Skamokawa News

LOOKING COLD. I’m writing this at the beginning of the week as it’s clearing up after some rain. The forecast for this week looks quite nippy, so by the time you read this, you’ll have felt the freezing temperatures for yourself if the forecast is accurate. Of course, I live in one of our county’s cold zones, so you might luck out and be chilly but not frozen. At any rate, this is the time of year to have those outside pipes, plants, etc., all taken care of so they don’t freeze. Then you can relax a bit knowing that you’ve done all you can to protect your home, yourself, and your animals and plants, too. As they say, “Better safe than sorry!”

SPECIAL DAYS. Those celebrating birthdays this coming week from Jan. 16 thru 24 are Bruce McClain, Sharon Buennagel, Elaine Robinson, Teagan Miller, Annie Watters, Jake Collins, Brittney Robbins, Jonny Berry, Ashley Turner, Christopher Danker, Bailey Danker, Brandon Burdick, Kasey Tomlinson, Wayne Cochran, Kyli Prestegard, Koda J. Clark, Shayna Hendrickson, Eric Erickson, Isabella Hendrickson, Jody Baccellieri, Chris Norton, Angela Grimm, and Shane Pedersen. Celebrating their anniversaries this week are Jai and Martina Snow, Michael and Nikki Danker, and Chris and Holly Pedersen Norton. Enjoy!

HOLIDAY ON MONDAY. The days are flying by, and I want to remind folks that another holiday is approaching, which might impact your mailing, banking, and courthouse visits. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 20. Everything Federal will be closed that day, so plan accordingly.

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m meeting more and more new folks who have come into the community, and I’d like to keep reminding everyone to spread the word. If you want to meet your neighbors in the county, why not head down here to Skamokawa on Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, take advantage of free breakfast and coffee, and visit a spell? Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new, now would be a great time to check out events at the Skamokawa Grange Hall at 18 Fairgrounds Road and meet some new folks or visit with those you know. Season Long oversees the planning of this get-together and would like to share it with more folks. Donations are always welcome and appreciated but are not required. Season was also in charge of the ShoeBoxes of Joy event over Christmas. Her awesome group of helpers received many donations and worked hard to fill, wrap, and deliver the boxes. If you’re like me, I’m already picking up some things here and there to help stuff those boxes this next year; purchasing items throughout the year can help keep costs down. Kudos again to all of those who donated and helped in any way; without you, this would not have been able to happen.

MULTITUDE OF CRAB FEEDS. For all of you ticket holders of crab feed events, don’t forget to check the dates and places they are being held. There will be one down here in Skamokawa at the fairgrounds this Saturday, Jan. 18. The doors open at 5 p.m., and dinner is at 6 p.m. There will be several raffle items to bet on, so bring a bit of extra cash, have yourself a good dinner, and maybe win one of those tremendous live auction/raffle items. Now, the next crab feed will be down in Rosburg at the community hall, and that will be the following Saturday, Jan. 25. We hope you didn’t lose those tickets that you purchased ages ago. Their doors open at 6 p.m., although if it’s raining, they often take pity on us out in the parking lot and let us in a bit early. Here’s to the usual big crowd, great food, and fantastic raffle items. I’m hoping for no snow or ice, as that’s happened a time or two, and those who must go over KM Mountain to get there and then back again don’t always appreciate the challenge. The last of the three crab feeds is over on Puget Island and will be taking place on Feb. 15, so you have some more time to check that all out at the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce website, or you can call them at 360-795-9996. These three feeds help three different groups, from the Wahkiakum County Fair to the American Legion and the Chamber. They all provide great things for our community, so I hope you’ll support them!

OPENING IN MARCH. I spoke to a few people who are new here and wanted to know some history of our county and certain areas, and well, there’s no better place to check that all out than our museum in Cathlamet, located at 65 River Street near the big locomotive, you can’t miss it. The museum will open in March, so you have a little time to plan a trip. The museum is truly a county treasure packed with exhibits, photos, and a very extensive file system of historical happenings and its residents. A whole lot of hard work has taken place by selfless individuals who have truly been a blessing to the preservation of our county’s inhabitants and history. The time frame for opening is the same for the historic Central School/Redmen Hall/River Life Interpretive Center building right here in Skamokawa, operated by the Friends of Skamokawa. The school was renovated in 1987 and has been improved over the years. There are some outstanding books to buy about our area in their gift/book shop, fabulous photo panels on the second story about its history, and the excellent views. However, you’ll have to wait another month and a half, and then you’re more than welcome to check out these two places.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS. So, how are you doing with those NY resolutions that you made? Well, I opted for a different one than the healthy eating and getting more exercise classics. I opted to make a donation, which is a bit easier to do, especially when so many great groups and organizations could use a few extra bucks now and then. So, if you want to make a difference in your community and help keep it alive and thriving, how about writing a check every month to a different organization? Take your pick! It doesn’t have to be a lot, but if we all did it, then they’d be getting quite a bit of help, and I’m sure whoever you chose to give to would be very grateful. Cheers!