CRREADER.COM • February 15 – March 14, 2016 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.
Winter slumbering in the open air wears on his smiling face a dream of spring ~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge
page 26
COLUMBIA RIVER
dining guide
SLOW COOKER POT ROAST• DR. BOB ON THE OSCARS • THE JADE NECKLACE • PI DAY
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2 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
N
o matter our various political views, I think we can all agree with MSNBC commentator Howard Fineman. He said Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump have “stirred the pot, big time,” tapping into voter frustration and an expanding electorate. Fineman’s colleague, Chris Mathews, described the atmosphere as “political Mardi Gras.” N e w H a m p s h i r e ’s F e b r u a r y 9 presidential primary, with its recordbreaking turnout, leads into a flurry of primaries and party caucuses in South Carolina and Nevada, followed by many more on Super Tuesday March 1. Enroute to the Democrat and Republican conventions this summer, are we on the cusp of some sort some sort of revolution in America? It will be fascinating to watch it all unfold. As we approach the vernal equinox on March 20 — the point when the sun is precisely above the equator and night and day are equal in duration — most of us gladly anticipate longer days and gentler weather. Even as we wait for winter’s retreat, however, things need not be gloomy. Rich amusements and ripe opportunities abound. You’ll find many in this issue.
Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Ron Baldwin Dr. Bob Blackwood Todd Cullings Rena Langille Susan K. Lane Suzanne Martinson Gary Meyers Michael Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Amy Renfranz Alan Rose Neil Skogland Production Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman Lois Sturdivant Michael Perry Marilyn Perry Advertising Representatives Ned Piper, Manager 360-749-2632 Sue Lane 360-261-0658 Columbia River Reader, LLC P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone: 360-749-1021 Subscriptions $26 per year inside U.S. (plus $2.08 sales tax mailed to Washington addresses).
Sue’s Views
Presidents, pie and winter’s departure Make time for a walk around Longview’s Lake Sacajawea, another public park or your own neighborhood, or wander the woodsy pathways on the grounds of Portland’s Pittock Mansion (story,
page 16). Venturing out on a winter day can be refreshing and invigorating. Let’s all get outside! At Suzanne Martinson’s suggestion (see “Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter,” page 20), as this issue was coming together I got out my old crock-pot and made her simple-to-assemble pot roast. After slow-cooking all day, it drew rave reviews from the proofreaders. “Delicious!” everybody said. Now I am inspired to make other dishes in the crock-pot. Several MArdi Grasinspired ideas caught my notice online, like Creole Chicken, New Orleans Red Beans and Rice, and Jumbalaya. They may qualify as traditional “comfort food,” but would be good for savoring on these cozy evenings as we wait for winter to wind down.
Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,500 copies distributed free throughout the Lower Columbia region in SW Washington and NW Oregon. Entire contents copyrighted by Columbia River Reader. No reproduction of any kind allowed without express written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, not necessarily to the Reader. Reader submission guidelines: See page 24.
CRREADER.COM Access the current issue, Dining Guide and Columbia River Reader Past Issue Archives (from January 2013), under “Features.”
Sue Piper
In this Issue
Winter wood forest pine landscape Cover Design by
I f N e i l S k o a g l a n d ’s f u n a n d enlightening piece on Pi Day (story, page 11) inspires you to plan a Pi Day Pie Party on 3-14-16, you won’t be the only one. I’m thinking of making an All-American apple or cherry pie in honor of George Washington, President Obama and all the would-be presidents currently on the campaign trail. I’m sure they would all like a slice of the pie.
Columbia River Reader . . . helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.
ON THE COVER by Silmairel-©fotolia.com
Gary Meyers and his team of judges are poised to select this year’s winning entries in HaikuFest 2016. Enter by of Feb. 25. And if you aren’t a “seasoned” poet, try your hand anyway. Or your pen. Or your pen in hand. Details may be found on page 11.
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Letter to the Editor / Besides CRR...What Are You Reading?
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Cover to Cover ~ Book Review / Bestsellers List
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Dispatch from the Discovery Trail: A tough, long winter
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Miss Manners
10
Biz Buzz
11
HaikuFest Deadline / Preparing for Pi Day
12
Wellness: Listen to your heart
15
On Our Mountain / Ranger Reflections
16
Winter Walk at Portland’s Pittock Mansion
17
The Jade Necklace: Islands of the Lower Columbia
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Where Do You Read the Reader?
20
Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter: Crock-pot Cookery
22
Columbia City’s Community Hall: A Legacy to Treasure
24-25 Outings & Events Calendar 26
Columbia River Dining Guide
27
Movies: Dr. Bob on the Oscars
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Lower Columbia Informer ~ Hyperloop
29
Women’s Fashion: Anyone Can Wear a Hat
30
The Spectator ~ A regional gem Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 3
Letter to the Editor Horse welcomes new taste My name is Dusty. I am a beautiful (and modest) quarterhouse who lives in Willow Grove with my owner — a wanna-be cowgirl with good intentions but not always the best horse sense — Merrilee Bauman. Thank you for giving her some horse treats so she can see that I love peppermint! The only treats I have had for many years are graham crackers, apples and carrots — and I am ready for a new taste: peppermint! I highly recommend your tasty treats to all horses. Thank you! Dusty Longview, Washington
Editor’s note: In “Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter” last month, Suzanne Martinson wrote about cooking for horses and dogs. After testing the recipe, she brought a sample of Peppermint Horse Treats into CRR’s office and gave a sample to Dusty’s owner, Merrilee Bauman who was there, helping proofread the January issue.
E FIBR
T C FA # 57
BESIDES COLUMBIA RIVER READER...
What are you reading? Jackson Pollock’s Mural – The Transitional Moment
By Yvonne Szafran, Laura Rivers, Alan Phenix, Thomas Lerner
Magician with a paint brush By Rena Langille
T
his is not your usual mystery, story of love and loss, historical treatise, or biography, but in a way it is all of those things. In 1943, the year I was born, Jackson Pollack painted a mural for the expansive hallway of Peggy Guggenheim’s townhouse in New York. It measures, depending on who measured it, 8 feet 11.5 inches by 19 feet 9 inches. This was a mammoth undertaking and a turning point in Pollack’s career. The book talks about the technique used, the problems with the structural support, the composition, and the problems with conservation. The mystery lay in the reason for some of the white background paint turning yellow, and determining the truth to the rumor it had been painted in one day. It also explains the properties of the paints, and the process of macro scanning to gather the information needed to restore it. Rena Langille
This book also discusses Pollock’s painting methods, and lest anyone think a six year old could get out a few buckets of paint, splash it on a surface, and come up with a masterpiece, this book will lay that misconception to rest. It is not a book for everyone, but I find the magic of colors dancing evenly over a canvas a delightful experience, and the book does not destroy the feeling of magic; after all, conjurers use their talents to perform. Jackson Pollack was a magician with a paint brush, a stick, and buckets of paint.
When it comes to calories, cholesterol and loan rates, lower is better.
It is more of a technical look at the mural project both in the way it was painted and the way in which it needed restoration. Not a long read, but very interesting.
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••• Rena Langille lives in Seattle with her husband, former Longview resident Pat Trotter. Attention, Readers! We’d love to hear what you are reading. Please contact CRR’s Book Reviewer Alan Rose at alan@alanrose.com or the publisher/editor at publisher@crreader.com if you’ve read a good book lately and would like to be mini-interviewed by Alan for a future “What Are You Reading?” article.
Cover to Cover
Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION
PAPERBACK NON-FICTION
1. The Revenant Michael Punke, Picador USA, $16, 9781250101198 2. Brooklyn Colm Toibin, Scribner, $15, 9781501106477 3. The Buried Giant Kazuo Ishiguro, Vintage, $16, 9780307455796 4. My Brilliant Friend Elena Ferrante, Europa Editions, $17, 9781609450786 5. Descent Tim Johnston, Algonquin, $15.95, 9781616204778 6. A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara, Anchor, $17, 9780804172707 7. A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman, Washington Square Press, $16. 8. The Martian Andy Weir, Broadway, $15. 9. Euphoria Lily King, Grove Press, $16. 10. Station Eleven Emily St. John Mandel, Vintage, $15.95
1. The Mindfulness Coloring Book Emma Farrarons, Experiment, $9.95. 2. The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, Penguin, $17. 3. Missoula Jon Krakauer, Anchor, $16.95, 4. The Mindfulness Coloring Book: Volume Two Emma Farrarons (Illus.), Experiment, $9.95. 5. Lost Ocean Johanna Basford, Penguin, $16.95. 6. The Big Short Michael Lewis, Norton, $15.95. 7. Astoria Peter Stark, Ecco, $15.99. 8. Daring Greatly Brene Brown, Avery, $17. 9. Just Mercy Bryan Stevenson, Spiegel & Grau, $16. 10. I Am Malala Malala Yousafzai, Back Bay, $16
BOOK REVIEW
HARDCOVER FICTION 1. All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr, Scribner, $27, 2. My Name Is Lucy Barton Elizabeth Strout, Random House, $26. 3. The Nightingale Kristin Hannah, St. Martin’s, $27.99. 4. The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins, Riverhead, $26.95. 5. Fates and Furies Lauren Groff, Riverhead, $27.95. 6. Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist Sunil Yapa, Lee Boudreaux Books, $26. 7. The Secret Chord Geraldine Brooks, Viking, $27.95. 8. Felicity Mary Oliver, Penguin Press, $24.95. 9. The Bands of Mourning Brandon Sanderson, Tor, $27.99. 10. The Portable Veblen Elizabeth McKenzie, Penguin Press, $26
HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Marie Kondo, Ten Speed Press, $16.99. 2. When Breath Becomes Air Paul Kalanithi, Random House, $25. 3. Between the World and Me Ta-Nehisi Coates, Spiegel & Grau, $24. 4. Spark Joy Marie Kondo, Ten Speed Press, $18.99. 5. The Road to Little Dribbling Bill Bryson, Doubleday, $28.95. 6. Gratitude Oliver Sacks, Knopf, $17. 7. Being Mortal Atul Gawande, Metropolitan, $26. 8. Dark Money Jane Mayer, Doubleday, $29.95. 9. H Is for Hawk Helen MacDonald, Grove Press, $26. 10. Big Magic Elizabeth Gilbert, Riverhead, $24.95.
Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, for week ending Jan. 31, 2016, based on reporting from the independent bookstores of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For the Book Sense store nearest you, visit www.booksense.com
MASS MARKET
CHILDREN’S INTEREST
1. The Martian Andy Weir, Broadway, $9.99. 2. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99. 3. American Gods Neil Gaiman, HarperTorch, $7.99. 4. 1984 George Orwell, Signet, $9.99. 5. The Wise Man’s Fear Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $9.99. 6. Outlander Diana Gabaldon, Dell, $9.99. 7. To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee, Grand Central, $8.99. 8. Dune Frank Herbert, Ace, $9.99. 9. Good Omens Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, HarperTorch, $7.99. 10. Man’s Search for Meaning Viktor E. Frankl, Beacon Press, $9.99.
1. Harry Potter Coloring Book Scholastic, $15.99. 2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary Pablo Hidalgo, DK Publishing, $19.99. 3. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer Rick Riordan, Hyperion, $19.99. 4. The Siren Kiera Cass, HarperTeen, $18.99. 5. Phoebe and Her Unicorn Dana Simpson, Andrews McMeel, $9.99. 6. Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics Chris Grabenstein, Random House, $16.99. 7. Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures Kate DiCamillo, K.G. Campbell (Illus.), Candlewick, $8.99. 8. Roller Girl Victoria Jamieson, Dial, $12.99. 9. Counting by 7s Holly Goldberg Sloan, Puffin, $8.99. 10. Nimona Noelle Stevenson, HarperTeen, $12.99.
CLIP AND SAVE for easy reference at your bookstore or when browsing at your local library, bookshop, e-book source or book-loving friend’s shelf.
By Alan Rose
Strange jewels buried deep within us all
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear By Elizabeth Gilbert Riverhead Books $24.95
E
lizabeth Gilbert, author of the hugely popular Eat, Pray, Love, has written a book about creativity. Instead of some reasoned treatise, this is more a jumble of ideas and anecdotes, kind of like sitting down with a chatty, entertaining friend over a glass of wine and talking about living a creative life. Part memoir, part self-help primer, part pep talk, it offers tips, tricks and examples for cultivating the right attitude to be creative. This is certainly
If you choose to enter into a contract of creative suffering, you should try to identify yourself as much as possible with the stereotype of the Tormented Artist. You will find no shortage of role models. To honor their example, follow these fundamental rules: Drink as much as you possibly can; sabotage all your relationships…jealously compete against your peers; begrudge anybody else’s victories; proclaim yourself cursed (not blessed) by your talents; attach your sense of self-worth to external rewards; be arrogant when you are successful and self-pitying when you fail; honor darkness above light; die young; blame creativity for having killed you.
~ from Big Magic
not limited to just the arts, but also gardening, cooking, sewing, parenting, all the many ways one can live creatively. She writes: “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels—that’s creative living.”
Alan Rose, author of Tales of Tokyo, The Legacy of Emily Hargraves and The Unforgiven organizes the monthly WordFest gatherings. He can be reached at www.alan-rose.com, at www.Facebook.com/Alan.Rose. Author, and www.Facebook.com/WordFestNW.
Employing the same confessional style and self-effacing humor she displayed in Eat, Pray, Love, (“I once wrote a book that accidentally became a giant best seller.”), Gilbert shares her own experiences of creativity—“that exhilarating encounter between a human being and divine creative inspiration”—or what she calls “the magical.” For her, fear is the main obstacle to living a creative life, and she offers a litany of fears that keep us from expressing our own creativity: fear that we don’t have what it takes, fear of looking foolish, fear of being thought pretentious, fear of failure, fear of success, etc.—it’s quite a list.
dependent upon us. So, she reasons, why not be creative? “What else are you going to do with your time here on earth — not make things? Not do interesting stuff? Not follow your love and your curiosity?” She keeps the reader focused on what’s really important in exploring and expressing one’s individual creativity. (Hint: It’s not about appearing on Oprah.) “What is sacred,” she writes, “is the time that you spend working on a project, and what that time does to expand your imagination, and what that expanded imagination does to transform your life.” •••
In the face of these fears, she offers a commonsensical perspective to our creative endeavors, reminding us that in the grand cosmic scheme of things, the novel we are writing probably doesn’t rank up there with the extinction of the dinosaurs. But, hey, the extinction of the dinosaurs 60 million years ago doesn’t rank very highly in the grand cosmic scheme of things either where we’re talking billions of years. Suddenly feel insignificant? She suggests we should also feel liberated: The unfolding of the universe is not
March 8 • Cassava 1333 Broadway Longview www.alan-rose.com
SECOND TUESDAY
Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 5
Lewis & Clark
A long, tough winter at Fort Mandan
O
n October 31, 1804, Captain Lewis wrote, “The river being very low and the season so far advanced that it frequently shuts up with ice in this climate we determined to spend the Winter in this neighbourhood.” After six months of travel up the Missouri River, the Corps of Discovery found themselves in the ideal location to
make camp. If their progress had been better, they might have kept going past the five Mandan and Hidatsu Indian villages near the mouth of the Knife River, 60 miles north of present-day Bismarck, North Dakota. But doing so might well have been disastrous. About 1,000 Mandans lived in two villages in 1804, but an estimated
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Painting by Karl Bodmer, 1834, The interior of a Mandan earth lodge, was spacious, tolerably light, and
clean. The inner structure was formed by a ring of a dozen or more thick posts four or five feet high, with beams resting in the notch at the top of each post. At the center of the lodge was a small, circular fire pit.
10,000 Mandans had lived in nine villages just 50 years earlier. Smallpox, introduced by white traders, had decimated their numbers, and the powerful Teton Sioux had forced them to abandon their settlements and move upriver where they merged with the Hidatsu (Minnetaree) tribe for security.
Major trading center Other Indian tribes living on the Great Plains were nomadic and lived off the land. The Mandans lived in permanent houses and grew more corn, beans, and squash than they needed. The Mandan and Hidatsu villages had become a major trading cont page 7
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6 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
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Civilized Life cont from page 6
center that was visited by fur traders from Canada and St. Louis, along with several tribes from across the northern plains. Because of this, Lewis and Clark would learn a lot about what lay ahead on their A Mandan lodge photographed by Edward S. Curtis, circa 1908. journey to the Pacific Ocean as they gathered information while waiting for winter to pass. Nobody was prepared for the winter ahead. Most of the men were from Virginia where snow is not unusual, but they had never seen weather like they were going to experience the next three months. By mid-November, they had abandoned their Painting of a Mandan village by George Catlin, circa. 1833 thin canvas tents and moved into the wood structures under Besides shelter, food was a critical need. construction. On December 8th, While meat was reasonably plentiful, Clark wrote, “a verry Cold morning, the Indians would be the only source the Thermometer Stood at 12 d. below 0 of dried fruits and vegetables. But was which is 44 d. below the freesing point.” there enough corn to supply their Four days later it was 38 degrees below own needs plus the members of the zero, but by December 14th it had Expedition? Big White, the chief of warmed up to where “the Murckerey the lower Mandan village, told Lewis Stood at 0.” Then, at sunrise on and Clark, “if we eat you shall eat, if December 17th, it was 45 degrees we Starve you must Starve also.” Here below zero and at “about 8 oClock PM again, we see proof Indians played the thermometer fell to 74 d. below the a major role in the success of the freesing pointe.” Expedition. Fort Mandan consisted of eight cabins inside an 18-foot tall stockade. The cabins were 14 feet square and each had a stone fireplace. The cracks in the walls were filled with mud to keep drafts out. A loft in each cabin was raised 7 feet off the floor and covered with grass and clay to provide warm sleeping quarters. Temperatures were below zero on 16 mornings in December, with just one day when temperatures were above freezing when the men awoke! It was so cold the men could only work an hour at a time and Fort Mandan was not completed until Christmas Day. Coping with the cold The Indians had learned how to cope with the extremely cold temperatures by building dome-shaped earth lodges with a vent at the top. A fire in the center kept the room quite warm. Their lodges were large enough for several families (10 to 15 people), and during extremely cold periods the Indians brought their horses inside.
While the fort was being built, half of the men went hunting. Several cont page 8
We are pleased to present
Installment 9 of Michael Perry’s popular 33-month series which began with CRR’s April 15, 2004 inaugural issue. During the 2004-2007 Bicentennial Commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, each installment covered their travels 200 years prior. We are repeating the series for the enjoyment of both longtime and more recent readers. find prior installments visit crreader.com Click “Features,” then “Archives.”
Michael Perry enjoys local history and travel. His popular 33-installment Lewis & Clark series appeared in CRR’s early years and began an “encore” appearance in July 2015.
By Judith Martin
1. DEAR MISS MANNERS: Who should host a baby shower? GENTLE READER: No one who stands to benefit from the shower of presents associated with such an occasion. So first, that means the baby. But also his or her prospective parents, grandparents and other close relatives. Once, Miss Manners would have thought it unnecessary to specify that one should not say, in effect, “I have a great idea for a party -- everybody will get together and give me (or my daughter/granddaughter/ sister) presents.” Nowadays, she realizes sadly, it is. Wellwishing friends are the proper hosts for a baby shower. 2. DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the polite way to respond when asked if you are attending an event to which you were not invited? For example: An old college friend of mine is getting married this year. A separate mutual friend asked whether I would be attending the bridal shower. I was not invited to the bridal shower. I am not surprised that I did not receive an invitation since we have not spoken in years. I did not want to respond, “No, I’m not attending because I was not invited” because I am afraid it sounds bitter, which I’m not at all! For future reference, what is the appropriate response? GENTLE READER: “No, I’m afraid we haven’t seen each other for a long time,” said pleasantly and with no animosity. If you are genuinely curious about the event and can inquire about it in a similarly unbiased fashion, then Miss Manners will allow you to pursue the subject, but otherwise change it. 3. DEAR MISS MANNERS: At most retail establishments, including banks, I am constantly being asked if I would like to open a new credit card. I always say, “No, thank you.” The follow-up question is always, “May I ask why?” I will flatly tell them, “No, you may not,” which usually leads to belligerent attitudes from the workers, demanding to know why. I find this terribly rude. Am I wrong, that when I tell someone “No, thank you” to an offer, that is the end of the conversation?
GENTLE READER: It should be, of course. But that is no excuse for you to be rude in return to someone whose employer has demanded that this script be followed. However, you can be firm. As the followup response, Miss Manners suggests, “Because I choose not to.” 4. DEAR MISS MANNERS: We’re going to the wedding of an old friend’s son, and sent the couple a lovely, generous gift from their registry. The thank-you note we received is generic, and my wife is insulted. Should this be a teaching moment for the bride, and if so, how should we handle this? Or do we just accept that some people don’t have a clue? GENTLE READER: It is with a heavily trodden-upon heart that Miss Manners informs you that getting a thank-you letter at all is scores above what most guests receive. Registries are generic to begin with — after all, you are generously ticking off items on a shopping list — so it is not surprising that their thank-you notes reflect that. One day, everyone will see the joy of a registry-less world, where presents are voluntary, thoughtful and unsolicited. Then, thank-you letters that express genuine gratitude for true thoughtfulness will follow. In the meantime, Miss Manners would not recommend that you chastise this couple for at least acknowledging the unpleasant arrangement. 5. DEAR MISS MANNERS: If I want to receive only money for my wedding and no gifts, how can I word it? GENTLE READER: “Stick ‘em up”? Despite their combined efforts, modernity, convenience and plain greed have not succeeded in convincing Miss Manners -- or most gift-givers -- that both the form and substance of a gift are not at the discretion of the giver. Before you explain, she hastens to add that she would be unmoved by the justification that you are underpaid, you mean to donate the money to charity, and you loathe your friends’ taste. ••• Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 7
Lewis & Clark
cont from page 7
hunters injured their hips by slipping in the snow while packing the meat back to the fort, while others suffered serious frostbite. Even though the snow was a foot deep, they succeeded in killing more than 30 buffalo, enough to last until February. Christmas cheer It must have been a lonely Christmas at Fort Mandan, so far from home and family. Each member of the party fired off three volleys of
gunshots on Christmas morning. Clark issued two glasses of brandy to each man and allowed the cannons to be fired when the flag was raised. A third glass was issued later that morning, followed by a Christmas dinner that was “the Best to eat that could be had,” according to John Ordway. Joseph Whitehorse wrote “The men then prepared one of the Rooms, and commenced dancing, we having with us Two Violins & plenty of Musicans in our party.” Clark said the celebration “Continued until 9 oClock P,M, when the frolick ended &c.”
A week later, Patrick Gass wrote, “Two shot were fired from this swivel [cannon], followed by a round of small arms, to welcome the New year. Captain Lewis then gave each a glass of good old whiskey, and a short time after another was given by Captain Clarke.” The men were allowed to go to one of the Mandan villages to dance. Clark wrote, “I ordered my black Servent to Dance which amused the Croud verry much, and Some what astonished them, that So large a man Should be active &c.
&.” One of the “frenchmen danced on his head.” A third round of whiskey was issued later that day. Brrrr! It’s cold out here! While the men wore several layers of clothing and stuffed fur into their clothing and buckskin moccasins, some still suffered from mild frostbite. Several men suffered more severe frostbite and were treated by Captain Lewis. Several Indians also received treatment. Typically, Lewis placed the frostbitten foot or hand into a bowl of cold water (this was the wrong thing to do, but was standard practice of the day).
Nobody from the Expedition lost so Come have much as a toe, but fun with us! some Indians were not so fortunate. We’re open to On January 10th the public. Clark wrote, “last night was excessively Cold – the murkery this morning Stood at SPEED SESSION (M-W-F) 4:30–5:15pm (14 games) 40 d. below 0 which REGULAR SESSION (M-W-F) 6:30–9:30pm (31 games) is 72 d. below the CHARITY BINGO (Mondays only) 12 Noon–3pm freesing point… Indians of the lower Rent our hall for family “People Helping People” Villages turned out celebrations & special occasions Kelso Eagles • 609 S. Pacific, Kelso to hunt for a man & 360-425-8330 Next to Kelso Train Station a boy who had not returned from the hunt yesterday, and borrowed a Slay to bring them in expecting to find them frosed to death… the 13 year old boy was found and brought “to the fort with his feet frozed, having Stayed out all night without fire, with no other Covering than a Small Robe, goat skin leagens & a pr. Buffalow Skin Large institutions are not the only option for senior care. And they’re seldom the best. mockersons.” Lewis attempted to save his toes, but on January 27th he “took off the Toes of one foot” and four days later he “Sawed off the boys toes” on his other foot. Other journal entries tell of men who “got their faces frost bit So •Full care overseen by Registered Nurses that the skin came off.” •Maximum 6 residents per Home
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It would be a long, tough winter. Next month we’ll learn about Sacajawea. •••
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Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 9
Biz Buzz What’s Happening Around the River
Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we will include news of innovations, improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones of interest to readers. Please email publisher@crreader.com to share the local buzz.
Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network will host its Annual Community Forum on March 6, 12-2pm at the LifeWorks building, 906 New York St., Longview, Wash. The community and present and former host sites are invited to join a roundtable discussion and offer feedback on education, veterans/military families, economic opportunities, community needs/ environment, healthy futures and disaster services. New host site applications for the next term starting in September will be available. For information about hosting an AmeriCorps member or how the Americorps service organization serves Cowlitz County contact mtreadway@ lifeworkswa.org or join the discussion on March 6. The Port of Longview Board of Commissioners recently appointed current Chief Operating Officer Norm Krehbiel as interim chief executive officer, Norm Krehbiel replacing former Port of Longview CEO Geir Kalhagen who was terminated by the Board in early January. Krehbiel joined the Port in 1993 as the director of facilities and engineering. In 2008, he was appointed to the position of deputy executive director and later the chief operating officer. He managed the construction and maintenance of nearly 850 acres of infrastructure and development. “Norm is a steadying influence with a strong track record,” said Commission President Bob Bagaason in a press release. “The Port is well positioned for growth and I am committed to leading this organization to its full potential,” said Krehbiel. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and serves on the Public Facilities District Board, Southwest Washington Regional Airport board and in various other leadership positions in the community.
Not long after Unique Vintage and Collectables opened in Downtown Longview last summer, owner and Kelso resident Laura Fadden and one of the store’s vendors, Connie Hagen, of Clatskanie, Oregon, started talking a b o u t the local need for a good, used furniture s t o r e , evidenced by the number of people Connie Hagen and Laura Fadden coming in hunting for furniture. Fadden urged Hagen to open her own shop in the space just vacated by Kimanh’s Antiques, nearby at 1310 Broadway.
Fadden’s fear that “we wouldn’t be able to fill up with vendors right off the bat” proved unfounded. Vendors quickly took all the slots, with extras placed on a waiting list. The store is now brimming with antiques, accessories, artwork, housewares and home decor. Customers can select from a wide variety of merchandise, Hagen said. “It’s an eclectic gathering of new and old…a nice mix of refurbished furniture, antiques and new items.” And it’s in synch with current furnishing and decorating trends, Fadden added. “They’re way mixing,” she said of customers’ approach. “The support from the public and the interest they’ve shown has been fantastic,” said Hagen. Longview’s “vintage district,” of some 20 thrift, collectible and antique shops sprinkled throughout downtown, many concentrated toward one end, is boosting the town’s appeal. “It’s going to be a destination town,” said Hagen, who added that customers coming from as far away as Portland, Astoria and
Seattle. have already visited Vintage Square on Broadway. Store hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 to 5, Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday, 10 to 4. Meanwhile, Laura and Gary Fadden will continue also operating Unique Vintage & Collectables, at 1420 Commerce. •••
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LAST CALL TO ENTER
Feb. 25 HaikuFest deadline nears By Gary Meyers
C
locks are ticking and the CRR HaikuFest train is preparing to leave the station. We want to make sure that all poets are aboard, each clutching copies of their haikus (originals already sent to the judges), and each headed toward possible fame, if not fortune. The HaikuFest will end at midnight on February 25th. Poets can submit up to five previously-unpublished haiku in the traditional or pop category (or a mix). Our rules require the traditional threeline format of 5-7-5 syllables. The preferred method for sending entries is by email addressed to haikucenter@aol.com. They can also be sent via snail mail to the chief judge, i.e., me, at Gary Meyers, 3045 Ala Napuaa Place #1406, Honolulu, HI 96818. All entries submitted become the property of the CRR. We look forward with great anticipation to receiving your haiku(s). Winners will be announced and selected entries published in Columbia River Reader’s March 15 issue, followed by the awarding of prizes and a suitable celebration/meet and greet among participants. Gary Meyers grew up in Longview and now lives in Honolulu. He is the founder of CRR’s annual haiku contest and a frequent story contributor.
Are you preparing for Pi Day? By Neil Skogland
Yp
ou’re familiar with the mathematical constant Pi, or , yes? It’s that special number that’s the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter, pretty close to 3.14. Lovers of pie might notice that 3-14 is how Americans would express March 14th, that Pi is pronounced the same as “pie,” and that most pies are circular, Left to right: Jennifer & Dave Houten. of Longview), Neil Skogland deciding that’s enough to plan and KC Babcock, both of Walden Island/Silver Lake, Eliot & Caty a party. Which is exactly what Head-Skogland, of Portland. Photo by Marilyn Skogland. physicist Larry Shaw first did at Pie, Shepherd’s pie and the San Francisco Exploratorium more! Our favorite was in 1988. The event has (slowly) the Tourtiere, a meat pie spread across the country ever that’s a holiday tradition since. in Montreal (shown at Mathematicians have been left; recipe page 12). developing methods to calculate This year the date is Pi for more than 3,000 years, almost as auspicious. and more than 100 years ago March 14th, 2016 (3absolutely proved that the value 14-16) represents the for Pi can’t be written down Tourtiere, a tradition in Montreal. Engineer’s Pi, because exactly. The first 10 digits are using 3.1416 in your 3.141592654, but the more calculations is precise enough for almost any carefully the numbers are crunched, the farther earthly purpose like determining the volume the decimal places extend — forever. Want a of a tank, estimating the weight of a wheel, more-precise approximation? Try memorizing or rating the strength of an axle. Those first 3.14159265358979323846338328 and you five digits, 3.1416, is all a practical person would have a chance to be on the podium at a needs to remember, since it varies from the 5th grade Pi Recital contest! But you’d have to true value of Pi by only 0.0002%, or 2 parts memorize over 67,890 digits of Pi to challenge per million. the world record. Crazy! Last year Pi Day gained broader notice than ever before, because those first 10 digits could be read as the date and time: 3-14-15 at 9:26:54! At Silver Lake we gathered family, friends and neighbors to note the special day, serving more than 12 kinds of pie for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Mixed berry pie and egg pie, otherwise known as quiche. Pizza pie, Eskimo
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We hope this encourages you to make big plans for your own Pi Party on Monday the 14th of March. We hope the bakeries don’t run out of P-I-E! •••
Silver Lake resident Neil Skogland is a mechanical engineer with the professional title Crane Master. He enjoys Original, making math handcrafted jewelry and science by Northwest artists c o m e a l i v e in the "real world" with adventures like Pi Day and Punkin' Chunkin' (but that's Riverside Fashion Show & Tea another March 12th • 2:00 pm YOU’RE INVITED! story). Location for this event:
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Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 11
Wellness
RECIPE: TORTIERE
This traditional meat pie is a holiday tradition in Montreal. See story and photo, page 11.
Bake the potato until done, 30–45 minutes in a preheated 400ºF oven. Peel and roughly chop the potato. Place the ground pork, onion, spices and water in a 1 1/2 pounds ground pork large frying pan and simmer until thick, for about one 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves hour. (Traditional alternative: Slow-cook 2 lbs county 1 large baking potato pork ribs (shoulder strips) then de-fat and mince.) 1 dash ground allspice Meanwhile, prepare your pastry. 1 large onion, minced Mix the meat filling and chopped potato in a large bowl. 1/2 cup water Line a deep-dish pie plate with pastry. Spoon in filling, 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 9 inch double deep dish pie crust spreading evenly. Cover with top crust. 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with paprika, if 1 egg desired. Cut steam vent. Bake for 50 minutes at 350 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon degrees F (175 degrees C). If edges brown too fast, 1/4 teaspoon paprika cover with a strip of foil. Serve warm.
Listen to your heart
Five ways it could be telling you there’s a problem
I
s your heart trying to tell you something, and you don’t know it? Here are five potentially heartrelated signs and symptoms that might surprise you: 1. Your heart skips a beat. The sensation that your heart flutters, skips a beat or beats too fast at times is called having palpitations. It’s common and usually harmless. On the other hand, palpitations can sometimes be a sign of arrhythmia—an irregular heartbeat that’s triggered by a problem with the heart’s electrical system. 2. You’re tired and swollen. Swollen feet or ankles or extreme tiredness can all be signs of heart failure. Heart failure doesn’t mean your heart is on the verge of stopping. However, it does mean that your heart isn’t pumping blood to your body as well as it should.
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EDC Vice President Scot Walstra speaks at a recent “Port Report” community briefing.
By Elizabeth Cruz, MD
3. Exercise makes you ache. Chest pain triggered by physical exertion can signal angina, which isn’t a disease itself but a common symptom of
coronary heart disease (CHD). Having angina increases the risk of having a heart attack. 4. You huff and puff. Feeling short of breath can be a heart attack warning— especially if it comes on suddenly and persists. 5. Walking is a pain. If you feel pain or cramps in your legs or hips when you walk, or if they feel tired, then you may have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD can significantly increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Some of these symptoms, such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath, could mean you’re having a heart attack. Play it safe, and call 911 right away. •••
Dr. Cruz is a board certified Internal Medicine provider with PeaceHealth Medical Group in Longview, Wash..
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ON OUR MOUNTAIN
ST. HELENS CRR’s Naturalist MT. RANGER REFLECTIONS Bids Farewell Habitats Lost, Gained and Changed By Amy Renfranz
By Todd Cullings
Mt. St. Helens in late Jan. from SR-504.
I
just accepted a permanent position with Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina. I find myself on the first few pages of the newest chapter in my book of life. The rest are blank and a little scary, the previous chapter is glorious. It’s the one that I wrote while I lived here.
Let a sunset move you to tears and a blueberry bring a smile. And when something is really good, say so. Third, get your kids and grandkids outside. They need it. The time spent outside with their families will be the best memories that they will carry into adulthood. It will make them better people.
I have a few favors to ask of you while I am gone. First of all, please make sure to spend time with the Mount St. Helens Institute – on the mountain or in town. They are the most dedicated group of nature lovers that I have ever met, and want to share that enthusiasm with you, your family, or your classroom.
Lastly, come for a visit sometime. I would be glad to show you around my new home in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Amy Renfranz worked at Blue Ridge Parkway and Yellowstone Nat’l Park prior to a stint at Cowlitz EDC in Longview working to enhance the community’s quality of place through tourism and recreation around Mount St. Helens. She launched the monthly column “On Our Mountain” for CRR in Aug 2015. We are grateful for her contributions and wish her well. We will miss her.
Columbia River
101
Chinook
101
Seaside
Pacific Ocean
WestportPuget Island FERRYk
Astoria
• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitors Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058
504
Cathlamet 4
Warrenton •
FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information
Winlock Mount St. Helens
Skamokawa
• Grays River
VISITORS CENTERS
Washington
Castle Rock
• Naselle
Long Beach Ilwaco
cont page 16 Photo by Austin Boggs
To: Centralia, Olympia Mt. Rainier Yakima (north, then east) Tacoma/Seattle
Raymond/ South Bend
Birkenfeld
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Kelso
Clatskanie Rainier
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Portland
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A hummock pond in1989 resulted from water pooling into nooks and crannies of the landslide debris. Below: That same area in summer 2015 displays the resurgence of life brought on by water. Courtesy photos.
H e r e , w a t e r- b a s e d habitats powered the rapid resurgence of life. Within 15 years, the landslide hosted the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the National Volcanic Monument. As Alder and Willow trees established around ponds, forests slowly developed and spread outward from these aquatic epicenters. Now, biologic diversity is decreasing as sun-loving plants slowly surrender to shade cast by the dense alder forests that cover much of the valley bottom.
Fourth, let your dogs outside. They really need it.
Secondly, get outside. Figure out what you love about living in the area. Who cares if you are the only person you
Ocean Park •
lmost nothing survived on May 18, 1980, when a massive landslide fell from Mount St. Helens and filled the North Fork of the Toutle River Valley with hundreds of feet of rock. This landslide destroyed lush riparian habitats and conversely created new ones. As runoff from rain and snowmelt pooled within the landslide’s uneven terrain, 150 new lakes, p o n d s an d w etl and s formed.
Do not worry about not having the right clothes, or the most expensive gear, or latest application on your iPad. The best naturalists had none of those things.
For now, I am trying to get to know the history, geology, plants and animals of my new park. Perhaps one day I will love it as much as I loved the place where you are right now reading this.
Oysterville •
A
know that is passionate about neon slime molds? If people give you a hard time it is because they wish they cared about something as much as you do.
Goldendale Maryhill Museum
Stevenson Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods
The Dalles
To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID
Map suggests only approximate positions and relative distances. We are not cartographers.
Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 15
OUT • AND • ABOUT
Ranger Reflections cont from page 15
As ferns, evergreens and other shade tolerant plants establish so does the next chapter in this ever-changing landscape. You can enjoy this habitat even in winter by snowshoeing the Hummocks Trail at Milepost 45 on Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. This 2.5 mile, moderate/easy loop offers incredible views of Mount St. Helens and can be enjoyed by the whole family. For more information, please visit: http://www. fs.usda.gov/recarea/mountsthelens/ recarea/?recid=47029 . ••• Todd Cullings is Assistant Director of the Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mt St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. He has been educating park visitors about Mt. St. Helens’ geologic, biologic and cultural stories since 1986.
A Winter Walk in Portland Enjoy a woodsy stroll near Pittock Mansion Story & photo by Amy Renfranz
I
f you have ever felt exhausted by the hustle and bustle of Portland, then you might want to add a possible pit stop to your next visit. Columbia River Reader has published several articles on the lovely and historic Pittock Mansion and its view – which extends far beyond the city limits. Certainly add it to your “list of places to see,” but don’t forget to explore the surrounding area. Pittock Mansion sits right in the middle of one of the largest urban forests in the country. Aptly-named Forest Park covers more than 5,000 acres, stretching for nearly eight miles along the northeast slope of the Tualatin Mountains. Though you can still hear the trains, cars, and people of the city, those sounds are pillowed by that of running water, trees blowing in the wind, and birds singing.
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After sitting in Portland traffic, it is the perfect place for meditation, but also for a hike or run. Over 70 miles of interconnecting trails and lanes offer opportunities for circle hikes of varying lengths, including the 30-mile-long Wildwood Trail, a National Recreational Trail. Try It Yourself Wi l d w o o d Tr a i l ( E a s y t o Moderate) • Free Distance: 1.6 miles roundtrip Park: Pittock Mansion (restrooms nearby) Description: Find the trail on the far side of the parking lot (opposite the mansion). It crosses the parking the lot here – join it on the “Portland” side of the lot. Descend down the Wildwood Trail .6 miles; turn right on Macleay Trail and right again onto the Upper Macleay Trail. Turn left on the Wildwood Trail to return. Note: The trails are, of course, muddy in the winter/spring. Dogs must be on a leash, but are allowed. More information: www.forestparkconservancy.org/forest-park/maps/
OUT • AND • ABOUT
The Jade Necklace Islands dotting the Lower Columbia Story and photos by Ron Baldwin continue to change
S
hrouded in the foggy mists of time, the islands of the Lower Columbia River were used extensively by the aboriginals seeking food and shelter for a thousand or more years. When the Europeans/Americans arrived they recognized these low, marshy islands as good places to hunt, fish and trade with the natives. They also provided areas for dry, defendable campgrounds. The islands were teeming with deer, elk, and black bear. The ponds and sloughs that flowed around them bore salmon, sturgeon, smelt and steelhead trout. The marshes provided roots, berries, greens, seeds and nuts. The native peoples lived in a land of plenty. The names the explorers gave these islands were both descriptive and fanciful; Willow
than100,000 acres of the lower Columbia Estuary has been converted to farm, industrial, and urban uses. As the Army Corps of Engineers began to regulate the river, the farmers and dairymen were able to cultivate crops and raise livestock without the constant fear of being wiped out by the occasional killer flood.
Grove, Cottonwood, Coffee Pot, Jim Crow. Some names were given in honor of the parties and their benefactors; Puget, Wallace, Crim’s, Sauvie’s. Some are no more than shifting sand bars but the larger, higher islands defined the currents that flowed around them.
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Transformation Gradually, as white settlers began to flood the area, the larger, higher islands were transformed into agricultural land through a system of dikes, sloughs, and tidegates. The maze of tangled Willow, Crabapple, Elder, and Alder were tamed and the sloughs were channelized to provide safer watercraft passage and to collect the water from a network of drainage ditches. According to the Columbia Estuary Task Force, since the 1870s, more
The demands of industrialization on the river caused the Federal government to radically alter the course and velocity of the river. A decades-long effort was conducted to make the islands productive and the river more predictable. With the arrival of the great dams, the system was manipulated to avoid the extremes of water discharge... except when it wasn’t.
Photos, from top: Tandem tow from Crim’s Island with Willow Grove in the distance; Wallace Island from Jones Beach; Upper Wallace fish station from Annundi Island.
While changes brought by the engineers made the inhabited islands safer from the ravages of the yearly freshets, tides, and storms, the lands were never completely safe. Even in modern times, with all the controls on full, a quarter century event can mean water in the living room. Reclaiming much acreage from the river has cont page 18 Chinook, Wash., resident Ron Baldwin loves the outdoors, old Volkswagens, fast cooking and music. Hear his jazz program 6–8pm on the 2nd and 4th Wed. from Astoria, Ore., on KTCB (89.5), KMUN (91.9), KCPB (90.9) or live stream online at coastradio.org. He may be reached at redravenaudio@hotmail.com Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 17
OUT • AND • ABOUT
Islands of the Lower Columbia cont from page 17
created large amounts of agricultural land on either side of the river but it has also removed some of the natural waterabsorbing qualities that help prevent catastrophic floods. The water runs off into the river more quickly than before. Catastrophic floods have occurred in 1876, 1890, 1894, 1948, 1956, 1964, and 1996. The particularly destructive flood of 1948 wiped out Vanport, which was built for the war effort and was Oregon’s second largest city. All the islands and associated dikelands were inundated. On Sunday, May 18, 1980 When Mt. St. Helens erupted, pyroclastic flows of mud, sand and volcanic ash, along with a massive amount of logs, stumps and root wads, emptied into the Columbia’s shipping channels at the mouth of the Cowlitz River, blocking ship traffic. Any delay in shipping threatens the economy. With the Columbia the lifeblood of our region and our economy, this event was an economic disaster profoundly impacting the everyday life of our region.
Photos, clockwise from top: Marsh on one of the hunting islands; St. Helens Marina with St. Helens Marine Park on Sand Island in the distance; Julia Butler Hansen Bridge leading to Puget Island; Luger Island from Bradley State Park.
The Corps of Engineers faced a mission mind-boggling in scope and complexity: Return the river to its free-flowing state while avoiding as much disruption as possible. It mounted a Herculean dredging effort using multiple dredges and hundreds of materials-handling machines, but the material had to go somewhere. The islands and beaches on both sides of the river became the depositories for dredge spoils. The islands downstream were changed f o r e v e r. S o m e grew in size, the dredges depositing millions of cubic yards of sand and ash. The effects of the dredging are evident everywhere on the lower river. Continual evolution Today, the Jade Necklace of the Columbia (from the air the islands resemble a string of green baubles) continues to evolve. Recently, some of the islands have been designated a wildlife refuge. Dikes and floodgates have been removed, recreating the marshes and wetlands that foster wild salmon, sturgeon, mink, muskrat, beaver, and voles. White-tailed Deer, elk, birds of prey and an enormous variety of waterfowl also benefit. Island beaches still provide water-based recreation opportunities. Ocean-going ships still appear to be higher than the verdant fields. Agriculture is still practiced widely on the larger islands, albeit the pressures of urbanization are everpresent. One thing still remains the same throughout the islands’ history ... change. •••
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18 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
A GREAT TIME FOR A GREAT
CAUSE
Prizes • Auctions • Dinner
Attend a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation dinner and benefit auction where fun and fundraising combine for a memorable evening.
Saturday, March 12th Cowlitz County EXPO Center - Longview
Ticket info: Doors open at 4:30pm Randy 360-636-6148 Samantha 360-355-6797 Proceeds ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.
Where do you read
THE READER? Tr io travel: a peak experience Ann Wright, Chris Roalsvig (both of Longview) and Gavin Mills, Castle Rock, at Cappadocia, a large ancient volcanic area in central Turkey, Sept. 2015.
PUBLISHER’S CITATION Gold stars for reading THREE different issues!
WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER?
A bit like Haystack Rock? Carol and Jim Renaud at Penon de
Send your photo reading the Reader (highresolution JPEG) to Publisher@CRReader.com. If sending a cell phone photo, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB. Include name and city of residence. Thank you for your participation and patience. Keep those photos coming!
Guatape in Colombia, South America,while visiting their son Nathan Renaud, who is the Boeing 787 field service representative in Bogota.
Beating the Pacific Northwest’s winter chill
Longview residents Dave and Cheryl Spencer in Mazatlan, Mexico.
From Iowa to Greece
Globetrotting teachers Joyce Hoggatt, near Church of St. Mary’s, Krakow, Poland, June 2015 and (at right), Terry Hoggatt at his favorite Polish restaurant in Warsaw. The Kalama residents spent 36 and 40 years, respectivley, teaching abroad, including in Australia, Taipan, Taiwan, Romania and Prague. She taught elementary school, he taught high school math. Their students were children of American business people working in foreign countries, including diplomatic officials and staff.
Longview resident Ruth Melvin, left, and her friend Denise Davidson, of Seattle, on an Oceania Greek Isles cruise in October 2015. They traveled to Ephesus (Turkey) and five Greek islands with the University of Iowa alumni group. Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 19
COOKING WITH THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER
Smell something
wonderful? While you were out, your
While a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions cook in the crock-pot, the oven is free to bake popovers, a steam-leavened quick bread baked at a high temperature. Crisp on the outside, eggy on the inside, popovers are delicious with butter and homemade raspberry jam. Any combination of berries can be used in crock-pot cobbler. This strawberryblueberry combo was topped with whipped cream for serving.
crock-pot cooked dinner
I
By Suzanne Martinson
t may not be as common as a paring knife, but the crock-pot could be the poster child for ubiquitous.
I’m betting you’ve got one somewhere, or know someone who does. Kitchen gadgets and equipment come and go, but the crock-pot’s niche is incontestable. Ubiquitous, it is. According to Consumer Reports, 83 percent of families owned one in 2011. And not all of them are as ancient as mine, judging from the number of wedding couples who put a crock-pot on their wish list. Crock-pot inventor Irving Naxon saw a need and supplied it — a heating element that surrounded the pot in the same way an oven would. The original Naxon Beanery possessed a name close to my heart, given our Michigan farm’s acres of navy beans. His daughter, Lenore Naxon, remembered using one at home during the 1950s and 1960s. The inventor retired in 1971 and sold his business to Rival Manufacturing, which streamlined the design and renamed it the Crock-Pot. This is the part of the story where I pour out a couple of my favorite puns in honor of the company Rival — that popularized it in the 1970s: The CrockPot is a worthy Rival to the oven. The Crock-Pot has no Rival.
Smell that supper Crock-pots close the gap between people who don’t like to cook, but must, and people who love to cook, but have too many jobs, too little time. For some, like me, the crockpot may be shoved into the lower shelf of a kitchen cabinet, seemingly forgotten, to await the family potluck or church dinner.
Photo by Columbia River Reader
Because the crock-pot cooks with moist heat, it works well for less tender, less expensive, cuts of meat. It’s not for everything. Potatoes and carrots, yes. Asparagus, no, not if you’re looking for crisp-tender.
Photos by Suzanne Martinson.
Over the years, the Rival Crock-Pot brand has seen its capital letters and sometimes even its hyphen vamoose.
A busy 30-something like my daughter, Jessica, a wife, mother of daughters, 6 1/2 and 2, Scout leader and volunteer school popcorn-maker, calls her crock-pot into service nearly every day. She even cooks whole chickens in it, though the bird won’t come out looking like a roasted chicken. “We don’t eat the chicken’s pale skin,” she said. “It’s nasty.”
Today, the Rival brand has many competitors, and prices roam all over the range, from the $250 All-Clad with electronic controls to obscure, stripped-down brands for less than $20.
The crock-pot has lasted, the iconic argument for Keep It Simple, Stupid. You pop the ingredients in before leaving for work or dropping off the kids at school, and you arrive home smelling something good for supper. Some argue that most any crock-pot meal is indistinguishable from another, but a persnickety palate knows they don’t all taste the same. That’s where herbs and spices come in.
It’s seldom easy for a company to hold on to its brand name, especially something as commonplace as the Rival Crock-Pot. The Frigidaire cont on page 21
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Loving Leap Year with crock-pot fare By Suzanne Martinson
J
ust for fun, drag out that crock-pot and celebrate 2016’s bonus day — Feb. 29 — with something special. Oh, and so easy. TIPS FOR COOKING IN A CROCK-POT
•A crock pot recipe often requires added liquid because it requires steam to cook the foods. •It’s best not to lift the lid while the food cooks, because it lowers the temperature. That’s why many crock-pots have seethrough covers for perennial “peekers.” •Thaw frozen meat before placing in crock-pot. •When cooking meat, many recipes suggest starting the cooking on High for an hour, so that the crock-pot heats up quickly, then turning to Low to finish the cooking. This shortens the time that the meat will be in the “danger zone,” which is from 40 degrees to 140 degrees. Dinner in a Crock Pot This pot roast has a delicious, earthy mixture of flavors from the vegetables and the meat. The enriched beef stock can be made into a hearty gravy after the entree is cooked. 3 or 4 potatoes, peeled and cut up 3 carrots, peeled and sliced ½ large white onion, peeled and sliced 3-pound beef rump roast, boneless Kosher salt and pepper, to taste A few shakes of freeze-dried parsley, optional About 2 ½ cups beef stock Coat inside of crock pot with vegetable spray, which makes cleaning easier. Layer vegetables in bottom of pot. Place roast atop vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Shake on parsley. (Fresh would work, too.) Pour beef stock over everything. Cover.
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Set crock pot on High and cook for 1 hour, or until steam forms on lid. Reduce heat to low and cook 6 to 8 hours. These crispy popovers with the soft innards are a good foil for the pot roast. They are also a good match, because the oven is free for use while the entree is cooking in the crock-pot. Popovers 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 2 eggs Heat oven to 425 degrees. Measure flour by dip-level-pour method. Beat ingredients together with rotary beater just until smooth. Overbeating will reduce volume. Pour into well-greased deep muffin cups (¾ full). Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown. If not baked long enough, they will collapse. With a sharp paring knife, cut a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape. Serve at once. Makes 5 to 9 popovers. (My heavy-duty dark pans manufactured just for popovers make 6; because of their dark surface, the popovers bake in less than 40 minutes.) Crock-Potted Berry Cobbler 1 pkg (15-oz or so) frozen strawberries, raspberries or blueberries (or a combination) 1 two-layer yellow or white cake mix 1 stick (½ cup) butter Whipped cream Coat inside of crock-pot with vegetable spray. Pour frozen berries and/or fruit such as peaches into pot. Sprinkle with dry cake mix. Drizzle with melted butter. Do not stir. Cover. Cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours. Leave the top off for the last 30 minutes to make the topping more crisp. Note: I used a 15-oz. pkg of frozen strawberries, cut into halves, and about 4 oz. frozen blueberries. I used lemon cake mix, which I had on hand, although white or yellow would probably allow the berry flavors to come out more.
Crock-pot Cooking cont from page20
company, for example, would have loved to inform my dear mother-in-law Eleanore, that not every refrigerator was a “Fridge.” Brand name, or generic? Like most classically schooled home economists, I was taught to avoid brand names, so as not to be seen as giving free advertising to one product over another. In my home ec classroom, a sewing machine might hum, but it was not a Singer. So I cringed when I watched Martha Stewart toss around the Silpat brand name as she lined her cookie sheets on her TV show. (To be sure, silicone nonstick baking material is a mouthful.) Yet when I see brands popping up like weeds for product placement payoffs in movies, I feel like screaming, “Whores!” Yet I remain the purist when it comes selling my soul to the company store. For years, I held the no-brand-name line, using the generic term “slow cooker” instead of, well, you know .... nobody knew what I was talking about. Although my husband once received a strident warning letter from a law firm after he failed to capitalize Frisbee in our weekly newspaper, who will sue something as ubiquitous as the crock-pot?
She: What’s it used for? Me: You can put it on pumpkin pie or strawberry shortcake. She: Oh, you mean CoolWhip. I chose not to go into how cream comes from cows and can get sour if you don’t use it quickly enough, while CoolWhip comes from a chemical lab and might last into the next millennium. OK, crock-pot, so you’re ubiquitous. Consider it a compliment. ••• Suzanne Martinson, who has worked at eight newspapers — including the Columbia River Reader — in seven different states, avoids using brand names. She grew up on a farm in Michigan, where she knew a John Deere when she saw one and named names when it came to Detroit automobiles, Quarter Horses, or cows, either milk (Guernsey) or beef (Hereford).
Caller: Oh.
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Uphill battle ahead The good fight can’t always be won. While I was going generic, not all my readers understood. Try listing “buttermilk biscuit baking mix” in a recipe. Even a patient editor can only answer so many frantic calls on deadline day before she capitulates and answers.
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COLUMBIA CITY COMMUNITY HALL
Fundraising efforts now underway to fix up historic building
A
fter 90 years, the Columbia City Community Hall is due for a facelift and community leaders have launched a $155,500 capital campaign to make it happen. Spring into action for improving your health at United Way’s 5k Run, Walk & Hunt the day before Easter! This event fuses a traditional Easter egg hunt with the thrill of a fun run and walk. Fun for all ages! Prizes awarded for fastest male and female; egg collections; rare egg finds and best group and individual costumes. The Easter bunny will be there too! Proceeds benefit the partner agencies of United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkiakum Counties. Where: Lions Shelter, Lake Sacajawea (17th and Nichols Blvd.) When: Saturday, March 26 @ 9:00 AM
Register at www.regtorace.com $15 individual (no shirt -basket included) $25 individual (shirt, basket, bunny ears and tail included) $70 Family of 4 Rate (includes 4 shirts, baskets, bunny ears and tails) Company Discounts Offered: Contact us at 360-423-5320 to get more information
The Columbia City Community Building, which has served since 1926 as a gathering place, will get a facelift once the capital campaign is complete.
Widespread benefits Access to an affordable facility with a wide range of uses benefits Columbia County residents and businesses, as well as visitors from other areas. Besides $10,500 secured funding and $15,000 in-kind support from the City, capital campaign organizers plan to raise the balance through private grants, intergovernmental partnerships, individual and business sponsorships, bake sales, a Michael Allen Harrison performance (see details, page 24), and a 90th Birthday Party for the Community Hall this spring. The Community Club, organized to promote friendship and community betterment, built the Community Hall in 1926 (the same year Columbia City was incorporated) and regularly held benefit dances there. The Hall was also used for meetings, receptions, elections, school athletics and programs. cont page 23
The Broadway Gallery “My paintings are about experiences; time
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cont from page 22
In 1940, the Club turned the facility over to the City, which has continued to maintain it for the benefit of the community, using undedicated general funds supplemented by rental income from the building. For Rent The Community Hall is a popular multi-purpose venue for a wide variety of uses. It is available to rent by the hour or day and was used nearly 1,300 times in the past four years. The building also serves as an American Red Cross shelter and was activated as such three times in the past 10 years. Rental rates are currently $17.50 per hour or $175 per 14-hour day. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations using the Hall to conduct fund-raising activities get a 50% discount in the rental rate. The project With the Hall’s maximum capacity of 334 persons, its single unisex restroom facility is sorely inadequate,
and the kitchen is in dire need of refurbishment. Plans call for remodeling the kitchen, eliminating the single restroom, creating separate men and women’s restrooms, adding a unisex shower facility, providing easily accessible storage for tables and chairs, and installing retractable basketball hoops. The project is expected to increase the use and interest in this already-popular facility by improving its usability and quality of the overall rental experience. The project is considered essential to the preservation and sustainability of the Community Hall building. Ways to help For information about how you can help, contact City Administrator/ Recorder Leahnette Rivers, at 503397-4010 Ext. 11, lrivers@columbiacity.org or at Columbia City City Hall,1840 Second Street Columbia City. Mailing address: PO Box 189, Columbia City, OR 97018. For more info, visit www.columbia-city.org. •••
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Michael A Outings & Events
Saturday, Marc
Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previously-published articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations. Items sent to CRR may be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. We do not publish letters endorsing candidates or promoting only one side of controversial issues. Name and phone number of writer must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered. Political Endorsements As a monthly publication serving readers in three counties, two states and beyond, we cannot print endorsements or criticism of political candidates as Letters to the Editor. Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose—to help readers “discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road.” Advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.
FIRST THURSDAY • Mar 3 Downtown Longview Broadway Gallery Reception, 5:30-7:30pm. Appetizers, wine. Music by John Crocker. 1418 Commerce Ave. www.the-broadway-gallery.com Teague’s Gallery 1267 Commerce Ave. 360-636-0712 Open until 7:30pm. Across the Cowlitz River: Cowlitz County Museum 405 Allen Street, Kelso, Wash. 360-577-3119 7pm Program on historic local postcards by Michael Perry, from his private collection.
Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. See submission details, this page. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.
HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENT IN CRR Send your non-commercial community event’s basic info (name of event, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) to publisher@ crreader.com Or mail or hand-deliver (in person or via mail slot) to: Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Ave Longview, WA 98632 Submission Deadlines Events occurring Mar 15–April 20: by Feb. 25 for Mar 15 issue. Events occurring April 15–May 20: by Mar. 25 for April 15 issue. Submissions are considered for inclusion, subject to lead time, general relevance to readers, and space limitations.
In a
Broadway Gallery Artists co-op. Featured artists, Feb: Beth Bailey (paintings), Terry Strehiou (paintings & pottery), Betty Jurey (egg art). March: Beth Bailey (pen & ink drawings), Betty Jurey (egg art), Terry Strehlou (paintings and whimsical ceramic art).. Year-round art classes for all ages. Call for info. Gallery hours: Mon-Sat 105:30. 1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360-577-0544. Teague’s Interiors & Gallery Artwork by local artists in the gallery. 10–5:30 M–F, 10–3 Sat. Iconography Sats 10:30– 12:30. Chalk Paint 201 or Cabinet Kudos, Feb. 27, 1–3:30pm. Call to reserve or for more info: 360-636-0712. 1267 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash.
com
is a
the
Michael Allen Harrison
EventMichael Location: Allen Harrison concert pianist/
Tsuga Gallery Fine arts and crafts by area artists. Thurs-Sat 11–5. 70 Main Street, Cathlamet, Wash. 360-795-0725.
arranger/composer Sat., St, MarColumbia 5, 5pm. Columbia City Grade School Gymnasium, 2000 Second C The Art Gallery at LCC Winter Art Exhibit: RoxanneCarter and Carrie Larson. Rose Center for the Arts, 1600 Maple St., Longview, Wash. Hours: Mon, Tues 10–6, Wed-Thurs 10–4. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/gallery. McThreads Wearable Art/Lord and McCord ArtWorks One-of-a-kind wearable art. Open Tues-Sat 11-4pm. 1206 Broadway, Longview, Wash. 360-261-2373 or mcthreadswearableart.com. Riverside Fashion Show & Tea March 12, 2pm, 245 Columbia Point Rd., Willow Grove, Longview, Wash. Presented by McThread’s Wearable Art. Info: 360-261-2373. Koth Gallery Longview Public Library Linda Ropka through Feb; Shirley Bailey (acrylic works and icons) March 1-19. Longview Public Library 1600 Louisiana Street, Longview, Wash. MonWed 10am-8pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. 360-441-5300. Valinor Quartet Sun, Feb 21, 3pm Rose Center for the Arts, 1600 Maple St., Longview, Wash. Longview-Kelso Community Concert Assn. Single tickets $25; $10 students. For more info or to purchase tickets, call 360-6362211 or visit www.klcca.org.
Benefit for Columbia City ‘s “Our Community Hall - A Legacy to Treasure” capital campaign (see story, page 22). Tickets $20 (ages 21+ only). Food and drinks available for sale during event. School gymnasium, 2000 Second St., Columbia City, Ore. Tickets: Columbia City City Hall, 1840 Second St., Columbia City7. www.columbia-city.org or 503-397-4010.
- Ca
Purchase tickets 1840 Second Street, PO colcity@columbia-city.org Call for artists Area artists are invited to participate in the Columbian Artists 40th Annual juried Spring Art Show Mar 19–Apr 3 at Thee Rivers Mall, (space D-1168, near Macy’s), 3513 Three Rivers Drive, Kelso, Wash. 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 cash awards given in each category. Additional awards include a memorial award, sponsor awards, and people’s choice award. Entries will be received on Mon, Mar 14, 10am–5pm, at the Thee Rivers Mall. A prospectus with details regarding rules, categories, sizes, etc., and an entry form are available at www.columbianartists.org and at Broadway Gallery, Longview and Tsuga Gallery in Cathlamet, or by calling Carol, 360-425-0142.
What’s so bleak about midwinter? It’s the perfect time for napping! ~ Smokey
Maybe drones will make these short hops easier.
24 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
Man in the Kitchen’s cat.
Outings & Events
Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening History, Pets, Self-Help Cowlitz County Museum Ongoing exhibit: “Badges, Bandits & Booze.” Many photos on display from the early days to current times. Open Tues-Sat 10 am–4 pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash. www.co.cowlitz. wa.us/museum. Info: 360-577-3119. Winter Birding on the Lower Columbia by Mike Patterson, consulting ecologist, Feb. 21. “Explaining Dismal Nitch: Conforming Lewis & Clark’s Unknown Campsites on the Lower Columbia River,” by Rex Ziak, historian/author, Mar. 20. Both programs 1pm. “In Their Footsteps” free lecture series at Netul Room, Fort Clatsop, near Astoria, Ore. Sponsored by Lewis & Clark Nat’l Park Assn and the park. More info: 503-861-2471 or visit online: nps.gov/lewi/index.htm. Kalama Garden Club meets first Wednesday of month. 11am. Meeting locations change monthly, for current meeting info contact Sherwood Pattisherwood@scattercreek. com or 360-673-2809. Visitors are welcome. Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum Logging, fishing and cultural displays. Open 1-4pm, Th-Sun. 65 River St, Cathlamet, Wash. For info 360-795-3954.
Appelo Archives Center Historic exhibits, Naselle-Grays River area. 1056 State Route 4, Naselle. T-Fri 10–4, Sat 10–2, or by appt. 360-484-7103. appeloarchives.org. R Square D Dance Club Wednesdays 6:30–7:30pm Plus; 7:30–9pm Basic/ MS. Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave, Kelso, Wash. Info: 360-414-5855 or www.r-square-d.info. Longview Bridge Club Weekly duplicate bridge games Mon, 10:30am and Thurs 6:30pm, Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave., Kelso. New players welcome. For info or help finding a partner: Rich Carle, 360425-0981 or rhcarle@msn.com. Call for Vendors of gently used, repurposed, vintage, antique, or newly crafted items. 3rd Annual In-Door Super Sale at Johnson Park Center (old Rosbuurg School). Sat, Mar 26,10–4. Fund-raiser for Grays River Valley Center. Table spaces, approx 5’ x 10’ $15 for the first table space, a$12 addl. Lawn/tent space $25. Info or reservation: Call 360-465-2273. Set up Friday afternoon, Mar. 25th.Food and beverages available; bake sale by Friendship Circle, Grays River United Methodist Church.
VOLUNTEERS, GARDEN ITEMS NEEDED
Help HOPE grow its garden HOPE of Rainier is looking for help, with its garden and food pantry operation. A volunteer group that worked on the agency’s raised bed gardens last year will present “Seed to Supper,” a 6-week beginning gardening course that gives novice adult gardeners the tools to successfully grow a portion of their own food on a limited budget. The program,which will run from late March to early May is part of a joint effort of Oregon Food Bank (OFB) and the Oregon State University Extension Service, in collaboration with host agencies. Trained volunteers will teach the class at the Rainier Methodist Church and use HOPE’s raised bed garden for demonstrating.
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11 Beers on Tap • Cocktails & Wine OREGON LOTTERY • Shuffleboard • Pool
Alston pub grub
Winter 2016 Arts Events at LCC Center Stage Theatre Ruby Sunrise by Rinne Groff February 26, 27; March 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m. February 28 at 2 p.m.; March 4 at 11 a.m.
25196 Alston Road • Rainier, OR Open daily at 11AM • 503-556-9753
LUIGI’S PIZZA
Concerts March 1: Voice Recital: An Evening of Art Song March 4: Symphonic Band Concert: Firebird March 8: Jazz Band Concert March 11: Choir Concert: A Little Night Music
Art Gallery
Roxanne Everett, Carrie Larson February 17 - March 10 Reception: February 16, 4-6 p.m.
lowercolumbia.edu/aande • 360.442.2311 or toll-free 866.900.2311
THE BEST BREAKFAST and BURGERS ON THE RIVER!
MICRO BREWS • WINES • SPIRITS • LOTTERY ROOM
Meet your friends and relax at this classic neighborhood watering hole!
protect.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Volunteers are also needed to work in the food pantry organizing food, stocking shelves, and assisting clients with paperwork and food selection, specifically on Mondays and/or Tuesdays from 1:30-4pm.
You’ll love our home style cooking so much ... you’ll come back for
Call before you go …
ROSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Help is needed to amend the soil and solve a problem with cats and deer, perhaps including devising some sort of deer fencing. Weed mats, black plastic and bark chips are needed, as well. A good working lawnmower is also needed and volunteers are invited to sign up to help with scheduled watering, weeding and harvesting.
Good times ROLL at the
Historic
Goble Tavern
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Music & Magic • Fridays & Saturdays Cold Beer • Micro-Brews • Good Food Video Poker • Keno Scratch-Its • Pool • Darts
503-556-4090
Play VIDEO POKER
Milepost 41 on Hwy 30
70255 Columbia River Hwy • Rainier, OR
Evergreen Pub & Cafe OPEN DAILY 8AM Family Dining Homemade Soups • Salads Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials
Luigi’sPizza Pizza • Calzone
Best Burgers in the Area
Serving Halibut and Cod Fish & Chips Full Bar
Sandwiches Spaghetti • Lasagna Burgers • Salads Beer, Wine & Sodas
119 First St E • Rainier
503-556-4213
Open 11am daily
115 -117 First St E • Rainier Keno • Video Poker
503-556-9935
Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 25
Clatskanie Flowers ‘n’ Fluff Coffee Shop 45 E. Columbia River Hwy Wine Tasting, Dinner & Live Music Fridays 5:30–8:30pm. Unforgettable scones, On-the-go breakfast & lunch. Coffee Shop M-F 5:30am–6:30pm; Sat 7am–6pm; Sun 8am–6pm. 503-728-4222.
Fultano’s Pizza 770 E. Columbia River Hwy Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! M-Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-2922
Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 640 E. Columbia River Hwy Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. Sports bar. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-3344
COLUMBIA RIVER
dining guide
Luigi’s Pizza 117 East 1st Street, Rainier 503-556-4213 Pizza, spaghetti, burgers, beer & wine. See ad, page 25.
1210 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview. Fish & chips, burgers, more. Beer & wine. 360-577-7972
1260 Commerce Ave. Family Dining 11–9, Breakroom Bar 11am–midnight. American comfort food. Full bar open 3pm–late. 360-703-3904.
Kelso Grounds for Opportunity 413 S. Pacific Ave. 360-703-3020 Wed–Sun 7am–3pm Breakfast and Lunch available all day.
Longview
1329 Commerce Ave., Longview (alley entrance). Fine dining, happy hour specials. wine tastings. Tu-Sat open 5pm. 360-425-2837. See ad, page 16.
25196 Alston Rd., Rainier 503-556-4213 11 beers on tap, cocktails. Open daily 11am. 503-556-9753 See ad, page 25.
614 Commerce Ave., Longview. 18 varieties of pizza. Salad bar, Lunch buffet all-you-can-eat. Beer & wine. Mon-Fri open 11am, Sat-Sun 12 Noon. 360-3533512.
Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview Slow-roasted prime rib Fri & Sat, flat iron steaks, 1/3-lb burgers, fish & chips. 31 draft beers. Full bar. 360-636-1616. See ad, page 16.
Conestoga Pub Cornerstone Café 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits Prime rib Friday & Sat. Open M-F 6am–8pm; Sat-Sun 7am–8pm. 503-556-8772. See ad, page 25.
Bowers Down Th-Sat 5–8
Gyros Gyros
M-Tues 11–4, W-Sat 11–5 1338 Commerce Ave., 360-577-5658 Serving Mediterranean fare for lunch and local farm fresh food for dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner.
The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge
Full breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily drink special: Bloody Mary $5. Homemade soup 6am–2pm. Full bar in lounge, open 6am. 1334 12th Ave. 360-425-8545.
Locally roasted espresso, fine teas, fresh pastries daily, smoothies, beer & wine, homemade soups. Breakfast and lunch. 1333 Broadway. 360-425-7700 See ad, page 16. Evergreen Pub & Café 115-117 East 1st Street Burgers, halibut, prime rib, full bar. 503-556-9935. See ad, page 25. Goble Tavern 70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live entertainment. 503-556-4090. See ad page 25.
Hometown Pizza 109 E. “A” St. Take-and-bake, Delivery, To-Go and dine-in. Lunch Buffet M-F 11–2. Open daily 11am; close M-Th, Sat 9pm, Fri 10pm. 503-556-3700
Country Folks Deli 1329 Commerce Ave., Longview. Open for lunch and dinner. 360-425-2837.
Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview M–Th 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm. BBQ meat slow-cooked on site. Pulled pork, chicken brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. World-famous mac & cheese. 360-577-1541 See ad page 12.
26 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
Parker’s Restaurant & Brewery 1300 Mt. St. Helens Way. Exit 49 off I-5. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Burgers, hand-cut steak; seafood and pasta. Restaurant opens 8am, Lounge 12 Noon. Closed Monday. 360-967-2333
St. Helens Bertucci’s
2017 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Mon–Fri 9–5; Sat 10–4. Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, chocolates. See ad, page 25.
The Original Pietrio’s Pizzeria
Rainier Alston Pub & Grub
Castle Rock
Roland Winery & Tasting Room 1106 Florida Street. Pizza and wine: the perfect combination! 5–9pm Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat. 360-846-7304
Ice cream, oldfashioned milkshakes, sundaes, local coffee healthy lunches, Fun atmosphere in The Merk. 1339 Commerce. 360-4234986. See ad, page 9.
Happy Hour & Dinner. Seafood, steaks, pasta and salads. Wed–Sat 4–9pm. Full bar.Reservations recommended. 1125 Commerce, Longview. 360-501-4328. See ad, page 17.
Teri’s 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. Lunch and dinner. Fine dining, with specials, fresh NW cuisine. Happy Hour. Full bar. Mon–Sat open 11am. Closed Sundays. 360-577-0717. See ad page 18.
Fresh-roasted coffee, snack and pastries. 1335 14th Ave., M-F 9am–4pm, Sat-Sun 9am–4pm. 360-232-8642 New location: 931 Ocean Beach Hwy (Inside seating plus drive-thru). M-F 6am–8pm, Sat-Sun 8am–8pm. 360-232-8642. See ad, page 9.
Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd. Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine. 503-397-3211 See ad, page 10.
Scappoose Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd. Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! “Best pizza around!” M–Th, Sat 11am–10pm; Fri 11am– 11pm; Sun 11am–9pm. Full bar service ‘til 11pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose. 503-543-5100.
Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant
33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017
Woodland The Oak Tree 1020 Atlantic Ave., Woodland. Full lunch, breakfast and dinner menu. Fresh from scratch cooking. Great happy hour menu. Sun 7am–9pm, M-Th 8am–9pm, Fri-Sat 7am–10pm. 360-841-8567
To advertise in Columbia River Dining Guide call 360-749-1021
OSCAR NIGHT
Movies
Is it all in black and white? Let’s focus on the hot ones By Dr. Bob Blackwood
Trapper Hugh Glass trudges over the ice in “The Revenant.”
T
he people in the movie business are not like those in the other major industries of the USA. Socially, they tend to be quite liberal. However, the Academy Award nominations reveal a problem. Last year and this year, minority members had zero placements among the 20 acting awards across four categories—Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor. As you might expect, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Spike Lee, Michael Moore and others are on the rampage. Some will make the case that the Academy’s job is to simply reward the best performances, not to reward the racial diversity of casting in motion pictures. This is a problem that may be around for a while. Why can’t it just go away, and everyone sit down and sing “Kumbaya” together? Well, according to the Chicago Tribune, voting members of the Academy are 94% white, 77% male and 64% over the age of 60. I presume these demographics show that the people in the movie business do reflect the leadership of the other major industries of the U.S. Also consider a 2013 University of Southern California study which noted minority actors made up 23.6% of speaking roles in the top 100 grossing films of 2012; African-Americans made up almost half of those roles. We will eventually see what changes the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences may make in the future, but now let’s focus on this year’s major Academy Awards.
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox
The “Best Picture” Oscar: always a big challenge George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road was the best action picture of the year and an early favorite. Tom Hardy’s driver and Charlize Theron’s gun moll were simply unforgettable, thanks to intense acting, daring stunt driving and minimal use of special effects. Industry gossip, however, has two other films fighting for first place now. Both films have very good casting. Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight, a revelation of the pedophilia scandal within the Archdiocese of Boston, which was highlighted by the Boston Globe, featured Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams. Adam McKay’s The Big Short, a study of the corruption within Wall Street that led to the 2008 financial meltdown, gave Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt an opportunity to display their talents. The Big Short has the edge, however, though Spotlight, with its Screen Actors Guild Award win, is close behind as the Best Picture contenders are heading out of the turn. The “Best Actor” nominations are Bryan Cranston, Trumbo; Matt Damon, The Martian; Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant; Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs; and Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl. We have quite a range here. Cranston’s performance as an alleged former American communist screenwriter is flawless. Damon’s take as a space-age Robinson Crusoe on Mars, often wearing a bulky space suit, still gets your attention. You identify with him. Fassbender’s Steve Jobs, perhaps the creator of our cybernetic age, is all edges and heat, a memorable performance. Redmayne, as the first man to try to become a transgender person, is a major challenge for any actor. Redmayne succeeds. Finally, DiCaprio’s mountain man literally pulls himself out of his grave to face his former associates. His life is on the line for most of the film.
Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson escape and share their love in “Room.” Distributor: A24
The man who was to become Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) talks to his wife, Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander).Distributor: Focus Features
Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) and Creed (Michael B. Jordan) disagree in the ring in “Creed.” Distributor: Warner Brothers
Who had the greater challenge for a “Best Actor” Oscar? No one had a cakewalk here. I think DiCaprio may win it this time; he’s been up for this award cont page 28 Dr. Bob Blackwood, professor emeritus of the City Colleges of Chicago, is the co-author, along with Dr. John Flynn, of the just-published book Everything I Know about Life I Learned from James Bond. Blackwood lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Christian Bale as Michael Burry in “The Big Short” saw the collapse in the mortgage market coming years before the Wall Street collapse. Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 27
Oscar Night
Technology
from page 27
several times. He deserves it, finally, for past performances as well as for this one. This performance haunts you. Candidates for Best Actress are Cate Blanchett in Carol, as an older woman who courts an inexperienced younger woman (Rooney Mara). The film is tasteful and successful. Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn plays an Irish immigrant with a husband in New York and a wealthy suitor in Ireland. I could not believe she is only 21 years old. Keep your eyes open for her next film. Jennifer Lawrence in Joy is a single mother who overcomes her family’s hostility and also becomes a millionaire entrepreneur. It is a different role for Lawrence, but she carried it off well. Charlotte Rampling in 45 Years plays Kate, a retired teacher who tells all to her husband (Tom Courtenay) just before their 45th wedding anniversary. Finally, Brie Larson in Room plays a mother who has been trapped for years in a shack by her male rapist with their young son (Jacob Tremblay). Brie Larson is the favorite; she does the most she can in a situation where she has few choices. Room is a moving film of a mother and son’s love. The intensity cannot be denied. In addition, if they had an Oscar just for children, Tremblay would get it this year. The candidates for Best Supporting Actor include Mark Ruffalo for his reporter role in Spotlight. His role was to play the real-life reporter Michael Rezendes, who exposed the pedophile scandal in the Boston Archdiocese. As a former reporter, I say that every move he made was for real. Tom Hardy — boy, he got around this year — played the villain in The Revenant, the man who stuffed a half-dead partner (DiCaprio) into a too-early grave. As always, he seems effortless in his performance, totally one with his character. Christian Bale in The Big Short plays a hedgefund manager who sees the obvious corruption in the housing market and profited by investing in its eventual self-destruction. I really appreciated the almost comic turns that he makes in his performance, but, the word on the street says Sylvester Stallone in his role as Rocky, Creed’s trainer in Creed, will take it. Well, Sly hasn’t won an Oscar yet. It probably is his time at age 69. Best Supporting Actress is a close contest this year. Rooney Mara as the younger woman in Carol, which stars Cate Blanchett, is madly in love with her friend. She moves from naiveté to experience in this film. Rachel McAdams in Spotlight is another writer
the Lower Columbia
Informer
E
By Perry Piper
lon Musk is the second or third public figure Millennials cite as someone they aspire to be like. He moved here from South Africa and went on to start PayPal, a now very mainstream digital payment service. Along the way, he played a hand in the creation of SolarCity, a solar panel company with very interesting installation and plan options. As the CEO of both SpaceX and Tesla, private rockets for space and electric car companies respectively, Musk keeps a busy schedule.
or under, making it both faster and far cheaper than even air travel. To achieve its 760 mph top speed, the Hyperloop doesn’t have to deal with air resistance like trains, but does have to ensure near perfectly smooth tunnels for the 350-mile distance of the route. Musk estimates a $6 billion cost and while not building it himself, other
HYPER LOOP making the wild reality, that the US government itself may one day back a project like the Hyperloop. If this initial Hyperloop location proves successful, it will lead the way to larger projects and even Mars. Musk says that because Mars’ atmosphere density is only about one percent of Earth’s, that electric vehicles will
While there are many failures to be had in space travel, SpaceX was in the news recently for successfully relanding a rocket 20 minutes after it had taken off from Cape Canaveral to send 11 satellites into orbit. The prospect of reusable rockets would reduce the cost by a factor of 100 and increase the speed of innovation in space. Tesla has been doing well by building a recharging station network across the US, Canada, western Europe, China and Japan. Tesla’s bigger innovation will be self driving cars. Computer models suggest that for every one self driving car on the road, 10 humandriven ones can be replaced. With many achievements already under Musk’s belt, his Hyperloop is the next dream. Existing within a low pressure air tube, the Hyperloop is imagined to shoot small containers, each containing a few passengers within a shell like train cabin, from LA to San Francisco in 35 minutes
on the Boston Globe team which blows the lid off a sexual scandal, though her family is very Catholic. She has both internal and external conflicts. Jennifer Jason Leigh’s Daisy in Quentin Tarentino’s The Hateful Eight is something of a gem in an otherwise overblown film. She deserves the nomination just for surviving it. Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman in Steve Jobs, not only has a marketing responsibility, but also has to try to rein
28 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
Digital Finger painting by Perry Piper.
Hyperloop technology companies and design contest competitors will be constructing a one mile test track and figuring out the most efficient cabin models starting this year. Future experiments will scale up to about five miles and then the project will be built, possibly in an international location, but hopefully here at home. US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has stated that because of the ambitious nature of the project and Musk’s golden reputation for
in Fassbender’s role as Jobs. Whew! The probable winner is Alicia Vikander as the helpful wife to Eddie Redmayne who seeks a transgender lifestyle. We see both characters still involved with each other throughout the changes in their lives. The candidates for Best Director include Alejandro G. Iñárritu for The Revenant, Lenny Abrahamson for The Room, Adam McKay for The Big Short,
have to be the dominant mode of transportation on the surface since combustion could not occur without oxygen like on Earth. ••• CRR’s graphic designer/IT manager Perry Piper is an active member of Encouraging Words Toastmasters and is learning computer programming in his spare time. He also enjoys crafting digital diaries and popular commentaries through the Internet site, YouTube.
George Miller for Mad Max, Fury Road, and Tom McCarthy for Spotlight. With the exception of the “team” concept in Spotlight and The Big Short, the films are very different. The grapevine gives it to Iñárritu for The Revenant, perhaps because it is so unique and so gripping. Certainly, the image of DiCaprio trudging painfully through the wilderness is unforgettable. •••
Women’s Fashion
Anyone can wear a hat
suitable for any face shape, hairstyle or personal preference developed. And that is how hats are perceived today.
Story & photos by Sue Lane
A hat, like a hairstyle, can be customdesigned or modified to be flattering to any woman. Women now look at hats as a fashion accessory.
I
s a hat a frivolous accessory or a necessity? The answer to this question has changed over the ages. A hat is a head covering worn for various reasons — to protect from the elements, for religious reasons and, ultimately, for women to make a fashion statement. According to my Internet search, in the middle ages, headwear for women gained interest when the church decreed that hair must be covered.
You may choose a functional knit hat worn for warmth such as the many creations by Di Morgan, found at Longview’s Broadway Gallery, or
During the 18th century, milliners took the art of hat making — traditionally a woman’s occupation — out of the home. The term “milliner” came from the Italian city of Milan, known for its fashion and clothing. In the 1700s when huge wigs and hairstyles were fashionable, the bonnet was worn to protect the hairstyles from the weather. In the late 1800s, the parasol Longview resident and CRR ad rep Sue Lane considers a hat from the display at McThread’s Wearable Art in Longview. Several are pictured on this page.
over the face. To secure the large creations, hat pins — some as long as 18” — were used. If a man attempted an unwanted advance the hat pin was all a woman needed to defend herself. All changed after the war years as hairstyles became smaller. Hats
became fashionable. During the Edwardian period, the hat became an essential element worn on top of piled up hair and positioned to cantilever
McThread’ s Wearable Art Boutique and
Designer Jewelry
Some women say they could never wear a hat: “They don’t look good on me!” But McCord, an artist and former hairdresser, does not agree.
present
“Anyone can wear a hat – it just needs to be flattering to the face,” she said.
Riverside Fashion Show&Tea Saturday Mar 12 ~ 2 pm
Free to the public
Door Prizes 10% Discount Location for this event:
245 Columbia Point Road Longview
Specializing in one-of-a-kind fashions and jewelry 1206 Broadway, Longview Open Tues–Sat 11am–4pm
360-261-2373 or 360-560-9016
www.mcthreadswearableart.com
one of the artfully created felted hats by Linda McCord around the corner at McThread’s Wearable Art on Broadway. McCord offers hats to fit all face shapes and invites women to stop by to consider which style best suits them (all four hats shown here are from McThread’s).
Niechelle Guzman, L.Ac. Nancy Goodwin, L.Ac. doTerra Essential Oils, WA Pediatrics • Women’s Health NAET/ Allergy Elimination Pain Relief • Anxiety Digestive/IBS • Sciatica Neck / Shoulder Pain Motor Vehicle Accidents Carpal Tunnel • Sinusitis Headaches / Migraines Sports Injuries Chinese Herbal Medicine GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
360-577-8989
1717 Olympia Way Suite 104 Park Plaza, Longview
Most Insurance Accepted www.sunandmoonacupuncture.com
“The cloche style especially is coming back into fashion,” said shop co-owner Lacey Wilson. “They’re popular among young people, along with retro 1950s styles.” Hats can be cut differently, according to the face shape, she said. “People who think a hat is not going to work for them sometimes try one on and say, ‘Oh, I love it!’” Perhaps one day I will be courageous enough to try – will you? ••• Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 29
the spectator by ned piper REAL ESTATE
A regional gem
L Kelso/Longview • 360-636-4663
209 W. Main Street, Suite 200 • Kelso, WA
Cathlamet • 360-795-0552 102 Main Street, Suite 200 Cathlamet, WA
For all your real estate dreams come true
Mon- Fri: 8:30–5:30 • www.longview-kelso.windermere.com
iving a half block from Lake Sacajawea has its benefits. When we first moved into our house on Maryland Street, I was concerned at the lack of trees in the neighborhood, but the abundant trees surrounding the lake, visible when standing in our back yard, gives the feel of living in a veritable forest. The path around the lake offers joggers, walkers and biking enthusiasts a beautiful place to work up a healthy sweat. A wide variety of large trees, many with name tags tacked to the bark to identify them, makes exercise almost enjoyable, as well as educational. Our Oregon friends are welcome to come take advantage of this regional gem. And the wildlife that lives at the lake is rich and varied. Ducks and geese, some that inhabit the lake year-round, others flying in for a rest stop on their way north or south, depending on the season. The homes near the lake are apparently an attraction for the fourfooted inhabitants from the lake. On occasion a large, homely opossum meanders through our backyard looking for who knows what. One day I entered our backyard shed. Every jar of nails, screws, bolts and cans of bug spray were scattered on the floor, knocked off the shelves. I thought perhaps we’d experienced an earthquake. Dutifully, I replaced all the items back on the shelves. The following day, they were on the floor again. It was a mystery that was solved when I discovered a baby possum hiding on a corner shelf. I left the shed door open until I saw him leave. A few years ago, a momma raccoon had a litter of four babies in our attic. That was disconcerting to say the least. But those little babies were so cute when they came out to play on
30 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader
the roof. We waited until they left their attic home before patching up the entry hole. We discovered the latest animal invasion in a weird way. The passenger side turn signal on Sue’s PT Cruiser stopped working. We assumed it was a burned-out bulb and took it to an auto shop to get it replaced. The bulb was not the problem. The mechanic pointed out that a rodent, presumably a mouse, had gnawed the covering off of the wiring connected to the turn signal. This called for immediate action. I bought a fairly large mouse trap, set it with a dab of peanut butter in the garage and waited. A day later, the peanut butter was gone, but the trap hadn’t been tripped. I re-set it with another blob of Skippy’s and hoped for the best. By morning we got the desired result, but it wasn’t a mouse. The bounty was a six-inch long rat. It still gives me the willies to think that this creature was living in our garage. The next day its mate was tempted by a fresh taste of peanut butter. Problem solved. Animals aside, Lake Sacajawea is a good neighbor and a lovely addition to our region. We can all enjoy it. ••• Lifelong Longview resident Ned Piper enjoys reading, playing golf, putzing in the garden and watching all types of TV sports.
Original • Local Carefully compiled All about the good life More than fluff and filler Makes a nice crinkle You can hold it in your hands
Columbia River Reader / February 14 – March 14, 2016 31
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32 /February 15 – March 14, 2016 / Columbia River Reader