It was a hot day for the Karuk Tribal Reunion at the Happy Camp River Park, but the activities and friends & neighbors who gathered made it all worthwhile.
The kids knew how to cool off and loved splashing down the waterslide. It didn’t appear to bother Duke Arwood when he got dunked in the Dunk Tank either. Sitting in the shade of the trees on the park lawn was great. That’s where we got to visit with all the friends and neighbors we hadn’t seen for a very long time!! John and Ruth Bain sent a post card from Europe with German Students, and here they were, back in Happy Camp!
There was an Olympic Competition for the youngsters. In the 3 to 5 year old category, Devin Rompon was able to kick the ball the farthest. Isabell Gomez kicked it almost as far and Natalia Sherman was third farthest. For the 50 Feet Dash those contestants varied it as Isabell Gomez came in first, Devin Rompon came in 2nd and Natalia Sherman was third for the bronze medal.
Results for 5 to 8 year olds in the 50 Yard Dash were Aliza Rompon first, Halayah Sherman 2nd and Julie Murray 3rd place. Aliza Rompon was also first for most jumping jacks within 3 minutes with 53 Jumping Jacks! Emily Mitchell was 2nd place. Halayah Sherman had 18 jumping jacks but she did 59 sit ups to win the first place in the most sit ups within 3 minutes. The 2nd place winner was Emily Mitchell with 28 sit ups and 3rd was Aliza Rompon.
When the 9-12 year olds competed, Hula Hoop Contest was won by Truly Jerila, and the 2nd place was Ryan Mollier and then Logan Mollier as they were the last three standing.. Alisha Jones came in first in the 100 yard dash, 2nd by Logan Mollier and 3rd Austin Bideler . Logan Mollier won first place in baseball throwing, followed by 2nd – Gavin Bideler and 3rd by Ryan Mollier.
The brave contestants for teenage category, were entered in the 3-Legged Race for 50 Yards! 1st place was won by Frankie Snider & Shaunice Polmateer. Kassie Polmateer and Gabby Ward came in second.. Other Competitors receiving ribbons included Jonny Court, Lucifer Alexander, Emily Mitchell, Marlene Juarez, Daisy Gomes, Alicia Jones, Kory Cenham, Trapper Busby, and Ryan Reed.
Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert “Rockin’ the Klamath” Concert was held at the River Park in Happy Camp on July 16th.
”Happy Camp Has Talent” was such fun! the Master of Ceremonies, Robert Schmalzbach, better known as JavaBob, couldn’t determine the winner between two very talented singers who both also write some of their songs. So the contest was declared a tie for the $100 prize from the Chamber of Commerce. Winners were Jelle Edwards of Albany, Oregon and Cassidy Rae Little of Happy Camp. Cassidy also sang the National Anthum at the start of the event. Thanks girls!!!
It was a treat for Happy Campers to hear and dance to the music of the classic rock band, “The Spiral Kings” from four to midnight. Before they played, there was a performance of the “Second Son” band, which was very well received!
Information on the Second Annual Rocking the Klamath will be posted as soon as available at www.rockintheklamath.com for more information.
Marble Mountain Gift Co, held it’s Grand Opening Saturday which was also the 3rd Annual the Art & Treasure Weekend.
This third annual Art & Treasure was like a huge town-wide Yard Sale with the additon of special arts and crafts things for sale. This was also the weekend of the Grand Opening for the Marble Mountain Gift Co in the former Siskiyou House facility that was previous to that Sears Roebuck Catalog Store. The former owners, Ivan and Gini Hyde retired. The store, with new floor, paint and roof, was filled with fascinating new products as well as items previously for sale at Parry’s Market. There were baby gift baskets, jams and jellies, and all sorts of gift and candy items. The espresso bar will be in full swing soon too!
Several members of the Chamber of Commerce traveled to Weed last week to meet other Chambers from Siskiyou County. It was such fun to see people from all parts of the County. Weed Chamber hosted the event and their President, John Diehm shared that it is their 59th birthday since April 20, 1952 when the Chamber began, 9 years before the city of Weed was official.
James Buchner, a director in our local Chamber shared how Happy Camp Chamber is also celebrating a birthday, being 25 years old. Previous Chamber over 150 years ago decided the original name of the name of the town was not good for tourism promotion so they changed the name of the town from “Murder’s Bar” to “Happy Camp!” James also told about the new website at www.happycampchamber.org and more happening soo. A new town map brochure will be out by mid May.
Happy Camp donated a nice little goody basket with products from Happy Camp members and there was a flurry of interest in the drawing. The contents of the basket included eight (8) chocolate bars from Nena’s, a small boutique chocolatier down river in Somes Bar. Nena started making chocolate as a hobby when her children were little, but since they are all grown she shares her chocolate delectables with others. She distributes mainly in the smaller stores along the river, but she is preparing to expand and is looking for new avenues of distribution. Klamath River Resort Inn has donated 2 tube trips of the Klamath River. Since the Klamath River at Happy Camp is the world’s best River for family floats, this will be a wonderful opportunity for summer fun on the Klamath River! The cheerful floral painting in the Van Gogh style, on a saw blade, is signed by local artist Ray Arneson. There were also Artisan blank cards by local artists. A favorite local senior author, Stella Patterson’s book, Dear Madam is included also. “Between the Floods – Happy camp 1856 to 1965” was in the basket, as well as a booklet of stories and poems by Linda Jo Martin – local writer and web designer. There was a New 49ers’s DVD and a DVD “Karuk Voices – Stories from the Klamath River” included. A Happy Camp Tee-shirt with the friendly smiley face was from Forest Lodge Motel. There were two river-polished stones of Happy Camp Jade in a basket donated by Karen Toledo.
The basket was very well received and was won by Cindy from Mt. Shasta. Thank you to all who participated and especially those who contributed such great products to the basket!
Congratulations to Vicki Hammon from Seiad Valley. Vicki is a regular visitor to Happy Camp High since her four children, youngest Cayle at present, have been students at the High School. She comes with the hat of a concerned parent, mom, and sometimes as a substitute teacher, as well as the Booster Club Treasurer. She is always ready to help with a smile!
We also learned that she doesn’t like surprises. She nearly thwarted the efforts to surprise her with “Citizen of the Year Award” for her contributions to Happy Camp High! Thanks for coming to the School Board Meeting, and thanks for all the good you do, Vicki!
Dinah Sulipeck celebrated her 66th birthday at the Grange Friday with the help of many old and new Chamber members, friends and neighbors along the Klamath River. What fun it was to share a spaghetti dinner made by Robbie Collum. Thank you, Robbie for your considerable time and effort. After some had seconds, it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Dinah and tackle that giant chocolate cake. Even got some sample music thrown in by Lou Sr.
Dinah had some words to share as president. I haven’t known Dinah long, but really appreciate her encouraging good will. It was fun to celebrate her birthday, too. She reminded the Chamber of the Mission Statement, The Happy Camp Chamber of Commerce’s mission is “to promote and encourage business, commerce and quality of life for the citizens of Happy Camp and the Highway 96, Klamath River Corridor.” Businesses all along 96 are welcome.
Chamber Board Members served Spaghetti Dinner for January.
Locating and restoring the Heart of Klamath banner that blew down was discussed. Following Dinah’s report, James Buchner gave a complete Treasurer’s Report. Good news is there is a credit on the telephone bill. Sad news is the Chamber is broke, but memberships are coming in to remedy that problem.
Secretary Cathleen Searle told of how she had come up with a membership list from a brochure and website and asked help in clarifying situations. Anyone wishing to work together in “Community Unity” toward the above mission statement is welcome. The Chamber returned dues to $50 and including 2 additional months if you sign up now. The Chamber telephone was changed to voice mail answered by the president and secretary. Terry Winslow has also offered to answer the phone.
Pete Winslow asked how many had gotten e-mails about the meeting and what we can do to get messages to others who may also have an interest in the mission of the Chamber. Pete offered to send a monthly newsletter. First was sent January 3rd but some couldn’t open it. Pete will send it in the body of a message ”but it won’t look so fancy!” To be notified, send him your e-mail, info@happycampchamber.org.
The Advertising Committee Report was given by James on the map and directory in the works for several months. Ads on the map will be available on a first come first served basis, but there will be a list of all members also. This membership brochure will be completed in March for April printing. The Board asked the gathering for input in dealing with the missing www.happycampchamber.com website. Dinah renewed the name with Go-daddy but who is the host? Restoring it hasn’t been accomplished yet. The members were very concerned about it. Lou Tiraterra, Sr advised to set aside previous mismanagement and proceed, so Treasurer will arrange for a new site with a company Kirk Eadie recommended.
To think that it all started when Cathleen was guest speaker in November on “community unity!” Several expressed the desire to forget the past, rebuilding trust and going forth with the new Chamber of Commerce to serve the members and our community on the wild Klamath River. Next meeting was set for February 1st at Elk Creek Campground and then all pitched in with cleanup and putting up chairs together. That Chamber can really work together and accomplish a lot quickly!
Thanks to Cathleen Searle, Dinah Sulipeck, Danielle Bailey, Melanie Vivpackman, and Coleen Goodwin, as well as the Volunteer Firemen and Santa and Company, who made the Tree Lighting a success. It was such fun to see all the kiddies tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas!
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