Skamokawa school reunion still on August 22

STILL NICE--In spite of a few spinkles late last Friday and early Saturday morning, the dampness did not last long and by afternoon on Saturday, there seemed to be no trace of the earlier showers. With dry weather causing some serious hazards, like fire danger and fish kills and no snow pack left, it's really imperative to be careful out there if you're dealing with fire in any way, and you may want to curtail some of your watering habits, etc. It looks to be a trying time ahead for those of us who are used to having an abundance of water available as temperatures are set to climb to near a hundred by this weekend!

SUMMER TIME--Not only did we wish the Dads/men in our lives a "Happy Father's Day" last Sunday, but we also officially welcomed Summer! It goes without saying that if we're traveling into areas with high temperatures, it's imperative to keep ourselves, children and pets, completely hydrated at all times, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Thanks to several television stations, they are showing how cookies can be baked on the dashboard of your car, which is trying to impress upon the idiocy of some people who seem to think leaving a pet or child in their car is a good idea!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from June 25-July 1 are Don Speranza, Cliff Garrison, Justin Norris, Jonathan Hauff, LaRita Bennett, Fred Hauff, Bill Ower, Sandra Gibson, James Anderson, Judy Marsyla, Mary Nettles, Kris Bergseng, Kelly Melton, Clara Olsen, Kathi West, Tim Doumit and Tim Pedersen. Belated birthday wishes to Sarah Palmer who celebrated her special day last Sunday.

Happy Anniversary wishes are being sent to Mr. and Mrs. Maury Mooers, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. David Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Doumit, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Brons, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Wesner, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Seaberg and celebrating 25 years together this year, are my son and his wife, Pete and Katie Sechler. Hope all of your celebrations are fantastic ones!

NEW ADDITION--It appears that Tim and Sharon Schmitz are grandparents once again, as their daughter Marie (Maria) and Lee Recchia welcomed a baby boy into their lives on June 22 in California. The couple named him Apollo Snow Recchia and he weighed in at seven pounds three ounces and was 19 inches long. Congratulations to the parents and all the members of the Schmitz, Snow and Recchia families on this latest addition to their family!

BIG SALE WEEKEND--The time is here at last for the big yard and garage sales on Puget Island. This sale runs from Friday through Sunday. Please remember not to park in front of mail boxes, as folks won't be able to get their mail if you're blocking the postal delivery person. Be sure to head to the Norse Hall for a great pulled pork sandwich along with other goodies, so there's plenty of reason to head to the Island in the next few days!

FOLLOWING WEEKEND--It's hard to believe but June is ending already and next weekend is the big Fourth of July holiday. Let's remember to keep it "safe and sane" during this time, as we don't need any fires or injuries, as while fireworks are fun for everybody to watch, they can pose a real threat if not used carefully. With multiple drownings happening before summer had even started, let's hope that folks get the message and get those life jackets on everyone, as we don't want to see any more tragic endings to these sunny days.

STILL HAPPENING--I heard someone say that the Skamokawa school reunion was called off, but that's not true. It is still planned for the Saturday of our county fair, August 22 at 1 p.m. So if you went to school in Skamokawa, we hope you'll go to the upper level covered area located in Skamokawa Vista Park and enjoy the potluck lunch! It's always a good idea to bring your own favorite beverage and a folding chair, as you never know how many people will be there. If you have any questions about this reunion, contact Gary Emery at 795-0884.

REDMEN HALL--Carol Peacock's art display has been extended until June 28. If you're interested in donating something for the big fundraiser for the hall, which is their annual Wine Tasting and Auction event in September, you can let them know already, as the way the time is flying by, it will be here before you know it! Mark Sept. 12 on your calendar now so you won't forget!

SYMPATHIES--We'd like to offer our sincere condolences to Sharrel Mooers as she recently lost her mother, Nadine Thompson at the age of 96 on June 4. I'm not positive, but I think she is the last remaining member of the group that had resided at the Hotel Cathlamet Assisted Living when my Mom was there. According to Sharrel, a graveside memorial and potluck will be held at a later date. Again, our condolences to all of Nadine's family members.

TRIPLE CELEBRATION--The three main guys in Peggy Pedersen's life: husband Ralph and sons, Tim and Mark, all got to celebrate Father's Day at her place, so she was mighty happy. To top it off, it was the birthday of Mark's wife, so Rhonda got a pretty heart shaped cake from her hubby and they all enjoyed that for dessert after the swell food the boys supplied for brunch. With it being the first day of summer, which was gorgeous, it was just a perfect day for the Pedersen clan!

ESPRESSO--If you're hankering for a great "cool down" drink, stop by the Ship Channel Coffee and Espresso trailer at Skamokawa Vista Park, as they make some very tasty drinks there! They are only open until 2 p.m. most days but they do stay open until 4 on Fridays and Saturdays, so with the hot weather on the way, it's a great time to try out one of their specialties!

LESS THAN TWO MONTHS--There are less than two months before our Wahkiakum County Fair and it's hoped that you'll support the fair by attending. Of course, it's even better if you enter something as that's one of the things people go to see. It also keeps our youth involved with animals and agriculture and for those in 4-H, it's a huge part of being able to participate in the next level of competion at the State Fair. For all those who rent a booth, sell food or other items, it's important to stop by and purchase things from them because if they make money they'll be back. It all comes around, so the more support, the better. We have a "no cooking" rule during fair time at our house, as we support all the food booths during those three days--August 20-22, so mark those days on your calendar. Spread the word and here's hoping to see you at the fair!

OFF HE GOES--While my granddaughter graduated from high school last week, her cousin and my grandson, Austin Good, wrapped up his first year of college in Ellensburg recently and left with an impressive GPA too, so that was good news. On my way back from Seattle, I was happy to be able to see him before he left for his summer job in Alaska. There's nothing like the need for funds for another year in college to get one motivated to head to work. We wish him a prosperous summer as well as an adventurous, yet safe one.