Summer activities in Fraser
By Norma Brand
Summer is officially here and the weather has cleared up, we have had warm sunny days for the past week. The hay season is underway again. Our farmers are busy cutting and baling this year’s crop. Everyone hopes to get it into the barn while the sun is shining so it will be ready for feeding when the cold weather gets here.
This is also the time for family reunions, camping, fishing, playing ball, riding ATV’s in the back country and celebrating Independence Day on July Fourth.
On Friday, June 19, Donna Stickney and Norma Brand drove to Orofino to join the members of P.E.O. Chapter CD for a picnic lunch at the home of Marty Johnson. The day was cool and showers fell, so the group moved the picnic tables to the covered deck. The P.E.O. Idaho State Convention was held after the last meeting before the summer break, so President Ev Olsen gave the official report after the picnic. The rain didn’t dampen the group’s enthusiasm for an update on the latest information from the state officers. The Lunch Bunch group meets every third Friday of the month on an informal basis.
RoseAnna Thornton reported the Wilkins Family reunion was held at Slate Creek on Saturday, June 27. All the family members lived in the Weippe area at one time, approximately 50 made it to the reunion this year. RoseAnna’s granddaughters, Neika and Cera Selzler and Carl’s grandson Tyson Thornton and his wife Cheyenne and daughter Grace attended this year. Kevin Wilkins traveled the farthest this year; he came from New York. Everyone had a good visit and caught up on the news from each family. It was great to touch base with everyone again. Neika and Cera helped their Grandpa Carl take care of Peggy Ball’s miniature stud colt over the weekend. They also have kept an eye on Grandpa while RoseAnna returned to work at Brookside Landing. The girls will leave for home on Friday.
Dale and Oreta Stuart recently traveled to Gresham, OR to visit their daughter Carmen Minard and her husband Scott. They decided this was the only time they could get away, so they made the best of a short visit.
Oreta also joined her family for a picnic along Moose Creek near Bovill. Everyone looked for the wild strawberries to pick, but they were still green. The cold spring had kept them from turning red. Maybe next year.
The weather has been perfect for camping. The Balls and the Brands drove to Elk River on Friday, June 26 and returned home Sunday, June 28. They joined family members, friends and the members of the band who camped at Randy and Carrie Ball’s place in Elk River. Randy led the group on several ATV trips around the area on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. On Saturday evening everyone attended the Grand Opening of the Log Inn now owned by the Balls.
The temperature on Friday evening was cold, but the big bonfire and coats kept everyone warm while they gathered for potluck picnic. The members of the DEM band brought out their guitars and played and sang late into the night. One of Randy and Carrie’s neighbors was invited to jam with the band; Dave played the guitar and sang the blues. It was a real treat for everyone. Thanks to Randy and Carrie for providing everyone with such a good time, and we wish you every success in your business.
The past week has been a busy one for the Brown family. It was a good time to visit and to attend the wedding of their granddaughter Chelsie Zenner.
Donna and Danny Brown’s daughter, Danette McIntosh and her husband Josh and daughters, Grace and Lydia arrived at the farm on the evening of Thursday, June 25. They came to visit with the family and to attend the wedding.
Kevin and Katy and their children, Spencer and Natalie, stayed until Friday so they could visit with Danette and her family, before returning to Kelso, WA. Brad Brown returned to the Pullman area on Friday.
On Friday, June 26, Danny and Donna, Cory and Michele and their daughters, Izzy, Caitlin, Abby and Samantha, Derek and Caresse and their children, Emma, Parker and Nathan and Danette and her family attended the wedding of Chelsie and Brocke Moreland.
The wedding took place at the Faith Lutheran Church in Lewiston, and the reception was held at the Elk’s Lodge. Abby Brown was the flower girl; the colors were yellow and white. Chelsie and Brocke will move to Nebraska where they will join his family on a cattle ranch. Congratulations and good luck to the newlyweds.
Happy birthday goes out to Larry Schlader and Keith Lutes on July 7.
Happy Independence Day everyone.