You will LOVE the February Edition of the Valley Bugler.

Page 2 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

From the Editor’s Desk

The spirit of the Northwest has really shone around here, and especially with the colors of blue and green.

The “Hawk Frenzy” has been explosive, with people jumping on the success bandwagon of the Seahawks, joining the tried and true fans of many years.

It’s always fun to support a winning team, isn’t it? I’ve watched the Seahawks since I was a child, but have fallen away from following the team the past ten to fifteen years or so.

Mainly for the reason that we don’t have cable. Makes it hard to watch a football game, that’s for sure. ☺ The 12th Man syndrome has caught like a wildfire, and flags are flying all over the place. It’s truly inspiring when you look at all the “love” coming from a wide variety of people living in the Pacific Northwest.

Then it is fitting that this issue should be based all around “love”, being the month of Valentine’s and our Bridal Guide.

As the question of “love” comes up this month more often than in others, I have been pondering what it means to be “love-ing”.

Not just to love a team by wearing blue and green and flying a cute little flag, or chatting with others that I might normally not speak with at the grocery store because we are wearing the same Seahawks gear.

What if we took that “love” and turned it into genuine “love-ing”, as in loving others as much as we love our football teams. Or gardens. Or ... you name it.

That’s been my thought recently.

Taking the energy that we generate willingly to support something that we enjoy, and channeling it towards something, well I don’t know, more impactful?

Stay with me for a moment.

As a believer in Christ, I have been given access to the Throne room of God. A God who IS Love.

A God who sent His Son to bear the sins of the world by coming down from Heaven and living a life as a flawless man.

A man who ended up being hideously tortured and mocked, beaten and stripped of his “dignity” by the very people who sang his praises earlier that week. Talk about betrayal!

This guy who stayed silent before His accusers as they called him all sorts of names and placed a crown of thorns on his head, forcing it to stay by pushing it deep into his scalp.

A man who was Jesus.

A man who LOVED us so much that he took the mocking, he took the condemnation and suffering, and ultimately ended up taking our sins upon his shoulders as he lay suffering on the cross and dying.

That is loving.

Because he did it for US. For you and me, and everyone who has ever breathed.

It can not be disputed that Jesus lived and walked on this earth. History records his life in multiple ways, with multiple people.

So it boils down to whether or not what you think he did was loving, or if you believe he did it at all. Is he Lord or a lunatic? He can’t be both.

Thousands of people saw him suffer and die on the cross at Golgatha, and witnessed him being taken down after he breathed his last.

That is love.

A kind of love that is so strong that after 3 days in the grave, He rose himself from the dead! Nobody in recorded history before then or after has ever managed that one!

For me, it’s really impacting, to be thinking about the act of love that is embodied in Jesus.

Humble, righteous, kind, compassionate, loving Jesus.

Love-ing you and me right where we are. With all of our stinky flaws and failures. With all of our doubt and mean spiritedness. With all of our struggles. With all of our joys and successes.

He is love-ing you.

He loves you.

And he can fill your life with more joy and love than you thought possible. He can allow your heart to forgive, through HIS strength, those who have wronged you. He can hold you in your deepest trials and during your darkest nights.

He doesn’t promise an easy life, but he does promise he’ll be there with you through it all.

Because he loves you.

So, my friends. If you’ve been aching for a love that is unconditional, a love that reaches into your hidden places and still loves you, a love that

turns away the darkness and fills it with light - then come to Jesus.

Come to love.

Perhaps you have fallen away, filling your heart and life with things of this world.

Perhaps you are struggling through a crisis on your own and it’s not working. I’m in that camp myself.

Perhaps you have never known Love as it is meant to be.

Perhaps you are just tired of trying to fill that hole in your spirit with ‘things’ and have realized you’re still missing something.

Maybe this little message is bugging you to pieces and you can’t figure out why.

Come to love.

Come to find a love that covers a multitude of sins. Come to a love that will cherish you and be with you forever. Come to a love that is fiery and powerful and strong. Come to a love that is soft, healing and all encompassing.

If you’re feeling a tug in your heart or a pull on your spirit to do something, then do it. Listen to yourself.

Take some time to really listen to the state of your spirit.

Maybe you already know this love.

You’ve got Jesus in your life and you are his servant. He’s your King. Praise God! Perhaps he’s calling you to be more love-ing? Calling you to step outside of your comfortable boundaries and love others in a way you have never thought possible? Calling you to clean up areas of your life that you have chosen to ignore? Hear him.

My friends, regardless of whatever camp you are in, even if you think that what I have outlined is a load of poopoo, I believe that with Jesus Christ, ALL things are possible. All. Remember, he raised himself from the dead, and paid for your sins with his blood. Because he loves you. Forever.

BOOM! I hope that this issue blesses you, and gives you a few ideas of ways to celebrate your own “love” for others.

♥ your Valentine, Michelle Myre Editor, Publisher

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 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

Jeff Petersen - The Peacemaking Lawyer facebook.com/valleybuglernewspaper

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. Each columnist is reachable - please call our offices or eMail the columnist with comments or concerns**

YOUR LETTERS / COMMENTS WELCOME: www.valleybugler.com EMAIL: EDITOR@VALLEYBUGLER.COM

Comment Submission Guidelines: Under 200 words, include your first and last name, and city of residence. Submit by 15th of each month for consideration.

February Events

February 8th 10am - 6pm $1 Admission* (*Donated to charity, The Healing Hands Foundation) Fun for the whole family, the PreSpring Biz Bash is a feature of local area businesses and agencies set to help you with information and of course, free goodies! (Free goodie bags to the first 300 people).

Door prizes will be given through out the day, and you can earn extra tickets for those by bringing additional guests with you. Earn your first ticket with your entrance fee, and get one additional ticket per extra person you bring with you.

Sponsored by doTerra, the Oil Company, there will be fun things for people to do and try of all ages.

Kids can try to rope a fake cow head for fun prizes, and mom and dad can sign up for one of the free chair massages offered by a local massage therapist.

Cooking demos, doTerra Essential oils, Firearm Safety Tips, Bracelet making stations, onsite Zumba lessons and Hula Hoop lessons, and even homemade chocolate samples and an organic local skin care line.

There will also be $25 Personal or Business head shots available from a local professional photographer, call ahead to schedule (360-751-7289).

This is a great deal for performers and business folks alike, who may need a professional and up to date headshot.

You can come learn emergency preparedness from an EMT-IV Tech, or shop for make-up, purses, jewelry, candles and much more.

The doTerra cooking demos are at 1pm and 3pm, for those who are interested.

All proceeds benefit doTerra’s 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization, Healing Hands Foundation, commited to improving lives through partnering with organizations that offer hope to millions around the world.

This Foundation’s mission seeks to bring healing and hope to the world, for lives free of disease and poverty, and to ultimately teach impoverished cultures how to be self-reliant. doTerra International provides for all overhead and administrative costs of the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of all donations go directly to those receiving aid.

It is supported by contributions from their Independent Product Consultants, Retail and Preferred Customers, Executives and Employees and others who share their vision.

To learn more about doTerra and their Healing Hands Foundation, visit them online: doterra.com >Click on Healing Hands

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 3

Portland’s Pop/Indie Band ‘MOSBY’ joins with ‘Telegraphy’ for an electrifying Valentine’s Show February 14th @ 7:00pm Electric Bean, Longview FREE ENTRANCE The area’s Valentine’s Rock Event.

Local Post rocker, Erik Nordin with his band Telegraphy, and Portland’s hotest pop/indie rock band MOSBY, meet up for a show at The Electric Bean in Longview.

Show starts at 7:00pm and during the show drinks are Buy One Get One 1/2 Off.

All ages are welcome, and with no cover charge, this is a perfet way to celebrate with that special someone and your friends.

Come and join in this relaxed and fun atmosphere of good music and coffee!

The show is from 7:00pm-9:00pm.

The Electric Bean 946 Washington Way Longview, WA 98632 (360)353-3160

Furry Fundraiser Tea Party Saturday • February 22nd Myrtle’s Teahouse 321 North 3rd Ridgefield, WA (360)610-7772 for tickets.

The Furry Fundraiser Tea Party is a fundraiser for Angel Wings Rescue Animal Shelter. It is a family friendly event filled with tea, cakes, music and laughter.

Held on Saturday the 22nd from 2:30pm - 5:00pm, the Furry Tea Party is held inside Myrtle’s Teahouse. A gift shop with every fun trinket imaginable during a tea party greet you right off the bat, as the delicate clinking of china and friendly converseation filter through.

Tickets are $25 each and include a 4-course tea and entertainment.

About Angel Wings Rescue Ani-

mal Shelter: Run

by Debra Lawson, a retired nurse who loves animals. The ministry was born out of her compassionate heart for dogs and cats that are injured, lost, alone or in need of tender locing care.

She provides them with someone to love and care for all their special needs. Angel Wings is always looking for volunteers and donations to help with their ministry. If interested, please contact them at: (360)430-8073 angelwingsministry.com

Castle Rock,

Cowlitz County, Washington, February 1914 - 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 1914, except for the full color advertisements from local Castle Rock and surrounding area businesses, supporting this page. Visit them and say “howdy”!

Castle Rock Victorious at Silver Lake (February 5, 1914)

In a hard-fought game of basket ball at Silver Lake last Saturday night, the Castle Rock Athletic Association team defeated the Silver Lake team by a score of 20 to 17.

A good, clean game was played throughout, and those who attended were well pleased, except perhaps a few rooters who were sorry their team was defeated. Hozy Drew, Lester Huntington and Percy Foss are said to have been the stars of the Castle Rock team.

The New Planing Mill a Very Busy Place (February 12, 1914)

One day last week we visited the planing mill and box factory of Long & Avers on East Cowlitz avenue and found everything running smoothly and everybody as busy as bees, working on an immense order for smelt boxes, on which the mill has been funning full time and

then some, for several weeks. Our genial friend L. L. Wright is engineer, and the way he does keep the machinery humming is a caution.

This mill means much to Castle Rock, as it will bring much money from other places in payment for the “goods” turned out, and we hope it will be a howling success in every way..

Peabody Mill Starts Up After Long Shutdown

The mill of the Cowlitz Shingle Company (generally known s the Peabody mill) started up again Monday morning with a full crew, after a shutdown of several months, and we learn that it is the intention of the owners, Messrs.

Buland and Peabody, to keep the plant in operation as long as possible, in spite of the fact that shingles are not bringing a fat price at present, though better conditions are expected as soon as spring and the building season get fairly opened up.

My, but that whistle did sound good to we uns! Repairs at the Robin mill are being rushed, and it is expected that sawing will begin there about the first of next month.

ADVERTISEMENT

(February 12, 1914) To the Housewives and Others: Now pause at the fount of wisdom And of its waters drink, And of the significance of this riddle For a moment stop and think.

Conundrum: Why is the Castle Rock Laundry unlike Father Time?

Answer: She takes the wrinkles out and he puts the wrinkles in.

We want your work and will do our best to please.

Mrs. Williams & Son

SHORT STORIES:

(February 1914) * The logging camp of the Silver Lake Railway & Lumber Company began operation Tuesday, after a shut down of many weeks, and a long run is now looked for by the boys, who are glad to be at work again. * F. M. Moyer has sold his barber shop to his brother-in-law, S. Tomlinson, who will conduct it in future. Both are splendid workmen and mighty good fellows and their friends will regret to see Mr. Moyer leave, while wishing his successor prosperity in its fullest sense. * Rev. A. H. Mulkey was in Vader yesterday, trying to secure a place in which to hold revival meetings. That town sure do need regenerating. * The Castle Rock A. A. basket ball team is going to Kalama Saturday evening to get even with the A. A. team of that city. We hope they may be able to do so. * At a recent meeting of the county commissioners it was decided to purchase the Cook ferry, just below this city, and make it free. This is a praiseworthy move and the commissioners deserve a vote of thanks. * The run of smelt reached here Saturday or Sunday, and since that time the bank of the river for several miles has been lined with people who were busy with nets, dipping up these delicious little fish. Many tons will be salted and smoked.

**various issues from 1914 Short Stories

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 5

February is: Submitted by Georgia Cox FEBRUARY 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 #274-7502 or #274-8145 (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 Saturday: Fun Bingo games take place from 1pm - 3pm.

Come join us for some fun Bingo and try your luck at winning!

SPECIAL EVENTS: Friday, February 7th: A few residents of Canterbury Inn will come to the Center to compete in a “Bean Bag Baseball” game at 1:30pm.

Always a ton of fun, we hope to see you there!

Tuesday, Feb. 11th: Our Program and Potluck lunch! Speaker from the “Care Coalition” will talk about their program at 11am. A potluck lunch will follow at noon.

Friday, Feb. 14th: A “Sweetheart Day” Potluck to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. Potluck starts at Noon.

Thursday, Feb. 20th: Commodities will be distributed from 10am 1pm. You must have a valid punch card.

Tuesday, Feb 25th: BAKED POTATO DAY from Noon to 1:30pm.

Potato with your choice of 8 condiments, cookie and coffee for only $6.00!

Friday, Feb. 28th: BAKED POTATO DAY2! Same information as above date.

NOTICE: There will be no more CAP Nutrition meals offered on Fridays. Various events are now on Fridays.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History was established on September 9th, 1915 by Dr. Carter G Woodson. The founders of Black History Month, the ASALH’s mission is to promote, research, preserve, interpret and dis-

seminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.

This year, the theme is “Civil Rights in America”, and it was chosen to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Bad Cup of Coffee

A sweet little boy surprised his grandmother one morning and brought her a cup of coffee. He made it himself and was so proud. He anxiously waited to hear the verdict on the quality of the coffee. The grandmother had never in her life had such a bad cup of coffee, and as she forced down the last sip she noticed three of those little green army guys in the bottom of the cup.

She asked, “Honey, why would three little green army guys be in the bottom of my cup?”

Her grandson replied, “You know grandma, it’s like on TV, ‘The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup.’”

Thank you for Reading! Show our Advertisers support and let them know you saw their ads here in The Valley Bugler!

Page 6 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

Inspiration for Writers - was that me?

By Paddy Burrow Valley Bugler Columnist My friend, Judy, gave me a wonderful book entitled Chicken Soup for the Soul - Inspiration for Writers. I have been reading it for the past few weeks and just tonight, it dawned on me that I’M a writer!

I’ve been contributing Fruits and Nuts to the Bugler for over ten years now, but have never fancied myself a writer because I do not write “professionally”, but rather for my own enjoyment - (and hopefully for YOURS!) But tonight I read that anyone who puts words on paper on a regular basis is a writer. I was startled by the realization that that pretty much describes ME! A published writer, even!

Hmmm...

Well, for February, I thought I’d share some thoughts on an idea I recently had which I’ll call The “JESUS” Diet.

I have discovered that Jesus calls Himself many “food terms” in the Bible: “The Bread of Heaven”; “Living Water”, the milk of the Word; the meat

of the Word; the “Bread of Life” that comes down from Heaven.

He calls the Promised Land a land of milk and honey; He says His own body, broken for us for our salvation, is what we should remember when we take the bread of communion; and His own blood, spilled for us for the forgiveness of our sins, is what we should recall when we have the grape juice or wine of communion.

He says that if even we evil people know how to give our own children something good to eat when they ask for it, how much more will His Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to us when we ask for Him. Jesus promises to fill us up with His own Spirit! He says “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” And that His Word satisfies better than honey from the comb.

Years ago, I took a class called The Weigh Down Workshop, by Gwen Shamblyn. She was a registered dietitian who happened to be a Christian, too. She looked up all the scriptures about food and drink in the Bible and came up with her own program of eating everything in moderation.

She also talked about physical hunger versus spiritual or emotional hunger. She said sometimes when we eat, we’re just emotionally hungry, not really physically hungry. She recommended staying full of Jesus by means of staying in the scriptures

often, to satisfy the REAL hunger of our souls, and then eating food in moderation. The course really helped me!

How about YOU? Did you start the New Year hoping to take better care of yourself? Why not start with your inner self? Feed your Spirit the Word of God; feed your soul beauty and wholesome thoughts (whatsoever is true, lovely, of good report - think on

these things) and then feed your body (in moderation) the most naturally delicious foods you can find - and always with a grateful heart. Have a healthy, satisfying 2014 enjoying The “JESUS” Diet!

Paddy Burrow lives in Silverlake, Washington and welcomes feedback.

Email her at paddy.burrow@gmail.com or call her at 360-751-5231

Movie Reviews

By Blake Peterson

By Blake Peterson Valley Bugler Columnist

‘FROZEN’

Voices by Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, and Josh Gad Directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee PG, 1 hr., 25 min.

My Rating: *** 1/2 out of 4 stars

Go down the list of Disney princesses, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, and on, and you begin to realize — Disney hits the jackpot every time they introduce us to a new young woman for little girls to look up to. And in recent years, hits like “Tangled” and “Brave”, have changed the norm. Simply winning Prince Charming isn’t as cool as it once was — now, having a golden girl who is courageous and confident is even better.

“Frozen” is completely aware of this, and doesn’t just give us one princess, but two: the flibbertigibbet Anna (Bell) and the stylish Elsa (Menzel). The second we catch a glimpse of them, it’s clear that twenty-years from now, they most likely will be iconic.

The story goes like this: Anna and Elsa are royal sisters who, as children are close, but as they age, drift apart. This isn’t because their interests change or because a love interest got in the way, it’s because Elsa secretly inhibits magical powers that give her the ability to turn (literally) everything into ice. After an accident occurs when they’re just elementary age, Elsa is separated from Anna by their parents, in hopes that she can eventually control her otherworldly abilities.

Years go by, and when Elsa is crowned queen, she accidentally goes on a bit of a rampage, leaving her kingdom in a nightmare of ice. Anna, who

is eternally optimistic, decides it’s her duty to go after her in order to stop the icy spell that plagues the land.

Teaming up with mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer, and a giddy snowman named Olaf (Gad), Anna embarks on a journey of epic proportions.

“Frozen” is solid (no pun intended), and shows why Disney is a studio to be reckoned with. The songs are gloriously over-the-top, not only aiding the story, but completely tinged with comedy and charm, while the animation is epic, fueled with beautiful color and grande landscape shots.

The voice cast clearly relishes the fact that they get to be in such an exciting project, and it’s a joy to hear them give their all during every moment. Bell, who has stated in the past that it’s always been her dream to be a part of a Disney movie, brings enthusiasm and determination to Anna. Menzel not only makes us sympathize with the trapped Elsa, but she also sings her heart out in a way that gave me goosebumps.

But it’s Gad that steals the show, as the overly zealous Olaf, who may as well be as adorable as a minion from “Despicable Me”. He gives the film most of its laughs, and while a lot of it is done by the animation, it is Gad’s voicing that makes Olaf so memorable.

See “Frozen”. It’s a perfect family movie, and you can’t help but want to watch it again at least once. Disney always delivers, but they haven’t made a movie this memorable in years.

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.

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 7

Are you getting your Daily D’s?

By Maran Scott, RD, LD, CD Special Guest Columnist Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in our bones and aiding in cell to cell communication throughout the body. It also works to support the immune system.

Where is it found?

Vitamin D can be found in certain animal products, and it can also be synthesized in our bodies by getting adequate sun exposure. There are different forms of vitamin D. When we eat plant sources of vitamin D, it is in the form of vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol. When we eat animal sources of vitamin D, it is in the form of vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

Whether Vitamin D comes from sunlight, plant sources, or animal sources, the Vitamin D must first be converted into its active form before it can be effectively utilized by the body.

Vitamin D activation occurs in the liver, but the kidneys play a key role in assisting with the activation process.

How much do you need?

You may be at risk for Vitamin D deficiency if your exposure to sunlight is limited, if your kidneys are not able to

properly carry out the activation process, or if you do not get adequate Vitamin D in your diet. Other factors that may contribute to Vitamin D deficiency include being dark skinned, having a condition that results in fat malabsorption, and advancing age.

What are the effects of Vitamin D deficiency?

When active Vitamin D is deficient in the body, it impairs your body’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus in the bones. Over time, this can lead to a condition called osteomalacia (softening of the bones) or osteoporosis.

Research also suggests that Vitamin D provides a protective effect against cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate.

What foods give us vitamin D? Vitamin D2 can be found in plant foods, while Vitamin D3 can be found in animal foods. Either form will need to be activated within the body. Mushrooms are the primary plant source of Vitamin D. Natural & fortified Vit.D sources:

Maran Scott, RD, LD, CD Inpatient clinical dietitian and outpatient dialysis dietitian for PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center. Interest in renal, diabetes, and weight management.

American Heart Month focuses on heart disease.

A couple years ago, the American Heart Association presented “Go Red for Women,” a movement providing information to women about cardiovascular disease.

Subsequently, the National “Wear Red” Day was placed on February 7th in order to raise awareness in the fight against heart disease in women.

Traditionally, we think about men being the primary victims of heart disease, but each year, it claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of women.

The older you are, the more likely it is that you will get heart disease. But healthy living at any age is the foundation for disease free later years. In your 20s, health isn’t on your mind, and you believe there will be plenty of time later to think about it.

Wrong. Heart disease can develop at any age, so it’s crucial that you make health conscious-decisions that will benefit you now and in the long run.

Don’t smoke, drink in moderation, and focus on getting exercise.

In your 30s, life is a balancing act between family, work and yourself.

But you’re not a kid anymore. Now is the time to build heart-healthy habits.

If you avoid the conditions that put you at risk for heart disease until you turn 50, you may never develop heart disease.

In your 40s, it becomes even more important to make healthy choices.

Make healthy lifestyle choices now that will benefit you in the long run.

Eat well, exercise, watch your weight, and get a checkup.

In your 50s, your body is changing and that affects your heart. Check with your doctor too see if your numbers are acceptable for cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and body mass index.

To get your estimated heart risk, go to www.goRedForWomen.org In your 60s, heart disease is more likely, but you have the power to prevent it. Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States.

It’s never too late to quit. Keep an eye on body weight, continue to exercise, and have your blood pressure checked.

Page 8 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

Local Couple Celebrates 70 Years of Marriage this Valentine’s Day!

Above Left: Betty & Ken McEwen after they were married in 1944; Above Right: Betty & Ken McEwen today. Photos provided by Theresa Giles with permission.

It’s not uncommon to hear a gasp after people hear how long Ken and Betty McEwen have been married.

70 Years. 70 Years!

The Publishers at The Valley Bugler were alerted to this incredibly huge and inspiring milestone by a friend of the McEwens, Theresa Giles.

The McEwen’s story is a sweet love story, wound around the typical pitfalls of life, which they chose to tackle together.

“If you’ve got a year to listen, I could tell you all about it,” chuckled Ken McEwen as we chatted together on the phone.

The story begins with Ken first encountering the lovely Betty Parsons when she was 16, giggling and girly with her two friends.

He wasn’t impressed...yet.

As McEwen prepared for the Air Force, his sister encouraged him to write to this Betty Parsons.

Little did he know that since meeting Ken, Betty had carried around his picture at school all the time. She was already smitten.

Taking his sister’s advice, he began a letter correspondence with Betty.

“I used to tell her that her sweet letters were sticky like honey. I got stuck on her letters, so I got stuck on her,” exclaimed McEwen.

Their second meeting happened when Betty was 18 years old and Ken came home on a sick leave. He took her to a Halloween party, which cemented his feelings toward her as much more serious.

“During the party, she didn’t even get mad at me for just talking to the other girls, and I thought to myself, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl’,” he said, “and so I did!”

When discussing their early years of marriage, McEwen shared that those first years were full of arguments and trials over silly things.

“Most of it was my fault!” he exclaimed.

“Fellas aren’t going to like hearing this, but our marriage got real good after I realized that most of the trouble was....me! After God got a hold of my heart, he helped me realize those

parts of me that needed to change.

For the better.”

McEwens sings Betty’s praises through their entire marriage. Much of their success he attributes to her loving and forgiving nature.

“Love covers a multitude of sins, and her love for me carried us through all our toughest times.”

And her faithful love is still carrying them, through the toughest time that McEwen has ever known.

A time of Alzheimer’s.

This dreaded disease struck his beloved Betty about three years ago, and he has been caring for her ever since.

“Right now is the hardest time of my life. This is the greatest and toughest job I have right now, taking care of her. But I remember those words, ‘for better or for worse’. She’s mine and I’ll take care of her until the end of time.”

The sadness permeates his voice as he talks about how she holds onto his pocket all day and follows him around. He has become her rock, and their love endures.

McEwen has coped by writing poetry. Encouraged by a niece, he has written and published hundreds of poems. (One following article).

“If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.

Friends are helping Ken and Betty

share a celebration of their 70th Anniversary on Saturday, February 15th at Toledo New Life Assembly of God Church at 2:00pm.

It’s a potluck, and everyone is invited, just bring something yummy to share.

Toledo New Life Assembly 420 Silver St., Toledo WA ---------

The year was nineteen forty three, at a party where I met my wife to be.

At the time she was seventeen, but eighteen very soon she would be.

From a family of thirteen, they were all very wonderful and kind. A better or more wonderful family or people you can never find.

Many years our relationship grew. Every year there was something new.

All troubles and heartaches shared by all were definitely few.

Our life together will be sixty-five years on February fourteenth of ‘09.

Amazing to me how all things that are good can happen to us over time.

She was always talking about how great my family was, but when they hard she was coming, the place would be a buzz.

She was always happy, bubbling and a perfect delight.

The family would accept her morning, noon or night.

Ivan and Gladys would laugh with glee when they thought of Betty and the Peanut trees.

Mother and Patty would be very cautious when mentioning Betty and the post office.

New York City and all of their confetti cannot compare with my charming Betty.

I’ve been “creading” again...

By Sharnessa Sanden Valley Bugler Columnist During bedtime-reading tonight with our boys, we started a new book I finally got my hands on after having heard about it for a couple of years: The Jesus Storybook Bible. The illustrations are whimsical, simple, vibrant, and beautiful. Some of the wording reminds me of parts of C.S.Lewis’ beloved Narnia series. I love that about Lewis, how he has a way of cutting straight through to the simple, childlike, raw, heart-jolting truths…when realized and taken to heart, cause us to live fully alive, awakened to our very core.

I digress. (Well, sort of.)

So I’m reading to the boys tonight, or rather, if I’m honest, “creading” to the boys tonight. My made-up word (yes, just now made-up word: crying + reading = creading) of what I often find

myself doing when I’m reading heartwarming stories to my boys.

I’ve heard, “Mommy, why are you crying?” more than once whilst reading to them as I try to eek out words through tears.

So I’m “creading” ☺ the first two chapters to the boys, and I’m reminded of and seeing with fresh eyes what this whole thing, this “story” we’re all part of, is truly about: (From the intro) “...No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes.

The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!”

Then from the first “story” - Genesis 1&2: “...But God saved the best for last.

From the beginning, God had a shinSee MOMMYTALK cont. on p.14

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 9

Valentine’s Day Friday, February 14th The History behind this “ day of love” doves and lovebirds (who mate for Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which we celebrate and explore love in all its many ideals, Valentines Day? There are many differing opinions on how Valentines Day started.

One story says that when the Roman Empire reigned, a festival every February was held in honour of the God of Fertility and during this time, young men would choose their mate.

When a Emperor named Claudius came around, he outlawed all marriages in fear that the men would not be able to fight. Young couples still fell in love though and still wished to marry and they took these desires to the Catholic Bishop Valentine who, understanding love, began to secretly marry couples.

When Claudius found out, he had Valentine arrested and ordered put to death. While waiting in jail, Valentine began exchanging letters with the jailers daughter and soon had fallen in love with her. The day he was to be beheaded, he wrote her one last note and signed it: From Your Valentine.

Another story points to Christianity in 496 A.D outlawing the pagan Lu-

percian Festival and replacing it with a day in February to honour the martyr St. Valentine.

A third story as to the origin of passing out cards stems from a French Count who was captured and imprisoned in London. From his cell he wrote his wife letters, including a passionate set of poems which he sent to her in February.

At the turn of the century, a new form of Valentines Day card appeared the Penny Dreadful. Up until this point, cards were relatively expensive but the Penny Dreadful changed all that.

They were just what the name implied, costing only one cent and completely bad. The cards were cheaply made, the artwork was amateurish and the colouring was uneven.

On top of that, the verses printed on them were not the most romantic of prose. They were more often insults, taking swipes at old maids, teachers and the like. Still their low cost kept them popular for years.

For hundreds of years, Valentines Day has been a day of symbols. You can hardly go through the day without seeing a rose (as a symbol to Venus, the Goddess of Love), images of

Valentine’s Day in other cultures just as sweet Japan’s celebration of Valentine’s Day has a unique twist.

On February 14, only the women give gifts of chocolate to the men.

Some of these gifts, known as “giri (obligation)” chocolates, are given to bosses, male co-workers, and male classmates and friends. A special gift known as “honmei” chocolate is given to the womans sweetheart.

But fear not! The men reciprocate on White Day, March 14. On this day many men return the gift of chocolate by giving the women chocolates in a white box. If the gift is given to a girl friend, sometimes a gift of flowers or white lingerie is substituted or added.

White Day is said to have originated because a company that made marshmallows urged the men to repay their Valentine gifts

Happy Birthday, Aimee!! We are blessed to have you in our family!

Congratulations on your successful Doctoral schooling, and now we get to all call you Dr. Aimee!! We are so proud of you and look forward to a fantastic future!

with white marshmallows. Originally the day was called Marshmallow Day but was later changed to White Day. Candy companies joined the ranks by making white chocolates.

In China, The Night of Sevens is sometimes called Chinese Valentines Day. This day is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The day is also called The Festival to Plead for Skills. On this day, young women show off their skills in homemaking and make wishes for a good husband.

The Brazilian equivalent of Valentines Day is the Day of the Lovers (Dia dos Namorados) and is celebrated on June 12. The day is one day before the Feast of Saint Anthony known as the marriage saint.

life) or hearts. The heart was thought to be the centre of all emotion. People believed that when they gave a heart, they were truly giving all of the love and emotion that they possibly could give.

Its past aside, Valentines Day is the second the most popular card sending holiday just behind Christmas with one billion a cards sent a year. When

the calendar turns to February, we start to think of love. February has for centuries been designated the month for lovers, with the primary celebration being on February 14, St. Valentines Day. We send cards, flowers, and candy and our children give out Valentines in school.

Valentines Day reminds us to tell our loved ones just how much we care about them.

‘Love

is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud.

It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs. Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. Love never fails.’

- Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Top Ten Romantic Valentine’s Gifts Valentines Day is the one day a year where we get to show our loved one exactly how much we love him/ her. Show your love with a special gift a one that comes from the heart and will last a lifetime. Here are 10 of the best both inexpensive and expensive. But remember Valentines Day is not about money it is about sharing your love with one another.

From spending a little moola to a LOT of moola (think Paris!) the key to a successful gift is the thought that is put into it. Gifts that are purchased that afternoon and delivered with a smile later that night don’t seem to go as far as one that was planned and thoughtfully executed...

1. A handmade Valentines Day card - a handmade card says much more then a shop bought one and will let your partner know exactly how much they mean to you.

2. Fresh flowers - the key to this is how they are delivered. You could have them delivered to his/her place of work, don her apartment with them, or a single red rose with a ring attached to it. What can be more romantic? (Be sure to order EARLY, as many florists are out of fresh roses on the actual date!)

3. Chocolates - we are not talking

about a box of roses, but more personal. Personalized chocolates are all the rage on Valentines Day and can be bought anywhere.

4. Plane tickets to Paris - Ah the city of love. Which girl would not like this one?

5. A romantic candlelit dinner for two. Cook his/her favorite meal light some candles, stand the wine in ice and light background music will set the scene perfectly.

6. Jewelry - a heart locket for her with a photo of the 2 of you in side, or a piece of jewelry with a message on it. May be an engagement ring (hint, hint.)

7. Love songs - put together a compilation of both your favorite love songs.

8. Say it with words - Write him/ her a poem about how much he/she means to you. If you can’t write poetry give him a book of poetry instead.

9. Lingerie - this one is for both of you to enjoy.

10. Picture perfect - have a favorite photo of the 2 of you blown up and mounted onto a nice frame.

Funds are especially tight this year for many people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t express your love in a creative way!

Page 10 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

Marking ‘Togetherness’ Beyond the Unity Candle By now, surely everyone’s familiar with the unity candle, but did you know there are other unification ceremonies to choose from when planning your special wedding?

Although the unity candle seems to have been with us forever, in reality it’s only about twenty years old. During those years, more “two-becomeone” ideas have arisen and couples have taken on great creative strides.

Unification ceremonies are a fantastic opportunity to be “unique” within a wedding. These ceremonies can include important family members, such as the bridal couple’s parents.

Children from previous marriages can play a part, or the entire congregation in a smaller wedding.

Some weddings utilize multiple types in one. For instance, a hand and water ceremony, or a wine and rose ceremony. Music can or can not be played during this time to add to the overall feel.

The timing of unification ceremonies varies by wedding, but they most often take place directly before or after the exchange of vows. Many non-religious weddings can use this time to elongate an otherwise “short” wedding.

Here are some alternatives to the Unity Candle Ceremony: * Rose Ceremony The rose ceremony is a beautiful, simplistic representation of giving.

The rose is to symbolize the first gift the Bride and Groom present to one another. * Hand Ceremony In the hand ceremony, the bride takes the groom’s hands in hers, palms up. The priest or officient invites her to view his hands as a gift, and says: “These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as together you laugh and cry, and together you share your innermost secrets and dreams.”

The groom then takes the bride’s

hands, palm side up. The officiant says, “They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness, as she promises her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.” * Knot Ceremony In the knot ceremony, the mothers of the bridal couple are given a cord, which the officiant later asks them to give to the bridal couple. The couple ties a lover’s knot, which they may save to look back on later. * Sand, Water + Wine Ceremonies

These are all mixing ceremonies suited to a Unitarian or interfaith wedding. The sand ceremony is said to arise from Apache customs, and is popular in beach weddings. In each case, the bride and groom pour sand or liquid from two separate vials into one.

My brother and his new wife performed this on the beach in Mexico for their destination wedding. It was beautiful.

In the wine ceremony, they drink the mixed wine.

Quite often, the bride pour white wine while the groom pours red.

Some have then chosen to serve rosé at the ceremony to remind the attendees of that event. * The Salt Covenant The salt covenant is an ancient tradition, well-described in the Bible, and appearing regularly in Indiannational and Jewish weddings. Like the Jewish Huppah, the salt covenant (a mixing ceremony with ancient connotations of loyalty, protection and hospitality) is beginning to show up in non-Jewish weddings as well. * The Foot-Washing Ceremony The foot or hand washing ceremony (not to be confused with the Scottish bridal foot-washing ceremony, a rowdy pre-wedding event) is a fascinating, solemn custom emphasizing the role of dual servitude in a marriage.

Above: one couple chooses the Sand “Unity” ceremony and at Left, another demonstrates their ‘togetherness’ by engaging in a “Wedding Tree Planting” ceremony. Whatever your desire to demonstrate your Unity at your wedding, whether it be candles, sand or trees, it will be very special for the two of you indeed!

This short article hasn’t covered all the unification ceremonies: there are bread-sharing ceremonies, circling ceremonies, broom jumping ceremonies, and probably more ceremonies

that are being invented right now.

However, if you feel a unification ceremony might make your wedding more meaningful and personal, consider these alternatives.

Puffy eyes are a problem for many brides Late rehearsal dinner combined with the normal stresses of getting married make puffy eyes a common occurrence for brides, and the entire bridal party for that matter.

Puffiness tends to rear its ugly head when salt retention is the culprit. A very salty dinner or crying before bed could result in increased puffiness in the morning.

Here are some tried and true methods of keeping those puffies at bay: 1) Drink LOTS of water. The more hydrated you are, the less puffy your skin is apt to become. Avoid substances that tend to dehydrate you, like caffeine and alcohol.

2) Get something COLD on those peepers! Like other types of swelling, puffy eye syndrome can be reduced with applying some cold. Many use cold cucumber slices, tea bags that you pop in the freezer until chilly or even chilled table spoons.

Lie down for 15 minutes with the cold compress of your choice.

If you have dark circles along with the puffies, take the cucumber slices and soak them in lemon juice for about 4 minutes, then place them on your closed eyes for the 10-15 minutes before rinsing. The lemon juice helps with the dark circles.

3) Using astringents. There are creams and tonics that use astringents to help tighten the skin. Be sure to buy ones that are made for the sensitive eye area! Soak a cotton ball in it, and set it over your eyes for about ten minutes. Then remove cotton and rinse your face.

Or - use natural astringents, such as grated potato. Grate a fresh cold one and put on your closed eyes for about 15 minutes, then rinse.

4) Mooo. Yes, milk will help, too.

Dip cotton pads in chilled milk and place on your eyelids and relax for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water.

5) Egg Whites. Strangely enough, egg whites have skin tightening properties that can give relief for puffy eyes, as well as help prevent wrinkles. Whip egg whites (2) in a bowl until you get a stiff puff. Add a few drops of witch hazel to it if you have any. Use a soft cloth to apply and let dry. Rinse it with cool water.

6) Limit your SALT. A simple little tip with big results. Try limiting it for a week and see the results.

7) ) Get exercise. Having healthy circulation will help move fluid through your body more efficiently. If you have time, do some yoga or go for a quick walk.

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 11

Tips for choosing your wedding photographer A how-to guide for brides (and their intended hubbies!)

You said yes!!! You’ve picked your date and maybe even your venue, now is the perfect time to start shopping for a photographer. Hopefully this helpful insight will allow you to avoid the common pitfalls experienced by many!

Start out by browsing websites.

Most photographers these days have developed a web presence and you can learn a lot about a photographer by spending a little time on their site.

This is a great activity for you and your fiance to do together – both of you sit down with a cup of tea (or coffee!), browse sites and discuss what you like about the various photographers. This can be really fun for a couple as you will often learn a little bit about your fiancé’s taste in art, plus you would be surprised how many men are super-interested in photography.

1) Take note of the professionalism of the website - it should be in line with your taste.

2) Pay attention to the variety of the photos in the photographers website.

Night time, dark reception halls, bright sunny days and candle-lit churches, etc..

3) Does the photographer offer digital files? Now is the time to find out!

4) Narrow your choices, then call to inquire about availability and see if you can set up an in-person interview with your potential photographers. Inperson interviews (or even a “videochat” interview for destination weddings) are vital. Focus on personality and professionalism, as well as a personality “mesh”. You will be spending lots and lots of time with them on your wedding day!

Here are some recommended questions to ask during your interview: a. Albums & Prints – do you have to go through the photographer for all printing needs, will you get a print release to print images yourself, or some combination of both?

b. “What happens if......?” What are the photographers policies on emergencies? c. What type of equipment does the photographer use? Use Google to help you understand the equipment names they throw at you (take notes!).

Professional is what you are looking for. d. Does the photographer work with an assistant? e. What is the photographers experience level? f. What will they be wearing the day of the wedding? g. Does the photographer have a backup set of equipment?

Contract time! You’ve chosen your photographer but it’s not over yet!

When it’s time to go over the contract make sure you’ve throughly read and understood all of the details like price, payment, delivery timeline and refund policies. Most photographers have a “no-refund” policy once the date is reserved as they will immediately begin turning away other potential brides for your date. Be sure you understand what you are signing.

Some final tips: 1) Communicate with your photographer before the wedding. Nervous about handling a difficult family situation when it comes to photos? Worried about a few extra pounds you’ve put on? Let your photographer know!

2) The day of the wedding – appoint a photography “helper”. I often recommend having the maid of honer be the go-between for the photographer and all those that need photographed.

3) Most of all, be yourself and have fun on your wedding day!

If you’ve selected a great photographer you can rest assured that they will be capturing those happy moments you want remembered – it’s just up to you to have them! ☺ Jessica Lemmons is a Longview-based wedding and portrait photographer and has been serving the community since 2007. She can be reached at Bell Studios (503)556-5232 or online @ jessicalemmonsphotography.com

The Wedding Anniversary List There is a couple on page 8 that is celebrating their 70th, or “Platinum” Anniversary this Valentine’s Day. People celebrate anniversaries with as much diversity as there are different personalities. Here is a list of the “common symbols” that relate to specific years of marriage as submitted by reader, Theresa Giles.

Anniversaries 1st: Paper 2nd: Cotton 3rd: Leather 4th: Fruit & Flowers 5th: Wood 6th: Sugar 7th: Copper, Wool 8th: Bronze

9th: Pottery & Willow 10th: Tin 11th: Steel 12th: Silk & Linen 13th: Lace 14th: Ivory 15th: Crystal 20th: China 25th: Silver 30th: Pearl 35th Coral 40th: Ruby 45th: Sapphire 50th: Gold 55th: Emerald 60th: Diamond 65th: Blue Sapphire 70th: Platinum

A child’s perspective A little boy was in a relative’s wedding.

As he was coming down the aisle he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd (alternating between bride’s side and groom’s side). While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar loudly.

So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR all the way down the aisle.

As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the front. The little boy, however, was getting more and more distressed from all the laughing, and was near tears himself by the time he reached the pulpit.

When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, “I was being the Ring Bear.”

Page 12 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

Harry & President’s Day

By Bill Eagle Valley Bugler Columnist My friend Harry loves to visit schools and give talks about his many experiences and his very interesting careers as a teacher, a football coach, a Principal, and a School District Superintendent.

He enlisted in the Army when he was an underage teen and went to fight in the Korean War. He was wounded and the “people in authority” found out that he was underage, young enough to still be in middle school! He was discharged and sent home. Some years later he enlisted again. This time, it took an actual act of Congress to allow him to do so, but he did. He started as a low ranking private and served with distinction, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While in the Army, Harry held a top Secret Clearance, worked with foreign militaries, served as a member of the Ambassadors Country team and even played peek-a-boo with the KGB in Europe.

Harry’s friend, Annie Lahti had invited him to talk to her class about Presidents Day. Mrs Lahti introduced Doc Harry to her students.

Harry walked to the front of the classroom, flashed a big smile and asked the students “What’s special about the fourth Monday in February?”

Hands shot up.

Harry pointed to a student and was

rewarded with “We don’t have any school.”

“That’s right!” said Harry, “But why don’t you have any school?”

“It’s a Holiday!” chorused several voices.

“Who’s Holiday is it?” asked Harry “It’s President’s Day,” volunteered a small girl in the front row.

“That’s right!” responded Harry, but what President?”

Another girl raised her hand. “President’s Lincoln and Washington.”

“You are half right,” chuckled Harry.

“Most people think it’s for both President’s, since they both have birthday’s in February, but in reality, the Federal Holiday is really for George Washington, our very first President of the United States of America.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Lincoln’s birthday was never a Federal holiday.”

Harry held up a poster with a picture of Washington in uniform standing in the front of a small boat being rowed across an icy Delaware River.

“Those stories about his refusing to lie and throwing dollars across a river are just that, stories. But it’s true that he was a Six Star General, our nation’s only one. It is also true that he brilliantly out fought and out foxed the British and their hired mercenaries, the Hessians.”

Harry then went on to educate the class about mercenaries. He also emphasized to them how George Washington was able to get a rag tag, poorly supplied, army of volunteers to defeat

these mercenaries, who were part of one of the best-trained armies in the world.

Harry went on to tell the class, “George Washington also created the first military award of the USA, to be given to common soldiers, called the Badge of Military Merit. We now call it the Purple Heart.”

“When Washington served as General of the Continental Armies he refused to accept a salary. He told the Continental Congress that all he wanted was to be compensated for his expenses. Everyone thought that was a good deal until General Washington started submitting extravagant bills.

Congress then voted to pay the President a salary. We have paid all of our President’s salaries ever since.”

One little boy raised his hand.

“Someone told me that you helped us win the war…”

That’s all it took and Harry was once again in his own element. “Funny that you should bring that up...”

My friend Harry loves being able to talk to students and help them understand history. He loves working with young people and loves the opportunity to help others develop an appreciation for our nation and what it means to be a citizen.

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

Comical Bumper Stickers I love animals, they taste great.

EARTH FIRST! We’ll stripmine the other planets later.

“Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes.”

The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.

He who laughs last thinks slowest!

Give me ambiguity or give me something else.

A flashlight is a case for holding dead batteries.

I don’t suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it.

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 13 mals for the Shrine Hospital.

Pregnant With Your First Baby?

Angel Closet provides FREE formal apparel to young ladies in high school for Winter Ball and Prom. Angel Closet is located at 1811 Washington Way in Longview.

2014 Dress Give Away Schedule Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 12, May 3 Thursday 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Mar 13 & May 8 A young lady is allowed two dresses per school year: All dressed or donated to Angel Closet by the community.

We ask each recipient to consider donating her dress back after the dance to bless another student.

Angel Closet is a ministry of Valley Christian Fellowship. For more information or to make dress, shoe or accessory donations contact Kristi at (360) 200-9735 or the church office at office@vcflongview.org

Call for Artists

Area artists are invited to participate in the Columbian Artists 38th Annual Juried Spring Art Show to be held March 22nd through April 13th at the Three Rivers Mall, 3513 Three Rivers Drive, Kelso, WA (Space D-1168, just down from Macy’s).

The Show is open to artists 18 years old and older from Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Lewis and Pacific Counties in Washington, and Clatsop and Columbia Counties in Oregon.

Entries must be original, two dimensional work, completed in the past two years. Work will be judged and awards given. Entries will be received

on Monday, March 17th, from 10am to 5pm, at the Three Rivers Mall.

A prospectus with details regarding rules, categories, sizes, etc., is available on our website www:columbianartists.org They are also available at the Broadway Gallery in Longview and the Tsuga Gallery in Cathlamet, or by calling 360-577-4766 (Bill), 360-5759751 (Irene) , 360-425-6719 (Arlis), or 360-225-6118 (Nancy).

Sunnyside Grange INFO

*Sunnyside Grange will be changing their meeting date to the first and third Thursdays of the month. This is a trial period, The meeting will start at 7:15pm with potluck at 6:30pm. *Phyllis Ogden and Yvonne Knuth took dictionaries and presented them to 110 third graders. It was interesting because we ended up being part of the fire drill. This is part of the Words for Third Program as part of the Grange program by giving out the dictionaries. *Members of the Grange are starting to work on degree work for the 125th anniversary of the Washington State Grange. Lewis and Cowlitz will be putting on the 1st degree and are planning on wearing clothes of that period. Then Cowlitz Pomona is putting on the 5th degree. *The state convention is in June. *We are still making preemie blankets for the hospital, collecting tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, and making blankets for stuffed ani-

Cowlitz County Health Program Offers Exciting New Resources.

Felicia first met Clarissa when she was pregnant with her first child. Felicia, feeling overwhelmed, turned to the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program in Monterey Park, California for support. Part role model, part mentor, part friend, Clarissa, one of the NFP nurses, partnered with Felicia and worked with her through her pregnancy, delivery and for the first two years after birth. Clarissa was able to answer questions and support Felicia as a first-time mom, and also encourage Felicia to follow her dreams of obtaining education to help better support herself and her daughter.

Now, a similar program is available in Cowlitz County. The Cowlitz County Health Department is offering customized support in health and child development to first-time moms. The NFP program is voluntary and first time moms are matched with skilled, caring nurses. The Cowlitz NFP staff meets with women during pregnancy and the relationship continues

through the child’s second birthday.

To learn more about the Cowlitz NFP program, contact Gayle Reid, Maternal Child Health Programs Outreach Worker, at 360-414-5599 x6424 or eMail: reidg@co.cowlitz.wa.us

Friends of the Library Kalama

will be having a book sale on February 20 and 21 at the city council chambers- 320 N. 1st Kalama from 10-5.

Hardback books are $1 and paperbacks 50 cents. There will be a good selection of children books too.

Come and get your supply for the remainder of winter.

Friends of the Library Kalama

present Kalama Has Talent on March 1st at the Kalama community building 126 N. 2nd St. starting at 7:30 pm.

Adult tickets are $10 which includes snacks and beverage. Tickets will be available at the door. Further info contact Shirley 673 4071. *Send your free public notices into: editor@valleybugler.com for consideration. Placement is extremely limited.

Page 14 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

How MOBILE FRIENDLY is your website?

By Oscar Myre IV Valley Bugler Columnist Motivated businesses understand the importance of having not just a great web site presence, but having one that is accessible for as many customers as possible.

Your visitors are using an increasing variety of screens, from smart phones to tablets, netbooks, laptops, desktops to large screen home theater systems.

The challenge is: “How can we make the user experience equally good on as many different devices as possible?”

When reviewing a businesses marketing plans, we will ask a client if their web site is mobile friendly.

When we ask, “Is a site mobilefriendly?” we don’t mean, “Is the site visible on mobile phones?”

What we want to know is: “Does the site offer a good user experience on a small screen?”

Many (if not most) websites still require the user to repeatedly zoom in and out in order to navigate on a mobile phone. This does not deliver much happiness towards a good

user experience.

To dig deeper I have 5 questions to rate how friendly your site really is.

1) Can you read the text without zooming?

If you can honestly answer yes, then give yourself 5 points. If you can’t… you can’t.

2) Can you view your site without scrolling horizontally?

Yes, then 5 more points. No, then I’ve got nothing for you.

3) Can visitors easily call your business with a tap?

If visitors can tap on your phone number on the screen to call then you earned another 5 points. *Bonus, if you’d like for people to visit your business and they can get directions from your site add 5 more points.

Their phones have GPS, you might as well use it...

4) Does your site use Adobe Flash?

I don’t mean to be negative, but if you have flash on your site take AWAY 5 points. Flash is invisible on almost every smart phone out there.

5) Is your site KISSable?

Your know the expression “Keep It Simple Sweetheart”. Mobile users are on the go. You need to make it easy for visitors to find out what you do, who you are, and how to contact

you. If it is simple and straight forward, you earned a fiver (5 pts).

6) Are the buttons big enough to tap?

Nothing is worse than itty bitty buttons that you can’t click on. If you can easily navigate then give yourself another 5 points.

Scoring *Add up your points 0-10 Not so Friendly - That is a nice way of saying your site doesn’t really travel so well.

15-20 Friendly - Your site is invited

to the party. With a little work it could throw its own party.

25+ Rockstar! Not only is your site friendly, it has groupies!

How mobile-friendly is your website, and how is it “greeting” your visitors?

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

MOMMYTALK, continued from p.8 ing dream in his heart...They would be his children, and the world would be their perfect home. So God breathed life into Adam and Eve…God loved them with all his heart...But all the stars and the mountains and oceans and galaxies and everything were nothing compared to how much God loved his children…Whatever happened, whatever it cost him, he would always love them. And so it was that the wonderful love story began...”

I’m not only a little misty-eyed by this point, but we’re talkin’ crocodile tears taking the plunge for Weston’s pillow.

We’re all huddled and cuddled on the bottom bunk and my voice is crack-

ing and trailing off as I try to push out words through tears and read to my sweet sons coherently.

I’m thinking this raw heart needed those sweet, foundational reminders, much more than I’d been aware.

The words that lavished undeserved balm on this ol’ heart that needed reminding of Whose she is, and just how loved she is by Him. Oh my goodness...be still my beating heart.

So I guess you could say I got the Ultimate Valentine tonight.

It honestly doesn’t get any better than that, friends. To know in my “knower”, to have that sweet, life-giving revelation all over again that in spite of my completely undeserving, selfish self, that Jesus does indeed love me.

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends.

Sharnessa Sandén is from Longview, WA, where she resides with her Swedennative hubby, Sam, of 13 years, and their two fullof-life sons, Chase and Weston. In addition to homeschooling their lads, she runs Fresh Attitude Dance Studio, and heads up the missions department of their church, Fathers House, with Sam.

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 15

A child’s view of music ♪♫

By Richard Lederer

(As asked to young ones...) *Music sung by two people at the same time is called a duel. *I know what a sextet is but I had rather not say. *Probably the most marvelous fugue was the one between the Hatfields and McCoys. *My very best liked piece of music is the Bronze Lullaby. *My favorite composer is Opus. *A harp is a nude piano. *A tuba is much larger than its name. *My favorite instrument is the bassoon. It is so hard to play people seldom play it. That is why I like the bassoon best. *It is easy to teach anyone to play

the maracas. Just grip the neck and shake him in rhythm. *The most dangerous part about playing cymbals is near the nose. *Anyone who can read all the instrument notes at the same time gets to be the conductor. *The double bass is also called the bass viol, string bass, and bass fiddle. It has so many names because it is so huge. *Aaron Copland is one of your most famous contemporary composers. It is unusual to be contemporary. Most composers do not live until they are dead. *Agnus Dei was a woman composer famous for her church music. *Refrain means don’t do it. A refrain in music is the part you better

not try to sing. *A virtuoso is a musician with real high morals. *John Sebastian Bach died from 1750 to the present. *Handel was half German, half Italian, and half English. He was rather large. *Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling him. I guess he could not hear so good. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died from this. *Henry Purcell is a well known composer few people have ever heard of. *An opera is a song of bigly size. *In the last scene of Pagliacci, Canio stabs Nedda who is the one

he really loves. Pretty soon Silvio also gets stabbed, and they all live happily ever after. *When a singer sings, he stirs up the air and makes it hit any passing eardrums. But if he is good, he knows how to keep it from hurting. *Most authorities agree that music of antiquity was written long ago. *Instruments come in many sizes, shapes and orchestras. *You should always say celli when you mean there are two or more cellos. *Another name for kettle drums is timpani. But I think I will just stick with the first name and learn it good. *A trumpet is an instrument when it is not an elephant sound. *While trombones have tubes, trumpets prefer to wear valves.

COUPON Central Saving money is easy when you use the coupons from the Valley Bugler newspaper!

To advertise your specials on this page, please call (360)414-1246 today!

Page 16 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

Bavarian Sliders

in memory of Ralph Williams

By Laurrie Piland Valley Bugler Columnist

We are all moved. Everything is set up. We are loving our new home. We are loving the Woodland area.

I do have some sad, sad news to share with everyone who reads the Baked Lava column or blog. On the morning of our move, on January 4th, my husband and one of our neighbors from the old park found that our dear friend, Ralph Williams, whom I have cooked for over the last four years, had Above:RalphWilliams his beloved dog, passed away in with Dixie Doodle. Photo his sleep. Ralph by Laurrie Piland. fought bladder cancer for the last 8+ years and never recuperated from a recent surgery. Ralph lived life simply and honestly and my husband and I were honored to have known such a great man and it was equally an honor for us to have been fortunate enough to call him our friend.

He was our best friend.

Whenever I would go grocery shopping or anything like that, it was never a question, it was always for

three: Bob, Ralph and myself.

When we would get dog treats, it was for three: Sasha, Puppa and Dixie Doodle. Ralph passed away in his home, in his bed, with his little dog, Dixie, by his side. I’ll always remember our camping trips and the great times that we were able to share with our friend.

I created this recipe because I knew that he would have loved these, so these little slider burgers are in Ralph’s honor. RIP my friend.

Bavarian Sliders *Mini pretzel buns, split

*7 thin slices pastrami *4 slices Jarlsburg (or Swiss) *Spicy brown mustard *Thin slices of sweet onion

Directions: *Form the beef into 7 equal sized patties. *Sprinkle with sea salt and smoked black pepper to taste. *Fry or grill until desired level of done is obtained.

(I used my grill pan because we need a new BBQ set up.) *Put mustard on both sides of the bun, then an onion slice on the bottom. *Top the burgers with a quarter slice of Jarlsburg, then one slice of

pastrami, then another quarter slice of cheese. *Cover the pan with a bit of foil until the cheese melts slightly. *Set the burgers on top of the onion and top with bun. *Serve with crisp dill pickles on the side.

Like I said at the beginning, we are loving our new home. Woodland is a great little town. Vancouver/Portland is not all that far for shopping, neither

is Longview/Kelso.

So, until we meet up again in March, make sure to check out Baked Lava at www. bakedlava.com and give me a follow on the blog while you’re at it.

Comments are always welcomed on my blog posts, as well. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and make sure that they know how you feel about them each and every single day...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 big dogs and 2 cats at night, from her RV galley in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens!

Castle Rock’s Annual Quilt Show February 1-28

The Castle Rock Exhibit Hall presents its annual month long Quilt Show February 1-28.

Enjoy new and old quilts on display throughout three museum galleries.

View exhibits on local history, logging and Mt.St.Helens while you experience dozens of beautiful quilts.

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted!

This annual quilt show offers up beautiful historic quilts, along with

new creations from local quilters.

Hours are 10am-2pm, Wednesday through Saturday (Closed Sun-Tue). Castle Rock Exhibit Hall is locatedat 147 Front Avenue NW (turn west from I-5 Exit 49).

If you have a quilt you would like displayed at the show, please call 360-274-6603 between 10am-2pm Wednesday through Saturday for more information.

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 17

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.

Faith Fellowship Lutheran Brethren Church 210 Fishers Lane, Kelso Pastor Chris Leingang Worship at 10:00am Church Office (360) 425-4390

2000 East Kessler Blv - Longview Hours: 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Mondays and Thursdays 360.425.4220 Rev. Eric Atcheson lvfirstchristian.org revericatcheson.blogspot.com

Abernathy Assembly of God 702 Abernathy Creek Rd. Longview Phone: 360-636-1620 Website: www.AbernathyAoG.com Sunday Service 10:45 AM

Grace and Truth City Church 525 Third Ave SW – Castle Rock Pastor David Beer Worship 10:15am, 749-2289

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

Grace Bible Fellowship 300 S.10th Ave, Kelso Worship: Sunday 11:00am Bible Study 9:30 a.m. www.GraceIsReal.org (360)423-4035 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

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. House of Prayer for All Nations 868 9th ave. Longview, WA Sunday School 9:45 AM Bethany Lutheran Church Morning Service 11:15 AM 2900 Parkview Drive, Longview Evening Service 6 PM Office: (360)577-8240 Pastor Shelley Willem Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m.

2200 Allen Street, Kelso & 10:30 a.m.

(360) 423-3650 Castle Rock Christian Church M & F Daily Mass 12:15 PM 542 Huntington Ave. S, Castle R. Sat Vigil Mass 5:30 PM Sunday Mass 10:30 AM Sunday school – 9 am (all ages) Sunday Worship – 10 am Dr. John Leffler, Senior Pastor Kalama Baptist Church, 6th-12th Gr. youth Wed, 6-7:30 pm Pastor Wes Eader 360-274-6771 M-F, 9:30a -1:30pm 112 Vincent Rd, Kalama WA Call for home groups/studies 9:45am - Sunday School www.cr-cc.org 11:00am - Worship www.kalamabaptist.com Call 673-5570 Castle Rock Church of the Nazarene 456 Pioneer Ave. NE, Castle Rock Sunday School classes 9:30 a.m. Kelso First United Methodist Church 206 Cowlitz Way, Kelso Worship Celebration 10:45 a.m.

Evening church service 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Service 9:00 am Sunday School 9:20 am Women’s Bible study Traditional Service 11:00 am Wed 1p.m. - 3 p.m.

Wed: Children (Grade 1-12) 5:30-7 pm Rev. Reo McBride, Pastor Vonda McFadden Pastor - 274.6546 360-423-7480 www.kelsofirstumc.org Castle Rock First Baptist Church 211 Front Ave. NW, Castle Rock Lexington Bible Fellowship Pastor Joel Royce 284.4113 98 Garden Street, Kelso (Lexington) Sunday School: 9:45am.

Sunday school @ 9:45am Worship 11a.m. & 6p.m.

Sunday worship @ 11am Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Pastor Jerry Hancuff www.lexingtonbible.org Castle Rock United Methodist 241 First Street, Castle Rock Life Center Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Corner of Rock & Pine in Centralia Worship 10:55 a.m. Sunday Sundays at 10:30am or Youth Group: Sundays 2 p.m.

Oyler Rd & Hwy 12 in Ethel Rev. Pam Brokaw - 274.4252 Sundays 9:00am 360-736-5898 www.yourlifecenter.com Central Christian Church 401 Crawford St., Kelso Worship -11am (Sunday school - Living Hope Church 9:30am) 2711 NW Andreson, Vancouver Wednesdays @ 6pm (Youth @ 6:45 11:00am Sundays Bible Studies - many available Pastor Dean Jenks (360)944-3905 Russ Tevis, Minister 360-425-3420 Church Office Longview Church of the Nazarene 814 - 15th Ave, Longview Church of Christ Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

300 St. Helen’s St., Toledo, Wa Celebrate Recovery Thurs at 6 p.m Sunday Bible Class 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. 360-577-1100 Tuesday Bible Class 11 a.m.

Longview Community Church, Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.

2323 Washington Way - Longview John Gadberry, Minister Worship service Sunday 360-274-8570 Contemporary Service 8:45 a.m.

Traditional Service 11 a.m.

Pastor John Williams 423.6380 Emmanuel Lutheran Church LongviewCommunityChurch.org 2218 E. Kessler Blvd. - Longview Sunday Worship - 8:30am Longview Presbyterian Church Sunday “Celebration” - 11 a.m.

3808 Pennsylvania St., Longview Thursday Worship - 6:30 p.m.

Child care available at all services Worship and Children’s Class: Pastor David Martin, Senior Pastor Sun. 10am Child care provided Church office - 360-423-3250 Pastor Meghan Davis (360)577-8951 www.elclongview.com www.longviewpresbychurch.net Faith Fellowship Lutheran Brethren; Church 210 Fishers Lane, Kelso Pastor Chris Leingang Worship at 10:00am www.fflbc.org Church Office (360) 425-4390 Fathers House Church 1315 Commerce Ave Downtown Longview Worship Sundays: 9am, 10:30am Pastor Chuck Tilton 423-7826 www.FathersHouseChurch.com First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Oak Point Community Church 445 Oakpoint Rd, Longview Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Thursday Bible Study 7 p.m.

Pastor Doug McMurray; 360-577-6037

The Rock Meeting at 1955 Huntington Ave S, Castle Rock Worship 10 a.m. every Sunday Wednesday @ 7pm Service Pastors Jerry & Angie Hughes 274.7480 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 Group for Middle School age kids.

6-8pm -Sunday-JValley Youth Ryderwood Community Church,

315 Jackson St. PO Box 161, Ryderwood, Pastor Bill Bowlby, 360-295-3962 Service Opportunities 11 am Sunday

St. Mary Catholic Church 120 Powell Rd., Castle Rock 274.7404 W & Th Daily Mass 8:30A Sunday Mass 8:30A 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. www.bethanylongview.org Fireside Fellowship 271 Atmore Road, Toutle Worship Sunday 10:00 a.m. facebook.com/thefireside If you would like to have your church updated or added to our directory, please email

editor@valleybugler.com

Page 18 • Valley Bugler • February 2014

Woodland is for the birds

By Pet Nelson Valley Bugler Columnist When my husband and I moved to Woodland 15 years ago, we had

no idea we would become so fascinated by the area’s birds. Eagles, ospreys, gulls, herons, terns, ducks and Canada geese are our neighbors on Horseshoe Lake and at the nearby Lewis and Columbia Rivers.

I will never tire of watching the ospreys. I hear a shrill whistle then, as an osprey spots a fish, it swoops

By Jeff Petersen Valley Bugler Columnist

Neighbors from Hell?

A neighbor waits until the people next door settle in for a backyard BBQ, and then loudly mows the lawn for an hour. Then he collects the “calling cards” left in his yard by the neighbor’s cat, and lobs the missiles

down, folds its wings and dives into the water with great force. It surfaces with a trout locked in its talons and takes to the air. The osprey stalls in the air, gives a good shake to remove the water from its wings, then flies to a tall snag to eat its dinner in peace.

But dining is not always peaceful.

I occasionally see one or two bald eagles at Horseshoe Lake, sometimes chasing an osprey that is flying above the lake with a fish. If the eagle is lucky, the osprey will drop the fish and the eagle will pick it up and devour it. Ted St. Mars of Woodland also enjoys bird watching, and the day after Christmas, he took this photo of a bald eagle on the Lewis River.

I continue to be fascinated by the blue herons that I see at Horseshoe Lake and the rivers. As these grayishblue birds fly, their wings, which can span nearly six feet, resemble heavy sheets of leather. Because they have hollow bones, blue herons are lighter than they look; an adult weighs only about five pounds.

Herons are found year-around in

toward guests and grill.

A woman erects a fence and plants flowering vines. The next-door neighbor is certain the fence is over the property line, so she takes a weedwhacker to the plants and bends the fence posts with a sledgehammer.

Then there’s the house next door where loud parties occur every week

Get Puzzled!

Answer on this page

the Pacific Northwest. Many Horseshoe Lake fishermen have become acquainted with a brazen heron who one neighbor named Natasha. She stands next to anglers waiting to steal their catch. She frequently lights on docks at lakeside homes. I once watched her land on a boat with an acrylic window. She saw her reflection in the window and attacked it with her beak, not being willing to allow another “Natasha” to share her fishing spot.

Blue herons and bald eagles are both beautiful to watch, so it surprised me to learn that the bald eagle is the main predator of the blue heron.

We are fortunate in Woodland to have a heron rookery that we can observe from a distance. The rookery, located adjacent to Khunis Road, is on an island of sorts, a group of trees surrounded by farmland. If a rookery is not disturbed, blue herons might

without regard to time or day. Or the guy who has a large dog running wild at all hours, barking and nipping at you and your family.

Do you have a neighbor disturbing your property rights and your peace of mind? Maybe you’ve tried calling the police. Or maybe you’ve considered filing a lawsuit. In most cases, these don’t actually solve the problem, and in fact, both can and often do escalate the dispute.

The police may be able to temporarily stop a behavior, but rarely does their visit have any lasting effect other than to make your neighbor angry.

Courts typically offer nothing more than monetary awards or orders. A police officer and a court order both work like magic when immediate help is needed, but afterwards the neighbors involved probably won’t be on speaking terms. Inevitably, a cold war sets in and new disputes arise.

Obviously, the best solution possible would be for the neighbors to sit down together and work out their issues. If your world isn’t that perfect, but you desire peace, then consider mediation. Here are the key advantages: • You are in control. Contrast that with court, where judges or juries are in control. And even though attorneys work for their clients, they do make certain strategic decisions based on their knowledge of the law.

• Creative solutions. After neighbors express their feelings over the dispute, they can move on to identifying their needs and interests. This can lead to creative offers and compromises not likely to come out of a lawsuit or police report.

• Lower cost, faster process. A lawsuit is often a very expensive, drawn out process.

• Less Stress. Unlike court, mediations are held in private and on your time line. You call the shots.

• An opportunity to repair the rela-

use it for decades. So that I do not bother the birds, I watch from the roadside. I estimate there are about 50 nests in this group of trees.

In the spring, herons come and go from the rookery, and I sometimes see crows waiting for their chance to rob nests of eggs and young birds.

If you’d like to enjoy Woodland’s birds, drive along Woodland’s shorelines or drive through the farmlands of the Woodland Bottoms (west side of Woodland near the Columbia River).

To learn more about Washington’s blue herons, visit www.wdfw.wa.gov

[Photo credit: At left is a bald eagle, photo by Ted St. Mars. Top is heron, photo by Pat Nelson.]

For details on Pat Nelson’s March writing workshop “Finding Your Story,” contact Pacific NW Gift Gallery at 2748583 or email casa304@comcast.net

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 (both still accepting stories at www.PublishingSyndicate.com). Nelson blogs at www.Storystorm.US and her stories also appear at www.LewisRiver.com. All photos by Nelson.

tionship. Sitting down at a table and working through the issues helps to establish a better relationship. That’s a good thing when folks live right next door to each other.

• Proven. Communities with good mediation resources report very high rates of success in resolving many types of disputes quickly and efficiently.

So if you’ve got neighbor trouble that you have not been able to resolve on your own, try suggesting mediation, emphasizing the many advantages for both of you.

Or ask a mediator to contact the neighbor for you. You might think to yourself, “I’m a reasonable person, this couldn’t happen to me.” But just wait until your neighbor does something outrageous that interferes with the use and enjoyment of your property (or until your neighbor accuses you of doing the same).

Suddenly you are pulled into a dispute, and reason is often thrown out the door. So put the reason back into the equation and sit down with your neighbor to mediate. It’s worth it.

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

February 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 19

RAZOR CLAM digs

Note from Dr. J: February 22nd is National ‘Spay Day’

Adorable Adoptee Available!

‘Dolly’

Scheduled Digs for February

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has tentatively scheduled a new series of evening razor clam digs through February.

Under that plan, various ocean beaches will be open for five days in February if marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

WDFW will announce final word on those digs about a week before they are scheduled to begin.

“We’re announcing these dates now so people can start making plans for the new year,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

“We’ve had a terrific season so far, and expect plenty of great digging in the months ahead.”

As in recent months, all digs are scheduled on evening tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach be-

fore noon.

Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides: Jan. 31st: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks Feb. 1: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis Feb. 2: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks Feb. 26: Twin Harbors Feb. 27: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks Feb. 28: Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2013-14 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

Heat Holders: Do they work?

By Michelle Myre As I’ve been reading about the “Polar Vortex”, and shivering at the thought of being caught in said extreme coldness, my mom came to mind.

My mom is one of the most loving individuals with a warm heart, who also happens to have a circulatory disease, called Raynaud’s Syndrome. Basically, it affects the blood vessels and results in excessively reduced blood flow in response to cold or emotional stress, causing a whitish discoloration in the extremeties.

All this to say, my mom doesn’t like to be cold.

I’m always searching for new and fun ways to keep my mom warm, whether it’s fuzzy scarves and gloves to socks that claim to keep your feet warm. (Quite a task when you enter my mom!)

I recently saw an advertisement for “Heat Holders”, claiming to keep feet seven times warmer than normal cotton socks. I figured I would put that

claim to the test with my ever-chilly mother.

First, I tried them myself. They were super duper soft on the inside, and I projected that if coats and other sweaters had this type of lining, I would buy every single kind of them.

Using the socks as I went to bed one night, I found myself peeling them off later because I was too hot.

“I can’t wait to have mom try these!” I thought to myself.

The super-soft socks made their way to my mom the next day.

I asked her to try them and let me know what she thought. Here’s what she reported back to me: “These are the most comfortable, most warm socks I have ever worn!

They actually kept my feet warm the entire time! I LOVE THEM!” She said that her feet were warm and cozy all day and night, which is rarely EVER the case for her.

Heat Holders, you succeeded where I honestly thought you would

Meet Dolly, our Valentine’s Day special.

She is a Certified Lap Cat, and loving companion.

Dolly will reach up and tap you if she wants attention and you’re not giving it.

She’s a talker; she’s a purring machine.

But mostly, she’s a lap cat.

Dolly is Persian/Main Coon mix, and has the best qualities of each breed.

She’s a large girl, weighs 15 pounds.

Dolly is 12 years old, an active, healthy girl who has many years of loving ahead of her.

She is spayed, current on her

vaccinations, and microchipped.

She’s looking for a retirement home, and will reward you with soft purrs and gentle touches on a daily basis.

For more information, email rpaws@hotmail.com or call us at 360-673-7373 to make an appointment to meet Dolly. f you would like to complete our Adoption Application, please do so online or call us: www.rpaws.petfinder.org and download an Adoption Application.

Rescued Paws 360-673-7373 rpaws.petfinder.org Local Animal Adoption Group

fail: you kept my mom warm.

Heat Holders are made with a patent pending extra long looped thermal pile. Thisinnovative knitting technology locks in warm air, holding it closer to the skin which keeps feet warmer for longer.

They have superior insulation and moisture wicking abilities. I could honestly say that these would keep my feet warm if I went to go out and

play in the snow with my snow boots on, or even on our annual Christmas Tree Trek through the woods.. (I have a mild touch of Raynaud’s as well...)

Looks like it’s time to get a pair for the whole family!

You can buy them for about $15-20 per pair online at: usa.heatholders.com Also sold at JC Penney’s and Big 5 stores across the nation.

Page 20 • Valley Bugler • February 2014