Spring sports are up and running

HALF AND HALF--Last Thursday was totally awesome, and that sunshine sure perked everybody up for awhile. It also meant it was time for me to get out there and get at those flower beds, which I truly felt the next day! Friday was a different story as it really rained at times. This past weekend we wound up having a wet beginning to things on Saturday, but then it got dry and very cold, as it was actually at freezing at my house, so I was so happy I hadn't purchased and planted any new plants just yet! Needless to say, we really enjoyed the wonderful Sunday sunshine after the fog lifted and the freezing temperatures went away.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from March 23-29 are Sharyl Iblings, Sig Hjaltalin, Aaliyah Montgomery, Makenzie Anderson, Vance Miller Jr., David Whitney, JoAnn Prestegard, Jordyn Wirkkala, Emily Tanksley, Daniel Rust, Jeri Webb Foster, Hap Anderson, Mary Dominique, Buzz Moore, Gordon Souvenir, Jason Wallin Jr., Sandi Cik, Juanita Rodahl, Hans York, Judy Bates, Dawn Pederen Macchione and 67'ers Melvin Brown and Sandy Quigley. Belated birthday wishes go out to Jon Elven, Cindy Taylor and Tony Parker.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Rodney and Patty Ingersol, Joel and Pam Moore and the Richard Backmans. Belated anniversary wishes go out to Rick and Eileen Tietje. Hope it was great!

THIS FRIDAY--The free movie this week at the Community Center in Cathlamet is once again an adult show, only it's a documentary this time. As usual, the movie begins at 7 p.m., and offers free popcorn. The center is at 101 Main Street, under the library, and former home of the Cathlamet Fire Deptartment. As always, you can order a pizza from Sharon's Pizza Mill and have it delivered to the center.

SATURDAY--There's a big sale going on "over the hill" from Skamokawa, as this Saturday, March 25, the Grays River Valley Center (GRVC) located at Johnson Park, formerly the Rosburg School, will be the site of a huge community indoor Super Sale! There will be tables of new and lightly used items, which includes vintage and antique items, dolls, crafts and tools, to name a few. There's also going to be food, beverages and a bake sale going on, so head there for a good time, good deal and good food too! Doors are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don't miss it!

REDMEN HALL--If you're out and about and have gone down to the sale in Rosburg, why not stop by and check out the River Life Interpretive Center and Gift and Book Store at the historic Redmen Hall that day? Beings they have just recently reopened after being closed for their winter break, the Friends of Skamokawa invite you to come and check things out, as there are many new things to see. The hall is open Thursdays through Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Friends of Skamokawa held their annual meeting last weekend and had a good turn out and enjoyed the music provided by the Harmony Hearts, and of course, the pie social afterwards was mouth-watering. If you are a member and couldn't attend, remember, your input as to the future of the hall and ideas for new fund raisers and things, are always welcome. Call 795-8007 during their regular hours for more information.

LIKE TO PAINT?--There will be a "Paint and Sip" party at the Duck Inn on April 6, which is a Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m., and from what I hear, this is all the rage now. People who attend get a blank canvas and paint and you'll be given some instructions on how to work some magic on this canvas of yours. While there, you will meet some new folks, visit with your friends and neighbors, share ideas and have some fun while enjoying your favorite beverage. Contact the Duck Inn at 795-6055 if you're interested in taking part, or go to their Facebook page and sign up. Sounds like a fun time doing something a little bit different, so why not give it a try?

FOLLOWING WEEKEND--All those who love to fish are encouraged to take part in the Spring Salmon Derby, which will be held next week, March 31 and April 1, at the Elochoman Marina. Adult tickets are $20, with youth tickets (17 & under) just $10. You can purchase those tickets at Moore Auto, Bank of the Pacific in Cathlamet, here at the Skamokawa Resort/General Store or at the marina in Cathlamet. Good luck!

PRAYERS NEEDED--Please say a few prayers and think positive thoughts for Bobby McNally, who is currently in the hospital and battling a serious health condition. My latest update was that he had come through surgery and was doing okay. As always, there is a time lapse from when I write this news, to when it goes to print, often things have changed by the time you read this. I think I can speak for all of us, that we hope his condition is greatly improved by now.

Judy Garrison was taken to the hospital this past weekend and she could certainly use your prayers and positive wishes for her health to improve, so again, we wish her all the best and hope her health continues to improve and she is soon home again.

SYMPATHIES--I was so sorry to hear of the recent passing of (William) Reed Dasch on February 14. He had contacted me a few years ago and shared with me some of the stories that he had of my brother, David Pedersen, which I'd never heard, so I enjoyed our internet chats. Then later on, we met at the "All School Reunion" and had a quick chat. If you knew him and would like to honor his memory, it is asked that you send any donations on his behalf to the Wahkiakum High School, P.O. Box 398, Cathlamet, WA 98612. My sympathies go to his entire family and his group of close friends who knew of his wit, love of writing and his generosity and kindness.

SO SAD--By now most of you have problably heard of the sudden and tragic passing of one of the good guys, Stan Thacker, this past weekend. I know how shocked we all were and his passing brings much sadness to all those that knew him. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Becky and their children, as well as his entire family, which includes his Father, Hobart "Hoby" Thacker. There are hardly any words that we can say that can express how our community feels over the loss of this great guy, who was known for his big smile and happy demeanor.

SONS OF NORWAY--The monthly meeting for the members of the Sons of Norway will be held on April 5, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend this meeting on Puget Island at the Norse Hall. The hall is also the site for monthly Bingo games which are held on the second Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. This means the next game is April 8. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., in the lower level of the hall, with the entrance on the left hand side of the building as you look at it from the roadway. Cards are $5 each and cash prizes are awarded. Come join the fun and maybe you'll go home with a little extra cash in your pockets!

CONGRATULATIONS--Todd and Kristen Souvenir have had every reason to be proud of daughter, Peyton, during her basketball season, and now they can be super, duper proud of her! It seems she was just named the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association's top 2B Player of the year, and then, she was named Most Valuable Player in the All Star game she played in on Saturday, when 2 B played 1 B. How great is that? Awesome job Peyton. A hearty congratulations to you for sure!

GO MULES--The new Spring season of sports is now taking place, which includes Track and Field, Baseball and Golf, so we wish all the members of the Mules and Warriors teams good luck as they start this new season. I was happy to read where the Mules Golf team won their first match last Thursday and we hope they have the same sucess at home again today (Thursday) March 23. Naturally, this grandma was happy to see grandson, Bryce Good, have the second lowest score last week! A complete listing of all the Spring events was in last week's Eagle, so be sure to check that out if you're interested in watching a meet or game.

CAR SHOW--The Rods and Reels Rod Run, held by the Wahkiakum Dollars for Scholars organization, is always held the Saturday after Memorial Day weekend. So, this year, the event will be held June 3, at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds, and as usual, there will be awesome cars, great music, yummy food, fantastic prize tables and more. Remember, if you want to enter a car, enter early so that you get your dash plaque, meal ticket and a T-shirt and also many chances to win prizes, which only those entering a car will qualify for, so don't miss out. Contact Lee Tischer for all the latest info and deadlines, etc. His number is 360-430-4377. Remember, if you'd like to be a sponsor for this event, please contact Lee or myself and we'll get you on the list. All those who donate $200 of either cash or prizes or a combination of both, will get their name on this year's T-shirt, so it's imperative to announce your intentions early to be included.

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1947 started out a little damp and with also a bit of hail. Luckily, the weather turned around and for five days, it was just "lovely." But the last day was a bit showery. Stopping by to see Grandma Elsie this week were Mary Anne Risk, Mabel McGowan, Jessie Sawyer, Bethina Foster, Patsy Miller and Carol Hauck. Towards the end of the week, it was off to Seattle for Grandma Elsie and daughter Carol and her hubby, Krist Pedersen. They attended a swim meet at the NCAA Swimming Championships at the University of Washington. Grandma said that son, George, had seen some of the same swimmers when he was in Hawaii last summer. Later on, they went to the home of Grandma's sister, Jean Shane and her husband, Frank. While all the ladies got to talk and visit, Krist P. went to a fishermens union meeting. The big news in Cathlamet that week was the sale of the Hotel Cathlamet by owner/builder, Hjalmar Johnson, who had begun construction of the hotel in 1927 and it was up and ready for business by June of 1928. The new hotel was a huge success and was a thriving business with friendly and efficient service. The residents of the town were assured that the new owner, Mr. B. Farr would be carrying on in the same manner and high standards. The Johnsons were planning to retire to a smaller home and a less hectic and demanding time schedule, as the time had come to give up the constant phone ringing and getting up in the night to furnish a room for a late night traveler.

In 1957, the week began cool and cloudy and then it got nice for four days before turning wet, but the seventh day ended with a nice evening. March 23 was not the best of days for the Krist Pedersens, as youngest son, Marshall fell in the slough! The fact that he was just two years old was a bit of a concern but like all his brothers before him, he came through the episode just fine. George and Ruby Everest came down and daughter Patty was selling Camp Fire Girls candy. She was joined by cousin, Kay and they had great luck going around town selling the goodies. Henry and Francis Mooers stopped by the Everests as they wanted to know if they'd be interested in renting "Aunt Nellie's house." It seemed like most of the town was up to the school, as the W Club was holding a big carnival and the place was packed, with everyone having a grand time! The following day, March 24, was the day that Ralph Rodahl was celebrating his birthday. The following day Grandma Elsie was busy baking for the Pocahontas club and there were 12 members at her house, and they had a good time. On March 2, Hans and Georgia Fluckiger welcomed a baby boy. The Everests went to stay at the Dowlings while they were gone for four days. While she was there she did a lot of writing and mailed cards and letters to multiple family and friends. That first day, Mrs. Shelton came by, Mrs. Prue called and Borghild Ronning brought a nice bouguet of camelias. All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diaries.