Skamokawa News

NOT SO GREAT. Last week we had temperatures down in the twenties for several nights but thankfully it warmed up only for it to rain. We also had a long power outage, so while it may not officially be winter, it’s sure acting like it! At the start of this week, it shows that we will catch a break and get a couple of dry days, but the next six days look very wet. With all that extra rainfall, I hope everyone will slow down and take it easy as there may be more fallen trees and rocks on the roadways. We’ve got less than two weeks until Christmas and it would be nice not to have to deal with any more tragedies that could have been avoided.

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Dec. 12 thru 18 are Abby Buennagel, Tom Bosch, Cristina Moonen, Breanna Helms, Angel Brown, Sandy Bergseng, Zachary Stewart, Jim Webb, Lynah Bergseng, Kellie Kay Masters, Gail Holt, Melanie Stone, Riley Brown, Donna Olsen, Kristen Souvenir, Amanda Sorenson, Isla Nortrup, Azula Hoven, Westley Hoven, Kim Thompson, Elaine Munson Rolf, Sharon Stout Kowalski, Ruth Saari Linquist and Amanda “Punky” Tover Chambers turns eighty. Hooray for that former Island girl! Happy Anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Zack Bonds.

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST/SHOEBOXES OF JOY. I do hope you’ll head down this way to the Skamokawa Grange Hall where you can still get a free breakfast and a cup of coffee from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays with some old and new friends. It is also time to begin filling all those shoeboxes for their giveaway later this month. With time flying by, they could use donations and help with wrapping and delivering the packages. Currently, they are looking for Nail care kits, canned food meals, fruit cups, lotion, soap bars, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, men’s gloves, snacks, or cookie packs. Maybe some dog or cat treats would be nice for those with animals. To help, you can just show up on Thursday or check them out online at http://www.speakupwahkiakum.com/shoeboxes If you’d like to make a cash donation you can drop it off at the Bank of the Pacific, or you can mail a check to the Bank of the Pacific -P. O. Box 646, Cathlamet, WA 98612 Please help if you can.

FAIRGROUNDS ACTIVITIES. Come on down to the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds this Saturday, Dec. 14 and you can check out their light holiday lights from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is also going to be the Flea Market and Craft Sale that day. The T-building will be open, and they have plenty of goodies for very reasonable prices so if you’re just starting up at home, or would like to help someone with things they may need, this would be a great place to pick those things up. Don’t forget: Santa is going to be there along with cookies and cocoa so come down this way and check it all out.

VISTA PARK. If you’re down here in the evening hours, be sure to drive through Skamokawa Vista Park and check out their light display. I’m told everything is up and the park is ready for you to see the complete array of their wonderful light display!

REDMEN HALL/LAST WEEKEND. If you haven’t been up to this historic landmark located right across from the Skamokawa Store at MP 29, then this weekend is your last chance before they close for the winter. There are gift items and books to choose from, along with some holiday wreaths and centerpieces, so head up to the River Life Interpretive Center in the Central School/Redmen Hall this Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m. Call 360-795-3007 for more info.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE. The Cathlamet Pioneer Center invites you to decorate an ornament to help decorate their tree. You can drop off those ornaments at the library from Tuesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. In case you didn’t know, the Cathlamet Public Library is right across the parking lot from the center and there is a nice flat entryway into the library from the parking lot that is well-marked and handicap accessible. While you’re at the library, why not get a library card while you’re at it? They’re free!

GIFT GIVING. This Christmas, consider donating in someone’s name to one of their favorite places around our community. Something to think about as we have many places and organizations that could use a little help this time of year. Many would be thankful to see that someone has put some money on their light or water bill. Purchasing gift cards is a great way to support local businesses and make excellent gifts. You can always give a gift of a subscription to this paper, The Wahkiakum County Eagle. I know a couple of folks who have enjoyed getting it as a gift! At any rate, the list is endless but the time to be purchasing these gifts is winding down as Christmas is just thirteen days away... how did that sneak up on us so fast? Giving gifts to others is wonderful, but giving gifts doesn’t have to mean something you buy. There is nothing like giving someone a big smile, a big hug, and a heartfelt “Merry Christmas.”

Heres hoping the last crazy days before Christmas go by smoothly and safely for one and all! Take care, everybody!