Valentine dinner set for February 8 at grange hall

BRR--I know I shouldn't complain about the cold mornings considering the eastern half of the United States is being hammered with snow and ice and minus temperatures, but hey, it's still cold, which is definitely reflected in the ole power bill! Of course, once the ole sunshine comes out, it's half-way decent out there, especially Friday, as it was almost balmy for January! The bad part about all of this, is that it is so dry, we are officially in a drought which certainly is rare for us this time of year. I guess this rain we're having now should be counted as a blessing, even though I was certainly enjoying the clear, sunny days.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from January 30 -February 5, are Kyle Gribskov, Varsha Martin, Alyssa Montgomery, KC Garrison, Hailey Hoven, Kathy Tarabochia, Pam Moore, Nicole Emery, Jamie Helms, Betty Brons, Grant Johnson, Morgan Castillo, Maddox Moore, Terrie Eaton, Ty Kyle, Pamela Priestly, Alexyss Baldwin and Madilyn Freeman.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Mr. and Mrs. Hoby Thacker, Jason and Jami Rainey, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Cothren and Mr. and Mrs. Mel Dominique. Enjoy your special days everybody! Belated wishes to Kelly and Louis Recupero who celebrated their special day last Wednesday!

NICE BIRTHDAY--A nice group of friends and family gathered in Cathlamet last Friday night to wish former Skamokawa resident, Sharon Buennagel, a very happy 50th birthday! Along with some ribbing about turning a half century old, came some sincere wishes for a wonderful day with many more birthdays to follow, and topped with lots of hugs and of course, the big birthday song sung by all that attended. Showing up from Portland was Sharon's former boss and friend from the old Duck Inn, Judy Smith, so it was good to gab with her as well.

GOOD THOUGHTS --I was happy to hear that LouAnne Hedges was home and doing quite well after her latest trip to the hospital, as well as John Didricksen, but we always want to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

THIS FRIDAY--We'll say "Congratulations" and "Happy Retirement" to Libby Whitney who is now leaving the Cathlamet Post office where she has worked for many years. There will be a party for Libby at the post office on Friday (tomorrow) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. so we hope you'll stop in and say your goodbyes!

THIS SATURDAY--Here's an opportunity for all you who love to play in the dirt, like those gardeners, to head to the Skamokawa Grange Hall this Saturday begining at 10 a.m. for their first ever seed exchange. We have the support and help of the Wahkiakum County WSU Extension agency, so we hope you'll take advantage of it and stop by with your seeds and maybe find another kind of flower or veggie that you'd like to grow, so you can exchange them. Envelopes will be provided. For more information, contact Jessica Fletcher at 795-8770.

BIG WEEKEND--It's Super Bowl Sunday weekend and I'm sure everyone will be glued to a television screen somewhere as our own Washington team, the Seahawks will be battling it out with the Denver Broncos that afternoon.

PIE SOCIAL--The Cathlamet Woman's Club is going to have a Pie Social at the Tsuga Gallery from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 7. For $10 you can have a homemade pie and support a good cause! They will also be taking donations if you'd just like to have a slice of pie. Kathleen Petersen will be on hand to tickle the ivories for you a bit while you select your pie and shop around the gallery.

COUNTING DOWN--Just one more week to go and the Skamokawa Grange Hall will be bustling with those enjoying a wonderful filet mignon dinner and buying raffle tickets to win the grand prize of a beautiful diamond bracelet. Don't miss out, buy your dinner tickets at the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet or the Rosburg Store today as this fund raising event for the Wahkiakum County Fair is going on Feb. 8, from 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 5:30.

VALENTINE'S DAY--Have you noticed that there seems to be something going on all the time, and once again the weeks are flying by? I know it seems impossible but before you know it, it will be Valentine's Day. The Duck Inn is having a great dinner special, with flowers for the ladies, so call 795-6055 to make reservations today!

FIRST WEDNESDAY--The Sons of Norway invite you to come to their monthly meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Norse Hall on Puget Island. President Jan Silvestri is hoping that all members are collecting box tops, pop tabs and such so that they can be turned in to the state lodge. Also, they will be holding their monthly Bingo game on Feb. 8, with doors open at 5:30.

GREAT VISIT--Ralph and Peggy Pedersen had a great visit with son Tim and gal pal, Margie last Saturday. Then, to top off the day, Tim's son Sean stopped in and surprised everybody as he lives in Arizona and hadn't been by for quite some time. Seems Sean was in the area because he was attending his Grandma Verena Nepsund's 90th birthday, so he got to see two grandmas in one trip. The Pedersens also got to see, via computer, a picture of their grandson Adam, receiving an Air Force Commendation Medal. Needless to say, they were all beaming with pride over his accomplishments, as is his Dad, former WA-KI-HI graduate, Mark Pedersen.

PERFORMERS NEEDED--The Skamokawa Grangers are hoping to put on a musical production this Spring with the help of the area's talented performers, but first we need to round some of those fine folks up, so we need your help! This show will be a little different from the ones we've recently had. Anyone who wants to sing, dance, play an instrument or whatever, can sign up for this show.It is tentaively set for May 17 and 18 and we'd like to have all those interested in being in it, contact me no later than Feb. 28. Practicing and perfecting your performance will be up to you, so we won't have to have a lot of group practices. This should keep your commitment to a minimal amount of time and with your own choice of music or act, it should make things much easier for each performer. We do have a pianist that may be able to work with you, depending on the music, but if you'd like to have your own instrumental person accompany you, that's even better. Contact me as soon as you can at 795-3425 and get on our list of performers.

IN MARCH--Before you know it, it'll be time to chow down on all that tasty crab and oysters that both ends of the county will be serving up. The one at Rosburg Hall will have their annual doings on the second Saturday, March 8, which benefits the American Legion and the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce will have their big feed on March 15 at the Norse Hall.

NOT HAPPENING--The annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Feed at the Norse Hall, that usually takes place on the second Saturday in March, will not be going on this year, but there will be Bingo that evening, March 8, so please make note of that on your calendar.

DEER TRANSFER--It seems the Fish and Wildlife are still going ahead with the catching of deer on Puget Island. Remember folks, it is your private property and you can say no if you don't want them on your place.

OUT OF THE PAST--In 1944 this week, it was nice four days and wet the other three. Grandma Elsie had lots of visitors like the McGowans, who were now living in Portland; Eddie and Marie Gunter and said that Eddie would be stationed in Boston; LeAnn White Preuss; Maryanne Risk and Lillie Anderson; the Haigs & Hagwells; Mr. Nordfors; Art Muruch and lots of family members. Deb Moore called from Kelso and said he was on a 20 day furlough and would be stationed in Ft. Lewis. The Billie O'Briens had a baby girl they named Marsha Diane. Peggy DougLass had to have some surgery, while Bruce DougLass had rheumatic fever. Fishermen were excited as there were smelt in the Lewis River.

In 1954, while there was snow on the ground, every day was sunny and "just lovely" said Grandma Elsie. The end of January ended very badly as there was a fire at the Skamokawa church parsonage where two little boys lost their lives and another four members were badly burned. The whole town was sad. Granddaughter Pamela Everest turned one year old that week. George, Ruby and Patty Everest stopped by for dinner one evening and afterwards, the whole gang took a ride down to Skamokawa. While Carol Pedersen headed to the dentist, the Everests watched five year old granddaughter, Kay for a bit. Later on, it was time to go to the Pocahontas lodge meeting and everyone had a good time there. All this according to Elsie Everest's diaries.