Columbia River Reader August 15, 2026

CRREADER.COM Vol. XXIII, No. 257 • August 15, 2026 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road

Blue Highways the roads less taken

EVERGREEN AVIATION AND SPACE MUSEUM ERRATIC GLACIAL ROCK BUENA VISTA FERRY ALBANY CAROUSEL

OREGON WINE COUNTRY

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COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

page 37

met t e

page 32

page 17–20

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page 25

BIG BAND IN THE PARK • MISS MANNERS • SUZANNE’S PICNIC

COLUMBIA RIVER READER PRESS • BOOK BOUTIQUE Giving Berth

• COMPLIMENTARY 176 • March 15 – April 15, 2020 CRREADER.COM • Vol. XVI, No. road River region at home and on the the good life in the Columbia

Helping you discover and enjoy

Helping you discover

25 Holiday 2024 • COMPLIMENTARY XXI, No. 237 • Nov. CRREADER.COM Vol. and on the road River region at home life in the Columbia MOSS IN and enjoy the good

YOUR LAWN? What to do page 15

WASHINGTON’S POET LAUREATE COMES TO WAHKIAKUM COUNTY page 14

GIFT BOOK EXTRAVAGANZA

People+Place

page

Cutting Edge

People+ Place

HOME FOR ALL-THE-DAYS

page 27

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

page 37

page 38

glad tidings

CRREADER.CO M Vol. XXI, er and enjoy No. 232 • June the good 15, 2024 life in the • COMP Columbia LIMENTARY River region at home and on the road

you discov

The indispens tugboat able

ONE RIVER, MANY VOICES

COLUMBIA RIVER READER’S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 3

Helping

RIVER RU

COLUMB

page 32

IA RIVER

dining guide

People+

NNER

Place

The art of the woodcut

page 19

page 28

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

ESCAPE TO BARCELONA • “FEATURED

CHEF” RETURNS

A GORGE

HIKE WITH

DOGS •

MAKE YOU

R OWN

WINE •

LEWIS &

CLARK’S

Snowy Path

by Gregory Gorham See page 21

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

THE TIDEWATER REACH

By Robert Michael Pyle and Judy VanderMaten.

A LIFETIME OF ART 230 pages, vibrant color Author original manuscript Gift-boxed with easel $100 WORDS AND WOOD

In three editions:

• Boxed Signature Edition, with color $50 • Collectors Edition, with color $35 • Trade paperback B/W $25

Debby Neely is a Northwest artist and poet. This is her first book combining words and woodcuts.

Pacific Northwest Woodcuts and Haiku

by Debby Neely •Boxed, Gift Edition with tasseled bookmark $35 This work is astonishing. The variety of moods and nuances Debby evokes in simple black and white — delicacy writ with a knife and gouge — testifies to her craftsmanship and to her love for her subjects.

Adding haiku to these dramatic images pins them in moments and memories and heightens our attention and interest.

We’re proud to present Debby’s Words and Wood to the people of the Pacific Northwest and to lovers of art and the natural world everywhere.

– The Editors

Gregory L. Gorham

Above: “The Blynman Bridge House Detail,” Acrylic

“Pines and Birches,” acrylic on canvas 30” x 40,” fourth in the series. Sold to Mike and Joy Kidd of Long Beach, Washington.

Baker sBay is the waterway that hugs against the landmass on the north, or Washington, side of the Columbia River. To the south, across Bakers Bay is Astoria, Oregon. After leaving Astoria and driving north over the Megler Bridge, the road heads west towards Ilwaco. The first small village you’ll come to is Chinook. Traveling further you’ll come to the fishing village at the base of the Long Beach Peninsula named Ilwaco. At the only intersection in Ilwaco turn north towards Long Beach. Further north you will first pass through the small Seaview community, the first community developed after Ilwaco on the Peninsula. Then the road heads into Long Beach, Washington, the largest city on the Peninsula, still heading north on Washington State Route 103 into Ocean Park.

COLUMBIA RIVER READER PRESS

words and wood

I sign my name with the red chops. The top chop is my name in Chinese. The bottom chop says, “I draw birds and animals.”

pacific northwest woodcuts and haiku

Debby Neely From Words and Wood

debby neely

COLUMBIA RIVER READER PRESS

Michael Perry has a collector’s eye, a scientist’s curiosity, and the Pacific Northwest in his heart.

In thIs engagIng new book author Michael Perry takes a fresh look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition — what they set out to do, what they experienced, and where they failed and succeeded — from the layman’s point of view. Compiled from a popular monthly magazine series, and adding new notes and commentary, Perry’s Dispatches adds to the lore and legacy of the famous Expedition the insights, quirks, and wry observations of a gifted amateur historian.

MIchael o. Perry is a retired environmental technician, avid collector and conservator, and student of Pacific Northwest history. He lives in Kelso, Washington.

“Michael Perry gets it right!

Good storytelling is key to meaningful learning for all ages, and ‘Dispatches’ informs us in a relaxed, enjoyable way, perfect for anyone wishing to explore with the explorers.”

“‘Dispatches’ is a great read, well researched and documented, and presented in an appealing format.

The perfect place to start learning more about the Corps of Discovery.” — ALLEN BENNETT President, Lower Columbia Chapter Traditional Small Craft Association

— DANIELLE ROBBINS Education & Public Programs Coordinator, Cowlitz County Historical Museum

dispatches from the discovery trail

Featuring the work of woodcut artist Debby Neely “Meadowlark” On the cover: “Whispering”

DISPATCHES FROM THE DISCOVERY TRAIL M I C H A E L O. P E R R Y

M I C H A E L O. P E R R Y

IN FULL VIEW Rex Ziak • $29.95 Southwest Washington author and explorer Rex Ziak revolutionized historical scholarship by documenting minute-by-minute the Corps’ dangerous days at the mouth of the Columbia.

Top left: “Bright Morning at Lydia Cove” Top right: “Chatham Sunrise Over Lydia Co Bottom left: “Old and New Provincetown” Bottom right “Red Bow Tie Down” In these four images I used warm red to compliment the blue and darker hues in each composition. The blue areas are a mix of cooler aqua blue and a warmer blue ultramarin “Red Tie Down“ is an interesting approach to making a simple subject more enticing by blurring the background and sharply focusing on the red iron tie-down bollard in the immediate foreground, giving an impression of depth. Next are four very different oil paintings, contrasting from what is seen in the imagery above.

Large format exhibition edition

Photo by hal Calbom

EYEWITNESS TO ASTORIA Gabriel Franchére $21.95 Rex Ziak’s edited and annotated edition of Franchére’s 1820 journal, The First American Settlement on the Pacific.

A Lifetime of Art

“Reflections at Wellfleet”

by Gregory L. Gorham

words and wood • debby neely

Field Guide to the Lower Columbia River in Poems and Pictures

LOAD

NEW!

COLLECTORS CLUB ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION THOUGHTFUL GIFTS... FOR YOURSELF OR FOR A FRIEND 11 issues mailed to your home or business $85

Below are four oil paintings using bright red, some orange and yellow, complemented by blues, especially ultramarine blue.

dispatches from the Discovery trail with HAL CALBOM woodcut art by dEbby NEELy

A Layman’s Lewis & Clark

by Michael O. Perry.

•BW Edition $35

A LAYMAN’S LEWIS & CLARK $35.00 ISBN 978-1-7346725-6-5

53500>

www.crreader.com/crrpress

CRR PRESS

Collectors Edition

ISBN 978-1-7346725-4-1

9 781734 672565

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BOOKS: PERFECT GIFTS! ALSO AVAILABLE FOR IN-PERSON PICK-UP M-W-F 11am–3pm at 1333 14th Ave., Longview WA. Cash, checks, credit card

Or call 360-749-1021 to order with free Lgv-Kelso delivery Make check payable to CRR Press. To use credit card, visit www.crreader.com/crrpress or call 360-749-1021

CRRPress 1333 14th Ave. Longview, WA 98632

America’s Planned City and the Last Frontier

by Hal Calbom •220 historic photos •Boxed, signed. $50.

All book mail orders include shipping and handling charge. All book and subscription orders mailed to Washington include State sales tax.

In Full View

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Eyewitness to Astoria

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The Tidewater Reach – Three Editions Color/BW Boxed Signature Edition ___ @ $50.00 = ______________ BW Edition

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Empire of Trees

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Boxed, signed Centennial Edition

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Words and Wood

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EMPIRE OF TREES

Boxed Gift Edition

A Lifetime of Art

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W

elcome to the August issue!

All I can say is you’d better get your calendar and start making notes so you don’t miss the things you’ll want to see/do in the coming weeks. You’ll find an amazing array as you turn CRR’s pages!

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to schedule some fun outings.

Take your kids or grandkids to Albany’s carousel, or to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville. See the Spruce Goose!

Take a hike, plan a pinic, experience the charming Bunker Hill Living History Cemetery Tour (I went to this last time and found it delightful). Or enjoy a free outdoor concert or movie. Discover the opera, or Clatskanie Arts Commission’s big band concert in the Park on Labor Day. You might like a rock show, a jazz supper on Puget Island, or Kelso’s Highlander Festival, and MORE! Where does it even stop? Make some plans and have a great rest of the summer.

Maybe I’ll see you, out and about.

Sue’s Views

Chuck Ring having coffee with Mark Thorson.

The two were among the founders and charter members of Friends of Galileo, formed in 1995.

Remembering Chuck Ring I was very sorry to learn of the recent passing of Chuck Ring, long-time local resident until moving to Seattle five years ago. CRR extends sincere condolences to Chuck’s wife, Sue, and his four children and their families.

Don’t blush, but we have an embarrassment of riches!

Everyone who knew and enjoyed Chuck I first met Chuck in the Encouraging will miss him and remember him fondly.

Words Toastmasters Club in about 1994. As a tribute, I share my recollection of his Over the years, I got to know him well and my first attempt to host a star party. through shared interests and adventures. cont page 13 Submission Guidelines and contact info, page 24.

Sue Piper

AD DEADLINES. Sept 15 issue: Aug 25 Oct 15 issue: Sept 25

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

ON THE COVER Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper

Blue Highways:

Columnists and contributors: Hal Calbom Nancy Chennault Alice Dietz Joseph Govednik Tom Larsen Gloria McFall Michael Perry Ned Piper Robert Michael Pyle Marc Roland Alan Rose Greg Smith Sandra swogger Andre Stepankowsky Jim Tejcka Judy VanderMaten Dennis Weber Karley Whitworth

Photo by Hal Calbom See story, page 19-21

Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry, Susan Nordin, Tiffany Dickinson, Ned Piper

Chuck exuded a boyish enthusiasm and contagious sense of adventure and fun.

He liked taking others along on sailing, fishing, and stargazing outings, he liked kids, and was ever cheerful and generous.

Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,000 copies distributed in the Lower Columbia region. Entire contents copyrighted; No reproduction of any kind allowed without express written permission of Columbia River Reader, LLC. Opinions expressed herein, whether in editorial content or paid ad space, belong to the writers and advertisers and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Reader.

Submission guidelines and Advertising info: page 10, 24.

Ad Mgr: Ned Piper 360-749-2632 St. Helens ad contact: Mitzi Ponce: 252-675-3423

Advertising Manager: Ned Piper, 360-749-2632 Columbia River Reader, llc 1333 14th Ave, Longview, WA 98632

Call us!

In this Issue 4

Letters to the Editor

5

Civilized Living: Miss Manners

8

Astronomy / Night Sky Report

8

Mt. St. Helens Club Hikes

9

Roland on Wine: Welcome to The Table

9

Andre Stepankowsky: Thank you, J. Harlan Bretz

11

Dispatch from the Discovery Trail • Episode 27

14

Biz Buzz

16

Museum Magic: Bunker hill Cemetery Tour

18

Glimpses of History: Who Owns the Cathlapotle Plankhouse?

18-22

People + Place: The Willamette Valley Loop

24–27

Outings & Events / Performances / Exhibits

27

In the Spotlight: Big Band Boom!

28

Where to Find the Reader (24/7 and even in your bathrobe)

31

CRR Food Classics: Suzanne’s Summer Picnic

30

Northwest Gardener: Weathering Summer Heat Waves

32

Columbia River Dining Guide

33

A Different Way of Seeing: CRRPress Book Excerpts

34

Quips & Quotes / Besides CRR What Are You Reading?

34-35

P.O. Box 1643 • Rainier, OR 97048 Office Hours: M-W-F • 11–3* *Other times by chance or appointment

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Visit our website for the current issue and archive of past issues from 2013.

Since April 2004

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Cover to Cover / Bestsellers List / Book Review

37

Where Do You Read the Reader?

38

The Spectator: Where Do YOU Read the Reader?

38

Plugged In to Cowlitz PUD: The Warm Neighbor Fund

38

What’s Up at the Port?

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 3

Letter to the Editor

Adding Empire of Trees to the family collection

My parents had several of the Longview books* in their collection and I still have them. So this one is a nice addition to the collection.

At age 13, my mother came from Norway to Longview in 1928 (the Depression hit in 1929). She didn’t speak a word of English and they placed her in the fifth grade.

At her funeral service, one of her classmates told me she remembered that school day when a girl with long braids came into their class. People from all walks of life have called Longview home, including me!

I grew up on Columbia Heights in a house my father built. We had an acre and he planted a dozen fruit trees...varieties of cherries and apples that you can no longer find...Deacon cherries and King apples.

The apples were tart — my favorite!

Thank you for your work on the CRR. Stay well and as busy as you want to be.

Carol Harris Pasco, Wash.

*Editor’s note: Over the years, John McClelland, Jr. wrote three books on Longview’s history and development. With the McClelland Family’s blessing, CRRPress published Empire of Trees, by Hal Calbom, in 2023 during Longview’s Centennial and is proud to have built on the McClelland legacy. Copies of Empire of Trees are available for purchase; details, page 2.

READER SUBMISSIONS INVITED!

ME AND MY

PIANO* *or other instrument Share the unique story of you and your relationship with a musical instrument in 500 words or less and mail to CRR, 1333 14th Ave., Longview, WA 98632, or email to publisher@ crreader.com. Note “Me and My Piano” in the subject line and if possible attach/include a current mugshot and/or a photo of you with your instrument, then or now. Don’t worry about perfect spelling or syntax. If your story is chosen, we will provide editing services and will contact you for additional details or embellishments as needed.

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Dine-In, Drive Thru, or Delivery with Door Dash

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Civilized Living

Hosting your own shower; Please, no more stuff, etc.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do you

think of a first-time guest who brings a leftover dessert to a dinner party, in the original box, with not enough pieces for all the guests? Money would not be a problem to buy the whole dessert again.

GENTLE READER: As a general rule, Miss

Manners discourages guests from using their host’s dinner parties as a place to park their leftovers. Or at least not to do it so obviously.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When did it become appropriate for people to inject a statement proclaiming their religious beliefs, with an air of superiority, into conversations that are not specifically about religion?

I cannot count the times I have heard “I’m a Christian, and ...” in the middle of a completely unrelated discussion.

We could be talking about purchasing car tires, and this happens.

I don’t need to know their beliefs.

Furthermore, this statement hijacks the meaning of the word “Christian.”

GENTLE READER: Etiquette has long

recommended against injecting politics or religion into general conversation because of the strong feelings they engender.

We have lately seen the consequences of disregarding the former rule. As to when the latter practice began, Miss Manners is not a theologian, but she believes Christian proselytizing dates at least as far back as Saint Paul -- although not as a credential for judging tires.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My son and

daughter-in-law are expecting their first child. I broke the happy news to my best friend by telling her she would soon receive an invitation from them to their baby shower.

Instead of being excited and congratulatory, she huffed and

said that expectant mothers were not supposed to throw themselves a shower. She proceeded to give a long list of those who, by rules of etiquette, are allowed to throw baby showers.

celebrations. But what is the reason for changing the old rule of friends honoring friends instead of themselves? Fear that they may not? Or, as most people will interpret it, greed?

Well, apparently we broke two rules, because I’m hosting it at our house, which is also a no-no. In this day and age, I thought that it was appropriate for a couple to throw their own shower.

Considering that my daughter-in-law is doing all the planning and paying the bulk of the expenses, I see no issue here.

Either way, there is no excuse for the person you call your best friend. Friends may or may not choose to honor their friends, but they are not allowed to vilify them.

Especially when claiming to be better practitioners of etiquette.

But my friend keeps telling me it’s uncouth, and that having men there only makes it worse. So I just wanted the opinion of an expert who is not still living in the 1950s.

GENTLE READER: Sigh. Miss Manners

doesn’t know who is worse: those who disdain etiquette, or those who use it as a battering ram.

No, she is not going after you, sad as she is to see the increasing number of people who invite others to honor them. You probably knew of such occasions and therefore concluded that this was acceptable.

Of course etiquette evolves, and an example of its changing for the better is the recognition that men also become parents and should be included in these

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I would like

to invite a new friend to dinner at my house, but I haven’t yet because I’m nervous that my chairs might not support him. I saw a dining chair collapse under a guest at my mother’s house once, and the image really stuck with me.

My new friend is a mountain of a man — over 6’6” and burly. I have heard him mention things that are too small for him, like seats at a certain theater.

Apart from replacing my dining chairs, is there a polite way to approach this?

GENTLE READER: The situation you are dreading is novel for you, but it is very familiar for him. Find or acquire at least one chair that you are sure will accommodate him and, when the time comes, say at the outset that you think he might be most comfortable in this location. cont page 6

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 5

Miss Manners from page 5 Miss Manners thinks she needs hardly add that this must be done gracefully, drawing as little attention as possible to what you are doing. Your friend will understand and be as grateful for your gracefulness as for your making him comfortable.

Join us on

FIRST THURSDAY

Sept 3rd • 5:30–7pm

Enjoy Live Music by John S. Crocker, and Refreshments

Art by Gallery

members GIFTS Tammy Jorgenson BOOKS (mixed media), left; ARTISAN Patty McMahan CARDS (oil paintings) TREASURES

360-577-0544 In Historic Downtown Longview

the-broadway-gallery.com

TITLES TONNAGE FAX SERVICE MAILING SERVICE NOTARY SERVICE QUICK TITLES CARS TRUCKS BOATS CYCLES TRAILERS TRIP PERMITS

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Referring to “guys” has become a constant refrain during newscasts: “Now over to you guys” for every opening, and “Back to you guys” for every conclusion.

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Is anyone else bothered by this? It is getting worse every day. Once you start noticing it, it can drive you crazy.

GENTLE READER: Indeed. And the

website: autolicensingwa.com

widespread use of “guys” to address women is particularly mystifying after the fraught learning process of changing job titles from masculine to neutral -- “fireman” to “firefighter,” “stewardess” to “flight attendant,” and such.

POSTAL SERVICE: Cash & Checks only LICENSING SERVICES: Debit/Credit Cards, Cash & Check NOTARY SERVICES: Cash only

Miss Manners is just grateful she is not the language police.

• Handy Parking

360-577-3972 957 14th Ave., Longview

HOURS: M-F 8:30am–6pm Sat 10am–3pm

No matter how formal and expensive a restaurant is, the server will greet customers with “How are you guys?”

They will then come around during the meal to inquire “How are you guys doing?” and end with, “You guys have a nice night” -- regardless of the gender of the diners.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I grew up in an Italian neighborhood and learned to eat spaghetti the way they did -twirling my fork against a large spoon to wind the strands around the fork.

It works! You’re not left with long strands hanging down from your mouth.

But I was just in Italy and was never given a spoon in a restaurant. Should I have asked for one?

GENTLE READER: No, even though Miss

Manners keeps telling people to stop being frightened of waiters and to ask for whatever utensils they need to consume their food.

It’s just that in this case, ridicule -- let’s say a snicker or two -- might be justified.

In Italy, the spoon technique is used only to teach small children to eat like adults.

You don’t want to look as if you had ordered a lollipop.

The confusion is that Italian etiquette is not the same as Italian-American etiquette, where the continuing use of the spoon is not uncommon. This seems to be changing, just as what used to be ItalianAmerican cuisine has become more like the cuisine of Italy.

So you might want to practice eating pasta without a spoon in the privacy of your home until you are fit to enjoy it in polite society. cont page 13

School’s about to start! Enjoy it all, kids...someday you will be telling stories about these days!

Umbrella Man Since 2004

Three Rivers

Christian School

From first steps to graduation, we’re here for every stage of learning.

ENROLL NOW!

Contact us! www.3riversschool.net

Academically Excellent

6 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

@threeriverschristianschool

Culturally Relevant

Joyfully Christian

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 7

Astronomy

Looking UP

Mount St. Helens Club

SKY REPORT

August 17th – Sept 17th

By Greg Smith The Evening Sky

A clear sky is needed.

The great Summer constellations are now up and in full bloom. Cygnus the swan, Vega the harp, Aquila the eagle, which make up the Summer Triangle. Pegasus is up by 9:00pm along with the Andromeda Galaxy M31, in the feet of Pegasus or the body of Andromeda, which ever makes it easier for you to locate.

Hercules the hero is high overhead, with its two globular clusters of stars, M13 and M92.

BRUNCHHIKES FAVE

MOON PHASES:

First Qtr: Wed,. Aug 19th Full Moon: Thurs., Aug 27th Last Qtr: Fri., Sept 4th New Moon: Thurs., Sept 10th First Qtr: Fri, Sept 18th END OF TWILIGHT

When the brightest stars start to come out. Allow about an hour more to see a lot of stars.

Wed., Aug 19th • 8:46pm Wed., Aug 26th • 8:33pm Wed., Sept 2nd 8:19pm Wed., Sept 9th • 8:05pm

The Morning Sky A cloudless eastern horizon sky is required.

In the hour or so (5am) before sunrise in the East, Mars is rising as well as Jupiter.

Mars is in the East while Jupiter is just rising above the Eastern horizon. The well-known constellation of Orion is in the southeastern sky. Be on the watch for a possible brightening of Betelgeuse as it is approaching its death. If it should blow up, it will be all over the news.

SUNSET

Wed., Aug 19th • 8:19pm Wed., Aug 26th •8:03pm Wed., Sept 2nd • 7:50pm Wed., Sept 9th • 7:36pm Wed., Sept 16th • 7:22pm

Night Sky Spectacle: The Perseid Meteor Showers

A clear dark sky is a must.

On August 27th there will be a deep partial eclipse of the moon that will be seen all across America.A lunar eclipse take place on a Full Moon •••

sketch by the late Deena Martinson.

(E) - Easier: relatively flat ground (up to 5 miles and/or less than 500 ft. e.g.)

(M) - Moderate: Longer, more elevation gain (over 5 miles and/or 500+ ft. e.g.)

(S) - Strenuous: Long and/or elevation gain (over 8 miles and/or 1200+ ft. e.g.)

Call leader to join outing or for more info. Non-members welcome.

Driving distances are from Longview, Wash.

(SS) – Snow Shoe (XC) – Cross Country Ski (K) – Kayak (B) – Bicycle RT - round trip e.g. - elevation gain

Aug19 - Wed

Aug 21 - Fri

Falls Creek Falls (S) Drive 216 miles RT Hike 8 miles RT with 1434’ e.g. to view the magnificent Falls Creek Falls. A $10 DAY PASS, OR A NW FOREST PASS, OR AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS IS REQUIRED FOR EACH VEHICLE. Leader: Harry 360-2804184

Aug 26 - Wed Burnt Bridge Creek East Side (E) Drive 100 miles RT Hike 6.5 miles through trees, greenway and residential areas with little e.g. Leader: John R. 360-431-1122 Aug 29 - Sat

Adna - Chehalis Bike Ride (B) Drive 90 miles RT Bike 9 miles RT on paved roads. Leader: MJ R. 360-355-5220

Sept 5 – Sat

Lake Sacajawea (E)

Walk 4 miles on flat ground around the whole lake or any portion for a shorter walk. **This walk is designed for super seniors and/or people with physical limitations at a slow pace.** Leader: Susan S. 360-430-9914

Sept 5 - Sat

Longview resident Greg Smith is past president of Friends of Galileo.

Meet him and other club members at monthly meetings in Longview.

For more info about FOG, visit friendsofgalileo.com.

Kwis Kwis Loop (M/S)

Drive 110 miles RT Hike 7.5 miles with 1050’ e.g. through a beautiful forest.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS OR SENIOR PASS IS REQUIRED. Leaders: Julie L. 360-747-1415, Leslie P. 360-520-4592

Forest Park - Ridge Trail Loop (M)

Drive 94 miles RT Hike a 6.5 mile loop with 1000’ e.g. through alders, maples and firs inside Portland’s “urban wilderness.”Leader: Bruce 360-425-0256

Sept 9 - Wed

Kalama Water Front (E)

Drive 22 miles RT Walk 6 miles RT on a paved flat trail past Ahles Point Cabin, then walking to the north end of the trail, crossing over to walk through the marina and to the Interpretive Center. Leader: Josie W. 360-353-3135

Sept 11 - Fri

Indian Racetrack - Red Mountain Lookout (S)

Drive 166 miles RT to Indian Racetrack north trailhead. Hike 7 miles out and back with 1600’ e.g. in the Indian Heaven wilderness area. Hike through dense forest past Racetrack Lake, then the ascent up to Red Mountain lookout. On a clear day it is one of the best views in the PNW of the Cascade volcanos. LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS. Leader: Harry A. 360-280-4184

Sept 16 - Wed Three Corner Rock (M) Drive 124 miles RT Hike 4.4 miles RT with 800’ e.g. on the PCT to site of an old lookout with extensive views of the Columbia Gorge and 5 snow capped volcanoes. A fairly long drive but well worth it. Leader: Bruce 360-4250256 Sept 18 - Fri

North Head Trail (M)

Drive 140 miles RT Hike 7.1 miles out and back. Stunning views and unique Sitka Spruce trees. Be aware there are some overgrown areas and limited trail marking.

Wearing long pants is recommended. DISCOVER PASS REQUIRED FOR EACH VEHICLE. Leader: John M. 360-508-0878

Sept 19 - Sat Cleanup

Ocean Conservancy International Ocean

Great opportunity for our club to participate in a global, joint effort to clean up the earth’s ocean, beaches, and waterways! Visit oceanconservancy.org to learn more about this organization. Leader: Judy T. 406-371-6869

8 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Fruit of the Vine

ROLAND ON WINE

NOTES FROM MY LIVES

By Andre Stepankowsky

Welcome to The Table, a great addition to Longview’s hospitality

by Marc Roland scene

A

fter a long day of bottling wine with a friend, we decided to check out The Table, a new food truck hub and taproom in Longview. The verdict: a great addition to our community.

Located at the corner of Commerce Avenue and Tennant Way, The Table combines a taproom with a diverse collection of food trucks, indoor seating, covered outdoor spaces with overhead heaters, and room for private gatherings. The vendors offer everything from tacos and Greek cuisine to bubble tea and waffles. Yes, waffles. It also looked like a promising burger place was in the works. I enjoyed a nice pilsner and a plate of delicious nachos. And I am picky about nachos. It is not easy to assemble them without ending up with a pile of soggy chips. These were good nachos. I’ll be back.

What makes The Table especially valuable is the opportunity it creates for several small businesses at once. A food truck hub gives independent cooks and entrepreneurs a consistent location, shared amenities, and access to a larger customer base without requiring each of them to open a traditional restaurant.

With rents, construction costs, and regulatory requirements continuing to rise, it has become increasingly difficult for people with a passion for cooking to open a place of their own. The food truck model offers another way. This is how vitality

grows in a town like ours. People are drawn to places where they have choices and where something interesting is happening. One successful hospitality business does not take opportunity away from the others. It gives people another reason to go out, meet friends, explore the city, and perhaps visit several local businesses along the way.

I would point out that The Table helps extend the downtown business district toward one of Longview’s most visible gateways. For visitors arriving on Tennant Way, it offers an immediate sign that something new is happening here.

It also brings new life to a previously underused commercial property near the edge of downtown. That kind of investment matters. It improves the appearance of an area, creates activity throughout the day, and shows other entrepreneurs what is possible. Longview needs more places that turn overlooked properties into active, welcoming spaces.

As fellow members of Longview’s hospitality community, we are genuinely pleased to welcome The Table. Its success will add energy to the entire area and help establish Longview as a place where people can find good food, local drinks, and interesting places to gather.

Congratulations to Chris, Natalie, and all the food truck operators who have made The Table possible. Stop in, explore the different food choices, and support this exciting new addition to Longview.

•••

Longview resident and former Kelso teacher Marc Roland started making wine in 2008 in his garage. He and his wife, Nancy, now operate Roland Wines at 1106 Florida Street in Longview’s new “barrel district.” For wine tasting hours, call 360-846-7304. His regular column, “Roland on Wine,” will return next month.

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From Noah to now Thank you, J. Harlan Bretz, for explaining the floods

I

don’t ordinarily get jazzed about highway billboards.

But while visiting Spokane for a family reunion last month, one sign off I-90 steered my mind back to a book and the Central Washington scablands that I’ve driven through many times over five decades.

The billboard advertised Bretz RV and Marine, which has locations across the Inland Empire. I don’t own a boat or RV. It’s the Bretz name that caught my attention.

Could the owners be related to the late J. Harlan Bretz, I wondered?

(I inquired but did not hear back from the firm.)

Bretz, who died in 1981, was a U.S. Geological Survey scientist.

He proved that massive floods had swept across Central Washington during the last Ice Age when ice dams broke and released glacial lake Missoula, which contained as much water as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario combined.

These immense floods cut the great coulees and channelized scablands of the Inland Empire. They stripped away the topsoil. They filled the Columbia River Gorge nearly to its brim. Floodwaters were 400 feet deep at what is now Portland.

Current thinking is that up to 40 such floods occurred every 50 years or so. The scientific work that has gone into determining all this is complex, wide-ranging and fascinating— especially to a geek like me.

However, two other aspects of the story stand out besides the sheer scope of the events.

First, Bretz persisted in his work despite blowback from the scientific community. He had the courage and the confidence to stick to his facts and interpretations of them. It would have been easy to abandon them in the name of career advancement.

His story is told in a book I read decades ago and still is on my bookshelf: Cataclysms on The Columbia, a 1986 book by John Allen, Marjorie Burns and Sam Sargent.

We now know that geological change can occur slowly, as in the cutting of the Grand Canyon, or suddenly, as at Mount St. Helens in 1980. But at the time Bretz was working, scientists emphasized that geological change comes slowly, through forces such as erosion and sedimentation. This principle is called uniformitarianism.

Uniformitarianism was borne out of Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution.

It rejected catastrophism, the older belief that sudden, violent disasters shaped the earth.

Second, the flood story leads to an intriguing connection between science, myth and religion.

I’ve long believed the Missoula floods have parallels all over the world and account for the mass inundations that frequent the mythology of most human cultures — perhaps even including Noah’s story in the book of Genesis.

Glacial lake breakout floods must have occurred all over the world during the last Ice Age, which ended about 10,000 years ago. People who witnessed them thought that, indeed, all of earth had been inundated — because at that time their whole world was limited to the valley or flood plain where they lived.

When I travel, I like to understand the forces that shaped the land on my route. Doing so reminds me that it will change again and again, sometimes with unimaginable fury.

This is why, when I drive to family reunions through forlorn stretches of Central Washington, I say a silent thank you to J. Harlan Bretz for explaining how that land came to be.

••• Awa rd - w i n n i n g j o u r n a l i s t A n d re Stepankowsky is a former reporter and editor for The Daily News in Longview. His Columbia River Reader columns spring from his many interests, including hiking, rose gardening, music, and woodworking. More of his writing can be found under “Lower Columbia Currents,” on substack.com.

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 9

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Lewis & Clark

DISPATCHES FROM THE DISCOVERY TRAIL EPISODE 28

The Expedition Returned...

Then What?

By Michael O. Perry

I

n 2002, David Plotz wrote an article about the Lewis and Clark Expedition titled “Stop Celebrating – They Don’t Matter” (viewable on the Internet).

While Plotz wrote that the Lewis & Clark Expedition was irrelevant and insignificant, most historians believe they opened the door to American settlement of the West. Without the Corps of Discovery, the U.S. would have had a weaker claim to the land that eventually became Washington and Oregon. It is even possible we might have ended up as part of Canada.

However, Plotz makes some very good points in his article.

Isle of Harris. Progress has bypassed these Outer Hebrides Islands to a large degree – only one town of any size, and no fast food restaurants. The people mostly fish and raise sheep; the wool is made into the famous Harris Tweed on treadle looms in private homes.

Listening to the old women tell about how long it took to create the fabric using the old techniques made me realize how easy it is to take progress for granted.

While half the members of the Corps of Discovery were born before the United States became a country in 1776, most of those men would have been too young to remember America’s War of Independence. Captain Lewis was born in 1774, Captain Clark in 1770, and Seargant Gass in 1771. All the men

My wife and I have enjoyed a couple of vacations in Scotland. One of my favorite spots is the Isle of Lewis (no relation to Meriwether Lewis) and the

… who had the strongest? …

“

We knew we had the weaker claim. The

question was who had the strongest? And we’re used to assuming that Britain and France and

The Series 1901 United States $10 Note. Nicknamed the “Buffalo Bill,” it was issued to stimulate interest in the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition held in Portland, Oregon, in 1905. The left portrait shows Meriwether Lewis, while the right portrait shows William Clark.

had seen the United States grow in its first 30 years, and many would live long enough to see even greater change, and I was intrigued to learn one member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition lived to be almost 100.

Oh, what he saw in his lifetime!

A lot can happen in a century

Think about it: Someone born a hundred years ago would have witnessed the beginnings of flight that led to today’s commercial airlines – and to the space program that put men on the moon just 66 years after the Wright brothers flew their first airplane at Kitty Hawk in 1903. They would have experienced the rapid development of the automobile and a network of highways that ties our country

together. They watched silent, black and white movies develop into talkies and then into color. They experienced the transition from radio to television, they listened to music on Edison phonographs and saw the development of stereo phonographs, reel-to-reel tape recorders, 4-track and 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, and then digital music on computers and iPods. They gave up their slide rules for hand-held calculators – and watched as computers and smart phones took over the world.

While many of the 33 people who went to the Pacific Ocean and back died early deaths, Patrick Gass was 99 when he died in 1870. He must have been amazed at how fast the West was settled. So, cont page 12

Russia, to a certain degree, were the ones that did all the expeditions. The truth is that Spain was

Five years ago, we introduced a revised version of Michael Perry’s

here long before and they actually had maps

popular series which had begun with CRR’s April 15, 2004 inaugural issue and was reprised three times and then expanded In the book, Dispatches from the Discovery Trail, edited by Hal Calbom and published by CRRPress. It includes an in-depth author interview and new illustrations and commentary.

of all this coast, but they didn’t share them with anybody. They took it all back and locked it up.”

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Lewis & Clark

from page 11

for this column, I thought it would be fun to list some of the important developments that took place during the lives of the members of the Corps of Discovery, after their return in 1806.

Running bare

Several men joined trapping parties to return to the western lands they had explored. The first man to die was Joseph Field, just a year after the Expedition ended. A year later, John Potts was killed by some Blackfeet Indians while John Colter, who discovered the geyser basins at Yellowstone, was stripped of all his clothing and managed to escape the Indians, running naked for five days before reaching Fort Raymond in Montana.

In 1809, the year James Madison became our fourth president, Captain Lewis and three others died; Lewis probably committed suicide (more on that in upcoming episodes). In 1810, George Drouillard was killed by Blackfeet Indians near Three Forks, Montana. One might wonder if this was a revenge killing, since he had been with Lewis when at least one Blackfeet Indian was killed there in 1806.

Astoria, the first American settlement on the Pacific coast, was founded in 1811. Two Corpsmen were in New Madrid, Missouri, when two of the most powerful earthquakes ever to strike North America (both magnitude ~7.5) occurred in December 1811 and February 1812. Several members of the Expedition participated in the War of 1812. Most historians think Sacajawea died in 1812, but some people believe she lived to be about 100, dying in 1884 (more o this n in an upcoming episode).

By 1817, when James Monroe became our fifth president, at least a dozen Corpsmen were dead. In 1825, when John Quincy Adams became our sixth president, the Hudson Bay Company established Fort Vancouver. Andrew Jackson became our seventh president in 1829 and Nathaniel Pryor died two years later, a year before the siege of the Alamo. At least 25 of the 33 men were dead when Captain Clark died in 1838.

“

… the first American settlement …

I feel that the most important thing the expedition did

was simply strengthen our territorial claim. Some people cite

Willard had died a month earlier at age 86. Sacajawea’s son, Pomp, died in 1866 and is buried in southeastern Oregon (his story will be told next episode).

And then there was just one

Astoria, but that’s pretty fickle. John Jacob Astor’s people

In 1868, Colonel George Custer made his last stand against the Cheyenne come out in 1811 and build Astoria. A year later, the War Indians. In 1869, the transcontinental of 1812 breaks out. And so the North West railroad was completed at Promontory Company, the British Trading Company, Point, Utah; by then, twenty states had goes to Astoria and tells the guy in charge, been admitted to the union since the Corps returned to St. Louis in 1806. ‘either you sell your fort to us — the war Patrick Gass died in 1870 at age 99, ship’s coming around — or when it gets here, the same year Kalama was established. we’re going to take it.’ So they sold it to them.

While he was the last member of the It became Fort George.”

Expedition to die, he had married a 20year old woman in 1831 (when he was 60) and had fathered seven children — some lived into the twentieth century. I’ve always wondered why nobody in his homes in the west — a third of those came family wrote a book about their father’s stories. to Oregon and Washington. Towns were springing up all over the place as the flood Now, we will wrap up by examining what happened to Sacajawea and her son of people arrived.

Pomp. We will look at why nobody did anything with the maps that William Clark had worked so hard to create during the trip. And, we will learn more In 1844, Skamokawa and Oregon City were about what Captains Lewis and Clark did after they returned to St. Louis in founded. St. Helens was founded in 1845 1806. You might think the journey is over, but is it, really? (originally called Plymouth), and Cathlamet was started in 1846. Peter Crawford filed a ••• land claim in 1847 for what would become Kelso (it was not platted until 1884). The The next episode will examine what happened to the men after the Oregon Territory was created in 1848.

Expedition’s return to St. Louis.

Monticello (located near the mouth of the Cowlitz River) was established in 1850, the same year California became a state. Rainier (originally called Eminence) was founded in 1851, and Woodland was settled a year later. The Washington Territory was created in 1853, and Oregon became a state in 1859.

O n l y t h re e m e m b e r s o f t h e Expedition were still alive when Abraham Lincoln was elected our sixteenth president in 1860. The Civil War began the following year and ended in 1865 when Robert E. Lee surrendered. A week later, Lincoln was assassinated; Alexander

Westward, Ho!

In 1840 there were just three states west of the Mississippi River (Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas). A group of 100 emigrants headed west by wagon train in 1841; a thousand people made the trip in 1843, followed by 2,000 in 1844 and 5,000 in 1845. By 1866, a half million people had left their homes in the east to travel to new 12 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

The most common reminders of the Expedition’s routes are familiar to western travelers.

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Miss Manners

from page 6

DEAR MISS MANNERS: As we are in

an election year, help me figure out what to say when a friend asks for your political endorsement, but you think she would be terrible in that elected position. I love this friend dearly, but she absolutely does not have the temperament for the job.

GENTLE READER: Maybe, for the sake

of the friendship, do not tell her that.

Miss Manners suggests instead something noncommittal such as, “I am so proud of you. What a worthy endeavor!” And when she inevitably presses for your support, “I’m not sure what I’m doing yet, but I think it’s so great that you are trying to make the world better.”

If she does win, perhaps she will surprise you. Fortunately for the friendship, voting is still private. .••• Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www. missmanners.com; to her email, gentlereader@missmanners.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McNeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

from page 3

Remembering Chuck Ring Friend to all, astronomy enthusiast

“

Which one is it?” inquired a man in the bundled-up crowd milling about, expectantly looking heavenward. Chuck Ring and I had just arrived at the end of Ostrander Road atop a hill north of Kelso on a cold winter’s night in February 1995.

It was to be our first “star party,” after we discovered through Toastmasters our shared, budding interest in astronomy. We’d driven up to Rainier, Wash, east of Olympia, to meet Carl Zambuto and see his mirror-grinding/ telescope-building operation. We’d heard of “star parties” sponsored by amateur astronomers in Portland and found the idea captivating. Carl agreed to come down with a telescope and help us throw such an event here.

Consulting the “St arr y Night” computer program for a suitable viewing night, Carl said we were in luck! We could view the upcoming Opposition of Mars, which occurs every 26 months when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and Mars. Mars is then at its closest point

to Earth, making it (relatively) easy to see. But you still need to know where to look, and a telescope in order to see the polar ice caps.

Earlier in the afternoon on the day of our star party, however, we’d called Carl and decided to cancel due to deteriorating weather. It was totally overcast.

Just before 6pm, however, the skies started clearing up. It was too late for Carl to still make it down, due to the driving distance from his home.

Chuck Ring with his handcrafted 10-inch Newtonian Reflector telescope on its Dobsonian mount.

“Do you think we should go up there in case anybody shows up?” Chuck called to ask me. Yes. We headed up and upon arrival at Ostrander, were amazed, both by the improvement in the weather and by the lavish, dripping-with-jewels, star-studded sky overhead. And especially by the size of the crowd already gathered — around 30 people. They must have seen the notice in the newspaper.

and his telescope, however, we were lost.

Chuck and I knew next to nothing about the night sky, or which twinkling point of light might be Mars.

“We don’t know,” we confessed, somewhat sheepishly, unable to point out Mars when people asked. Long on enthusiasm but short on knowledge at that point, we could only apologize. We passed a clipboard around, taking names and promising to notify them all of a re-scheduled sky viewing event.

I had gotten my then-boss, Bert Jepson, to let me publicize the event as an American Red Cross “fundraiser.”

That was a bit of a stretch, but we planned to serve hot cider and put out a donation canister. Without Carl

Carl came to Longview with a telescope a few times that winter to help. Chuck made cardboard signs offering “Free Telescopic Viewings,” setting up in public places and parking lots, inviting passersby to see the Moon. I Walden Pond-erings took notes. Most first-timers & Thoreau-ly Good Advice were stunned, murmuring “Nothing great was ever achieved things like “Awesome! Wow! Oh, without enthusiasm. Live in the my God! No way!”

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sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. Own the day. Do your best. Cultivate gratitude, give thanks continuously.

Finish the day and be done with it.

Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.”

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson “I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

-- Henry David Thoreau

That failed first star party led to a local telescopebuilding workshop conducted

by Carl’s Nisqually Valley Telescope Maker’s Workshop — held in Kelso — and to the formation of Friends of Galileo, a club dedicated to furthering the enjoyment of astronomy, its name honoring the early astronomers who opened the age of astronomical enlightenment.

Friends of Galileo survives, and thrives to this day, and will ever remain a part of Chick Ring’s legacy. He was the original “sparkplug”of the Club.

Thank you, Chuck. Rest in peace. We’ll be looking at the Moon, but we’ll be seeing you.

•••

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 13

Biz Buzz What’s Happening Around the River Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we include announcements and news of improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones. Please email to publisher@crreader.com

Rotary Club of Longview invites community Sandra Swogger, to help celebrate 100 years By Club member The Rotary Club of Longview invites

the community to a once-in-a-century event commemorating the Club’s 100th Anniversary. An elegant Centennial Celebration planned for Sept. 25 at the historic Monticello Hotel will honor a century of fellowship, service and community impact.

For the past 100 years, the Club has worked alongside local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to improve the community through service projects and initiatives that have made a lasting difference in this community. The Centennial Celebration is an opportunity to reflect on that remarkable legacy while looking forward to the next century.

Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of fine dining, entertainment, and celebration as the Club honors the people and projects that have shaped Longview over the past century.

Longview Rotary sponsors and/or supports ongoing literacy programs, such as Little Libraries and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library;

scholarships, Squirrel Fest (free for all to attend and loaded with kid-friendly activities and entertainment); Community House on Broadway; Freedom Flags; and more.

Special projects launched this year in honor of the Club’s centennial are the restoration of a reading room at Longview Public Library (completed and named the “Rotary Meeting Room”); planting of a giant sequoia at the north end of Lake Sacajawea; and the restoration of Martin Dock at Lake Sacajawea (estimated to be a major two- to three-year project).

We look forward to welcoming friends, neighbors, and supporters for an unforgettable evening celebrating 100 years of “Service Above Self” and the enduring spirit of giving back to the community. Whether you are a current or former Rotarian, a community partner, or simply someone who appreciates the impact of volunteer service, this is a chance to honor Longview’s past while investing in its future. Join us!

TICKETS • An Evening to Remember • Friday, Sept. 25 • Monticello Hotel

Cocktails 5pm, Dinner 6pm General Admission $100 per person; VIP $125 per person, including premium seating and special recognition during the evening.

Seating is limited, and early reservations are encouraged.

Please email Rotarian Sandra Swogger at sswogger@ yahoo.com for reservations, mail a check to Rotary Club of Longview, P.O. Box 1105, Longview, WA 98632, or use this QR code to pay online. More info may be found on Facebook (Rotary Club of Longview).

14 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

The Port of Columbia County was awarded a $4 million EPA Cleanup Grant. The federal funds will accelerate the environmental remediation of the former Pope & Talbot creosoting site located along the Columbia River, just upriver from St. Helens, Oregon.This critical cleanup effort is being executed in partnership with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to ready the contaminated waterfront property for productive commercial and public reuse.

PeaceHealth has named Matt Swafford as its next executive

Matt Swafford

vice president and chief financial officer. Swafford will join PeaceHealth on Sept. 21, succeeding Ric Magnuson, who has served in the role on an interim basis since last year.

Swafford brings more than 36 years of experience as a banker, advisor and CFO to nonprofit health systems. He grew up in Portland and still has deep family roots throughout the Pacific Northwest. Continuing to serve communities he knows and cares about was an important part of his decision to join PeaceHealth.

River Cities Transit employees to be honored at Olympia event

Jerry Robeson

The WSDOT Wall of Fame is an annual event that recognizes exemplary employees for their dedication, innovation, customer service, and professionalism. The Wall of Fame banquet was scheduled to coincide with the 2026 Washington State Public Transportation Conference Aug. 10-12 in Tacoma. Those to be honored include two nominees from River Cities Transit: Jerry Robeson and Cheryl Grindle-Spain.

Candidate debates return to LCC’s Rose Center The Cowlitz Civil Dialogue Project will host two live candidate debates this fall at Lower Columbia College’s Rose Center for the Arts, 1528 Maple Street, Longview — one for Cowlitz County Commissioner and one for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, on Wednesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 14. Doors open at 6:30 pm; each debate runs 7 to 8:30 pm. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

KLTV will produce and televise both debates. The Project is an all-volunteer, nonpartisan group of local residents working in partnership with Lower Columbia College and the League of Women Voters. Candidates do not receive the questions in advance.

The series will also include debates in area legislative races, recorded in the KLTV studio and broadcast ahead of the general election, with dates announced following the August 4th primary. More information: cowlitzcivildialogue@ gmail.com. Updates may be available on Facebook. And watch CRR’s September 15 edition for more details.

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Robeson joined City of Longview/RiverCities Transit in June 2021. He is a military veteran and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management. He received more nominations from his peers than anyone else in River Cities Cheryl Grindle-Spain Transit history, a testament to the respect he has earned through his unwavering commitment to going above and beyond, and always willing to lend a hand.

Grindle-Spain came on board RCT in April 2024. She has been a school bus driver and serves on the executive board of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 758, which represents the operators. She is known to step up whenever she sees an issue that needs attention. Friendly, approachable, and a compassionate listener, she is someone others trust and rely on and who exemplifies a commitment to serving others, supporting her coworkers, and fostering a positive work environment.

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 15

Bunker Hill Cemetery Tour

MUSEUM MAGIC

The past comes alive!

By Joseph Govednik, Director, Cowlitz County Historical Museum

O

n Saturday, August 29th, step back in time at the Living History Cemetery Tour at Bunker Hill Cemetery in Stella, 8 miles of Longview off SR-4.

Attendees will experience an outdoor living history museum, as costumed interpreters portray individuals buried in the cemetery and who helped shape the history of the Stella community and beyond.

and discover how their lives connected to the national events being commemorated as part of the America 250 celebration.

This popular event is presented in partnership by the Bunker Hill Cemetery Association, the Stella Historical Society, and the Cowlitz next page

Guided tours will stop at several gravesites where participants will hear the stories of local residents, learn about their contributions to the region,

Somerset

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Serving the local community for 90 Years!

2025 Tibbetts Drive • Longview somerset-assisted-living.com 16 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

360-423-7392

DREW ’S GROCERY & SERVICE, INC

Just 10 miles from I-5 Exit 49

5304 Spirit Lake Hwy • Toutle, WA

360-274-8920

Bunker Hill Cemetery Tour At right: 2025 cast members, left to right: Kathleen Meschke as Engel Marie Krentler; Joseph Govednik as Willis Johnson; Leslie Johnson as Lula Johnson; Karen Peters as Catharina “Minnie” Oxman; Debbie Sanders as Doris Naglich; Jan Wilson as Hostess; Bob Knudsen as Olaf Myklebust; Bill Watson as Albert “Gene” Brock

County Historical Museum and partially supported this year by an America 250 Events Grant from the Washington State Historical Society.

Tours depart every 20 minutes between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Each tour is limited to 20 participants, so advance registration is highly recommended. While walk-ins are welcome if space is available, reserving a time slot is the best way to ensure a timely tour.

Registration is free, although a suggested $5 donation (or more, if you wish) on location is appreciated.

Donations help support educational programs like this one and the preservation and interpretation of local history.

Participants should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled tour. Once a tour departs, any unclaimed spaces may be offered to those on the waitlist.

Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, as the cemetery grounds are uneven and conditions can range from hot sunshine to rain. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Come experience the unique tradition of “talking tombstones” and discover the fascinating stories of the people whose lives helped shape our community and our nation.

•••

For more info, or to register for your tour time, scan this QR code or call Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 360-577-3119.

Raymond/ South Bend

Oysterville •

Grays • River Chinook

101

101

Pacific Ocean

Cathlamet 4

Longview

Clatskanie

Birkenfeld

Vernonia

Oregon

Ape Cave •

Kelso

Rainier

Woodland

Columbia City

• Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce / Visitors Center 422 NE 4th Ave, Camas, Wash. • 360-834-2472. M-F 10:30am–3pm • Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitor Center I-5 Exit 39. 105 Minor Road, Kelso,Wash. • 360-577-8058 • Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 • Castle Rock Visitor Center Exit 49, west side of I-5, 890 Huntington Ave. N. Open M-F 11–3.

• Appelo Archives Center 1056 SR 4, Naselle, Wash. 360-484-7103.

Local in • Pacific County Museum & Visitor Center for Hwy 101, South Bend, Wash. 360-875-5224 Points o mation f In Recreat terest • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau ion S p e cia 3914 Pacific Way (corner Hwy 101/Hwy 103) Dining l Events Long Beach, Wash. 360-642-2400 • 800-451-2542 Arts & E ~ Lodging ntertain • Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce ment 1715 Bay Ave., #1, Ocean Park, Wash.

• South Columbia County Chamber Columbia Blvd/Hwy 30, St. Helens, Ore • 503-397-0685 • Seaside, Ore 989 Broadway, 503-738-3097; 888-306-2326 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Center Maryhill 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807 Museum

Goldendale

• Ridgefield

Scappoose•

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

503

•Yacolt

St Helens

NW lius Corne oad Pass R

Cougar •

Kalama

VISITOR CENTERS

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Warrenton • Astoria

504

Castle Rock

• Naselle

Long Beach Ilwaco

Seaside

Washington

Vader

Ocean Park •

Columbia River

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

Sauvie Island

Skamania son Lodge Steven Col. Gorge Interp.Ctr as •Cam Bonneville Dam Cascade

Vancouver

14

Portland

Troutdale

Crown Point

Locks Bridge of the Gods

Hood River

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Map suggests only approximate positions and relative distances. Consult a real map for more precise details.

We are not cartographers.

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 17

GLIMPSES

OF HISTORY

By Dennis Weber

Plankhouse replica near the original site of Catlapotle, once a major Chinookan village at Ridgefield, Wash., near the Wildlife Refuge. It opened to the public in Nov. 2005.

CATHLAPOTLE PLANKHOUSE

CRR file photos from story published in November 2005 issue.

Controversy over tribal ownership

R

ecently, the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum opened an exhibit on Chinookan Peoples: “Guardians of the Great River,” featuring the story of how these indigenous people lived from the coast up the Columbia River to the falls of the Cascades. The exhibit includes a miniature plankhouse model on loan from the Grande Ronde Confederation of Tribes, representing Oregon Chinookan peoples. (Visit the exhibit Sat-Sun, 12– 4pm at the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum, 700 W. “A” St., Rainier.)

In researching for the exhibit, I found that a life-size model of the plankhouse was built years ago at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge near the new Costco store.

In the early 2000s, the Chinook Nation undertook the construction of the plankhouse in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland State University, and local activists.

The location is near the original site of Cathlapotle, a major Chinookan village. Construction was completed and the plankhouse opened to the public on March 29, 2005 — 199 years to the day after Lewis and Clark visited the site.

According to Smithsonian Magazine’s Emily Sohn, writing in 2005, the sevenacre village site is “one of the most wellpreserved American Indian village sites” in the Pacific Northwest. Consisting of 14 plankhouses, the largest measuring 200’ x 40’, Cathlapotle became an “archeological jackpot” during the five-year dig (from 1991 to 1996) that professors, students, and volunteers conducted near the shoreline of Carty Lake. She quoted lead archeologist Dr. Kenneth M. Ames (1945–2019) about the hundreds of thousands of artifacts they found.

CELEBRATING LIFE IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER REGION SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM SPOTLIGHTING COMMUNITY CAUSES

people+ place We appreciate our sponsors: The Evans Kelly Family • Columbia Steel Services, Inc Weatherguard, Inc • Cowlitz PUD • Joe Fischer Wilcox+Flegel • George and Holly Roe Special Thanks to Friends of Longview For information about becoming a sponsor, please contact publisher@crreader.com or call 360-749-1021.

LET’S HELP OUR KIDS BE READY FOR SCHOOL! Donate to Youth & Family Link and support their year-round school supplies program for Cowlitz County K-12 students .

Mail check to 907 Douglas, Longview, WA 98632. To use credit card, scan QR code or call LINK, 360-423-6741.

But there has been controversy over competing claims of ownership between the Chinook Nation and the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. The Indian Claims Commission (1946 – 1978) ruled that Chinookan people were the original inhabitants of the Cathlapotle vicinity, not the Cowlitz Tribe.

The Evans Kelly Family

One of Longview’s pioneer families Proud Sponsor of People+Place

Our world is full of ART!

B u t t h e fe d e r a l g o ve r n m e n t ’ s Department of the Interior oversees both the Bureau of Indian Affairs and US Fish and Wildlife Service.

In 2013, when the federally-recognized Cowlitz Tribe protested the Chinook claim so close to their own reservation, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell ruled in favor of the Cowlitz.

“Portrait of a Young Girl”

Since then, however, the Cowlitz leaders have expressed support for the Chinook Nation’s efforts for federal recognition.

In the meantime, the plankhouse is closed to the public and opened only for educational and ceremonial uses by both tribes.

••• Dennis Weber, a retired Longview mayor, is an award-winning writer of local history, and works through Friends of Longview, and the Rainier Oregon historical Museum, both 501(c)(3) non-profits, to enhance appreciation for local history and development.

He serves on the boards of both organizations.

18 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

14 x 20 inches acrylic paint on canvas by

Joe Fischer

JOE FISCHER Proud Sponsor of People+Place

People + Place

A monthly feature written and photographed Emmy Award-winning journalist

Hal Calbom

Production Notes

The Phone Is Not the Territory

Blue Highways the roads less taken

by Southwest Washington native and

Photos and story

by Hal Calbom

In 1931, the renowned philosopher of semantics, Alfred Korzybski, put forward a proposition that still echoes.

The map is not the territory.

Korzybski addressed our too-human tendency — troubling to philosophers since the ancient Chinese and Greeks — to confuse the things we seek to describe with the descriptions themselves. The Zen monks have long spoken of mistaking “the finger pointing at the moon for the moon,” mistaking the teachings for the truth.

Now, based on my recent misadventures on the backroads of the Willamette Valley, I submit that this truth not only resounds but the metaphor needs a drastic upgrade (or downgrade).

I’m saddened to report the demise of and obsolescence of that traveler’s eternal friend, the paper map in the glovebox.

Folded, dog-eared, stained and battlehardened.

Now, truly, the map is not the territory.

Nor, in fact, is the phone. Siri, Alexa etal, seem to show utter disregard for the aesthetics, charm, and off-the-beaten-track serendipity that’s the very genius of a blue highway — the two-laners that got us here in the first place.

The writer William Least Heat Moon popularized “blue highways” as title of his 1982 chronicle: 13,000 miles around America avoiding interstates and big cities.

The Rand McNally road atlases of his childhood always denoted these “back roads” in thin lines of blue.

Making Merry Glacial Lake Missoula wrought more havoc those thousands of years ago than we tend to remember.

AROUND AND ABOUT THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY

The ancient floods that created Eastern Washington’s fertile Palouse also created something even more fertile, or at least more all-around productive, closer to home.

Over time, the Missoula floods funneled mega-tons of topsoil, volcanic rock, ice, and corrosive grit due south, settling into today’s placid, fertile Willamette River Valley.

Today, Oregon’s Willamette Valley hosts two-thirds of the state’s population; world-class ranches, farms, vineyards and nurseries; most of the state’s higher education system; and a magical year-round climate, partly due to a natural sluice formed between the ancient Coast Range and the Cascades.

More than simply a Columbia River tributary, the Willamette has been a destination for pioneers, a nurseryman’s and winemaker’s dream, a hive of industry and intellectual effort, and a flat-out beautiful place to simply live and visit.

This month we follow the Blue Highways — the roads less taken — making the Willamette Valley Loop. cont page 20

In the Valley we stopped at four gas stationconvenience stores and none had paper maps for sale, let alone to give away.

Many people today seem unable to physically transport themselves from one familiar spot to another without programming the route into their cell phone and genuflecting to its screen.

Landmarks? Roadsigns? Is there an app for those?

The phone is not the territory...either.

•••

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 19

People + Place from page 19

For two centuries, Oregon’s modern settlers were creatures of rivers. So we will be as travelers.

Yamhill County is home to over 500 wineries, with 250 Willamette Valley wineries and vineyards within 20 miles of McMinnville’s downtown.

Our loop begins by leaving the Columbia behind at Highway 30 and diving south down Highway 47, the roller coaster road to Vernonia and McMinnville.

Versatile McMinnville can offer you a perfect bistro brunch, the college-town ambience and activity of Linfield University, and, of course wine tastings galore.

We will play tag all trip with the meandering Willamette, crossing many of its muscular tributaries — the Tualatin, Clackamas, Yamhill, Santiam — and if we continue south to the middle of the state, the Calapooia, Long Tom and mighty McKenzie.

It’s a region rich with idiosyncrasies, these juxtapositions of urban, rural, historical, contemporary, tourism and home sweet home that seem to define the Valley.

The valley is a contradictory place that defies easy generalization. Yes, this is wonderfully arable land with all kinds of crops creeping up to the road shoulders.

But it’s also host to prosperous, solid small cities that are almost uniformly clean, welcoming and attractive: Albany, Corvallis, Salem, McMinnville, Eugene, and of course Portland at the confluence with the Columbia.

More than a Spruce Goose

McMinnville’s Evergreen Air & Space Museum is a mammoth complex known mainly as nesting place for the famous “Spruce Goose,” the titanic seaplane dream of millionaire aviator Howard Hughes. But it’s much more. The

Below: Hughes’s “spruce goose” is actually built largely of birch.

Our winding route south accommodates both EV charging stations and homegrown flower vendors.

Heart of the Country

McMinnville has the feel of suddenly awaking one morning and finding it’s at the heart of something.

It’s to a large degree the “Oregon Wine Country” phenomenon, which has grown explosively thanks to the same prehistoric rich soils and perfect latitudes that favor its counterpart north of the Big River. Today,

Capt. Michael King Smith

THIS IS WONDERFULLY ARABLE LAND WITH ALL KINDS OF CROPS CREEPING UP TO THE ROAD SHOULDERS

Linfield University hosts more than1,800 students in McMinnville and Portland campuses.

Energy Efficiency Tips

SEAL AIR LEAKS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME TO MINIMIZE HEAT GAIN. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE LABEL OF THE CAULK AND/OR POLYURETHANE FOAM FOR THE APPROPRIATE USES AND SURFACES YOU PLAN TO SEAL. ADD OR REPAIR WEATHERSTRIPPING ON WINDOWS AND DOORS TO REDUCE HEAT LOSS AND DRAFTS. Proud Sponsor of

People+Place 20 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Proud Sponsor of People+Place

People + Place

Museum features more than 200 flying machines, educational exhibits and films, and a tribute to the founder’s son, a decorated fighter pilot dead too young in an automobile accident, Capt. Michael King Smith.

And yes, the goose is a sight to behold, not just for aviation buffs.

Proceed at your own risk. The cartographer disclaims any responsibility for mileage,direction or village placement. Not for use by children.

Do not attempt at home.

Over 20 years resident here, the museum is worldrenowned, voted among the ten best of its genre, and described by docents and visitors alike as a “journey through time.”

But we have miles to go before we sleep — geologists have noted that the largest “glacial erratic” in the state of Oregon is just a few miles up the road off Highway 18. We are soon hot on the trail.

Produced by No Paper Maps / Electronic Gobbledigook Nonsense: What’s a Guy To Do? Enterprises.

An Erratic Landscape

Just like turnoffs for seductive wineries, tales of the Great Floods leave their clues all over the Valley.

Buena Vista Ferry

ERRATICS ARE STONES, ROCKS, BOULDERS RAFTED DOWN THE CATACLYSM

“Erratics” are stones, rocks, boulders rafted down the cataclysm by chunks of ice or pushed by a zillion tons of slurry. What makes them “erratic” is their unlikely locations — often found in farmers’ fields or desolate plains, seemingly miles from any likely source.

The Bellevue Erratic rock, sometimes simply called the Glacial Rock, is a quarter-mile uphill walk through vines and orchards, perched and lording over the valley. For this solitary emigré from the northern Rocky Mountains, there’s not a granite or basaltic fellow traveler in sight..

Just another unlikely juxtaposition in what is becoming a theme for our visit.

Amity to Albany

Take the Buena Vista Ferry — if you get the chance. Crossing the river between Salem and Albany, the ferry runs “on demand” between April and October. The river hosts many of these family-sized ferries, this one run by electric cables stretched over the river, and charging carloads three dollars apiece.

Pedestrians are free.

There must be hundreds of memoirs and monographs chronicling the ways cont page 23

At the Albany Carousel and Museum; many of the carvers began as utter amateurs; the carousel runs on 150,000 volunteer hours a year.

W

e appreciate that Columbia River Reader helps us understand both the places and the people of the Columbia River region. The breadth of CRR’s reporting highlights the interconnections among us — past, present and future.

George and Holly Roe A Park Family Company A Longview Pioneer Family Proud Sponsor of

People+Place

We thank The Boeing Company for matching its retirees’ gifts.

Proud Sponsor of People+Place

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 21

People + Place

CLEAN STREETS, UPSCALE BUSINESSES, FAMILY ENCLAVES, PARKS, VENERABLE OLD TREES. AND…A RIVER.

indigenous people, then pioneers, and finally, modern Valleyites cross and recross these elaborate riverscapes.

From tourists making loops like ours to farmers and ranchers hauling goods to market.

The village of Amity offers a pleasant gateway to the Buena Vista Ferry, and Albany itself holds treats in store for everybody.

Life is a Carousel

It says something wonderful about a place when one of its chief attractions is devoted to amusement and the perpetuation of happiness.

Such is Albany, population near 60,000, whose claim to fame is a noteperfect carousel housed in an entire complex that turns mere amusement

into fine art. Besides the joyful ups and downs of the ponies and their brilliantly painted menagerie, there’s a subterranean carving studio that offers its own kind of joy — impeccable woodworking and craftsmanship.

Albany and nearby Corvallis — home to Oregon State University and near the same size as its sister upstream — both seem to share an old-fashioned wholesomeness and harmony. Clean streets, upscale businesses, family enclaves, parks, venerable old trees.

And always the essential artery, a river.

Not only did the Valley provide homesteads and healthy agriculture, it also served as a supply station for other settlers headed south, to the gold rushes and allure of California, or north, to the beckoning Puget Sound.

Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to pin this place down — an extraordinarily rich and diverse piece of geography and history. Rural or urban? Agricultural

or commercial? Contemporary or historical? Touristed or self-contained?

Yes. It’s all here.

•••

At the bottom end of our loop — we will save the joys of Salem and Eugene for Hal Calbom, a third-generation Longview native and author of Empire of Trees: America’s Planned City and the Last Frontier, produces CRR’s People+Place monthly feature, and is CRRPress associate publisher.

“FCA opened my eyes to giving all the glory to the Lord and using the abilities He has given me to honor and worship Him through the game I love. As I step into future leadership roles on and off the court, I am committed to leading with patience, humility, kindness, and faithfulness, because FCA has truly changed my life and transformed the way I play for Christ.”

Sheena McGregor

Kelso High School Athlete Weatherguard supports the FCA vision: To see the

world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

the next trip — one has no wonder what it was that attracted those covered wagons almost two centuries ago.

360-577-7200 Proud Sponsor of People+Place

22 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

CELEBRATING LIFE IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER REGION SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM SPOTLIGHTING COMMUNITY CAUSES

people+ place We appreciate our sponsors:

The Evans Kelly Family • Columbia Steel Services, Inc Weatherguard, Inc • Cowlitz PUD • Joe Fischer Wilcox+Flegel • George and Holly Roe Special Thanks to Friends of Longview For information about becoming a sponsor, please contact publisher@crreader.com or call 360-749-1021.

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 23

Outings & Events Dog Days of Summer ­Pets of the Peninsula exhibit thru Oct. 31.

Submission Guidelines

Free Summer Movie Nights Aug. 21, 27, Sept 4. Lake Sacajawea, Longview, Wash. See ad below..

Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) relevant to the publication’s purpose — helping readers discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region, at home and on the road — are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previouslypublished articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations.

Squirrel Fest Sat., Aug. 22. Free, all-day event with

kids’ activities, vendor booths, music. Lower Columbia College campus, 1600 Maple St., off historic Civic Circle, Longview, Wash.. Presented by Longview Rotary.

Kalama Cultural Festival Aug. 28-30. Port of Kalama

waterfront. Headline act: Seven Suns. Traditional luau, vendors, live music, cultural dance, more. Schedule/info: kalamacuturafestival.com

Submitted items will be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. Writer’s name and phone number must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered.

Political Endorsements CRR is a monthly publication serving readers in several towns, three counties, two states and beyond, and does not publish Letters to the Editor that are endorsements or criticisms of political candidates or controversial issues. (Paid ad space is available.)

Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose. 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. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events receive listing priority. Fundraisers must be sanctioned/ sponsored by the benefiting non-profit o r g a n i z a t i o n . C o m m e rc i a l p ro j e c t s , businesses and organizations wishing to promote their products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

ADVERTISING Deadlines, see page 10 Ned Piper, Manager 360-749-2632

Big Band in the Park, Sept. 87 Clatskanie, Clatskanie Arts Commission season kickoff. See order form, ad, and story, page 26-27.

Fall Wine Tasting & Auction Gala Sept. 19, 6:30– 9:30pm. Sponsored by Friends of Skamokawa River Life Interpretive Center, held at Vista Appello Annex (the old Methodist church) at Vista Park, Skamokawa, Wash.

Celebrating 40 years maintaining the 132-year-old Redmen Hall via the community’s generosity. Auction items and monetary donations welcome. For tickets or to donate, visit friendsofskamokawa.org or mail check to FOS, PO Box 67, Skamokawa, WA 98647. Sponsor & auction item info 360-795-3007.

Untouchables Car Club Sun, Aug. 16, Registration 7am, Awards 3pm, Downtown Kalama. 360-600-4982.

Cathlamet Public Library at Wahkiakum County Fair Aug. 20, 21, 22, 9am-5pm. Visit the library booth with crafts, games, and activities.

FREE library cards for Wahkiakum residents, made at the booth.

Skamokawa Fair Grounds, 16 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, Wash.

BROADWAY GALLERY 1418 Commerce Avenue, Longview Tues thru Sat, 11–4. Visit the Gallery to see new work. For event updates check our website: the-broadwaygallery.com, at Broadway Gallery on Facebook, and broadway gallery longview on Instagram.

nedpiper@gmail.com

FEATURED ARTISTS

General inquiries: 360-749-1021 publisher@crreader.com

September Gallery members

Mitzi Ponce - St. Helens, Ore Ad Rep: mitzi@mdponce.com 252-675-3423

Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart. Cascadia Chamber Opera,

Friday Aug 21, 7pm; Sun, Aug 23, 3pm. Charlene Larsen Center for the performing Arts, 588 16th St., Astoria, Ore.

Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, 115 Lake St., Ilwaco, Wash.

Open 10–4 Wed thru Sat, same hours on Sunday through Labor Day. Admission is free. Info: columbiapacificheritagemuseum.org

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS

FIRST THURSDAY Sept 3rd• 5:30–7pm Join us for art & refreshments.

Enjoy live music by John S. Crocker Check out our Summer Classes, Teachers & Workshops by visiting our gallery or website.

August Fundraising Sale: Bargains on art supplies & MORE! Proceeds go to our non-profit Gallery.

August Community Art Show “Connections.”

Tammy Jorgenson (mixed media collage); Patty McMahan (oil paintings)

OPEN

Tues - Sat 11–4

Voted one of top 3 Galleries in SW Wash.

Free Gift Wrap on request.

See ad, page 6

Find a unique gift! We have beautiful artisan cards, jewelry, books by local authors, wearable art, original paintings, pottery, sculpture, photographs and more.

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR Send your non-commercial community event info (incl name of event, non-profit beneficiary/sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) to

publisher@crreader.com

Or mail or hand-deliver (in person or via mail slot) to:

Columbia River Reader 1333 14th, Longview, WA 98632 Submission Deadlines Events occurring: Sept 17 – Oct 20, 2026

by Aug 25 for Sept 15 issue.

Oct 17 – Nov 25

by Sept 25 for Oct 15 issue Calendar submissions are considered for inclusion, subject to lead time, relevance to readers, and space limitations.

See Submission Guidelines above.

24 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

13 Nights on the River Columbia View Park, St. Helens, Ore Thursdays thru Aug. Festivities 4–8pm.

Music 5-6:30pm Aug 20 Slicker Band Aug 27 The One-Eyed Kats McMenamins Harbor Lodge, Port of Kalama, Wash.

Free concerts 6–9pm, Wed-Thurs thru Aug. Schedule: mcmenamins.com Concerts at the Lake Lake Sacajawea, Longview Thurs. 6pm thru Aug, Martin Dock 8/20 Blues Power Revue 8/27 Coloso Band Info: mylongview.com

Longview Rotary Centennial Gala Friday,

Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart. The Met Live in

Sept. 25. Members, guests and all community members welcome. See story and details, page 14.

Proceeds benefit Martin Dock restoration project.

HD broadcasts to regional cinemas Sat., Oct 3, 10am. Live performance from New York City. A treat for opera buffs or newbies: See performance by Cascadia Chamber Opera in Astoria Aug. 21 or 23 (ad, page 27) and by the Met in October. Mark your calendars and make plans! metopera.org

44th Northwest Garrrrlick Festival Sept. 19-20

Ocean Park, Wash., See ad, page 26.

Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group Every third

Mount St. Helens Club

Thursday, 1:30–3pm. Delaware Plaza, 926 Delaware St., Longview, Wash. RSVP and questions: Shawna Crook, 360-423-3333 or email delawareed@koelschsenior. com

HIKES

See schedule, page 8.

Watercolorized sketch by the late Deena Martinsen,

THE MINTHORN

COLLECTION OF INTERNATIONAL ART

KELSO HIGHLANDER

FESTIVAL & SCOTTISH GAMES SEPTEMBER 12 & 13 TAM O’SHANTER PARK - KELSO, WA FREE ADMISSION

FREE PARKING

FAMILY FRIENDLY

FEATURING LIVE MUSIC

WICKED TINKERS Bagpipes - Tribal Drums - Didgeridoo - Bronze Age Irish Horn

BELTAINE

A gift to the community from Dr. and Mrs. H. Minthorn via Lower Columbia College Foundation. The Minthorn Collection of Chinese Art encompasses a wide range of styles and is displayed in the upper level of the Forsberg Gallery in LCC’s Rose Center, open M-Th 10–3. Free.

GLENSIDERS

Scottish Highland Games Live Music Highland Dance Competition Meet the Clans Beer Garden by Ashtown Brewing Company

PIPE BANDS

Food & Craft Vendors Clan Tents Silent Auction KGC Flower Competition Always Family Friendly FREE to Attend & Park!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: FIBRE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - DIAMOND SHOWCASE - JESSICA WADE STATE FARM - WEATHERGUARD INC. - NOELLE MCLEAN, PS - KUKN/KLOG SLEEP INN - STEELSCAPE - WATKINS TRACTOR - FOSTER FARMS BAKER LUMBER - LOWER COLUMBIA LONGSHOREMEN’S CREDIT UNION

www.kelsohighlanderfestival.com

@highlanderfestival

OUR STAFF

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 25

SINGLE TICKETS DISCOUNTED TICKET PKGS

MAIL ORDER

Clatskanie Arts Commission PO Box 1110

Clatskanie OR 97016 Tickets will be mailed out two weeks prior to first performance

Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-----email ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-----phone –––––––––––––––––––––––––-----––––– street address or PO Box ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-----City –––––––––––––––––––––––––-----State/Zip ––––––––- ––––––––––-------26 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Performances held at Birkenfeld Theatre, Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem St., and Clatskanie Mid-High School, 471 Bel Air, Cllatskanie, Oregon.

INFO: clatskaniearts.org

Outings & Events

in the spotlight

Cascadia Chamber Opera

an Cutte f presents

FRI Aug 21 7 pm

SUN Aug 23 3 pm

t

osì Mozart

It dances, hops, and swings Showcasing the greatest names in jazz This month it’s the North Coast Big Band...

by Hal Calbom

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Big Band Boom!

The School for Lovers

$40

at the

Charlene Larsen Center

L

CCO is a member of Partners for the PAC Photo by Barber Fine Art

Tickets available at cascadiachamberopera.org or call (503) 338-9132

ike much accomplished art, band music can be both winningly familiar and fiercely innovative.

Lee Stromquist

“I suspect most people in the audience will know at least half these tunes,” said Lee Stromquist, now emeritus conductor of Northcoast Big Band and retired to the keyboard bench for this year’s Labor Day Concert, September 7th in Clatskanie.

“ We’ll have Count Basie and Ellington, of course,” he told me in a phone call, “and some terrific vocal arrangements — ‘My Funny Valentine,’ ‘At Last,’ ‘Love Me or Leave Me.’ And we always close with ‘New York, New York,’ our salute to where it all started.”

Cool, hot, and fat

Over the last 30 years Stromquist has helped mold the band into a solid 18-piece ensemble, featuring the traditional four instrumental sections — saxophones, trumpets, trombones and percussion — that define the classic big band sound.

Many jazz aficionados prefer “cooler” descriptions of that cont page 28 Top and bottom photos are CRR file photos of North Coast Big Band performing in Clatskanie in past years.

Hal Calbom is associate publisher with CRRPress, and produces CRR’s monthly “People+Place” feature, see page 19.

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 27

Where to pick up YOUR copy of Columbia River Reader

It’s delivered all around the River by the 15th of each month (except the Holiday edition, which comes out Nov. 25th).

Here’s the handy, regularly-refilled box and rack locations where you can pick up a copy.

LONGVIEW

Post Office Forever Fit - 1211 18th Ave Bob’s (rack, main check-out) In front of 1232 Commerce Ave In front of 1323 Commerce Ave In front of Stash Records 1420 Commerce Teri’s on Broadway (side entry) In front of Freddy’s 1110 Commerce YMCA Fred Meyer (rack, service desk) Grocery Outlet, OB Hwy Fibre Fed’l CU - Commerce Ave Monticello Hotel (front entrance) Kaiser Permanente St. John Medical Center (rack, Park Lake Café) LCC Student Center Columbia River Reader Office 1333 14th Ave (box at door) Omelettes & More (entry rack) KELSO

Visitors’ Center / Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce KALAMA

WESTPORT

Berry Patch (entry rack) RAINIER

Post Office Cornerstone Café Rainier Hardware (rack, entry) Earth ‘n’ Sun (on Hwy 30) El Tapatio (entry rack) Grocery Outlet (rack by front door) Senior Center (rack at front door) DEER ISLAND

Deer Island Store COLUMBIA CITY

Post Office ST HELENS

Chamber of Commerce Sunshine Pizza St. Helens Market Fresh Olde Town (near 2-Cs Vendor Mall) Big River Tap Room Safeway

Etc Mercantile Fibre Fed’l CU Kalama Shopping Center corner of First & Fir Columbia Inn McMenamin’s Harbor Lodge (rack) Luckmans Coffee, Mountain Timber Market, Port of Kalama

WARREN

WOODLAND

WARRENTON

Grocery Outlet Luckman Coffee Park &Ride lot (former Vis. Ctr)

CATHLAMET

CASTLE ROCK

In front of CR Blooms Center Cowlitz St. W., near Vault Books & Brew Visitors’ Ctr, 890 Huntington Ave N., Exit 49, west side of I-5 Cascade Select Market Fibre Fed’l CU VADER

Little Crane Café RYDERWOOD

Café porch

Warren Country Inn SCAPPOOSE

Post Office Road Runner Fultano’s Ace Hardware Fred Meyer Cathlamet Pharmacy Tsuga Gallery (entry rack) Puget Island Ferry Landing SKAMOKAWA

Skamokawa General Store NASELLE

Appelo Archives & Café Johnson’s One-Stop Oakie’s (Box outside) ILWACO

Time Enough Books (entry table) OCEAN PARK

TOUTLE

Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce, 1715 Bay Ave.

Drew’s Grocery & Service

FORT CLATSOP VISITOR CENTER

CLATSKANIE, ORE

Rack in lobby

Post Office Mobil / Mini-Mart Fultano’s Pizza 28 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Big Band from page 27 quintessential vibe, from “bopping” to “swinging,” to simply “fat,” with both critics and tastemakers eternally defining and refining the form and our responses to it.

“Remember, ‘It don’t mean a thing…’”

Stromquist reminded me, his voice trailing off, clearly not only cueing me but also testing my jazz cred. Thankfully I’m able come up with “…if it don’t have that swing,” completing the couplet and saving the interview.

(It’s the foundational Big Band credo coined by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills and supposedly composed during intermissions at a Lincoln Tavern gig in Chicago.)

on the talent available, the spirit and strengths of the band, and the simple whims of the arranger.

“It’s pure freedom— but within a structure,” said Stromquist, defining in one wisp of paradox the mesmerizing influence of big band and jazz.

Expect both winning standards and fierce innovation from Northcoast Big Band at Cope’s Park in Clatskanie, Labor Day afternoon.

Free and free-wheeling.

•••

The American art form

This playfulness and hipper-thanthou spirit is integral to the soul and sound of American jazz, even for a predominantly white and retired outfit like this one.

Musicologists and folklorists alike consider jazz the one truly American art form — born and raised and still flourishing.

Big band offers endless permutations, from Dixieland to jump tunes to ballads, and particular sounds built around virtuosos, from Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw on clarinet, to stellar trombonists and trumpet players. Big bands also served as the staging grounds and star vehicles for vocalists from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, and still do today.

Mt. St. Helens Gifts Souvenirs • T-Shirts • Hoodies Ash Glass & Hellenite Jewelry

“We’ve been looking for a replacement c o n d u c t o r fo r ye a r s n ow, ” s a i d Stromquist, “and we’re super pleased to have Brian Bergman, from Ocean Park, taking the helm.”

Stromquist will concentrate more on arranging, a critical component of the big band sound. “There’s not as much improv in a big band,” he said, “unlike more free-form jazz.”

Arrangements made

Bigfoot HQ Castle Rock • I-5 Exit 49

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360-274-7011

Jazz masters very often rely on “charts” prepared by bandleaders and arrangers, which break a composition down and suggest fills, solos and specific improvisations around the core themes and melodies. Charts and arrangements are often based

223 NE 1st Street, Kalama 9–8 M-Sat, 10–7 Sun • 360-673-2200

Welcome to Historic Downtown Longview!

• Buy local • Support small biz • Relax & Enjoy

We’re family owned, locally owned & here to stay

The Broadway Gallery See ads, pp 6, 24.

• Outdoor Sculptures Columbia River Reader

BOOK BOUTIQUE SCRAPBOOKING • CARDMAKING • BOOKBINDING • SUPPLIES & TOOLS • CLASSES

YOU’LL LOVE OUR OUTDOOR ACTIVITYTHEMED SUPPLIES!

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1413 Commerce Ave. Longview 360-575-9804 see ad, MON - SAT 10 - 5 page 6

www.elamshf.com

Lewis & Clark, Longview’s Centennial, Columbia River poetry, art, history, see pg 2,

Gift Subscriptions for yourself or a friend!

Mon-Wed-Fri • 11am–3pm, or by chance or appointment 1333 14th Ave, Longview Free local delivery of books

360-749-1021 GREAT GIFTS!

Your Box Store Alternative!

1170 12th Avenue Downtown Longview

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Come to us for all your plumbing & septic needs!

Specializing in septic & drain supplies

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Looks like a beach bird has been joined by a tree frog.

Who says we can’t all just get along?

INCLUDING CLOCKS & WATCHES

Details, page 10.

42 years experience

360-423-7252

John Edmunds

711 Vandercook Way, #122, Longview Tues - Fri • 9:30–5, Sat • 9:30am –3pm

Umbrella Man Since 2004

thejewelersbenchinc377@gmail.com August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 29

Northwest Gardener

Weathering Summer Heat Waves People not the only ones who swelter in the sun Story & photos by Nancy Chennault

F

or Pacific Northwest gardeners, the summer of 2026 has been one of periods of exceptionally high temperatures intermittently in the midto high-nineties. Just enough to throw us off our watering regime and to keep us on our toes as we watch for tell-tale signs of crisp leaves of shrubs and trees, the “dry down” of our favorite baskets and the torched signs of “sunburn” on broad-leafs, such as hydrangeas. Yes,

LAWNS: Typically, few PNW gardeners water their lawns in the summer. The August-September lawn is predictably a toasty tan. They return to green with fall rains, however if you do choose to irrigate your lawns, do it early in the day just a couple of days a week to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This will encourage deep root growth and, in the long run, use less water. Mow your lawn higher than normal, about 3.5 inches to shade the tender crown of roots at the soil level and retain moisture. This will also deter weed growth.

healthy next spring, no matter how much winter rain falls. They use stored starches to come out of dormancy and are also more susceptible to insects and disease.

This Japanese Maple began to show flaming fall colors in June.

Early fall display of brilliant foliage is another sign a tree is experiencing water and heat stress. The maple in the photo above is showing color in August. It most likely did not get enough water through the spring and summer. PNW gardeners normally don’t need to apply moisture in May to established landscapes. However, there were extended dry periods and hot temperatures in June this year.

This Hydrangea paniculata will lose some of the sun-burned leaves but will push new growth through the rest of summer.

plants can sunburn just like people if they are not acclimated to the intensity of the sun. Tender new growth of conifers can cook from exceptional hot spells, especially on their west side.

The extreme heat of multiple elevated temperatures may challenge even sun-loving plants. A contributing factor would be hot, dry winds. Wind dehydrates all types of plants and initiates burning. Sunburn typically does not kill a plant, but does make it look unsightly.

Summer heat waves are often followed by a “roller coaster” of cooler days and nights, maybe a rain shower and then a 95-degree day or two thrown in for good measure. A string of three or more days for a gardener in the Pacific Northwest is often characterized as a “heat wave.” Not a summer drought by any means, but more than a day or two and we feel that we have done nothing but move sprinklers, rearrange soaker hoses, adjust drip systems and spend most of our gardening hours on the end of a hose.

SUMMER FLOWERS: We all have our “OMG!” moments when we discover much to our dismay that a favorite flowering basket or container has wilted beyond recognition (photo below). It is just such an incident that validates the resilience and overall tough constitution of plants.

Broadleaf plants both evergreen, like this rhododendron, as well as deciduous shrubs will fold down when dry in an attempt to conserve water lost through the upper surface of their leaves

LANDSCAPES Water plants deeply throughout the entire root zone, which is as wide as the canopy of the shrub or tree. Shrubs under overhangs or trees will need extra attention because they will not benefit from any summer rains we may get.

This is important because water-stressed plants do not have the food reserves to get through a cold winter and be

30 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Become familiar with what normal leaf habit of your landscape plants look like.

The Kousa Dogwood (above) has wavy leaves that hang down. They appear dry, even when they are not, when compared to other deciduous plants.

The Twisty Baby Locust (top photo, next column) has soft new growth that rolls.

After a cool water bath, (after the sun goes down), and thorough drenching, the completely dry summer basket was back to normal within a couple of hours, (photo above).

The recovery is dramatic and rewarding, but don’t let that happen too often.

Preferably, water early in the day or after sundown if you have no choice. next page

CRR Food Classics from page 30 We are just now beginning the last half of our summer gardening season.

One would expect there will be more high temperature challenges before, what we hope, is a fall rainy season.

Be diligent, persistent, use water wisely and conserve where you can.

And during a pounding downpour in September stand in your garden and ‘soak’ it all in.

••• Nancy Chennault and her husband, Jim, operated a landscaping business and independent nursery/garden center for 20+ years. She wrote CRR’s Northwest Gardener in CRR’s early years. After a hiatus, she re-joined CRR to reconnect us with some of her favorite gardening topics.

Nancy is founder of “Castle Rock Blooms” community team of volunteers.

A Scrumptious Summer Picnic with Suzanne

F

or a wonderful picnic, pack a cooler with Mac’s Meatloaf Sandwiches — the Tomato Jam is wonderful — and Spiky Watermelon, and head for your favorite picnic spot, ideally on or overlooking the river. Suggestions: Willow Grove Park, Longview; Bradley State Park, 13 miles west of Clatskanie on Oregon’s Hwy 30; or perhaps the Astoria Column in Astoria.

Keep the delicious sandwich in a Pyrex Portable with a thermal hot pocket (this generally keeps food warm for more than an hour). The Spiky Watermelon fruit skewers can be carried in the cooler and then stuck in the half-melon on arrival. Bottled fruit juice and water are good accompaniments. Spread a tablecloth and blanket, and let the fun begin.

This column is adapted from one by Suzanne Martinson, who wrote for CRR under the column name “Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter,” for several years while living in Lexington, Wash. She passed away in Michigan earlier this year. We fondly remember her and her love of sharing food and the associated conviviality.

Mac’s Meatloaf Sandwich

This sandwich recipe came from the late, great 820 Bistro on West Side Highway in Lexington, Wash.

12-ounce can tomato sauce, or spaghetti sauce (we used a 16-oz can)

2.5 pounds ground beef or turkey 1 egg 1 Tbl. fresh minced garlic 1-1/3 cups ketchup, divided Artisan bread (focaccia or other) Swiss cheese Tomato Jam (recipe follows)

In heavy saucepan, saute onion, salt and pepper in oil until onions are caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat. Add stewed tomatoes, vinegar and brown sugar.

Cook over medium heat until caramelized.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix all ingredients (we used ground beef). Reserve half of the ketchup for topping. The higher the fat content of the meat, the “wetter” it will be.

Place mixture in pan with at least 1-inch sides (we used a glass 9-by-13 inch pan). Press evenly into pan.

(The mixture can be molded into loaf shape.) Top with reserved ketchup.

Bake until the meat is no longer pink inside, about 20 to 30 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes to set; this will make it easier to cut. (If taking it on a picnic, place the hot loaf in a heated carrier.)

To make sandwich: Cut bread

into thick slices (lightly browned in butter, if desired). Cut meatloaf to fit bread. Top meat with slice of Swiss cheese and Tomato Jam. Makes 6 to 8 hearty sandwiches.

Tomato Jam

This was the 820 Bistro’s signature accompaniment.

1/2 cup olive oil (in hot pan) 1/2 onion, peeled and chopped Salt and pepper 12-ounce can stewed tomatoes (we used a 14.5-ounce can) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

Tomato Jam (cont)

Add sauce and cook an additional 15 minutes on medium low.

Refrigerate any leftovers.

Spiky Watermelon

Photo, above The more fruits purchased at your local farmers market, the better.

Personal, or miniature, seedless watermelon Small pineapple, cored and cut into bitesized pieces Cantaloupe or muskmelon, cut into balls or triangles Seedless grapes Wooden or metal skewers Any or all fruits can be used.

To prepare serving piece, cut watermelon in half. Remove melon with a melon baller or knife. Wash grapes, if using. Cut pineapple and cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces. (As fresh pineapple was not available, we tried canned. Don’t do it.)

Once fruit is prepared, thread onto skewers — leave some space at each end — and carefully stick skewer into watermelon rind, fanning them outward to make a “centerpiece.” Be sure to add the used skewers to your trash and carry out of the park.

Note: The easiest way to make melon “triangles” (actually, the bottom will be rounded) is to slice the melon, run a sharp knife along the rind, and slice it into pieces.

The advantage to triangles over balls is that there is no waste. (On the other hand, the cook can snack on the leftover irregular pieces.)

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 31

COLUMBIA RIVER

Clatskanie, Ore. Fultano’s Pizza 770 E. Columbia River Hwy Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more!

Dine-in,Take-out and Home Delivery.

Visit Fultanos.com for streamlined menu.

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. Dine-in, curbside pickup.

M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–10:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-728-3344

Rainier. Ore. 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits 7am–8pm Daily. Inside dining.

Interstate Tavern

119 E. “B” St., (Hwy 30) Crab Louie/Crab cocktails, crab-stuffed avocados. 17 hot and cold sandwiches.

Amazing crab sandwiches.

Full bar service. Catering for groups. 503-556-9950. interstatetavern@yahoo.com

El Tapatio

117 W. ‘A’ Street Mexican Family Restaurant. Open Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, rest of week 11am-10pm. Full bar.

8-11pm. Patio seating.

503-556-8323.

Longview, Wash.

Formerly The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge located on 14th Ave. 3353 Washington Way Chinese & American cuisine. Full bar, banquet room stage room with balcony; available for groups, special events. Restaurant: 11am–9pm, Lounge 11am–1:00am. 360425-8680.

The Corner Cafe

796 Commerce Ave. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Daily Soup & Sandwich, breakfast specials. Tues-Fri, 7am-8pm. Sat 7am-3pm.

Closed Sun-Mon. 360-353-5420.

Email: sndcoffeeshop@comcast.net

dining guide

Freddy’s Just for the Halibut 1110 Commerce Ave. Cod, Alaskan halibut fish and chips, awardwinning clam chowder. Burgers, steaks, pasta.

Beer and wine. M-Wed 10am–8pm, Th-Sat 10am–9pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Inside dining, Drive-thru, outdoor seating. 360-4143288. See ad, page 4.

Castle Rock, Wash

L

uckman’s Coffee Company 239 Huntington

924 15th Ave., Longview Tues–Thurs 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm. BBQ meat slow-cooked on site. Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon.

World-famous mac & cheese. 360-5771541.

Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd. Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more! “Best pizza around!” Sun–Th 11:30am–9pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am–10pm. Full bar service ‘til 10pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose.

503-543-5100. Inside Dining.

Ave. North, Drive-thru.

Pastries, sandwiches, salads, quiche.

Vault Books & Brew 20 Cowlitz Street West, Castle Rock. Coffee and specialty drinks, quick eats & sweets.

Hop N Grape

See ad, page 32

Kalama, Wash.

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

Warren, Ore.

Kyoto Sushi Steakhouse 760 Ocean Beach Hwy, Suite J 360-425-9696.

Japanese food, i.e. Hibachi, Bento boxes, Teppanyaki; Sushi.

Mon-Th 11-2:30, 4:30-9:30. Fri-Sat 11am10pm. Sun 11am-9pm. 360-425-9696.

LUCKMAN’S COFFEE Mountain

Lynn’s Deli & Catering

215 N. Hendrickson Dr., Port of Kalama.

A Northwest pub and unique bars serving DREW’S GROCERY & SERVICE breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. daily.

5304inside Spiritout Lake Info & reservations, bar hours at Ned Piper7am–8pm assists with CRR, andHwy fr Exit 49) 24-hour fueling (gas & mcmenamins.com. 8am–midnight daily. 360all around(10themi.edges. diesel), card at pump, Red Leaf Organic 673-9210. Indoor dining, covered outdoor Coffee. See ad, page 16. seating.

1133 14th Ave.

Soups & sandwiches, specializing in paninis, box lunches, deli sandwiches and party platters. Mon-Fri 8-3, Saturday 10-2.

360-577-5656

OMELETTES & MORE 3120 Washington Way Open M-F 7am – 1:30pm, Sat and Sun til 2pm. Home-cooked comfort foods.

Breakfast & lunch classics. Dine in or order online at omelettesandmore.com. 10% Senior Discount everyday.

360-425-9260.

Roland Wines

1106 Florida St., Longview. Authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, wine, beer, specialty cocktails. Casual ambience. 5–9pm Wed-Sat, 360-846-7304.

See ad, page 15.

Scythe Brewing Company 1217 3rd Avenue #150 360-353-3851 Mon-Fri 11:30am -8pm; Brunch Sat-Sun 11:30am -10am–1pm.

Family-friendly brewery/restaurant, lunch and dinner.

Eclipse Coffee & Tea

In the Merk (1339 Commerce Ave., #113) 360-998-2139. Mon-Fri 8am–4pm. Specialty coffees, teas, bubble teas and pastries....drinks with a smile. Takeout and on-site.

Scappoose, Ore.

Teri’s on Broadway

1133 Broadway. Lunch and Dinner, full bar. Mon12–8pm. Tues-Thurs 11am–8pm, Fri 11am–9pm; Sat 12–9pm.

Live music on Wednesday pms.

360-577-0717

Timber Market, Port of Kalama. Open 8am–7pm. 360-673-4586.

Toutle, Wash.

Antique Deli

413N. First. M-F, 10–3.

Call for daily sandwich special.

360-673-3310.

Woodland, Wash.

L

uckman

FIRESIDE CAFE 5055 Meeker Dr., Kalama.

Open Wed-Sun, 9–4. 360-673-3473.

Coffee Company 1230 Lewis River Rd. Small batch on-site roasted coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside seating.

M-F 5:30am–4:30pm, Sat 6am–4:30pm, Sun 7am–3pm. 360-841-8699.

St. Helens, Ore. Sunshine Pizza & Catering

2124 Columbia Blvd. Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine. Limited inside seating, curbside pickup and delivery.

503-397-3211 See ad, page 13.

Big River Tap Room 313 Strand Street on the Riverfront.

Lunch/Dinner Tue-Thurs 12–8pm; Fri-Sat 12–9pm. Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, pastrami. Weekend Burrito Breakfast, Sat 8-11, Sun 8am-3pm.

The Klondike

The Klondike

71 Cowlitz St, Historic “The Finest Fare in the County” Riverfront District.

Steaks, seafood, burgers. Daily specials M-Th. Catering.

Visit klondiketavern.com and explore: Full bar. klondiketavern.com. 503-396-5036.

•New Winter Menu! •New Catering Offers!

•Daily Monday-Thursday Value Specials!

•Online takeout, reservations, giftcards and more!

32 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Warren Country Inn 56575 Columbia River Hwy. Fine family dining. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Full bar. Call for hours. 503-410-5479. Check Facebook for updates. Dine-in. M-Th 9–9;F 9–9:30; Sat 8–9:30; Sun 8am–9pm

Restaurant operators: To advertise in Columbia River Dining Guide, call Ned Piper

360-749-2632

A Different Way of Seeing

WORDS AND WOOD

THE TIDEWATER REACH

FIELD GUIDE TO THE LOWER COLUMBIA IN POEMS AND PICTURES

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WOODCUTS AND HAIKU

Poem by Robert Michael Pyle • Photograph by Judy VanderMaten Field Note by Hal Calbom

by Debby Neely

North Fork Chinook High tides at full moon Call hi, to his birth river Fight for spawning hens

EMPIRE OF TREES

by Hal Calbom

AMERICA’S PLANNED CITY AND THE LAST FRONTIER

Cottonwoods in March: Willow Grove After the dance, you drove out Willow Grove, across the bridge beyond the town, between river and backwater slough.

The warm night beguiled by cottonwoods all along the bank, just breaking bud, just putting out their soft green tongues, all sticky with the brown paste of balsam, once called Balm of Gilead. Both of you taken by the cloying scent far beyond sense. You knew you shouldn’t park, but you did. And stroked each other’s faces with the soft green spears (cheeks, eyelids, right below the greedy nostrils, lips), lacerating your hearts beyond repair.

A pleasure so intense (the two senses least used, smell and touch) that you could never, ever, speak it as it was.

Barely even kissed. But you both knew— didn’t you? —that there would be kisses to come, and you could only hope they would approach the sweetness of those cottonwood strokes on Willow Grove that night.

This page and pg. 11 feature excerpts from CRRPress books.

SLOUGH, NOT SLUFF The local word is slough, pronounced “slew,” and characterized by a variety of definitions.

On the Columbia River, a slough is a backwater or inside passage of calmer water distinct from the main channel.

Sloughs have had great commercial utility on the Columbia, storing log rafts, protecting boats and floating homes from the stronger current, nurturing wildlife. The identically spelled “slough,” pronounced “sluff,” is to cast off or discard.

Making News

Photo courtesy of Longview Public Library

Even under-populated, over-planned, debt-ridden and struggling for investment, fatigued from its monumental labors, Longview maintained its characteristic immodesty:

Measured in the scope of national importance, in gigantic financing, in human vision, human courage, human daring and adventure into an almost entirely new field of American endeavor ­— the Highest Peak, towering above all the structures we have surveyed, is the building of the wonder-city, Longview, -- J.C. Nichols, Speech, 1925 Washington.

In the mid-twenties the “wonder-city” hung on thanks to two critical resources: cash and communication. Cash to keep the piles driving, the dredgers sucking and spewing, the great mills rising from the swamps. Communication to plan and produce efficiently, to advertise and market its vision aggressively, and ultimately to create a true body politic — a sovereign, independent city — no mere Company Town.

CRRPRESS was founded in 2020, with the first printing of Tidewater Reach, followed by Dispatches from the Discovery Trail (see current episode, page 11), Empire of Trees, Words and Wood, and A Lifetime of Art. Purchase info, see page 2.

BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS • BOOKS August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 33

Q

Cover to Cover

BESIDES COLUMBIA RIVER READER...

UIPS & QUOTES

What are you reading?

Collected by Jim Tejcka

A Fast Bike to Byzantium

M

usic produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.

--Kong Qiu, better known as Confucius, Chinese philosopher; his teachings emphasized kindness, sincerity, morality, and a ruler’s responsibility to lead by virtuous actions, 551 B.C.-479 B.C.

G

rowing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.

--Walt Disney or Chili Davis, There is debate about this origin, and it could be either one. My guess is Walt Disney?

L

iberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down.

Frederick Douglass, American social reformer, abolitionist, former slave, and the most important leader of the movement for African-American civil rights, 1818-1895

I

am quite incapable of doing them [making landscapes], even the shadow. My trees look like spinach and my sea like heaven knows what… the Mediterranean landscape was the devil to paint, precisely because it is so beautiful.

Monthly feature coordinated

by Alan Rose

By Andy C. Wareing

Review by Tom Larsen

I

n 1986, Andy Wareing, barely out of school and still living at home, finds a way to temporarily escape his humdrum life in a rainy north England town. Astride a well-used Suzuki GS1000G, young Andy sets out on a solo journey to the south across Europe, through the Iron Curtain, and on to Istanbul. At the time, the only thing he knows for sure about Istanbul is that it straddles the border between Europe and Asia.

Despite his inexperience, torrential rains, border crossing snafus, and the occasional narrowly-avoided crash, Andy completes the 5,000-kilometer (3,000 mile) round-trip journey in the time allotted for his vacation from a job as a stock-picker in an electronics factory.

T

--Louis L’Amour, an American novelist and short story writer who executed 105 written works, many of which were made into movies. During his life he worked as: mine assessment worker, professional boxer, and merchant seaman, visiting all of the Western states, England, Japan, China, Borneo, The Dutch East Indies, Arabia, Egypt, and Panama, 1908-1988

Read a good book lately?

Share your impressions and thoughts with other C R R re a d e r s . E m a i l alan@alan-rose.com or publisher@crreader.com for info. Writers and nonwriters welcome, editing services provided, and can be based on phone miniinterview if preferred.

Whether you are a gearhead (or “petrol head,” to use Wareing’s term) or just a travel enthusiast, this book might be for you. It’s an easy, fun read, and you will probably learn something as well.

•••

Tom Larsen, author of four novels in the crime genre, received The Black Orchid Novella Award in 2021. Tom’s short story, “The Lost Innocence of Ernesto Guillén,” will appear in Best Mystery Stories of the Year 2026, from Mysterious Press, and another story, “The Eighth of August,” will appear in Best PI Stories of the Year 2026.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec commenting on his own paintings of the landscape, when he was 15 years old. In 2005, his early painting of a laundress, sold for U.S. $22.4 million, 1864-1901 here will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.

Wareing writes in a disarming style with plenty of humor, and sometimes sarcasm.

Despite the casual style, his descriptions of people, places, and events are sharp and detailed. He is quick to call out excessive bureaucracy, xenophobia, and downright stupidity when he encounters it. However, his harshest criticisms are reserved for his own foolishness at attempting such a hairbrained stunt. Wareing’s fondness for strong ale in the evenings leads to several rueful mornings, “Hoping to get through the day without soiling my biking leathers.”

ATTENTION READERS

VISIT CLATSKANIE! discover local discover local food food Saturday Farmers Market Year-Round Food Hub Festivals & more

Drink Good Coffee, Read Good Books

Located in the historic Castle Rock Bank Building 20 Cowlitz Street West Mon-Sat 8:30–5 • Sun 10–4 360-916-1377

CELEBRATE

WordFest’s

20th Anniversary Tuesday, Sept. 8 Cake & Bubbly at 5:30pm

80 Steele St. Clatskanie, Oregon

••• Jim Tejcka is a retired civil engineer, most recently working for Bonneville Power Administration. He enjoys playing guitar and ukulele and lives outside of Woodland, Wash., overlooking the Lewis River.

We welcome him to CRR’s elite fellowship of quote wranglers.

34 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Scan fofor! more in At St. Stephen’s Church 1428 22nd Ave., Longview

ClatskanieFarmerCollective.org

Sept 8

For information visit

www.alan-rose.com

SECOND

Cover to Cover Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, dated Aug. 2, 2026, 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 PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

HARDCOVER FICTION

1. Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer, Milkweed Editions, $22.00 2. Dungeon Crawler 2. The Reverse Centaur’s Carl Guide to Life After AI Matt Dinniman, Ace, Cory Doctorow, MCD, $20.00 $18.00 3. The Odyssey 3. A Marriage at Sea Homer, Emily Wilson (Indies Introduce) (Transl.), Norton, $18.95 Sophie Elmhirst, Riverhead 4. Project Hail Mary Books, $20.00 Andy Weir, Ballantine Books, $22.00 4. Murderland Caroline 5. Remarkably Bright Fraser, Penguin Books, Creatures $21.00 Shelby Van Pelt, Ecco, 5. A Walk in the Park $19.99 Kevin Fedarko, Scribner, 6. My Friends $22.00 Fredrik Backman, Atria 6. Empire of AI Karen Hao, Books, $20.00 7. The Wedding People Penguin Books, $20.00 7. Is a River Alive?

Alison Espach, Holt Paperbacks, $18.99 Robert Macfarlane, W. W. Norton & Co., $19.99 8. I Who Have Never Known Men 8. Raising Hare: A Memoir Jacqueline Harpman, Chloe Dalton, Vintage, Transit Books, $16.95 $21.00 9. Red Rising 9. Communion: The Pierce Brown, Del Rey, Female Search for Love $18.00 bell hooks, William 10. Circe Morrow Paperbacks, Madeline Miller, Back $17.99 Bay, $19.99 10. The Demon of Unrest Erik Larson, Crown, $22.00

1. Yesteryear (Indies Introduce)

PAPERBACK FICTION

1. Theo of Golden

Allen Levi, Atria Books, $20.00

BOOK REVIEW Villa Coco Andrew Sean Greer Doubleday $30

I

t’s the early 1990s. Freshly minted with a college degree in “Archives and Record Management,” the 21-yearold narrator of this autobiographical novel is hired to organize and record the treasures of a 92-year old “baronessa” in her villa in Tuscany.

Alan’s haunting novel of the AIDS epidemic, As If Death Summoned, won the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award (LGBT category). He organizes the monthly Word Fest gathering (info on facing page). Reach him at www.alan-rose.com.

Caro Claire Burke, Knopf, $30.00

2. Whistler

Ann Patchett, Harper, $30.00

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION

1. Regime Change

Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan, Simon & Schuster, $34.00

2. The Land and Its People: Essays David Sedaris, Little,

Brown and Company, $30.00

3. Land

3. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage

4. Carl’s Doomsday Scenario

4. Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About

Maggie O’Farrell, Knopf, Belle Burden, The Dial Press, $32.00 $30.00 Matt Dinniman, Ace, $30.00

5. The Correspondent Virginia Evans, Crown, $28.00

6. The Calamity Club

Kathryn Stockett, Spiegel & Grau, $35.00

7. Cool Machine (The Harlem Trilogy #3) Colson Whitehead, Doubleday, $30.00

8. Sea of Charms: A Spellshop Novel Sarah Beth Durst, Bramble, $29.99

9. Gate of the Feral Gods

Matt Dinniman, Ace, $30.00

10. The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook Matt Dinniman, Ace, $30.00.

Isabel Klee, William Morrow, $28.00

5. Everything Is Tuberculosis John Green, Crash Course Books, $28.00

Top 10 Bestsellers

CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED

1. Story Rug Sophie Blackall, Phoebe Wahl (Illus.), Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $18.99 2. Jamberry Bruce Degen, HarperCollins, $9.99 3. Don’t Trust Fish Neil Sharpson, Dan Santat (Illus.), Dial Books, $18.99 4. Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak, Harper, $21.99 5. Where’s Waldo?

Martin Handford, Candlewick, $8.99 6. Goodnight Moon

Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd (Illus.), Harper, $10.99

6. London Falling

Patrick Radden Keefe, Doubleday, $35.00

7. Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism

Stewart Reynolds, Grand Central Publishing, $13.00

8. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This Omar El Akkad, Knopf,

$28.00

9. I Eat the Stars

Sarah Wilson, Penguin Life, $32.00

10. The Book of Birds

Robert Macfarlan, Jackie Morris, W.W. Norton & Company, $35.00

7. Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest Phoebe Wahl, Tundra Books, $19.99 8. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Bill Martin, Jr., Eric Carle (Illus.), Henry Holt and Co. BYR, $10.99 9. Love You, Baby Stephan Lomp, Workman, $5.99 10. Bluey: Road Trip Penguin Young Readers, $5.99

The price of one’s youth As often happens in life, all is not as advertised. The villa is a cross between the British Museum and a garage sale.

In addition to cataloguing the clutter of paintings, jewelry, books, and doodads, the narrator must assume other tasks as assigned, which include catching weasels, minding her pugs Pushkin and Gorky, and learning Italian—the baronessa expresses surprise that, after several days, he still can’t speak the language! He’s also roped into helping with the local olive harvest. Typical American, he offends everyone by suggesting they could just purchase olive oil at the supermarket. Ma dai!

Like many of her valued possessions, the baronessa may or may not be genuine. Either way, she is a hoot, eccentric, outrageous, and far more vital and alive than her young archivist (“unweathered by experience and unwise to the world”).

In a genre made popular by Mark Twain’s Innocents Abroad, we again have an American naïf, uncomfortable and wary of the exotic, unexplored world.

Yet, in the ways of the young, he’s also willing to be seduced by the more casual

EARLY & MIDDLE READERS

1. A Wolf Called Fire

Rosanne Parry, M—nica Armi–o (Illus.), Greenwillow Books, $9.99

2. A Wolf Called Wander

Rosanne Parry, M—nica Armi–o (Illus.), Greenwillow Books, $9.99

3. Impossible Creatures

Katherine Rundell, Ashley Mackenzie (Illus.), Yearling, $11.99

4. The New Girl: First Crush: A Graphic Novel

Cassandra Calin, Graphix, $14.99

5. Spy School Secret Service the Graphic Novel Stuart Gibbs, Anjan Sarkar (Illus.), Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.99

6. Super Duper Extra Deluxe Essential Handbook (Pokemon) Scholastic, $16.99

7. Odder: The Novel

Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso (Illus.), Square Fish, $8.99

8. Hatchet

Gary Paulsen, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $9.99, 9781481486293

9. Howl’s Moving Castle

Diana Wynne Jones, Greenwillow Books, $24.99

10. Dogtown

Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko, Wallace West (Illus.), Square Fish, $8.99

By Alan Rose

Early on, there are rumors surrounding the villa and its owner — possibly criminal, maybe immoral, hopefully scandalous — but really, the pleasure is in the Tuscany setting, the colorful characters, and the protagonist’s adventures as the stereotypical Bumbling American.

Charming, inquisitive, organized, focused, and true, loyal to my friends and kind to animals — that’s how I would have described myself back then. A Boy Scout of a man; a flower of American youth; a mensch. But that is not what I was at all. Looking back, I see a carefully reared and protected young man, cosseted as a Pekingese, insufferable, officious, a cable-knit sweater over a cable-knit heart, who had managed to surmount all distractions and complete the course readings and ace the last tests — but was in no way prepared for the crucial final exam of Real Life.

Anyone who has had the good fortune of living in a non-English-speaking country will recognize the duck-out-of-water experience: encountering practices that have their own unfathomable logic, mangling the native language (I once told an elderly Japanese flower seller that her flowers were oishi—“delicious”), and otherwise trampling on local customs and scandalizing the host country.

-- from Villa Coco European attitudes toward love, nudity, and marriage-with-or-without-adultery.

Clearly, he’s not in Kansas anymore.

Initially, he takes a vow of celibacy.

Fortunately for the reader, the vow lasts fewer than twenty pages, when he hears “the bowstring twang of mutual attraction.”

Greer won the Pulitzer prize for fiction in 2017, with his novel, Less, which was fun and funny. While Villa Coco doesn’t have that level of humor, it provides lots of warm-hearted chuckles, ending with the bittersweet realization that “There is a heavy price we have to pay for seeing things as they are. The price is of our youth.”

•••

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 35

Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Weight Loss Medicine

Did you note what Ralph and Henry had to say?

Don’t miss it! See page 13.

Train for the life you want to live!

Your future self will thank you!

Call us today to schedule your fitness assessment or sessions with our personal trainers Jessy and Elizabeth

Richard A. Kirkpatrick Christie Kirkpatrick Schmutz MD, FACP MD, ABIM, ABOM

Alex Nielson MD, ABFM

Scott B. Kirkpatrick MD, Cardiology

Shannon Smith MPAS, PA-C

Nicholas Austin MSPAS, PA-C

Port of Kalama news • LAMINATE brief provided by Dan • CARPET Polacek, Port of Kalama Legislative • VINYL/ Public Relations Administrator.

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LOWER COLUMBIA CURRENTS Commentary by

Andre Stepankowsky Alina Gis, PA-C

Christine Johnson, APRN

www.kirkpatrickfamilycare.org

Former longterm reporter and editor for The Daily News invites you to explore the issues of the day through his free online newsletter.

Katie Shutler, PA-C

360-423-9580

Kirkpatrick Foot and Ankle • American Board of Podiatric Surgery • Diabetic Foot Care • Ingrown Toenails • Heel & Arch Pain

• Foot Surgery • Fungal Conditions • Wound Care

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Dr. Toddrick Tookes DPM, Podiatry

36 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

Find it on substack.com Search for “Lower Columbia Currents”

Where do you read

THE READER? E-bike touring South Holland ....

Left to right: Lesley Wright, of Brisbane, Australia, sister of Longview resident Michele Waite; Andrea Coleman and her mother, Gavin Mills, both of Castle Rock, Wash; Patty Morrison of Castle Rock, Wash.; Nancy McCoy of Cathlamet, Wash., Chris Roalsvig,of Longview, Wash.; Rebecca Young, of Vancouver, Wash.; Holly Guntermann, of Cathlamet, Wash. pictured here by the Vrouwgeestmolen, one of many PUBLISH CITATIOER’S windmills the group rode by.

N 9 READ Note the assorted different copies ERS 9 DIFFE of CRR each is holding!

RENT READER

S!

“Oh, Mary!” in London Dayle and David Olson felt privileged to see the London production of “Oh Mary,” the award winning show written by our own local hero, Tony-award winner Cole Escola (born in Clatskanie, raised in Longview).

In this photo (taken by Dayle), David is standing in front of the Trafalgar Theatre marquee, near Trafalgar Square, with the Nelson Column visible behind, and proudly displaying Columbia River Reader.

He’s not the “real“ David...and where are his pants?

At the Lava Beds Warren, Ore. residents J.R. & Johneta Todd, Mike & Dena VonDerahe, Peyton & Rizzo at the Nevada ghost town of Ryolite, near Death Valley.

The group was on a trailer/ motor home trip to Death Valley with a stop at Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California, site of the 1872-1873 Modoc War.

Sallie Dacey and Michael Linenberger, of Seattle, Wash., in front of a pseudo David, at Palazzo Vechio in Florence, Italy.

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send your photo reading the Reader (high-resolution JPEG) to publisher@crreader.com. Choose the largest file size up to 2 MB. Include names and cities of residence. Expect an acknowledgment within 5 days of submission; otherwise, please re-send. Thank you for your patience. We usually have a small backlog!

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 37

the spectator

PLUGGED IN TO

by ned piper

COWLITZ PUD Alice Dietz Cowlitz PUD Communications/ Public Relations Manager

Cowlitz PUD updates Strategic Plan

A

t Cowlitz PUD, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, our employees bring dedication, expertise, and teamwork to serving our customers and community.

As we look ahead, our Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for the future. It reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, affordable service while continuing to strengthen the organization our community depends on.

Safety remains our highest priority.

It guides how we work, how we support one another, and how we serve the public. We are committed to operating with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.

Our work goes beyond providing electricity. We help support the quality of life, economic growth, and long-term success of Cowlitz County.

As our industry and communities evolve, we are focused on building resilience by investing in our people, infrastructure, and capabilities to meet future challenges.

The success of our Strategic Plan depends on trust, teamwork, and the actions we take every day. We are proud to serve Cowlitz County and remain committed to providing exceptional service for our customers today and for generations to come.

To learn more about our Strategic Plan, visit: www.cowlitzpud.org/about/ transparency/strategic-plan

Where do YOU read?

T you

he question of the day is: Where read the Reader? I’m not do talking about in your living room, at your kitchen table while waiting for your coffee to perk, or in your car after pulling a copy from a sidewalk box.

After he finished, I gave him a Reader, asking if I could snap a picture of him reading it. He agreed and Sue published the photo. A month later, Senator Patty Murray’s office in Washington, DC, called.

“We noticed that you published Michael Steel reading the Reader,” the staffer said. “If you’ll send us a copy, we’ll get you a picture of Patty reading it.”

Call before you go !

••• Alice Dietz may be reached at adietz@ cowlitzpud.org, or 360-501-9146.

“I make house calls”

Create a better world with a Living Trust.

THE LAW OFFICE OF

Vincent L. (Vince) Penta, P.S. 1561 11th Ave. Longview

360-423-7175

38 / Columbia River Reader / August 15, 2026

AT THE PORT?

A

s we round the corner into the Port of Longview’s Summer Tour Series this month, we want to say thank you to everyone who has attended our tours past and present. The tours are a great opportunity to learn more about how the port operates and the benefits ports bring to their communities. We look forward to hosting you year after year!

Our readers take copies of the Reader literally all over the world, to places near and far. We’ve even had photos from the Goble Tavern and the Fibre Federal Credit Union parking lot.

Years ago, I attended a public power conference in Memphis, where Michael Steel, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and later the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, was the featured speaker.

UP

By Karley Whitworth Port of Longview Communications Coordinator

I am referring to CRR’s popular feature found on page 37. This month, we have Reader readers in London; Florence, Italy; Death Valley, California, and Holland.

Ask a passerby to snap a picture of you on your cell phone. Email the photo to Sue with your names, city of residence, and a description of the Eiffel Tower, Egypt’s pyramids, or Mt. Rushmore, whatever is in the background, or the purpose/destination of your trip.

WHAT’S

While delivering Readers on Commerce Avenue a few years back, I encountered the wife of a friend. She said, “Guess what I did last month?” Of course I asked what she had done.“I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.”

I said, “That’s fantastic, Anne.”

Then, she slapped her forehead and said, “Oh darn it, I forgot to take a copy of the Reader with me!”

Don’t forget to take the Reader along with you on your next trip!

••• Longview resident Ned Piper is mostly retired, but assists with CRR ads, distribution, and proofreading when he is not enjoying TV sports, movies, or political talk shows (shouting matches) .

The Port of Longview supports more than 13,000 local jobs and contributes millions of dollars to the local economy and billions in regional economic activity. Chances are that you already know someone whose livelihood is connected to the Port through its marine terminal and industrial operations. From rail, trucking, steel production, and terminal operations to agriculture, local vendors, transportation, and our dedicated longshore and trade union workforce, the Port helps sustain a diverse network of family-wage jobs across the region.

The Port of Longview’s impact reflects the broader role ports play in strengthening their communities. While ports are essential to moving cargo, they also create lasting economic opportunity by supporting local businesses, attracting new customers, and creating jobs. By investing in infrastructure at the Port of Longview, we are strengthening existing industries, supporting growing markets, and creating new opportunities for businesses to succeed and for our workforce and our community to thrive.

•••

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW TOP FIVE TRADING PARTNERS

JAPAN

1 KOREA 2 PHILIPPINES 3 VIETNAM 4 TAIWAN 5 1,900,000 MT

(141,972 buses)

1,600,000 MT

(119,555 buses)

1,100,000 MT

(82,194 buses)

844,000 MT (63,063 buses)

224 AT THE PORT 29

9,300,000

VESSELS DOCKED

METRIC TONS OF CARGO HANDLED

INTERNATIONAL TRADING PARTNERS

International trade requires a standard

In the 1960s, more than 700 vessels docked

The Port’s passport is full -- each year, the

measurement that can be used

at the Port annually carrying a combined

Port trades among dozens of countries

universally across trading partners.

50% less cargo then handled in 2025. Vessel

across the globe and no year is the same as

Because nearly 95% of the world already

transits along the Columbia River used to be

before. Changing shipping routes, emerging

uses the International System of Units

astronomically higher, but over time vessels

markets and new commodities make it

(known as the metric system), American

have more than doubled in size and the

nearly impossible to predict this list in

ports have adopted it as the primary

economics of shipping has changed

advance. How many stamps are on your

metric in cargo handling.

drastically.

passport?

FIVE TOP CARGOS

528,000 MT (39,500 buses)

Top Competitors 1

port of vancouver, wa

2

port of everett, wa

3

port of tacoma, wa

4

port of houston, tx

5

port of stockton, ca

6

port of portland, or

7

port of san diego, ca

GRAINS

SODA ASH

This combination of corn, soybeans, soybean meal, wheat and other seasonal crops originates in the U.S. and is exported to countries around the Pacific Rim.

Soda ash from Wyoming is exported to countries around the Pacific Rim for manufacturing soap, detergents and glass.

6,000,000 MT

DID YOU KNOW THE PORT COMPETES FOR CARGO IN THE UNITED STATES?

1,400,000 MT

CALCINED COKE 815,465 MT

Calcined Coke is exported to Australia, Brazil and New Zealand for use in aluminum smelting.

SCRAP METAL UTILITY 138,994 MT POLES Scrap metal is exported to countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.

9,084 MT

Hand-picked Pacific Northwest timber is exported to Ireland for use in the telecommunications industry.

The Port of Longview competes with dozens of similarly sized ports across the US by highlighting its unique strengths and capabilities. In addition to traditional marketing efforts such as trade advertising, trade shows, and direct outreach to prospective customers, the Port strategically targets cargo markets that align with its infrastructure and services. Its investments in modern facilities, skilled workforce, and strong partnerships with local businesses create efficient and cost-effective cargo handling solutions. Key advantages include a fleet of heavy-lift equipment, direct vessel-to-rail cargo transfers, and access to both BNSF and Union Pacific rail networks. These competitive strengths help the Port attract new business while retaining existing customers.

August 15, 2026 / Columbia River Reader / 39

WARM NEIGHBOR FUNDRAISER

EAT FOR HEAT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | THURSDAY 3–5:30 PM

MEAL KITS FOR TWO — $100 STEAK • CHICKEN • SIDE DISH • SALAD • DESSERT • BEVERAGE

TICKETS: COWLITZPUD.ORG 100% Locally Procured | 100% of Proceeds Help Families in Cowlitz County

40 / Columbia River Reader /• October 15,2026 2020 August 15,