Columbia River Reader April 2022

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CRREADER.COM Vol. XVIII, No. 205 •April 15 2022 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road

Juilene! FOUR DECADES ON HIGHWAY 30 People+ Place page 26

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

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COLUMBIA RIVER READER COLLECTORS CLUB

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• COMPLIMENTARY 176 • March 15 – April 15, 2020 CRREADER.COM • Vol. XVI, No. road River region at home and on the the good life in the Columbia

Helping you discover and enjoy

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

MOSS IN YOUR LAWN? What to do page 15

ONE RIVER, MANY VOICES WASHINGTON’S POET LAUREATE COMES TO WAHKIAKUM COUNTY page 14

People+Place

Cutting Edge The art of the woodcut

page 19

page 28

IN FULL VIEW Rex Ziak

COLUMBIA RIVER

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

THE TIDEWATER REACH

Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures By Robert Michael Pyle and Judy VanderMaten. In three editions:

The

EYEWITNESS TO ASTORIA Gabriel Franchére

Tidewater Reach

$21.95

Field Guide to the

Lower Columbia River in

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

Poems and Pictures

to the in

Poems and Pictures Robert Michael Pyle Judy VanderMaten

In thIs engagIng new book author Michael Perry takes a fresh look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition — what they set out to do, what they experienced, and where they failed and succeeded — from the layman’s point of view. Compiled from a popular monthly magazine series, and adding new notes and commentary, Perry’s Dispatches adds to the lore and legacy of the famous Expedition the insights, quirks, and wry observations of a gifted amateur historian. MIchael o. Perry is a retired environmental technician, avid collector and conservator, and student of Pacific Northwest history. He lives in Kelso, Washington.

“Michael Perry gets it right! Good storytelling is key to meaningful learning for all ages, and ‘Dispatches’ informs us in a relaxed, enjoyable way, perfect for anyone wishing to explore with the explorers.”

“‘Dispatches’ is a great read, well researched and documented, and presented in an appealing format. The perfect place to start learning more about the Corps of Discovery.” — ALLEN BENNETT President, Lower Columbia Chapter Traditional Small Craft Association

— DANIELLE ROBBINS Education & Public Programs Coordinator, Cowlitz County Historical Museum

dispatches

M I C H A E L O. P E R R Y

dispatches Featuring the work of

woodcut artist Debby Neely

from the

Discovery Trail with

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DISPATCHES FROM THE DISCOVERY TRAIL

dispatches from the discovery trail

Michael Perry has a collector’s eye, a scientist’s curiosity, and the Pacific Northwest in his heart.

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

• Boxed Signature Edition Color and BW $50; • Collectors Edition,Trade paperback. Color and B/W $35 • Trade paperback B/W $25

Field Guide Lower Columbia River

Robert Michael Pyle Judy VanderMaten

CRR PRESS

Collectors Edition

ISBN 978-1-7346725-4-1

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A Layman’s Lewis & Clark By Michael O. Perry. In three editions: • Boxed Signature Edition, Color and BW with Souvenir Bookmark $50 • Collectors Edition,Trade paperback. Color and B/W $35 • Trade paperback B/W $25

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Sue’s Views

History: Off the Radar to On the Record

W

hen does history become history? How long must we be removed from events, cultures, and the human condition before we rescue them from mere old age and obsolescence, and confer on them the more substantial and exalted status of being historical? Or, to put it another way, when does “off the radar” become “on the record?” This issue of CRR underscores our longstanding interest in the making of history. And reminds me how relatively new at it we Pacific Northwesterners are. As we prepare for Longview’s centennial celebration, it occurs to me that we are barely one generation removed from those who actually lived those founding days, drove

those Model-T Fords, endured the Depression and a World War, as they continued to build our community. And we celebrate the continuing work and relevance of our museums, those keepers of the flame. Tracy Beard’s splendid visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum (page 12) highlights one of the river’s great treasure-keepers. And we’re personally honored that their extensive gift shop and book store (always my test of a really great museum experience) proudly features CRRPress’s The Tidewater Reach: Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures among its rich selection of river-centric books.

ON THE COVER Interstate Tavern OwnerOperator Juilene Wuollet.

Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Tracy Beard Hal Calbom Alice Dietz Joseph Govednik Dayle Olson Michael Perry Ned Piper Robert Michael Pyle Marc Roland Alan Rose Alice Slusher Greg Smith Debra Tweedy Judy VanderMaten Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry, Tiffany Dickinson, Debra Tweedy

Joseph and his staff continue to remind us that making history is a truly vital, dynamic human undertaking, not a mere stowing of objects on dusty shelves. This year we look forward to redoubling our efforts to unearth, celebrate and share our own history, as we embark on CRR’s “The Long View: A Century on the Lower Columbia” project. More details will be announced soon, and we’re already working closely with the County Museum, Longview Library, and a host of founding fathers and mothers to bring this project to life.

Few of our partners and collaborators are so tuned in to this process of making history — becoming aware of it, sharing it, amplifying it — than our monthly contributor Joseph Govednik. Besides his stewardship as director of the Cowlitz County Historical Museum, Joseph relentlessly networks and connects the entire community of past-preservers up and down the river.

It delights me that we here are in a kind of adolescent period of local history, only a few generations removed from those who began writing the book. It’s our honor and great pleasure to have a hand in turning its pages.

Joseph’s Museum Magic column this month features the Caples House Museum in Columbia City, a perfect example of this history-making I’m alluding to — the evolution of present to past, and then to preservation.

My best wishes for an enjoyable spring, and many fun opportunities for getting out and about.

Sue Piper

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

Photo by Hal Calbom

2

CRR Collectors Club

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

4

Civilized Living: Miss Manners

5

Dispatches from the Discovery Trail ~ Episode 12

8

Where to Find the Reader (Pick-up locations)

Submission guidelines: page 31. General Ad info: page 30.

Ad Manager: Ned Piper 360-749-2632.

Advertising Manager: Ned Piper, 360-749-2632 Columbia River Reader, llc 1333 14th Ave Longview, WA 98632 P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Office Hours: M-W-F • 11–3* *Other times by chance or appointment E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021

This May, the Maritime Museum celebrates its 60th year serving the region and will feature author Robert Michael Pyle and photographer Judy Vandermaten at a signing event the afternoon of May 11th, a double cause for celebration here at the Reader! (See sidebar, page 14.)

CRREADER.COM

11

A Different Way of Seeing ~ The Tidewater Reach

12

Out & About ~ Columbia River Maritime Museum

15

Museum Magic: Caples House Museum

16

Quips & Quotes

17–20

People + Place ~ Juilene!

23

Where Do You Read the Reader?

25

Astronomy / The Sky Report: April 20 – May 20

25

Marc Roland on Wine: Are Wine Clubs Worth IT?

26

Lower Columbia Dining Guide

28

Besides CRR What Else Are You Reading?

29

Cover to Cover ~ Book Review / Bestsellers List

31

Submissions Guidelines / Outings & Events

32

Northwest Gardening: My Shrub Didn’t Bloom!

34

The Spectator: Perks of a Pandemic?

34

Plugged In to Cowlitz PUD: Return of the Ospreys!

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

Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 3


Civilized Living

By Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am curious about what I believe is a new trend in restaurants: When I order a slice of pie, it now comes with a spoon. When did this happen? I was raised eating pie and other firm items with a fork. Spoons were for soups and ice cream. GENTLE READER: Perhaps pies have gotten soupier? Or the servers have forgotten the accompanying ice cream? If the latter, Miss Manners would still have them give you both a dessert fork and spoon. But if you require a fork to enjoy your otherwise firm pie, ask for it. We do not want this trend catching on further and getting out of control. Forks with cereal could be next. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Whenever I throw a dinner party, I always make sure to provide

We’ve moved. Come see us at the address below. Nick Lemiere CFP®

tasty vegetarian dishes for those so inclined. I even make room for vegans, who can be quite demanding. But my vegetarian and vegan friends never provide a meat dish for anyone when they host a meal. I think a little reciprocity is in order. People can always provide doggie bags if they are afraid of having a piece of fried chicken left over. GENTLE READER: Let’s not add fuel to a fire that is already too wellstoked. Miss Manners realizes that not everyone with special dietary needs is polite about not drawing attention to them at the table. But that problem will not be solved by asking the host — who may be vegetarian for religious or health reasons that would be a serious impediment to what you propose — to serve meat. You add vegetarian dishes to ensure that people have something to eat, not to make available an endless number of choices. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a friend, who, when invited to dinner at my home, fills her plate but doesn’t eat everything on it. Being sick and tired of watching my hard work and expensive groceries end up in the garbage, is there a polite way to ask her to go easy and then have seconds if she is still hungry? GENTLE READER: No, but there is a solution to your problem, which has the added benefit of being more formal and decorous: Fill your guests’ plates yourself.

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DEAR MISS MANNERS: If I accept two invitations to two different events and one date gets changed to the same date as the other, how do I decide which one to go to? cont page 10

Your Columbia River Reader Read it • Enjoy it Share it • Recycle it Columbia River Reader is printed with environmentally-sensitive soy-based inks on paper manufactured in the Pacific Northwest utilizing the highest percentage of “post-consumer waste” recycled content available on the market. 4 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022


Lewis & Clark

DISPATCHES FROM THE DISCOVERY TRAIL EPISODE 12

On the Road Again after a Winter at Fort Mandan By Michael O. Perry

O

n April 7 of 1805, the Corps of Discovery resumed their westward trek after wintering at Fort Mandan. During the winter of 1804, Lewis and Clark had pulled together all available information about what might lie ahead. Besides the maps they brought from St. Louis and obtained from several explorers, they recorded information from Indians. They had great hopes the maps they would be relying on were accurate. As they made their way across present-day North Dakota and Montana, they were pleased to find rivers where the Indians had told them they would be. Progress up the Missouri River after leaving Fort Mandan was better than expected. The Corps reached the present-day border between North Dakota and Montana on April 26th. Don’t Rock the Boat!

On May 14, 1805, disaster struck the white pirogue. In it were Sacajawea and Pomp, along with her husband Charbonneau, and five other men. Clark wrote, “a Squawl of wind Struck our Sale broad Side and turned the perogue nearly over, and… She nearly filed with water – the articles which floated out was nearly all caught by the Squar who was in the rear. This accident had like to have cost us deerly; for in this perogue were embarked, our papers, Instruments, books, medicine, a great proportion of our merchandize, and in short almost every article indispensably necessary to… insure the success of the enterprise.” Lewis tells us, “Charbono was at the helm of this Perogue… Charbono cannot swim

and is perhaps the most timid waterman in the world… Capt. C. and myself were both on shore… spectators of her fate.” Charbonneau panicked as the wind “turned her… topsaturva. Capt. C. and myself both fired our guns to attract the attention…, but they did not hear us… they suffered the perogue to lye on her side for half a minute before they took the sail in, the perogue then wrighted but had filled within an inch of the gunwales; Charbono still crying to his god for mercy, had not yet recollected the rudder, nor could the repeated orders of the Bowsman, Cruzat, bring him to his recollection until he threatened to shoot him instantly if he did not take hold of the rudder and do his duty.” Two men bailed out the water with kettles as the other three rowed to shore. A very close call, but it wasn’t the first time; just a month earlier, Charbonneau had almost overturned the same boat under similar conditions.

Contemporary photo of the confluence of Marias and Missouri Rivers.

... what to do? ... Lewis and Clark’s trailblazing and orientation continue to amaze students of the Expedition and so does their most notable conundrum: what to do and where to go at the confluence of what is now the Marias and Missouri Rivers. Today, the spot is memorialized as Decision Point, a significant stop on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Capt. Clark: Romance on his mind?

On May 29th, while traveling through the Missouri River Breaks section now designated a National Wild and Scenic River, Clark named the “Judith River” in honor of Julia (Judy) Hancock, a 13-year old girl in Virginia he would marry three years later. Captain Lewis mentioned it in his journal and while he probably didn’t approve of naming the river after a young girl, two weeks later he did a similar thing. Is this the way to the Great Falls?

On June 2nd, near present-day Loma, Montana, they came upon a fork in the river not shown on their maps. The

Michael Perry enjoys local history and travel. His popular 33-installment Lewis & Clark series appeared in Columbia River Reader’s early years and helped shape its identity and zeitgeist. After two encores, the series has been expanded and published in a book. Details, pages 2, 35.

Captains had been told there was only one major northern river between the Mandan villages and the Great Falls of the Missouri; the Indians called it “the river which scolds at all others.” The Corps had passed such a river three weeks earlier and named it the Milk River due to its white color. So, what was this “extra” river doing here? Lewis wondered which river the Indians “had discribed to us as approaching very near to the Columbia river. To mistake the stream… and to ascend such stream to the rocky Mountain or perhaps much further before we could inform ourselves whether it did approach the Columbia or not, and then be obliged to return and take the other stream would not only loose us the whole of this season but would probably so dishearten the party that it might defeat the expedition altogether.” If the Missouri went north, then why hadn’t the Indians told them of the river coming in from the south? Both

O. P E R R Y

dispatches MICHAEL

from the

Discovery Trail with

HAL CALBOM DEBBY NEELY

by woodcut art

A LAYMAN’S

K

LEWIS & CLAR

rivers were about the same size since it was peak runoff. The north fork was muddy while the south fork was clear. The north fork was deeper, but was a little narrower and slower-flowing. The Indians had told them “that the water of the Missouri was nearly transparent at the great falls” so Lewis and Clark were sure the south fork was the true Missouri. However, everyone else felt the Missouri was actually the north fork. What to do? Management/Labor Negotiations

A small party was sent up each fork in an effort to determine which was the major stream, but they returned the same day with no conclusive information. Lewis and Clark could have simply ordered the men to proceed up the south fork, but they decided to each take a small party to “ascend these rivers until we could perfectly satisfy ourselves of the one, which it would be most expedient for us to take on our main journey to the Pacific.” cont page 7

In April 2021 we introduced a revised and expanded version of Michael Perry’s popular series which was expanded In the new book, Dispatches from the Discovery Trail, edited by Hal Calbom and published by CRRPress. It includes an in-depth author interview and new illustrations and commentary. Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 5


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Lewis & Clark

from page 5

By June 8th, after both parties had returned, there still was no definitive answer. Lewis wrote that the men, “said very cheerfully that they were ready to follow us anywhere we thought proper to direct, but that they still thought that the other was the river and that they were afraid the South fork would soon terminate in the mountains and leave us a great

distance from the Columbia.”As it would turn out, both groups would be right – the south fork was the true Missouri, but taking it would still leave the Corps with a very difficult overland passage across the Rocky Mountains. After spending a week deliberating about which route to take, the Captains decided to proceed up the south fork.

“Handsome Falls,” renamed Rainbow Falls by a railroad surveyor in 1872, had a 47foot drop. It was one of the five major waterfalls encountered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition at present-day Great Falls, Montana. Dams have diverted the water to generate electricity, but it is possible to see where some of the falls used to be. The railroad bridge shown in this picture was built in 1901, and the dam was completed in 1910. Party Time!

Crooked Falls is one of five falls on the Missouri River known collectively as Great Falls, which drop a total of 612 feet in ten miles. Meriwether Lewis said they were the grandest sight he had beheld thus far on their journey. Postcard from the author’s private collection.

Lewis wrote, “wishing that if we were in error to be able to detect it and rectify it as soon as possible it was agreed…” that Lewis “should set out with a small party by land up the South fork and continue our rout up it until we found the falls or reached the snowy mountains.” Lewis named the north fork “Maria’s River” in

honor of a cousin. Later they found out the reason the Indians had failed to tell the Corps about the Maria’s river was because they always cut across the plains on horses and never saw where it joins the Missouri. A dram of whiskey was passed out and the men danced around the campfire cont page 9

... the agreeable sound of a fall of water ...

They could hear it. So it must have been amazing to see Great Falls before it was dammed up and for the Expedition to cross the prairie and see this big cloud of water vapor and hear the roar. It makes you appreciate how things were before we came along and changed it. They heard the roar long before they saw this and the same is true when they came to the mouth of the Columbia. They heard the roar of the ocean at Skamokawa.”

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Where to find the new Reader

It’s delivered all around the River by the 15th of each month. Here’s the list of handy, regularly-refilled sidewalk box and rack locations where you can pick up a copy any time of day and even in your bathrobe: CLATSKANIE LONGVIEW Post Office U.S. Bank Chevro / Mini-Mart Post Office Fultano’s Pizza Bob’s (rack, main check-out) WESTPORT In front of 1232 Commerce Ave Berry Patch In front of 1323 Commerce Ave Wauna mill (parking lot) YMCA Fred Meyer (rack, service desk) RAINIER Teri’s Post Office Grocery Outlet Cornerstone Café Fibre Fed’l CU - Commerce Ave Rainier Hardware (rack, entry) Monticello Hotel (front entrance) Earth ‘n’ Sun (on Hwy 30) Kaiser Permanente El Tapatio (entry rack) St. John Medical Center Grocery Outlet (rack, Park Lake Café) Senior Center (rack at front door) LCC Student Center DEER ISLAND Indie Way Diner Deer Island Store Columbia River Reader Office 1333 14th Ave. (box at door) COLUMBIA CITY - Post Office Omelettes & More (entry rack) WARREN Stuffy’s II (entry rack) Warren Country Inn KELSO ST HELENS Visitors’ Center / Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Sunshine Pizza KALAMA St. Helens Market Fresh Fibre Fed’l CU Olde Town: Kalama Shopping Center Wild Currant, Tap into Wine corner of First & Fir Safeway McMenamin’s Harbor Lodge SCAPPOOSE WOODLAND Post Office Visitors’ Center Road Runner Grocery Outlet Fultano’s Luckman Coffee Ace Hardware Antidote (rack) WARRENTON, OR CASTLE ROCK Fred Meyer Lacie Rha’s Cafe (32 Cowlitz W.) CATHLAMET Parker’s Restaurant (box, entry) Cathlamet Pharmacy Visitors’ Center 890 Huntington Tsuga Gallery Ave. N., Exit 49, west side of I-5 Cathlamet Realty West Cascade Select Market Puget Island Ferry Landing RYDERWOOD SKAMOKAWA Café porch Skamokawa General Store TOUTLE NASELLE Drew’s Grocery & Service Appelo Archives & Café (temporarily closed) Johnson’s One-Stop


Lewis & Clark

from page 7

as Pierre Cruzatte played his fiddle. The supply of whiskey was running low so only half a gill (2 ounces) was dispersed.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Three days later, Lewis wrote, “I had proceded on… whin my ears were saluted with the agreeable sound of a fall of water and advancing a little further

I saw the spray arise above the plain like a column of smoke… which soon began to make a roaring too tremendous to be mistaken for any cause short of the great falls of the Missouri… I hurried down… to gaze on this sublimely grand specticle.”

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Lewis sent a man back to tell Clark they were on the right river. And, he decided to explore upstream to find out where the best route around the falls m i g h t b e . To his dismay, he found there were actually five major waterfalls, and many sets of rapids — dropping more than 600 feet in 10 miles — that would require an 18-mile overland portage. More on that next episode. •••

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Miss Manners

from page 4

GENTLE READER: Go to the one that did not change dates; the other is a new invitation.

GENTLE READER: Stop talking. At least while your colleague is speaking simultaneously. Eventually, Miss Manners assumes, she will realize that you are staring at her silently. If she asks you why, you may say, “You seemed so excited and I didn’t want to talk over you.”

Hosts are not allowed to feel aggrieved that someone who accepted an invitation to the Capulet wedding in the morning is not available for what subsequently changed to a funeral in the evening.

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

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My mother and mother-in-law passed away about one month apart. Now, a year later, I am ashamed to share that I have not sent thank-you notes to those who sent food, flowers and gifts. It took this past year for me to gather the emotional energy to even open the bereavement cards. I do not want to face people without first sending thankyous. How do I handle this? Do I send a thank-you and apologize for the delay in acknowledgment? I have spoken to a few of these folks over this past year, and I never acknowledged their generosity because I had not opened the cards! GENTLE READER: Like generals, bank robbers and givers of surprise parties, Miss Manners does not always believe that honesty is the best policy. But when the reason is as compelling and understandable as yours, there is no substitute. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a genuinely kind coworker who constantly talks over my sentences. Not surprisingly, she also doesn’t listen to what I am able to say. Could you give me a Miss Manners-y idea for what to say or do in these situations?

10 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

•••


A Different Way of Seeing

THE TIDEWATER REACH Poem by Robert Michael Pyle • Photograph by Judy VanderMaten • Field Note by Hal Calbom

Road to the River Turn down any lane off the 14, 4, or 30. Drive as far as you can. When you hit a fence or the end of the track, get out and walk. Keep walking. You’ll smell it first, as the onshore wind freshens. Smell of mud and crayfish shells, fish, otter spraint, and rot. Don’t stop walking. Don’t stop until your feet get wet. And then, why, you’d better stop.

On this page we excerpt poems, pictures and field notes from our own “Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures,” The Tidewater Reach, by Gray’s River resident and renowned naturalist Robert Michael Pyle, and Cathlamet photographer Judy VanderMaten.

SLOUGH, NOT SLUFF The local word is slough, pronounced “slew,” and characterized by a variety of definitions. On the Columbia River, a slough is a backwater or inside passage of calmer water distinct from the main channel. Sloughs have had great commercial utility on the Columbia, storing log rafts, protecting boats and floating homes from the stronger current, nurturing wildlife. The identically spelled “slough,” pronounced “sluff,” is to cast off or discard.

The two dreamed for years of a collaborative project, finally realized when Columbia River Reader Press published color and black and white editions of The Tidewater Reach in 2020, and a third, hybrid edition in 2021, all presenting “a different way of seeing” our beloved Columbia River.

Field Guide to the

Lower Columbia River in

Poems and Pictures

Robert Michael Pyle Judy VanderMaten

For information on ordering, as well as our partner bookshops and galleries, see pages 2 and 35. Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 11


OUT•AND•ABOUT

Columbia River Maritime Museum Shipwrecks, navigation and crossing the bar Story & photos by Tracy Beard

T

he Columbia River Maritime Museum sits on the shore of the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon. According to Membership and Marketing Manager Caroline Webben, “The museum’s mission is to educate people about the history of the Columbia River and its tributaries.” The museum boasts a movie theater, numerous maritime vessels, maritime artifacts and the National Historic Landmark Lightship Columbia, a floating lighthouse. (This fully renovated ship will return and be on display in June 2022.) Various exhibits chronicle the river’s extensive history, bring to light its unique influences, and expose its unprecedented dangers. The Columbia is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North

America. Originating in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, it flows northwest, then veers south through Washington state and finally heads west, slicing between Oregon and Washington as it makes its way to the sea. The bar between the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the river is known as the Pacific Graveyard, home to more than 2,000 shipwrecks. This vast river was an integral part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, instrumental in the local fur trading businesses, and influential in naval history. The most popular exhibit at the museum is the retired Coast Guard cutter located in the museum’s front window. Semper Paratus, “Always Ready,” is their motto, and today’s Coast Guard works 24/7 to keep the Columbia River safe. Daily routines consist of maintaining hundreds of navigational buoys, markers and lights when members are not out rescuing those in need. cont page 13

Bar Pilot Pulling Boat The entrance to the Columbia River is one of the most dangerous in the world. Skilled pilots are required to guide vessels in and out of the river. before 1965, pilots used small boats (like the one pictured at right) to transfer between the pilot schooner Columbia and vessels off the mouth of the river. Boats of this type were in use on the Pacific Coast for more than 100 years. This sturdy pulling boat has short oars so that the crew can get closer alongside a ship. Timing his leap, the pilot grasps a Jacob’s ladder hung from the side of the ship to scramble up to the deck. Disembarking from the ship can be even more hazardous, especially in rough seas.

The boat has thole pins in place of oar locks. With a sudden surge against the ship, pins would break away, whereas oarlocks would hold, snapping the oars and injuring the oarsmen. On a stormy night in September 1962, Captain Edgar Quinn and two oarsman were cast adrift after capsizing. Driven by 60-knot winds, Captain Quinn and oarsman Donald Nelson came ashore through the surf 40 miles north of the Columbia, 17 hours later. The second oarsman, Bill Wells, perished in the incident.

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OUT•AND•ABOUT from page 12

The Mapping Gallery showcases numerous maps of different people’s interpretations of the globe throughout history. Focusing on North America, it is interesting to see how over time and through multiple explorations, the maps have grown more intricate and detailed. The progression is fascinating.

Celebrate Columbia River Maritime Museum’s 60th Anniversary • May 11* 1702 Marine Drive, Astoria, Ore 97103 Museum open 9:30am – 5pm FREE Admission! Please bring a canned food donation for a featured non-profit. *Also the anniversary of Capt. Robert Gray sailing into the mouth of the Columbia River, May 11, 1792 ... a coincidence??

The new Shipwrecks section is scheduled to open this June. “The concept is not about a particular shipwreck,” explained Webben, “but about what causes shipwrecks, the consequences, and how shipwrecks have affected how we travel on the river and the ocean. History has romanticized shipwrecks, but we want to learn from them,” she said. The exhibit’s primary theme encompasses a broad educational view, but several well-known wrecks will be highlighted. The discovery of ships and the archeology involved in the process will be another cont page 14 exciting part of the exhibit.

Party on the Plaza 3–6pm •Live music by local band “The Yard Dogs” Family Activities: •Temporary Tattoo Station •Popcorn & Pirate “Booty” • Cupcakes Special Member Recognition all month, including double discount in the Museum store

More info on the museum’s website at www.crmm.org. Phone: 503-325-2323

Tracy Beard writes about luxury and adventure travel, traditional and trendy fine dining and libations for regional, national and international magazines. She is in her seventh year as CRR’s “Out & About” columnist. She recently returned to Longview after living for several years in Vancouver, Wash.

By Tracy Beard

Special Attraction!

MEET THE AUTHORS Book Signing May 11, 2–4pm at the Museum The Tidewater Reach: Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures. by Robert Michael Pyle and Judy VanderMaten.

PROVISIONS ALONG THE TRAIL

Waffles with Toffee Sauce makes 6 Belgian waffles

Polenta and Herb Baked Eggs 2 cups water ½ cup fine polenta or cornmeal ½ cup fresh or frozen corn ¾ cup grated fontina cheese Salt and pepper 2 Tbl. sour cream ¼ cup drained diced tomato 4 large eggs 1 Tbl. fresh chives – chopped 1Tbl. fresh basil – chiffonade

1 ½ ounces gin ¾ ounce (1½ Tbl.) fresh lemon juice ¾ ounce (1½ Tbl.) simple syrup – equal parts sugar and water boiled and cooled 2 to 3 ounces Prosecco Lemon peel for garnish

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pour gin, lemon juice Bring water to boil in a saucepot and and simple syrup into slowly whisk in polenta. Stir for 15 a cocktail shaker with minutes. Add corn and cook for five ice. Shake and pour more minutes. Stir in ½ cup cheese, season with salt and into a champagne glass. pepper and stir in sour cream. Coat an 8 x 8 baking dish Add Prosecco and top with nonstick spray. Pour polenta into the dish. Scatter the with a lemon peel twist. tomatoes throughout the polenta. Smooth out the polenta and make four wells. Crack an egg into each well and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Place in the oven until the egg whites are firm and the yolks are still runny. Top with fresh basil and chives, and serve immediately. Brunch is not complete without the perfect cocktail!

Try my version of the French 75 (recipe above).

Waffle 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 ¾ cup milk ½ cup melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. Mix egg yolks, milk, vanilla and melted butter in another bowl. Whip egg whites into soft peaks. Add dry mix to wet mix. Fold in egg whites. Cook waffles in a Belgian waffle iron until golden brown. Keep warm in a 250-degree oven until all are cooked. Toffee Sauce 4 tablespoons butter ½ cup heavy whipping cream ½ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Place butter, brown sugar and cream in a medium saucepot. Cook on medium until it comes to a simmer. Lower the temp a bit. Cook and stir until thickened, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside.

Toppings Whipped cream Toasted almonds Flaked sea salt Serve waffles with toffee sauce, toasted almonds and whipped cream. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt to balance the flavors. Sausage or bacon make a terrific accompaniment.

Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 13


Maritime Museum

Bar pilots are essential personnel. They navigate ships in and out of the Columbia River, maintaining commerce year-round. The Bar, or Pacific Graveyard, originated at the mouth of the Columbia River when the freshwater slowed down and dumped sediment. This area is one of the most dangerous crossings in the world. Wind and the violent collision of waves from the ocean and the river create waves reaching 40 feet high, and the bar pilots risk their lives every

from page 13

Weather plays a significant role in everything that transpires on the river. Visitors can take turns standing against the green wall on stage as a meteorologist and report the day’s weather. An entire wall is designated for the Science of Storms section, which includes a video with real-time weather information on storms, rain, atmospheric pressure and more.

day bringing ships in and out of the river. The ride back and forth is risky enough, but jumping from tiny boats onto the rope ladder to climb aboard each ship is chilling. “I would like people to walk away with an understanding of how that body of water affects us as a community, as individuals and as businesses,” Webben said, “and for them to realize what it means to Astorians, Oregonians and

Americans.” The various boats, movies, interactive exhibits and informational placards give visitors an inside look at how this 1,243-mile waterway has shaped the civilization and the area’s economy for thousands of years. With plenty to entertain people of all ages, spend a few hours or the entire day, and don’t forget to stop in the museum for some memorabilia to take home. •••

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Local Culture

MUSEUM MAGIC

By Joseph Govednik, Cowlitz County Historical Museum Director

Authenticity to the core! Caples House Museum serves as pioneer time capsule

L

ocated in the Oregon town of Columbia City, with a commanding view of the Columbia River is the Caples House Museum. This museum tells a rich

history of Columbia County’s first resident doctor, Dr. Charles Green Caples, who migrated across the Oregon Trail and constructed in 1870 a two-story home on the very spot his father, Joseph Caples, built a log cabin back in 1846. The home is now a museum, and the furnishings and objects within are authentic not only to the era, but are actual instruments used by the Caples family during their time of residency. This museum is a literal time capsule of an affluent pioneer family’s daily life, living among a working farm on 320 acres of land. The museum is owned and operated by the Oregon State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (OSSDAR). It was donated in 1959 to the Society by Dell Caples Houghton, daughter of Dr. Caples. In 1970 the Knapp Social Center was built on site as a venue for receptions and meetings. A tour of the museum shows family sleeping areas, a robust piano shipped around “The Horn,” which was so large a hole had to be breached in the house wall to bring it inside!

Museum Coordinator Beth Moody and Joseph Govednik look at implements, books and memorabilia displayed in original family furnishings at Caples House, Columbia City, Oregon.

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

Raymond/ South Bend

Oysterville •

Columbia River

101

Chinook

Grays River

101

Pacific Ocean

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

Astoria Birkenfeld

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa Cathlamet 4

Warrenton •

Seaside

Washington

Castle Rock

• Naselle

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Ilwaco

VISITOR CENTERS

504

Long Beach

Vernonia

Longview

Ape Cave •

Kelso

Clatskanie Rainier

Woodland

rnelius NW Co ad o R s s a P

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Local in

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

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

97

Goldendale

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

•Yacolt

St Helens

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

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

503

Columbia City

Maryhill Museum

• Ridgefield

Scappoose•

Oregon

Cougar •

Kalama

cont page 16

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Vader

Ocean Park •

Antique tools and home appliances, Victorian era dolls I met with Museum Coordinator Beth Moody, who gave an informative tour illustrating how life was back in the late 1800s. In the nearby shed many farm implements are on display, along with original hand-operated and early electric washing machines. The museum’s carriage house also boasts an impressive display of Victorian/Edwardian era dolls and toys.

Sauvie Island

Skamania Lodge

Vancouver Col. Gorge Interp.Ctr as m a C • Bonneville 12

Portland

Dam

Troutdale Crown Point

n Stevenso Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

Hood River 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 / April 15, 2022 / 15


Museum Magic

from page 15

Be sure to visit the Lattimer Quilt Show at the museum this May 14th and 15th! To learn more about this unique visitor experience, the quilt

show, or to rent the facility for private events, please visit www.CaplesHouse. com or call 503-397-5390 for more information. •••

STARTING THIS SUMMER!

For information about sponsorship opportunities: publisher@crreader.com or Ned Piper, 360-740-2632.

Long View THE

A Century on the Lower Columbia

PEOPLE+PLACE ~ THEN AND NOW A Year of Journalism in Columbia River Reader • June 2022 through June 2023 A Commemorative Book • Multiple-media Gala Variety Show at Columbia Theatre

Longview’s historic downtown now features 20 permanent sculptures. By Longview’s 100th Anniversary in 2023, LOG is on track to commemorate this milestone by having presented 23 sculptures.

Donations have also provided a podcast with information on each sculpture. Just aim your cell phone camera on the QR code and you’re there!

The Caples House Museum complex faces the Columbia River in Columbia City, Oregon.

Q

UIPS & QUOTES

Selected by Debra Tweedy

The central task of education is to implant a will and facility for learning; it should produce not learned but learning people. The truly human society is a learning society, where grandparents, parents, and children are students together. ~ Eric Hoffer, American social philosopher and author, 1902-1983 I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me. ~ Cheryl Strayed, American writer and podcast host, 1968Marriage is a lot like the army. Everyone complains, but you’d be surprised at the large number that re-enlist. ~ James Garner, American actor and producer, 1928-2014

We were made to enjoy music, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, to enjoy looking at the billows of the sea and to be thrilled with a rose that is bedecked with dew….Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful...and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things. ~ Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican bishop, human rights activist, 1931-2021

“23 BY 23”

Please join us in supporting and appreciating this important work. ”Neptune,” by Jud Turner, installed in downtown Longview Sept. 2021

Donate online at longviewlog.org or mail your check to: LOG, PO Box 2804, Longview, WA 98632

The Evans Kelly Family One of Longview’s pioneer families.

Proud Sponsor of People+Place

There is zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas. ~ Susan Cain, American writer, lecturer, 1968If you’re put on a pedestal, you’re supposed to behave yourself like a pedestal type of person. Pedestals actually have a limited circumference. Not much room to move around. ~ Margaret Atwood, Canadian poet, writer, activist, 1939-– Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life.

“County Fair”

painting 11x17 inches acrylic paint on paper by Joe Fischer

~ Anne Lamott, American writer, 1954-

If grass can grow through cement, love can find you at every time in your life. ~ Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian), American singer and actress, 194616 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

Longview native Debra Tweedy has lived on four continents. She and her husband decided to return to her hometown and bought a house facing Lake Sacajawea.“We came back because of the Lake and the Longview Public Library,” she says.

Honoring the Successful Lives and Legacy of Alona & Carl Forsberg

JOE FISCHER Proud Sponsor of People+Place


People + Place A monthly feature written and photographed by Southwest Washington native and Emmy Award-winning journalist

Hal Calbom

Production Notes

people+ place Interstate Tavern: Juilene Wuollet

Dungeness Dreams

“I

love the ocean ,”

says Juilene Wuollet. “I love anything that comes out of the ocean.” Her Interstate Tavern in Rainier boasts more than state-of-art poker machines, world-class pool tables, and a sound track from the sixties and seventies. “Our food is phenomenal,” she says, and she’s right. Both regulars and “don’t-missthe-Interstate’s-crab-cocktail” passersthrough know this Highway 30 hangout as the Crab Capital of the Columbia. We Northwesterners consider Dungeness crab our very own, named for the town and spit extending into the straits near Port Angeles. But connoisseurs of Metacarcinus magister know it’s native to the entire West Coast, all the way to Alaska and as far south as California, and so prized it’s subject to strict harvesting regulations.

Oregon’s U.S. Route 30 parallels the Columbia up the river from Astoria all the way to the Idaho state line. It’s a federal road but it’s rich with local history and lowdown lore. We’re in search of an American Original — at least the Pacific Northwest version of it — a combination eatery, saloon, billiard parlor and dancehall we used to call a roadhouse. Polite folks and dictionaries describe a roadhouse as a “mixed use” wayside inn, “usually on the outskirts of town, featuring meals, dancing, and often gambling.” Recollection offers a slightly more disreputable reputation, what country singers from Hank Williams to Merle Haggard called a honky tonk, a juke joint, or simply home. Built sometime in the 1920s, the Interstate Tavern flanks Highway 30 in the Oregon town of Rainier. Its image fits its lineage: Blue-collar shift workers bellied up to the horseshoe bar still tell their supervisors they can be reached here at “the office.” They recall the good old days when drinking and driving was a sport not a felony, and with ear-splitting live bands cranked up to 11, a Friday night without a fight was no kind of Friday night at all. In charge behind the bar is Juilene Wuollet, who found herself the Interstate’s sole proprietor some 37 years ago. JW: Oh yeah, I was divorced and had two kids and worked for awhile in personnel at Weyerhaeuser and bartended in the evening, to make ends meet. Started out at a pizza place in Scappoose. And, yeah, HC: But you’d poured beer before. drank a couple but I quit 20 years ago. And drank a couple? JW: I signed my life away for $2,000. And I’m 32 years old and I don’t really know what happened here. All I know is I own a bar.

NICE TO MEET YOU Juilene Wuollet RESIDES Rainier, Washington FROM Kelso, Washington OCCUPATION Tavern owner/operator KNOWN FOR Crab READING

The competition’s menus FOR FUN Camping, spending time with grandkids RECOMMENDS The crab sandwich, the Dagwood.

cont page 18

Sport crabbers know the joys and frustrations of seasonal openings and closings of their favorite spots, and the occasional thrill of hauling heavy pots off the bottom and finding “keepers,” carefully measured across the back, with anticipation of fresh cracked crab for dinner. “I hear people in the bar say, ‘Yeah, she cracks her own crab. Owns a couple of crab boats.’ I’m thinking, ‘Where do they get these ideas?’ Or, ‘She flies to Alaska to get crab there.’ Such is the mystique of the sweet Dungeness crab meat — it seems to demand its own origin stories. In reality, Juilene buys the best stuff fresh, cooked in salt, and vacuum sealed, wholesale. Interstate Tavern’s customers don’t seem to mind paying top dollar for these delicacies. Her portions and preparations are legendary and worth it. “I’m generous,” she says, “and I want to hook you into it. I want you coming back year after year, like most people do.” ••• Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 17


People +

from page 17

HC: And so you had this once in a lifetime opportunity… JW: Oh yeah. It was a wreck. A rat trap. The business was bankrupt, locked up, out of business. But the owner wanted to make a deal with me, get out from under. She signed a quitclaim deed — I didn’t even know what that was — and all of a sudden I owned the property. HC: But not necessarily the business itself? JW: No, I didn’t have a liquor license or anything. I just owned the property. But I had some help from a couple of people who set people up in taverns and bars — they were in the beer distribution business so they wanted to maintain their outlets — and we filled out all the paperwork. Headed for Portland and presented it to the directors down there.

“ It’s turned. It’s more a restaurant with a bar than a bar wi HC: How long did it take you to get up and running? JW: About 60 days. And we killed ourselves. And had a lot of help. The plumbing was no good. The roof leaked in about 25 spots. It still leaked when we opened up. You sat at the bar, you got wet. To get the lights turned back on I had to have a huge deposit because she’d left the light bill hanging. And all the other bills. So everybody in town wanted deposits and guarantees and wanted to collect bills from me. HC:The dream continues! JW: I had the good sense to talk to a really good lawyer who said I wasn’t responsible for the previous owner’s bills, and get off my

property, basically. And the really cool thing was how many people wanted to help and see me succeed and open this place back up. HC:: So sixty or so days later? JW: I had about a hundred bucks to my name. And I was still working for another tavern owner to support myself. So, with my last paycheck I went down to the grocery store in town, bought some beer, and brought it back here. Started selling bottles and cans of beer. One at a time. Put fifty bucks worth of change in the till. And tried to be nice to people. Today’s Interstate Tavern belies its checkered past. The horseshoe bar remains, with four regulars settled in as if in their own living rooms — which Juilene maintains is exactly what she hopes they feel. There’s a nod to the gambling past, high rise electronic poker machines ablaze with lights. A couple of steps up are two magnificent pool tables, the very best money can buy, where playing for money is expected, and champion shooters gather to compete and hone their games for tournament play around the state. Half the patrons are eating, and most enjoy the pride of the house — fresh Dungeness crab served in a variety of ways, from cocktails to sandwiches to crab-stuffed avocados. And there’s a tangible warmth to the place, a product of Juilene’s regard for her customers as family, and a work ethic that holds her here from six in the evening until 3:30am.

People+ Place bellies up to the bar. FIBRE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

is a local sponsor of the 30th Anniversary of Healthy Kids Day®!

Please join us in supporting the important work of the • Pet Adoptions. Be on the lookout for our adoptable pets on Petfinder.com • Spay/ Neuter and Vaccine Clinics Please call to schedule (instead of regular walk-in clinics). Limit of one person per appointment due to Covid-19. • Donations and Volunteers needed and appreciated!

• cowlitzhumane.com • 360-577-0151

Proud Sponsor of People+Place 18 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

For 30 years, Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids’ mental and physical health, while teaching healthy habits for kids and families, encouraging active play and inspiring a lifetime love of physical activity. On May 1, the YMCA of Southwest Washington will

host events featuring fun games and activities to keep kids moving and learning.

Join us to create lifelong memories with the entire family!

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YMCA of SW Washington 766-15th Ave Longview, WA 98632 www.longviewymca.org


+ Place

ith a restaurant. ”

~ Juilene Wuollet

JW: These guys are here because they like us. They love me. They love this place. And this is their place. I let them know that they are the ones who have paid for this place. It’s their money that pays for this. HC: You put in impossible hours, though? JW: I don’t quit. I don’t lay down until I get the job done. Once my job is done, I go home, but little did I know my job is never done! Once you go into the business of yourself, you don’t look at the clock any more because there’s no time you really get off work. And I was living in Scappoose at the time, because I didn’t want to drag my kids up to this school district until we got established. HC: You seem to have done a pretty amazing job balancing all this, especially with the kids. JW: I do it all for them. They are 50 and 45 now. My daughter works for me and my son is a captain in the Air Force. They’re both real scholars. Make me really proud. And there really wasn’t much child support back in those days. HC: So how did you convert this disaster you bought into the civilized spot you’ve got today?

crab is one of the great delicacies. I have a lot of regulars literally from all over the world. Right here, this highway brings people from everywhere. And most of them seem to know the Interstate.

JW: Oh, it will never be civilized! But I wanted to serve food, for one thing, better than just the beer sausages and potato chips we started off with. So, and this was back in my drinking days, I got my girlfriends together and said, ‘We’re going to go to Portland and eat French Dips all the way.’ I’ll pay. And we’d figure out what made the best French Dips. Then we had a day for Club Sandwiches, and a day for Reubens. The bad news is I gained 35 pounds putting the menu together. HC: The good news is you’ve got a great reputation for food, right? JW: I think we do. The crab is pricey. But we serve a lot of it and don’t scrimp on the portions. Our crab dishes are generous to a fault, probably. And Dungeness

As a Christian athlete how do you glorify God? I focus on staying humble when having successes. When I have struggles and trials, I realize that God is with me. I remember that every game/meet could be my last, so I try to look at every opportunity to compete as a gift from God, and not something that I’m entitled to.” Weatherguard supports the FCA vision: To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

JW: Oh, yeah. And pretty scary to be running it just as a solo woman. I didn’t know how to read people very well when I first started. There were a lot of fights here. You want to fight you go to the Interstate. And it was hurting the reputation of this place. HC: Did you call the police? JW: No way. That would have really hurt our reputation! A lot of times these guys would be drinking together and they’d go outside and beat each other up and then come back and start drinking again. So what the hell, right? HC: Was there a time you remember when things started to turn? JW: Well, when they were building Trojan, and when Trojan was up and going, this place could be nuts. I had bands in here and we had a lot of live music. One time a guy came in and started dancing and took off all his clothes, right here, on the dance floor. Now his wife walks in. Grabs him by the scruff of his neck and starts whipping on him to get out to her car right now. Grabs his clothes and storms out. And I’m thinking, ‘oh my gosh, Dude, this is really stupid stuff.’ And I never let him in the bar again. HC: Our attitudes toward alcohol, and especially drinking and driving, had to be a factor? JW: Oh yes. And I’ve learned to see people’s limits. There was a guy came in today already drunk and we refused to serve him. HC: Have your own attitudes toward alcohol changed?

Erin Tack

Kelso High School Track and Field

Proud sponsor of People+Place

HC: But didn’t they also know the Interstate as a pretty wild place?

360-577-7200

JW: I love the good times people have, drinking a glass of wine with their crab sandwiches. That’s part of the glow and warmth of this place. But I’ve seen people destroyed by alcohol, too. cont page 20 Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 19


from page 19

HC: Have customers’ attitudes changed, on their own, as well?

HC: How do you draw the line? Determine limits? JW: If you’re my customer, chances are I know, or can soon determine, what your limits are. I’ve earned enough trust and respect that I can talk to them about limits. Ask them where they’re headed when they’re out of here. Are you going straight up the hill, and home? Or are you going to go back to Longview, over the bridge? You know that’s a border there, and plenty of State Patrol presence.

JW: Certainly. You see a lot more couples in here. We also sell a lot more wine, and the emphasis on food helps. My daughter even noticed this, after growing up around the bar business for 25 years. She says, ‘Mom, this place used to be like a bar. Now it’s like a restaurant, everybody comes here to eat.’ So, it’s turned, it’s more a restaurant with a bar than a bar with a restaurant. HC: How long are you going to keep working these huge shifts? JW: These are my people. They expect to see me here. I leave for a few days I’m missed, and I kind of like that. I’ve got the fourth generation coming in now. I know the great grandparents, the grandparents, the mom and dad and the kids and now their kids. It all comes around. JW: Do you pine for the old wild days? HC: Well, it was kind of fun back then, too. But I was young, and didn’t know any better. My experiences have grown with me and it’s been a gift. I mean what a gift, to have this extended family of people. To work for them and to be appreciated for it. ••• Editor’s note: Interviews are edited for length and clarity.

Hal Calbom grew up in Longview and attended R.A.Long High School. He is editor for CRRPress and producer of CRR’s “People+Place” monthly feature and author of the upcoming The Long View: A Century on the Lower Columbia.

people+ place Back Roads of Oregon by Earl Thollander. Highway 30 may be too much of an artery to qualify as a true back road, but Earl Thollander’s evocative sketches and pithy descriptions turn every wayside into a vignette. The best of guides to off the beaten track.

20 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

View from Interstate Tavern’s front porch: Rainier’s main street and waterfront; across the Columbia River, WestRock (formerly Longview Fibre Company), Washington hills, Columbia River.

Producer’s Picks The Roads, the River, the Richness The Tidewater Reach by Robert Michael Pyle and Judy Vandermaten Yes, I’m biased. But those who’ve come to appreciate Bob’s book always remark on his love for River Pubs, their atmospherics and their views. What better way, other than actually digging into the crab at the Interstate Tavern, to appreciate these wayside wonders?

The Pacific Northwest Seafood Cookbook by Naomi Tomky A wonderful compilation of recipes and origin stories. Northwest seafoods spring from a whole host of fisheries and find their way to the table in delectable ways.


FROM THE PET DEPT.

Old publishers never die, they just start living in the margins.

Tai Chi for Health May/June/July It’s Spring and I’ve got a new leash on life! ~Ginger Victoria Findlay’s dog, aka Gretchen

Call before you go ! Should Life Insurance policies be owned by your Living Trust?

Tai Chi Adaptive Tues & Th 11:00am Relaxed learning pace to support ambulatory disabilities, walking with cane or walker, seated in wheelchair.

Tai Chi - Beginners Tues & Th – 10:00am Standing/Seated

Register through Longview Parks & Rec

360 442-5400

NASM Certified Senior Fitness Instructor

LaNay Eastman

TCHI Certified Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (Standing/Seated) Tai Chi & Qigong for Health and Wellness (Standing/Seated)

“I make house calls”

THE LAW OFFICE OF

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

360-423-7175

The Administration on Aging (AoA) has rated the TCHI Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevent (TCA) program as the highest evidence-based program for older adults and wellness. More information at www. taichiforhealthinstitute.org.

COLOR & DESIGN

DELIGHTS for your home! 360.636.0712 1309 Hudson Street

WO

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Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 21


Internal Medicine & Preventative Care

The perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

Open Every Day for Your Convenience Holidays & Weekends Included

Gold enameled roses $69 Richard A. Kirkpatrick, M.D., FACP

Brooke Wethington, BS, MPAS, PA-C

Dr. Toddrick Tookes, DPM, Podiatrist

John Edmunds • 38 Years Experienced Goldsmith

Custom • Repairs • Estate • New 711 Vandercook Way, Suite 122, Longview Open Tues–Fri 9:30 – 5pm • Sat 9:30am–3pm

Angela Escobar, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Vlad Bogin, M.D., FACP

360-423-7252

www.jewelersbenchlongivew.com • thejewelersbenchinc@gmail.com

THANK YOU! We appreciate the community’s support and good wishes following the fire which destroyed our store. Watch for announcements about our planned re-opening. Greg, Carol, and Julie

Your convenient last stop on the way to the Mountain!

Serving the local community for more than 80 Years!

DREW’S GROCERY & SERVICE, INC

Just 10 miles from I-5 Exit 49

5304 Spirit Lake Hwy • Toutle, WA 22 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

360-274-8920

Rachel Roylance, BS, MPAP, PA-C

Nicholas Austin MSPAS, PA-C

Sam Lavis D.O.

WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE PLANS TEMPORARY CLINIC HOURS

Telemedicine Visits Available

Mon-Fri 8am–6pm Sat 9am–1pm Sun 12-4pm

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ON THE CIVIC CENTER www.kirkpatrickfamilycare.com

Kirkpatrick Foot & Ankle

Dr. Toddrick Tookes, DPM, Podiatrist

• • • • • • • •

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

360-575-9161


Where do you read

THE READER? They tied the knot!

Longview, Wash. residents Fax Koontz and Sue Lane Koontz (left) with Stan and Debbie Harris, of Olympia, the newlyweds’ longtime friends and witnesses at their March 20 wedding in Tacoma. The four were reading the Reader while awaiting seating at the Tacoma Country Club following the private ceremony. At least, that’s what it looks like. And then the Koontzes flew off to honeymoon in Texas. Sue is an advertising representative and friend of CRR.

Where’s Mike? (Never leave home without CRR) Mike and Marilyn Perry of Kelso stayed at the Old Wailuku Inn at Wailuku, Maui, on their recent Hawaiian vacation. Located just 5 miles from the Kahului airport, the plantation-style house was built in 1924 by a wealthy island banker and converted in 1997 into a delightful bed & breakfast. The beautiful rooms and grounds are impressive, and the home-cooked gourmet breakfasts are to die for, Mike said in an email. Since the Perrys forgot their copy of the current CRR, Mike broke new ground and used an iPad to access the CRR website and archives, where page-by-page images of every issue since 2013 are found. But where is he in this photo? Note the cover image on Marilyn’s iPad!

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send your photo reading the Reader (high-res JPEG) to Publisher@CRReader. com. Include names and cities of residence. We make it a practice to promptly acknowledge photos received; if you don’t hear from us within 5 days, please resend. For cell phone photo, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB.

NMLS# 186805

Committed to helping you find

THE RIGHT MORTGAGE.

Carrie Lynn Medack Sr. Loan Officer 360.431.0998 NMLS#190268

Friends in the desert Longview resident Dr. Phyllis Cavens visits retired Longview architect John Crook and his daughter, Alison Crook Guerra, in Marana, Arizona, for John’s 80th birthday. The photo was taken outside his home.

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

1541 11th Ave., Suite A Longview, WA NMLS#1164433

Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 23


7 am - 9 pm 7 pm

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FOR OVER 39 YEARS Accurate • Reliable • Timely • Locally Owned

Service is the difference! THE MOST IN-DEPTH TITLE PLANT IN THE COUNTY Glenda Beam Escrow Officer

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Escrow Assistant

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Brittney Rexford Escrow Assistant

Title Insurance • Escrow Services • Residential & Commercial • 1031 Exchange

1159 14th Ave, Longview • 360.423.5330 • www.cowlitztitle.com

We take the long view with your tires and auto care!

655 Commerce Ave., Longview, WA 98632 www.longviewautotire.com

360-425-3933 1111 3rd Ave., Longview, WA 98632 www.northwestautospecialist.com

360-577-6444

24 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022


Astronomy

Roland on Wine

Are Wine Clubs worth it? By Marc Roland

O

n your last trip to wine country you had the time of your life. You were treated like a V.I.P from start to finish. The wine was good, but the experience was even better. You were told the story about how the winery started and how they created a great brand. Of course, the venue was breathtaking with vineyards and a world class state- of-the-art winery and tasting room. You were hooked. Join the wine club? You bet. But months or years later, the glory fades, and the wine just doesn’t taste the same. Wine clubs can be a fun way to get the wine that you like, and more importantly, a way to connect with a winery that has meaning for you. They are also a great way to support a winery that you enjoy. But I have learned from experience that all wine clubs are not created equal and in fact, most fail to deliver. I’m going to tell you why. But first let me say, they can be worth it if you know the facts and choose wisely. Here are the five most costly mistakes you can make in choosing a wine club.

1. Most promised benefits are only available if you live near the winery No one joins a wine club if the wine is mediocre or the staff was unfriendly, or they didn’t get good customer service. But these are exactly the reasons most of us leave the club. The reason I have joined wine clubs in the past is because I had an amazing visit. I was treated like a V.I.P. and, of course, the wines were superb. Most of all, I joined because I connected with the staff or I learned something I didn’t know before. I may have been impressed by the reputation and value of the winery. When the time comes to consider joining their club, for me it comes down to the relationship that I hope to derive from being a member. The visit is often the best it gets and later it goes down from there. Like when you meet someone you really like for the first time and swear you will get together again soon, but never do. Discounts aside, if you don’t live near the winery where you can visit often and get involved in the wine club community, you will miss the special treatment that those who live nearby get. You also don’t benefit from wine discounts on a regular basis. 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.

2. The experience that motivated you to join in the first place may not be the same experience you have at home. That friendly staff member who pointed out the tasting notes and explained the quality vineyard where the grapes originated, and first captured your attention is a faint memory. Why did you like the wine? It was great at the winery, but may not be of the same quality wine in their club shipments, or they just don’t taste the same in your everyday life. 3. Wines sold directly to you at discount as a wine club member may be available for even less at a wine shop near you. The shipments may lack variety or are overstock at the winery. Normally you don’t have a choice about what wines are a part of your wine club allocation, unless the club has levels of quality or higherend options at a premium price. If the wine is distributed nationally, you may find it for less at a store or wine shop. 4. The next time you hear from the winery may be when your card is charged. Lack of communication after the sale is a sure bet that you made a mistake. If we are honest, it was the desire to be a part of a trusted and well-respected winery, not only the wine, that made us commit in the first place. Shouldn’t you expect to be treated with information and outreach? The wine will keep coming, but the joy may not. 5. The wine club may fail to add value to you as a ‘valued customer.’ Do you look forward to getting your wine club wine? If not, maybe you should drop out and seek a more satisfying relationship. Good wine clubs are always looking for ways to add excitement and value. Most offer wine discounts, but is that enough? You can get wines at discount almost everywhere, especially if you buy six or more bottles. When you sign up for a club you agree to buy wine for a set amount of time, at the same time throughout the year. That’s great, but what else do you get?

Take my advice and ask a few questions before you buy in. Do they have one-off wines that are not available in stores or exclusively for wine club members? Do they offer invitations to special events or release parties in a city near you? Consider if you will use the addedvalue perks. Find out if in-demand wines will be available to you. How do they communicate with you when you’re back home? If you don’t live near the winery, do they have a way to deliver value from a distance, like virtual events, education opportunities, and newsletters? If not, perks like free tastings, discounted concert tickets, or priority reservations in the tasting room will go unused.

SKY REPORT

Looking UP April 20 – May 20

By Greg Smith

W

e are now in Spring. We should be getting more clear nights to enjoy the evening skies. It still may be a bit chilly in the evening, so put on your jacket and enjoy several minutes of night sky treats. The brightest stars are now coming out around 8:30pm. This would be the time of early evening viewing. Around 9pm you will be seeing a lot more stars. The Evening Sky There are still no planets in the evening skies. All the visible planets are currently appearing in the morning. Orion maintains its command of the sky. In the early evening it is high in the south-southwest with all of its companion constellations surrounding it. I see Spica the bright star near the horizon in the south as the shiny diamond on the drooping hand of Virgo. Leo, by midnight is in command of the southwestern sky, with Virgo following low on the horizon. At midnight, the bright star Arcturus of the constellation Boötes commands the south. Spica lies due south of Arcturus. Moon Phases:

The Morning Sky 3rd Quarter: Sat., Apr 24th Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter New: Saturday, Apr 30th are up before sunrise. On April 21st 1st Quarter: Sun., May 8th by 6am, Jupiter is just above the Full: Sunday, May 15th horizon. Venus, Mars, and Saturn End of twilight - when the make a line in the sky ahead of stars start to come out: Jupiter. They are following what is Wed. April 20th, 8:37pm known as the ecliptic or the path Sat, April 30th, 8:51pm of the sun. Saturn rises first, a bit Friday. May 20th , 9:19pm before 5am, with Mars next. By 5:30am Venus just starts to peak over the horizon, and Jupiter follows some 15 minutes later. If you have a telescope, try to spot Neptune near Jupiter. Night Sky Spectacle: Just look into the night sky and find an interesting bunch of stars. Use your binoculars and discover how many more stars you can see. Or look at a blank spot in the sky and see how many stars you see. The Hubble telescope looked at a supposedly-blank spot and found thousands of galaxies. You most likely won’t find many galaxies, but you might see some fuzzy spots. They may be star clusters or galaxies. You may be surprised at what you find. ••• Longview resident Greg Smith is past president of Friends of Galileo. Meet him and other club members at monthly meetings in Longview. For more info about FOG, visit friendsofgalileo.com.

Raindance

Acupuncture & Bodywork, Inc.

Healing in a time-honored and holistic way

The best clubs will always be adding reasons for members to stay in; if not, it’s time to move on. Life is too short. •••

Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Most Insurances Accepted

Amy L. Schwartz, L.Ac, LMP 208 Church Street Kelso, WA

360.751.0411

Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 25


Clatskanie, Ore. Fultano’s Pizza 770 E. Columbia River Hwy Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! Dine-in,Take-out and Home Delivery. Visit Fultanos.com for streamlined menu. 503-728-2922

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 640 E. Columbia River Hwy Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. Dine-in, curbside pickup. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-3344

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

Longview, Wash.

1335 14th Avenue 18 rotating craft brews, pub fare. M-Th 11am–8pm. Fri-Sat 11am–10pm; Sunday 11am–6pm. Local music coming soon. 360-232-8283. Inside dining See ad, page 24. Follow us on Untappd.

Broadway Barrel Room

Rainier. Ore.

1133 Broadway Family friendly tap house and eatery. 18 taps local craft beverages, hand-crafted soups, sandwiches, flatbread and desserts. Live music on Thursdays. Hours: Tues-Thur 11-9; Fri-Sat 11–10. 360-353-4295. See ad, page 8.

Alston Pub & Grub

The Carriage

25196 Alston Rd., Rainier 503-556-9753 11 beers on tap, cocktails. Open daily 11–11. Inside dining. Conestoga Pub Cornerstone Café 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits 7am–8pm Daily. Inside dining.

Restaurant & Lounge

The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge 1334 12th Ave. Open 8am–9pm (sometimes closes later, call to check). Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full bar, banquet room available for groups, parties, family reunions, etc. no charge with min. $250 food/drink purchases. Happy hours daily (9–11am, 5–7pm). 360-425-8545.

Eclipse Coffee & Tea

Evergreen Pub & Café

115-117 East 1st Street 503-556-9935 Burgers, halibut, appetizers, full bar. 11–11 Daily. Inside dining.

In the Merk (1339 Commerce Ave., #113) 360-998-2139. Mon-Fri 8am–4pm. Specialty coffees, teas, bubble teas and pastries....drinks with a smile. Takeout and on-site.

Pizza, spaghetti, burgers, beer & wine. 11–9, Mon-Thurs, Sun; 11–10 Fri-Sat

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

26 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

614 Commerce Ave., Longview. 18 varieties of pizza, prepared salads. Beer & wine. Open 11am every day. Inside seating, outdoor dining. 360-353-3512. Inside dining, Take-out, some local delivery.

Roland Wines

1106 Florida St., Longview. Authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, wine, and beer. Casual ambience. 5–9pm Wed-Fri, Sat. 11–3. Call for status. 360-846-7304. See ad, page 12.

Teri’s, 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. Lunch and dinner. Burgers, steak, seafood, pasta, specials, fresh NW cuisine. Full bar. Tues–Sat 12Noon–8pm. Sat 5:30–8:30pm.. Curbside pickup. Inside dining. 360-577-0717.

Castle Rock, Wash Luckman’s Coffee Company

Freddy’s Just for the Halibut. Cod, Alaskan halibut fish and chips, award-winning clam chowder. Burgers, steaks, pasta. Beer and wine. M-Sat 10am–8pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Inside dining, Drive-thru, outdoor seating. 1110 Commerce 360-414-3288. See ad, page 9.

Luigi’s Pizza

117 East 1st Street, Rainier 503-556-4213 Inside dining, Take-out & Delivery

The Original Pietrio’s Pizzeria

239 Huntington Ave. North, Drive-thru. Pastries, sandwiches, salads, quiche. See ad, page 27.

Goble Tavern

70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live entertainment 11–11 Daily. Inside dining. 503-556-4090

MERKANTILE CAFE In The Merk (1339 Commerce Ave., #111). Heart-healthy food; Rice bowls, smoothie bowls, soups, curries, salads. Open Tues–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am– 3pm. See ad, page 8.

Hop N Grape

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

Grant’s at the Monticello Hotel on Longview’s

historic Civic Circle. Casual upscale inside dining, patio dining. Seafood, steaks, pasta, burgers. Happy Hour specials 3pm. Lunch & dinner. M-Th 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10.

St. Helens, Ore. Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd. Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine. Limited inside seating, curbside pickup and delivery. 503-397-3211 See ad, page 14. Big River Tap Room 313 Strand Street on the Riverfront. Lunch/Dinner Tu-Thurs 12–8pm; Fri-Sat 12–9pm. Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, pastrami. Weekend Burrito Breakfast, Sat 8-11, Sun 8am-3pm. See ad, page 14.

Plymouth Pub

298 S. 1st St. Family friendly, food, 14 tap handles. Open daily 11am-10pm. See ad, pg 14.

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

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

Warren, Ore. Warren Country Inn 56575 Columbia River Hwy. Fine family dining. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Full bar. Call for hours.503-410-5479. Check Facebook for updates. Dine-in.

Parker’s Steak House & Brewery 1300 Mt. St. Helens Way. I-5 Exit 49. Lunch, Dinner. Burgers, hand-cut steak; seafood and pasta. Restaurant opens 11am, Lounge 12 Noon. Closed Monday. 360-967-2333. Call for status/options.

Toutle, Wash.

Vault Books & Brew 20 Cowlitz Street West, Castle RockCoffee and specialty drinks, quick eats & sweet treats. See ad, page 28.

Woodland, Wash.

Kalama, Wash.

1350 Atlantic Ave. Rotating craft brews, pub fare. Open M-Th 11am–6pm; Fri–Sat 11am–10pm; Sunday 11am–6pm. 360-841-8941. See ad, page 34.

215 N. Hendrickson Dr., Port of Kalama. A Northwest pub and unique bars serving breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Info & reservations, bar hours at mcmenamins.com. 8am–midnight daily. 360- 673-9210. Indoor dining, covered outdoor seating, curbside take-out.

DREW’S GROCERY & SERVICE

Temporarily Closed. 5304 Spirit Lake Hwy (10 mi. fr Exit 49) Picnic table, or to go, full deli, fried chicken, chowder, fish, shrimp. See ad, page 22.

“SoCo”

L

uckman

Coffee Company 1230 Lewis River Rd. Small batch on-site roasted coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside seating. M-F 5:30am– 6pm, Sat 6am–5pm, Sun 7am–3pm. See ad, page 27.


ME AND MY

Places to go • People to see Enjoying the Good Life Good food • Good wine Good books • Good cheer We have hand-crafted ads! Nice, crinkly paper

PIANO* *or other instrument

Share the story of your relationship with a musical instrument in 500 words or less and mail to CRR, 1333 14th Ave., Longview, WA 98632, or email to publisher@crreader.com. If possible attach/include a current mugshot and/or a photo of you with your instrument, then or now. Don’t worry about perfect spelling or syntax. If your story is chosen, we will provide editing services and will contact you for additional details or embellishments as needed.

Get the best care for your loved one.

We have openings and are welcoming new residents!

Adult Family Home Advantages

Thanks for reading!

P In Home Doctor Visits P Home Cooked Meals P Locally Owned P 6 to 1 Caregiver Ratio P Small Homelike Setting P 24-Hour Registered Nurses Support P Memory Care Experts P Therapies in Home P Licensed facilities that exceed state standards

360-703-5830

www.thehavenslongview.com

The Havens are now hiring Licensed Caregivers 360-442-0758

PREMIE

R SENIO

R CARE

The Havens is a group of 11 premier, independently owned and operated homes. Drop in for a tour any time!

ots! p s e e f f o c local e t i r o v a f ffee o c d e t s a Everyone’s o rt of r a e h t o t d Dedicate

Drive Up or Dro p In Pick up drinks, fast, or a bag o breakf coffee Coffee roasted batches in-hou in small se! 1230 Lewis River Road, WOODLAND, WA 239 Huntington Ave. North, CASTLE ROCK Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 27


BESIDES COLUMBIA RIVER READER...

What are you reading? Monthly feature coordinated by Alan Rose By Dayle Olson

M

any of us have known a difficult person and loved them despite their imperfections. It may have been a cantankerous uncle, a narrow-minded n e i g h b o r, o r a persnickety sister (Thank you, CRR. I have been wanting to use the word persnickety in a review.) Elizabeth Strout’s Pulitzer Prizewinning Olive Kitteridge tells the midlife story of a woman in small-town Maine. Olive is a jumble of strengths

ATTENTION, READERS

Read a good book lately? 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 the publisher/editor at publisher@crreader.com.

and character flaws, wrapped in a large, plain package, notorious for her temper and blistering comments. She wears men’s walking shoes and sews her own clothes, including a vest made from curtains. She is a retired schoolteacher who remembers students, especially the troubled ones. Her husband’s perpetual optimism and easygoing nature irritates her. She loves her son, yet pushes him away with her domineering personality. Stories of other town residents give context to Olive’s life: the hardware shop owner who is a stranger in his own marriage; the elderly couple who weather the revelation of an infidelity; the grief-stricken widow who contemplates killing her drunk

niece after the funeral; the daughterin-law who is dumb, but nice; the parrot who praises God whenever he overhears a cuss word. Through these stories, Strout reveals the complicated feelings that can accumulate over decades, the disappointments, regrets, failures, secrets, the inability to apologize, and the longing for companionship. Through practicality and determination, Olive survives life’s painful blows. This compassionate portrayal wisely recognizes that no person is simply good or bad. I loved Olive Kitteridge, warts and all.

elebrate with CRR contributors Tiffany Dickinson and Krysten Ralston, first-time, self-published authors. Stop by CRR’s office at 1333 14th Avenue, Longview, 5-7pm, and share the excitement! The books are brand new: Ink Blots (contemporary poetry), by Krysten, and Tiffany’s Kaleidoscope (middle-grade historical fiction). BONUS: If you’re in Astoria on May 11, enjoy free admission to the Columbia River Maritime Museum as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary (details in Tracy’s “Out & About,” page 13) And get a copy of The Tidewater Reach (buy there or bring your own), signed before your eyes by nature writer and poet Robert Michael Pyle, and photographer Judy VanderMaten. 28 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

Located in the historic Castle Rock Bank Building 20 Cowlitz Street West Mon-Sat • 8:30–5 360-967-2299

••• Dayle Olson’s poem, “Water Highway,” was one of eight selected statewide by Humanities Washington for inclusion in Washington Poetic Routes. Her short stories were selected for Seaside Libraries anthology in 2019 and 2020. Dayle is a member of The Writer’s Guild of Astoria. She makes her home in Cathlamet with her husband David and one opinionated cat.

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

360-274-6991

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

FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

Mt. St. Helens Gifts

‘Meet and Greet’ book events

C

Drink Good Coffee, Read Good Books

Jewelry • Souvenirs • T-Shirts Ash Glass & Pottery Middle-grade historical fiction by local author Tiffany Dickinson. Available via local bookstores or on Amazon.

A collection of contemporary poetry by local author K.A. Ralston. Available in eBook and paperback at amazon. com. Info: karalston.com Book Launch Party & Signing April 23, 1–3pm, Storyboard Delights, 1339 Commerce Ave., Longview.

Meet both authors! Fri, April 29, 5–7pm, CRR, 1333 14th Ave.

Bigfoot HQ Castle Rock • I-5 Exit 49

1254-B Mt. St. Helens Way

360-274-7011

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


Cover to Cover

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

1. Klara and the Sun Kazuo Ishiguro, Vintage, $16.95 2. Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owens, Putnam, $18 3. The House in the Cerulean Sea TJ Klune, Tor, $18.99 4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Taylor Jenkins Reid, Washington Square Press, $17 5. The Thursday Murder Club Richard Osman, Penguin, $17 6. The Lost Apothecary Sarah Penner, Park Row, $17.99 7. Circe Madeline Miller, Back Bay, $16.99 8. The Song of Achilles Madeline Miller, Ecco, $16.99 9. The Love Hypothesis Ali Hazelwood, Berkley, $16, 10. The Paris Library Janet Skeslien Charles, Atria, $17.99

1. Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer, Milkweed Editions, $20 2. Maus I: A Survivor’s Tale Art Spiegelman, Pantheon, $16.95 3. The Body Keeps the Score Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., Penguin, $19 4. The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World Matt Kracht, Chronicle Books, $15.95 5. The Splendid and the Vile Erik Larson, Crown, $20 6. Maus II: A Survivor’s Tale: And Here My Troubles Began Art Spiegelman, Pantheon, $16.95 7. Entangled Life Merlin Sheldrake, Random House, $18 8. All About Love: New Visions bell hooks, Morrow, $15.99 9. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Yuval Noah Harari, Harper Perennial, $24.99 10. The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine Serhii Plokhy, Basic Books, $19.99

BOOK REVIEW A Shrug of the Shoulders by Elaine Cockrell Latah Books $19.75

R

etired English teacher and former Huntington Middle School principal Elaine Cockrell has written a powerful book about the internment of Japanese Americans in the northwest during World War II. I feel privileged to have read this novel first as a rough draft, and now, years later, in its final published form. The title refers to a Japanese expression, Shikata ga nai, roughly translated as “It can’t be helped,” suggesting either a quiet fatalism in the face of the unavoidable, or the fortitude to bear the unbearable. Alan’s haunting novel of the AIDS epidemic, As If Death Summoned, won the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (LGBT category.) He can be reached at www.alan-rose.com.

HARDCOVER FICTION 1. French Braid Anne Tyler, Knopf, $27 2. A Sunlit Weapon Jacqueline Winspear, Harper, $27.99 3. The Lincoln Highway Amor Towles, Viking, $30 4. The Paris Apartment Lucy Foley, Morrow, $28.99 5. The Diamond Eye Kate Quinn, Morrow, $27.99 6. The Midnight Library Matt Haig, Viking, $26 7. Cloud Cuckoo Land Anthony Doerr, Scribner, $30, 8. The Atlas Six Olivie Blake, Tor, $25.99 9. Run, Rose, Run James Patterson, Dolly Parton, Little, Brown, $30 10. Project Hail Mary Andy Weir, Ballantine, $28.99

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1. Atlas of the Heart Brené Brown, Random House, $30 2. Half Baked Harvest Every Day Tieghan Gerard, Clarkson Potter, $29.99 3. Crying in H Mart: A Memoir Michelle Zauner, Knopf, $26.95 4. Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation Hannah Gadsby, Ballantine Books, $28 5. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Charlie Mackesy, HarperOne, $22.99 6. Atomic Habits James Clear, Avery, $27 7. The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music Dave Grohl, Dey Street Books, $29.99 8. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story Nikole Hannah-Jones, The New York Times Magazine, One World, $38 9. Lessons From The Edge: A Memoir Marie Yovanovitch, Mariner Books, $30 10. The Wok: Recipes and Techniques J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, Norton, $50

Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Assn, for week ending April 3, 2022, 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 CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED 1. Pretty Perfect Kitty-Corn Shannon Hale, LeUyen Pham (Illus.), Abrams, $18.99 2. The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt (Peter Rabbit) Beatrix Potter, Warne, $8.99 3. Perfectly Pegasus Jessie Sima, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $17.99 4. I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! Seth Meyers, Rob Sayegh, Jr. (Illus.), Flamingo Books,$18.99 5. Goodnight Moon Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd (Illus.), Harper, $8.99 6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eric Carle, World of Eric Carle, $10.99 7. Woodland Dance! Sandra Boynton, Workman, $7.95 8. Good Night, Gorilla Peggy Rathmann, Putnam, $7.99 9. Mina Matthew Forsythe, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, $17.99 10. Knight Owl Christopher Denise, Christy Ottaviano Books, $17.99

Caught in the riptides of history There are several stories here: First, it is a saga of families caught in the riptides of history, as the Yanos from Toppenish, Washington, are required by executive order to leave (and thereby lose) their farm, and the Mita family from Oregon, their business, gathering as internees at the Portland Assembly Center, formerly used as stockyards. It’s also a love story, where nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) George Yano and Molly Mita delicately explore their attraction to each other, contrary to their parents’ ancestral custom of selecting a partner for them to marry. It’s a war story on the home front as experienced in the small towns and farms of eastern Oregon where the Yanos help harvest the sugar beet crops. Here Cockrell captures the little daily joys and the occasional great sorrows of families during wartime. And finally, it’s a coming-of-age story where sixteen-year-old Ellis Hertzog wrestles with the ingrained “anti-Jap” attitudes among the townspeople, and even within his own family, as he works alongside and gets to know George and his younger brother and sister.

EARLY & MIDDLE GRADE READERS

[The Japanese American internees are watching a newsreel about the war.]

The screen showed a fierce battle scene. An American bomb hit a Japanese ship, and Thomas stood up and cheered. He raised his fist in the air, his shadow on the screen. At his side, George pulled at his arm. “Sit down. Sit down, Thomas.” George tried to shush him, but his little brother didn’t listen. “Yah! Take that. And that!” He was yelling at the top of his lungs…“I hate the damned Japs!” He looked around at the others. “Look what they’ve done to us!” Trembling, he slowly sank into his seat. ~ from A Shrug of the Shoulders It speaks to the power of Cockrell’s writing that we as readers feel the anger, the humiliation, and the humanity of the main characters. We cringe at the casual prejudice and discrimination George and his family experience; we sigh with relief, grateful when they are treated with dignity, decency, and fairness on the Allen brothers’ farm.

1. A Wolf Called Wander Rosanne Parry, Greenwillow Books, $7.99 2. New from Here Kelly Yang, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $17.99 3. Minecraft: Guide to Combat Mojang AB, The Official Minecraft Team, Del Rey, $12.99 4. Wingbearer Marjorie Liu, Teny Issakhanian (Illus.), Quill Tree Books, $12.99 5. Hatchet Gary Paulsen, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $9.99 6. The Sea in Winter Christine Day, Heartdrum, $7.99 7. Stuntboy, in the Meantime Jason Reynolds, RaÃol the Third (Illus.), Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, $13.99 8. Super Extra Deluxe Essential Handbook (Pokémon) Scholastic, $14.99 9. Snapdragon Kat Leyh, First Second, $12.99 10. Cress Watercress Gregory Maguire, David Litchfield (Illus.), Candlewick, $19.99

By Alan Rose Cockrell has done her research, years spent reviewing the archival records and interviewing Japanese Americans who lived in the camps and worked in the fields, and she has produced a fictionalized account suitable for Young Adults as well as no-longer-young adults. Such historical fiction helps us see racism in hindsight — the mundane tolerance of de-humanizing a people and depersonalizing individuals — so we can better develop the foresight to recognize it in the present and in the future. •••

JOIN US AT A NEW LOCATION TBA

MAY 10

SECOND

For information visit

www.alan-rose.com

Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 29


Walking Each Other Home: A Choral Remembrance

T

hreshold Choir is holding a day of choral remembrance for those who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower Columbia Threshold Choir will sing songs of peace and comfort for 30 minutes beginning at 2pm on Sunday, May 1 in the E. Kenneth Hendersen Memorial Garden at 1000 12th Avenue, Longview, Washington.

Day of Choral Remembrance Sunday, May 1 2 – 2:30pm E. Kenneth Hendersen Memorial Garden 1000 12th Ave, Longview, Wash.

Everyone is invited to attend this free event to honor the lives of loved ones who have died in the last two years and provide comfort to one another. Threshold Choir is an international choir whose mission is to sing for those at the thresholds of life.

Looking for someplace to socialize? If you are 50+, visit Longview Senior Center to enjoy these fun activities...

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE!

Call an ad rep: Ad Manager: Ned Piper 360-749-2632 All areas Sue Lane 360-261-0658 Downtown Longview & all areas Krysten Ralston 360-703-7799 Downtown Longview & all areas Ron Baldwin 503-791-7985 Wahkiakum, Pacific, Clatsop

Counties, Mouth of the Columbia.

AD DEADLINES. May 15 issue: April 25 June 15 issue: May 25 Submission Guidelines, page 31.

30 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

Pinochle Monday and Friday 12:30pm

Line Dance (beg. and intermediate) Tues, Th, Fri, 9-11am Bingo Wednesdays 12 Noon

Lunch 12 Noon Tues-Thurs Live Music follows

Karaoke Tues, 2pm

LUNCH MADE FROM SCRATCH! Tues $6 members, $7 non-members; Thurs $7 members, $8 non-members.

Sunday Afternoon Dance 1st and 3rd Sundays 1–3pm Rummage Sale monthly, usually on 3rd weekend

Located at 1111 Commerce, Longview Senior Center is a non-profit which operates by donations and annual membership dues: $30 per person, $50 per couple. Membership not required to participate. More info 360-636-2010


Outings & Events

.

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR Send your non-commercial community event info (name of event, beneficiary, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) to publisher@crreader.com Or mail or hand-deliver (in person or via mail slot) to: Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Ave Longview, WA 98632

Submission Deadlines Events occurring: May 15 – June 20 by April 25 for May 15 issue. June 15 – July 20 by May 25 for June 15 issue Calendar submissions are considered for inclusion, subject to lead time, relevance to readers, and space limitations. See Submission Guidelines,below.

Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) relevant to the publication’s purpose — helping readers discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road — are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previously-published articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations. Items sent to CRR will be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. Writer’s name and phone number must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered. Political Endorsements CRR is a monthly publication serving readers in several towns, three counties, two states and beyond and does not publish Letters to the Editor that are endorsements or criticisms of political candidates or controversial issues. (Paid ad space is available.) Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose. Advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles. Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. Fundraisers must be sanctioned/sponsored by the benefiting non-profit organization. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

ARTrails Spring Indoor Art Expo April 22,23,24. 10am-6pm. Fort Borst Park Kitchen #2, Centralia,Wash. Free. Art demos, art show and sale. Works include paintings, sculpture, glass, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, fiber art, carved wood, basketry, enameling, collage, photography and much more! See ad, page 30.

Kelso Garden Club Spring Plant Sale Saturday, May 7, 9am–4pm, 7 Northlake Place, Longview, Wash. A variety of houseplants, annuals, perennials, herbs, fruit and vegetables, trees and shrubs yard art, gift items and planters for sale. Large Garden on Wheels, a roll-about wooden frame on casters holding 12 grow bags, complete with soil, will also be for sale. All sales CASH only. Prices reduced to half off at 1pm. Proceeds support Lower Columbia School Gardens, Arbor Day tree planting, Cowlitz County Fair exhibits and special community gardening projects.

Cowlitz Coin Club’s 52nd Coin Show April 30, 10–4, AWPPW Hall, 724 15th Ave, Longview. Free admission, parking and dealer appraisals. Sell and trade coins, currency, tokens medals with numerous Pacific NW dealers. Hourly drawings, raffle for a half-ounce American Gold Eagle coin and five one-ounce American Silver Eagle coins. Need not be present to win. A member of the American Numismatic Association, Cowlitz Coin Club meets at 7pm, third Saturday each month at Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave., Kelso, Wash. (adjacent to the Kelso Rotary Spray Park). More info: cowlitzcoinclublongview@gmail.com

See ad, page 34

BROADWAY GALLERY

1418 Commerce Avenue, Longview T-W-F-Sat • 11–4, Thurs 11–6 Visit the Gallery to see new work. For event updates visit our website: the-broadwaygallery.com, at Broadway Gallery on Facebook, and broadway gallery_longview on Instagram.

Town Yard Sale April 22-23. Organized by Ryderwood Women’s Club, 201 Morse St., Ryderwood, Wash . Many residential sales. Clothes, kitchen items, furniture, tools, appliances, electronics, and more. Budget-priced. Info: Bridgette Bagoy, 541-290-2591 Love Your Library Sat, April 23, 5– 9pm, Peterson’s Red Barn, 1605 Caples Road, Woodland., Wash. Silent and live auction, live music. Appetizers, desserts and complimentary beverages available. Hacker Architects will present the conceptual design for new Woodland Community Library. Tickets $45. Purchase at loveyourlibrary. eventbrite.com or by check or cash at the library, or mail to Friends of Woodland Library, PO Box 894, Woodland, WA 98625. For more info about the new library building project, visit fvrl.org/ImagineWoodland.

First Thursdays have returned! Join us May 5th, 5:30–7pm for a Reception with the Artists, Music & Refreshments! Updates on our website: the-broadway-gallery.com

Featured artists:

April: Gallery members Sandra Yorke (watercolor & acrylic paintings from UK travels) and Brent Knott (woodworking). May: Gallery Members Noel Datin McDonald (ceramics) and Laurie Michaels (paintings)

Kalama Artists and Makers Association

Find a unique gift! We have beautiful artisan cards, masks, jewelry, books by local authors, wearable art, original paintings, pottery, sculpture, photographs and so much more at your local Co-operative Fine Arts & Crafts Gallery.

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

Shop Local Saturday (4th Saturday each month) to receive a free gift!

Upcoming Shows

GET YOUR TICKETS!

CLATSKANIE ARTS COMMISSION

Karen Carpenter Tribute Band Sun, April 3, 3pm. Sarha Hagen, Pianist Sun, May 22, 3pm. Performances at Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S Nehalem St, Clatskanie, Ore. Details and Covid-related info: clatskaniearts.org

Mother’s Day Art Show May 6, 8 –4. May: 8–2. Peter Toteff Memorial Park, 175 S. 1st St., Kalama, Wash. (turn right at I-5 Exit 30 northbound). Local artists converging for art sales, live demos and raffle prizes. Questions? Contact Marie Wise 360-560-4957.

Friends of the Castle Rock Library Monthly Book Sale Fri-Sat, May 2021, 10 am- 1 pm both days. Sale held in the back room of the library, 137 Cowlitz Street West, Castle Rock. All items $4 per grocery bag. Bags are provided. Wahkiakum County Fair 3rd Annual Cruizin to the Fair Car Show Sat, June 4, fairgrounds in Skamokawa, Wash. Wahkiakum County Fair fundraiser. Pre-register by May 27. $20, with a shirt $35; day of show $25. T-shirts and lunch available. More info: Kay 360-795-3937 or Patty 360-795-3480. Registration form will be available at wahkiakumfair.org.

COLUMBIA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Delicious Home-Cooked Meal Every Tues/Thurs. Open to the public. Wednesday Bingo, 12 Noon. Longview Senior Center, 1111 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-636-0210. See ad, page 30.

Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and Roll May 13, 7:30pm For tickets or more information contact the Columbia Theatre Box Office at 360-575-8499, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Online, visit www.columbiatheatre.com. See ad, page 30.

Pink Martini Fri-Sat, Sept 2-3, 7:30pm, Liberty Theatre, Astoria, Ore. Reserved seats; Tickets $45–65. libertyastoria.org.

STAGEWORKS NORTHWEST

Arsenic and Old Lace May 13–29. Tickets and info, stageworksnorthwest.com. Box office open W-F, 3-6pm and 1 hour before showtime. 1433 Commerce Ave., Longview. Wash. 360-636-4488 Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 31


Northwest Gardening

HELP! My shrub didn’t bloom!

By Alice Slusher

My mistake or just a dud?

I’m sure I’m not the only to experience the disappointment a favorite shrub not blooming. Well, there are six common reasons why this might happen. First, the bush may be too young or too old to bloom. This was partly the cause of my lilac’s problem; it was simply too young to bloom. Many won’t bloom for 2-3 years after you transplant hem. So why did it have a couple of flowers when I purchased it? It was likely grown in optimal conditions — possibly in a greenhouse—and a combination of the shock of a new environment, transplantation, and its tender age contributed to its non-blooming state until it was fully established and mature enough in its new location.

OSU Extension Columbia County • 503-397-3462

Chat with Chip: Interactive Zoom program with Chip Bubl. Tues, April 19 and each 3rd Tues, 6:30pm-8pm. Register in advance online; you will receive a confirmation email with info to join meeting.

M

y mom planted a small lilac bush outside the kitchen window at the house where my six siblings and I grew up. By the time I moved out, the bush was also outside my brothers’ second story bedroom window. Every May, the lilac would be covered with pale violet blossom clusters, and our entire home would be filled with the most glorious fragrance. Shortly after my mom passed away, we moved into our new home in south Kalama. I found a lovely little lilac at the nursery that was already blooming, and happily brought it home and planted it. The fragrance brought back so many happy memories of my mother, and I was looking forward to enjoying it every spring. Boy, was I disappointed! The shrub didn’t bloom again for four years, and that time I only got one flower cluster. The next year (the year we moved to a new location), it was blanketed in lush, fragrant blossoms. Sigh…

Programs &Events

The Chronicle Home & Garden Show Columbia County Fairgrounds, April 23-24. Speakers, etc. for more details: www.thechronicleonline. com/2022_columbia_county_oregon_ home_and_garden_show/

Some shrubs — for example, lilacs, mock oranges, rhododendron, dogwood, spirea, honeysuckle, hydrangea, forsythia, and weigela — may need a little assistance to begin blooming again. “Rejuvenation” pruning may help. Hard pruning cuts the entire bush down to a few inches. This is really tough on the plant, however, and may delay blooming for 2-3 years. Gradually pruning of the bush each year improves the appearance and is much easier on the plant. Environmental stress is a biggie A late freeze can destroy all blossoms on spring-blooming shrubs for the entire season, but summer-blooming shrubs should be fine. Water stress — too much or too little — can keep a shrub from blooming. Be sure to water your shrubs during hot, dry weather, especially during the first three years as the roots are establishing. Use a couple inches of mulch in your beds to help prevent evaporation and promote even, consistent soil moisture. Remember, also, that too much water can drown the roots. Other frequent stressors result from root-bound potted plants and accidental root damage from digging. Too much love can cause problems, too. If you over-fertilize, you’ll have lush, beautiful green foliage, but no flowers. And anything with lush, new growth is an aphid-magnet! If fertilizing is

recommended for your plants, do it in late winter or early spring as the leaves emerge. A baseline soil test will help you determine what your soil needs to support most plants. If you prune your shrubs at the wrong time, you may be cutting off the baby flower buds. Here’s a rule of thumb: Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned as soon as flowers fade, the end of June at the latest, because they start forming the flower buds for next spring right after they are done flowering. Any pruning done after this time will result in no flowers the following spring. Shrubs that bloom in summer should not be pruned (except to remove spent flowers) until late winter while they are still dormant, because these shrubs form flowers on the new shoots that form in the spring. If you did rejuvenation pruning, all the energy goes into making leaves — the plants’ solar energy panels — and not flowers, for several years. Of course, unintentional pruning by deer can destroy your chances for blooms that year. Remember, when purchasing Kalama resident Alice Slusher volunteers with WSU Extension Service Plant & Insect Clinic. Call 360-577-3014, ext. 1, or send question via cowlitzmastergardener@ gmail.com.

WSU Extension Cowlitz County 304 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, WA 98626

Free Workshops. Online (Zoom)

360-577-3014 X3, for connection info. Info: cowlitzcomg.com/events Apr 19 Noon: Container Gardening Apr 26 Noon: Slugs LCCA Home, Garden & Leisure Show Cowlitz County Event Center April 30, 9:30–2: Growing Vegetables-Where to Start; Affordable Landscaping; Landscaping for Wildlife; Tips to Control Moles; Weed Control for Home Landscapes; May 1 10–1: Sharpening Tools & Knives, DIY Irrigation. How to Grow a red tomato, water-wise gardening.

“deer resistant” plants, deer will still eat just about anything if they are hungry enough. My panicle hydrangea was pruned three times last summer by a doe and her fawn. Luckily, panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so I still got flowers! The number one reason why shrubs don’t bloom: they aren’t planted in the right place! Do your homework. Do they need full sun? Part shade? Larger space for the mature shrub size? Does the soil drain well? Believe the nursery labels. You will have happy, healthy plants if you put the right plant in the right place! Enjoy in your favorite outdoor space! •••

cowlitz community farmers market

open now!

• Fresh local produce & plants • Handcrafts • Live music • Food vendors • We welcome SNAP, WIC, SENIORWIC, Market Match EXPANDED PARKING FOR YOUR SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE Watch for directional signs

Located opposite Cowlitz County Event Center 1900 7th Avenue, Longview, Wash.

Saturdays 9am–2pm Tuesdays

starting May 10

Market info CowlitzFarmersmarket.com • Vendor info 360-957-7023 32 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022


Patients Have Great Things to Say About LOA It’s one thing for a business to praise itself. It’s another when customers do the talking. Stellar reviews from patients who have received care from Bill Turner, Jon Kretzler, Peter Kung, A.J. Lauder, Jake McLeod, and Tony Lin at Longview Orthopedic Associates tell the story: Excellent care, close to home. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Turner, MD “Thank you, Dr. Turner. Two hips, a shoulder, and a wrist!” ~ Mike Gore

Dr. Lauder, MD “A+ for Dr. Lauder. I had a broken hand that needed a plate. He fixed it quickly and with no scar! His work is perfection.”

~ Julie Nygaard

Dr. Kretzler, MD

Dr. Kung, MD

“Dr. Kretzler is a fantastic surgeon and I recommend him to anyone in need!”

“My torn meniscus turned out perfectly! Dr. Kung has the best combination of professionalism and compassion.”

~ Renay Mortenson

~Darlene Warra Bjornsgard

Dr. McLeod, DPM “Dr. McLeod did surgery on my left ankle after I broke it. He is very nice and a great surgeon. I appreciate his help.”

~ Judy Mendes

Dr. Lin, MD “Dr. Lin does great work! He made me feel comfortable and did an amazing job fixing my arm and hand.” ~ Butch Swanson

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

360.501.3400

Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 33


the spectator by ned piper Perks of a pandemic?

M

ost people are probably sick and tired of reading about Covid, but those of us who write columns apparently haven’t finished writing about it. Is it over? Is it behind us, or will we be mass-infected by some new variant? The sad truth is that we have no way of answering those questions. Let’s just hope that the worst of it is over. If not, what have we learned and what, if any, were the benefits of enduring the lockdown(s), quarantining, maskweariong, and isolation of a pandemic? Benefits, you ask? Do you honestly believe there were benefits? One thing I found myself doing is reading a lot of books over the two years spent sitting in front of the TV. You may wonder how I was able to read books if I was watching TV. Well, reading during the commercials. I, found I could finish a 300-page book in about five days, just reading while the commercials ran.

Speaking of television, Sue, Perry and I discovered a number of series that captured our attention. Perry was the prime mover in this effort. We even watched (or re-watched “Lost”). One afternoon, before Sue arrived home from the office, Perry said, “Want to watch ‘Breaking Bad?’” I told him I’d give it a try. Before the first episode ended, Sue arrived home. “What are you two watching?” she asked. “‘Breaking Bad,’” said Perry. “Do you think I’d like it?” “NO!” Perry and I said in unison. “Why not?” “Because it has everything you hate — drugs, profanity, crime, violence.”

Clatskanie Mini-Storage Temperature conditioned units -15 sizes! RV Storage • Boat Moorage Quality since 1976

Resident Manager

503-728-2051 503-369-6503

May I drop in and join you to watch “Better Call Saul?”

New Gallery Member & May Featured Artist

“My textile degree became Floral In Historic & Ceramic Downtown Longview Design.” 360-577-0544

1418 Commerce Longview, WA OPEN Tu-W-F-Sat 11-4 • Th 11-6 Your Local SW Washington Artist Co-op since 1982

the-broadway-gallery.com 34 / Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022

COWLITZ PUD By Alice Dietz

T h e n e x t d a y, s h e said, “I’d like to watch one episode of that show you’re watching. Just to see if I’d like it.” Perry and I knowingly smiled at each other. Well, guess what? She did like it. In fact, it was her suggestion to watch the entire series a second time. (Editor’s note: “Breakling Bad” does, indeed, contain unsavory elements. But its geniuslevel writing with intricate, clever plot twists and turns gives the show a near-Shakespearean vibe.) Then, I heard about the prequel to “Breaking Bad,” a series called “Better Call Saul,” about a slightly unorthodox attorney. We all loved the show and are looking forward to its sixth and final season, which begins on April 18th. Counting the days, we are meanwhile ensconced in a series called “Prison Break.” But tuning into the tube was not the only benefit of being semisequestered by Covid. Sue also got back into her love of cooking, something we all enjoyed. ••• Longview resident Ned Piper coordinates advertising and distribution of CRR, and enjoys the opportunities to meet and greet friends, both old and new.

By Noel Datin McDonald

PLUGGED IN TO

Seventh season of Cowlitz PUD Osprey Cam begins

I

n partnership with Brian Magnuson, Cowlitz PUD’s live-feed osprey camera is now in its seventh season. The camera focuses on a platform Cowlitz PUD built over 20 years ago near a utility pole to provide a safe nesting alternative from our energized power lines. The osprey migrated from their winter home and arrived in Cowlitz County in late-March. The female osprey typically lays three eggs in late April and the eggs will hatch in early June. Join us in watching nature unfold on our live streaming platform at: https://www.cowlitzpud.org/ about/osprey-cam/. Be sure to download our “Survival for Osprey and You” children’s activity posters. These posters illustrate how to stay safe near power lines, while sharing how our osprey have adapted for survival. We welcome you to bring the Osprey Cam into your home and introduce our educational posters to the children in your life. Posters are available on our webpage. Also, enjoy our new and improved camera’s equipped with sound, bringing you closer to nature. Alice Dietz is Cowlitz PUD’s Communications/Public Relations Manager. Reach her at adietz@cowlitzpud.org, or 360501-9146.


You asked for it... you’ve got it!

NEW! COLLECTORS EDITION THE TIDEWATER REACH

Both books Include Hal Calbom’s author Interviews

Trade paperback with B/W and color photography, woodcut art & illustrations $35

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

“Tidewater Reach is a pleasure to hold; it provokes delights, both intellectual and emotional. I commend all who were involved in bringing us this treasure. It deserves a place on your bookshelf and in your heart.” ~ Cate Gable, “Coast Chronicles,” Chinook Observer, Long Beach, Wash.

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• Columbia Gorge Interpretive Museum Stevenson • North Bank Books Stevenson • Vintage Books 6613 E. Mill Plain, Vancouver • Broadway Gallery Longview • Cowlitz County Historical Museum Shop Kelso

from the di

is and look at the Lew y takes a fresh re they or Michael Perr they experienced, and whe lar book auth popu what gIng new piled from a set out to do, In thIs enga atches t of view. Com — what they Disp n poin y’s ditio an’s Perr Expe the laym mentary, Clark wry eeded — from notes and com hts, quirks, and failed and succ e series, and adding new dition the insig azin the famous Expe monthly mag and legacy of . adds to the lore gifted amateur historian collector and of a nician, avid hington. tech observations l Was o, enta Kels ed environm ry. He lives in Perry is a retir thwest histo MIchael o. of Pacific Nor and student conservator, researched and great read, well a is hes’ format. “‘Dispatc in an appealing y gets it right! and presented documented, “Michael Perr more about the to start learning g is key to The perfect place Good storytellin BENNETT EN ALL all — ing for Chapter overy.” er Columbia Corps of Disc meaningful learn President, Low Craft Association atches’ informs ll ages, and ‘Disp Traditional Sma enjoyable way, us in a relaxed, ne wishing to anyo for ct perfe explorers.” explore with the E ROBBINS — DANIELL Public Programs Education & nty Cowlitz Cou Coordinator, eum Historical Mus

dispatches

ector’s eye, ry has a coll Michael Per the curiosity, and a scientist’s t in his heart. wes rth No Pacific

Also available at:

672565 9 781734

Both books feture original woodcut art by Debby Neely

A Different Way of Seeing...

Get Yours Now! At 1333 14th AVE, LONGVIEW, Wash. or locations throughout the region Both titles available in • Boxed Signature Edition Color / BW $50 • Trade Paperback in BW $25 • Trade Paperback in Color/BW $35 Online: CRREADER.COM/CRRPRESS INFO: 360-749-1021 Order Form, page 2

• Vault Books & Brew Castle Rock • Morgan Arts Center Toledo • Mount St. Helens Gift Shop Castle Rock, I-5 Exit 49 • Tsuga Gallery Cathlamet • Wahkiakum Eagle Cathlamet • Redmen Hall Skamokawa • Skamokawa Store Skamokawa • Appelo Archives Naselle • Time Enough Books Ilwaco • Beach Books Seaside, Ore. • Fort Clatsop Bookstore Astoria, Ore. • Godfathers Books Astoria, Ore. • RiverSea Gallery Astoria,Ore. • Columbia River Maritime Museum Store Astoria, Ore. • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum The Dalles, Ore.

Please support our local booksellers & galleries Columbia River Reader / April 15, 2022 / 35


36 / Columbia River Reader • / October 2020 April 15, 15, 2022


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