Re-discovering our capacity for wonder

social self with its complex feelings, and friendships, and first stirrings of sex and sexual attraction.

There was a time as children when we still had the ability to be awed by the natural world: fascinated by a bee on a blossom, a seagull suspended in mid-air riding the wind, the stars overhead appearing magical. By the time we were teenagers, we probably were less prone to that sense of wonder. The world had become ordinary and lost much of its magic as our interests became focused more on the emerging

Alan’s haunting novel of the AIDS epidemic, As If Death Summoned, won the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (LGBT category.) He can be reached at www.alan-rose.com.

Ed Yong’s An Immense World has been an immense bestseller, perhaps in part because it helps readers recapture that child-like experience of wonder and fascination. Like E.O. Wilson, Carl Sagan, and Loren Eiseley, Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer for The Atlantic, writes in a clear, jargonfree style that makes science accessible to the layperson.

He explores and expands our world of the senses. Aristotle first identified the five senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing—through which we know the world. But, as Yong reveals, there are other sensory modes of perception beyond these. In 1909, zoologist Jakob von Uexküll applied the German word for environment, Umwelt, to an animal’s surroundings, “specifically the part of those surroundings that an animal can sense and experience—its perceptual world.” Yong takes us on a fascinating tour of the rich diversity of ways animals perceive and interact with the natural world: birds and turtles that can track the earth’s magnetic fields; fish that send electrical messages; snakes and bats that sense infrared

Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every animal can only tap into a small fraction of reality’s fullness. Each is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving but a tiny sliver of an immense world. There is a wonderful word for this sensory bubble—Umwelt… Our Umwelt is still limited; it just doesn’t feel that way. To us, it feels all-encompassing. It is all that we know, and so we easily mistake it for all there is to know. This is an illusion, and one that every animal shares.

-- from An Immense World radiation emanating from their warmblooded prey; birds, butterflies, and mammals that perceive ultraviolet colors we are blind to.

One realizes that we humans, like all animals, live within our own “perceptual bubble,” and we get a glimpse of just how vast, complex and, yes, wonder-full is the natural world.

Similar to the writings of neurologist

Oliver Sacks (The Man Who Mistook

1. The Last Cuentista Donna Barba Higuera, Levine Querido, $18.99

2. The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris (Illus.), Katherine Tegen Books, $15.99

3. Snapdragon Kat Leyh, First Second, $12.99

4. A Rover’s Story Jasmine Warga, Balzer + Bray, $17.99

5. The Stars Did Wander Darkling Colin Meloy, Balzer + Bray, $17.99

6. The Awakening Storm Jaimal Yogis, Vivian Truong (Illus.), Graphix, $12.99,

7. The Door of No Return Kwame Alexander, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $17.99

8. An Anthology of Aquatic Life Sam Hume, DK Children, $21.99

9. The Spirit of Springer Amanda Abler, Levi Hastings (Illus.), Little Bigfoot, $18.99

10. Frizzy Claribel A. Ortega, Rose Bousamra (Illus.), First Second, $12.99

By Alan Rose

His Wife for a Hat, Awakenings, The Mind’s Eye) Yong also discusses how atypical persons may be using other senses as ways of knowing the world, and how their unique experiences may broaden and deepen our own understanding of perception and cognition.

One comes away from An Immense World with a greater appreciation for the vast complexity and beauty and diversity of life on this planet, and is finally left with a sense of humility and, if one’s lucky, child-like wonder. ••• For information visit www.alan-rose.com

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR

Send your non-commercial community event info (name of event, beneficiary, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) to publisher@crreader.com

Or mail or hand-deliver (in person or via mail slot) to:

Columbia River Reader

1333-14th Ave

Longview, WA 98632

Submission Deadlines

Events occurring:

Mar 15–April 20 by Feb 25 for March 15 issue

April 15–May 20 by Mar 25 for April 15 issue.

Calendar submissions are considered for inclusion, subject to lead time, relevance to readers, and space limitations. See Submission Guidelines below.

Submission Guidelines

Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) relevant to the publication’s purpose — helping readers discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road — 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 will be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. Writer’s name and phone number must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Political Endorsements CRR is a monthly publication serving readers in several towns, three counties, two states and beyond and does not publish Letters to the Editor that are endorsements or criticisms of political candidates or controversial issues. (Paid ad space is available.)

Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose. Advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.

Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. Fundraisers must be sanctioned/sponsored by the benefiting non-profit organization. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

New art exhibit at Community Arts Workshop

“Treasures by Jerome” is the title of a new exhibit of work by Jerome Makinster at the Community Arts Workshop (CAW) at Longview CAP which runs until March 10, 2023.

The CAW is newly re-opened after Covid’s interruption to its sixyear history of providing a warm, welcoming space, free arts classes and materials, and is pleased to offer an exhibit of dazzling original creations by one of its longtime instructors.

In addition to his art career, Jerome Makinster, pictured above, has 40-plus years as a Portland service manager for BMSs and Land Rovers (battery monitoring systems), and years of health training and soccer coaching which he continues to offer in the Longview area.

“Jerome’s Treasures” include realistic paintings, sparkling 3-D collages, ornamented bird houses, fishing tackle, and boxes which open to more glowing art inside. The community is invited to a reception for the artist on Friday, February 24 from 2–3pm.

The Community Arts Workshop at CAP, 1526 Commerce Ave. Longview, Wash., is open daily from 9-3 and is supported by volunteers and donations.

Call to Artists

The Columbian Artists Association presents the 45th Annual Spring Art Show March 25th through April 15th, 2023 at the Cowlitz County Museum, located at 405 Allen St., Kelso, Wash. This event is open to all artists in 2-D and 3-D media. All work will be judged/juried at entry.

Intake day is March 21, 10am to 2pm. Prospectus available at: columbianartists.org. For questions contact: Eileen Thompson @206-9499811 or webster9821@comcast.net

Lower Columbia College Community Conversations Thurs, 11:30–12:30, HSB

101,LCC campus across street from Longview Library. Also streamed via Zoom, and posted to LCC website and LCC YouTube channel. Free. No tickets or reservations needed.

•Feb 16 “Stephen King” (Adam Wolfer & Mavourneen Rister)

•Feb 23 “Emily Dickinson: Telling it slant” (Alexis Franz)

•Mar 2 “A guilty pleasure literature debate” (Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team)

•Mar 9 “How books transform us and our world.” (Alan Rose)

Kelso Garden Club Monthly meeting

Friday, Feb. 17, 10am at Central Christian Church basement ,401 Crawford Street, Kelso. Program speaker: Master Gardener Art Fowler on Composting, 10:30-11:00am. Members of the public are invited to attend.

The Relocation and Rediscovery of Civil War Letters in Cowlitz County

Presentation and book reading. Tues, Feb. 21, 6:30pm. Historian/author John Simpson shares Longview’s role in 1923 in attracting priceless civil war documents. Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana St., Longview, Wash. Free.

Pretty in Pink Father-Daughter

Ball Feb. 24-26, four sessions Fri pm to Sun afternoon to choose from, McClelland Center, Longview. Pre-registration required $16 per person. Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness; sponsored by Longview Parks and Rec. Register at register.capturepoint.com/reg/ cat_program_class_detail.cfm

Fisher poets Gathering Feb. 24-26, Astoria, Ore. A celebration of the commercial fishing industry in poetry, prose, and song. 5-11pm at various venues. Info: fisherpoets.org.

Annual Antique Sale March 10,11,& 12. Fri- Sat10-4, Sun 12-4. Friends of Skamokawa River Life Interpretive Center. Vendors: Please contact us for more information. You need not be present to sell. All proceeds help maintain the property and provide programs and community services. Contact Lori Cagle, office manager, with any questions, Tues or Thur 10–2, 360-795-3007 or email fos1894@ gmail.com. Info: www.friendsofskamokawa.org

Fundraising Breakfast Hosted by Cowlitz Valley VFW Auxiliary #1045. 9–10:30am. March 11, April 8, and the second Saturday every month at the VFW Hall, 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview Proceeds support programs that help Veterans and their families. The menu includes eggs cooked to order, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, toast, coffee, orange juice and water. Cost is $7.00 per person. Open to the public.

Spellebration Mar. 23, 6pm, 21+, Grant’s at the Monticello, Longview. Spelling Bee with teams of 5, $25 per person, could win up to $500. Teams of 5 max, if you do’t have 5 come anyway. Up to $500 cash prize to winning team.

Annual Kids’ Fish-In April 29, starting at 8:00am. Nine sessions of 45 kids with the last one ending at 4:45pm. Spnsored by Longview Early Edition Rotary. Register at Longview Parks & Recreation as early as possible since the event typically fills up. The registration fee is $10 per child and we will be limiting 1 adult per child inside the fishing area. Visit mylongview. com. or call (360) 442-5400 or stop by the office at 2920 Douglas Street, Longview.

Minthorn Collection of Chinese Art Tues-Thurs, 10-3, Rose Center for the Arts, upstairs art gallery, Lower Columbia College.

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society Public Zoom meetings 2nd Thurs, 6pm. Visitors welcome, instructions, announcements. Program with guest speaker 7pm. For a Zoom link: lcgsgen@yahoo.com.

Mount St. Helens Hiking Club

Call leader to join outing or for more info. Non-members welcome.

(E) - Easier: Usually on relatively flat ground (up to 5 miles and/or less than 500 ft. e.g.)

(M) - Moderate: Longer and more elevation gain (over 5 miles and/or over 500 ft. e.g.)

(S) - Strenuous: Long hikes and/or elevation gain (over 8 miles and/or over 1200 ft. e.g.)

Feb 15 - Wed • Rainier High School (E)

Drive 15 miles RT. Hike a 3.5 loop with 50’ e.g. through large trees and wetlands, including a walk around Hudson Park Campground.

Leader: Bruce 360-425-0256

Feb 18 - Sat • Forest Park (M)

Drive 95 miles RT. Hike a 6.5 mile loop with 800’ e.g. on Ridge Trail through forested hillsides. Lunch at Skyline Pub after hike.

Leader: Bruce 360-425-0256

Feb 22 - Wed • Pacific Way Trail (E) Hike 5 miles on level gravel path.

Leader: John (360) 431-1122.

Hike 5 miles on level gravel path. Leader: John (360) 431-1122.

Feb 25 - Sat • Chehalem Ridge (M) Drive 120 miles r.t. In and out hike 8 miles with 1000’ e.g. in the new Portland Metro Chehalem Ridge Nature Park. Douglas Fir forest and Tualatin Valley views. Leader: Darlene (253) 290-1001, Bruce 360-4250256.

Above: watercolorized sketch by the late Deena Martinson

Outings & Events

Community Yoga In-person M-W-F, 7:45–9am, St. Stephen’s Church,1428 22nd Ave, Longview, Wash. (enter via alley). Led by volunteers. Suggested donation $2 per session; donated to the church. More info: Ruth, 360430-0420.

Longview-Kelso Bridge Club Plays weekly, Monday 10:30am, Thurs 6:30pm. Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 89th Ave., Kelso, near Rotary Spray Park. Free, open to everyone, adults of all ages welcome. Come play, or come watch and see if it looks like fun. Info: Jan, 360-425-0713.

Broadway Gallery

1418 Commerce Avenue, Longview Mon thru Sat, 11–4. Visit the Gallery to see new work. For event updates check our website: the-broadwaygallery.com, at Broadway Gallery on Facebook, and broadway gallery longview on Instagram.

Featured Artists:

February: Dan

Newman (fused ceramic & blown glass); Carlene Salazar (painting)

March: Gallery artists John S.Crocker (photography & drawings); Trudy Woods (pottery).

Stella Historical Society Museum is officially CLOSED for the season, to reopen the weekend after July 4, 2023, 11–4. Watch for news about annual “Kid’s Day” celebration. Located at 8530 Ocean Beach Highway (10 miles west of Longview), Free admission; donations always welcome. For museum tours in the off season, call 360-423-3860 or 360-4238663. Also available for Scouting tours, Eagle Scout projects and high school “community service” hours. For more info check Facebook.

Join Us for First Thursday

Mar. 2• 5:30–7pm

Enjoy new art, refreshments & live music by Barbara Meyers

HOURS Tues - Sat 11–4

Classes and Workshops are Back! Check our website or come into the Gallery.

We are a great place to buy gifts!

Voted one of top 3 Galleries in SW Washington. Free Gift wrapping plus Layaway!

Find a unique gift! We have beautiful artisan cards, jewelry, books by local authors, wearable art, original paintings, pottery, sculpture, photographs and so much more

2022-2023 Performing Arts Series

Sunday, March 12th

7:30 pm

Tickets: clatskaniearts.org or at the door

Adults $15

Senior/Student $13; Child $10

PERFORMANCE AT BIRKENFELD THEATRE, 75 S.NEHALEM ST., CLATSKANIE, ORE.

The Minthorn Collection Of Chinese Art

A gift from Dr. and Mrs. H. Minthorn to the community via Lower Columbia College Foundation, The Minthorn Collection of Chinese Art encompasses a wide range of styles and is displayed in the upper level of the art gallery in LCC’s Rose Center, open Tues-Thurs, 10–3. Free.

Thursday, March 23rd

GENTLE READER: Without wading into a debate on the merits of virtual friendship, Miss Manners feels secure in

Miss Manners from page 9 saying that if you are not close enough to certain friends to know if they are alive, you do not need to wish them a happy birthday. Meanwhile, contacting a friend you had reason to believe was alive, only to discover otherwise, is distressing -- but not rude.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I were invited to two Super Bowl parties on the same night. She accepted both.

I think we should have politely declined the second invitation with, “So sorry, but we have a previous commitment.” Beyond the fact that we will be running from one end of town to the other, I think it is rude to go to one party for an hour and then leave. But my wife disagrees.

GENTLE READER: When will you leave the first party -- during the game, so that the host has to get up and see you out? Before the game, so it seems as if something is wrong? After the game, so that you miss the socializing?

Oh, at halftime. Which will interrupt the people who are watching that.

Miss Manners reminds your wife of what many people seem to have forgotten: that invitations should be promptly accepted or declined, and bargaining over the terms is not allowed.

•••

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, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.