Skamokawa News

GLOOMY START. As this week begins, we are actually seeing some cloudy and cooler conditions and I am enjoying the relief from the heat. All those who headed to the beaches for this past Labor Day weekend are probably wishing it was a tad bit nicer as the fog can be a bit damp and cool. It can be a little wetter on the coast, and not nearly as enjoyable when there is no sun and you are camping outside. At any rate, I was happy to leave those triple digits behind. Forecasters are saying the heat will return towards the end of the week, so you heat lovers can rejoice once again. The cooler evening temperatures are a sign the season is changing, so for those wanting fall to arrive it is on its way. Officially, the astronomical start of fall will take place on Sunday, September 22, so it's just seventeen days away.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Sept. 5 thru 11 are: Tristan Collupy, Carla Keilwitz, Edward Johnson, Dan Lloyd, Jamie Nielsen, R.J. Brown, Brett Deaton, Jamie Jacobson, Dallas Gott-Burdick, Nichole Olsen, Amanda Poler, Brittanie Helms-Lampitt, Stephen R. Johnson, Shayne Hoven, Shelby DeBolt, Zarina Hoven, Jade Havens, Carey Johnson, Troy A. Davis, Breann Snider, Paul Toney , Nathan Takko, JoAnn Reed and Scott Baldwin. Celebrating their anniversaries are: Winnie and Ed Johnson, Sean and Kellie Masters, Jim and Darlene Almer and Scott and Jenny Pedersen.

CORRECTION. Last week I mentioned if you'd like to add or change a name on the Lions Club calendar, you'd need to contact LC member, Renee Robert. I found out she no longer has the number that I had listed for her, so if you'd like to add a birthday or anniversary or change or eliminate a name, you now need to contact her at this number 360-355-0871.

NORSE HALL CELEBRATION. Another quick reminder is that the Sons of Norway will be celebrating their 90 year anniversary this Saturday, Sept. 7 at The Norse Hall beginning at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this momentous occasion located at 444 SR 409.

KITES WILL BE FLYING. Yes indeed, it's that time of year when the annual Kite Festival will be taking place down our way at Skamokawa Vista Park. Come on down this Saturday and enjoy the large, intricate, and colorful kites between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We do hope the wind co-operates with the times scheduled. Fingers crossed! Vista Park is just west of Mile Post 29.

NEXT SATURDAY. You'll want to head back down this way on Saturday Sept. 14, as the fairgrounds will resume its usual Saturday Flea Market and T-Building Sale. It begins at 9 a.m., so come on down and get yourself a deal. For those just starting out on their own, this is a great place to get those household items at a really reduced price. Considering the prices of things these days, who isn't looking for a bargain?

BINGO. After doing some shopping at the fairgrounds, why not relax in the evening hours by playing some Bingo beginniing at 6 p.m. over at The Norse Hall on Puget Island. The left side, lower-level door is open at 5:30 p.m.

PI GARDENS. For those of you who enjoy checking out the Puget Island Gardens located at 520 SR 409, you might want to remember these special dates they have on their schedule On Sept. 14 our Skamokawa bakers, as the Crippen Creek Farm Bread Pop-Up shop will be there. On Sept. 21 there are two events. The first event is a Harvest and Seed Swap from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. A Fall and Planting Seminar will also take place from 1 - 2 p.m. On Sept. 28 starting at 11:30 a.m. there will be Yoga in the Garden. The cost is $15. A Natural Dye Workshop will be happening too from 1 - 4 p.m. The cost is $85. You need to pre-register for that event. On Sept. 29, the Crippen Creek Farm folks will be back at 1 p.m. with all their goodies.

EVERY WEEK. Please keep in mind that there are many weekly events, like the free Community Breakfasts at the Skamokawa Grange Hall on Thursdays from 10 a.m to Noon. Donations are welcomed but not mandatory. The Senior Friendship group meets every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Puget Island. Both of these events provide opportunities to get out and about, meet someone new, grab a bite to eat, and converse with your neighbors. The Senior group has many mini-groups within it so you can explore various interests with others, like painting, card making, kayaking, sewing, playing games, etc. Don't forget the weekly Elochoman Street Market on Fridays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. It takes place until Sept. 27 and so you have four more chances to go. If you like to play a bit of pool, listen to some music and enjoy visiting with friends, head on over to The "O" located at 8 Fairgrounds Road in Skamokawa. They are open every Saturday, from 2 p.m to 10ish. On nice days, their fenced-in area is a great place to kick back and relax for a spell.

CONGRATULATIONS! The president of the Friends of Skamokawa, Pam Emery, just announced the winner of the "Till the Cows Come Home" raffle basket they had up at the hall, and it was our very own Skamokawa resident, Mary Baldwin. We applaud her big win and thank her for her support of the Friends of Skamokawa. T'was a win-win for everyone.

CONDOLENCES. We'd like to send our sincere condolences to former Skamokawa resident, Layton Elliott, who announced that his oldest brother Allen, passed away while visiting him in Ocean Park this past weekend. Layton said Allen had a great time wearing his pirate hat that Layton wears when performing. Allen played the tambourine and they visited Marshs' Museum and a car show. They had a wonderful day together before Allen said good-bye to this old world with a happy heart and many sharied memories. While it is so sad to lose our loved ones, just knowing they enjoyed a wonderful day together gives one some peace of mind.

PIONEER CENTER EVENT. In case you haven't heard, on Sept. 28, there will be an event taking place on Puget Island at The Norse Hall to help raise money for the historic Pioneer Place. Come and enjoy appetizers, beverages, entertainment, and a "non-auction” event. This will be a two hour event from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. to help raise money for the historic center located prominently in downtown Cathlamet. Please help keep this historic building up and running. You can check it all out at: http://www.pioneercommunityassociation.org. If you can't make this particular event and would like to support them you could always mail a donation to P.O. Box 24, Cathlamet, WA 98612.

MUSEUM OPEN. Speaking of historical things, The Wahkiakum County Historical Society keeps our county’s history, historical artifacts and articles. You can check out many historical items located in the museum in Cathlamet at 65 River Street, right next to the PUD. They are open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. If you'd like to mail a donation to the museum, please send to WCHS, 65 River Street, Cathlamet, WA 98612. It's also important to get the younger generation interested in the history of the area. We encourage you to volunteer with WCHS as this is a great way to meet new folks and to learn about your community.

PET FOOD NEEDED. The folks who operate Wahkiakum Animal Advocates Group (WAAG) are always busy taking in animals around here and have done a tremendous job in helping getting animals "fixed" or cared for in foster homes while permanent homes can be found. With the growing number of critters to take care of, they could use some help. If you could buy some dry or wet, dog or cat food, it would be deeply appreciated. Whatever you'd like to donate, you can drop it off at the Jabber Shack in Cathlamet or visit their website at http://www.wahkiakumanimals.org. If you're on Facebook, you can go to their page and see links to Amazon or Chewy.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Yes indeed, now is the time to be thinking of Christmas gifts and of course, supporting your local businesses while shopping for them. New clothing items have arrived at The Duck Inn, Skamokawa Store/Resort, The "O' tavern and the gift shop at Skamokawa Vista Park. If you head up to the Friends of Skamokawas' Central School/ Redmen Hall/ River Life Interpretive Center on weekends, you can check out their gift items as well. They usually have big holiday doings later on, so that's always a fun time and place to shop.Whatever you do think "local" when you're shopping so we can keep our businesses going.