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From the Editor’s Desk Does anybody know the musical, '7 Brides for 7 Brothers'? Yes, I'm aware it's hideously sexist, but in an "old fashioned" way that allows us to watch and enjoy. I used to watch this musical every time I was sick and stayed home from school growing up. I loved it that much... There's a scene that comes into my mind when people begin talking about spring and when the daffodils start shooting their green stalks out of the winter ground. There is an entire song built around the concept of Spring. It shows the dreary cold winter landscape melting away, and a heartfelt song of rejoicing with a chorus of "Spring! Spring! Spring!" is repeated over and over. My friends, that is exactly the song that my heart sings when I see the tender green buds poking up in my garden, and the cherry blossoms on my neighbor's tree blooming forth. "Thank God I survived another winter!" It fills me with hope and anticipation of new life and adventures. It's not my favorite season, you all know that, but it does preceed my favorite season, so it has its own happy place in my life. Spring is full of celebrations, including Easter, and even St. Patrick's Day is only a few days prior to "official Spring". They are happy times, and we enjoy decorating our homes with flowers, little green leprechauns and colorful eggs and rabbits. It is enough for me to know that my hands and feet will finally become warm more often than cold, and that flip flops will decorate my feet in just
a few short months. ☺ As the green becomes more apparent around us through leaf buds and flowering stems, this issue gives a nod to the concept of "green living". Also termed as "Eco-conscious", you can pretty much decide for yourself what that means. There are so many levels of being "Eco-conscious" that it's my guess that many people practice some form or another in their lives already. The challenge is deciding how to become even more environmentally aware, and what you can do to modify your lifestyle in order to accomplish that. For myself, education is truly the key. In college, many eons ago, I lived with a gal who was in the Environmental Science department, and was studying the effects of chemicals in our foods. She liked to educate us on what we were eating. As we were eating it. "Did you know that if that was not organically grown, you are probably ingesting chemicals and pesticides that it was grown with?" she would quip. And don't get me started on MEAT. Needless to say, I became a vegetarian for seven years after living with her and being "educated". My own version of "Eco-conscious" involved changing my eating habits to include as much organic produce as possible, growing my own vegetables during the summer, and purchasing locally grown produce from organic farmers at the Farmers Market. Cleaning supplies went out the window, and I began utilizing natural
Valley Bugler, LLC Longview, WA (360)414-1246 www.ValleyBugler.com editor@valleybugler.com
Editor/Publisher: Michelle Myre Copy Editor: Tom Reich Web Manager: Oscar Myre IV Distribution: Diana Jones Advertising: Michelle Myre Columnists: Blake Peterson: Movie Reviews Georgia Butterfield: Adoptee Georgia Cox: Castle Rock Seniors Oscar Myre IV: Geek Speak Paddy Elkins: Fruits & Nuts
cleaning products such as vinegar and essential oils like Tea Tree and Lavender. Not only did my house smell better when I cleaned, it made me feel good inside knowing that I was cleaning with materials that would not cause harm to myself or the people in my household. Recycling, composting and repurposing also found their way into my life, but slowly and over time. I never felt "bad" about what I was doing, but approached it from the aspect of how could I do my part in respecting this earth. Supporting food retailers that use compostable packaging and products, encouraging retailers to move toward more eco-conscious packaging, staying away from plastic purchasing as much as possible, and teaching my children to respect this planet we live on are the ways that I choose to employ the "Eco-
**The Valley Bugler newspaper publishes content supplied from columnists, and is not responsible for factual mistakes or anything other than the occasional spelling error. The Valley Bugler retains a neutral stance on ads, issues and articles printed, unless otherwise stated. Columnists may not always submit material for each month.** eMail: editor@valleybugler.com
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conscious" concept. Some goals of mine are to save up enough funding to purchase rooftop solar tiles and make our house one that actually generates energy instead of consumes energy. What are your goals? I'm sure there are many. Take one or two and begin incorporating them into your lifestyle. If we all do just a little bit more than what we already are, the impact is tremendous. Plant a tree or four, create a garden, begin shopping at the Farmers Markets for produce and locally sourced items, choose environmentally friendly products, begin recycling more, etc. etc. Together, we can make a difference! Until next month, Michelle Myre Publisher / Editor
Dance Festival NW 2018 Saturday, March 24th Corbet Theatre @ 7pm Centralia College The Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble hosts a delightful evening of dance, together with dance companies from around the Pacific Northwest. From Contemporary to Ballet, and Jazz to Ballroom, Pacific Northwest dancers will be sure to provide a
feast for your eyes and soul. Accompanied by all different kinds of music, this is an evening that all dance enthusiasts should schedule on their calendar. Tickets can be ordered by phone, at the door, or online. (360)748-4789 www.swwdance.org Tickets: Adults: $15.00 Students, Child, Senior: $10.00
March 2018 • Valley Bugler • Page 3
Hunter Douglas offers functional and artful window fashions for Spring
Columbian Artists Spring Art Show Submit art by March 5, and visit the display It’s that time of year again and the Columbian Artists Association 42nd Annual Spring Art Show will open for entries Monday, March 5th and the show will open Saturday, March 10th-25th, open daily 11am to 5pm. The Show is again being held at the Three Rivers Mall, Kelso, Washington. Opening reception is Saturday, March 5th, from 2 to 4pm, with awards presentation at 3pm. Refreshments will be served. This is an opportunity to drop by and meet some of the talented area artists from seven regional counties. The Art Show will occupy a spacious storefront near Macy’s. The space is open and light, presenting an ideal venue for displaying the multifaceted talent of regional artists. It’s an inviting area drawing many people in to appreciate the talent. Last year the show included over 40 artists displaying approximately 100 paintings. Last year the show expanded to include three-dimensional art. It is a judged and juried show with cash awards presented in each of several categories. In addition, sponsor awards are presented by local businesses and organizations. People attending the show will be able to vote for their favorite painting, and the “peoples’ choice” award will be presented at the end of the show on March 25th @ 3pm. Be a part of the local art scene and cast your vote for that favorite art piece! The Columbian Artists Association
Featured artist, Janis Newton (pictured above) will have an exhibit at this years Art Show. Above are two examples of her extensive work pieces.
is pleased to present Janis Newton as this year’s featured artist. An artist since 1965, Newton taught high school Art for 29 years; three years in Hillsboro, OR and twenty-six years in Longview, WA. "My main medias are oil painting, sculpture and photography. I am drawn mostly to human form and how light works on my subjects. I have been in several one-person exhibitions and many juried shows," said Newton. Entries for the Show will be accepted Monday, March 5th, 10am to 5pm, at the show location in the Three Rivers Mall. Open to artists 18 years and older from Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Lewis and Pacific Counties in Washington; and Clatsop and Columbia counties in Oregon. See the website columbianartists.org for all entry information, fees and forms. Info: Carol Boudreau 360-425-0142
WA-03 Challengers Forum
Lower Columbia Indivisibles will host a forum for the Challengers to our WA Congressional District #3 seat on Wednesday March 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. It will be held in the Laufman Lecture Hall (HSB 101) on the campus of Lower Columbia College. This event will give those in Congressional District #3 an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the challengers to the incumbent candidate. It also serves to promote voter involvement and interest. Longview is a good choice for this
event due to its central location in this very large district. The format will feature pre-defined topics with a lottery system for audience members to ask questions. The event is open to the public and free of charge. RSVP to: facebook.com/events/1237393273072453/
Seating is limited to 140 with overflow seating and video feed in lobby. The event will be live streamed on the FB page and then posted on YouTube.
latest generation of honeycomb Dynamic. Transformative. Hunter Douglas brand of window shades (Duette Architella®) offers treatments have been a long-stand- even greater energy efficiency, ing name in the industry, with good thanks to their patented honeyconreason. Well-designed window comb-within-a-honeycomb fashions do more than simply cover struction. Along with the Duette fama window. At Hunter Douglas, form ily of window fashions, many of the Hunter Douglas products contribute and function are inseparable. Great design is beautiful to live to energy savings at the window, with, provides variable light control, including the popular Silhouette® insulates rooms against heat and and Pirouette® window shadings cold while saving energy, protects and Luminette® Privacy Sheers, to your furnishings from damaging name just a few. Also, the brilliant new wireless opultraviolet rays, and even absorbs sound, improving the acoustics in a erating system, PowerView™ Moroom. And, their advanced operating torization, gives you the power to systems make using their products control and schedule your Hunter a pleasure every day. Local Gallery Douglas window treatments from dealer, Columbia River Carpet One your smartphone, tablet or a remote in Rainier, Oregon, have all of the Hunter Douglas treatments on display for you to experience first-hand. Now that’s artful window dressing. The new Sonnette™ Cellular Roller Shades from Hunter Douglas are hardworking, impressive beauties. An update on the classic honeycomb shade, Hunter Douglas Gallery at this modern newcomColumbia River Carpet One er’s innovative, soft curved design diffuses and disperses natural light, creating control. Innovation at its finest. Visit your local Hunter Douglas more comfortable spaces. Gallery Dealer at Columbia River Energy-efficient construction Carpet One, with expert associSonnette™ Cellular Roller Shades ate, Elyse Hayes. Columbia River combine the dimensional, energyCarpet One has extensive sales efficient construction of a cellular and discounts on Hunter Douglas shade with the clean lines and simshades and blinds from 10% - 40% plicity of a roller shade. The innovaoff. As a Gallery Dealer, you will tive curved shape gently diffuses experience the best pricing and all light, providing ambiance and charof the displays of available window acter to all angles of a room. treatments and coverings. Cordless Design Hayes brings over 30 years of The unique cordless design Hunter Douglas expertise to the means that Sonnette™ shades are company, and has a degree in Intesafer for homes with young children rior Design. Her sharp eye and natand pets. Operate with SoftTouch™ ural talent for decorating will work Motorization (a unique battery-powwith any needs that you may have ered operating system with simple for providing your home with beauand intuitive wand-controlled operatiful, environmentally sound, and tion) or PowerView® Motorization technologically advanced Hunter that allows users to synchronize and Douglas window treatments. schedule their Hunter Douglas to [Photo provided by Columbia River move automatically. Carpet One. Please see ad on p.2] In keeping with “Green” efficiency: Columbia River Carpet One the highly energy-efficient Duette® 105 West B St honeycomb shades (invented in Rainier, OR 97048 1985, the first product of its kind) (503) 556-0171 were developed in response to the www.BlindsLongviewWa.com energy crisis of the late 1970s. The
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NATIVE TREE SALE • $1.00 - $3.00 each Cowlitz Farm Forestry Association’s annual TREE SEEDLING SALE will take place, Saturday March 17th at Bob’s Sporting Goods parking lot, 1111 Hudson St., Longview. The hours for Saturday’s sale are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or until the trees are gone. Cowlitz Farm Forestry Association is a non-profit organization and a chapter of Washington Farm Forestry Association. The sale will give the public an opportunity to purchase any number of Northwest native plant stock including evergreen trees, native shrubs, and flowering trees. The trees will cost between $1 and $3 (some as much as $8) and are bare root seedlings. Varieties include: • Douglas fir • Western Red Cedar • Spruce
• Noble fir • Mock Orange • Red Osier Dogwood • Flowering Currant • many other native tree species. Sales are on a first come basis until stock is gone. This is a good opportunity to obtain native trees and shrubs at a very reasonable price. The trees are obtained in bulk quantities from nurseries in Oregon and Washington. Because most people can’t use a bag of 100 trees, we sell them individually. People can pick one or two trees from all the different kinds available. However, if you are interested in large quantity of trees, a good source is the Forest Seedling Network website. ForestSeedlingNetwork.com Many of the native species available are good for soil erosion or to help stabilize banks. By planting shrubs or trees accustomed to the Pacific Northwest, people are getting a good guarantee for their money. Besides giving landowners an opportunity to purchase native seedlings, the sale proceeds are used for an annual scholarship with Lower Columbia College, awarded to an incoming student majoring in science. Tree Seedling Planting Tips: The most important rule of thumb is “If they dry, they die”. Keep moist. Transport the seedlings very carefully, and plant promptly. If your seedling has gel around its roots, do not shake it off. It helps keep the roots moist.
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Saint Patrick’
He’s everyone’s ‘ Every year when March 17 rolls around, the “wearing of the green” is the order of the day. Both Irish and non-Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Many people think that St. Patrick was Irish, when indeed it is not verifiable where he originated from. Most scholars believe, based on his own writings, that he was originally from southwestern Britain. Keep in mind this is during the 5th Century, and people living in present day English were Romanized Celts, or Britons. So, St. Patrick is more along the lines of a Celtic Briton, son of a low-level Roman official. Others believed that he was actually born closer to Scotland, probably in Kilpatrick. The year was 385AD. At about fourteen years old, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him captive. During captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote: “The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as may as a hundred prayers and in the night nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain”. Captivity lasted until his was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God where he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. He found some sailors who took him back home and he reunited with his family. He had another dream where the
people of Ireland were calling out to him, “We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more”. So, he began his priesthood studies, was ordained a bishop and sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when they heard Patrick’s message of the Gospel. Patrick preached and worked in Ireland as a minister for over forty years. There were many miracles and he wrote about his journeys often. St. Patrick died March 17th, 461AD, after years of living in poverty and traveling in poor health and suffering greatly. Most revelers know the often-told stories of St. Pat, the Patron Saint of Ireland, that he explained the Blessed Trinity using a shamrock, and he drove the snakes out of Ireland (of course the debate goes on about whether there were snakes in Ireland). There is no record of him using a shamrock to explain Christianity, but the legend has prevailed through the test of time. Some missionary, if not Patrick himself, very likely Christianized the concept. This doesn’t seem to bother those in Ireland, and the shamrock remains the Irish National symbol. But do you know some of the more obscure facts and stories about Saint Patrick that you can share during your own celebration? * He is also the Patron Saint of Nigeria. Nigeria was evangelized primarily by Irish clergy and the people took St. Patrick to their hearts. * He left behind some writings. His own words may be read, either in the original Latin or in English translation, in his spiritual autobiographical “Confession.” This piece is a unique peek
at the man behind the legend. His famous prayer “St. Patrick’s Breast Plate” may date to a later period. * Though Scotland has often been set as the birthplace of Patrick, England, Wales, and a portion of France also lay claim. Many places also claim to be the burial spot of the famous saint. One such tradition says that he is buried in the same grave as St. Bridget and St. Columba at Downpatrick, County Down in Ireland. * If you would like your toast to be different on St. Patrick’s Day, you can drink to Maewyn Succat (believed to be his real name) or to Patricius or Patrizio as he was also known. So on March 17th, be sure to wish everyone a “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day” either in English or the Gaelic “La Fheile Padraig Sona Duit.” Pronounced phoentically: Lah Feheye-
lee Pah-Drayg Sonah Doo-eet. Color your cereal milk green with a little food coloring, or enjoy a green brew, and, for goodness sakes, please remember to wear GREEN! How the Irish do St. Patrick’s Day While many revelers who wear the green on March 17th think of Saint Patrick festivities involving turning the Chicago River green and marching down 5th Avenue in Manhattan, Ireland herself throws a grand Saint Patrick’s Day party. Cork’s St. Patrick’s Festival held their inaugural event in 2005. Dublin also throws a huge St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Besides the annual parade, Dublin offers a treasure hunt, a cavalcade of vintage cars, street arts, music, theater, and dance.
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The
Submitted by Georgia Cox MARCH Events Every Monday: Our delectable Cinnamon Rolls and coffee will be served to the public from 10am to NOON. Suggested donation is
only $1.50 for these delicious concessions. A great way to start your week! Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Get that heart rate up and get healthy with Senior Yoga classes at 8:15am to 9:15am, and Senior exercises from 9:30am to 10:30am. Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday: "Write Your Life Story" will meet in the Center at 12:30pm - 3:00pm. Every Wednesday: CAP offers Nutrition Meals for Seniors at the Center at NOON. Suggested donation is $3.00, PLEASE call #6362118 (by Monday) for reservations.
By Paddy Elkins Valley Bugler Columnist The following words are excerpts from a January 7th sermon by Dr. John Leffler of Castle Rock Christian Church, used with his permission. "Where is HOPE? Our hope is in God, alone. He, alone is faithful. He is the Alpha and the Omega; the beginning and the end; the origin and the consummation. He is the Real Deal, our Provision. He holds the future. He
Every Thursday: Quilting projects will take place from 10am - 3pm and fun Pinochle games are played in the Center later at 7pm and open to all who are interested! Every Friday: Lunches by reservation only, will be served in the Center at NOON. Must Reserve by calling 636-2118 by Monday. Every Saturday: BINGO games played from 1pm 3pm. Come join in the fun! SPECIAL EVENTS: Tuesday, March 13th: Lunch & Program! An annual report and presentation from Nancy Chennault, from America in Bloom will begin at 11am, with a potluck lunch following at Noon. Thursday, March 15th: Commodities will be distributed from 10am 1pm. Have a valid punch card. NOTICE: Watch the readerboard for any changes or new events. Castle Rock Senior Center 222 - 2nd Ave • Castle Rock WA (360)274-7502
has promised us believers an eternal home in Heaven. In Heaven, according to Revelation 20-22, certain things will be ABSENT: There will be no fear; danger; evil; demonic spirits; sorrow; tears; death; mourning; pain; suffering; sickness; funerals; injuries; wars; cancer; fighting; graves; cemeteries; heartbreak. No Temple or churches (God will be present with us); no sun or moon (the Lamb will be our lamp); no night;
Lighter side
ACTUAL TEACHER COMMENTS These are actual comments made on students' report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded (but, boy, are these funny!) 1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig. 2. I would not allow this student to breed. 3. Your child has delusions of adequacy. 4. Your son is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot. 5. Your son sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them. 6. The student has a 'full six-pack' but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together. 7. This child has been working with glue too much. 8. When your daughter's IQ reaches 50, she should sell. 9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming. 10. It's impossible to believe the sperm that created this child beat out 1,000,000 others. 11. The wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.
sleep, darkness or shadow (all will be illuminated by God's light); no separation from loved ones; no brokenness and no sin! And in Heaven, certain things will be PRESENT: We mortals will put on immortality; we'll have protection; security; New Jerusalem; 12 pearls for gates; completion; perfection; wholeness; participation with God in His work (an exciting city); togetherness; action; worship; reign forever; divine activity; not boring; provision; crystal river; golden streets; Tree of Life with leaves that heal the nations; 12 fruits/12 months; River of Life; variety; food, water & good health; unceasing, abundant supply for all eternity! Perception (see God face-to-face). A house, by itself, is just a building. But it becomes a HOME because of the people. Same with Heaven. The
☺
ACTUAL POLICE COMMENTS These are actual comments made by 16 Police Officers. The comments were taken off actual police car videos around the country:
1. "You know, stop lights don't come any redder than the one you just went through." 2. "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them a while." 3. "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document." 4. "If you run, you'll only go to jail tired." 5. "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that's the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you." 6. "You don't know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?" 7. "Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don't think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I'm the shift supervisor?" 8. "Warning! You want a warning? O.K, I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."
people there make it HOME. It will be greater than our wildest imagination!" Heaven will be filled with light; love; joy; peace; patience; kindness; goodness; gentleness; humility; angels; saints and with God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! Because of God's presence there, we can know His contentment, peace and comfort."Our greatest joys, desires and thrills are still ahead!" ("Eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has it entered into the hearts of man what God has prepared fro those who love Him...") Oh, yes, dear ones, we can have HOPE! HOPE enough to sustain ourselves, and HOPE to share with others! Paddy Elkins invites your feedback! You may Email her at: paddyelkins@gmail.com or call her at 360-751-5231.
Laughin' it up with Leprechauns Brothers Three An Irishman walks into a bar and orders three glasses of Guiness, drinking them one at a time. Noticing this odd ritual, the bartender explains that the beer goes flat when poured and informs the man his beer would be much fresher if he ordered one glass at a time. The Irishman explains he
began this custom with his two brothers, who have moved to America and Australia, respectively. This is their way of remembering all the time they spent drinking together. The man becomes a regular at the pub, well-known for always ordering three beers at once. One day he walks in and orders only two beers. Assuming the worst, a hush falls among other patrons. When the Irishman returns to the bar to order his second round, the bartender quietly offers his condolences. The man looks confused for a moment, and then explains, "No, everyone's fine. I gave up beer for lent." Potatoes An aging man lived alone in Ireland.
March 2018 • Valley Bugler • Page 7 His only son was in Long Kesh Prison, and he didn't know anyone who would spade up his potato garden. The old man wrote to his son about it, and received this reply, "For HEAVENS SAKE, don't dig up that garden, that's where I buried the GUNS!!!!!" At 4 A.M. the next morning, a dozen British soldiers showed up and dug up the entire garden, but didn't find any guns. Confused, the man wrote to his son telling him what happened and asking him what to do next. His son's reply was: "Just plant your potatoes." Honest Man Reilly is walking through a graveyard when he comes across a headstone with the inscription "Here lies a politician and an honest man." 'Faith now,' exclaims Reilly, 'I wonder how they got the two of them in one grave.
Boat troubles During St. Patty's Day one year, a blonde was trying out her new boat. She was unable to have her boat perform, travel through water, or do any maneuvers whatsoever no matter how hard she tried. After trying for over three days to make it work properly, she decided to seek help. She putted the boat over to the local marina in hopes that someone there could identify her problem. Workers determined that everything from the engine to the outdrive was working perfectly on the topside of the boat. So, a puzzled marina employee jumped into the water to check underneath the boat for problems. Because he was laughing so hard, he came up choking on water and gasping for air. Under the boat, still strapped in place securely, was the boat trailer...
COUPON Central
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Natural, Chemical-Free Cleaning Solution Recipe A Green Living Tip from www.greenlivingtips.com Do you have spray bottles full of various cleaning chemical concoctions - a liquid for this, a potion for that? Here’s a recipe contributed by a Green Living Tips reader for an all purpose environmentally friendly cleaning fluid that’s very easy to make and costs well under a dollar a bottle! Thanks to Maureen R. for sharing this! Tip: Always spot test any cleaning fluid. Ingredients and supplies - 32 oz. (around 950ml) spray bottle - try to use a bottle made from recycled materials, or is recyclable. Maureen recommends #2 plastic. - water - White distilled vinegar. It should be vinegar made from grain or plant material. Believe it or not, some vinegar is synthesized from petroleum.. Yes, crude oil! It gives a whole new meaning to fuel as food. - Genuine lemongrass essential oil. Aside from helping to mask the vinegar odor (which dissipates naturally), Lemongrass has antibacterial properties. For increased disinfecting power, you can use Tea Tree oil which also has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, or even Lavender oil, which will leave everything smelling fresh and comforting, while cleaning. Note: While we tend to get a little paranoid about bacteria these days thanks to marketing messages that basically paint the presence of any bacteria as being ‘A Bad Thing’, if it’s an important issue to you, lemongrass, tea tree or lavendar are a
far more environmentally friendly option than chemicals like triclosan. These synthetic chemicals should really only be used in professional health care settings due to issues relating to bacteria becoming resistant. - Earth friendly dishwashing liquid. This can be found in just about any supermarket. 7th Generation or any "Free and Clear" type noting on the package. The dishwashing liquid is necessary to clean mirrors and glass streak-free where commercial glass cleaners have been used previous. Many commercial window/glass cleaners have chemicals of a waxy nature in them; so when you switch to vinegar/water, there will be streaking unless you have the dish detergent in your cleaner. Once that build-up is gone, dishwashing liquid isn’t necessary. Cool, right? Method / Directions 1. Fill bottle half with water 2. Top it up with white distilled vinegar, but leave a little room for the additional ingredients and for shaking (1-2 drops of dishwashing soap) 3. 10-14+ drops lemongrass oil, and/or whichever combo you prefer. Just make sure that it is an oil well know for its disinfecting properties, such as Tea Tree, Lemon, Lemongrass or Lavender. If you find that you don't like the smell of one (smell before buying), then try another. Lavender is a common oil used because it leaves a pleasant fresh scent that also is used to help create a calm atmosphere. Use to clean hard surfaces, and enjoy your nice smelling, non-toxic cleaner!! ☺
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the palm of His Hand. ~Irish Blessing
early planting - here's what you can get going now Spring is coming, and that means it is time to break out the seeds and early planting crops now in preparation. Here in the Northwest, we are blessed with a mildly temperate climate, and usually all frost is gone by St. Patrick's day. Many standard veggies can not be planted outside or started from seed until the ground warms up more, but there are a few that you can slip in now, and get rolling with your deli-
trays can be moved outside into the sunshine on warm days, and brought inside at night. Container gardening is also an option, especially if you are limited on space, or just don't want to manage a large garden. Here is a list of the veggies that you can start planting now, and begin enjoying the health benefits that come from growing your own produce, well before the summer harvest begins. • Lettuce / Chard / Spinach / Col-
cious "farm to table" gardening. Cool season vegetables can be planted either directly in the soil with no cover, underneath a row cover or low tunnel, or even in pots and trays placed in a sunny window or porch. The covers tend to help warm the soil quicker, and protect seedlings from a surprise frost or freeze. The pots and
lard Greens / Kale / Cabbage • Radishes / Root Veggies (carrots) • Alliums / winter onions / Garlic • Snow Peas / Sugar Snap Peas • Potatoes from starts • Herbs **Tip: Soak pea seeds in water overnight before planting to give an even better boost to your production.
March 2018 • Valley Bugler • Page 9
Movie Reviews By Blake Peterson
BLACK PANTHER Rock like a Guitar Hero!
Many people have assumed over the years that I was in a band or at least I was musical. When asked if I play any musical instruments I’ve replied, yes I can play...actually press play on an iPhone. I don’t mean to brag, but I can play with iTunes, Pandora, Spotify and even Amazon Music. I must admit if you are reading this you are probably more musical than I. I like music, but as a musician, I'm a total Noob. My musical ignorance is now changing. I’ve recently discovered a geek game called Guitar Hero. It debuted in 2005. However, it is very new to me. Guitar Hero is a video game that simulates playing guitar in a rock band. It comes with the game and a toy guitar. In the lessons, we are learning some basic music theory. I’ve been working on the hairstyle for years, but frets, notes, cords, and timing were Greek to me. Not surprisingly my daughters, being experienced vocalists, are able to jump right in and understand the environment. They are however learning how to work with the instruments. Putting the theory into practice can be fun and
difficult. It is sweet to see how quickly my son is picking up both the theory and application. I’m going to have it work twice (maybe x4) times as hard as him to stay anywhere close to him as we learn. I’m going to put the guitar down for a quick disclaimer. For you musicians out there I’m not claiming this is a substitute out there for real-world music lessons/instruction but, it is a fun introduction to being a rock star. That being said My Aunt Barb started with Guitar Hero and later Band Hero (drums) years ago and now she is a drummer in a real band. She is also an advocate for girls to play drums. If you haven’t ever played an instrument, the barrier to breaking into the music world can seem pretty big. This game might prove to be a great geeky gateway. I don’t have any plans for a world tour in 2018, but after l learn to play a couple of songs I might just pick up a real guitar. Fellow music Noobs, I challenge you to pick up a guitar or drums and rock!
Oscar Myre IV is currently Senior Visual Designer on contract with Allied Telesis in Bothell. He enjoys to continually learn and share his knowledge .
"The year’s at the spring And day’s at the morn; Morning’s at seven; The hillside’s dew-pearled; The lark’s on the wing; The snail’s on the thorn; God’s in His heaven All’s right with the world!" ~Robert Browning
GET PUZZLED!
Answer on p.11
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o Directed by Ryan Coogler Running Time 2hr 15min, PG-13 My Rating: A
Having provided us with more than a decade’s worth of action movies starring blonde dudes named Chris, I’m glad Marvel’s decided to start the year with a movie that isn’t totally throwaway. The company’s latest canon entry, “Black Panther” (2018), is one for the history books: It’s the first Marvel feature to be directed by a black filmmaker, the first to almost exclusively star black actors, and the first to primarily employ black costume and production designers. That “Black Panther” has become part of the superhero zeitgeist nearly a decade after it became commonplace in popular culture is a question mark, especially considering how many sequels Gwyneth Paltrow’s been able to make a living off. Black Panther is visually splendorous, action-packed, and socially conscious genre pasturage that trades Marvel’s usual breeziness for substance. The movie takes place shortly after the lackluster “Captain America: Civil War” (2016), and involves the African prince T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) assumption of the “Black Panther” title of his native Wakanda following his father’s death. The intricacies of Wakanda, and this particular title, are best explained by an early sequence. Wakanda is a covert, technologically advanced African nation which survives off a powerful metal called Vibranium; the Black Panther is a superhuman warrior who uses that Vibranium to protect his people from the threats of outsiders and local foes alike. In the movie, our paramount threat comes in the form of the Michael B. Jordan-portrayed Erik Killmonger, a wronged cousin of T’Challa and co. who seeks to overthrow the rather utopian Wakanda. Determined and ruthless, he wants to utilize the re-
gion’s natural and technological resources to rewrite society as we know it – an ambition that, when explained, is clearly an aftereffect of understandable frustration. The feature goes through the motions of the usual good-conquers-evil storyline. But like everything else in the film, much about it marks a detour from the norm. Part of our villain’s anger has to do with the oppressions he’s faced as a black man; the struggles our hero faces just as he reaches the top subtly mirrors how people of color so often have to work miles harder to get to positions of power. And Wakanda is a character in itself, a plush dreamworld in which black excellence is mighty and boundless command isn’t unattainable. In “Black Panther,” the action is great and so are the comedic flourishes. But what’s so invigorating about the film is that it is so celebratory of its black identity while still smartly paying attention to the setbacks and obstacles that come with it. The actors are just as lucid. Featuring big names (Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Boseman, Forest Whitaker), luminous newcomers (Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright), and soon-to-be-huge veterans (Danai Gurira), not a star is wasted, with many giving performances exquisite enough to start new chapters in their respective filmographies. But what isn’t great in “Black Panther”? When so many products to come out of the superhero woodwork desire to only superficially entertain us for a couple hours without doing much else, this particular film deviates from the increasingly predictable norm. It’s Marvel’s most conscientious, and important, work to date. And, just a handful of weeks into February, one of the best movies of the year. Don’t miss the Kendrick Lamar-curated soundtrack, either. A student at the University of Washington, Blake will major in Visual Communications or Journalism. petersonreviews.com
Page 10 • Valley Bugler • March 2018
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLERS PIN ‘EM DOWN AT STATE TOURNAMENT
Castle Rock's Wayne Baker stands atop of the podium after winning the 2018 1A 160lb State Wrestling Championship
Castle Rock's Wayne Baker (red and white) works for the fall against Granger's Robert Berger in their 1A 160lb Championship Match. Baker won the match 16-5 to claim his State Title Castle Rock's Nathan Halladay (red) looks to turn Lakeside's Akio Yamada in 1A 195lb Championship Match. Halladay won 11-4 to claim State Title.
Kelso's Bryce Miller (gold) squares off aganst Bonney Lake's Brandon Taylor during their 120 lb 3A title match. Miller lost 6-3 and claimed second place.
Kelso's Christian Freund (gold) fights for positioning against North Central's Gavin Giles during their 3A 138lb Title Match. Freund won 4-2 in triple OT to capture his second State Title.
Woodland's Ashlyn Daugherty placed 3rd in the 100lb Girls State Wrestling Tournament
ALL PHOTOS BY KEVIN SAWYER, FOR THE VALLEY BUGLER
March 2018 • Valley Bugler • Page 11
9 Tech Gadgets That Really Work For You and Your Pet
By Michelle Myre Technology. It's everywhere. Surrounding you on all sides. Technology is also widely available to help you with your beloved fur baby, aka "pet". Here are just a few of the tech gadgets that are available. Proving useful to you, and hugely beneficial to Fido, these gadgets can help in shaping a happier, healthier pet in your family. 1) GPS Tracking Collar Almost all dog and cat owners know the terror of "losing" their pet. Whether they shot out of the door or jumped the fence, the panic is the same. Some collars also measure activity levels, veterinary records and have night lights. 2) Talking Ball / Toy Animals need playtime when they're alone, and talking toys or balls can help fill the void. Some toys have combinations of silly sayings and sounds when pushed or batted, or even other animal sounds, including your own voice... 3) Self-Cleaning Litter Box Yes, you heard me correctly. It's about time technology came up with something to take away that dreaded chore of cleaning the cat's litter box. The Litter Robot 3 is an automatic self cleaning litter box where the cat's waste is separated from the clean litter, and then dumped into a bag-lined carbon filter drawer. When the drawer is full, you're notified to empty it. 4) Automatic Feeder It is every pet owners anxiety when they are held up or detained at feeding time. An automatic dispenser for dry food can help eliminate that stress. You can program the feeders to automatically dispense a measured amount of food at a set time. Some even allow you to record your voice
announcing mealtime. 5) Dog Puzzles Most dogs can become bored while you're away from the house during the day, and a bored dog can result in a plethora of negative consequences. Enter programmable puzzle feeders. One such puzzle feeder is the CleverPet Hub, which offers pets challenges that get increasingly difficult as your dog figures out the basics. When Fido touches the right combo of lighted buttons, he is rewarded with dry kibble or treats. This tech gadget has an app to download, where you can schedule certain hours of play. 6) Self Warming Pet Beds As a human, that sounds absolutely delightful, so my guess is that your sweet fur baby will appreciate it as well. Most self warming beds utilize the same technology as Mylar space blankets, reflecting a dog or cat's own body heat to keep their bed cozy. No batteries or electricity required. 7) Cat Laser Toy Place a laser toy in the center of a room, turn on your cat's favorite setting, and let the fun begin. Some laser toys have up to 16+ different play patterns, and run on batteries. 8) Entertaining Dog Bones It's all the rage. One such company jumped on the interest and created the "Go Bone". This "smart bone" has software inside that gives a different experience for each animal based on weight, breed, age and play. Your dog can get treats from it, chase it, squeak it, chew it or even throw and toss it. Controllable via a smartphone app, could be fun for you both! ☺ [Above Photo: Charlie cat inspects his mom's work. Photo by Elizabeth Krymis]
Puzzle Answer from p.9
Adorable Adoptee
Meet: Bandit Bandit is a playful adorable young dog, only 11 months old (born March 31, 2017). He's still a puppy - an energetic puppy. He knows some obedience commands, and walks well on a leash. He is just starting clicker training. He's a smart little guy, who would benefit from obedience classes,. He's a lap dog, and his favorite place to nap in on your lap. He
weighs between 12-14 pounds, is neutered, current on his vaccinations and microchipped. facebook.com/rescued.paws rpaws.petfinder.com
Page 12 • Valley Bugler • March 2018