Tribal canoe journey stops at Vista Park

COOLED OFF--As this week began, we woke up to wet pavement on Sunday morning- a big change from just clouds, sun and wind. I'm sure my lawn enjoyed the little drink. Water systems are taking a hit as people use a lot more water this time of year, but the sources are down to a trickle for some of us rural folks on springs and wells. As we head into a brand new month, don’t forget to conserve water, as many places are facing shortages.

SPECIAL DAYS-- Those celebrating birthday this week are Sheran Parker, Jae Stewart, Nance Collupy, John L. McClain, Fred Hoven, Brian McClain, Robbie Meyer, Ben Webb, Jennifer Norris, Betty Huber, David Black, Cassi Luthi, Martin Ostervold, Marnee Davis, Austin Smith, Maureen Zacher-Bockius, Danny Eaton, Monte Robinson, Judy Ostling, Terry Bonny, Jason Blain and Jenny Pedersen.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Rick and Theresa Kuljis, Don and Kitty Speranza, Jeff and Mary Baldwin, Bruce and Linda McClain, Bill and Marie Schwarze, Kyle and Kaylie Hurley, Doug and Sunny Manary, the Fred Hovens and the Pat Dennises. May you all have wonderful birthday and anniversary celebrations.

Belated anniversary wishes to Jerry and Becky Ledtke, who celebrated their 27th anniversary last Friday!

ANNIVERSARY ADDITIONS--With Greg and Lori Parke's son Kris getting married last Saturday to the love of his life, Marikha (Mika), on the beach at Skamokawa Vista Park, we've got another anniversary to add to our list. Congrats to Kris and his new bride. They held their reception at the Skamokawa Grange Hall which Lori said worked out just perfectly for the couple and their guests, which I was happy to hear.

Later on this month, we'll be adding another anniversary to our ever-growing list, when Nicole Kaattari and John McKinley tie the knot on August 24. Congratulations to them as well. They are planning an outdoor wedding and reception, so I hope the couple gets one of the many gorgeous, sunny days that we have been enjoying lately for their special day.

GREAT DAY--I'd like to thank everybody for the birthday wishes, as well as anniversary wishes as Bill and I celebrated our 30th anniversary last Monday. We celebrated with a trip down the Oregon coast. Our lives have been hectic lately with many different events going on and a multitude of projects, and of course, unexpected trips to the hospital, so it was nice to get away and just unwind for a bit.

VENDORS RECAP-- The Skamokawa Grange #425 held a windy Vendors Market last Saturday. Usually the strongest winds don't happen until later on in the afternoon, but it was pretty breezy most of the day and about an hour before we planned on ending the day, the wind started to make things miserable and we decided to close up a bit early. Unfortunately, we had a couple of our biggest vendors cancel at the last minute due to health and vehicle issues. However, the grange still did okay as far as selling tickets for our big holiday basket give-away at our December holiday meal. Another successful vendor was Kathleen Morgain of Twin Gables Bed & Breakfast, who was a big hit with her homemade pies. The kids enjoyed the mini-train operated by Ralph Keyser as a fundraiser for the Wahkiakum County Historical Society. The grange held a free toy gift basket drawing just for the kids, and I had to chuckle when the little boy who was so sure he'd win actually did! All those who put their names in the drawing were given their choice of a consolation prize.

The Skamokawa Grange appreciates those that showed up and braved the windy day and supported the various vendors. Two of those people, Debbie Cleveland and Donnie Loomans, were the winners of flower baskets given to the grange by our local flower lady, Betty Koziel. Thanks a bunch, as they were truly appreciated.

PRINCESS AALIYAH--The Skamokawa Grange appreciated Skamokawa Fair Princess Aaliyah Montgomery taking part in the Vendor's Market. On Saturday, she will be holding several events in the Youth Building at the Fairgrounds with a Silent Auction from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a barbecue and potluck for donations and a teen dance from 9 p.m. to midnight with $5 per person charge. Support your local fair princess!

METHODIST CHURCH--While the Vendors Market was going on at Vista Park, the members of the Skamokawa United Methodist Church held a rummage sale with new and used items and served up some hot dogs as well. For those of us who were minding our wares at the park, seeing Patty Ohrberg come around with a tray of hot dogs from the church was a welcome sight. I was told that they had a very good turn out for their sale.

ONE MORE TIME--I spoke with UM church member Sheran Parker, who informed me that members opted to hold a final Last Chance sale at the church this weekend. Stop by the church on Vista Park Road this Saturday between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So if you come to Skamokawa this Saturday, you can come to the sale at the church, check things out at Princess Aaliyah's doings at the fairgrounds, and stop by Redmen Hall to see the new exhibit there.

SYMPATHIES--I send my deepest sympathies to the family of Adeline Durrah, wife of the late Jimmie Durrah, as this sweet lady passed away last week on July 25 at the age of 86.

INDIAN NATIONS GATHER--Last Thursday I got a phone call telling me that several hundred members of various Native American tribes were camping out at Skamokawa Vista Park and if I hurried, I'd get to see them land on the beach after paddling canoes from their previous stop in Rainier. I timed my arrival on the beach perfectly, as they were just coming ashore and I got to hear tribal leaders give welcoming speeches in their native languages. It was very moving to witness. Vista Park was the fourth stop on their nine day journey, which will end at the Quinault Reservation for an annual gathering with special ceremonies and celebrations by both Canadian and US tribes.

FAIR OPENS SOON--Once again I heard talk that the Wahkiakum County Fair was not happening. That is incorrect. Yes indeed, the fair is happening August 15 through 17.

SONS OF NORWAY--The Sons of Norway's monthly meeting will be held on August 7 at 7 p.m. at the Norse Hall on Puget Island. If you'd like to become a member or maybe you just want to find out more, you're welcome to attend the meeting.