Primary election forum to be held Tuesday

MIXED--When it came to nice days or wet days, it sure depended on where you were last weekend as to how good of a day it was. As I was looking at black skies and watched the rain pound down, I saw postings and pictures of folks enjoying the sunshine as close by as Cathlamet, Rainer and as far away as Sunriver! But West Valley seemed to have hooked onto a rain cloud and it was making sure it gave my lawn a good watering; one perk of the rain I guess! We'll just hope the blue skies will show back up as suggested by the weather maps and the Bald Eagle Day festivities will go off without a hitch; or an umbrella, except if needed for shade purposes!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from July 14-20 are Marietta Montgomery, Jamie Hjaltalin, Jerry Ledtke, Pam Elliott, Luke Schmitz, Bev Moonen, Rick Benfit, Randi Curtis, Don Wright, Mary Schroder, Marsha Cleveland, Mike Clark, Kaisha Harris, Eric Ferguson, Cameron Havens, Darlene Hoven, Kelsea Blix, Elisa Wallin, Larry Hendrickson, Lonney Kubacki, Jensen Finkas, grandson, Kyle Sechler and 67'er Sharon McKie. Here's to birthday celebrations that will give you memories to last a lifetime!

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Prestegard, Mr. and Mrs. Rocky Rose, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cothren and a big Happy 50th Anniversary wish to John and Mary Gustafson on their special day tomorrow. Here's hoping you all have terrific days!

OOPS--I had one of those famed computer glitches and while I had typed in a couple of birthdays, they disappeared from sight, so, my apologies to nephew, Tim Pedersen, who turned the big "6-0" recently. Unbelievable as I'm sure he was just six the other day! He and wife Margie looked like they had a wonderful birthday celebration as VIP guests at Beaches. Also disappearing from the list was Amanda Gibson and Martha Backman, so Happy Belated Birthdays to both of you two also!

MUSIC ON FRIDAY--All you folks who like to rock it out with music from the 80's & 90's will want to head to the Duck Inn this Friday night and rock the night away! If you're one of those rockers, you probably know about the band, "Sucker Punched" by now, so now you won't have to travel far to enjoy their music.While you're there, try out the new appetizer plate, the fire roasted calamari rings and more, as they will go great with something cold to drink! Check out the new smoothie maker too; quick and refreshing!

BIG WEEKEND--The Bald Eagle Day festivities are this weekend and things begin on Friday with the chalk drawings and Farmers Market, etc., and then with the big parade, vendors & fireworks on Saturday and the golf tournament on Sunday. There are many other things going on as well, like bingo at the Norse Hall in the early evening hours, singing by our own local groups on Main Street, but there are many more things happening, so be sure to check out the full schedule listed elsewhere. Most of all, let's have a wonderful time at the only Bald Eagle Day celebration held in the country!

67'ERS WILL GATHER--I heard from 67'er Mike Hicks a few days ago and due to prior committments, he and wife Becky won't be able to join the rest of his 1967 WA-KI-HI classmates at Dale Jacobson's house on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., but we know family comes first. However, we do hope as many 67'ers as possible will come to the potluck and enjoy another fun time like we did last year. There will be a canopy set up for cover and tables provided but you might want to bring a spare chair so that it's moveable or maybe a bit more comfy for you. Your choice of beverage should be brought as well. If you forget anything, there's still places to shop in town or a classmate that is probably willing to share with you! We hope to start planning our big 50th class reunion for next year, so put on those thinking caps so we can toss around some ideas!

AT SKAMOKAWA GRANGE--This coming Tuesday, July 19, there will be a Primary Election Forum held at the Skamokawa Grange Hall, located by the Wahkiakum Co. Fairgrounds at 18 Fairgrounds Road, at 6:30 p.m. Candidates for the State House and Senate positions will be in attendance as will those who are seeking election at the county level. The grange is non-partisan and is offering this opportunity to the community to come and hear what the candidates have to say and ask questions of those running for office. The grange hall does have a ramp, so the building is accessible for the handicapped. This forum is being sponsored by both the Skamokawa Grange #425 and the Grays River Grange #124. You may call (east end) 849-9051 or (west end) 360-465-2268 with any other questions concerning this upcoming event.

ONE MONTH--The 108th annual Wahkiakum County Fair is just a month away, so here's to a successful fair again this year. The fair books are out now and it is dedicated to all the retired Dairy Farmers Living (or had lived) in Wahkiakum County. Be sure to check out these fair books for all the rules and regulations for entering your items/animals/baked goods etc., in the fair as they can all be on different days and you don't want to miss out on the judging of your item as that means you'd miss out on a ribbon or big award.

For both the Skamokawa and Grays River Granges, your day to set up your booth is listed on page 92, and those booths are to be set up the Sunday before the fair, which is August 14 from noon to 5 p.m. If you are using perishable items, they can be added Wednesday morning before 8:30 a.m., which is when they will be judged. All the rules are listed on that page, so be sure to check them out.

FOS--Don't forget to check out the new exhibit at the River Life Intepretive Center at Redmen Hall and watch for special speakers they will be having. Also, it's already mid-July and their big fund raising event, the annual Wine and Auction event will be happening in just two months, so if you'd like to donate something, they would surely love to know about it now; it's never too early to donate! The big day is September 10 this year, so start spreading the word!

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1961, the weather began nice, got wet, then decent again before turning a bit chilly and plenty foggy. The Everests were still staying at their daughter's place on Puget Island (Carol and Krist Pedersen) and by this time, grandson, David was there as well. On this very day back then, he and Bruce Holland went to sign up for the Navy. Grandma Everest said David was looking pretty spiffy that Saturday night as he was all dressed up to go to the Queen's dance, as he and Bruce headed out together; they wound up taking Susan Mooers home later that evening. Candidates for the Queen were Diane O'Conner from Cathlamet, Janis Peek from Puget Island, and ? West from Skamokawa. On a wonderful Monday afternoon, Grandma walked down Welcome Slough Road to the Quigley house to deliver some letters from Alaska and then on down the road to Pete and Betty Pedersen's place. Bobbie Wegdahl, Bruce H. and David P. were all skiing in the slough in front of Pete and Betty's place. Later on, Ralph and Elsie borrowed Johnnie Blix's skiff so they could row down the slough and went to visit Mrs. Jonas Pedersen and Ole Erickson (her brother). They had a nice visit and after rowing back home, they had a nice visit with John Ostervold who delivered letters to them from Alaska. The slough was full of kids having fun going from dock to dock and float house to float house, meeting up with friends and such. Grandma said: "Great to be young and full of energy!" By the end of the week, it was time for the Everests to go to the Elochoman Grange meeting, which daughter Marian took them to. It was a big, fun meeting they said and Tom and Cora Irving brought them back to their temporary home on Puget Island. All this according to Grandma Elsie Everest's diary.