Warm shelter available for homeless, others

MISERABLE--It got mighty cold last week in our region and depending on where you live, you got an extreme cold, down to 11 degrees here, plus some snowy or some icy conditons, along with some bitter breezes, which made things even colder. Seeing just rain on Sunday morning was super welcoming, which seems hard to believe, but I was happy to hear the heater finally shut down for a bit as temperatures got up in the 40s; yeah! Of course, Monday morning had us back in a blanket of snow, and by the time you read this, they say we may be back to the freezing weather and even down in the teens, and possibly even some more snow, so here's hoping we all get through this next bout of nippy temperatures. Stay safe everybody!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Jan. 12-18 are Vanessa McClain, Joey Moore, Criss Luthi, Gary Havens, Erla Crouse, Kara McNally, Roy LaBerge, Frank Strueby, Jan Silvestri, Russ Durrah, Kim Webb, Elaine Robinson, Kortnee Vivian, Randy Rodahl, Veronica Wallin, Ashley Turner, JoAnne Poppe, Cindy Lloyd, Ty Finkas, Holly (Pedersen) Norton, Shane Pedersen and '67er Wayne Olsen. Here's wishing you a terrific birthday as this New Year starts up in earnest! Belated birthday wishes to BJ Servis.

Celebrating their anniversaries are Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bergseng and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ohrberg. Congrats on your special days!

THIS SATURDAY--Let's hope the weather isn't too miserable and folks will be able to come to the Wahkiakum Co. Fairgrounds this Saturday where they will hold their first Flea Market of the new year, which you may notice has now been changed to the second Saturday of each month. There's also another sale going on there with lots of stuff from an estate sale I'm told, so here's hoping you have a wonderful shopping day down here!

Watch for more information about the upcoming dinner that is always held in February that benefits the fair. It will take place in less than a month, and with time flying by once again, February 4th will be here before you know it!

SATURDAY EVENING--The second Saturday of the month also brings about the monthly bingo at the Norse Hall, so all of you bingo lovers will want to be there about 5:30 when the doors open with games beginning at 6 p.m. Here's hoping you win one of those cash prizes and maybe that will take the sting away from all your Christmas bills!

WARMING SHELTER--With more cold weather due and winter having just begun really, you may know somebody who is either homeless or in need of warmth and shelter during these cold events, so please let them know they can contact the Wahkiakum Sheriff's Dept. and they will get them set up with a warm place to stay. The criteria is that it must be 28 degrees out and you can check in after 5 p.m. Check with the Sheriff's office for more details.

The Cathlamet Community Center is available during the day, so one could stop by in there for a place to get some shelter from the cold and also sip on a warm beverage and watch some TV or use the computer. Please spread the word so those that are in need are not suffering needlessly.

MULES--The boys basketball team will play their next two games away, this Friday, Jan. 13 in Rainier and on Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Napavine. Their next home game is Jan. 20 against Adna. Go Mules!

The Lady Mules will play at home tonight, Jan. 12, against Rainier, and again at home on Jan. 17 against Napavine, with an away game next Thursday, Jan. 19, in Adna. May you continue your great season!

The Mules wrestling team has a boys and girls tournament this Saturday in Elma, then Jan. 17 in Napavine at 5:30.

As they travel to and fro, we always want to wish them safe travels, especially as these roads can be fairly treacherous this time of year!

CLEANING HOUSE?--If you put away those Christmas decorations and spotted items that you'd rather not put away, I hope you remembered that the Kiwanis Club is looking for holiday items to sell at their booth at the St. James Holiday Bazaar at the end of this year, so your donations would be most welcome. You can drop off these items at Linda Barth's Ins. Office, at 325 East SR 4, which is just east of Gragg's General Store. You can also contact her at 795-FARM.

SKAMOKAWA GRANGE--All members are reminded that there will be a meeting of the Skamokawa Grange #425 on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the usual time of 7 p.m. The public is also welcome to attend these meetings. They will be collecting Valentines for Vets, so if you'd like to add to their collection, feel free to stop by and drop them off. Be sure that you don't add any glitter to your cards, as it gets into everything and can pose a serious health risk, and please do not add religious verses; just a quick note wishing a Veteran a Happy Valentines Day which will surely bring them a bit of cheer. Sign them using only your first name.

Pearl Blackburn also wants me to invite the women from all over the community to the first Women's Activities meeting on Wednesday, Jan.18 at 10:30 a.m., where the program for that day will include music, making birds out of felt, making cards for the Valentines for Vets program and learning how to crochet. Feel free to join the group and share your talents with them, whatever they may be, and you can visit with old friends or meet new ones.

SYMPATHIES--A fellow classmate, Judy Lindwall Bergman, lost her father, Bud (Paul) Lindwall on Dec. 29, and we certainly were saddened to hear of her loss. We want to send our sympathies to her and all of Bud's family members. It is my understanding that there will be no services held but if you'd like to contribute to a commercial fishing plaque in his memory, you can send it in care of The Dowling Funeral Home, P.O. Box 186, Cathalmet 98612.

REMINDER--Just a brief reminder that in two weeks, Saturday, Jan. 21, my brother, Ralph Pedersen's Celebration of Life gathering will take place. It will be a potluck affair at the Norse Hall from 1-4 p.m.

QUICK RECOVERY--We want to wish a fellow classmate, Marnee Ostervold Davis, a speedy recovery after taking a spill and injuring her arm and leg last week. There have been a lot of slips and falls and flu and cold sufferers as well, so here's hoping you're all on the "feeling fine" list real soon!

PLANNING AHEAD--I know it seems early to be thinking of booking a place to stay around here for a spring or summer break, but believe me, our local B&B's and Inns and Skamokawa Vista Park book up very fast and often a year in advance, so don't delay if you're wanting that perfect spot to stay!

As always, the Rods & Reels Car Show is a huge draw and lots of people like to come down here for that, show off their cars and stay the weekend, which is great for all our local businesses. It is always held on the Saturday after Memorial Day, so it will be on June 3 this year. If you're inclined to stay in the area, you might want to check into a room/space now! There's also the big Bull Riding event July 14 here at the fairgrounds, the big Bald Eagle Day events that weekend, and of course, our fair will be in mid-August and there's the Hobie Cats group, etc. There are plenty of things going on in the next few months, so keep our local innkeepers happy and have your guests stay in one of our unique overnight spots.

Like camping? Call Skamokawa Vista Park at 795-8605 as the best spots go first! Want your own little cottage right across the street from the park's entrance? Call Twin Gables B&B at 795-3942, where they also have rooms in the big house, besides the separate larger rental. Have a big group, but want to stay together? Check out the Skamokawa Resort, which has large condos/suites that accomodate a big group, which have kitchens, etc., but if you want just a room, they have a hotel above the store, which keeps you right downtown and close to the park, fairgrounds, Redmen Hall and the refuge, which is great for bicycling. If you'd like to be out a ways, both the Inn at Crippen Creek Farm (795-0585) run by Don and Kitty Speranza, and the Inn at Lucky Mud, offer unique opportunities to relax and enjoy the country settings.