CRR March 2014 by Columbia River Reader

CRREADER.COM • March 15 – April 14, 2014 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.

ART

CULLING A COLLECTION

page 19

Man in the Kitchen

EGGS BENEDICT FOR BRUNCH page 16

“Hula Lulabelle Inhale, exhale frosty air Brrr! cold coconuts.”

~ Cathleen McNelly

page 30

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

Winter

HAIKU page 21

Longview Orthopedic Associates Leads the Way in Joint Replacement Procedures More than 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. This crippling disease can cause stiffness, swelling and severe joint pain, leading to a loss of motion and mobility. The good news is that innovative

Bruce Blackstone, MD

Dave Black, MD

designs, gentler surgical techniques, and advancements in pain management have significantly reduced post-surgery down-time and rehabilitation. When it comes to joint replacement procedures, no one in the area is

Bill Turner, MD

Jon Kretzler, MD

more experienced than the surgeons at Longview Orthopedic Associates. If you suffer from hip, shoulder, ankle or knee pain, call 360.501.3400 today to schedule an evaluation.

Eric Hansen, MD

Peter Kung, MD

Longview Orthopedic Associates 625 9th Avenue • Suite 210 • Longview, WA 98632

360.501.3400

www.longvieworthopedics.com 2 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

A.J. Lauder, MD

e appreciate everyone’s interest and participation in this year’s Haiku Fest. What a pleasant surprise the last five years have delivered, as Gary Meyer’s original, seemingly-silly idea took root and grew to become one of CRR’s most popular features.

Sue’s Views

So don’t miss Gary’s story and the selected haiku entries on page 21. The entire collection of this year’s entries are included in the article posted at crreader.com. I am deeply grateful to — and for — Gary, who faithfully continues his good work advancing haiku — even under difficult and trying living conditions in Hawaii. In a recent email, for example, Gary reported having to get up during the night to turn up thermostat when, the temperature, due to the wind chill factor, was 70 degrees. CRR’s Haiku Fest, as we are now calling it, would simply not be, but for Gary Meyers. We extend our warmest thanks. Forbidden fruit and future hopes Taking that yearned-for, long-awaited first bite of a golden, pan-fried freshdipped Cowlitz River smelt after several years of prohibition brought back fond memories, while creating some new ones. In what felt like a

Thanks for coming to the aid of the party. miracle of opportunity, we got two good dipping days in early March. The Piper freezer is now full of enough packages of smelt to last quite a while.

Columnists and contributors: Ron Baldwin Dr. Bob Blackwood Nancy Chennault Bill Coonan Ashley Helenberg Sue Lane Suzanne Martinson Gary Meyers Michael Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Alan Rose Paul Thompson Production Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Accounting Assistant: Lois Sturdivant Editorial & Proofreading Assistants Kathleen Packard, Sue Lane, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry

Email from my brother: Ten years — WOW! You must be very proud, and I am pleased to have played a small role in the Reader’s success.

It takes us about four hours to proofread an issue, so if we read every issue again it would take 20 days of non-stop reading. That should keep you (and me) busy 30 years from now when we are in Columbia River Reader a nursing home! Even now I’d bet there Celebrates 10 Years are stories in the early issues you have forgotten about. Holding in my weary hands that first, ~ Michael Perry hot-off-the-press issue back in April 2004 remains a savory memory. And It’s true, except that Mike, along with what a joy and adventure producing several others, have played a HUGE — CRR continues to be. not small — role in the production of Columbia River Reader. This issue marks a special milestone: 10 years publishing this “Little Monster,” which is the affectionate nickname Lois Sturdivant and I gave CRR in the beginning.

Thanks to everyone who reads CRR, advertises in it, writes for it, helps put it together or spread it around, and who comes to the aid of the party.

Sue Piper

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

Who knows what lengthy process may be required to de-list an endangered species? It could take, literally, an ON THE COVER

Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper

Act of Congress and other, unexpected factors could arise. So we can hope — but not assume — the smelt dipping season will in the forseeable future be open again. See stories, pages 8 and 34.

Hula Lulabelle haiku and photo by Cathleen McNelly, taken during the February snowfall in Longview, See story, page 21.

In this Issue

“Solo,” John Riddle lithograph. Eggs Benedict photo by Perry Piper.

Letter to the Editor

Book Review / Bestsellers List

Miss Manners

My Slant: Smelt in the Cowlitz!

Cover Design by Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,500 copies distributed free throughout the Lower Columbia region in SW Washington and NW Oregon. Entire contents copyrighted by Columbia River Reader. No reproduction of any kind is allowed without express written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, not necessarily to the Reader.

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

Biz Buzz

Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter

Stringing Along: Youth players sample the Symphony

Northwest Gardener: Daylight Savings Time

Man in the Kitchen: Eggs Benedict for Brunch

Out & About ~ Train Travel

Out & About ~ Norse Hall

Collecting Art

Columbia Artists Spring Show

Haiku Fest

Where Do You Read the Reader?

26-27 Outings & Events Calendar / Music Scene

Advertising Reps Ned Piper, Sue Lane, Debi Borgstrom

28 Movie Review: A Hit and a Miss 29

Lower Columbia Informer ~ Off to Boot Camp

Columbia River Reader P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021

Columbia River Dining Guide

Dining around the River

34 The Spectator ~ Net Results Subscriptions $26 per year inside U.S. (plus $2.08 sales tax if mailed to Washington addresses).

What’s Up Under the Bridge? Port of Longview

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 3

Letter to the Editor SAY WHAT?

“Words, words, words ...” ~ Wm. Shakespeare, from Hamlet

JOHN ADAMS WROTE THESE:

ower always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak.

must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.

osterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good use of it.

hile all other sciences have advanced, that of government is at a standstill —

little better understood, little better practiced now than three or four thousand years ago.

have accepted a seat in the House of Representatives, and thereby have consented to my own ruin, to your ruin, and to the ruin of our children. I give you this warning that you may prepare your mind for your fate.

ld minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.

ADVERTISING

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

Advertising reps

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

CRR Print Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previouslypublished articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations. Items sent to CRR may be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. We do not publish letters endorsing candidates or promoting only one side of controversial issues. Name and phone number of writer must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered. Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose—to help readers “discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road.” However, advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles. Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. The arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. See submission details, page 26. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

4 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

Visitor-friendly, local focus I think the thing that most impresses me about the Reader is that, unlikemany “similar” local tabloids, Sue and the rest of you keep the paper focused on readers who live and work in your circulation area. I have seen so many little tabs over the years that are designed to draw out-of-town visitors to local restaurants, galleries, etc., and do so at the expense of the folks who really read and really shop and eat at local cafes and shops. Of course, any visitor to The Planned City could use the Reader as a guide

to what’s happening along the river, both sides of it. But I think it maintains a good focus on new places (like the ferry) that most people who pick up the paper may know about but probably never visit. That’s a difficult balance, to have sufficient info for out-of-towners while still remaining of interest to regular readers. Good work! PS. Have you been wearing the Mina Indian XXL-plus-sized newsboy bags? IFthat steamship logo could be properly placed the bag could double as a golfshirt for “husky” guys and gals. Lee Quarnstrom La Habra, Calif.

Cover to Cover

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION 1. Life After Life Kate Atkinson, Back Bay, $18 2. Beautiful Ruins Jess Walter, Harper Perennial, $15.99 3. A Tale for the Time Being Ruth L. Ozeki, Penguin, $16 4. Cockroaches Jo Nesbo, Vintage, $14.95 5. Where’d You Go, Bernadette Maria Semple, Back Bay, $14.99 6. The Orchardist Amanda Coplin, Harper Perennial, $15.99 7. The Golem and the Jinni Helene Wecker, Harper Perennial, $15.99 8. The Free Willy Vlautin, Harper Perennial, $14.99 9. Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline, Morrow, $14.99 10. A Constellation of Vital Phenomena Anthony Marra, Hogarth, $15

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

HARDCOVER FICTION

1. The Monuments Men Robert M. Edsel, Back Bay, $17 2. Hyperbole and a Half Allie Brosh, Touchstone, $17.99 3. Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher Timothy Egan, Mariner, $15.95 4. Wild Cheryl Strayed, Vintage, $15.95 5. The Power of Habit Charles Duhigg, Random House, $16 6. Super Hawks: The Seattle Seahawks’ 2013 Championship Season Triumph Books, $14.95 7. The Dude and the Zen Master Jeff Bridges, Bernie Glassman, Plume, $16 8. Philomena Martin Sixsmith, Penguin, $16 9. Quiet Susan Cain, Broadway, $16 10. Tiny Beautiful Things Cheryl Strayed, Vintage, $14.95

1. The Goldfinch Donna Tartt, Little Brown, $30 2. The Invention of Wings Sue Monk Kidd, Viking, $27.95 3. Bark: Stories Lorrie Moore, Knopf, $24.95 4. One More Thing B.J. Novak, Knopf, $24.95 5. The Martian Andy Weir, Crown, $24 6. The Signature of All Things Elizabeth Gilbert, Viking, $28.95 7. The Museum of Extraordinary Things Alice Hoffman, Scribner, $27.99, 8. Ripper Isabel Allende, Harper, $28.99 9. Worthy Brown’s Daughter Phillip Margolin, Harper, $26.99 10. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn, Crown, $25

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1. The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, Viking, $28.95 2. Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book Diane Muldrow, Golden Books, $9.99 3. The Sixth Extinction Elizabeth Kolbert, Holt, $28 4. Grain Brain David Perlmutter, Little Brown, $27 5. Unbroken Laura Hillenbrand, Random House, $28 6. The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind Michio Kaku, Doubleday, $28.95 7. David and Goliath Malcolm Gladwell, Little Brown, $29 8. Daring Greatly Brene Brown, Gotham, $26 9. All Joy and No Fun Jennifer Senior, Ecco, $26.99 10. Duty Robert M. Gates, Knopf, $35

Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, for week ending March 2, 2014, 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

MASS MARKET 1. A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 2. A Dance With Dragons George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 3. The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger, Little Brown, $6.99 4. Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card, Tor, $7.99 5. A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 6. 2312 Kim Stanley Robinson, Orbit, $10 7. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99 8. The Wise Man’s Fear Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $9.99 9. The Monuments Men Robert M. Edsel, Little Brown, $10 10. The Lies of Locke Lamora Scott Lynch, Spectra, $7.99

CHILDREN’S INTEREST 1. The Fault in Our Stars John Green, Dutton, $17.99 2. The Book Thief Markus Zusak, Knopf, $12.99 3. Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures Kate DiCamillo, K.G. Campbell (Illus.), Candlewick, $17.99 4. Eleanor & Park Rainbow Rowell, St. Martin’s Griffin, $18.99 5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney (Illus.), Little Brown, $15 6. Minecraft: Essential Handbook Scholastic, $7.99 7. Star Wars: Jedi Academy Jeffrey Brown, Scholastic, $12.99 8. Looking for Alaska John Green, Speak, $9.99 9. Wonder R.J. Palacio, Knopf, $15.99 10. The Giver Lois Lowry, Laurel-Leaf, $6.99

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 The Good Lord Bird By James McBride Riverhead Books (Penguin Group) $27.95

By Alan Rose

t’s 1856 on the Kansas-Missouri border; a time when you could be stopped on a lonely road by a group of armed men asking, “Are you Pro-Slave or Free State?” How you answered would determine whether you made it home that night. The Kansas Territory was a battlefield, being fought between those who wanted it to enter the union a slave state and those who were just as adamant that it become a free state. There was no lack of extremists on either side willing to slaughter families or entire populations of frontier towns for their beliefs. James McBride, author of the moving and tender memoir, The Color of Water, captures this turbulent time in his novel, The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction.

Riding with the divinely/diabolically inspired John Brown The story is narrated by Henry or diabolically inspired. (“He got Shackleford, nicknamed “Onion,” downright holy when it was killing who as a 10-year old boy is freed time. ‘Take thine own hand and split an by the abolitionist ax with it,’ he said. John Brown, he of ‘That’s Eucclestsies Harpers Ferry fame. I don’t know what it is, but every twelve seven or O n i o n i s l i g h t - time the Old Man started talking thereabouts.’”) holy, just the mention of his skinned and comely, By the time he’s and, dressed only in Maker’s name made him downright twelve, Onion has a potato sack as slave dangerous. A kind of electricity been recaptured children often were, climbed over him. His voice become and is working Brown mistakes him like gravel scrapin’ a dirt road. (still as a girl) for a girl. Though he Something raised up in him. His old, at first resents this, tired frame dropped away, and in its in a saloon and whorehouse, where Onion soon realizes place stood a man wound up like he falls in love with that it’s in his best a death mill. It was most unsettling the beautiful but interest to maintain thing to see…He believed God was hardened Pie; and this guise. (“You just on his side. Everybody got God on where it’s become trying to save your their side in a war. Problem is, God increasingly skin.”/ “Why not? It ain’t tellin’ nobody who He’s for.. difficult to hide covers my body.”) ~ From The Good Lord Bird the fact that he’s Hovering over a boy. He’s freed the story is the a second time by character of Brown, the “Old Man”— Brown, and finds himself on the road sentimental, murderous, possibly to Harpers Ferry. crazy, and, depending upon one’s point of view at the time, divinely

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

In a number of ways, The Good Lord Bird reminded me of another story, also set in Missouri, also set in the pre-Civil War years. It, too, had a boy who like Onion, though white, needed to use all his wits and wiles and flexible ethics to survive a series of adventures; who encountered a number of colorful and memorable characters, and who told his story also in a distinctive voice, employing humor and satirical insight into his society and the institution of slavery. And as I recall, at one point Huck disguises himself as a girl, too. •••

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Banking made easy

Miss Manners By Judith Martin

Duvets, self-funded guests, final goodbye, bailing on a blind date 1. DEAR MISS MANNERS: My mother and I have been debating the difference between a duvet, a duvet cover and a comforter. Our research has shown conflicting definitions. Would you be so kind as to enlighten us and settle this argument once and for all? GENTLE READER: A duvet is a feather-stuffed quilt without a cover, a duvet cover is a slipcover for the duvet, and a comforter is a duvet with the cover already sewn on. Got that? This has nothing whatsoever to do with manners, but Miss Manners is nonetheless delighted with herself that she actually knows the answer -- and has someone with whom to share it. 2. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am the godmother of a lovely girl who will be turning 2. Her mother and I have decided that we want to throw her a nice

Visit Rainier! The friendly waterfront town

casual party at a fall festival that includes hay rides, party favors, live music, a decorated gazebo, etc., for a reasonable price that I am happy to cover. The cost of the party reservation does not include the cost of the entrance fee into the festival, which is $15 per person. Is it the responsibility of the hosts (my friend and me) to front the ticket cost for our guests? Or is it reasonable to ask the guests to take on this payment? I am a single 20-something young woman with limited income and my friend is a single parent. We are just not sure how to go about this with fairness and grace. GENTLE READER: If the party reservation does not include the entrance fee to any of the festival’s enticements, Miss Manners is not surprised that the price is so reasonable. Unfortunately, fairness and grace will not be forefront on your guests’ minds if they are invited

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to a party for which they have to pay (and pay not insignificantly, since presumably no 2-year-old is traveling without parents). As compromised as you and your friend’s financial situations may be, you are making the assumption that your guests’ are expendable. No party invitation should come with an entrance fee (a lesson lost on most adults celebrating birthdays at restaurants by “inviting” guests to pay for their own meals). Miss Manners is afraid that you must find an alternate venue — perhaps someone’s backyard where you could create a similarly festive atmosphere? At 2 years old, the birthday girl and her friends will have just as good of a time -- and their parents will have an even better one for not being charged for the fun. 3. DEAR MISS MANNERS: The mother of a childhood friend is dying of cancer. I no longer live near this friend and have not been in contact with her since high school, but I always get news of the family from my mom, who still lives in the small town where we grew up. I am very sad to hear this news and have very fond memories of this woman. Is it kind or selfish of me to write a short note to this woman to let her know she matters to me and that my thoughts are with her? GENTLE READER: How it could be construed as selfish to let someone who is dying know that she is important to you, Miss Manners cannot imagine. 4. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last week I joined a popular online dating site and went on a first date. He picked me up at my house and took me out to dinner. Unfortunately, from the moment he opened his mouth, I knew we would not be compatible. I spent the entire evening with a pleasant expression, feigning interest, and counting down until I could go home.

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He had a good time, and upon following up was shocked to hear that I did not share his feelings. In retrospect, I felt trapped and helpless on the date and wound up pretending everything was OK. Is this the appropriate approach, or is it better to be upfront with my feelings and save us both time and the emotional runaround? GENTLE READER: An activity that used to have the charming and perhaps fanciful name of courtship has become so businesslike that there is a frightening logic to your suggestion. Yes, announcing, “Sorry; you won’t do” at that moment when the gentleman first opened his mouth would have allowed you both to move on to the next candidates. But at what horrifying sacrifice of the decencies of social behavior? Miss Manners is no advocate of dating services, but even she can recognize that you violated its implicit cautions. You accepted a dinner date with a stranger after -- at most -- a week of the usual preliminaries, such as exchanging emails and eventually arranging a short meeting on neutral territory. Having made that commitment, however, you were obliged to see it through. At what point do you think you could have bolted? On your doorstep, when he introduced himself? During the soup course? Or the dessert? The proper dismissal would have been at the end of dinner, when you express regret that you have a full schedule in the foreseeable future. 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.)

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Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 7

My Slant: Good News

Smelt in the Cowlitz!s

Massive run delights dippers, reflect earlier days

Story by Michael Perry • Postcards form his private collection

ost local residents thought they had eaten their last smelt in 2010 when the fish were listed as “threatened” by the Nationlal Marine Fisheries Service. But after a large run in 2013, officials decided to allow limited recreational

served as the Cowlitz County seat until 1872). It was starting to rain and I had dressed appropriately since I expected to be out there for an hour or more to dip my 10-pound limit.

OMG! It’s the 15th of the month! Where can you find the Reader?

It’s delivered all around the River, but here’s a list of handy, regularly-refilled sidewalk box and rack locations you can visit any time of day (almost), even in your bathrobe ...

Sidewalk Box/Rack Locations LONGVIEW Post Office Bob’s (rack, main check-out) YMCA Fred Meyer (rack, grocery entrance) US Bank Fibre Fed’l CU - Commerce Ave Hometown Bank Monticello Hotel (side entrance) The Masthead Kaiser Permanente St. John Medical Center (rack, Park Lake Café) Cowlitz Black Bears box office LCC Student Center Mini-Mart next to Regents Indie Way Diner KELSO Heritage Bank Visitors’ Center KALAMA Fibre Fed’l CU Columbia Inn WOODLAND Visitor’s Center The Oak Tree CASTLE ROCK Castle Rock Exhibit Hall Four Corners General Store Parker’s Restaurant (rack, entry)

RYDERWOOD Community Center RAINIER Post Office Cornerstone Café Rainier Hardware (rack, entry) Chinese Restaurant (on Hwy 30) DEER ISLAND Deer Island Store COLUMBIA CITY Post Office ST HELENS Chamber of Commerce Sunshine Pizza Post Office Wild Currant Olde Towne (near Bemis Printing) Safeway SCAPPOOSE Post Office Road Runner Fultano’s Ace Hardware ARK Real Estate CATHLAMET Cathlamet Pharmacy CLATSKANIE Post Office Wauna mill (parking area)

For more locations or the pick-up point nearest you, visit crreader.com click “Find the Magazine” under “Features.” 8 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

Contrary to its caption, this 100-year-old postcard photo was taken at the dick near the Allen Street Bridge.

dipping to help evaluate the size of the run. Local residents were soon to discover the 2014 run was tremendous! On Saturday, March 8th, Ned Piper, Jim Appleby, Sheri Hage and I went down to the west bank of Cowlitz River to try our luck at the foot of Hudson Street in Longview, where the town of Freeport was once located (Freeport was established in 1865 and

Ned dipped first and got enough in one dip to fill a 5-gallon pail over half full! I dipped next and got just as many. Since we had read that 10 pounds was about one-fourth of a bucket, we had our four limits in just two dips! TJim and Sheri had never dipped smelt, so they each gave it a try, returning the fish to the river cont page 9

Smelt

cont from page 8

after each dip. Sherry outdid us all with a full net that would have more than filled a 5-gallon pail! I’ve lived in Longview and Kelso my whole life and the last time I saw dipping that good was in 1962 or 1963. The smelt dinner that night brought back memories from the past. Many people feel there is nothing better than eating fried smelt, mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, and asparagus, along with some of the Man-in-theKitchen’s famous garlic bread and a glass of white wine. In fact, when the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at Fort Clatsop for the winter more than 200 years ago, Captain Clark wrote in his journal on February 25, 1806:

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cont page 12

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“A Doctor’s Confession to the City of Longview...”

Dear Friend, I want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding. Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first. Well, let’s start with me, the mother in the picture. Seventeen years ago, while studying as a pre-med student, I developed terrible low back pain. The pain became so intense that I could no longer handle sitting in class. I began standing through 26 hours of classes per week. After considering surgery (that was the only option, according to the surgeon) I decided against it. A friend of mine convinced me to give a chiropractor a try, but I just didn’t believe in it. Out of desperation, I went to see him. The chiropractor did an exam, took some x-ray films, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. Within two weeks, not only was my low back pain gone but my allergies were much better and I had tons more energy. It worked so well that I changed my major and went to chiropractic school myself. Dr. Darin, my husband and practice partner, became a chiropractor because of the tremendous results that he experienced with severe chronic sinus infections. He changed his major to chiropractic mid-way through his studies to become a medical doctor. Simon is our 10 year old son who received his first chiropractic adjustment the day he was born. Simon never suffered from colic, ear infections, asthma, allergies or any of the other problems that plague many children. He is a very healthy, well adjusted boy. Marco is our 8 year old son and possibly the happiest boy I’ve ever met. When Marco was born, he immediately had difficulty regulating his body temperature. The pediatrician kept checking on him, telling us that he would have to remain in the hospital for up to two weeks

if his temperature didn’t start regulating itself immediately. His first chiropractic adjustment was therefore immediately after his birth. Within an hour, his body temperature was normal, and we went home the next day. A few weeks later, Marco was experiencing labored breathing; his pediatrician told us that he had RSV, a condition for which children are usually hospitalized. Marco was adjusted regularly, and a few days later, he had amazingly completely recovered. Today, Marco is also a well adjusted child and free of all common childhood illnesses. It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see us with their low back pain and sinus problems. Also they come to us with their headaches, migraines, neck, arm and shoulder pain, ear infections, asthma, allergies, athletic injuries, digestive problems and numbness in the limbs… just to name a few. Several times a day people thank us for helping them get rid of their health problems. But we really can’t really take the credit. My confession is that We’ve never healed anyone of anything. What we do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds healing itself. With chiropractic, we get tremendous results; it’s as simple as that! Everyone knows that health care costs are going up. Over 45 million Americans no longer

have health insurance and those who do have it have find that their benefits are reduced. Deductibles are rising, and restrictive HMO’s are now common. That’s where our practice comes in. We have found a way to enable more people to afford the care they need, people with or without health insurance. Another way to save… studies show that chiropractic care can double your immune capacity, naturally and without drugs. The immune system fights colds, flues, and other sicknesses. So you may not be running off to the doctor as much. Studies show that many people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor. You Benefit from a Unique Offer If you bring in this article by March 31, 2014 you can receive our new patient exam for only $25. That’s for the entire exam that includes neurological, orthopedic and range of motion tests, with x-rays (if necessary)…there are no hidden fees here. This exam could cost you $250 elsewhere. And, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that our office specializes in family health care. You see, we’re not trying to seduce you to come see us with this low start-up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor because higher costs can add up very quickly. “It Shouldn’t Cost an Arm and a Leg to Correct Your Health.” You should know a little about our qualifications. That’s important so that there’s no misunderstanding about the quality of care. Dr. Darin and I are Cum Laude graduates of New York Chiropractic College. We’ve been entrusted to take care of 2 hour old babies to pro athletes who you may know. After practicing in New York for 2 years, we moved our practice to Longview and have been here for 11 years.

We just have lower fees so more people can get the care they need. Your time is as valuable to you as ours is to us. That’s why we ask that you take advantage of our offer only if you are truly serious about your health. Dr. Werner has been working with us for 5 years. Having over 20 years of experience as a chiropractor and Anatomy professor, he is a great source of knowledge and wisdom for our practice members. Our three wonderful massage therapists Diane, Kim and Amy have each been practicing for 9 years. They are trained in Swedish (relaxation), deep tissue and pregnancy related massages. Our office manager, Julianna and our Chiropractic Assistants, Jill, Chelsea and Debbie are really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we do our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Advantage Chiropractic & Massage and it is located at 1312 Vandercook Way in Longview. Our phone number is (360)425-6620. Please call one of our wonderful assistants today to make an appointment. See also our Yours in Health, Massage Ad, page 24 Dr. Anik St-Martin P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering a second family member this same examination for only $15. Your time is as valuable to you as ours is to us. That’s why we ask that you take advantage of our offer only if you are truly serious about your health. Federal Law excludes Medicare participants from receiving this discount. Customary fees must be charged. We do bill Medicare and work with Medicare patients every day. Worker’s Compensation claims and Personal Injury claims are excluded from receiving this discount. We do bill Worker’s Compensation and Personal injury claims and work with these patients every day.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 9

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. David Green, manager of Columbia Bank’s Longview branch, has been elected President of the Lower Columbia Community Action Program (CAP) Board of Directors. Green served as secretary of the Board in 2013 and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for Stageworks Northwest in Longview. A native of southern Idaho, he completed a 30-year banking career in Salt Lake City, Utah. Green served on the Kearns, Utah, Town Council and as President of the Utah Jaycee’s. He has lived in Longview for the past 3-1/2 years and is a member of Longview Noon David Green Rotary. Joining Dave on the CAP Board for 2014 are Vice President Dian Cooper of the Family Health Center, Treasurer Mary Gillespie, who is the outgoing president, and the Rev. Don Hagner of Calvary Baptist Church, holding the position of secretary.

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John Kowalski Joins Bruce Peterson as Co-Owner at Longview Physical & Sports Therapy When Dave Knoeppel of Longview Physical & Sports Therapy retired i n F e b r u a r y, John Kowalski was ready to step up. Hired as a physical therapist at LPST in 2009, he has now joined Br uce Peterson as a John Kowalski co-owner. Knoeppel, who worked for more than 35 years as a physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, partnered with Peterson to found LPST in 2004. Kowalski understands that these are big shoes to fill. “I moved to Longview with the goal of starting my career as a PT and eventually putting my business education to use,” he said. “This is a special opportunity for me, and I’m very grateful to Bruce and Dave.” Kowalski completed a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at Marquette University where he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. That combination provides him with a unique skillset that should serve him well at LPST. He will continue to see patients but will also be responsible for the financial stability of the business and for keeping the staff informed about the most recent evidence-based practice treatments and changing healthcare requirements. “One of the hallmarks of our practice has been the amount of time each therapist spends with individual patients,” Kowalski said. “This is a critical part of who we are and something I’m dedicated to continuing to the greatest possible degree.”

For Kowalski, the goals are clear. “I want to focus on building the thriving practice that Bruce and Dave have started, provide great service, and continue to be an important cog in the healthcare system,” he said. “I’m committed to making Longview Physical & Sports Therapy one of the best physical therapy clinics in the Northwest.” LPST is located at 625 9th Avenue, Longview, at Pacific Surgical Institute. Call 360-578-1188 for more information.

Pain Management Specialist Provides Services at Longview Orthopedic Associates Board certified neurosurgeon Brian Ragel, MD, has begun seeing patients at Longview Orthopedic Associates. Dr. Ragel is a member of the Oregon Health Sciences University Spine Services team and specializes in dealing with spinal conditions and pain management. Additional services include scoliosis care, epidural injections, bracing, and spinal fusion. “The goal is to provide patients with an opportunity to remain in the community while receiving specialized care,” said LOA Clinic Manager Kathleen Lappe. “Dr. Ragel offers pre- and post-surgical services and referrals to other OHSU specialists as necessary.” Dr. Ragel earned his medical degree at OHSU. He then completed his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Utah Health Science Center before completing fellowship training in neuro-oncology research at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. He is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Dr. Ragel is available at the LOA clinic on Wednesdays. Longview Orthopedic Associates is located at 625 9th Avenue at Pacific Surgical Institute.

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10 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader Columbia River Reader Ad March 2014

The Good Life for Bowser

Columbia City opens new dog park

oof! Calling all dogs! The new off-leash dog park in Columbia City’s grand opening took place on Saturday, February 22. The new dog park is located on “E” Street between Highway 30 and Second Street. “We always try to listen to our citizens’ concerns.” said Mayor Young. “With help from the Port of St. Helens and the Columbia County Community Corrections Crew, we are now able to provide this additional service.” The fully fenced dog park encompasses one-half acre of open grassy field divided into two areas, one for large and one for small dogs. The park features a picnic table, park bench, waste stations, double gates, specific rules for dogs and their owners, some shade, and (of course) a fire hydrant. Dog owners should bring their own water for their dogs. The grand opening included a ribbon cutting ceremony by Mayor Cheryl A. Young, special recognition to the Columbia County Community Corrections Crew and the Port of St. Helens for their help and partnership in this project, and to the Columbia City Parks Committee for seeing

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A postcard showing how it was done 100 years ago. The town of Freeport is in the background.

Dipping Smelt

cont from page 9

a wooden spit without any previous preparation whatever. they are so fat that they require no aditional sauce, and I think them superior to any fish I ever tasted, even more delicate and lussious than the white fish of the Lakes which have heretofore formed my standard of excellence among the fishes.” I certainly wouldn’t disagree!

Saturday, May 2, 2015 7:30pm

www.lkcca.org

Concerts are at Rose Center for the Arts Lower Columbia College in Longview

In partnership with the LCC Foundation/Hanson Endowment

I hope local residents will be allowed to dip smelt again in the coming years. This is an important northwest tradition that needs to be preserved. Kelso was once proclaimed the “Smelt Capital of the World,” and I still remember the annual smelt eating contest. ••• Michael Perry, pictured at left with his smelt net, has proven a solid pillar in a multitude of ways over the 10 years of Columbia River Reader’s production under his sister’s ownership. She loves and thanks him.

12 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

CRR’s Onomatopoeians won 2nd Place in Altrusa’s Spell-abration on March 7. (see page 31)

COOKING WITH THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

Books without pages?

By Suzanne Martinson

New “recipe delivery system” challenges cooks

ram scratched her recipe for Ice Box Cookies on the back of a used envelope. She listed the ingredients — butter or lard, nutmeats, brown sugar, and so on — and, as an afterthought, “Mix as any cookie.” Today, life is complicated, and recipes come at us from all directions.

In 2008, “The Fallingwater Cookbook” writers Elsie Henderson (front) and Suzanne Martinson introduced their cookbook at Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, Penn., and then had the privilege of signing their names on the restroom wall, alongside other authors. The cookbook is now available as an eBook. Photo by Bob Martinson (partially visible in the mirror)

Last month, the hardcover “The Fallingwater Cookbook” got a sibling — an eBook (electronic book). I won’t lie to you. It was a thrill to see our book, subtitled “Elsie Henderson’s Recipes and Memories” pop up on on my Kindle Fire.

for, and their magical Frank Lloyd Wright house above the waterfall in Pennsylvania. Definition, please: The eBook is described as an electronic book that started with a print version, in our case, published by the University of Pittsburgh Press in 2008. cont page 33

Though I didn’t think I’d like it, rereading the story on the screen made me fall in love again with Elsie (she turned 100 in September), the avant-garde Kaufmann family she cooked

Private Collection Exhibit & Sale March 15 – April 30 21 artists from 10 countries and exhibited in 100 museums

Charles Criner • Salvador Dali • Carol Anaya Guillaume Azoulay • Michael Bryan John Riddle Janet Mueller • Pablo Picasso • Franz Kline

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Lemon Cakes with Chevre and Fresh Berries This recipe from Fallingwater Cafe Chef Mary Anne Moreau is a delectable showcase for fresh berries. It tastes surprisingly light and looks gorgeous. 8 ounces chevre (goat cheese), at room temperature 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour Zest of 1 large lemon 4 free-range eggs, separated Whipped cream and mint, for garnish Preheat the oven to 350º F. Butter 6 mini-Bundt cake pans. With a rubber spatula, mix the chevre, cream cheese, sugar, flour, zest and egg yolks. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold the beaten whites into cheese mixture. Fill the buttered mini-Bundt pans twothirds full. Bake from 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and gently tip out of the pan. Cool completely before serving (also good chilled). Top with fresh berries and dollop of whipped cream and mint leaf. Note: These cakes can also be made in regular or mini-muffin pans — of course, this is a small portion and not nearly as impressive as a personal Bundt cake. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 13

My Slant

Stringing along Youth players sample the Symphony

Do Your Part

Recycling 101 - What is Recyclable?

Tin & Aluminum Cans

Story and Photos by Perry Piper

Lillian Smith

yes open. Wide awake. You look around the balcony and can almost see Leonardo DiCaprio racing by you, bullets chasing him. The distant ringing of the French horns makes you realize you’re actually in the auditorium next to your friends, listening to the musical soundtrack from “Inception.” Welcome to the symphony.

Weaving the music A symphony is a group of musicians playing instruments from the brass, woodwind and string families, along with percussionists. Strings and woodwinds typically play fast moving melodies, while the brass deliver strong notes from a distance and percussionists create a booming in everyone’s chest. But nothing would function without the conductor. Dr. Robert W. Davis stands in front of the Southwest Washington Symphony with his baton, weaving the musical parts together like an ethereal spirit guiding the plans of the gods.

“Tossing away an aluminum can wastes as much energy as pouring out half of that can’s volume of gasoline.” “If you laid all the aluminum cans recycled in 2010 end to end, they could circle the earth 169 times!” “Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run your television for three hours.”

Matthew Carnahan

All the unique parts come together to form a cohesive, live fusion of passion and talent everyone should experience. cont page 33

Kim Hua

* Statistics courtesy of http://www.kab.org/site/ PageServer?pagename=recycling_facts_and_stats

Please do not place your recyclables in plastic bags. Place directly into your B R O W N recycling container.

I’ve changed mortgage companies!

If you have not received a copy of our new 2014 Recycling Calendar, please contact 360-442-5222 and request one!

The website is your hub for recycling! 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.

G o t a q u e s t i o n ? Ju s t A s k L o n g v i e w !

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Northwest Gardener

How will you spend your daylight savings?

By Nancy Chennault

n Sunday, March 9, we set our clocks forward one hour Photo by Nancy Chennault. and began observing “Day Light Savings” time. This simple action takes away a precious hour that first day. We miss that hour, especially in the early morning. However, by late afternoon we celebrate the extended hour of daylight. Our late winter days, already light almost past 6pm will now extend until 7pm before sunlight begins to wane. The longer days, combined with mild temperatures on an intermittent sunny day will encourage us to venture outdoors.

Longer days encourage us to venture outdoors... Nancy suggests ways to make the most of the time Take a sun shower Subtle clues that winter is ending and spring is on the way become more evident each day. Treat yourself to a “sun shower” by spending a little bit of each day outdoors. You deserve it! Natural daylight, even on a cloudy day, is beneficial to your physical and mental health. Any activity that gets you moving, even to just walk around your garden or neighborhood, will strengthen winter-weary muscles and joints. Breathe deeply and inhale the fragrance of warming soil and opening blossoms. Did you know that yellow pansies, violas and primroses have a sweet scent like no other? Hear the frog’s swelling love song and the twitter of happy birds. Mother Nature’s “tweets” are music to the ears. With tool of choice in hand and plenty of layers of assorted protective clothing, you are ready to: DIG into Spring Cleaning ~ Garden Style Continue to rake leaves and debris scattered by winter winds. It is important to remove them from lawns. Compost these or place as

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Select a sunny, well-drained area and prepare a spot for a vegetable garden. Even the smallest yard can be home to a raised bed or assorted containers that grow fresh produce. Your garden will not only reduce the grocery bill but also support a healthy lifestyle. You can be confident in the quality cont page 28 Longtime local gardener Nancy Chennault and her husband, Jim Chennault, operate The Gardens @ Sandy Bend in Castle Rock. They grow veggies to feed the body and flowers to feed the soul.

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mulch at the base of trees and shrubs. Improve poor drainage to help reduce moss next winter. Moss in the lawn is caused by our dark, damp winter days. There are moss-killing lawn products containing Ferrous Sulfate that will turn the moss black. Dead moss can be removed by raking, before applying lime and organic lawn fertilizer.

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Northwest Foods

Man in the Kitchen Eggs

Story by Paul Thompson Photos by Perry Piper

Easier than you think

here’s something special about brunch. In restaurants it’s a bonanza of every breakfast option you might imagine, including champagne and Mimosas. The fixedprice, often more than $50 per mouth in the big city, sets us on a road to casual gluttony. But when hosted in our homes the brunch menu becomes elegantly focused with crepes, quiche or, my favorite, Eggs Benedict. It’s an excellent way to show your supreme love for your mother this Mother’s Day or father on Father’s Day. Celebrate a graduation or host the ultimate wedding brunch with Eggs Benedict. Wow your guests with your skill and a beautiful presentation.

Benedict who gave birth to Eggs Benedict. Most are suspected of attempting to grab unearned fame. I could care less about its origins; I’m just happy someone, somewhere, somehow created the recipe.

Sauté the Canadian bacon or ham in butter, set aside and keep warm.

I don’t know this Benedict guy, but he has a special place in my culinary heart. Several families have claimed the fame of having a Benedict among their clan

Classic Eggs Benedict consists of split, toasted and buttered English muffins, layered with slices of Canadian bacon and poached eggs and crowned with hollandaise, the “Queen of Sauces.” The combination is a gourmet experience you will remember. Many cooks fear failure and avoid making Hollandaisesauce. There is even a mock variety available on grocery shelves for the faint of heart. But if you follow these directions, slowly, you can’t fail: Eggs Benedict Serves 2 or 4, depending on whether you serve one or two poached eggs per person (in France, one egg is an oeuf).

cont. column 3, this page This inexpensive poaching device saves time and mess. Partially submerged in water and covered, it will poach three eggs at a time. Add a bit of butter to each pocket, then the egg. Whisk the egg mixture until thick enough to scrape a “trail” in the bottom of the pan. Take your time. Remove from heat frequently.

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Poach the eggs first and set them aside. To poach is to cook in simmering water. The classic method of poaching eggs is to bring a pan of lightly salted water to a boil, insert a spoon and stir the water vigorously in one direction, creating a vortex. Drop the shelled egg into the vortex and cook it at a gentle simmer until your desired doneness. The motion of the vortex helps keep the white and yolk together, but some of the white escapes. I’ve done it this way, but it’s messy and slow, one egg at a time. I use an egg-poaching device (see photo); it works just fine, with little waste. When ready to assemble, place all the poached eggs back into the simmering water, briefly, to warm them. While making the sauce, panfry the Canadian bacon or ham and keep warm. Hollandaise sauce is typically made in the top of a double boiler over simmering water to better control the cont. page 25

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16 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

OUT • AND • ABOUT

An adventure by rail

The relaxing way to get there Story by Susan K. Lane • Photo by Perry Piper

portion on the Coast Starlight, stopping at San Luis Obispo and then continued on to Fullerton via the Pacific Surfliner, returning home by plane. Service with a smile One of the advantages of traveling by train is that you can stop along the way and then continue on to whatever final destination you choose. From the moment we stepped on the Coast Starlight from the platform of the Kelso-Longview station, we knew we were going to have an IF YOU GO enjoyable adventure. The car attendant, Train fare examples: Juan (each sleeper car has a personal Cascade Limited - Train #500 attendant), greeted us with a smile and Kelso-Longview to Seattle took us to our bedroom telling us that he Departs 9:10 am Arrives 12:10 pm had made a 1:30 reservation for our lunch. Coach Class One Way $27 /RT $54 If that time was not convenient we had Business Class One Way $42 / RT $84 the option of changing it. He also told us Coast Starlight - Train #11 he would be asking us when we’d like our Kelso-Longview to Los Angeles Departs 12:19 pm dinner reservation, breakfast would be on a Arrives 9 pm next day first come, first served basis and lunch the Coach Class One way $113 / RT $226 next day would also be by reservation. The Roomette One-way $334 / RT $668 major advantage of traveling by sleeper Senior discount 15% for 62+ on rail fare. (either a roomette or a bedroom) is that Excludes cost of upgrade. all meals are included! Other amenities are TICKETS may be purchased at the train WiFi service and, much to our surprise, a station kiosk at anytime, including the wine tasting featuring Northwest wines and day of travel. Or, purchase online www. cheeses, served in the Pacific Parlour Car amtrak.com or by phone, 800-877-7245. from 3-4 pm.

any people have thought how much fun it would be to take a train trip, whether it be a long distance one or simply a short jaunt on our regional train, the Cascade Limited. Maybe now is a good time to take action!

I have been a lover of trains since I was a child, traveling each summer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to New York City to visit my grandparents. However my partner, Fax Koontz, had not experienced train travel. We decided to book a short trip to California to visit my cousin who lives near San Luis Obispo and then continue on to the Los Angeles area to visit friends in Seal Beach. We traveled the first

The Pacific Parlour Car was originally part of the El Capitan train that ran from Chicago to Los Angeles. These refurbished cars, now part of the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight trains, have eight lounge chairs, comfy benches with small tables, four dining booths and a bar. We spent the majority of our time relaxing in the lounge chairs, enjoying the scenery and reading. The lower level of the car has a movie theater.

Photos: Sue Lane at the Kelso-Longview train station platform; next page, at the ticket kiosk inside.

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

Oysterville •

• Naselle

Long Beach

Columbia River

101

Chinook

•

Cathlamet 4

101

Seaside

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Warrenton • Astoria

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

Grays River

Birkenfeld

Ape Cave •

Longview Kelso

Clatskanie

Cougar •

Kalama

Rainier

Woodland

503

•Yacolt Vernonia

Oregon

St Helens

Of course, there is no smoking allowed on the train. But about every 4-5 hours one of the stops will be long enough to accommodate those needing a smoke stop. Amazing sights As the train pulled out of the station at Eugene, heading towards the Cascades and Klamath Falls, nighttime was falling, a disadvantage of traveling in winter. MidApril to mid-September is the perfect time of year to take in all the amazing sights, from the snow-covered peaks of the Cascades and Mount Shasta, to the fertile valleys and vineyards of the wine country near Paso Robles and long stretches along the ocean. If your destination is Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo, you can spend a few days touring wineries, Hearst Castle at San Simeon or the many interesting small towns along the Pacific, such as Cambria, Morro Bay and Pismo Beach. We had the advantage of staying in Arroyo Grande with my cont page 18

VISITORS CENTERS

504

Castle Rock

Just think how relaxing it is to not have to drive, stop each night at hotels and find places to eat. All this is “at the ready” on the train. Each meal offers several choices. I enjoyed an entrée salad at lunch and Fax ordered braised short ribs for dinner. The food is well prepared and served by a friendly staff, most of whom have been on the job for many years. The menu is available to view on the Amtrak website: www.amtrak.com.

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Winlock

Ocean Park •

Ilwaco

Washington

One of the misconceptions about travel by train is the expense Surprisingly, comparing train travel to a road trip or a cruise, we found the cost very reasonable. It cannot be compared to air travel that only covers the cost of getting you from Point A to Point B. The cost for this trip was $741.80 for both of us and both trains.

• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitors Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058 • Castle Rock Exhibit Hall I-5 Exit 48 or 49 Follow signs to 147 Front Ave NW. 360-274-6603 • Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., 360-225-9552 • Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Local in for Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 Points o mation f In • Appelo Archives Center 1056 SR 4 Recreat terest Naselle, WA. 360-484-7103. Special ion Dinin Events • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau Arts & Eg ~ Lodging 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) ntertain ment Long Beach, WA. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542 • South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, OR • 503-397-0685 • Seaside, OR 989 Broadway 503-738-3097 or 888-306-2326 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Ctr 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807 Maryhill

Goldendale

Museum

• Ridgefield Vancouver Scappoose

rnelius NW Co ad o R Pass

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Portland

Stevenson Bonneville Dam

Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 17

OUT • AND • ABOUT cousin, Gini, and her husband, Norm. However, there are many nice places to stay in any of the areas mentioned. If you are interested in taking a train trip from Kelso-Longview, the options are limitless. The Coast Starlight travels from Seattle to Los Angeles, stopping at Kelso-Longview at 12:19 pm. The Cascade Limited, our regional train, travels from Eugene, Oregon, to Seattle several times during the day. The train that comes through Kelso-Longview at 3:35pm goes all the way to Vancouver, BC.

Country dancehalls

he scene is a dark, rainy night on an empty two lane road and in the distance as we drive. We see a building off by itself with light blaring from the windows and the gravel lot full of cars. As we exit the car and move closer to the plain, wood sided structure, we can hear the music. The sound of the accordion, fortified by a modern amplifier, is taking a solo. The other instruments grow louder as the building seems to pulse with the dancers’ footsteps. It’s a country dance in a country dancehall and it’s as American as any pie could claim to be. The signs outside bear different names: The Grange, The VFW, The Norse Hall, The IOOF, or The Finnish Brotherhood Hall, but no matter the name they all served one very important function as a cultural center and meeting place for folks in rural communities.

Sue Lane at the ticket kiosk at the KelsoLongview Amtrak station.

Leave the driving to the engineer I now avoid the headache of driving to Seattle when I visit my son and family by taking the Cascade Limited to King Street Station, which has been restored recently. The cost is less than gas (about $70 round trip traveling regular coach to Seattle and business class on the return trip). It is so relaxing to be able to take in the sights, enjoy a bowl of Ivar’s clam chowder with a beer or glass of wine and catch up on my reading during the three-hour trip. And the Empire Builder leaves from Seattle

Story & Photos by Ron Baldwin

Binding the generations

Often, the hall was built, financed and managed by a local organization and maintained with funds from rentals for wedding receptions, retirement parties, dinners, and myriad other events, public and private.

The buildings were usually wood frame construction, though in some places stone or brick was used. Most have a large dance floor in front with a stage and an extensive kitchen where the meals are prepared. Around the perimeter of the hall were wooden benches for seating. When the meals were prepared a mountain of folding tables and chairs seemingly came out of nowhere to seat a big crowd.

I hope ridership will increase as everyone realizes how easy and fun it is to travel by train. All aboard! ••• Sue Lane is active in SWW Symphony Auxiliary and enjoys travel, entertaining, and playing bridge. She lives in Longview.

Tonight, it’s a wedding reception at Norse Hall on Puget Island just a few miles South of Cathlamet. Norse Hall is located on Highway 409 next to Birnie Slough. The two-story white cedar shake building measures 40’x 85’ and was built in 1937 by members of Helgeland Lodge, of the Sons of cont page 22

HAPPY HOUR Served all night on Tuesdays!

and Vancouver, Wash., heading to Chicago daily at 4:40pm and 5:07pm. More information is available at www.amtrak.com, a very user-friendly website.

$3 Cosmos $3 House Wines 13 shareable happy hour items on the menu

RESTAURANT & WINE CLUB

cont from page 17

The Bistro

Train Travel

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY Half price bottles of wine Happy Hour food & drink specials served 5–6pm The Bistro can accommodate groups with up to 100 guests. Email Trina for details: thebistrobuzz.com

Live music Thurs-Fri-Sat

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

Make your dinner reservations online at thebistrobuzz.com or call 360.425.2837 18 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Culling the Collection

Columbia River Reader

Local art lover to show, sell treasure trove

fter collecting art for 30 years and accumulating some 300 pieces, Ken Grams is selling off a significant portion in an exhibit/ sale at Longview’s Broderick Gallery March 15–April 30. Grams’ diverse collection ranges from traditional to abstract to graffiti-style art, including limited edition prints, pencil drawings, etchings, lithographs and serigraphs. Grams and his wife live in a small condo, where the walls are abundantly adorned with art. Over the years, he said he’s resorted to storing some of his “excess” artwork under beds and couches. Recently, he asked himself: “Is that really doing anybody any

good?” “I don’t need all of this art.” That’s when he decided to cull his collection. “Let someone else enjoy it, he said. Like managing your wardrobe “If I sell two pieces, might I be inclined to go and get a new piece?” Grams speculated. “My wife would say ‘No,’” he joked. Seriously, he added, while she didn’t fully support his artsy indulgences early on, once Grams began adding Latin American art to his collection, his wife, who is from Colombia, changed her view.

Photos, Ken Grams (wearing white shirt) and George Broderick prepare for the Special Collectiojn Exhibit & Sale to be held at Broderick Gallery in Longview. Artwork, clockwise from top: “Little Girl,” Charles Criner stone lithograph; “Salvador Dali,” Michael Bryan serigraph on paper; “The Dancer,” Janet Mueller gouache on paper. “Change,” Charles Criner stone lithograph; “Leonardo,” Savador Dali original etching on paper; “Solo,” John Riddle lithograph on paper.

“She does (approve) now,” Grams said. Having the chance to meet some of the artists impacted her appreciation, he noted. cont page 25

If You Go

Privet Collection Exhibit & Sale March 15–April 30 Broderick Gallery 1416 Commerce Ave. Longview, Wash. Tues–Sat 10–5 Free Admission

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 19

COLUMBIAN ARTISTS ASSOCIATION th

OUT • AND • ABOUT

38 Annual Spring Show opens April 13 at Three Rivers Mall By Bill Coonan

rt lovers, mark your calendars! On Saturday March 22 at noon, through 5pm Sunday, April 13, a bright and airy storefront outside Macy’s in the Three Rivers Mall will be transformed into a showroom of some of the best two-dimensional art from artists around our region. Following last year’s large and well-attended event, Columbian Artists Association is ready for an even better show this year.

The 38th Annual Spring Show is a judged and juried event drawing high quality artists. The show opening, on March 22, will feature an awards presentation at 3pm for the best in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel-pen and ink-collage-mixed media. Be present and enjoy refreshments and meet some of our outstanding local artists. You will also enjoy a selection of art from young area artists.

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

Your Local SW Washington Artist Co-op

Featured Artist Alan Brunk, of Twosome Art Studio in Toledo, will be on hand to discuss his displayed works in watercolor and pen and ink. Alan earned an MFA degree from the University of Washington and worked for Boeing as a graphic and tech artist before beginning a career in art education. For more information visit www. Watercolors by Alan Brunk, clockwise columbianartists.org

from top left: Sitka, Alaska; Vine Maple; Remembering Missy.

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

360-577-0544

10am - 5:30pm • Mon - Sat

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JT’s ! Enjoy $8 Entrées the week of April 4 to 11 in celebration of the occasion

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Mon-Fri 11–9 • Sat 4:30–9 • Closed Sundays

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 20 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

6th Annual Haiku Fest

Unabashed Basho

Record number of haiku entries wow judges By Gary Meyers, CRR Haiku Fest Founder and Chief Judge

olumbia River Reader’s Haikufest 2014 concluded at midnight on February 28th after a wild ride to the finish line. We obviously touched the poetic pulse of the CRR community this year. The final tally confirmed the largest number of entries ever recorded in any of our previous contests—317 haiku from 98 entrants. All but a handful were submitted by local area residents.

Winter Olympics figure skating committee! Wi t h 3 0 0 + e n t r i e s to evaluate, our four judges — Creighton Goldsmith, Deborah Kim, Mike and Linda Ryan — worked like medieval scribes on Ms. Cichosz’s 6th grade class at Longview’s Monticello Middle Schoool wrote haikus for the event. speed to that they created a special category for give every entry a fair The shortest haiku entry: her submission: “Best Non-winning assessment. Overall, “Indiscriminate/Incogitativity/ Combination Haiku and Art with they were impressed Undeniable.” Hawaiian Winter Theme.” You can with the range of vivid, In announcing Shortest evaluation: “X” see Cathleen’s entry and art (at left and nature-based imagery. t h i s y e a r ’s h a i k u cont page 27 on the cover) and judge for yourselves. After several reviews, competition, we the results came down explained the changed to which poets best Monticello Middle School Winners’ Circle rule: classic haiku described those images (Ms. Cichosz’s 6th grade class) Devany Hubbard only, (1) capturing with clarity, energy, Devany Hubbard “Rainbows” observations and rhythm and in 17 “Rainbows” You have to go through experiences from syllables. Only eight You have to go through The rain, to get the rainbow around Southwest entries received two or the rain to get the rainbow; That’s the way of life. Washington, and (2) more votes. No haiku that’s the way of life. all others, with the Sharon Ashford received all the judges’ votes and only traditional five/seven/five syllable Keely Lemmons Spider’s dainty home one garnered three – Devany Hubbard’s counts. Our reason for limiting entries “Winter’s Promise” Delicate, silvery strands “Rainbows.” to classic haiku was simple. In the Bare trees on pale sky Deadly deception. midst of today’s instant messaging, Companion art A soft chill in the sharp air Estrella Brown texts and tweets, the editor wanted We welcomed art to accompany the Winter’s promise stands. Their mom’s aging hands to remind readers that life still exists entries this year emphasizing that Mary Knowles Silently clasped in prayers in the slow lane. Beautiful roses still any art submitted would not play “The Beach” Her peace will come soon. grow on bushes and we dared suggest any part in the judges’ evaluation The warm summer sun Margie Caron that one might want to pause between of the haiku. That proviso was not The waves come crashing ashore Little fir trees stand tweets to catch their scent. As far as violated. However, Cathleen McNeely Footprints in the sand. At the feet of cottonwoods we know, there’s not yet an app that of Longview presented a dilemma. Meilin Pang Green fuzzy slippers. can provide the same experience on She wasn’t a winner in the haiku “Hidden Beauty” an iPad or smartphone. competition; she might have been Sunshine Clark The willow is shy had we offered a pop haiku category. Autumn’s slanted rays The hardest part of subjective Hiding behind its safe leaves But the judges were so taken with Lengthening streaks, reaching out competition is the judging—ask the Wishing to be free. Cathleen’s imagination and creativity Desperate to stay. Junior Sanchez Joy Sawyer “Oceans” Clouds build the lyrics An ocean voyage Thunder sings the melody As waves break over the bow Rain accompanies. The sea welcomes me. Kaitlyn Zuber Cloey Trotter A bellowing call “Salmon” It announces their coming Slick and gleaming bright Behold the great whale. Fighting the river’s current Gourmet Burgers Jan Zuccarini (on the passing of her Avoiding quick claws. Dogs & more! beloved cat, Cocoa) Best Haiku From Afar Now we say goodbye Home of the Mountain Keith Simmonds – Crayford, Dartford, Burger Challenge My valentine gift to you England Set you free of pain. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ANY AMOUNT • NO FEE A waft of perfume Hovers over the village 4503 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview • 360-425-1637 Weeping plum blossoms. M-Th 10:30–7 • F-Sat 10:30–8 • Sun 10:30–6

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Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 21

Norse Hall cont from p. 18

Norway (Helgeland being an area of Northern Norway from which the forebears of most of the members emigrated). In the years since its opening, Norse Hall has served as the site of hundreds of events including a great number of public dances, back when people still went to public dances. One of my first public appearances as a performer with my first band, the Chessmen, was at one of these dances held for young people on a semi-regular basis, usually as a fundraiser for various clubs. The year was 1962 and rock n’ roll was taking the nation by storm. Parents dropped off their teens and others brought their own cars. We started playing at 9pm and the place was jumpin’ in minutes. Mixed in with the teens were a few curious adults. As always there is an organizer and a legion of volunteers. This time, Kay Chamberlain (then Kay Petersen and still in high school) set everything up. Today, some 50+ years later, Kay is still organizing community events. Some

Cheryl Nelson and (right) Lodge President Jan Silvestri.

things just never change.

Binding generations Places like this help bind generations of people together as a community and foster a sense of continuity. Sadly, these places are disappearing at an alarming rate across the country as customs change and organization members age, but the Norse Hall is still going strong and healthy. Cheryl Nelson, who books the hall for events, says they are still in the black but it wouldn’t hurt to have a few more bookings to help with ever-increasing expenses. Editor’s note: The hall rents for $150 per floor, with $75 cleaning deposit. For booking info, contact cnutternelson@ gmail.com. “We have 60 active members,” said Lodge President Jan Silvestri, “some 22 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

Above: In the kitchen during the Lefse and Scandinavian Baking Sale. At left: A wedding reception held in Norse Hall.

more active than others.” The Helgeland Lodge #30 was formed in 1930 by a group led by Sigurd Blix. The hall, owned by the Sons of Norway’s national organization, was finished in 1937. In its early days, the hall hosted plays and performances for the community and did their best to honor Norway and Norwegian/American family life. Crab & Oyster Feed: March 15 Now, one of the biggest local events of the year, the 29th annual “Chamber Crab and Oyster Feed” is coming up on Saturday, March 15. The event’s entire proceeds help finance Cathlamet’s “Bald Eagle Days” festival in July. Seatings are at 3, 5:15 and 7:30pm. Cost is $30. Last year more than 400 plates were served. More events: November 5–9 this year brings another interesting event, the “Lefse (lef-suh) and Scandinavian Baking Sale,” where Lefse, Krumkake, and other Norwegian sweet delights are baked and sold. You can even toss on an apron and learn how to make your own. And, by popular demand, the lodge has brought back the longtime favorite “Bingo Night” on the second Saturday of every month and the public is welcome. In today’s world, where we are rushed here and there and everyone seems too busy with their electronic devices to take the time to socialize, it just kinda’ makes you feel warm inside to know that places like Norse Hall are still going strong. ••• Ron Baldwin loves music and the Pacific NW outdoors. He lives in Chinook, Wash.

Where do you read

THE READER? Kathy Innocenti, of St. Helens, and her nephew, Keizer, Ore. resident Keith Blair, in Tanzania. Mt. Kilimanjaro is in the background.

Below: Marion Wright of Brisbane, Queensland (Australia) and her daughter, Longview resident Michele Waite in Brisbane during Michele’s visit in December/January.

Longview resident Trudy Vrana and her son, Bob Kenny, with dogsled operator Andrea (left) and one of his dogs. They visited Iceland in February 2014 on a quest to see the Northern Lights, which put on a stunning show of shimmering green, red and purple colors. Their guide told them the display was as good as they get.

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send a photo showing where YOU read the Reader (highresolution JPEG to Publisher@ CRReader.com). Note: 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!

Kelso residents Jeannie and Roger Amundson at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Aftrica, Dec 2013.

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Art Collector cont from page 19

“That’s a neat thing when you can meet the artist. It adds to the story. In talking to the artist about the piece, you can learn about their inspiration, what moved them.” Printed biographies will be available at Broderick Gallery corresponding to all the pieces displayed. The majority of the art for sale at Broderick’s is priced “below what you’d see in galleries outside of the Longview area,” he said. Prices range from $200 to several thousand dollars, with the vast majority priced under $1,000. “I’d rather he (George Broderick) sell it than see it go to an auction house in Chicago.” “It’s important to support your local business when possible,” said Grams, “We have an art gallery right here in town.” The first acquisition At age 19, as college student in southern California, Grams walked by an art gallery and saw something in the window that caught his eye. The price was $500.

“For most people, buying art should not be an investment strategy,” said Grams, who is a Longview banker. The main question should be: Do you like it? “If it goes up in value — great. If not, you can still enjoy it. What does it bring to you, compared to buying securities, for example, and hanging that stock certificate on the wall?” Can ordinary people become art collectors? “Without a doubt,” Grams said. “People think it’s out of reach, but it’s baby steps. My first five years (of collecting) was all limited edition prints.” Posters and pencil drawings also can be collectible. “It’s not about how much you spend, it’s about what grabs you.” “Find something you like, that moves you, and embrace it,” Grams advises. “If you can’t afford the artist you love, find an artist with a similar style that’s within your budget.” Art fairs, estate sales, auctions and local galleries are good starting points. Even online browsing can help the would-be art collector.

“Whether 30 years ago or today, that’s a lot of money.” But he splurged and bought it.

A home without any art seems sad to Grams. “It’s like not having music in your life. Art should evoke some type or emotion.” Depending on the room or setting, Grams places art in the room to convey a mood … whether it might be solemn, peaceful or lively.

A year later, however, when he needed money, he evaluated his options.

“Regardless of your age or stage of life, art brings joy and pleasure.”

“I had a piece of art and I had my stereo,” he recalled. “At 20 years old, you’re not going to sell your stereo.” He sold the artwork for $1,200. “That’s a pretty good return after one year.”

“As you grow with anything you do, your tastes change. Whenever I acquired a piece of art, there was something that attracted me. There’s a story behind each one. It’s going to be tough to let go.” •••

MITK: Eggs Benedict cont from page 16

heat. Too much heat and the egg yolks scramble, a primary reason for most failures. With experience you’ll be able to create this sauce directly over your stovetop burner, eliminating the double boiler. Have a pan of cold water available to plunge the saucepan into, if necessary, to reduce the heat of the eggs. Melt the butter and keep warm. Whisk the egg yolks in the pan, off heat, until well blended. Add the water and lemon juice and blend well. Place the pan over heat and continue to whisk until the egg mixture thickens enough that you can see stir marks in the bottom of the pan. Take your time. Pull the pan off the heat frequently while continuing to whisk. There is no hurry. Slow heat is better than a scrambled failure. Once the mixture has thickened, remove from heat and dribble small amounts of melted butter into the sauce, while continuing to whisk. Add the butter too fast and the sauce will curdle, with the solids separating from the oil. Take your time. As the butter is whisked into the mixture, the sauce will remain thick. Discard the solids at the bottom of the bowl of melted butter. Add salt and cayene pepper to taste. Note: if your sauce curdles while adding the butter, try giving it a good spin in your blender or food processor. Hollandaise Sauce 3 egg yolks 1 Tbl. water 1 Tbl. lemon juice 1/8 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/2 C. butter

Replace the Canadian bacon with cooked spinach and you have Eggs Florentine. Hollandaise sauce is heavenly over asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli or fish. Vary it with herbs to enhance other savory foods. Tarragon transforms hollandaise into béarnaise, perfect over lamb or beef. After serving hollandaise or its variations, you will probably find someone in the kitchen licking the saucepan clean. It could be me. ••• Paul Thompson is a retired college professor and charter writer with CRR. He lives in Longview.

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503-277-3416 309 Columbia River Hwy St. Helens, Oregon Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 25

Outings & Events

Live Music Scene around the River

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary

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 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

APRIL 3 FIRST THURSDAY Downtown Longview

(and Cowlitz County Museum) Broadway Gallery Artists reception, 5:30-7:30 pm. Artists Reception. Music by Dave Mongeau. 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com Broderick Gallery Artists reception 5–8 pm 1416 Commerce www.broderickgallery.com

Broadway Gallery Artists co-op. Mar: Quentin Robbins (paintings), Corey Bishop (metal sculpture), Walt Bensmon (pottery). April: Peggy Boodle (quilting), Mona Nolden (glass), Audrey Hoffman (paper art), Mary Fortner (jewelry). MonSat 10-5:30. 1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360-577-0544 Broderick Gallery Private Collection Exhibit/Sale Mar 15–Apr 30. Also contemporary art from England, Cuba and South America, along with George Broderick’s and other artists’ paintings. Tues-Sat, 10am–5pm or by appointment. 1416 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 503-703-5188. www.broderickgallery.com McThread’s Wearable Art March: “Upcycled,” featuring June Trusty, Alessa Beringer, Linda McCord, Ms. Marie. April: “Reversible,” featuring Heather Phillips, Linda McCord. Spring Fashion Show & Tea, April 12, 2pm. Shop hours: Tues–Thurs 11–5, Fri Noon–6pm. 1206 Broadway, Longview, Wash. Info: 360261-2373.

The Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd, Longview 360-425-5816. rutherglenmansion.com Wed 5-7 pm Winetasting Buffet $20

McThread’s Reception 5 – 7pm. “Reversible” wearable art exhibit 1206 Broadway • 360-261-2373 mcthreadswearableart.com

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

Koth Gallery Longview Public Library Open until 8 pm 1600 Louisiana Street

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

Longview Outdoor Gallery 1200-1300 blocks, Commerce Ave. Free lighted, guided sculpture tour by LOG board member, 6pm. Meet at Broadway Gallery.

Koth Gallery Mar 17–Apr 5: Carl Kangas, photography; Apr 7–May 3: Scott McRae, paintings. Mon, Tues, Thurs 10–8, Wed 10–5, Fri 10–6, Sat 12–5. Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana, Longview, Wash. 360-442-5300.

Cowlitz County Museum. “King of the High Climbers,” the story of Hap Johnson, presented by Mike Treadwell. 7 pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash.

Opera Gala LCC Choir Concert. Thurs, Mar 20, 7:30pm. Rose Center for the Arts, Lower Columbia College, Maple and Washington Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets at LCC Bookstore. $8 general admission, $7 seniors, 16 and under free.

To find where your favorites are playing: Raeann raeannphillips.com phillipspettitr@facebook.com Avi avimuzo.com avimuzo@facebook.com Fred Carter FredCarterLive@facebook.com or www.fredcarterlive.com

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

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

Kit and the Kats Sat., Mar. 22, 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets $31.50-$41.50. See ad, page 19.

Daniel Kirkpatrick and the Bayonets Fri Apr 11, 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets $14. Spring Concert/Young Artist Southwest Washington Symphony Tues, Apr 15, 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 1600 Maple St., Longview, Wash. Tickets $20 adults, $5 students. Tickets at the door, Columbia Theatre Box Office or online at swwsymphony.org. See ad, page 27. Arlo Guthrie – Here Come the Kid(s) Thurs Apr 17, 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets $36.50$46.50. See ad, page 19.

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Perfect gifts and indulgences for Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, etc

General selection available March 20 at Columbia River Reader’s office 1333 - 14th Ave. Longview, Wash. Mon-Wed-Fri • 11- 3pm Or call: 360-261-0658 Place special orders by April 7 for delivery by April 14.

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENTS IN CRR

Coming May 2–June 8 Tickets and info:

www.stageworksnorthwest.org 1433 Commerce Ave. Longview, WA

26 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center Apr 8–May 1: Mark Stevenson. Reception Apr 8, 4–6pm. Gallery hours: Mon-Tues 10-6, Wed-Thurs 10-4. Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington Way, Longview, Wash. 360-442-2510.

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

“9 to 5”

Deadlines for April15 issue Space Reservation: Mar. 25 Final Ads: April 1 Contact info, page 4.

Bilbo’s Journey. Sun, Mar 23, 2pm. Fibre Federal Rainy Month Series, Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Tickets $5–25.

Deadline: Submissions received by the 25th of each month will be considered for inclusion in Outings & Events listings in the next issue (published the 15th of the month), subject to timing, general relevance to readers, and space limitations.

List your non-commercial community event’s basic info (name of event, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) and email to: publisher@crreader.com Or mail or hand-deliver to: Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Avenue Longview, WA 98632 M-W-F • 11–3 or use mail slot

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening Pets, Self-Help, History Castle Rock Exhibit Hall Old-time logging displays, Mt St Helens exhibits and North Cowlitz County memorabilia. 10am–2pm, Wed–Sat. 47 Front Ave NW, Castle Rock, Wash. Info: 360-274-6603. River Life Interpretive Center in Redmen Hall. Open noon–4pm, Thurs–Sun. 1394 West SR4, Skamokawa, Wash. Info: 360795-3007. Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum Extensive logging, fishing and cultural displays. Open 1–4pm, Thurs– Sun. 65 River Street, Cathlamet, Wash. Info: 360-795-3954. In Their Footsteps Free speaker series events. Lewis & Clark National Park Association and Fort Clatsop. Sundays, 1pm, Netul Room in the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center. Free. Info: 503-861-2471. Mar 16 Filling Her Shoes: Amazing Women of the Northwest and Beyond Jane Kirkpatrick April 13 Tools of Survival: Firearms and Edged Weapons of the Corps of Discovery Michael Carrick May 18 Native Plants: Art Anecdotes and Advocacy, Dorota Haber-Lehigh. Spring Break Family Kite Fun Make a kite, family treasure hunt and several kite movies. Mar 22-Apr 20, Fri-Tues 11am-4pm. 303 Sid Snyder Dr, Long Beach, Wash. Call 800-4512542 or visit worldkitemueum.com for info.

Spring Concert Dr. Robert Davis, Conductor

Tuesday April 15, 2014 7:30 pm - Wollenberg Auditorium LCC Rose Center for the Arts 1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA Featuring Combined School Choirs and Young Artist: Lexie Feist

Sponsored by Donald and Margaret Fuesler Foundation Ticket Price - Adults - $20, Students - $5 Tickets available at the door, Columbia Theatre Box Office, or go online at

swwasymphony.org

Community Indoor Super Sale Sat, Mar 29, 10–4. Cafeteria Room, Johnson Park Center, 30 Rosburg School Road, Grays River, Wash. (old Rosburg school building). Cost $10 per table, set up Fri afternoon, Mar 28. Call 360-465-2740 or 360-465-2416 for info. King of the High Climbers The story of Hap Johnson, presented by Mike Treadwell, Thurs, Apr 6, 7pm. Special exhibit: Badges, Bandits and Booze, a History of Law Enforcement in Cowlitz County. Tues-Sat 10am–4 pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash. www.cowlitzwa.us/ museum/. Tech 101: Love your devices! Free beginner level class on Mac and Android smart phones, tablets, etc. Thurs., Mar. 27, 10-11:30am, Longview. Limited space. Pre-registration required. Presented by Perry Piper. Info/registration: 360-2700608. A Night in WhoVille CASA Dinner and Auction. Saturday, April 12, Cowlitz County Expo Center, 1900 7th Ave, Longview, Wash. Tickets $65 per person, cocktail attire, doors open 5:30pm. RSVP required, www.cowlitzcountycasa.org or 360-414-5212. All proceeds support local CASA program which advocates for abused and neglected children in our community. Ash Kicker Adventure Run Saturday May 17, 9am. Toutle River RV Resort, Castle Rock, Wash. 5k adventure run/ event including mud, fun, foam, sand, hills, extreme obstacles & crazy costumes. Prizes awarded for best times, best costumes and Most Realistic Sasquatch. Music, beer and custom BBQ. Register at www.ashkicker.org. Benefits local charitable activities. Managed by Bigfoot Community Events. Info: questions@ ashkicker.org or call 360-751-2100. Clatsop County Master Gardeners Spring Garden Seminar Sat Apr 12, 8:30am– 4:30 pm. Clatsop County Fairgrounds, Astoria, Ore.. Free admission. Plant Sale, classes, advice, vendors, family activities, Raffle, Demonstrations, call 503 325 8573.

Haiku Fest

cont from page 21

We saw familiar names from previous contests, first among them being Rose Putnam from Kelso, age 93. I’ve not met Rose but she exudes a remarkable zest for life. Her haiku says it all: “Walk on the wild side/do let loose once in awhile/and live life fully.” Good advice for everyone whether or not they are 93. And for the record, at 93, Rose doesn’t win the “Silver Poet” award. That recognition goes to Jean James from St. Helens, a young and prolific 96! Jean’s haiku: Vine maples backlit/by a sun just peeking through/ images galore. Kaitlyn Zuber, 11, of Rainier, Ore., illustrated her haikus.

Another heart-warming aspect of this year’s contest was the young folks’ participation. At an age when I was still puzzled about how a thermos bottle keeps hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold, these young multi-taskers are crafting poetry on computers, scanning pictures, and adding clip art as part of their routine school day. I’m encouraged. Kaitlyn Zuber, age 11, from Rainier sent several hand-written haiku. Hand-written! I only see handwriting when my grandchildren endorse their birthday checks! Kaitlyn even included art with her submission (see above). But it was Jessica Cichosz’s package that stunned us all. Jessica is a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher at Monticello Middle School in Longview. As a class project, Jessica encouraged her 58 students (see photo, page 21) to enter the contest and did they ever — 172 haiku! Our hats are off to Jessica for stimulating interest in

the arts and to her students for their enthusiastic response. To bring more attention and support to the class project, the judges decided to evaluate the students’ submissions separately against their peers. See page 21. Some say that haiku is successful if the readers can sense the images as if they were viewing them through the poet’s eyes. Can they sense feeling the summer breeze upon the cheek, hearing the wet snow drop from the cedar bough, or seeing the ripples on the pond after the trout has leapt for the fly? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then the poet has succeeded and the reader is satisfied. Our judges were very satisfied with this year’s haiku collection. We hope that you, our valued readers, will be equally satisfied. See you next year. To see all of this year’s entries visit crreader.com and read the haiku story which concludes with the list of all the haikus submitted. Alooooooha! ••• Longview native and now Honolulu resident Gary Meyers created CRR’s annual Haiku competition and remains fully in charge of coordinating all the details. We appreciate his work.

For more information call 360-783-6165

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 27

A Hit and a Miss

Movie Review

Northwest Gardener

By Dr. Bob Blackwood

Judi Dench, Kevin Costner take leading roles

hilomena, from brain cancer directed by that will take him Stephen Frears in months, not (“The Queen,” “The years. Lucky for Hi-Lo Country” & him, a sexy CIA “Dangerous Liaisons”), handler (Amber stars Dame Judi Dench Heard, who can in the title role, a woman never really who has been searching go undercover for her son who was wearing those adopted 50 years ago. skin-tight outfits) Steve Coogan plays a offers him former BBC reporter an expensive searching for a good experimental story. “Philomena” and drug which may Dame Judi, plus the Philomena (Judi Dench) and the reporter, Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), at the save his life. But Abbey in “Philomena.” Photo: Weinstein Company score and the screenplay, of course, he has were nominated for Oscars. to keep killing until the worst of the uc Besson wrote the story and coThis true story shows the viewer how enemy are eliminated. Meanwhile, produced “3 Days to Kill,” which harsh things were in the Ireland of the was directed by McG (born Joseph his daughter keeps whining with the 1950s for an unmarried woman who was McGinty Nichol, the director of “This usual teenage angst. After awhile, trying to keep her son while working in M e a n s W a r , ” an abbey as a laundress. Though she “ T e r m i n a t o r could have kept her son for 100 pounds Salvation,” and plus her labor, she didn’t have 100 “Charlie’s Angels: pounds. All she earned was her keep. An Full Throttle”). American couple paid $1,000 U.S. to the Besson is one of the sisters in the Abbey, an adoption mill, for best filmmakers the right to adopt the child. around, but this From that point on, as far as the nuns film—which stars were concerned, that child was none Kevin Costner as of her mother’s business. They lied to a CIA agent with her repeatedly. Only the hard-edged a wife (played by questioning and researching of Coogan’s Connie Nielsen) character made the difference. But and a daughter Philomena, the victim of the nuns’ (played by Hailee Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner) hunts down the dangerous killers who threaten the USA in “3 Days to Kill.” Photo: EuropaCorp conspiracy, forgave the nuns. She was Steinfeld)—just the true Christian here, the only one doesn’t mesh properly. I kept hoping that either The Wolf who could overcome her own concerns, Yes, the action sequences play (Richard Sammel) or The Albino and even reminded beautifully. Costner’s assassin piles (Tómas Lemarquis) would take out the reporter that he up roomfuls of bodies of our country’s the daughter; then, Costner could get should be forgiving enemies and does it with great style. back to something he was good at and them, too. It has Unfortunately, he has been in the interesting cinematically—shooting sort of a happy business for 32 years, and he is dying people. As a father, he was a real ending. killer.. Dr. Bob Blackwood is CRR’s regular movie reviewer. He lives in •••

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of the food you are eating when you walk no farther than your own back yard to harvest. Once your garden spot is prepared, you can transplant and/or sow lettuces, cabbage, peas, onions, broccoli and cauliflower. Imagine the savory meals in just a few weeks! Pull weeds while they are young and tender before they have bloomed and gone to seed. They will pull easily from moist soil and can be composted if collected without seed. Some weeds, such as “Chickweed” and Little Bittercress (Shotweed) will bloom all winter in the Pacific Northwest. Be diligent in pulling or cultivating these pesky weeds before they have a chance to scatter seed. Hydrangeas and roses can be pruned now. Cut stems to a healthy bud. Both can be cut back severely and still reward you with large blooms over the summer. Grind the stems for compost if free of disease. Spray Prunus cultivars, such as cherry, plum and peach with lime sulphur to prevent shot hole fungus and brown rot. This timely spray is an eco-friendly solution to a common disease problem in our area. Consult your garden center professionals for the correct application rates and timing. Daylight Savings Time (called “ S u m m e r Ti m e ” i n m a n y countries) was originally established to make better use of daylight. U.S. government studies show that Daylight Savings Time also reduces the entire country’s usage of electricity by 1%. Not a large percentage, but as a nation, our reduction of electricity during these months is significant. Invest your extra daylight hours in your garden this summer. It will not only make your own little part of the world a beautiful place but environmentally friendly as well.

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By Perry Piper

Off to boot camp

ven a generation ago, it was perfectly legitimate to expect either a guaranteed lifelong job or that college would be your ticket to moving up in the world. These days, the promised land has become a bit hazy after degree holders get fewer paid positions in their field and more and repeated internships, or worse, a job at McDonald’s. The world is speeding up and once again we need some innovative disruption. The American dream has long been for everyone taking their time to get a liberal arts education. But with a job market and economy changing faster than ever, it might not make sense to train three years for a job that might cease to exist within 10 years. Although still not a replacement for in-person classes, online education has seen some serious investment from players like Harvard and MIT with online programs like EdX. Providing college-level courses with options for free auditing, earning certificates, or paying full tuition to earn credits with traditional faculty feedback, gives potentila students greater freedom in getting an education. Another option emerging is the bootcamp. Although not military, these courses get their names from the intense hours and immersive nature of

So what does all this mean? College will still be around for a long time to come, but secondary education is about to become heavily complemented with online courses and faster paced bootcamps to rocket students into their field with added confidence. •••

training in the armed forces. Instead of two relaxing years of social clubs and weekly courses, bootcamps teach students an industry-ready work flow in a mere three months. The catch is that the average time spent adds up to about nine hours per day, five days a week! Bootcamps tend to merge the cutting edge of online tools and

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Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 29

Clatskanie Drive-in 150 SE Truehaak Indoor & outdoor seating Fabulous fast food. M-Sat 11am –8pm, Sun 12–6pm New ownership. 503-728-3702.See ad, page 29.

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. 503-543-3017

Rainier Alston Pub & Grub

25196 Alston Rd., Rainier 503-556-4213 11 beers on tsp, cocktails. Open daily 11am. 503-556-9753 See ad, page 7. 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

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

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

Evergreen Pub & Café 115-117 East 1st Street Burgers, halibut, prime rib, full bar. 503556-9935 See ad, page 7. Goble Tavern 70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live music. 503-556-4090 See ad page 7.

Hometown Pizza 109 E. “A” St. Take-and-bake, Delivery, To-Go and dine-in. Lunch Buffet M-F 11–2. Hrs: 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 7.

Longview Bowers Down W-Sat 5–8

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 28.

JT’s 1203 14th Ave, Longview Fine dining, Happy Hour. Full bar. Specials, fresh NW cuisine. 360-5770717. See ad page 20.

Mary’s Burger & A Shake

4503 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. Gourmet burgers, hot dogs & more. Prices range from $7.50–12.50. Home of the Mountain Burger. M-Th 10:30–7, Fri -Sat 10:30–8, Sun 10:30–6. 360-425-1637. See ad, page 21.

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

Parker’s Restaurant & Brewery 1300 Mt. St. Helens Way Exit 49 off I-5. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Home of the Rockin’ Burgers, handcut steak; seafood and pasta. Restaurant 8am–9pm (‘til 10pm Fri & Sat); Lounge 11am– midnight. 360-967-2333

St. Helens Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd. Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine. See ad, page 11. 503-397-3211

Bertucci’s

2017 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Mon–Fri 9–5; Sat 10–4. Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, chocolates. See ad, page 11. El Tapatio 2105 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar. Karaoke Fri & Sat 9pm–2am Sun-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri-Sat 11–11, Bar til 2am 503-556-8323

Scappoose

1045 - 14th Ave. Dine in or take out. All fresh ingredients. Tortas and green sauce are our specialties. Mon-Sat 11:30am–9pm; Sun 11:30am–6pm. 360-425-1838.

Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd. Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! “Best pizza around!” M–Th, Sat11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm. Full bar service ‘til 11pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose. 503-543-5100

Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview Slow-roasted prime rib Fri & Sat, flat iron steaks, 1/3-lb burgers, fish & chips. 28 draft beers. Full bar. See ad, page 18. 360-636-1616

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant

Morenita Tacos

Gyros Gyros

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 4

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

Rutherglen Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd. (off Ocean Beach Hwy. at 38th Ave.), Longview Open for dinner Tues – Sat, Wednesday wine tasting, Sunday brunch. Full bar. 360-425-5816. See ad page 9.

Castle Rock

The Bistro

Restaurant & Wine Club

1329 Commerce Ave., Longview (alley entrance). Fine dining, happy hour specials. wine tastings. Wed-Sat opens 5pm. See ad page 8.

30 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

Links on the Corner

4858 West Side Hwy 5am–8pm, 7 days Fresh soup daily. Burgers, deli, chicken,clam chowder on Fridays breakfast, pizza. Daily lunch & dinner specials. 360-274-8262

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. New ownership. Full lunch, breakfast and dinner menu. Fresh from scratch cooking. Great happy hour menu. Sun-Th 7am–10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-11pm. 360-841-8567

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

Dining Out

Popular Rainier eatery aims to please FEATURED CHEF

What do you think are the main things that make your restaurant successful? We are family run. We’re willing to bend over backwards and jump up and down to make our customers happy.

Is there anything you’d like CRR readers to know, or anything you’d like to say to them? Our staff are the hardest working, best people you could hope for. Come in and meet the staff. We appreciate our loyal customers. ••• Cornerstone is located at 1102 E. “A” Street in Rainier, Ore. Hours: M-F 6am–8pm, Sat-Sun 7am–8pm.

What is your favorite time of day? First thing in the morning. It’s silent. I get to put the first pot of coffee on and I get to enjoy the very first cup. That’s the best.

If you could change one thing about the behavior What famous person of certain people dining would you like to Dusty Mattox out, what would it be? invite to dinner in your Please wait for the servers to clean the restaurant? table before you sit down. Julia Child or Howard Stern. Howard would be a huge challenge because he is a very particular eater. What would you serve them? For Julia, an omlette, our best feature. For Howard, our Friday and Saturday prime rib. What is the most challenging aspect of operating Cornerstone? Keeping up with newer foods and new ideas while remaining in touch with our down-home country roots. What is the most rewarding aspect? To see the families that come in here. You watch them graduate, marry, have kids, and some pass away. Our customers share with our staff.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in your restaurant? I recently lost a bet in the kitchen over whether the chocolate or the mustard would run out first. I bet on mustard and lost. I had to wear a dress to the company Christmas party.

Thay shure kann spael! Lois Sturdivant, Kate Packard and John Freeman, of the Onomatopoeians, Columbia River Reader’s team in Altrusa’s Spelling Bee, who won 2nd Place at the 2014 event held March 7.

What is your favorite menu item? Which is the most popular? Mine is the chili burger with waffle fries. Most popular: the Chicken Fried Pile-Up. Will you have a Special to offer CRR readers? Yes, bring in my picture and get a free piece of pie or a sundae. One per customer, please, good one time Mar 15– April 14.

Longview Main Branch 1452 Hudson St. Longview, WA 98632 360-577-3200

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 31

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Farmer’s Daughter

Rebooting how we cook — shall we call it “recipe delivery systems”? — is a challenge for me. Yet I know Grandpa the fisherman doesn’t live next door anymore. No matter. If the young’uns need a lesson on cleaning smelt, they go on YouTube.

cont from page 13

The first thing our daughter, Jessica, a skilled farmto-table cook, asked was, “Is it free?” No. Even we authors have to pay to see our eBook, though it costs less than the printed version (it should: no paper, no postage).

One advantage of having an eBook was the chance to add a missing ingredient or clarify an instruction. We also offer a dozen more photographs, including Elsie’s 99th and 100th birthday parties. Linda’s photograph of Sweet Potato Souffle could change your Thanksgiving menu forever.

Curious, I wondered how many eBook cookbooks Amazon offered. Last month, I watched the computer screen the day ours joined the eBook generation. In minutes, the number shot up, from 11,255 to 11,305. And counting. At last look,11,593.

Still, it was a steep learning curve. “Why do we have an index when there are no pages?” I asked the uber-patient computer guy making the conversion from paper to computer device. Touch the recipe on your screen, he explained. The “view” pops up. Easy compared to rifling through my battered, green, metal recipe box. Did I file the Christmas brunch casserole under E for Eggs, I wonder, or B for Betty Jo, who gave me the recipe?

“When eBooks are free, how do the creators get paid?” I wonder. Will Gram’s recipe collection go the way of the rotary telephone? Will Mom’s favorite holiday salad clipped from the Columbia River Reader be lost in the shuffle? Will well-worn, well-loved cookbooks disappear into the ozone? One thing I love about cookbooks are the splatters on the pages of favorite recipes. The place where Clove Cake resides is so well-thumbed that my kitchen copy falls open right there. Co-author Chef Bob Sendall’s recipe for Beef Daube is rumpled from the steam of sauteeing chuck roast nearby. (Jessica told me you can buy a $36 holder to hang from your cupboard to protect your iPad.)

As a retired food editor, I have a roomful of beautiful print cookbooks, review copies that came from authors who tested the recipes, publishers who edited them, artists who designed them. The rare bargain aside, my mother was right: You get what you pay for. Whatever happens, I won’t be burning my cookbooks anytime soon. Because I doubt there are autograph parties for eBooks, I’ll truly treasure the cookbook signed by Elsie, Bob, Linda and me.

Sure, it’s easy to go on the Internet and find a recipe that will match the three ingredients that are calling your name from the kitchen counter or refrigerator drawer. But I never try a recipe until I’ve read the testimonials from cooks, just as I always read movie reviews before I invest my money.

Besides that, the Fallingwater cook who became my friend and I will always have our John Henrys on a bathroom wall in Oakmont, Pa., along with all the other authors who introduced their books at Mystery Lovers Bookshop.

Linda Mitzel’s photograph of Lemon Cake with Chevre from former Fallingwater Cafe Chef Mary Anne Moreau remains my inspiration. When my husband, Ace, and I retired and moved to Kelso, I was thrilled to locate a local source for goat cheese.

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PERRY PIPER PRODUCTIONS

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Lexington (Kelso, Wash.) resident Suzanne Martinson is the former features editor at The Daily News in Longview and retired food editor of the Pittsburgh PostGazette. Prices for the eBook version of “The Fallingwater Cookbook: Elsie H e n d e r s o n ’s Recipes and Memories” vary, but are generally lower than the 2008 hardcover edition, which is still available. More info: acesmartinson@ comcast.net.

Stringing along With so many modern musical genres available, from the blues to rock n’ roll to dubstep, haven’t we all heard everything? No, say three young adult musicians in the Southwest Washington Symphony.

cont from page 14

If You Go

Southwest Washington Symphony Spring Concert Tuesday, April 15 • 7:30pm Wollenberg Auditorium LCC Rose Center for the Arts Featuring Combined School Choirs and Young Artust Lexie Feist, French horn player.

Team players Ticket details: See ad, page 27. Violin players Matthew Carnahan, 19, Kim Hua, 18, and Lillian Smith, 16, couldn’t be happier with the experience they’ve had so far as members of the Symphony. They are team players first, they say, and don’t fight over the spotlight. Mentors are very encouraging, but they don’t push. If the new, young player — and there are about a dozen currently in SWWS — just wants to join as one piece of the greater whole, rather than play an upper part, it is perfectly acceptable, they agreed. Loving the professional standards, these young adult players enjoy the fact that it’s up to them to practice to improve their skills, unlike being repeatedly reminded, as if part of a “kids” musical group. Rather than a few people on stage with their guitars, basic chords or pre-recorded tracks, the Symphony sounds more like the human stereo on stage. With more than 70 professional musicians playing together, our local symphony delivers fantastic soundscapes to audiences, ranging from the historic classical symphonies to modern day movie soundtracks and even experimental works to test their skills. “All music [historically] comes from the symphony,” Kim said. “No artist or genre is better than any other.” It’s important to remember that each type is a wonder of its own. Rewarding opportunity In addition to getting to hear fantastic scores or dressing up for an evening, attending the symphony is also a chance to support community arts and young adult musicians. Matthew appreciates the opportunity to participate in activities of all sorts, he said, and ranks the Symphony highly. “Very few (opportunities) are as rewarding as playing in the symphony.” The Symphony is a gem in the community, but many young people don’t know about it and are missing out. In order to attract new youth audience members or players, Lillian would suggest pure and simple exposure through an invitation to the concert. Friends can encourage each other to do many things and it’s time to brag about how cool the Symphony is. Symphonies were much more popular 50 years ago, Kim said, but she thinks that there will always be a crowd lining up to hear them. Perhaps a two-hour concert would be a bit intimidating to newcomers for a brand new genre of music, but Kim, Lillian and Matthew agreed a live symphony is always better than any sort of audio or even video recording. Matthew even prefers live symphonies over his favorite rock n’ roll stars! Should you attend a Symphony concert? Lillian thinks so. “Give it a chance to see if you like it!” ••• Perry Piper lives in Longview and works as CRR’s production manager/photographer and technical consultant. He serves on the Southwest Washington Symphony Board of Directors. He writes “Lower Columbia Informer,” see page 29. Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2014 / 33

the spectator

WHAT’S

by ned piper

he distinctive aroma of smelt — after the beheading and gutting process — rolled in flour and sizzling in the frying pan is an indelible memory of my youth. I don’t remember a long-handled net for dipping smelt hanging in our garage, growing up. Don’t recall my dad ever going down to the Cowlitz to dip the tasty little fish. But Mom fried up a batch every year for us. When friends had an extra salmon, or farm-fresh produce — or excess smelt — they would often offer them to our family. Five years ago, mysteriously, the smelt run in the Cowlitz River dried up. Nobody knew why. Was it due to the volcanic ash in the rivers? Changing ocean conditions? Over harvesting? Whatever the reason, smelt went on the endangered species list.

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UNDER THE BRIDGE? This meant nobody could dip for them. Through 2012 it didn’t matter, as there weren’t any fish to dip. In 2013, however, the smelt came roaring back. Oh, how it hurt to watch those silver hoards hugging the banks of the Cowlitz. You couldn’t dip even one without risking a fine, maybe worse. 2014 was different. For many it has been like Prohibition lifted in 1920. The dipping season was limited to Saturdays from 6am to noon. The first three legal Saturdays were a bust. The fish hadn’t returned yet. But then came Saturday, March 1, 2014, a day that shall live in dipping history. Gluttonous sea lions gorged on the little morsels. Seagulls filled the air, diving for a meal, resting and whitewashing the roofs of buildings along the river (as pictured above). Bald eagles flew in for the feast and dippers stood precariously on the bank with nets on 25-foot poles. I joined my friend Fax Koontz at his condo on the Cowlitz, across from the Kelso Train Depot. We each had a net. Since the bank looked dangerous, we ventured out onto the condo’s small boat dock.We dipped and dipped, coming up empty each time. Fax decided to risk dipping from the bank. Eureka!

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His first dip yielded a dozen smelt. I raced to him with our two buckets. After three dips he had his limit. I dropped my net into the water. At first I thought I’d hit bottom, but it was the fish filling my net that gave the sensation. When I brought the net up, it was brimming. Fish were jumping out. Fax helped me empty the net into a bucket, while overflowing fish were flopping around in the grass before I could grab them and toss them in with their mates. Fax weighed the bucket; I had my 10 pound limit in one dip. Fax doesn’t like smelt and gave me his bucketfull. Later that morning, Sue and Perry dipped even more smelt. I spent much of the weekend at the sink, cleaning fish.

LONGVIEW 820 Ocean Beach Hwy, #100 • 360-636-2020 WOODLAND 500 Columbia Street, Suite A • 360-225-1010 CATHLAMET 180 3rd Ave • 360-795-3223 Thank you for voting us #1 Eye Care Center in Cowlitz County for the last 5 years. (The Daily News Reader’s Choice Award) 34 /March 15 – April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader

It was worth the effort. It stirred delicious memories and ••• Longview native Ned Piper serves on Stageworks Northwest’s Board of Directors. He enjoys reading, writing, golfing in fair weather and bowling in foul.

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

t’s that time of the year again when we get out to local organizations to share all of the new and exciting things happening at the Port. It’s truly one of the best parts of my job and I have yet to leave a presentation without everyone learning at least one new thing. The kids, they’re hilarious! We talk about ships and where the Port is, very general info to just familiarize them with what ports do. We talk about where their toys come from, their shoes and clothes. I want to make sure they understand that stuff doesn’t grow on the shelves at Target. We also talk about jobs; they all ask me if I know their dads and grandpas because they go to work in the morning, too. They think “work” is one place that all adults go to in the morning and we all know each other. Ah, I love this part of my job! We present at service clubs, like the Lions and Kiwanis clubs, where we talk more in depth about cargos, operations and taxes. We want to help our community understand how the Port brings benefits directly to the local area. We’re asked hard questions, dissolve misconceptions and take feedback on what people want to know more about. Do you have questions about what we do, upset about something you’ve heard about the Port or just want to learn more? I’m always happy to take time to chat with community members. The more you know about the Port, the easier my job becomes. Please invite us to speak to your organization, whether it be a school, service club or homeowners association, we welcome all opportunities to share information about your Port. ••• To submit comments about this column please send us a note at info@ portoflongview.com.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 14, 2014 / 35

36 /March 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 14, 2014 / Columbia River Reader