Burn ban to take effect 8 a.m., Friday, June 21

NICE--Last weekend wasn't too bad, as Saturday started out with some cloudiness but by noon, the breeze blew those clouds away and the sun came out, which made for a decent day. Anytime temps are in the 70s, I'm a happy camper, as once they reach the 80s, I'm ready to hide in the house! Father's Day was the same way, and even with the clouds moving in later, we got to see the "Strawberry Moon" just over the dark cloud bank in the evening so that was pretty neat. I hear some dampness is forecast for sometime this week, so while most will not be anxious to see it, my yard will be!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from June 20-26 are Keith Hoofnagle, Lance Britt, Bobby Helms, Danny Helms, Mary Baldwin, Joel Moore, Nicci Bergseng, Scott Tomlinson, Signe Sause, Lori Smith, Kay Holland, Larry Horman, Jerry DeBriae, Logan LaBerge, James Anderson, Jonathan Hauff, McKenna Spieth Mackintosh, Sarah Palmer, Rhonda Pedersen and Katie Sechler. Happy Birthday everyone!

Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are Jerry and Becky Ledtke, Steve and Debbie McClain, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Souvenir, Calvin and Cindy Grasseth, Randy and Susan Kuhn, Dean and Judy Snyder, the Dave Whitneys, Sandra and Dave Gibson, Phil and Elaine Rolf and Mark and Rhonda Pedersen. Here's wishing you and yours a truly wonderful celebration!

ANNIVERSARY--There was one anniversary that I failed to mention last week and it was a big one for our county, and that was the 50th Anniversary of the Wahkiakum County Historical Museum in Cathlamet, which celebrated this big day on June 13. Looking back in my Grandma's 1959 diary, it was a "lovely day," which was fortunate, as the day before and the day after were both showery! Many people may not realize it, but the site of the museum was quite historic in itself, as the first courthouse in the county was once sitting on that very spot. The area nearby was where the home of Judge William Strong had been built, which is why today, "Strong Park" is located between the museum and the locomotive that is there now. Also, the museum not only housed the historical diplays and exhibits, but a third of the building also housed the Cathlamet Library, so things were quite different back then.

It was Mrs. T.L. McDonnell who was chairwoman of the museum's open house that day, and those that served coffee and goodies that day, some in the morning and some later in the evening, were Mrs. Maude Butler, Mrs. Clarence White, Mrs. Emma Martin, Mrs. Florence Osborne, Mrs. Albert Foster and Mrs. Ebba Sorenson, who represented the various towns in the county.

The officers of the museum at that time were President: Robert Hughes of Cathlamet; Vice President: Mrs. T.L. McDonnell; Secretary: Ed Rice of Grays River; Treasurer: T. L. McDonnell of Cathlamet and the four directors were George Doumit of Cathlamet, Ben Peterson of Puget Island, Henry Mooers of Skamokawa and from Grays River, DeWitt Barr. While my Grandma Elsie Everest was curator at the time, Miss Cleona Spillman was appointed as the summer curator.

It is places like this that keep our local history alive and many, many people came together and worked hard to make this dream of a museum come true. If you'd like to see this museum continue for the next 50 years, won't you please send a donation to WCHS at 65 River Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612. It would truly be appreciated.

BURN BAN COMING--Just in case you hadn't heard, the Burn Ban will once again be back on starting this Friday, June 21. These bans often change due to unexpected heavy rains, or come sooner due to intense heat, so always check before you burn. Remember, you have to have a permit before you can burn, and the permit has a lot of rules and regulations on it, so read them closely and don't wind up with a fine, or worse yet, an out of control fire!

PICK UP BERRIES--Don't forget that Saturday morning, June 22, all those who ordered fresh sliced buckets of strawberries need to arrive at their chosen pick up spot at 10 a.m., to get them. Those in Cathlamet were to go to the Wahkiakum High School, those in Skamokawa were to meet in the parking lot in front of the Skamokawa Grange Hall and those on the westend should be headed to the Rosburg Store parking lot. Enjoy those berries, folks!

SAT: OPEN MIC/JAM--Once again, all those who love to come together and make some music are invited to the Skamokawa Grange Hall, located at 18 Fairgrounds Road, next to the Wahkiakum Fairgrounds. They will open the doors at 3:45 p.m., so you can get signed in and the music starts at 4 p.m. After the rotation of musicians and everybody is ready for things to wind down, there will be a final "jam" session, which is always a lot of fun, so whether you want to play along or just come and listen, head this way Saturday afternoon, June 22 and remember, the coffee pot is always on! There is no charge but donations are gladly accepted to help defray the costs to the Grange.

REDMEN HALL--Thanks to all who donated to the "paint fund," the Friends of Skamokawa are happy to announce that Gomes Construction is now in the process of cleaning and painting the historic Redmen Hall/Central School building in downtown Skamokawa! According to Pam Emery, during this time, the hall will only be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to four for the next three weeks, so that this much needed work can get done. We will all be anxiously awaiting its new coat of paint and its new look!

SUMMER IS COMING--We have had some pretty nice weather already, but summer is coming, and with the kids out of school now, please keep your eyes out for those who may be riding their bikes or walking along our roadways. We hope we begin our summer without any incidents, like drownings or boating accidents, etc., as we all head out on vacations and trips to the beach, so be sure to follow all the safety precautions so you have a fun time and not a tragic one.

NOT SURE--According to the Chamber's calendar of events, it looks like there is supposed to be an SCA Medieval Festival from 10 to 2 on June 22, which is this Saturday. However, I have not seen or heard any other advertising for it so I'm not sure if it's a go or not. I tried calling the number listed for it and it was not in service so I am truly in the dark concerning this event. As I was asked about it, I thought I'd try to find something out, but I'm sorry, this "no information" is all the information I have.

COUNTING DOWN--The huge Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale (PIGYS) is happening next weekend, so here's hoping the weather holds and everyone has a great time during this yearly event. This big Island sale is always held on the last full weekend in June according to organizer, Sandie York. So, those who aren't ready to sell things this year, might want to jot that down on next year's calendar so you'll have lots of time to get prepared! Remember, everyone is asked that they comply to the times that are advertised. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please no early birds!

FOURTH IS ALMOST HERE--The big Fourth of July celebrations will be happening before long, but considering the fourth falls on a Thursday, please be mindful that your neighbor may have to get up early and go to work the next day, so it's hoped that the louder celebrations will be held a little earlier in the evening if possible. For those that have animals, it's hoped you will keep them in where it will be safe, and have the television or radio on in order to help diffuse the noises that might scare them. Some folks find that giving them sedatives help, but be sure to check with your veterinarian concerning those. While we all want to have a good time on the Fourth of July, it would really help if we'd all be mindful of others during this time.

SYMPATHIES--Once again, we offer our sympathies to Bev Danielson England and her family, as yet another family member has passed away. You may recall that she lost a sister, Darlene (Kagle) Rafferty of Battle Ground, just a couple months ago. Now Bev called to tell me that her sister, Imogene Harden, died June 10, at the age of 88. She was a Wahkiakum High School graduate, Class of 1948, and had been a teacher for 42 years. Her services were held earlier this week in Boise, Idaho. Again, our sympathies to all her friends and family members.