CRR January 2014

CRREADER.COM • January 10 – February 14, 2014 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.

CRR’s 6th ANNUAL

HAIKU FEST page 11

SHIRLEY SMITH’S FINAL MOVE

DOWNSIZING page 28

COOKING WITH THE FARMER’s DAUGHTER

MACADAMIA FUDGE TORTE

the good life...

Even in Winter

page 15

page 5

OUT•AND•ABOUT

THE BEATLES

50 Years Later

page 23

Feb. 14 Dinner at Rutherglen STEAMPUNK

The Fantastics page 17

THE MYSTERY OF MIMA MOUNDS

page 6 page 26

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

RETIREMENT CLOSEOUT SALE Sporty’s journey took almost 28 years. It was the love of serving you that woke me up every day to put on my smile and open the door.

Now, I ask for your support and prayers as I RETIRE from this “dream come true“ business and focus on family and other callings.

Much love, Sporty

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ESPN Radio and Home Team 1490 KLOG And get the Latest Local News & Sports The Morning Show John & Kirc 2 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

E

verybody probably realizes that advertisers are the backbone of a publication like Columbia River Reader. With only a handful of paid subscribers — unless we accept bribes or government grants or dip into Perry’s inheritance — we rely solely upon ad revenue to pay the bills.

At the same time, of course, without our writers, content contributors, editorial assistants and proofreaders, there wouldn’t be anything to put on the pages alongside the ads. Some readers have told me they enjoy reading our ads, many of which are unique, beautiful, clever or amusing.

But I doubt many would read CRR if it contained only ads. So the writers are indispensable, too. But there is another component — often taken for granted — of this merry mix that deserves appreciation.

Every month, a dedicated group — currently all gentlemen — divvies up the delivery lists and faithfully distributes the new issue to some 300 points around CRR territory. Rain or shine, hot weather or cold, they are out there filling sidewalk boxes and racks, and placing stacks in all the locations where readers count on picking up their free copies.

Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Dr. Bob Blackwood Nancy Chennault Melanee Evans Sara Freeman Marie Hatcher Ashley Helenberg Susie Kirkpatrick Suzanne Martinson Susan Milke Jim Misner Gary Meyers John L. Perry Ed Phillips Ned Piper Perry Piper Alan Rose Brian Skeahan Shirley Smith Paul Thompson Production Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Accounting Assistant: Lois Sturdivant Editorial & Proofreading Assistants Kathleen Packard, Sue Lane, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry, Ned Piper Advertising Reps Ned Piper, Sue Lane, Debi Borgstrom Columbia River Reader P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021

Sue’s Views

Bravo!

For the boys with the bundles and bags The distribution team does it within a 36-hour window and we couldn’t do without them. Hug a CRR “paper boy” and say “Thanks!” next time you see one.

How fitting that our Mima Mounds outing is scheduled for Groundhog Day (see page 6). Many of the theories

ON THE COVER Mima Mounds on a late winter day. Columbia River Reader

Cover Design by

Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,500 copies distributed free throughout the Lower Columbia region in SW Washington and NW Oregon. Entire contents copyrighted

by Columbia River Reader. No reproduction of any kind is allowed without express written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, not necessarily to the Reader.

CRREADER.COM Access the current issue, Dining Guide and Columbia River Reader Past Issue Archives (from January 2013), under “Features, Selected new articles will be posted monthly in “Articles.”

CRR’s Distributors: Now all they need is caps From left: Ned Piper, Perry Piper, Mike Perry, Stephen Perry, Bert Jepson, Steve Lervik.

Not pictured: John Freeman.

to explain this mysterious geologic occurence involve gophers. Join the fun on Feb 2. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see a groundhog searching for his prehistoric cousins!

Be sure to write your winter haiku (see page 11) and please keep your fingers crossed that there will be even a limited opportunity to dip smelt this year. Although smelt have been declared endangered, last winter’s run was so massive that it was all some of us could do to resist reaching down

at river’s edge and plucking a few smelt right out of the water with our bare hands. Many locals, including me, hold fond memories and would welcome another chance to enjoy a delicious fried smelt dinner.

We would LOVE to see many readers at the “I Want to Hold Your Hand” Beatles/Valentines Day celebration at Rutherglen on Feb. 14 (see page 23).

And to everyone, I wish you sweet moments and a warm winter.

Sue Piper

Columbia River Reader . . . helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.

In this Issue

4

Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter: Million dollar torte

6

Hook, Line & Sinker: Revisiting the Mima Mounds

9

Cover to Cover: Top 10 Bestsellers/ Book Review

10

Biz Buzz

11

Haiku Fest 2014

12

Northwest Gardener: Bundle up, it’s winter!

14

Man in the Kitchen: Curried beef soup

15

Out & About ~ Enjoying the good life, even in winter

17

Out & About ~ Steampump Fantasticks

21

Where Do You Read the Reader?

22-23 Outings & Events Calendar / Music Scene 24 Movie Reviews: Three for the New Year

Subscriptions $26 per year inside U.S. (plus $1.98 sales tax if mailed to Washington addresses).

25

Lower Columbia Informer ~ Hello, hola, guten Tag, bon jour

26

Columbia River Dining Guide

28

My Slant: Downsizing

30 The Spectator ~ Touchdown in the Banana Bowl 30

What’s Up Under the Bridge? Port of Longview Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 3

COOKING WITH THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

CORRECTION

Farmer’s Daughter’s mistake leads to reunion lunch, celebration In the holiday issue of Columbia River Reader, I made an egregious mistake in putting “the late” before the name of Polly Mendlin, whose delicious recipe for Sugared Pecans was printed in my column.

Just as the issue was published, I learned from reliable sources (that is, members of the Southwest Washington Symphony Auxiliary) that Polly in fact was at home at Canterbury Park. I jumped into my car to rush over to express my heartfelt apologies, but not before tripping and falling on all fours in the middle of the street on the Old West Side. I limped up to her room.

Polly and I had a wonderful time catching up, and later a nice long

lunch at the Monticello Hotel, where I introduced her to one of my favorite desserts, Lemon Cake.

How does such a mistake happen?

Stupid, I guess. Someone told me of her demise. I didn’t check this “fact.” My mistake puts Polly in the camp with many other notables, including (according to Wikipedia) Bob Barker, Queen Elizabeth II, Fats Domino, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ernest Hemingway and Bob Hope (twice), whose deaths were also falsely reported.

Like Polly, Mark Twain took a lighthearted approach to the news. The writer famously said: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Apologies to all from a red-faced food writer.

~ Suzanne Martinson

CONTACT US

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Columbia River Reader P.O. Box 1643, Rainier, OR 97048 www.CRReader.com Publisher@CRReader.com General inquiries 360-749-1021 or 503-556-1295

Advertising reps

Washington: Ned Piper 360-749-2632 or nedpiper@comcast.net Sue Lane 360-261-0658 or suzolds@gmail.com Oregon: Debi Borgstrom 503-728-4248

CRR Print Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previously-published articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations. Items sent to CRR may be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. We do not publish letters endorsing candidates or promoting only one side of controversial issues. Name and phone number of writer must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose—to help readers “discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road.” However, advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.

Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public.

The arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority.

See submission details, page 24. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

Behind the range with a million-dollar

by Suzanne Martinson torte PhotoStoryby Bob & Suzanne Martinson

E FIBR

T C A F# 12

C

ollecting the right ingredients is just the first step on the slippery slope of making a favorite recipe from the past. One particular favorite from my career as a food editor looms larger than life.

First and foremost, it is chocolate. No wonder the Macadamia Fudge Torte was the first million-dollar winner in the famed Pillsbury Bake-Off. It was March 1996, and I was there in the Dallas Fairmont, one of many reporters mingling with the 100 finalists, as they mixed, patted, bubbled and baked in the enormous ballroom. Each had a kitchen outfitted with the tools and ingredients to create a winner in a contest that Pillsbury would only say drew “hundreds of thousands” of entries.

It was a tightly controlled media event, and the contestants were sequestered from us nosy journalists before we were unleashed amid those 100 kitchens.

In the end, the baker who took home the big bucks was the first man to win the Bake-Off, and the rumor on the floor was that Kurt Wait of Redwood City, Calif., was a man with a plan.

Contestants must make at least two batches of their entry — one for the camera and display, one for the judges.

Our favorite entrants were the friendly, quotable ones who made a third batch — so we could taste it.

There are many theories on how to win, and supposedly Wait made sure his entry in the Special Occasion Desserts category was the last one to go before the judges — so they’d remember it.

True or not, it worked. Personally, I attribute his recipe’s success to the three hits of chocolate, pears that moistened the cake, and macadamia nuts.

As I recall, he said he would use the money to send his kid to college. When it comes to today’s college tuition, we know that a million bucks doesn’t go as

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4 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

Banking made easy

cont from page 4

far as it used to, but the torte remains a showstopper. After years of sharing recipes I’ve learned that desserts with cake mix are hugely popular. Cake mix gives a cook hope.

After re-creating the Macadamia Fudge Torte, here’s my advice on using a favorite recipe from the past: One problem I didn’t have was that after 17 years the Pillsbury Moist Supreme Devil’s Food Cake Mix was still available. Would the Duncan Hines or store brand mix work as well?

Maybe.

As a food editor, I might go to several supermarkets to find the exact ingredient. Today, I make one trip, so when the low-fat sweetened condensed milk was not on the shelf, I opted for non-fat, which was. Don’t use evaporated milk, though, because it would surely throw off the recipe.

I adore both macadamia nuts and pecans, but how can it be Macadamia Fudge Torte with pecans?

When it comes to basic ingredients I use what’s on hand. We drink skim milk, so I used skim. We have vegetable, canola and olive oils; I used the mild-tasting canola.

Macadamia Fudge Torte

The baked Macadamia Fudge Torte cools for 10 minutes before popping the springform pan so it can cool completely before slicing.

The rich torte was the first million-dollar winner in the 1996 Pillsbury Bake-Off.

Many cans of fruit, including pears, have been downsized. I scrimped and didn’t buy an extra can of sliced pears to total 16 ounces.

I have oodles of springform pans, I used a nine and one-half inch.

No 17-ounce jar of butterscotch-caramelfudge ice cream topping turned up on my supermarket shelves. Turns out, Wait used a brand called Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch Caramel Fudge. I combined 14-ounce jars of butterscotch and caramel and had leftovers for the remaining ice cream, which was used as a garnish.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

1/3 cup low-fat sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk) 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (we like Ghirardelli) 1 package Pillsbury Moist Supreme Devil’s Food cake mix 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/3 cup oil One can (16 -oz) sliced pears in light syrup, drained 2 eggs 1/3 cup macadamia nuts or pecans 2 teaspoons water 1 jar (17 ounces) butterscotch-caramel-fudge ice cream topping 1/3 cup milk

Following the recipe’s instructions, I used two large electric mixer bowls, three 1-cup liquid measuring cups, one-half cup and one-third cup dry measuring cups, small glass bowl to break the eggs into, 1 small saucepan to combine chocolate chips and condensed milk (or you can use microwave-proof bowl), food processor with metal blade, 4-cup glass measuring cup, medium saucepan, teaspoon and tablespoon measuring spoons, cooling rack, cake plate, and for our dinner party, 8 serving plates and forks.

Oddly, though ice cream wasn’t mentioned in Pillsbury’s printed recipe, it was shown in the photograph. Add a pint of vanilla ice cream and an ice cream scoop to the list.

Judges said they liked the dessert for its “ease of preparation.” They fudged on that, but it did have an “intriguing blend of textures and stylish presentation.” In short, delicious.

In making the cake again it became clear why the winner didn’t make a third batch for us hungry writers. Worth the work?

You bet.

•••

The

New Kearney Breast Center

Suzanne Martinson is a longtime food editor, and she’s never shared a recipe she didn’t like.

She is working on an e-book version of The Fallingwater Cookbook: Elsie Henderson’s Recipes and Memories.

Preheat the oven to 350º. Spray a 9- or 10inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a small saucepan combine the condensed milk and chocolate chips for filling. Cook over medium-low heat until the chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally.

In a large bowl combine the cake mix, cinnamon and oil. Blend at low speed for 20 to 30 seconds or until crumbly. Place the pears in a blender or in a food processor fitted with a metal blade; blend until smooth.

In a large bowl combine 2-1/2 cups of the cake mixture, the pureed pears and the eggs.

Beat at low speed until moistened, and then at medium speed for 2 minutes. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Drop chocolate chip mixture by spoonfuls over the batter. Stir the nuts and water into the remaining cake mixture and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top springs back when touched lightly in the center. Cool 10 minutes. Remove the sides of the pan. Cool 90 minutes or until completely cooled.

In a small saucepan combine the butterscotch topping and the milk. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until well blended, stirring occasionally. To serve, spoon 2 tablespoons of the warm sauce onto each serving plate and top with a wedge of torte.

(If desired, top with a scoop of ice cream.)

Serves 12.

~ Winner of 1996 Pillsbury Bake-off.

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Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 5

Northwest Geology

Mima Mounds, revisited

Hook, Line & Sinker

In face of new study, columnist stands by theory If You Go

Mima Mounds

By John L. Perry

A

new study out of San Jose State University argues western Washington’s Mima Mounds are the result of thousands of years of pocket gopher activity: The study’s authors reject the earthquake hypothesis (explained in my original article) to account for the mysterious mounds, arguing burrowing rodents were the cause.

But worldwide, there are similar mounds, some found far from the range of pocket gophers (or giant prehistoric gophers). The soil profile at Mima Prairie has a relatively rich but thin top layer underlain by a gravelly substrate which is not particularly good gopher habitat. There is no evidence of gopher activity or burrows beneath the mounds and few, if any, gopher bones or fossils are present.

I say the San Jose geologists are all wet. In my opinion the Mima Mounds are the product of earthquake shocks and vibrations rattling the bedrock below, instantaneously forming the dimpled pattern on the surface. I’ve seen the phenomenon myself when sawing a piece of plywood with a SkilSaw. While making a cut, as sawdust accumulated on the flat board, vibrations from the saw blade’s teeth rattled the plywood sheet enough for the loose sawdust to form the familiar dimpled pattern.

The earthquake hypothesis makes the most sense to explain formation of the Mima Mounds. I’d bet the farm on it.

Orginally published in Columbia River Reader March 2009

I

n 1841, when US Navy Lt. Charles Wilkes led an exploration of southern Puget Sound and the surrounding territory, he discovered an odd prairie landscape composed of thousands of closely-spaced mounds covering hundreds of grassy acres on what is today called Mima Prairie in Thurston County, about 10 miles southwest of Olympia and a few miles north of Rochester, Washington.

Sometimes called “prairie pimples,” the mysterious bumps, averaging six to eight feet tall and about 25 feet across, are known as Mima Mounds. Also found in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Wyoming and California, the mounds at Mima Prairie are the largest and best preserved examples.

Peculiar pattern: what caused it?

Mima Prairie, located on a glacial outwash plain in the Black River valley, was flooded by sediment-laden water about 15,000 years ago when Ice Age glaciers that gouged out Puget Sound melted. It is covered with an unconsolidated layer of loose sand and gravel, arranged in the peculiar dimpled pattern, overlying level bedrock not far below.

For 140 years people speculated about the origins of these unusual mounds. Theories ran the gamut of scientific thinking and popular whimsy, including Indian burial mounds (which Wilkes believed, but excavation of several found no remains); the result of buffalo herds wallowing on a wet prairie for untold centuries (although buffalo never inhabited the region); the result of burrowing by giant prehistoric gophers (there is no evidence giant gophers ever inhabited the area); the result of thousands of years of ordinary gophers burrowing and tunneling (there is no evidence of tunnel systems in the mounds; the few gophers present today live between the mounds); caused by thousands of years of ant colonies building giant anthills (there is no supporting evidence); and soil expansion and contraction caused Longview native John Perry is a retired forester living on his wheat and Christmas tree farm near Brownsville Oregon.

Driving directions: From I-5 Exit 95. follow Maytown Road west for 3 miles to Littlerock. At a stop sign proceed forward (west) on Littlerock Road, which soon turns left (south). Bear right here onto 128th Avenue (signed for the Capitol State Forest). In 0.7 mile come to a “T” intersection. Turn right onto Waddell Creek Road and drive 0.8 mile. At a sign announcing “Mima Mounds Natural Area,”turn left and reach the trailhead in 0.4 mile. Privy available.

Note: Mima is pronounced “MEEmah” by some, MY-mah by others.

Read more about the new study at www.nbcnews.com/science/ geologists-digging-mima-moundsmystery-say-gophers-behind-it2D11702466

Let’s take a Sunday hike on Groundhog Day! CRR’s bus will visit Mima Mounds on Sunday, Feb. 2, serving FREE hot apple cider 1-3pm. Space is limited, but a few seats may still be available (call 360-749-1021). Otherwise, carpool (Discover Pass required to park) and meet there to walk the 2.75-mile paved path or optional half-mile section of the loop. Like us on Facebook to receive updates or notice of re-scheduling due to weather.

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6 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

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Mima Mounds

cont from page 6 by freezing and thawing plus wetting and drying cycles over thousands of years.

Aha! Now we get it But in 1980 a convincing theory emerged which has since gained acceptance in geology circles as the best explanation. Andrew Berg of Spokane, a former U.S. Bureau of Mines geologist, was building a doghouse in his back yard shortly after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The plywood panel he used was covered with a thin layer of freshly-deposited volcanic ash and, as he pounded nails into it, he noticed the ash layer immediately formed a dimpled pattern in response to the board’s vibration caused by his hammering. It made him think of the mounds at Mima Prairie.

Berg hypothesized the bedrock beneath Mima Prairie was analogous to his plywood and the prairie’s overlying glacial till (sand and gravel) was like the volcanic ash coating the board. A sharp seismic wave from a strong earthquake, bouncing between

fault lines, could have rattled the Mima bedrock enough to cause the gravelly soil layer above to vibrate, instantaneously forming the evenlyspaced mounds.

Another variation on the earthquake Alternatively, a grinding earthquake, with tectonic plates grating against each other for a few seconds producing a rapid series of shocks, could also have caused the bedrock vibration necessary to create the prairie’s undulating, bumpy surface. Geologic evidence indicates a major quake did occur here about 1000 years ago.

Can’t give up giant gophers Either way, the earthquake theory makes more sense than any other explanation and, while there are still believers in the giant gopher idea, most have come to accept Berg’s hypothesis. Upon hearing the news, many geologists probably slapped their forehead, exclaiming “Dang! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Today, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the 637-acre Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve as part of the Capitol State Forest. The site is also listed as a National Natural Landmark under a program managed by the National Park Service. There is a half-mile paved walking path and a two-mile gravel trail, both of which loop through the mounds across the prairie and back.

A kiosk with interpretive displays, parking lot and restrooms complete the facilities. Admission is free but dogs, campfires and bicycles are not allowed.

In addition to the mounds, the preserve offers the opportunity to experience a remnant of a once-widespread ecosystem, the Puget Prairie. This native grassland, originally covering 180,000 acres, was found on glacial outwash areas around southern Puget Sound but today only 3% remains undeveloped. Native grasses and wild flowers such as the rare whitetopped aster, golden paintbrush and many, many others, still display their

natural beauty among widely scattered white oak trees in this unique plant community.

Before European settlement, Indians burned these prairies annually to maintain open conditions that favored hunting and growth of one of their staple food plants, the camas lily. Due to the cessation of this burning, forest trees are invading the prairie edges and non-native plants are making inroads as well. The DNR, with help from volunteer labor, is working to restore prairie conditions where coniferous trees have encroached and to remove exotic invaders such as Scotchbroom.

It is hard to say which is the main attraction at Mima Prairie, the mounds themselves or the native prairie/ grassland ecosystem. I like both.

If you go, take walking shoes, camera, binoculars, wild bird book, and in spring through early summer, a good native wildflower guide. Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve offers a continuing wildflower show as species after species come into bloom.

•••

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Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 7

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Community Life: School Levies

Strong schools ... strong communities

T

By Susie Kirkpatrick

hose yellow and black “Vote Yes Schools” signs are popping up all over again signaling replacement school levies will be on the February ballot.

Since so many area residents don’t have kids currently in school, why are levies so important and why do we have such a long tradition of passing them?

Good schools are impor tant to everyone. The quality of a community increases along with the quality of its schools. Good schools contribute to protecting your home and property investments and educating students who will someday be available for employment within your community.

Prospective new businesses and residents examine local schools when looking for a place to settle. So, even if you don’t have children in school, you benefit. Strong schools reflect a strong community.

Communities support local levies because state funding does not cover the cost of educating our kids. In Longview and Kelso $1 of every $5, over 22% of the budget, comes from local Maintenance and Operation levy funds. The scenario is similar in other districts. These funds enable districts to hire teachers, counselors, instructional aides and other staff the state does not fully fund. Books, supplies and teacher

training also come from levy dollars.

More Advanced Placement and other college prep courses can be offered as well as classes that prepare students for work in the trades.

Levies fund sports, clubs, bands and other extracurricular activities keeping kids engaged and productive. These activities develop the cooperation and leadership skills employers seek and college application committees have come to expect.

The Longview School District is also seeking to renew a smaller Technology and Capital Projects levy to help cover the cost of maintaining and preserving buildings and upgrading the instructional technology essential for educating students in today’s world.

Computers for students and teachers, interactive teaching equipment and the related infrastructure are all supported by this levy.

Levies on the ballot February 11 replace expiring levies; they are not additional taxes. Both Longview and Kelso are running replacement levies that keep current rates for the next four years providing more predictability for both the school districts and taxpayers.

Levies are for learning. Bonds are for Buildings: Levies and bonds are often confused. Levies typically fund the things needed by students for everyday learning. Levy funds are not used for large building projects like remodeling or new school construction; bonds are issued for that purpose. Passing a levy requires a 50% majority while bonds need 60% voter support to pass.

The quality of life in our communities is largely reflected in the quality of our schools. School supporters may have differing opinions on some issues, but backing school levies is a subject on which we can all agree.

Supporting our school levies is a critically important investment in our communities and our future.

Susie Kirkpatrick is a former principal and teacher in the Kelso public schools and cochair of the Longview Citizens for Quality Schools, the group that organizes the levy campaign. (Editor’s note: School district officials can and do work with the committee in their capacity as private citizens when they are off the clock.)

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8 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader Jan 2014 Col River Reader Ad 4.875 x 3

Cover to Cover Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, for week ending December 29, 2013, based on reporting from the independent bookstores of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For the Book Sense store nearest you, visit www.booksense.com

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION 1. Beautiful Ruins Jess Walter, Harper Perennial, $15.99 2. Dear Life Alice Munro, Vintage, $15.95 3. Where’d You Go, Bernadette Maria Semple, Back Bay, $14.99 4. Flight Behavior Barbara Kingsolver, Harper Perennial, $16.99 5. The Orchardist Amanda Coplin, Harper Perennial, $15.99 6. The Round House Louise Erdrich, Harper Perennial, $15.99 7. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore Robin Sloan, Picador, $15 8. The Best American Short Stories 2013 Elizabeth Strout, Heidi Pitlor (Eds.), Mariner, $14.95 9. The Dinner Herman Koch, Hogarth, $14, 9780385346856 10. The Snow Child Eowyn Ivey, Reagan Arthur/Back Bay Books, $14.99

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

HARDCOVER FICTION

1. Hyperbole and a Half Allie Brosh, Touchstone, $17.99 2. Wild Cheryl Strayed, Vintage, $15.95 3. Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher Timothy Egan, Mariner, $15.95 4. Unlikely Loves Jennifer S. Holland, Workman, $13.95 5. Quiet Susan Cain, Broadway, $16 6. Orange Is the New Black Piper Kerman, Spiegel & Grau, $16 7. Unlikely Friendships Jennifer S. Holland, Workman, $13.95 8. Must-See Birds of the Pacific Northwest Sarah Swanson, Max Smith, Timber Press, $19.95 9. Soup Night: Recipes for Creating Community Around a Pot of Soup Maggie Stuckey, Storey Publishing, $19.95 10. Why Grizzly Bears Should Wear Underpants Matthew Inman, Andrews McMeel, $16.99

1. Dog Songs Mary Oliver, Penguin Press, $26.95 2. The Goldfinch Donna Tartt, Little Brown, $30 3. S. J.J. Abrams, Doug Dorst, Mulholland, $35 4. Aimless Love Billy Collins, Random House, $26 5. Sweet Thunder Ivan Doig, Riverhead, $27.95 6. The Signature of All Things Elizabeth Gilbert, Viking, $28.95 7. Sycamore Row John Grisham, Doubleday, $28.95 8. The Valley of Amazement Amy Tan, Ecco, $29.99 9. The Ocean at the End of the Lane Neil Gaiman, Morrow, $25.99 10. And the Mountains Echoed Khaled Hosseini, Riverhead, $28.95

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1. I Am Malala Malala Yousafzai, Little Brown, $26 2. The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, Viking, $28.95 3. David and Goliath Malcolm Gladwell, Little Brown, $29 4. The Bully Pulpit Doris Kearns Goodwin, S&S, $40 5. Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book Diane Muldrow, Golden Books, $9.99 6. I Could Pee on This Francesco Marciuliano, Chronicle, $12.95 7. Things That Matter Charles Krauthammer, Crown Forum, $28 8. Stitches Anne Lamott, Riverhead, $17.95 9. One Summer: America, 1927 Bill Bryson, Doubleday, $28.95 10. William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Ian Doescher, Quirk, $14.95

MASS MARKET 1. A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 2. A Dance With Dragons George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 3. Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card, Tor, $7.99 4. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99 5. A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 6. 2312 Kim Stanley Robinson, Orbit, $10 7. A Storm of Swords George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 8. The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary, 4th Edition Merriam-Webster, $7.5 9. The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien, Del Rey, $8.99 10. The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger, Little Brown, $6.99

CHILDREN’S INTEREST 1. The Book Thief Markus Zusak, Knopf, $12.99 2. The Fault in Our Stars John Green, Dutton, $17.99 3. Looking for Alaska John Green, Speak, $9.99 4. Star Wars: Jedi Academy Jeffrey Brown, Scholastic, $12.99 5. Fangirl Rainbow Rowell, St. Martin’s Griffin, $18.99 6. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Ransom Riggs, Quirk, $10.99 7. The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit Emma Thompson, Eleanor Taylor (Illus.), Frederick Warne and Company, $20 8. God Got a Dog Cynthia Rylant, Marla Frazee (Illus.), Beach Lane, $17.99 9. Frog Trouble . . . and Eleven Other Pretty Serious Songs Sandra Boynton, Workman, $16.95 10. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney (Illus.), Little Brown, $15

CLIP AND SAVE for easy reference at your bookstore or when browsing at your local library, bookshop, e-book source or book-loving friend’s shelf.

BOOK REVIEW

The Round House

By Louise Erdrich Harper Collins $15.99 Paperback

L

ouise Erdrich’s The Round House, winner of the National Book Award, is one of those occasional novels that can be classified both as “commercial fiction” (fastpaced, strong narrative, action) and “literary fiction” (complex, literate, multilayered, and “serious”).

The narrator is 13-year old Joe Coutts, living on an Ojibwe reservation with his father, Bazil, a tribal judge, and his mother, Geraldine, who works as a kind of social worker and whose job is “to know everybody’s secrets” on the reservation.

Coming of age, and other mysteries The novel begins with the brutal assault on Joe’s mother in the Round House, a sacred place of worship for their people. Severely traumatized, Geraldine withdraws into herself, unable—or unwilling—to say who attacked her and why.

Emotionally shut out by his mother, frustrated that the police are turning up no clues, Joe begins his own investigation, assisted by his friends, Cappy, Zack, and Angus.

The austerity and strain of life on a North Dakota reservation provides the backdrop for the story, highlighting the poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence, and tense, mutually mistrusting relations between the whites and the “rez Indians”—“Just yesterday a white guy asked me if I was a real Indian. No, I said…The real Indians are in India. I’m a genuine Chippewa.”

A number of reviewers have compared The Round House favorably to Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird — there is the complex adult world seen through

Alan Rose, author of Tales of Tokyo and The Legacy of Emily Hargraves and The Unforgiven, organizes the monthly WordFest gatherings. He can be reached at www.alan-rose.com, at www.Facebook.com/Alan.Rose.

Author, and www.Facebook.com/WordFestNW.

My father could out-weather anybody.

Like people anywhere, there were times when it was the only topic where people here felt comfortably expressive, and my father could go on earnestly, seemingly forever. When the current weather was exhausted, there was all the weather that had occurred in recorded history, weather lived through or witnessed by a relative, or even heard about on the news. Catastrophic weather of all types.

And when that was done with, there was all the weather that might possibly occur in the future. I’d even heard him speculate about weather in the afterlife.

~ From The Round House

By Alan Rose

Father’s church. Joe watches as Cappy comes tearing out of the confessional, running for his life, as Father Travis, an ex-Marine and very fit, chases him throughout the reservation, intent on throttling the boy.

Eventually, Joe and his friends will uncover the truth of the Round House, but will find little comfort in it—“I couldn’t tell anyone. Even I didn’t want to know what I knew”— and learn that the pursuit of truth must sometimes settle for the best-wecan-do kind of justice.

•••

the eyes of a young person, the father as a good and decent man, issues of racism and justice (“Any judge knows there are many kinds of justice—for instance, ideal justice as opposed to the best-we-can-do justice.”)

The mystery of what happened in the Round House drives the narrative. But this is also a coming-of-age story, and amid its bleakness and intensity, there are some very funny scenes: Cappy goes to confession, where he admits to Father Travis that he had sexual relations with a girl…from the visiting Youth Encounter Christ group…inside

Feb. 4 Location pending

Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 9

Biz Buzz

AUXILIARY

What’s Happening Around the River Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we will include news of innovations, improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones of interest to readers. Please email publisher@crreader.com to share the local buzz.

Retired Cowlitz County Commissioner George Raiter has been appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to the Lower Columbia College Board of Trustees. Raiter brings a wealth of business experience and community service connections to the board. The longtime Longview resident served on the county board for 12 years, retiring in 2012. Prior work experience included six years as a manager with Weyerhaeuser, 15 years as a manager at the Reynolds Aluminum Electrical Division and an extensive list of community positions. Raiter and his wife of 48 years, Judith Bartholomew, have two grown sons and three grandchildren.

Longview Physical & Sports Therapy h as adde d physical therapist Brittney Higa to its staff. The Kelso High Brittney Higa S c h o o l graduate earned a degree in exercise science and sports medicine from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California, and a doctorate in physical therapy at Chapman University in Orange, California.

She worked previously at InMotion Physical Therapy and Wellness in Irvine, California, and at Portner Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Honolulu, Hawaii. She said she is happy to be back in the local area where, when she’s not working, Higa enjoys going to the beach, diving, water sports, and spending time with family.

LPST is located at 625 9th Avenue at Pacific Surgical Institute.

Owner Phillip Lovingfoss closed Ginger’s Restaurant, the Monticello Hotel Banquet and Wedding Services and the ’23 Club Lounge located inside the Monticello Hotel, Longview Wash., as of January 1, 2014. Lovingfoss said in a press release that he wants to pursue other endeavors and has decided now is the time to sell or lease the restaurant and lounge. He and Ginger Allred (see photo in ad, facing page) have developed many friendships and loyal customers over the years and said they are currently searching for a restaurateur who can meet the local area’s needs and continue the operation of the elegant and historic Monticello Hotel.

We’reg aisin Fundr With AVAILABLE Jan. 20 AT Columbia River Reader’s office 1333 - 14th Ave. • Longview, Wash.

Mon-Wed-Fri • 11- 3pm Info: 360-261-0658

VARIABLE RATES

Advance wedding and banquet deposits are being returned. Gift cards and Rotary meal cards can be returned until March 31 at the Monticello Hotel front desk. Front desk services, the hotel, suites, extended stays, adjacent motel, apartments, office rentals and all businesses currently located inside the Monticello Hotel will remain open.

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Hours: Mon – Thurs 9 – 6 • Friday 9– 5 • Saturday 9 – 5 10 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

2014 Haiku Fest

5-7-5: Time to chill, write winter poetry

I

t is time once again for budding Bashos to pick up pencil, pen, or brush and put beautiful thoughts to paper. The Columbia River Reader announces what has become an annual haiku celebration. Considering that in past contests we have received entries from as far away as Romania and Japan, can we not say proudly that our influence—at least in the haiku arena-extends virtually around the world?

We have omitted the history of haiku in this announcement, assuming that if you don’t already know what haiku is, how could you possibly compete?

Are we assuming too much? Are we stifling creativity? If so, we apologize in advance.

Back to Nature Our editor thinks that in the midst of texting, twitter and tweets, we need a dose of the traditional occasionally to remind readers that there is still life in the slow lane. There is still the scent of roses on the bush, the elegance of stags in the forest, and the ripple of trout in the stream. We are too often caught up in the chaos we ourselves create and don’t take time to acknowledge the beauty that surrounds us in nature.

This year we are restricting the entries to classic haiku — poetry that captures a snapshot of a moment in time and conveys a feeling or a mental image inspired by an element of nature, a thing of beauty, or a poignant personal experience.

We will separate the entries into two categories: observations and experiences from around the Columbia River region,

and all others. For a new twist, we will also allow original art or photographs which relate to the haiku to accompany the entries. However, the rights to publish any images submitted, like the haiku, belong to Columbia River Reader.

We intend the contest to be fun and free for all, so participants should not expect monetary gifts, new cars, or vacations in Paris. Would not a warm, rain-free day in Longview or Scappoose be reward enough? But we can hardly promise that! Qualifying entrants will be invited to a haiku party on Sunday, March 16 the evening of a full moon — with door prizes, food and fun.

To get the creative juices flowing, I’ve included a few winning entries from past years (also read last year’s

By Gary Meyers

Gary Meyers 3045 Ala Napuaa Place #1406 Honolulu, HI 96818

A few rules •As discussed above, only traditional haiku in traditional format (three lines of five syllables, seven syllables, and five syllables each) will be accepted this year.

•Entries must arrive no later than midnight on Feb. 28, 2014. Please include your name and city of residence. Winners’ names and haikus will be published in the March edition of the CRR.

•Judging will be done solely on the strength and quality of the poetry and not on any images that might accompany the entries.

Good luck to all. May the spirits of the great haiku poets guide you and energize you as you seek to create exquisite haiku.

•••

•Up to five entries per person may be submitted •Entries submitted via email are preferred (ggmeyers3899@aol.com) although submissions sent via the USPS (snail mail) will also be accepted.

If using snail mail, please send to:

Gary Meyers grew up in Longview and now lives in Hawaii. He concocted the original CRR Haiku Contest in 2009 as somewhat of a lark. We are continually amazed by the annual events’s popularity and appreciate every reader who takes part.

in Jan 2013 CRR, page 6-7, available via “Archives” under “Features” at crreader. com)

Silver full moon shines Giant globe in cobalt sky Nature’s bright night light

Glynis Roper, Rainier Green, gold, reds turn brown Thick leaf cushions every step Fall into winter.

Dorothy Parker, Longview Sorrow comes and goes Like waves crashing on my heart My season of grief

Lois Brudi, Longview Vibrant violet Fire red, yellow, gold, orange Autumn leaves dazzle.

Nancy Rocha, Scappoose

Thank you for your continued support of our historic Monticellto Hotel and your past patronage of Ginger’s Restaurant, ‘23 Club & Lounge and our Banquet & Wedding Office.

Phil and Ginger

360-425-9900 Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 11

Northwest Gardener

Bundle up

r Get ready fo I l XLVII Super Bow ne’s Day and Valenti ur new Pick out yo ! chair today

It’s Winter, after all!

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Story & Photos by Nancy Chennault

W

hen the first day of winter officially rolled into the Pacific Northwest December 21, 2013, local gardeners had already faced their first “cold snap” scare.

Unusually mild winters the past couple of years and the late fall date had made gardeners complacent. Homeowners felt no sense of urgency.

Gardens and gardeners were not prepared to endure the below-normal temperatures (7°F) those first few nights of December.

Plants we consider “tropical” can adapt to colder than normal temperatures over time. Wrap the trunks of young Windmill Palms with Christmas lights to help them through the coldest of winter temperatures.

Winter has just begun With supplies close at hand and a plan in place for protecting your plants and landscape features, you can reduce losses to outdoor investments. Being prepared will save you from hurriedly throwing something together when meteorologists gleefully proclaim, “Arctic Blast! is coming our way.”

Plants considered “tender” can be remarkably hardy to cold in the Pacific

Northwest. Hardiness is determined by an average low temperature before a plant dies or suffers severe damage from cold. Factors influencing cold hardiness are the length of time a plant has been in the ground (which creates a deep, well insulated root system); the microclimate (is it next to a building or surrounded by trees?); existing moisture level of the soil before the ground freezes (a well watered plant is less likely to suffer freeze damage);

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12 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

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As beautiful as they are, a fountain or pond left running during cold weather has the potential to run dry. This would result in the pump freezing from exposure to temperatures below 32° F.

Young Crimson Clover seedlings appreciate the protection from single-digit temperatures.

drying winds, length of cold snap and amount of snow cover. Plants in containers are susceptible to freezing because their roots have no insulation other than the pot itself.

Snow is a good thing Snow freezes at 32°F. Be happy when it snows when single digit temperatures are forecast.

As little as two or three inches will insulate the crown of the plants and the ground. Snow protects the roots of all plants as well as branches of low plants from the extreme cold. However, too much snow can break twigs and limbs.

Watch for bowed branches and gently shake to remove any excess before it gets too deep. Otherwise, leave the snow on the plants as insulation. Many plants, such as rhododendrons will distend their leaves during cold. They are reducing the impact of drying wind and will naturally shed heavy snow.

Frost blankets Gardeners often purchase these to protect early vegetable starts and flower seedlings to expedite the season of spring planting.

Marketed as row covers, thermal blankets and insulating fabric, these can be purchased from local garden

Drooping leaves of the rhododendron illustrate their ability to reduce cold damage.

If you cannot move potted plants into an area such as a garage, cluster them against the foundation of the house and cover. The addition of snow adds a few degrees of protection.

centers and online. The opaque, nonwoven, punched polypropylene fabric traps the heat radiating from the ground and keeps the plants under it warmer than outside temperatures. The fabric is

available in many weights, depending on the amount of protection you need.

An ultimate 2.5-oz. fabric provides freeze protection 10°F or greater than outside conditions. To check the protection your plants are receiving from the fabric, place two maximum/ minimum thermometers; one under the fabric and another on the outside.

Designed to hold in heat and allow irrigation and rain to pass through, this fabric (unlike plastic), will not cause foliage burn even on sunny days.

When the weather gets cold, we pull on sweaters or button our coats. The extra insulation holds our bodies’ heat inside the protective coverings. The same principle works for garden plants.

Like a coat for the garden, a layer of insulation will trap the soil’s warmth close to the ground.

Fountains and Ponds If you would like to keep waterfalls and in-ground fountains running, be sure to add water to compensate for the water that freezes to the surface of rocks, etc. If you choose to turn the pump off, be sure the reservoir of water is deep enough so the pump that is submerged there does not freeze. Freestanding fountains should be drained, dried

Plants that are borderline hardy can be wrapped in insulating fabric. Minimum overnight temperature under the fabric was 14°F warmer than the coldest overnight temperatures of 7°F.

and covered. The dry pump can be left in the fountain if all water has been removed.

We welcome 2014 with our normal minimum night (and often day) temperatures in the mid-30°F range.

However, winter is far from over and Mother Nature may have a few more frigid surprises in store for us. Our motto: Prepare for the worst and hope it wasn’t necessary. You can then relax, knowing you did everything you could to make sure your garden investments survive winter.

••• Longtime local gardener Nancy Chennault and her husband, Jim Chennault, operate The Gardens @ Sandy Bend in Castle Rock. They grow veggies to feed the body and flowers to feed the soul.

Are you suffering with illfitting dentures or loose partials?

Implant dentistry offers a solution!

Please visit us for your free consultation.

Most insurances accepted.

Daniel Haghighi, DDS

Lower Columbia Oral Health Center for Implant Dentistry

&

“Where Dentistry Meets Medicine” 1538 11th Ave. Longview, WA • www.lcoh.net • 360-636-3400 Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 13

Winter Soup

WINTER WARM-UP DAYS

MAN IN THE KITCHEN

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1111 Hudson St. • Longview, WA • 360-425-3870 • Open 7 Days

By Paul Thompson

or New Year’s dinner I purchased a beautiful beef rib roast that roasted up perfectly and was enjoyed by my dinner guests. A hearty amount of roasted beef was left over, on the bone. I decided to turn those leftovers into a curried beef soup.

MITK’s New Year’s Soup 1 leftover beef roast 2 14-oz. cans beef broth 4 cups water 1 6 oz. can tomato juice 3 garlic cloves 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled, chopped 3 med. potatoes peeled and quartered 2-3 tsp. curry powder 1 tsp. salt Put all ingredients in a big pot, bring to a boil and simmer for a long time, 2-3 hours. Remove the beef roast and set aside. Strain the remaining ingredients and put the solids in a blender with a cup of the hot liquid.

Curried Beef Soup

Puree until smooth and add it back to the other liquid. Pick the beef roast meat from the bone, chop coarsely and add it to the pot.

The soup was very thin, so I made a slurry of flour and water (3 tsp. flour; 3 tsp. water); stir until smooth.

Gradually blend about a cup of hot soup with the flour-water mixture before adding it to the soup. Bring the soup back to a boil to thicken.

Serve in soup bowls. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley and a light sprinkle of bread crumbs.

••• Charter CRR columnist Paul Thompson enjoys fishing, cooking, bowling, and watching movies.

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OUT • AND • ABOUT

Even in Winter! Readers reflect on enjoying the good life SNOWSHOEING

With no lift ticket to buy, snowshoeing is way more affordable than downhill skiing.

And it’s closer to home than the nearest chairlifts. Compared to those funny skinny little skis that don’t turn, I find snowshoes easier. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

Cheaper than downhill skiing, easier than cross country skiing and great exercise.

By Brian Skeahan, Kelso, Wash.

I

take a back seat to no one regarding an ambivalence to this particular time of year. January and February aren’t my favorite months. As a native Midwesterner, I have never developed an affinity for our winter rains. And the darkness is even harder on me. About this time each year, I wish Santa would bring me one of those lights that are supposed to brighten your mood if you just sit in front of it long enough.

Count outdoor recreation blessings But when I get too discouraged, I recall my Midwestern days and count my current winter outdoor recreation blessings. As I am writing this, the seven-day forecast for Lincoln, Nebraska, shows lows dipping below zero, reminding me that a little rain isn’t that bad. Even better, we enjoy an abundance of publicly owned land on which to play, something not available in much of the country.

I have been a fair-to-middling downhill skier for 35 years; my skiing ability is what you might expect from someone who grew up in the flatlands and didn’t learn to ski until after the first of my knee surgeries. I am also a bit of a cheapskate, so when lift tickets got to $75, I began to think about a new winter sport.

Favorite Mt St Helens hikes?

You probably can get out into familiar areas and see them in a whole new light. And, of course, there are numerous areas around Mt Hood. Another alternative, with a lot fewer people, can be found in the Mt. Adams area, just past the town of Trout Lake.

David Bell and Deena Martinson (now deceased) enjoy snowshoeing near Trout Lake a few years ago.

My old cross country skis were still in the garage. Back in my grad school days I gave cross country skiing a go, but I can’t say I ever grew very fond of it. After all of these years I gave it another try, and my opinion hasn’t changed. It’s just not my thing. So I decided to try snowshoeing. If you have never thought about this, or thought it looked like too much work, I would urge you to reconsider.

To: Centralia, Olympia Mt. Rainier Yakima (north, then east) Tacoma/Seattle

Oysterville •

• Naselle 101

Chinook

•

Cathlamet 4

101

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Astoria

Birkenfeld

Ape Cave •

Longview Kelso

Clatskanie

Cougar •

Kalama

Rainier

Woodland

503

•Yacolt Vernonia

Oregon

C

ruising up the Gilbert River into Sauvie Island during winter is a secret pleasure of ours. Leaves have thinned from trees, exposing bird nests that have been hidden from summer eyes. Large flocks of ducks and other water fowl migrating to their summer homes bring comfort and life to the sky.

Each direction we look introduces us to a new friend. The river is lined by farms and we are greeted by cows sharing the waterway as they bow their heads to the shore for a drink.

Awe-inspiring views This time of year is quiet and we have the river to ourselves. As we enter Sturgeon Lake, we are awed by the stunning view of Mt. Hood in the distance. We are very lucky and on this day we can also see Mt. St Helens and Mt. Adams. We are on a wonderful, scenic excursion and yet we are just a short distance from our home. We motor around the lake and enjoy exploring adjoining waterways. We spy falcon, eagles and herons cautiously watching us. If we enter into their territory, they slowly fly to another secure perch. We’re on our own little jungle cruise, Pacific Northwest style.

Sand Island is another peaceful treasure on the Columbia. Pathways meander through the tall trees, allowing our dog

VISITORS CENTERS

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

Grays River

Warrenton •

Seaside

Washington

Castle Rock

By Susan Milke, Scappoose, Ore.

cont page 16

504

Long Beach

Columbia River

Rent some shoes, pack a lunch with something to drink, take a quick drive, buy a snow park pass, and enjoy an affordable, beautiful and healthy outdoor activity.

Winlock

Ocean Park •

Ilwaco

Guided trips If you are reluctant to venture out on your own, the Mt. St. Helens Institute (mshinstitute. org) is offering guided trips on January 18 and 25 and February 15 and 22 for $30 plus $15 shoe rental. Sounds like a great way to try a new winter adventure.

WATERFOWL WATCHING

St Helens

• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitors Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058 • Castle Rock Exhibit Hall I-5 Exit 48 or 49 Follow signs to 147 Front Ave NW. 360-274-6603 • Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., 360-225-9552 • Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Local in for Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 Points o mation f In • Appelo Archives Center 1056 SR 4 Recreat terest Naselle, WA. 360-484-7103.

Special ion Dinin Events • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau Arts & Eg ~ Lodging 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) ntertain ment Long Beach, WA. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542 • South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, OR • 503-397-0685 • Seaside, OR 989 Broadway 503-738-3097 or 888-306-2326 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Ctr 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807 Maryhill

97

Goldendale

Museum

• Ridgefield Vancouver Scappoose

rnelius NW Co ad o R Pass

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Portland

12

Stevenson Bonneville Dam

Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 15

OUT • AND • ABOUT

The good life in winter

5:30 - 10:30 PM

cont from page 15

Feb 15, 2014

moments of sprinting freedom. Picnic tables located mid-island provide a haven from the wind and a lovely spot to relax for a snack. Once again, we feel like we’ve traveled far but in reality are just a short distance from downtown St. Helens.

BUCCINI HALL

weetheart Ball

Saint Helens, OR

When winter finally comes around, we enjoy the Christmas ships on their yearly excursion up the river. It is the good life on the Columbia, winter style.

S

WINTER FUN: A FAMILY AFFAIR

By Melanee Evans, Kelso, Wash.

D

o gray skies have your family feeling blue, thinking there’s nothing to do? Here are a few simple ideas to get the gang off the sofa this winter, and into enjoying the good life.

Dinner & Dance Swing jazz - Jenny Finn Orchestra Dance performance - Josh & emily Portland’s best swingers TickeTS: $85 ($75 early love bird - until Jan 15) on sale at St Helens city Hall St Helens Public Library online at brownpapertickets.com

After packing the holiday cheer into boxes for the attic this year, I gathered my family to the dining room and instructed each of them to write a “Winter Wow Wishlist” of fun ideas to try. By the time we were done, the humdrum look in the eyes of my teen, tween, and grade-schooler had turned

For more info, call 503-397-6272

RESTAURANT & WINE CLUB

The Bistro

LOVE is in the air!

Make your Valentine’s reservations now!

We will be offering a special menu Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 5–10pm Live music, specialty cocktails.

Reservations required!

Call 360-442-4150.

The Bistro can accommodate groups with up to 100 guests.

Email Trina for details: thebistrobuzz.com

Live music Thurs-Fri-Sat

1329 Commerce Ave. Downtown Longview Tues–Sat 5 pm ‘til . . . ?

Make your dinner reservations online at thebistrobuzz.com or call 360.425.2837 16 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

into a twinkle. Even I felt buoyed that with a bit of encouragement, my children could conceive of and build their own fun.

Perhaps a peek at our list will encourage you to create your own, and have a bit more fun this winter, too.

Lily: Create your own city passport “What I’d really like to do is go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower, Mom,” Lily said with a smile.

“But since I know I can’t really do that right now, what should I do?”

“Maybe you can make your own passport book for around town,” I said, “and take your camera and your doll Ruthie with you as your traveling companion,” She loved the idea, and so did I. With just a small book of stickers for our homemade passports, a list of local hotspots and an ample umbrella, we’re on our way to create a lovely and virtually free travel memory in our own town.

Here are a few ideas for local excursions:

Alexandra: Start your own Music Jam Session “I have all these instruments lying around wanting to be played, so why not invite some of my musical friends over and we can show off our latest stuff?”

Sounds pretty easy, really. According to Alexandra, she’d start with a few musical friends who could bring their own instruments, and have them take turns playing something fresh and of their own creation. They could also jam together, and then spread the word to other friends who’d like to join them.

Why couldn’t this idea be embraced by poets, painters, dancers, filmmakers, quilters, graphic designers, foodies, writers, origamists, and artists of all kinds? Invite a few fellow creators over who share your artistic passion, and provide a stage for them and you to shine, and set a date for the next one.

Enjoying the good life of winter is as possible as a bit of ingenuity and a few family ideas in motion. And when our children discover these ideas for themselves, they also have the spark of motivation to put them into action as well.

WATCHING RIVER TRAFFIC

By Marie Hatcher, Scappoose, Ore.

W Nutty Narrows Squirrel Bridge Japanese Garden at Lake Sacajawea Tree Walk Skip along the Cowlitz Dike Red Rooster Bakery in Longview Strum a guitar at Thiel’s Walk the Allen Street Bridge Visit a Bike Park

hen the cold winds blow and there’s a winter snow, I like to park my car near the Courthouse amphitheatre in St. Helens. I relax with a hot cup of java and a sandwich, as I wait and watch for a ship, tugboat or barge to come down the Columbia River headed to a destination I do not know. I like to read the names painted on the ships, and take pictures of them, if I have my camera along.

Sometimes a large group of clouds decides to settle upon the river. Long,

Chloe: Tackle a new hobby “Well I did get duct tape, crochet hooks, yarn, a ukulele, and a Dr. Who sketch pad for Christmas.

Maybe I could teach myself how to use each of them even better than before,” she said.

In other words, consider hobbies you’ve always wanted to develop — but haven’t taken the time — or want to improve. Raw foods chef.

Duct tape crafts. Chess. Photography.

Ballroom dancing at a local studio.

Indoor gardening. Marksmanship.

Knitting. Genealogy. Magic Tricks.

Lego building. Cartooning. Hula hooping.

lingering drones from the ships’ fog horns can be heard, even from far off, as they signal to other ships of their presence in the area.

I also like to watch people dressed in colorful, warm winter clothing as their dogs walk them in the park near the gazebo. Ha! cont. page 18

LOCAL THEATRE

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Steampump Fantasticks New twist on an old favorite

A

By Sara Freeman, PhD

dapting different sources and 40 hits. It’s lush and romantic; you making strange combinations may already know “Soon it’s Gonna of styles, genres, and referents Rain.” You can find charming videos dominates the working methods of of stars like Julie Andrews and Harry American musical theatre. Think Belafonte singing its best-known song, of “Romeo and Juliet” turning into “Try to Remember.” Yet, the story the “West Side Story” or “Green Grow play has to tell is a little weird for the the Lilies” into “Oklahoma.” Creative contemporary world: its metatheatrical teams made the history of signing the frame and old-fashioned notions about Declaration of Independence into gender make me wonder if this really “1776” and Christopher Isherwood’s speaks to the way life still is. Do the “Berlin Stories” became “Cabaret.” archetypes fit anymore? For what it’s Why not work with an worth, I feel this way about ancient Roman comedy Oklahoma too: that show’s If You Go called “Pseudolus” and create deeply Freudian imagery The Fantasticks “A Funny Thing Happened really makes me squirm Jan. 24 • 7:30 pm on the Way to the Forum?” every time I see it.

Columbia Theatre But even among this catalog, for the Performing In The Fantasticks, two “The Fantasticks” stands out Arts, Longview, fathers pretend to have a as an oddly charming hybrid Wash. $3150– 4150 feud with each other and beast.

For ticket details, build a wall between their The 1960 musical based its see adjacent ad. houses in order to ensure story on an 18th century play their children fall in love called “The Romancers,” with each other — because

by Edmund Rostand, the poet who what else makes a teenager want to fall wrote Cyrano de Bergerac. Composer in love more than being prohibited by and lyricist Harvey Schmidt and Tom his or her parent?

Jones combined that source material Once the children fall in love, the with a quasi-commedia dell’arte use of comic premise gives way to tragedy. El stock characters, mime, and clowning, Gallo, a narrator-magician figure, helps and the sort of flexible, minimalist the fathers pull off the wedding. But staging and physically transformative the children find out they’ve been set ensemble performance that compelled up and it changes how they feel about experimental theatres like The Open their love.

Theatre in the 1960s. They stirred in some imagery from Shakespeare’s Each one sets off to discover the world Midsummer Night’s Dream (The on his and her own terms. What they Romancers was itself a parody of experience hurts them and changes Romeo and Juliet), and worked with them, but also brings them back notions of magic and illusions. together. The play ends as neither a comedy or tragedy, but what Rostand’s The score has the sound of musicals just title referred to — a romance, which, before the moment when Broadway soundtracks ceased to feed the Top

Six shows for the new year!

THE FANTASTICKS

Friday, January 24th 7:30 p.m.

CLADDAGH • Sunday, February 23rd 3:00 p.m.

Celtic Dance and Passion

Evans Kelly Family Foundation

VOCA PEOPLE • Fri., March 14th 7:30 p.m.

KIT AND THE KATS-REMEMBER WHEN? Sat., March 22nd 7:30 p.m.

Mike & Teri Karnofski

Arlo Guthrie

cont page 20

Everyone deserves music!

Dorothy Gevers-Wojtowych

ARLO GUTHRIE

Thursday, April 17th 7:30 p.m.

Piano Lessons A great investment in yourself or as a gift

Martin E. Kauble Longview, WA

360-423-3072

(www.kaublepianostudio.com)

technique • theory • performance

PENDULUM AERIAL ARTS—HIGH ART Saturday, May 10th 7:30 p.m.

cont page 28 TICKETS 360.575.8499 • 888.575.8499 • WWW.COLUMBIATHEATRE.COM Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 17

OUT • AND • ABOUT The Good Life in Winter cont from page 16

50 SHADES OF GRAY

By Ed Phillips, Kalama, Wash.

P

rior to living on the Kalama River, we spent 12 years in Anchorage, Alaska, where one experiences real winter — four months of dark and lots of snow and actual cold. Northwest gray is late winter in Anchorage, at best. A seven-month Alaskan winter allows one to develop real coping mechanisms.

The Columbia River provides the backdrop for winter’s scenic pleasures.

Drive along the Washington side of the river to Skamokawa, pull into the park. The view of the wonderful river

and the countryside might reawaken teenage proclivities. It’s possible! Best to bring some food along to bring blood sugar levels back to normal.

Warm up with friends The regional winter is also a time for increased socializing. The warmth of friendships combined with food, drink and brilliant repartee is always at least a pleasure and often an inspiration.

Think of it as cheddar and chatter.

I think I even had an original idea once! And that was before the second glass of wine.

Colorful food and colorful conversation, including civilized political conversation is especially stimulating. This winter, the coal terminal and the Affordable Care Act

should be the perfect accompaniment to appetizers and chardonnay. Save the red wine for discussions of Mideast peace. Friendships are always warmer in the winter.

Talkies We often find that the movie offerings at the Kelso Theater Pub fit our mature tastes, as do their pizzas. Most of the movies they feature actually have dialogue.

Every real northwestern home has a fireplace, a wood stove or both. A blaze, a book and a glass of wine work wonders for the imagination and psyche. 50 Shades of Gray might even seem like literature under the right toasty circumstances. A second glass of wine might be necessary.

Take “emergency” beverage For the more adventurous or energetic, a drive to Astoria assures one of a great maritime museum and many places for the foodie experience. The trail along

Special Edition

Bridal

the waterfront is worth the effort, even under conditions of extreme moisture. Most of the nearby western coast offers dramatic winter scenery.

All require a thermos of our regional stimulant (black coffee) in case of emergency.

We keep up our exercise levels during the winter also. I chop wood in a cheap imitation of Paul Bunyan and play pickleball and lift weights. Laurel runs on our treadmill and lifts weights.

Winter hibernation is not an option.

Vanity, as well as health, dictates blood circulating activities.

In short, we find the region’s scenic wonders intoxicating all year around.

Gray is a state of mind, not a reality.

••• Thanks to those who submitted essays.

The writers and their guests will be invited along on a CRR winter waterfall tour.

Read about the excursion in February’s issue. We’ll include a map to help readers who want o take their own “Sunday drive” loop tour.

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Valentine’s Day

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www.JansenFlowers.com 1052 Washington Way, Longview M-F: 8am–6pm • Sat 8am–5pm • Sun 10am–4pm 18 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

St. Helens Arts Commission’s Sweetheart Ball

A Prom for grown-ups T he Sweetheart Ball is a dressup charity event to be held on Feb. 15, 5:30 –10pm at Buccini Hall in St. Helens, Oregon (see ad, page 16).

It is presented by the St. Helens Arts & Cultural Commission to raise funds for public art projects and free art education workshops for children.

Event organizers invite you to join the St. Helens Arts and Cultural Commission’s efforts to build the St. Helens Gateway Sculpture Project. It consists of artistic landmark sculptures that will be attached to the east side of the highway bridge over Milton Creek in St. Helens, on the Columbia River Highway (Highway 30).

Artist Suzanne Lee created the sculptures, two metal obelisk lanterns with cutout images featuring the history, culture and natural assets of St. Helens and vicinity.

The intent is to make the highway frontage of St. Helens a more inviting and attractive place for residents and

travelers. This art project supports the city’s economic development efforts. The project is led by the Arts and Cultural Commission in partnership with Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Highway Division. The Arts and Cultural Commission plans to complete the project by the summer of 2014 with a budget of $50,000 needs to raise the entire amount.

The Sweetheart Ball offers a romantic night out for Valentine’s Day, including

a dining experience to remember, a jazz band and ballroom dancers, a gallery of artisan chocolates, flowers, unique gifts for couples, and a vintage Scotch tasting room. This is an opportunity to have a great time while supporting public art programs.

Tickets are available at St. Helens City Hall, St. Helens Public Library, SCC Chamber of Commerce and online at Brown Paper tickets.

For more info, contact Kannikar Petersen, 503-366-3050 or kpetersen@ akaandesign.com.

The Broadway Gallery www.the-broadway-gallery.com

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Meet the Artists and enjoy live music and refreshments on the First Thursday of each month 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. 1418 Commerce Longview, WA Across from Elam’s Home Furnishings

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Longview Woman Gives High Marks to Longview Urology For more than a year, Glenna Gaylord’s incontinence had her up at all hours of the night. Then she scheduled an appointment with Dr. John Mansfield of Longview Urology.

Dr. Mansfield assessed her conditioned and prescribed a medication that changed her life. “The treatment helped me so much” Gaylord said. “I’m a new woman.”

Gaylord was very impressed with Dr. Mansfield. “He obviously had a good grasp of what was going on, but his kindness and patience were what really stood out.”

Dr. Mansfield earned his medical degree at the University of Rochester and completed both his general surgery internship and urology residency at the University of Utah. He served for 21 years in the U.S. Air Force.

If you suffer from incontinence, call today to schedule an appointment.

Glenna Gaylord with John Mansfield, M.D. of Longview Urology

360.442.7900 625 9th Ave • Longview, WA 98632

www.longviewurology.com Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 19

Fantasticks

Internal Medicine & Preventative Care Open Every Day for Your Convenience Holidays & Weekends Included Neal R.Kirkpatrick, MD, FACP, FACC

Richard A. Kirkpatrick, M.D., FACP

Welcome our newest providers

Dr. Homayoun Saraf Rebecca L. Becker, MD, ABIM

Vlad Bogin, MD, ABIM

Women’s Health/Gynecology David B. Kirkpatrick, MA, MMSc, PA-C

and

Leanne Williams, MSN, ARNP

Bryan Whetton

cont. from page 17

in terms of genre, means adventure runs the plot but the ending brings about a renewal of love. El Gallo makes for a sometimes sinister, sometimes magical, and always comic figure in all this, and his trickster nature may be the true signature element of the show.

That weird combination of feelings conjured by El Gallo along with the pastiche of sources that formed The Fantasticks connects for me with the design concept the Nebraska Theatre Caravan has applied to the touring production that’s on its way to the Columbia Theatre at the end of January.

Steampunk began as a mode of sciencefiction literature that combines steampower mechanics with futuristic inventions. Stories set in the Victorian era or the wild west, or in imagined alternate histories or futures, conjured a world where technology looks like the Victorians might have imagined it.

Fantasy and horror have their place in this speculative genre, and the stories spawned an entire visual aesthetic. Top hats with goggles on them, mechanized corsetry, computers retrofitted with typewriter keyboards — all of these capture the feel of steampunk.

Steampunk aesthetics create a very theatrical feel: they draw the eye’s

attention to structure, allow for transformations, and create interesting conversations between the past and present.

In 2009, I directed an adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days,” where we used steampunk as our guiding concept and it made the show both darker and more inventive. The application of this device to “The Fantasticks” is a smart move, one that will change the feel of the piece and give the right combination of sentimentality and intensity. The look and feel of the original production took part of the same fascination with traveling theatrical troupes and clown figures that informed “Godspell” and “Company of Wayward Saints.” That aesthetic is pretty much exhausted in theatrical production right now.

Nebraska Theatre Caravan says its production (in Longview Jan. 24) brings a new “edginess” to “The Fantasticks.” That sounds exciting and will likely make the show “fantastical” again.

••• Longview native and R.A.Long High School graduate Dr. Sara Freeman teaches theatre at the University of Puget Sound. She lives in Tacoma with her husband, Wade Hicks, and their two daughters.

Stop by and Try Three Wheels Karen L. Joiner MSN, ARNP

Devin Hanson, BS-MEDEX, PA-C

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www.kirkpatrickfamilycare.com

Kirkpatrick Foot & Ankle 360-575-9161

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Bicycles Sales Service Repair

1051 14th Ave, Suite 120 Longview, Washington

360-423-9580 Bev Search, RN, FNP, MA, ARNP

• • • •

360-577-7200

Where do you read

THE READER? At the Arch

Steve Hornback at the St. Louis airport before returning home with Lisa Allen, following his family reunion in Doniphan, Missouri.

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send a photo showing where YOU read the Reader (highresolution JPEG, 2 MB max) to Publisher@CRReader. com. Include name and city of residence.

Thank you for your participation and patience. Keep those photos coming!

Soaking up the sun Karen and Larry Peterson of Longview enjoying the Reader in Cagliari, Sardinia (the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and an autonomous region of Italy).

Sisters: friends forever

Lifelong Longview resident Lynne Lewis Sathe reading at the Kelso train depot while seeing off her sister, Shirley Lewis Gordon, on her return trip home to Fairbanks after her recent visit to Longview.

Good old days Barbara Berger (top) and her mother Donna Sutton (bottom), both of Longview, with relatives at Deadwood, South Dakota. Also pictured: Maynard and Elaine Schmidt of Sturgis, SD.

Stockholm syndrome? Leanne Bates, Clatskanie, and daughter Erin Belding, Newberg, Ore., in Stockholm after visiting relatives in Djupekas, Sweden.

Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 21

Live Music Scene around the River To find which band is playing when and where, go online or call the restaurant or bar

The Bistro 1329 Commerce Ave, Longview 360-425-2837 • Music Thurs 6–9; Fridays 6–10, Sats 6–9 thebistrobuzz.com The Birk Pub & Eatery 11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld, Ore 503-755-2722 • thebirk.com Cassava 1333 Broadway, Longview FIRST FRIDAY Feb. 7 8pm • Free • All ages Carl Wirkkala and Rion Walsh Flowers ‘n’ Fluff 45 E. Col River Hwy, Clatskanie, Ore. 503-728-4222 Live Music Friday evenings clatskanieflowersnfluff@gmail.com

Outings & Events

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary

FEB 6 FIRST THURSDAY Downtown Longview (and Cowlitz County Museum) Broadway Gallery Artists reception, 5:30-7:30 pm. Music by Dave Mongeau.

1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com Broderick Gallery Artists reception 5–8 pm 1416 Commerce www.broderickgallery.com

Broadway Gallery Artists co-op. Jan: Diane Springer (gourds), Heather Phillips (paintings.

Feb: Beth Bailey (pen/ink/watercolor), Mary Kohlschmidt (Kumihiro jewelry), Jamie Bayer (acrylic), Dean Wood (watercolor), Bill Oatman (wood work), Mirabelle Hobson (acrylic), MonSat 10-5:30. 1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash.

360-577-0544

First Friday Downtown Longview At Cassava (see music listing at left, this page).

Broderick Gallery Contemporary art from England, Cuba and South America, along with George Broderick’s and other local artists’ paintings.

Tues-Sat, 10am–5pm or by appointment. 1416 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 503-703-5188. www.broderickgallery.com

The Secret Garden Missoula Children’s Theatre production with local children. Jan 24-25, 7:30pm. Presented by Clatskanie Arts Commission. Clatskanie Mid/High School, 471 SW BelAir Drive, Clatskanie, Ore.

McThread’s Wearable Art “We Have Hearts” exhibit. Tues–Thurs 11–5, Fri 12–6. 1206 Broadway, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-261-2373.

Koth Gallery Longview Public Library Leon Lowman Reception Open until 8 pm 1600 Louisiana Street Longview Outdoor Gallery 1200-1300 blocks, Commerce Ave. Free guided sculpture tour by LOG board member, 6pm. Meet at Broadway Gallery.

Cowlitz County Museum.

1955 movie “The Story of Longview.”

7 pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash.

Tsuga Gallery Fine arts and crafts by more than 30 area artists. Info:360-795-0725 or visit tsugagallery.org. Open Thurs-Sat, 11-5. Sun, noon-4pm. 70 Main Street, Cathlamet, Wash.

Koth Gallery Through Jan 25 David McDonough; Jan 27–Feb 22 Leon Lowman (Reception Feb 6).

Mon, Tues, Thurs 10–8, Wed 10–5, Fri 10–6, Sat 12–5. Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana, Longview, Wash. 360-442-5300.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center Jeana Edelman and James Lilly through Jan. 24. Gallery hours: Mon-Tues 10-6, WedThurs 10-4. Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington Way, Longview, Wash. 360442-2510.

Goble Tavern 70255 Col. River Hwy, Rainier 503-556-4090 • gobletavern.com The Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd, Longview 360-425-5816. rutherglenmansion.com Wed 5-7 pm Winetasting Buffet $20

All Day Gospel Singing hosted by Ambassadors of Gospel Music. Sat., Jan 18, Starting at 12 noon at Woodland Assembly of God Church. 360 Gun Club Rd, Woodland, Wash. Info: 360225-6332, 360-225-1803 or 360-658-1922. www. ambassadorsofgospelmusic. com

Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview 360-636-1616 facebook.com/pages/Porkys-CafeLounge/11041404898298

To learn when and where your favorite performer or band is playing check these websites:

Northwest Voices Poet Carolyne Wright. Wed, Jan 22. Workshop 3:30-5pm, Main Bldg, Room 145, Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington Way, Longview, Wash. A reading at Longview Public Library, 7-8 pm. 1600 Louisiana, Longvew, Wash.

Raeann raeannphillips.com phillipspettitr@facebook.com Avi avimuzo.com avimuzo@facebook.com

First Thursday Downtown Longview Feb 6. See listings,at left.

To list your music venue here, call Ned Piper, 360-749-2632

www.clatskaniearts.org

It pays to advertise.

High Quality • Affordble Rates Month-long Shelf Life Original, local content Deadlines for Feb 15 issue Space Reservation: Jan. 25 Final Ads: Feb. 1 Contact info, page 4.

At Donavon Wooley Performing Arts Center, Clatskanie Mid/ High School • 471 BelAir Dr, Clatskanie, Ore • For general info call Elsa at 503-728-3403

MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE Auditions: Monday, Jan 20, 3:30pm at CMHS Auditorium

Performances Fri, Jan 24, 2014, 7:30 pm Sat, Jan 25, 2014, 3 pm ALL TICKETS $5 Funding from Clatskanie Kiwanis Club, Portland General Electric, Port Westward

22 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

The Fantasticks Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Fri, Jan 24, 7:30 pm.

Tickets $31.50-$41.50, available at the box office.1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash or call 360-575-8499. See story, page 17.

Around the World in 80 Minutes Southwest Washington Symphony. Winter Concert Sun, Feb 9, 3pm. Wollenberg Auditorium at the LCC Rose Center for the Performing Arts. 1600 Maple Street, Longview, Wash.

Tickets Adult $20, Students $5. Available at Columbia Theatre box office, 12231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash, online at www.swwsymphony.org or call 360-7836165.

All My Sons Stageworks Northwest production of Arthur Miller drama. Feb14Mar 9, Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. 1433 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash For info call 360-636-4488.

“I Want to Hold Ypur Hand!” Beatles Valentine’s Dinner Friday, Feb. 14. 3-course dinner, music to celebrate the Beatles’ 50th anniversary. $35 per person, incl tax and tip.

Complimentary champagne for diners 5:30– 6:30pm courtesy of Columbia River Reader.

Door prizes, optional table amusements (trivia games). Reservations required. See related story, page 23.

Greetings. I live with Man in the Kitchen. Great food — plenty of fish THE PURR-FECT and mice, PET! plus he gives me catnip!

Smokey, the Cat

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENTS IN CRR List your non-commercial community event’s basic info (name of event, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) and email to: publisher@crreader.com Or mail or hand-deliver to: Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Ave, Longview, WA 98632 M-W-F • 11–3 or use mail slot Deadline: Submissions received by the 25th of each month will be considered for inclusion in Outings & Events listings in the next issue (published the 15th of the month), subject to timing, general relevance to readers, and space limitations.

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening Pets, Self-Help, History Tech 101: Apples to Apples. Free beginner level class on Mac computers, iPads, iPhones.

Fri., Nov. 15 , 10-11:30am, Longview. Limited space. Pre-registration required. Presented by Perry Piper. Info/registration: 360-270-0608.

Work Cleanup Day Jan 20, 9am. Cowlitz Americorps Network (CAN) and South Kelso Neighborhood Association along with

other agencies are teaming up for a cleanup day. Bring gloves, rakes and cutters and join in. Lunch provided. Lads and Lassies Park, playgrounds and alleys, South 8th Ave & Elm Street, Kelso, Wash. For info call Cassandra (360)442-9317 or Patty (360)423-0140x90.

Cowlitz County Museum Wednesday workshop for kids. Fabric crafts Jan 22, 3:305pm. Special Exhibit: Badges, Bandits and Booze, a history of law enforcement in Cowlitz County. Museum hours: Tues-Sat 10am-4 pm.

405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash. www.cowlitzwa. us/museum/.

Mima Mounds Mini-hike Join CRR writers, readers, advertisers at Thurston County geological mystery site. Free hot cider served 1–3pm. See story, details, page 6.

Winter Concert Dr. Robert Davis, Conductor

Sunday, February 9, 2014 3:00 pm - Wollenberg Auditorium LCC Rose Center for the Arts

Castle Rock Exhibit Hall Old-time logging displays, Mt St Helens exhibits and North Cowlitz County memorabilia. 10am-2pm, Wed-Sat. 47 Front Ave NW, Castle Rock, Wash. Info: 360-274-6603.

River Life Interpretive Center in Redmen Hall. Open noon-4pm, Thurs-Sun. 1394 West SR4, Skamokawa, Wash. Info: 360-795-3007.

Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum Extensive logging, fishing and cultural displays. Open 1-4pm, Thurs-Sun. 65 River Street, Cathlamet, Wash. Info: 360795-3954.

1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA

Mark your calendar!

STAGEWORKS PRESENTS

All My Sons

By Arthur Miller

Feb. 14–March 9 Thurs-Fri-Sat • 6:30pm

Ticket Price - Adults - $20, Students - $5 available at Columbia Theatre Box Office To purchase tickets online go to

swwasymphony.org

For more information call 360-783-6165

Rutherglen Mansion I Want to Hold Your Hand!

Casually elegant dining • Wednesday Wine Tasting • Sunday Brunch Buffet • Fine Family Dining

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50 YEARS LATER

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! Baby Boomers recall Beatles’ impact

D

Columbia River Reader

o you remember where you were when the Beatles hit Ed Sullivan’s stage? Even those who weren’t born yet, or were too young to notice, have over the years been impacted by the effects of Beatlemania and the enduring music many say has amounted to the greatest global musical influence, ever.

“I remember seeing them on Ed Sullivan,” said Longview resident Kate Packard, 64. “I remember (classmate) Eileen Erickson being really impressed. She was a classical violinist and not someone who was ‘into’ pop music.” A lot of their music had transitions from major to to minor chords, Packard noted, making it seem creative and new.

“There was something magical between John and Paul,” she said. “Who can say what it was? But it was there.”

Love the Beatles?

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their American debut AND Valentine’s Day at Rutherglen’s “I Want to Hold Your Hand” dinner See ad, at left AND DON’T MISS the TV special “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to the Beatles,” on CBS Sunday, Feb. 9 at 8 pm ET, exactly 50 years to the day, date and time of the Beatles’ first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Beatles’ 50th Anniversary Valentine’s Dinner Friday, Feb. 14

She was only around 6 when the group first hit the news, but Longview native Colleen Anabali, 56, now of Denver, Colorado, recalls growing into an awareness of the Beatles. “I just thought Paul McCartney was dreamy . . . He was so cute. And Ringo wasn’t.”

Complimentary champagne courtesy of CRR for diners arriving 5:30–6:30pm. Dinner reservations available ‘til 8:30pm. Call today for yours, 360-425-5816.

Kelso resident Dick King, 62, recalled the Beatles’ American TV debut Feb. 9, 1964. After school the day after the Ed Sullivan Show, “I went to a friend’s house. He had an old beater guitar and showed me a couple of chords…I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” he said, smiling. “It was all downhill from there.”

3-course dinner. Choice of Steak & Lobster, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Seafood-stuffed Salmon, Fettucine Alfredo. $35, incl. tax & tip.

Beatles music

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King and his brother, Don King, 67, of Castle Rock, went on to become professional graphic artists, but these days they also sideline as the popular duo “The King Brothers,” playing at local nightspots and private parties.

The two play rock ‘n’ roll classics, estimating that Beatles songs account for about 5 percent of their repertoire.

“People like it,” said Don King. “When we play ‘em (Beatles songs), people get out and dance.”

“I learned of the Beatles when I started dating Charles,” joked Myrna Rak, 50, of Longview. “I’m from a different era.”

She and her husband, Charles Rak, have been married for 15 years. “The Beatles kind of broke out, came across as upbeat rock ’n’ roll. I really like ‘em now.” Myrna Rak said.

“I was in 9th grade,” recalled Chas Dean, 64, a retired opera singer and bartender, of Longview.

“They had wonderful melodies — things you could sing.” He and his peers danced to the music, too. “They were revolutionary at the time,” Dean said. “To think: long hair. They were changing everything about style, dress. They were fairly conservative, he recalled, wearing coats and ties for the most part. “But their appearance went very much against the American culture at the time.” cont. page 24

Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 23

Movie Reviews

Three successful films for New Year viewing

D

avid O. Russell’s “American Hustle” (MPAA: R) took a true story as its base (the “Abscam” scandal) and fictionalized it a bit. The cast —Christian Bale as an accomplished confidence man, Amy Adams as his slick partner, Bradley Cooper as the FBI agent who has his vulnerabilities, and Jennifer Lawrence as the wife of Bale’s character and a big-mouthed nut— ran with it. This is a comedy. Don’t get me wrong; there are not a lot of laughs. I spent most of my time thinking, “This must be based on the truth. No one else could be so dumb with so much money at stake.” And then I saw “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” (MPAA: R), is based on the real-life autobiography of Jordan Belfort, who was a Wall Street broker/hustler determined to milk his clients dry. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Belfort turns from college graduate to sleazebag thanks, in part, to Matthew McConaughey as a very successful and seemingly reputable Wall Street stockbroker, whose private and business lives were an unhealthy mixture of alcohol, legal and illegal drugs, illicit sex and braggadocio.

Belfort’s partner, charmingly played by Jonah Hill, joined the con-game more than willingly, though he seemed to lack any foresight.

This film was based fairly closely to the outlines of the Belfort story, but allegedly a great deal of the dialog— such as McConaughey’s outrageous speech to DiCaprio’s character—was improvised by some of the actors.

Scorsese has great rapport with his actors, and they have great respect for him. For example, this is DiCaprio’s fifth film with Scorsese, and his best.

By the end of this film, the overt sexuality and the characters’ selfdestructive abuse of drugs may shock you. Allegedly, “Wolf” was able to go as far as it did because it was independently financed, not by any major studio; the Hollywood corporate mentality is sometimes squeamish.

Dr. Bob Blackwood lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A former colleague of Paul “Man in the Kitchen” T h o m p s o n ’s a t Wr i g h t C o l l e g e (Chicago), he visits Longview every year or so.

Margot Robbie, as the wife of Belfort, is a stunning leading lady whose beauty and whose talents were effectively displayed by Scorsese in this film. At the end of Belfort’s marriage, she stands up to her husband who has lied to her and betrayed her repeatedly. It is a fierce sequence, one that you won’t forget. Both actors made their characters realistic, frightening and, in a way, pathetic. I believe you will be seeing more of this Australian woman in the years to come.

Beatles

“Each one of them had a different personality, gathering together like brothers to make music,” said Joe White, 52, of Longview. “They brought true life into music with their words. They are as big as Mozart.”

By Dr. Bob Blackwood Ben Stiller as Wa l t e r M i t t y climbs mountains to find a photo and maybe love in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” Photo:20th Century

cont. from page 23

“I just know I really liked their music,” said Sally Parks of Longview.

“The Beatles were the starting point of al the musical groups that followed in their path, their shadow.

I can’t think of anybody who really compares with the Beatles. They were one of a kind.”

Fox

Longview attorney Vince Penta said, “I immediately fell in love...

Michelle, my belle — create your own image.” The Beatles’ influence is on a par with Rachmaninoff, he said. “I don’t think Elvis will last through the millenia. The Beatles will.”

Matthew McConaughey (above), as a s u c c e s s f u l Wa l l S t r e e t d e a l e r i n a respectable firm, introduces the new guy on Wall Street (Leonardo DiCaprio) to a way of life that involves drugs, illicit sex and plenty of cash. Photo:20th Century Fox

•••

My screening ended with applause from a usually-tough Albuquerque audience.

Sean Penn, as an eccentric photographer, and Shirley MacLaine, as Mitty’s wise mother, both give warm and wonderful performances. If you want harsh reality, try the other two films reviewed here.

••• Finally, Ben Stiller’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (MPAA: PG) went beyond James Thurber’s charming short story. At the beginning of the film, we do see Mitty (Ben Stiller), who supervises all the negatives from the “Life Magazine” photographers, fantasizing about his boring life and making an attempt to make a connection with an attractive woman (Kristen Wiig) at his office, just as “Life” is going out of the weekly business. We occasionally still see him “zoning out” a la Thurber.

But when Mitty is pushed by his new boss (Adam Scott), he responds in a surprising and crowd-pleasing way.

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24 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

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language, rather than boring you with rote memorization and busywork. The service even schedules real human tutors to assist in chapter reviews about twice a month via a video call.

Informer

By Perry Piper

Hello, hola, guten Tag, bon jour

R

elaxing in a beautiful Parisian restaurant and munching on fine cheeses while gazing upon the Arc de Triomphe is a spectacular experience, all until you hear a woman ask, Voulez-vous plus de fromage? and have no idea how to respond.

In Germany and Austria, most citizens speak English and have no problem with assisting travelers. But in many countries, people are more reluctant to deviate from their native tongues.

While many foreigners do speak English, the few who don’t rely on savvy co-workers and family members to translate. In any event, the translator app on your phone will only get you so far in the real world. Acquiring basic conversational skills to use in your destination of choice is the best bet.

Plus, learning a language can build new neural connections that will help fight old age and cognitive deterioration.

It gets old hearing foreign friends conversing in “gibberish,” with your name popping up now and then while you sit across the table. Most Europeans are at least bilingual. We Americans tend to be monolingual and largely disadvantaged, sometimes even in our own country, thanks to the large immigration of Spanish speakers to America. Will we sit back and expect the world to cater to us, or will we meet them part way?

One part of my 2014 New Year’s resolutions is to become fluent enough (to be dangerous) in German so that next time I see my friends, I’ll know at least enough for basic conversation.

I’ve yet to decide which software to buy, but my three-day trial of Rosetta Stone has been incredibly useful!

Mixing listening, reading and writing, the software throws you into the

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Rosetta Stone can be used on a desktop or tablet like iPad and uses photos to teach, which I find fun, intuitive and challenging in all the right ways. Very advanced voice recognition helps with pronunciation until your accuracy goes up and you’ll occasionally have to look at a scene and formulate your own sentences on the fly! The program listens to you and gauges your accuracy.

It’s an incredible feeling to be able to speak German sentences the first day of practicing! The program starts at around $300 per language and is very extensive, with five levels from beginner to expert. I’m about three hours in and have covered basic vocabulary, grammar and greetings.

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Especially to readers who enjoy international travel, I recommend Rosetta Stone’s three-day trial for the language of your choice. Before you know it, you’ll be leading the tour!

•••

Perry Piper lives in Longview and works as CRR’s production manager/photographer and technical consultant.

He serves on the Southwest Washington Symphony Board of Directors.

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Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 25

Clatskanie Drive-in 150 SE Truehaak Indoor & outdoor seating Fabulous fast food.

M-Sat 11am –8pm, Sun 12–6pm New ownership. 503-728-3702.

See ad, page 25.

Flowers ‘n’ Fluff Coffee Shop 45 E. Columbia River Hwy Wine Tasting, Dinner & Live Music Fridays 5–8:30pm.

Unforgettable scones, On-the-go breakfast & lunch.

Coffee Shop M-F 5:30am– 6:30pm; Sat 7am–6pm; Sun 8am–6pm. 503-728-4222

Fultano’s Pizza 770 E. Columbia River Hwy Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more!

M-Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-2922

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 640 E. Columbia River Hwy Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. Sports bar.

M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017

Rainier

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

Goble Tavern 70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live music. 503-556-4090 See ad page 7.

Hometown Pizza 109 E. “A” St. Take-and-bake, Delivery, To-Go and dine-in.

Lunch Buffet M-F 11–2.

Hrs: M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11–10.

503-556-3700

Luigi’s Pizza 117 East 1st Street, Rainier 503-556-4213 Pizza, spaghetti, burgers, beer & wine. See ad, page 7.

Longview

Conestoga Pub Cornerstone Café 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits Prime rib Friday & Sat. 503-556-8772

El Tapatio 117 West “A” Street, Rainier Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar. Karaoke Fri & Sat 9pm–2am Riverview dining. Sun-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri-Sat 11–11, Bar til 2am. Karaoke. 503-556-8323.

Evergreen Pub & Café 115-117 East 1st Street Burgers, halibut, prime rib, full bar. 503-556-9935 See ad, page 7.

4503 Ocewan Beach Hwy, Longview.

Gourmet burgers, hot dogs & more. Prices range from $7.50– 12.50. Home of the Mountain Burger. M-Th 10:30–7, Fri 10:30–8, Sat 8–8, Sun 8–6. 3 60-425-1637.

1210 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview Fish & chips, burgers and more.

Beer and wine.

360-577-7972

Morenita Tacos

1045 - 14th Ave. Dine in or take out. All fresh ingredients. Tortas and green sauce are our specialties.

Mon-Sat 11:30am–9pm; Sun 11:30am–6pm.

360-425-1838.

Cassava

1333 Broadway. 360-425-7700 Locally roasted espresso, fine teas, fresh pastries daily, smoothies, beer & wine, homemade soups. Breakfast and lunch.

Country Folks Deli 1329 Commerce Ave., Longview. Opens at 10 for lunch. 360-425-2837

Alston Pub & Grub

25196 Alston Rd., Rainier 503-556-4213 11 beers on tsp, cocktails. Open daily 11am.

503-556-9753 See ad, page 7.

Mary’s Burger & Shake

The Bistro Restaurant & Wine Club

1329 Commerce Ave., Longview (alley entrance).

Fine dining, happy hour specials. wine tastings.

Wed-Sat opens 5pm.

See ad page 16.

Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview Slow-roasted prime rib Fri & Sat, flat iron steaks, 1/3-lb burgers, fish & chips. 28 draft beers. Full bar. See ad, page 14.

360-636-1616

Rutherglen Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd. (off Ocean Beach Hwy. at 38th Ave.), Longview Open for dinner Tues – Sat, Wednesday wine tasting, Sunday brunch. Full bar.

360-425-5816. See ad page 23.

JT’s 1203 14th Ave, Longview Fine dining, Happy Hour.

Full bar. Specials, fresh NW cuisine. 360-577-0717. See ad page 14.

Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

Hot pizza, cool salad bar.

Beer & wine. See ad, page 10.

503-397-3211

Bertucci’s

2017 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Mon–Fri 9–5; Sat 10–4.

Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, chocolates. See ad, page 2.

El Tapatio 2105 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar.

Karaoke Fri & Sat 9pm–2am Sun-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri-Sat 11–11, Bar til 2am 503-556-8323

Scappoose Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! “Best pizza around!”

M–Th, Sat11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm.

Full bar service ‘til 11pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose.

503-543-5100

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant

33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm.

503-543-3017

Woodland Castle Rock Links on the Corner

Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview M–Th 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm.

BBQ meat slow-cooked on site.

Pulled pork, chicken brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. Worldfamous mac & cheese.

360-577-1541 See ad page 24.

St. Helens

4858 West Side Hwy 5am–8pm, 7 days Fresh soup daily. Burgers, deli, chicken,clam chowder on Fridays breakfast, pizza. Daily lunch & dinner specials.

360-274-8262 See ad, page 24.

Parker’s Restaurant & Brewery 1300 Mt. St. Helens Way Exit 49 off I-5.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Home of the Rockin’ Burgers, handcut steak; seafood and pasta.

Restaurant 8am–9pm (‘til 10pm Fri & Sat); Lounge 11am– midnight.

360-967-2333

The Oak Tree 1020 Atlantic Ave., Woodland.

New ownership. Full lunch, breakfast and dinner menu.

Fresh from scratch cooking.

Great happy hour menu.

Sun-Th 7am–10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-11pm.

360-841-8567

To advertise in Columbia River Dining Guide call 360-749-2632.

Professor P r o f e s s o r Epicurious

Epicurious was so distraught by news of the closure of his favorite restaurant, Ginger’s, inside Longview’s Monticello Hotel, that he begged off writing his first column of 2014!

“Where will I get my favorite Eggs Benedict NOW?” he moaned.

The hunt will now be on for a new breakfast spot. Meanwhile, other CRR writers are filling in.

Evergreen Café in Rainier is a good bet on a rainy day. You can park, literally, a few feet from the door to this rustic cafe. The atmosphere reminds some people of a hunting lodge, perhaps in Alaska. The adjoining Evergreen Pub is nice for those who enjoy an adult libation with their meal.

Evergreen serves delicious halibut fish & chips and a very good clam chowder (just the right consistency, not too thick). The variety of burgers is impressive, too, and the quality still lives up to the rave reviews Dr. Munchie gave Evergreen Cafe during his first Burger Hunt. The Tuck Burger, with bacon, cheese and mushrooms, at $8.75, is a good value. So is the tiger prawn & clam combo for $10.

At Rainier’s El Tapatio, instead of opting for an ordinary chicken enchilada, fajitas or chile relleno, for a special New Year’s treat break loose and order the whole Tilapia. It still comes with the predictable beans and rice, but along with always-tasty fresh guacamole prepared tableside, it makes a very memorable meal.

Some might question why this restaurant would cover its walls — especially in the bar — with images of grotesquely buxom, practically topless women.

Perhaps it should be considered an art exhibit. Picasso? Matisse?

Someone suggested the actual artist was Al Fresco.

Watching the river comfortably from inside while dining on a cold, dark day, diners can still enjoy the river while looking forward to warmer days on the El Tap’s patio this spring. Don’t worry, it will arrive. Hopefully, the whiskey barrel planters will be overflowing with lush, colorful, flowers early enough this season so they won’t need to be Photoshopped into the Cinco de Mayo ad. El Tapatio is always a cont. page 27

26 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

Prof. Epicurious cont from page 26

lively place to go, with great food, impeccably clean surroundings and friendly service.

After waiting tables for 20 years, Mary Mathers recently opened her own restaurant on the west side of Longview. And it shows every early sign of being a highly successful operation.

Mary’s Burger and Shake cooks El Tapatio’s whole tilapia dinner. fries and a soft drink. Shakes served ups 17 different burgers, from a Classic in tall, classic milk shake glasses and Burger ($7.50), to The Mountain topped with a heap of whipped cream Burger at a whopping $24.95. The are as tasty as they are attractive.

Mountain Burger ingredients say it all: 2¼-lb. beef patty, an egg, bacon, Even somewhat after the regular lunch cheddar and Swiss cheese, sliced turkey, hour, the place is filled with customers ham, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle. and a steady stream of folks comes Mathers says it’ll feed a family of four, through the door to pick up orders to go. but if a single person can devour that The restaurant is refreshingly clean, mountain of food in 45 minutes, not with an uncluttered décor and helpful only is the burger free, but the eater servers. Professor Epicurious will be glad gets a free tee-shirt and their name on to know about this new eatery. They the Wall of Fame. even serve a Brunch Slider. Maybe an The menu also offers five kinds of Eggs Benedict version will be added? sliders, sets of three for $6.75 including •••

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Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 27

THE FINAL MOVE

My Slant years and was deeply attached. Judy stepped right up and we were into the process.

Downsizing: the agony and the ecstasy

M

After all the numerous papers were signed she urged me to hire Julie Kendall to come in and help “stage” the house. Julie is a professional and immediately suggested ways to improve the sale-ability of my home.

By Shirley Smith

ore and more of my friends have been moving into smaller homes or assisted living. This caused me to decide that since my 80th birthday was approaching, perhaps it was time for me to consider a move. Even my sister, who is 87, sold her home and moved. She admitted to me that perhaps she had waited about five years too long. I’m hearing this from a number of people.

After several days of work I ended up with five boxes of pictures, curios, knickknacks, and other treasures that she said should go.

So last June I called my friend, local real estate agent Judy Allen, and listed my home. This was the first big step. I had lived there alone for 17

cont page 29

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Downsizing

cont. from page 28

I’m convinced that a Realtor and a stager are essential to guide you through the house-selling process. They are worth every penny and Windermere pays for the stager. After nearly four months we got an offer and Judy negotiated a settlement that was fair to both parties on September 20. Closing was set for December 2.

Now it was becoming a reality and I did not have a place to live … time to seriously start the moving process.

Buying a home or condo was not an option – I had lived 17 years as a single homeowner and did not want that responsibility. Apartments in this area rarely have two bedrooms and two bathrooms and it was essential to me for times I had house guests. One day I was driving along Third Avenue and noticed a banner outside the River’s Edge property saying they had condos for sale, corporate furnished units, and unfurnished units for lease. After reviewing the brochure, a tour was arranged. Within a couple of weeks, I signed a lease and made a deposit. It was thrilling!

Ray McDermott. I’m sure he hopes I am happy here and don’t want to move again.

My daughter flew over from Denver for three days and helped me hang pictures and shop for a few things I needed. Now it feels like home and I can gaze out the doors to my lovely balcony and savor the view over the Cowlitz River as the sun rises. I am content I did the right thing and love the surroundings. Hope my next move is taking me out feet first!

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••• Retired travel agent and community volunteer, Shirley Smith is on the path to becoming Grand Dame of Longview.

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a division of

Now the real work began. I started the “three pile” system – give away, throw away, and keep. We all fill up every inch of space in our homes and it was almost overwhelming to go through everything and make a million heartwrenching decisions.

My sisters’ granddaughter was helping her with her big move and said “Grandma, it’s just stuff.” Very true but hard to accept. The next big shock came when my children (son Brad in Spokane and daughter Colleen in Denver) really did not want any of my treasures. I had spent a lifetime collecting crystal, silver and china that were so beautifully displayed with my 10-piece dining room set.

Gradually, I sold, gave away or threw away the necessary “stuff” and was ready to move. On November 18, the movers from North American came with the big truck and started packing. I can’t say enough about the professional job they did – even my bed was put together by the end of the day. The next morning when I faced the 57 large boxes they had put in appropriate rooms, the unpacking began. Fortunately I had two weeks before the closing to finish the outside and garage of my former home. What a mess!

My wonderful helper, Michele, and her husband, Mike, did a great job with the final cleaning. I would not have survived it all without the constant help and support of my dear companion,

Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 29

POLITICS

the spectator

50.001% still means you won

O

Touchdown in the Banana Bowl

I

“Throw out the bum!” they yell and they spit, without much thought of the new bum they’ll get.

may have hit on an idea that has softened my wife’s irritation over the numerous hours that I spend watching football on television. Maybe it will work for other couch potato sports enthusiasts.

spoons. I peeled the three dead bananas and put them in a bowl. I followed the recipe to the letter, adding two additional ingredients not listed in the original: walnuts and raisins.

A kid who becomes President is the pride of every mother, But a politician has become like a poor condition, and no one wants another.

Throughout the regular season, the games I must see are games featuring the Seahawks, Huskies, Cougars and Ducks.

During playoffs, I’ll watch any unknown team play any other unknown team.

I put the loaf pan in the pre-heated oven, set the timer for one hour and sat down to enjoy the second half of the game

But we ask for this, those of us who serve, So we need thick skin and plenty of nerve.

Sue has been absolutely gracious this year when it comes to me watching my favorite team in a big game. I believe the reason has to do with bananas.

It’s not work we do for the thanks we’ll get, It’s about duty and community and seeing needs are met.

Our son Perry is a big banana eater.

I’ll have one now and then, often in a banana split with three scoops of vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce drizzled over it. Too often, we don’t eat them soon enough. The skin turns brown and the insides become mushy. That’s when they go in the compost bucket under the sink, before going to the compost bin in the alley. I don’t want to know how many “seasoned” bananas we’ve tossed over the years.

Ned’s Banana Bread 3 ripe bananas, smashed 1 /3 cup melted butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch of salt (I have no idea how much is a “pinch”) 1- ½ cups of all-purpose flour No need for a mixer

One Sunday, the TV was tuned to a Seattle Seahawk game. Alone in the house. I went to the fridge to pour a glass of milk when I noticed three brown bananas draped over the apples and oranges in the fruit bowl. Instead of tossing them out, I sat down with my iPad to do a little research. I found a banana bread recipe that looked easy to make.

Mix butter into mashed bananas with wooden spoon in large bowl.

So cast aside the malice and spite, and keep pushing forward with all your might.

Those who are attacking you by gossip, phone or letter, Should not discourage you; don’t get bitter, just get better.

So don’t get down and remember to have fun — 50.001% still means you won!

And what they don’t know — those who call you names Is despite what they call you, you’ll serve them, just the same.

••• Jim Misner penned this impromptu poem during a Rotary Club meeting as a note of encouragement to fellow Rotarian Ned Piper, during the most recent (and again unsuccessful) recall effort concocted by a Kelso barbershop owner and his “associates.” Misner serves as a Cowlitz County Commissioner, Piper is a fourthterm Cowlitz PUD Commissioner.

Note: The TV should be within viewing distance from the kitchen.

During halftime, I laid out all of the ingredients, bowls, measuring cups and

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Pre-heat oven to 350º.

Mix in sugar, egg and vanilla.

Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.

Mix in flour. Add chopped walnuts and raisins if desired.

Pour mixture into a 4-inch by 8-inch loaf pan. Bake one hour, cool on a rack.

Yield: one loaf the size of a small football.

•••

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I’m not The Man in the Kitchen, but my banana bread was very tasty. While I don’t make a loaf during every game, it’s frequent enough and Sue seems pleased with this new pastime of mine. Here’s the recipe:

Longview native Ned Piper serves on Stageworks Northwest’s Board of Directors. He enjoys reading, writing, golfing in fair weather and bowling in foul.

Winter nights: there’s no place like home ...

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By Jim Misner

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30 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

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UNDER THE BRIDGE?

By Ashley Helenberg, Port of Longview Communications/Public Affairs Manager

Thanks for the feedback

O

ver the last year we’ve worked hard to tell the story of the Port, because it’s important to us to have the support of our community. We want you to know how we operate, how we invest your tax dollars to create jobs and why the Port is such a great asset to our local area.

Through our monthly “Port Talk” and other outreach, we try to explain more than 800 acres worth of bustling international trade, transportation and cargo handling so that you can better understand what we do, why we do it and how you benefit from it. Trust me, it’s no easy task.

Our last edition of “Port Talk” was a survey geared at helping us understand what kind of information you are interested in and how much you’ve learned about us throughout the last year. We got great feedback. I personally read each survey and appreciate every person who took the time to tell me what they think, good or bad.

I’ll spend the next year addressing the topics and questions raised through the surveys and continue to tell our story.

The first topic we’ll start the year off with is the Port’s recent tax increase.

In November the Port Commission voted (2-1) to increase our property tax collection to make infrastructure investments that will spur job creation.

Learn more about it on the following page.

It’s a complicated, and sometimes unpopular, story to tell, but I’ll keep telling it because I believe in what we do and what the Port provides for the community.

••• To s u b m i t c o m m e n t s a b o u t t h i s column please send us a note at info@ portoflongview.com.

JANUARY 2014

Port Talk Competition, aging infrastructure drive tax increase Today’s lagging economy has forced ports all over the globe to compete for the same business. Now, it’s more important than ever to have strong, reliable infrastructure to attract cargo that will secure jobs and economic benefits for our community.

HIGH

Infrastructure is paramount to customers deciding where to land their business. Those with marine imports and exports are looking for the best transportation and facilities and those looking to relocate industries are seeking shovel-ready property with rail, roads and utilities already in place.

5

CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR 2014

BARLOW POINT In 2009, the Port of Longview purchased 280 acres of undeveloped property for future expansion. Taxes are used pay down debt for the purchase and begin the master planning process this year.

MOBILE HARBOR CRANE Taxes are used toward a loan for the Port’s first mobile harbor crane, which is used for heavy lift and oversized cargo operations.

BERTH 4 REDEVELOPMENT For years the Port has worked with environmental agencies on best plans to remove nearly 1,000 creosote piling and build a new dock this year. The dilapidated silos are slated to come down in coming years.

STORMWATER New environmental regulations will make stormwater upgrades necessary.

With hundreds of acres, improvements will cost millions of dollars.

FACILITY MAINTENANCE Years of deferred maintenance can wait no longer. In order for buildings to be useful and safe, repairs are necessary.

Infrastructure at the Port, such as rail lines, roads, docks and buildings, are in serious need of improvement so they may continue to support operations that create jobs.

and every investment made is done for the direct benefit of local citizens, our stakeholders.

“If we are not moving forward and making improvements, then we are moving backward,” said Commissioner Darold Dietz. “Customers can take their business wherever they choose.

We want them to choose the Port of Longview.

We want the jobs. We want the economic benefits for our community.”

For example, the old Continental Grain facility and its dock of nearly 1,000 creosote pilings has sat idle since the late 1980s. Prime waterfront property that should be attracting customers and putting people to work is instead crumbling.

In order to remain competitive and create jobs and economic benefits in our community, we must constantly make improvements. Each

With record revenues, why raise taxes?

Operating Revenue Operating

Berth 4 has sat idle for more than 25 years.

Improving utilization of existing property is one of the Commissions top guiding priorities.

Berth 4 will cost an estimated

20 MILLION DOLLARS to redevelop.

2007

2008

2009

$18,661,118

$ 23,486,930

$25,115,703

17,268,351

20,628,505

22,386,147

2011

2012

projected 2013

$27,770,497

$28,276,715

$33,801,927

$31,150,161

24,772,805

25,656,300

25,770,552

24,429,561

2010

True, the Port has had several Expense consecutive record revenue Profit $1,392,767 $2,858,425 $2,729,556 $2,997,692 $2,620,415 $8,031,375 $6,720,600 years. Operating revenues (before dep) are an indicator of a strong business year in which the Port has handled a lot of cargo. Revenues, however, are entirely different than profits, there is a big difference. As the Port’s revenues increase, so do our expenses for labor, maintenance and equipment. See the table above for a more accurate look at recent profits. These profits are invested into new capital assets and improvements to existing assets, all aimed at local economic growth.

Ports exist for economic benefit

Ports are owned by the citizens and taxes collected are an investment in the livelihood of our community. Ports are not private businesses, nor were they designed to be. They were designed to spur economic development, Cents/ Total keep money moving through the economy $1,000 Collection by managing public assets and to create Port of Seattle 0.22 73,000,000 economic gain for the area.

By law, ports may collect $0.45 per $1,000 of the port district’s assessed valuation. Even at the maximum rate, the Port of Longview collects less in total taxes than competing ports, a disadvantage when it comes to making capital investments in docks, rail lines, roads and equipment.

0.18

13,115,760

Port of Vancouver

0.39

9,986,858

Port of Olympia

0.19

4,925,784

Port of Everett

0.35

4,400,000

Commission Meetings

Port of Longview

0.45

3,108,290

Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month and are open to the public.

For more information, visit portoflongview.com

Chief Executive Officer Geir-Eilif Kalhagen

Information

REVENUE SOURCES

Is there information you would like to see in Port Talk, or do you have questions related to a story that was featured? Please email info@portoflongview.com or call 360-425-3305.

EXPENSES

Property Tax 7%

Grants 1%

Darold Dietz/District 1 Lou Johnson/District 2 Bob Bagaason/District 3

Port of Tacoma

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT Operating Reserves 10%

Commissioners

Capital Expenses 16% Operating Revenue 82%

Other Debt 8% GO Debt 3% Non-operating Expenses 9%

Operating Expenses 64%

portoflongview.com > (360) 425-3305 > GET CONNECTED. Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 31

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32 / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

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