one of the store’s employees, Annie Howell, will be using that room to hold her reception after she marries Adam Phelps in the gazebo on the property. There are no stairs to deal with so that makes it convenient as well. You can call the store at 795-0726 for all the details.

NEW BIRTHDAY-- Jerry and Jonnie Knowles along with Michele Engle are grandparents once again, as Mandi Knowles and Joe Engle of Trenton, Illinois, have recently added a new bundle of joy to their home. The little girl, who wasn't all that little, came into this world on May 23 at 11:55 p.m. weighing in at nine pounds and was 21 inches long. This new addition is named Scarlet Grace Engle and joins a six-year-old sister, Jenna, at home. Congratulations to the parents and grandparents!