Skamokawa News

TOO HOT. Well, there might be a few folks who love this heat wave, like haymakers, but I would much rather have temperatures in the 70-80 degree range and not the 90-100 degree range. It always amazes me that, despite how wet it was, in a very short amount of time we are dry as a bone. That being said, please be aware that a burn ban is in place and we hope that folks will be very careful with anything hot getting too close to something combustible. From machinery in the fields to your grills and BBQs, having a water hose or fire extinguisher close at hand is advised. We'd hate to hear about another fire in our area, here's hoping you are staying hydrated as well, heat stroke is no joke.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays from July 11 through July 17 are Marietta Montgomery, Jerry Ledtke, Sunny Manary, Geri Florek, Mary Ann Nelson, Jessie Caliman, Samantha McClain, Kurtis Bergseng, Jayla Grasseth, Brynn McClain, Jerzie Wallin, Mary Schroder, Nick Boehler, Robert Davis, Brysen Coleman, Denise Parker, Marsha Cleveland, Mike Clark, Keri Moonen, Pam Elliott, Jamie Kincaid, Tracy Elliott, Barbara Booth, Liz Brown, Jensen Finkas, Nicholas Rodriquez, Blake Sechler, Kyle Sechler, Lonney Kubacki and 67'er: Sharon McKie. Those celebrating their anniversaries this coming week are John and Mary Gustafson, Mike and Julie Iverson, Natalie Emery and Roger Wise, and Kevin and Stephanie Prestegard. May all of you have wonderful celebrations! Just a reminder, if you need to add someone to the Lions Club calendar, change the spelling of something already on there, or remove a name that may be listed incorrectly, contact the LC soon so that next year's calendar will have new names included and any changes corrected.

FAIRGROUNDS. This Saturday is the second Saturday of the month, so you know what that means right? Yep, it's the Flea Market and T-Building Sale down here in Skamokawa at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds. There is a lot to check out so come on down Saturday, July 13 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For more information call: Patty at 360-795-3480.

NEXT FRIDAY & SATURDAY. Holy smokes, it seems impossible but the following Saturday is the big Bald Eagle Days parade on Main Street at noon. Kicking off the day is an early morning Terry Bonny Fun Run and Walk at 7 a.m.. There will be lots of food and vendors setting up beginning at 8:00 a.m., with a Waterball Fight between fire departments, a Kids Zone, and of course, closing out the night with a big fireworks show down at the Marina, it's always great. Now the fun starts on Friday for some folks, as the Armstrong Memorial Chalk Art Contest takes place on July 19 from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and of course, the street market will be down at the marina, with live music at a beer garden. Next you can head down to the fairgrounds for mud wrestling from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and then the "Roll On" the Alabama tribute band, so there's lots to keep you busy and entertained. A full schedule of all the events taking place and the various times of all the various activities was printed in last week's Eagle so you could look for that again this week, and maybe clip it out so you don't miss out on anything, fun times!

NORSE HALL BINGO. If you are tuckered out from all the activities on Saturday during the day and you'd just like to rest your feet a bit, why not head over to the Norse Hall on Puget Island where they will be holding their monthly Bingo games in the evening? If you're new to the area, the hall is located right after you cross the Bernie Slough Bridge, 444 SR 409. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the games will begin at 6:00 p.m.. Here's to the Sons of Norway lodge members who make this happen. I do hope you are able to buy some of their Norwegian goodies on main street.

HAY TIME. If you have animals that need hay this winter, this is the time to contact those who are making and selling hay now. It seems like every year someone is trying to find hay at the end of the last season, when there rarely is any to be found. Hopefully, you've either gotten rid of a few animals that need a lot of hay, or you've figured out that you need more and you order that ASAP. Usually, you get a better deal if you can take it out of the field, so that the grower does not have to load it and store it somewhere. Check out the ads in The Eagle or on Facebook and get your barns full now. If you're in Skamokawa and looking for those 48-inch round bales in the field, contact Curt at 360-560-9993.

FRIENDS NEW EXHIBIT. Due to an injury, I haven't been able to get up to see the new exhibit being presented by the Friends of Skamokawa: Skamokawa Creamery 1898-1942 "Till the Cows Come Home" but maybe I'll be better before this exhibit closes on August 31. You can come up on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. and check it out yourself, it's pretty amazing to see what it takes to run a creamery. There have been so many changes over the years so if you're new to the area, you'll find the River Life Interpretive Center a wealth of information, as there are terrific panels on the walls upstairs, and downstairs there is a wonderful book store with tons of info and great gifts. You can always check out the FOS website or if you'd like to give them a call, 360-795-3007.

CRIPPEN CREEK FARM NEWS. You may have already heard, but in case you haven't, Don and Kitty Speranza, owners of Crippen Creek Farm out here in Skamokawa are now able to bake their breads and goodies and sell them directly to the consumer via a Washington State Cottage permit. That's great news for all those who love croissants, cinnamon rolls, sourdough country loaves, focaccia, and bagels.... yum! They will be having pop-up sales and will have their products over at the Puget Island Gardens frequently so be watching for that. The Speranzas have put on great classes about bread and pasta making over the years and we've had some lovely dinners there, so I can personally attest to the wonderful food they produce. They have have the Staycation at the Roadhouse, which looks awesome. If you need a three-bedroom place that sleeps nine with two full bathrooms, a chef's kitchen, and more, give the Speranzas a call at 503-804-0285, or check them out online at: http://www.crippencreek.com. I can't imagine not wanting to stay at this wonderful place in this beautiful setting. It's all right here in the Skamokawa valley at the end of Middle Valley Road. It's super special!

NEW SCHOOL ROUTINE. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by the new move in our schools to have a four-day school week. This is certainly a big change which I'm glad didn't happen when we had five kids going to school. However, after reading all the information, I can see why it came about. I do feel for those working families who will have to find and pay for childcare. I hope this all works out in the long run and I'm told this has proved beneficial to students and teachers, we will wait and see. School starts on Aug. 27, so there's not a lot of time to get ready for this new schedule, so good luck.

FOOD DRIVE. For the third year, the “Cup of Sunshine” food drive will be taking place from July 1 through August. 18, and we will see which place will bring in the most food. I'm told the Norse Hall was the winner last year. At any rate, The Jabber Shack Wahkiakum is spearheading this drive and you can drop off food there, at Maria's Place, the Cathlamet Market, Auntie B's Grooming, or the Norse Hall. I understand that more places will be added, so please help keep the food banks full by donating what you can and be mindful of expiration dates, thanks!