Coming of age with climate change

to Environmental Studies. What she learned shocked and frightened her and set the course for her life.

Brianna Craft graduated valedictorian of her Kelso High School class. Today she lives in London, a senior researcher at the International Institute for Environment and Development. Her journey is the subject of Everything That Rises.

Her awareness of climate change began as a freshman at the University of Washington. Required to take a science course, she signed up for Introduction

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

Graduating from Brown University with a Masters in Environmental Studies, she participated as an intern in the 2011 COP (Conference of Parties) in Durbin, South Africa, working with staff from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group. There she saw the almost impossible challenge facing the world, but also recalled the words of Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”

Craft takes us ground level through the interminable discussions, hearings, and negotiations as nations struggled to seek some consensus on how to avert world-wide catastrophe. This is followed by an internship at the UN climate change headquarters in Bonn.

(“Another great, unpaid opportunity.”)

Running parallel to her professional development is the story of the turbulent and complicated relationship with her father that brought her to the brink of suicide as a teenager. At times, she feels overwhelmed, unable to solve either these global or personal problems. Yet her memoir

The people I worked for had polluted the least, suffered the most, and lacked the resources to deal with the consequences of the crisis. The fortyeight Least Developed Countries had contributed less than 1 percent to the world’s cumulative greenhouse gas emissions. Less than 1 percent. On average, the billion people living in these countries emitted 0.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The average American, meanwhile, emitted 16 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. So those who polluted the most suffered the least and used their resources to keep the worst impacts at bay. Climate change was such an unjust mess.

-- from Everything that Rises also offers moments of hope and humor. A vegetarian partly for climate change reasons, she tells one of her carnivorous colleagues over lunch, “Just think of all those greenhouse gas emissions.” (Global livestock account for about 15 percent of emissions.) “I am,” he responds. “That cow will never emit again.”

1. The Moth Keeper

K. O’Neill, Random House Graphic, $13.99

2. Bea Wolf Zach Weinersmith, Boulet (Illus.), First Second, $19.99

3. Squished Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter (Illus.), Graphix, $12.99

4. When You Trap a Tiger Tae Keller, Yearling, $8.99

5. Allergic Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter (Illus.), Graphix, $12.99

6. Swim Team Johnnie Christmas, HarperAlley, $12.99

7. Hoops Matt Tavares, Candlewick, $12.99

8. Finally Seen Kelly Yang, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $17.99

9. The Girl Who Drank the Moon Kelly Barnhill, Algonquin Young Readers, $9.95

10. Super Extra Deluxe Essential Handbook (Pokémon) Scholastic, $14.99

By Alan Rose

The climate crisis becomes personal when a negotiator from the Philippines, addressing a plenary session, suddenly breaks down and begins weeping. Super Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest tropical storm to ever make landfall, with winds reaching 235 miles per hour, has just devastated his nation: an estimated 8000 dead, millions homeless, twothirds of the country in ruins, his own family among the missing.

Finally, the years of working through the complex maze of competing national interests results in the Paris Agreement of 2015. For the first time in history, the nations of the world had agreed to act on climate change in a legally binding treaty. “In and of itself, the Paris Agreement would not solve the climate crisis,” she writes, “but without it, we didn’t have a prayer.”

And then, in June 2017, the US, the largest contributor to greenhouse gases, announced it would withdraw from the agreement. It is crushing to read and once again relive that moment.

But the work goes on. And Craft remains part of it, attempting the impossible because we face the unthinkable.

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR

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

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

Columbia River Reader

1333-14th Ave

Longview, WA 98632

Submission Deadlines

Events occurring:

May 15–June 20 by April 25 for May 15 issue

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

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

See Submission Guidelines below.

Submission Guidelines

Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) relevant to the publication’s purpose — helping readers discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road — are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previously-published articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations.

Items sent to CRR will be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. Writer’s name and phone number must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered.

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

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

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

Fundraising Breakfast Hosted by Cowlitz Valley VFW Auxiliary #1045. 9–10:30am. May 13, and the second Saturday every month at the VFW Hall, 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. Eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, toast, coffee, orange juice and water. $7 per person. Proceeds support Veterans programs. Public welcome.

North Coast Symphonic Band

Goes “Pop” Sun., April 23, 2pm. Featuring jazz, pop, rock & roll. Liberty Theatre,12th and Commercial, Astoria, Ore. Local sax quartet prelude 1:30pm. $15. Free to high school students and younger students with an adult. www. libvertyastoria.showare.com

Oregon Symphonic Band Sun., April 23. 3pm. Clatskanie Mid/High School, $15 adults, seniors/students $13, kids free. Clatskanie Arts Commission. clatskaniearts.org.

An Evening of Hope April 25, 5:30-8:30pm, Cowlitz County Expo Center. Community House ion Broadway 13th Annual Cares Campaign. $50 individual, $350 for 8-spot table. Dinner, dessert dash, silent auction, live music, inspiring stories. Info 360-560-6722 or leahp@chob.org. “Dedicated to responsible, resilient and resourceful living.”

Quiting for the Art of It Quilt show, April 28-29. Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild. See ad, page 44.

53rd Coin Show April 29, AWPPW Hall, 724 15th Ave., Longview, Wash. 10–4. Free parking, admission and appraisals. Sponsored by Cowlitz Coin Club of Longview-Kelso. Public may buy, sell, trade coins, currency, tokens and medals from numerous Pacific Northwest dealers. Raffles, incl half-oz American Gold Eagle and five 1-oz. American Silver Eagle coins. Annual Kids’ Fish-In April 29, starting at 8:00am. Nine sessions of 45 kids with the last one ending at 4:45pm. Sponsored by Longview Early Edition Rotary. Register at Longview Parks & Recreation asap; the event typically fills up. Registration fee $10 per child. Limited to 1 adult per child inside the fishing area. Visit mylongview.com. or call 360- 4425400 or stop by the office at 2920 Douglas Street, Longview.

Clatskanie hosts Raymond

Carver Writing Festival

The revived Raymond Carver Writing Festival is back for its second year with an emphasis on poetry. Anis Mahgani, Oregon’s Poet Laureate, will be an honored guest.

The Festival will kick off on Friday, May 19 in Clatskanie

Beginning at 1pm: Visit the pop-up booth for information about the festival, hear readings of Raymond Carver poems, receive a map for a self-guided walking tour of Raymond Carver birthplace, mural and sculpture; visit the Clatskanie Historical Museum at “The Castle” and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.. Purchase a keepsake poster and/or T-shirt (as supplies last)

4 pm: Free showing of the movie, “Short Cuts,” based on Carver works, at the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Free popcorn.

Enjoy dinner on your own

6–9pm: Evening Reception, Cultural Center Ballroom. “Who is Raymond Carver and why does Clatskanie honor him?” Presentation by Oregon’s Poet Laureate, Anis Majgani

Local writer groups will host tables with information about their organizations.

Light Refreshments as you enjoy connecting with others Commemorative bookmarks may be made in collaboration with the C.C. Stern Foundry Saturday, May 20 in the Clatskanie Cultural Center Workshops will include:

•Presentation by Oregon’s Poet Laureate, Anis Maigani

•“Carver: Beyond Short Fiction” by Michael Mills, host of the Raymond Carver Podcast

•Finding Your Voice as a Writer;

•Mini Zines for Beginning Writers; How to Get Published;

•Beginning Haiku

Winners of the youth Poetry contest will present their poems in the Birkenfeld Theatre at 4:30 Dinner (no host) will be held in the Ballroom at 5:30. Reservations required.

Poetry Jam will follow the dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. Winners of the adult Poetry contest will kick off the evening.

Mark your calendars and plan to visit Clatskanie for this amazing celebration of Raymond Carver and writing/ poetry. Visit raymondcarverwritingfestival.org for more information and updates.

Kelso Garden Club Spring Plant Sale

May 6, 9am–4pm. 2715 Northlake Ave., Longview. Houseplants, annuals, perennials, herbs, fruit and vegetables, trees and shrubs, yard art, gift items and planters. All sales CASH. Proceeds support Lower Columbia School Gardens, Arbor Day tree planting, Cowlitz County Fair exhibits and special gardening projects in the community. Info: sarahkoss@comcast.net.

Friends of the Library at Kalama Book Sale May 12th, 9am to 4pm and May 14th, 9am to 2pm. Haydu Park (new venue), 253 Kalama River Rd, Kalama, Wash. Basket sales at Kalama Public Library, 10am – 4pm. All proceeds benefit the Kalama Public Library .Info: Gayla Marple, Friends of the Library at Kalama, 36-0-607-8745

Rose Valley Grange

Spring Bazaar May 6, 9am–2pm. Rose Valley Gym, 1437 Rose Valley Rd., Kelso, Wash. Info: Nicole, 360-431-3175.

Spring Bazaar Sat., May

6, 9am–2pm, Kelso Methodist Presbyterian Church, 206 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, Wash. A variety of newly made items, candy, baked books, jewelry and more. Enjoy coffee while shopping for Mother’s Day, Graduation, Father’s Day, Fourth of July and other special occasions. Proceeds to church and community projects.

Call to Artists Annual Show St Helens, Ore Sat, May 20, 5–8pm. St. Helens Community Center, 2625 Gable Road, St Helens. Look for signs. Sponsor: Columbia Arts Guild, St. Helens. Open to artists showing original art, limit 10 original pieces. Entry fee per piece by CAG members $3, non-members $5. Entries accepted on May 20, 9-11am at the Center. Info; Joan Youngberg, text/phone 503-369-1081. columbiaartsguild.com

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

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

Stella Historical Society Museum reopens the weekend after July 4, 2023, 11–4. Watch for news about annual “Kid’s Day” celebration. Located at 8530 Ocean Beach Highway (10 miles west of Longview), Free admission; donations always welcome. For museum tours in the off season, call 360-423-3860 or 360-423-8663. Also available for Scouting tours, Eagle Scout projects and high school “community service” hours. For more info check Facebook.

CAN YOU HELP?

more info, page 40

HOPE of Rainier needs the community’s financial help to provide those in need, with food boxes, firewood, thrift store vouchers, backpack food programs for school-age kids, housing assistance for families, and more. To donate, visit www. hopeofrainier.com, or mail check to HOPE, PO Box 448, Rainier OR 97048. Info: 503-556-0701.

Turning Point Community Services Center

in Clatskanie is fundraising for building improvements, the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program, and also needs donations of canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni cheese, spaghetti sauce, brown rice, produce, canned meats, and shelfstable meats.

Mail checks to PO Box 773, Clatskanie, OR 97016. Drop donations at Turning Point, 220 E. Col. River Hwy, Clatskanie, M-T-Thurs, 10–4. Volunteer opportunities always available. Info: 503-728-3126.

Longview-Kelso Community Concert Association

2023-24 Season, see page 40

Outings & Events

Ryderwood

Mount St. Helens Hiking Club

Schedule page 40

Women’s Club and TOWN YARD SALE

Great Pricing on everything you could need!

April 28-29 • 8am–4pm

Approx 30-mile drive from Longview: I-5 N, Exit 59. Or West Side Hwy (411) to Vader, west on 506.

Spring Young Artist

Concert

Saturday, April 15, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 16, 2023

3:00 p.m.

Wollenberg Auditorium

LCC Rose Center for the Arts

1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Manuel de Falla

Ludwig van Beethoven

The Minthorn Collection Of Chinese Art

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

Broadway Gallery

Join

Us for First Thursday

Academic Festival

Overture

Piano Concerto No. 2 Sam Miller, Young Artist

Suite No. 1 from The Three Cornered Hat

Symphony No. 7

Dr. Robert Davis Conductor

FREE admission, Donations accepted Find out more at swwsymphony.org or by calling 360-430-0960

In Honor of Our Children

36th Annual POWWOW

Saturday, May 20 • Noon – 9pm

Grand Entries 1pm and 7pm FREE Admission • Open to the Public

Native American Dancing, Drumming

Arts & Crafts Vendors • Adult & Children’s Raffles

All Drums & Dancers Welcome

First 5 Drums Paid (paid drums must stay both sessions)

Kelso High School

1904 Allen St, Kelso, Wash.

I-5 Exit 39, east on Allen St, approx. 1/4 mile

General Info: Mike & Sue Brock 360.703-5892 or 360.703-5907 Linda Bonahoom 360.751-0484

Vendor Info: Sandra Gaskill 360.846-0117 https://kelsochildrenpowwow.wixsite.com/my-site

Presented by the Kelso Powwow Committee, Inc., PO Box 445, Kelso, WA 98626

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

Featured Artists: April: Guest Artists Leon Lowman, acrylic painting; Member Richard Britschgi, lapidary sculptures.

May: Guest Artist Eileen Eddleman, painting; Member Noel McDonald, ceramics.

May 4• 5:30–7pm

Join us for Nibbles & Bites!

Music by John S. Crocker

HOURS Tues - Sat 11–4

Classes and Workshops are Back! Check our website or come into the Gallery. We are a great place to buy gifts!

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

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

FREE Admission

No alcohol or drugs. Patrolled by on-site security. Sponsors not responsible for theft, injury, damage or vandalism both on and off premises. Any animals brought on site are the responsibility of the owners