Open mic night Friday at Skamokawa Grange

NICE WEEKEND--The light raindrops we had at the end of last week gave way to sunshine this past Saturday, which was just in time for the many activities taking place in the area, so I'm sure that made everybody happy. More sun and dry weather is scheduled for this week, so once again, we should be mindful of fire danger, conserving our water sources and keeping ourselves and our pets hydrated and safe from too much sun.

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Aug. 9-15 are Marsha Helms, Treasure Collupy, Judy Smith, Tim Schmitz, Kathleen Morgain, Shannon Britt, Jeremy Bennett, Rick Bryan, Kassy Burdick, David Zacher, Lisa Watkins, Marjorie Williams, Sally Palmer, Jeff Nicol, Margie Wagner Pedersen, Paydn Pedersen and Denis Everest.

Happy Anniversary wishes this week go out to Mike and Mary McLaughlin, Kyle and Deb Gribskov, Larry and Deb Holland, and Gene and Karen Healy. Here's to wonderful celebrations for all of you.

CONGRATS--We also have a new anniversary to add to the above list, as my cousin, Brenda Baldwin Ferguson, is now Mrs. Craig Nielson. The couple were married on July 29, so here's a big "Congratulations" to the happy couple and we wish them all the best!

OPEN MIC FRIDAY--Calling all musicians and singers, it's time for "Open Mic Night" at the Skamokawa Grange Hall this Friday night, Aug. 10. Sign up time will be 6:45 p.m., and all the action will begin at 7 p.m. Afterwards, there will be a Jam Session. Don't forget, the coffee is always on! If you have any questions, contact Jerry Ledtke of "VIBES" at 360-795-3434. There is no sign up fee, but donations to the grange are greatly appreciated.

GRANGE RENTAL--Speaking of the grange, it is a place that is available for rent, either a half day or a full day, with plenty of parking and has an ADA approved access ramp for those who can't use the stairs. To rent the grange you can send an email to: patronsofhusbandry@gmail.com or call Grange Master Levi Helms, 360-431-9506. The grange holds meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and you are always welcome to join them.

FRIDAY MOVIE--If you're not into the music scene, and you happen to be near the Community Center in Cathlamet, then you can always check out the "free movie and popcorn" night there. However, this week's movie is an Adult Documentary (14 and up) so keep that in mind. You can check with the center to find out the title of the movie, which is located at 101 Main Street.

CLASS OF 1968 REUNION--The Class of 1968 will hold their 50th WHS Class reunion this Saturday, Aug. 11. It will be in the Skamokawa Resort's large meeting room overlooking the Columbia River, and is located behind the Sk. General Store. According to Dennis Emery, they are excited to get together and celebrate this milestone and are especially thrilled to have several class members coming from far away places. Dennis tells me that the class has planned a catered meal for classmates only at 3 p.m., but they would just love to have anybody from WA-KI-HI stop by and visit with them prior to that, around 1 p.m., or possibly stop by after their dinner in the evening hours and chat for awhile.

BINGO--This coming Saturday evening, beginning at 6 p.m., you can head over to the Norse Hall and join in some fun for their monthly bingo games. They are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Cards are $5 each but you could win a cash prize and get your money back. This is a Sons of Norway fund raising event, which helps keep this beautiful building viable for all to enjoy.

GET READY--If you're going to enter things into the Wahkiakum County Fair, the beginning of next week will be the time for most of you to get down to the fairgrounds and get that paperwork filled out and those entry forms all turned in to their proper places.

By now you should know that the fair takes place next week, Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 16-18, so don't miss it! It's only $6 for a three day pass, but there are special days set aside for seniors, kids and military at reduced or even free entries, so here's to seeing you there at one time or another.

SPECIAL DRAWINGS--Speaking of the fair, Becky Ledtke will be the Superintendent of the Home Preservation part, which takes place in the T-building and she thought maybe she could stir up a bit more interest if there was a free drawing of sorts. So, along with grange members Levi Helms and Pearl Blackburn, she and hubby Jerry, have purchased some very nice books, called, "Ball Blue Book - Guide to Preseving," which is a 200 page book with tons of information on how to take care of all those fresh fruits and veggies you're growing, or buying from the farmer's market. So, there's going to be a daily drawing in the Adult Class, Division 5, which includes Food Preservation Class 176 Canning, or Class 177 which is the Dried Food preservation part, and the only catch is, you must have an entry into one of those catagories, and each day, a name will be drawn to determine the winner. Here's hoping you've entered some of your food items this year and with a little luck, you'll be one of the winners of this first of its kind drawing event. Nice idea, guys!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES--I recently asked if there was going to be a "School Supply Drive" but I hadn't gotten any response. However, I just found out that the Wahkiakum Fair Foundation has set up a place to drop those off at the fair, so beings you'll probably be going there anyway, just take your school supplies to the Exotic barn and they will get them to the school for you; very handy! Of course, if you'd like to donate supplies and you're out of town and can't make it to the fair, you can always take your school supplies to the school later on, as I'm sure the kids and teachers would be most grateful for whatever you can donate.

MEETING UP--Don't forget, the Skamokawa Grade School "kids" are gathering at Skamokawa Vista Park, on Friday, Aug. 17, in the upper covered area by the yurts around 2 p.m., so it's hoped that if you went to school down here at one time, that you'll show up and visit with former schoolmates. Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage and be ready to gab a bit! Contact Gary Emery for more information, 360-200-2931.

A quick reminder for all those who know people who live out of our area that might be interested in some of these speical events, or school or class reunions and might not get The Eagle, as it would be great if you would give them a shout out and let them know what's going on. On the other hand, if you're out of town, but you know some of us who have lived here "forever," don't hesitate to call us/them and find out what's going on in regards to any special doings or maybe any of your classmates gatherings, or reunions, etc. It's not always possible to reach everyone when having these kinds of events, so it's helpful if we can all spread the word as much as possible. If you really want to know what's going on around here, don't wait; ask somebody! Or better yet, subscribe to the paper; problem solved!

COMING SOON--Time is flying by and before you know, the Friends of Skamokawa will host their annual "Cornucopia of Wine" event, which includes a live and slient auction, with all the monies raised going towards the continuing upkeep of the historic Redmen Hall/Central School. This event takes place at the same time each year, which is the second Saturday evening in September, and that falls on Sept. 8 this year. This is an adults only event, so we hope you'll come and enjoy the tasty food, sip some wine, or non-alcoholic beverages that will be available, and have fun bidding on what promises to be some awesome items to suit a wide variety of folks. There's nothing like a little bidding war among friends to get the crowd going!

Also, if you haven't gotten a phone call from the FOS asking about a donation yet, but would like to donate something, please give them a call ASAP and get included in their program as being one of the supporters of this event. The more folks donate, the more items we have to choose from to bid on, so that's always a big plus at these auction type events, as that way there's bound to be something for everyone! Contact the FOS at 360-795-3007 today if you'd like more information or to let them know you'll be donating something.

SYMPATHIES--We were so sad to hear of Bob Hendrickson's recent passing at the end of July. He was truly one of the "good guys" and always a pleasure to talk to and be around. We send our deepest sympthies to his entire family and to those that were near and dear to his heart. He will be missed.

I also forgot to mention the passing of Larry Tover, WHS Class of 1965, who was a former Island boy and upper classman to me. We send our condolences to all of his family and friends.

MEMORIAL--Just a quick reminder to all the friends and neighbors of Joan Marie Evenson, who passed away suddenly at the end of May. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the Skamokawa Resort's meeting room (behind the Sk. Store) on August 26 (a Sunday) from 2 to 5 p.m. Her family, consisting of her Mother Wanda and sisters, Sue and Chris, want to welcome you to come and share your memories of Joan. Sadly she died at the relatively young age of 63, and those that knew her were shocked to learn of her sudden passing.

VOLUNTEERS--Once again I was able to head down to the Wahkiakum County Historical Society's Museum in Cathlamet and put in a few hours of volunteering. There is never "nothing to do" there, as one always spots things they haven't seen before, so when guests are there, one can explore and check out all these interesting historical items that pertain to our county.

As always, volunteers are needed just about everywhere, from our fairgrounds to the Redmen Hall and also at the museum. It is only open on weekends, from 1 to 4, so this isn't a long time. If you find yourself with a few extra hours and would like to help out this local treasure, be sure to give Kari Kandoll a call: 360-849-4353.

TRAVEL/TRASH--We have many lovely areas in our county and in our state, but sadly, some people think they can be used as dumping grounds for their trash. Some areas wind up getting closed off due to excessive dumping and other areas are getting abused by just too many people who refuse to stay on trails and just leave their daily trash along the way. Please, please use the "Pack it in, Pack it out" method and don't leave any manmade items behind. Whether it's the beach or the woods, or even along our roadways, let's keep it green and litter free. If the trash trend continues, many more rules, laws and restrictions will be imposed and it's just so easy to take your trash home or put it in a proper receptacle, and leave the area in all its natural beauty for others to enjoy.