CRR February 2015

CRREADER.COM • – February 15 – March 14, 2015 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.

Exploring

our river paradise

page 18

page 29

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

HAIKUFEST

page 5

SNOWCRAFTS

page 13

THE BIG LOOP IN A VW BUS

page 23

BLACKWOOD’S OSCAR PICKS

page 32

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www.longviewurology.com 2 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

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M

y dad would be smiling right about now, and shaking his head.

I can imagine him asking: “How can you can live here all your life and publish a newspaper about the good life in the Lower Columbia region and not even know the names of the rivers and lakes?”

Sue’s Views

A curious man intrigued by geography, geology and natural history, my dad loved Sunday drives and was constantly exploring and/or reading about the region. He grew up in Oakville and intimately knew Southwest Washington’s landscape and all the back roads.

In later years, he would tease me about the time I had received an “A” in Squeak Holbrook’s Washington State History class at Monticello Junior High (now Middle) School.

When my dad asked me to point in the direction of Castle Rock, however, I was at a loss. He thought this was very funny. Every family has these standing “jokes.” Haha.

I admit, I’ve never had an innate sense of direction (and now, nobody needs one, due to GPS). But life-long learning is a very good thing.

Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Ron Baldwin Dr. Bob Blackwood Nancy Chennault Ashley Helenberg Gary Meyers Ned Piper Perry Piper Chuck Ramsdell Alan Rose Kari Rushmer Paul Thompson Production Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Accounting/Editorial Assistant: Lois Sturdivant Editorial & Proofreading Assistants Kathleen Packard, Sue Lane, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry Advertising Representatives Ned Piper, Manager 360-749-2632 Sue Lane 360-261-0658 Columbia River Reader, LLC P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021 Subscriptions $26 per year inside U.S. (plus $2.08 sales tax mailed to Washington addresses).

Lifelong learning, family jokes and spelling.

Reading Chuck Ramsdell’s first draft of his “river paradise” story (see page 18), I came to the part where he mentioned five bodies of water converging near St. Helens — “the lewis, the cowlitz, the lake, the multnomah channel and

the columbia.” I thought it was a typo. What lake? I was surprised to learn there is a Lake River. Who knew? My dad would have. It’s an 11-mile-long tributary of the Columbia River, flowing from Vancouver Lake.

An avid, curious reader, Dad would have been Columbia River Reader’s “Onamotapoeians” at the 2014 Spellp r o u d o f C R R a n d abration. The individual team members rotate year-to-year. pleased to play a part in it, serving as we are determined to bring home the a great resource. I bet he would have top trophy! But we need everybody’s written a monthly column (Everything help.

You Need to Know about the Pacific Join the fun at the Kelso Theatre Northwest, by George O. Perry), had Pub and cheer on the CRR team. he only lived longer. His gravestone Or, just celebrate the idea of spelling, reads: “So many books, so little time.” something that in the day and age of Another family joke. tweets, texts, and hashtags, almost Altrusa’s 7th Annual Spell-abration seems to be fading away.

This this event promises to be a lively Like needing to know which way is and fun evening (see story, page 12). north.

Columbia River Reader’s team, the Onamotapoeians, won second place in two prior Spell-abrations and this year,

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

ON THE COVER Near the headwaters of Cunningham Slough, which is the intersection of three lakes and is fed by tidal influences resulting in 3-4 knot currents.

Photo by Perry Piper

Cover Design by

Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 14,000 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.”

4

Letters to the Editor

5

CRR’s 6th Annual Haiku Fest

7

Local Books / Book Review / Bestsellers List

9

Biz Buzz

11

Miss Manners

12

How Do You Spell F-U-N? Altrusa’s 7th Annual Spell-abration

13 Snowcrafts 15

Northwest Gardener ~ Seed Shoping

17

Out & About: Asian New Year Kite Festival

18

Out & About: Exploring our river paradise

20

Man in the Kitchen: Cuban Curiosity

21

Where Do You Read the Reader?

23

Making the Big Loop in a VW Bus

26-27 Outings & Events Calendar 28

Lower Columbia Informer ~ Meet Cortana

29

Columbia River Dining Guide

32 Dr. Blackwood’s Oscar Picks 34

The Spectator ~ Better and Better at CTPA

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 3

Letters to the Editor

Internal Medicine & Preventative Care

Jekyll and Hyde Kudos to the Columbia River Reader for sponsoring Jekyll and Hyde. My friend from Vancouver and I went and we both thought it was one of the BEST shows we’ve ever seen on stage and I’ve seen a lot, including London theatre. We were only disappointed we couldn’t go again because we would have!

Open Every Day for Your Convenience

Thank you for helping make world-class theater available to our community. You really are making the good life happen here!

Great one-night show Thanks for your sponsorship of the Columbia Theatre production last night. We have seen a lot of Broadway shows but had never seen this one.

It was very well done with great production values for a one-night show. The cast voices were quite wonderful.

P.S. Plus we ended up dining at Bowers Down and having an excellent meal

Bruce and Pat Eyer Longview, Wash.

Holidays & Weekends Included Neal R.Kirkpatrick, MD, FACP, FACC

Richard A. Kirkpatrick, M.D., FACP

Welcome

CRR Print Submission Guidelines

our newest providers

Kendra Preilipper

David B. Kirkpatrick, MA, MMSc, PA-C

Vlad Bogin, MD, FACP

and

Zach Migel Bryan Whetton, BA, PA-C

Karen L. Joiner, MSN, ARNP

Extended clinic hours:

Carol Sayles, MSN, ARNP

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ON THE CIVIC CENTER

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360-575-9161 783 Commerce Ave. Suite 120

Leanne Williams, MSN, ARNP

• American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Diabetic Foot Care • Ingrown Toenails • Heel & Arch Pain Mark Rawson, DPM, Podiatrist

Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. Deadline: 30th of the month. See other submission details, page 26. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

Got our goose? he ransom demands and postcards we have received showing our beloved goose T(missing from our Longview yard for the

We Accept Most Insurance Plans

Kirkpatrick Foot & Ankle

purpose—to help readers “discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road.” Advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.

Whoever took him: Please do the right thing!

Physician Assistant Internal Medicine

Bev Search, RN, FNP, MA, ARNP

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.

Political Endorsements As a monthly publication serving readers in three counties, two states and beyond, we cannot print endorsements or criticism of political candidates as Letters to the Editor Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s

Physician Assistant, Women’s Health and Internal Medicine

Charles Houchin, MCHS, RRT, PA-C

prior to the show—so a bit of a boost to the downtown economy and local proprietors.

Retha Porter Kalama, Wash.

• Foot Surgery • Fungal Conditions

BOTH BUSINESSES UNDER SAME OWNERSHIP 4 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

past year) in various vacation settings are causing us stress and heartache.

Per your warning, we have not called the police about our goose on the loose. His brother and sister miss him and honk themselves to sleep each night. We just want to get our goose family back together. We beg you to bring him home. No questions asked.

Everyone deserves music!

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

6th Annual HaikuFest

Judges select favorite entries

Basho would be proud

O

By Gary Meyers CRR Haiku Contest founder & Chief Judge

nce again, we challenged our readers to join in our annual Columbia River Reader’s HaikuFest. And just as in years past, we were gratified by the enthusiastic response and the quality of submissions. The judges agreed that even those entries that didn’t make the final cut in HaikuFest2015 reflected sincerity and effort. After all, it is the poet alone who describes the moment in time or experience. The judges merely determine which haiku best stimulate the readers’ imaginations.

Our haiku events have never been about taking things too seriously. We leave that to contests with entry fees, professional juries, and threats of losers’ lawsuits. Our events have always been about having fun. They’ve been about introducing readers to the poetry genre originating in Edo perio d Japan (1600s) and giving them the opportunity to craft their own haiku. If positive feedback is an indicator, we can conclude that our “Bashos-in-training” have had endless fun manipulating 17 syllables like squares on a Rubik’s Cube.

To gain inspiration for this years’s event, I made a pilgrimage last month (if taking the subway qualifies as a pilgrimage). My destination was a site associated with the most famous poet of the Edo period, whose memory will be forever linked with haiku.

A GREAT TIME FOR A GREAT

CAUSE

Strolling amidst the manicured trees and moss-covered stones lining the meandering brook in the museum garden, I could feel the spirit of the Master guiding my way. But I digress….

In our initial look at this year’s entries, the judges noticed that syllable counts seemed to be a problem. Too many or too few were too common.

We concluded that the count errors may be due to one of two reasons: the recent pot legalization in Washington, or a harbinger of an upturn in the economy--the public stops counting their pennies; haiku poets stop counting their syllables.

The judges also sensed that the poets employed different strategies for gaining an edge on the competition. Some submitted their entries within minutes of the starting bell thinking perhaps they would catch the judges’ attention before ennui set in. [For the record, our judges remain vigilant regardless of the hour!]

Other entrants seemed to be waiting until just before the deadline hoping their haiku would land outside the mountainous pile. That strategy proved seriously flawed when incoming cont page 6

Prizes • Auctions • Dinner

Attend a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation dinner and benefit auction where fun and fundraising combine for a memorable evening.

Saturday, March 14

th

Cowlitz County EXPO Center - Longview

Ticket info: Doors open at 4:30pm Randy 360-636-6148 Samantha 360-355-6797 Proceeds ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.

Prior to convening this year’s panel of judges, Chief Judge Gary Meyers made a pilgrimage to Basho Museum. Located on the bank of the Sumida river in Morishita (a suburb of Tokyo), the Basho Museum purports to be on or near the site of a hut occupied by Matsuo Basho during his most prolific period.

Traditional Category Sharon Ashford Indian summer Wisps of smoke from campfires rise Ghosts of golden days.

Pop Category Amy Fischer Crocs, PJs, flannel Leather jackets, neck tattoos Courtroom finery.

Margaret Caron Spring mountain snow melts Refreshing cold water flows The river shivers.

John Forsberg A bottled message breaks upon a rocky shore, never to be read.

Melanee Evans You speak in hashtags I prefer feather-penned notes scribed in velvet ink.

Nancy Rocha Are you here, mother?

I look; I touch; I’m weeping.

Dementia stole her.

Dallin Hughes Mediocrity is a land bearing no fruit.

Do not settle there.

Lois Brudi Letters from the past telling of my husband’s love; Precious valentines.

Barbara Hanna A gold-fingered dawn spreads warmly through my window The day beckons me.

Dorothy Parker Spotted and knotted Smooth succumbs to passing time Hands of bygone days.

Youth Abigail Zuber The stars dance at night The sun dances at daylight Who dances at dawn?

Kaitlyn Zuber Looking behind me I see the mightiest tree Falling for rivals.

Northwest-Oriented John Hanna Surging up the stream Leaping high above the falls The Chinook comes home.

Stephan Chandler Great Blue Heron flies Lake Sacajawea waits Wide wings alight—home.

Blair Wilson Wind blowing so hard Dark sky and raindrops falling Life in the Northwest.

Renie Duvall Tropical heat calls as frigid Northwest rains squall.

Time to travel west.

Dave Ford Great River flows west Misty Island full ahead Is destiny there?

Sarah Zuber The maples are bare Crisp, white frost coats the great pines Their leaves are buried.

Judges’ Spur-of-theMoment Selections next page

Allison Dickson The sky is true pink Of a great ice cream sherbet But it’s just the sun.

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 5

HaikuFest

cont from page 6

entries on the last day caused my computer screen to roll like the wheels on a Las Vegas slot machine.

Then, there was Rose Putnam from Kelso. We count on Rose’s submissions every year to raise the quality level of the collection. At 94 (or is it 95?), Rose’s strategy is patently obvious — outlive the competition! So far, her plan is working. So to Rose goes “The Last Poet Standing” award. Haiku on, lady, and don’t look back lest you trip over an errant syllable!

For the third year in a row, the most creative failed haiku appeared once again: “Whew! Met the deadline!/ Note my haiku on greenbacks/Does it buy an edge?” Short answer: No. Our judges can’t be bought—at least for the embarrassingly trivial amount offered.

Speaking of the judges, I want to recognize our esteemed panel without whom I would have no one to shift blame to when crises arise. Without getting into details, they are all personal friends, all multi-taskers and hugely successful in their own fields, all with close ties to the Orient, and all

totally dedicated to giving each entry a full vetting. I am indebted to each of them for their selfless contribution when they could otherwise be engaged in their own pursuits.

It should be obvious by now that we enjoy hosting these annual events as much as our readers seem to enjoy participating. Thank you all for

making HaikuFest2015 successful and for your continued loyalty to Columbia River Reader.

••• Gary Meyers grew up in Longview and, following stellar careers with the US Marine Corps and Northwest Airlines, enjoys the good life in Honolulu. CRR is grateful for his continuing dedication to the annual HaikuFest.

Space is limited Make plans NOW!

Proceeds benefit local literacy programs Niechelle Guzman, L.Ac. Nancy Goodwin, L.Ac. doTerra Essential Oils, WA

Adult Spelling Bee

March 6 • 7pm • Kelso Theater Pub $90/Team Entry Fee (includes pizza) Spectator Tickets $8 (includes pizza) Details & Signups: Susan - 360-353-3942

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The Judges’ Spur-of-theMoment Haiku Choices Rose Putnam “Last Poet Standing” Award for Tenacity Age is deceiving if judged by looks alone actions—the factor.

Jean James The Luddite (look it up) Trophy “Preferred Submissions” is not for the likes of me email too high tech.

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Randy Zuber Best A&W Promotion Sparkling eyes of youth when root beer and ice cream mix smiles widen to grins.

Don Gibson “The Enigma Award for Obfuscation” Korea Hebdo koyaanisqatsi tru dat built and made by man. (our compliments to Don for baffling all the judges.)

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Cynthia Davis The National Transportation Safety Board Certificate of Recognition Stoplight turns yellow so close to intersection not worth collision.

Zuber Family “The Family that Haikus Together Stays Together” plaque Randy and Rebecca Zuber and their three children, Abigail, Kaitlyn, and Sarah all submitted haiku.

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6 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

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Cover to Cover

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION 1. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry Gabrielle Zevin, Algonquin, $14.95 2. The Rosie Project Graeme Simsion, S&S, $15.99 3. The Martian Andy Weir, Broadway, $15 4. Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline, Morrow, $14.99 5. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn, Broadway, $15 16. Americanah Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Anchor, $15.95 7. A Tale for the Time Being Ruth Ozeki, Penguin, $16 8. Hild Nicola Griffith, Picador USA, $18 9. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared Jonas Jonasson, Hyperion, $16 10. The Ocean at the End of the Lane Neil Gaiman, Morrow, $14.99

Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, for week ending Feb. 1, 2015, 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

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

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1. The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, Penguin, $17 2. Wild Cheryl Strayed, Vintage, $15.95 3. The Sixth Extinction Elizabeth Kolbert, Picador USA, $16 4. Unbroken Laura Hillenbrand, Random House, $16 5. American Sniper Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Morrow, $15.99 6. How to Love Thich Nhat Hanh, Parallax Press, $9.95 7. 10% Happier Dan Harris, Dey Street, $15.99 8. Bad Feminist Roxane Gay, Harper Perennial, $15.99 9. Alan Turing: The Enigma Andrew Hodges, Princeton University Press, $16.95 10. Tiny Beautiful Things Cheryl Strayed, Vintage, $15.95

1. All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr, Scribner, $27 2. The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins, Riverhead, $26.95 3. The Rosie Effect Graeme Simsion, S&S, $25.99 4. The First Bad Man Miranda July, Scribner, $25 5. Station Eleven Emily St. John Mandel, Knopf, $24.95 6. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust Alan Bradley, Delacorte, $25 7. The Goldfinch Donna Tartt, Little Brown, $30 8. A Sudden Light Garth Stein, S&S, $26.95 9. Blue Horses Mary Oliver, Penguin Press, $24.95 10. The Boston Girl Anita Diamant, Scribner, $26

1. Being Mortal Atul Gawande, Metropolitan, $26 2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Marie Kondo, Ten Speed Press, $16.99 3. Deep Down Dark Hector Tobar, FSG, $26 4. Thug Kitchen Michelle Davis, Matt Holloway, Rodale, $24.99 5. Small Victories Anne Lamott, Riverhead, $22.95 6. Yes Please Amy Poehler, Dey Street, $28.99 7. Plenty More Yotam Ottolenghi, Ten Speed Press, $35 8. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

Roz Chast, Bloomsbury, $28 9. Everything I Need to Know About Love I Learned From a Little Golden Book Diane Muldrow, Golden Books, $9.99 10. Leaving Before the Rains Come Alexandra Fuller, Penguin Press, $26.95

1. American Sniper Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Harper, $9.99 2. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99 3. The Wise Man’s Fear Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $9.99 4. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn, Broadway, $9.99 5. A Dance With Dragons George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 6. A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 7. Night Broken Patricia Briggs, Ace, $7.99 8. American Gods Neil Gaiman, HarperTorch, $7.99 9. Outlander Diana Gabaldon, Dell, $9.99 10. Dark Places Gillian Flynn, Broadway, $9.99

1. Minecraft: Construction Handbook Scholastic, $7.99 2. Minecraft: Combat Handbook Scholastic, $7.99 3. The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illus.), Harper, $7.99 4. Drama Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $10.99 5. Minecraft: Essential Handbook Scholastic, $7.99 6. If I Stay Gayle Forman, Speak, $10.99 7. The Terrible Two Jory John, Mac Barnett, Kevin Cornell (Illus.), Amulet, $13.95 8. Smile Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $10.99 9. Minecraft: Redstone Handbook Scholastic, $7.99 10. The Book Thief Markus Zusak, Knopf, $12.99

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

Re-discovering secrets of the universe we once knew

By Alan Rose Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By Benjamin Alire Saenz Simon & Schuster $10.99 Paperback

I

,

t’s been pointed out to me that I have never reviewed a book of poetry or a Young Adult novel in this column. I really don’t feel qualified to review poetry. But I suppose I’m qualified to review YA literature since I was once myself an adolescent, though not very good at it.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe received a slew of awards when it was published in 2012. The story of two Mexican-American boys

Alan Rose, author of Tales of Tokyo, 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.

Feeling sorry for myself was an art.

I think a part of me liked doing that….I had all kinds of tragic reasons for feeling sorry for myself.

Being fifteen didn’t help. Sometimes I thought that being fifteen was the worst tragedy of all. ~ from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Opposite him is Dante Quintana, ebullient, enthusiastic and embracing life. (“Dante seemed to make himself fit everywhere he went. And me, I always felt that I didn’t belong anywhere.”)

Together, they discover the “secrets of the universe” that is the experience of growing up — learning about friendship, love, sex, and the mystery of why adults do what adults do.

They ponder deeply meaningful and profound questions: “You think parents ever outgrow sex?”

living in El Paso, it tackles a number of contemporary issues with great humor, pathos and understanding.

Aristotle (Ari) Mendoza, who narrates, has a darker view of the world, weighted down by his fifteen-yearold existence and carrying what the Spanish philosopher Unamuno called “the tragic sense of life.”

He’s at that age when nothing fits, including one’s body—perhaps especially one’s body—and speaks for many teens trying to figure out who they are as they determine who they are to become: “The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea.”

“I don’t know. I don’t think it’s something you outgrow, is it? What do I know, I’m just waiting to grow into it.”

“Sometimes your secrets scare me.”

Dante laughed. “I wasn’t really kissing Daniel. In my head, I was kissing you.”

I shrugged. “You got to get yourself a new head, Dante.”

He looked a little sad. “Yeah. Guess so.”

Aristotle and Dante is a funny, touching story for adolescents who are trying to figure out the “secrets” of growing up, but also a story for any adult who has ever been an adolescent, no matter how poor he was at it.

•••

“Me, too.”

The story moves along in quick, brief chapters — often of only one or two pages — as they continue the friendship into their late teens.

Eventually, Ari has to come to terms with Dante being gay, and Dante’s feelings for him.

“Can I tell you a secret, Ari?” “Can I stop you?”

“You don’t like knowing my secrets.”

March. 3 • Cassava 1333 BROADWAY LONGVIEW

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 7

Visit Downtown Longview ~ a great place to shop, explore, dine out, relax & celebrate!

We’re family owned locally owned & here to stay Authorized Lazboy Dealer

1413 Commerce Ave. Longview 360-575-9804 M-F: 9:30–5:30 • Sat 10 - 5

Visit our NEW location & drive-thru See ad, page 13

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Fine Art CUSTOM FRAMING Tues – Sat • 10am - 5pm or by appointment

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Mary’s Shoppe Tailoring and Alteration For Men and Women

Tues & Thurs 9:00-5:00 Wed & Fri 9:00-3:00 Sat 10:30-2:00

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The Broadway Gallery

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See ad, page 24

See what’s going on in Downtown Longview! www.MyLDP.org

RESTAURANT

The Bistro

Updated weekly

See ad, page 18

Cat around with me...

Downtown! ~ Smokey Man in the Kitchen’s cat.

8 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

AUXILIARY

We’re Fundraising with

General selection of boxed chocolates & novelties in stock.

Call for information about placing special orders.

Columbia River Reader office 1333 - 14th Ave. Longview, Wash.

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

Antiques • Collectibles Gift Baskets • Flowers Home & Garden We Deliver! en during

Op uction constr

360-577-3824

1414 Commerce Avenue www.BandasBouquets.com

Biz Buzz 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.

Pacific Imaging Center has added Radiologic Technologist Sheila Eubanks to its staff. Eubanks received her AS degree in Radiography in 2011. She completed her coursework at Portland Community College and two years of clinical training at Oregon Health and Sciences U n i v e r s i t y.

Sheila Eubanks She then did additional coursework, also at P.C.C., and received her Certificate in MRI in 2012. Certified in both Radiography and MRI through the American

Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Eubanks holds licenses in Oregon and Washington. She was employed as an MRI tech for Legacy Health Systems, working at both Salmon Creek Medical Center and Emanuel Medical Center/Randall’s Children’s Hospital. She holds a B.A. in anthropology, A.S. degrees in fashion and fitness and is a former personal trainer/spinning instructor.

She enjoys working out on a daily basis, running, hiking, making candy and jewelry, and is a huge fan of the National Basketball Association.

Pacific Imaging Center is located at 625 9th Avenue at Pacific Surgical Institute. Call 360-501-3444 for additional information.

Rutherglen Mansion to be sold 3/2015.

THANK YOU, Rubin, for your many years of proud stewardship of Longview’s historic Rutherglen Mansion.

Reuben Grendahl The warm Proprietor Extraordinaire ambience you created, along with your gracious hospitality, personal charm and friendship made Rutherglen special... and unforgettable.

~ CRR staff and friends

HOT PIZZA FRESH COOL SALAD BAR THE BEST AROUND!

IN ST HELENS 2124 Columbia Blvd.

503-397-3211

It’s tax season! You can count on

Public invited to discuss AmeriCorps’ focus areas of service

O

n Friday, March 6, 12–2pm, Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network will host its Annual Community Forum. This is a time that the organization invites the community and former and present host sites to discuss focus areas in a round table format.

Join the gathering to give feedback on the following topics as they relate to the local community: Education, Veterans/Military Families, Economic Opportunities, Community Needs/ Environment, Healthy Futures and Disaster Services.

The new host site applications will be available for the 2015/2016 term of service that will start in September.

Organizations and agencies interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member to serve at their non-profit or school and anyone interested in learning more about AmeriCorps and how the team is making a difference in Cowlitz County are invited to the gathering.

906 New York St., Longview, Wash.

To RSVP, please call 360-577-5859 and speak with Jennie Bergman or Marsha Treadway.

Scappoose Business & Tax Service Open all year ~ Call or stop by for FREE consultation ST HELENS 503-397-6993 1510 St. Helens St., Suite A scapptax2@ados.com OTB00031 SCAPPOOSE 503-543-7195 52698 NE First scapptax1@ados.com

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CATERING Be a guest at your next event!

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503-366-9099 800-330-9099 201 S. 1st Street St. Helens OR wildcurrantcatering.com Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 9

Local Art

10 Things to Observe as

You Visit Loved Ones

• Spoiled food in fridge • Poor grooming, personal hygiene • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed • Diminished driving skills, near misses • Difficulty walking; unsteady; recent falls • Mishandled or missed medications • Personality changes; irritability; sudden mood changes • Unopened mail; past due bills; mishandled finances • Poor housekeeping; home maintenance; unsafe conditions • Depression; forgetfulness

Watch for these warning signs to see if your elderly loved one is in need of assistance and extra care.

If someone seems to need help, don’t be afraid to speak up and reach out.

For more information, please call Crawford House at 360-636-2319.

Columbia Artists invite show entries A r ea arti sts are i n v i ted to participate in the Columbian Artists 39th Annual juried Spring Art Show to be held March 21­– April 12 at Kelso’s Three Rivers Mall.

past two years. Work will be judged and awards given. Entries will be received on Monday, March 16, from 10–5 at the Three Rivers Mall, 3513 Three Rivers Drive (space D-1168, just down from Macy’s), Kelso, Wash.

The show is open to artists 18 years old and older from Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Lewis, and Pacific Counties in Washington, and Clatsop and Columbia Counties in Oregon. Entries must be original, twodimensional work, completed in the

A prospectus with details regarding rules, categories, sizes, etc., and an entry form are available online at www.columbianartists.org, at Broadway Gallery in Longview and Tsuga Gallery in Cathlamet, or by calling 360-4250142 (Carol), or 360-274-2882 (Alan).

Discount Dry Cleaners Freshen up for the New Year!

Call before you go …

Probate costs more when there’s no Will or Trust.

Call today.

“I make house calls”

THE LAW OFFICE OF

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Vincent L. (Vince) Penta, P.S. 1561 11th Ave. Longview

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We can beat ANY cleaner’s price.

M-F 3-6pm • Sat 1-5pm • 24 Hour Dropoff (360) 846 - 7368 • 1146 15th Ave, Suite 110, Longview

Join the CEDC to participate in the economic health of our region.

Winter Specials Lube, Oil and Filter 0-20 W OIL $ $24.95

24.95

INCLUDES FREE HAND CAR WASH

Synthetic oil vehicles, diesels, 0-20 weight oil vehicles & motor homes may require additional charges.

Hazardous waste and taxes extra. Good thru 3/14/15.

4 Wheel Alignment

$

79.95

Recent groundbreaking ceremony at Longview’s Streetscape Improvement Project.

360.423.9921 • www.cowlitzedc.com

David Hughey Wears Two Hats

Some vehicles may require additional charges.

Hazardous waste and taxes extra. Good thru 3/14/15.

He can help you buy Medicare Insurance & major medical insurance AND provide professional assistance in filing your 2014 income taxes.

1100 Vandercook, Longview • 360-423-3350 WWW.STIRLINGHONDA.COM

360-751-1951 • dvhughey@lycos.com

Perform 4 wheel alignment wheel balance /rotate tires / inspect brakes

Most cars and lite duty trucks • Modified vehicles extra

10 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

David is a licensed Life and Health Agent in Washington & Oregon.

Civilized Life

Miss Manners

By Judith Martin

Standing ovations; charging admission for a party; hostguest bargain DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last night I attended a play. It was good, and I enjoyed it, but at the end a few people in the audience got up and gave a standing ovation. Then other people felt compelled to stand up, too.

While I did like the play, I didn’t feel it deserved a standing ovation, and I remained sitting. I feel that originally, the standing ovation was meant to be a sign of an exceptional performance, but now it seems to be given at the end of every show.

Was I being obstinate and rude for not standing up with everyone else?

Should I just accept that the standing ovation has been devalued, or can I remain sitting even when everyone else is standing? If I should have stood, how many people constitute a standing ovation that everyone should get up for?

GENTLE READER: Ovation inflation annoys Miss Manners, too. She would think it would annoy performers, knowing that their best work is received no differently from their worst. But she is aware that that is about as likely as students getting upset about grade inflation.

There is no reason for you to abandon your judgment to follow the crowd.

If you remain seated, applauding or not as you think fit, perhaps other discerning souls will join you.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 9-year-old granddaughter has been invited to two birthday parties recently. Both of them have been at event centers, and the parents have requested that the invitee bring admission money.

Is this a new trend now? Neither of these families is poverty-stricken.

My son has just about decided that his daughter will be declining any future invitations requiring him to send admission money. He always sends a nice gift. The gift plus admission money is getting a little expensive.

GENTLE READER: Your son is not only correct, but also more generous than Miss Manners would have been by sending a gift for an event that his daughter is not attending. Yes, charging admission for a party is rude.

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He doesn’t bring the hostess a gift. Apparently, none of the other members of the circle bring them either. These are people of all ages from 21 to 79 — some “new” money and some old.

Are hostess gifts not brought to such events? I will be attending one of these events, and I am not sure what I should do. Also, what would one bring to such an event? I cannot afford a $200 bottle of wine. This is very embarrassing.

GENTLE READER: It needn’t be.

Despite the number of people who say they were brought up “never to appear empty-handed,” there are indeed circles in which this is not practiced.

It is not money that defines such people, but a sense of hospitality.

While they may be pleased to receive an occasional bouquet or box of chocolates, they dislike what has come to seem like a barter system — a contribution in exchange for a meal.

The truly essential bargain between host and guest requires the guest only to respond promptly, show up on time, socialize with other guests, thank the host, write additional thanks and reciprocate.

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Your son, although apparently a regular visitor, is probably not yet in a position to reciprocate with invitations. But he can find other ways to show appreciation by training himself to be alert to what would be welcome. An offer to fix the computer

Best Burgers in the Area

Sandwiches Spaghetti • Lasagna Burgers • Salads Beer, Wine & Sodas

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DEAR MISS MANNERS: My son has some wonderful friends/ clients who at are the tippy-top of the economic pyramid. He is invited to many events at their homes and yachts.

You needn’t bring anything, and a $200 bottle of wine would be ridiculous.

You’ll love our homestyle cooking so much ... you’ll come back for JOIN US Friday & Saturday evenings for

The fact that people follow this trend without considering their guests makes it even more so.

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Alston pub grub

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problem of a host who is complaining about it, for example. Sending a book or recording that was discussed to someone who showed interest in it.

Learning to crew if his friends don’t have professional crews on their yachts.

A young friend who is thoughtful and eager to be helpful is a treasure that money cannot buy.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a member of a national organization that requires $90 annual dues to help with many very worthy projects.

A few times a year I will be sent a “gift” from the current president and a letter asking for an extra donation toward her project of the year.

In the past, I always sent extra to help. This year we have experienced a lot of personal hardships, and my donation was smaller and slower being sent in.

I just received a letter informing me that I needed to pay for my “gift” as soon as possible. It is a cheaply made plastic tote bag. I think this is rude.

What should my response be? I would like to return it with a note.

GENTLE READER: By all means, do that. If you can explain to this organization that unethical business practices — sending unsolicited merchandise and then demanding payment — raise suspicions about the ethics of an organization, Miss Manners will consider that you have made a valuable contribution.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Good times ROLL at the

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70255 Columbia River Hwy • Rainier, OR

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 11

Winter Fun

Do you want to build a Altrusa club to transform Kelso snoooowmaaannn​???

Theatre Pub to beehive of activity Two easy crafts help compensate HOW DO YOU SPELL F-U-N ?

Columbia River Reader

T

he Kelso Theatre Pub will be bursting with fun on March 6, as wordlovers compete for the this year’s trophy and their oftboisterous cheering squads raise the roof. At Altrusa of Cowlitz County’s 7th Annual Spell-abration, the only thing that might not be bursting at the Pub that night could be the balloons.

“Balloons are such a fun part of this,” said Altrusa club member Joyce Leitner. “…popping all those balloons!” At the inaugural Spella-bration and every event since, masses of helium-filled balloons are a key component, adding bright colors and whimsy to the “literary” celebration in this funky, former movie theatre. During the spelling bee, each missed word prompts a costumed bee to “buzz” around the stage and pop one of the team’s limited number of (helium-filled) balloons. When the last balloon explodes, the team is out.

“Helium is in short supply,” Leitner said. A shortage of helium which is a crucial ingredient in MRI machines, wafer manufacturing, welding, and other high-tech processes, is driving up the price worldwide.

Helium has become harder to get, more expensive and with sketchy availability. “I see it going away.”

Meanwhile, organizers are busy as bees brainstorming ways to improvise to making ordinary airfilled balloons stay firmly clustered and upright. With or without helium, however, the balloons will get popped and the fun will go on.

“It’s friendly competition,” Leitner said. Workplace groups and friends/ family trios typically make up the teams, but new connections are possible, too. “Lone people can be matched up with someone on a team,” with a slot to fill, she said.

But the audience of non-stressed spectators might have the most fun.

“Participants can spell along and cheer on their team, said Leitner’s fellow Altrusa member, Adele Gowdy. “There’s even a prize for the best cheering section.”

The spelling bee’s sponsor, Altrusa of Cowlitz County, is dedicated to

community service with an emphasis on literacy, making a spelling bee a natural choice. But it’s not a no-brainer.

One constant challenge is getting words that are familiar, but difficult to spell, Leitner said. A “pronouncer” auditions, then practices to read the words aloud, joined on the big night by an MC and a team of judges.

Altrusa of Cowlitz County, aka “The Breakfast Bunch,” is distinct from the other local club, Longview Altrusa, known for its elephant ear sales. Like most clubs, Altrusa of Cowlitz County has a style and zest of its own.

It’s a “no-guilt club,” said Leitner, describing ‘The Breakfast Bunch.’

(There’s) no pressure to attend. You’re there because you want to be.”

“You don’t get dinged if you don’t wear your pin,” joked Gowdy. The club, which meets at 7am every Wednesday, wants to grow its membership by about a third, to 30.

“We’re trying to grow our club but don’t want to get big — you get lost,” said Gowdy. “We all know each other, we have a good time. There’re not too many politics going on.”

When the group first came up years ago with the idea for the Spell-a-bration, Gowdy explained, they set three goals for any fundraiser. “We want to be known as the fun group. We want it to be affordable — a lot of fundraisers people can’t afford to attend. And we want to make money.”

This year’s goal is $4,000, collected from team sponsorships, entry fees ($8 per spectator, including a slice of pizza), and the sale of “Mulligans,” extra balloons sold so teams get a one-more-word reprieve.

for lack of snow

Story and photos by Kari Rushmer

I

f you live in a house with a girl under the age of 10, and that song isn’t burned into your head for all eternity, I want to talk to you. The appeal of that movie, its frozen world and dazzling ice queen who tosses her hair in the face of the rules, is truly staggering. That said, it seems that watching that movie for the 37th time may be the closest we get to snow this winter. And while many of us may be grateful for the mild weather, I think we can all agree that there is something magical about waking up to a world where previously bare trees and stark landscape are frosted with a weighty, glittering cloak of white.

In my early years as a parent, I was very ambitious in planning arts and crafts projects, science experiments and parties for my little ones. As the years have passed and the children have multiplied, I find myself reluctant to unleash the kids on any craft that involves an hour of planning for 5 minutes of activity, especially if it may require me to wash glitter out of someone’s hair. Instead, I love a craft that utilizes simple household items, generates very little mess, keeps my kids busy for an hour or more and has LOTS of “wow” factor.

Borax snowflakes Items needed: •Borax Laundry Detergent Booster (I got mine at Winco in Longview) • water • pipe cleaners • string

“Part of the fun is the venue,” Leitner said, of Kelso Theatre Pub. Known for its handcrafted pizza, the Pub also serves alcohol. “It kind of does help,” she added, laughing.

Step 1: Cut pipe cleaner into pieces and form into snowflake shapes. 3 pieces twisted together can make a simple star, or you can get fancier, if you like. Heck, you could even leave the pipe cleaner in one long, straight piece and make icicles!

“The night of the event the atmosphere is relaxed, people are enjoying their wine or beer and nobody gets out of hand,” said Gowdy. “They just have a ball.”

Step 2: Tie your pipecleaner “snowflake” onto a pencil or stick using a piece of string or fishing line.

See Spell-ebration ad, page 6

Step 3: Mix up a batch of Borax solution – at a ratio of 1/3 cup Borax to 2 cups boiling water.

Stir for a few minutes until the

••• For info about Altrusa of Cowlitz County, call 360-353-3942.

12 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

Borax dissolves (kids love to do the stirring! But please supervise this step, Borax is toxic if ingested and can be mildly irritating to the skin.)

Step 4: Submerge your snowflake in the borax solution, making sure the snowflakes don’t touch each other or the sides of the container. Then leave it overnight!

When you wake up, you and your children will be delighted to find these delightfully crystallized snowflakes ready to be hung in the window. I can’t believe I’ve been a parent for 15 years and have never made borax snowflakes. Don’t be surprised if I start dipping everything in Borax solution.

We’re talking crystallized car keys, remote controls, utensils. It’s that cool!

While your snowflakes are sitting in Borax solution, making magic, you can continue populating your winter wonderland by making 3D paper snowflakes.

3D paper snowflakes Step 1: Gather six square pieces of paper, all the same size. You can use printer paper, scrapbook paper (if you want to get fancy), or leftover cont from page 13

Simple materials are all you need to make 3D snowflakes.

Snowcrafts

Step 4: Flip the paper over and take the next two paper lines, roll them together into a tube on the opposite side and tape together as before. Keep turning the paper over and joining the cut edges together as before until all the paper lines have been joined.

Repeat with the remaining five pieces of paper.

Christmas giftwrap (if you’re looking to use some up!). Fold in half diagonally to make a triangle, then fold the triangle in half making a smaller triangle.

cont from page 12

Step 2: Make 3 cuts in your triangle, parallel to the long edge of the triangle and starting at the bottom fold. Cut almost all the way to the other side of the triangle, but not quite. Stop about 1/2” from the opposite edge. Keep about the same distance between each cut. Do this to all six pieces of paper.

Borax snowflakes in process.

S t e p 5 : Join three of the completed, rolled pieces of paper together and staple together at one end. Do the same with the other three pieces. You will now have two pieces consisting of three “arms” each. Staple these two pieces together in the middle.

Then, using tape, or staples, connect the six arms where they meet, thus ensuring that your snowflake holds its shape.

Step 3: Unfold your paper triangles. You will end up with four diamond shapes cut into each square of paper. Starting with the innermost cut, roll the edges of the paper together to form a tube, and secure with a piece of tape.

ALL OR F NEW015!

2

2015 Small Business

Step 6: Make a zillion of these and indulge your inner 5-year-old by hanging them all over the house and singing “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” at the top of your lungs while sipping homemade hot chocolate!

BOOT CAMP

•••

2014 Series begins Friday, March 7 Friday Mornings ★ Lower Columbia College

7:30 am - 9 am ★ Heritage Room at LCC - Admin. Bldg.

SAFETY & SECURITY Six Pack

Workplace Violence, Safety and the Police.

Facilitator: Andy Hamilton, Kelso Police Chief.

March 13 Fraud Prevention, Internal and External.

Facilitator: David Futcher, Futcher-Henry, CPA March 20 Technology, Computers and Data Security.

Facilitator: Jayson Rogen, Techalytix March 27 Employee Theft and Theft from Business.

Facilitator: Andy Hamilton, Kelso Police Chief April 3 Protecting Your Image (Social Media).

Facilitator: TBA April 10 No Class – Spring Break April 17 Protecting your Business Facilitator: Bob Beal, State Farm Insurance

BOARDMANSHIP Six PaCk Starts May 8

ReTAILING Six Pack Starts September 11

Pricing same as 2013! $

❝

100 Members

Evangeline Rushmer with her finished snowflake.

More ideas: http://secondchancetodream.com/2014/01/beatthe-winter-blues-with-15-kids-winter-crafts.html

★ $160 Non-Members

Now this is Truth in Advertising ‘Tools you can use to help you immediately’. The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce hit the nail on the head with their most recent Business Boot Camp. As an administrator and business owner with over 25 years leadership experience, I walked away every week with new tools, inspiration, motivation and a desire to strive to improve my business by leaps and bounds. The courses were well planned, the content was interesting, relevant, informative, inspiring,, thought provoking and challenging. I can not say that I have ever spent so little and received so much. I can not wait until the next series.

The best investment in my business I have ever made.

Barbara A. Sudar • Administrator Longview Urology Owner/Partner: Estetica Day Spa

❞

360-423-8400

Kari Rushmer is Wonder Mom to three daughters, who she enjoys homeschooling and through whom she is re-experiencing the joys of childhood...and beyond.

She lives in Longview.

www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

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www.teaguesinteriors.com Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 13

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LOOKING AHEAD

Northwest Gardener Story and photos by Nancy Chennault

Seed shopping eases impatience for spring

W

ith more than a month of winter remaining until the first day of spring, restless gardeners anxiously wait for the skies to clear and days to warm. Garden seed suppliers anticipate our impatience and send catalogs to our mailboxes and colorful packets to local garden stores.

sealed in an airtight container in a cool area, such as the refrigerator vegetable bin. Germination rates are reduced with old seed. Be sure to sow more than you need and remember the smaller the seed the more rapid the decline. For instance, you will not have the success saving older lettuce seed that you would have with peas or beans.

The thrill of sowing a tiny seed and then watching it sprout and grow into armloads of summer’s bounty captures the imagination of gardeners of all ages.

Gardens in the lower Columbia region are subject to significant weather and sunlight challenges. As the sun moves into the northern hemisphere the days lengthen but remain cool and damp into June. Often mid-summer rains and lower temperatures shorten the gardening season prematurely. Choosing the right seed is crucial for a successful harvest.

Consider the days to harvest Families will want to nurture the kinds of vegetables they like to eat and cultivate flowers that bring them joy. In the Pacific Northwest, however, it is important to consider varieties that mature in the shortest number of days. Seed catalogs are an indispensible resource.

Regional seed catalogs, such as the one from Territorial Seed Company contain information about Pacific Northwest gardens.

Nancy’s granddaughters Nora, Hazel and Claire are captivated by colorful flower seed packets at their local nursery.

C o m p a n i e s evaluate and test their seed and conduct “taste-tests” on our behalf. Seed catalog information will help you make the right choice for you and your family.

Seed packets, although limited on what they can include on the back of the packaging, inform the gardener of the number of days from sowing to harvest, how and when to plant the seed.

Be sure the seed you purchase is fresh. Every packet will be dated.

Gardeners can successfully save extra seed from year to year if it is

Be sure to turn the seed packet over to learn “days to harvest” (maturity) and other valuable information.

Longtime local gardening maven Nancy Chennault is a dynamo of horticultural energy. She has been a leading force in Castle Rock’s becoming part of “Bloom Town USA.” She and her husband, Jim Chennault, operate The Gardens @ Sandy Bend in Castle Rock.

Pacific Northwest gardeners benefit from planting in raised beds.

Don’t jump the gun Gardeners, eager to experience the thrill of growing, sometimes work the soil of their garden prematurely.

Soil that is overly saturated and cold will not support successful seed germination. Accelerate the season with raised beds, which offer better drainage and warmer soil and allow gardeners to plant earlier in the season. Grab a handful of soil and squeeze. If water runs out and the ball of soil does not break apart when you unclench your fist; it is too wet and you will need to wait.

Seasoned gardeners often proclaim: Plant peas by Washington’s Birthday, February 22.

If the soil in your garden is not too wet, cool temperatures will not inhibit the growth of garden peas. Seed responds to soil and air temperatures. Specific varietal information can be found in comprehensive seed catalogs.

Quick Tips Cool season crops include cabbage, broccoli, kale and cauliflower, as well as lettuce and onions. Sow tomatoes and peppers indoors in March for transplanting to the garden in early June. As the weather warms, carrots, beets and beans can be planted. Hot weather crops such as corn, cucumbers and squash need elevated soil temperatures. You may need to wait until June for those if we have a cool, wet spring.

No matter the challenges, we return each season to the thrill of sowing and growing the miracle that is a seed. Nothing tastes better than home grown fresh vegetables we grew ourselves.

•••

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 15

Let’s Touch Up: Recycling 101 PLASTICS

CARDBOARD

• Milk jugs • Soda and water bottles • Peanut butter or salad dressing containers.

Bring your #2 plastic bags back to the grocery store.

Longview only accepts clean cardboard

Cardboard (flattened), Paper Egg Cartons, Cereal Boxes (no liner], Milk Cartons Corrugated cardboard (used to hold paper, small appliances or boxes from warehouse stores), smaller boxes, such as cookie, gift boxes, and soda cartons.

Cardboard recyclables MUST BE CLEAN. Remove all contents from the box, including food, plastic liners, waxed paper, or Styrofoam packaging from inside the boxes. Flatten ALL boxes to conserve space.

Empty contents and rinse lightly. Throw away plastic lids and caps.

GLASS

Any green, brown or clear glass food or beverage container Empty contents and rinse lightly.

No need to remove lids, labels or rings.

Place the lids inside the cans - a safety feature for the recycling crew.

MIXED PAPER

Juice boxes, milk cartons, phone books, newspaper and inserts, paperboard egg cartons, household paperboard boxes, hardback and paperback books, paper towel and toilet tissue tubes, junk mail (even window envelopes), mail order catalogs and other magazines, greeting cards and gift wrapping (no foil), shredded paper (please place a paper bag), CLEAN and EMPTY food and snack boxes Paper recyclables MUST BE CLEAN. Remove food, plastic liners or Styrofoam packaging from inside the boxes.

Our Website is Your Recycling

TIN & ALUMINUM Aluminum, steel and tin cans (including drink, food, even pet food) and clean aluminum foil.

Empty contents and rinse lightly.

Labels may stay on. Place the lids inside the cans - this is a safety feature for the crews sorting your recyclables.

Information and Learning Hub Kid’s Recycling Tips for Going Green

Follow our many linked articles to teach your kids the importance of recycling and fun ideas of how to get them involved

Learn how to save money by changing simple habits, improve family health and clean up the planet for our children and future generations

2 Good 2 Toss

Your local exchange of reusable goods for items $99 or less

The Neighborhood Excellence Action Team is a free partnership between the City of Longview and neighborhoods like yours to dispose of excess trash, bulky waste, and yard debris

Information

NEAT Program

Get tips on how best to recycle different items, request schedule and brochure, report missing or damaged container

Recycling Rule of Thumb: When in doubt — throw it out!

If an item is reusable, please consider donating or reusing it before throwing it into the garbage.

Most plastic bags are a solid color, preventing sorters from seeing the contents. Used needles or other hazardous materials are sometimes found; for safety reasons, such bags are not opened up.

Please do not place your recyclables in plastic bags. Place directly into your BROWN recycling container.

www.longviewrecycles.com 16 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

In an effort to serve you better, the City has compiled common information that residents often request, plus created an easy way for you to communicate with us. Got a question?

Just Ask Longview!

OUT • AND • ABOUT

World Kite Museum celebrates new theater, Asian New Year Complete kite festival poster collection to be unveiled

Asian New Year Celebration • The Year of the Sheep February 20 – March 5

L

ocal, community-based World Kite Museum in Long Beach, Wash., recently updated and refreshed its exhibits and added an audio-visual media room to better accommodate field trips and tour groups.

T

he opening celebration for the 2015 Year of the Sheep is set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20– 21.

The exhibit enhancement will continue into early March, part of it showing the giant kite culture of nine different communities. To give a sense of the size of these kites, some need more than 100 people to launch them and, often, 2-½ gallons of glue to hold them together.

“A Night at the Kite Museum,” to be held on Saturday, March 7, will feature the grand opening of the WKM Theater and the unveiling of the complete Kay Buesing, emeritus director of the World Kite Washington State International Museum, examines an enormous kite.

Kite Festival Annual Poster Collection. Up for auction will be specially-designed kites About World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame embellished by local artists.

The World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame is deeply rooted in the local community. In the The Museum, which will be taking over the overseeing of the mid 1980s, a group of kite enthusiasts began to internationally-acclaimed Washington State International Kite discuss the idea of forming a museum dedicated Festival — to be held this year Aug. 17–23 — will also host its to kites and kite flyers. Eager to create a place Asian New Year Kite Celebration February 20-21, Spring Break where people could go to learn about kite history Family Fun March 22-April 20, and One Sky, One World Kite Fly and see kiting displays, the group met informally for Peace October 11-12. and developed a plan of action.

Complete listing of scheduled events, workshops, and registration Currently The World Kite Museum is the only information may be found at http://worldkitemuseum.com/.

American Museum dedicated exclusively to To: Centralia, Olympia Mt. Rainier Yakima (north, then east) Tacoma/Seattle

Oysterville •

Columbia River

101

Chinook

Cathlamet 4

101

Seaside

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Warrenton • Astoria

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

• Grays River

Birkenfeld

Kelso

Rainier

Woodland

Oregon

503

• Ridgefield

Scappoose• rnelius NW Co ad Pass Ro

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Sauvie Island

Vancouver 12

Portland

Local in

97

• Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Ctr 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807

Col Gorge Interp Ctr Skamania Lodge Bonneville Dam

Troutdale Crown Point

for

Points o mation f In Recre terest Special ation Dinin Events Arts & Eg ~ Lodging ntertain ment

• Seaside, OR 989 Broadway 503-738-3097 or 888-306-2326

•Yacolt

St Helens

• Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Cathlamet • 360-795-9996

• South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, OR • 503-397-0685

Columbia City

Vernonia

• Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., 360-225-9552

• Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) Long Beach, WA. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542

Cougar •

Kalama

•••

• Appelo Archives Center 1056 SR 4 Naselle, WA. 360-484-7103.

Ape Cave •

Longview

Clatskanie

telling the exciting and amazing story of kites through hands-on exhibits and programs. Its unique collection has more than 1,500 kites from 26 countries detailing the long and illustrious history and usage of kites for entertainment, industry, scientific experimentation, and war. The museum also offers museumvisitors the opportunity to build and fly their own kites.

• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitors Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058

Castle Rock

• Naselle

The World Kite Museum is located at 303 Sid Snyder Drive, Long Beach, Wash.

To learn more contact Holli Kemmer, Development/Events Director, 360-6424020. info@worldkitemuseum.com; http:// worldkitemuseum.com/

VISITORS CENTERS

504

Long Beach

•••

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Winlock

Ocean Park •

Ilwaco

Washington

Folding origami cranes for good luck, making kites, symbols of kite decoration and a special section on the last Edo kite maker in Tokyo will continue through March 5.

Goldendale Maryhill Museum

Stevenson Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Map suggests only approximate positions and relative distances. We are not cartographers.

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 17

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Exploring our river

I

Local waterways offer scenic

f you live between Scappoose and Clatskaine and within five miles of the Columbia River, you are living in a paradise. There are many points of interest worth a closer look. The best way to investigate this wonderland is by boat. But don’t buy a boat — you won’t use it enough to justify it.

Hopefully, you can go with a neighbor or friend who has a boat.

Five rivers come together within 15 miles of St Helens: the Columbia, Cowlitz, Lewis and Lake Rivers, and the Multnomah Channel. Each has its own personality.

In high water the Lewis River is navigable from the Columbia River to Merwin Dam about 30 miles upstream.

It is the cleanest and coldest of the

For safety, a boat used in the Columbia should be at least 16 feet long. If you don’t have a friend with a boat, there still are a lot of parks, marinas, game reserves and trails accessible by car.

Chuck Ramsdell enjoys exploring local waterways.

He and his wife, Leslie, have lived on the Columbia River in Columbia City, Oregon for more than 30 years.

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c variety, continual change five rivers. It has two forks. The east fork is fairly short, but has a park with river access where it goes under I-5. The main river goes to the base of Merwin Dam. The Cowlitz is an excellent steelhead and salmon river.

In high water a jet boat or jet ski can go about 50 miles upstream. It is a beautiful river with high, rock banks in some sections.

The Toutle river feeds all of its water into the Cowlitz.

The Lake River flows into the Columbia at Warrior Rock Lighthouse on the north end of Sauvie Island. Its headwaters are 15 miles upstream at Vancouver Lake, just past the community of Frita. It is a excellent place to water ski and wakeboard. If you go up the Lake River, try to plan your trip around a stop at Ridgefield for lunch.

There are at least three

Photos, from far left: heading south on the Multnomah Channel; Chuck Ramsdell makes a rooster tail on Cunningham Slough; the public dock & boat ramp at Ridgefield, Wash; railroad bridge over the Lewis River which joins the Columbia near Woodland, Wash.

restaurants, including my favorite, the Sportsman Bar. The main town is about three blocks from the public dock. The Willamette River flows north into the Columbia on the east end of Sauvie Island. The Multnomah Channel breaks away from the Willamette and works its way back into the Columbia 20 miles downstream at St. Helens. There are several moorages and marinas along the channel. The Multnomah Channel is one of the most popular places to fish for spring Chinook salmon.

The system’s backbone The Columbia River forms the backbone of this water collection system. About a mile wide at St. Helens, it generally fluctuates between seven feet and 25 feet above sea level, depending on the season.

In 1996 the river rose 26 feet above sea level because of flooding. The river was rising. The dams were full, the river continued to rise. A log raft secured to some dolphins (groups of piling driven close together) up the Multnomah Channel was predicted cont page 30

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 19

MAN IN THE KITCHEN MOVEABLE FEAST

Cuban curiosity

Lifting of embargo inspires Caribbean cook-in

Story by Paul Thompson • Photos by Perry Piper

I

’ve not been to Cuba, but along with many Americans, I want to go there. Hopefully the easing of travel barriers will allow that. I once went to a Cuban restaurant in Chicago. There was only one. I can only recall a large bouquet in the entry made of dozens of men’s ties. The food left less of a memory for my palate at that time. But my recent experience leads me to rethink Cuban food.

A key ingredient in most Cuban recipes is cumin, a seldom-used spice in my kitchen, but an essential

ingredient in curry and chili powder. It is also commonly found in soup and stew recipes. Of course, the most celebrated product from Cuba is rum. Cubans cook with it and drink it, as in the mojito, a popular cocktail there and in the United States.

In Caribbean villages I have visited, bananas and coconuts are often found along the streets .

They open the door to wonderful desserts, together and separately.

Plantains, a variety of banana, are An early flag of Cuba also prevalent, but must be cooked before eating. Black beans replace red beans in this Chicken with Flaming Pineapple Pollo con Piña a la Antigua part of the world. They are often combined with rice burned (this time) and the chicken was terrific, along with the and mild peppers for a super side-dish. rice and red beans. Orange and avocado salad had started the meal and fresh shredded coconut served over ice cream made a A gathering of friends tasted the Cuban chicken with wonderful dessert to top off the evening. We could almost imagine flaming pineapple the other evening. Nobody was we were in old Havana.

Recipes, this page and page 22

Orange and Avocado Salad 1/3 cup olive oil 2 Tbl orange juice 1 Tbl wine vinegar 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp salt 1 head butter lettuce, torn

(aka Boston or Bibb lettuce) 1 seedless orange, peeled and sectioned 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, cut

into 8 slices 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin Whisk together oil, orange juice, seasoning and vinegar in small bowl. Arrange lettuce, orange sections, avacado slices and red onion on 4 plates. Serve with dressing.

20 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

Where do you read

THE READER?

Nice sun break!

Kelso residents Paul and Brenda Willis, of Kelso, with Jim and Barb Foytack, of Longview, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

On the Amazon Maruta Haas and Judy Wilson on the Amazon River.

A Mighty Fortress The Castle Rock Men’s Ensemble in Whittenberg,

Germany this summer, in front of Castle Church where Martin Luther nailed his 98 Thesis. The church is being renovated for the 500th anniversary of The Reformation in 2017. From left: Ron Marshall, Bob Ross, Neal Johnson, Philip Portwood, Clarance Knutson, Phil Hoselton.

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send your photo reading the Reader (highresolution JPEG} to Publisher@CRReader. com. If sending a cell phone photo, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB. Include name and city of residence. Thank you for your participation and patience. Keep those photos coming!

Pass the maple syrup Jim Wellcome, Longview, and John Stuart,

Castle Rock, reading “The Reader” on a rock wall in Andover, Massachusetts where they and their wives, Deanna Wellcome and Barb Stuart, spent 10 days touring the glorious Fall Foliage throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, October 2014.

Lifting their spirits Longview resident Carrie Medack (center), risking her life on the elevator The Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel in Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, California.

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 21

Man in the Kitchen cont from page 20

Chicken with Flaming Pineapple Pollo con Piña a la Antigua 4-5-lb broiler-fryer chicken, cut up 3 Tbl lime juice 1-1/2 tsp salt 1/4-tsp pepper 2Tbl vegetable oil 2 med. tomatoes, cut up 1 med. onion, sliced 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1/3 cup golden raisins 1 tsp dried oregano leaves 4-5 drops Tabasco sauce 1/4 cup water 2 cups pineapple chunks, drained 2 Tbl reserved pineapple syrup 1/4 cup rum Sprinkle chicken with lime juice, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Heat oil in skillet or Dutch oven. Brown chicken on all sides over medium heat.

Drain fat. Add tomatoes garlic, raisins, oregano, Tabasco and water. Heat to boiling, reduce heat; cover and simmer one hour.

Remove chicken to warm platter with slotted spoon. Heat pineapple and 1/4 cup of reserved syrup (if using fresh pineapple, saute in 2Tbl butter, then add 2 Tbl pan juices). Heat rum in small pan until warm; ignite. Pour flaming rum over pineapple and spoon over chicken.

Cuban Black Beans 3 cans black beans 1 small green pepper, chopped 1 small onion, sliced 1 Tbl olive oil 1 bay leaf 1 tsp dried oregano, crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce 1/2 tsp salt Dash of pepper Cook and stir green pepper, onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender; stir into beans. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat. Add bay leaf, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper; stir. Cover and simmer 3060 minutes. Add water to maintain soft consistency. Remove bay leaf; serve over or alongside white rice.

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The big loop

Armchair Travel Story and photos

by Ron Baldwin

Magnificent views and memories accompany VW bus roadtrip into “unknown zone”

S

adly, my old friend Jon is now just entering the frightening tunnel of Alzheimer’s. Still sharp enough to converse and remember the “good old days” (to be honest, they weren’t that good) but definitely foggy around the edges. So it was incumbent upon me to visit him one more time to share our 50+ year friendship. Yeeee-haw — road trip!

It is generally my practice when traveling, to eschew any semblance of agenda or destination, but this time I was on a mission. I would spend a few days with Jon and his wife near the town of Sutter, California, but this would not preclude my passion for what I call “randomizing” along the way — finding places and experiencing things by just stumbling upon them.

Anyone can do it. All it takes is an open mind, unfettered time, and the willingness to enter the “Unknown Zone.”

Talk about the “Uknown Zone”...

Winter/spring travel in the West can be challenging.Weather is the most obvious variable.

One may encounter any number of weather changes on even a short drive, so being prepared Ron Baldwin sips espresso on the road.

Leaving home: Looking toward the Astoria Bridge from Chinook, Washington.

North of Eureka, California.

for any weather scenario is mandatory. Take rain gear, jackets, hats, sunscreen, bikini… er…. No. Cone (“wigwam”) burner along US97.

My choice of vehicle for “The Big Loop” is my 43-year-old Volkswagen Bus. Now, an old VW Bus may not seem the perfect touring vehicle, but we’re perfectly matched — we both are old and rusty, scratched a bit, consume a lot of fuel, take a little coaxing to get going in the morning but still, I’d say, sort of elegant once washed and dressed up. If you drive old VWs you will never lack for conversation.

Vowing to miss most of the usually snowy trip through Northern California’s Siskiyou Mountains, I decide to retrace the route I took in the late 60s south on U.S. 101. The only difference was back then, I was in a VW Bug and had to sleep outside.

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Busy U.S. 101 South from Chinook….. the North Oregon Coast, home of the real “Rock,” passes by quickly since I’m familiar with it. Nehalem, Netarts, Neskowin, Nestucca, Newport, Neawauna, the tip of my tongue is now sore from pronouncing all the “N” names. I drive ‘til late and pull over to sleep the night on a side road, in total pea soup fog at Port Orford, the most westerly point in the lower 48.

The second day of the trip down 101 brings intense fog across all the headlands in Northern California, but finally sunshine warms the cont page 24

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 23

Big Loop

cont from page 23

spectacular Northern California Coast. I stop and walk often. Crescent City offers a great harbor walk. The port area was rebuilt after being devastated by the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Twelve people were killed here by the resulting tsunami. Unlike Oregon and Washington where beaches are public, California’s beaches are mostly private.

This makes access scarce in places other than state parks, but the views are still free.

The drive gains and loses elevation innumerable times passing from the border to Eureka through the Redwoods with the obligatory stop at “Trees of Mystery,” and then, ranching/dairy country (California is the #1 dairy state). Temperatures remain remarkably consistent, 60-65 degrees with a light wind. Humbolt Redwoods State The peaks visible near Redmond, Oregon.

Park offers a great napping spot. Now we’ve moved inland a bit and get BIG timber views.

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Meet the Artists Every First Thursday New Art, Music & Nibbles 1418 Commerce Avenue Longview, WA 98632

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Monday - Saturday 10 ~ 5:30 www.the-broadway-gallery.com See us on Facebook

Just North of Ukiah, I turn east on State Highway 20, leaving the Mendocino coast and traverse aptly-named Lake County. The Clear Lake area has been a popular vacation spot for Bay area denizens for generations. Mile after mile of vacation cabins and boat houses string along both sides of the highway which girds the lake.

Descending into Northern California’s Central Valley, with Sutter Butte in view, one begins to realize why California produces such a huge portion of America’s food. The soil is rich, the climate is mild, and water is plentiful, thanks to often-controversial federal water projects. Walnut, almond and stonefruit orchards abound, but they grow everything here.

The last round-up, on a back road near Terrebonne, Ore.

After a melancholy, two-day stay visiting my friends near Sutter County’s Yuba River, I get an early start north on old US99 toward Chico, skirting mining country and turning west, where I join I-5 headed north at Red Bluff. This will be the only true freeway travel of the trip and it passes by without much to note. I camp for the night just south of Redding. Thankfully it’s winter. The last time I was in Redding in the summer, it was 115 degrees.

It hasta be Shasta In the morning, I set off north on I-5 through Shasta Lake (now more like Shasta Pond) country where, at a stop, I get a look at the weather forecast for the Cascade/Siskiyou Mountains, going north.

The panel shows all sun, so I decide to change course and head northeast on US 97 at Weed toward Central Oregon.

The road is really up and down in the mountains with trucks in both directions. Great views and, surprisingly, zero snow make traveling enjoyable. I stop at Kalmath Falls for lunch and a walk and then north through the land of shallow lakes

Lava, lava! Near Newberry Nat’l Volcanic Monument south of Bend.

cont page 25

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Hey, Baby! You never know what friendly encounters might happen on a free-form road trip.

Big Loop

and former lake beds where cattle forage and feed production, along with timber and mining industries, make up the bulk of the economy.

off point for river rafters. For a small town, there is a lot of activity, mainly aimed toward outdoor recreation. I sit for about an hour just taking in the sun (270 days a year on average) and eat a leisurely late lunch.

US97 continues north through the high timber country with views of the southern Cascade peaks. Shallow lakes and marshes of the high country provide ample scenery and places to stop and view. The Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is nearby. I push on to a spot just north of Redmond to camp for the night.

Now back on the road, I pass through scenic Tygh Valley and begin a series of long grades that ease me into dusk as I arrive in The Dalles, my home for three years in the 70s. The watchword in The Dalles is wind — day or night, the only variables being the velocity and direction. Things have changed here, too.

You might notice that I missed any mention of Bend. Since every Northwest writer writes about Bend, I’ll pause briefly here to recognize the popular vacation destination….

Hellooooo, Bend!

Hi-tech and wind Early in this century, Google came to town. The old Martin/Marietta aluminum plant property, idle for years, was converted to server farms for the dotcom giant, bringing skilled jobs and an economic boost for this river area. One other change that gives me mixed feelings is the proliferation of windmill farms. They seem to invade every view that comes on the horizon in the lands east of the Cascades. While I recognize that these things are helping to phase out coal-fired generation facilities that foul the region’s air, I can’t escape my thoughts that they also “pollute” the views that I had once held so dear….

Progress, I guess.

cont from page 24

A peak experience In the morning, I crank up the Bus vowing to make this my wandering day. Today I follow the back road called Culver Highway that roughly parallels US97 through Culver and Metolius, including a nail biting gaze over Crooked River Canyon from the old bridge. What are those down there?

Ants? Ohhh! Cows! The day is clear and I can count seven snowpeaks from one spot. When I say clear, it is a relative term. On my journey in the 60s, I remember spotting 10 peaks from this spot. This helps to confirm my notion that air quality in rural Oregon and Washington has seen better days.

The road joins US26, where I decide to return to Madras to join US 97 again going north, which climbs though the rimrock and sage canyons with numerous long views in every direction. I stop and gaze often.

Now there’s a fork in the road at which point I flip a coin to choose direction. US 97 goes northeast into Sherman County. US 197 (the winner) goes northwest to The Dalles. The delightful desert oasis of Maupin, clinging to the rimrock overlooking the Dechutes River like a handful of rocks, is a major jumping

I continue on to a place overlooking the river, on the loopy Old Columbia River Highway, called Rowena Point Lookout, west of The Dalles. I say scenic, but I’m now enveloped in a blanket of wind-driven fog so thick I can barely make out the road. Good thing there’s an old stone guardrail all the way up. I make camp in the dark and fall into bed for a good long sleep, ready to make the “home run” tomorrow.

I awaken to the fog still clinging to the hillsides above the river and break camp quickly to journey downriver on I-84 through Portland and decide to return to Chinook via US 30. I’m ready to be home.

accomplishment, I have roughly retraced a route that I traveled more than 50 years ago and paid a bittersweet visit to a comrade who was my companion on many adventures

in those years. Though many things have changed along the way, much still remains the same.

There are many more people, but the land, the sky, the rivers, the lakes, and the mountains have changed little. What really has changed is me.

OK, OK, but just a little.

•••

Ron Baldwin, who grew up in Longview, lives in Chinook, Wash.

He is a regular programmer at KMUN radio in Astoria. Hear his program 6–8pm on the second and fourth Mondays on KTCB (89.5), KMUN (91.2), KCPB (90.9) or live stream online at coastradio.org. Jazz is played Mon–Thurs at that hour; every programmer creates his/her own show.

1227 Commerce Downtown Longview

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Arriving home with a certain sense of

Original • Local • Compiled with care All about the good life Adds color to any coffee table Columbia River Dining Guide helps you find places to dine out Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 25

l to

ster

Outings & Events

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary

Stageworks NW Theatre proudly presents

The Lion in Winter Feb 13– Mar 1 Little Women: The Musical May 1 – 31

For tickets and more info visit stageworksnorthwest.org

360-636-4488

1433 Commerce Ave, Longview

Live Music Scene around the River For music schedule, 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 360-425-7700 Live music first Friday. Check Facebook.

Flowers ‘n’ Fluff 45 E. Col River Hwy, Clatskanie, Ore. 503-728-4222 Live Music Friday evenings clatskanieflowersnfluff@gmail.com Goble Tavern 70255 Col. River Hwy, Rainier 503-556-4090 • gobletavern.com The Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd, Longview 360-425-5816. rutherglenmansion.com Fri 5-7 pm Winetasting Buffet $25 Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview 360-636-1616 facebook.com/pages/Porkys-CafeLounge/11041404898298

To find where your favorites are playing:

FIRST THURSDAY MArch 5, 2015 Downtown Longview Broadway Gallery Artists reception, 5:30-7:30 pm.

Music by Matt Dalen 1418 Commerce Ave. www.the-broadway-gallery.com Broderick Gallery Artists reception 5–8 pm 1318 Commerce Ave. 503-703-5188 www.broderickgallery.com Longview Outdoor Gallery 1200-1300 blocks, Commerce Ave. Free lighted, guided sculpture tours

by LOG board member. Meet at Broadway Gallery, 6pm.

McThread’s Wearable Art /Lord & McCord ArtWorks Opening Reception 5:30–7:30pm.

“Green” Upcycled Wearable Art 1204/1206 Broadway 360-261-2373 mcthreadswearableart.com Teague’s Gallery 1267 Commerce Ave. 360-636-0712 Chalk Paint Mixology color demo 5:30–7:30pm.

Across the Cowlitz River: Cowlitz County Museum Mar 5 7pm Presentation Mike Dugaw: Northwest Manhunts: Harry Tracy – Last of the Western Outlaws and John Tornow – Wildman of the Wynoochee 405 Allen Street, Kelso, Wash.

360-577-3119

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT 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 (in person or via mail slot) to:

phillipspettitr@facebook.com

avimuzo@facebook.com Fred Carter FredCarterLive@facebook.com or www.fredcarterlive.com

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

Recycled Percussion Sun., Mar 15, 3pm.

Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts Rainy Month Series. 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets $5, family of six $25. At the box office, 360-5758499 or www.columbiatheatre.com

Broderick Gallery From Cuba with Love.

Tues-Sat, 10am–5pm or by appointment.

1318 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 503-703-5188. www.broderickgallery. com

Book of Days by Lanford Wilson. Feb 25–28, Mar 5–7, 12–14. LCC Center Stage Theatre. 1600 Maple St, Longview, Wash. See ad, next page.

Koth Gallery African Influences: Arts from Africa and the African Diaspora, Feb 16–Mar 7. Photographs by Karen Straube, Mar 9–28. Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-8, Wed 10-5, Fri 10-6, Sat 12-5. Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana, Longview, Wash.

360-442-5300.

The Lion in Winter Feb. 13–Mar. 1.

Stageworks Northwest, 1433 Commerce Ave., Longview, Wash.. See ad, page 17.

Lower Columbia College Musical Events Opera Gala, Feb 26; Symphonic Band, Mar 6; Jazz Band, Mar 10; Holiday Choir, Mar 13. All events 7:30pm. Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington Way, Longview, Wash. 360-442-2510.

Tsuga Gallery Fine arts and crafts by more than 30 area artists. Thurs-Sat 11–5, Sun 12–4. 70 Main Street, Cathlamet, Wash. 360-795-0725.

Fisher Poets Feb 27–Mar 1. Annual event in Astoria, Oregon, where people somehow tied to the fishing industry share their poems, tales, and songs in celebration of the lifestyle and its people.

This event attracts 60-70 artists and large audiences, has been featured on the Today Show, in Smithsonian magazine, and is the subject of a documentary film

by Jen Winston called “Fisher Poets.”

Admission buttons $15, free for students 18 years and under. Multiple venues, some 21 and over, with various times: Wet Dog Cafe, the Voodoo Lounge, the Columbian Theater, the Astoria Event Center, Fort George Brewery’s Lovell Showroom, Clemente’s restaurant, KALA gallery and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Info/Schedule: fisherpoets.org.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center Alex Peyton-Levine, Tom Relth Feb 18–Mar 12. Opening reception Feb 17, 4–6pm.

Gallery hours: Mon-Tues 10am-6pm, Wed-Fri 10am-4pm. Lower Columbia College, 1600 Maple St, Longview, Wash.

360-442-2510.

Turning Points in Science Lower Columbia College Community Conversations free lecture series. Rose Center for the Arts, 12–1pm, Wollenberg Auditorium at the Rose Center for the Arts, 1600 Maple St, Longview, Wash. www.lowercolumbia.edu.

Blues Night at the Columbia Lisa Mann, Karen Lovely and Lloyd Jones, Sat.,Feb. 21, 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets $25. At the box office, 360-575-8499 or www. columbiatheatre.com

Feb 19 Infection Control Through History, by LCC Instructors Annette Ward and Merry Bond.

Feb 26 Cancer Research: Perceptions & Reality, by LCC Instructors Annette Ward and Merry Bond.

Mar 5 Catastrophic Floods/Ideas, by LCC Instructor Dave Cordero.

McThreads Wearable Art/Lord and McCord ArtWorks “Green,” Upcycled Wearable Art. Opening Reception Mar 5, 5:30–7:30pm. Open Tues-Thurs 11-5, Fri 12-6pm. 1206 Broadway, Longview, Wash.

360-261-2373 or mcthreadswearableart. com.

Teague’s Interiors Chalk Paint 101 & Cabinet Kudos; Sept. 20, 1–3:30; Cabinet Kudos, Thurs, Sept 25, 5:30–8pm; Chalk Paint 201, Sat, Oct 18, 1–3:30pm. Call Wendy to sign up 360-636-0712. 1267 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash.

Lynn Trefzger

Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Ave Longview, WA 98632

Raeann raeannphillips.com Avi avimuzo.com

Broadway Gallery Artists co-op Feb: Hilaire Couture (paintings); Mary Fortner (jewelry), new gallery members’ work.

March: Dean Wood (watercolors); Ruth Doumit; Virginia Paul (paintings); Neeltje Vos (pottery). Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5:30.

1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Open during streetscape construction. Parking lot off 12th Ave., back entrance. 360577-0544.

Deadline: Submissions for events occuring Feb. 15– March 25 and received

by Jan. 31 will be considered for inclusion in Outings & Events listings in the Feb 15 issue. For events occuring March 15 – April 25, deadline is Feb. 28. All submissions subject to lead time, general relevance to readers, and space limitations.

26 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

Ventriloquist and Comedienne Friday, March 13 2015 at 7:30pm

Donavon Wooley PAC at Clatskanie Middle High School Contact Elsa 503.728.3403 for tickets.

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening History, Pets, Self-Help Cowlitz County Museum “Badges, Bandits & Booze,” special exhibit curated by Sheriff Deputy Darren Ullmann, includes a moonshine still, an early “lie detector,” handcuffs, and many other tools of the trade. Also, many pictures on display from the early days to current times. Museum open Tues-Sat 10 am–4 pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash. www.cowlitzwa. us/museum. Info: 360-577-3119.

Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum Extensive logging, fishing and cultural displays. Open 1-4pm, Thurs-Sun. 65 River Street, Cathlamet, Wash. For info 360-795-3954.

Oregon’s Indian Wars by Gloria Linkey. Sun., Mar 15, 1pm. Fort Clatsop Visitor Center (near Astoria, Ore.), Netul Room. Free admission.

In Their Footsteps Speaker Series. Presented

by Lewis and Clark National Park Assn. Info: 503-861-2471 or visit online: nps.gov/lewi/ index.htm.

Asian New Year Kite Celebration Feb 27-28.

Uniquely shaped & decorated kites and other folk arts display. Videos, demonstrations, hands-on activities. World Kite Museum, 303 Sid Snyder Dr W, Long Beach,Wash. Info: worldkitemuseum.com or 800-451-2542, 360642-2400.

Medication Management and ASD Feb 19, 7– 8:30pm, Longview Child and Adolescent clinic, 971 11th Ave, Longview Wash. Free video and teleconference class for parents and caregivers of children with autism wishing to better understand this disorder, taught by faculty from Seattle Children’s, University of Washington faculty and community providers.

Instructor: A.A. Golombek, M.D. Call the Arc at Cowlitz County to register, 360- 425-5494, or email daslin@lifeworkswa.org.

World Day of Prayer Fri Mar 6, 11am.

Ecumenical celebration with prayer service written by women of The Bahamas. Sponsored

by Plymouth Presbyterian Church, 2615 Sykes Road, St. Helens, Ore. The public and all faith communities are invited to join in prayer and song to support ecumenical efforts toward justice, peace, healing and wholeness. Lunch will be served. Info: Gina Harrington, 503740-1702 or 503-397-0062. Email: mnaish@ outlook.com 3rd Annual JOY (Jesus, Others & You) Conference Sat., Mar 7, 9:30am–3:30pm.

Calvary Commnunity Church, 2855 38th Ave., Longview, Wash. Speakers: Christie Miller, Tori Dabasinskas and Ann Snelling on “Building Healthy Relationships.” $25 per person until Feb. 22 (register at www.rainierag. org), then $35. Same-day registration 9am.

Lunch included.

When a Nephew is a Granddaughter and A Whitman is A Widemann...What You Know Can Hurt You by Pam Vestal. Mar. 12, 7pm. Lower Columbia Genealogical Society, meeting held at Somerset Retirement Apts., 2025 Tibbets Dr., Longview, Wash.

Genealogical helper available every Wed,13pm, Longview Public Library. Info: lcgsgen@ yahoo.com; rootsweb.ancestry.com/~walcolgs Columbia Artists Spring Art Show- Call for artists Area artists are invited to participate in the Columbian Artists juried Spring Art Show Mar 21–Apr12 at Three Rivers Mall, 3513 Rivers Drive, Kelso, Wash. Entries must be original, 2D work, completed in the past two

years. Work will be judged and awards given. Entries will be received on Monday, Mar 16, 10–5. More details, page 10.

The Robert Larson Scholarship Fun Raiser Mar 21, Kelso Eagles. For raffle prize donations and tickets, contact Maynard Brent 360-636-1477, Mike Larson 360-846-7414 or Mike Zonich, 360-560-0900.

Community In-Door Super Sale - Call for vendors Sat, Mar 28, 10–4. Grays River Valley Center at Johnson Park, Grays River, Wash. Items for sale can be gently used, repurposed, vintage, antique, or newly crafted. More than 40 table spaces available, $10 fee.

Call 360-465-2740 for more info and to reserve space.

Proceeds benefit for community center in old Rosburg school building now serving as a library, computer, sewing instruction, aerobic & fitness center and the Wahkiakum County west end food bank.

Coffee Hour/Tech Support Sessions Monday mornings in Longview. Beginner level help with Mac and Android smart phones, tablets, etc. Limited space. Preregistration required. $5 fee. Presented by Perry Piper.

Info/registration: 360-270-0608. See scheduled topics in ad, page 22.

R Square D Dance Club Fall/Winter schedule: 2nd Fri, 4th Sat, 7:30pm for plus, 8-10pm for Mainstream with rounds. Lessons begin Oct 16 at 7pm. Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave, Kelso, Wash. Info: 360-414-5855 or www.r-square-d.info.

The Pickleball Link Club Tuesdays and Fridays 1–3pm. Fee: $4 per session.

Youth & Family Link, 907 Douglas St., Longview, Wash. Free beginner intorductory lessons. For players 15–90, by appt. Paddles and balls available.

Info: 360-831-9937 or 360-232-3006 or jeannetje6@gmail.com.

Columbian Toastmasters Village Inn, 535 S. Columbia Highway, St. Helens.

12:05–1:05pm Thursdays. Increase your confidence, interview/presentation/ leadership skills, Toastmasters is a nonprofit with a proven program.

Info: Natasha Parvey, 850-377-7867 or natashaparvey@gmail.com, or visit http://6421.toastmastersclubs.org/

We know beer and wine

We’ll help you develop your “inner connoisseur”

Longview Social Club Local activities several times each month, geared for anyone ages 18–35. Check Facebook: “LongviewWA Social Club” for details or call Perry, 360-270-0608.

World-class Beverages

600 Beer Varieties 700 Wines 14 Tap Handles & Growlers Filled

BBQ Restaurant Meats Slow-Smoked Onsite

Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner

Home Brew Supplies 21 & Older

Bulk Grains, Extracts & Hops

360.577.1541 • 924 15th Ave • Longview WA

Link Buddies Free activity time for middle and high schoolers with or without disabilities. Teens must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Every Thurs 3–4:30 pm at Youth and Family Link Gym, 907 Douglas St. Longview Wash. RSVP Madi 360577-9093. Sponsored by the Arc of Cowlitz County and Youth and Family Link.

Parent support group for parents of young children 2 to 6 with disabilities.

Come share stories and get support from other parents. Every Tuesday 10–11:30 am. Call The Arc of Cowlitz County to register 360-425-5494 or email laceycairns@lifeworkswa.org.

Held at Lifeworks 906 New York St. Longview WA 98632.

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 27

the LowerColumbia

Informer

By Perry Piper

Meet “Cortana”

L

ater this year, Microsoft will release Windows 10. Where is Windows 9? Many think Microsoft is trying to distance itself from Windows 8 by skipping Windows 9 — and with good reason. Windows 8 was a great system for long-time fans, but it definitely alienated general computer users who simply wanted to get things done the way they always had.

Windows 10 supports the modern apps people crave, as well as the near infinite repository of “old” programs dating back to the earliest days of computing. Although Apple’s Mac is supporting more programs, Windows remains the application king across the most devices.

Free upgrade Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and above users for the first year. Exact details aren’t known yet, but Microsoft impied that Windows is moving toward a service/ subscription model, rather than charging a one-time fee, typically $150 per device. Some people say subscription packages (like the Adobe artistic software, Creative Cloud) are actually more expensive in the long run. It’s important, however, to note there are trade-offs.

How many times have you used your favorite software for years and years and then found out support for it has been dropped? Buying software once is the cheapest, dollar wise, but ultimately more taxing on your sanity.

When a new version comes out, you might say that what you have works completely fine. This may be true, but waiting even a few years will bring great learning curves to overcome.

Paying tiny fees on a regular basis for the software and having it almost instantly upgrade itself is better in the long term, because the changes each time will be small and easier to adopt.

The service (subscription) model puts an end to stress-inducing “quantum leap” upgrades and makes updating almost continuous and as simple as a button press.

Apple has also adopted this model, except in a different way. They just started releasing all their full operating system upgrades for free and they are clearly advertised on the system’s “digital storefront” (app store) when it’s time to do this.

Windows 10 is closer in function to Windows 7 than 8, but tries to wrap the Windows universe of products more closely together than ever before.

From phones running Windows 10 to desktops and tablets, all will have some universal apps improving functionality of each category of devices.

One major core system upgrade of Windows 10 is similar to Siri on the iPhone. Microsoft’s new AI (artifical intelligence) assistant, Cortana, is a fictional video game character from the Xbox classic, Halo. Beginning her real life crossover on Windows Phone 8 devices, she will soon take center stage on Windows 10, right next to the classic start menu on the desktop.

Your new best friend By either clicking a button or simply speaking the words, “Hey Cortana,” she will pop up and ask what you need help with. Just like Siri on the iPhone, Cortana can answer factbased questions (like “what is the distance to the moon?”), as well as helping you manage tasks (like editing a spreadsheet) on your computer.

She can change settings on your PC, tell jokes, help you research a topic or look up error codes in programs to help you find the solution. Going a step further, Cortana also carries a digital notebook about you, just like a real life secretary would. You can control how much data goes in, but, for example, Cortana will look at your calendar and current traffic conditions and then adjust your schedule accordingly.

She’ll manage flights, reminders and many more things.

As in the 2013 film, Her, Cortana will be the first AI that’ll be your personal universal assistant across every device you own. Although Cortana will be

28 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

Help your favorite nonprofit through Fred Meyer winwin Rewards program Support your favorite non-profit just by shopping at Fred Meyer with your Rewards Card. Fred Meyer is donating $2.6 million each year to the local schools, community organizations and non-profits in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

Customers can link their Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the nonprofit of their choice and still earn Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates they are accustomed to.

Sign up for the Community Rewards program at www.fredmeyer.com/ communityrewards. The signup page contains a list of the participating local non-profits.

awesome on Windows 10, it’s only a matter of time before Siri is similarly at the forefront of Apple products.

Every passing year we’ll see a major upgrade to Cortana, Siri and other AI assistants until perhaps one day, they’ll be advanced enough to fill the role of friend or coworker.

As you hear about Windows 10 in the news over the coming months, get ready for an easier computer experience.

••• Perry Piper lives in Longview and works as CRR’s production manager/ photographer and technical consultant. He enjoys learning about emerging and evolving technologies, including his Segway personal transporter on which he can be seen gliding around town.

Be sure to wave!

YOUR DOWNTOWN HEADQUARTERS MINI SPACE FOR RENT

Above Columbia River Reader, next to ZoJo Coffee on 14th Ave., Longview

Small office, salon or studio ideal for hairstylist, small organization’s headquarters, writer, artist, consultant, tutor, bookkeeper, etc. Shared reception space and powder room. View of Longview City Hall, good light, built-in display/bookshelves.

• Good vibes • Popular, busy neighborhood • Central location • You’ll enjoy working in historic, re-awakening Downtown Longview!

Call 360-749-1021 for info

Learn to LOVE your electronic devices!

NEW: Coffee Hour / Tech Support Sessions with Perry Piper - Every Monday, 10am $5 • See ad, page 22.

Clatskanie Flowers ‘n’ Fluff Coffee Shop 45 E. Columbia River Hwy Wine Tasting, Dinner & Live Music Fridays 5:30–8:30pm. 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. 503-728-3344

Rainier

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

Hometown Pizza 109 E. “A” St. Take-and-bake, Delivery, To-Go and dine-in. Lunch Buffet M-F 11–2.

Open daily 11am; close M-Th, Sat 9pm, Fri 10pm. 503-556-3700

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

See ad, page 11.

Grounds for Opportunity 413 S. Pacific Ave. 360-703-3020 Wed–Sun 7am–3pm Breakfast and Lunch available all day.

Longview

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. World-famous mac & cheese. 360-577-1541 See ad page 27.

Bowers Down W-Sat 5–8

The Original Pie@trio’s Pizzeria

Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

Hot pizza, cool salad bar.

Beer & wine. 503-397-3211 See ad, page 9.

M-Tues 11–4, W-Sat 11–5 1338 Commerce Ave., 360-577-5658 Serving Mediterranean fare for lunch and local farm fresh food for dinner.

Reservations recommended for dinner.

See ad, page 8.

Full breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily drink special: Bloody Mary $5. $4 Breakfast Special. Homemade soup. 6am–9pm. Full bar in lound, open 6am. 1334 12th Ave. 360-425-8545

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

Scappoose

614 Commerce Ave., Longview. 18 varieties of pizza. Salad bar, Lunch buffet all-you-can-eat. Beer & wine. Mon-Fri open 11am, Sat-Sun 12 Noon. 360-3533512. See ad, page 6.

Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview Slow-roasted prime rib Fri & Sat, flat iron steaks, 1/3-lb burgers, fish & chips.

31 draft beers. Full bar.

360-636-1616. See ad, page 18.

Teri’s 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview.

Breakfst, lunch and dinner. Fine dining, with specials, fresh NW cuisine. Happy Hour. Full bar. Tues -Th 8am–9pm, FriSat 8am–10pm. 360-577-0717.

See ad page 18.

Restaurant & Lounge

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

See ad page 11.

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

Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, chocolates. See ad, page 9.

1260 Commerce Ave. Family Dining 11–9, Breakroom Bar 11am–midnight. American comfort food.

Full bar. 360-703-3904. See ad, page 14.

Gyros Gyros

The Carriage Evergreen Pub & Café 115-117 East 1st Street Burgers, halibut, prime rib, full bar.

503-556-9935. See ad, page 11.

St. Helens Bertucci’s

1210 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview Fish & chips, burgers, more. Beer & wine. 360-577-7972

The Bistro

1329 Commerce Ave., Longview (alley entrance). Fine dining, happy hour specials. wine tastings. Tu-Sat open 5pm.

360-425-2837. See ad page 18.

Conestoga Pub Cornerstone Café 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits Prime rib Friday & Sat. Open M-F 6am–8pm; Sat-Sun 7am–8pm.

503-556-8772. See ad, page 11.

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

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Burgers, hand-cut steak; seafood and pasta.

Restaurant opens 8am, Lounge 12 Noon. Closed Monday. 360-967-2333

Kelso

Alston Pub & Grub 25196 Alston Rd., Rainier 503-556-4213 11 beers on tap, cocktails.

Open daily 11am.

503-556-9753 See ad, page 11.

Castle Rock

Fresh-roasted coffee, snack and pastries.

Downtown: 1335 14th Ave., M-F 9am–4pm, Sat-Sun 9am–4pm.

360-232-8642

Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more!

“Best pizza around!”

M–Th, Sat 11am–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 The Oak Tree 1020 Atlantic Ave., Woodland. Full lunch, breakfast and dinner menu.

Fresh from scratch cooking. Great happy hour menu. Sun 7am–9pm, M-Th 8am–9pm, Fri-Sat 7am–10pm.

360-841-8567

New location: 931 Ocean Beach Hwy (Inside seating plus drive-thru).

M-F 6am–8pm, Sat-Sun 8am–8pm.

360-232-8642.

See ad, page 8.

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

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 29

CASA volunteers look out for kids

River Paradise

By Kelly Clary, CASA Board of Directors

to come off the top of the dolphins at four in the morning, likely destroying all of the boats, house boats, moorages and docks along the St Helens river front. A call went out for any boat in the area to come and offer assistance.

I

magine you are a child who is suffering from abuse or neglect.

Picture yourself taken out of your home, away from your family and placed in a temporary foster home or with a relative. Imagine not knowing where you will live, who will take care of you and wondering why this has happened to you.

Every day, children in our community suffer from abuse and neglect. CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are the “Voice of the Child” in the Cowlitz County dependency court system. Our goal is to ensure that each abused and neglected child in our county has an advocate to speak in their best interest. CASAs independently investigate facts, recommend a course of action to the court, facilitate the resolution of problems and monitor progress towards establishing permanency for the child.

CASAs build relationships with the children they advocate for over the life of the case. Social workers may change many times while a child is a dependent of the state, but the CASA commits to staying all the way through the end of the case.

Research shows that children with a CASA spend less time in foster care, move less and are less likely to return to foster care once the case is dismissed than children without a CASA. This is crucial for our community on two levels; foster care is expensive and most importantly, our children deserve and need stability to grow and flourish.

Our goal is to get children into a safe, stable and permanent home as soon as possible.

When a CASA is appointed as a volunteer guardian ad litem, they spend

Hoarder’s Paradise!

Oregon’s best insulated units

an average of 10 hours per month working the case. In 2014, CASA served more than 254 children with a staff of 3 ½ and 62 volunteer advocates.

If that same number of children were served by a paid attorney or guardian, it would cost the community more than $1 million. CASA accomplished this with an operating budget of just over $200,000.

Thanks to the great support from our community, we can ensure that the most vulnerable citizens do not go unheard. No child is turned away.

In April, which is Child Abuse Awareness Month, we will launch our “I Am For The Child” campaign, with the goal to spread the word on this issue and how the CASA program serves abused and neglected children in our community.

Please help support our cause and join us on Saturday, April 25 at the Cowlitz Expo Center at our 20 th Anniversary Dinner & Auction, with live music and fun surprises. Tickets and information are available at www. cowlitzcountycasa.org or by calling 360-414-5212.

SHOP CLATSKANIE FOR ALL YOUR YARN NEEDS

The Bag Ladies Yarn Shop

cont from page 19

100 Year Flood – Help!

One tug boat responded to the plea for help. The tug’s captain tried to divert the raft from wiping out the floating section of St. Helens, but ended up pushing the raft a little too far. The log raft hit the concrete docks on Sand Island so hard they jack-knifed 20 feet in the air. They were never recovered. One chunk ended up in a farmer’s field about 10 miles away; most of the others made their way downriver to the ocean. The Oregon State Marine Board and the City of St. Helens’ insurance replaced the docks at a cost of more than $800,000. This was the highest water St. Helens has had since 1896.

The Columbia River is always buzzing with activity. The most popular is fishing. More than five million androgynous fish a year come up the Columbia. The most sought-after is the spring Chinook, followed by steelhead

Mid-Winter Fun!

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Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm 265 W. Columbia River Hwy Across from the Shell station & Mini-Mart

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Many people fish off of the bank at several prime spots: Prescott Beach (downriver from Trojan Park), the mouth of the Cowlitz River, the Multnomah Channel and at the railroad trestle currently under development north of Columbia City.

When fishing for spring Chinook you need to understand that native fish must be released. Only hatchery fish with a clipped adipose fin can be kept. If you keep a native fish, the fine is $300. For fishing on a budget, try squawfish. The state game commissions will pay you a bounty on a per fish basis to catch them.

The public dock at Ridgefield is a good place to catch squaw fish and make a few dollars. (Check with fish and game officials for details.)

River traffic Certainly, the most significant economic activity on the Columbia is shipping.

Usually, about seven ocean-going ships go up the river each day. Visit www. marinetraffic.com to pinpoint the exact location of all ships in the river. There are also a lot of barges transporting rock, wood chips and general cargo.

The river activity most fun to watch is kite boarding. It’s an inflated kite pulling a rider on a specially-designed wake board. They can reach speeds exceeding 20 miles an hour and jump more than 20 feet in the air while covering 50 feet over the water. On a windy day the kite boarders can be seen at several locations, including Jones Beach at Clatskanie and Pixie Park in Columbia City.

Cards Gift Wrap Party supplies Home décor Candles St. Patrick’s Day

NOW is a great time for a new winter hobby!

and sturgeon. Sturgeon have been caught that weigh over 1,000 pounds, but, currently, in this region you cannot keep a sturgeon. When fishing for sturgeon you must use barbless hooks and all sturgeon caught must be released. I have seen experienced fisherman catch seven large sturgeon in a hour, releasing them after bringing them up to the boat.

Clatskanie Town Center 640 E Columbia River Hwy. Suite B • Clatskanie, OR 503-728-3300

There are sailboat races in the spring and summer. Being part of the crew is a lot of fun. It takes a lot of skill and experience to be successful. If you are interested, show up at St. Helens Marina on Thursday during the season.

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 • Closed Sun

Tax worries? We’ll figure it out.

cont page 31

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30 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

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River Paradise

good rule of thumb is to stay as close to shore as you can — the river will actually carry you upstream. To go downstream stay in the deep water.

cont from page 30

The Columbia River is constantly putting on a show. If you are lucky enough to have access to a boat you can explore some of the sloughs and backwaters or visit some of the restaurants like Mark’s on the Channel. Most of the communities on the river have two or three restaurants.

All have family style restaurants within walking distance of the water.

Going upriver with a tail wind is a very enjoyable experience. A tail wind increases the air temperature as much as 10 degrees, compared to going against the wind. Going downwind, the waves are shaped in such a way that the boat is gently lifted out of the water then “surfs” down the back side of the wave.

We are a long way from Disneyland, but exploring the inland waterways of Sauvies Island with its foliage, wildlife and solitude is more fun than the jungle cruise in Disneyland. If you have not been five miles up the

Cunningham Slough or to Sturgeon Lake on the Gilbert River, consider adding them to your “bucket list.”

River conditions are constantly changing, with 4-foot tides and winds typically of 15mph or more. Be cautious as you explore and enjoy the paradise we live in.

•••

Chuck Ramsdell prepares to launch his mini-tugboat, “Quack,” from his backyard on the river in Columbia City. He built the little boat for his two grandchildren. Below: a slightly larger craft is typical of river traffic.

My favorite way to spend a couple of hours on the river is a jet ski (see photo, page 19). They are loud and fast, and they pollute.

But boy, are they fun!

For a more earth-friendly watercraft you might rent a kayak or paddle board at Scappoose Bay Marina or Columbia River Kayaking (in Skamokawa). You will want to watch the tides and the winds. On slower, human-powered boats, a

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 31

Blackwood’s Oscar Picks

87th ACADEMY AWARDS

Speculation ends in Hollywood on Feb. 22

Julianne Moore, who has never won an Oscar, is the favorite. As a linguistic professor who suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, she grabs the heart of the audience, or so I’m told.

Why don’t I say so? To the best of my knowledge, the film, which officially opens in 2015, had yet to come to my city before my deadline for this issue.

By Dr. Bob Blackwood

T

his year I expect lively behind-the-curtains discussions and shrieks of surprise at the Academy Awards.

The nominating choices of films and actors were really impressive.

Check my hunches below, but don’t bet too much in your office’s Oscar-pool.

The favorite, the film almost everyone who Reese Witherspoon is the runner-up. ever had problems Based on a real-life person (Cheryl growing up prefers, Strayed of Portland, Ore.) who walked is “Boyhood.” The 1,100 miles along the Pacific Crest weakness of Trail, Witherspoon has pretty much this film is Michael Keaton, and his surreal alter ego walk the New York City a one-woman show and carried it that only streets in Alejandro Iñárritu’s “Birdman.” Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures. off beautifully in a well-scripted the “boy,” Best Picture “ I m i t a t i o n Mason (Ellar Coltrane), Eight films are up for Best Game” will split counts. The script could have Picture: Clint Eastwood’s “American the “genius” been better.

Sniper,” Alejandro Iñárritu’s votes. “Selma” “Birdman,” Richard Linklater’s The challengers: “Birdman,” “The is apparently “Boyhood,” Nora Grossman’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “American the victim of an Imitation Game,” Wes Anderson’s Sniper.” “Birdman” gets the surreal ineffective Oscar “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Ava vote (a lot of us in Hollywood these campaign; its black DuVernay’s “Selma,” James Marsh’s days). I wish more comedies would female director, “The Theory of Everything” and get Oscars; “The Grand Budapest Av a D u Ve r n a y, Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash.”

Hotel” was very funny. Comedies has a future. demand a lot from the “Whiplash” is just actors and the director. too emotionally The most complex and clever hotel manager in the last century (Ralph Fiennes) outwits everyone in Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Photo: “American Sniper” is on the edge almost Fox Searchlight Pictures an in-depth character all the time for the study of a soldier, not film. Felicity Jones plays the wife of Oscar. a two-dimensional Stephen Hawking, a cosmologist Best Actress sermon, as some would stricken with ALS. Redmayne, who The five Best Actress candidates like to label it. Eastwood played her husband, said her role was are Marion Cotillard (“Two Days, created this character, more difficult than his. She did it One Night”), Felicity Jones (“The though he is based on a well. Marion Cotillard plays a woman Theory of Everything”), Julianne real-life sniper. fighting to get her job back. She is Moore (“Still Alice”), Rosamund always flawless. This is the first Oscar Julianne Moore copes with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in Richard “The Theory of Pike (“Gone Girl”), and Reese nomination for Rosamund Pike. Her Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland’s “Still Alice.” Photo: Sony Pictures Everything” and Witherspoon (“Wild”). day will come. cont next page

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Oscars cont from page 32 Best Actor The five best actor candidates are Steve Carell (“Foxcatcher”), Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game”), Michael Keaton (“Birdman”) and Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”).

The front runner is Michael Keaton. His performance was highly nuanced and effective in a role that would drive many actors mad.

Runners-up include Eddie Redmayne, who just won a Golden Globe for his performance, and Benedict Cumberbatch. If Cumberbatch wins, he would be the fifth actor in Oscar history to win an Oscar for playing a gay man.

As Bradley Cooper’s film is climbing the Oscar pick charts, I wouldn’t count him out. Steve

Carell’s performance as the most unpleasant nut in the world was certainly Oscar-worthy, but this was a year of many great performances in difficult roles.

Best Supporting Actress The five best supporting actress candidates are Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood), Laura Dern (“Wild”), Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game”), Emma Stone (“Birdman”), and Meryl Streep (“Into the Woods”).

Patricia Arquette, the mother in “Boyhood,” is the favorite. She did the best anyone could with that script. Emma Stone is hot on Arquette’s heels, but maybe the Academy feels that an Oscar David Oyelowo (center) plays Martin Luther King, Jr. in Ava DuVernay’s “Selma.” for Keaton is enough. Keira Knightley carried a He faced attack dogs and Alabama police batons in two marches in Selma, Alabama, difficult role very well. Laura Dern was perfect, to gain Black voters’ rights. Photo: Cloud 8 Film butb“Wild” was Reese Witherspoon’s almost oneperson performance. Meryl Streep can sing, but perhaps this isn’t the time to put a fourth Oscar on her mantle.

Best Supporting Actor The candidates for best supporting actor are Robert Duvall (“The Judge”), Ethan Hawke (“Boyhood”), Edward Norton (“Birdman”), Mark Ruffalo (“Foxcatcher”), and J. K. Simmons for “Whiplash.”

J. K. Simmons, who has been working and succeeding in TV and movie roles for 29 years, deserves to be recognized. He has already won a Golden Globe and five other awards for “Whiplash.” He is the favorite and justly so.

Ellar Coltrane played Mason for about 12 years in Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.” Photo:IFC Films

It’s not Duvall’s year, but he gave a great performance. Ethan Hawke, like Patricia Arquette, did as much as any actor could with his role. Edward Norton handled the transitions from braggadocio to insecurity very well. Mark Ruffalo had a very challenging role; he carried it off. Ruffalo has been nominated for an Oscar before, like Edward Norton, and they’ll both be nominated again.

Best Director Usually, “Best Director” and “Best Picture” are linked almost three out of four times. Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”) is the clear favorite. The conventional followups, however, may be Alejandro Iñárritu (“Birdman”) or Wes Anderson (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”). Morten Tyldum (“The Imitation Game”) and Bennett Miller (“Foxcatcher”), apparently, are lagging behind.

A grown up Mason (Ellar Coltrane) talked to his father (Ethan Hawke) in Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.” Photo:IFC Films

Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons demonstrate how a talented young musician must face an arrogant instructor in Damien Chazelle’s “Whiplash.” Photo: Sony Pictures

Reese Witherspoon re-creates a young woman’s journey through 1100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail to clear her mind and her emotions in Jean-Marc Vallée’s “Wild.” Photo:IFC Films

•••

Dr. Bob Blackwood, professor emeritus of English at the City Colleges of Chicago, is the author of: From the Silent Era to The Sopranos: Italian American Gangsters in TrendSetting Films and Television Shows (2006) and co-author with Dr. John Flynn of Future Prime: The Top Ten Science Fiction Films (2006) and has been reviewing films since the late 1960s for a variety of publications. He lives in Albeuquerque, New Mexico.

Bradley Cooper mulls over the death of a teammate i n E a s t w o o d ’s “American Sniper.” Photo: Warner Bros.

Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 33

the spectator by ned piper

Better and better at CTPA

G

ian Paul Morelli deserves credit for thinking outside the box. I know that’s an overused cliché, but Morelli is finding creative ways to fill the auditorium and keep the operation in the black.

As executive director of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, his is a very difficult job – bringing shows and entertainers to town that will appeal to a wide variety of interests, without shattering a modest budget.

Some believe that the Theatre would attract long lines of concert goers if they exclusively booked country/western bands. Others would like the Columbia to feature big name performers like Ed Asner, the Smothers Brothers and Arlo Guthrie.

Then, you have fans of Broadway musicals who fill the house for shows like the recent “Jekyll & Hyde,” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

These productions and entertainers all come with a hefty price tag.

What can Morelli do to shore up the budget between big shows?

This is where thinking outside the box comes in. On January 31st, I attended the first of many blues concerts at the Columbia. The Norman Sylvester band, featuring LaRhonda Steel, put on a fabulous show. The relatively small crowd – filling a third of the seats – was enthusiastic in their acceptance of Norman “Boogie Cat” Sylvester and Ms. Steel.

If You Go Blues Night at the Columbia Saturday, Feb. 21, 7:30pm Tickets $30 • Bar available Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts 1231Vandercook Way, Longview Online www.columbiatheatre.com or Box Office, 360-575-8499, open Monday-Friday, 11:30am to 5:30 pm.

The kiosk is open two hours before performances for Will Call pick-up and ticket purchases.

After the show, I chanced to eavesdrop on a casual but exciting conversation between Morelli and Ms. Steel about bringing her gospel choir to town to hold choral workshops and a singaround at the Theatre with local students. She was enthusiastic about the possibilities.

Watch him make it happen This idea is in the planning stages, but if I know Gian Paul Morelli, it stands a very good chance of becoming a reality. In addition to bringing quality shows to town, the Columbia Theatre is focused on giving local young people a live theatre experience. Hence the “Rainy Months Series” for ages 3 to 9 and their families, sponsored by Fibre Federal Credit Union.

The next blues bash happens on February 21 with performers Lisa Mann, Karen Lovely and Lloyd Jones, award-winning musicians all.

I can’t wait for the first bluesy notes to float from the theatre’s new and improved sound system. How sweet it would be to be in a packed house.

I know, not everybody loves the blues, but maybe that’s because they’ve never been exposed to the best blues artists in the Northwest.

Those are the acts that Morelli is bringing to the Columbia Theatre.

Check it out and I hope to see many of you there!

••• Ned Piper is a lifelong Longview resident who enjoys TV sports and going to local high school games. He recently dipped smelt from the Cowlitz River and is eagerly awaiting House of Cards’ third season beginning Feb. 27.

Ciudadde Havana by Ernesto Pumariega, a prominent Cuban artist.

The painting is part of the “From Cuba with Love” exhibit showing through March 15 at Broderick Gallery, 1318 Commerce, Longview. See page 26 for First Thursday gallery listings.

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I first heard Sylvester and his band 20 years ago at the Allen Street Bar & Grill. I spoke with him after the show. He has fond memories of playing Kelso in the early days of his successful career.

Norman was sad to hear that the Bar & Grill was demolished to make way for a new bridge.

Ten years later I caught Norman at the Red Line Sports Bar in St. Helens, Oregon. He gets better every time I hear him.

Saturday at the Columbia was no exception. Better and better.

34 / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / Columbia River Reader

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Columbia River Reader / February 15 – March 14, 2015 / 35

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