Page 2 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
From the Editor’s Desk
Inhaling the fresh, spring air fills my spirit with rejoicing! It is filled with new life and the smells of cut grass. Which is growing by the mile. It’s finally Spring! The time of year where people dive into their closets and possessions for Spring Cleaning, brush off the golf clubs and gardening supplies. Ahhhhhh. Spring. It’s like we can take a deep breath after a long, cold winter. Of course, here in the Northwest, we received nothing severe like the horrid Polar Vortex that most of the nation endured. Every time I saw the weather report for the East Coast, or heard from friends who were buried under snow, I put on an extra blankie. Spring brings with it all of the lovely home improvement projects that we have been delightfully avoiding and cataloguing all winter. Perhaps even from last spring when you decided to put it off a year. Now’s the time to bust out the hammer, throw open the windows and begin your projects! This issue is dedicated to all things Home Improvement, and features our annual Home Improvement Guide on pages 12-17. You will find plenty of advertisers displaying their services and products to help you along your journey, as well as helpful tips, tricks and ideas. My husband and I have embarked on multiple home improvement projects, one including a complete remodel of a kitchen and bathroom. Suggestions for those considering such an adventure would be to ask
a LOT of questions from those who are more knowledgeable than you, measure twice (or thrice), and cut once....☺ The world is full of helpful information nowadays for Do-It-Yourself’ers (DIY’s). A quick search on the web, or picking up the most recent issue of The Home & Garden magazine, will result in a plethora of choices, suggestions and tips. You can even foray into the world of Pinterest and see all the wonderful pins that others have made, as well as completed projects. Prepare to spend many hours there. The idea of cleaning out our house of clutter and “tidying up” translates into the spiritual side of life as well during the celebration of Easter. Easter brings us the opportunity to do some spiritual sweeping of our own. Bringing with it the miraculous experience of resurrection, of which hinges the entire Christian faith, the idea of life springing from death has an almost addictive quality. Easter raises questions about much more than just the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs. Easter raises the question of whether or not you believe in the death & resurrection of Christ. If you do, it is most likely a time of extreme thankfulness and awe. A time to postulate on the true Godliness that was embodied in Jesus Christ. A time where we are able to thank the Lord that He sent His Son from heaven to come live among us as
Publishing Info Valley Bugler, LLC Longview, WA 360.414.1246
www.ValleyBugler.com
eMail: editor@valleybugler.com
(Special thanks to our advertisers and readers who make this paper possible)
Editor/Publisher...................................Michelle Myre Cover Photo Credit.............................Jessica Lemmons, Bell Studios (Ad Page 11) Cover Design / Web Mngr.................omOriginals Marketing! (360)575-9839 Ad Design / Distribution.....................Ben Harrison Advertising Sales................................Michelle Myre (360)414-1246 Intern Journalist...................................Brandon Thompson Columnists........................................... Georgia Butterfield - Adorable Adoptee Paddy Burrow - Fruits & Nuts Georgia Cox - Castle Rock Seniors Bill Eagle - Eagle’s Eye Oscar Myre IV - Geek Speak Blake Peterson - Movie Reviews PeaceHealth - Living Well facebook.com/valleybuglernewspaper Jeff Petersen - The Peacemaking Lawyer Laurrie Piland - Baked Lava Pat Nelson - Window to Woodland Sharnessa Sanden - MommyTalk **The Valley Bugler newspaper publishes content supplied from the above columnists, and is not responsible for factual mistakes or anything other than the occasional spelling error. The Valley Bugler does not endorse views expressed, but retains a neutral stance on all issues presented. Please call our offices or eMail the columnist with comments or concerns**
YOUR LETTERS / COMMENTS WELCOME: www.valleybugler.com
EMAIL: EDITOR@VALLEYBUGLER.COM a man, live a flawless life, die a hideous death on a cross surrounded by a thief and a murderer, and raise himself from the dead to appear to over 500 witnesses, then ascend into heaven in front of them. Life from death. A miracle! Yes, this is what sets Christianity apart from every other faith in the world. Jesus was the only person in recorded history who rose himself from the dead. This Easter, I give thanks to my Lord and Savior. Thankful for His sacrifice and blood that He shed so that I could
stand before God’s throne, clean from any sin. Daily we get the chance to bring life from death with Jesus. Not by ourselves, but only with Him. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed. My friends, I wish you a Happy Easter, and hope you fill your Spring with new life!
Michelle Myre Publisher / Editor
April
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 3
Events
Woodland Tulips beckon us all
A Taste of Italy • April 12th By Brandon Thompson Valley Bugler Intern Journalist Are you and your family looking for an evening filled with fun and prizes that everyone will enjoy? Then mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12th for the 12th annual Taste of Italy Spaghetti Feed and Raffle! This annual scholarship event will be held at the lovely St. Rose Parish Center in Longview from 4:00PM-8:00PM. Open to all ages; $9 will get you in the door if you are 18 or older, seniors ages 62 and older as well as students who are between the ages of 4 and 17 years of age only pay $7, and children under the age of 3 eat for free! Enjoy all you can eat pasta, salad, and bread with an accompaniment of some easy listening music performed by a Lower Columbia College student musician. Longtime Pioneer Lions member, Cindy Sessions, will be making her award-winning secret pasta sauce so make sure to bring an appetite. While enjoying your meal with the Cindy’s award-winning sauce, keep your eyes peeled for a selection of gift baskets that will be raffled off throughout the evening. These gift baskets have been donated and lovingly crafted by many of the Pioneer Lions members who will be in attendance at the event. One ticket in the raffle equals one entry for the basket of your choice. The more tickets you put in the drawing, the greater your chances are of winning. All of the proceeds from the raffle go toward the scholarship
fund and you could walk away with some amazing prizes! When asked what her favorite aspect of the Taste of Italy event is, five year veteran, Laura Yoder said, “Getting to see all of my friends that I haven’t seen in a while all gathered in one place is wonderful. It feels like a class reunion.” Yoder also mentioned that they are expecting a couple hundred people to show up to this community spaghetti feed. So if you think that this is something that you and your friends and family would enjoy, make sure to purchase your tickets. If you’d like to purchase tickets before the event, you can contact Laura at (360) 431-9637. The Taste of Italy was created to give back to the student community of Longview, by donating all of the ticket and raffle money to the Pioneer Lions’ Scholarship Program every year. The Pioneer Lions was chartered in November of 1923 and was sponsored by the Tacoma Lions Club. Working with city officials, the Pioneer Lions helped build new roads, sponsored a baseball team, and helped develop the local YMCA. In 1968, the Longview Lions became known as the Longview Pioneer Lions club. The Pioneer Lions have helped raise and contribute over $2 million for the needs of the area. Brandon Thompson is an ambitious, creative writer that has written for music magazines, and most recently graduated from American Broadcasting School.
Sisters Chloe (left) and Cora (right) Myre enjoy a trip down one of the lovely aisles of tulips at the Holland America Bulb farm in Woodland, sharing beauty and events for all ages. Photo by Michelle Myre.
It’s that time of year again, raincoats and galoshes come out and tulips rise up to shine their glory at the Woodland Tulip Festival and other events in Woodland, WA. Farms open April 6th, day of the Tulip Trot. Holland America Bulb Farms 1066 South Pekin Rd Woodland, WA 98674
Woodland Tulip Festival
April 12-13th & 19-20th 10:00am - 4:00pm Enjoy the tulip fields, purchase cut flowers, browse the vendor’s market and take pictures of your kids wearing humongous Dutch clogs. Free admission and NO parking fee make this a fun weekend venture.
Tulip Trot 5K Run/Walk
April 6th @ 9:00am Located at the Holland America Bulb Farms in Woodland, join the throng in a fun 5K run/walk down and back flat race in the Woodland bottoms farm land. Tulips will be in bloom and cheering you along! Visit www.Hbaf.net for registration and information.
Cutest Baby Contest
Birth up to Age 24 months Deadline April 30, 2014 Submit photos of your baby in our tulip fields! Current year. 5x7 and at least 300dpi. ** eMail: giftshop@habf.net or online @ www.habf.net
Page 4 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
Had boys, Have boys, are thinking about having boys...... The following came from an anonymous Mother in Austin, Texas... Things I’ve learned from my boys (honest and not kidding): • A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep. • If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite. • A 3-year old Boy’s voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant. • If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 x 20 ft. room. • You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get
a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way. • The glass in windows (even doublepane) doesn’t stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan. • When you hear the toilet flush and the words “uh oh”, it’s already too late. • Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it. • A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies. • Certain Lego’s will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy. • Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence. • Super glue is forever. • No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can’t walk on water. • Pool filters do not like Jell-O. • VCR’s do not eject “PB &J” sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do. • Garbage bags do not make good parachutes. • Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving. • You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is. • Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens. • The fire department in Austin, TX
has a 5-minute response time. • The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy. • It will, however, make cats dizzy. • Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy. • 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid. • Those who share this to almost all of their friends, with or without boys do
it because: a) For those with no children - this is totally hysterical! b) For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious. c) For those who have children this age, this is not funny. d) For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning. e) For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control
‘Art among the Tulips’ Wine & Art Show “Art among the Tulips” Saturday, April 5th 4:00pm - 8:00pm 1066 South Pekin Rd Woodland, WA Truly for the adults only, the First Annual Woodland Tulip Festival is offering an Art Show and Wine Tasting, located at the Holland America Bulb Farm in Woodland, WA. An evening set to live music, delicious local wines and talented artists,
it will be sure to please. Tickets: Advance (buy online): $15.00 Walk-In: $20.00 Each ticket is worth 5 tastings, and additional tastings are $3.00 each and can be purchased at the event. Art among the Tulips features local wines and artists, live music, food sampling and fresh flowers. For more details or to purchase advance tickets online: www.habf.net
7th Annual Spring Chehalis Valley Wine Tour • May 3rd-4th Mark your calendars now for the 7th annual Chehalis Valley Wine Tour, coming the first weekend in May. You will experience 6 of Washington’s premium wineries in the Chehalis Valley, and the $20.00 Passport allows you entrance into each of the six wineries, along with a complimentary logo wine glass, wine tastings and hors d’oevres. Passports are available at each winery involved in the Tour, or online at: www.ChehalisValleyWineTour.com Each winery offers a variety of wines, many with awards and medals from wine shows in the Northwest. Plan your route, pick your wineries, or call for information and questions. (See ad same pg).
Agate Creek Cellars 105 Agate Creek Lane Chehalis, WA 98532 Bateaux Cellars 288 Smokey Valley Road Toledo, WA 98591 Birchfield Winery 242 Kennicott Rd Chehalis, WA 98532 Heymann Whinery 212 N Tower Ave Centralia, WA 98531 Scatter Creek Winery 291 Sussex Avenue West Tenino, Wa. 98589 Wells’ Winery 140 Eschaton Rd. Onalaska, WA. 98570
Taxpayer Strikes Back Dear Internal Revenue Service:
Enclosed you will find my 2007 tax return showing that I owe $3,407.00 in taxes. Please note the attached article from the USA Today newspaper; dated 12 November, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Department of Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat. I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00. Please
apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the “Presidential Election Fund,” as noted on my return. You can do this inexpensively by sending them one (1) 1.5” Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. Pays $22.00 each for 1.5” Phillips Head Screws). One screw is enclosed for your convenience. It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward to paying it again next year. Sincerely, A Satisfied Taxpayer
Fire Mountain Grill Fires Up for the Season!
April harkens the birds and little baby animals, green grass and fresh spring breezes. It also brings us a delicious option for dining with a gorgeous mountain as your table-mate. The Fire Mountain Grill, located at Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center in Toutle, is firing up their kitchens for another busy season. Relaxed by day and romantic by night, the Fire Mountain Grill is th eperfect place to enjoy a delicious meal and breathtaking views of Mt. St. Helens and the Toutle River Valley. Home of the infamous “Bigfoot Burger”, 5 beef patties, 5 slices of cheese, onion rings, cheeste sticks, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and a Bigfoot size fistful of fries for $19.00. Devour it in 30 minutes or less and you get a free Mt. St. Helens Bucket List t-shirt as a prize! If that’s not your size palate, then the plentiful options of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, bugers, chicken, fish, fried specialties, and vegetarian meals will be sure to provide something to your liking. The menu is a mix of out of the ordinary items such as Jagermeister Prawns, Volcano Poppin’ Chicken and Buffalo Bison Burger, intermixed with traditional items such as Teriyaki Burgers, Chicken Bacon Ranch Burger, Club Sandwiches and Chicken Strips. You can see the full menu online at
their web site, as well as see photos of the restaurant and patio dining:
www.fmgrill.com
More entreé offerings appear on May 17th, and include mouth watering steaks, specialty chicken and seafood dishes, including a raspberry salmon that is out of this world. (Northwest Salmon seasoned and chargrilled medium, topped with raspberry glaze). And what meal would be complete without a beverage and dessert? Featuring Northwest wineries and breweries, as well as bottled imports, and delicious flavored lemonades and teas or sodas, and a delectable dessert list. Complete children’s menu will keep the little tykes more than satisfied with their Little Foot Burger or Sasquatch Strips, among many other choices. A special event that Fire Mountain Grill hosts each year is their annual Mother’s Day Brunch, on Sunday May 11th. (See ad same pg.) Make your reservations early, says owner and proprietor Mike Casetta. “We really fill up during the 11am 1pm time periods”. The Brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate mom together while enjoying the Brunch Buffet, which is full of upscale and delicious items, such as fresh baked pastries, honey ham, prime rib and cocktail prawns. Call for reservations early: (360)274-5217 or (360)957-1025
WELCOME
Farmer’s Markets
The start of the Farmer’s Market season has begun, and this month there are only 2 markets available for your shopping enjoyment. Get your earlyseason Fruits and Vegetables, Baked goods, Flowers, Entertainment, Garden decor and Crafts. Each experience is likely to become addictive and leaving you wanting more! ☺ More markets coming in May. Cowlitz Community Farmers Market: Sat 9-2 April thru October 7th Ave, Cowlitz Expo Center Longview, WA cowlitzfarmersmarket.com
Winlock Farmers Market Wed 9-3 April thru Oct Kerron St., Winlock Winlock Events Plaza Winlock, WA * Come rain or shine!
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 5
Girls Night Out offers an
evening of fun, food and friends Saturday, April 26th 3:00pm - 8:00pm It’s time to gather the girlfriends and meet up in Downtown Centralia for a Passport Adventure of shopping, eating and lots of giggles. Ladies can pick up passports ($5.00) at either side of town, at HubBub (505 N. Tower Ave) or Debbie’s Boutique and Brownstone Coffee (120 S. Tower Ave), and begin their shopping and playing adventure. Participating retail shops and restaurants will be offering special discounts and goodies to ladies who
bring their passport in during the event. The first 250 participants will receive a goody bag loaded with giveaways and coupons. A collection of Lady friendly prizes have been assorted and are waiting to be claimed by their winners, who will be chosen throughout the evening. For more information please call (360)623-1016 or visit online at Facebook by typing in: ‘Downtown Centralia Girl’s Night Out’ in the search box.
If life is but a second One enterprising man asked the Lord, “Lord, how long is a million years to you?” The Lord replied, “To me, a million years is like a second.” The man asked, “Lord, how much is a million dollars to
you?” The Lord said, “To me, a million dollars is like a penny.” The man asked, “Lord, may I have a penny?” The Lord answered, “Sure, just a second.”
Castle Rock,
Cowlitz County, Washington, April 1913 - presented by the Valley Bugler Newspaper
A blast from the past of Castle Rock...
The Castle Rock Exhibit Hall has a large and nearly complete collection of past issues of the Cowlitz County Advocate. A wide range of selections from everything to do with the local area from over 100 years ago awaits! >>Please note: EVERYTHING on this page is from THE PAST, except for the full color advertisements from local Castle Rock and surrounding area businesses, supporting this page. Visit them and say “howdy”!
Red Men in Minstrelsy (April 3, 1913)
The local lodge of Red Men put on a minstrel stunt at Dreamland Theatre Tuesday night, which drew a packed house and caused much merriment. The Mandolin Club furnished entrancing music and the songs by Messrs. Chauncey Davis and George Kamberger fairly brought down the house, while some of the jokes almost caused a riot. The ballad singing of Tremont Derrick was a revelation, and proved him the best in these parts. He has a sweet tenor voice well modulated, and with cultivation would be able to make many of the professionals sit up and take notice. It is a pleasure to hear him sing, and we hope we will again have that privilege in the near future.
SHORT STORIES: (April 3, 1913) Found—A set of false teeth, which owner can have by calling at Advocate office. Twenty thousand pounds of smelt were donated and shipped from Kelso the first of the week to the flood sufferers in Ohio and Indiana. A big run of smelt has been in the river during the past ten days and tons of them have been caught here and hung up to be smoked. Steve J. Ely has leased the brick building at the corner of Front street and Cowlitz avenue, formerly used as a saloon, and will turn it into a cigar store, lunch counter and pool hall.
At a special meeting held for the purpose last Sunday afternoon, the local aerie of the Order of Eagles voted to contribute $50 to the fund for the sufferers by storms and floods in the West and Middle West. This is a very generous action on the part of the Eagles and should be emulated by every order that is able to do so, for thousands of people have lost everything in these calamities and are in actual want.
Council Proceedings (April 3, 1913)
At the council meeting Tuesday evening, but little business was transacted. It was moved and seconded that $324 be taken from the general fund and returned to the fund of improvement district No. 4. Carried. Moved that the property owners on Warren street between Third and Fourth be notified that the street must be improved. Carried. A committee from the Ladies’ Commercial Club appeared and requested that the council have names put on the street corners and numbers on the houses.
SHORT STORIES: (April 17, 1913)
Lost—A new umbrella, with horn handle was left in the post office last Sunday morning. The party who took it away will confer a great favor by returning same to the Advocate office. The benefit performance at Dreamland Theatre last Thursday evening was well attended and netted the sum of $25 for the Ohio flood sufferers. The recitation by Jens Lingaas is said to have been great and fairly captured the audience.
Steamboat Provided With “Artificial Rain” (April 17, 1913)
The shallow-draft passenger steamers built by an English shipbuilding concern for river service in the tropics are equipped with “artificial rain.” Up through the awning forming the roof of the upper cabin project two water pipes, each of which is fitted with a spray head. These fountains throw sprays of water over the awning,
and the rapid evaporation under the hot rays of the sun keeps the cabins cool. A picture of the boat appears in the April Popular Mechanics Magazine.
Castle Rock and Silver Lake Now Connected by Bands of Steel (April 24, 1913)
Last Saturday afternoon a Northern Pacific box car was switched over onto the spur of the Silver Lake Railway & Lumber Company’s line, which had just been completed, and taken out to Page Point to be loaded with the products of Mr. Barnes’ lumber and shingle mill at the Lake. This connection has been sought by Mr. Barnes for the last ten years, and the consummation of his efforts was a glad event for him. The track is not yet entirely into the town of Silver Lake, but we learn that the spur will at once be built, after which it is understood regular freight and passenger service will be inaugurated. This will be a great convenience to everybody and will add many to the number of people who will go to the lake to spend a few weeks each summer. Silver Lake is already becoming noted as a summer resort, and the inauguration of the train service will build it up fast. Not only will the freight cars bring the products of the mills to this city, but they will also take the place of teams in transporting goods, wares and merchandise to the lake region. It was a great day for Silver Lake and the intervening region when switching privileges with the Northern Pacific were obtained, and we take occasion at this time to congratulate Mr. Barnes on the consummation of his desires.
Cowlitz Chief Named (April 24, 1913)
Bat Kiona, a highly respected member of the Cowlitz Indian tribe, has been elected chief of the Cowlitz Indians, to succeed the late Atwin Stockum, of Toledo, whose death occurred recently. Kiona’s home is near Randle, in the Big Bottom country. John Ike, of Harmony, was chosen sub-chief. James H. Suterlick was chosen secretary of the tribe. The Cowlitz Indians are having very important dealings with the federal government relative to a land allotment in the Quiniault country.
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 7
Ultimate Home Improvement! By Paddy Burrow Valley Bugler Columnist I’m so grateful to editor Michelle Myre for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you once again about life and love and daily doings. How fortunate we are in America to still have freedom of speech and to still be able to worship God without fear of imprisonment or death. Things we must never take for granted! In thinking over this month’s theme of Easter and Home Improvement, I came upon the idea of combining them to bring you a recipe for The
Ultimate Home Improvement; a plan that would lead to a happier, healthier home, regardless of the size or configuration of your family. Interested in what that might be? The recipe is found in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you”. Preceding this verse, Jesus tells his followers to “take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, drink or wear” because the same God Who clothes the lilies and feeds the birds will care for each of us, His children, as well.
Movie Reviews By Blake Peterson
‘Veronica Mars’
Directed by Rob Cohen Starring Kristn Bell, Jason Dohring Running Time 1 hr., 41 min; PG-13, My Rating: B+
It’s hard not to look back at the ‘90searly 2000s WB channel and not melt with a tear of nostalgia. Those were the days where teen shows had brains: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” could have a ridiculously cheesy name and still explode with self-referential cool; “Dawson’s Creek” bubbled over with soap opera that still makes (now) 30+ year olds swoon. Today, the WB isn’t what it used to be. In 2006, it merged with the Bversion of itself, UPN, and became the CW (“The Vampire Diaries”, “Arrow”), which today holds TV shows that make us look at ourselves and say, “Why can’t I have an eight-pack, always be tan, and smolder without looking stupid?”) Surely, the new channel holds a few guilty pleasures, but none house the cult fan bases the WB held. “Veronica Mars” is one of the most famous series to come from the chan-
nel, a serial about a teenage private eye who has the attractive looks of Nancy Drew but owns the same sort of razor sharp lingo that the eye-rolling kids of the “Scream” franchise spat out with no hesitation. The show, which ran for three years, was canceled before its time, enraging its fans, but also super-sizing its popularity. So when the prospect of a reunion film came along in 2013, the Marshmallows (the fans) raised $2 million through Kickstarter in less than two-hours. Now that it’s 2014, and the film has had eminent buzz, is it all that it promises to be? Fortunately, it’s everything a fan could hope for, and then some. I for one, have only seen the pilot of the original show. Despite being a loyal customer, Netflix seems to hate me and promises that Disc 1 will arrive after a “very long wait”. But even not knowing every detail of the series, the film version is a heck of a lot of fun, to the point where even non-fans most likely will want to start watching the show right away.
What a relief! We don’t even have to worry at all about any detail of our life! Anything that pertains to life and godliness is offered freely by our Heavenly Father. As long as we seek Him first. Perhaps, like me, you have been guilty of doing everything you can possibly do in any given situation BEFORE you’d even think to pray or ask God’s help? Ah...I can so relate to that. For years, I didn’t want to “bother God” so I’d do as much as I could do and then FINALLY ask for His help when I had exhausted all other resources. Patiently, over a long period of time, God taught me that that method was exactly BACKWARDS! He really DOES want me to talk to Him FIRST, not as an afterthought. He wants that intimate relationship with me that He wants with each of His precious children. (Each of His One-of-a-Kind Originals!) If things at your house could stand
a little improvement, start with asking God to “move in” and “take over”. He’ll be only too happy to accept your invitation. An open heart and a sincere invitation are all that’s needed to start the relationship with Jesus that you may be lacking. Once He comes in, He’ll begin to show you how He and you, together, can start to make changes needed inside you, that will spill over into those around you - and soon, your whole household will be affected for the better. It always starts with one person in the household. BE the one! May Jesus, the True Passover Lamb, be the Light in your home. May the Word of this Risen Savior be the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path. Blessings!
The movie picks up ten years from where its titular character’s (Bell) adventures came to a close, and it seems that Veronica, once a clear eyed sleuth, has left her mystery solving days behind her in favor for a lawyering career. When in the middle of the interviewing process, Veronica’s old ex, Logan (Dohring) calls for help. He’s been accused of murder and knows a simple trial will do him no favors. She arrives back in Neptune (her fictional Californian hometown that stinks of corruption), gets the old gang back together, and picks up right where she left off. But while solving the case, Veronica begins to wonder; does she really want to spend her life as a lawyer? The film is so entertaining from beginning to end that it only made me smirk in glee, knowing that I, someone not accustomed to Veronica Mars’ world, could enjoy the film so much, while there are plenty of mega-fans out there who are probably still recov-
ering from a dopamine crash. It’s everything anyone could ask for in a film like this one. The biting humor still stings, the characters are all just as fun to watch, and Veronica herself is still the brilliantly witty young woman that we want to be best friends with. The story slithers along with all of the gasps of a whodunit, but still gives us time to bathe in the reunions galore and black comedy. Yes, for fans, this movie will give you what you want. For newbies, it will leave you writhing with hunger. There may be only three seasons of the TV show, but the thought of getting a bigger dose of the pulpy city of Neptune sounds like a wonderful time.
Paddy Burrow lives in Silverlake, Washington and welcomes feedback. Email her at paddy.burrow@gmail.com or call her at 360-751-5231
Blake Peterson is an aspiring movie critic attending R.A. Long High School as a junior. Blake loves watching movies, but he also enjoys music, and spending time with friends and family.
Thank you for Reading! Show our Advertisers support and let them know you saw their ads here in The Valley Bugler!
Page 8 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
Castle Rock Senior Health Fair
Submitted by Georgia Cox APRIL Events Every Monday: Our infamous Cinnamon Rolls and coffee will be served to the public from 10am to NOON. Suggested donation is only $1.50! Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Get that heart rate up and get healthy with the exercise classes from 9:30am to 10:30am! Facts show that exercise helps keep your body healthy and functioning as well as possible. Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday: “Write Your Life Story” group will meet from 1pm - 3pm. Please feel free to join in with us and learn how to craft your own life story. Every Wednesday: CAP offers Nutrition Meals for Seniors at the Center at NOON. Suggested donation is $2.50, but PLEASE call #6362118 (by Monday) for reservations. Paper Tole Classes are from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Every Thursday: Fun Quilting projects will take place from 12pm to 3pm and Pinochle games are played in
the Center later at 7pm and is open to all who are interested, so bring your game! Every Friday: Good fun for all Seniors!! An activity or special event and a potluck or refreshments will be scheduled. Please check at the Center for more information. We hope you enjoy the fun! Every Saturday: Fun Bingo games take place from 1pm - 3pm. Come join us for some fun Bingo and try your luck at winning! SPECIAL EVENTS: Tuesday, April 8th: Our Program and Potluck lunch! Speaker s will be Mayor Paul Helenburg and David Vorse who will speak on the progress of the city, at 11:00am. A potluck lunch will follow at noon. A very interesting report. Thursday, April 17th: Commodities will be distributed from 10am 1pm. Have a valid punch card. Friday, April 18th: Potluck lunch. The Middle School Choir will be performing for us during lunch. Come and enjoy! Tuesday April 22nd: Potluck lunch and “Write Your Life Story” Reunions report. Will be very interesting!
Saturday, April 26th 10:00am - 2:00pm The annual Health Fair will be held in the Castle Rock Senior Center on Saturday the 26th. There will be many vendors dis-
playing great information of interest to all people and ages. Be sure to come by the Senior Center in Castle Rock, located at: 222 - 2nd Ave Castle Rock, WA 98611
Sunnyside Grange honors Georgia Cox Sunnyside Grange recently honored Georgia Cox as our Volunteer of the Year Award. Georgia has been involved in the community for years, and honored as Grand Marshal of the Castle Rock Fair parade recently. Her main thing is serving her community. She bakes cookies for different organizations for rest stops, church meetings, senior rest stops, and events. 50 dozen or more at a time! She serves as host-
ess at church and the senior center, and is in charge of the commodities that serve many families. When one goes to the center, Georgia is there to greet you whether it is baked potato day, bazaars, or fills in when someone can’t make it. Everyone enjoys her carrots when she brings them to potluck days. It is told that she knows how many attended by the number of carrots left, if any. She writes articles for the Valley Bugler and the Daily News.
Thank you for Reading! Show our Advertisers support and let them know you saw their ads here in The Valley Bugler!
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 9
Happy Easter! Sunday April 20th
Easter Traditions - which are yours? Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Easter, celebrated from at least the 4th century, is the most important religious feast of the Christian faith, marking the resurrection of the Savior, Jesus. Eggs play a significant part in the Easter celebration, but did you know of the story behind them? In the early history of Christianity, the eating of eggs was forbidden during Lent. Come Easter morning, eggs were colored red and brought to the table to symbolize Easter joy. This tradition has continued into our times by families hiding brightly colored eggs for the little ones to hunt on Easter morning. The popular “egg-rolling” by children on Easter Monday on the lawn of the White House shows the importance of the holiday in public life. The Blessing of Easter baskets on the day before Easter is popular in many countries. The baskets often contain hard-boiled eggs that are said to be a symbol of new life. Blocks of butter carved into
the shape of a lamb or a cross are often included as are meats and cheese. A traditional way of celebrating Easter among Protestant and evangelical churches is the Easter cantata, a program of special music and joyful songs. There are probably a wide variety of programs and Easter “performances” to be had around the area - simply call your church or other churches in the area for information. Most churches are listed in the phone book for your convenience. Our local area is filled with great musical talent. The timing of the Easter celebration varies from the Easter Vigil to a sunrise service to Mass or other services during the day. The colors of Easter are white and gold. These are the colors associated with sacred days. The white symbolizes the newness that comes with the victory over sin and death while the gold (yellow) expresses that Christ is the light of the world. Whatever tradition you follow, may this Easter be special for you!
Interesting Easter Trivia
• According to widespread belief, Easter owes its name to “Eastre”, the Anglo-Saxon goddess symbolizing hare and egg. Another theory suggests that it comes from the early German word “eostarun”, meaning dawn and white. • Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25. • Easter is a “moveable feast” as it does not fall on a fixed date in the Gregorian or Julian calendars. The full moon determines the date of Easter. • “Pysanka” is a name given to the tradition of Easter egg painting. • The color used in painting the eggs differ in different nations. Orthodox Grecians paint their eggs red to symbolize the blood of
Christ. Some Germans and Austrians paint their eggs green and use them on Holy Thursday. Slavic peoples decorate their eggs in gold and silver patterns. • Chocolate eggs were traditionally given as gifts in Europe. • In 19th century Europe, bitter dark chocolate was used to make small egg shapes. These chocolate eggs were traditionally exchanged as Easter gifts, especially in countries like France and Germany. • Ninety million chocolate Easter bunnies and 16 billion jelly beans are produced each year before the commencement of the Easter festivities. As a holiday, Easter comes only second to Halloween in terms of the annual sale confectionary items. 76 percent of people eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the largest Easter egg ever made was just over 25 feet high and weighed 8,968 lbs. In countries like Hungary and Transylvania, the day after Easter is called “Locsolo Hetfo” meaning “Watering Monday”. This is because water, perfume or perfumed water is often sprinkled in exchange for an Easter egg on this day.
Leading up to Easter Palm Sunday and Holy Week. What are the events that led up to Easter? Palm Sunday is the final Sunday before Easter. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. Christian churches distribute palms on Palm Sunday to commemorate Jesus Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. On Holy Monday, He drove out the money changers who were buying and selling in the temple of Jerusalem. On Tuesday, Christ was questioned by the Jewish leaders. He was condemned by the Scribes by and Pharisees. On Wednesday of Holy Week, He taught in the temple. Maundy Thursday included the Last Supper, the final meal with His disciples. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was
betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Good Friday is the solemn remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross.All worship is marked by austerity and silence. Holy Saturday has been known as the Great Vigil. Easter! The most joyous day of the church calendar celebrates the resurrection. Various means of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.
Page 10 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
By Laurrie Piland Valley Bugler Columnist I tried making a Tater Tot Casserole one time, long ago. I was not impressed. It was bland and boring. My husband didn’t even remember that I had made one, that’s how boring and bland it was! I guess since I’ve started cooking around the world and have gotten into all these different spices that I never even knew existed, such as fenugreek, galangal and sumac, my palate has changed. I find it hard to simply season with just salt and pepper anymore. Life is too short! Experiment! Explore! Create! So, that is exactly what I’ve done with the typical Tator Tot Casserole. I reinvented it into something utterly delicious. Baked Lava’s Tater Tot Casserole 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 medium-sized chopped onion 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley, minced 1 tsp Italian herb seasoning blend 1lb asparagus, tough ends trimmed off, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and halved 1lb lean ground beef, browned, crumbled and drained 1-1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded (or use a pre-shredded Italian
blend) 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 can cream of mushroom soup ( or cream of asparagus, cream of broccoli...just use a cream of soup, whatever you like) 1/2c half & half 1/3c shredded mozzarella cheese 1lb tater tots Paprika, to taste * Crumble ground beef into a skillet and brown. Season with Italian seasoning, a bit of salt and pepper. Drain. Set aside. * In same skillet, add butter and saute onions, celery and garlic until soft and translucent. Add asparagus and cook until just tender. Season with a bit of salt and pepper, remove from skillet. Set aside. * In same skillet, add cream of whatever soup you’re using, half & half, cayenne and a grind or two of black pepper. Use a whisk and stir until smooth and warm. * In the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch casserole dish, add onion-asparagus mixture, nestle in drained, halved artichoke hearts evenly throughout the vegetables. * Top with beef. * Then top that with soup mixture, making sure to spread it evenly over all. * Top that with shredded Cheddar. * Top everything with tater tots. Salt and pepper the tater tots, to taste. * Sprinkle shredded mozzerella evenly over the top of the tater tots.
* Sprinkle with paprika and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven, covered, for 30 minutes. * Remove cover after 30 minutes and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are nicely browned. * Remove from oven, let stand for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy! ---It is that time of year for gardening!! I love springtime. We’re putting in raised beds this year and I may just get to garden on
the level that I want to garden on... pumpkins, beans, corn, greens... you name it, I’m going to grow it!! I shouldn’t forget to mention the 120 heirloom tomato seeds that I started the other day. I have over 100 varieties, every color of the rainbow, including some super rare ones. I keep telling my friends to NOT buy tomato seeds...I’ll be more than happy to share my bounty. I did get 28 pots of different lettuces and greens put in. My peas are sprouting. All my plants are perking up and coming back to life. Did I mention that I really love springtime? Until we meet up in May, get cooking, get gardening and PEACE! RV cook extraordinaire.. proving to the world (as she cooks from every country in it) that RV food can be gourmet. Mad blogger and facebooker by day, full-time RVer, wife and mom to 2 dogs and 2 cats at night, from her RV galley in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens!
The laws of golf LAW 1: No matter how bad your last shot was, the worst is yet to come. This law does not expire on the 18th hole, since it has the supernatural tendency to extend over the course of a tournament, a summer and, eventually, a lifetime. LAW 2: Your best round of golf will be followed almost immediately by your worst round ever. The probability of the latter increases with the number of people you tell about the former. LAW 3: Brand new golf balls are water-magnetic. Though this cannot
be proven in the lab, it is a known fact that the more expensive the golf ball, the greater its attraction to water. LAW 4: Golf balls never bounce off of trees back into play. If one does, the tree is breaking a law of the universe and should be cut down. LAW 5: No matter what causes a golfer to muff a shot, all his playing partners must solemnly chant “You looked up,” or invoke the wrath of the universe. LAW 6: The higher a golfer’s handicap, the more qualified he deems himself as an instructor. LAW 7: Every par-three hole in the world has a secret desire to humiliate golfers. The shorter the hole, the greater its desire. LAW 8: Topping a 3-iron is the most painful torture known to man. LAW 9: Palm trees eat golf balls. LAW 10: Sand is alive. If it isn’t, how do you explain the way it works against you? LAW 11: Golf carts always run out of juice at the farthest point from the clubhouse. LAW 12: A golfer hitting into your group will always be bigger than anyone in your group. Likewise, a group you accidentally hit into will consist of a football player, a professional wrestler, a convicted murderer and an IRS agent -- or some similar combination. LAW 13: All 3-woods are demonpossessed. LAW 14: Golf balls from the same “sleeve” tend to follow one another, particularly out of bounds or into the water (See Law 3). LAW 15: A severe slice is a thing of awesome power and beauty. LAW 16: “Nice lag” can usually be translated to “lousy putt.” Similarly, “tough break” can usually be translated “way to miss an easy one, sucker.” LAW 17: The person you would most hate to lose to will always be the one who beats you. LAW 18: The last three holes of a round will automatically adjust your score to what it really should be. LAW 19: Golf should be given up at least twice per month. LAW 20: All vows taken on a golf course shall be valid only until the sunset.
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 11
Your health: Staying Well
Osteoporosis: Preventing Fragility Fractures By Ashley Deal Joint Care Coordinator Osteoporosis is a silent disease that is described as the progressive loss of bone mass and density causing weak and fragile bones. As the bone loses strength, the human body becomes fragile enough that a slight bump or fall from a standing position results in a fracture, referred to as a fragility fracture (Akesson). It is estimated that worldwide 9 million osteoporotic fragility fractures occur each year. This breaks down to 25,000 fractures per day or 1 every 3 seconds. The risk that a woman will suffer a fracture in their lifetime is higher than the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. For men, the risk is higher than prostate cancer. Once a fragility fracture does occur, approximately 50% of these individuals will experience another in their lifetime. The consequences of these fractures are significant, potentially debilitating or even life threatening. Unless preventative action is taken, the financial and human costs associated with osteoporotic fragility fractures will increase dramatically worldwide (Akesson). Individuals with osteoporosis need to prevent fractures holistically. Although it is very important, simply taking your vitamins will not prevent a fracture from occurring. Be physically active every day. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily to help strengthen bones. Eat a healthy diet and pay close attention to your calcium, vitamin D and protein intake. The average American does not eat enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones. High levels of calcium can be found in milk, leafy green vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, cheese, and fortified orange juice. Vitamin D is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun.
It can also be found in fortified milk. For those individuals who do not get enough of calcium or vitamin D from their diet, supplements may be helpful. Seek the guidance of your primary care provider for assistance (DiMarcantonio, 2014). At risk individuals need to be monitored by their primary care provider for osteoporosis and fracture prevention. Women over the age of 65 and anyone who has suffered a bone fracture over 50 years of age should get a bone density test. Bone density tests use x-rays or sound waves to measure the strength of the bones. They are safe and painless, and can indicate the health of your bones quickly (DiMarcantonio, 2014). Preventing falls from occurring can be one of the most effective ways to prevent a fragility fracture from happening. Preventing a fall begins with daily exercise because it makes you stronger, improves your balance and coordination, and improves your overall health. Make your home safe by removing things you can trip over like small rugs or electrical cords. Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower to prevent slipping. Always use bright lights and night lights for easy vision. Wear shoes with good support and non-slip soles.
Active workers have a lower risk of heart disease. If your job keeps you on the move, that type of work is good for your heart. Researchers studied 60,000 people and discovered that as the level of physical activity went up, heart risks went down. Study participants were age 25 to 64 and were followed for about 18 years. As expected, both moderate and high levels of leisure-time physical activity were associated with lower likelihood of developing heart failure. Commuting to work in a way that burns calories, such as walking or biking, was also linked to lower heart risks. Those who have inactive jobs, like working at a computer, could raise the activity level by walking up and down the stairs, taking a walk at lunch break or visiting the gym for relaxation and exercise. Study subjects with the lowest heart failure risk had physical activity at work, at play and during their commute.
These are a few ways individuals and families can work together to keep their loved ones safe at home (DiMarcantonio, 2014)
Akesson, K. (n.d.). www.iofbonehealth.org. Retrieved March 11, 2014, from International Osteoporosis Foundation: http://share.iofbonehealth. org/WOD/2012/report/WOD12-Report.pdf DiMarcantonio, T. (2014). Looming increase in fragility fractures demands improved preventative care. Orthopedicstoday, 10-13.
Author: Ashley Deal, Joint Care Coordinator, PeaceHealth St. John Joint Replacement Center
Avoid a stroke
Many “brain attacks” can be prevented even if several have occurred in your family history. The answer lies in controlling factors that add to the likelihood of a stroke. The three conditions you can control are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. You will set yourself up for a repeat of your family history if you smoke cigarettes, weigh too much, drink too much and don’t exercise. High blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for stroke. About one in five Americans have it, but some don’t even know it. Others know they have it but don’t take their medication regularly. High cholesterol and diabetes damage the veins and arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain. It will be helpful if you can lose weight and quit smoking. But if you have one or all three of the big risk factors, you need to follow the advice of your doctor and keep regularly scheduled appointments to check on your conditions. Vitamin D3 or Vitamin D2? Studies show that most of us living in the Northwest are most definitely Vitamin D deficient. This vitamin is a mega-worker for our bodies, helping fight against cancers and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Vitamin D3 is much better absorbed, rather than D2, which is synthetic.
Page 12 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
This annual Guide is full of tips, tricks and handy dandy suggestions to help with your own Home Improvement Projects! Thank you to our Home Improvement Guide Sponsor: Chehalis Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling. See their ads on p.13 & p.17
Spring cleaning: time to flush the gutters! You really have to do it before the spring rains come. Just make time, get your mind in the gutters, and clean them. ☺ One reason you want to get the stuff out of them is to make sure rainwater flows away from the house. In a cold climate, it could break your home’s foundation when it freezes. Another reason to do it now: If the gutters are clogged, rainwater will spill over and rot the fascia board, the soffits, and the plywood under the roof. It could cause a wall or ceiling to crack. The most important factor in the project is safety. You might not like the idea of moving the ladder every few feet, but getting up on the roof to do the cleanout is a lot more danger-
ous. If you don’t have a ladder that’s high enough, one can be rented. On a single-story house, you might chance going up on the roof but only if it doesn’t have a steep pitch and you have shoes with good traction. Place the ladder on a secure base. Put it against the house, not the gutter, which can break loose. Get a helper to hold the ladder and climb up until you can look down into the gutter. Be careful to avoid any power or electrical lines. Use glovecovered hands to scoop out the muck or use a garden trowel to clear horizontal run areas. You can empty the leaves into a plastic bag or bucket or fling them down onto a tarp. Clean the downspouts so water has a place to go. Scoop stuff out of the top, then run water down the
hole. Water pressure will remove almost anything. If necessary, remove the clog with a wire hanger or a broomstick. Run a hose along the gutters to remove anything you missed.
Spring home maintenance
* Patch peeling paint. Look for cracking or flaking paint on the exterior of your home. Scrape off the area, then prime and paint it with two coats. Small touchups will push back the day when you need a full paint job. * Renew your lawn. Fertilize and
patch bare spots, or throw in seed before vigorous growth months come around. * Clean the chimney. If you used your fireplace very much over winter, cleaning will prevent chimney fires and alert you to problems, such as a cracked flue, which has to be corrected before next winter. You could pay less in spring or get better service now than in fall. * Change filters in the air conditioning unit. If filters aren’t clean, the unit will use more electricity to cool the house.
Visit the Home & Garden Show Saturday, April 5th and Sunday, April 6th, the Home & Garden Show will be taking place at the Cowlitz Expo Center in Longview, WA. Admission is $2 or 2 cans of food, all proceeds and food will be donated to a local food bank. (See ad same pg.) The Lower Columbia Contractors Association is proud to offer the community a great Home & Garden Show this year. There will be free gardening workshops throughout the day, and a special presentation on Sunday by Ciscoe Morris. Ciscoe Morris doles out garden advice on his weekly radio show “Gardening with Ciscoe” on 97.3 FM Kiro
radio. He also appears on numerous TV shows including “Gardening with Ciscoe” which he co-hosts with Meeghan Black. The Expo Center will be full of great local area businesses showcasing their products and services to help with Home Improvement and Gardening. Many booths will be offering giveaways and special discounts available only at the show. Opportunities to learn more about remodeling or getting an off-the-cuff quote for a special project will be plentiful. Plant purchases and gardening advice will also be available for those ready to get growing!
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 13
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Chehalis Sheet Metal: Here’s how to sell your home in Roofing, Heating/Cooling & more the shortest period of time “Installers were courteous, respectful, friendly and understandable. Overall, I’m extremely happy and satisfied. Thank you!!” - Michelle G., WA
or services that you are needing. This year, during the Home & Garden Show month, Chehalis Sheet Metal is offering a Free Electronic
Comments such as the one above are the norm for our Home Improvement Guide Sponsor, Chehalis Sheet Metal, a local company that offers Heating & Cooling and Roofing services in Cowlitz, Lewis and Thurston counties. And you know the best companies are the ones that let their customers speak for them. Consistently rated in the top of their field, Chehalis Sheet Metal has a reputation in good standing with referral sites such as Angie’s List and The Better Business Bureau. When asked what their secret was to maintaining such a high approval rating, Marketing Coordinator Sharon Tisler provided the simple answer: “We aim to please”. It seems such a simple statement, but one that is loaded with huge expectations and responsibilities. This belief of aiming to please has carried the company through over fifty years of successful business. After all, just take a look at all of the testimonials on their web site and at Angie’s List, or on FaceBook. www.ChehalisSheetMetal.com Chehalis Sheet Metal offers Trane Heat Pumps, Air Handlers, Ductless Systems, Thermostats, Generators, Duct Cleaning, Home Energy Audits, Roofing, Siding, Windows, Exterior Doors and even Emergency Services. If you are interested in learning more about these services, just visit their web site and click on the “Services” link. That page will provide descriptions and links to specific items
Air Cleaner valued at over $750.00 with the purchase of a complete heating system, and $1,000.00 off a ReRoofing project. These specials will not be available after April 20th, so if you are in the market for Heating/ Cooling or a new roof, then call them for your Free Estimate, and tell them you saw it detailed here in the Valley Bugler. Even if you’re not in the market for a new roof or heating system, spread the news with your friends and family, or take a minute to call Chehalis Sheet Metal and thank them for Sponsoring this Home Improvement Guide. Chehalis Sheet Metal (360)748-9221 (800)201-9221 ChehalisSheetMetal.com
Photos Above provided by Chehalis Sheet Metal. From Left to Right: Carol, Margie, Cathy, Sam, Diane, Julie, Sharon Tisler.
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your house, for whatever reason. Maybe your work has relocated you, or you’re ready for a bigger house with the growing kids, or you’re ready to downgrade because the kids have all finally moved out. Taking some small and easy to achieve tasks to heart will result in a positive payoff for you in the long run. Here’s how to get started on your goal to sell your home so you can move to a new one: First, make the outside of your home attractive. Drive-by prospects are more likely to be interested in winter if the snow is shoveled. In the spring selling season, be sure the lawn is cut and there are no toys or miscellaneous objects in the yard. Flowers near the entry are a plus. If one or more rooms are a loud or unusual color, repaint them in beige. Stage the inside of the home. Buyers decide whether they are interested in a home within 30 seconds after opening the front door. Rent a storage building and put your extra furniture into it. Make the home look more spacious by decluttering. Send the extras to storage or to a charitable organization. Organize closets and drawers. Prospects will open them and look inside. Depersonalize the house. Leave no personal objects in view on bathroom counters. Remove family photos from bookshelves and walls so prospects can visualize themselves
in the home. Hire a photographer to take photos of the interior, exterior and special features. Your real estate agent will use the outside photo on newspaper ads and the inside photos on the Internet. Price the home correctly. You might think it’s worth $250,000, but if comparable homes are selling for $175,000, buyers will go elsewhere. Your real estate agent will help you set a competitive price. Have a flyer copied for distribution to interested parties. It should tell the home’s square footage, have an exterior photo, one or more interior photos, a listing of the home’s special features, the locations of parks and schools, and information about property taxes and utility costs. When a showing is scheduled, first make sure the house is clean. Some home stagers say the home should appeal to all five senses: Sight: Open the blinds and drapes to let in natural light. Keep your pet out of the home. Smell: Put out flowers and candles in the main rooms and a colorful bowl of fruit on the dining table. Taste: A hot pot of coffee helps with taste and aroma. Hearing. Turn off the sound on all television sets and computers. Have background music playing softly. Touch. Ask your agent to have the guests sit on the softest couch. Space. If you are showing the property yourself, let the buyers enter the room first. In small rooms, stay at the door so the room isn’t crowded.
Page 14 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
Your ownership interest:
another kind of home improvement By Jeff Petersen Valley Bugler Columnist
“The Luck of the Irish”
The exact origins of this well-known phrase are unclear, but I like this interpretation the best: that the “luck” referred to is actually “fortune”, which can be either good or bad. The idea here is akin to the law of attraction. Your thoughts become things, so if you think specific good thoughts, specific good things will come your way. If you think specific bad thoughts, specific bad things will come your way. In other words, it’s all in the attitude. As an attorney and peacemaker, and in honor of this St. Patrick’s Day, I offer four positive actions you can take to help bring some good fortune (and fewer legal problems!) your way. 1. Take Responsibility: Taking responsibility for your work and actions helps to head off most relationship problems at the pass. We can’t completely avoid conflicts with our spouses, family members, co-workers, or neighbors, but we can certainly resolve or minimize them by owning our
mistakes and our role in the conflicts. Accordingly, we are less likely to rely on the courts to settle our disputes. 2. Give Your Relationships the Attention They Deserve: Without attention, no relationship, no matter how strong, can remain healthy for long. Attention is work, but it is very important work. A relationship built on this foundation makes it much easier to talk about conflict face-to-face. We may need some help from a mediator to keep the discussions going, but we’ll also be far less likely to file a lawsuit. 3. Plan Ahead: If you don’t want to be blindsided by the future and want to feel ready for whatever challenges may be coming, then you have to become a master at thinking ahead. When doctors and family know your wishes in advance through careful estate planning and health care directives, you give yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind knowing that these matters are handled. 4. Befriend Your Neighbors: After all, you live by them, you see them regularly, and you share a connection to your community. In the northwest,
property boundary disputes are a common issue between neighbors. Having a good relationship with your neighbors can help keep these disputes from getting ugly, and less likely to end in the police being called or a lawsuit being filed. If you can’t work it out over a cup of coffee, consider mediation. As we head into another spring season, reflect on the rifts you could heal, disputes which could be resolved, and actions which could be taken to avoid future problems or conflict. And
do them. Keep in mind that you may need some help from trusted advisors, such as therapists, lawyers, or pastors. It is all within our power if we take that first step. May your springtime be a season of rebirth and joy, full of peace, love, compassion, and happiness! Jeff Kurt Petersen is an Attorney and Mediator with Three Rivers Law Center in Longview, WA. 360-442-4101 3rlaw.org ©2014 Jeff Kurt Petersen
How much are Home Improvements worth? Maybe you spent a lot of money remodeling your house. But will you get it all back when it’s time to sell? Here is a look at what remodeling jobs tend to pay back: •Add a bathroom and pay $5,000 and up, average payback is 92 percent. •Spend $9,000 or more on remodeling, average payback is 90 percent. •Add a family room for about $30,000, you’ll get 86 percent back. •Add a fireplace for $1,500 or more and you’ll get 75 percent back.
•Build a deck for about $6,000 and get 73 percent back when you sell. •Remodel a home office for $8,000 and you’ll recoup an average of 73 percent. •Replace windows for $6,000 and you’ll get from 68 to 74 percent back •Build a swimming pool for $10,000 or more and you’ll get just 44 percent back. •Install or upgrade landscaping for $1,500 or more and you’ll recoup 30 to 60 percent. Finish a basement, and get 15 percent back.
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 15
Avoid Bamboo like the plague!
We asked a local expert all about home and renters insurance Meet Penny Parvi, owner and operator of Penny Parvi Agency in Longview, an American Family Insurance company. Also mother to 5 boys, and wife to her “fantastic, amazing and supportive husband”, Jason Fajardo. Working in the insurance industry for over eleven years, and running her own American Family Insurance company, Parvi offers down-to-earth advice for those of us in the market for Home or Renter’s Insurance. Q: What are some of the most commonly asked questions that you answer on a continual basis: A: I would say that new customers are very uneducated with their insurance policies. They mistakenly think that “Full Coverage” means that they are “Fully Protected”, which is definitely not true. Making sure that my customers know what will happen if there is a claim is very important, and ultimately is their decision on what they can afford and choose to carry. Q: What is Renter’s Insurance and why is it necessary? A: Renter’s insurance gives you protection for your personal property. It also gives you liability coverage. Most people don’t realize that they need it and incorrectly assume that the landlords home policy will protect their own personal items. My personal opinion is that most people might not carry renter’s insur-
ance because they don’t know how inexpensive the policies are, and just how important they are as well. Q: What is one of your biggest “Client Success Stories”? A: I had a customer that had been driving around without insurance for over a year. He thought he couldn’t afford it and would just pay the ticket if he got caught. After talking to him and getting the coverage in place by explaining just how important it was, and the amount of money it would cost him if he was in an accident. The customer decided on higher liability limits than the state requires. About 4 months after putting the policy in force he was in an accident where he was at fault! The total claim cost 325k in liability pay out. The customer came to me and thanked me and felt very blessed that I talked him into taking the higher liability coverage’s and educating him about insurance. Q: Do you offer free insurance analysis? A: Yes! We offer PIR (Personal Insurance Review), and I love doing that for people. It is very eye-opening for people to see how underinsured they are. Our rates are extremely competitive and we also offer discounts for the combo of Auto + Home. Penny Parvi Agency 803 Vandercook Way Longview, WA 98632 (360)425-5555
You could be tempted to plant a stand of bamboo between your yard and a neighbors. It grows fast, is environmentally friendly and would give you privacy. Be careful. Clumping Bamboo is not invasive, but Running Bamboo spreads relentlessly. Its roots are extremely hard, and it is oblivious to herbicides like Roundup. You can shoot it, dig it, poison it, or plow it with a bulldozer, but you may never be able to get rid of it. And it can spread to the neighbors’ yards. Oh yes. And you don’t want to give your neighbors any more reasons to despise you, right? Running Bamboo is beautiful, so people plant it anyway. If you are determined to do so, please read these little tips that you will save you a lot of headaches.
At Bamboo Gardener in Seattle, they recommend encasing the planting area with highdensity polyethylene sheeting sunk 2 1/2 feet into the ground. It must be 80 mil, about half an inch thick, so bamboo can’t pierce through it. Because, bamboo is technically a giant grass. Yes, grass. And even with the sheeting and concrete barriers, bamboo has been known to throw roots around them. Horticulturists at the University of Maryland say the applying of weed killer at precise times can kill bamboo, but their advice is simply not to plant it. Consider planting alternatives, such as the grassy-like Carex, or sedges and evergreen conifers such as ‘Green Giant’ thuja, “Emerald Green’ arborvitae and Leyland cypress.
Page 16 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
Decisions, decisions...Kitchen remodel - or not?
One of the key factors in deciding to remodel your kitchen should be the percentage of the cost you will recoup when selling your home. A complete redo could cost up to $50,000. But unless your home would sell for $500,000 or more, you would have little chance of recapturing that investment. When considering what you might do to make your kitchen more enjoyable and convenient, here are a few less-costly projects. *New kitchen appliances are a good
investment and give a good bang for your buck. *For new cabinets, don’t order custom-made. Good cabinets are available at home improvement stores or even at the local Builders Liquidator. *Kitchen islands are nice, but not all kitchens are large enough for them. TV advisor Bob Villa recommends adding an interesting or small kitchen table instead. It will provide extra work space or an informal dining area with spending less money. * It doesn’t cost much to tear down a wall if you want a bigger kitchen. Don’t do it by sacrificing storage space. * New lighting can be a dramatic improvement. Add energy-efficient recessed task lights above work areas and eating places. Create lighting that can be either bright or atmospheric. * Buy a new faucet. Consider a high end model and top brand. For counter tops, Villa recommends solid granite. It lasts for many years and doesn’t scratch or stain easily.
New tile floor gives a dated bathroom a modern look The bathroom is the most-used room in the house. With high traffic and high moisture, the floor begins to show its age after ten or 15 years. One good thing about replacing it is that the room is small. That means you can choose high-quality materials and not have a huge amount of money or a great deal of time invested. Here’s some advice from Lowe’s, the home improvement store: Tile comes in ceramic, porcelain, stone, and mosaic. Any of these choices will give you a great range of possibilities for color, style, and pattern. Ceramic comes in many colors and shapes that make it easy to create patterns and features, such as a border or center medallion. Porcelain is a denser tile and offers superior resistance to mold and stains. Stone-look porcelain looks very much like real stone. Natural Stone is available in marble,
granite, limestone and slate. It’s more expensive but has an outstanding appearance and comes in many colors. When considering tile, leaf through design books and home magazines. Your personal preferences will narrow your choices. You might decide to take the project a step farther with a new tub surround or elegant tile wainscote. If you have the time and skill, you could install the new floor yourself. First remove the old floor down to the subflooring. Then screw down sheets of cementfiber tilebacker to create a solid underlayment. Lay out tiles along the room’s center lines, and cut the tiles to fit up to the walls. Then spread adhesive with a notched trowel and press the tile into place. The next day, mix grout and spread it into the gaps. Too much work and worry? Professional installation costs more but could produce a more perfect job.
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 17
Mulching 101 Weeds. We all have them. They creep out of every crevice and poke out of every space. For gardeners, it is no laughing matter! Most people claim they have a deep hatred for weeds, which are really just plants growing where we don’t want them to. Here’s a different thought on blasting those critters with weed killer. One of the first steps any gardener needs to take to reduce weeds in their garden is to utilize mulch. Mulch? Mulching will help prevent certain plants (weeds) from growing in your garden and can also be a fantastic soil builder, adding nutrients over time and keeping the ground layer soft and moist. Mulches are made up of multiple different types of materials, some of the most common: • Pine needle and leaf mulches • Hay or straw mulches • Wood chips • Black plastic sheets • Newspaper and cardboard Want less weeds? Then get familiar with the above types of mulches, pick one and let’s get going. Everyone has a favorite, it’s just a matter of which one is easiest for you to work with, and is it readily available. Leaves are extremely popular because they are FREE and almost everyone has leaves in their yard (or their neighbors). I spent last fall collecting and mowing over leaves from both my yard and my neighbors yard (he was thrilled), for my garden mulching. That is the best way to use leaves as mulch. Drive over them with the
lawn mower or leaf shredder. Leaves are great mulches because they will decompose quickly and are porous, allowing for nutrients to be delivered for optimal plant
health. Shredded leaves are best, but if you can’t shred them, you can use them whole, too. You will need about 2”-3” of leaves to lay down as your weed barrier. This will make sure to cut down on the weeds, even though you may have to pick a few strays now and then. To take weed barriers a step further is to lay down cardboard or paper bags and then layer the leaves on top. You could even add a layer of compost above the cardboard, then put on the leaves for the most nutrient depositing power. This is called sheet mulching or
lasagne gardening, and it is a much heavier hitter against weeds than just leaves alone. If you do choose to use cardboard, make sure to remove all the tape and plastic, as well as trying to shoot for ink-free cardboard when you can. Same goes for paper bags. Over time, as the sheet mulch begins to break down, plants and weeds will grow through, but it will still be a great week block for at least one full season. When placing the leaves and cardboard or paper bags, be sure to use just leaves around the base of your plants to make sure you don’t choke out air and water. Your garden and flower beds will thank you for the extra loving care, and reward you with bountiful harvest and blooms! Another successful way to mulch is to utilize a “green manure” or “living mulch”, such as clover, alfalfa and vetch. These living mulches would be planting one kind of plant listed above around your already established vegetables to prevent weeds from growing. These plants are in the legume family, which are nitrogen blasters for improving soil quality. For example, around the time that your main crops or veggies ar established, sprinkle some legume seeds around the soil surrounding the established veggie and mix them in shallowly with your fingers.
Those will soon sprout, making a nice green barrier underneath your plants. They are rooted shallow, so they won’t compete with your vegetables. Then, at harvest time, you will have a cover crop all ready for the winter. In the spring, you will want to till in the cover crop approximately four to six weeks before planting to give them enough time to break down. Commonly, people use black plastic sheets for mulching because that is what they sell at the store. But plastic sheeting doesn’t provide the beneficial nutrients that organic and paper mulches do. Consider the pros and cons before using plastic. Thick (4”) layers of newspaper will give a much better result and work just as well. Happy gardening and mulching this spring / summer! When in doubt, ask a knowledgeable gardener or do some Google research online.
Page 18 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
By Oscar Myre IV Valley Bugler Columnist Website Myth: “Build it and they will come”. I’m quick to dispel the myth that simply having a website will grow your business. Unlike a billboard, people don’t just drive by your website, and then call or visit your business. A great website should be at the center of your online marketing plan. Here are 7 Ways to Promote Your Website & Business: 1) Search Engine Optimization: Also known as (SEO), a majority of web traffic comes from the search engines. SEO is an process of helping the search engines show your pages when visitors are searching for your product and service. This is done by performing keyword re-
search to see what terms people are actually searching for and then optimizing current content and adding new content. 2) Pay per click (PPC): Another way to get found in the search engines is to pay up. You set up a budget and pay a fixed price for every click that your ad gets in the search engine. This is a continual process, as you need to tweak your ads to get the best ROI on your investment. 3) Blogging and Guest Blogging: Blogging can help position yourself or company as a leader in your industry. The articles posted on your website will help improve your traffic. Additionally, writing for other established blogs in your target markets (guest blogging) can generate addi-
tionally targeted traffic. It should go without saying, but make sure your guest blog articles link back to your website!! 4) Recommendation Sites and Niche Directories: Marketing is about being where your customers are. There are tons of review sites now. Every business should get listed with Google Maps and consider others such as Yelp!, Angie’s List, Trip Advisor, MerchantCircle.com, Local Loop & other directories made for your industry. 4) eMail: Permission based eMail marketing is a great way to engage with customers who are interested in what you offer. Find out what interests them or what they value, post it on your site and use eMail to drive them there. 5) Social Media: Social Media such as FaceBook and Twitter is another way to engage with customers. Make sure your plan
is to to drive people from your social media to your website and not just to the social sites. 6) YouTube: Google loves fresh content. Google owns YouTube. Compelling video can help your business get found from within YouTube and increase your search engine rankings. 7) Offline World: Don’t forget the world on the other side of your monitor. Print advertising, business cards, brochures, signage, vehicle graphics, event marketing, and even your answering machine are all great places to share your website address. Tip: Avoid Automated Link Exchanges and Link Baiting Systems: No don’t even think about it. False: Build it and they will come. True: Market it and they will come. Measure & Review Results. Make sure you have a system to measure results. Marketing needs to be measured. What system is the best to use? Whichever one you actually use! Oscar Myre IV is the Creative Director and Owner at omOriginals Marketing! a Washingtonbased Web Development and Marketing firm for over fifteen years. They offer web site “Wordpress Updates” with their geeky professionalism to get your website back on track. Call (360)575-9839 or visit: omOriginals.com
Happy birthday to two special ladies in our lives! Cousin Halle and Auntie Pam! We love you SO much, and hope you celebrate with all your very favorite things!
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ~Native American Proverb
Celebrate
EArth Day 2014
Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cowlitz County Expo Center will find thousands of people coming together to celebrate “Earth Day 2014. The Earth Day Celebration is a FREE, fun-filled, award-winning event for people of all ages! Earth friendly, kid friendly exhibits with hands on fun. Come rain or shine, don’t miss this opportunity to learn about preserving our environment. Some of the fun-filled activities include: • Farmer’s Market • Live Animals • Rock Climbing Wall • Science Fun • Planetarium • Live Music • Hands-on Exhibits • Educational Booths • Lots of free give-aways Special programs by Circus Cascadia and Ian Dobson Steel Drum Recycalypso. Gather the whole crew and prepare to get your hands dirty with some fun
science experiments, and leave with some trees to plant. Since it has rained almost every year on this day in April, it makes for a great indoor activity.Head to the Expo Center, where you can enjoy doing something active indoors somewhere else than our own house! If you’ve never been to Earth Day in Longview/Kelso, then you should plan to make a trek this April 19th and see what all the fun is about. The Earth Day celebration coincides with the Farmer’s Market - which is always a big hit in this area, featuring fresh local produce, honey, plants and crafts. Be sure to visit the market before 2pm or you will miss out on the goodies. At this time of the year, there will be bare root stock to choose from, as well as some early-spring vegetables. It’s always neat to chat with folks that populate the Farmers Market. Whatever celebration you have in mind for this “Earth Day”, remember that every day can be an earth day! For more information, please call the City of Longview Public Works Division at (360) 442-5209.
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 19
COUPON Central Saving money is easy when you use the coupons from the Valley Bugler newspaper!
Page 20 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
Kiwanis Day @ Doernbecher
By Bill Eagle young physicians to participate in an Valley Bugler Columnist intensive three-year program to beNot long ago, we took a busload of come pediatric oncology specialists. teens to Doernbecher Children’s hos- The hospital calls this their “Kiwanis pital. It was an event called “Kiwanis Fellowship program.” In the past, KDCCP has done a Day at Doernbecher” sponsored number of different things for “Doby KDCCP. KDCCP ernbecher Days.” stands for Kiwanis DoThey have conernbecher Children’s ducted tours, visited Cancer Program. I am research labs and pleased to say that I had opportunities to have been a member meet various docof this organization tors and other health since 2000. professionals. They Kiwanis involvealways have a segment with Doernbechment where the audier started in the late ence listens to a for1980’s. They raised money for various chil- Above: Dr. Jacob Henderson mer patent and their dren’s hospital projects, shares about his journey parents relate about including an ambu- towards becoming a Doctor their experience with Doernbecher. Photo by Bill cancer and Doernlance transport system at Eagle. becher Hospital. This designed just for chilyear they got to meet dren. Early on, a group of Kiwanians saw a need for a bone Tim Haarmann, a 14 year old patient marrow transplant facility at the hos- from Tigard. Tim suffered from acute pital. They raised money, lobbied for myeloid leukemia and is now cancer political support, and in 1990 started free. In addition to hearing patient stothe Kiwanis Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. In 1998 they broadened their ries, KDCCP decided to give everymission and became Kiwanis Doern- one (particularly our teens) a chance becher Children’s Cancer Program. to meet the people who we call KDCCP is a 501(c) 3 and all dona- Kiwanis fellows. These doctors do both patient care, tions are tax deductible. Each year, KDCCP invites the best and brightest independent study and research as
part of their fellowship. KDCCP treated the audience to a Q and A session with our Kiwanis Fellows. One question was about college. Our teens were astounded when they were told that our doctors had to look forward to more than 16 years of college, a time span that exceeded the age of many in the audience. Some facts that seemed to astound us were that the average salary of a first year resident is $49,394 and that the maximum workweek of a first year resident is 80 hours. This equates to an hourly wage of $10 an hour. According to the American Academy of Medical Colleges the average medical student graduates with $169,901 of debt. I was particularly impressed with one of our Fellows, Dr. Jacob Henderson. He used to live on Whidbey Island, Washington. “Because I lived on an island, close to the water, I originally planned to become a marine Biologist,” said Dr. Henderson. “I enrolled in Pacific Lutheran University as a Biology major with an intent to study Marine Biology, my parents were both in social work. They helped people; they helped make life better for others. This really impressed me and I thought a lot about this while I was in college. I was a good student, I involved myself with a lot of different social activities and I did quite a lot of community volunteer
work at Harborview Hospital. While volunteering, it occurred to me, that the medical field was a place where I could change lives and make things better for people.” Dr. Henderson showed a comparison chart to the audience. His GPA was 3.6; another person’s GPA was 4.0. His Medical College Application test (MCAT) score was 31. The other person’s score was 38. Dr. Henderson was chosen for Doernbecher instead of the other higher rated person and this was primarily because of his volunteer work and his extracurricular activities. “Doernbecher wants well-rounded people for Doctors; they want people who are involved with other people, people who care.” related Dr. Henderson. I was impressed, my teens were impressed, and we were all gratified to know that we have a children’s hospital with doctors who really care about the welfare of their patients. We left with a thank you from Dr. H. Stacy Nicholson, head of Pediatrics at OHSU who said, “Whenever we contribute to the cure of a child with cancer, Kiwanians are part of it.” Bill Eagle loves letters and he also appreciates the comments of others. Why don’t you drop him a line at: eaglew@sthelensupdate. com, or make an online comment at: www.valleybugler.com
‘The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around....Throughout history, “tender loving care” has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing.’ ~Larry Dossey
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 21
KIWANIS CLUBS focus their community service hours to the welfare of children.
CATHLAMET 1st Tues. 6 p.m. at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church; 3rd Tues. at Sugar Lillies at noon. CHEHALIS - Thursday 12 p.m. at “The Restaurant” in Sunbirds. CLATSKANIE - 1st & 3rd & 5th Tues 6 p.m. at Fultano’s; 2nd & 4th Tues 12 p.m. Colvin’s. KELSO - Thurs. noon at 3 Rivers Mall, Comm. Room. LONGVIEW - Thursdays. noon at JT’s. SCAPPOOSE- 1st & 3rd Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Windemere Real Estate Office) ST. HELENS - Thurs. noon at the Elks Lodge (350 Belton Rd, St Helens). ST. HELENS DAYBREAKERS - Tues 7 a.m. at Warren Country Inn, Last Tues 6pm Columbia Soil and Water District Office AMERICAN LEGION GLEN HOYER POST 175 meets in Castle Rock every 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. For info call 423.9542. The LADIES AUXILIARY to Glen Hoyer Post #175 of the American Legion meets first Thursdays. For info call 423-9542. AMERICAN LEGION GUY RATHBUN Post #25 meets the 2nd Thurs. of the month at 7 p.m @ Kelso Eagles For info Kandi 423.2504 BUFORD ROCKAFELLOW POST 101, The American Legion, and Auxiliary meets the 2nd Friday of each month at the Winlock Community Building. Potluck 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m.. For info Post Commander Wendy Carolan 360-785-0929 or Adjutant Phil Carolan at (360) 785-0929. The FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION (FRA), an organization of Naval Service Veterans, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard. Lower Columbia Branch 363 meets 6:30 p.m., 2nd Friday, each month at the Longview VFW building, 4311 Ocean Beach Highway. For more information contact: Ray Hegr at (360) 425-6981 or E-mail at fra363@yahoo. com. FLEET RESERVE AUXILIARY #363 meets the 2nd Friday of the month at the VFW Hall, 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. A potluck at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7:30 p.m. All people who have active, retired, or reserve status family members who are now serving or have served with the US Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome. Info 425.4688. KELSO-LONGVIEW ELKS LODGE #1482 meets Thurs at 7:30 p.m. for our members only. Dinner is served before Lodge at 5:30 p.m. Lunches are served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. One of our many projects is to serve the youth of the communities. 900 Ash St., Kelso. 360.425.1482. TOUTLE VALLEY VFW POST & AUXILIARY #10882 meets the 1st Tuesday @ 7 p.m. at their Post Home, 101 Hansen Road in Toutle. For more information, contact John at 274.4350 or Nikki at 274.5263. TOLEDO VFW 3429, Reg. Meeting 1st Monday, Potluck at noon, meeting at 1 p.m. COWLITZ VALLEY VFW POST 1045, Tues. Bingo @ 6 p.m., 5 p.m. dinner; Auxilary mtngs at 11 a.m. every 2nd Wednesday. Breakfast for veterans served 1st Sat. of each month $6 each from 9 - 11 a.m. The COWLITZ VALLEY VFW LADIES AUXILIARY POST #1045 meets the 2nd Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall located at 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. For info or questions please call Ruby at (360) 577-0414 or Jeannette at (360) 414-4053. WOODLAND VFW POST 1927, 434 Davidson St, Woodland. BINGO every Tues. Doors open at 6:00p.m. Games begin at 6:30pm. Snacks & Soda avail. COWLITZ PRAIRIE GRANGE #737 meets 2nd Wednesdays 6:30pm potluck, 4th Wednesdays 7:30pm dessert. 5180 Jackson Hwy, Toledo, WA 864-2023 SUNNYSIDE GRANGE #129 meets the 2nd & 4th Saturdays. 6:30 for potluck, 7:30 meeting. Call 274.6013 for information & rental hall. SILVER LAKE GRANGE 2nd and 4th Thurs. Potluck 6:30, meeting at 7:30 p.m. Info & rental 274-7649. CATLIN GRANGE #199 2nd & 4th Fri. 6:30 p.m. Potluck dinner 2nd Friday. 7:30 meetings. More info: 425.2973. PLEASANT HILL GRANGE # 101 2nd & 4th Mon. 6:30 p.m. Potluck, meeting @ 7:15 p.m. Community Service group. Info & rentals call 425-6101 Junior Grange meets 1st & 3rd Mondays 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. CASTLE ROCK WOMANS CLUB meets every 2nd Monday at 1 p.m. 206 W. Cowlitz Street. Business meeting & program. Public iinvited. Info: 274.8149. THE PYTHIAN CASTLE 24 holds their meetings every 2nd and 4th Thursday @ 1 p.m. at the Castle Rock Womens Club, 206 Cowlitz St. West, Castle Rock.
THE CASTLE ROCK LIONS CLUB meets the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at Hattie’s Restaurant @ 5:45 p.m. The club sponsors newspaper recycling. LONGVIEW MONTICELLO LIONS meets 6:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays, dinner and speaker at The Carriage Restaurant on 12th LONGVIEW EARLY BIRD LIONS meets at The Carriage Restaurant on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:45 a.m. THE VADER LIONS CLUB meets the 1st Thursday @ 6 p.m. and the 3rd Thursday @ 7 p.m. at the club’s building on Hwy 506 in Vader for a potluck dinner and meeting. Info: 295-3087 or 295-3801. KALAMA LIONS CLUB - www.kalama-lions.com. LONGVIEW PIONEER LIONS CLUB meets every Tuesday at noon at the Cowlitz Regional Expo & Conference Center. Provide humanitarian service to the citizens of the area, visitors are welcome. WINLOCK LIONS CLUB meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 12 p.m. at Guadalajara Restaurant, off SR 505. Visitors welcome. Call 7853744 info KELSO LIONS CLUB meets 1st & 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. in Longview Kelso Kels Building. Call Richard (360)425-5876 ROSE VALLEY GRANGE #953 meets 2nd Tues. @ 1pm, & 4th Tuesdays @ 6 p.m. 1520 Rose Valley Road, Kelso. Info: Becky 575-3977 or Debbie 414-9627 COWLITZ COUNTY VETERANS ASSOC. meets the second Friday of each month. CALL 577-6757 for locations. LONGVIEW REBEKAH LODGE NO. 305 Meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday each month at the IOOF Hall, corner of Pacific and Pine, Kelso, 1 p.m.. Info: 1-866725-3507 CASTLE ROCK EAGLES, celebrating their 100th birthday, meets at the Eagles Aerie on Huntington Ave. @ 8 p.m. every 2nd & 4th Tuesday for the Aerie & Auxiliary. KELSO EAGLES meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. Aux., Aerie meets at 8 p.m. Initiation 3rd Tuesday. BINGO MonWed-Fri @ 6:30 p.m. Special Charity BINGO Monday 12 - 3 p.m. Call 425-8330 for info. CASTLE ROCK FREEMASONS 3rd Mon @ 7:30 p.m. at Lodge located on SW First Ave DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, MaryRichardson Walker Chapter. rootsweb. ancestry.com/~wamrwcdar/ FRIENDS OF CASTLE ROCK LIBRARY, 1st Mondays from 10 - 11 a.m., Library 137 Cowlitz St. West in Castle Rock WORSHIP & RECOVERY meeting, Sunday @ 1 p.m., refreshments. Positive faith group meeting. 1260 12th Ave., LV S.C.O.R.E. - Free counseling & guidance for small businesses by the nation-wide of S.C.O.R.E., Kelso/ Longview Chamber of Commerce, 1563 Olympia Way, Longview, WA. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: 1st Fri of the month at 1 p.m. @ 1639 10th Ave. 577-5890, and Auxiliary meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 11 a.m. 423-3125 MT. ST. HELENS CLUB - meets 2x week to hike on a rural trail in SW Washington &/or NW Oregon. Location and info: mtsthelensclub.org or 360- 673-2799 NATIONAL ASSOC. OF ACTIVE & RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES Longview - Kelso Chapter 1070, meet the 1st Wednesday @ 11:30 a.m. at the Monticello Hotel, Longview. Info: 423.6032. LOWER COLUMBIA WOODCARVERS Tues 5 - 7 p.m. Brook Hollow Rec. Center & Thurs. @ LV Senior Center 1 - 4 p.m . 274-3175 ROSE VALLEY GRANGE #953 2nd & 4th Tues. 6 p.m. potluck, meeting 7:00. Info: 423-6952, Rentals 423-8270, or 560-5140. LONGVIEW BORDER CROSSINGS Volks walking meet on 2nd Tuesdays at St. John’s Hospital, Longview, @ 6:30 p.m. Cafeteria Sam Korff 503-728-0400 KELSO ROTARY Meets Thursdays at 12 p.m. Lunch available to purchase. Kelso Longview Elks Lodge Call 414-5406 for more information ALTRUSA of Longview/Kelso meets Thursdays from 12 - 1 p.m.. 1st - Board; 2nd - Business; 3rd - Committee; 4th - Program; Lunch served for $5 at all meetings except Board. Meet at Altrusa room at CAP. THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM Christian Intervention program for the chemically dependent, meets Wednesday 6 p.m. at Landmark United Pentecostal, 4333 Ocean Beach Hwy, 360-636-0580 LONGVIEW GARDEN CLUB meets at 10 a.m. the 4th Thurs. Jan. - November; Sept. - Oct. Due to holidays, Nov. & Dec. meetings are on the 3rd Thurs. Most mtngs Grace Lutheran Church in Longview. Info: 425-0755 COWLITZ BEE ASSOCIATION meets the 3rd Thursday each month @ WSU Extension Office, 7 p.m.
Abernathy Assembly of God 702 Abernathy Creek Rd. Longview Phone: 360-636-1620 Website: www.AbernathyAoG.com Sunday Service 10:45 AM Apostolic Lutheran Church 248 Cowlitz St. W., Castle Rock Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Church at 11 a.m. Information Dave Kandoll 295-3461 Baha’i Faith Vader 360-751-3181 Centralia 360-807- 4313 Packwood 360-494-4767 Longview 360-423-4105 Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church 2900 Parkview Drive, Longview Office: (360)577-8240 Pastor Shelley Willem Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Castle Rock Christian Church 542 Huntington Ave. S, Castle R. Sunday school – 9 am (all ages) Sunday Worship – 10 am Dr. John Leffler, Senior Pastor 6th-12th Gr. youth Wed, 6-7:30 pm 360-274-6771 M-F, 9:30a -1:30pm Call for home groups/studies www.cr-cc.org
Rev. Eric Atcheson lvfirstchristian.org revericatcheson.blogspot.com Grace and Truth City Church 525 Third Ave SW – Castle Rock Pastor David Beer Worship 10:15am, 749-2289
Rose Valley Friends Church 1437 Rose Valley Rd. Kelso 360-425-3222 Church Office 9:30am Sunday School Hour for all 10:45am Worship Service 5:00pm - 7:00pm Valley Youth Group 6-8pm Wednesday-JValley Youth 6-8pm -Sunday-JValley Youth
Grace Bible Fellowship 300 S.10th Ave, Kelso Worship: Sunday 11:00am Bible Study 9:30 a.m. www.GraceIsReal.org (360)423-4035
Ryderwood Community Church,
Grace United Methodist Church, Vader, 295.3402 Rev. Steven A. Caskey, pastor Sunday worshipndservice – 12:15 p.m. Potluck every 2 Sunday Quilting on Mondays & Thursdays
St. Mary Catholic Church 120 Powell Rd., Castle Rock 274.7404 W & Th Daily Mass 8:30A Sunday Mass 8:30A
House of Prayer for All Nations 868 9th ave. Longview, WA Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Service 11:15 AM Evening Service 6 PM Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 2200 Allen Street, Kelso (360) 423-3650 M & F Daily Mass 12:15 PM Sat Vigil Mass 5:30 PM Sunday Mass 10:30 AM
Kalama Baptist Church, Pastor Wes Eader 112 Vincent Rd, Kalama WA Castle Rock Church of the Nazarene 9:45am - Sunday School 456 Pioneer Ave. NE, Castle Rock 11:00am - Worship Sunday School classes 9:30 a.m. www.kalamabaptist.com Worship Celebration 10:45 a.m. Call 673-5570 Evening church service 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible study Wed 1p.m. - 3 p.m. Kelso First United Methodist Church Rev. Reo McBride, 206 Cowlitz Way, Kelso Pastor - 274.6546 Contemporary Service 9:00 am Sunday School 9:20 am Castle Rock First Baptist Church Traditional Service 11:00 am Wed: Children (Grade 1-12) 5:30-7 pm 211 Front Ave. NW, Castle Rock Pastor Vonda McFadden Pastor Joel Royce 284.4113 360-423-7480 Sunday School: 9:45am. www.kelsofirstumc.org Worship 11a.m. & 6p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Lexington Bible Fellowship 98 Garden Street, Kelso (Lexington) Sunday school @ 9:45am Castle Rock United Methodist Sunday worship @ 11am 241 First Street, Castle Rock Pastor Jerry Hancuff Sunday School 9:30 a.m. www.lexingtonbible.org Worship 10:55 a.m. Sunday Youth Group: Sundays 2 p.m. Rev. Pam Brokaw - 274.4252 Life Center Corner of Rock & Pine in Centralia Sundays at 10:30am or Central Christian Church Oyler Rd & Hwy 12 in Ethel 401 Crawford St., Kelso Worship -11am (Sunday school - Sundays 9:00am 360-736-5898 9:30am) www.yourlifecenter.com Wednesdays @ 6pm (Youth @ 6:45 Bible Studies - many available Russ Tevis, Minister Living Hope Church 360-425-3420 Church Office 2711 NW Andreson, Vancouver 11:00am Sundays Pastor Dean Jenks (360)944-3905 Church of Christ 300 St. Helen’s St., Toledo, Wa Longview Church of the Nazarene Sunday Bible Class 10 a.m. - 15th Ave, Longview Sunday Worship 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. 814 Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Bible Class 11 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Celebrate Recovery Thurs at 6 p.m Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m. 360-577-1100 John Gadberry, Minister 360-274-8570 Longview Community Church, 2323 Washington Way - Longview Emmanuel Lutheran Church Worship service Sunday 2218 E. Kessler Blvd. - Longview Contemporary Service 8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship - 8:30am Traditional Service 11 a.m. Sunday “Celebration” - 11 a.m. Pastor John Williams 423.6380 LongviewCommunityChurch.org Thursday Worship - 6:30 p.m. Child care available at all services Pastor David Martin, Senior Pastor Longview Presbyterian Church Church office - 360-423-3250 3808 Pennsylvania St., Longview www.elclongview.com Worship and Children’s Class: Sun. 10am care provided Faith Fellowship Lutheran Brethren; Child Pastor Meghan Davis (360)577-8951 Church 210 Fishers Lane, Kelso www.longviewpresbychurch.net Pastor Chris Leingang Worship at 10:00am New and Living Way Church www.fflbc.org 951 Delaware St., Longview Church Office (360) 425-4390 Sundays 10am & 6pm Wednesdays 7pm Fathers House Church 703-3340 newandlivingwaychurch.org 1315 Commerce Ave Downtown Longview Oak Point Community Church Worship Sundays: 445 Oakpoint Rd, Longview 9am, 10:30am Pastor Chuck Tilton 423-7826 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. www.FathersHouseChurch.com Thursday Bible Study 7 p.m. Pastor Doug McMurray; 360-577-6037 Fireside Fellowship 271 Atmore Road, Toutle The Rock Worship Sunday 10:00 a.m. Meeting at 1955 Huntington Ave S, facebook.com/thefireside Castle Rock Worship 10 a.m. every Sunday First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Wednesday @ 7pm Service 2000 East Kessler Blv - Longview Pastors Jerry & Angie Hughes 360.425.4220 274.7480
315 Jackson St. PO Box 161, Ryderwood, Pastor Bill Bowlby, 360-295-3962 Service Opportunities 11 am Sunday
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 412 Pioneer Ave., Box 1467 Castle Rock Worship 10 a.m. Sunday - 274.9393 St. Paul Lutheran Church 312 First Ave. SW, PO Box 847, Castle Rock 274.6604 Worship Service: 9a.m. & 11 a.m. SundayE40! (education) @ 10:10 a.m. Wed: 5th & 6th grade Youth Group - 6 p.m. Wed: 7th-12th gr Youth, 7:30pm Pastor Bob Sinclair St. Rose Catholic Church 2571 Nichols Blvd Longview, WA 360-425-4660 The Salvation Army Church 1639 10th Ave, Longview Sunday School @ 9:45am Holiness Meeting @ 11:00am 360-423-3992 St. Stephens Episcopal 1428 - 22nd, Longview WA Office: (360)423-5600 Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 10:00am www.sslv.org Seventh Day Adventist Church 7531 Old Pacific Hwy -Castle Rock Worship 11 a.m. Saturday Pastor Ben Moore 274.6090 Seventh Day Adventist Church Journey Church 77 Solomon Road, Kelso WA Office: (360)423-7344 Saturday Worship: 11:05am Pastor Marcia Stone journeyadventist.com Stella Lutheran Chapel P.O. Box 546, 124 Sherman Road, Longview Pastor Carol Plummer Sunday Worship 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Office (360) 423-3795 (Wed. Only) Toutle Christian Fellowship 5067 Spirit Lake Hwy – Toutle Worship Service Sunday 9 a.m. Childcare provided Pastor Denny Martinez www.toutle.org (360)274-6305 Vader Assembly of God Church 302 - 6th St., Vader, WA (360)295-3756 Pastor Tracy Durham Sunday Worship: 10:30am & 6:00pm Sunday Youth Group: 6:00pm Wed. Adult Bible Study & Kidz Church: 7p.m. If you would like to have your church updated or added to our directory, please email
editor@valleybugler.com
Page 22 • Valley Bugler • April 2014
The
Woodland gets new BBQ eatery By Pet Nelson Valley Bugler Columnist West Woodland is heating up with a new BBQ place! Eager Beaver, the long-time hamburger joint near Dollar Tree, at the corner of Goerig and Robbins Street, will soon open as Skeeter’s BBQ. Owner Marv Ray, aka Skeeter, is no newcomer to Woodland’s food scene. Folks have lined up for his barbecue at Don’s Donuts as well as Woodland Planters’ Days and LaCenter Our Days celebrations plus wedding receptions and other catered events. Whenever my husband, Bob, and I spotted Skeeter at local-area events, we took a couple orders of his delicious baby-back ribs home for dinner. Skeeter hopes to open the new eatery by April 5 and will be open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. Dustin Ray, a 1995 Woodland High School graduate, will join his father in running the restaurant. Dustin, who served in the Army and the North Carolina National Guard for 10 years, was deployed to Afghanistan from 2010-2012. Dustin, along with his wife and three children, have just come home to Woodland. Skeeter told me, “I’ve always done catering. I’ve owned a couple of small delis and I’ve catered a lot of weddings.” “When I spent two years in Texas with Alcoa,” he said, “I learned the barbecue trade.” He liked smok-
ing meats so much that he bought a big smoker and trailer and put together a catering truck with kitchen. He’s looking forward to cooking barbecue at the new Skeeter’s restaurant. “With the truck,” said Skeeter, “I had to stay with the smoker for 12 hours. But with my new state-of-the-art indoor smoker, I will be able to set it and forget it.” He will continue to cater weddings, picnics, and other events for up to 50 or 60 people. So that customers will be able to enjoy the flavor of the meats and the smoke, Skeeter will not offer pulled pork. Instead, he will slice pork loin or beef as it is ordered, and will serve the sauce on the side, allowing customers to enjoy the flavor of the meat and the smoke, not just the sauce. Customers ordering at the walk-up window rather than going inside can watch as Skeeter and Dustin Ray carve the freshly smoked meats to order. Along with baby-back ribs, pork loin, and beef, Skeeter’s will offer homemade macaroni and cheese, beans, coleslaw, smoked beef or pork-loin nachos, seasonal meats such as smoked turkey leg, and specials like smoked bologna or smoked hot dogs. There will be lunch specials, as well as some non-traditional but flavorful breakfast items on Saturdays and Sundays, including homemade pork gravy with chunks of smoked pork loin served over biscuits. For those with a sweet tooth and an imagination, Skeeter’s will offer a dessert called Chocolate Gravy Frosting Cake. “This,” said Skeeter, “is a cupcake with butter-cream chocolate gravy.” To me, gravy’s good on anything, so Bob and I will give it a try. Other homemade desserts planned for the menu include banana pudding and pecan pie, and seasonal favorites like strawberry shortcake...topped, of course, with sun-ripened Woodland strawberries!
Pat Nelson, writer and editor, is co-creator of three humorous and sometimes edgy anthologies: ‘Not Your Mother’s Book: On Being a Parent’ (available at www.Amazon.com and wherever books are sold); On Being a Grandparent; and On Working for a Living. All photos by Nelson.
Lighter Side
SCHOOL WORK * Define “MICROCHIPS”: What’s left at the bottom of the bag when it reaches you. * Math: 1000 aches and pains = 1 megaHertz PUNS & SHORT JOKES * A cowboy put super glue on his six-shooters, and now always stuck to his guns. * Reading while sunbathing makes you well-red. *I went into a pet store and asked the clerk, “Do you have dogs that go cheap?” The store clerk said, “Nope, just birds.”
PURE GROANERS *A blonde is taking the driving portion of her driver’s license exam. She handles most of the maneuvers quite well. She has a little trouble parallel parking, however, and winds up a couple of feet from the curb. “Could you get a little closer?” the examiner asks. The blonde then unbuckles her seat belt and slides over toward the examiner. She asks, “Now what?” *My High-School English teacher was well known for being a fair, but
SW Washington Symphony Announces FREE Dress Rehearsal Tickets. These tickets are available for Senior Citizens and Students accompanied by parents. The Dress Rehearsal will be held Monday April 14, 2014 at 7:30 PM at the Rose Center at Lower Columbia College. For tickets please contact Kris McElroy Weber at: 360-425-8035 or Email her at: kmcelroy@cni.net. Tickets will be available at the WILL CALL desk 45 minutes before the rehearsal. Please be prepared to submit names of those who are getting the tickets. The Program will include: Missa brevis SANCTI Johannis de Deo by Haydn with combined High Schools Choirs Crown Imperial March by Walton Mozart Horn Concerto # 3 with Young Artist Lexie Feist Symphony in d minor by Franck Gardening Camp for Youth Looking for a fun and education experience for your kids this summer. On July 7-11, WSU Master Gardeners will be hosting Camp Luqal Luqal
☺ hard, grader. One day I received a B minus on a theme paper. In hopes of bettering my grade and in the spirit of the valentine season, I sent her an extravagant heart-shaped box of chocolates with the pre-printed inscription: “Be Mine.” The following day, I received in return a valentine from the teacher. It read: “Thank you, but it’s still Be Mine-Us.” Smart Old Ladies My husband and I purchased an old home in Northern New York State from two elderly sisters. Winter was fast approaching and I was concerned about the house’s lack of insulation. “If they could live here all those years, so can we!” my husband confidently declared. One November night the temperature plunged to below zero, and we woke up to find interior walls covered with frost. My husband called the sisters to ask how they had kept the house warm. After a rather brief conversation, he hung up. “For the past 30 years,” he muttered, “they’ve gone to Florida for the winter.”
in the morning for youth in grades 1-3 at 8:00 – 11:30 am. Camp will be held for youth in grades 3-5 in the afternoon at 1:00 – 4:00 pm. The week-long camp provides a handson experience for youth to explore the world of bugs, plants, and weather. Cost of the class is $25.00 and is limited to 25 children. The class will be held in the Floral Building located at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds in Longview and is sponsored by Washington State University Extension Master Gardeners. To register, contact the WSU Extension office at 577-3014 Ext 0 or for questions contact garyf@wsu.edu. SUNNYSIDE GRANGE INFO As a community service project we are taking on a family for the year. The grange members will be doing things for them like taking them to a show, getting clothes for them, school supplies, and other things. Keep your eyes peeled for more information in issues to come. Grange members have been getting many compliments on the dining room and kitchen. It was painted and a new counter were put in the kitchen. Words for Third is part of our program where we gave out 110 dictionaries to the Castle Rock third grade class. We give out stuffed toys to the Liberty Bell nursing home for their bingo games. Thanks to Emily and Tina who help with this. We had a rest stop and part of that money goes to a $500 scholarship for a Castle Rock High Senior. The Castle Rock Craft Bazaar On Friday, April 25th from 9am 4pm and Saturday, April 26th from 9am - 2pm, the Craft Bazaar in Castle Rock will be taking place. 147 Front Ave, Castle Rock WA There will be an outrageous Bake Sale, a huge variety of hand-crafted items and craft supplies at super low prices.
April 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 23
Produce Tasting Division Manager Reports on School Gardens Happy Spring everyone! School gardens are humming with activity these days - more than I can really recount. The photos are of one event only: March’s
Above Photos: The March after school Garden Club at St. Helens Elementary, and some of Steve’s friends plant seeds in trays with volunteer Shawn Higgins. Photos by LC School Gardens.
after school Garden Club at St Helens Elementary. 43 students turned out to prepare beds, plant seeds, turn compost (worms!), and enjoy green smoothies. Other highlights from the last few weeks: • I have been making the rounds to various gardens - greeting my young fans, tasting tender shoots, and hopping around to see the changes since last fall. • Huntington planted asparagus, rhubarb, peas, and a persimmon tree! • Green smoothies (fresh fruits with spinach and kale) at Northlake, Cascade, Monticello, St Helens.
• Columbia Heights is using their new microscopes to explore garden critters. • New fence installed at Butler Acres. • At Beacon Hill: A meeting with the principal and Aspen Clontz’s 1st grade class to define new garden space. • Students at Carrolls planted fruit trees, onions, peas; new raised beds are almost complete. • Asparagus is coming up at several schools (one of my favorite signs of spring). • Students at Rose Valley, CVG, Mint Valley and other schools are out every week, planting, tasting, and learning. See the schedule: lowercolumbiaschoolgardens.org • Cathlamet has approval for a new school garden adjacent to tennis court - they expect to break ground this year. • The greenhouse at LCC is full of sprouting seed trays for local school gardens. •So, so much more! I understand that all this is made possible by a passionate, generous community of volunteers and supporters. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Gratefully, Steven B. Rabbit Produce Tasting Division Mngr Lower Columbia School Gardens
Comstock Mortgage gives back in a big way Recently, Scott Gross, Mortgage Originator with Comstock Mortgage here in Kelso Longview, provided a $500 donation to Humane Society of Cowlitz County. Gross has developed a “Community Giving Back” Program, where every loan that closes with him will result in a $500.00 donation to the Humane Society. Loan must fund to be valid. A resident of the Kelso/Longview area, Gross has looked for a way to pour back into the community in a positive way. Comstock Mortgage, a new company to the Northwest, but not new to lending, was established to provide a higher level of service by offering a
wider range of mortgage loan programs throughout California. Now, their high level of service and competitive pricing is available here in
Washington. Comstock is a Mortgage Banker, which means they will charge you less and fund your loan with their own money, and closing faster. There are no “extra charges” to cover the donation - they come directly from Gross’s personal finances.
[Photo: At the Humane Society of Cowlitz County, where he adopted his dog Lucky, Scott Gross (left) presents his first $500.00 donation to Rick Johnson (right), Executive Director.]
Adorable Adoptees Corner!
‘Miss Susie’ Recently when an American was vacationing in Greece, she was appalled at the way the dogs and cats were treated. Hundreds and hundreds of them roaming the streets. Local residents went on vacation and just turned the dogs loose to fend for themselves. And they did. They became very street savvy, knew where the best leftovers were, and followed the tourists around knowing they were a soft touch. A soft touch she was, this American. She became committed to making the lives easier for these poor ‘street dogs’ who had been somebody pet at one point, and now struggled with daily existence. At an enormous cost to her (about $1,000 each) she began the process of bringing the most suitable candidates to the United States. This was no easy task. First, the vetting and the spay/ neuter and vaccinations and blood tests and quarantine. Once this was accomplished, the dogs were issued passports. PASSPORTS! Then on to Amsterdam, and finally to Seattle, where we took the weary travelers into rescue. Meet Miss Susie, an English Pointer, who has traveled half-way around the world to find her Forever Home. She is your friend right away. She is a social girl, loves everyone. She is calm, gentle and dignified. She also walks well on a leash, and comes when you call her name. In Athens, she was the leader of the pack, and the protector of the dogs that were with her. She loves to be with people; she shows some signs of separation anxiety when she is removed from
the humans she loves. We think the best home for Susie would be with a stay-at-home parent, or a retired person. She has been spayed, microchipped and is current on her vaccinations. Miss Susie is just of many animals available through Rescued Paws, a local no-kill animal adoption agency. For questions about adoption, please call and/or contact: www.rpaws.petfinder.org Rescued Paws 360-673-7373 rpaws.petfinder.org
‘Arti’
Arti has been here at the Humane Society for over a year. He is a white tabby and is current with shots and already neutered and microchiped. Plays well with other cats, too! His number is #137462 and he would sure like to go home with you. Call (360)577-0151
Page 24 • Valley Bugler • April 2014