ST. HELENS – Emmert Motors will offer a free “Safe Kids Buckle Up” car seat check-up and installation event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in their dealership at 2175 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens.

The event is also part of “Safe Kids Columbia County”, an initiative of the Columbia County Commission on Children and Families, in partnership with Community Action Team and Columbia County Transit Division. Sunshine Pizza is also an event sponsor.

For information, call Emmert Motors at 503-438-4146.

ST. HELENS — Demolition has begun at the original site of the St. Helens Les Schwab at 58405 Columbia River Hwy. The building was destroyed after a fire on Aug. 24.

A temporary site is now open at 555 S. Columbia River Highway, next to the Village Inn restaurant.

A good indicator that fall is just around the bend in Columbia County is waking up to chilly, damp temperatures in the mornings and discovering magnificently constructed spider webs draped over much of your landscaping:

And these falling from your oak trees, making crunchy noises under your feet as you cross the lawn:

We have a forecasted high in Columbia County today of 86°F. Evening temperature will drop to around 51°F. Summer is slowly making an exit. Enjoy every last second of it!

Wee-Bop Music and Movement is a program where children ages 4 months to 6 years can engage in music, rhythm, art, cooking and/or sports. Wee-Bops, as it is commonly known, provides safe, indoor, high quality classes for children to explore, meet new friends, and expend their energy in innovative and fun ways.

Wee-Bop Music and Movement was started by St. Helens resident, Jen Morse in 2004. She had just moved to the St. Helens area, was a stay-at-home mom with two young children and had a newly earned Masters degree in Elementary Ed.  As a licensed teacher and a recent employee of Gymboree Music & Movement, she knew a program like Wee-Bop Music and Movement was something our community could really use, and something she could do and still stay home with her own children. She started off by offering 1 class a week at the Yankton Grange. Since then she has opened up shop off Columbia Blvd in St. Helens and in February of this year opened her second location in Scappoose. Wee-Bops, as it is commonly known, offers a variety of quality classes for children ages 4 months to 6 years.

Classes include such activities as Music & Movement, where little ones and their parents participate in circle games, rhythm instrument exploration, prop play, creative dance; Play & Art, focuses on building strength, balance and coordination as kids explore bounce hoses, tents, obstacle courses and ending each class with a simple art project; Preschool Prep, including short circle time, arts and crafts and sensory activities; Fitness, an intro into different sports in a noncompetitive fashion for the older kids (2.5-5yrs) and soon to be adding a yoga class for all ages;  and Cooking,  where students will learn about safety and sanitation in the kitchen, cooperation, experimentation, use of a recipe, and more.

Wee-Bop Music and Movement also offer private playgroups and themed birthday parties

Registration for the spring session is now underway for both locations.

Classes start Monday, April 30th. Please contact Jen Morse @ (503) 396-0956

For more detailed information please go to their website www.wee-bop.net, or find them on Facebook as Wee-Bop Music & Movement.

Vonnie and KK make dogs beautiful!

If you’re  looking  for a great place to have your dog groomed, check out Vonnie’s Dog House in St. Helens. With over 25 years experience, Vonnie and KK surely know how to make your little (or big) buddy look beautiful! I have a sweet labradoodle, and I know that not everyone knows how to make these often shaggy dogs shine, but KK certainly does! They’re busy gals, so call today for an appointment!

Check out Vonnie’s at 244 N. Columbia River Hwy, St. Helens, OR 97051 or call 503-397-6684!

Such a beautiful girl with her new hairdo!

Pure Serenity Massage, located on Columbia Blvd in St. Helens, is a peaceful and pleasant place to visit. Kayla Mixer, the owner and LMT, has created a beautiful salon with a variety of services that are very unique to our area. Besides a relaxing massage, you can also find gentle yoga classes here, enjoy a Reiki or Bowenwork session, have a facial or acupuncture. The list is long and the atmosphere is delightful. And coming very soon, Pure Serenity will be opening a second location in Scappoose. If you get a chance, drop by and feel the peacefulness of Pure Serenity.

Backstage Pass Performs at 13 Nights on the River

Tonight one of our local bands Backstage Pass will be performing at 13 Nights on the River in St. Helens at Columbia View Park. This is a great venue for concerts, especially on a nice evening. The bands use the gazebo as their stage and the gorgeous Columbia River and Cascade Mountains are the backdrop. Come on out, bring the whole family, and enjoy a FREE concert by the river! 13 Nights on the River is a weekly concert series that runs throughout the summer on Thursday nights starting at 6:00.