Lots of events set for this weekend

COLD SHOT--This past weekend we had another little cold spell, and yes, we did indeed see some snow falling but it didn't last too long down here. Beaver Creek had four new inches of snow by Sunday morning, so I was glad it was up there and not down here! However, I evidently gloated a little too soon, as we woke up to plenty of the white stuff on Monday morning down here in the lowlands, and it took turns between getting cold and coming down heavily and then warming up and doing nothing. There was widespread snow, from the coast and inland, so "Ole man winter" was making sure we remembered that he may not be done with us just yet! Thankfully by Monday afternoon, the snow was all but gone down here and replaced by brilliant sunshine, yeah! By the time you read this, we should be back to just wet weather, which isn't as pretty but not quite as cold and treacherous.

SENDING PRAYERS--During the morning hours on Monday, there was a terrible four car accident on SR 4, up by milepost marker 38, which is east of Cathlamet, which closed the highway for quite some time. I do hope and pray everyone who was involved in that accident winds up okay, as with multiple emergency vehicles responding to the scene, it sounded quite serious. There was also a six car pile up near Longview on I-5, and lots of reports of black ice here and there, so it just goes to show you how the conditions can change from mile to mile. We will be thinking only good thoughts for all those who were adversely affected by this wintery weather.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from March 9-15 are Mark Whitaker, Gladys Mace, Jami Rainey, Quin Bassi Sr., Gretchen Mahitka, Rick Kuljis, Azery Gribskov, Karlie Helms-Lampitt, Rhiannon McNally, Teah McNally, Mary Thomas, Milt Doumit, Philip Vik, John Vik, Kelly Zink, Colin Stewart, Izabella Korbe, Karen Lawrence, Paul Ehrensberger and Amy Bernard. Celebrating their anniversary this week are Tracy Carroll and Serene Snow and Jake and Hayden Schillios. May you all have wonderful celebrations this coming week, whether it be having fun at your birthday party or a big anniversary night out!

NEW TO THE LIST--Mason Reed Christensen made his arrival last Thursday, so he made his Grandma, Margie Wagner Pedersen, along with hubby Tim, a couple of very happy grandparents. Needless to say, his parents, Alec and Ashlie were quite proud to welcome their first son to the family, as he joins his big sister, Madison. The new baby weighed in at eight pounds and nine ounces and was 21 inches long, so he was a nice big baby, that's for sure. Congratulations to the whole family as they welcome the new little mister to the fold!

FRIDAY MOVIE--Yes indeed, it's movie time once again at the Community Center in Cathlamet and this animated film is great for children, youth and adults. Again, movies start at 7 p.m., and all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. As always, there's free popcorn, or bring your own snacks, or have a pizza delivered to the center by calling Sharon's Pizza Mill at 795-3311.

HOSPITAL TRIPS--It seems we've had a rash of folks going to the hospital recently and we hope by now that they are all feeling better and on the mend, and this includes Treasure Collupy, Pat Cass and Tom Irving. There are also an abundance of folks and "little people" with the sniffles or other "bugs" so we hope they are all feeling better by now as well.

FOS--The Friends of Skamokawa opened up Redmen Hall last weekend and this weekend, March 11 and 12, they will hold their annual Antique and Vintage Sale! For those of you who don't handle stairs very well, you'll be pleased to hear that the sale is being held over at the conference room behind the Skamokawa General Store, so it's very handy for everyone. The hall will be open on Thursday through Sunday, but the sale is just Saturday and Sunday, 10 to 4, so we hope you'll be able to come and check out all these great items and you'll find a treasure that you just can't live without!

Don't forget to check out the great array of items in the Gift and Book shop up at the hall, always a lot of unique items. A trip up the stairs to the River Life Interpretive Center will yield you, not only a great view inside of some great works, but the outside view is awesome as well.

The FOS will hold their annual meeting on March 19 at 2 p.m., so all members are encouraged to attend.

On March 25, a photography exhibit will open, so there's a lot of things going on for the Friends of Skamokawa this month! If you have further questions, call 795-3007 between the hours of noon to four, Thursday - Sunday.

THIS WEEKEND--Here at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, you will be able to come and find some treasures at their monthly flea market on Saturday, March 11, so with that beginning in the morning hours, you can hit that up, and then head to the Antique and Vintage Sale at the Sk. Resort, or up to the hall, so you can get three shopping experiences in one area if you so desire.

Also, as a brief reminder, those who knew Erval Cooper are invited to attend his memorial that day at the WHS gym at 1 p.m.

STEPPING DOWN--We would like to thank the Exhibit Co-ordinator for the Friends of Skamokawa, Jill Hatier, for all her hard work and dedication to this non-profit organization over the past years. However, Jill is going to be retiring from this position after this latest fund raiser is completed and while I hate to see her go, I can totally understand why it may be a time to step back and let someone else take over the reins of this important job. Dealing with all the publicity and set up, etc. of exhibits at the hall is a big job, and Jill has always done a great job of doing it, so I'm sorry to see her go, but understand the need to have some time to herself and her husband. Once again, "thanks Jill," it's been great conversing with you over the years about the many upcoming events at the hall!

SALMON DERBY--Can you believe that it's time for the Spring Salmon Derby once again? Well, it is, and it's happening on March 31 and April 1, so buy those tickets now and let's see who hooks the big one! There will be cash prizes for groups, men, women and youth. You can buy tickets right here at the Skamokawa Resort, or you can head to Moore Auto, the Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet or the Elochoman Marina. An adult ticket is $20 but youth that are 17 and under are only $10.

To top it all off, the River Mile 38 Brewery will hold a celebration of their third birthday with live music and their own local brew so stop on by after you get that fishing done. Of course, even if you're not doing any fishing, you can just stop on by!

LADY MULES--Congratulations to the Lady Mules basketball team for bringing home some hardware from Spokane, after taking the number three spot this past Saturday in the State tournament. The Kalama Chinooks knocked us down, but couldn't keep us there, as we rebounded against Ilwaco and got to the podium. In the meantime, Kalama lost to Davenport and wound up in fifth place. I guess I don't quite understand how all this bracket stuff works, but Davenport got the number one spot, even though we'd beaten them earlier in the year. At any rate, the girls did a great job and have been great role models for the girls who will be filling their shoes next year. Great job everyone!

SYMPATHIES--We were sorry to learn of some sad news from one of our former Wahkiakum county residents and Eagle employee, as Sunny Manary told us that she lost her brother this past weekend. He'd been battling cancer for several years she said, and sadly, it finally took him from his family last Saturday. Our sincere condolences to her and her entire family.

TREMORS/READY?--If you have been keeping track of the seismograph charts lately, you will see where they have recorded hundreds of small tremors in the Puget Sound area. Scientists have not determined when "the big one" could hit us, but the fact that there is so much activity going on, it's always wise to err on the side of caution and be prepared. So, while we may think about having our emergency kits ready due to flooding or maybe slides that block our roadways, or just inclement weather, which makes driving treacherous, and are more apt to be winter events, that's not always the case. We also need to realize that an earthquake can happen anytime, and depending on where you are, (city versus country), you may need to take some extra emergency measures now. In the city for example, a big quake might rupture your gas lines and water lines, besides take down power lines, so there's plenty to think about right there.

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1947, the week began with several cold and rainy days, but then it cleared up and got nice, and by the 15th of the month, it was "hot like summer!" On one of the cold and nasty days, Grandma Elsie went to Mrs. Mast's house where they set an afghan together and had a good visit while they did so. Sadly, Bert Rankin passed away on March 9 and was laid to rest on the 12th. That same day, Pat Jacobson was injured when he fell into a buzzsaw! Also passing away that week was Einer Larsen who had an impressive military funeral on March 15.

In 1957, the week brought good weather and bad and it seemed to switch every other day, with March 14 bringing in a horrible storm, while March 15 was just beautiful! Grandma Elsie had a nice visit from grandson, Frank Pedersen, as he brought over some smelt for dinner. He enjoyed delivering them, as he got to drive the new Buick his folks had gotten the week before! Grandma had a full house that Sunday as daughters Marian (Healy) and Carol (Pedersen) and their families came by with a full chicken dinner, complete with cake and ice cream and some gifts, as they had a belated birthday gathering for their Mom. Krist Pedersen wasn't in attendance however, as he left with his boat for the Cowlitz River as the smelt were coming in real good. A couple of days later, Grandma Elsie was headed over to Cora Hollan's on Puget Island for a Home Ec. club meeting. As the week ended, Grandma Elsie was not feeling so good she said, but in spite of that she was making out cards, finished up some quilt blocks, did some hand work with Mrs. Gill, made some cupcakes and had company every day. All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diaries.