Today is the first day of summer

SUMMER HAS BEGUN--The hot weather showed up just in time to welcome Summer, although if it gets as hot as they say it might, I won't be overly thrilled, as anything over 75 seems a bit too much for me. But the way forecasts keep changing, who knows, it may be back to "Spring-like" weather by the time you read this, and that would suit me just fine. With fire danger already at high levels, more dry conditions must be met with extreme caution in all things outdoors which could involve a heat source. It may be legal to burn, or BBQ, but common sense should be kicking in and finding you opting out of doing some things which could lead to a fast spreading fire, so here's to thinking first and lighting that match second, or not at all!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from June 21-27, are Lance Britt, Bobby Helms, Danny Helms, Signe Sause, Mary Baldwin, Joel Moore, Judy Marsyla, Scott Tomlinson, Kay Holland, Logan LaBerge, Travis Gibson, Angel Rose, James Anderson, Larry Horman, Jonathan Hauff, Barbara Hanmore, Sarah Palmer, Rhonda Pedersen and Katie Sechler.

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Souvenir, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Kuhn, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Rolf, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Whitney and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Pedersen. Enjoy those special days everybody!

FREE MOVIE--If you're looking for a cheap date night, don't forget the free movie and popcorn at the Community Center in Cathlamet on Friday nights! Shows always start at 7 p.m., and you're also allowed to bring in your own snacks, so why not check it out? All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

OPEN MIC FRIDAY--The Skamokawa Grange Hall will be full of music this Friday evening, and you're all invited to come and take part in this June Open Mic Night! The sign up time is 6:45 p.m., and the music begins at 7 p.m. If you don't play an instrument, it's fine to just come on in, pour a cup of coffee and sit and listen or tap your toes to the music. At the end of the list of performers, there will be a fun jam session for all those that want to take part. For more information, contact Jerry Ledtke at 360-795-3434. This is a free event but donations to the Grange are appreciated!

THIS IS IT--This is a big weekend for many folks, as for one thing, it's the big Kite Festival here in Skamokawa this Saturday, June 23, beginning at 10 a.m., providing the wind shows up like it usually does, so we hope you can come witness these massive kites!

Also that day, there is supposed to be a "Horse Jackpot Playday" at the Wahkiakum Co. Fairgrounds, so if you like horses, stop by and check that out.

If neither of those things are up your alley, then why not visit the great exhibit at Redmen Hall/Central School, where you'll find some great works by our local kids in the second level of the building, known as the River Life Intepretive Center? One of the recent WA-KI-HI graduates, Morgan Bashore has some of her works there, and she does some awesome work!

On Puget Island, the annual garage and yard sale is going on-PIGYS-and there will be lots of places to shop, as I'm told there are 50 people who signed up, so that is definitely a great opportunity to pick up some bargains. Don't forget to stop by the Norse Hall for a bite of lunch while you do a little shopping. Please remember to be courteous and not show up early and don't block the mail boxes of those who are having sales, as that will not be appreciated by either the mail lady or the folks needing to receive their mail! But do have a great time and enjoy this yearly sale, which will last the entire weekend, June 22-24.

PUBLIC INVITED TO FORUM--On Wednesday, June 27, at the Skamokawa Grange Hall, you will have a chance to meet with local candidates who are running for office and listen to what they have to say. This is a bipartisan, old fashioned community event. The evening will start with a potluck meal from 5 to 6, along with a little music and then the forum starts at 6 p.m., with an ending time of 8:30 p.m. The Master of Ceremonies for this event is Mariane Brightbill. The candidates involved will be the ones running for two spots as state reps, county assessor, auditor, clerk, treasurer and sheriff, as well as candidates for PUD countywide commissioner, prosecuting attorney, commissioner position #3 and district court judge. The hall is located at 18 Fairgrounds Road in Skamokawa, next to the fairgrounds.

FORMER RESIDENT--A WA-KI-HI alumni is making her voice heard, as Miss Laurie Miller will be singing our National Anthem at the Washington State Fair again this year. She's also opening for a big country star that most will recognize, Mr. Toby Keith. Congratulations to Laurie for being given this honor.

GRADUATION SUCCESS--Once again, Wahkiakum High School has held their graduation cermony, and once again, there were certainly some outstanding graduates among them! Kudos to all of those who excelled in their four years of high school, as they certainly were rewarded for all their hard work and we're always happy to see that.

I was also really happy that they opted to have an awards ceremony prior to the graduation ceremony, as that certainly helped cut down on the "sit down" time on those hard chairs! I can remember previous graduations where after about three hours, we were all ready to throw in the towel, and head home, so I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying thanks for the change. It's been a few years since I've been to a graduation, so this may not be new, but it was new to me, and well, I liked it!

Needless to say, it was a special graduation for me, as I got to present my grandson, Bryce Good, with a scholarship from the Sons of Norway. Bryce was also recognized by the Sheriff's office for his role in helping everyone during the horrific five car crash that the golf team was involved in earlier this year. We are all very proud of him for the actions he took that day.

LAST ONE--This past Monday, my youngest grandson, Luke Sechler, graduated from Ballard High School and so I have to say "Congratulations" to him! He just so happens to be the "baby" of the family but now he is officially one of the "big kids"! While I find it hard to believe, there are no more little grandkids for this grandma! It won't be long now and Pete and Katie Sechler will be empty-nesters!

BIG GATHERING--Jason and Jami Rainey had a very large gathering at their house this past Saturday, when they held a graduation party for daughter, Jalynn. When I was talking to Jami, it seemed the numbers were rising with every email, text or phone call, so their first graduate really had a great gathering of friends and family to celebrate her WA-KI-HI graduation; such fun!

For her Dad, Jason, the weekend wasn't completely a good one though, as his place of employment, Swanson's, wound up catching on fire and meant it had to be closed on Monday. It also caused huge traffic jams as the highway leading to the freeway had to be closed when the fire spread and burned for hours, with heavy smoke filling the air and making traveling through it impossible. Happily, it wound up being under control late that evening, but still, hot spots were being watched closely. Hopefully all will be fine by the time you read this.

HAPPY--When a "dream house" seems impossible, it's pretty great when one sees it actually going up and one's dreams coming true, and so it is with Gretchen Mahitka and her family, as their house on the hill is progressing nicely. We are certainly happy for Gretchen and Brent and the kids, as plans were delayed a bit, which can be frustrating, but everything is on full steam ahead right now, and we want to say, "Congratulations" on your new home and hope you'll be in it soon!

LESS THAN 2 MONTHS--As we can see, time is flying by and it's less than two months until the Wahkiakum County Fair in August. We hope you're getting those projects done in order to enter them into the fair, as the more things that are entered, the better the fair. From photos to flowers, and everything in between, you can enter it in the fair. Be sure to check out the fair book to see when the various things are to be entered, as animals and baked goods and other things have special days and times that they need to come into the fair.

Also, just a quick reminder: the Skamokawa Grade School "kids" will meet at Vista Park on Aug. 17, so it is hoped that there will be a big group there to enjoy this school reunion.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED--There is no shortage of opportunities to help out one's community, and that means volunteering. From the Charlotte House, to the Museum, to the Community Center, Redmen Hall, the fairgrounds, and more. There is a need for more people willing to give of their time to keep all these great places up and running. Some of us are getting up in age now and we need people to take our place, as while we might want to continue on, it's time for some to pass the torch and let others continue. We hope that if you're new to the area and would like to meet some of your neighbors, or you're finding yourself with a little free time now that you're kids are older, that you will pick up the phone or show up at one of the many places that could certainly use your help. Remember, many hands make for light work, so here's hoping you'll be able to give a hand to some group, in some way; you are needed!

If you're an able bodied person, you would certainly be welcomed to come and join our Skamokawa Volunteer Fire Department. They meet on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., at the little blue building on the left as you go out East Valley, near our fairgrounds. A big shout out to all those who are already volunteering; you are much appreciated!