CRR March 2013

CRREADER.COM • March 15 – April 14, 2013 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.

STEPPING OUT WALKS CLOSE TO HOME page 17

THE ALLEY CATS IN CLATSKANIE page 19

PERRY’S GREETINGS FROM EUROPE page 36

OUT•AND•ABOUT TACOMA: RENAISSANCE TOWN

page 32

COLUMBIA RIVER

page 21

dining guide

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 1

Spring & Summer Adventures Await...

EARLY SPRING SPECIAL!

Let Us Help You Get Ready.

SPECIAL OFFER

Now is the perfect time for you to spring into a new home! For a limited time, Avamere at St. Helens is offering a move-in rate of $1,000 per month for the first three months.

$1000 for the first 3 months

Make Avamere at St. Helens your home this spring to enjoy all the beauty our campus has to offer.

Call or visit us today!

at

• •

st. helens

part of the avamere family of companies

mo

From camping and fishing, to biking, hunting, & more, Bob’s is your Go-To store for Outdoor Gear!

• • •

Must move in by April 30th, 2013.

Personal care plans available at individualized costs.

Qualifications apply.

Based on availability.

Special is for new move-in’s only.

2 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader www.avamereatsthelens.com | 2400 Gable Rd. | St. Helens, OR 97051 | 503-366-8070

www.bobsmerch.com

1111 Hudson St. Longview, WA

360-425-3870

Open Mon. - Sat. 9 -7 • Sun. 9 - 6

I

shot myself in the foot last month when running Lee Quarnstrom’s piece. He was critical of the NRA while promoting Gabby Giffords’ new political action committee. The ensuing reader reaction reminded me why I decided early on that as a monthly publication, CRR could not do justice to complex, controversial issues.

Besides, why unnecessarily stir up and protract month-to-month discord on our pages? I have preferred to focus on the many other topics readers agree on and can enjoy — fun things to do and places to go around the Columbia River region. The good life here.

But now I’m eating my words. And I must apologize for running Lee’s piece when we didn’t (yet) have another to run alongside for balance. Please read Dick Miller’s article, “Another View of the NRA,” on page 11 of this issue.

Moving forward, I am re-resolved to stick to our knitting and leave politics to the daily papers and the blogs.

Boutique Kitchen I am so enjoying my tiny kitchen in CRR’s Downtown Longview office. I often share it with Man in the Kitchen, for a “test kitchen,” and in my heart with my mother, who would appreciate its charm if only she were still here to share the fun. And also with dear, departed Pearl Heidenreich, my junior high school home ec teacher.

Sue’s Views

Four girls were assigned to each alcove kitchen, set up much like CRR’s galley (pictured here). There, we practiced cutting grapefruits in half and garnishing with maraschino cherries. We cooked oatmeal, stewed prunes, made hot cocoa from scratch and learned to bake muffins and cream puffs.

By the end of each class, we restored the kitchenettes to sparkling tidiness.

In the soup: Lessons from the kitchen We girls were all afraid of her. She was what was then known as an “old maid.” She did not exhibit much warmth toward students. She wore sensible, black lace-up “schoolmarm” shoes and did not put up with any nonsense.

Thanks to Miss Heidenreich, however, my emerging interest in cooking was

ON THE COVER Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Dr. Bob Blackwood Nancy Chennault Mitzi Christensen Melanee Evans John P. Freeman Erin Hart Ashley Helenberg Mary Louise Lyons Suzanne Martinson Dick Miller Michael Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Diane Pond Rick Pope Alan Rose Randy Sanders Lisa Straughan Paul Thompson Doug York Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Accounting Assistant: Lois Sturdivant Editorial Assistants and proofreaders Kathleen Packard, Sue Lane, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry

1961 Chrysler, part of the exhibit at the new LeMay Automotive Museum in Tacoma. See story, page 21.

Photo by Seth Hart Cover Design by

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 is allowed without express written permission of the publisher.

Opinons expressed herein belong to the writers, not necessarily to the Reader.

Columbia River Reader P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Website: www.CRReader.com E-mail: publisher@crreader.com Phone Longview 360-749-1021

Rainier 503-556-1295 Subscriptions $24 per year inside U.S.A. (plus $1.82 sales tax if mailed to Washington addresses)

nourished. We memorized food groups, vitamins and minerals and their benefits. We learned not to be too fastidious when peeling an orange, for those clinging strings of cellulose serve as scrub brushes of the intestines. “Roughage,” Miss Heidenreich called it.

CRREADER.COM

In the soup I thought of my mother as I prepared a pot of bean soup for CRR’s proofreading party this month. To let steam escape and keep the soup from splattering while it simmered, I folded a paper towel into a tight little wedge and placed it between the pot’s rim and the lid.

I learned this trick from my mother when I was about 13. She was away

from home one day and called to ask me to stir her Navy Bean Soup, left cooking on the stove.

“Put a paper towel under the lid,” she instructed. I laid a paper towel across the open pot and put the lid back on.

Contributed by

Jean Carnine Mom laughed when she came home, in Bruner time to fish out the stewed paper towel.

I have since wondered if, being a wood product, paper (ingested) might have the same benefit as the cellulose in an orange.

Miss Heidenreich might have known, but I would have been afraid to ask. I have never learned to knit, either.

Sue Piper

Columbia River Reader . . . helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road.

In this Issue 4 5 7 8 9 11 11 12 15 17 18 19 21 25 28-29 30 31 32 33 33 34 35 36 38 38

Quips & Quotes ~ Letter to the Editor Randy Sanders on Wine & the Good Life Biz Buzz My Slant: Feel happy with clutter, but . . .

Cover to Cover: Top 10 Bestsellers/ Book Review Everyday Ethics: It’s a Dog’s Life My Slant: Another View of the NRA Science in our Backyard: The Willamette Meteor Man in the Kitchen: Put the Lime in the Coconut Northwest Gardener: Crimson Clover Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter: Irish Cooking Out & About: Stepping out for a walk close to home Out & About: Tacoma, the Renaissance Town Where Do You Read the Reader?

Outings & Events Calendar / Music Scene Music & Night Life: Tommy Hogan / The Alley Cats Movie Review: Oz the Great and Powerful Columbia River Dining Guide How to Love Your Job Neighborhood Security by Diane Pond Spring Reflections: Easter Rivers: Always moving Music & Night Life: The Alley Cats Lower Columbia Informer: Greetings from Europe The Spectator ~ Substance over Convenience What’s Up Under the Bridge? Port of Longview Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 3

5 Years Ago Favorites re-run in memory of Jean Carnine Bruner

The “elderly” are always those 15 years older than I am.

--Bernard Baruch Money can’t buy love but it improves your bargaining position.

--Dr. Laurence J. Peter, author of “The Peter Principle” Love, I find, is like singing.

Everybody can do it enough to satisfy themselves, though it might not impress the neighbors.

--Lora Neale Hurston, novelist

To err is human, to forgive divine.

--Alexander Pope Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.

--Sophia Loren Success isn’t permanent and failure isn’t fatal. --Mike Ditka A critic is someone who never actually goes to the battle, yet who afterwards comes out shooting the wounded.

--Tyne Daly, actor Wise men don’t need a d v i c e . F o o l s w o n ’t t a k e i t .

--Benjamin Franklin One man with courage makes a majority.

--Andrew Jackson Memories are yesterday’s gift to comfort us today.

--Les Petrie, Needles, Calif.

CONTACT US Columbia River Reader P.O. Box 1643, Rainier, OR 97048 www.CRReader.com Publisher@CRReader.com General inquiries 360-749-1021 or 503-556-1295

Another Dr. Munchie sighting I have to tell you another story about Dr. Munchie.

I was in Rainier last weekend to show off our new Prius to the family.

While there we took a trip to see my Uncle Nelson Lepin. He is 91, sharp as a tack and remembers people and places that most of us have forgotten (he was the grand marshal in the Days in the Park last summer).

In the middle of our chat he pointed at a copy of the CRR that was on his coffee table. He said “I saw your photo in the paper and that you mentioned meeting Dr. Munchie.”

I said, “Yes, it was sure a coincidence.”

“You know,” he said, “I see him most mornings when I go down to the Cornerstone Cafe. He sits next to the front door and reads his paper while having a cup of coffee.”

“Oh,” I said,” are you sure it’s not someone else who looks like him?”

“Oh no, it’s him,” he said. “I recognize him when I see him.” When we left my uncle’s house, I was having doubts… maybe he did see Dr. Munchie. If my Uncle Nelson is convinced that he was there, then maybe he was.

Mike Clark Seattle, Wash.

Perfect

for the bride looking for something else

Advertising reps Washington: Ned Piper 360-749-2632 Sue Lane 360-261-0658 Oregon: Debi Borgstrom 503-728-4248

CRR Print 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.

Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose—to help readers

Letter to the Editor

“discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road.” However, advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.

Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public.

The arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. See submission details, page 29, Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

1329 Broadway Ste 208 Longview 360 501 6700

Make your dream a reality with unique style and stone combinations Available in yellow, pink white or blue

s ’ e i r e l a V V inc.

Diamond Lady Fine Jewelry Studio www.vdiamondlady.com



Lose the muffin top.

We’re the only office in the area to offer this revolutionary body contouring treatment.

Now you can target and sculpt away that muffin top and belly fat without surgery or downtime. This exciting new procedure, CoolSculpting , is FDA-cleared, safe and effective. ®

CoolSculpting Info Sessions: Tuesday, February 26th 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 4:00pm or 5:00pm Space is limited. Reserve your spot today! (360) 430-8431

Pacific Surgical Institute, 625 9th Ave. In Longview • www.flourishlaser.com 4 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

United Medical Credit Financing Available.

Let the People Drink Wine

Hear Daniel Rodriguez

Randy Sanders on wine & the good life

“America’s Tenor”

Formerly NYC’s “Singing Policeman”

“Pure em and blazotion in glory.i”ng

Presented by Longview-Kelso Community Concert Assn

Randy.Sanders@Live.com

Sat, April 13 7:30pm Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, WA $25 • Tickets at CTPA Box Office or at the door Admission free for first responders in uniform. $10 Off coupon for spouse or guest, $5 for their student-age children

Screw that cork!

I

magine you are dining at a fine restaurant and want to splurge. You order a nice Syrah and wait for the wine steward. Your dining partner is impressed as the steward arrives at the table with the bottle for you to inspect. Other diners glance enviously over to your table as the traditional opening of the wine bottle ensues. But wait; this steward has no corkscrew! Holding the bottle in one hand, he unscrews the top with the other, like a bum on a street corner who has panhandled enough coin to get that morning bottle of Ripple!

You are aghast as your dining partner slowly sinks below the table, out of sight from patrons seated at surrounding tables who snicker and laugh! To add insult to injury, the steward then asks if you wish to inspect the screw top before he pours, as if he’s making a joke!

Randy’s Wine Pick

Misty Oaks Vineyard 2008 Gobblers Knob A Bronze medal winner at the 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition; an enormous task for an Oregon wine competing with Napa’s big leaguers. A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon is midpriced at around $26.

Strangely enough, although this scenario may be embarrassing, screw tops are no longer indicitive of a lower quality of wine. These days, many good wineries are opting for the screw top. But the question I constantly hear is: Which is more appropriate, cork or screw? The answer is, it’s complicated.

First, the obvious question If cork has been the way to close Big and smokey just the way I wine forever, why change? The like ‘em! Chunky blackberries, answer comes from the damage hint of leather and bacon. corks do to wine if they’re not Pair with steak, roast beef or closed correctly. Many wine a great cigar. people agree that about 10% of If You Go all wine isn’t corked correctly 1310 Misty Oaks Lane, (hence the very reason for the Oakland, Oregon Hours: 11–5 Fri-Sun, tableside cork inspection) and Memorial Day weekend the result is air getting into the through Thanksgiving. bottle, producing a musty, foul Phone: 541-549-3558 odor and a tart, vinegar-ish taste.

Cork farmers will blame this on the vintner’s inability to properly close their product and there are “drops of truth” to that assessment.

TASTING NOTES

Screw tops are almost certain to avoid that problem.

Unless there is a major issue with the capping machinery cont page 10 Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 5

Relax

Let Kent keep you rollin’!

Massage Therapy

Pulsed Magnetic Resonance Stimulation

Fair rates • Honest work

Annie Bowlby, LMP

KENT’S CUSTOM DIESEL, INC

FOR ALL YOUR DIESEL REPAIRS BIG RIGS, MOTORHOMES, PICKUPS TRAILER REPAIR ALL WELDING & FABRICATION 2405 TALLEY WAY • KELSO, WA 98626 Ph: 360-575-8884 • FAX: 360-575-9835

River Suites • Longview

1801– 1st Ave - Suite 2B 8-9

GIFT CERTIFICATES • 360-270-4214 Lower Columbia Oral Health Center for Implant Dentistry

&

8 Experienced and compassionate

staff 8 Evidence-based, up-to-date oral health care 8 General and specialty dental procedures 8 Modern facility with private treatment rooms

Daniel Haghighi, DDS

“Where Dentistry Meets Medicine”

Daniel Haghighi, DDS 1538 11th Ave. Longview, WA www.lcoh.net Most insurances accepted

360-636-3400

360-577-7200

6 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

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 phone (360)636-1143 or (503)556-1295 to share the local buzz.

The new A i r p o r t O p e r a t i n g Board, created by an inter-local governmental agreement between the cities of Kelso and Longview, Cowlitz County, and the Port of Longview, assumed control January 1, 2013. All four entities contribute to the financial support of the Southwest Washington Regional Airport and each has a representative on the Board; there is also an “atlarge” member. Longview City Councilman Ken Botero represents Longview and serves as chairman; Mayor David Futcher represents Kelso; Commissioner Dennis Weber represents Cowlitz County, and Port Commissioner Darold Dietz represents the Port of Longview.

Norm Krehbiel, Chief Operating Officer for the Port of Longview is the “at-large” member.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires the City of Kelso to retain title to the airport premises and to be the applicant for Federal and State grants.

The Airport Operating Board will meet March 20 at 7 pm to discuss the Airport Master Plan and how best to achieve its objectives . The public is invited and all airport tenants and stakeholders are urged to attend the meeting, to be held at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s building, 2215 Parrott Way, Kelso.

The airport offices are located at 2222 South Pacific Way, Kelso. Phone numbers for management are 360431-1878, 360-431-0309, and 360261-8268. For more info visit the Kelso City website www.kelso.gov.

The St. Helens Arts and Cultural Commission raised $8,500 from its Sweetheart’s Ball fundraiser held on Saturday, February 9th, in the Pythian Ballroom in Old Town St. Helens.

Organizers said the event was “a sweet success, combining all the best that the St. Helens community has to offer – local art work, a cadre of community volunteers, local art patrons, and... significant contributions from local businesses.”

Commission member Luanne Kreutzer credited exceptional volunteers. “They were just fantastic,‘ she said, “from helping patrons find their seats, to encouraging bidding to serving the meal and making the evening flow smooth and without a rush. They deserve a big hand!”

With a little over $15,000 left to raise toward the goal of $50,000, the commission believes it is well on the way to garner the local public support needed to get their Milton Creek Bridge sculpture project built.

AmeriCorps Host Sites Invited to Apply Non-profit agencies, schools, faith-based and government entities are invited to apply to host a Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network member for the 2013-14 program year.

Successful applicants will receive a member who’ll serve from September 2013 through July 2014.

Applicants need to demonstrate how the AmeriCorps member will further their efforts to strengthen and improve the community’s educational, human services, or public health and safety systems. Each application must be accompanied by a complete position description.

Host sites are expected to provide their member with supervision, training, and encouragement. Each host makes a contribution of about $4,750 for a full-time member. Federal funds pay the majority of the program’s costs through a grant awarded to LifeWorks, in Longview.

Working from home?

Current office cramped?

It’s time for your own professional space.

Full service suites available as low as $350 per month. Reserved parking, full

kitchen, Internet access, cable TV, satellite & phone connectivity, intercom and security.

Located at 880 11th Ave. at Delaware.

360-423-7100

1551 11th at Michigan Longview

apr.inc@comcast.net

Qualified applicants may request a packet starting March 1, by calling the Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network office in Longview at 360-577-5859.

Applications must be returned by April 15, 2013.

Join us!

Hairstyling stations available for lease by talented stylists in established downtown boutique salon.

Ambience Call Kathleen McCool 360-957-4990.

Hair and Nail Studio • 1422 12th Ave., Longview

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 7

My Slant

You can feel happy amid clutter ...

By Melanee G. Evans

But clearing, freshening, creating space bring rewards

T

he moment I see daffodils nestled in wooden crates next to a pickup for roadside sale, I know it’s time to begin my spring cleaning. One year, I challenged myself to declutter my house, my calendar, and even my brain of unnecessary belongings. The deadline and reward? I had to finish before the daffodil guy packed up and left, and I could buy myself a sunny bouquet.

Obviously, purging our life of every non-essential is a silly goal. We are, like the fresh blooms around us, always in-process, and are nourished by their simple beauty. Like the gift of these fragrant friends, some objects and events, though without apparent usefulness, bring us pleasure and fond memories, and these we need to keep.

Even so, like most people I know, I’ve found that the act of clearing, freshening, and creating space in our lives for something new, can be so rewarding.

And because we tend to have so many emotions attached to our things and our plans, it can also be overwhelming, frustrating, and challenging.

I know personally the burden of clutter. Of too many grand ideas, good-intentions, and calendared commitments. And yet what I’ve learned over time, is that with true

desire and practice, we really can have homes that weigh less, and lives that breathe peace.

May I share a few ideas with you?

You will have some of your own, and there is no perfect formula. Just choose something that inspires you, and get moving before that daffodil guy is gone.

I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Start Small: Treat yourself to the satisfaction of a completed project.

Start by clearing a small space, like a drawer, a purse, a glove box, the top of a bed, or a single file.

Start a “Ta-Da!” List: Instead of the typical to-do list, grab a blank piece of paper and a pen, and write the time at the top. Start doing anything, and each time you complete a task, write it on the paper. Keep moving to see how much you can get done in 30 minutes or an hour, then start again. This is my favorite method to use when I’m tired, or can’t see what to do next.

It helps me accomplish hundreds of tasks a day, and makes me feel good about myself.

Use a Timer: This is my go-to method when I’m plain bored with housework, but have to press on. I choose four projects, and time myself for 15 minutes on each project and work as fast as I can. I also keep a list on my fridge of 5- and 10-minute projects anyone in the family can complete at anytime.

What if I live with a packrat?

Lead by Example: Instead of nagging your packrat to downsize, do your best to inspire them by the changes in your home, and by your newfound peace and calm.

Ask Them to Help: Instead of making it seem like you are trying to change them, ask them to help you accomplish your goals. Bag up your own clothing donations or recycling items, for example, and ask them to drop them off.

Create Clutter-Free Zones: Give your packrat their own space to collect anything they want, and ask them if they’d agree to keep all of their treasures in that space alone.

How do I involve the kids?

Organize by Personality: Rightbrained kids are visual, see the big-picture, and are overwhelmed by details. They do better with hooks, baskets, pretty vases, and clear containers. Instead of fighting their patterns, be flexible. If they always put their homework on the kitchen desk, for example, put a container in that very spot.

Left-brained kids like words, lists, advanced planning, and details. They do well with divided containers, labeled storage, filing boxes, and sequential routines.

Play Some Tunes: Get your kids in the groove by creating a playlist of their favorites tunes. Give them a

specific chore to complete before 1-3 songs finish, then do a family danceoff in the kitchen before starting another chore.

How do I maintain and enjoy this process?

Gratitude Game: Pink slippers on the stairs. Crumbs under our feet. Dark soil to till and plant. For one hour of your day, pause to see the gift and blessing of each item you touch. A son’s baseball on the lawn reflects his fleeting childhood. Dishes in the sink remind us of happy dinners with friends. Seeds in their packets give hope for a summer garden. Gratitude brings meaning to the mundane, and increases joy.

Be Happy Now: No matter how clean or cluttered our house is, it is possible to feel happy in this moment.

As we get in touch with our happy feelings before we begin to clean, our bodies will relax, our mountains will look like molehills, and we’ll inspire everyone around us to be happy, too.

••• Melanee Evans lives in Kelso and enjoys a bouquet of daffodils in her kitchen window every spring.

A benefit for the Kalama Public Library, celebrating literature & literacy in our community

Writing Workshops Lois Leveen

Featured Author

The Secrets of Mary Bowser along with Jack Hart,

Bill Johnson, Cheston Knapp, Suzanne Martinson, Sue Piper, Leslie Slape, Carolyn Rose

April 20, 2013 8 AM - 5 PM • Kalama, WA

Registration 8-9 am • Kalama Community Building Morning and afternoon workshops offered

follow us on Facebook Kalama Word Catcher

8 Workshops To Choose From: • Creating Narrative Tension • Will Your Story Grab An Editor?

• One On One Editing • Find Your Story • Whose Story Is It, Anyway?

• Great Expectations: Crafting Compelling Opening Lines • Write For Results • Killers, Victims, Suspects, and Sleuths. Making Characters Earn Their Place.

For more information go to www.cityofkalama.com/word_catcher or contact Mary Putka at 360-673-5310 • email: mputka@mac.com

8 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Cover to Cover

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

1. The Paris Wife Paula McLain, Ballantine, $15 2. Life of Pi Yann Martel, Mariner, $15.95 3. The Snow Child Eowyn Ivey, Reagan Arthur/Back Bay Books, $14.99 4. We Live In Water Jess Walter, Harper Perennial, $14.99 5. The Language of Flowers Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Ballantine, $15 6. The Sense of an Ending Julian Barnes, Vintage, $14.95 7. Truth Like the Sun Jim Lynch, Vintage, $15 8. The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern, Anchor, $15 9. Death Comes to Pemberley P.D. James, Vintage, $15 10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky, MTV Books, $14

1. Quiet, Susan Cain, Broadway, $16 2. Proof of Heaven Eben Alexander, M.D., S&S, $15.99 3. The Swerve Stephen J. Greenblatt, Norton, $16.95 4. America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great Ben Carson, Zondervan, $14.99 5. Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey, The Countess of Carnarvon, Broadway, $15.99 6. Gifts of the Crow, John Marzluff, Tony Angell, Atria Books, $15 7. How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You, Matthew Inman, Andrews McMeel, $14.99 8. In the Garden of Beasts Erik Larson, Broadway, $16 9. The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest Lorene Edwards Forkner, Timber Press, $19.95 10. When Women Were Birds Terry Tempest Williams, Picador USA, $15

BOOK REVIEW

HARDCOVER FICTION 1. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn, Crown, $25 2. Tenth of December George Saunders, Random House, $26 3. A Memory of Light Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Tor, $34.99 4. Where’d You Go, Bernadette Maria Semple, Little Brown, $25.99 5. Benediction Kent Haruf, Knopf, $25.95 6. The Dinner Herman Koch, Hogarth, $24 7. The Round House Louise Erdrich, Harper, $27.99 8. A Week in Winter Maeve Binchy, Knopf, $26.95 9. Vampires in the Lemon Grove Karen Russell, Knopf, $24.95 10. Ghostman Roger Hobbs, Knopf, $24.95

Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, for week ending Sunday, March 3,2013 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

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION 1. I Could Pee on This Francesco Marciuliano, Chronicle, $12.95 2. Wild Cheryl Strayed, Knopf, $25.95 3. Help, Thanks, Wow Anne Lamott, Riverhead, $17.95 4. Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher Timothy Egan, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28 5. My Beloved World Sonia Sotomayor, Knopf, $27.95 6. On the Map Simon Garfield, Gotham, $27.50 7. Behind the Beautiful Forevers Katherine Boo, Random House, $27 8. Plenty Yotam Ottolenghi, Chronicle, $35 9. The World Until Yesterday Jared M. Diamond, Viking, $36 10. Going Clear Lawrence Wright, Knopf, $28.95

MASS MARKET

CHILDREN’S INTEREST

1. A Storm of Swords George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 2. A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $8.99 3. A Feast for Crows George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 4. Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card, Tor, $6.99 5. Bossypants Tina Fey, Reagan Arthur/Little Brown, $8.99 6. A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $8.99 7. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99 8. The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger, Warner, $6.99 9. Still Life, Louise Penny, St. Martin’s, $7.99 10. The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary, 4th Edition Merriam-Webster, $7.50

1. The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illus.), Harper, $16.99 2. The Fault in Our Stars John Green, Dutton, $17.99 3. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney (Illus.), Little Brown, $14.99 4. Looking for Alaska John Green, Speak, $9.99 5. The Colossus Rises Peter Lerangis, Harper, $17.99 6. Drama Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $10.99 7. LEGO Ninjago: Character Encyclopedia Claire Sipi, DK Publishing, $18.99 8. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made Stephan Pastis, Candlewick, $14.99 9. Wonder R.J. Palacio, Knopf, $15.99 10. Hattie Big Sky Kirby Larson, Delacorte, $8.99

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.

R.A.Long High School (Longview) grad writes award-winning mystery The Gods of Gotham

By Lyndsay Faye G.P. Putnam’s Sons 2012 $25.95

“He asked me if I thought that God could forgive any act, no matter how vile. You know why, naturally.

And of course I said yes.”

Review by Alan Rose

“And then,” Thomas Underhill continued, “he asked if human beings were capable of the same.”

I

t is 1845, and New York City has just formed its first police force. Timothy Wilde is one of these “copper stars,” a job he has received through his older brother’s political connections. One night as he’s ending his beat, a ten-year-old girl runs into him as she is dashing through the dark streets. She is dressed only in her nightgown, and the gown is covered in blood.

So begins Lyndsay Faye’s 2012 novel, Gods of Gotham, recently named best mystery novel by the American Library Association, and nominated

My eyes fell shut as I blessed the world entire for that one tiny grace.

“What did you tell him?” I whispered.

“I said to keep trying and find out.” ~ from The Gods of Gotham for an Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America (winners will be announced May 2).

Lyndsay Faye is the pseudonym for Lyndsay Farber Lehner, who with her husband, Gabriel Lehner, graduated from R. A. Long in 1998, and now lives in Manhattan.

The New York City that she depicts is a grimy, seamy, violent world that operates through well-oiled corruption (Some things never

Alan Rose, author of Tales of Tokyo and The Legacy of Emily Hargraves, organizes the monthly WordFest gatherings. His new book, The Unforgiven, was recently published by Bold Strokes Books. He can be reached at www.alan-rose.com.

change.) Wilde is an uninspired cop, just walking his beat “until someone wanted arresting,” but he soon becomes drawn into the girl’s life. The blood on her nightgown is not her own, but of a boy who is (was) her friend. Both of them work at Silkie Marsh’s brothel—and we don’t mean scrubbing the floors.

Wilde enters this sordid world, and it only gets more and more sordid.

The girl, Bird Daly, tells him of a dark-masked gentleman who visits the house, and when he does, one of the children disappears. Eventually, Wilde will discover the remains of nineteen of these children buried on the outskirts of the city.

seems often lacking in many of the other people (“I’ve done mad things myself. Stupid things. Never quite that mad or quite that stupid, but after all it wasn’t for lack of trying.”)

Almost against our will, we, like Wilde, are drawn down the gritty, squalid alleys of life we would rather not think about.

••• Meet Lyndsay Faye Watch an interview with Lyndsay Faye, discussing her first novel, Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings, with her former teacher and mentor, Jim LeMonds, at www.alanrose.com.

As he begins his investigation to find the brutal child-killer, Wilde runs up against party politics (no surprise, Silkie Marsh is a major contributor), as well as the Nativist rage against the swelling numbers of Irish immigrants arriving each day, “plentiful as fleas.”

Like most of the characters, Wilde is himself wounded and brutalized in this rough and tumble world where there is little difference between the “coppers” and the thugs they are supposed to control. Yet he engages us because of his self-awareness, which

The Brits Tea Shoppe 1427 Commerce Avenue Longview, Washington

www.alan-rose.com

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 9

Volunteer Opportunity

Share love of learning, make a difference– as a volunteer tutor at Project READ. Project READ, the volunteer adult literacy program of the Longview Public Library needs committed, responsible, and caring adults interested in volunteering as literacy tutors to help other adults in the community improve literacy skills.

Learners need help to improve reading, writing, English conversation, life-skills, preparing for U.S. citizenship, preparing for the GED, and/or improving math skills. Tutors work with them in the library one-on-one for an hour, twice a

week. Volunteers are asked to make a six-month commitment, but are welcome to stay longer.

The next tutor training sessions will be March 18, 19, 20, and 21 from 2:30–5 pm in the Longview Library Auditorium. Contact Elizabeth Partridge in the Project READ Corner or call 360-442-5321 to pick up a tutor application. You can also visit longviewlibrary.org/pr.php and download an application.

BREAKING NEWS GRACE’S ANTIQUES IS STILL HERE AFTER

75 YEARS

Randy on Wine

cont form page 5

at the winery, a screw top will pretty much guarantee that tasting notes will never be affected by the closing process. However, the negative aspects concerning the screw top are threefold.

First, purchasing a good quality wine — and not just a jug wine — with a screw top is reality, but you won’t be able to enjoy almost all of the great Spanish wines simply because that country does not allow it. Also, the finest French and most of the great Italian wines — my favorites — are off the table, as well.

These wineries are steeped in years of tradition and they would never use the screw top. Also most Napa Valley, Columbia Valley and Willamette Valley wines are closed with cork. But if you want a great American wine and refuse to carry a corkscrew, you can now enjoy a great product.

Secondly, screw tops are horrible for the environment because very few people actually go through the trouble of separating caps and recycling the metal.

Thirdly, the ambiance. There is simply no “pop” while your guests anxiously gather round you in anticipation with

empty glasses. Also as I mentioned, the dining experience with a screw top can result in a busboy dropping your dinner wine off at your table while en route to topping off water glasses or picking up a bus tub full of dishes.

Then there’s the compromise; the plastic cork. Although it does a great job guarding against dreaded “cork taint” than the actual cork does, it doesn’t hold up well for bottles designed to age.

My preference? I am for the cork.

After numerous wine trips abroad, I discovered that winemaking is a process involving many steps from growing great fruit, making wine and correctly closing the bottle; great vintners practice them all. When special attention is taken to corking, then it becomes the exclamation point on a great bottle of wine destined for the world.

••• Randy Sanders is a travel photographer and wine enthusiast. He lives in Yankton, a suburb of St. Helens. He founded Columbia River Reader in 2000 and sold it to Sue Piper in 2004.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP SINCE MARCH 2010

Providing our customers with the best possible prices & customer service

VOTED BEST IN COLUMBIA COUNTY FOR BEST ANTIQUES

Grace’s Rivertown Antiques 315 Strand St St Helens • 503-397-0798 Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5 • Sun 11-4

Located in Historical District St. Helens

Spring into action with Express!

With spring just around the corner, now’s the time to find that new job.

to use and you don’t pay a fee • WeWe arehaveeasya database of job openings • We can place you in temporary work while • you’re waiting to find just the right job

We’ll take the work out of finding a job.

Call 360.414.1200 in Longview • www.expresslongview.com

10 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader Columbia River Reader Ad March 2013

My Slant

Another view of the NRA

By Dick Miller Editor’s note: The following is one reader’s response to Lee Quarnstrom’s piece last month about Gabby Gifford’s new political action committee (PAC), “Americans for Responsible Solutions.” He suggested that those interested in “helping Gabby and Mark Giffords stand up to the NRA” make a financial contribution to their PAC.

M

r. Quarnstrom writes an interesting piece supporting the new PAC initiated by Gabby Giffords, the Congresswoman severely wounded by a deranged nut with a handgun during a shopping mall appearance. Quarnstrom says the Giffords’ PAC is set up to counter the NRA’s position on guns, violence and terrorism and suggests the NRA is not a group of gun owners of the United States, but is a front funded by the gun and ammo manufacturers associations.

In fact, the NRA currently has over four million (4,000,000) members.

Membership is $35 per year. The NRA’s primary purpose is to defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms in accordance with the Second Amendment. Current data shows manufacturers contribute 15% – 25% of the funds accumulated by the NRA. This is consistent with other “PACs.” Check with your local state or national politicians and you will find they are receiving very significant funds from manufacturers of every type.

The NRA actually agrees with Giffords’ PAC in the effort to find ways to reduce the ghastly shootings such as we saw in Connecticut in December.

However, the anti-gun media mostly do not understand guns, cannot distinguish automatic from semiautomatic, repeaters and bolt actions, etc. So they report erroneously and the editors let the liberal anti-gun diatribe go unchecked. They seem to believe they can ride the word “assault rifle” to some sort of gun grabbing legislation “victory.”

The Arizona shooter would not have been affected by banning the AR-15 “assault” weapon because he didn’t use one. The deranged shooter in Connecticut did not use an AR-15. He used Glock 9mm and Sig Sauer 9mm pistols. Later, police found an AR-15 and a shotgun in the back seat of his car.

The NRA believes better reporting of mentally unstable people needs to be done by doctors and divulged on background-checking databases.

Our society needs to help people better recognize signs of mental health problems and focus more on intervention and preventative action.

By the way, the death of 6-year-old children from guns is way behind deaths from drowning, auto accidents and poisoning. Safer swimming pools should be getting a higher priority, but the politician sees more donations when pursuing the “gun problem.”

The taking of guns from lawabiding citizens will only increase the dangers from the “Bad Guys.”

The NRA has for many years provided gun owners, law enforcement, military and government agencies with all the basic safety rules invoked nationwide.

The organization has advocated that a minimum of five years should be tacked onto the sentence for any crime that involved a gun. Most of the current liberal judges do not share this “right wing extremism.”

Rather than being denigrated, the NRA deserves credit for its long history of helping protect American citizens’ Second Amendment rights and promoting the safe use of guns. Locally, residents of Cowlitz County have received many benefits from the NRA, including:

EVERYDAY ETHICS

By Rick Pope

It’s a dog’s life

Q: Last year my neighbors acquired three rescue dogs. They are very proud that they have saved three dogs who had a bad life and a worse future. My neighbors have a fenced yard and leave their new dogs out most of the day. Every time I go outside they hear me and it sets off a paroxysm of barking. I avoid using my back yard because of it. Am I ethically bound to grin and bear it because of the wonderful thing my neighbors have done? Am I churlish for being upset?

Let’s work through this problem from top to bottom, giving both credits and demerits where they are due.

I say at the outset that I look at this problem from the perspective of the city mouse, not the country mouse, although I’m not certain my country mouse alter ego would see things much differently. That’s one big reason why I don’t live in the country.

First, well behaved dogs are wonderful beings and magical creatures. They give unconditional love, and in return deserve happiness and respect.

Dogs are living proof that loyalty, love and service to others can outdo self-centered amorality in the fair fight of natural selection. In that sense they are a testament to the power of ethics.

Second, anyone who steps up to save a helpless dog or dogs from a short lifetime of misery and mistreatment has done a wonderful thing. They have ethical credit in the bank.

Third, your neighbors have spent theirs. Doing a good deed does not relieve you from acting responsibly

while doing it. A saint does not use their saintliness to justify boorish behavior toward others.

Wonderful as dogs are, they are still creatures who present their caretakers with a stark choice. Either they will dominate you, or you will dominate them. That is their nature.

Although they will naturally struggle to dominate you, they are happy either way.

If your neighbors lived away from anyone within earshot, it would be no one’s business but their own if they chose to become subservient to a dog. But they don’t. They live next to you. Would they have cause to complain if, every time they went outside to relax in the hammock or read on the deck, you set off a series of firecrackers? And kept doing it?

Would you do that to them? Would you let your children do it? Would you let your dog? Would you say, “I tried,” and then give up?

We have an obligation to enjoy our lives in a reasonable manner that allows those around us to enjoy their lives, too. When we save a life, we have an obligation to bring that life up in a manner that adds to, not detracts from, our community. Dogs need training and control in order to bring out the best in them and in us. Your neighbors are shortchanging you, their dogs, and themselves.

••• Rick Pope is a Portland trial lawyer with Kirklin Thompson & Pope LLP, at www. ktp-law.com. He regularly represents plaintiffs as well as defendants, although not generally in the same case.

• $1,000 from NRA Foundation to send kids to summer camp on Orcas Island.

• $25,000 from the Public Shooting Range Fund to establish the new range at Castle Rock.

• $9,000 From the NRA Foundation toward a meeting room to accommodate hunter education classes, women’s self defense classes, Boy Scout meetings, etc. The NRA is almost the sole source of training for range safety officers, marksmanship classes, safety training instructors, and women’s defense courses.

••• Photo: Castle Rock resident and NRA member Dick Miller, fishing on the Kalama River. He is a retired marketing aerospace business executive and has been a hunter safety education program instructor for 18 years. He is currently president of Cowlitz Game & Anglers.

Reach him at 360-274-7559 or millerra2002@yahoo.com.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 11

Science in our Backyard

Russia’s recent meteorite prompts recalling of Willamette Meteorite found in 1902

J

Story and Photos By Michael Perry

ust over a month ago, people in central Russia witnessed Earth’s largest meteor to strike in more 100 years. Thanks to dashboard-mounted cameras and surveillance cameras in buildings, scientists soon reconstructed the asteroid’s orbital path and angle of entry. Videos of the meteor exploding in the sky and shock waves blowing out windows across the region were impressive, but many Americans were more interested in the dash-cam videos showing some bizarre traffic accidents in Russia.

The 50-feet wide stony meteor weighed about 10,000 tons and, like most meteorites, contained very little metallic iron. When the asteroid entered the atmosphere over China, it was traveling 45,000 mph at a 16-degree angle. It started breaking up 20 miles above Russia, and exploded 15 miles above Chelyabinsk, showering meteorite fragments on the ground.

The shock wave took 1-1/2 minutes

The Brits English Tea Shoppe & Café

Tea • Pastries British Fare Scones • Salads Sandwiches • Soups Beer & Wine High Tea daily Call for reservations Catering • Special Events

Live Music Fri and Sat 7–9pm See WordFest ad, page 9

WINTER HOURS Mon - Thurs 11am – 7pm Fri & Sat 11am–9pm 1427 Commerce Avenue

360-575-8090

BETHANY Lutheran Church Presents

Common Threads & Family Ties Annual QUILT SHOW

Friday, May 3rd from 10-7 • Saturday, May 4th from 10-3 34721 Church Rd. Warren OR 97053 Quilts FOR DISPLAY Accepted May 2nd • 9 – 6 Bake/Book/Jar Mix Sale • Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Soups-Sandwiches-Pie • Quilt & Gift Basket Raffles Kids Story Time • Handcrafted & Household Items

to reach the ground where it blew out one million square feet of windows.

Many people were injured, but nobody died.

Since it exploded 15 miles above the Earth, there was no impact crater.

We’ve all seen pictures of Arizona’s Meteor Crater, which is 4,000 feet in diameter and 570 feet deep. It was created about 50,000 years ago when a 150,000 ton nickel-iron meteorite broke up before hitting the ground at an estimated 25,000 mph. Russian citizens were fortunate their meteorite exploded high above them.

T h e Wi l l a m e t t e M e t e o r i t e o n d i s p l a y

In our backyard at New York’s Natural History Museum.

Do you know the Image: Wikipedia Commons/Dante Alighieri largest meteorite ever found in North America was discovered in our backyard – just two miles from West Linn, Oregon? Native Americans knew about this 16-ton meteorite long before a settler named Ellis Hughes discovered it in 1902. It was lying in a field 380 feet above sea level, on land owned by Oregon Iron and Steel Company. Hughes decided to steal the meteorite and spent 90 days moving it to his property. Word got out and Oregon Steel went to court to recover “their” meteorite. In 1905, they sold it for $26,000 and later it was donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where it has been on display ever since.

The Willamette Meteorite is 91% iron and 8% nickel.

Surprisingly, there was no impact crater where it was found.

How can that be? Geologists believe it actually landed in British Columbia and was transported to Lake Pend Oreille in a glacier. About 18,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, glaciers formed a dam west of Missoula, Montana, creating Glacial Lake Missoula that grew to be about 2,100 feet deep and contained 530 cubic miles of water. Eventually, the ice dam failed and all the water was released in three days. The resulting flood roared across eastern Washington and down the Columbia Gorge, scouring the land and moving huge rocks with water flows up to 80 mph. Water backed up in the Willamette and Cowlitz Valleys to a depth of 400 feet.

Living Well Senior Solutions

Services to seniors and their families

Care Coordination • Liaison with Out-of-Town Family Arranging & Moniotoring of In-Home Care Assistance Placement Referrrals ~ Moving & Downsizing Dementia Consultation & Education ~ Mail Assistance Senior Products for Safety & Health ~ Other Services as Requested

Referrals to: Legal Services ~ Financial Services ~ Veterans’ Benefits

www.livingwellss.com livingwellss@gmail.com 12 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Sharon Borrevik ~ Senior Advocate T 503.396.1300 ~ St Helens, OR

This lake creation and dam failure cycle repeated at least 40 times over a 3,000-year period.

An “erratic” is a rock that is not native to the area that was transported there by natural forces. There are many large erratics found in the Willamette Valley. Geologists have determined most came from Montana, deposited during the Missoula Floods. And one of the erratics was the Willamette meteorite! It probably floated to Oregon in or on a huge chunk of ice and fell out near Oregon City. Thus, no impact crater.

University of Oregon campus in Eugene. There is a one-fifth scale bronze replica at West Linn’s Fields Bridge Park (821 Willamette Falls Drive), or you can see a full size concrete replica at 1683 Willamette Falls Drive (corner of 14th and 7th Streets) in West Linn.

If you go, plan on having lunch in one of West Linn’s nearby restaurants.

•••

“Where’s the nearest fireplug or meteorite?” ~ Bob, the Dog

Michael Perry does whatever his sister begs him to do for the good of CRR, including going on wild goose chases in pursuit of Out & About destinations.

Photo by Dave Kovac

HOT PIZZA FRESH COOL SALAD BAR

Today you can see a replica of the Willamette Meteorite at the

THE BEST AROUND!

IN ST HELENS 2124 Columbia Blvd.

503-397-3211

The plaque, and Marilyn Perry at the concrete replica of the Willamette Meteorite in West Linn, Oregon.

ReWork ReStore

Avenue 30

Coming Events: Wine Tasting Fundraiser:

Home • Gift • Wine

Support your neighbors Shop • Donate

Saturday April 13th 4-7 pm

Retail Store • Consignment Mall Training Center • Donation Center Store & Donation Hours: Wed – Fri 10am -7pm Sat 11am-7pm Sun 12 Noon-4pm Like us at ReWork ReStore

100% of y tax-deductour donation ible in Colum stays County anbia goes to su d job readinpport ess

Stop by and see our nice selection of gifts, home décor and wine

Fee: $10.00

33480 SW Chinook Plaza, Scappoose, OR 97056

Fundraising for dentists without borders!!

Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 6pm

Check out our FB page for all upcoming events!

(Located next to Ace Hardware in Scappoose) www.facebook.com/avenue30

114 S. 17th Street St Helens • 503-369-7479

Closed - Sunday & Monday

It’s tax season! You can count on SPECIAL OCCASION CATERING

Scappoose Business & Tax Service OTB00973

Open all year ~ Call or stop by for FREE consultation

Be a guest at your next event!

ST HELENS 503-397-6993 445 Port Ave, Ste C scapptax2@ados.com SCAPPOOSE 503-543-7195 52698 NE First scapptax1@ados.com

503-366-9099 • 800-330-9099 201 S. First Street, St. Helens OR wildcurrantcatering.com

• Income Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor • Complete Payroll Services • Training & Support

Hours: Mon – Thurs 9 – 6 • Friday 9– 5 • Saturday 9 – 5 scappoosebusinessandtax.com Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 13

Visit Rainier!

Lucky Town Restaurant

The friendly waterfront town

AUXILIARY

Chinese Food

Lunch Special Menu 20% OFF

Serving Beer & Wine 228 West “B” Street, Rainier, OR 11am–9pm Mon-Sat • 3–9pm Sun

LUIGI’S PIZZA

Pizza Calzone Sandwiches Spaghetti • Lasagna Burgers • Salads Beer, Wine & Sodas Play VIDEO POKER Open 11am daily 119 First St E • Rainier

503-556-4213

10% Off with this ad thru 4/30/13

TO GO Phone 503-556-1187

Evergreen Pub & Cafe

We’re ing ais Fundr ith W

By Sandy Carl

NOW AVAILABLE AT Columbia River Reader’s office 1333 - 14th Ave. Longview, Wash.

Mon-Wed-Fri • 11- 3pm Info: 360-261-0658 Custom order by Mar. 20 for Delivery Mar. 29.

The perfect book for the nostalgic cook Available at Lower Columbia Esthetics 1142 Washington Way • Longview

OPEN DAILY 8AM Family Dining Homemade Soups • Salads Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials

Best Burgers in the Area

Join us at The Monticello Hotel

EASTER BRUNCH

Friday ~ Serving halibut and cod fish & chips

Sunday, March 31, 2013 9:00am to 3:00pm

Full Bar

115 -117 First St E • Rainier Keno • Video Poker

503-556-9935

Happeyr East

Adults: $26 Seniors: $22 Kids 10 and under: $13 Call now to make your reservations 360-425-9900

1405 - 17th Ave • 360-425-9900 On Longview’s Historic Civic Circle

YOUR COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

360.423.8750 800.205.7872 www.fibrecu.com

Federally insured

by NCUA

Debt consolidation is a slam dunk with a low-cost Fibre Federal personal loan.

5.99 6.99 7.99 8.99

% APR*

12 months

% APR*

24 months

% APR*

36 months 60 months

% APR* *Annual Percentage Rate as of 2/1/13 and is subject to change.

www.facebook.com/FibreCU

Banking made easy 14 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Northwest Foods

Man in the Two delicious ways to enjoy coconut, without Kitchen the dreaded, shredded texture

Put the lime in the

Part 3: Man in the Kitchen’s 3-month Winter Soup Series

C C NUT

Story by Paul Thompson • Columbia River River photo

W

ith Easter just around the corner, I know I’ll be seeing coconut items in grocery store displays. I don’t particularly like the dried stringy coconut strands found in macaroons and cake frosting.

But I do have a long-standing favorite coconut recipe: Pina Colada (recipe at right), a lovely drink to offer your guests or to sip by yourself as you relax on the patio, something I look forward to being able to do sometime soon as the weather warms up.

Over the years, as I discovered new restaurants and became more familiar with cooking from Thailand and Viet Nam, I recognized the potential for coconut milk in a wide range of recipes. A recent venture took me to a recipe for “Chicken Curry Soup with Coconut and Lime,” found online at food.com where it was attributed to Bon Appetite, August 1993. The title alone caused me to salivate.

I made the soup. It was delicious (see recipe in sidebar).

Are you a little nuts about the taste of coconut?

Where a recipe calls for milk, substitute a little coconut milk. I added a little to my bowl of clam chowder. It tasted pretty good, adding a subtle boost of flavor to the chowder.

I’ve never tasted the juice from the inside of a coconut. Drill two holes and pour out of one, I’m told. Very tasty, I’m told. The whole fruit is often available in our grocery stores.

I’m getting one, just for the fun of it.

••• Paul Thompson lives in Longview.

Besides cooking, he enjoys movies, bowling, Scrabble and golf.

Chicken Curry Soup with Coconut and Lime 2 cups low-salt chicken broth 1 13.5 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk 1/2 tablespoon curry powder 1 jalapeño chili, seeded, minced 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/4 cup chopped green onion 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley) 1 cup freshly cooked white rice Lime wedges Bring chicken broth, coconut milk, curry powder and chili to simmer in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken and simmer until chicken is just cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Mix in lime juice.

Season with salt and pepper.

Pina Colada

Combine 4 oz cream of coconut, 8 oz pineapple juice and 6 oz white or dark rum. Blend and serve over ice, or blend with ice and serve frozen, garnished with a pineapple wedge or cherry.

Serves 4.

Transfer soup to bowl. Sprinkle green onion and cilantro over. Spoon rice into each bowl. Ladle soup over. Serve, passing lime wedges separately.

Makes about 4 generous servings.

“Give your salt shaker the cold shoulder.”

Sodium per serving: 170mg Based on 1/8 tsp salt added to the rice before cooking and 1/8 tsp added to the soup prior to serving.

Coconut Milk vs Cream of Coconut

Coconut milk is not the juice found inside a coconut, but the diluted cream pressed out from the thick, white flesh of a well-matured coconut. Coconut milk is a rich, creamy liquid comprised of water and coconut pulp. It is a staple ingredient in Thai curries and in beverages, sauces, soups, and desserts throughout Southeast Asia. Unsweetened coconut milk is available in cans at well-stocked grocery stores and Asian markets.

Do not substitute cream of coconut, which is is a smooth, thick liquid made from fresh coconuts. It is thick and very sweet, and commonly used in mixed drinks and available in liquid and powdered forms.

The Broadway Gallery the-broadway-gallery.com

(Top Left) Lucy Moilanen-Meath, Shelley Campbell, Darcie Lessante, Christina Fenimore, Leigh Penley, (Bottom Left) Traci Wills, Trinity Collins, Katelyn Dalgardno, and Kara Shields 1700 Hudson Street, Suite 204 Longview, WA 98632

Direct Line: 360.703.0101 • www.beechercarlson.com • Toll Free: 800.654.5565

Tusked Beauty Oil by Lorena Birk

Nuthatch - Woodcut

by Debby Neely

Dragon Fly - Watercolor

by Carol Boudreau

Layaway at no charge • Gift Certificates • Gift Registry 1418 Commerce Longview, WA - Extra parking behind gallery Across from Elam’s Home Furnishings

2nd Annual Recycle Art Event Open to the Public. See Gallery website for info

360-577-0544 10am - 5:30pm • Mon - Sat

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 15

Get High-Speed Internet

GET ON WITH BUSINESS. Get High-Speed Internet for a fast, worry-free connection in your business or home.

Easy to Order Call for a FREE Site Survey

Call Today!

360 414-5990 www.cni.net

Everyone deserves music!

Piano Lessons A great investment in yourself or as a gift

Martin E. Kauble Longview, WA

360-423-3072

(www.kaublepianostudio.com)

technique • theory • performance

16 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Northwest Gardener

Crimson clover Cover crop delivers natural form of nitrogen

Story and Photos

by Nancy Chennault

are also known as “green manures” because they add valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

Crimson clover is an excellent cover crop because it helps fix nitrogen into the soil.

Crimson clover seen blooming in May is being grown for seed production.

C

rimson clover is one of the best plants you can grow in a vegetable garden. You will never harvest it for dinner, nor will you ever see it bloom (as shown in photo above). However, you will reap the benefits of a fall planting of crimson clover with a significant yield of fresh vegetables each summer.

Mid-March through mid-April is the time to turn the young clover plants into nutritious fertilizer.

Crimson Clover is a cover crop which is planted in the fall. Cover crops

It is a legume Many legumes, including peas and beans, have a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria. The bacteria act like little nitrogen factories for the legumes. They form nodes on the plants’ roots and convert nitrogen from the air into a form that the plants can use. In return, the legumes provide the bacteria with carbohydrates and minerals.

The seed is sown in the fall after crops are harvested, just before the first hard freeze. Slow to sprout because of falling temperatures, the seedlings seem to spend most of the winter in

suspended animation. (photo #1, below) The young plants help deflect pounding winter rains which cause erosion and turn garden plots into bogs. Cover crops such as crimson clover also suppress weed growth as they help build a more nutritious soil.

By the end of March to early April (photo #2) the plants have responded to the warming temperatures and are beginning to grow rapidly. It’s almost time to “harvest.”

Step One Mow the crimson clover back to just above the soil. The succulent stems are tender and cut easily. Use a stringed “weed eater” or lawn mower for large areas. Raised beds

3. Crimson clover cut back to soil level recovers and continues to grow.

1. Hardy to 10 degrees, each clover plant develops roots throughout the winter, poised to erupt with warming temperatures in the spring.

can be sheared with hedge clippers.

Leave the foliage in the garden bed.

It will begin to decompose quickly if cut before buds form and stems get woody. The plants will continue to grow (photo #3). You may need to cut the foliage back more than once if wet weather prevents immediate cultivation. cont page 31 Nancy Chennault for many years operated a popular local nursery.

These days, she and her husband, Jim Chennault, operate “The Plant Station” and The Gardens @ Sandy Bend on their beautiful garden property in Castle Rock.

4. The smaller the pieces the more rapidly the vegetation will compost.

2. The crimson clover is thick and robust just in time for Spring garden preparation. run ahead of the pack

Make your yard the place to hang!

MARCH CONTAINER SALE Buy One Get One HALF OFF regular priced pots only

UTV’S

April 11th Crazy Hair Day 10% Off regular priced

In Stock

merchandise excluding deliveries

Summer Hours Start April 1 M-F 8–5:30 Sat 8–5 • Sun 9–4

• Industry Leading 4-Year Warranty • Outstanding standard features • Full line of implements and attachments

COWLITZ RIVER RIGGING - Fully stocked parts & service department 360-414-9663

240 Tennant Way • Longview WA

1540 Industrial Way • Longview, WA 98632 (360) 425-6720 • 1-800-488-3127 Mon-Fri 7:00am-6:00pm • Sat 8:00am-2:00pm Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 17

COOKING WITH THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

If a recipe is good, it’s good any day of the year What started as a fiasco ended with a favorite Story by Suzanne Martinson • Photos by Bob Martinson The chilly days of March and the April showers that bring the flowers inspire a delicious loaf of Ballymaloe Brown Bread. The recipe (page 27) comes from “Myrtle Allen’s Cooking at Ballymaloe House,” one of Ireland’s best guest houses. This easy-to-make yeast bread requires no kneading. It’s best to cool it before cutting, and the sliced bread can be wrapped in aluminum foil and reheated in the oven.

I

n Tennessee, they asked me, “What church do you go to?” In Pennsylvania, they asked, “What ethnic group do you belong to?” They were really wondering, “What do you cook?” In America, we commemorate our diverse histories with food.

As a newspaper food editor in Pittsburgh — a city where ethnic festivals and holidays pop up like spring crocus amid March snow — I once made the mistake of skipping St. Patrick’s Day. The anonymous caller had lost her brogue but not her bluster: “Where’s the St. Patrick’s recipes?” Flummoxed again.

The potatoes for Ballymaloe’s Potato Salad are best dressed while still warm and served at room temperature. It’s well worth buying fresh watercress and parsley for their cheery color, as well as flavor, for Billy’s French Dressing, which is made with olive oil and mild wine vinegar.

In Pittsburgh, red-blooded Americans of Irish descent mark the holiday by marching through the city’s South Side swilling green beer. Pubs color their kegs of golden Iron City beer to mimic the beautiful green hills of Ireland, which I know must exist because I’ve watched the romantic comedy “Leap Year” with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode a dozen times.

There are, I know, dishes one has to be born to, for example, baked beans on our family farm in Michigan. But I am an ethnic mongrel, what my farmer father called “a Heinz 57,” and the only Irish recipe I’d heard of was Soda Bread.

The next year, I tried to make a loaf.

My soda bread was simply not up to par, even with my husband, Ace, a

Dr. Jeffrey Tack

Dr. Kristi Poe Dr. Terence Tack

Simply. . . the Best.

LONGVIEW 820 Ocean Beach Hwy, #100 • 360-636-2020 WOODLAND 500 Columbia Street, Suite A • 360-225-1010 CATHLAMET 180 3rd Ave • 360-795-3223 Thank you for voting us #1 Eye Care Center in Cowlitz County for the last 5 years.

(The Daily News Reader’s Choice Award) 18 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

bread-lover with no preconceived notions of the Emerald Isle’s national treasure. He took one bite, slathered on more butter, tried again. “This doesn’t taste quite right,” he said.

Figuring the Irish wanted to share their celebrated history, but had their own treasured soda bread recipe, we cont page 27

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Stepping out

Story by John P. Freeman Photos by John & Marty Freeman

Easy walks close to home

decided to return by the asphalt path passing many roof-covered picnic tables surrounded by pine trees and here and there, fire pit sites. There were a few others out walking and exercising their dogs. I introduced myself to two women throwing balls for their dogs to chase. They let me take their picture. There are two sets of playground equipment along the path in case you have children with

umbrella inside out.

I usually don’t let the weather deter me from walking.

Willow Grove Beach on the Columbia This is one of those places where you can roam about. Driving the 8.5 miles from Longview, I wondered if the clearing weather Pam Schultz with Sahara; Patty Donaldson with Gracie, all out would hold for the for a stroll at Willow Grove Park, west of Longview. short outing along the river. I parked at the hen the weather starts westernmost end of the lot. The river’s getting better as spring edge is a good place to jog or walk approaches, getting out because farther up on the beach the of the house to relieve cabin fever sand makes it harder to do either. gets easier. Being outside enlivens your outlook, especially if it has been I decided to walk on the sand near overcast and rainy. Whether you wish the river. It was just past low tide that to take a strenuous walk or just a stroll morning so there would be a wider doesn’t matter. Being out is the thing. stretch of sand on which to walk. As

W

I headed east it started to drizzle a little heavier but still that did not put a damper on the whole walk. Walking along, I was reminded there are many pieces of driftwood pieces along the river here. Some of them were great gnarled things. The rain let up. From my starting point, it is about half a mile to the boat launch parking lot. I

Walking or running in the Pacific Northwest is a dice roll as to whether you will get rained on or not. Walking in the rain is OK with me, but wind and rain together I don’t like. If it is raining, I walk with an umbrella so the combination of wind and rain makes it difficult because either you can’t see, or the wind might turn your

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

Oysterville •

Ilwaco

Columbia River

Castle Rock

• Naselle 101

Chinook

Cathlamet 4

101

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Astoria

Birkenfeld

Ape Cave •

Longview Kelso

Clatskanie

Cougar •

Kalama

Rainier

Woodland

503

•Yacolt Vernonia

Oregon

The view from the bluff is obstructed by city and industrial buildings, but the park is a place for a good stroll.

As the trees and bushes begin to fill out with new foliage, you will see wild flowers, white oak trees, birds flitting about among the branches and poison oak (so be careful). My wife and I were the only people there. The dirt paths wander through the park, with some exiting onto neighboring streets. Volunteers plan a work party on April 6 which should help this “diamond in the rough” shine brighter.

St Helens

A good stretch for a stretch If you want to stretch your legs either by walking or running, the Coweeman River Trail provides a long and flat route. The entire trail, mostly a gravel path, runs 7.5 miles from Allen Street east of Kelso High School all the way to Talley Way by the Tennant cont page 20

VISITORS CENTERS FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

• Grays River

Warrenton •

Seaside

Washington 504

Long Beach

In St. Helens Nob Hill Nature Park is a tiny park in St. Helens, Oregon, located on a small bluff looking out toward the Columbia River. Having a map with directions to get there is a good idea (From Columbia Blvd, turn right onto 18th Street, then left onto Old Portland Rd, then take a slight right off Old Portland Rd. onto Plymouth, a total distance of 1.5 miles from Hwy 30.)

John Freeman on the trail at St. Helen’s Nob Hill Nature Park.

Winlock

Ocean Park •

you. But just being outside for 40 minutes, watching the river flow by and getting some exercise made the outing worthwhile.

• Kelso Visitors Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058 • Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce 1560 Olympia Way, Longview • 360-423-8400 • Castle Rock Exhibit Hall I-5 Exit 48 or 49 Follow signs to 147 Front Ave NW. 360-274-6603 • Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., 360-225-9552 Local in formati • Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Points on of In Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 Recrea terest ti o n S p • Appelo Archives Center 1056 SR 4 ecia Dinin l Events Naselle, WA. 360-484-7103.

Arts & g ~ Lodging Enterta • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau inment 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) Long Beach, WA. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542 • South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, OR • 503-397-0685 • Seaside, OR 989 Broadway 503-738-3097 or 888-306-2326 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Ctr Maryhill 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or Museum 800-875-6807

97

Goldendale

• Ridgefield Vancouver Scappoose

rnelius NW Co ad Pass Ro

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Portland

12

Stevenson Bonneville Dam

Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 19

Walks Open Everyday

E E FR

Bowling

Buy one game, Get one game free Limit 4 games.

Triangle Shopping Center Longview, WA • 360-425-4060 Valid for everyone in your group.

OUT • AND • ABOUT from page 17

Way interchange. I had never walked this trail before and thought it was time to try it. I got on the trail near Grade Street at the South end of the Three Rivers Mall parking lot. From there to Allen Street is about 2.5 miles following the Coweeman River. You walk under the I-5 freeway past Tam O’Shanter Park, Kelso High School playing fields, and an RV Park, where the trail ends at Allen St. There are no trees or bushes along the trail, but I saw some ducks on the river. If you drive and park at the Mall as I did, you have to retrace your steps because it is not a loop.

So my walk was about five miles. Having someone let you off where you want to start and pick you up where you want to end your walk would be ideal.

Not valid with other offers.

Valid with coupon until 4/15/13.

The view along the Coweeman River dike.

Longview’s jewel L a k e S a c a j a w e a i n The one early-blooming rhodie at Lake Sacajawea.

Longview has a gravel path all the way around. In addition to mile Longview native markers, kilometer markers have just John Freeman is a recently been added. Because of all the retired high school streets crossing the lake at various places, math teacher. you can tailor your walk anywhere from He can be found three-fourths of a mile to 3.5 miles. most mornings walking around Occasionally I have seen Bald Eagles, Lake Sacajawea.

Blue Herons, and river otters. New pink He also enjoys blossoms on the Flowering Plum trees travel, music, and blossoms on one early-blooming opera, bridge and cooking. rhododendron can be seen now.

Pick your site for running, walking, or strolling. Then get out and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re like me, you’ll be glad you did.

•••

Be our guest!

JT’s invites you to dine in style ~ Fresh NW Cuisine • Warm ambience You’ll love our Tenderloin Steak Burger!

1/2 OFF 2nd Lunch with purchase of one lunch and 2 beverages

Mon-Fri Lunch 11–3

Mon-Sat Dinner 4-9 Closed Sundays

360-577-0717 20 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Cannot be combined with other offers. With Coupon thru 4/15/13

1203-14th • Longview

g No evenin NOTICE: nce Sat , April a perform ay April 21 20; Sund sted to 1pm show adju

OUT • AND • ABOUT

TACOMA ~ Renaissance town sheds dirty jeans Story by Erin Hart • Photos by Seth Hart

A

lmost 20 years ago, when I’d drive to Tacoma to visit my sister at the University of Puget Sound, there were places the school instructed you not to drive after dark, places like the old Tacoma downtown.

To day, however, even the University of Washington has located its Tacoma campus in the middle of what was once sketchy territory. A renaissance has occurred. This is not the place I remember at all. Tacoma has shed its dirty jeans and slipped into a Prada suit.

Once known only for its accessible port and major industrial area (this should sound familiar to Longview natives), the Tacoma downtown began a reconstruction in the last decade as many Seattle artists and professionals became priced out of the real estate market. Tacoma was still convenient to the city, and featured a unique turn-of-the-century architectural aesthetic.

Get your motor running…

Once you exit Interstate-5 onto I-705, you immediately realize that this is not the Tacoma of yesterday.

The LeMay Automotive Museum, newly constructed in 2012, rises from the edge of the road like a giant chrome fender. This not-tobe-missed attraction houses a unique collection of American automobiles, including a very rare “Tucker” car and four floors of jaw-droppingly shiny chrome and steel.

Automobile lovers will need an entire day to marvel at the breadth of Mr. LeMay’s hobby, and the rest of us can enjoy the clever architectural construction. This is the Guggenheim of car museums, with a multi-floor layout that takes

you up and down four floors without stairs, making you feel that you’ve completed a Grand Prix event as you round the last corner. (My children were wishing for roller skates.)

Whereas before you might have been afraid to leave your car parked downtown, today it’s easy to park in one of the many area lots and take advantage of the Tacoma Link Light Rail Line. This electric trolley is free and runs on a loop every 12 minutes throughout the downtown area. For children, getting on and off the “train” is a high point of the adventure, and for the parents and grandparents, knowing you can do it over and over again with no extra charge — that’s priceless.

Stories that built our state If you hop on the Link from the LeMay, you’ll be downtown in about 8 minutes. It drops you off directly in front of the Washington State History museum. While this museum is more about dioramas than artifacts, it’s an interesting way to experience the variety of stories that built our state. The current traveling exhibit is “Let’s Ride: Motorcycling the Northwest.” They change exhibits annually, making the museum a different experience each time you attend.

The Museum of Glass is located just across the street, and the pedestrian “Chihuly Bridge of Glass” that you transverse from the downtown area to the museum is incredible and free to visit. A suspended ceiling features glass cases full of a pre-cambrian soup of rainbowcolored blown glass, followed by a wall of abstract and literal vases of glass flowers. Even if you are as unfortunate as we were to find the museum closed for a private party, the bridge is some compensation for the disappointment.

Just a little snack Perhaps it’s because we travel with small children, but it seems that food is always a focal point of our activities. If it had just been my husband and me, there were multiple excellent options for a great dinner. From “El Gaucho” to the “Pacific Grill,” the wine and steak crowd will be satisfied with the selection. Since we had children in tow, we decided on that favorite festival of carbs beloved by children and adults, The Olde Spaghetti Factory.

For a great follow-up treat, don’t miss “Hello, Cupcake,” located just across from the Chilhuly Bridge of Glass. The atmosphere is nearly as sweet as the cupcakes, with lots of sparkles and pink – but the chocolate cupcakes take a mansized appetite. Order a miniaturesized version if you don’t want to risk going overboard.

If you have the urge to travel a little further away from where the Link line can take you, hop in your car and travel up Division Street to experience a Tacoma classic: The Frisko Freeze. Featuring “beefburgers” and heavy-duty milkshakes, be prepared to wait in line at the window and eat inside your car.

Locals are proud of this place and have slapped a “Register of Historic Places” sticker on it.

We sipped our milkshakes and took a drive over to see Stadium High School, one of the only other high schools in Washington State that could overshadow R.A. Long. It was originally constructed as a chateau-style hotel in the early 1900s, but was used as a high school instead. The deep-bowl of the stadium has a killer view of Puget Sound. (And cont page 22

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 21

OUT • AND • ABOUT TACOMA: If You Go

cont from page 20

for movie buffs, it’s where the late Heath Ledger belted out “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” in the teen-fluff movie “10 Things I Hate About You.”) We spent the night at what must be the centerpiece of this Tacoma Renaissance: The Hotel Murano.

The work of more the 40 glass artists is featured on nearly every surface, from the glass canoes hanging in the entryway ceiling, to the sinks in the restrooms. Immediately adjacent to the Tacoma Convention Center, this hotel is heavily used for conventions, but the service is great, the rooms are trendy but comfortable, and the restaurant, “Bite,” serves a fabulous breakfast. The German pancakes are a must-have, served with lemon slices and sprinkled with fresh blueberries.

The Hotel offers multiple packages

in and out of the industrial area, traffic was buzzing along the freeway, and the water was covered with shipping traffic, all under a cloud-wrapped Mount Rainier. The downtown is still doing downtown business, but they’ve invited in the creative crowd to take part in the fun. Perhaps it’s a model that might help other industrial towns experience their own Renaissance… I’ll have my bags packed should they try!

••• Longview native Erin Hart has lived in many places, including and Vermont, and worked in Portland, Southern California marketing and web design and as a pastry chef. Currently financial development director for a Longview non-profit, she is pictured above with daughters Ruby, 7, and Scarlet, 3.

on their website that include free parking and tickets to the various museums, saving you a few bucks.

Longview’s

HOTTEST HAPPY HOUR

Waking up the next morning, our view from the room told a broader story than the one our tourist experience lent us. Trains were moving

RESTAURANT & WINE CLUB

The Bistro

Getting there: From the Lower Columbia area, it’s a quick jump up the Interstate to exit #133. If you’re a fan of taking the train, the Amtrak station is very close to the Tacoma Dome link station, so you could experience downtown and never need a car (amtrak. com). However, if you have small children, bring a stroller. The downtown area has many hills that would be tiring for small legs.

Where to Stay: The Hotel Murano really is in the center of it all, and is rated TripAdvisor’s #1 Hotel in the area, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful lobby (hotelmuranotacoma.com). If you’re driving, there are multiple bed and breakfasts in the Stadium Historic District, just west of downtown.

Great Eats: While we enjoyed breakfast at “Bite” (see the Hotel Murano website), they also have a pretty spectacular lunch and dinner menu. Check out downtowntacoma. com for a complete list of all of the options. If you really need that burger, check out friscofreeze. com. You won’t go hungry.

The Museums: Go to downtowntacoma.com and you’ll see all the links to the museums on “Museum Row.” Tacoma Art Museum: Opening April 6: A special exhibition by Eric Carle, better known as the artist and author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.This should be a good way to get my young children interested in seeing his other independent work. tacomaartmuseum.org/, 1701 Pacific Ave. Museum of Glass: museumofglass.org, 1801 Dock Street Wa s h i n g t o n St a t e H i s t o r y M u s e u m : washingtonhistory.org, 1911 Pacific Avenue LeMay Automotive Museum: lemaymuseum.org, 2702 East D Street.

~ Erin Hart

Renaissance town

22 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Happy Hour every Wed-Thurs-Fri-Sat • 5 – 6pm Come in and enjoy our new menu items!

LIVE MUSIC

Bucky: Thursdays 6–9pm Avi: Fridays 6–10pm,

Saturdays 6–9pm

ted # VoFine Dining

1

The Daily News Readers Choice

1329 Commerce Ave. Downtown Longview Wed–Sat 5 pm ‘til . . . ?

Make your dinner reservations online at www.thebistrobuzz.com or call 360.425.2837

Flappers in Longview St. Rose Middle School presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” at the Parish Center, Saturday, March 16 at 7pm and Sunday March 17th at 2pm. The hour-long show, offered free to the community, is packed with singing and dancing and funny references to the 1920s. The show stars 8th graders Aunika Rybar and Quinn Anderson as Millie and Jimmy. Jaidon Marlow and Drake Daglisch play Dorothy and Mr. Grayson and Abby Anderson is the evil Mrs. Meers. For more information or directions, call the school at 577-6760.

*Selected sailings, per stateroom.

Government fees and taxes are additional

Southwest Washington's Premier Cruise Center 1408 12th Avenue • Longview, WA

Frank King

Aaron Dawson, CPA

Jen Dawson, CPA

George Opsahl, CPA

Kris Dow

360-578-5464 • travelkings.com

Matt Lee, CPA

“Accounting For A New Age” 959 11TH AVENUE, SUITE A LONGVIEW, WA 98632 WWW.OPSAHLCO.COM

Wine

Tasting

Room will

be open in

early April,

R

2013. Wine by the glass

and specialty

food items

PHONE 360-425-2000 FAX 360-425-3418 INFO@OPSAHLCO.COM

Now open

for drive-

thru service.

2013

Proud to

Roland Wines

serve ZOJO coffee and espresso

Roland Wines and Roland’s Coffee

Garage are pleased to announce their

FIRST GAME • JUNE 5 • 7:05pm ANOTHER EXCITING SEASON IN STORE Home games at Story Field at Lower Columbia College, Longview

merger at 3424 Columbia Heights Road in historic Longview.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 23

You can learn to love technology!

All you need is a little help!

Learn to use your electronic devices with easy-to-understand lessons in your own home.

Perry Piper

SKILLED • PATIENT • KIND

360-749-1021 • Call for your free consultation Now booking appointmets after April 5 PERRY PIPER PRODUCTIONS a division of

24 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

GIFT

CERTIFICATES

Where do you read

THE READER? WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send a photo showing where YOU read the Reader (high-resolution JPEG, 2 MB max) to Publisher@ CRReader.com. Include name and city of residence. At press time, we did not have a backlog. If you have submitted a photo prior to March 10 but haven’t yet seen it published, please re-send and/or check via publisher@crreader. com. Thank you for your participation and patience. Keep those “Where Do You Read the Reader?” photos coming!

Cover look-alike Al Littlefield reads the January 2013 Columbia River Reader in the Chiliwist Valley in Okanogan County.

DO YOU WANT TO...

• Release Unwanted Fat & Toxins from your Body • Increase Your Energy & Performance

Hudson Park Elementary (Rainier) teachers attending Iditarod Teachers Conference in Anchorage, Alaska: Lynn Green, Clatskanie; JoAnna Thompson, Rainier; Nancy Kernutt, St. Helens.

70.8 lbs Released in 4 Months!

Before: 262.8 lbs

Hi, my name is Neal. I weighed 262.8 lbs and was OBESE. I felt tired and unhealthy. Since being introduced to a Nutritional Cleansing Program that turned my body into a Fat Burning Machine, that has all changed.

I released 12.2 pounds in the first 9 days and a total of 70.8 lbs in 120 days. Now I am SHARING the SECRET on how YOU can do this too.

Let me help you lose weight, burn fat and get healthy, so we can share your success story with others!

Contact me, TODAY to learn more...

Neal & Laurie Hammond www.nealhammond.isagenix.com nealhammond@yahoo.com OR (360) 261-8777

After: 192 lbs

“Tie” one on George and Sherry Evans of Rainier on a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to visit their daughter.

It’s Miller time in Ireland! Dan D’Amario of Scappoose reading the Reader at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 25

Stop by and Try Three Wheels

CANYONVIEW CYCLERY Fast, Safe, Healthy and Effective

Service is our Specialty

doTerra Essential Oils 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

360-200-5550

• • • •

Bicycles Sales Service Repair

1051 14th Ave, Suite 120 Longview, Washington facebook.com/canyonviewcyclery • www.canyonviewcyclery.com

WEIGHT LOSS NO COUNTING

Calories, Carbs or Points I’ve been able to maintain my 30 lb. weight loss for 28 months!* - Diane M. Lough, Longview, WA

56 Free Meals with

Chinese Herbal Medicine

New Client Orders Requires signup on the BeSlim program

Most Insurance Accepted

*Results will vary. Lose 2–5 lbs. per week the first 2 weeks and 1–2 lbs. per week thereafter.

CALL

Niechelle Guzman, L.Ac. and Nancy Goodwin, L.Ac.

Diane M. Lough Certified Health Coach www.IslandSun.tsfl.com

360-577-8989

1717 Olympia Way, Suite 104 Park Plaza, Longview www.sunandmoonacupuncture.com

360-431-6946

Black, Lauder Deliver Specialized Hand and Wrist Care Specialized care for hand and wrist conditions is available at Longview Orthopedic Associates.

Anthony Lauder, M.D., and Dave Black, M.D. have extensive experience in dealing with hand and wrist problems, including arthritis, tendonitis, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome – conditions which are very common among loggers, mill workers, and fishermen.

If you have hand or wrist pain, schedule an appointment with the only local orthopedists with subspecialty certification in surgery of the hand.

Longview Orthopedic Associates is located at 625 9th Avenue at Pacific Surgical Institute, where MRI and physical therapy services are available on site for your convenience.

Dave Black, MD

Anthony Lauder, MD

360.501.3400

www.longviewpsi.com/loa 26 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Farmer’s Daughter cont from page 18

printed mine. The food section was hardly dry off the press when my phone rang. Uh-oh. The headline, which our Irish-on-her-mother’s-side copy editor, Betsy, wrote and I blithely approved, was “all wrong. It’s not St. Patty’s Day, it’s St. Paddy’s Day,” an angry Irishman snarled.

Who knew? Betsy and I shrugged our shoulders and went back to work on the Sunday food page.

Some time later, looking for new dishes to make for our neighbors Chris and Linda’s annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner, I discovered I wasn’t the only one who struggled with Irish Brown Soda bread. Turning the pages of “Myrtle Allen’s Cooking at Ballymaloe House,” the author herself told all: “I was many years married before I first triumphantly put a really good brown soda loaf on the tea table. ... Every woman I knew who made good bread appeared just to have ‘the touch.’ ” For me, no need to wait for “the touch,” because Myrtle Allen’s cookbook had the practically foolproof Ballymaloe Brown Bread. I baked it for the neighborhood dinner, which some years fell on the holiday, and sometimes happened, as Dad used to say, “in the neighborhood” of March 17.

Never mind. If a recipe is good, it’s good any day of the year. This delicious, dark bread is made most every day at Ballymaloe House, one of Ireland’s most famous guest houses.

As you read this, the green beer may be long gone, but the Ballymaloe bread has become a staple at our house. It’s a yeast bread that doesn’t require kneading, made from ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

“Delicious!” said Ace, enjoying his second slice of the hearty loaf, which is sweetened with molasses.

Nor can I write about Irish food without cooking a few potatoes.

Growing up, I watched my mother, married for 54 years, prepare three meals a day for my dad and us three kids. I am a country cook, and I prefer simple foods homemade without a lot of fuss. We ate a lot of potatoes. too.

As Susan, a longtime colleague and good cook, once told me, “I don’t like to play with my food.”

Me, either. But I am willing to go to the store or, in the summer, a farmers market to buy an ingredient for a new recipe. Like the wedge between Paddy and Patty, the small sprig of watercress could make a big difference.

I don’t have a Ballymaloe herb garden, but the watercress I found at the supermarket came with roots attached.

A second batch of Myrtle Allen’s potato salad with watercress may be calling. It’s so tasty we won’t wait until Leap Year. Ace’s grandmother, who never shed her Swedish accent, said it best: “Don’t we have it good in America!”

••• Suzanne Martinson grew up on a Michigan farm that has been in her family for more than 120 years. She retired as food editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and is the author of “The Fallingwater Cookbook.” She and husband Bob, also a writer, live in Lexington. Email them at acesmartinson@comcast.net.

Potato Salad 2-1/2 pounds potatoes (unpeeled), quartered 1/2 cup Billy’s French Dressing (we used all we made) 2 Tbl chopped fresh parsley leaves 2 Tbl snipped fresh chives 1/2 cup mayonnaise Potatoes (we used gold potatoes) are best when tossed in their dressing while they are still hot. They can then be kept for a day or two without losing flavor.

Cook the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender but not falling apart. Drain well. As soon as the potatoes can be comfortably handled, peel and cut into one-half inch dice. Toss the warm potatoes in a bowl with Billy’s French Dressing, the parsley and chives.

Let the salad cool slightly, then toss with the mayonnaise (we used only 4 Tbl) and season with salt and pepper.

Let the potato salad stand at least 1 hour before serving to allow the dressing to be absorbed.

Billy’s French Dressing 1/4 cup mild wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon-style mustard 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 large clove garlic, minced 1 scallion, chopped coarse 1 sprig of parsley 1 sprig of watercress 3/4 cup vegetable or olive oil, or combination In a food processor, puree all the ingredients. The dressing keeps, covered and chilled, for 24 hours.

Return to room temperature before using. (We chopped the ingredients

Patty vs.

Paddy • Paddy is derived from the Irish, Pådraig, hence those mysterious, emerald double-Ds. • Patty is the diminutive of Patricia — or a burger — and just not something you call a fella.

While the writer at paddynotpatty.com was at it, Saint Patrick was described as a “Roman Briton slave holding the dubious honour of bringing Christianity to an island that would use it as another convenient excuse to blatter the hell of out each other for centuries.” ~ Suzanne Martinson (from paddynotpatty.com)

and whisked, rather than processed, this dressing. More texture, more color.) Makes 1 cup.

Ballymaloe Brown Bread This is a stiff batter rather than a dough that can be kneaded. Loaves are made at least once daily in the author’s cool kitchen, where they heat the flour and the mixing bowl in a low oven before making the bread. Although author Myrtle Allen wrote, “Most American kitchens are warm enough to omit this,” we heat our flour in an earthenware bowl in a 200º oven for 15 minutes or so. It really seems to kick-start the bread, and feels nice, too.

3-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour (preferably stone-ground) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp salt 1-1/2 package dry yeast (we used 1 tablespoon) 2 Tbl molasses (we used dark, which imparts an appealing color to the bread)

In a large bowl stir together the flours and salt. In a small bowl combine the yeast and molasses in one-half cup lukewarm water and let it sit (“proof”) for 5 to 10 minutes.

Pour the yeast mixture and one and one-half cups more lukewarm water into the dry ingredients and blend with a wooden spoon to make a thick, sticky dough. (If necessary, add up to one-fourth cup more water.) Turn into a buttered loaf pan 9 x 5 x 3 inches. Cover lightly and set aside to rise for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the dough nearly reaches the top of the loaf pan. Bake in the middle of a preheated 450º oven for 10 minutes, reduce the heat to 425º and bake from 25 to 45 minutes more, or until the top is richly browned and loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Turn out on a rack and let cool completely before slicing. ~ Recipes from “Myrtle Allen’s Cooking at Ballymaloe House”

Rutherglen Mansion Classic Easter Brunch March 31 • 11–4

rate $22 Adults Celeb ng! $20 Seniors Spri $13 Kids 6–12 Under 6 ~ $1 per year

Dinner Theatre at Rutherglen ~ Is It Destiny or Just Me? Written/directed by Caroline Wood. April 12-13-19-20-26-27. Dinner 7pm, Play 8pm $50 incl tax & gratuity. Call for reservations.

• Wednesday Wine Tasting • Sunday Brunch Buffet • Fine Family Dining • Your Special Occasion Headquarters

Hours: Sunday • 10am – 2pm Wed – Sat • 5pm ‘til . . . themansion@rutherglenmansion.com

360-425-5816

420 Rutherglen Rd • Longview, WA • Off Ocean Beach Hwy at 38th Avenue Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 27

Live Music Scene around the River To learn which band is playing when and where, go online or call the restaurant or bar.

The Bistro 1329 Commerce Ave, Longview 360-425-2837 • Music Thurs 6–9; Fridays 6–10, Sats 6–9 thebistrobuzz.com The Birk Pub & Eatery 11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld, Ore 503-755-2722 • thebirk.com The Brits Friday & Sat Nights 1427 Commerce Ave, Longview 360-575-8090 Live Music 7–9pm facebook.com/TheBrits/122919501062224 Goble Tavern 70255 Col. River Hwy, Rainier 503-556-4090 • gobletavern.com The Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd, Longview 360-425-5816. rutherglenmansion.com Wed 5-7 pm Winetasting Buffet $20 Monticello Hotel 23 Club 1405 17th Avenue, Longview 360-425-9900 ”The Original Monticello” Karaoke every Thursday Weekend Music 9 pm–1 am Fireside Lounge Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview 360-636-1616 facebook.com/pages/Porkys-CafeLounge/11041404898298

To learn when and where your favorite performer or band is playing check these websites: Raeann raeannphillips.com phillipspettitr@facebook.com Avi avimuzo.com avimuzo@facebook.com

Outings & Events

Columbia Artists 37th Annual Spring Show

New venue sparks change of place, change of pace

By Mitzi Christensen

T

he Columbian Artists Association 37th Annual Spring Art Show will be held from March 23rd through April 14th at the Three Rivers Mall, opposite Big 5, just down from Macy’s. The Artists’ reception will be Saturday, March 23rd from 12 noon to 7pm. Refreshments will be served and awards will be presented at 3pm. Association members are excited about this year’s venue, as it will be easily accessible to the public, and artwork will be on display for a longer period of time than usual. We look forward to many people enjoying the show this year. This judged and juried show brings in entries from seven counties in SW Washington and NW Oregon. It features two dimensional artwork, including watercolor, oil and mixed media, from a large number of artists. The diverse display of talent and technique is a feast for the eyes. Be sure to drop by and enjoy the show.

This year’s featured artist is Jessie Camerer. Jessie is originally from Scotland where, like the Northwest, it can be gray and misty. She said she chooses to paint flowers and scenes from nature to brighten up a gloomy day and make people feel happy, bringing color and sunshine into their lives. Watercolor is her chosen medium, which she finds challenging and rewarding.

An added feature at this year’s show will be a separate juried and judged art show for high school art students in the Longview-Kelso area. The Association is pleased to offer a venue especially to introduce high school art students to the art show competition experience, and offer an opportunity for their art to be exhibited for the public’s enjoyment.

A selection of 6” x 6” original canvases of local scenes painted

by Association members will be available for purchase at $40 each to raise funds to be used to promote art in the community.

See ad, page 20.

To list your music venue here, call Ned Piper, 360-749-2632 28 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary Broadway Gallery Artists co-op.March: Heidi Bishop (paper quilling), Diana Fairbanks (paintings), Recycled Art Show. April: Nancy Knowles (pastels) Mary Fortner (jewelry), John Crocker (photography), Joy Winther (fiber art).

Mon-Sat 10-5:30. 1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360-577-0544 Broderick Gallery Fine contemporary art from England, Cuba and South America along with George Broderick’s lively paintings. Fri-Sun 11-5 or by appointment. 313 B Street, Rainier, Ore. www.broderickgallery.com Koth Galler y Mar 15–April 2: Photographs from Mt St Helens Hiking Club; Art disply, Marissa Mercure and Janis Newton. Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-8, Wed 10-5, Fri 10-6, Sat 12-5. Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana, Longview, Wash. 360-4425300.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center Mar 18– April 10: Art faculty exhibit, opening reception Mon, Mar 18, 4–6pm. Gallery hours: Mon-Tues 10-6,Wed-Fri 104. Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington Way, Longview, Wash.

360-442-2510.

Lord & McCord Artworks Mar: Karen McIntroll (felted tapestries). April: Will McCreary (woodturning).

McThreads (inside Lord & McCord Artworks) Mar: Daniela Nyberg (wearable fiber art); April: Beth Norwood (baby hats), Cathy McCauslamnd (jewelry). Tues-Fri 11-5, Sat 12-4. 1416 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360-4239100.

Teague’s Mezzanine Gallery Mar: Life Is Art. Classes offered by various artists. Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-3. 1267 Commerce, Longview, Wash.

Tsuga Gallery Fine arts and crafts by more than 30 area artists. Thurs-Sun 11-5. 70 Main Street, Cathlamet, Wash.

360-795-0725.

Columbian Artists Association 37th Annual Spring Show March 23-April 15th , Three Rivers Mall, Kelso, Wash.

Reception Mar 23 Noon-7 pm.

Columbia Artsts Members Mitzie Cristensen, Alan Brunk, Romona White exhibit March-April at Longview Country Club, 14 Country Club Drive, Longview, Wash Please check in at office when entering clubhouse.

FirstThursday Downtown Longview, Wash. April 4. See Listings page 29.

Lower Columbia College Choir Mar. 16. 7:30pm. LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave at Washington Way., Longview, Wash. Adults $8, Seniors $7, 12 and under Free.

Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. March 16, 7pm; Mar 17, 2pm. St. Rose Middle School production. St Rose Parish Center, Longview. See photo, page 23.

Info 360-577-6760.

BreeVibes on Broadway Wind Ensemble spring concert Apr 14, 4 pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, 20th and Washington Way, Longview, Wash. Free.

3rd Annual Got Talent Contest. Sun, Apr 28, 3 pm. Sponsored by Kelso Kiwanis, at the Columbia Theater. Entry fee $25.Tickets $10 each. Available at the Columbia Theater 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-9572515 or email kiwaniskelso@gmail.com.

Come Play with us!

Stageworks Volunteer Info Day March 24th @ 3:00pm Come learn about Stageworks and how you can get involved!

Murder Mystery Auditions April 28th • 6:30pm

Requirements: 30 - 60 sec of comedic monologue; 16-32 bars of a song.

Cold reading from a script.

For more info and tickets

stageworksnorthwest.org

Hop N Grape Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner Home Brew Supplies Bulk Grains, Extracts and Hops

Over 600 Varieties of Beer Over 700 Kinds of Wine 14 Tap Handles & Growlers Filled BBQ Restaraunt – Meats Slow-Smoked on Site 21 & Older

360.577.1541 • 924 15th Ave • Longview WA

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening Pets, Self-Help, Living History Smiles Dental Kids Fish-In Saturday, April 27. Children 5–14 years old can fish in this statewide program created to provide more fishing oppoirtunities.

Fishing area at Lake Sacawaea will be netted and stocked with trout. One-hour fishing slots 9am–2pm. Pre-registration required, first come, first served basis.

Registration deadline: April 22. $7 registration fee includes a rod and reel, all bait, hooks, line, weights, bobbers and instructions included. Forms available at Bob’s, Wal-MArt and Longview Parks & Rec office, 2920 Douglas Street, Longview, Wash. To register online: mylongview.com/reconline. For more info, call 360-442-5400.

The event is conducted by Longview Recreation, Cowlitz Game & Anglers Club and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Individuals or businesses who would like to donate to this event can send checks payable to Cowlitz Game & Anglers Club Kids Fishing, P.O. Box 1061. Longview WA 98632. Attention G.B. Or, call Gerry Bosh at 578-1111 if interested in sponsorship.

Quincy Grange Annual Chicken Dinner March 24, 12-3pm. Adjults $10, Children 6–12 $5, under 6 Free. Grange Hall is on Rutters Road, 3.5 miles NE of Clatskanie (follow signs). Info: Evelyn Pugh, 503728-3894 or Barb Kallio, 503-728-4143.

GOT TALENT? ARE YOU A STAR? Do you dance • In a band Do magic • Sing • Juggle Are you an acrobat • or ...?

Come show us your talent!

APRIL 28, 2013 • 3:00 pm Columbia Theatre • Longview, WA

Talent fee: $25

Pick up applications at CTPA Box Office or by email

For ticket info: 360-957-2515

kiwaniskelso@gmail.com Purchase tickets at Columbia Theatre Admission - $10

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/ Art demo by Susy Halverson.

Reception 5:30-7:30pm.

Live music by Diane McCracken and Mike Theriault.

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR EVENTS IN CRR List your community event’s basic info (name of event, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) and email to: publisher@crreader.com or mail or hand-deliver to Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Avenue Longview, WA 98632

Deadline: Submissions received by the 25th of each month will be considered for inclusion in Outings & Events listings in the next issue (published the 15th of the month), subject to timing, general relevance to readers, and space limitations.

We’re ing ais Fundr ith W NOW AVAILABLE AT Columbia River Reader’s office 1333 - 14th Ave. Longview, Wash.

Mon-Wed-Fri • 11- 3pm Info: 360-261-0658 Custom order by Mar. 20 for Delivery Mar. 29.

www.clatskaniearts.org

Koth Gallery Longview Public Library 1600 Louisiana St. Photographs from the Mr. St. Helens Hiking Club.

Gallery open ‘til 8pm.

Lord & McCord ArtWorks 1416 Commerce • www.lindamccord. com/ Oil painting demonstration by Beth Norwood.

Reception 5:30–7:30pm. Refreshments Cowlitz County Historical Museum 405 Allen St., Kelso, Wash. www.cowlitzwa.us/museum/ Weyerhaeuser Company’s logging operations in 1952 are reviewed in a recently acquired 1952 color film (with sound). Following this 30 minute video, a panel will lead a discussion about it, with additional insights from that era, and changes since that time. Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

AUXILIARY

ST

Sponsored by Kiwanis of Kelso

Mix and mingle with new friends and old as you enjoy an artful evening downtown.

Oregon Senior Spelling Bee April 13, 1pm. For individuals over 50. Held at the Heritage Center of the Sisters of Holy Names, Lake Oswego,Ore. $12 entry fee.

To sign up or for more info, call Tobie Finzel, 503-705-2173.

PRIZES:

1 PLACE: $500 2ND PLACE: $250 3RD PLACE: $150

~ First Thursday ~ April 5

Love art?

Love Downtown Longview?

Able to inve$t?

Experienced artist/dealer with established international clientele seeks financial backer(s) for new gallery in Downtown Longview.

Inquire via email to Publisher@ crreader.com Partially funded by Natl Endowment for the Arts, WESTAF, Oregon Arts Commission, Dr. Charles Wardle and Eyes on Commerce

Friday • April 5 7:30 pm

The Alley Cats

At Donavon Wooley Performing Arts Center, Clatskanie Mid/ High School • 471 BelAir Dr, Clatskanie, Ore • For general info call Elsa at 503-728-3403

Doo-wop was never this much fun!

Tickets $15 Adults • $12 Students/Sr • $10 children Available at Some Like it Hot (in Clatskanie), CAC 503-728-3403, clatskaniearts.net, or at the box office, open at 7pm the night of the performance.

M t . S t . H elens N ational Volcanic Monument

BEYOND THE ERUPTION By Alice Dietz Mount St. Helen’s Institute Presents: Cowlitz Views and Brews Thursday, March 21st in Longview, at The Hop N’ Grape, 924 15th Avenue.

J u d y B e n t l e y, author of Hiking Wa s h i n g t o n ’s History, is a writer and historian who hiked and researched more than 60 historic trails in Washington.

Her book includes 40 of the most compelling hikes from around the state, ranging from short day trips to multi-day backpacks, from Cape Flattery to Chief Joseph’s Summer Trail. Her slide-talk will feature historic hikes around Mt. St. Helens as well as highlights of other regions, answering the questions, “Who walked here before?” and “Why is this trail here?” Bentley teaches at South Seattle Community College and is the author of 15 other books.

The 2013 Mount St. Helens tourist season planning meeting is set for 9 am March 22nd at the Cowlitz Regional Conference Center in the Coweeman Room. The business community is welcome to be a part of the growing network of players making Mount St. Helens a worldclass tourist destination. Come learn what is happening around the monument, share your ideas and build relationships. Each agency/business will get 10 minutes to present their upcoming season plans in an effort to keep everyone informed and further Cowlitz County’s goals of working together around our monument.

Please RSVP to Alice Dietz 360-4239921.

••• Formerly a Downtown Longview restaurant operator, Alice Dietz now cooks up ways people can enjoy the area and activities around Mt. St. Helens. She is Director of Programs with Cowlitz Economic Development Council and collaborates with Mt. St. Helens Institute and the US Forest Service. She enjoys good food, good Northwest beverages, good people and good fun. Reach her at dietz@ cowlitzedc.com

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 29

Music & Night Life

VISIT

Charming Clatskanie ~ it’s worth the drive & there’s something for everyone!

The Flippin House (“The Castle”) is home of Clatskanie’s senior center. Call for lunch schedule, tours and info about space for rent for special events.

503-728-3608 • Best Burger in Town!

• Breakfast ‘til 4pm • Full Bar • Lottery Games

Head for the hills!

CRR to visit The Birk March 23 to catch Tommy Hogan’s gig

I

f you are into the blues and haven’t heard of Portland-based Tommy Hogan, there’s a strong chance you will hear of him before long. He’s a songwriter and performer gaining national recognition. His hit CD titled “Let it Rain” was voted the Best Self Produced CD in 2011 by the Blues Foundation in Nashville. What a treat to have Tommy and his band performing in our own “back yard.”

Need Storage?

We're the perfect fit!

Clatskanie Mini Storage

Applewood Smoked Prime Rib

503-728-2051 503-369-6503

Thurs-Fri-Sat 135 N. Nehalem St, Clatskanie, OR Bar: 7am–12pm (2am weekends) Restaurant: 6am–10pm (Sun 7am–9pm)

503-728-4122

On Saturday, March 23rd, a group of CRR writers and staff are driving to The Birk Pub & Eatery, that “hot spot” in the hills, to enjoy great eats and listen and dance to the Tommy Hogan Band. Join the fun!

Sampling Tommy’s songs on his website, www. tommyhoganband.com, should spark your interest to catch his act. He draws a natural comparison to Jonny Lang, the now-popular bluesman who started performing in his mid-teens. Traces of the late Stevie Ray Vaughn also come through in Tommy’s impeccable guitar playing. But it’s not only the modern blues performers who have impacted his work. You can find threads in his compositions that tie Tommy to old-timers like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, even Robert Johnson, who influenced early rockers like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

Apparent in his numerous YouTube clips, Tommy Hogan is a young man with a confident stage presence. He’s got a great voice and, unless he’s made recent changes in his band, he’s backed by a highly talented group of musicians.

Bookwork got you down? We can help.

LE’SIncome Tax, Inc.

Virginia L. Leloff Licensed Tax Consultant

By Ned Piper

The band begins playing at 7pm. Go early and take advantage of The Birk’s excellent menu: Smoke House burgers, ribs, cook’s specials and more. They offer a fine selection of Astoria Brewing Company micro-brews on tap, or order cocktails from their full bar.

Michelle L. Graves Licensed Tax Consultant

Corporate & Small Business Returns Tax Consulting • Payroll Accounting • Tree Farms • Farmers

503-728-3414 • Fax: 503-728-3921 Toll Free: 1-800-700-3414 ASSN ng WE OFFER Servliients our Ce 1976 CONSULTANTS sinc Clatskanie - Across from City Hall • 90 S Nehalem

Sporty sez: I know you can’t buy happiness, but I know you CAN buy a gun in Clatskanie!

Why pay more somewhere else when you can pay more HERE? The friendliest outdoor store around!

Firearm classes available Clatskanie Rifle & Pistol Club clatskaniegunclub.com 503-395-2668 Ext 3903

New & Used • Buy, Sell, Trade, Consignment, Fishing, Hunting, Camping

275 West Columbia River Hwy •Clatskanie • 503-728-2712 30 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

We should all be happy that Mike and Wendy Ingraham, The Birk’s proprietors, enjoy good music, good

HAPPY EASTER! You’ll find fun, affordable decorations, party favors, baskets, etc for all your Spring festivities!

Clatskanie Town Center 640 E Columbia River Hwy. Suite B • Clatskanie, OR

503-728-3300

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 • Closed Sun

beer, fine food and that they understand how to give their customers a night to remember. We ‘ve never been disappointed with the warm hospitality extended to us

by Mike and Wendy and staff. And the music… you can count on the music being the best of Northwest musicians. Join the fun on “CRR Night” at The Birk.

If you go: Drive to Clatskanie on Oregon’s Hwy 30, turn left onto Hwy 47. Veer left at Mist onto Hwy. 202.

Travel time is about 30 minutes from the Lewis & Clark Bridge.

Watch for us! CRR’s coming on the bus!

•••

Turning Point Community Center

Hwy 30, Clatskanie M–Sat •10–4 Clothing M-T-Th-F • 11–3 Food

Movies

NW Gardener/ Crimson Clover cont from page 17

Step Two Rotovate or turn the soil with a shovel.

Continue to till and chop the roots and stems of the crimson clover to hasten decomposition (photo #4, page 17). With meticulous tilling and turning, the tender plants compost rapidly. The prepared soil is ready to plant with vegetable seed and starter plants within a few days.

More than likely there will be a few crimson clover plants that escape the tines of the tiller or the blade of the shovel.

Perhaps a few seeds ‘jumped out’ of the raised beds when the seed was sown last fall. They re-seed sparingly and have no invasive root system. This clover may be left to bloom along the edges of the garden without becoming a pest. Fragrant, two inch long blossoms of bright crimson are edible and will last several days as a cut flower. Enjoy!

•••

THE RED HAT and Red Hat Too

Furniture • Clothing • Books Collectibles • Household & More

1245 Commerce Avenue 360-578-1733 1233 Commerce Avenue 360-636-4127

Sam Raimi’s “Oz the Great and Powerful”~ a hit with three attractive misses

By Dr. Bob Blackwood

I

n 1900, L. Frank Baum wrote a book entitled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It was so popular, he continued to write 13 more “Oz” books. The film that we know as “The Wizard of Oz” seems based on the first novel, but, allegedly, an unpublished stage play by Baum gave us the basis for the screenplay and Victor Fleming’s film, “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), that most of us love.

Sam Raimi is known for his early, inventive, low-budget films such as “The Evil Dead” and “The Army of Darkness,” before he graduated to “Spider-man,” “Spider-man 2” and “Spider-man 3.” Raimi’s “prequel,” titled “Oz the Great and Powerful” (MPAA: PG), is a charming film.

I enjoyed the opening black and white footage, just as I did in Fleming’s film. It made his colorful palette of Oz much more striking.

The Wizard (James Franco) is a magician/ James Franco as the Wizard courts Michelle Williams as Glinda con man in a small Sam Raimi’s “Oz the Great and Powerful” is Kansas carnival. He a fun and dangerous place. Photo credit: Walt the Good Witch in “Oz the Great and Powerful.” blows town in a hot Disney Pictures air balloon ahead of an angry husband; a cyclone takes him to Oz. And Raimi revels in the warmth of the people of Oz. Whether big or small, you see them as people who take pride in their work.

Raimi’s munchkins don’t dance, but, then, Rachel Weisz is Evanora the Witch in “Oz the Great and Powerful.” it is not a Bollywood farmers, the tinkers, the munchkins— production. all led by the Wizard as assisted by his Luckily, Raimi makes it all credible as friends. You know who to cheer for. the Wizard proceeds down that Yellow Every little girl (and the little girl in Brick Road. The Wizard’s companions every woman) is going to love China include Finley (Zach Braff), a small flying Girl (she’s feisty). And every adult monkey, not to be confused with the male is going to envy the Wizard, slobbering flying baboons of the Wicked who finds goodness as well as a good Witch, she of the green skin and the woman. protruding nose.

HOME FURNISHINGS AND SLEEP CENTER

Now your Comfort Studio 1413 Commerce Ave. Longview • 360-575-9804 Mon - Fri: 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat: 10 - 5 • Closed Sundays www.elamshf.com • Financing Available

Secondly, there is the witch in red, Theodora (Mila Kunis), who gets close to Franco’s Wizard. In the Emerald City, we meet Evanora (Rachel Weisz), the witch in black, who has a taste for the Wizard too. There is a little China Girl (Joey King), about a foot high, whose broken-off legs are repaired with the Wizard’s “magic in a bottle,” glue to you and me. Things happen.

We finally meet the witch in white, Glinda (Michelle Williams), who likes the man the Wizard could become, but doesn’t play kissyface with him.

Inevitably, they have a big fight with flying baboons and vicious thugs vs. the

At the conclusion of the film, the victorious Wizard praises all the good “people” and rewards them, as in Fleming’s film.

And, finally, Franco hugs Williams.

•••

Dr. Bob Blackwood loves to watch good films, sample wine with Man in the Kitchen Paul Thompson, read novels, cook, and dance with his wife, Diane, at fancy dress balls. He now resides in Albuquerque, NM, after retiring from the City Colleges of Chicago, where he taught film study, photography and English.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 31

Clatskanie Colvin’s 135 Nehalem St. Breakfast served ‘til 4pm. Best burgers in town. Smoked prime rib. Thurs–Sat. Full service bar and lottery games.

Bar: 7am–12pm, 2am weekends.

Restaurant: 6am–10pm; Sun 7am–9am 503-728-4122 See ad, page 30.

Conestoga Pub & Grill 85 N. Nehalem. Lunch & Dinner; homemade soup, Dive Burger Special, steaks, ribs, burgers. Full service bar & grill.

10am to close.

New ownership.

503-728-3702.

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

Rainier

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.

503-543-3017

Longview

Conestoga Pub Cornerstone Café 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits Prime rib Friday & Sat. 503-556-8772.

The Brits Café and Tea Shoppe 1427 Commerce Avenue Tea, pastries and scones, lunch, British fare. Beer & wine.

360-575-8090 See ad, page 12.

Cassava El Tapatio 117 West “A” Street Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar. Karaoke Fri & Sat 9pm–2am Riverview dining. Sun-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri-Sat 11–11, Bar til 2am Karaoke.

503-556-8323.

Flowers ‘n’ Fluff Coffee Shop 45 E. Columbia River Hwy Wine Tasting, Dinner & Live Music Fridays 5–8:30pm.

Unforgettable scones, On-theGo Breakfast & Lunch.

Coffee Shop M-F 5:30am– 6:30pm; Sat 7am–6pm; Sun 8am–6pm.

503-728-4222

Castle Rock

Evergreen Pub & Café 115-117 East 1st Street Burgers, halibut, prime rib, full bar.

503-556-9935 See ad, page 14.

Goble Tavern 70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live music. 503-556-4090 See ad page 34.

Lucky Town Restaurant 228 West “B” St (Hwy 30) Full selection of Chinese food.

Lunch special 20% Off. 11am–9pm M-Sat 3pm–9pm Sunday To Go orders: 503-556-1187 See ad, page 14.

Luigi’s Pizza 117 East 1st Street 503-556-4213 Pizza, spaghetti, burgers, beer & wine. See ad, page 14.

1333 Broadway. 360-425-7700 Locally roasted espresso, fine teas, fresh pastries daily, smoothies, beer & wine, homemade soups. Breakfast and Lunch.

Country Folks Deli 1329 Commerce Ave. Opens at 10 for lunch.

360-425-2837

The Bistro Restaurant & Wine Club (Alley Entrance) 1329 Commerce Ave. Fine dining, happy hour specials. wine tastings.

Wed-Sat opens 5pm.

See ad page 22.

Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview 360-577-1541 M–Th11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm.

BBQ meat slow-cooked on site.

Pulled pork, chicken brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. Worldfamous mac & cheese.

See ad page 28.

JT’s 1203 14th Ave, Longview 360-577-0717.

Fine dining, Happy Hour. Full bar. Specials, fresh NW cuisine.

See ad page 20.

Ginger’s Restaurant (located in the Monticello Hotel), Longview Traditional breakfast, lunch & dinner – homestyle Sunday dinners. Full bar (‘23 Club).

360-425-9900. See ad page 14.

32 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Lynn’s Ice Cream, Yogurt & More 1232 Commerce, Longview “The best homemade burger & fries, milkshakes (made with Umpqua ice cream) in town!”

9:30am–6pm. 360-636-4558.

1210 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview 360-577-7972.

Fish & chips, burgers and more. Beer and wine.

Morenita Tacos

1045 - 14th Ave. All fresh ingredients. Tortas and green sauce enchiladas are our specialties.

Mon-Sat 11:30am9pm; Sun 11:30am–6pm.

360-425-1838

Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview Slow-roasted prime rib Fri & Sat, Flatiron steaks, 1/3-lb burgers, fish & chips. 28 draft beers. Full bar.

360-636-1616

Rutherglen Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd. (off Ocean Beach Hwy. at 38th Ave.), Longview Open for dinner Tues – Sat, Wednesday wine tasting, Sunday brunch. Full bar.

360-425-5816 See ad page 27.

Shamrock Tavern 1131 15th Ave, Longview Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Full menu with steaks, seafood, daily specials. Kegs/growlers to go. Big screen TVs. 360-577-0717.

U-Dub Pub 934 Washington Way, Longview 360-353-5229 Full menu, light lunch, weekly specials. Traeger smoked prime rib on Fri and Sat nights. Great burgers. Full Bar.

Links on the Corner

4858 West Side Hwy 360-274-8262 5am–8pm, 7 days Fresh soup daily. Burgers, Deli, chicken, breakfast, pizza. Daily specials. Super Value Sunday.

Clam chowder every Friday.

St. Helens

Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

503-397-3211 Hot pizza, cool salad bar.

Beer & wine. See ad, page 13.

Bertucci’s

2017 Columbia Blvd.

Mon–Fri 9–5; Sat 10–4.

Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, Photo by Michael Evans chocolates. See ad, page 13.

El Tapatio 2105 Columbia Blvd.

Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar.

Karaoke Fri & Sat 9pm–2am Sun-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri-Sat 11–11, Bar til 2am

Scappoose Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! “Best pizza around!”

M–Th, Sat11am–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

To advertise in CRR’s Dining Guide call 360-749-2632.

Your Career

Home Security

How to love your job

By Lisa Straughan, Express Employment Professionals, Longview, Wash. franchise owner

E

veryone wants a job they love.

I’m sure no one has ever said, “I want to spend 40+ hours of doing work I hate” or, “I just want to feel mediocre about my career.”

Unfortunately, finding a job that you’re passionate about or maintaining your zeal for a job you once loved isn’t easy.

A survey of American workers by Ipsos, a global market research company, found that only 55 percent of U.S. employees say they love their jobs.

If that unhappy employee is a manager or an executive, the negative implications could be far reaching. But it’s not all bad news! If you no longer love your work, there are several steps you can take to help turn your relationship with your job around.

Check Your Perspective Every situation can look different, depending on your perspective. So, take a step back and consider how you’re looking at your job. Is it just a job, or is it a career, with the goal of advancement? Do you see your job as a calling, where you focus on the sense of fulfillment the work gives you? An article from the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit medical care, research and education organization, points out that none of these three choices is bad, and most people actually find aspects of all of them to be true in their current work situations. To help revive your job satisfaction, try to remember why you took this job in the first place.

Don’t Stop Learning Boredom with your normal, dayto-day tasks can quickly drain your passion for work. So make it a goal to

always be learning something new.

Watch a webinar, read a book or attend a conference. This is also a great precedent to set for your entire department or company. The most successful leaders are those who never stop learning and stay at the forefront of their industry.

Get Out of Your Office Personal connections are key to maintaining your job satisfaction and ensuring you actually look forward to going into work each day. In a Fox Business article, Jeanette Mulvey recommends making friends with the people you work with. If you’re a supervisor, it can be tricky to maintain the balance of friendship and leadership with your employees.

But you should at least learn what’s going on in their lives and about their goals. This will empower you to help them achieve their dreams, which will fulfill you as a leader.

You also need to stay connected with your customers. Meeting customers’ needs is at the heart of every business and you can’t stay in tune with those needs if you never interact with them.

Make a few phone calls, schedule some client lunch appointments or walk the aisles of your store. Nothing revives passion for a job better than seeing how your work fits into the big picture of serving your customers.

By changing your outlook about work and rekindling that passion you once had for your job, you can love the job you already have. And the good news is that not only will you be happier at cont page 34

YOU NEED A PLAN With the right financial plan, you can look forward to potentially enjoying retirement any way you choose.

Financial Network • Member SIPC

Terry Barnes Grambo Financial Advisor

Located in the Historic Monticello Hotel 1405 17th Ave, Suite 208, Longview WA grambot@financialnetwork.com • www.terrybarnesgrambo.com

360-423-1962

They stole the ice cream? Tell the neighbors!

W

By Diane Pond

e love living in our little lived next to a tugboat pilot and his city cottage but hate family. Their teenagers babysat for us. worrying about security.

Micki, the mom, was friendly and full Our country home had eight different of homemaking tips. Jim, the dad, was never-locked doors. We now have a often home during the day between very sophisticated security system that tugboats — ­ very useful. alerts everybody about everything.

Once, he came over and took apart a I bumped the panic button on my chair back that my two-year old had key fob while wrestling groceries caught his head in. Another time I and ended up with two cops on my called Jim in a panic from the ferry doorstep —very embarrassing. Even to have him take six forgotten loaves so, the system cannot protect the truly of bread out of the oven. careless. I sloppily left the garage door open all night last month and we got robbed. We figured it Enlist Your Neighbors out when Steve asked me the next day if I had really eaten Map Your Neighborhood (MYN)’s main two half gallons of Tillamook focus is neighbor cooperation in case of a Chocolate Peanut Butter ice natural disaster. cream out of the garage freezer Cowlitz County’s MYN contact: the previous night. Rude! I Jennifer Engkraf, 360-577-3130 hadn’t been that stressed of late. engkrafj@co.cowlitz.wa.us Columbia County’s MYN contact: We then looked for other Renate Garrison 503-366-3934 signs of pillage renate.garrison@co.columbia.or.us Evidently our sophisticated tools — hammers, pliers and Block or Neighborhood Watch programs a leaf rake — had not tempted focus on crime prevention. For information the villains. Finally it hit us; contact your local police department. they had absconded with Longview Police Department contact: our 3-day emergency kits.

Cindy Turpin 360-442-5850 I was furious. I had labored cindyturpen@ci.longview.wa.us long, carefully packing two Rainier Police Department contact: backpacks and a rolling duffle Susan Sullivan 503-556-3644 with food, work gloves, maps ssullivan@cityofrainier.com and windup flashlights — the whole deal. I had even put menus in the little sealed food We also had fabulous neighbors in bags noting what to eat for breakfast rural Castle Rock where we lived day #1 and so forth. Grrr! I hoped for 35-plus years. We shared farm they had felt stupid, decked out in old and garden produce. Arlo helped us Ariel and Spiderman backpacks. Well, build a new pump house and a triple maybe they were truly needy and very bunk bed for our growing family. wise in their selections, we reasoned His English wife taught me how to kindly. But... NO! With the weather make head cheese and moss-based below freezing, they had tipped their Christmas centerpieces that last until hand when they took the Tillamook.

Valentine’s Day. Those party pranksters had chuckled cont page 34 and gloated as they spooned ice cream somewhere warm and cozy.

If I hadn’t been such a goose and left the garage door open all night we would never have been robbed. Why? Because besides a terrific security system that works perfectly if one shuts the doors, we have wonderful neighbors.

Neighbors have always been important to us and we’ve had super neighbors wherever we’ve lived. As young marrieds with a couple of kids, we

Diane and Steve Pond think all the small town neighborhoods around this part of the Columbia River are unique slices of Americana and are thrilled they live in one of them.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 33

Ice Cream Theft cont from page 33

Get to know people in real space around us Now we live in Longview and have great neighbors all around us, and we look out for each other. I can’t imagine not connecting with one’s neighbors, but a lot of people choose not to.

They will chat online for hours with some guy in Vail, Colorado, or make enthusiastic comments on somebody’s Facebook page, even though if they saw these same people in the grocery store they might hide behind the soup display to keep from relating to them in the flesh. That is weird!

Living in the real space right around us are interesting people we should get to know. Our neighbors have an annual barbecue in the summer and two Christmases ago we had a neighborhood open house.

Knowing our neighbors improves our life quality and it is just plain smart Alert neighbors are a person’s best defense against thievery and an invaluable resource in times of emergencies and natural disasters. It feels so good to know which neighbors we can ask to watch our home or water our hanging petunia basket when we are away. In a real emergency, I know who I can depend on for specific kinds of help.

Maybe some of them still have their 3-day emergency kits and would share.

There are excellent programs out there that offer suggestions on how a group of neighbors can organize to help each other (see sidebar). The programs are very full-bodied and would likely need to be adapted to be practical for most of us. Even minimal dialogue with a handful of trusted neighbors could be very beneficial. I would suggest that you not test your plans by leaving your garage door open 10pm to 9am!

Even watchful neighbors need their sleep.

Love your job cont from page 33

work, you’ll also discover many other benefits to loving your job. As career advice columnist Curt Rosengren from US News points out, when you love your work you will have more energy, feel more confident, be more persistent and find more enjoyment in your life outside of work. Plus, happiness is contagious, so you just might spread your newfound love for the job to the rest of your team.

•••

Spring Reflections

Easter Rivers: always moving Longview woman notes spiritual connection between renewal, flowing water

By Mary Louise Lyons

B

efore moving to Southwest Washington nine years ago, I was a little anxious about the changes my teenage daughter and I would experience in our quiet house in the clearing after 25 years on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. The memories of regional rivers we’d seen in our visits to Longview kept coming to mind, though, and a “moving theme” of rivers began to develop.

When I first saw a fully loaded, oceanbound log ship coming around the bend of the Columbia I was shocked at its size and height. That ship and its massive cargo made me think of multi-dimensional movement as part of a river’s identity. This year, with Easter’s arrival, I’m realizing once again the spiritual gifts and heritage of these rivers as we celebrate Spring in the Pacific Northwest.

Cultural and spiritual renewal This region’s rivers have been a source of cultural and spiritual renewal for hundreds of years, especially this time of year. First Nations people of the Cowlitz welcome change with the annual Smelt Ceremony (see sidebar), a celebration of spring’s arrival along with (hopefully!) the tasty little fish.

Just a century ago Northwest tribes annually moved inland in the spring seeking wapato and camas bulbs to supplement their fish-rich diet. A warming sun pried open the doors of the longhouses and blankets emerged to be aired and dried after long, damp winter nights. Today, Tribal fishers clean their boats and quickly mend their nets as spring Chinook (hopefully!) make their way in from the Pacific towards ancient, ancestral spawning grounds.

Up and down these magnificent rivers, Scandinavian, Slovakian and European fishers have brought myths and traditions still celebrated today: What magical colors and decorations will cover Croatian Easter eggs this year? Who will wield the strongest egg in the egg-breaking contest?

34 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Will a Finn’s bonfire keep away the witches who fly between Good Friday and Easter morning? Will an Easter witch-child offer you a budding willow stick in exchange for a coin?

And then there’s the ham!? Or lamb?!

Or sacred, woven Easter bread!

Traditions aren’t stationary, though, and change occurs as families grow and blend.

Moving and changing isn’t always easy and sometimes it’s frightening.

Whether it’s physical, mental or emotional, the uncertainty at the other side of a move or change can be daunting. The silent, reliable movement of river giants in this part of the country can reassure us that change is simply a part of life, though, no matter how much we may want it to stop and just PAUSE for a while. As I studied rivers in light of my faith as a Christian, I recalled the river stories of the Gospel, especially the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River.

John the Baptist’s ministry on the banks of the Jordan indicated its importance to a community. What was God inviting me to see in the

powerful, perpetually moving rivers surrounding us in this part of the country?

Prayer has led me to this For me (an Irish adventurer) renewal and rebirth happen with movement.

Whether it’s physical movement or circumstantial movement, action of some sort inspires my Easters.

After 25 years in Seattle, the move to Southwest Washington gave me more sunlight, silence and space. I needed more of those elements in my life, but my insight was landlocked in the city. I only realized those needs when I moved…like the rivers move around me now. As the poet Antonio Machado wrote centuries ago: “Traveller, there is no path, the path is made by walking.”

Or flowing … Alleluia!

•••

Spring Smelt Ceremony At press time, the Cowlitz Tribe’s annual Smelt Ceremony had been postponed due to the non-arrival of smelt in the river. For more information, visit cowlitz.org

Mary Lyons is a writer and poet. One of her poems is included in Lifting Women’s Voices: Prayers to Change the World.

She volunteers as a first grade reading tutor at Mint Valley Elementary School and enjoys birdwatching while relaxing in her garden with a glass of wine.

Goble Tavern Good times roll at the historic

od Fo•od o G • s rew Scratch-Its icro-Bn M • • r e e e Cold eBo Poker • K• Doarts • Vid Pool

live music WED, SUN, & SOME SATS Jam sessions • Open Mic See music listings, page 26

503-556-4090

OPEN 11am DAILY

70255 Columbia River Hwy Milepost 41 on Hwy 30 Rainier • Oregon

Get ready, get set, go!

The Alley Cats are on the prowl Doo-wop returns to Clatskanie

By Doug York

T

ake a trip back to the 50s and 60s as The Alley Cats brings their tight harmonies, funny antics and interactive a capella music to the Lower Columbia region.

The touring doo-wop quartet is best known for reviving musical favorites such as the 1955 Platters hit, “Only You,” and the ever-popular “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

2013 LOWER COLUMBIA CONTRACTORS

The foursome began their musical journey in 1987 at Fullerton College in a doowop revival program. They soon took to the stage at Disneyland’s ASSOCIATION “Blast to the Past” salute and won the Southern California Harmony Sweepstakes. They were featured in the animated movie, “Hercules” and are frequently the opening act for Jay Leno in Las Vegas.

Out for breakfast at Hump’s When the Clatskanie Arts Commission brought the Cats to Clatskanie two years ago, “people really enjoyed it, “ said board member Debi Borgstrom. “They were very personable.”

The morning after their performance, she recalled, the musicians went out to breakfast at Hump’s Restaurant. The owner, Pam Selix, apologized for missing their performance because she had to work. “They broke out into song right then and there and entertained the entire restaurant!”

Bergstom said.

The term “doo-wop” is derived from the simple nonsense lyrics heard in popular songs such as The Turbans’ 1955 hit, “When You Dance.” Vocalists simply imitate instruments typically missing from a capella arrangements by singing “doo-wop,” “shang-a-lang,” and “sh-boom” to mimic the bass, guitar, brass or drums.

Recent revival According to Wikipedia, doo-wop is a style of vocal-based rhythm and blues/rock ‘n’ roll music developed in African American communities in the 1940s. It achieved mainstream popularity in the 50s and early 60s. Built upon tight vocal harmony, doo-wop features a high tenor lead with a “talking bass” in the song’s middle. Many interpretations and revivals of doo-wop have been heard over the years, with a recentlyrekindled interest among collegiate a cappella groups as depicted in the 2012 film, “Perfect Pitch.”

For lovers of doo-wop or those ready to discover a new genre of music, this fun evening full of harmonies and humor promises to be the cat’s meow.

Cowlitz County Expo Center April 6th - 9am to 6pm April 7th - 10am to 5pm

For more info contact

360.425.8820

This concert is part of Clatskanie Arts Commission’s series of programs and events to enrich the lives of the people of the Lower Columbia River region. It is led by volunteers and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Arts Commission and the local community, including WESTAF. Most concerts are held at Clatskanie Mid-High School Auditorium. For ticket info, see ad, page29 ••• Longview native Doug York is a jazz musician, composer and music teacher based in Mt. Shasta, California.

He also writes plays and is currently working on a new murder mystery, “Death by Drumschtick,” which he intends to present in a local staged reading this spring.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 35

the LowerColumbia

Informer

By Perry Piper

Greetings from Europe Photos sent by Perry Piper during his journey now underway

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — I’ve been waiting for this trip for what seems like years.

I’ve been to Europe before, even on nonstructured trips where we decided what to do, but this is my first international excursion where a good friend and I have to make all the decisions and learn from our mistakes, while budgeting time and money in a roughly one-month period.

Although we are nearing the end of the first week, it seems as if we’ve been here for twice that long, considering the amount of items we have checked off our lists.

CHOCCCOLAAAAATE!! So many varieties. Their market in a town of 20,000 trumps our best selections. They simply don’t ship to U.S. stores the stuff that I’ve seen so far in Germany.

Spires like this are found all throughout Europe, even in tiny towns.

We have stayed with family friends, in hotels and we even tried a hostel in Brussels. Our expensive hotel in Amsterdam, at a cost of 80 Euro, or $100 per night for both of us, was by far the worst experience and most worrisome.

Staying with our family friends provided unparalleled joy as they showed us their town and family culture. Who knew that a town where you could walk downtown within two minutes would be more fun than the “melting pot” of Amsterdam!?

$50 Gift certificate for

neW PAtient eXAmS! * For new patients that complete exam, x-rays and cleaning. *Some restrictions apply.

Like us on Facebook for coupon! (Scan QR code)

3 YEARS NO INTEREST oac

36 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

451227

105 B STREET, West Rainier, Oregon 503-556-0171 • 800-886-0171 Open M-F 9–5:50 • Sat 9–4

510 Allen St., Kelso WA 98626

360.636.5170

WWW.hilAnderdentAl.com Steven Pond, DMD Jordan Young, DMD ~ Emily Young, DMD

The hostel in Brussels was amazingly cheap at 50 Euros per night for both of us, given its superb q u a l i t y, s e c u r i t y, excellent breakfast, social aspect and informational resources. Although we didn’t talk to any youth aside from our roommates, it was a joy having Englishspeaking people around. Planning a foreign trip, you don’t realize how isolating the language barrier can make you feel at times. When you run into fellow Americans, you feel like you’ve found a treasure chest!

Top photo, facing page: At Lake Constance, Germany, Perry Piper with Gottfried Eichler, Jr., whose father was the first foreign exchange student in Longivew and stayed with the Piper Family when Perry’s dad, Ned, was in high school in 1955.

This “glowing” glass artwork looked like a fusion reactor — inside a cathedral near Uberlingen, Baden-Wurttemberg.

cont form page 36

Our Eurail passes have worked exceptionally well to give us walk-on “free” travel everywhere on the continent! Even second class seats are of great quality.

As we prepare to take the train to Hamburg, Germany, we smile at the fact that this European tour has still just started and we have a lot more wonder in store for us.

•••

your partner for success

Perry Piper with traveling companion David Thorson. The two are on a sweep of Europe, with plans to visit Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland and Italy before coming home in late March.

Expert eye care, close to home.

For great eye care close to home, look to the OHSU Casey Eye Institute at Longview.

• Our doctors are part of OHSU. • We now accept VSP insurance.

• Our ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery in Longview.

Receive high quality, comprehensive eye care in your own community. Call the Casey Eye Institute at Longview.

Timothy Vrtiska, M.D.

James Hulbert, M.D.

Daniel Gradin, M.D.

Now accepting VSP members.

For appointments, call 360 423-0220.

600 Triangle Center, Ste. 400 • Longview, WA 98632 www.ohsucasey.com

The knowledge of all for the care of one.

Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 37

38 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

MARCH 2013

Port Talk

Logs as far as the eye can sea Log business has been good at the Port of Longview in recent years and this year is shaping up to be even better.

Last year alone, 30 log vessels were loaded with local log exports bound for Asia. Already through February, we’ve achieved 30% of 2012’s total vessel volume.

4

species of logs loaded

2

customers with cargo onboard

45

direct jobs to load ship

1,800

log truck loads to fill vessel Although not all log vessels are the same, we broke down one recent log ship by numbers to give you an idea of the magnitude of the Port’s log operations.

7

days to load vessel

37,000

individual logs loaded

HIGH

Log trucks line up at the Port’s Berth 8.

5

PORT PROjECTS fOR 2013

BERTH 4 DOCK Berth 4 was home to Continental Grain, which went out of business in the late 1980’s. Plans are underway to replace the dock this year and work toward demolition of the concrete silos in coming years.

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY The Port has hired a research firm to accurately quantify the economic impacts of the Port in terms of revenue and jobs to the greater community.

INTERIOR RAIL LOOP Slated for completion this summer, the Port maintenance crew is constructing 1/2 mile of new rail line to complete the loop around the West Industrial Park .

BRANDING We are taking on a branding initiative this year to help align our business strengths with how we market the Port locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

BARLOW POINT MASTER PLAN Setting the stage to begin promoting the property to potential customers, this summer the Port will look at potential uses for the site to maximize its future for economic development and job creation.

Where exactly is the Port of Longview?

Longview’s industrial waterfront is full of booming businesses, but do you know which business is your Port? The Port is over 450 acres of property between the Lewis and Clark Bridge and Longview Fibre Co., including marine berths, an industrial park and a warehouse complex.

did you KNOW... ...there are approximately 15 miles of rail track winding through the Port of Longview? ...225 vessels docked at the Port of Longview in 2012, compared to 134 vessels in 2011? Much of the increase in vessel traffic is attributed to the new grain terminal EGT. ...the Columbia River is measured in miles from the mouth at Astoria? The Port of Longview is located at river mile 66. ...the Columbia-Snake River system is the #1 West Coast wood export gateway?

2012 Port of Longview aerial.

LOOKING AHEAD IN THE PORT’S VESSEL SCHEDULE IMPORT steel from Korea IMPORT bulk salt from Chile EXPORT logs to Japan EXPORT logs to China EXPORT petroleum coke to Australia EXPORT petroleum coke to Brazil EXPORT wheat, corn & soybeans globally

doing our part

Commissioners Darold Dietz/District 1 Lou Johnson/District 2 Bob Bagaason/District 3

Chief Executive Officer Geir-Eilif Kalhagen

Commission Meetings Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month and are open to the public.

For more information, visit portoflongview.com

Information Is there information you would like to see in Port Talk, or do you have questions related to a story that was featured? Please contact Ashley Helenberg, Public Affairs Manager, 360.425.3305

The Port of Longview is a major contributor to the Columbia River’s position as a wood export leader.

The Port owns 280 acres of prime waterfront real estate at Barlow Point.

portoflongview.com > (360) 425-3305 > GET CONNECTED. Columbia River Reader / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / 39

40 / March 15 – April 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader