Vintage & Antique Sale on Friday and Saturday

NOT BAD--After a chilly start, our last weekend didn't start out too bad, as that blue sky and sunshine was truly a welcome sight. We even got up into the 50's! Of course, we couldn't have two perfect days in a row, but at least part of Sunday was decent after another frosty start. Here's hoping we have more sun than rain this week, as my ole bones could sure use a warm up!

WINNERS--Another great thing happened Saturday morning, as our Lady Mules fought back real hard and after a neck and neck, hair raising, blood pressure raising game, wound up beating their rival, Ilwaco at the state basketball tournament in Spokane. Congratulations to them as they took fourth place, so that was really terrific. In case you haven't heard, they won 50 to 49. Now that's a close game! So happy for the team. Way to go Mighty Mules!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from March 8-14, are Quin Bassi Sr., Jami Rainey, Mark Whitaker, Shannon Meeker, Gretchen Mahitka, Rick Kuljis, Azery Gribskov, Gladys Mace, Karlie-Helms Lampitt, Grace-Helms Lampitt, Steve Grant, Mary K. Cothren, Jason Nettles, Teah McNally, Rhiannon McNally, Jean Wallen, Micaela Sause, Sandy Wirkkala, Tracy Tomlinson, Kelly Zink, Mary Thomas, Milt Doumit, Larry Bonds, Kim Nettles Beaston, Colin Stewart, Adam Phelps, Veryle West, Ralph Kenner, Jake Schillios, Paul Ehrsenberger, Karen Lawrence and cousin, Amy Bernard.

Those celebrating anniversaries this week are Frank and Cynda Webb and Ray and Terri Slape. May all of you have a wonderful celebration on your special days!

NEW ADDITION--Speaking of birthdays, we now have a new member of our community as Skamokawa Store owners, Lance and Shannon Britt welcomed a new daughter into their family last Thursday evening. Miss Taylee Elizabeth joined her big sister, Elle, on March 1, and of course, everyone is just thrilled with this 6-lb, 15-oz, 19.5" baby girl with lots of dark hair! Congratulations to the Lance Britts and the entire Britt clan, which includes proud Grandma Elaine and Grandpa Ron of Cathlamet.

CELEBRATED--There were some people who celebrated their special days in special ways, and one couple, Gary and Pam Emery, celebrated their 50th anniversary by going on a wonderful Carribean cruise! Congrats on the 50 years together and we're so happy that they were able to celebrate it in such a wonderful way! FYI: Pam is currently the President of the Friends of Skamokawa and works hard on keeping things going there, and Gary organizes the Skamokawa School reunion and he was instrumental in getting the plaque/picture historical marker put up in Skamokawa Vista Park for the Skamokawa Grade School that used to be there. Also, cruising along, was Tracy Tomlinson, who was celebrating her birthday by taking a Carnival cruise to the Carribean as well. Tracy was enjoying her time with her Mom, Sherry Ostling, and by the sound of things, had a wonderful trip, full of sunshine, good food and wonderful stops along the way!

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SALE--It's time for the Friends of Skamokawa's annual reopening of the hall, by putting on their Vintage and Antique Sale in the River Life Interpretive Center in their Redmen Hall/Central School building at MP 29 on SR 4. The event opens tomorrow, Friday, March 9 and will continue on Saturday. We hope you'll come by and check all the goodies out and while you're there, maybe pick up a book or two from the Gift and Book Shop on the lower level of the building. There is a great need to get the building painted this year, so your support is greatly appreciated. Call 360-795-3007 for more information, or if you'd like to send a donation, you can mail it to: Friends of Skamokawa, P.O. Box 67, Skamokawa, WA 98647.

FLEA MARKET--While you're checking out the antiques and things at the hall, why not head over to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds and check out their monthly Flea Market as well? This monthly event is held on the second Saturday of each month and you are welcome to rent a table and try to sell your own collectibles or extras and make a few bucks to boot! If you haven't used or worn it a year or two, maybe it's time to put it in a box and either donate it or sell it. Don't feel bad if you have a lot of extras, as rest assured, most of us seem to have plenty of stuff. At any rate, here's your chance to part with some of it. Call the fairgrounds and leave a message for Patty Dursteler and she'll get you set up with a table. 360-795-3480.

BINGO--This Saturday evening, there will be numbers being called and cash winners smiling as the monthly bingo game at the Norse Hall will take place this Saturday, March 10 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. The Sons of Norway Lodge members would love to see you there, where you can enjoy visiting with old friends and maybe meet new friends, and just have a fun evening out!

TIME CHANGE--It's time to "Spring Forward" this Sunday! So, before you go to bed on Saturday night, turn those dials or push those buttons, and get those clocks set ahead, as you don't want to be late for church.

POLICE ACADEMY--Coming up shortly, is the one day a week, eight week course for those who would like to take part in the "Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Police Academy 2018." The classes begin on March 23 and are from 6 to 9 p.m., on Fridays at 25 River Street in Cathlamet for those eight weeks. If you live in the West end of the county, the Wahkiakum On the Move bus will be able to transport you at no charge. You will need to fill out a registration form prior to this and if you haven't received one of their flyers with that form inside, then contact them at 360-795-3242, Extension 2 or Extension 6. There is a limit to the number of people that will be permitted to attend, so if you'd like to take part in this, contact them as soon as possible. All applicants will undergo a criminal and warrant check.

BAD STORM--If you have family back east, I hope they have survived the huge storm that was battering several states back there this past weekend. My great nephew, Adam Pedersen, posted pictures of his house as it was being "de-roofed" by winds in the 75-85 mph range. His area, and thousands of other people, were without power and trees were down just about everywhere. Meanwhile, over in Hawaii, Adam's Dad, WA-KI-HI alumni, Mark Pedersen and wife Rhonda, were enjoying some 70 degree temperatures but were certainly not enjoying the storm that brought 70-75 mph winds which were roaring through Kona! While they seemed to get through the worst of the storm okay, they were glad when it all settled down and they could enjoy the beautiful scenery and the warm weather once again.

LOOKING AHEAD--Here's a couple of events to mark down on your calendar: Don't forget to come down to the St. Paddy's Day Carnival at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds on March 17 at 4 p.m., and the following day, March 18, head over to the Rosburg Community Hall for their annual Chicken dinner with all the trimmings. It's always a tasty dinner with yummy desserts too and this fund raiser helps keep the doors open to this important building in our community. You can enjoy this meal from 11:30 to 2 p.m!

OUT OF THE PAST--During this week back in 1948, the week started and ended with "beautiful, lovely days" with only one damp one on March 13. Grandma Elsie Everest said her 56th birthday was a sunny day, and she really enjoyed her "Mystery Sisters'" gift of a delicious cake on a beautiful cake plate. Mrs. Mast, Mary Anne Risk and family members were all very generous with flowers and gifts, so it was like "Christmas in March" Grandma said. Meanwhile back in Bemidji, Minnesota, where the Walkers/Everests had once lived, it was 32 degree below zero, which set a new record, and coming in second place with cold temperatures, was Grand Forks, North Dakota at 26 below zero! On March 11, Krist Pedersen spoke over the radio, KOMO, about fishing business in the area and was meeting with business men around the area concerning the financial state of such businesses.

Back in 1948, the week began cold, with snow still visible in the hills, but it was dry and nice all week long. Once again, Elsie Everest had many gifts given to her on her birthday and this time her "mystery sister" brought her a cute indoor thermometer, while family and friends treated her to slippers, new stationery, stockings and such. The following evening, the family met at daughter, Carol Pedersen's house for a wonderful dinner and good visit with everyone. Mrs. Harold Bradley was honored this week for her 40 years of service in the Red Cross oganization. She had served all 40 of those years as the treasurer for the Wahkiakum County Red Cross chapter. Her mother, Mrs. John Heron, was the first treasurer when the chapter was organized in 1917, and Mrs. C.H. Warren, who was the first chairman of the local chapter, were both in attendance. Mrs. John Orth was going to be taking over for Mrs. Bradley, and presented the service pin to her, while current chairman of the past 16 years, Ralph Bunn, presented her with a certificate. Also there, was Mrs. Maude K. Butler, who organized the first Junior Red Cross in the county and Mrs. Henry Mooers, who had been very active in Red Cross work and gave a short speech. While they were all there, Ralph Bunn announced the current office positions, with Mrs. Odene Feiring as continuing VP; Mrs. Thomas Lowery as secretary and Miss Mary Lang would be the fund drive chairman for that year. Committee chair persons were Robert Bacon for first aid and water safety; Mrs. Roy Snyder for home nursing; Mrs. H.D. Fritz and Mrs. Howard Murphey would be in charge of the bloodmobile, Mrs. Charles Snyder for home services; Mrs. John Dickson for production and Robert Hughes was in charge of disaster relief. Grandma was enjoying her desk which had been moved in front of her window as she could see all the ships coming up the Columbia. It was a great spot to write letters and send birthday greeting cards, which she did to Peggy Martin, Jessie Sawyer and Barbara Walker. She also dropped a few lines to grandson, Gene Healy along with photos. With meetings that week with the Rebe-kahs and the Pocahontas group and the Home Ec. group, it was a busy week. All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's diaries.