Many events planned for the coming weeks

WHITE--We had a white Christmas in West Valley this past year, but that was only because it was foggy! Not just a little foggy, but it was super thick, white fog that greeted us that day and so that made it white. Then New Year's was white too, only this time it was due to a very heavy, thick frost that blanketed the area. Now as we enjoy the beginning of this week and the first Sunday of this new year 2016, we are seeing white once again, but this time, it's actually snow that is falling all around us and the roads, trees and grass are all truly white; very pretty! While it cleared up for awhile, the snow returned in the evening and once again, with the temperatures dipping, it all stuck and it was white again very quickly. While some parts of the county were a little dicey, we didn't have anything close to the mess they had in the Portland area, so I'm thankful for that. However, as I get ready to send this in, I was more than happy to see temperatures rise and have it do nothing for a bit!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Jan. 7-13 are Josh Moonen, Jim Koziel, Jason Rainey, Bill Mahitka, Criss Luthi, Vanessa McClain, Kara McNally, Don P. Wages, Renee Zacher, Larry Rose, Marlena Silva, Philip Vik, Michael A. Quigley, Lisa Hoven, Ryan Burdick, Stephanie Crouse, Holly Lindsey, Gary Havens, Jim McCoy, Erla Crouse, Kyler Sause, Roy LaBerge, Susan Schillios, Caroline Jennings, Patty Calvert, Frank Strueby, Cindy Lloyd, Ed Bussone, Mike Moore, Ty Finkas and James M. Blain. Enjoy those special birthday celebrations everybody!

MULES PLAY TONIGHT--Congratulations to the Mules (boys) basketball team as they beat Naselle on Dec. 30 to bring home the BB KM Trophy, so that was a great way to end the year! The boys play at home tonight, Jan. 7, against Toledo, so here's to a good game tonight as well.

The Lady Mules played in Ilwaco on the second but despite a good effort and Peyton Souvenir's 26 points, the gals took a loss to the Fishermen. However, they will play at Toledo this Friday night, so we hope for a better outcome this time. They will be at home on Jan. 13. Go Lady Mules!

BINGO--A quick reminder that there will be Bingo this Saturday at the Norse Hall, which is put on by members of the Sons of Norway. Doors open at 5:30 with games at 6 p.m., for those cash prizes. Here's hoping you're a lucky winner!

SORRY TO HEAR--According to Jon Peterson of our Skamokawa Fire Dept., there was a great response by our various fire departments when a fire early Saturday morning was reported in the west side of KM on Altoona Pillar Rock Road. Not only was Grays River FD there, but several from our own Skamokawa group and District 4 from Cathlamet, along with our PUD crew, so it was definitely a combined effort by many to help fight this massive fire which consumed the house on APR Road. While we certainly feel bad for the owners of the home, Phil and Donna Moody, we were happy to hear that there was nobody in the structure at the time of the fire.

GOT TIME?--If you've got some spare time and would like to make a difference in your community, you're invited to stop by our Skamokawa Fire Dept. at 49 East Valley Road, (east side of the fairgrounds) on Thursdays at 7 p.m., which is when they hold their weekly meetings. They would love to have you join them!

SYMPATHIES--We were sad to hear of the deaths of Bob Bacon (93) and Cristobal Mendez (65) in last week's paper. Their services were this past Saturday and Sunday respectively and we send our sympathies to the families of both of these men.

COUPLE OF WEEKS--The first big event of the year is going to be held at the Rosburg Community Hall on Jan. 23 when the American Legion, Deep River Post #111, will hold their annual crab and oyster feed. I hope you're getting those tickets rounded up now as there is limited seating. We'll also hope that the weather co-operates and those who are having to travel over KM Mountain don't have to deal with any snowy or icy conditions!

COMING UP NEXT MONTH--According to their calendar of events, the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds will host another Flea Market on Feb. 6 and they'll be having the annual Valentine Diamond Dinner on Feb. 13, which is always a great time, with a tasty steak with all the fixings, a little wine and dessert, and of course, tickets to win the big prize; a jewelry item with a diamond or diamonds in it. What will it be this year? Watch for further information about these two things as the events get closer, but this is just an early reminder so you can jot them down on your calendars now.

ANOTHER FEED--Speaking of next month and crab feeds, the Wahkiakum Chamber will hold their annual crab and oyster feed at the Norse Hall in February, so if you missed the one in Rosburg this month, or you want even more crab and oysters, then you've got another chance next month. According to the Chamber's calendar, this event will be held Feb. 20. In case you didn't know it, this feed has been taking place for over three decades! It also has three different seating times, which should accomodate everyone's schedules and proceeds go towards the Bald Eagle Day celebration in July. For more information, contact the chamber at 795-9996.

BOOK NOW--This may seem far away, but as we've all just witnessed the "flying by" of 2015, it's best to plan some events well in advance, such as the Wilderness First Responders (WFR) courses offered by the Columbia River Kayakers. There will be three wilderness medical courses offered here in Skamokawa beginning in April, with the Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) course taking place April 9-12, while from April 14-17, there will be the WAFA to WFR bridge or WFR recertification option and then from April 9-17, it's the WFR course. For all the information about these courses, you can check them out on the CRK website or call 390-747-1044.

ACROSS THE CREEK--If you find a week with nothing on your calendar over on "this side of the creek," why not head over to the other side where the Astor Street Opry Company Playhouse resides in Uniontown (west end of Astoria). The theater has different shows going on all the time and starting Feb. 6, the Teen Theater is presenting their version of "The Real Story of Lewis and Clark: or How the Finns Discovered Astoria." There are many dates for this show and then of course, there's the "Junior Shanghaied" in April and then once again, "Shanghaied in Astoria" begins in July and runs through September. Not to mention, the 5th Annual Tenor Guitar Gathering will take place in May, then "Scrooged in Astoria" later on plus many more, so check their website out and see if one of these many fun, entertaining, hilarious shows will fit into your schedule this coming year. I can attest that the up and personal show, with all its campiness, popcorn throwing and more, is a fun time indeed.