Skamokawa news

DAMP BEGINNING. Well, as this week began on Sunday, July 28, it was a tadbit wet out here in West Valley. It was a bit surprising as we hadn't expected rain until Monday. I understand things were drier to the east of us and so some didn't get as much wetness as we did and some didn't get any. Go figure. Anyway, it was nice to have a little moisture due to the fire danger and keeping the springs flowing. Every little bit helps, but it's not so great if you are trying to still get your hay in. Hopefully, you weren't dealing with that situation. As the day progressed, it got much nicer and it looks like it will be decent and maybe even down right hot by the time you read this, so here's to starting off August right!

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays from August 1 thru 7 are: Sheran Parker, Robbie Meyer, Jennifer Norris, Betty Huber, Kamie Helms, Brian McClain, John Lloyd McClain, Colt Moonen, David Black, Joe Florek Jr., Tabitha Anderson, Sandi Hendrickson, Cassi Luthi, Austin Smith, Fred Johnson, Beth Wence, Jenifer Miller, Kyle Cothren, Amy Gorley, Monte Robinson, Jason Blain, Jenny Sexton Pedersen, Ashley Abel and 67'ers: Nancy Jacobson Brady, Judy Lindwall Bergman, Marnee Ostervold Davis and Martin Ostervold. Here's hoping all of you have wonderful birthday celebrations. Those celebrating anniversaries this coming week are: Don and Kitty Speranza, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McClain, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Thomason, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoven, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Behrens and Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Tiffany Stewart Thomes. Here's to all of you who are celebrating your anniversary this coming week with a day full of sunshine and wonderful memories.

NEW ARRIVAL. I heard from Kari Good Martin recently, and she is proudly wearing the "great grandma" smile. Woo hoo! Yes, indeed! Granddaughter, Kylie Moore (daughter of Curt) and Brett Kangas, welcomed a baby girl, Ellerie Lou on July 24. Having her great grandmas' middle name, Kari is busting her buttons over the new arrival. Congratulations to Kylie and Brett and the rest of the Moore, Kangas, and Good family members. There's nothing like welcoming a new baby to the family.

BIG MONTH. We have several things happening this month. Here is a quick reminder on what's going on: Tuesday, Aug. 6, there's the ever popular "National Night Out" (NNO). Puget Island Fire Hall will be the place to be between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. They will be serving up their hot dog meal and the famous RM 38 root beer floats. There will also be raffles and games and it's a great time to meet your fire department volunteers and your EMS crew. Now, according to the event schedule, on August 10, there will be a Horse Show down here in Skamokawa at the fairgrounds which begins at 8 a.m. If you need more information, contact the Fair Manager at 360-795-3480. On that same day, I see on the schedule, August 10 at 5 p.m. there will be a Car Show down at River Mile 38 Brewing Company. There is also the Wooden and Classic Boat Show during the day and if you're interested in participating, contact Michael at 503-860-5036. Later that evening, you can head to the Norse Hall as the Sons of Norway will be having Bingo. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. Needless to say, it seems August 10 is a very, very busy day. Later on in the month, is our really big event, The Wahkiakum County Fair in Skamokawa. The fair is just two weeks away and is taking place on August 15, 16 and 17. Wow, time's been flying. Here's hoping to seeing lots of you folks down this way. Remember, there are special free days for Seniors, Kids and Military. Of course, we always just buy a pass too.

CONDOLENCES. My heart goes out to the family of William "Hap" Anderson. I want to send my deepest condolences to all of them. I've known Hap my whole life and I know how much his family loved him. Hap and Dixie had recently celebrated their 60 year wedding anniversary. I'm glad they shared that special day with their family and friends, before he passed away on the evening of Sunday, July 21. My understanding is that there will be no funeral services.

EVERY FRIDAY. There are five Fridays this month, and so you've got multiple chances to attend the Street Market down at the Elochoman Slough Marina, as the last market I believe will be on September 6. If you are wanting to get in on some great items sold by a lot of local folks, now's the time to get down there and check them all out 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Friday.

BIG REUNION,WHS CLASS OF 1994. I got notice there will be a 30th year, three day class reunion for the mighty Mules who graduated in 1994 beginning August 30 thru September 2, which is Labor Day weekend. It's going to be a busy time. their is an adult dinner on August 31 and it will be held at the Duck Inn with dinner costing between $35-$40 dollars per person. On Sunday, a family lunch BBQ is being planned but they were not sure of the details. Last I heard, it was "in the works." At any rate, if you are a 1994 graduate, please reach out to your people and see about all the latest reunion plans.

NEXT YEAR. The WHS Class of 1975 have already set the date for their 50th class reunion, so mark down August 2, 2025 and start making plans to be here in Skamokawa to enjoy dinner at the Duck Inn 6 p.m. All participants will be responsible for their own costs for food and drink. According to Susan McClain Kuhn, as the date gets closer, there will be a head count taken in order that the Duck Inn can plan accordingly. You can't say you didn't have enough time to plan ahead.

BIRTHDAY AND FAMILY GATHERING. This past Saturday, July 27, I got to enjoy dozens of family members at my 75th birthday celebration and family gathering event and I definitely had a marvelous time. My dad was a Pedersen and my mom was an Everest. We had a mix of both there, but because we only put this together a couple of months ago, those who were far away weren't able to attend. We still had forty-five people there and so it was a nice crowd. We had a great time gabbing (go figure) and of course, trying to unravel who was who and what happened when and all that other good stuff. We may not have been able to figure everything out, but we certainly did figure out that the Pete Sechler family can really set up a place real fancy, real fast and they can cook, bake and put out a spread of goodies that will satisfy your taste buds to the max. It helped that they fixed all my favorite foods and well, the ribs, brisket and meatballs were super yummy and Katie's delectable treats are like none other. The group dolled up the Norse Hall and it looked awesome and my favorite rocker, Elvis Presley was there to say Happy Birthday too via a huge cardboard cut out that was perfect. The music in the background was a combination of all my favorites, so with the blast from the past music and all the oldie but goodie tunes matching all the photos they'd set out, well, it brought back some great memories of the past seventy-five years. It truly was a special day and I couldn't say thank you enough to the Sechler bunch for doing all of this work to make it that way, and to all those who showed up to enjoy it all with me. Those attending were: Barbara (Moore) and Allen Johnson, Wayne and Karen Bell, LuAnn Davison and guest, Paula (Monroe) and Oly Olson, Gene and Karen Healy, Donna Healy Palmer, Linda Palmer Spieth, Sherry Stewart, Art Pedersen, Michael Taylor and Naomi Pedersen with children, Aunnika and Blaze, Patty Pedersen Kellum, Kelly Pedersen Campbell, Chris and Betsy Pedersen, Frank and Carolyn Pedersen, Cindi Pedersen, Jeff Nicol, Scott Pedersen, Ty Finkas with sons, Jensen and Barrett, Brandon and Debbie Chamberlain, Henry Pype, Pat Shanahan, Lisa Sechler, Pete and Katie Sechler, Blake and Michaela Sechler, Tessa Sechler and Bobby Graham, Luke Sechler and Bella, Bill Chamberlain and me, Kay Chamberlain. I have to say it was a perfect day in every way, as the weather was terrific, the surprise gifts and flowers were truly special. The Norse Hall was the perfect place for us older folks to get right in with no steps to deal with, the food and desserts were exceptional and as Grandma Elsie always said, "A good time was had by all!"