Skamokawa News

BIG STORM? We received numerous warnings last week about a major storm approaching. As time went by, more updates came in saying it was going to hit us pretty hard. However, not much happened except for some loud thunder and lightning, but nothing too awful. Hooray! I scrambled around getting everything nailed down and put away, but that’s ok as it’s much better to be prepared for the worst and have nothing happen than to be caught unprepared and now all your things are scattered far and wide. Always err on the side of caution, and you will have a much easier time of things when and if our weather acts up. To tell the truth, it’s much windier here in West Valley this Sunday afternoon than it was last week. Go figure. For now, it’ll be wet off and on for a few days, and then, supposedly, we’ve got several dry days ahead, which would make my flowers and me very happy.

SPECIAL DAYS. Well, it’s hard to believe that another month is over already, but here we are in April. Yeesh, time is flying by this year. Anyway, those celebrating birthdays this coming week from April 3 thru 10 are: Vaal Gribskov, Dana McClain, Marissa Longtain, Kylie Thacker, Timothy Parker, Trygve Gilbertson, Wendy Westover, Janet Bryan, Leanndra Aragon, Rafael Gilbertson, Patti Phillips, Paul Vik, Kayli Haas, Ashlee Olson-Blouin, Mackenzie Jones, Brian Doiron, Nicole Schubert, Matt Wright, Tyler Watkins, Randy Vik, Bob Johnson, Seth Steevens, Blake Johnson, Janna Doumit, Jackson Ratcliff, Dana Griffen, Pat Dennis, Patricia Worrell, Alex Olson, Judy Wilde, Sylvia Blix Link, Michaela Phillips, Costner Nielson, Mikayla Bell, Samantha Ahrndt, Larry Spieth and 67’er: Keith Lawrence. Celebrating anniversaries this week are Keith and Tina Fauver, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Blair, Mitch and Keri Moonen, Mr. and Mrs. Rob Gaillard, Brian and Lisa Furlong, David and Ruby Vik, and Mr. and Mrs. Norman Armstrong. Hope your birthday and anniversary celebrations are awesome this coming week! Happy days, y’all!

CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. Please note that I use the Lion’s Club Calendar to compile the above list. If you find an error, please notify me and then contact the WLC to make any necessary additions, corrections, or removals to the Lion’s Club calendar. I know I’ll be making a couple of additions this summer after a couple of my great-grandkids are born. I can hardly wait!

STELLA LUTHERAN CHURCH. It has come to my attention that the SLC will be holding fundraisers on April 4 and 11 at their chapel, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and will be serving pizza, salad, and beverages for a suggested donation of $15 to $20. They are raising money for a very worthy cause: purchasing a new commercial washing machine for Beths’ Place, a youth shelter. There will be a door prize on each of those evenings as well, so that’s a little extra something to look forward to. If you’re unable to attend either of these pizza events, you can still make a donation by mail. Send your donation to Stella Lutheran Chapel, P.O. Box 546, Longview, WA 98632. The Stella Lutheran Chapel is located at 124 Sherman Road, Longview, WA. To get there, take SR 4 to just west of Stella, then proceed up Germany Creek Road, and turn left at the first fork in the road onto Sherman Road. With everyone having map apps these days, you’ll find it quite easily. Anyway, I hope you can help. They can also be reached by phone for further information at 360-423-3795.

MORE MUSIC COMING UP. This Saturday, April 5 and continuing each Saturday through May 31, there will be great music by Mel and Leah and Friends at the Cathlamet Pioneer Center, beginning at 4 p.m. This is a great place to gather and enjoy some musical entertainment, and they’re starting the nine-week event off with some country sounds... terrific! Anyway, the PCA (Pioneer Community Association) hopes you’ll enjoy the live entertainment as it’s not every day that we get this opportunity. The cost of admission is by donation, and we hope you will consider making a generous donation if possible. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

CUP OF SUNSHINE. Once again, there is a fundraiser competition in the area, as the Fourth Annual “Cup of Sunshine” is already underway. Businesses and organizations compete to see how many donations they can collect, which will benefit the local food banks and WAAG (Wahkiakum Animal Advocate Group). This is being sponsored by the Wahkiakum Lions Club and Jabber Shack (65 Main St., Cathlamet). You can donate to these important causes from April 1 through June 30, so here’s hoping you’ll check out all the businesses in town, leave your change in the cute boxes that have been made up for the event and here’s hoping that each place has a group of generous donators to help them raise lots of moola!

GWTR NEXT MONTH. It seems hard to believe, but pretty soon all kinds of folks will be ready to hit the road by the refuge as they take part in the annual Great White Tail Run happening on May 17. This event is hosted by the Wahkiakum 4-H and sponsored by the Washington State University Extension office (25 River St E, Cathlamet). Every year, a contest is held in which these kids showcase their artistic abilities and submit their design for the t-shirt that will be used during the race. I’m happy to share that the winner of the 2025 art contest is Shalee Suomela of Naselle. Congratulations! She will be given a T-shirt featuring her drawing, as well as $25. In second place is Jason Gardner of Naselle, and there was a tie for third place with these two from Cathlamet: Naveah Mendez and Avi Hudson. Good job, everybody! You can see the artwork of these individuals on display at the Tsuga Gallery soon. Register at http://www.unsignup.com/Race/WA/Skamokawa/GreatWhiteTailRun

SECOND SATURDAY. On April 12, head to Skamokawa, as the fairgrounds will be hosting their monthly Flea Market and T-building sale. This event takes place on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is also the day to bring any decent, reusable items that you’d like to donate to a good cause.

CHECK IT OUT! While you’re down here, head up to the 1894 Schoolhouse, also known as Redmen Hall/River Life Interpretive Center, and take a look at all the new items in their gift shop/bookstore. I’m sure some of you have a family member or friend who has a birthday or other special occasion coming up, and you may find a unique gift there that you can’t find anywhere else. I love finding new things made locally! Also, now’s a good time to sign up for the FOS third annual Spring Tea on May 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost per person is $30. Seating is limited so contact them ASAP: 360-795-3007.

NORSE HALL BINGO. Now, all you Bingo lovers should head over to the Norse Hall on Puget that same day, April 12, but only in the evening, as the doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and those Bingo games begin at 6 p.m. The cards are $5 each but can be used throughout the entire night. With a little luck, you’ll be a Bingo winner and win one of those cash prizes. Good luck!

THINKING OF THEM. I heard that Lee Tischer had some surgery recently, and he could hardly wait until he was allowed to drive again. With any luck, he’s back on the road by now! We were happy to hear that he was back home and doing well. I also found out that my cousin, “Big Art” Pedersen, had taken a fall recently and had to go to the hospital, so that wasn’t such great news. We wish him well and hope he can get some help and build up his strength, so he doesn’t fall again. We will certainly hope for the best, and he could use all the good thoughts and prayers that you’d like to send his way.

BEES IN TROUBLE. In case you haven’t heard, our bee colonies are being killed off at an alarming rate, so we could be in for some significant issues when it comes to having enough bees to pollinate our crops, which would be devastating. So, as Spring is here and we tend to go a bit crazy on keeping things green, I urge you to let those yellow dandelions live, as they are the first food for the bees usually, so don’t see them as weeds, but as the givers of life, as they truly are needed right now. It would also help if we all grew some of the wonderful wildflowers that the bees need, too. So, maybe we could all look around and see if there’s an area or two that could use a bit of color and plant some seeds to promote more food for the bees... please!

GREAT SUCCESS. I was delighted to hear that the recent fundraiser held at the Duck Inn for a person in need of funds for a specific cancer treatment was a success. All who attended and were able to donate items for the auction and to bid on them to make this event a success are just terrific. A huge pat on the back to all of you! I know Candice and her mom are extremely grateful to everyone, and of course, huge kudos to Logan Britt and the Duck Inn for hosting the dinner, and to Tracey McCallum for organizing all the silent auction items and setting them up. Great job. This is just one more example of our wonderful, giving community coming together to help one another when it’s really needed. Love it!