City residents continue its history of inspiration

Summer in Longview is in full swing! With Go 4th in the near past, the concerts at the lake in motion, and dozens of other activities to come, that is a small part of the big picture. I said it before, and it is still so true – this community has energizing generosity. Leaders that work quietly behind the scenes that get stuff done are amazing to me.

Take Robert Alexander Long for instance, a man of multifaceted talents and gifts. We are celebrating “the” planned city he founded 100 years ago, at the seasoned age of 68, an age many consider for retirement. Beginning in 1923, Mr. Long put into motion so many of the remarkable foundations of this great city: the infrastructure for the industry, modest homes, a civic circle hub, a library and hotel, parks, a business district, churches and more. Who knew the population of Longview would grow to be more than 38,000 and Longview would become Tree City USA and nation? Or it would include 16 city-maintained parks, two high schools, theaters, a man-made lake (Lake Sacajawea), squirrel bridges, a hospital, a lovely downtown with incredible shops and restaurants and over 25 beautiful sculptures in an outdoor gallery? We also have a four-year college, golf courses, a regional transit system, a regional airport, major industry and businesses along the outskirts of town, and many businesses throughout the city.

I believe some of R.A Long’s greatest achievements go beyond the city he envisioned and built, and include his character – honesty, humility, fortitude, ingenuity, benevolence, team building, spirituality, investor, intelligence, considerate, and what we might call a “Renaissance Man”.

Through the years, Longview has had its own Renaissance men and women that have been out and about doing good for the city. One of those great souls is Arleen Hubble. She and her Go 4th team have been an amazing asset to our community for years and have blessed our community with outstanding celebrations. A beautiful plaque honoring Arleen was erected at Lake Sacajawea during the Go 4th festivities this year. Thank you, Arleen, from the bottom of our hearts for all you do.

Other notables this season:

Sue Piper – Celebrating 20 years as founder and publisher of the Columbia River Reader (CRR) – a local newspaper – “helping you discover and enjoy the good life around the Columbia River region, at home and on the road.” CRR recently published a book for the Centennial celebration, “Empire of Trees” by Hal Calbom, which is a commemoration of Longview’s 100 years. Thank you, Sue and Hal!

Reed Hadley – Leader of Longview’s Centennial Committee has helped coordinate with a team of individuals many activities to keep the 100 years celebration going in our community. Since the centennial kick-off in January there have been galas and tributes, and there will be a grand celebration in September with another gala, dinner, drone show and dancing. Thank you, Reed!

Central Sandlot Baseball, brought to Longview by Fellowship of

Christian Athletes of Cowlitz County, with local leaders Kane Ulrick, Mike Barbee and Mike Street, are giving back to help youth ages 6-12 experience the joy of baseball. Watching these coaches engage with the youth is inspiring! Their club motto: Character, integrity, and passion are clearly exemplified. Way to go Central Sandlot!

Ariel Large – Downtown business owner of Offbeat Antiques and Oddities, and founder of the Broad Strokes Project, a local nonprofit, has helped bring gorgeous building murals to the city. Recent murals are at the: Kiser Building, artist Jeff Sheridan; Pounder Building, artists Jason Borders and Rather Severe, and on the side of the Pets, Pawns and Instruments building, artist Paul Nunn. These murals are a blessing to our community. Thank you, Ariel!

I feel enormous gratitude for these individuals and others that quietly go about doing good in our community. Sometimes it takes a village to raise an individual, other times, it just takes one or two individuals to transform that village.