CRR September 2020

CRREADER.COM • Vol. XVII, No. 182 • September 15, 2020 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road

Mint

Tradition

Four generations on the farm People+ Place page 17

page 26

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

TASTY TAILGATE PICNIC FARE • “THE DARK DIVIDE” NEW MOVIE

COLUMBIA RIVER READER COLLECTORS CLUB

LEWIS AND CLARK REVOLUTIONIZED What really — truly — happened during those final wind-blown, rain-soaked thirty days of the Lewis and Clark Expedition? Southwest Washington author and explorer Rex Ziak revolutionized historical scholarship by providing the answers: day by day and week by week. We’re delighted to offer In Full View, and Rex’s other two books, one with an extraordinary fold-out map, as our inaugural offerings from CRR Collectors Club.

CRREADER.COM Helping you • Vol. XVI, No. 176 • discover and enjoy March 15 – April 15, the good life in the 2020 • COMPL Columbia IMENTARY River region at home and on the

road

MOSS IN YOUR LAWN ?

What to do page 15

IN FULL VIEW Rex Ziak

ONE RIVER MANY VOIC , ES WASHINGTON POET LAUREA ’S TE COMES TO WAHKIAKUM COUNTY

$29.95

A true and accurate account of Lewis and Clark’s arrival at the Pacific Ocean, and their search for a winter camp along the lower Columbia River.

EYEWITNESS TO ASTORIA Gabriel Franchére

$21.95

The newly edited and annotated by Rex Ziak version of Franchére’s 1820 journal, Narrative of a Voyage to the Northwest Coast of America in the Years 1811, 1812, 1813 and 1814, or The First American Settlement on the Pacific.

DOWN AND UP Rex Ziak $18.95 A unique fold-out guide mapping day-byday Lewis and Clark’s journey from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean and back.

page 14

People+Plac

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Poems and Pictures

Field Guide to the

Lower Columbia River

Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures Robert Michael Pyle and Judy VanderMaten.

Boxed Signature Edition, Color and BW $50 / Trade paperback $25

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Poems and Pictures

Robert Michael Pyle Judy VanderMaten

Robert Michael Pyle Judy VanderMaten

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IA RIVER

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“It’s a different way of seeing.” A one-of-a-kind Field Guide to the lower Columbia, in poems and pictures. Now available from Columbia River Reader Press in two editions.

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J

ust because kids aren’t going back to school, and there won’t be any football games, and the political season gives most of us heartburn… does not mean we can’t still enjoy Fall.

As the days grow shorter and shadows longer, crisp, misty mornings and mellow evenings set the scene for what many people — including moi — consider the best time of the year.

Glorious Fall! John Keats, in his poem “To Autumn,” describes it perfectly: Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.

Autumn is a time for enjoying the harvest, the late afternoon golden sunlight, walking your neighborhood, hunkering down with a good book you’ve always meant to read. This is prime time to go on a hike through crunchy leaves, enjoy a tailgate picnic and a cup of hot cider or mulled wine, and appreciate all the good in our lives.

Don’t forget to turn off the TV news.

And there’s another wonderful treat on the horizon: The movie inspired

by Robert Michael Pyle’s life and his book, Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide, is finally about to be released. It will show in a few theaters and drive-in theatres and online Sept.

18. Then, starting Nov. 10, it will also be available through VOD (video on demand) streaming services.

Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Tracy Beard Hal Calbom Alice Dietz Matty Duka Joseph Govednik Jim LeMonds Michael Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Retha Porter Robert Michael Pyle Alan Rose Alice Slusher Greg Smith Debra Tweedy Production/Graphics Manager: Perry E. Piper Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry, Debra Tweedy, Tiffany Dickinson.

Advertising Manager: Ned Piper, 360-749-2632 Columbia River Reader, llc 1333 14th Ave Longview, WA 98632 P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048

Sue’s Views David Cross as Robert Michael Pyle, in scenes from “The Dark Divide,” to be released Sept. 18.Debra Messing plays his wife, Thea.

Morning mists, mellow fruitfulness and a new movie!

Yes, everybody, this is OUR Bob Pyle!

Information was still sketchy at press time, but see story, page 6, and sign up at darkdividefilm.com for updates as details become known.

Happy Fall, to you all!

Sue Piper

In this Issue

ON THE COVER Warren Seely during harvesting on the family farm near Clatskanie, Oregon. photo by Hal Calbom.

Cover Design by

Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 15,000 copies distributed in the Lower Columbia region. Entire contents copyrighted by Columbia River Reader. No reproduction of any kind allowed without express written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein, whether in editorial content or paid ad space, belong to the writers and advertisers, are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Reader.

Above: Not a scene from the movie. This is the back of my car, ready to go to Morton to see “The Dark Divide.”

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

Along with a few friends, I’ll be seeing the movie in Morton, Wash.,

2

CRR Collectors Club

4

Letter to the Editor

5

Civilized Life: Miss Manners

6

Movie Premiere: The Dark Divide

7

Dispatch from the Discovery Trail ~ After the Return

9

Me & My Piano

11

Northwest Gardening: Putting your Garden to Bed

12

A Chihuly Glass Collection in the Longview Public Library

14

Out & About: Seminary Hill Hike

15

Museum Magic: Rainier Historical Museum

16

Quips & Quotes

17-20 People Place ~ Mint Tradition: Warren Seely 21

Provisions along the Trail: Tailgate Fare

22

Where Do You Read the Reader?

23

The Natural World/ Roll Call

24

Besides CRR, What Are You Reading?

Submission guidelines: page 30.

25

Cover to Cover ~ Book Review / Bestsellers List

General Ad info: page 11

26

Lower Columbia Dining Guide

Ned Piper 360-749-2632.

Office Hours: M-W-F • 11–3* *Other times by chance or appointment Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021

near the very edge of the Dark Divide, and will be taking along hiking and survival supplies — and food Tracy Beard recommends (see page 21) — in case we stop for a bite before, or get lost after the show and find ourselves wandering in the wilderness.

29 Lower Columbia Informer: Slow and Steady Saves Face 30-31 Outings & Events Non-Calendar / Hikes / Farmers Markets

CRREADER.COM Visit our website for the current issue and archive of past issues from 2013.

33

Astronomy / The Sky Report

34

The Spectator: Bravo, Gian Paul Morelli

34

Plugged In to Cowlitz PUD:Introducing SmartHub Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 3

Letters to the Editor

Thank you, Richelle!

Sky dripping, just not with stars Your “Sue’s Views” column in the Reader about the opportunity to view our night sky to see the rings of Saturn brought back a memory that might make you chuckle.

We dripped back to the college dorm; a memory I have never forgotten.

My husband Bob and I enjoyed several Elder Hostels through the years. One year, we were at the college in Ashland, Ore., for a class in astronomy. One night the instructor loaded all the students on a bus, and we headed for the local golf course.

Jackie Lightfoot Longview, Wash.

There were many telescopes on the bus, and we were looking forward to the views. We spread our blankets on the well-manicured lawn, lay down and received instructions about the direction in the sky to find the constellations, before looking through the telescopes to see the planets.

Suddenly, we were drenched by the club’s sprinklers! The club’s personnel had forgotten to tell the groundskeeper we were coming!

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Civilized Living DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am not good at winding spaghetti on a fork. Is it gauche to discreetly cut it with a fork when eating it?

By Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We bought a tabletop patio heater for a friend. Should we assemble it before we give it to them, or leave it in the box?

GENTLE READER: The latter. It is much harder to return the assembled version if you find that your friend prefers the tabletop cold.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do I say to my son, who didn’t acknowledge my birthday? Mind you, I walk his dog every day!

GENTLE READER: Attach a balloon to the dog with a note that reads, “Wish your mother a happy birthday.”

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Last week, I visited my brother and his wife. They have two boys, aged 10 and 13. They kindly bought everyone dinner — pizza and wings, nothing formal or fancy. Just a nice little family get-together with the kids.

It’s fine if she wants to save paper, and fine if she wants to use these for napkins when company is not present — but even for an informal meal such as this, was her choice of napkins inappropriate?

My mother has bought them lovely cloth napkins in the past, but they never get used.

I really didn’t want to wipe my mouth with a cloth diaper. What should my appropriate response have been? And how can I avoid this in the future?

GENTLE READER: Bring your sister-in-law a hostess present: more napkins. “I noticed that you ran out of napkins last time, so I thought you might like these.” Miss Manners suggests that you then quickly distribute them before your hostess has the chance to protest.

Paid for by Dean Takko for State Senate Committee P.O. Box 1025 Longview, WA 98632

My sister-in-law, instead of providing us all with paper napkins, gave everyone either a washcloth or a

clean, but formerly used, cloth diaper. And I didn’t even get my own cloth diaper— I had to share one with my son (also 10)!

GENTLE READER: How discreetly?

Cutting spaghetti can lead to other problems, like wandering pieces of different lengths that stick out and don’t quite adhere to the fork. Instead, Miss Manners suggests that you use this time of minimal socialization to practice winding small amounts at a time.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do I politely return a very thoughtful, wellintentioned gift?

I have had some ophthalmic surgeries and other procedures, which thankfully seem to be helping restore my vision at this time. A very thoughtful, caring friend gave me a gift certificate for an acupuncture treatment that she believes would help with my recovery.

How can I gently tell her that there is no way I would allow any more needles to be applied to me unless my M.D. was doing the procedure?

GENTLE READER: Ah, not so thoughtful.

Prescribing medical treatment without permission, let alone without a license, is not Miss Manners’ idea of a wellintentioned present. If your friend were ill, would you give her a bottle of medicine for her birthday?

But yes, you should be polite about it.

Unfortunately, it is not the sort of present

I will be proud to continue representing you.

Washington State senate 19 District th

you can stash away, as you will probably be asked about its effect. Nor, heaven forbid, should you regift it. You will have to tell your friend that while you appreciate her concern, you are getting professional medical care and will not be supplementing this by seeking outside treatments.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I received a postcard invitation to a “Mail Baby Shower” while all of us are in this pandemic. I’m trying to think it through whether or not this is tacky.

GENTLE READER: Not quite as tacky as it would have been last year.

Miss Manners appreciates that it may not be possible now to hold such an event as an in-person gathering. But stripping it of any socializing, so that it is nothing more than a solicitation for presents, is crude. The hosts should think of some virtual way to show that they value contact with their guests, or it will still be tacky.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend’s daughter’s wedding was canceled because of the coronavirus, and it has now been rescheduled to be a Zoom ceremony.

What type of gift is required for a Zoom wedding? Should I spend the same amount of money that I would have on a gift for a formal, in-person wedding?

GENTLE READER: What do you suppose determines the amount of money to be spent on a wedding present?

Miss Manners fears that you may be the victim of that vulgar notion that the amount spent must equal the cost of entertaining the guest: To the lavish, much shall be given.

Nonsense. Spend the amount it costs to buy

Dean Takko

cont page 30

Coming in for a landing on the Capitol grounds.

Gotta speak with Senator Takko.

DEMOCRAT

Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 5

Movie Premiere

Our Star!

Robert Michael Pyle portrayed on the silver screen

N

Columbia River Reader

ature lovers, Bob Pyle followers and movie buffs can soon catch David Cross and Debra Messing in the new, Robert Pyle-inspired feature film, “The Dark Divide,” presented by Strike Back Studios, REI Co-op Studios and the National Wildlife Federation.

The movie will make its virtual and intheatre release Sept. 18, with screenings at the Roxy Theatre in Morton, Wash.

(Sept 18, 19, 21, 7pm, tickets $10, limited seating; purchase tickets online: mortonroxy.org), reportedly at the Columbian Theatre in Astoria, and in some other theatres and drivein theatres (details unconfirmed at press time; check darkdividefilm.com or The Dark Divide on Facebook and Instagram for updates).

provide,” said REI spokesman Paolo Mottol in a press release. “We’re excited to share it with REI members and audiences who are eager to reconnect in the outdoors.”

“The Dark Divide,” the first feature film from REI, will make its VOD and blu-ray/DVD platform premiere on Nov. 10. A portion of the film’s proceeds will benefit the National Wildlife Federation’s ongoing mission to protect wildlife and wild places.

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Inspired by Dr. Robert Pyle’s personal life and his 1995 book Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide, the film sees Cross embark on a sixweek journey through Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest as the butterfly expert himself. Messing stars as Dr. Pyle’s ailing wife, Thea.

Pyle’s book goes deep into the lore and legend surrounding Sasquatch. And the film “depicts the adventure, selfdiscovery and healing that nature can

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Lewis & Clark

The Expedition returned to St Louis...

What happened then?

L

ife went on – but changes came fast once the Expedition returned to St. Louis.

In 2002, David Plotz wrote an article about the Lewis and Clark Expedition titled “Stop Celebrating – They Don’t Matter” (viewable on the Internet).

Lewis & Clark Encore While Plotz wrote We are pleased to present that the Lewis & Installment #28 of Michael Perry’s popular 33-month Clark Expedition series which began with CRR’s was irrelevant and April 15, 2004 inaugural issue. insignificant, most “Dispatch from the Discovery historians believe Trail” helped define and they opened the shape Columbia River Reader door to American in its early years during the settlement of the Bicentennial Commemoration West. Without of the Lewis and Clark the Corps of Expedition. Each installment D i s c o v e r y, t h e covered their travels during U.S. would have the corresponding month 200 years prior. We are repeating had a weaker claim the series for the enjoyment of to the land that both longtime and more recent eventually became readers.

Washington and Oregon. It is even possible we might have ended up as part of Canada. However, Plotz makes some very good points in his article.

My wife and I have enjoyed a couple of vacations in Scotland. One of my favorite spots is the Isle of Lewis (no relation to Meriwether Lewis) and the Isle of Harris. Progress has bypassed these Outer Hebrides Islands to a large degree – only one town of any size, and no fast food restaurants. The people mostly fish and raise sheep; the wool is made into the famous Harris Tweed on treadle looms in private homes.

Listening to the old women tell about how long it took to create the fabric using the old techniques made me realize how easy it is to take progress for granted.

While half the members of the Corps of Discovery were born before the United States became a country in 1776, most of those men would have been too young to remember America’s War of Independence. Captain Lewis was born in 1774, Captain Clark in 1770, and Seargant Gass in 1771. All the men had seen the United States grow in its first 30 years, and many would live long enough to see even greater change, and I was intrigued to learn one member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition lived to be almost 100. Oh, what he saw in his lifetime!

A lot can happen in a century Think about it: Someone born a hundred years ago, in 1920, would have witnessed the beginnings of flight that led to today’s commercial airlines – and to the space program that put men on the moon just 66 years after the Wright brothers flew their first airplane at Kitty Hawk in 1903. They would have experienced the rapid development of the automobile and a network of highways that ties our country together. They watched silent, bland and white movies develop into talkies and then into color. They experienced the transition from radio to television, they listened to music on Edison phonographs and saw the development of stereo phonographs, reel-to-reel tape recorders, 4-track and 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, and then digital music on computers and iPods. They gave up their slide rules for hand-held calculators – and watched as computers and smart phones took over the world.

While many of the 33 people who went to the Pacific Ocean and back died an early death, Patrick Gass was 99 when he died in 1870. He must have been amazed at how fast the West was settled. So, for this column, I thought it would be fun to list some of the important developments that took place during the lives of the members of the Corps of Discovery, after their return in 1806.

Michael Perry enjoys local history and travel. His popular 33-installment Lewis & Clark series appeared in CRR’s early years and began its second “encore” appearance in April 2018.

Running bare Several men joined trapping parties to return to the western lands they had explored. The first man to die was Joseph Field, just a year after the Expedition ended. A year later, John Potts was killed by some Blackfoot Indians while John Colter, who discovered the geyser basins at Yellowstone, was stripped of cont page 8

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Dispatch

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from page 7

In 1809, the year James Madison became our fourth president, Captain Lewis and three others died; Lewis probably committed suicide (more on that in upcoming columns). In 1810, George Drouillard was killed by Blackfeet Indians near Three Forks, Montana. One might wonder if this was a revenge killing since he had been with Lewis when at least one Blackfoot Indian was killed there in 1806.

Astoria, the first American settlement on the Pacific coast, was founded in 1811. Two Corpsmen were in New Madrid, Missouri, when two of the most powerful earthquakes ever to strike North America (both magnitude ~7.5) occurred in December 1811 and February 1812. Several members of the Expedition participated in the War of 1812. Most historians think Sacajawea died in 1812, but some people believe she lived to be about 100, dying in 1884 (more on that next month).

By 1817, when James Monroe became our fifth president, at lease a dozen Corpsmen were dead. In 1825, when John Quincy Adams became our sixth president, the Hudson Bay Company established Fort Vancouver. Andrew Jackson became our seventh president in 1829 and Nathaniel Pryor died two years later, a year before the siege of the Alamo. At least 25 of the 33 men were dead when Captain Clark died in 1838.

Westward, Ho! In 1840 there were just three states west of the Mississippi River (Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas). A group of 100 emigrants headed west by wagon train in 1841; a thousand people made the trip in 1843, followed by 2,000 in 1844 and 5,000 in 1845. By 1866, a half million people had left their homes in the east to travel to new homes in the

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from page 8

west – a third of those came to Oregon and Washington. Towns were springing up all over the place as the flood of people arrived.

In 1844, Skamokawa and Oregon City were founded. St. Helens was founded in 1845 (originally called Plymouth), and Cathlamet was started in 1846.

Peter Crawford filed a land claim in 1847 for what would become Kelso (it was not platted until 1884). The Oregon Territory was created in 1848.

Monticello (located near the mouth of the Cowlitz River) was established in 1850, the same year California became a state. Rainier (originally called Eminence) was founded in 1851 and Woodland was settled a year later.

The Washington Territory was created in 1853 and Oregon became a state in 1859.

Only three members of the Expedition were still alive when Abraham Lincoln was elected our sixteenth president in 1860. The Civil War began the following year and ended in 1865 when Robert E. Lee surrendered. A week later, Lincoln was assassinated; Alexander Willard had died a month earlier at age 86. Sacajawea’s son,

Pomp, died in 1866 and is buried in southeastern Oregon (his story will be told next month).

And then there was just one In 1868, Colonel George Custer made his last stand against the Cheyenne Indians. In 1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Point, Utah; by then, twenty states had been admitted to the union since the Corps returned to St. Louis in 1806.

Patrick Gass died in 1870 at age 99, the same year Kalama was established. While he was the last member of the Expedition to die, he had married a 20-year old woman in 1831 (when he was 60) and had fathered seven children – some lived into the twentieth century. I’ve always wondered why nobody in his family wrote a book about their father’s stories.

ME AND MY

PIANO* *or other instrument not a piano, but if u imagine hard enough the guitar can just turn into a piano i have carted my guitar around much of the country, got into a scuffle in Cleveland. in a dark, undercarriage of some discounted airline. finally arrived at my home, dropped off by some very typical family van.

Over the next five months, we will wrap up this series of columns by examining what happened to Sacajawea and her son Pomp. We will look at why nobody did anything with the maps that William Clark had worked so hard to create during the trip. And, we will learn more about what Captains Lewis and Clark did after they returned to St. Louis in 1806.

You might think the journey is over, but is it, really?

the sad tweed case w a now loping, newly damaged corner (if i was the driver i’d scurry hurry off too) i open the case up for the gift inside. neck check, GOOD. strings attached, GOOD. all six? four, five AND six...fist to the sky at the airline gods.

•••

We’ve got you covered.

WATER. FIRE. SMOKE. MOLD

Call 360-425-3331

ServiceMaster by JTS–Longview, WA • www.servicemasterjts.com

“Me & My Piano” Reader Submissions Invited Share your unique story of you and your relationship with a musical instrument in 500 words or less and mail to CRR, 1333 14th Ave., Longview, WA 98632, or email to publisher@crreader.com. Note “Me and My Piano” in the subject line and if possible attach/include a current mugshot and/or a photo of you with your instrument.

Don’t worry about perfect spelling or syntax.

If your story is chosen, we will provide editing services and will contact you for additional details or embellishments as needed.

but she’s aight. she my chinese made fender telecaster. some shade of woody black i like to say is indescribable and oh so mysterious. strum my ”go-to chord”... oh she sounds so nice. tuned up, electric pickups quiet not even a hum. coffee’s ready on the stove, don’t know the time. i love my guitar. you can never hold a name. music brings a feeling, a world i live in.

Matty Duka Seaside, Oregon Editor’s note: “Aight” is a contraction of “all right.”

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May as well enjoy the view!

Call or Text

Jared

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Now Serving Beer, Wine, Spirits, Cocktails

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M-Sat 10am–8pm • Sun 11am–8pm

Save the date for sQuatch Fest! two dates!

SaveActually, the datesave for sQuatch Fest!

We Actually, hope sQuatch Fest can two take place as originally save dates! planned on Friday, January 29 and Saturday January 30.

But if that isn’t possible due to COVID, we have scheduled a second option: Fri-Sat, April 2-3.

Look for vendor information on our website and more information coming soon!

ELECTION 2020 Washington 19th Legislative District

CANDIDATES’ DEBATE Thursday, Oct. 1 • 6 – 9 pm

Presented by Citizens Update. Spencer Boudreau Host Candidates in-person and socially-distant at Longview’s Monticello Hotel Ballroom (no live audience)

Hal Calbom, Moderator

Dean Takko and Jeff Wilson • State Senate Brian Blake and Joel McIntyre • State Rep. Jim Walsh* • State Rep. *Opposing candidate has been invited, awaiting confirmation

Watch LIVE on Facebook: Citizens Update

View later on KLTV (check kltv.org for times) In affiliation with

10 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

Longview’s premiere seafood restaurant!

Indoor dining Drive-up window Outdoor Seating

When you think “Fish!” think Freddy’s. We’re the one with the boat out front.

360-414-3288 360-431-6286

1110 Commerce Ave. Longview

Northwest Gardening

Putting your garden to bed Tips and tasks to make next year better

S

o you’ve harvested your garden, and you’re done for the year, right? I’m afraid not! Putting your garden to bed the right way will give you a big head start on a great garden next year. Here are a few tasks to keep you busy.

Still waiting for the last of your tomatoes and peppers to ripen?

Cover them with garden blankets or plastic covered tunnels to keep them warm at night. Our average frost date is first week of November, but watch the forecast, and pick all unripe tomatoes and peppers.

Clean and dry them; place in single layers in cardboard boxes. They’ll ripen in about two weeks in a 70-degree room. Bring your houseplants indoors, but carefully check for insects beforehand. I got lazy last year and paid the price with mealybugs that spread to all my plants.

Cut down your perennial flowers after the first frost wilts them. It’s also time to divide your spring and summer perennials to double your next season’s blooms, or trade with friends to add new plants for next year. You can plant spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocuses until early December. Don’t plant them when it’s still warm and dry—they will start growing and deplete the bulbs’ energy.

Clean up all plant debris in the fall This is one of the most important preventive steps for a healthy garden: Removing fallen leaves from shrubs and perennials will help to curb plant diseases next year. Pull all your veggie plants, roots and all (leave beans and pea roots to improve the soil). Compost non-diseased plant material; bag up and trash any diseased plant material.

Improve your soil now for a better garden next spring by getting your soil tested. If you purchased nursery “soil” in bulk for your beds, special testing must be used.

Contact our Plant and Insect Clinic for recommendations. When you get your soil test results, add the required amount of lime now, so it will be incorporated into your soil in time for spring planting. A new free resource in our area is Class A biosolids/bark dust blends—one is a soil amendment, the other is a great mulch for non-acid-loving plants. Both add lime and nutrients to the soil. Call TRRWA, 360-577-2040 for availability. If you don’t

Kalama resident Alice Slusher volunteers with WSU Extension Service Plant & Insect Clinic.

Call 360-577-3014, ext. 8, or send question via cowlitzmastergardener@gmail.com.

By Alice Slusher

get a soil test or use the above blends, you may also add 5-10 pounds of lime per 100 square feet of garden space — a 10 x 10-foot area.

Leaves are a free resource, too.

After you’ve prepared your garden, cover it with 6 inches of shredded leaves. Some people cover the leaves with cardboard or a tarp, as well. The leaves compost over the winter, keep nutrients from leaching out, and keep the weeds down—one less task in the spring! Simply fork the remaining leaves into the first 6 inches of soil in the spring and plant.

Hunt down slugs and slug eggs (clusters of small round little pearls in the top couple inches of soil) to reduce problems next year. I inadvertently found an amazing slug bait—chicken feed! Captured 30 of them this morning in my garden after forgetting to take the chicken feed into the henhouse! I fed the slugs to the hens for breakfast.

Do you need a great shrub, tree, or perennial to fill in a lonely space in your landscape? Fall is the best time to transplant. The soil is still warm, pests are few, and the plants have all winter to establish good roots. Remember to check the label—does your dream plant need full sun, part shade, dry/wet soil? Is it deer resistant? Will it attract pollinators?

How large will it eventually be? You’ll save a lot of time and disappointment if you consider this ahead of time.

Clean, oil, and store your garden tools Some people swear by using a bottle of motor oil (used is fine) into a 5-gallon bucket filled with sand. The sand helps to remove rust, and the oil

protects the metal. Sharpen pruners. If you have wooden handles, you may want to give them a coat of linseed oil. I always like to paint the handles of my small hand tools with a neon colored paint so I won’t lose them in the garden beds so easily! Don’t forget to drain your irrigation system, too.

Now you can relax and start planning for next year. Think about taking some of the free classes we are offering twice a week to build your knowledge and confidence. Check out our workshop schedule cowlitzcomg.com/events . It’s time well spent!

•••

OSU Extension Opportunities Every Sat 8:05-8:15 “Garden Spot” on KOHI 1600am radio Columbia County Beekeepers Virtual Meeting Sept 3, 6pm Small Farm School-twice weekly webinars, Tues/Thurs beginning Sept 17 https://extension.oregonstate.edu/county/columbia/events

WSU Extension Opportunities

ONLINE Classes 12 Noon–12:30pm,Tuesdays.

Call Extension coordinator Gary Fredricks, 360-577-3014 Ext.3, for connection info.

Alice Slusher, has received the Master Gardeners Foundation of Washington State Media Award for 2020. CRR is proud of you, Alice, and happy to have you as a regular contributor. In the announcement, the Foundation describes Alice: “She has become the primary source of communication and education for the Longview/ Kelso community, Cowlitz County Master Gardeners and as a very active member of Askextension. org answering questions from across the state of Washington, the Pacific Northwest and countries around the world with plant problems and identification questions. She has been recognized by the State Master Gardener program and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for the past three years for giving more than 500 hours annually as a Master Gardener volunteer... read more at mgfws.org/awards/

Mini-workshops Tuesday 12-12:30pm Sept 15 How to sharpen tools Sept 22 How to test your soil for good drainage (perc test) Sept 29 Rose care - fall to winter Workshops Thurs, 6-7pm Sept 17 Fertilizing your garden for free with biosolids Sept. 24 Rejuvenating your lawn

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE!

Call an ad rep: Ron Baldwin 503-791-7985: Wahkiakum, Pacific, Clatsop

Counties, Mouth of the Columbia.

Sue Lane 360-261-0658 Downtown Longview Ad Manager-Ned Piper, 360-749-2632: All areas.

AD DEADLINES Oct 15 issue: Sept 25 Nov 25 Holiday issue: Nov 5 Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 11

Local Art

Longview Library introduces drive-thru Sampler

D

o you miss browsing the Longview Public Library shelves? Need a book or movie, but not sure what to request in the online library catalog? Try a Library Sampler! Get a selection of picture books, movies, magazines, paperback romances, or whatever makes you happy, selected by library staff and available for pick-up using our DriveThru service.

Visit our website at longviewlibrary.org/ sampler.php and fill out the form, selecting the number of items (5, 10, or 15), format, and genre or topic! No Internet access?

Call 360-442-5300 Monday - Friday 11am–2pm and library staff will take your sampler request over the phone. Your sampler will be ready within a week – we’ll let you know when it’s ready to pick up.

223 NE 1st Street, Kalama 9–8 M-Sat, 10–7 Sun • 360-673-2200

More information about library drive-thru and other services offered during the pandemic is available at longviewlibrary.org.

HOT PIZZA FRESH COOL

SALAD BAR THE BEST AROUND! IN ST HELENS • 2124 Columbia Blvd

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12 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

A Chihuly Collection for our community

A

By Retha Porter

dedicated group of local art lovers — the Art Renaissance Team, or “ART” — has been working diligently to bring a permanent installation by iconic glass artist Dale Chihuly to a public location in our community for all to enjoy.

Chihuly’s work is in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, as well as private collections and exhibitions.

Changing and elevating the art of glass blowing, his contribution to glass art is considered historically significant.

Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly studied art and design and became interested in glass blowing. He received a Fulbright Fellowship to work at the Venini glass factory in Venice, Italy. There, he learned a team approach cont page 13

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selections for the City of Longview, contains autobiographical references and conveys the impact and inspiration living in Washington state has had on the artist. The collection reflects Chihuly’s love of the sea, the rich landscape and traditions of the Pacific Northwest, and the experimental and collaborative spirit and key moments of his career.

TAKE A LOOK His artwork as a collection provides context for creative learning The proposed and opens up new opportunities to engage the public in art. This Chihuly art wonderful opportunity is possible with community support. This is collection is currently why ART is participating in GiveMore 24, a one-day online giving on display day, on Thurs., Sept. 24. Please make your gift at cowlitzart.org or at Teague’s, mail to ART at PO Box 1065, Longview, WA 98632.

1309 Hudson, Downtown Longview.

ART is a committee of Longview Public Services Group, a 501c3.

Kalama. Wash. resident Retha Porter is ART Board Chair.

An example of Dale Chihuly’s work: “Anemones.” Courtesy image

still critical to his art. He went on to co-found the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, which became an international glass center where Chihuly has led the avant-garde development of glass as fine art.

to the Longview Public Library. This project aligns with Chihuly’s passion for making art accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and from all walks of life, recognizing the intrinsic value art brings to communities.

We have an opportunity to bring a permanent collection of Chihuly’s art

The proposed Chihuly collection, known as the Chandeliers and Series

Close Talking Gallery Member, Adrienne Stacey

“I want my work to show harmonic magic”

the-broadway-gallery.com In Historic Downtown Longview

Your Local SW Washington Artist Co-op since 1982

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New Hours!

Tues-Sat 11-4 360-577-0544 1418 Commerce Longview, WA

Meet Kathy Briggs!

athy is a new agent here at Windermere, working out of our Cathlamet office. She is super eager to get going in her real estate journey. Kathy got her real estate license in early 2018, after spending the prior 15 years investing in real estate. Her experience has put her in a unique position to help her clients in their real estate journey.

“I promise to always provide my clients with honesty, knowledge, and a good laugh from time to time,” Kathy says. With her sense of humor and

love for the Pacific Northwest, she is in a perfect spot to help her clients every day. Her prior real estate investing experience has given Kathy the tools to understand what clients are looking for in their next home, and she is not afraid to ask questions and get to the heart of what her clients are truly looking for!

If you have property needs in Wahkiakum County, look no further!

Call Kathy Briggs • 360-910-6779 kathybriggs@windermere.com kathybriggs.withwre.com

Kelso/Longview • 360-636-4663 209 W. Main St, Suite 200 • Kelso, WA

Cathlamet • 360-795-0552

102 Main St, Suite 200 • Cathlamet, WA

Mon- Fri: 8:30–5:00

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Do we want the government indoctrinating kids on sex?

W

e can’t stand aside quietly while State Sen. Dean Takko misleads our friends and neighbors about Senate Bill 5395 and the controversial “Comprehensive Sexual Education” matter currently in the news.

Recently, a Letter to the Editor carrying Sen. Takko’s name, published in various local media outlets, states that Senate Bill 5395 doesn’t “teach sex.” Of course it doesn’t— legislative bills don’t “teach” anything.

But SB 5395 does require every school district in the state to adopt a “Comprehensive Sexual Education” (CSE) curriculum that meets certain requirements, including content targeted at kids beginning in Kindergarten!

The bill also demands that the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) approve any CSE curriculum before it’s adopted by any school district.

Right now, there’s only one CSE curriculum approved by OSPI for use under SB 5395.

That curriculum is called “Rights, Respect, Responsibility” and more commonly (and ironically) known as “The Three Rs.” You can find limited information at www.3rs.org.

So, SB 5395 doesn’t itself “teach sex”— but the CSE curriculum it requires does. In this way, Sen. Takko’s arguments are misleading.

He claims his bill is not responsible for sex education, yet it mandates the implementation of an “approved” curriculum.

Sen. Takko has made other misleading and deceptive statements about SB 5395: • His argument that local school districts are still “in control” of CSE curricula is simply false. According to SB 5395, OSPI must approve any new CSE curriculum. This gives OSPI total control over CSE courses a school district might develop or want to adopt. So, local school districts are NOT in control.

• His argument that parents can “opt out” their kids from objectionable CSE material is misleading. SB 5395 encourages schools to incorporate CSE teachings across various courses. Concerned parents would have to remove kids from multiple classes to avoid objectionable material. So, an “opting out” is cumbersome and insufficient protection.

• Even more troubling: Sen. Takko has downplayed his role as a co-sponsor of SB 5395. He wants people to believe he was just a casual supporter. In fact, he promoted the bill and its radical agenda from its beginning. He didn’t publicly talk to local families about SB 5395. He didn’t publicly ask local educators what they thought of the bill. He joined some of the most extreme politicians in Olympia.

This curriculum includes course material that many families in Washington have found NOT age-appropriate. The material includes graphic descriptions of gender And, doing so, Sen. Takko has shown all of us confusion, masturbation, oral sex, anal sex, and other sexual activity...for fourth graders?! that he’s not a moderate legislator any more.

Come decide for yourself if this is what we want for our kids and grandkids.

A copy of the bill is available for your review at 314 Academy Street, Kelso (former Kelso Library bldg), 10–6, Mon-Fri. or call 360-425-8415.

YOU can help stop the “Comprehensive Sexual Education” bill by voting REJECTED on Referendum 90 on November’s ballot.

Please join us in rejecting SB 5395.

Paid for by the Cowlitz County Republican Party • PO Box 462, Kelso, WA 98626 Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 13

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Seminary Hill Natural Area Hiking Loop Story & photos by Tracy Beard

S

eminary Hill lies just east of Centralia, Washington. Less than two miles outside of the city center, outdoor lovers can quickly immerse themselves in an inviting parcel of Pacific Northwest forest.

Seminary Hill boasts a series of trails that loop around and pass the reservoir built in the 80’s by Friends of Seminary Hill.

The main path leading to the tank is the Kiser Trail. The map is not to scale, so keep an eye out for the plaques placed at intersections on the ground along the Kiser Trail. These markers will help you keep your bearings. If you meander through each of the independent loops, your trek will be approximately 4.5 miles long. Due to the design of the trail layout, you can make your adventure as long or short as you wish.

A PATCH OF

PARADISE

My daughter Brittney and I left early in the morning to get a jump on the summer heat. We parked the car and headed out the main trail that quickly ascended once we reached the forest. The well-trodden paths are comprised of solid dirt with intermittent railroad ties or boards to prevent runoff during the rainy season.

Most of the boards are covered with asphalt shingles to help prevent slipping.

Wildlife sightings were limited to a small number of banana slugs and one snail, but different plants and trees permeated the hillside known as Seminary Hill Natural Area. Bigleaf maple trees towered over the forest

floor. An eclectic array of green leaves blocked out vast portions of the blue sky. Still, pockets of pineapple-, currant- and coffee-colored leaves quivered in the breeze tenuously clutching and massive maple branches revealing to us that autumn was just around the corner.

Vancouver, Wash. resident Tracy Beard writes about luxury and adventure travel, traditional and trendy fine dining and libations for regional, national and international magazines and is a regular “Out & About” contributor to CRR.

From top: Maidenhair fern, sword fern, lady fern, Queen Anne’s Lace; Dwarf rose or wood rose

Western red cedars peppered the forest. Despite the name, this tree is not a real cedar but a member of the cypress family.

The wood is generally used to make siding, decks and soundboards for guitars. Walking along, we spotted the common snowberry with its white berries. This plant is related to honeysuckle. We found these little beauties intermingling with the salal and English ivy. The snowberry, commonly used by Native Americans as a medicine and a soap, makes a delicious snack for grizzly bears, bighorn sheep and the white-tailed deer. They are poisonous to humans.

The common snowberry is often planted in yards for ornamental purposes but also prevents soil erosion.

Hidden under the trees, we spied a few dwarf roses, also known as wood roses. These delicate plants accent the primarily green forest with tiny red, pink, lavender or purple flowers.

Nestled nearby was the redwood inside-out flower, also known as redwood ivy. This flowering plant exhibits heart-shaped leaves and is native to the West Coast.

Although pine needles did not cushion the path, a variety of ferns carpeted the forest floor: western swordfern, common lady fern and, my favorite, the western maidenhair fern. The western swordfern grows in large clumps that resemble the top of a palm tree. The fronds that start as light green and mature into a dark green can grow to be six feet tall.

This fern loves full shade and the Pacific Northwest’s moist soil. The common lady fern is used for ornamental purposes and found in housing landscapes as well as the forest. The stem and fronds of this species are poisonous if eaten raw. I love the dainty western maidenhair fern. It grows in a circular fan shape and varies from light to medium green. It reminds me of a delicate crown and can grow to between 6 and 43 inches tall.

Correction: Last month’s story about Northwest Trek referenced the bison as the largest mammals on earth; in fact, they are the largest native to North America.

14 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

cont page 15

Local Culture

from page 14

MUSEUM MAGIC / RAINIER OREGON HISTORY MUSEUM

Drive to Seminary Hill and watch the forest transition from summer to fall. Look for the plants I’ve described, search for the color changes and revel in the peace that this little patch of paradise has to offer.

New Kid on the Block

Dream comes true, with vision and work Story and photos

by Joseph Govednik

•••

Cowlitz County Historical Museum Director

T

he Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is testament that dreams do come true. It began when residents Kay Helfin and Mike Clark discussed the idea of a museum for their community.

Recruiting the talents and resources of several citizens led to creation of a board, adoption of bylaws and filing of articles of incorporation.

Sprinkle in some artifacts and photos from organizers’ personal collections and a museum was born!

Seminary Hill: If You Go This small piece of paradise is easy to reach. From I-5 North take exit 81 toward WA-507N/ Mellen Street/City Center.

Continue onto Ellsbury Street and make a right on Alder Street. Turn left onto South Tower Avenue and then right onto East Locust Street. The parking lot is on the right at the intersection of East Locust and Barner Drive. The trailhead begins on the west side of the parking lot. Be sure to pick up a map at the gate. Parking is free and no pass is necessary.

ALONG THE TRAIL

As is her custom, Tracy includes an outing-worthy recipe with her Out & About stories.

See page 21.

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

Raymond/ South Bend

Chinook

•

Grays River

101

Pacific Ocean

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitor Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058 • Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., 360-225-9552

Astoria Birkenfeld

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa Cathlamet 4

Warrenton •

Seaside

Washington

Castle Rock

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

101

Vernonia

Longview

Ape Cave •

Kelso

Clatskanie Rainier

Woodland

503

Columbia City St Helens

• Ridgefield

rnelius NW Co ad o R s s a P

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Sauvie Island

Vancouver 12

Portland

• Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 • Castle Rock Visitor Center Exit 49, west side of I-5, 890 Huntington Ave. N. Open M-F 11–3.

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

Local in

for

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

• Pacific County Museum & Visitor Center Hwy 101, South Bend, WA 360-875-5224 • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) Long Beach, WA. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542 • South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, OR • 503-397-0685 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Ctr 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807

Col Gorge Interp Ctr Skamania Lodge Bonneville Dam

Troutdale Crown Point

97

Goldendale

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

•Yacolt

Scappoose•

Oregon

Cougar •

Kalama

•••

VISITOR CENTERS

504

• Naselle

band uniform assembled from several donations is complemented with high school sports memorabilia.

A n o t h e r favorite is the N-scale logging railroad diorama. Literally a new kid on the block in downtown Rainier, the museum adds to the charm of this waterfront community.

IF YOU GO: Rainier Oregon Historical Museum, 106 West “B” St. (Hwy 30), Rainier, Ore. is open Saturdays, Noon-4pm. Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted.

Vader

Long Beach

Columbia River

Inside the museum you will find treasures such as a model of the Elsinore, a 1915-built pleasure craft that patrolled the shores during WWI and became a passenger ferry transporting Rainier workers to Longview mills from 1930–1957.

A complete Rainier High School

Like most museums, participation this year has changed due to public health. Fortunately, the museum qualified to re-

Ocean Park •

Ilwaco

“Plan a safe Saturday outing to visit our museum,” said Board president Kay Helfin.

“You will be pleased with what you see and learn about Rainier’s history.”

Five years later, the ROHM thrives at its location upstairs in City Hall, across the hallway from the Rainier Library. The little museum is deeply involved with its community. Examples: A “Meet and Greet” for the Grand Marshall of the Rainier Days Parade at the Senior Center. The ROHM also sponsors the Rainier All Class Picnic each year.

PROVISIONS

Oysterville •

open in late June and maintains regular hours.

Maryhill Museum

Stevenson Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Map suggests only approximate positions and relative distances. Consult a real map for more precise details. We are not cartographers.

Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 15

Thank You! P+P Sponsor Partners Leaders in our community supporting excellent journalism

Please join us in supporting the important work of the

and spotlighting worthy organizations and programs.

• Pet Adoptions • Volunteers Needed • Donations appreciated and needed • Spay/Neuter and Vaccine Clinics

people+ place

Please call to schedule (instead of regular walk-in clinics). Limit of one person per appointment due to Covid-19.

For information about joining the P+P Partners Circle, call

• cowlitzhumane.com • 360-577-0151

Ned Piper, 360-749-2632 or Sue Piper, 360-749-1021.

Proud Sponsor of People+Place Last year more than 4,000 donors found personal causes to support, and together we surpassed the $1.6 million goal.

Together, we can amplify the impact local nonprofits create in our communities and lives. While we’re at it, this year we hope to raise $2 MILLION to improve our region.

Sept. 24 Online Giving Event: Givemore24.org

Please join me in supporting the Art Renaissance Team in bringing to Longview a permanent Installation by world-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly Donate online on Sept. 24 Donations may also be mailed to ART, c/o Longview Public Service Group P.O. Box. 1065 Longview, WA 98632

See story, page 12

For more info visit cowlitzart.org

Paul W. Thompson CRR’s Man in the Kitchen Emeritus For more info or to view profiles of participating non-profits visit givemore24.org

Q

UIPS & QUOTES

Selected by Debra Tweedy

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. ~ J. P. Morgan, American financier and banker, 1837-1913

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once ecentric. ~ Bertrand Russell, British writer and philosopher, 1872-1970 Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto you. ~ Wendell Berry, American writer and poet and farmer, 1934-

The best thing for being sad...is to learn something. That’s the only thing What you see before you, my friend, that never fails. You may grow old and is the result of a lifetime of chocolate. trembling in your anatomies, you may lie ~ Katherine Hepburn, American actor, awake at night listening to the disorder 1907-2003 of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you If having a soul means being able to devastated by evil lunatics, or know your feel love and loyalty and gratitude, honour trampled in the sewers of baser then animals are better off than a minds. There is only one thing for it lot of humans. ~ James Herriot, pen then—to learn. Learn why the world wags name of James Alfred Wight, British and what wags it. That is the only thing veterinarian and writer, 1916-1995 If there are no dogs in Heaven, then which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or when I die I want to go where they distrust, and never dream of regretting. went. ~ Will Rogers, American actor ~ T. H. White, English writer, 1906-1964 and humorist/columnist, 1879-1935 from The Once and Future King.

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

Longview native Debra ~ Virginia Woolf, English writer, 1882Tweedy has lived on four 1941 continents. She and her husband decided to return There have been great societies that to her hometown and did not use the wheel, but there have bought a house facing been no societies that did not tell Lake Sacajawea.“We stories. came back because of the ~ Ursula K. Le Guin, American writer, Lake and the Longview 1929-2018 Public Library,” she says.

16 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

Sponsor of People+Place Proud sponsorProud of People+Place Avamere at St Helens has received the from the

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A monthly feature written and photographed

by Southwest Washington native and Emmy Award-winning journalist

Hal Calbom

Production Notes

Don’t Romanticize the Family Farm I t ’ s grown its own American imagination.

people+ place

Freshly Minted: Warren Seely Move over Mars, Nestlé, and Hershey’s.

niche

in the

The Family Farm. From Willa Cather to Willie Nelson, we celebrate it, romanticize it, and worry about its prospects. We disparage it — those poor hicks down on the farm — and doubt it.

We watch generation after generation abandon it for the lure of the cities. We predict its demise and doom.

And I suggest that amidst all this handwringing and doom-saying we actually do something worse: We so romanticize the Family Farm we lose touch with its reality. Our nostalgia consigns it to the dated past, old times. In fact, our farms and the agriculture industry itself have always been — and continue to be — among the most reliable reflections of where we are and harbingers of where we’re headed.

In three decades of Pacific Northwest journalism I’ve gained more insight from farms and farmers than a whole host of city council members. Settle down for a cup of weak coffee in Odessa or Quincy or Clatskanie, as per this month’s P+P, and you’ll cover a whole variety of topics with the denizens there: the state of immigration policy, the value of the dollar, tariff and trade negotiations, the prime rate, imports and exports.

Gourmet shoppers, searching out the finest artisanal confections, the perfectly-minted chocolate wafer, have made their choice: The best-selling holiday item at Whole Foods Market — the last seven years running — is the Seely’s Mint Patty.

That’s Seely 4th Generation Mint Farm, Clatskanie, Oregon.

Since the mid-seventies mint farms in Oregon have withered from 700 to 20. Wrigley’s, Proctor & Gamble, and Colgate — traditional consumers of peppermint oil — have switched to super-cheap synthetics and gutted the natural oil business.

Yet the unassuming Seely’s, sitting on rich bottomland acreage outside this small Oregon town, is flourishing. Even expanding. To find out how they’re doing it, we climbed aboard a noisy, multi-ton harvesting rig and bummed a ride down the rows of mowed mint.

NICE TO MEET YOU Warren Seely

HC: What’s this beast called?

resides

WS: This is a self-propelled forage harvester. Originally designed for silage chopping, field corn and grass. It’s real progress for the mint industry, which used manual labor for a long, long time.

Clatskanie, Oregon occupation

Mint Farmer from

Clatskanie known for

While in college, driving weekends

HC: So these from WSU Pullman to work the rows we’re family farm. going back over, it looks like the mint plants have already been cut?

WS: Yes, this was mowed a couple of days ago. Like cutting hay. We let it dry in rows for a couple of days to get rid of extra moisture, then we come through with the forage harvester. We pick up the mowed plants, chop them into little pieces and air-blow them into the trailer behind us. cont page 18

And few business persons know like the farmer the delicate dance among our government, our people, and our land and water. Farmers tend to get the bad news first — failed crops, dropping prices, trade wars — and they adjust or they die. Globalization? We sold wheat to Russia at the height of the Cold War. Immigration? Talk to someone growing hops or cherries in the Yakima Valley about this critical issue. Innovation and modernization? Look at the agricultural sector and its transformation from manual labor to a vast complex of machinery, information technology, and sophisticated distribution.

Farms and farmers are more than relics of our past. They are signposts and guides to the future.

•••

Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 17

People +

from page 17

HC: Is it the small purple flowers you’re harvesting?

“ There’s so many different skills that go into

WS: No, not just the flowers. The entire plant is the peppermint. But what we’re actually harvesting, our end product, is the peppermint oil. And the oil is only in the leaves of the plant. The flowers play a role — if you don’t have enough flowers there might not be the right balance in the oil. It can be bitter without balance.

WS: Once we’ve filled a trailer, we take the chopped mint product back to our home base. We’ve got a natural gasfired distillery there, that’s the heart of the operation, with three four-hundred horsepower boilers that generate steam.

HC: So that’s all the plumbing out in the backyard?

HC: Do you encourage pollination in the fields? I don’t see any beehives.

WS: Yeah. We run the steam in through the bottom of the trailers, and that steam as it rises through the chopped mint in the trailer will vaporize the oil in the leaves. Then as it floats out the top we run that steam mixture — of oil and water — through a set of condensers, and put the separated pure mint oil into barrels.

WS: Not really. Peppermint and spearmint themselves are not affected at all by pollination. What we’re looking for is plant maturity. There is no particular advantage or disadvantage to

HC: Looks like an ordinary oil barrel.

WS: Exactly. Except when it’s full of peppermint oil it’s worth 10 to 15 thousand dollars.

having pollinators in the field. The bees may pick up some peppermint oil from the plants and take it back to their hives, and that can be nice for the beekeepers, but has little effect for us.

HC: So, actually, you’re in the oil business, not the mint leaf business?

WS: Yes, and a lot of people don’t know that. We’re distillers.

A lot of our process involves heat, steam and evaporation.

Basic chemistry and physics.

HC: What happens to the pieces of mint you’ve blown into the back behind us?

People+ Place finds a sweet surprise.

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18 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

A Cornucopia of Treasures

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+ Place

farming. It’s not just knowing how to use a pitchfork. ”

~ Warren Seely

Warren’s father, Mike Seely, is still an active presence on the farm, running the “value added” side of the business — confections and retail sales — and lending a hand where needed. But the day-to-day operations are solely the province of 27-year-old Warren. Besides a basic love for the land and inbred family loyalty, he’s equipped himself with education: a degree in electrical engineering from Washington State University, plenty of accounting and business administration classes, and even an MBA in the works. Farming at its most basic is still working the land, but today it’s also working the accounts, the technology, and the commodities markets.

HC: Is the family farm dead or dying?

WS: It depends on the operation. It’s very, very difficult to compete on a commodity scale with a small family farm on something like corn, wheat or soy beans. Simply because of the amount of other producers out there.

However, if you’re focused on a quality aspect of an operation, if you can build your niche market, focus on your customer base, focus on your quality, I think there’s a very good chance of survival.

HC: Sounds like your own recipe.

WS: That’s been our entire goal, yes.

HC: Is the rest of the family all on board? It’s a legacy but an expectation, too?

WS: There’s so many different skills that go into farming. It’s not just knowing how to use a pitchfork.

There’s electronics that we deal with, there’s irrigation specifications, there’s welding and construction, anything you can think of it’s out here on the farm. I got my EE degree specifically to help me out with the farming and the machinery. I want to apply some new technology to the equipment we’re using. I’m especially interested in robotics and artificial intelligence.

WS: Two of my sisters wanted nothing to do with the farm. It’s not for everybody. And I have no problems taking it over. My mom still helps out extensively on the chocolate side. Plus there’s a couple of cousins around that like to come out and play on the equipment!

H C : And you’re managing people, too. The communications piece?

WS: It’s huge. You need to be able to ensure everybody understands what they’re doing, where they’re doing it, when they’re doing it. It’s the same in m a r k e t i n g . Yo u need to be able to explain your products and explain your processes. You need to be able to tell your story to the consumer.

HC: With so many farms going under, do you feel isolated?

WS: That’s one reason I’m trying to learn how to construct and maintain my own equipment. Out here we’re so

HC: And your older sister, who we hoped to interview along with you?

WS: That’s Caryn, who’s expecting a baby any minute. She sends her best!

She actually raises beef cattle and is looking to expand our operations to include more cattle grazing.

HC: And the land for all this? far from a lot of the main growing areas like Hermiston or Salem, that the technology and the dealership support is almost nonexistent. I have to be very self-sufficient.

And if I can construct and maintain a lot of my own equipment that’s a huge advantage.

WS: We both just co-signed on a lease with Columbia County. She’ll be raising cattle on her half and I’ll be raising peppermint on my half. We’re also just about to close a deal on 817 acres that is for sale here. My sister will buy one half and I will be buying the other.

HC: Is this land, and this weather, special somehow? I know grape growers attend to these things so closely. cont page 20

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Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 19

People + Place WS: It’s about getting good employees ‚ we have a crew of nine now. If I can find good people to employ I’m more than happy to do it but I do love running tractor occasionally and being out here in the fields.

Farmers have always been entirely more sophisticated than we like to give them credit for. Don’t let the bib overalls fool you. That’s part of a “plead poor and put it in the bank” strategy as old as the cultivated hills. Very few professions have such complex — and potentially risky — relationships with the markets, the government, and the financial system as does this one that claims only to own and work the land. Consider: The major strategic factor in the Seely family’s “old time” success today is embracing a very nouveau concept. They’re “branding” themselves to differentiate from competition and rise to the top of consumer awareness. Besides handmade Seely mint patties at your local store, expect to find Seely hand-pulled candy canes at Christmas and peppermint shakes at your local Burgerville USA.

from page 19

WS: Our warm days and cool nights really help with the flavor profile of the oil. You get in some really hot places like Idaho and you can get some bitterness in the oil. And our soil here is basically river bottom soil. We’re eighteen feet below the river level behind the dikes. And there’s a very high concentration of organic matter in the soil. It’s really more forgiving in terms of how the plant grows. And produces a very smooth profile in the oil.

HC: Did you grow up wanting to be a farmer? Or get a thousand miles away from it?

WS: I’m the fourth generation of our family to raise peppermint. And I’ve always known that I wanted to be a farmer. I just love being out in the field raising crops, running the equipment. Getting my hands dirty.

HC: Would you settle for growing the business a lot and ending up behind a desk?

Hal Calbom is a third generation Longview native who makes his living as a film producer, educator, and writer.

He is editor of The Tidewater Reach, Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures,

recently published

by Columbia River Reader Press, and the forthcoming collection of Dispatches from the Discovery Trail,

by Michael O. Perry. Reach Hal at hal@halcalbom.com

LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH

WS: We’ve diversified our marketing to get away from competitive pressure of the traditional mint industry. And that’s created a unique situation where we actually have demand that is growing.

H C : Where’s that competitive pressure coming from?

WS: In the traditional mint industry the growers would sell their oil in bulk to some of the middlemen who would then blend it and sell it to end users. But you have no way to set your own pricing or assert your own value. And then there’s the introduction of synthetics into the mint market. Many people don’t know the difference. Because they’ve never tasted the difference.

HC: So what is the Seely Mint “Experience?”

WS: The peppermint patties we produce are flavored exclusively with our own oil, so of course we emphasize the quality of the oil. There’s no cutting or adulteration, it’s just 100 percent oil from our farm. And the rest of the ingredients are high quality, from sugar to chocolate and everything in between.

HC: And hand made, so no two alike? Like snowflakes?

WS: Yes sir. Like snowflakes!

••• Editor’s Note: Interviews are edited for length and condensed for clarity.

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Happy Birthday! to Mike Haas –

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Picnic fare for a hike, or that “intimate” tailgate party you might have this non-football season ... !

Caramelized onion jam 1 lb bacon – chopped 3 onions – thinly sliced 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 cloves garlic – chopped Pinch of red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup brown sugar ¾ cup of water

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Toast your buns on the grill. Place BBQ sauce on the bun, add the cheesy dog and top with caramelized onion jam.

Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the pan.

Sautee the onions on low to medium until caramelized, approximately 30 minutes. Add water as necessary to keep onions from burning. Add garlic and brown sugar, stir and add more water if needed. Cook 5 more minutes.

Add balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and bacon. Stir to mix well. Add a spoonful or two to the top of your hotdog.

Onion bacon jam keeps in the refrigerator for two weeks.

Watermelon Feta Salad 4 C. cubed seedless watermelon 4 ounces crumbled feta 2 Tbl. mint (chiffonade, ie finely shredded or torn) 1 cup balsamic vinegar 2 Tbl. good extra virgin olive oil Black pepper to taste Cook balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until reduced to a syrupy consistency.

Divide the watermelon onto four plates. Top each dish with one ounce of feta.

Drizzle with olive oil and reduced balsamic. Sprinkle each serving with mint and black pepper.

•••

FROM THE PET DEPT.

Wanna cat around?

Why are they called “Hot Dogs?”

~Smokey Man in the Kitchen’s cat

~Ginger Victoria Findlay’s dog, aka Gretchen

Attention, land owners whose trees need trimming...

We buy cedar and noble boughs.

Two-month season begins in September.

We do all the work. Call now for free estimate or appointments.

Jaime Tovar

Call 360-751-0120 or 360-430-8510 Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 21

Where do you read

THE READER? The person — in this case, Agnes Wood, above — actually reading (or at least holding a copy of) the Reader gets priority, and more ink!.

Extra points awarded when every person in the photo has their own copy.

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send your photo reading the Reader (highresolution JPEG) to Publisher@CRReader. com. Include names and cities of residence.

We make it a practice to acknowledge photos received; if you don’t hear from us within 5 days, please re-send. If sending a cell phone photo, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB.

22 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

Socially-distanced hikers at Willow Grove on the Columbia River Fourteen members of the Mt. St. Helens Hiking Club needed to get out and see each other and take a walk: Left-to-right: Longview-Kelso area residents Ed Vrana, Trudy Vrana, Art Montoya, Agnes Wood, Nancy West, Kerry Orchin, Beverly Goforth, Mike Harcom; Dory Nance, of Rainier, Ore., Marcia Exter, Mira Hobson, Bynum Westmoreland and Joe Hobson, of LongviewKelso, and Pat Dick, of Castle Rock.

Unidentified but appreciated This fisherman, pictured at left with his daughter, was kind enough to take the above group photo. He was happy to hold up the Reader, too, the group spokesman reported. Hopefully he is already a CRR reader and, if not, will become one. It’s all about evangelism, folks.

The Natural World

Roll Call

H

By Dr. Robert Michael Pyle

aying is going on right now where I live, each farmer with one eye on the rows, one on the clouds. Here in Willapa, people talk a lot about grass—also Douglasfir, black-tailed deer, and elk; coho salmon, sturgeon, and Dungeness crab; Holsteins, Herefords, and slugs.

In the country, many people (though fewer each year) still take their livelihood directly from other forms of life. Townspeople are less likely to connect with nature on a regular basis. Some, such as bird or butterfly watchers, wildflower and mushroom fanciers, organize their free time around nonhuman encounters. But such folk are uncommon overall, and considered strange by many of their neighbors: eccentric, obsessed, if harmless. The majority, in fact, shows little awareness of other life forms beyond cats, dogs, lawns, and fellow humans.

To resist this all-too-easy ignorance, I recommend making a written accounting of the many species we brush up against daily. For example,

a spate of recent travels, and the face-changes that spring brings, yielded these contacts for me: That damn dog who barked me awake. A Wilson’s warbler incessantly seeking a mate. Two Felis catus patted goodbye, each made (in part) of six or eight species of recycled rainforest rodents. The badly broken coyote limping along the road on my way to the airport, where tall cottonwoods leafed out limbless in the “designated wetland,” survivors of last winter’s ice storm. The sweet balsam scent of their unfurling buds.

Then, in Fairbanks, exploding aspen catkins; sweet birch sap flowing from beaver cuts; waffles sweetened with three species of Vaccinium; and last year’s tart lingonberries lingering on the forest floor, sodden with snowmelt. Browsing moose and musk ox cows and calves, nesting tundra swans, and sandhill cranes flying over the muskeg. Early purple pasqueflowers blooming under black spruce on the University of Alaska campus, a benignant brown bear looming behind the museum podium, and taxidermically malevolent polar bears presiding over each Alaskan airport lobby.

Back home again, violet-green swallows nesting by my study window, tree swallows on the porch, barn swallows in the canoe room. Big bird biomass at smelt by the covered bridge—eagle, osprey, gull, merganser, cormorant, corvids.

Cattle in deep green grass, anise swallowtail and mylitta crescent over phlox. Thousands of dispersing Asian ladybirds, one or two of them rounding my computer screen and glasses rims at all times. Rug-munching clothes moths, a red ant biting me where it never should have been, and tiny ants invading the bathroom.

A giant carpenter ant on the road with me as horizontal Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar pass by on log trucks, while California poppies and Scots broom splash I-5’s shoulders

Robert Michael Pyle is a naturalist and writer who has resided along Gray’s River in Wahkiakum County for many years.

His 24 books include the Northwest classics Wintergreen, Sky Time in Gray’s River, and Where Bigfoot Walks. His newest titles are The Tidewater Reach: Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures (with Judy VanderMaten, recently published by CRRPress, see page 2 and 35) and Nature Matrix: New and Selected Essays.

Photo by David Lee Myers This is the 26th in a series of selected essays to appear in Columbia River Reader. These were originally published in Orion Afield or Orion Magazine in the author’s column, “The Tangled Bank” and, subsequently, in the book of the same name published by Oregon State University Press in 2012.

with bright color. Aloft again with Chief Flight Attendant Diane Alder, Pilot Scott Redheifer, and eight recognizable species in the lunch.

Life is a litany of other species. So why are we often oblivious to all but our own? Earlier cultures had a basic, intensive, and entirely essential working knowledge of other species in their midst. In my grandmother’s day, the leading of botany and bird walks was a routine part of the grammar school curriculum. Yet in Fairbanks, where many people were studying “nature,” not a single person I met had noticed the outrageous early eruption of purple pasqueflowers.

On another recent trip, I traveled by that species of transport named for a fleet grey dog. To escape the clouds of Nicotiana vapor rising from the riders’ spontaneous combustion at each stop, I took short, quick walks to see what I could find behind the run-down depots: milkweed and sweet clover in a vacant lot; Gaillardia and petunia in a planter; hops, yeast, and barley in a pint glass. I never saw another passenger leave the stations. As I stretched my seat-sore muscles, I lamented that what seemed absolutely natural, even essential, to me drew only puzzled glances from my fellow travelers.

The species roll call makes an illuminating school assignment or journal exercise—not necessarily going forth to “document biodiversity,” but simply taking into account the other members of what poet Pattiann Rogers calls “the family.” You don’t have to know everyone’s name; you can list “the purple flower with the woolly leaves by the corner,” or “the bird that squeaks like a rusty gate each morning.”

Once a neighbor is accounted for, the next step is knowing who it is, what it does, and how it fits in among the wider community of life.

Gary Snyder reminds us that “one is in constant engagement with countless plants and animals...the non-human members of the local ecological community.” When we fail to pay attention to our evolutionary neighbors, we deprive ourselves of much of the pleasure, comfort, fascination, and companionability of the world. Taking roll, we begin to sense our own fit.

••• Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 23

BESIDES COLUMBIA RIVER READER...

What are you reading Mini-feature coordinated by Alan Rose Cooper’s Loot

By Rick E. George

By Elaine Cockrell

R

ick George taught English with me at Coweeman Middle School in Kelso, Wash., and now that he’s retired, he’s writing his way to fame and fortune. This is Rick’s second novel, a historical mystery about the infamous hijacker D.B. Cooper who parachuted out of a Boeing 727 in November 1971, with $200,000 in ransom money. Some of the money was found by a teenage boy along the Columbia River several years later, but the hijacking remains unsolved.

Rick takes up the story in a Kelso bar when a man who says he’s a former buddy of Cooper’s recruits reporter Bev Wikowski and three others to hunt for the hidden fortune.

A blizzard complicates the search, but they eventually locate the markers left by Cooper, start digging and find the cash. Now the mismatched group has to find shelter from the snow and freezing temperatures, and they take refuge in an abandoned log cabin. Each person begins to spend his or her share of the

money in their imaginations, only to realize it isn’t enough; tensions build.

Bev initially wanted a scoop for her newspaper, but when people begin dying, she just wants to survive.

Rick never disappoints with the twists and turns in the story. At one point my heart was beating so hard, I had to put the book down and take a deep breath before continuing. If you like a good yarn with a strong female character, Cooper’s Loot is for you.

Just keep a light on and your back to the wall.

•••

Elaine Kurtz Cockrell taught Language Arts for Kelso Public Schools and later served as Principal of Huntington Middle School. Now retired, she is writing her own historical fiction novels, also hoping for fame and fortune...

ATTENTION, READERS Read a good book lately? To be miniinterviewed by CRR Book Reviewer Alan Rose for a future “What Are You Reading?” spotlight, please contact him at alan@ alan-rose.com or the publisher/editor at publisher@crreader. com.

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Cover to Cover Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Assn, for week ending Aug. 30, 2020, based on reporting from the independent bookstores of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For the Book Sense store nearest you, visit www.booksense. com

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION 1. Circe Madeline Miller, Back Bay, $16.99 2. The Overstory Richard Powers, Norton, $18.95 3. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead Olga Tokarczuk, Riverhead Books, $17 4. The Nickel Boys Colson Whitehead, Anchor, $15.95 5. The Starless Sea Erin Morgenstern, Anchor, $16.95 6. Normal People Sally Rooney, Hogarth, $17 7. Deep River Karl Marlantes, Grove Press, $20 8. Beach Read Emily Henry, Berkley, $16 9. City of Girls Elizabeth Gilbert, Riverhead Books, $17 10. Little Fires Everywhere Celeste Ng, Penguin, $17

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1. Squeeze Me Carl Hiaasen, Knopf, $28.95 2. Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owens, Putnam, $26 3. The Vanishing Half Brit Bennett, Riverhead Books, $27 4. Mexican Gothic Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Del Rey, $27 5. Migrations Charlotte McConaghy, Flatiron Books, $26.99 6. The Guest List Lucy Foley, Morrow, $27.99 7. The Pull of the Stars Emma Donoghue, Little, Brown, $28 8. Summer Ali Smith, Pantheon, $27.95 9. American Dirt Jeanine Cummins, Flatiron Books, $27.99 10. Luster Raven Leilani, FSG, $26

BOOK REVIEW

By Alan Rose

A Burning

by Megha Majumdar.

Alfred A. Knopf $25.95

I

n the opening pages of this debut novel set in India, terrorists set a passenger train on fire where innocent passengers are trapped within the terrible conflagration.

This act of violence sets the story in motion, but it may not refer to the “burning” in the title.

The story is told through three main characters: Jivan — a Muslim girl born in the slums and aspiring to the middle class — is arrested, accused of abetting the terrorists due to a reckless

Alan Rose’s new novel, As If Death Summoned, will be released in December.

You can sign up for his monthly WordFest newsletter at www. alan-rose.com

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1. Caste Isabel Wilkerson, Random House, $32 2. How to Be an Antiracist Ibram X. Kendi, One World, $27 3. Vesper Flights Helen Macdonald, Grove Press, $27 4. Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth Brian Stelter, Atria/One Signal Publishers, $28 5. Too Much and Never Enough Mary L. Trump, Ph.D., S&S, $28 6. Untamed Glennon Doyle, The Dial Press, $28 7. His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope Jon Meacham, Random House, $30 8. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Charlie Mackesy, HarperOne, $22.99 9. The Splendid and the Vile Erik Larson, Crown, $32 10. Breath James Nestor, Riverhead Books, $28

MASS MARKET EARLY & MIDDLE GRADE READERS 1. Dune 1. Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Frank Herbert, Ace, $10.99 Friendly Adventure 2. The Name of the Wind Jeff Kinney, Amulet, $14.99 Patrick Rothfuss, DAW 2. This Book Is Anti-Racist 3. The Way of Kings Tiffany Jewell, Aurelia Durand (Illus.), Brandon Sanderson, Tor, $9.99 Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, $14.99, 4. 1984 3. A Wolf Called Wander George Orwell, Signet, $9.99 Rosanne Parry, Monica Armino (Illus.), 5. Eleanor Oliphant Is Greenwillow Books, $16.99 Completely Fine 4. The One and Only Bob Gail Honeyman, Penguin, $9.99 Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao 6. The Shining (Illus.), Harper, $18.99 Stephen King, Anchor, $8.99 5. The One and Only Ivan 7. I Know Why the Caged Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao Bird Sings (Illus.), Harper, $8.99 Maya Angelou, Ballantine, 6. New Kid Jerry Craft, Harper, $12.99 $7.99 7. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: 8. The Eye of the World Rowley Jefferson’s Journal Robert Jordan, Tor, $10.99 Jeff Kinney, Abrams, $13.99 9. Good Omens 8. Ghost Boys Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Little, Brown Books Morrow, $9.99 for Young Readers, $7.99 10. Oathbringer 9. Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Brandon Sanderson, Tor, Ten Blocks Jason Reynolds, Alexander $10.99 Nabaum (Illus.), Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, $17.99 10. Guts Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $12.99

A Universal Burning comment she posted on Facebook.

PT Sir, Jivan’s former gym teacher, aspires to become a Very Important Person by gaining power and status through his affiliation with a rightwing nationalist political group. And the hijra Lovely, a “he-she” who can provide the alibi that would exonerate Jivan, dreams of Bollywood stardom.

(Hijra in India are recognized as a third sex, neither male nor female, and both. The closest category we have in the West is transgender, but the cultural nuances are lost in translation.)

Jivan’s case becomes a national sensation and highly politicized. PT Sir can speak to her innocence, but it might cost him his new standing and respect in the Jana Kalyan Party.

Lovely’s dream of being a Bollywood star is becoming possible but now jeopardized if she testifies in Jivan’s behalf.

As one is drawn further into this gripping story, the reader senses that the metaphor of “burning” at the center of the book may be other than the terrorist attack, a burning more universal and all-consuming.

As Lovely explains in her distinctive voice: “Society is telling me that I cannot be dreaming this dream.

I learned English, the language of progress. I couldn’t get anywhere if I didn’t speak English, even I knew that. But I dreaded being asked to stand up and read from the textbook…The other girls, from middle-class homes where they read English newspapers and watched Hollywood films, disdained me.

But in the slum, I was the only one with an English textbook, and who cared whether I was good or not? It was a place where most could not read a word—Bengali or English— and what I had was a great skill.

There are many different themes contained in this small book: the inequity of how the law is applied; the ingrained prejudice against different classes and people of different religions, or different ethnicities and gender categories; the politicization of daily life; the increasing power of social media in our lives; and foremost, the struggle between reaching for our dreams while maintaining our integrity and values.

In reading A Burning, one sees the world—and our individual lives—on fire.

•••

~ from A Burning

Society is having no room for people like me…because we are poor, and we may not be speaking perfect English.

But is that meaning we are not having dreams?”

Each of the characters is pursuing a better life for him- or herself — their lives are spent dreaming of better lives — and each must weigh the cost of pursuing those dreams.

Drink Good Coffee, Read Good Books Located in the historic Castle Rock Bank Building 20 Cowlitz Street West

Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 25

COLUMBIA RIVER

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

Sun-Thurs 11am–9pm. Fri-Sat 11am–10pm. 503-728-2922

dining guide

Kelso, Wash.

El Ranchero Kelso Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 640 E. Columbia River Hwy Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials.

The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. Sports bar.

M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-3344

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

Open daily 11am.

503-556-9753 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.

1626 West Side Hwy Family Mexican restaurant. Full Mexican menu. Daily specials. Liquor, beer & wine.

Mention this listing for $5 off purchase of $30 or more. Open Mon–Sat 11am–9pm.

360-423-3704.

Longview, Wash.

1335 14th Avenue 18 rotating craft brews, pub fare.

M-W 12 Noon–9pm, Th–Sat 12 Noon– 11pm. Sun 12 Noon–8pm. Local music.

Follow us on Untappd.

See ad, page 10.

The Carriage

Goble Tavern

70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live entertainment. 2–10pm M-T-W; 11am–10pm Th-F-Sat 503-556-4090.

614 Commerce Ave., Longview. 18 varieties of pizza, prepared salads. Beer & wine. Open 11am every day. Inside seating by reservation only.

360-353-3512.

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

33 draft beers. Full bar. Family-friendly, weekly jazz and acoustic dinner hour sets on Weds. 360-636-1616.

Roland Wines

1106 Florida St., Longview. Authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, wine, and beer.

Casual ambience. 5–9pm Wed-Fri, Sat. 11–3.

Restaurant & Lounge

The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge 1334 12th Ave. Open from 6am to close. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full bar, banquet room available for groups, parties, family reunions, etc. in lounge, open 6am. Three happy hours daily (8–10am, 12–2pm, 5–7pm). Group meeting room, free use with $150 food/drink purchases.

360-425-8545.

Evergreen Pub & Café

115-117 East 1st Street Burgers, halibut, prime rib, full bar.

503-556-9935

The Original Pietrio’s Pizzeria

Teri’s, 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. Lunch and dinner.

Burgers, steak, seafood, pasta, specials, fresh NW cuisine. Happy Hour. Full bar.

360-577-0717.

Castle Rock, Wash.

Freddy’s Just for the Halibut.

Cod, halibut & tuna fish and chips, oysters & clams, award-winning clam chowder.

Prime rib every Thurs. Sunday Brunch 9am–1pm. Beer and wine. M-Sat 10am– 8pm, Sunday 11am–8pm.

1110 Commerce 360-414-3288.

See ad, page 10.

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

Lunch, Dinner. Burgers, hand-cut steak; seafood and pasta. Restaurant opens 11am, Lounge 12 Noon. Closed Monday.

360-967-2333.

Kalama, Wash.

215 N. Hendrickson Dr., Port of Kalama.

A Northwest pub and unique bars serving breakfast, lunch & dinner daily.

Handcrafted beer, wine & cocktails, burgers, specialties, incl Kamikaze Seared Ahi & more. Live music, art, history & riverfront hotel rooms. Info & reservations at mcmenamins.com. Bars hours vary; see website for details. Pub open M-Th 7am – midnight; Fri-Sun 7am– 1am. Reservations required for dinner. 360- 673-9210.

St. Helens, Ore.

Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine.

503-397-3211 See ad, page 12 .

Scappoose, Ore. Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

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

Sun–Th 11am–9pm; Fri-Sat 11am– 10pm. Full bar service ‘til 10pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose. 503-5435100.

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant

33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine.

Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017

Mark’s on the Channel Hop N Grape

Luigi’s Pizza

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

Restaurant operators: To advertise in Columbia River Dining Guide, call 360-749-2632

924 15th Ave., Longview Tues–Thurs 11am–7pm; Fri & Sat 11am–8pm. BBQ meat slow-cooked on site. Pulled pork, chicken brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. World-famous mac & cheese. 360-577-1541

Vault Books & Brew 20 Cowlitz Street West Coffee and specialty drinks, quick eats & sweet treats. See ad, page 25.

Toutle/Mt. St. Helens

Grant’s at the Monticel-

lo Hotel on Longview’s historic Civic

Circle. Casual upscale dining. Seafood, steaks, pasta, burgers. Happy Hour specials 3pm. M-Th 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10.

360-442-8234. See ad, page 8.

26 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

Fire Mountain Grill. Mile 19, 9440 Spirit Lake Highway, ThursMon, 11–6 (or later). Newly remodeled.

Lunch & dinner. Burgers, steaks, seafood, homemade cobblers. Riverside dining.

360-274-5217

34326 Johnson Landing, Scappoose, Ore. Floating restaurant. Fish & Chips, Burgers & Sandwiches, Marina setting.

Open year-round, See ad, page 24.

Warren, Ore. Warren Country Inn 56575 Columbia River Hwy. Fine family dining. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Fri Prime Rib special, Taco Tuesday. Full bar. M-Th 8am–9:30pm, Fri-Sat 8am–10:30pm, Sun 9am–9pm. Karaoke Fri & Sat.503-410-5479.

COLUMBIA RIVER DINING GUIDE

During Coronavirus restrictions, restaurants’ operations may fluctuate. Expect mask requirements and seating / occupancy limits in accordance with State guidelines. Call first if in doubt. Please support our local restaurants — they are vital in the economic and social life of our community!

Internal Medicine & Preventative Care Open Every Day for Your Convenience Holidays & Weekends Included

NMLS# 186805

WE DO ULTRASOUND

Committed to helping you find

THE RIGHT MORTGAGE.

Programs available to qualified borrowers. Rates and programs subject to change without notice. Underwriting terms and conditions apply.

Carrie Lynn Medack Sr. Loan Officer 360.431.0998 NMLS#190268

1541 11th Ave., Suite A Longview, WA

Richard A. Kirkpatrick, M.D., FACP

Dara M. Newberry, RN, MSN, DNP

Rachel Roylance, BS, MPAP, PA-C

Melanie Hughes, BS, MPAS, PA-C

Dr. Toddrick Tookes, DPM, Podiatrist

Nicholas Austin MSPAS, PA-C

Karen L. Joiner, RN, MSN, ARNP

Vlad Bogin, M.D., FACP

Angela Escobar, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

NMLS#1164433

Brooke Wethington, BS, MPAS, PA-C

We Accept Most Insurance Plans Telemedicine Visits Available Temporary clinic hours: Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm Sat, 9am to 1pm Sun, Noon to 4pm

360-423-9580

1706 Washington Way, Longview

ON THE CIVIC CENTER www.kirkpatrickfamilycare.com

Kirkpatrick Foot & Ankle

Dr. Toddrick Tookes, DPM, Podiatrist

• American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Diabetic Foot Care • Ingrown Toenails • Heel & Arch Pain • Foot Surgery • Fungal Conditions • Wound Care • U.S. Navy Veteran

360-575-9161

783 Commerce Ave. Suite 120 BOTH BUSINESSES UNDER SAME OWNERSHIP Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 27

LOA Surgeons Earn Rave Reviews

Dr. Turner, MD

Dr. Kretzler, MD

Dr. Kung, MD

“I have two great knees and a great shoulder thanks to Dr. Turner. He improved my quality of life for many years to come!”

- Julie Wanderer

“Dr. Kretzler is an amazing orthopedic surgeon and so easy to talk with.”

- Melanie Heinz Powell

Dr. Lauder, MD

Dr. McLeod, DPM

Dr. Lin, MD

“We love Dr. Lauder. He’s very compassionate and professional.

My husband and I have gone to him for years and won’t go to anyone else.”

- Darlene Masters

“I had foot surgery to correct a defect in the bone that connects the big toe and the ankle.

The surgery went extremely well.

I would recommend Dr. McLeod to anyone needing foot surgery.”

- Patricia Britcher

“I fell, tearing my rotator cuff.

Dr. Lin performed surgical magic and put me back together. My shoulder is now flexible, gaining strength, and it all started with Dr. Lin’s work.”

- Doug Burns

“Dr. Kung did rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder after a fall. In 2018, he did rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder after another fall. Both surgeries went well, and I’m very pleased with the outcome.”

- Sean Moretz

We welcome Kaiser patients with a referral! www.longvieworthopedics.com

360.501.3400

28 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

the Lower Columbia

Where to find the new Reader

It’s delivered all around the River by the 15th of each month. Here’s the list of handy, regularlyrefilled sidewalk box and rack locations where you can pick up a copy any time of day and even in your bathrobe ...

WESTPORT LONGVIEW Wauna mill U.S. Bank parking lot Post Office Bob’s (rack, main check-out) RAINIER In front of 1232 Commerce Ave Post Office In front of 1323 Commerce Ave Cornerstone YMCA Rainier Hardware Fred Meyer (rack, service desk area) (rack, entry) Teri’s Earth ‘n’ Sun (on Hwy 30) Grocery Outlet El Tapatio (entry rack) Fibre Fed’l CU - Commerce Ave Grocery Outlet Monticello Hotel (front entrance) DEER ISLAND Kaiser Permanente Deer Island Store St. John Medical Center (rack, Park Lake Café) COLUMBIA CITY - Post Office LCC Student Center WARREN Regents Warren Country Inn Indie Way Diner ST HELENS Columbia River Reader Office Chamber of Commerce 1333 14th Ave. Sunshine Pizza KELSO Post Office Heritage Bank Olde Town (Wild Currant) Visitors’ Center / Kelso-Longview Safeway Chamber of Commerce SCAPPOOSE KALAMA Post Office To find the 24/7 Fibre Fed’l CU Road Runner pick-up point Kalama Shopping Center Fultano’s nearest you,

corner of First & Fir Ace Hardware visit crreader.

McMenamin’s Harbor Lodge com and click WARRENTON, OR WOODLAND “Find the Fred Meyer Visitors’ Center Magazine” tab.

CATHLAMET CASTLE ROCK Lacie Rha’s Cafe (32 Cowlitz W.) Cathlamet Pharmacy Tsuga Gallery Parker’s Restaurant (box, entry) Cathlamet Realty West Visitors’ Center Puget Island Ferry Landing 890 Huntington Ave. N. Exit 49, west side of I-5

RYDERWOOD Café porch CLATSKANIE Post Office Chevron / Mini-Mart Fultano’s Pizza

SKAMOKAWA Skamokawa General Store NASELLE Appelo Archives & Café Johnson’s One-Stop

Auto, Home, Flood, Boat, RV, ATV Business & Commercial Insurance & Bonding

360-274-6991

25 A. ST. SW • CASTLE ROCK • 866-514-3356 LIFE • DISABILITY • LTCI BUSINESS CONTINUATION FUNDING INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP MEDICAL

FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Informer

by Perry Piper

Exception: When it comes to personal health risks like the pandemic, err on the side of caution even before proven.

Wear a mask, distance and wash your hands.

Slow and steady saves face

W

e’re entering a crazy time leading up to the election, being in the middle of a worsening pandemic with 195,000+ Americans dying from it so far. On top of this, the news makes it seem like there are non-stop riots in Portland and other cities. Worst of all, especially since the media barely talks about it, is that easy access to new computer technology called “deepfakes” can make us doubt reality itself.

counting the money he received in settlements from the multiple media outlets who defamed him.

Tools are freely available now enabling people with basic tech skills to synthesize the voices, faces and bodies of real people to make videos showing them doing things they never actually did. The easiest way to do this is to film a mock event or speech of yourself or friends, then using a kind of facial puppetry, make the video very realistically look like it was done by a celebrity.

Luckily, Microsoft has just released its Video Authenticator tool for news, voting and political agencies to scan videos for an indication of their legitimacy. The main problem with this, though, is that it’s a game of cat and mouse between state actors, hackers and the good guys making these tools for the people. So we should take its results as one piece of evidence, not the absolute, final answer about any specific video.

We all need to be extra skeptical and less reactionary now. Even if it seems like some group or person has done horrendous things, try not to form an opinion until you have multiple pieces of high quality evidence from multiple sources and, in some instances, the case has been tried in court. It seems like people are reacting violently to initial and incomplete evidence, making inperson protests very dangerous.

Here’s a recent example: Nick Sandmann, a Make America Great Again hat-wearing high schooler appeared to mock a Native American drummer. at a demonstration near the Lincoln Memorial. Later, multiple other camera angles confirmed it was far more complex than the first video made it seem.

Everyone should have reserved judgment, because there was more to the story. But many jumped the gun, saying it was “obvious” the boy had bad intentions,” and was clearly a racist, bigoted punk.

In truth, he probably had the last laugh and is still

It always struck me as a little odd that in the age of modern smartphones, every “leaked” video is so blurry, it’s like it came from ancient video cameras. Now I’m not saying every video like this has been faked, just that it’s easier to make fake videos that are blurry and low resolution; it takes less computer power and technical skill.

If this article is sounding your alarms for conspiracy theories, you can see if you can tell real from fake in an online quiz. It’s difficult for people who don’t follow technology closely to understand where the world really is right now — what is still science fiction and what isn’t — but things are changing breathtakingly fast.

Visit spotdeepfakes.org/en-US and, after the intro, question 5 (video examples of original versus tampered-with content) is where things heat up. Remember, in this quiz you are taking your time to analyze what you know is fake.

But are you going to take the time to verify in the heat of the moment when a friend sends an anger-inducing video of the political figures you may already dislike? Will you cross-check sources before passing judgment?

Surprisingly, new footage has just surfaced in the case of George Floyd whose death sparked the months-long global protest.

Some wonder if this may affect public opinion about the officers’ motives, and the outcome when they have their day in court.

••• Perry Piper keeps his “electric thumbs” on the pulse of emerging technologies. He is available to assist with computer and technology needs. See ad, page 30.

He also likes chocolate.

Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 29

Miss Manners

Outings & Events from page 30

something you believe will please the couple, and that you can afford. Where they are being married has nothing to do with it.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it considered rude or in bad taste to ask someone how much money they received in a greeting card as a present?

GENTLE READER: Prior to mugging the recipient?

Miss Manners can think of no other reason to inquire.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does one politely leave a Zoom conversation when the host has signed up for unlimited time, and everyone knows you have no place to go?

GENTLE READER: The same way you leave any party that is in full swing long after the expected time. You put on your brightest smile, say to the host, “This was great fun, but I’m afraid I have to leave now. Goodbye, everyone!”

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..

And it is even easier now to make a quick exit, because the “Leave Meeting” button is closer than the door would have been.

Miss Manners keeps warning people not to make up excuses, even in person.

They are not necessary, and you will be found out.

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

Computer, phone, tablet bugging you?

I can help!

Hands-on lessons with your electronic devices at your home or CRR’s Downtown Longview office.

Performing & Fine Arts, Music Art, Theatre, Literary Recreation, Outdoors Gardening, History, Pets, Self-Help As we re-open in Phase 2 and 3, please submit info (deadlines below), and watch these pages for Outings & Events details!

See ad, page 13

BROADWAY GALLERY 1418 Commerce Avenue , Longview, Wash • Tues-Sat 11–4

First Thursdays and classes are cancelled until further notice, due to Pandemic.

Featured artists:

Sept: Joe Green, broadside prints; Marquita Green, woodturning and carving (guest artists) October: Mary Fortner-Smith, jewelry; Adrienne Stacey, watercolor and multi-media art.

We have Artisan Masks $7

Social Distancing will be observed, Gallery members and customers must wear masks. Staff will follow cleaning procedures according to state mandates.

Keep updated on our website. See new work on our FaceBook and Instagram Page: the-broadway-gallery.com , Broadway Gallery on Facebook, and broadway_gallery_longview on Instagram.

Call or text:

360-270-0608 PERRY PIPER PRODUCTIONS

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR Send your non-commercial community event basic 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: Oct 15 – Nov 25:

by Sept 25 for Oct 15 issue Nov 25 – Jan. 15:

by Nov. 5 for Nov 25 Holiday issue.

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

30 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

DONATIONS TO THE SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON SYMPHONY via GiveMore24! WILL BE MATCHED Since our March concert was canceled, we've remained committed to our role as a catalyst for bringing live orchestra music, and dedicated to our mission to foster a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant community.

Many have donated time and dollars to help. Thank you! We are so grateful for this support.

We are happy to announce that SWWS received challenge grants from the Wollenberg Foundation, and David & Ginger Walworth. Up to $6,000 of donations will be matched.

Donate between 12:01am. and midnight on September 24 at swwasymphony.org. For more more info, visit Givemore24.org.

Thanks to you... the music WILL go on.

P.S. ANOTHER REASON TO SUPPORT: The Federal Cares Act includes a $300 "above the line deduction" for all taxpayers. That means if you pay taxes, you can deduct up to $300 in donations to nonprofits, no matter what you earn! This deduction applies to individuals and households (not donor advised funds). All gifts made in 2020 are eligible.

Outings & Events

TAKE A

HIKE

This friendly club welcomes newcomers.

For more info please call the hike leader or visit mtsthelensclub.org.

RT(round trip) distances are from Longview.E=easy, M=moderate, S=strenuous, e.g.=elevation gain.

with Mt. St. Helens Club

Community / Farmers Markets Astoria Sunday Market

Sundays • 10–3 thru Oct 13 Downtown on 12th, just off Hwy 30, Astoria, Ore. • 503-325-1010 www.astoriasundaymarket.com

Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, please note the following: 1) Hikes will take place only if the hike leader thinks it is safe to do so on that date.

2) Hiking groups may be limited, at the discretion of the hike leader.

3) Call the hike leader for any further information or instruction.

Castle Rock Farmers Market

4) Always be safe and protect yourself, be considerate of others during this pandemic.

Columbia-Pacific Farmers Market

Wed, Sept. 16 Lake Sacajawea (E) Walk around the whole lake (3+ miles) or walk half the lake (1+ mile).

Leaders: Trudy & Ed 360-414-1160.

Wed, Sept 23, Stub Stewart State Park (M) Drive 90 mi. RT to the Welcome Center. Hike 5-mile loop with 200 ft. e.g. through forest past Unfit Settlement viewpoint.

Leader: Bruce (360) 425-0256 or (360) 846-7940 cell Sat, Sept 26, Falls Creek Trail (S) Drive 210 mles RT. Hike 9 miles between Indian Heaven and Trapper Creek Wilderness Areas.

Key pass, so elevation gain or loss is 2,200 ft.

Leader: Bruce (360) 425-0256 or (360) 846-7940 cell

Wed, Sept 30, Steigerwald/Lewis & Clark Trail - Washougal (E) Drive 120 mi. r.t. Hike 3 to 5 miles RT along a level path on the Columbia River. Leader: John (360) 431-1122 Sat, Oct 3, Indian Heaven (M) Drive 210 miles RT. Hike 10 miles with 1,500 ft. e.g. on a loop from Placid Lake, passing through grand meadows and several iconic lakes.

Leader: George W (360) 562-0001 Wed, Oct 7, Tickle Creek (E) Drive 133 miles RT. Hike 3.5 miles RT with 166 ft. e.g. along pretty little Tickle Creek.

Leader: Bruce (360) 425-0256 or (360) 846-7940 cell

Sunday thru Sept • 1–5pm Haircut Express parking lot, 151 Huntington Ave.N, across from Castle Rock Bakery Fridays •12–3pm thru Sept Downtown Long Beach, Wash. www.longbeachwa.gov cpfmmallory@gmail.com 360-224-3921

Cowlitz Community Farmers Market

9–2, Tues (thru Sept) and Sat (thru October) 1900 7th Ave, Cowlitz Expo Center, Longview, Wash.

Wear masks, follow posted protocols, enter at north end. www.cowlitzfarmersmarkets.com Laurie Kochis 360-957-7023 lauriekochis@msn.com

Ilwaco Saturday Market

Saturdays, 10am–4pm Port of Ilwaco 165 Howerton Ave., Ilwaco Wash. www.portofilwaco.com

Trunk Sale & Farmers Market Elochoman Marina, Cathlamet Fridays thru Sept 27 • 3–6pm thru Sept 500 2nd St,, Cathlamet, Wash. cathlametmarina.org Deb Holland, Mgr: 360-849-9401

Scappoose Community Club Farmers Market

Saturdays thru Sept 26 • 9am–2pm Behind City Hall next to Heritage Park, 2nd St., Scappoose, Ore. www.scappoosefarmermarket.com Bill Blank 503-730-7429 scappoosefm@gmail.com

Lower Columbia School Gardens Produce Sale

Order online, lcschoolgardens.org, Wednesdays after 5pm. No-contact pickup process Friday afternoons at Northlake School Garden, 2210 Olympia Way, Longview, Wash. info@lcschoolgardens.org Questions: 360-200-8919

CRR gladly lists community-based Farmers Markets selling local produce in the Lower Columbia region. Send information to publisher@crreader.com.

Please indicate “Farmers’ Market listing” on the subject line.

Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020 / 31

Up & running with lessons online...

Music lasts a lifetime.

Remember, we’re all in this together!

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

MEDICAL MATTERS

Pacific Surgical Institute continues to evolve

Pacific Surgical Institute opened in September 2006 on 9th Avenue in Longview. The tenant list included Longview Orthopedic Associates, Longview Urology, Pacific Imaging Center, Longview Physical & Sports Therapy, Northwest Medical Analytic Lab, and Pacific Surgical Center.

While some of the names on the sign outside have changed, PSI’s commitment to quality care and patient convenience remains the same.

Flourish Skin & Laser closed in 2016.

That space, which totals 11,000 square feet, is now used by Longview Ortho’s billing department. This shift allowed for the addition of five new exam rooms. Drs. Bruce Blackstone and Dave Black retired, and Eric Hansen left the practice; they have been replaced by A.J. Lauder, Jake McLeod, and Tony Lin. “We apply proven non-surgical methods for management of orthopedic conditions,” said Dr. William Turner, “with newer treatments such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections adding to our options.”

REAL ESTATE TIPS

by Mike Wallin

On the fence about selling your home?

O

n the fence about selling your home? The time to jump is NOW! Yes, the economy is in the midst of a bit of a crisis, and for obvious reasons.

There is, however, one bright spot and that is the housing market.

Traffic on a large real estate company’s website “… is up about 40 percent, and the National Association of Realtors announced that pending home sales are up 15 percent from last month,” according to NPR’s Stacey Vanek Smith and Cardiff Garcia.

A wide swath of American homebuyers is being propelled out of urban areas to suburbs and rural regions by “… conditions related to coronavirus, and the understanding that the way … that

some of us work — has fundamentally changed,” Smith and Garcia wrote.

Then, there are others who dropped out of the market at the outset of the pandemic and have decided to re-enter.

If you’ve toyed with the idea of selling your home, now is the perfect time.

Read on to learn why you should not let this opportunity pass you by.

The real estate market has always been a moving target and that hasn’t changed.

One day mortgage rates are down, the next day they rise. Likewise, nobody can predict the duration of what is currently an amazing seller’s market.

The time to sell your home, if you been considering doing so, is right now.

(continued)

For the full article visit www.mikewallin.com

Mike Wallin

https://mikewallin.com/real-estate-blog/on-the-fenceabout-selling-your-home-the-time-to-jump-is-now/

Five Star Broker, REALTOR

Highest Rated Locally 360-560-3636 CELL

michaelkwallin@gmail.com 1140-11th Ave., Longview, WA By appointment only

32 / Columbia River Reader / September 15, 2020

Feel free to reach out to us if with questions on this or any aspect of the home purchase process.

At Longview Physical & Sports Therapy, Dave Knoeppel retired in 2014. John Kowalski joined Bruce Peterson as co-owner. LPST has expanded its staff of physical therapists and athletic trainers to 12.

Additionally, the clinic added 2,100 square feet of therapy space.

Longview Urology was acquired

by PeaceHealth and reopened as PeaceHealth Longview Urology.

Urologists Chad Chesley and Pat Lassen, along with the original staff, now work for PeaceHealth but occupy the same space at PSI.

By Jim LeMonds

Lisa Looney replaced Jack Berry as Director of Imaging Services at Pacific Imaging Center. PIC continues to offer some of the region’s shortest wait-times.

Pacific Surgical Center maintains a 98 percent patient satisfaction rate and has expanded the number of procedures that can be performed without an overnight stay in a hospital.

“We continue to innovate and use new techniques to minimize discomfort and speed recovery from surgery,” Turner said. “This has resulted in growing numbers of patients receiving joint replacement at Pacific Surgical Center and returning home the same day.”

••• Former R.A. Long High School English teacher Jim LeMonds is a writer, editor, and marketer who rides his mountain bike whenever he gets the chance. He lives in Castle Rock, Wash.

His published books are South of Seattle and Deadfall.

Astronomy

SKY REPORT

Aug 15 – Sept 20

Looking Up

By Greg Smith Evening Sky In mid-September both planets, Jupiter, and Saturn are low in the southern sky at sunset. Jupiter and Saturn are both about a fist and a half high in the south at sunset. They both are grand objects to view, even in the smallest of telescopes. The four major moons of Jupiter are a delight to watch as they do their ballet of changing positions with each other every night.

Saturn’s rings are a wonder to behold.

These are the most beautiful things to see in the solar system. The rings are tipped toward us at this time, so they are very bright. To see the rings of Saturn for the first time is one of the greatest joys for a beginning astronomer. It may even start you wondering what else you can see in the night sky.

In September and October, Jupiter and Saturn are in the southern sky by 7pm.

This is the easiest time to see them.

It’s not too late for kids to get a view in a telescope.

The Summer triangle: Made of three bright stars, Vega, the alpha star of Lyre the harp; Altair, the tail of the eagle Aquil; and Deneb, the tail of the swan, are almost directly overhead. At the end of September, the triangle is pointing to the south.

Mars: Mid-September will see it rise at about 9pm in the east. By the end of September, it will be rising about 8pm. By Mid-October, Mars will be rising just after sunset (6:45pm). Mars will give great views of itself as it is at its closest approach to Earth and will still be just a bright reddish “star.” A telescope will allow you to see Mars as a round object with maybe some dark markings on it. It is now southern summer on Mars, so the bright ice cap is small and hard to see. The bigger the telescope, the more detail you will see.

Morning Sky Venus is bright in the eastern sky by 5:00am and will remain visible until disappearing in the morning sunlight.

Night Sky Spectacle: Double Star Cluster (NGC 884 & 869) A double star cluster is just what it says, two clusters of stars that are within the view of binoculars. These are what is known as Open Clusters.

That means that the stars are not in a tight ball like a globular star cluster. These open star clusters are a gathering of stars that have formed in the same dust cloud. They are loosely gravitationally bound, but not tightly. Our Sun may have formed in a small one of these, but the stars have

dispersed over their travels around the Milky Way Galaxy. It is located just below the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia in the northeastern sky.

Take the star at the top of the middle of the constellation and drop down to the left bottom star. Then go twice that distance in a straight line and you will see the two groups of stars.

Remember these are open groups of stars. Sometimes in a dark sky, you can see them with your eyes without the help of binoculars. See what else you can find in that area.

Moon Phases New (9/17) 1st Quarter (9/24) Full (10/1) 3rd Quarter (10/9) End of twilight - when the stars start to come out.

Sept. 15 – 7:50pm; Oct. 1 – 7:19pm; Oct. 20 – 6:45pm.

••• Longview resident Greg Smith is past president of Friends of Galileo. Meet him and other club members at monthly meetings in Longview. For more info about FOG, visit friendsofgalileo.com.

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the spectator

PLUGGED IN TO

COWLITZ PUD

by ned piper Gian Paul Morelli: The Columbia’s Impressario prepares to exit, stage left

M

any of us will be happy, for a variety of reasons, to see 2020 come to an end. For me, one reason to not feel that way, is because Gian Paul Morelli, executive director of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing A r t s ( C T PA ) , is retiring on December 31, after 14 years of outstanding leadership.

Morelli took the reins of the theater i n M a y, 2 0 0 7 , during the final stage of a multimillion-dollar renovation of the then 81 year-old vaudeville house.

Not an easy task to raise $5 million while juggling a dozen balls in the air, especially for a newcomer to the area, but he did a masterful job of pulling it off.

In ts early days, the Columbia hosted the likes of Duke Ellington’s famous band on its stage. With his connections to nationally-known performers and booking agencies, Gian Paul was able to bring back the glory days to the “Crown Jewel” of Southwest Washington, with acts like The Smothers Brothers, singers Merle Haggard, Arlo Guthrie, Don McLean, Judy Collins, actor Ed Asner and many, many more.

moving to Arizona. I will miss this man. Serving on his Board, filing the role for a time as the theatre’s volunteer “Chauffeur to the Stars,” and enjoying monthly 30-minuteplus discussions with Gian Paul when I’d deliver the Reader to his office every month have cemented our friendship.

While the current duel crisis of the Coronavirus and resulting economic downturn has shuttered the theatre, that has not dampened Morelli’s positive attitude. “I have confidence,” he said, “that the theatre will continue to evolve and thrive as we move out of this public health and economic crisis. I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

During his years as executive director, Gian Paul guided the organization through some of its most turbulent

In a recent press release. CTPA Board President Sue Lantz said, “Gian has provided excellent leadership and vision during his tenure — a vision that has always been driven by the needs of the community and executed by an experienced and dedicated group of professional staff and volunteers. Our Board and community deeply appreciate the passion and commitment that Gian brought to his work at the theatre” Personally, Gian Paul’s retirement is one thing, but the blockbuster for me was the news that he and his wife are

times: From the initial renovation, through a recession, to expanding the number of performances from 35 to 80+, the Columbia Theatre, under Gian Paul’s creative leadership, again quoting Sue Lantz, “... negotiated the ever-changing landscape as one of the most active arts centers in one of the smallest communities in the nation.”

The search will now begin to entice a qualified man or woman to move to Longview to fill the large shoes that this Gian Paul Morelli will leave behind. He will definitely be a tough act to follow.

So before we bring the curtain down, turn off the lights and lock the theatre’s doors, let’s give Gian Paul Morelli a well-deserved standing ovation. Bravo! Bravo, bravissimo!

And thank you.

••• Longview native Ned Piper has many fond memories of Mt. St. Helens prior to its devestating eruption in 1980 and has felt heartened to see the area returning to life in the intervening years.

Introducing SmartHub at Cowlitz PUD

By Alice Dietz

H

ave you ever had questions about your Cowlitz PUD bill? Do you ever wonder what your true usage is? If you’ve ever had questions about your account, our innovative web and mobile app, SmartHub, can help provide some answers.

SmartHub will be available through the Cowlitz PUD website on October 5th, and as a mobile app through the Apple App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play Marketplace (Android devices). SmartHub provides many features that can help you understand your account or get hold of us in a hurry.

Through SmartHub, you’ll be able to view detailed usage information providing insight to help better understand your bill. You’ll be able to put yourself in the driver’s seat of your Cowlitz PUD account.

You’ll also receive important news and information about Cowlitz PUD through the app. Any important news or alerts you’ll receive immediately. You can also contact us with any issues regarding your service. Take control of your account and make interacting with Cowlitz PUD easy with SmartHub. Smart Management. Smart Life. SmartHub. ••• Alice Dietz is Communications/Public Relations Manager at Cowlitz PUD. Reach her at adietz@cowlitzpud.org, or 360-501-9146.

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