CRR Holiday 2016

CRREADER.COM • November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road

SAVING YOUR AMARYLLIS

OUT • AND • ABOUT DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW HOLIDAY WALKABOUT TOOLING TO ALTOONA TAPAS HOPPING page 38

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

y a d i l Ho

s g n i d Ti

ur o y s u Make Mailing Holiday mas t & Chris Stamp arters!

Headqu

Hop N Grape Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner Home Brew Supplies Bulk Grains, Extracts and Hops Over 800 Varieties of Beer

TITLES TONNAGE LICENSES FAX SERVICE MAILING SERVICE NOTARY SERVICE

Over 700 Kinds of Wine 14 Tap Handles & Growlers Filled BBQ Restaurant – Meats Slow-Smoked on Site

QUICK TITLES CARS TRUCKS BOATS CYCLES TRAILERS TRIP PERMITS

Quick In & Out Friendly Service Handy Parking POSTAL SERVICE: Cash & Checks only LICENSING SERVICES: Debit/Credit Cards, Cash & Check

21 & Older

360.577.1541 • 924 15th Ave • Longview WA

Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year from Our Family

to Yours

NOTARY SERVICES: Cash only

957 14th Ave., Longview, WA • 360-636-2893 HOURS: M-F 8:30am–6pm • Sat 10am–3pm

THE BISTRO RESTAURANT Downtown Longview • 1329 Commerce Avenue

AYCESN!OW P S Y A T D R I A L P Y O A OLIDY H BOOK YOUHRAH PP STEAKS • SEAFOOD

PRIVATE PA

RTY SPACE •

360-577-7200 2 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

• SPIRITS

DINNER M U

SIC Th-Fri-S at

Tues–Sat 5pm • www.thebistrobuzz.com • 360.425.2837

T

he holidays are upon us and it’s time once again for everyone’s favorite activities. This issue is full of ideas and reminders of things to do — from a winter lunch outing to Pillar Rock and hometown tapas hopping, to local theatre and musical presentations. We even have an annual Nativity Festival, which I can recommend as a serene and inspiring antidote to the hustle and bustle of sometimes overly-hectic holiday schedules.

Sue’s Views

Happy Holidays to you all!

Sue Piper Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Tracy Beard Dr. Bob Blackwood Shannon Cahoon Nancy Chennault Susan Lanford, m.div, md Suzanne Martinson Gary Meyers Michael Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Marc Roland Alan Rose Alice Slusher Greg Smith Gordon Sondker Production Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman Lois Sturdivant Michael Perry Marilyn Perry Advertising Representatives Ned Piper, Manager 360-749-2632 Sue Lane 360-261-0658 Columbia River Reader, llc 1333 14th Ave •Longview, WA 98632 P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021 Subscriptions $26 per year inside U.S. (plus $2.08 sales tax for subscriptions mailed to Washington addresses).

To our readers, advertisers, staff and friends.

Thank you for another great year. We wish everyone a lovely Christmas season and a Happy New Year.

Remember Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 and CRR’s Downtown Longview Holiday Walkabout on Dec. 2 (see page 9). Both occasions are good opportunities to support local businesses while finding unique gifts for people you love and want to remember this holiday season.

I hope many of you can visit Columbia River Reader’s office on Dec. 7. We’re having a Holiday Open House and will also be celebrating Ned’s retirement from his 24-year stint as a Cowlitz PUD Commissioner (see “The Spectator,” page 42). Please come by and join the fun.

Holiday Greetings

You are invited to drop by our

Open House

The hustle and bustle begin again.

Finally, she put me in a prominent spot! Merry Christmas!

Don’t forget a holiday treat for your pet. Or your neighbor’s pet.

~ Smokey

Man in the Kitchen’s

ON THE COVER Basaltic rock in the Columbia River, near Altoona and Pillar Rock, with Astoria-Megler Bridge in the distance.

Photo by Michael Perry.

Cover Design by

Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,500 copies distributed free throughout the Lower Columbia region in SW Washington and NW Oregon. Entire contents copyrighted by Columbia River Reader. No reproduction of any kind allowed without express written permission of the publisher.

Opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, not necessarily to the Reader.

Reader submission guidelines: See page 36.

CRREADER.COM Access the current issue, Dining Guide and Columbia River Reader Past Issue Archives (from January 2013), under “Features.”

Dec. 7 • 10am–4pm 1333 14th Avenue, Longview

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

In this Issue 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 13 14 15 18 21 22 23-25 27 28 29 30 31 33 35 36-37 38 41 42

Letters to the Editor Besides CRR...What Are You Reading?

Tribute to Shirley Smith Miss Manners Downtown Longview Holiday Walkabout Cover to Cover ~ Book Review / Bestsellers List Dispatch from the Discovery Trail Pearl Harbor Reflections Northwest Wines ~ Good wine loves good company Biz Buzz Northwest Gardener ~ Jack Frost: Fantasy and Fact Out & About ~ A Jaunt to Pillar Rock Out & About ~ Castle Rock’s Festival of Lights Out & About ~ Tapas Hopping Where Do You Read the Reader?

Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter ~ Holiday Brunch Quips & Quotes Lower Columbia Informer ~ Going to Canada, eh?

Movie Reviews by Dr. Bob Blackwood Collective Philanthropy ~ 100 Women Who Care Astronomy ~ Holiday treats in the sky and under the tree Outings & Events Calendar Columbia River Dining Guide Holiday Houseplants: Amaryllis Re-Run The Spectator ~ Turning the page

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 3

Letters to the Editor

We look forward to handling your next real estate transaction.

Since 1982, Cowlitz County Title has been the trusted company the community turns to when buying, selling or refinancing a property.

Our Escrow Team...

Why Our Service is the Difference!

Whether you need title, escrow or property search information, come in for our exceptional service. Leave with the secure confidence Deanna Cornelison Shelby Caufman Escrow Officer Escrow Officer that your real estate investment is properly insured and protected.

• Title Insurance • Escrow Service • Residential & Commercial • 1031 Exchange • Locally owned

Leah Stanley

Escrow Assistant

Rita Lawrence Escrow Assistant

Bianca Lemmons VP/Manager/LPO

Linda Comley

Escrow Officer/LPO

Kristy Norman Escrow Assistant

1159 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632 • Phone: 360.423.5330 • Fax: 360.423.5932 • www.cowlitztitle.com

Committed to helping you find Bill Maxwell

Carrie Medack

360-901-9633

360-431-0998

NMLS#188558

THE RIGHT MORTGAGE.

NMLS#190268

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

Passes CRR on Whenever I travel I enjoy taking a couple of copies of the Reader with me and pass them on to persons I meet in my travels, especially when my wife does not accompany me and I get to pass the Reader photo copy on to the person taking my picture. The persons enjoy receiving the Reader from me and I am quite sure they enjoy the very good articles that are published in the Reader and just seeing what goes on in our neck of the woods!

Bob Rendler Cathlamet, Wash.

Praises for a great paper!

What a pleasure it is to pick up the monthly CRR to keep apprised of the many activities going on in our area.

I particularly enjoy information on all the musical events available to us.

I used to be an avid gardener, spending countless hours planting and caring for a multitude of dahlias. I seem to have changed my gardens and plantings many times since I moved back to Longview 18 years ago, and

though I’m simplifying and reducing my chores, I still enjoy reading all that Nancy Chennault shares with us.

As a person with way too many clothes in her closet, I found Erika Agren’s article concerning decluttering a useful one. It’s hard to part with “practically new” clothing that (for now) no longer fits. But the many thrift stores in town have benefited from my generous donations in the past, and that will continue.

But I think probably the most heartwarming story of all is Ned’s recent one concerning his “surprise” nephew. I’d been learning about this nephew over the past few months and am so happy for all concerned...

Janet Mansfield Longview, Wash.

Ms. Mansfield refers to the story of the recently-discovered Amerasian son of Ned’s late brother, Perry R. Piper, who while serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, fathered a child, Quoc Van Ngo, now 48. Ned wrote: “I’m sure Brother Perry would be proud and happy to meet the son he never knew. I certainly am.”

I’m committed to providing high quality, personal service. Your endorsement to family, friends and colleagues is the lifeblood of my business.

Steve Dahl

Real Estate Broker / Property Manager

1700 Hudson Street, Suite 101 Longview, WA 98632 SRDahl@PNWR.com

Cell 360-431-3540 1541 11th Ave., Suite A Longview, WA

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

4 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

BESIDES COLUMBIA RIVER READER...

What are you reading?

By Alan Rose

M

arion Thuma enthusiastically recommends Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America 1927—or really any book by this prolific and popular writer. “He’s an interesting person,” she said, “and a wonderful writer.”

One Summer highlights a number of key events that occurred that year as America was caught up in the rush of the Roaring ‘20s while teetering on

the verge of the Great Depression, still two years away. Among the events that Bryson relates are Lindbergh’s transAtlantic flight, the Great Mississippi Flood, and the exploits of the legendary Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees.

“I don’t know that much about baseball,” c o n f e s s e d

Marion, “but he makes it all very interesting.”

Bryson has a gift for writing intelligently and entertainingly on a wide range of subjects: about England, where he resides with his English wife (Notes from a Small Island), or about the Appalachian

Marion Thuma received her degree in library science from the University of Minnesota and worked in Lower Columbia College’s library for 19 years before retiring as its director.

This holiday season ... give the gift of music

Trail, which he walked with a friend (A Walk in the Woods) or growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, during the Fifties (The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid). It seems the man can write pretty much about anything and everything (A Short History of Nearly Everything).

•••

ATTENTION, READERS

If you’ve read a good book lately and would like to be mini-interviewed by CRR Book Reviewer Alan Rose for a future “What Are You Reading?” spotlight, please contact him at alan@alan-rose.com or contact the publisher/editor at publisher@ crreader.com.

Holiday company?

Let us help get your home ready for guests!

Piano Lessons A great investment in yourself or as a gift Martin E. Kauble Longview, WA

• Free estimate • Locally owned - not a franchise • Reliable, meticulous staff • Now accepting Cowlitz County clients

360-423-3072

(www.kaublepianostudio.com)

360-578-0789

technique • theory • performance

www.neatermaids.com

Member SIPC

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

e

WALSTEAD MERTSCHING

Injury Attorneys •Auto Accidents •Wrongful Death •Medical Malpractice •Insurance Claims •Washington/Oregon

Mark Brumbaugh Attorney

360-423-5220

Matt Andersen Attorney

1700 Hudson Street, Suite 300 • Longview, WA • walstead.com Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 5

Rest in Peace, Shirley Smith

In Remembrance

W Dr. Jeffrey Tack

Dr. Kristi Poe Dr. Terence Tack

Simply. . . the Best.

LONGVIEW 820 Ocean Beach Hwy, #100 • 360-636-2020 WOODLAND 500 Columbia Street, Suite A • 360-225-1010 CATHLAMET 180 3rd Ave • 360-795-3223

e are sorry to inform readers of the recent passing of Shirley Smith, retired travel agent, longtime community v o l u n t e e r and regular c o n t r i b u t o r t o Shirley Smith (left), Delores Rodman and Sue Piper, in Scottsdale, Arizona, in April 2016.

Columbia River Friend, co-worker and mentor to Reader. For 10 years, Shirley’s stories many, Shirley leaves a void in the reflected her perspectives and travels, community. She will be missed, including such titles as Surviving Single; especially by her beloved companion, Give Opera a Chance; Hackles and Ray McDermott.

Howling at Wolf Haven; Maui–then and now; Sedona, Arizona, for Snowbirds; CRR staff, writers, readers and friends Downsizing: The Agony and the Ecstacy; will fondly remember the smart and and Travel Insurance: Don’t Leave Home spunky Shirley Smith.

Without It. •••

LONGVIEW OUTDOOR GALLERY

The People’s Voice count is in...

T

he winner is “Journey” by Kris Vermeer. This seven foot tall stainless steel feather is located in front of Elam’s, 1413 Commerce Avenue, in Longview.

The feather is a very important symbol in Native American cultures (i.e., representing trust, honor, strength, power, freedom) .

To Kris Veneer, her sculpture “represents wisdom. It is a tribute to native Journey peoples and their by Kris Vermeer beliefs.”

Sunday Brunch

Come join us at the Longview Country Club for Sunday Brunch!

We are now offering Sunday Brunch to the public.

When: Every Sunday Where: Longview Country Club Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm Call for reservations 360-423-8500.

14 Country Club Drive • Longview, Washington 6 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Longview Outdoor Gallery will purchase “Journey” and donate it to the City of Longview.

This purchase is made possible by the generosity of donors who contributed to LOG on September 22 during the GiveMore24! online fundraiser from which LOG received $5,130.

The other 25 participating Cowlitz County non-profits raised $119,000.

The annual GiveMore24! campaign, hosted by the Community Foundation of Southwest Washington, is considered a tremendous benefit to the community, and LOG extends it appreciation to the public for voting for their favorite sculpture, and for their ongoing support.

•••

Civilized Life

By Judith Martin DEAR MISS MANNERS: Throughout my career and in my personal life, I have sent handwritten notes/letters to colleagues, friends and relatives to thank them for gifts and kind acts, and to offer congratulations or condolences as circumstances arise.

At a family gathering, I overheard a small group of young adult relatives mocking my habit. They feel it is pretentious of me to send written thanks after having already thanked a relative in person for a birthday or holiday gift, and proclaimed it “creepy” that, after the sudden death of a close relative, I wrote condolence letters to his wife, brother, mother and stepfather.

They are not aware I overheard these remarks, and I have attended subsequent family gatherings without letting on, but their words haunt me, and I feel hurt and embarrassed.

Is my practice incorrect? Should I stop sending handwritten thank-you notes and letters of condolence to my relatives?

GENTLE READER: Please tell Miss Manners that you do not really suspect your expressions of gratitude and sympathy of being wrong, on the opinion of people who sneer at graciousness.

Their attitude is common among those who want to justify their own

JANUARY ISSUE COMING OUT JAN 10

Full of...

• Outings • Winter reflections • Comfort Food

indifference to the feelings of those who are generous or bereaved. You should certainly not allow them to persuade you to be equally coarse.

However, if you have occasion to write to one of the relatives who took part in that conversation, you might open your letter by saying, “I know you may consider it ‘creepy’ of me to write, but I dearly want to express my sincere gratitude/appreciation ...”

If nothing else, this will instruct them to watch what they say in crowds.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a widow who has been abandoned by my former “couple” friends and am trying to rebuild my life. Several weeks ago I invited two separate, similarly situated women whom I have recently become acquainted with to have Thanksgiving dinner at my house with my daughter and me.

Both of them were noncommittal, and I did not press them for an answer.

I had planned a simple dinner if it was just going to be the two of us, but would have made something more elaborate if we were going to have guests. Two days before Thanksgiving, one of them telephoned to see how I was doing but did not mention Thanksgiving dinner, so I didn’t either. cont page 7

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

PRIME RIB

Mon-Fri: 6am - 8pm Sat-Sun: 7am - 8pm

THE BEST BREAKFAST and BURGERS ON THE RIVER!

MICRO BREWS • WINES • SPIRITS • LOTTERY ROOM

102 “A” St E • Rainier • 503-556-8772

Accessories Make Great Christmas Gifts!

We sell steamers, Fireplace Tool Sets, Fireplace Screens, Echo Fans & MORE.

ENDEAVOR STOVE

Cooktop surface • 2.2 cubic ft. firebox • Takes 18-inch logs Maximum burn time: 10 hours • Heats 1,200–2,000 sq. ft.

Bypass damper for quick, smokeless start-up Efficiency up to 79.5% • EPA Certified: 19 grams per hour

Pellet Stoves / Inserts • Woodstoves / Inserts • Gas Stoves / Inserts Chimneys and Accessories • Green Mountain Pellet Grills BBQ Pellets • Spas • Free Local Estimates • High Quality Pellet Fuel

• HaikuFest details

Ad Deadline: Dec. 26.

Submission Guidelines, p. 36.

503-556-3580

Check out our awesome Thrift Shop!

222 B. West • Rainier, OR 97048 • Open Mon – Sat

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 7

Downtown Longview welcomes YOU!

AUXILIARY

We’re Fundraising with

See ad, page 20 See ad, pg 17

Best Local Coffee Roaster & Café

~

Best Baristas, too!

Specializing in one-of-a-kind fashions and accessories

See ad, pg 17

The Broadway Gallery

General selection of boxed chocolates, bars & novelties in stock, available thru Dec. 7 at Columbia River Reader 1333 - 14th Ave., Longview, Wash.

Mon-Wed-Fri • 11- 3pm Special Christmas order deadline Dec 2 for pick-up on Dec. 9.

Call 360-261-0658

1335 14th Avenue 931 Ocean Beach Hwy

Formerly Downtown, Now a home-based gallery

on

BROADWAY AN ECLECTIC GATHERING

Dec: Special Men’s Discount 10% Free Gift Wrapping.

See 1st Thurs info, page 36. mcthreadswearableart.com

See ad, page 24

THE VINTAGE SQUARE

360-261-2373

Antiques ~ Gifts ~ Home 360-353-3145

M-Th 10-5:30 • F 10-5 • Sat 10-4 1310 Broadway • Longview thevintagesquareonbroadway.com

See ad, pg 2

Your place for sweet treats and fun!

See ad, page 18

See ad, page 20

Local Coffee • Healthy Lunches Birthday Parties • Ice Cream Socials

IN THE MERK • 1339 Commerce • 360-423-4986 See ad, pg 41

Home for the Holidays Annual Parade See ad, page 18 Baking Tip page 17

Sat., Dec 3 • 5pm Downtown Longview Commerce Ave to Civic Circle Tree Lighting

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

Contemporary clothing, accessories and more...for her GIFT CERTIFICATES

M–F 11–5:30 • Sat 11–4 1314 Commerce • Longview, WA • 360-353-3533

8 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Downtown Longview

Holiday Walkabout IT’S FREE! IT’S FUN! FRIDAY • DEC 2 3 – 7pm Get into the holiday spirit in Downtown Longview!

START

ANYTIME AFTER 3PM

Allow time to mix and mingle, maybe grab a bite along the way as you explore Downtown Longview.

•Start at Columbia River Reader’s office (1333 14th Ave., next to ZoJo Coffee) for extra Walkabout forms, a map or a cup of hot cider.

Or, using this page, start anywhere along the loop.

•Visit the 13 Walkabout shops staying open late.

Follow the numbered order on a “figure 8” loop or go in any order you choose.

•Enjoy samples, discounts, treats and giveaways as you make the circuit.

•Get your form stamped at each stop.

FINISH BY 7:00PM

•Deposit your completed page at your last stop. Entries will be collected and prize drawings held Tuesday, Dec. 6. Winners will be notified by phone or email.

To qualify for prizes, Walkabouters must get forms stamped at all participating shops.

NAME

PHONE or EMAIL

STARTING PARTY

(optional)

3–6pm •1333 14 Ave. Columbia River Reader HOT CIDER • HOLIDAY CHEER EXTRA WALKABOUT FORMS PLAYER PIANO MUSIC th

1

2 3 4 5 6

CASSAVA • 1333 Broadway

VINTAGE SQUARE 1310 Broadway

ELAM’S • 1413 Commerce

BANDA’S • 1414 Commerce

BROADWAY GALLERY 1418 Commerce

Cross to 12th via back door

AMBIENCE SALON 1422 12th Ave

7

KRISTI’S CUSTOM CAKES 1339 Commerce

8 9

SCOOPS •1339 Commerce

PRETTY PLEASE • 1311 Hudson

10 11

TEAGUE’S INTERIORS 1267 Commerce

PET WORKS 1257 Commerce

12 13

THE SOAP FACTORY 1227 Commerce

POSH ON COMMERCE 1227 Commerce

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 9

Cover to Cover

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

1. A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman, Washington Square Press, $16 2. The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins, Riverhead, $16 3. The Sellout Paul Beatty, Picador USA, $16 4. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry Fredrik Backman, Washington Square Press, $16 5. The Sympathizer Viet Thanh Nguyen, Grove Press, $16 6. Milk and Honey Rupi Kaur, Andrews McMeel, $14.99 7. Last Bus to Wisdom Ivan Doig, Riverhead, $16 8. My Name Is Lucy Barton Elizabeth Strout, Random House, $16 9. My Brilliant Friend Elena Ferrante, Europa Editions, $17 10. Ready Player One Ernest Cline, Broadway, $16

BOOK REVIEW

By Alan Rose

1. The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, Penguin, $17 2. Astoria Peter Stark, Ecco, $15.99 3. Dead Wake Erik Larson, Broadway, $17 4. The Soul of an Octopus Sy Montgomery, Atria, $16 5. Big Magic Elizabeth Gilbert, Riverhead, $16 6. You Are a Badass Jen Sincero, Running Press, $16 7. Alexander Hamilton Ron Chernow, Penguin, $20 8. All That the Rain Promises and More David Arora, Ten Speed Press, $17.99 9. The Invention of Nature Andrea Wulf, Vintage, $17 10. How to Love Thich Nhat Hanh, Parallax Press, $9.95

HARDCOVER FICTION

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION

1. Today Will Be Different Maria Semple, Little Brown, $27 2. The Whistler John Grisham, Doubleday, $28.95 3. The Trespasser Tana French, Viking, $27 4. All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr, Scribner, $27 5. Small Great Things Jodi Picoult, Ballantine, $28.99 6. Commonwealth Ann Patchett, Harper, $27.99, 9780062491794 7. The Underground Railroad Colson Whitehead, Doubleday, $26.95 8. The Secret History of Twin Peaks: A Novel Mark Frost, Flatiron, $29.99 9. The Rain in Portugal Billy Collins, Random House, $26 10. The Blood Mirror Brent Weeks, Orbit, $28

1. The Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben, Greystone Books, $24.95 2. Upstream Mary Oliver, Penguin Press, $26 3. Born to Run Bruce Springsteen, S&S, $32.50 4. Hillbilly Elegy J.D. Vance, Harper, $27.99 5. Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook Ina Garten, Clarkson Potter, $35 6. Being Mortal Atul Gawande, Metropolitan, $26 7. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Marie Kondo, Ten Speed Press, $16.99 8. Appetites: A Cookbook Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever, Ecco, $37.50 9. My Own Words Ruth Bader Ginsburg, S&S, $30 10. Owl: A Year in the Life of North American Owls Paul Bannick, Mountaineers Books, $34.95

Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Assn, for week ending October 30, 2016, based on reporting from the independent bookstores of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For the Book Sense store nearest you, visit www.booksense. com MASS MARKET

CHILDREN’S INTEREST

1. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99 2. The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins, Riverhead, $9.99 3. Slaughterhouse-Five Kurt Vonnegut, Laurel Leaf, $7.99 4. The Wise Man’s Fear Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $9.99 5. The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, Penguin, $9.99 6. Inferno Dan Brown, Anchor, $9.99 7. The Goldfinch Donna Tartt, Little Brown, $10.99 8. The Left Hand of Darkness Ursula K. Leguin, Ace, $9.99

9. American Gods

Neil Gaiman, Morrow, $9.99 10. Outlander Diana Gabaldon, Dell, $9.99

1. Ghosts Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $10.99 2. Dog Man Dav Pilkey, Graphix, $9.99 3. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Sherman Alexie, Little Brown, $15.99 4. Rad Women Worldwide Kate Schatz, Miriam Klein Stahl (Illus.), Ten Speed Press, $15.99 5. When the Sea Turned to Silver Grace Lin, Little Brown, $18.99 6. Sisters Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $10.99 7. The Secret Keepers Trenton Lee Stewart, Diana Sudyka (Illus.), Little Brown, $18.99 8. Brown Girl Dreaming Jacqueline Woodson, Puffin, $10.99 9. Pax Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen (Illus.), Balzer + Bray, $16.99 10. The BFG Roald Dahl, Puffin, $7.99

Ah, Portland – weird, wonderful Portland

City of Weird: 30 Otherworldly Portland Tales Gigi Little, editor Forest Avenue Press $15.95

I

n recent years Forest Avenue Press, a small, independent publisher in Portland, has brought out a number of noteworthy books by talented authors, like Dan Berne’s Gods of Second Chances, and Ellen Urbani’s Landfall. In October, they published an anthology of “otherworldly tales” based in Portland.

Edited by Gigi Little, marketing director at Powell’s Books, the collection offers thirty short stories by local writers, a number of whom are transplants to Portland —here understood to be a kind of Mecca for the laid-back, the

funky and the offbeat. (“I was too queer for small-town New England,” writes Brigitte Winter in ‘Octopocalypse: A Love Story,’ “but here I feel obscenely normal.”)

Aspects of the city are captured in brief, luminous descriptions. Karen Munro (“The Color Off the Shelf”) observes the “big rain clouds reflecting sunlight and at the same time glooming up the whole city.” Rene Denfeld (“The Sturgeon Queen”) gazes upon “the huge, deep Willamette River as it sheened in the setting sun.”

True to its title, many of these stories are…um, weird, suggesting flights of an imagination on steroids and without benefit of seatbelts. As with any anthology, different stories will appeal to different people. Among my favorites was Brian Reid’s “How I Got this Job”— a funny, wacky account of police chasing Santa Claus on his bibulous rampage through the streets of Portland (“I drop the nightstick and pull out my gun. I can’t believe I’m going to wing Santa. ‘Put the beer down, sir,’ I order. ‘Put the beer down.’”)

Alan Rose, author of Tales of Tokyo, The Legacy of Emily Hargraves and The Unforgiven organizes the monthly WordFest gatherings. He can be reached at www.alan-rose.com, at www.Facebook.com/Alan.Rose.Author, and www.Facebook.com/WordFestNW. 10 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Over the last few days I’d amassed a pile of library books on (the mindbody problem), looking for an answer.

Instead, I had begun to suspect that I didn’t even really understand the question…This was for Metaphysics, a class I’d taken because I was then, as I am now, prone to mysticism— though the only reason Reed allows freshmen to take this course, as far as I can tell, is to cure them of such afflictions quickly. ~ from Susan DeFreitas’s “The Mind-Body Problem” in City of Weird

Oregonian in the Year 30,000 BC,” discussing the benefits and abuses of the discovery of fire—“Our first attempt at cooking ended in a forest fire (sorry, Tree People.)”

Through these fantastical stories, thirty creative imaginations offer different interpretations of the city to our south. I liked Mark Russell’s ironic assessment: “More than anything else, people need a place to fail gently. To me, that’s what Portland is all about.”

••• Gigi Little and several of the contributors to City of Weird will be reading at the next WordFest on December 13.

Andrew Stark writes a surprisingly touching tale of an animatronic dog comforting his dying owner in “A Code for Everything,” while Bradley K. Rosen’s “Yay” offers a bleak, powerful perspective into a homeless man’s sad, psychotic life in this city “with all its odd clients and goodlooking bridges.”

There is also quirky, minimalist humor in Justin Hocking’s “Vampire” (“The vampire seriously regrets not buying a house in Portland when real estate was still affordable, back in 1896.”) and in Mark Russell’s “Letters to The

Dec 13•Cassava 1333 Broadway Longview

www.alan-rose.com

SECOND TUESDAY

Lewis & Clark

Over the top

I

n October, 1805, after fighting their way up the Missouri River and across the Rocky Mountains, the Corps of Discovery must have been happy to float down the Snake River to present-day Pasco, Wash. Clark wrote the Columbia “river is remarkably clear and crouded with salmon in many places… Salmon may be seen at the depth of 15 or 20 feet.”

Hot Dog!

The men were afraid to eat dead, spawned-out salmon lying along the shore, so they purchased 40 dogs as they began their journey down the Columbia. More than 250 dogs would be eaten during the journey. Lewis wrote that he preferred dog meat to lean venison or elk, but Clark wrote, “I have not become reconciled to the taste of this animal.”

The abundant fish allowed for a dense population of Indians in permanent villages. It was a rare day that the Corps didn’t see settlements while floating down the Columbia. There wasn’t a tree as far as the eye could see, so the Expedition had to buy firewood from the Indians.

On October 22nd they reached Celilo Falls, where the river was funneled through a series of drops totaling 38 feet. Hired Indians helped portage the cargo around the falls while the men rode their five dugout canoes down all but one of the drops. Shooting the rapids was a foolish thing to do, but Lewis and Clark were in a hurry to reach their goal and were reluctant to spend the time to portage around every rapid. There would be several more dangerous sections on the Columbia in the next 55 miles.

On October 24th they found nine miles of narrow channels with fast currents and eddies at The Dalles.

Clark wrote, “at this place the water of this great river is compressed into a Chanel between two rocks not exceeding forty five yards wide and continues for a ¼ of a mile when it again widens… The

We are pleased to present

Installment 18 of Michael Perry’s popular 33-month series which began with CRR’s April 15, 2004 inaugural issue. During the 2004-2007 Bicentennial Commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, each installment covered their travels 200 years prior. We are repeating the series for the enjoyment of both longtime and more recent readers.

To find prior installments visit

Native Americans fishing off platforms at Celilo Falls prior to the Falls’ flooding in 1956 after construction of the Dalles Dam. Photo courtesy of US Army Corps of Engineers.

crreader.com Click “Features,” then “Archives.”

whole of the Current of this great river must at all Stages pass thro’ this narrow chanel.” Clark was dismayed by “the horrid appearance of this agitated gut Swelling, boiling & whorling in every direction.”

With no easy portage, the nonswimmers walked along the shore while the rest of the men shot the rapids. The Indians were astonished and lined up to watch the crazy white men drown themselves, waiting for the chance to help themselves to their equipment after the canoes capsized.

Amazingly, all five canoes made it through without serious incident.

While visiting the many Indian villages, the men were exposed to a new problem. Clark wrote, “The Flees which the party got on them at the upper & great falls, are very troublesom and dificuelt to get rid of, particularly as the men have not a Change of Clothes to put on, they Strip off their Clothes and kill the flees, dureing which time they remain neckid.”

The end is near

After passing Celilo Falls, Clark began seeing what he described as sea otters and seals. Since sea otters never enter fresh water, they were undoubtedly seals and sea lions. As the scorched barren hills transitioned into moist green tree-covered mountains,

rain began. Forty five miles below The Dalles, they reached “The Great Shute,” now called Cascade Locks.

After portaging around the cascades on November 2nd, they passed “Beaten Rock” (today’s Beacon Rock) and camped at Rooster Rock. Clark noticed 9-inch tidal effects on the river at Rooster Rock, and 18 inches the next day.

Michael Perry enjoys local history and travel. His popular 33-installment Lewis & Clark series appeared in CRR’s early years and began an “encore” appearance in July 2015.

CATERING

Be a guest at your next event!

On November 3rd, they passed the “Quick Sand River” (today’s Sandy River) and camped on Government Island where I-205 now crosses the Columbia. Joseph Whitehouse wrote, cont page 12

Lifting women to a healthy lifestyle.

A Gift Certificate to Lite Weights will make a lovely holiday gift!

Lite Weights for Women Serving the Columbia River region, including Longview-Kelso.

503-366-9099 800-330-9099 201 S. 1st Street St. Helens OR wildcurrantcatering.com

Mary Simonson, owner Like us on Facebook!

Mon-Fri 6am–7pm • Sat 9am–Noon

1150 Vandercook Way Longview, WA

360-577-8950

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 11

Lewis & Clark

cont from page 11

“we met Several Indians in a canoe who were going up the River. They Signed to us that in two Sleeps we Should See the Ocean vessels and white people.”

On November 4th, they saw an Indian village on Sauvie Island, near St. Helens, with 25 houses built of straw and covered with bark. Clark noted he saw increasing amounts of “uriopian” goods: guns, powder flasks, copper and brass trinkets, and tailored clothes. John Ordway wrote, “one of the Indians could talk & Speak Some

1409 14th Ave, Longview

e l y t s e m Ho g n i k o o C of the s 0 7 & s 0 6 All natural ingredients Starting our 4th year Closed Mon & Tues Open Wed thru Sun 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1140 15th Ave Longview 360-636-6181

words English such as curseing” picked up from encounters with sailors. They camped near today’s Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge, where Clark wrote, “I could not sleep for the noise kept by the Swans, geese… ducks.” He added, “they were emensely numerous and their noise horrid.”

Snugly fixed

Urban sprawl?

On November 5th, they passed 14 wooden plank houses at the Cathlapotle village near Ridgefield, and another Cathlapotle village at the mouth of the Lewis River. Clark wrote the Lower Columbia region was “certainly a fertill and handsom valley, at this time crowded with Indians.” At the mouth of the Kalama River was an abandoned village. They camped on the west side of the river between Prescott and Rainier.

On November 6th, they saw abandoned villages on both sides of the Columbia near the mouth of the Cowlitz River. Clark wrote, “The Coweliskee river is 150 yards wide, is deep, from Indian information navigable a very considerable distance for canoes.” Lewis later said the principal village of the Skillutes was on the lower side of the Cowlitz a few miles from its entrance into the Columbia.

They passed two lodges on the Oregon side across from Mt. Coffin, downstream from the present-day Lewis and Clark Bridge connecting Longview and Rainier. Clark described Mt. Coffin, named by Vancouver’s 1792 expedition, as “a verry remarkable knob riseing from the edge of the water about 80 feet high”(it was actually 240 feet tall). They camped that night near Cape Horn, east of Cathlamet.

The next morning the fog was so thick they could not see across the river, but they set out with great hopes of soon arriving at the ocean. They passed four large houses near Cathlamet. The houses were raised off the ground, with beds four feet above the floor.

They saw another seven houses at a village near Skamokawa, and when the fog lifted, they could hear the roar of the ocean.

“Ocian in view! O! the joy”

How the Corps spent Christmas In his original articles Michael Perry described events as they had occurred exactly 200 years earlier. As we re-run the series, however, we are not quite “in synch” with the current time of year.

This month’s column has the Corps just approaching the Pacific Ocean; the next two monthly columns (Jan and Feb 2017) will describe the difficulties in reaching the site of the Corps’ winter quarters. We thought Reader readers might like to look ahead a little to know how the Expedition spent Christmas. While Fort Clatsop was still not quite finished on Christmas Day 1805, the men moved in anyway to get out of the rain.

O

n December 25th, Joseph Whitehouse wrote, “We saluted our officers, by each of our party firing off his gun at day break in honor of the day.”

Sergeant Ordway wrote about the gifts Captains Lewis and Clark gave each man: “They divided out the last of their tobacco among the men that used and the rest they gave each a Silk handkerchief, as a Christmas gift, to keep us in remembrence of it as we have no ardent Spirits, but are all in good health which we esteem more than all the ardent Spirits in the world. We have nothing to eat but poore Elk meat and no Salt to Season that with.”

Clark wrote they had “a bad Christmas diner” consisting of unsalted, spoiled lean elk meat, spoiled pounded fish purchased two months earlier at Celilo Falls, and a few roots.

He also wrote they were “Snugly fixed” in the unfinished fort.

Sleeping under a roof must have been a great relief, but they had to deal with fleas that “torment us in such a manner as to deprive us of half the nights Sleep.”

Sergeant Gass wrote, “the ticks, flies and other insects are in abundance, which appears to us very extraordinary at this season of the year, in a latitude so far north.”

Still, everyone was happy to be dry! ~ Michael Perry

Then, near Pillar Rock, 12 miles downriver from Skamokawa, Clark wrote, “we are in view of the opening of the ocian, which Creates great joy.” The men saw a magnificent vista: The river had widened to about five miles and they could see that the sky met the water at the horizon where the Columbia flowed between Point Adams and Cape Disappointment into the Pacific Ocean. But they were still over 20 miles from the actual coastline, and getting there was going to be a most miserable journey.

•••

Visit the Rock!

See Pillar Rock Winter Outing story, page 21.

12 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Modern-day replica of the finished Fort Clatsop, with snow (rather than the usual rain Lewis & Clark faced.) Courtesy photo: Fort Clatsop National Historical Park.

Pearl Harbor

The date that will live in Infamy

By Gary Meyers

T

his year, 2016, marks the 75th anniversary of what President Roosevelt described as “The date which will live in infamy:” December 7th, 1941. As I stand on Ford Island looking out over the placid waters of Pearl Harbor, it’s difficult to imagine what happened here 75 years ago. However, for those whose fate placed them here on that date, the experience will be forever etched in their consciousness.

Together they represent the Alpha and the Omega of the Pacific war.

The ravages of war have been replaced by hopes for everlasting peace.

The theme for the 75th commemoration program is “Honoring the Past – Inspiring the Future.” For many One survivor described the scene as aging veterans, this year may be their what he imagined hell to be. Blue last opportunity to visit the scene sky obscured by roiling black clouds where boys and girls became men of burning oil escaping and women. The sand from the bombed and is flowing inexorably torpedoed ships; dazed through the hourglass sailors blown into the The ravages and their ranks are water fighting for their of war have been dwindling. The USS survival amidst the dead Arizona survivors now replaced by hopes number five. floating in the harbor; small boats dodging for everlasting Working at Pacific bombs and strafing Av i a t i o n M u s e u m peace.” attacks crisscrossing Pearl Harbor, I often the harbor to rescue ~ Gary Meyers, meet American WWII hapless shipmates on the theme for the veterans and family and retrieve bodies.

Pearl Harbor 75th members of those who Overhead, waves of Commemoration, have passed. They are Japanese fighters and Honoring the Past – eager to share their dive bombers swarmed Inspiring the Future. poignant stories. I like deadly wasps, each also have Japanese assigned specific targets friends who are WWII and each intent on veterans — some Zero success at any cost. Their mission to pilots, some suicide boat drivers and cripple the Pacific fleet had succeeded some trained to be kamikaze pilots, all beyond their wildest expectations. saved by the war’s end.

War had come to America in a most violent way. We had suffered For the most part, old animosities a crushing defeat but Japan had have faded away. When American awakened a sleeping tiger. “Remember and Japanese veterans meet, there Pearl Harbor” would become the are usually bows and handshakes and rallying cry for the long and costly congratulations to each other for road to victory. having survived. They then proceed to share their common experiences.

Now, 75 years later, reminders of that

“

terrible day are still visible: shrapnel gouges in the concrete radiating outward from the point of the first bomb strike on Ford Island, strafing marks dotting the outer walls of Pacific Air Forces headquarters and appearing in jagged lines on the Ford Island seaplane ramp, bullet holes in the hangar windows, the decaying remains of the USS Utah on the west side of Ford Island, and of course, the ghostly hulk of the USS Arizona resting under its Memorial. Moored just south of the USS Arizona is the USS Missouri, the ship on which the Japanese surrender was signed on September 2, 1945.

Some pilots meet who have actually engaged in combat against each other! This is the way of the warrior – a common brotherhood, a common understanding, a common respect. I fight for my Country, you fight for yours. Each of us hopes to be lucky. I have yet to meet one on either side who says, “I really enjoyed combat; I’d love to do it again!” That’s the great myth. It’s the spectators in the nickel seats who make such utterances. The person on the floor of the arena facing the raging lion wishes he had the afternoon off!

The focus today is peace, friendship, and reconciliation. One of the many events of the 75th anniversary will be the Blackened Canteen ceremony conducted by Dr. Hiroya Sugano of Shizuoka, Japan. The canteen emerged from the wreckage of two B-29s which collided during a bombing raid over Shizuoka in June 1945. 23 crewmen died. A Japanese man, Fukumatsu Itoh, gave the airmen a respectful burial and erected a marker for which he suffered the anger and hate of his neighbors. He endured the pain quietly and every year thereafter until his death in 1972, he conducted a private annual ceremony pouring whiskey from the canteen onto the monument as an offering to the spirits of the fallen Americans and Japanese. Dr. Sugano knew Mr. Itoh and has continued the tradition since 1972. For the past several years, with the concurrence of the National Park Service, he

You deserve to retire with dignity.

Whether you’re just starting to work or have been for years . . . you may want to retire...

Get a Plan. Call me today.

Financial Network

Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks llc, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Terry Barnes Grambo Financial Advisor

Located in The Merk 1339 Commerce Ave • Suite 207, Longview WA grambot@financialnetwork.com • www.terrybarnesgrambo.com

360-423-1962

has been conducting the ceremony aboard the USS Arizona Memorial as a remembrance to all victims of the war.

I’m reminded of the words spoken

by Sen. Frank Moss at the 1972 dedication of the USS Utah memorial at Pearl Harbor: “While we honor those who here gave their last full measure of devotion, all of us hope and pray that the time will come when we no longer need to dedicate memorials to men who died in battle — that we will dedicate memorials to those who live in peace —to all nations and all men.”

••• Gary Meyers grew up in Longview, Wa s h . , a n d completed careers with the U.S. Marine Corps and Northwest Airlines before retiring in Honolulu. He volunteers at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor coordinating special projects and enjoys traveling the world. He is an occasional contributor to CRR and holds the title of HaikuFest Founder/Chief Judge.

You can count on

Scappoose Business & Tax Service

• Income Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor • Complete Payroll Services • Training & Support Open all year ~ Call or stop by for your FREE consultation SCAPPOOSE 503-543-7195 52698 NE First scaptax1@scaptax.com OTB00973 ST HELENS 503-397-6993 1510 St. Helens Street Suite A scaptax2@scaptax.com OTB00031 Regular Hours Mon – Thur 9 – 5 After-hours by arrangement

scappoosebusinessandtax.com

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 13

P a h f L

Northwest Wine

Good wine loves good company

I

Pairs with friends and

By Marc Roland conversation mostly just cursory and secondary to the pairing that they are really looking forward to: the conversation.

f I have learned one thing in the wine business, it is that the best wine pairing is the company it keeps. Much is written about wine and food, wine ratings, wine tasting, and wine accessories, but little on the relationships of wine. Most of us don’t really think about why we enjoy wine.

For example, I love wine and I talk about it everyday from an evaluative, scientific and artistic standpoint.

However, when I come home from work and sit down (doesn’t happen very often these days) my wife, Nancy, and I will invariably have what we call a “little repas”—a glass of wine and some cheese and crackers.

When folks come to our tasting room, they don’t spend most of their time talking about wine. They try the wine and make a decision about which one they like. Those with more sophisticated palettes may describe the flavors and ask some questions about where the grapes come from or ask about the winemaking process. But this conversation is

We recap the day’s events and as the wine kicks in, we could fly to the moon and back. We talk about how much we love the grandkids, we make travel plans (in theory, of course) and we try to solve the world’s problems — if only we were in charge.

Longview resident and former Kelso teacher Marc Roland started making wine in 2008 in his garage. He and his wife, Nancy, now operate Roland Wines at 1106 Florida Street, in Longview’s new “barrel district.” For wine tasting hours, call 360-846-7304.

Engine Cooling $ System Service

We are entering the so-called holiday season, a term invented by those who hope to make a killing by selling us things we don’t need. They call it a “season” because they want us to focus on spending for a very long time. I propose that we counter this emphasis by doing another kind of spending.

good with food. Don’t bring out your fancy older wines that you have been saving for awhile because they may try to hog the conversation. Save those for special wine tastings or occasions.

The holidays are for relationships.

Here are a few of my favorites, all available locally:

How about spending the most precious thing we have? Time, of course. And what better way to do it than to pair it with those we love? These days we can get great wine for under $20, and memorable wine for $30. Whether you invite someone to your house or meet them at your favorite hangout, you can be sure that wine will add to the experience, and if the wine is good, it will stay in the background as a silent partner in your conversation. That’s what it’s all about.

Mumm Brut Rosé $24. Soft fruity flavors with just the right amount of acid to taste great with a holiday dinner.

So what makes a good conversation wine? The short answer is one that doesn’t demand attention. Too much of anything can be interesting for awhile, but balance is what makes a good wine.

Too much acid, tannin, alcohol, and dryness may get in the way. My three go-to wines for celebrating holidays with friends are sparkling wine like Prosecco or champagne (if you want to splurge), or Washington Merlot, and Oregon Pinot Noir. All three taste

Ruffino Procecco $12. Crisp, clean and delicate with fine bubbles. Intense apple and peach flavors slide into floral aromas on the finish. Wonderful addition to holiday conversations.

Columbia Winery Merlot, Columbia Valley $14. Its aromatic profile shows freshness with red-toned fruit of cherry and cranberry, backed by accents of blueberry. An easy going wine that will taste great with holiday meals or sipping with friends Erath Pinot Noir $16 Delicious and approachable! Bursting-with-berries aromas. A silky mouthful of bing cherry and pomegranate are woven together with a smooth caramel flavor.

Won’t get in the way of the important things in life.

•••

89.

95

Inspect hoses and belts, drain and refill cooling system with new antifreeze, inspect water pump and radiator for correct function. Honda vehicles only.

Good thru 11/9/17.

Lube, Oil and Filter $

INCLUDES FREE HAND CAR WASH

27.

95

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

Hazardous waste and taxes extra. Good thru 1/9/117.

Brakepad Replacement Special

$

159.

Rotor service extra

95

Honda vehicles only

Some vehicles may require additional charges.

Good thru 11/9/17.

14 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

to our friends and customers!

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

Biz Buzz What’s Happening Around the River Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we will include news of innovations, improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones of interest to readers.

Please email publisher@crreader.com to share the local buzz.

teach several hundred high school students each year what to expect in the “real world” of adulthood. She lives in Longview with her husband, Duane, and their dogs and cats.

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District recently received a State award recognizing its nine-employee training team’s work building a new program. The award, presented in Bend at the annual meeting of the Oregon Chapter of the Association of Public Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association, recognizes the Dispatch Trainer/Coach or Training Team which exemplifies leadership, integrity, trustworthiness and dependability, promotes the Telecommunicator Code of Ethics; mentors new employees, sets a positive tone within the dispatch environment, uses new and creative approaches to the everchanging dynamics of the dispatch profession and seeks out learning opportunities for themselves and the personnel whose success they have

been entrusted to achieve. APCONENA represents its members before communications regulatory agencies and policy-making bodies. Oregon Chapter members span the entire state and work to provide education, recognition, state and federal representation, and ongoing support for public safety employees.

Virginia LeLoff will retire after 41 years operating Le’s I n c o m e Ta x Service in Clatskanie. The business was founded with a partner, Leona Virginia Leloff C h r i s t o p h e r, who retired in 1991. LeLoff said she looks forward to volunteering in Clatskanie and to spending a lot of time at the beach. “I haven’t had any experience relaxing,” she joked. “I’m going to enjoy myself somehow.”

Fibre Feder al Credit Union’s Community Outreach Coordinator Shannon Cahoon won first place in the Credit Union Executive Society’s “Next Top Credit Union Executive,” an annual international search for young stand-out credit union executives.

Cahoon’s project Shannon Cahoon to track the return on investment of financial education was chosen from a group of international applicants, all age 35 or under, selected by a team of judges.

As one of five finalists, Cahoon made a final presentation recently at CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network™ in Savannah, Georgia. She emerged the winner after a four-part scoring process. Cahoon wins a $20,000 educational prize package to any two of CUES’ CEO Institutes – one in 2017 and one in 2018 – and two remote coaching sessions from DDJ Myers Ltd. of Phoenix. Cahoon graduated from Mark Morris High School and Washington State UniversityVancouver. She has worked at FFCU since 2011 and teaches financial education classes in area classrooms, volunteers at seven local schools and coordinates financial reality fairs that

New clothing boutique opens in Downtown Longview

simplicity (think Jackie Kennedy),” at price points that are very reasonable.

“There’s no need to wait for a sale.”

store’s assortment of clothing needs to be different from big-city stores. The personal contact and direct feedback from customers “opened up my eyes to more of a small town mentality.”

Philbrook urges customers to be adventurous about clothes. “It’s important … to try something new you’ve never tried,” she said. “Every once in a while, step out of your comfort zone.” Philbrook and her staff, currently two part-time employees, try on every garment in the shop so they know first-hand the fit and feel. Working in a small boutique, she said, “you get to know your customers.” This comes in handy when, for example, a gentleman comes in to Michelle Philbrook in her new Downtown Longview boutique. purchase a gift for his wife or girlfriend. “You remember what she to work at a Victoria’s Secret store liked, what she bought,” Philbrook in Seattle. Later, The Bon recruited said. her as a buyer. When Macy’s (The Bon’s successor) changed to a national Besides clothing, Posh on Commerce buying method, Philbrook took a job carries Mixture candles (a brand in staffing, eventually re-locating to Philbrook fell in love with in Seattle), Longview, where, based in an office Hobo handbags and wallets, Tokyo in the Kelso store, she managed one of Milk perfume, hand cream and travel Macy’s 69 nationwide districts. candles, and assorted fashion jewelry,

When Macy’s corporate leadership eliminated district managers two years ago, Philbrook took a hiatus on the advice of her husband. “Take a year off…be a mom,” she recalled him saying. “Do something for yourself and decide what you want to do when you grow up.”

B

Columbia River Reader

efore signing the lease at 1314 Commerce, Michelle Philbrook also considered locating her new clothing boutique in a mall, where parking and foot traffic might be better.

But, she explained, “I wanted to see brick and old-time charm.” Opening a small business in Downtown Longview — or anywhere — definitely carries a risk, she said, but “if we don’t believe in it,” she said, “then why would other people?”

Philbrook opened Posh on Commerce in mid-October, after spending 2-1/2 months and $10,000 refurbishing the space, formerly occupied by Glamstruck home interior boutique. Her husband, John Philbrook, a longshore foreman, did much of the work, such as installing new flooring and fixtures, while her friends helped with painting.

Now that it’s open, women are quickly discovering the shop. “I can outfit any woman, any age, and make her look absolutely wonderful,” Michelle Philbrook said. “There’s something (here) for everyone.” She stocks merchandise reflecting “a mid-century, modern approach, with clean lines and

plus two Seattle lines of handmade sterling silver and gold-dipped bronze fine jewelry.

She moved to the Pacific Northwest from Tuscon, Arizona 20 years ago

“I thought it would help my resumé and give me a better understanding of the overall business,” she said.

Visiting smaller Macy’s stores in places like Coos Bay, Medford and Bend, Oregon, she learned how a small

“I’d always thought about opening my own store,” she said. And so she did.

Besides the fashion sense developed during her earlier career, Philbrook bases her buying decisions on social media, fashion magazines and the advice of vendors, who steer her to “whatever’s trend-right.” She visits Portland wholesale markets bi-weekly and flies to Los Angeles every six weeks to buy new inventory.

These days, Philbrook enjoys walking down Commerce Avenue to keep her finger on the “pulse” and share the excitement of new vitality. “People are starting to feel they can put faith into Downtown,” she said. Longview itself has a lot of dining options, but the downtown eateries “have character and ...opened the door for more people to come downtown.” For what she wanted her shop to be, “This was the place!” The boutique is open Mon through Fri, 11–5:30, Sat, 11–4.

•••

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 15

d.

Holiday Tips for “That Very Special Time of Year” Susan A. Lanford, M.Div, md

M

y children sang these words every December with a beautiful orchestra, and every year, I cried. The music was so lovely, and I was so tired.

Holidays are nearing, and you know every tip I’ll suggest. Read on anyway!

The good news is there’s time to: •Set your budget •Search for tickets to favorite events, flights, etc.

•Decide with whom you’ll share days off, meals, and gifts.

Then remember: •One in four of us experiences holiday anxiety or depression. Be kind to those in your daily world, including yourself.

•Stress management techniques which work for you all year still work in December. Pay attention to what calms your mind and nourishes your soul.

•Before everything else, be grateful.

Notice, record, retell each delight.

Happy Holidays!

•••

Susan Lanford is a hospital chaplain and manager for spiritual care with PeaceHealth.

She has written and taught in the areas of spirituality, personal growth, and stress management for many years. She and her husband Randy are new residents to the Pacific Northwest and are grateful daily to live among so much natural beauty.

Former Longview resident publishes book of poetry

By Ned Piper

F

o r m e r Longview re side n t Ti m Cusick has just published Farm to Fable, a collection of poetry revealing how his life was shaped from “farm boy” to the man he has become.

“I consider it a journey of life in poetry,” said Cusick, who is a biologist by training. “There’s a lot of Nature and interactions with Nature.

Some of it is personal, some is just being a spectator.”

100 WOMEN WHO CARE • INAUGURAL MEETING JAN 10 • See story, page 33

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

Cowlitz County Commissioner Mike Karnofski speaks at a recent CEDC meeting.

Photo by Vanessa Johnson

360.423.9921 www.cowlitzedc.com

Cusick and his wife, Suzanne Cusick, Tim Cusick f o r m e r Longview School District Superintendent, now live in Oregon.

Tim Cusick was active in local arts and theatre projects while the couple lived in Longview.

Signed copies of his book are available for purchase at Columbia River Reader’s office, 1333 14th Ave., Longview, Wash., Mon-Wed-Fri, 11-3 through Dec. 7. The price is $14.95, plus sales tax.

•••

Jessica Baker Real Estate Broker

Cowlitz County 4th generation

(360) 431-6744

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFTS A Private Virtual Reality Party

A Lesson on their New Gizmos

jessicabaker@cbbain.com 796 Commerce Ave Longview, Wa 98632 16 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

PERRY PIPER PRODUCTIONS

perrypiper@hotmail.com Available after Jan 5, 2017

HAPPY BAKING TIP WITH A TWIST

H

Get your special new look for the holidays!

then add something savory like a homemade party mix — Kimberly Mo for example rgan Chex mix or homemade trail mix. A small gift, like a candle or special blend of cocoa or coffee to enjoy with their treats can be a nice touch. You can gift all these items together or pair them up for a smaller, but still thoughtful, perfect holiday “host gift.” Have a wonderful holiday and happy baking!

appy holidays!

This time of year is when all of us pull out our mixers and whisks and attempt our most tasty treats for the holidays! We all have our go-to candy and cookie recipes that we love to take to all of our holiday parties. This year, don’t forget a special sweet creation for the party host!

We all know it’s a lot of work planning and preparing everything for a holiday shindig. Here are a few easy gift-giving ideas that any host will be tickled to get. A small gift basket is always a great start. Add sparkling cider or champagne, a sweet cookie or candy,

Now doing Facials!

Call for your appointment We are a Holistic Beauty Source that inspires people to look and feel their best

Kimberly Morgan operates The Original Kristi’s Boutique Bakery in Longview.

360-636-2494

Tues.–Saturday • 1422-12th Ave., longview

Let us help you furnish your home for the holidays!

Original • Local A labor of love All about the good life More than fluff and filler Makes a nice crinkle

Your only local

Comfort Studio

Worth every penny you pay for it

1413 Commerce Ave. Longview M-F 9:30–5:30 • Sat 10 - 5 Closed Sundays

360-575-9804

www.elamshf.com • Financing Available

Honoring the Greatest Generation and the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor The Kelso Senior Center invites all veterans, past and present, to a complimentary breakfast.

Your spouse or guest is welcome.

December 7, 2016 from 9am – 11am.

Breakfast served from 9–10am.

Program will follow, featuring: •Sheriff Mark Nelson •Entertainment by Happy Ukulele Group •Mark Morris High School Band •Pearl Harbor Remembrance video

Seating is limited.

Please RVSP by Dec. 5.

Kelso Senior Center 106 NW 8th Ave., Kelso, WA 98626 • 360-232-8522

Are you suffering with illfitting dentures or loose partials?

Implant dentistry offers a solution!

Please visit us for your free consultation.

Now billing private medical insurance and Medicare for many surgical procedures.

Daniel Haghighi, DDS

Lower Columbia Oral Health Center for Implant Dentistry

&

December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy.”

“Where Dentistry Meets Medicine” 1538 11th Ave. Longview, WA • www.lcoh.net • 360-636-3400 Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 17

Northwest Gardener

Unique Gifts

•Home Décor •Fresh & Silk Flowers •Fashion Jewelry •12th Man Gear Christmas Specials •Gourmet Foods & Baskets Décor & Novelties •Luxury Bath Items • Greeting Cards for all occasions Gifts • Flowers & Home Decor 360-577-3824 Mon–Sat 10–5:30

www.BandasBouquets.com 1414 Commerce Avenue • Longview, Washington

OUR

nose

By Nancy Chennault

Jack Frost… the fantasy and facts

J

ack Frost has been the face of the onset of winter for centuries. Old Man Winter, Father Frost and his son, Jack, had their beginnings in Scandinavian mythology — most likely because cold winters in the north arrived early and were long and dark.

It is believed that Ullr, god of winter, created the Northern Lights as a reprieve from the mid-winter darkness.

Since the early 1700s, Norse Viking legend describes an elf named “Jokul Frosti” (Icicle Frost) who would sneak into villages at night to work his magic.

He would begin by painting the leaves of deciduous trees in the gold, reds and oranges of fall. The energetic elf would then coat them with crystals of white frost to make them sparkle in the abbreviated day. In the years before double glazed panes, the intricate patterns of ice on windows would greet homeowners each morning.

Photo by Nancy Chennault

FROST (white frost or hoarfrost) forms when water droplets on surfaces such as grass, leaves and windows are exposed to freezing temperatures. The white crystals often appear fern-like and are then referred to as “fern frost” (photo, opposite page). Cold wind moving the water drops, combined with freezing temperatures, causes the frost to build up as icy crystals, as shown on this clematis seed head.

For generations, parents have loved telling their children about the impish elf who artistically embroiders windows with ice, and makes their noses tingle with the cold. Although the legend of Jack Frost is not rooted in Christianity, his personality makes him a natural to be included in Christmas celebration and song. His inclusion in modern secular holiday traditions has been entertaining children for generations and made him a favorite of all ages. “Chestnuts roasting by an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose”

tIhN Year

50

Nipping at your

!

S S E N I S U B

cont page 19

“Touch Too Much” with 10# pad

$

Lifetime Stain, Healthy Living Completely installed.

40-Year Wear, 40-Year Mat Crush

1,499

BASED ON 40 YARDS

No interest for 12 months See store for details

WEEKDAYS Hours: 9–5:30 pm SATURDAY 9–4pm

WA LIC. COLUMR529 LQN, OR: 145 www.Carpetone.com

105 B. Street West Rainier, OR Phone: 503-556-0171 Toll Free: 800-886-0171 18 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Wed, Dec. 21st ~ One Day Only!

Why bake holiday cookies when WE can do it FOR you?

Special Cookie Platter Pricing

Free Cocoa with any Christmas Cookie Purchase

360.403.0429

A great way to celebrate the Season!

12 Cookies $12 or 24 Cookies for $20

ALL F Y M YUM VORS! FLA

Limited Supply Pre-Orders Encouraged

IN THE MERK • 1339 Commerce Ave. #116 • Longview, WA

cont from page 18

are familiar words sung by Nat King Cole each holiday season. It wouldn’t be Christmas without this memorable, well-loved Christmas song.

Stunning and picturesque, the arrival of the “first frost” is both dreaded by flower and vegetable garden enthusiasts and welcomed by those weary of constantly caring for growing plants. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the average first frost date for local lowland areas is November 10. The last average frost date is April 17. Adjustments should be made for elevation and microclimates as areas can vary depending on topography, winds and proximity to a body of water.

plants if lasting for several days. The uncommon arctic blast, with temperatures below 12 degrees and dipping into the single digits, is the most terrifying to gardeners. Death of established plants and favorite specimens in containers would result from this type of freeze.

As playful Jack Frost coats the countryside with swirls of white, the display can fill spacious valleys that sparkle in the sunlight (top photo). Before you scrape your windshield clean, pause to look closely at the artistry. Walk carefully

along the garden path and absorb the beauty of twigs and foliage coated with crystals of white. Gaze in wonder at the fragile spider’s web etched in ice. Take a deep breath of the crisp air and take a few moments to appreciate the delicate sculptures that illustrate the intricacies of Jack Frost’s creative detail before they melt away.

Merry Christmas Cheer! And Happy New Year 2017!

•••

‘Tis the Season If you have family and friends coming to visit and they need a place to stay, book your room for the holidays.

Enjoy our complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and spa.

Don’t be dismayed by the onset of a frosty morning. We typically enjoy an average of 207 gardening days without danger of frost. This helps make the Lower Columbia region a bona fide gardener’s paradise. But I think we already knew that!

Photo by Nancy Chennault

Frost occurs at 32-34 degrees.

Clatskanie River Inn 503 728 9000 • 600 E Columbia River Hwy visit us online at www.clatskanieriverinn.com

Jack Frost works his “magic” in many ways, adding sparkle and artistry to the landscape and on glass.

Hoarfrost leaf ©mtruchon-fotolia Top image, page 19: Old Man Winter ©Larry Rains-fotolia

Tender plants m a y b e Frost pattern on window ©tamaraKulikova-fotolia “burned” and display blackened foliage, but will not be killed. Some recover with mild weather and will continue to thrive.

With a light freeze (29-32 degrees), tender plants will die but there is seldom damage to other vegetation.

The moderate freeze (25 to 28 degrees), especially for an extended period of time, will cause heavy damage to open blossoms on fruit trees, rhododendrons and vegetation. This type of winter is characteristic of our Pacific Northwest winters in the Lower Columbia region.

A severe freeze (24 degrees and colder) will cause damage to most

Nancy Chennault, has written Northwest Gardener since CRR’s early years. She leads Castle Rock’s successful volunteer Bloom Town USA effort. She and her husband, Jim, have devoted their professional lives to local horticulture, landscaping and community activities.

812 Ocean Beach Hwy Suite 100, Longview WA

360-577-6956 • esteticaspa.com Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 19

E FIBR

Fall/Winter Clean ups Moss Treatments Winterizations Orchard Pruning Storm cleanups • Leaf removal Preventative tree work Hardscaping • Power washing Driveways/RV pads Drainage Rhododendron/Rose pruning Year-round maintenance packages

T C FA # 77 Open up a totally free checking account, and you’ll start feeling like a regular smarty pants. Get your ATM fees reimbursed, and next thing, you’re spouting the Theory of Relativity. Start earning 2.0% APY* on your balance, and you’re a full-blown genius! Make the smart choice: switch to Choice Checking today!

No monthly fees Higher-than-CD dividends* Foreign ATM fees reimbursed**

360.356.6588 FREE ESTIMATES COUNTYWIDE!

Licensed-Bonded-Insured

* Choice Rates 2.0% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) paid on balances between $.01 and $20,000.00 and .05% APY paid on amounts above $20,000.00 each cycle the minimum qualifications are met. If you do not meet the qualification per cycles, your account will still function as a free checking account earning Base Rate .01% APY; however, it will not receive ATM fee refunds for that time period. Rates as of 11/1/16 and subject to change. **Monthly qualifications to receive the Choice dividend rate and up to $25 in monthly ATM fee reimbursements: Make 12 debit card purchases; enroll in and receive E-Statements, and make one Direct Deposit or automatic payment to/from your account, or make one credit card purchase.

360.423.8750 • 800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com Federally Insured

By NCUA

YOUR COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

backyardblitznw@gmail.com

doTerra Essential Oils, WA Pediatrics • Women’s Health NAET/ Allergy Elimination Pain Relief • Anxiety Digestive/IBS • Sciatica Neck / Shoulder Pain Motor Vehicle Accidents Carpal Tunnel • Sinusitis Headaches / Migraines Sports Injuries Chinese Herbal Medicine

Sloans Abbey Carpet & Floor America’s choice in floor fashions since 1958.

Complete Floor Covering Service

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

360-577-8989 Niechelle Guzman, L.Ac. and Nancy Goodwin, L.Ac.

1717 Olympia Way Suite 104 Park Plaza, Longview Most Insurance Accepted www.sunandmoonacupuncture.com www.sunandmoonacupuncture.com

1064 12th Avenue Longview, WA 98632 customersales@sloansfloorcovering.com

Sales & Design Residential & Commercial

360.575.8055 Fax: 360.575.8059

Permanent Makeup remains to be seen Lips •it Eyeliner • Brows

By Linda Keller 26 Years Experience GIFT CERTIFICATES

1311 Hudson Street • Downtown Longview FULL SALON ~ Hair, Nails, Permanent Makeup

Call for your complimentary consultation 20 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

360-353-5628

OUT • AND • ABOUT

T

his postcard, with a 1913 postmark, looks upstream towards Pillar Rock (mistakenly referred to as Pilot Rock on the postcard), a basaltic column protruding from the river. On Nov. 7, 1805, William Clark thought he saw the Pacific Ocean from here, and wrote, “a remarkable rock about 50 feet high and about 20 feet Diameter is situated opposite our Camp about ½ a mile from Shore.” The rock actually extended 75 to 100 feet above the water. In the late 19th century, the Army Corps of Engineers blasted off the top of the rock in order to install a navigation beacon (photo, inset).

Tooling to Altoona

Pillar Rock: A winter lunch jaunt Story by Michael Perry • Postcard from his private collection

Pillar Rock is still visible from the end of the AltoonaPillar Rock Road. To get there, drive west on Ocean Beach Highway (Wash. SR-4) and turn left at Rosburgonto Altoona-Pillar Rock Road at Milepost 15, two miles west of Grays River.

This is a drive into the past — you probably won’t meet a single car on this 10-mile road (much is just a single lane). Along the first five miles, you’ll drive near Grays River. Reaching Harrington Point, you’ll see the massive Columbia River estuary.

On a clear day, you can easily see the Astoria-Megler Bridge off to the west. When Lewis & Clark arrived in 1805, the huge ocean waves and swells came into the mouth of the Columbia at least as far as the bridge; after the north and south jetties were built in the 1890s, the ocean was tamed and the waves no longer came in that far.

The road along the river was once a beehive of activity with many salmon canneries. Look for the pilings along the shoreline as you drive the five miles to the end of the road. All the cannery buildings are now gone except at Brookfield. Altoona is less than a mile past Harrington Point. Keep your eyes open for The Dahlia House (1919 Altoona-Pillar Rock Road). This is the best place to see the remains of Pillar Rock, which is a mile upstream. You might consider spending a night or two at The Dahlia House or nearby Columbia River Rest at Pillar Rock bed and breakfast.

101

Chinook

Cathlamet 4

Astoria 101

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Warrenton •

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

Birkenfeld

Ape Cave •

Longview Kelso

Rainier

Woodland

503

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

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

•Yacolt • Ridgefield

Scappoose•

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

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

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

St Helens

rnelius NW Co ad o R s s a P

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

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

Columbia City

Vernonia

Oregon

Cougar •

Kalama

See related column, Michael Perry’s “Dispatch from the Discovery Trail,” page 11, for more about Lewis and Clark’s travels in the Lower Columbia region.

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

Mount St. Helens

Clatskanie

•••

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

504

Skamokawa

• Grays River

Another lunch option: Continue on to Astoria for what some consider the world’s best clam chowder and pan-fried oysters at Dooger’s Seafood & Grill. Stop at Dismal Nitch just east of the Astoria-Megler bridge.

It is now open again after a major enhancement project. After crossing the 5-mile long bridge, turn right and drive three miles west on Hwy 101 across Youngs Bay to Doogers in Warrenton, Ore. (just east of Fred Meyer). Or, turn left after crossing the bridge and drive 1- 1/ 2 miles through Astoria to eat fish ’n’ chips at the popular Bowpickers, an old wooden boat on the south side of Hwy 30 across from the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

They don’t have indoor tables, but you can park along the river and eat your lunch as you watch the ships go by.

VISITOR CENTERS

Washington

Castle Rock

• Naselle

Long Beach

Seaside

Stop for lunch at Duffy’s Irish Pub in Grays River, located two miles east of the abandoned Rosburg store. Duffy’s is an eclectic place you’ll either love or hate. Their food is delicious but a little pricey. If nothing else, stop for dessert — their apple pie is to die for! Duffy’s hours are a little irregular, so if they are closed you might try the Grays River Cafe a quarter mile east (open only Fri-Sat during the winter).

Winlock

Raymond/ South Bend

Ocean Park •

Columbia River

Another view of Pillar Rock can be had a half mile east of the two B&Bs. The road ends just west of the old Brookfield Cannery. The owner has posted the property and trespassing is not allowed. But get out of your car and look at the old buildings. And, now that the leaves have fallen, look through the branches to see Pillar Rock due south of where the road ends.

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

Oysterville •

Ilwaco

Above: A 1913-postmarked postcard showing a view toward Pillar Rock looking upstream on the Columbia River. At right: Pillar Rock after installation of a navigational beacon.

Whether you eat lunch or not, a short side trip to the Grays River covered bridge is worthwhile. Watch for the brown information sign near milepost 17 on WA SR-4 pointing the way to the covered bridge.

Sauvie Island

Vancouver 12

Portland

Col Gorge Interp Ctr Skamania Lodge Bonneville Dam

Troutdale Crown Point

97

Goldendale Maryhill Museum

Stevenson Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

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

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 21

OUT • AND • ABOUT Join us for Christmas at

Longview Presbyterian Church Blue Christmas

7:00pm Thursday, Dec. 15

A candlelight service reflecting the longing, healing and comfort of the season for those who are hurting.

W

Christmas Eve Service Saturday, Dec. 24 7:00pm

e invite you to worship with us every Sunday at 10am

Child care will be provided.

3808 Pennsylvania Street • www.longviewpresbychurch.net • 360-577-8951

7th Annual Castle Rock Festival lights up December 10th ‘Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the town, the lights were all hung from rooftop to ground...

By Shannon Cahoon

S

asquatch, Santa, and the town of Castle Rock invites you to enjoy the 7th Annual Castle Rock Festival of Lights, and continue a truly unique Northwest Christmas tradition!

Come out on Saturday, Dec. 10th for free pictures with Santa, starting at 3:30pm at the Women’s Pavilion.

The hometown holiday parade gets underway at 5:30, with the annual tree lighting ceremony and caroling to follow. Santa will stick around until 7:30 for more pictures, and will have a sweet treat for all the good little girls and boys.

LCC SLIP Club

Holiday Pottery Sale

The magic of the Castle Rock Festival of Lights truly reflects the old-fashioned, hometown feel of the festival, with glittering lights hung with care throughout the town. For more information and a

Dec. 2-3 Fri • 10–5 Sat • 10–3

Lower Columbia College, Longview Main Bldg Room 104

LCC is an equal opportunity institution.

Blazing hot pots glow as the Raku kiln is opened

Entry doors across from Rose Center main entrance

STUNNING WORK • AFFORDABLE PRICES • UNIQUE GIFTS 22 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Courtesy photo

complete schedule of events, visit the Castle Rock Festival of Lights on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ CastleRockFestivalOfLights.

If you’d like to do some ahead-of-time shopping, support small businesses and local vendors, and support the Festival of Lights, hitch up the sleigh and head to Castle Rock for two holiday bazaars at Parker’s Restaurant and at the old Exhibit Hall at 147 Front Ave NW, open 10–4 on Saturday, Nov 26. Several local businesses will also be offering Small Business Saturday deals, and a stamp card game with great prizes. To you and yours from everyone at the Castle Rock Festival of Lights... Have yourself a very merry Christmas!

•••

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Tapas Hopping for the Holidays Portland’s Pearl District beckons

T

Story and photos by Tracy Beard • Photos by Brittney Beard

he holidays are a special time of year. Most people eagerly anticipate the parties, festivities, shopping, visiting and dining with friends and family.

However, hosting a dinner or party is a great deal of work. When people choose to dine out for an occasion, they typically visit one restaurant and indulge in several courses over one or two hours, then leave, feeling stuffed.

Instead, this year take a break from your traditional gatherings and try tapas hopping.

This method of entertainment is relatively stress-free and assures that you will visit several venues, walk in-between sites, and finish feeling comfortable at the end of the evening, having experienced great food and fun with friends or family.

Tapas hopping originated in Spain as a before-dinner gathering of friends, wandering from bar to bar snacking on great food and drinks before a late dinner out. I — and others around the world — discovered the art of transforming this practice into an active event filling an entire evening by sharing food and drinks with friends or family while on the move. The best way to tapas hop is with four to six people who enjoy tasting a wide

variety of foods and do not mind sharing from a communal plate. The only preparations involve choosing three to four restaurants within walking distance of each other that serve small plates, appetizers, or items that can reasonably be divided. Emphasize tasting and sharing various foods and drinks at several unique places.

The concept is to order a few plates and maybe a drink at each site, spend an hour savoring the food, restaurant atmosphere, and the company of friends or family... then move on to the next place.

Tapas Hopping in Portland

For a fun and memorable evening out, drive an hour and visit the Pearl District in Northwest Portland. One of the many charming neighborhoods in Portland, the Pearl is filled will shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Rated one of the top three food cities in America, Portland is a great place for an evening experience. To begin your evening, I recommend Oba as a first stop.

The easy listening jazz music drifts through the windows of the orange-stuccoed building inviting you inside. Stepping in off the street, and opening the door, you notice the scent of cumin and chili in the air. Oba is a Latin fusion restaurant offering an array of delicious and beautiful items to devour.

The boisterous open bar is alive with busy waiters, giving the impression you have just arrived at a party. As you take a seat on a tall bar stool, a friendly bartender asks, “What can I get you?” The brightly colored prickly pear mojitos and habanero mango martinis arrive and you are instantly transported to another place and time. These drinks are simply spectacular. Your shoulders relax and you begin to breathe slower as you sip on the sweet, tangy and spicy cocktails.

You and your friends peruse the menu, and your mouth waters, simply thinking about what’s next. Tapas hopping is always a tasty adventure. By sharing several plates with cont page 24 Tracy Beard, a former Longview resident now lives in Vancouver, Wash. Passionate about travel, gourmet cooking, writing, and most outdoor activities, she is continuously on the lookout for trendy new food, wine, and outrageous adventures. Read more about her at http://tracybsblog. blogspot.com/ Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 23

Proud to be Longview’s Premier Seafood Restaurant OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

M–W 10–8 • Th–Sat 10–9 • Sun 11–8 Dine in or use our drive up window

Gluten-free options Prime Rib every Thurs night FREDDY’S GIFT CERTIFICATES

...make great stocking stuffers

Think of us for all your holiday party & catering needs!

360-414-3288 • 1110 Commerce Ave. Longview

s e h s i Warm Holiday W Open New Year’s Eve... Get your

reservations early!

3225 Ocean Beach Hwy

360-577-0717

Closed Christmas Eve

Thank You for your business this year! ~Teri Mon 11:30am–8pm Tu–Sat 8am–9pm • Closed Sunday

Tapas Hopping

cont from page 23

friends throughout the evening, your odds increase that you will all relish new, sweet, salty, familiar flavors and undiscovered dishes.

Immediately you are transported to a warm Latin country, listening to Spanish conversations. As you relax and enjoy your cocktail, you With all the choices Portland Pearl District realize you have left available at Oba, the vote Tapas Hopping Sample the cold and rain of is cast and you all agree Itinerary Portland and arrived on trying the Yucatan OBA in paradise. This arepas and Empanada 555 NW 12th Ave. beautiful moment de Res. The arepas Phone: 503-228-6161 is surpassed only by arrive--two lovely disks Blue Hour the thought that this of corn cake topped with 250 NW 13th Ave is just the first stop Phone: 503-226-3394 braised pork shoulder in your evening of marinated in citrusPiattino tapas hopping. Next, 1140 NW Everett Street achiote. Habanero mojo why not try Italian Menu: piattinopdx.com and cilantro adobo are or French food? tossed with the meat.

You have at least This is then crowned two more places to with a touch of cabbage and pickled explore. Where will they take you? onion, creating a sensational taste I recommend walking to Piattino mix of spicy, sweet and savory. The where you can design your own spices give the dish a bite, while the decadent cheese and salumi plate and corn cake offers a touch of sweetness. drink a luscious pistachio martini.

Melting in your mouth, the savory For a third stop, try the Diva or fig meat excites your palate while the martinis with the grilled corn at The cabbage brings a wonderful crunch Blue Hour. Try something new for to the dish. Finishing with a speck of the holidays. Grab your significant acidity, the pickled onion tops off the other and a small group of friends and dish with perfection. Moments later, go tapas hopping tonight! This is my the empanada arrives. favorite way to dine out — maybe it will become yours, too.

A single empanada lies naked on the plate, adorned solely with a lime wedge ••• and dipping sauce held in a small white bowl. Compelled to slice the empanada Tapas Tips in half for sharing, you cut through the •Invite friends who are open to crisp corn pastry. The braised beef and sharing communal plates Oaxaca cheese ooze onto the plate.

You refill your half and dip the corner •Nominate a designated driver into the huacatay-chipotle creama •Be adventurous and look for bars/ and take a bite. The combination eateries serving appetizers or small of crunch, perfectly seasoned beef, plates. For local ideas, see Columbia gooey cheese and slightly spicy creama River dining Guide, page 38. explode in your mouth.

The Broadway Gallery Local Art “I believe that Art enhances the quality of peoples’ lives” Debra Chase • Gallery Member

Every First Thursday New Art, Music and Nibbles

Orchard Path

360-577-0544

In Historic Downtown Longview

Your Local SW Washington Artist Co-op since 1982

24 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Come see the Gingerbread Haus competition Saturday, Dec 3rd 12-6pm.

www.the-broadway-gallery.com 1418 Commerce Longview, WA 10am - 5:30pm • Mon - Sat

TAPAS HOPPING PART 2

OUT • AND • ABOUT

A Moveable Feast Hometown tapas hopping in Rainier

Story by Tracy Beard Photos by Laura McCartney

T

apas hopping can be accomplished various peppers and use them in cocktails. anywhere you can share plates of Finally, stretch those legs and hike partway back food with friends. To try out the tapas uphill to the Evergreen Pub. This watering hopping concept locally, we selected hole is known for their hamburgers and I would four restaurants in Rainier, Oregon: recommend the Oink Burger. Delivered hot, Cornerstone, El Tapatio, Evergreen on a soft bun, the burger is topped with bacon, Pub, and Interstate Tavern. Each of American cheese, special sauce, fresh tomato, these restaurants serves good, sharable lettuce, pickle and onion. It is large enough to cut in four and divide food options and is within amongst friends and there are easy walking distance of Rainier Tapas Hopping plenty of fries to share. Then, one another.

Sample Itinerary continue on up the hill to the Cornerstone Café Begin at Cornerstone, Interstate Tavern.

102 East “A” Street because they close at 8pm El Tapatio End your evening with fresh most nights. Order the 117 West “A” St, crab piled onto French bread onion rings which arrive Evergreen Pub/Café with melted cheddar cheese. crispy on the outside, soft 115-117 East 1st Street A slice of tomato and onion and squishy on the inside, Interstate Tavern accompany the sandwich, and stacked tall with just 119 East “B” St (Hwy 30) along with cocktail sauce. the right amount of cold, The crab, shipped in fresh creamy ranch dip on the side. Another option is the warm, every 72 hours, tastes of the sea. The horseshoe gooey mozzarella sticks. Shuffle up to bar welcomes guests to visit, and I suggest you the counter or grab a table, place your end your evening with a friendly game of pool food order, and pair it with a glass of — a great tavern tradition and fun Pinot Gris or a beer of your choice. way to finish the evening during the Cornerstone also serves a limited holidays or any other time of year. selection of spirits. When finished, ••• head downhill to El Tapatio.

El Tapatio serves a variety of flavorful Mexican appetizers.

I recommend the quesadilla delivered hot with cheese overflowing onto the plate. Pair it with a pineapple jalapeno margarita and you will have a match made in heaven. These days, it’s very trendy to infuse spirits with

Your holiday gift, party & décor headquarters in Clatskanie!

We have what you need

Good friends share good food — along with a river view — on a foggy winter’s night in Rainier. Food, from top: Interstate Tavern’s open-faced crab sandwich,

Evergreen Pub’s Oink Burger, Cornerstone’s tower of onion rings. At left, Bartender Jay presides over Evergreen Pub’s evening festivities; above, Cornerstone Café’s welcoming warm glow, Interstate Tavern proprietor Jolee takes a break at the circular bar while Tracy Beard enjoys a cocktail.

Don’t forget stocking stuffers!

Clatskanie Town Center 640 E Columbia River Hwy, Suite B Clatskanie, OR dddiscountsdeals@gmail.com 503-728-3300 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 • Closed Sun LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Not your run of the

mill restaurant!

• Family friendly • Full bar located upstairs • Banquet rooms for up to 100

MONDAY–SATURDAY

11am–9pm Family Dining 3pm– Late Breakroom Bar

EXTENDED HAPPY HOUR

• www.millcitygrill.com

info@millcitygrill.com

3-6pm 9pm-close

1260 Commerce Ave • 360.703.3904

Happy Holidays!

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 25

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send your photo reading the Reader (high-resolution JPEG) to Publisher@CRReader.com.

If sending a cell phone photo, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB. Include name and city of residence. Thank you for your participation and patience, as we usually have a backlog. Keep those photos coming!

Call before you go …

Buy Real Estate while you live. Gift it tax-free when you die.

“I make house calls”

THE LAW OFFICE OF

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

360-423-7175

,

py p a H ays! id l o H

Breakfast and Lunch all day!

Take-out & Catering Open Wed – Sunday 7am – 3pm

Right across from the Kelso train station

HaikuFest 2017 ~ Details coming in January10 issue. Get your pencils ready!

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ GroundsforOpportunity

360-703-3020 413 S. Pacific Avenue • Kelso

26 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Where do you read

THE READER?

Local color Peter Sonne and Linda Bird-Sonne from Toledo, Wash., at Bryce Canyon as part of a multi-day trip through southwestern Utah and northern Arizona in July 2016.

American roots Quoc Van Ngo (in white shirt), with son Bao Lio, wife, Le

Thi Le (black dress) and daughter, Le, at the family’s home near Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam, during Ned Piper’s visit to his recently-discovered nephew.

Having “sew” much fun! Karen Herbeck and Betty Van Riper were given the awesome opportunity to travel to Murewa, Zimbabwe to teach a group of 22 women to sew things to sell to improve their living conditions. These ladies were so excited that they came six days a week.

Sibling Reunion Pat

North to Alaska Friends from Longview-Kelso area visit their

friend Sue Heazlette, of Nikiski, Alaska. Left to right: Julia Bishop, Nancy Osborne Clark, Sue Heazlette, Dawn Hanke, Darcy Humprhey.

Valpiani and her siblings had three fun filled days of laughter, kids enjoying water activities to keep cool, remembering old times and celebrating with some family and friends who haven’t been together since 2010. Of the twelve siblings, only Tim has passed on; Colleen and Lonnie were unable to attend. It was also the weekend of Pat’s 70th birthday; she said many prayers were answered.

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 27

COOKING WITH THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

Munch on brunch Festive holiday parties arrive fast and furious

By Suzanne Martinson

T

his holiday issue of Columbia River Reader is scheduled to come out during my birthday week, which mysteriously falls in the neighborhood of Thanksgiving. As a child, I was lucky I loved pumpkin pie because I never had a birthday cake.

At this time of year, holiday food occasions come fast and fattening, and a casual buffet is a savvy solution for

Meat & cheese platters

Dry cured meat

for your home, business and corporate celebrations

T h i s m e n u fo r a holiday brunch is a collection of ideas.

In our family, we’d probably ser ve both the sausageegg dish, and the bacon. It seems as if everybody loves good old bacon, and that includes trend-setting chefs.

•Orange Juice or Children’s Punch •Betty Jo’s Brunch Egg Dish •Crisp Bacon •Cinnamon or Pecan Rolls •Bagels with Cream Cheese & Lox •Fruit Platter •Marinated Broccoli •Coffee / Tea

people who are in-and-out, here and there, making many a get-together a moveable feast. The accompanying menu is adaptable and can take us all the way to New Year’s Day.

order now for holiday delivery!

Call 360 • 749 • 9941 www.thebeautifulpig.com Longview, WA 98632

Holiday Brunch

Established 2012

When I was growing up on the farm, though, we didn’t graze, and we didn’t leave until the last turkey wing and the final piece of pecan pie were down the hatch.

The Thanksgiving feast was my mother’s “designated dinner” for my father’s family. She prepared a massive cont page 29

Her favorite holiday ornament See our other vintage and estate jewelry online: 30to50off.com

360-578-1557

1438 Commerce Ave., Longview 28 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

from page 28

meal for my paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Two dozen at least. Mom would arise at 4am on Turkey Day to pop the big bird into the oven, so it would be ready for the houseful of eager eaters at noon.

Farm people eat dinner at noon. City relatives learn to cope or go hungry.

Perhaps it was a few minutes later than noon, if the gravy refused to thicken.

Dad’s mother and four sisters — all good cooks — brought side dishes, such as frozen fruit salad or pies. As crowded as our kitchen got, it seemed as if every aunt was gathered around the range to check that the potatoes were properly mashed.

Somehow, even as an adult, I always ended up at the “children’s table” in the kitchen. One year, when I was probably 10 or 11, was particularly fraught with anxiety that had nothing to do with Mom’s stuffing a 25-pound turkey in the middle of the night. My dad wasn’t home from deer-hunting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The cousins’ plates were loaded with turkey, dressing (that’s what we called it — not stuffing), potatoes and gravy, but I didn’t feel much like eating. Would Dad miss my birthday altogether? It was treasured family lore that he’d had to come home EARLY from hunting the year I was born so he could drive my exceedingly pregnant mom to the hospital. I was thinking of his sacrifice that day as I stared out the kitchen window, when I spotted his truck pull into the driveway. At last! Time to eat. The mashed potatoes were still warm.

Today, not everyone lives within 12 miles of the family farm, and families have to adjust not just work and school schedules, but the dishes that are prepared for the special holidays of winter — Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Day. When it comes to planning a holiday get-together, one of the best options is buying into B-R-U-N-C-H. Most of the food can be prepared in advance. The menu can be as simple or as complicated as the cook sees fit.

Homemade food can be augmented with supermarket stuff.

True, a cook’s ego can take a beating.

I don’t want to talk about the time my sister Roxann’s buy-and-bake cinnamon rolls disappeared faster than my own from-scratch yeast rolls that were mixed, baked and hand-frosted

by moi. My brother, Jon, even had the audacity to suggest that my lovingly made rolls “tasted a little dry.”

One go-to dish we have enjoyed at our family Christmas morning meal is made from a recipe from a childhood friend and a member of our 4-H square dance on horseback team. Betty Jo’s Egg Dish is prepped the night before and simply baked the morning of the buffet.

Originally, the eggs were gathered in Gram’s chicken coop, though they come from a paper carton today. We have traditionally made the dish with sausage — mild or spicy, depending on the grocery shopper — and it doesn’t seem like a duplication in our meat-atevery-meal family to serve thick-cut bacon on the side. I like to cook bacon on a broiler rack in the oven, rather than have a splatter fest in a frying pan on the top of my range. Admit it, every buffet is better with bacon. (I bake mine crisp enough that it stands up to say “Hello!”)

Though my mother always worried that homemade rolls were “too much work” I got a lot of satisfaction making them for special occasions. Typically I frosted half the cinnamon rolls, and make the rest into pecan rolls.

The table may be expanded to include the store-bought bagels, cream cheese, salmon lox and red onion sandwiches that I enjoyed so much at a recent visit with my college roommate, who lives in the hills of Malibu. Though I grew up on a farm, and she in Chicago, the spelling of our name is the same.

Aptly, we call each other The Other Suzanne.

Not every dish needs to be handson. A passable fruit plate can be purchased at the supermarket, though I’ve pondered why veggie platters have too many celery sticks, too few carrots. (I reel from the fact that those packaged “baby” carrots are usually big, fat carrots carved into miniatures.

That’s why they sometimes tasty rather “woody.”)

In a departure from my usual allsweets-all-the-time, I’ve include a wonderful recipe for Marinated Broccoli. It doesn’t hurt to throw a vegetable onto the buffet table — someone is always “on a diet” or claims to be.

••• Suzanne Martinson grew up in a farm family in Michigan where everyone brought something to the family’s holiday feasts. A longtime newspaper food editor, she taught junior high home economics early in her work life.

RECIPES Betty Jo’s Brunch Egg Dish

10 slices white bread ½ pound grated Cheddar cheese (your choice: sharp or mild) 6 eggs, beaten 2 cups milk (we used whole milk from our cows) 1 tsp salt 1 Tbl Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbl dry mustard 1 stick butter, melted ½ pound ham, sausage or bacon Optional: fresh mushrooms, cleaned and chopped Butter an 8x11-inch baking dish.

Chop bread into cubes. Combine bread with salt, Worcestershire sauce and mustard.

Grate cheese.

Fry sausage or bacon; drain well.

If using ham, no need to fry. Chop desired meat into medium pieces.

In the prepared pan, make two layers, first bread in bottom of dish, then meat, cheese last.

Repeat.

Mix eggs and milk. Pour over layered ingredients. Pour melted butter over all.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.

Marinated Broccoli

3 bunches broccoli, cut into bitesized pieces 1 cup cider vinegar 1-½ cups vegetable oil 1 Tbl sugar 1 tsp garlic salt 1 Tbl dill weed 1 tsp pepper 1 Tbl Accent seasoning powder 1 tsp salt Mix all ingredients together.

Marinate at least one hour or up to one day. Serve at room temperature.

The Other Suzanne’s Specialty

Bagel, split in half Cream cheese, softened Lox Red onion slice Toast bagel halves, spread one with cream cheese and lox; top with onion slice and other bagel half.

QUIPS &

QUOTES Selected by Gordon Sondker

Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important. ~T. S. Eliot Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation. ~ Henry Kissinger Nobody roots for Goliath. ~Wilt Chamberlain, 7-foot basketball giant I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself.

~ Johnny Carson Toots Shor’s restaurant is so crowded nobody goes there anymore. ~ Yogi Berra My grandmother is over 80 and still doesn’t need glasses.

Drinks right out of the bottle. ~ Henny Youngman Calvin Coolidge didn’t say much, and when he did – he didn’t say much. ~ Will Rogers Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid. ~ Albert Schweitzer If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.

~ Abigail Van Buren Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers, and are famous preservers of youthful looks..

~ Charles Dickens Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn’t have to do it himself. ~ A. H. Weiler Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get. ~ Dale Carneigie One of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.

~ Archibald Rutledge I am not young enough to know everything. ~ J.M. Barrie

Gordon Sondker lives in Longview. He enjoys watching the world changing and is hoping for the best.

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 29

the Lower Columbia

Informer

By Perry Piper

Going to Canada, eh?

Victoria could be the next sanctuary city

A

t a recent reunion of my mother’s side of the family, I reconnected with one of my second cousins. Shanna and her husband, Daniel, live in Victoria, B.C. and Shanna was very talkative and inviting at our reunion. Despite only an hour of conversation and a 30-minute game of bocce ball, Shanna invited me to come visit them. Taking her up on her offer —and for future reference in case any of my friends make good on their threats to move to Canada if Trump were to be elected — I began my research.

Driving to Port Angeles and taking the ferry is seven hours each way (allowing for the requirement of arriving at the security checkpoint 90 minutes before ferry departure) and $40 walking on or $130 with vehicle for single adults. A floatplane excursion would only take three hours, for $300.

I spent the night at the Downtown Hotel, a block from the ferry terminal.

Using the power of the Internet and Facebook, I typed in “friends of mine living in Port Angeles,” and, lo and behold, I found a former Mark Morris band mate, David Berger, now a lawyer living in Port Angeles with his wife. We caught up and dined at the Next Door Gastropub. I had possibly

the best oysters of my life, alongside an apple caramel cider. We parted ways and agreed to visit one another again.

Arriving in Victoria, I quickly noticed the 40 km/h signs and pulled over to change the car’s digital display. I guess I’m lucky Canadians drive on the right side of the road, am I right?

With most cellular carriers’ ridiculous “international” plan prices, I had to keep my phone turned off for the duration of the four-day trip. However, since it has free GPS like most devices, I had downloaded the maps before I left the U.S. and could still use it to find my way to the Faulkner residence.

Shanna greeted me and showed me what would become my very own couch after nights of heated board game competition.

Among some of our first Victoria adventures was seeing famous downtown buildings, including the government offices and Empress Hotel.

We faced very ominous black clouds with a patch of sunlight that made buildings glow, creating a contrast I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.

Shanna is a medical technician who walks to work and Daniel studies computer science, like seemingly all the young men in the family and among my own friends. One of my favorite stops was Miniature World within the Empress.

Various themed rooms hold exquisitely crafted scenes from WWII, King Arthur, doll houses, Canadian town evolution and fairy tale land. It all reminded me of the Where’s Waldo?

30 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

use as many instruments as a sea surgeon to crack open my crab.

On my last day, Shanna took me to Mt. Doug, a hilltop north of downtown Victoria with a 360-degree view of everything we had seen during my time there. The way the forests, complex clouds and shoreline cut and weaved around the water made for some stunning shots. book series I enjoyed growing up, tasking children to spot the red and white striped man named Waldo in a sea of time periods full of hundreds of people.

Next, Shanna’s sister, Monica, joined us at Blue Crab restaurant for a premium seafood dinner. I had to catch my breath at the prices, only to realize whatever numbers were listed in Canadian dollars were actually 25% lower for me.

Daniel and I each ordered “All Crab, All the Time.” This dish presented snow crab, king crab and lobster. The night seemed to slow to a crawl as my hosts watched me — already a slow eater —

Wi t h a s o l i d f a m i l y foundation now built with Shanna and Daniel in Victoria, I have plans to visit Tia, another second cousin, in the first half of 2017. Let’s just hope Montana doesn’t secede, or I’ll have to write a column on the best ways to get there once we’ve scrapped the electoral college and Al Gore finally becomes President.

••• CRR’s graphic designer/IT manager Perry Piper is taking up speed jumproping and learning computer programming in his spare time. He’ll be hosting VR demo parties in 2017.

Movies

DR. BOB ON FILMS

Three for the Road: ‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ and ‘Arrival’

By Dr. Bob Blackwood

B

enedict Cumberbatch, the English actor who has been so successful on British television as Sherlock Holmes and has accomplished so much in a number of films—e.g. “Black Mass” and “The Imitation Game”—has taken on what could have been a difficult role, that of the Marvel comic book character, Doctor Strange.

Cumberbatch has done another star turn. Of course, he has been assisted by a number of accomplished actors — Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton to name just a few. And, as I write this review, Scott Derickson’s “Doctor Strange” (PG 13) is number one in ticket sales in the U.S. Dr. Strange begins as a talented and arrogant neurosurgeon who, after a car accident, learns that science cannot change him, so he begins a search to find the source of mystic strength and power. Somewhere near Nepal, he meets the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) who opens doors that he never knew existed. Of course, after he gains new powers, he also must

face new challenges—physically from Mikkelsen as an evil leader of a psychic coterie of thugs. The tempo becomes fast, rather than deliberate, and the picture becomes very exciting. It won’t put you to sleep with mumbo jumbo; it will keep you on the edge of your theater seat. Give it a try; it’s not just Marvel mayhem.

SHOP CLATSKANIE FOR ALL YOUR YARN NEEDS

The Bag Ladies Yarn Shop Come see our festive new yarns.

Learn a relaxing new hobby this winter!

Dr. Bob Blackwood, professor emeritus of the City Colleges of Chicago, co-authored with Dr. John Flynn the recently published book, Everything I Know about Life I Learned from James Bond. Blackwood and his wife, Diane, live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Free Knitting Lessons GIFT CERTIFICATES

Tues - Thurs - Sat 10am - 3pm or by appointment, 360-431-0194.

265 W. Columbia River Hwy Clatskanie, OR • 503-728-9276

Hoarder’s Paradise!

Oregon’s best insulated units Largest size selection

Clatskanie Mini Storage 503-728-2051 503-369-6503

Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) turns away from advanced medical science to the power of the human mind in the mystic arts in “Doctor Strange.” Distributor: Walt Disney Studios

Medic Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) tied over 70 wounded troopers to a heavy rope and lowered each one about 350 feet down to the Okinawa beachhead in World War II in “Hacksaw Ridge.” Distributor: Summit Entertainment

I

believe a number of people dislike Mel Gibson, who directed “Hacksaw Ridge” (“R”), for the bloodiness of the combat sequences in his films. “Hacksaw Ridge,” which depicts the American conquest of Okinawa, is one of the bloodiest “war” pictures ever made, but it has a very different emphasis. Its hero is a real life hero, Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a Seventh Day Adventist and Conscientious Objector who would not kill his fellow men but rather saves them at the risk of losing his life. Doss received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic rescue of more than 70 wounded Americans from the hands of the Japanese Army.

We see Doss go through rigorous training and unofficial brutality; check out Vince Vaughn as his sergeant and bully. On Okinawa, we see him almost killed several times while trying to save his fellow troops and even two of the wounded enemy.

It isn’t a pleasant film, but it is a fine one.

Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads the unit to learn to communicate with the spacetraveling aliens in “Arrival.” Distributor: Summit Entertainment

I

appreciate your loyalty and business over the past 40 years. I will miss working with all of you, but look forward to seeing you out and about as I embark on the exciting new adventure of creating the next chapter of my life. My business is closing and, per IRS requirements, I will keep clients’ electronic files for four tax years.

Warmest Holiday Greetings to my clients and friends from Virginia Leloff, retiring Dec. 31, 2016.

LE’SIncome Tax, Inc. Serving our Clients since 1976

F

inally, Denis Villeneuve’s new film, “Arrival,” is a real science fiction film, not just an excuse to have rocket ships blasting each other in outer space. The aliens land several places on earth.

Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) try to communicate with them. It is very difficult to do. I can’t say much more without blowing the plot. I emphasize this is really a film that requires some serious thought to unravel. If you read Ted Chiang’s short story “Story of Your Life” ahead of time, you’ll figure it out. If not, see who in your group can figure it out.

•••

Clatskanie - Across from City Hall • 90 S Nehalem Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 31

Historical Society invites public to hear handbell music

T

he Stella Lutheran Chapel’s English Handbell Choir will present a program of Christmas music at a meeting of the Stella Historical Society on Monday, December 12.

Following a potluck dinner beginning at 6pm and a brief business meeting, the handbell choir, under the direction of Ann Trimble, will perform.

Society members, as well as any interested community members, are invited to attend. Those participating in the potluck are encouraged to bring a dish of ample portion to share with

the musicians. To find Stella Lutheran Chapel, travel about 10 miles west of Longview on Ocean Beach Highway (SR-4), then north on Germany Creek Road about two miles to 124 Sherman Road (on the left from Germany Creek Road).

The public is invited to enjoy the music and friendliness of this “little community by the River.” For more information, call Sue Richards, 360423-8663, or Barbara or Harvey Williamson, 360-423-3860.

Two new engraved monuments will be placed on either side of the current one, listing the names of the 107 fallen military members and the wars in which they died.

War memorial planned for Longview’s Civic Circle

D

onations are being solicited to help fund two granite memorials to be placed in R.A. Long Park at Longview’s civic circle. The monuments, engraved with the names of the 107 military service members from Longview who died in wars, from WW2, Korea and Vietnam to the “War on Terrorism, are set to be in place in time for a dedication ceremony on Memorial Day 2017.

Havens

The

Quality Senior Care The closest thing to living at home 13 locally-owned, privately-operated adult family homes in Longview serving our community

www.longviewseniorcare.com

Call today: 360-703-5830 32 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

“It’s long past due that we get this done,” said Longview history buff and community activist Bill Kasch, of

the community’s duty to memorialize those who died in war. “They gave their all. I appreciate anybody who wants to support this (memorial).”

You can help!

The total fundraising goal is $10,000.

Donations in any amount will be gratefully accepted and may be submitted to Maria at Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization), 1005 Fir St., Longview, WA 98632.

For more info, call Bill Kasch, 360423-6704.

Community Life

Collective philanthropy

100 Women Who Care Lower Columbia Chapter INAUGURAL MEETING

New “band of women” forms to make big community impact with R R small time commitment C olumbia

iver

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017

eader

S

6–7pm Social Hour Hors d’oeuvres provided, No-host Bar

tacy Dalgarno joined “100 Women Who Care” in Portland two years ago and fell in love with its straight-forward function and festive format. Now, she is the driving force in launching a similar group here. Women from the CowlitzWahkiakum-Columbia County areas are invited to gather for fun and philanthropy at the Lower Columbia Chapter’s Inaugural meeting on Jan. 10, 2017.

Former Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor Karen Dunigan and others founded 100 Women Who Care 10 years ago as a way to make an immediate impact and learn about diverse charitable opportunities in their area. In the 10 years since, the concept has caught on, marked by the formation of more than 400 chapters internationally. They all follow a simple concept: “100 women, 1 hour, $100 donation… $10,000+ raised for a charity in our community.”

Joined by several other business/ community leaders, including Trish Wilson and Kalei LaFave, Dalgarno is busily spreading the word and making plans for the Chapter’s first meeting, where 100 Women Who Care will begin their collective philanthropy.

There is no cost to join, nor any overhead to cover. Members commit only to making four $100 donations in the calendar year.

Longview Country Club 41 Country Club Dr., Longview, Wash.

7–8pm Business Meeting The event is designed to encourage networking between local women philanthropists. New members are welcome to join. Visit the first meeting and decide.

For more info, refer to Facebook or contact Stacy Dalgarno (stacydalgarno@comcast.net), Trish Wilson, 360-560-0902, or Kalei LaFave, 360-703-5621.

Left to right: Kalei LaFave, Stacy Dalgarno and Trish Wilson are working with other local women to launch the Lower Columbia Chapter of 100 Women Who Care.

At four quarterly meetings, participants review and discuss community challenges and needs. Prior to the meeting, each member may nominate a local, registered non-profit. Three are randomly drawn for five-minute presentations at the meeting. After a vote to determine the recipient, members write their $100 donation checks, made payable and distributed directly to the organization that receives the most votes.

The process inspires some women to become more outgoing, Dalgarno said.

“Shy” people often team up and step out with purpose and confidence to vouch for and explain the work of their nonprofit nominee.

The group is ideal for a woman who wants to get involved in supporting a cause locally, but doesn’t

have time to work on big auctions or special fundraising events.

“Instead of having to buy a ticket and give a prize and spend four hours at an event,” Wilson said, “this has bigger impact in a faster way.”

“We’re not trying to take away from other fundraising programs or divert donations of people who are already regularly supporting their chosen nonprofit,” said Dalgarno. “We are looking to provide an additional conduit to a wide variety of local non-profits and reach people who didn’t feel they could make a difference.”

“This is an alternative way with low time commitment, large impact, a way of having a voice with a more emotional connection,” LaFave explained.

Everyone gets to take part in where the money is allotted,” said Wilson.

Dagarno said a big benefit to her when joining the Portland Chapter was discovering an enjoyable new way of learning about non-profits.

“I like the social aspect,” she added. “They (other members) like networking with other philanthropic women. You learn about what other people do for a living. It opens your eyes up to a lot of new things.”

Besides meeting new women and making new friends, “there’s a new philanthropic opportunity every quarter,” LaFave added. “We’re spreading the wealth.”

“It’s quick and direct and to the point,” said Wilson. Most women eagerly embrace the concept, realizing “They can do this! They love the fact that it’s four times per year and just that short two-hour meeting.”

“Come at six if you want to socialize or come at seven for the meeting,” said Dalgarno. All women are welcome.

“We want all demographics.”

Dalgarno said she and many others are “looking forward to the first meeting because we’ll be giving thousands of dollars to a local non-profit.”

And they are looking forward to watching the Lower Columbia Chapter get off the ground and watching it grow, noted Wilson.

“That’s exciting in itself.”

“This breathes new life into the philanthropic circuit in town,” said LaFave, “because the community is very generous as it is,” and 100 Women Who Care “builds stronger relationships.”

It’s all about giving, said Wilson.

“It feels good.”

•••

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 33

Miss Manners

cont from page 7

Should I have asked her if she was coming? (It would have been inconvenient to change the menu on such short notice.) Or was it my obligation to follow up with both of them earlier?

There is another holiday coming up soon, and I want to be better prepared when issuing invitations. What could I have done better?

GENTLE READER: Surely it is your targeted guests who could have done better. Much better.

Being noncommittal is not a decent response to an offer of hospitality.

Miss Manners does not consider it the host’s duty to probe for an answer, but, sadly, that is the only way to get one from rude people. She recommends countering hedging by treating it as the negative response that it really is.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Would it be impolite to bring a favorite condiment to a dinner gathering, knowing that the hosts do not have that particular one?

GENTLE READER: Only if you want to make it clear that you consider their offerings to be lacking taste.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A woman at church continues to approach me about a beauty/health product she sells.

I feel very uncomfortable when I see her coming to “greet” me because I know where the greeting will lead. She insists that I give her a date for her to share her product(s) ... because “it will make your skin appear as it did when you were much younger.”

I told her that I’m satisfied with my current products, but she insists that her products are much better. How can I make this woman leave me alone?

I’ve seen her cornering other folks at church too!

GENTLE READER: “I am so sorry, but I am here to attend church and socialize, not to engage in business transactions, however wonderful your products may be.” And see if the church will display a “No Soliciting” sign -which Miss Manners recommends that you stand conveniently near.

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

HOT PIZZA FRESH COOL SALAD BAR THE BEST AROUND!

IN ST HELENS 2124 Columbia Blvd.

34 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

503-397-3211

$10 Drop-in classes Buy 3 Get one free!

Buti™Yoga with Bre

Empower your workout Sweat with intention Feel the bliss!

Mon/Wed10am, Tues 7pm

1317 Hemlock • Longview

360-560-5667

Astronomy

Holiday Treats

Astronomy Gifts for Christmas

Visual goodies on a starry night, or under the tree

By Greg Smith 700 Year Wait Comes To an End

On Dec 31st this year, a New Year’s Eve treat is in store for us if we have a clear night. Mars and Neptune will be so close that you can see Neptune with binoculars. This pairing of Mars and Neptune last occurred on March 22, 1305, before telescopes existed.

Usually Neptune is very hard to find, but with Mars almost touching it, you should see the colored planet.

Look for Venus in the western sky at nightfall. It is the brightest star-like object. Then locate the much fainter yet clearly visible “star” above Venus.

That’s the red planet Mars, which pales next to Venus but is still visible with the eye alone. An imaginary line from Venus through Mars lands right on Neptune. With a telescope, the view should be great. Neptune will look like a small blue-grey “moon” of Mars in contrast to the warm reddish color of Mars. I am certainly hoping for a clear New Years Eve. I won’t care how cold it will be, I’m going to look for the eighth planet and see it for myself.

Star Magnitude

Here is a little lesson on how stars’ and planets’ brightness (magnitude) is defined. First, we have to go back to the Greeks. They originated the brightness scale. For them the brightest stars were all 1st order stars, then the next brightest were 2nd order stars and so forth ‘til they could not see them with the naked eye, at about 6th order.

Remember, the larger the number the dimmer the star.

Modern astronomy has adapted this scale on how bright stars actually are, based on how much light they put out.

So now we have negative numbers due to this measuring of the light.

Longview resident Greg Smith is an active member of Friends of Galileo, a family-friendly astronomy club which meets monthly in Longview.

Visitors are welcome; telescope ownership is not required. For info about the club, call Chuck Ring, 360-636-2294.

Vega, the bright summer star, is set at 0 (zero) and is used as a baseline.

The Sun is rated at –26 and the Moon is rated at –12.7.

The difference between whole numbers is about 2.5 times in brightness. How do they determine the magnitude of objects like galaxies and nebula? It is a confusing method of collecting all the light the object has and make it seem like all that spread-out light is coming from a single point, just like a star. So a galaxy can have a magnitude of +4, but still appears to be fainter than a +4 star. Its like taking the light from a flashlight pointed at a wall and counting all the photons and saying it has as much brightness as a laser beam on a wall. Therefore, a flashlight is as “bright” as a laser.

Our Night Sky

Venus this December is rated at –4.2 on the 1st and –4.4 on the 31st. Mars will shine at almost 1st magnitude (0.8), and will be 12° (about a fist width at arms length) away and higher in the sky than Venus. So find Venus bright in the south west, hold your fist at the end of you arm and tilt it up slightly to find Mars with its reddish color and go find Neptune.

There are other planets to see, as well. Jupiter is bright (–1.8) in the morning eastern sky. In the evening, to the west, Venus is extremely bright the whole month and is brightest at months end. It is rising away from the setting sun and looks like it is trying to catch up with Mars through the month.

Lunar Trivia: February 2018 will have no full moon. Full moons will be at the end of January and the beginning of March.

The Christmas Star

It’s the holiday season and many want to know about the Christmas Star. The best thing I can do is to direct you to this website: www. askelm.com/star/index.asp. It may have more information than you thought possible about a “star” in history.

•••

A

planisphere and your naked eyes are the true starting point of learning the night sky. For year-round learning – a subscription to Astronomy or Sky & Telescope magazines will keep you up-to-date on everything that is happening. They include monthly star charts and what’s to be seen in the night sky.

5. Apps on phones or tablets are good, too. Make sure you phone or tablet has an accelerometer and gyroscope to use the point and look features. (Most do.)

Already have a telescope?

Any of the above items and the following:

6. The Year-Round Messier Marathon Field Guide by Harvard C. Pennington Published by Willmann-Bell, Inc. This is a hardbound book. On Amazon for about $20.

For the Science Geek

My favorite aids in star gazing and enjoying the night sky:

1. Planisphere - The Night Sky 40°–50° (Large; North Latitude). Here is your map to the night sky. This shows the constellations in the night sky on the day and hour you are looking and is the absolute most basic thing a star gazer MUST have. You can’t be without this. $12 – Amazon. A smaller version for $7.50. Note: A star chart app for your phone or tablet works, too. Call me a snob, but a Planisphere is what amateur astronomers use. An app is more of a game for them.

2. Night Watch by Terrence Dickerson.

Gives information on telescopes and how to choose one, plus star charts to use with binoculars and telescopes. $20-ish, Amazon or order from local book shops.

3. Sky & Telescope’s Pocket Sky Atlas

by Roger W Sinnott. Published by Sky and Telescope magazine. I have found this to be an excellent and handy star atlas. The 6.5” x 9” size is very handy.

There is also a jumbo edition that some say is extremely useful when doing serious star gazing with a 4-inch or larger telescope. They both are spiral bound so the pages lie flat. $8.50.

Amazon.

4. Tur n Left At Orion by Guy Consolmagno (Vatican Observatory) and Dan M. Davis (Stony Brook University). Cambridge University Press. Lots of detailed illustrations on how to find objects in the sky. Very good descriptions of telescopes and how they work. Find it on Amazon for $21-ish and up.

7. Astrophysics is Easy! by Mike Inglis.

This is great for understanding how all the science works behind all the discoveries that have been made in astronomy. There is very little math, mostly high school level stuff. The good point is that it goes well with a sky atlas in telling you which stars in the sky demonstrate what each chapter is explaining. $16 and up, Amazon.

Binoculars The best way to start learning the objects of the night sky.

You probably already have a pair, so use those. 7x35 and 7x50 are great. 10x50 is probably best, but you will have to brace yourself to stop the shaking of your hands when holding them.

Anything bigger will need a tripod to hold them steady.

Telescopes Do not buy a cheap one from the department/discount store no matter what brand! Those small telescopes that brag about 500X are false claims. A two-inch wide aperture telescope is only good to 100X. Rule of thumb: 50X per inch of aperture or 2X per millimeter. These will allow you to see the Moon clearly and the five naked eye planets fuzzily. You will be horribly disappointed and put the scope in the closet if you get a cheap one. You get what you pay for.

Purchase a telescope only if you truly desire to see the deep sky objects like galaxies, star clusters and stellar nebulae.

Start with a 4-inch reflector. Check out Telescopes.com, for beginning scopes.

Just be careful not to get what is called “aperture envy,” always having to get the next bigger size!

If you get a ‘scope, come meet with us at the Friends of Galileo Astronomy Club and we will help you get to know how to use it and make some sky-watching friends. Look us up on Facebook or call Chuck Ring, 360-6362294 for info.

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 35

Outings & Events

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR Send your non-commercial community event’s basic info (name of event, 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 Jan, 10–Feb. 20: by Dec. 26 for Jan 10 issue.

Events occurring Feb 15–Mar 20:

by Jan 25 for Feb 15 issue.

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

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

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

Political Endorsements CRR is a monthly publication serving readers in several different 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 (contact info, page 3).

FIRST THURSDAYS

Dec 1 2016 • Jan 5, 2017 Downtown Longview

Teague’s Gallery 1267 Commerce Ave. 360-636-0712. Open until 7pm.

Broadway Gallery Meet the artists (details in calendar listing, next column). Reception, 5:30-7:30pm.

Appetizers, & beverages.

Live music (John Crocker, Dec).

1418 Commerce Ave. www.the-broadway-gallery.com Across the Cowlitz River: Cowlitz County Museum 405 Allen Street, Kelso, Wash.

360-577-3119 Jan 5: 7pm: Annual Collections program by Museum staff.

McThread’s Wearable Art Boutique (formerly Downtown) 245 Columbia Point Rd., Longview.

Dec 1: 11am Featuring five local jewelry artists; demo on making flat felt for flowers, followed by potluck lunch. Jan 5: 11am demo on wearing 2–8 way vests and jackets. Felted vests featured.

Info: 360-261-2373.

Homes, Sweet Homes

Houses good enough to eat Don’t forget to enter Downtown Longview’s Annual Gingerbread Haus Contest. Display, judging, prizes and public viewing will take place from noon to 7pm Saturday, December 3 at the Broadway Gallery (1267 Commerce Ave.) before the Christmas Parade.

Gail Wells, gingerbread artist extraordinairé, will judge the houses on detail, balanced proportions, consistency and realistic/whimsical aspects.

Prizes will be awarded in nine categories. For contest rules and an entry form (due Nov. 30) visit Broadway Gallery or go online to MyLDP.com or facebook.com/ TheBroadwayGallery.

36 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Broadway Gallery Artists co-op. Dec featured artist: Kandyse Whitney (slumped glass), Scott McRae (acrylic painting) and all 40 Local Cooperative Gallery members with many new holiday works. Year-round classes for all ages, workshops and paint parties. Gallery hours: Mon-Sat 10-5:30.

1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360577-0544. www.the-broadway-gallery.com Teague’s Interiors & Gallery Artwork by local artists in the gallery. Iconography and Chalk Paint workshops. Call to reserve or for more info: 360-636-0712. Hours: 10–5:30 M–F, 10–3 Sat. 1267 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash.

Community Festival of Nativities Fri-Sat-Sun, Dec.2-3-4 • 4–9pm More than 600 nativity displays.

Musical performances by local artists. Free admission. Children welcome.

Allow at least 20 minutes. 900 11th Ave, Longview. Hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Info: longviewfestivalofnativities.com or call Tracy Pond, 360-501-5231 or Maryalice Wallis, 360-430-2517

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

Koth Gallery Longview Public Library Dec. 2–Jan 3: Christmas Quilt Show.

Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana Street, Longview, Wash. Mon-Wed 10am8pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. 360-441-5300.

The Art Gallery at LCC Cory Peeke, thru Dec 1. Rose Center for the Arts, 1600 Maple St., Longview, Wash. Gallery hours: Mon–Wed 10–8, Wed-Thurs 10–5.

Info: lowercolumbia.edu/gallery.

The Nutcracker and other holiday shows Various, see Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts ad, page 37.

Southwest Washington Symphony Christmas Concerts Sat, Dec. 10, 7pm and Sun, Dec. 11, 3pm. Longview Community Church 2323 Washington Way, Longview, Wash. Free admission.

Free will offering for local charities.

Take a

HIKE!

with Mt. St. Helens Club 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.

Tues, Nov 29 • Fort Vancouver (E) Drive 90 miles RT. Hike 3+miles on level paved path along Columbia River. Historical area with bridge access to Columbia River. Leader: Art, 360-425-3140.

Sat, Dec 17 • St. Johns-Forest Park Lollipop (E/M). Drive 100 miles RT, hike 5 miles RT with 1,000 ft. e.g. Cross the Willamette via the St. Johns Bridge and ascend into Forest Park. Leader: George, 360-562-0001.

Sat, Dec 3 • Stub Stewart State Park (M) Drive 90 miles RT to Visitor Center. Hike 7mile loop with 700 ft. e.g.on Hares Canyon/ Williams Creek Trails. Great scenery from Caddywhomper Viewpoint. Leader: Bruce, 360-425-0256.

Wed, Dec 21 • Lake Sacajawea (E) Walk the whole lake (3+ miles) or walk half the lake (1+ mile). Group consensus for breakfast/ lunch afterwards. Leaders: Trudy & Ed, 360414-1160.

Wed, Dec 7 • Rock Creek Trail Bike/Hike (E/M) Drive 120 miles RT to Hillsboro, Ore. Walk on bike path 4+miles with 100 ft. e.g. or bike ride on Waterhouse bike path as far as you like. Leader: Bruce, 360-425-0256.

Sat, Dec 10 • Crown Zellerbach Trail (E/M) Drive 75 miles RT Hike 7 miles on gently rolling rails-to-trails path ending at Skaponia Park. Leaders: Kim, 360-431-5530 and George, 360-562-0001.

Mon, Dec 12• Castle Rock Dike (E) Drive 20 miles RT. Hike 3+ miles on paved trail.

Optional hike to top of “The Rock.” Leader: Art, 360-425-3140.

Sat, Jan 7, 2017 • Chocolate Falls and Beyond SS/XC (M) Drive 120 miles RT. Snowshoe/cross-country ski 9 miles with 1,000 ft. e.g. on the southern slopes of Mt. St. Helens from the Marble Mtn Snow-Park.

Combination of forest and open terrain.

Leader: George, 360-562-0001.

Wed, Jan 11 • Tryon Creek State Park (M) Drive 110 miles RT. Hike 4-mile loop with 440 ft. e.g. Leader: Bruce 360-425-0256.

Sat, Jan 14 • Jerry’s Peak Snowshoe (M) Drive 110 mi RT. Snowshoe 8 miles with 1,600 ft. e.g. “Unnamed” peak above Coldwater Lake. Excellent views of several lakes, Mt. St. Helens and Toutle River Valley.

Leader: Mary Jane, 360-355-5220.

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening History, Pets, Self-Help Cowlitz County Museum Winter Fest Dec 3, 10–4. Grand Opening of new permanent exhibit, 2pm, Dec. 13. New Longview Fibre book dedication, Dec. 15, 3–5pm. See Jan.5 First Thursday program info (opposite page). Open TuesSat 10am–4pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash. www. co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum. Info: 360-577-3119.

HOLIDAY BAZAARS

Redmen Hall Holiday Open House Fri, Nov. 25 thru Sun, Dec. 11 (open 12 – 4 Th-Fri-Sat-Sun).

Holiday gifts by artists and craftspeople in Wahkiakum County. Jewelry, hand-woven scarves, ornaments, soaps and lotions, smoked salmon and sturgeon, jams, jellies, teas, honey, knitted treasures,fine wooden items, aprons, hats, leaded glass items, CDs, cards, art by local artists, and more. Accompanied by sweets and savories, hot cider and coffee, and wandering musicians to entertain shoppers. Also featuring new selection of books, including children’s. Redmen Hall in Skamokawa. Wash., 1394 SR4 (Ocean Beach Highway). More info: Call during open hours, 360795-3007.

Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum Logging, fishing and cultural displays. Open 1-4pm, Th-Sun. 65 River St, Cathlamet, Wash.

For info 360-795-3954.

Kalama Garden Club meets first Wednesday of month. 11am. Meeting locations change monthly, for current meeting info contact Sherwood Pattisherwood@scattercreek.com or 360-6732809. Visitors are welcome.

Appelo Archives Center Historic exhibits, Naselle-Grays River area. 1056 State Route 4, Naselle. T-Fri 10–4, Sat 10–2, or by appt. 360484-7103. appeloarchives.org.

Annual Holiday Faire Thurs-Fri, Dec. 1-2, 9–6.

Cassava’s, corner of 14th and Broadway. Artistic gift ideas: Victorian paper filligree, Upcycled metal, Santa and gnome wood carvings, lampwork and stained glass, unique jewelry, woodturning/bowls, and more.

Presented by the Artisan Guild of Mt. St. Helens.

Benefits Humane Society. Dog & Cat Christmas Treat $2. Monetary donations, cat/kitten food, new or useable towels will also be collected.

Toy & Joy Breakfast Sat, Dec 3, 7:30–10:30am.

Rainier Methodist Church, 101 E. “C” St. Donations welcome. Rainier firetruck on site.

Prime Rib Holiday Dinner @ Rainier Senior Center Dec. 17. 2pm, $15 per person. Rainier Senior Center, 47 W. 7th,. Rainier, Ore..

Reservations 503-556-3889.

R Square D Dance Club Lessons offered each Wed beginning Jan. 4. $5 per person. Plus: 6:30–7:30pm; Basics: 7:30–9pm; Mainstream: 9–9:30pm. Dances 2nd and 4th Sats, 7pm Plus, 8–10pm Mainstream with Rounds. $6 Admission.

Craig Abercrombie, Caller; Lonnie Sykes, Cuer.

Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave, Kelso, Wash. Info: http://www.r-square-d.info/ or call 360-414-5855.

Longview Bridge Club Weekly duplicate bridge games Mon, 10:30am and Thurs 6:30pm, Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave., Kelso. New players welcome. For info or help finding a partner: Rich Carle, 360-425-0981 or rhcarle@ msn.com.

GFWC AMALAK women’s service club welcomes all women to its meetings 7pm, every first and third Thursday, Sept through May. Community Center, 216 Elm St., Kalama, Wash. Info: 360901-1791.

Cowlitz Table Tennis welcomes all ages and abilities! Free to first timers, six tables, come have fun! Bring a paddle or use one of the spares. Come when you can Sundays, 5-9pm at the Family Link Building gym, 907 Douglas St., Longview, Wash.

Questions: Vance, 503-556-9135.

Coming SOON TO Columbia Theatre

New Year’s Eve Ball for ages 21 and older to

be held in the ballroom at the Clatskanie Cultural Center Saturday, Dec. 31. Includes dinner and dancing. Music by the Bob Nelson Band 7–10pm.

KOELSCH COMMUNITIES CLASSIC FILM SERIES 2016-2017

Wizard of Oz • Dec 29th 2pm and 7pm www.columbiatheatre.com • 360.575.TIXX

Catered prime rib, stuffed pork chops, vegetarian pasta dinner served at 6 pm. No-host full bar available.

Celebrating the new year on “New York time” by streaming live the ball-dropping in Time Square with complimentary champagne and sparkling cider at midnight EST. Sponsored by Clatskanie Foundation. Limited seating by reservation only. $50 per person, $100 per couple, with all proceeds benefiting the operation and maintenance of the Clatskanie Cultural Center.

For more info or to make reservations call Elsa Wooley, 503 728-3403. Clatskanie River Inn is offering a special rate of $99 for this night.

.

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 37

Clatskanie Flowers ‘n’ Fluff Coffee Shop 45 E. Columbia River Hwy Wine Tasting, Dinner & Live Music Fridays 5:30–8:30pm. Unforgettable scones, On-the-go breakfast & lunch.

Coffee Shop M-F 5:30am–6:30pm; Sat 7am–6pm; Sun 8am–6pm.

503-728-4222.

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

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

See ad, page 44.

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

M-Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm.

503-728-2922

Grounds for Opportunity 413 S. Pacific Ave. 360-703-3020 Wed–Sun 7am–3pm. Breakfast and Lunch available all day. See ad, page 26.

1210 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview. Fish & chips, burgers, more.

Beer & wine. 360-577-7972

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

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

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

Longview Country Club 41 Country Club Dr. Sunday Brunch open to the public.

10am–2pm. Reservations: 360-423-8500.

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

Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, chocolates. See ad, page 22.

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

Open daily 11am.

503-556-9753 See ad, page 44.

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

360-425-2837. See ad, page 2.

Homestyle cooking from the 1960s-1970. All natural ingredients. Beer and wine available. Open Wed. thru Sun, 7am–8pm. See ad, page 12.

The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge

Full breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily drink special: Bloody Mary $5. Homemade soup 6am–2pm. Full bar in lounge, open 6am.

1334 12th Ave. 360-425-8545.

1260 Commerce Ave. Serving lunch & dinner Mon–Sat 11am–10pm. Full bar, banquet space, American comfort food. 360-703-3904. www.millcitygrill.com. See ad, page 25.

The Original Pietrio’s Pizzeria

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

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. See ad, page 19.

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

503-556-8772. See ad, page 7.

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

503-556-9935. See ad, page 44.

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

See ad page 44.

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

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

Locally roasted espresso, fine teas, fresh pastries daily, smoothies, beer & wine, homemade soups. Breakfast and lunch. 1333 Broadway. 360-425-7700 See ad, page 24.

Ice cream, oldfashioned milkshakes, sundaes, local coffee, healthy lunches, Fun atmosphere in The Merk. 1339 Commerce. 360-4234986. See ad, page 8.

Country Folks Deli 1329 Commerce Ave., Longview. Open for lunch and dinner. 360-425-2837.

Happy Hour & Dinner. Seafood, steaks, pasta and salads.

Wed–Sat 4–9pm. Full bar. Reservations recommended. 1125 Commerce, Longview. 360-501-4328.

Freddy’s Just for the Halibut. Cod, halibut & tuna fish and chips, oysters & clams., award-winning clam chowder. Prime rib every Thurs. Beer and wine. M-W 10–8, Th-Sat 10–9, Sun 11–8.

1110 Commerce 360-414-3288.

See ad, page 24.

Teri’s 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview.

Lunch and dinner. Fine dining, with specials, fresh NW cuisine. Happy Hour.

Full bar. Mon–Sat open 11am. Closed Sundays. 360-577-0717. See ad, pate 24.

Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview M–Th 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm. BBQ meat slow-cooked on site. Pulled pork, chicken brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. World-famous mac & cheese. 360-577-1541 See ad page 2.

38 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Castle Rock

Fresh-roasted coffee, snack and pastries. 1335 14th Ave., M-F 9am–4pm, Sat-Sun 9am–4pm. 360-2328642 Second location: 931 Ocean Beach Hwy (Inside seating plus drive-thru).

M-F 6am–8pm, Sat-Sun 8am–8pm.

360-232-8642. See ad, page 8.

St. Helens Bertucci’s

Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine.

503-397-3211 See ad, page 34.

Scappoose Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

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

M–Th, Sat 11am–10pm; Fri 11am– 11pm; Sun 11am–9pm. Full bar service ‘til 11pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose. 503-543-5100.

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant

33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials.

M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017

Woodland The Oak Tree 1020 Atlantic Ave., Woodland. Full lunch, breakfast and dinner menu. Fresh from scratch cooking. Great happy hour menu. Sun 7am–9pm, M-Th 8am–9pm, Fri-Sat 7am–10pm. 360-841-8567

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

PIC Features CuttingEdge MRI Technology, Affordable Prices Pacific Imaging Center offers the best of all worlds - Excellent MRI technology, affordable pricing, and superior customer service.

PIC’s 1.5 Tesla 16-channel high-definition scanner produces incredibly sharp images. MRI’s completed at PIC are read by radiologists at NOIA (National Orthopedic Imaging Associates), one of the the nation’s foremost radiology groups and returned to your doctor in the shortest possible amount of time.

NOIA involvement ensures that patients will have their scans read by radiologists who specialize in the area of focus. For example, if you have a brain MRI done, it will be read by a radiologist with advanced training in assessing such scans.

We welcome Kaiser patients 360.501.3444 625 9th Ave • Longview, WA 98632 • longviewpsi.com/pic

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 39

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

Richard A. Kirkpatrick, M.D., FACP

David B. Kirkpatrick, Stephen J. Ahearn, Kendra Preilipper, ARNP MA, MMSc, PA-C MPAS, PA-C

Bev Search, RN, FNP, MA, ARNP

Karen L. Joiner, MSN, ARNP

Carol Sayles, MSN, ARNP

Zach Migel, MPAS, PA-C

Vlad Bogin, MD, FACP

Wendell Kirkpatrick, Neal R.Kirkpatrick, Retired Retired

We Accept Most Insurance Plans Extended clinic hours: Mon-Fri, 8am to 8pm 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 • American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Diabetic Foot Care • Ingrown Toenails • Heel & Arch Pain • Foot Surgery

Ye a r s Over 20 rience of Expe

• Fungal Conditions Mark Rawson, DPM, Podiatrist

• Wound Care

360-575-9161

783 Commerce Ave. Suite 120 BOTH BUSINESSES UNDER SAME OWNERSHIP 40 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Amaryllis re-run

Holiday Houseplants

After the holidays, don’t just toss that colorful plant!

Story and photos by Alice Slusher

W

e gardeners frequently receive gifts of amaryllis for Christmas. But once your amaryllis is done with its color show, what will you do with it? Can you actually bear to throw out a living plant? If you’re like me, probably not!

Around the holidays, most amaryllis bulbs are sold in pots with growing medium—just follow the directions to get the process started. Your amaryllis

should bloom in 8–10 weeks. Be sure to provide ample support for the top-heavy flower stalk so it doesn’t topple your pot.

The secret of getting your amaryllis to re-bloom is to keep the plant actively growing until it’s ready to enter its dormant season.

When the flower withers, snip off the bloom. Place the pot in a sunny window so the remaining green leaves will continue to store food. Use a houseplant fertilizer twice a month, and keep the soil evenly moist.

When the night temps remain above 55 degrees, move your plant to a sunny spot in the garden.

Amaryllis plants need an 8-week dormant season before flowering again. Toward the end of August when its leaves begin to yellow, decrease the water the plant receives. When the leaves die back, stop watering it. Gently remove the bulb from the soil, and snip off the spent foliage.

Place the plant in a brown paper bag, and place it in a cool dry place (about 50 degrees) for about 8 weeks.

Re-pot your bulb 8 weeks before you want it to bloom. Thoroughly moisten a mix of perlite and potting soil, then squeeze out extra moisture. Plant in a pot with good drainage with half of the bulb exposed. Place in a warm sunny location, and don’t water it until new growth appears. In 8 weeks, you’ll have another magnificent color show!

•••

Alice Slusher taught medical terminology at Youngstown University in Ohio before moving to Kalama, Wash., in 2011. She is a researcher by nature and loves finding solutions. A Master Gardener, she volunteers as WSU Extension Service Plant & Insect Clinic Director. Drop by 9am–12:30pm Wednesdays at 1946 3rd Ave., Longview with your specimen, call 360-577-3015, ext. 8, or send questions (with photo, as appropriate) to cowlitzmastergardener@gmail.com.

New parents’ worry-free home-buying experience

“

THE PETWORKS

DECEMBER

20% off

SAVE 20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE LIMIT 1 PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON DOG OR CAT FOOD. Valid December 1–31, 2016

Our home buying experience began not long after we found out we were expecting our first baby in September.

Thanks to our agent, we saw a multitude of houses that met our criteria.

Once we found the house we really wanted, she guided us throughout the entire process. Her knowledge of the area, diligence, and attention to detail made each new step and speed bump along the way as worry-free as possible.

She was always optimistic and reassured us that everything would work out one way or another.

We highly recommend this agent for your next real estate transaction.

Jon & Alyssa Watkins and Baby Grace

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

Cathlamet • 360-795-0552

REAL ESTATE KELSO / LONGVIEW

102 Main St, Suite 200 • Cathlamet, WA

Mon - Fri: 8:30–5:30

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 41

the spectator by ned piper Transitions, holiday cheer

W

ith retirement looming over my position as a commissioner at Cowlitz PUD, I decided to break with tradition and share some thoughts about my 24year career with the utility.

It’s like the man who presented his wife with 20 beautiful long stem red roses. The card read, “A rose for each happy year of our marriage.” His wife responded, “But dear, we’ve been married for 24 years.”

He said simply, “I know.” If you followed the story of a handful of detractors’ year-long effort to recall me, you will understand the significance of this joke.

When I was first elected in 1992, the residential electric rate was 2.1¢ per kilowatt hour. Over the years the rate has climbed to 7.2 ¢ per kilowatt hour. I can cite a number of reasons for the climb, most of which are pointed at the continual increases in wholesale power rates charged by BPA (Bonneville Power Administration), the entity that provides around 90% of Cowlitz’s power. There were other reasons our rates increased over the years, the most dramatic being the power spikes caused by the criminal antics of the Enron Corporation in 2001. Cowlitz PUD had to bump rates 40% that year.

Looking back, I believe my favorite year as a commissioner was the year 2000. That was the year I had the honor of serving as president of the Washington PUD Association.

That year, the association sponsored legislation giving PUDs the authority to provide telecom services to counties that were lacking connectivity. With the state Senate voting unanimously to approve the legislation, our effort

Don’t foget

Walk & Knock Community-wide food drives in most areas on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Place your bag of non-perishable food donations on your porch by 9am, local volunteers will pick up during the day in WinlockVader, Ryderwood, Castle Rock-Toutle,

Longview-Kelso, etc.

Thank you for sharing.

Also contributing to the current rates are the cost of salmon recovery, the catastrophic failure of the Cowlitz-owned Swift Dam on the Lewis River in April 2002 and the passage of I-937, the initiative requiring the utility to fill 20% of its power needs with expensive renewable resources.

Hydro-electric, by the way, is not considered a renewable recourse, despite its being the best one.

I worked with five general managers during my tenure.

Without naming names, four of them I can recommend without hesitation. I am pleased to have been involved in hiring Steve Kern, the current GM. With Steve at the helm, I can leave my post with a positive outlook for the utility’s future.

42 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

showed how effective Washington’s 27 PUDs are when working together for a common cause.

I’ve met and become friends with so many wonderful individuals involved in the power industry, friends who work at Cowlitz PUD, friends connected to the Washington PUD Association, colleagues at the various national and regional organizations with which I’ve been affiliated. And I don’t want to leave out the many ratepayers who supported me over the years and through the failed recall effort.

Sue and I’d like to invite you to an Open House on December 7th, from 10am to 4pm at the Columbia River Reader office, located at 1333 14th Avenue, Longview.

I hope many CRR readers will drop by for our “Meet and Greet.” This gathering is more about giving me the opportunity to say “Thank You” to my friends and constituents/ratepayers than it is to celebrate my retirement.

After all, I’m not really retiring. My energy will merely be redirected in other directions. Editor’s note: Yeah, like selling more ads! Writing more stories! Working in the yard! Cleaning out the garage!

••• Lifelong Longview resident Ned Piper manages most of CRR’s advertising.

He enjoys reading, playing golf and delivering CRR. He will miss representing ratepayers at Cowlitz PUD...but is ready for a new “chapter” of his life.

Columbia River Reader / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 Holiday Edition / 43

Grab a bite, share a libation ... let’s celebrate the holidays!

Evergreen Pub & Cafe Family Dining

Good times ROLL at the

LUIGI’S PIZZA

11 Beers on Tap • Cocktails & Wine Shuffleboard • Pool OREGON LOTTERY Your Friendly

Open 11am daily Open Daily 1/3-lb Burgers Halibut Fish & Chips Full Bar

Best Burgers in the Area

Keno • Video Poker

115 -117 First St E Rainier

503-556-9935

Neighborhood Watering Hole

Alston pub grub

Play VIDEO POKER

Pizza We now have 8 flavors Calzone of Hard Ice Cream!

Sandwiches Spaghetti • Lasagna Burgers • Salads Beer, Wine & Sodas 119 First St E • Rainier

503-556-4213

Historic

25196 Alston Road Rainier, OR 97048 Open daily at 11AM • 503-556-9753

Goble Tavern

ENTERTRAINMENT by “Guy Live” most weekends

Cold Beer • Micro-Brews Good Food Video Poker • Keno Scratch-Its • Pool • Darts

503-556-4090

70255 Columbia River Hwy Rainier • Oregon Milepost 41 on Hwy 30

Happy Holidays from the owners and employees of Goble Tavern • Evergreen Pub & Cafe Luigi’s Pizza • Alston Pub & Grub.

FREE GIFT to the

first 50 people th

FREE COFFEE/PA

rough the door beg

STRIES to get your m

inning at 9am.

orning started rig

ht!

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Fundraiser for 20 1

AVA M E RE at S S AT U R DAY D E T. H E L E N S CEMBE R 3 rd 9am 2pm

7 Alzheimer’s Ass ociation Memory

Showcasing a var iety of gift

ideas:

Walk

Custom Jewelry • Ho Unique Plants & W memade Crafts • Baked Goods reaths • Handbag s • Fashion Access Woodwork Cosme ories tics • Nutrition & Health Products And Much More!

Located at: 2400 G able Road, St. Hele ns For more informa tion please contac t Jodie or Jenny

503-366-8070

44 / Holiday Edition / November 25, 2016 – January 9, 2017 / Columbia River Reader