Wahkiakum Black Friday

WET BEGINNING. As I started this column, it was a gloomy and damp Sunday morning after a very wet and windy Saturday night. Thankfully, by afternoon, we got to see some sunshine; that was a welcome break. By the time you read this, it's supposed to have been sunny and clear for several days. That will make for a nice Thanksgiving weekend. Of course, clear weather also seems to mean a big drop in our nighttime temperatures, so keep that in mind before you wind up with frozen hoses or outside spigots. Since we had several nights below freezing out here in West Valley already, we've got those outside fixtures covered. My weather app was saying we'd be down in the low 40s or high 30s, but they were way off. I was glad I was watching my own weather station, which saw temps dropping like a rock. Also, if you're out and about in the early morning hours or later on at night, you may need to slow down a bit, since there might be some slick roadways and we don't want any accident. Take care everybody.

SPECIAL DAYS. Celebrating birthdays this week are Dan Silverman, Tari Peteson, Kayli Quigley, Kadi Allen, Sharon Deaton, Sandy Everman, James Jacobson, Dana Montgomery, Coltan Watters, Sarah Clark, Linda Ostervold, Butch Owen, Terri Slape, Tricia Coleman, Mike Paulsen, Jace Gibson, Kelly Guest, Lance Ek, Nancy Holt, Joe Teachman, Rae Anne Wilson, Cole Claussen, Nancy Good Garcia, Robert Kyle, Drake Cook, Obed Rodriquez, Annie Pedersen, Kevin Palmer, Hank Ferguson and Samantha Everest. Jeff & Shelly Hedges, Pete & Deb Ringen, Sherry & Mark McCormack and Virgil & Lisa Cothren will celebrate anniversaries.

CORRECTION. The celebration of life services for Susie Cooper, who passed away on Oct. 19, will be held at the Wahkiakum County fairgrounds in Skamokawa, on Jan 27, 2024, which would have been her 56th birthday. A time has yet to be determined.

MORE ADDED TO KIDS’ PARTY. The members of the Sons of Norway Helgeland Lodge invite youngsters up to eighth grade to bring in the holiday season at the Norse Hall on Dec. 3 from 2-4 p.m. There will be bingo, surprise raffles, cookie decorating, a gingerbread walk, treats, beverages, and of course...Santa! The Norse Hall is located at 444 SR-409 on Puget Island. It's free and fun!

TWENTY PERCENT OFF. If you're looking for some beautiful hand-blown glass creations for those on your Christmas gift list, or even a treat for yourself, head to Skamokawa and pick up some of Kyle Gribskov's glass creations for twenty percent off! His “almost annual” holiday sale is happening this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so don't miss it. He's located at 123 Middle Valley Road and can be contacted by calling (360) 747-3714.

THIS IS IT. Yes indeed, this is the weekend that the Friends of Skamokawa host the opening of their Deck the Hall event at the historic Redmen Hall, in Skamokawa, Mile post 29. You're invited to come beginning Nov. 24 and on Nov. 25 author Irene Martin will sign her book. The Hall will be open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. until Dec. 10. Come check out their selection of gifts and books and enjoy a treat or two while you shop.

SIP & SIGN. Also at the River Life Interpretive Center, there will be a Christmas “sip and sign” on Dec. 3 from 3-6 p.m. Make your own holiday sign for just $35. Organizers will donate ten dollars of each entry to the hall. You can help support Tracey and Nate Treasures, a local business, and the Friends of Skamokawa. That’s a win-win! Contact the hall at (360) 795-3007 for more info.  

ST. JAMES RAFFLE BASKETS. It won’t be long before the drawing on Dec. 5, so don't forget to get to the St. James Family Center and buy your raffle tickets. They have some beautiful baskets, containing a wide variety of goodies, so pick the one (or three) that you want and hopefully you'll come out the winner of one of them. Even if you don't win, the money raised goes to the center, so you've supported a good cause. The tickets are a dollar each.

SHOP LOCAL/USEFUL. Our small businesses need support, and many of them have useful things that we often need; others have a service that is appreciated so think about getting folks edible things, like gift certificates for our local restaurants, or maybe a grocery store credit card which would help with their monthly grocery bill. Of course, things like a subscription to this newspaper would be really helpful for those who want to know what's going on in their community! To those who don't want anything, you could send a donation to your local fire department, to the Shop with a Cop event, the Star Program, Shoeboxes of Joy or donate to the historical museum. The list is endless. Here's to spreading as much joy and generosity as possible this year.