Skamokawa News
by Kay Chamberlain email 795-3425
Skamokawa a sadder place this week
WARMING UP--Last week they said it was going to warm up and I guess it did in a lot of places, but we stayed stuck in sea fog in the morning hours and really didn’t see much sun until later in the day. On Saturday, we even had buckets of rain fall a couple of times; you know, the kind that digs ruts down your driveway. While it didn’t last long, it was long enough to green things up, as the grass seemed to spring to life and the trees grew practically over night. My gauge for this is a view of the neighbors’ house, which I used to be able to see, but now can’t, so those trees really did grow fast with that little drink of water! Forecasters are predicting another warm trend this week, so maybe those of you who love the heat will get to see some sun, and for those of us wishing for berries to ripen and gardens to grow a little better for those fair entries, the sun would be a great thing!
SPECIAL DAYS--Those celebrating birthdays August 14-20 are: Judy Smith, Tim Schmitz, Kathleen Morgain, Addy Hauff, Krista McGuire, Sarah Exum, Tyna Zink, Steve McClain, Teresa McNally, Jerry Pedersen, Toni S. Ostling, Vivian Olsen, Jessica Fletcher and Lori Pedersen Finkas. Those celebrating anniversaries are Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Gribskov, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bonds, Mr. and Mrs. Russ Durrah and Mr. and Mrs. Art Vik. Happy days to all of you!
If you have seen any changes that need to be addressed in the Lion’s Club calendar, please give a club member a call so they can correct it for next year. Maybe your loved one has passed on, name misspelled, or you need to add someone, Carol McClain is a good Skamokawa contact.
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY--I talked to Katrina Pedersen in California, daughter of the late David W. Pedersen, and she tells me that her daughter little Miss Paydn had a wonderful time on her first birthday. Considering she has been walking since she was nine months old, she was able to get around that cake and those presents with ease and she had a great time.
ANOTHER BIRTHDAY--Wow, it’s hard to believe but next Thursday will be the opening day of the three day Wahkiakum County Fair and also its 100th birthday celebration! We hope you will head to Skamokawa and take part in this centennial celebration, as there’s everything a small fair should have: Animals, food and entertainment. Hopefully you have volunteered to help out in some way, and we hope you’ve entered something, as it’s always great to see all the talent that people have when it comes to baking, sewing, flowers, photography and so forth. The fair is as good as we make it, so I hope you’ll rally around this unique opportunity and make yourself a viable part of your community and your fair.
BUT FIRST--You’ll get to enjoy a wonderful market experience on Puget Island this Friday. Follow the signs to West Birnie Slough Road. Don’t forget that a couple of our local folks have their specialty items for sale there as well, as Kathleen Morgain from Twin Gables B & B serves up fresh pies every week and Kitty and Don Speranza from the Inn at Crippen Creek serve up their variety of baked breads and cinnamon rolls.
Also, Greyfields Farm is offering their special breed of chickens this Friday on a first come, first serve basis, I’m sure they’ll all be gone in no time. Hamburger from this farm is also being used at the River Rat Tap Tavern, so it’s nice that the locals are buying and serving local foods as well.
NEW EXHIBIT--Redmen Hall is showcasing a new exhibit this Saturday by a group called the “Johnson Park Artists” and it will be running until September 28. An artists’ reception will take place Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. As an extra treat, artist Durten Kampmann from Naselle will be bringing her new children’s book, “Adventures of Moxie Mouse” and she will be signing those for you as well.
REUNION TIME--When it’s fair time, it’s also reunion time, so if you went to school in Skamokawa, don’t forget their “all school” reunion that will be held at the main pagoda in Vista Park on August 23 at 2 p.m. Call Gary Emery for more details: 795-0065.
Also, the Class of 1978 will be holding their 30 year reunion beginning with a “mixer” on August 22 at Earl & Shirley's Restaurant (Riverview) in Cathlamet at 7 p.m. Join the class for socializing and karaoke. The next day from 3 to 8 p.m., they are holding a BBQ (BYOB) at Vista Park at the upper level covered area. Call Susan (McClain) Kuhn at 795-3733 for more details.
STILL, NOT QUITE--With everyone offering their congratulations to hubby Bill on his retirement from the PUD, I figured I’d better set things straight, as that article came as a surprise to us. So, “No, he has not retired.” The caption under the picture in The Eagle, published last month on July 17, was close but not quite correct. Mike Brennan did indeed retire after 30 years at the PUD, as of the last day in July. “Congrats” do indeed go to Mike! However, Bill was there to accept his 30 year watch that is given to each person who puts in 30 years…and he had put in his 30 years in May. If you haven’t seen Bill lately, it’s not because he’s retired but still recuperating from surgery, no doctor release yet. However, with his big 65th birthday coming next month and his ankle in question as to whether he can hop in and out of ditches anymore, he may just retire real soon. When the day comes, I will let you know!
SYMPATHIES--Our deepest sympathies go to the families of Randy Oman, who left this earth way too young. Our hearts really go out to his wife Lucy and his parents John and Vera Oman. They lost a really sweet guy, as they well know.
Also, our condolences to the family of Al Free, who was another long time Cathlamet resident and left us at the age of 82. He was another wonderful guy, who was a pleasure to be around.
SHOCKING NEWS--It is with a heavy, heavy heart that we acknowledge the loss of a Skamokawa icon, as Skamokawa Pete Peterson was killed in an automobile accident Monday evening on SR 4. As word of his death spread around this little hamlet, the Duck Inn was enveloped with those who knew and loved Pete and just can’t imagine the Duck without him. This is a double tragedy for his daughter Sandra Davis who just lost her husband Doc a short five weeks ago. Son John had been expecting him to come to Alaska but that trip got cancelled unfortunately. Pete’s right hand gal Judy has all of our thoughts and prayers with her as she and the rest of the family deal with Pete’s sudden death. He was one of a kind!
Words cannot express how we feel over the loss of someone like Pete, who you may have known as a crusty old fisherman, a stubborn old Swede or the master of duck tape, as well as many others, but there was one thing that everyone will agree with, in time of need, he was one generous guy. Pete was recently one of the major sponsors for the car show for Dollars for Scholars, and throughout the years, I have made many a gift certificate for the various fund-raisers that the Duck Inn supported. When the floods hit a couple years ago, the Duck was opened in the wee hours of the morning for a place for flood victims to come and get something to eat and to meet with officials. Over the years, the place saw bankers, judges, lawyers, rock stars, bikers, state workers, county workers, fishermen, firemen, loggers, preachers and more come to enjoy the prime rib and seafood at the Duck and to see Pete; he seemed to know everybody! His classic statement, “Oh well, never mind” will ring in our ears forever, as those who knew him, heard it a million times! His passing leaves a big hole in our community as well as in our hearts. He will truly be missed by all of us who knew him.
ANOTHER LOSS--Sadly, as of this Tuesday morning, when we were already reeling with the news of Pete, we also learned of the passing of our beloved “Lady of the Oasis," Wanda Rudy during the night. Wanda had fought a very long, brave battle with cancer and our hearts go out to her family and close friends during this sad time. Wanda was one of those perky ladies who time after time, bounced back from yet another round of chemo and just kept that positive bubbly side showing to the rest of us. She was a true sweetheart and her passing brings yet another round of sadness to Skamokawa.
OVER THE HILL--On August 30, we hope you are able to attend the Gospel Concert that will be held at the Valley Bible Church at 7 p.m. The church is located on SR 4 near Swensons corner. Edward Downs and Steve Peterson will share their gift of music as not only do they sing but play the trumpet and saxophone as well. If you were at the Finn Fest, you would have heard Ed open the festivities with the Star Spangled banner a cappella in five-part vocal harmony, a wonderful singer. Also, there will be a guest vocalist, Miguel Verazas from California.
The Wahkiakum County Eagle Location: 77 Main Street,
Mail: P.O. Box 368,
Cathlamet, WA 98612
Phone: 360-795-3391 Fax: 360-795-3983
