Fairgrounds light show ends December 18

COLD/SNOW--As I begin this column, there are snowflakes falling and I must say, "I am not amused!" Actually KM Mountain at MP 22 is very white indeed so that may catch a few people off-guard, but hopefully everyone is prepared for these wintery conditions. Maybe by the time you read this, it will all be gone and we won't have to worry about it as we go into the weekend; fingers crossed!

It seems when we have a million holiday things to do and places to go and events happening, that the weather opts to dump some horrible weather event upon us. It's during this time that we must slow down, stay home if possible and don't wind up finding ourselves a statistic just because "we had to have" that item from the store or in town, etc. Trust me, your family would rather have you alive and well and receiving a gift from you a little late, than to be without you. Safe travels, everybody!

SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays from Dec. 16-22 are Abby Buennagel, Breanna Smith, Fritz Carmine, Kristen Souvenir, Angel Brown, Kellie Kay Masters, Tyson Webb Foster, Jimmie Lou Cleveland, Hilary Price, Stepanie Vossen, Gwen Gorley, Tyler Gorley, Wendy Lechner, Alysha Gibson, Kimmie Wright, Ruth Linquist, Ron Clement, Emma Pedersen, Sherry Stewart, Barbara Moore Johnson and 67'ers Sharon Stout Servis, Elaine Munson Rolf and Don Seaberg. Many happy birthday wishes to you all!

Celebrating their anniversary this coming week are Roger and Jo Reed. Enjoy your special day you two!

LAST CHANCE--The last couple of days to drive through the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds and enjoy all the lights they set up will be coming right up so don't miss it! The kids will also get a goodie bag and be able to enjoy some hot cocoa, so don't forget, as December 17 and 18 are this Friday and Saturday. The light show will begin at 5 p.m., and continue until 8 p.m. Beings the crew worked real hard in the rain to get them up, we hope you'll come down and check out all their hard work.

FANTASTIC TALENT--As I was out and about and doing some last minute shopping, I was reminded of just how many very talented people we have in our area. I know many of you probably saw a lot of them as vendors at the Elochoman Sl. Marina during the summer hours, or at the vendors market in Skamokawa, as well as all of their "pop-up" places, like the Hotel Cathlamet lobby and such, and I certainly hope you were able to purchase some of their items to put in those Christmas baskets this year, as there were some fantastic and fun things to choose from. There's still time to check out the local stores and purchase some local gift certificates, so keep on shopping, everybody!

PARADE--In spite of some really adverse weather conditions, the "Lighted Parade" that was held last week, was deemed a success and we want to give a big "kudos" to all of them for making the trek around town in spite of the rain. Good job, everybody!

BELLS AND WHISTLES--When it comes to fire trucks and sirens and people giving, I can't say enough good things about the organizers and the great folks who donated money and toys and food during the recent event held by a combination of our emergency responders and others. As they traveled around the county with sirens and lights ablaze and stopping at the designated spots, they were greeted with much enthusiasm. They truly appreciated everything that was donated, and so do all the people who will be on the receiving end of your generosity.

SHOEBOXES--Another new deal this year called the "Shoeboxes of Joy" has really taken off, which just goes to show how many people who are in need and just how super helpful and generous people are around here. If people go without, it's really not because no one will help out, it's just because we don't know. So if you find yourself in a bind, please reach out! If you know someone who needs a helping hand, again, reach out for them. We live in a community with long time residents and brand new folks and the one thing they have in common is their willingness to give when needed. Please contact the Chamber of Commerce ASAP if you need more information about this project, as they need your shoebox full of things by December 19. If you'd like to donate a few things, they still need mens gloves, men and womens deodorants, toothpaste, shampoo, candies and pet supplies.

CONGRATS--We'd like to say congratulations to Frank Corbin, former Puget Island resident and WHS graduate, as he was just offered the position as the pastor of the Toledo Life Assembly Church; awesome! He will begin his pastoral duties as of Jan. 2, 2022 so he and his wife, Beth, are looking forward to this wonderful new chapter in their lives and we wish them all the best.

PRAYERS ASKED--My former Island girl neighbor, Lori Wika, is asking for prayers for her brother, Greg, who is currently hospitalized and not doing real well. We know it's always tough when even modern medicine has its limits and one is having to watch one of your family members deal with serious health issues, so we sure feel for Lori and Greg and the rest of their family right now. We'll be sending only positive thoughts and good vibes Greg's way.

CONDOLENCES--We were certainly saddened to hear the news that long time resident, Mary Cothren had passed away last Wednesday, Dec. 8. According to her son Ron (Chink) Cothren, there will be a graveside service held on Dec. 23 at 1 p.m., with more information to come as to a Celebration of Life gathering in her memory. We certainly want to send our sincerest condolences to all of Mary's family members and dear friends.

OUT OF THE PAST--This week back in 1951, the week saw absolutely horrible weather with lots of wind and rain and storms and snow mixed in the rain and so it was cold and nasty until the very last day, which wasn't great but was an improvement from the prior six days. A cold wave across the nation had killed over 121 people. Locally, the 50 mph winds and lots of rain caused power outages and the headlines were "Northwest Sustains Big Storm Loss; Nation Battered!"

On Thursday evening of that week, the Ralph Everests went to see the school holiday program which grandson, Ralph Pedersen was taking part in, as he was singing in the boys choir. Afterwards, the Pedersens headed to the Everests' to enjoy some ice cream and cookies before heading back home to the Island.

A large vessel fire at the mouth of the Columbia River, near Astoria was reported with 103 people accounted for but eight passengers and three crew members were still being searched for but feared lost.

Mrs. Mary Ann Risk was headed out of town for the holidays that week as she'd be visiting her daughter, Mrs. Alec French in Gresham and her son, Ferguson Risk and their families too. With Mrs. Risk recuperating from a fractured hip, it was a good time to let the family take over all those holiday duties while she "supervised."

On the last day of that week, several families got together and watched as their kids all gathered around to play "Chicken Scramble." Ralph Pedersen wound up coming away with one big white goose and three chickens! He wound up giving one chicken to Gene McNalley and another one to LaDean Peek. They were all happy boys and it appeared their Moms would soon be fixing a fresh chicken dinner! All this according to my Grandma Elsie Everest's 1951 diary.