Now is the time to get those flu shots

NASTY ONE--The winds blew and rains came down so heavy that our satellite went out at times, so it wasn't real pleasant here last Saturday night. We even had a mostly wet day Friday in West Valley, capped off with a power outage, which was a far cry from the weather 10 miles east, but then, we do live in Skamokawa, so you never know what you'll get! Luckily, Sunday started out the week with some sunshine after some morning clouds so at least the weekend wasn't a total bust. To end the weekend, Mother Nature splashed some dazzling colors across the sky at sunset, so I sure hope you were in a spot to see it; just totally gorgeous! Hopefully you turned on those headlights on Monday morning, as while they don't help you see through the heavy fog that we had, it makes seeing you a lot easier.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Oct.15-21 are Sami McKinley, Heidi Heywood, Michelle Collupy, Brianne Helms, Louis Stornetta, Randy Kuhn, Dixie Anderson, Keith McNally, Max Stone, Mike Phelan, Randy Zacher, Davey Hoven, Emily Elliott, Heidi Knowles, Heather Knowles Ratcliff, Gary Backman, Mary Heagy, Myles Whittaker, Curt Moore, Hunter Baldwin, Jennifer Kyle, Debbie Chamberlain and 67'er Mary Toste. Here's hoping your birthday wishes come true!

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reid, R.J. Brown and Angel Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Elliott and Mathew and Lori Kyle. Happy celebrations to you, too!

HEALTH NOTICE--The Health Department would like you to know that on Oct. 29, at the Congregational Church in Cathlamet, they will be giving flu shots from noon to 1 p.m. So if you're headed to the senior lunch anyway, why not get a flu shot while you're at it? Be sure to bring your Medicare or insurance card with you. If you have any other questions, call them at 795-6207.

If you can't make the luncheon or want your shot earlier than that, then head to the Cathlamet Pharmacy as they too will have flu shots available. Call 795-3691 for availablity and time schedule, or just drop by when you're in town.

GREAT GIFTS--We know there a lot of early shoppers out there and I must say that the new shirts, hats, sweatshirts and sweatpants at the Skamokawa Vista Park office are a great gift idea for the holidays. There is also a book there called "Vista Tales" by Carole Elizabeth that would make a great addition to the clothing. I just loved the new tie-dye t-shirt look and at just $15, they're a good buy.

The Skamokawa Store has their new line of "Bigfoot" clothing besides their resort clothing line, and of course, they have a nice selection of wines to go along with any meal, so there's a handy spot to shop as well.

Redmen Hall has a terrific book and gift shop and with their holiday bazaar coming soon, there'll be even more things to choose from. They already have some canned fish, cards, aprons, a huge array of books with some of them being local authors and artwork for sale too, so check them out Thursday through Sunday, noon to four.

Along with the other businesses in town, The Duck Inn has been a great supporter of many fundraisers around here, so it's always a pleasure to remember them when we talk about giving a gift certificate for a great local gift. For those who love the new Duck logo, you might want to purchase a t-shirt, sweatshirt or hat from them or even a set of glasses or shot glasses, as they all make for a great gift idea.

FRIDAY--Our Wahkiakum Mules football team will be headed to Winlock this Friday, Oct. 16 and while the scores have not been in our favor, we certainly stand by our faithful players who give up so much to be part of our Mighty Mule Team. With some severe injuries in the sport making the headlines lately, regardless of the score, I'm just happy when the game is over and nobody is injured.

The Lady Mules will be in Mossyrock for their volleyball game tonight but they will be home next Tuesday, Oct. 20 against Pe Ell and also home next Thursday night against Morton/White Pass. Go Lady Mules!

In case you didn't know it, Oct. 26 is National Mule Day and with the Lady Mules playing Onalaska at home that night, which is also their Senior Night, we'll be sure to cheer them on. It's also nice to know that the whole nation will be cheering with us. Go Mules!

HAUNTED HOUSE/CARNIVAL--It's time to think about what's happening around our area during Halloween. For the kids, there's nothing like a Halloween Carnival and Haunted house, so be sure to bring them down to the fairgrounds here in Skamokawa on Oct. 30 for a frightful and "spooktacular" evening!

COSTUMES/DANCING--Speaking of Halloween, it's time to put on those crazy costumes and head to the Duck Inn on Halloween night, Sat. Oct. 31, as once again, the "King Brother's" band will have the place hoppin' and a jumpin' with the fantastic saxaphone playing rounding out that full band sound! Of course, owner Logan Britt will have some wonderful prize give-aways for those who get all dolled or duded up and so it should be another fun evening out and about in Skamokawa! Hopefully the detour will be gone by then and those who opt to travel this way will just have a nice straight shot down the highway to get here!

NICE SURPRISES--I had a nice surprise last Wednesday as Shawn Cortay drove up from California and was nice enough to make a side trip down this way to see me! Shawn's folks were Charlie (Chuck) and Pearl Cortay, who had operated the Duck Inn restaurant years ago and while Charlie has been gone for quite some time, Pearl passed not long ago. Shawn had come up to see an aunt of hers in Shelton and they would be spreading her Mom's ashes as well, so while it was great to see her, I know the reason for her trip to Washington was not exactly the happiest of occasions. Pearl had been a great friend of my Mom's and I take great solace in the idea that these two wonderful ladies are having a great gabfest in the sky!

I also got to visit a little bit with another former classmate and Skamokawa resident, Mike Hicks and his wife, Becky, as they showed up on Taco Tuesday down at the Duck Inn recently. We chatted a bit after Mike and Russ Durrah visited, and prior to them meeting with others. It's always great to see old friends and hear of their latest comings and goings.

BIG REUNION--We missed Mike at our 67'ers ‘Fireside Chat' recently but we're hoping to see him and everyone else at the All-School, 100 year Commemorative WA-KI-HI Reunion on Aug.13, 2016 at the high school. Please help spread the word and if you can help out with this, or you've moved and want to get included on the mailing list, contact Susan Kuhn at sjmqc1@yahoo.com.

SYMPATHIES--We'd like to send our condolences to the family of Bruce Rolf, who passed away at the age of 60. He is the brother of Phil Rolf, who is married to one of our '67 classmates, Elaine (Munson). His services will be held this Saturday in Kelso. One of our other classmates, Melvin Brown, just recently lost his aunt, Ann Brown, whose services were last week.

WESTEND EVENTS--This Saturday, Oct. 17, you may want to wander over the hill to the Pillar Area, as it seems there are several folks there who are having an "antique and junque" sale, and that includes the Dahlia House at 1919 Pillar Rock Road. While you're there, you can enjoy some tea, coffee and scones for $5 a person, and with their wonderful view and great remodel, it's a nice place to sit and rest a spell. Other addresses to stop by on the road are 1841 and 1973. They will have some balloons on their mailboxes to help mark their homes and sales.

On Oct. 31, the Rosburg Community Club will hold their annual Holiday Bazaar from 10 to 2 at the Rosburg Hall, so here's another early shopping opportunity. Lunch is going to be served at 11:30. If you'd like to rent a table for $10, call Barbara Rose at 360-465-2234.

If you're still a Seahawk fan after their loss to the Bengals, after blowing a 24 to 7 lead, well, you can still get those tickets for a custom made Seahawk fishing pole made by Fred Hoven of Cathlamet at Appelo's Archives Center or Cafe. Tried and true fans will want this pole, regardless of their wins or losses, and you can help out the archives by participating in this fund raiser. The pole also has an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reel with it so that's a great combo valued at $439 with tickets selling at just $5 each. The winner will be announced on Nov. 20 with ticket sales ending on Nov. 19. Get yours today!

SUPPORT THE FAIR--Next month you'll have a couple more chances to help support our Wahkiakum County Fair, as the first Saturday of the month, Nov. 7, will mean their monthly flea market will be held at the fairgrounds in Skamokawa. Then, everybody's favorite, Turkey Bingo, will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, so maybe you won't have to buy your Thanksgiving turkey, as you might just win one. There will also be a wide array of other prizes that you can win, so watch for signs and posters with all the details for that coming up next month. However, as usual, this will be held in the multi-purpose room at the elementary school in Cathlamet.

CALENDARS--Don't forget to order your Lions Club calendars as they make terrific gifts. They are just $7 each. Contact Carol McClain if you'd like to order some at 795-3337 or send a check to the Wah. Lions Club at P.O. Box 214, Skamokawa, WA 98647.

GRANGE--The Skamokawa Grange #425 will meet Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, and everyone is invited to attend. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.

TIME CHANGE--Just a reminder that the "Fall Back" season is just about here, as we deal with the Daylight Savings Time on Halloween night. So, that Saturday night will be the time to set those clocks back an hour as November will begin by you getting that extra hour of sleep we all so enjoy!

OUT OF THE PAST--There was big news this week back in 1965 as the toll came off the Longview/Rainier bridge on Oct. 19!