Fraser groundhog sees his shadow
By Norma Brand and Cathy Walker
The weather on Groundhog’s Day started out cloudy with a temperature of 27 degrees. We all thought, “That’s Great!” the groundhog won’t see his shadow today! Our hopes were dashed when the sun came out for a short time. Now we can look forward to six more weeks of winter.
The first month of 2008 has been cold. The snow storms and showers have kept the ground covered with snow.
On Jan. 29 the night of the benefit for Kathy and Scott Lefferts, the snow started falling around 4 p.m. The storm dropped so much snow it was difficult to see twelve feet ahead. This did not deter area residents from attending the event at the Timberline Schools. Michele Brown reported the benefit was a huge success. Michele also complimented Patty Blain for the job she did on organizing the dinner. All the items were donated, so a big thank you to everyone who baked lasagna, garlic bread, desserts, and made the salads.
The competition for the silent auction items was intense. Everyone kept an eye on the bid sheets right up to the last minute so they could put the last bid in before time was up. Thank you to everyone who donated items for the silent auction.
By the time the event was over, the snow had stopped and the drive home was made safely.
It was a pleasure to observe and to take part in this event as area residents turned out to help two special people. Good luck to Kathy and Scott.
Michele Brown reported the turnout was amazing, it shows just how special this community is.
The students at Timberline Schools are to be congratulated for their participation in another fundraiser for the Lefferts. They each paid $1 to wear a hat of their choice for a day and raised $190. Great job to all the students who participated.
Parker Brown celebrated his third birthday on Wednesday, Jan. 30. His grandparents, Kerry and Chris Gauthier, helped him celebrate on Wednesday, and on Saturday evening, he had a second party. Parker is a Spiderman fan, so that was the theme for his party. Along with his parents, Derek and Caresse, and sister, Emma, his Grandma Donna and Grandpa Danny, Uncle Cory and Aunt Michele and their daughters, Izzy, Caitlin, Abby, and Samantha, and Tony and Heather Christopherson helped him celebrate. His favorite gift was a big John Deere tractor to add to his collection of farm machinery. He will be ready to help run Brown Family Farm when he gets older.
Reggie and Peggy Ball enjoyed a visit from Reggie’s daughter, Tina Ball, her sons, Josh and Zack, and Zack’s friend, Nate, on Saturday, Feb. 2. They arrived about 1:30 p.m. so the boys could enjoy a day of playing in the snow. They had great fun riding on their sleds even their dog, Hogan, enjoyed a romp in the white stuff. They spent the night and returned to Lewiston on Sunday afternoon.
Marie Green enjoyed a visit from Norma and Steve Brand on Thursday, Jan. 31. She is in good spirits and enjoys company.
Wes Stuart joined his cousin, Doris Peterson, and her family for a day of snowmobiling on Saturday, Jan. 26. They started out at Peterson’s Corner and by the end of the day they had traveled 60 miles over the snow. Wes enjoyed using the big machine that belonged to Ted Peterson.
Norma visited with Nancy Smolinski on Monday, Feb. 4. Alvin is working as a valet parking attendant for St. Joseph Hospital in Lewiston during the week. They have been getting reports about all the snow we have in Fraser. Both are happy to be living in Lewiston where they don’t have to shovel it.
The Brown Farm has been following all the reports on agricultural field burning. IF all the negotiations go smoothly, it is possible an agreement will be reached that will allow controlled burning in the fall. Let’s hope the farmers get a break for a change so they can use burning to prepare their fields for planting. The cost and inconvenience they went through last fall was very frustrating for them.
The Weippe Wesleyan Church held their 13th annual “Where’s Weippe Ski Retreat” on Feb. 1 through Feb. 3 at Timberline Schools. There were 150 people in attendance despite the weather. There were churches from Yakima, Hermiston, Spokane, Clarkston, Vancouver, and Cottonwood Creek. On Saturday morning two buses carried everyone up to Bald Mountain for skiing. What an awesome time everyone had. On Saturday night everyone enjoyed the bonfire. The speaker was Mike Hoffman from the Vancouver, Washington, area. There was 41 inches of snow on the football field for the game of finding pop and candy bars in the snow. Thank you to Teri Larson, Weippe Wesleyan Youth Group, and everyone who helped make this year’s ski retreat possible. Thanks to Ivan Thompson, Pat Kerby, and Guy Walker for their 24 hour vigil of smoking a whole hog for Saturday’s dinner.
The Fraser Grange will hold their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 11. The potluck will start at 12 o’clock noon with the meeting to follow. Please plan on attending there are some important issues to discuss.
The Fraser Ladies Get Together Club will hold their February meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. The hostesses are Donna Brown, Peggy Ball, and Dolores Watson. The theme is Valentine’s Day so remember your secret sister’s gift or card.
On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Fraser 4-H Boosters Club will hold their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Remember to turn in your enrollment forms.
Happy Birthday goes out to Theresa Luna on Feb. 8. Happy Anniversary to Scott and Theresa Luna on Feb. 13.