CRR April 2013

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

NORTHWEST GARDENER NEW FLOWER INTRODUCTIONS page 16

KIDS: HOOKED ON FISHING page 17

FAREWELL TO SYMPHONY MAESTRO RYAN HELLER page 25

OUT•AND•ABOUT WILDFLOWERS & WATERFALLS IN THE GORGE page 18

page 30

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 1

URGENT

Rainier needs its local food bank.

Will you help?

“Keep HOPE Alive!”

Thanks to the generosity of many, HOPE has operated the Rainier food bank for 25 years. However, HOPE is facing an increased demand for food, along with increased costs and reduced funding. In this, the worst economy since the Great Depression, HOPE’s future is uncertain. Its volunteer Board of Directors has launched an urgent campaign to raise $20,000 by May 6, 2013.

PLEASE HELP BY DONATING NOW. Let’s make sure HOPE can continue feeding our hungry neighbors. ___ Here is my one-time gift of $__________. ___ I pledge $________ per month. ___ I pledge $________ per quarter. ___ Please send reminder notices.

June 1st, 2013.

Spring & Summer Adventures Await...

Let Us Help You Get Ready.

Name____________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Mail check to HOPE, PO Box 448, Rainier, OR 97048. 503-556-0701.

sale, themed dinner or

ld a car wash, bake a photo Community Groups: Ho nds to HOPE. Then, email d remit fu any type of fundraiser an ay 10 and er@CRReader.com by M sh bli pu to ct oje pr ur yo depicting River Reader’s recognized in Columbia be ll wi ts or eff p’s ou gr your nt raised. a report of the total amou May 15 issue, along with

H

PE OF RAINIER

2 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

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

www.bobsmerch.com

1111 Hudson St. Longview, WA

360-425-3870

Open Mon. - Sat. 9 -7 • Sun. 9 - 6

T

rees play an amazing role in the cycle of life. Not only are they beautiful to behold, but they contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, saving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. No wonder people hug trees!

The City of Longview just planted a Sparticus Ash (pictured here) at Bailey Park (34th and Oak Street) in honor of Arbor Day. I wonder if it is a cousin of the Mountain Ash, a favorite tree of mine. I’m sure the parks department crew would know.

Longview bears the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree City USA” designation. A city with a tree department, tree care ordinance, community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance qualify for the award.

Ned and I are observing Arbor Day by having Jim Chennault (husband and co-worker of CRR’s Northwest Gardener columnist Nancy Chennault) plant two new trees in our backyard. They will replace the curly willow that in 18

Sue’s Views

I didn’t know its name and didn’t pursue identifying the species. But I kept the sprig. A few years later, I was happy I did.

Arbor Day, red Jammers and the wonder of trees

Columnists and contributors: Dr. Bob Blackwood Nancy Chennault Sara Freeman, PhD Ashley Helenberg Richard A. Kirkpatrick,md Mary Louise Lyons Suzanne Martinson John L. Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Alex Roberts Alan Rose Lois Sturdivant Staff: Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Accounting Assistant: Lois Sturdivant Editorial Assistants and proofreaders Kathleen Packard, Sue Lane, Michael Perry, Marilyn Perry

The “stick” became a massive, 50-foot tall tree we, sadly, had to take down this winter. The choice of how to fill the resulting empty space was easy.

“Pear of Three,” by Scott McRae, part of his “Past and Present” art collection on exhibit through April 24 at Longview Public Library.

More info, page 5.

Cover Design by

Columbia River Reader is published monthly, with 13,500 copies distributed free throughout the Lower Columbia region in SW Washington and NW Oregon. Entire contents copyrighted by Columbia River Reader. No reproduction of any kind is allowed without express written permission of the publisher.

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

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

Rainier 503-556-1295 Subscriptions $26 per year inside U.S.A. (plus $1.98 sales tax if mailed to Washington addresses)

While visiting Glacier National Park in 2010, I was instantly enamored with the red “Jammers,” the park’s fleet of 33 14-passenger touring buses with roll-back canvas convertible tops. I loved the color and could, wishfully,

picture CRR’s own red Jammer — cruising in the Gorge, smiling passengers admiring wildflowers and waterfalls (see story, page 18), scarves flying in the breeze and Pendleton motor robes on their laps.

The classic vehicles were built by the White Motor Company in 1936-1939 and restored in 2000-2002 by the Ford Foundation. Traveling along the Going to the Sun Road through the heart of Glacier Park, our driver/guide explained that the Jammers’ color was designed to match the berry of the Mountain Ash, which grows in the park.

years grew, astonishingly, from a 20inch cutting that survived a holiday floral arrangement. The thin branch had sprouted in the container and Ned mercifully stuck it in the dirt on his way to the trash to toss the dead flowers.

ON THE COVER Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper

Before Paul Thompson (CRR’s Man in the Kitchen) moved to Longview, Ned and I golfed with him occasionally at the Dungeness Golf Course in Sequim.

I became fascinated by a certain tree along one fairway. Charmed by its jaggy leaves and clusters of orangeyred berries, I surreptitiously pinched off a twig to take home in my pocket.

I began to wonder. Once back home, I looked up “mountain ash” in my garden encyclopedia, compared the sketch to my dried sprig, and — sure enough — that’s what it was!

Of course our new backyard trees are Mountain Ash. And the color on CRR’s bus is Mountain Ash berry red (see photo, page 6). It may look like a Goshen coach, but to my eye it’s a red Jammer.

I could almost hug it.

Sue Piper

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

In this Issue

4

Quips & Quotes ~ Letter to the Editor

7

Biz Buzz

8

Miss Manners

9

Cover to Cover: Top 10 Bestsellers/ Book Review

11

From the Bedside Manor: Obamacare and your future

14

Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter

15

Farmer’s Markets

16

Northwest Gardener: New Introductions

17

Out & About ~ Hooked on fishing!

19

Out & About ~ Wildflowers and Waterfalls in the Gorge

20

Out & About ~ Diva Nation

23

Where Do You Read the Reader?

25

Farewell to SWW Symphony’s Conductor Ryan Heller

26-27 Outings & Events Calendar / Music Scene 29

Historical Events in Longview

29

Movie Review: Blackwood comments on two new flicks

30

Columbia River Dining Guide

32 Lower Columbia Informer: Scenes of Europe 34

The Spectator ~ Fishing at Spirit Lake

34

What’s Up Under the Bridge? Port of Longview

CRREADER.COM Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 3

Letter to the Editor

Tr o u b l e i s o n l y o p p o r t u n ity in work clothes.

--Henry J. Kaiser, industrialist

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

The urge to laugh is the lubricant that makes humans higher social beings.

--Steven Johnson I’m convinced that it’s energy and humor. The two of them combined equal charm.

--Judith Krantz, novelist Life is full of beauty. Notice it.

--Ashley Smith in

Ladies Home Journal One golden day redeems a weary year.

--Celia Thaxter, poet

The best protection any woman can have is courage.

--Elizabeth Cady Stanton, pioneer for women’s right to vote.

There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.

--Madeleine K. Albright, former Secretary of State I feel like Zsa Zsa Gabor’s sixth husband.

I know what I’m supposed to do, but I don’t know how to make it interesting.

--Milton Berle, comedian Remove the rock from your shoe rather than learn to limp comfortably.

--Stephen C. Paul, author

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

CRR Print Submission Guidelines Letters to the Editor (up to 200 words) are welcome. Longer pieces, or excerpts thereof, in response to previously-published articles, may be printed at the discretion of the publisher and subject to editing and space limitations. Items sent to CRR may be considered for publication unless the writer specifies otherwise. We do not publish letters endorsing candidates or promoting only one side of controversial issues. Name and phone number of writer must be included; anonymous submissions will not be considered.

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

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

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

The arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. See submission details, page 26, Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising.

24 Hour On-Site Licensed Nurses

Not everyone has had mothers like that, though, and it’s always meaningful to see those among us who are wonderfully optimistic adults in spite of less-than-pleasant upbringings. Overcoming childhood

disappointments and rising to a new, positive level of “family” serves as inspiration to us all.

So this month let’s give thanks for the Mother Earth who’s under our feet, the mother we survived and the mother who survived us. It’s a great season for birthing new visions and selves, so let us go forth and flourish!

Mary Lyons Longview, Wash.

Only the Reader I’ve given up on the The Seattle Times. Only the Reader for me!

Tom Kilbourn Seattle, Wash.

Editor’s note: Longview native Tom Kilbourn is a CRR subscriber, receiving his copy each month courtesy of the US Postal Service.

Lose the muffin top.



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

Earth Day Greetings Other Mothers Let’s be honest: some of us were “challenging” children. Many of our friends and families will tell tales illustrating why some of us fell into that category. As for me, I asked too many questions and lacked much self-restraint when answering a dare to jump off or over anything.

Thankfully, my mother had come from a large and loving family and she understood me in a profoundly personal and gentle way.

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

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

Call us for more information or to schedule your CoolSculpting® consultation (360) 430-8431.

Pacific Surgical Institute, 625 9th Ave. In Longview • www.flourishlaser.com

United Medical Credit Financing Available.

BUSINESS & PERSONAL INSURANCE Insurance with a Local Touch

We’ll Care for Your Loved One At Our Premier Senior Living Communities

RESPITE CARE

Planning for spring break or summer vacations?

You can be sure your loved one is in good care and good company.

We will work around your schedule.

KOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES S E RV I N G S E N I O R S S I N C E 1 9 5 8

Canterbury Gardens, Memory Care • (360) 423-2200 Canterbury Inn, Assisted Living • (360) 425-7947 Delaware Plaza, Assisted Living • (360) 423-3333 www.koelschseniorcommunities.com

4 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Columbia River Reade, Respite Care, March 2013

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

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

Local artist showing works at Koth Gallery through April 24 Don’t miss the opportunity to see Scott McRae’s latest exhibit at the Longview Public Library.

McRae, a Longview native, teaches art at Broadway Gallery. He describes his style as a combination of abstractism and realism. Many of his acrylic and watercolor paintings feature impressionistic flowers.

See gallery details, calendar listing on page 26.

Relax ...

Massage Therapy

Pulsed Magnetic Resonance Stimulation

Annie Bowlby, LMP River Suites • Longview

1801– 1st Ave - Suite 2B 8-9

GIFT CERTIFICATES • 360-270-4214

Left to right: Kelsey Ansotegui, Dahnrae Duran Keely Parrott, Teresa Gerdes, Bridget Strang, Taylor Vaerewyck

Final fundraising push!

Members of Girl Scout Troop 11380 stand in front of their “haul”

from one of their many bottle drives. Another bottle drive is scheduled for May 11 at Ace Hardware in St. Helens, 9-4.

The group is also sponsoring a spaghetti feed fundraiser April 20 (see details, page 27). Monies raised will help fund the girls’ summer adventure when they join other Girl Scouts from the United States on a trip overseas. The six girls of Troop 11380 have been aggressively raising money for the past four years and currently have accumulated more than $30,000, with $12,000 to go by July. For more info or if you’d like to help, call Shannon Vaerewyck, 503-366-9602 or 503-366-1312.

Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 5

Lower Columbia Oral Health Center for Implant Dentistry

&

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

Daniel Haghighi, DDS

“Where Dentistry Meets Medicine”

CRR’s “Red Jammer” Mountain Ash berry red & yellow bus. see story, page 3

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

360-636-3400

DO YOU WANT TO...

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

70.8 lbs Released in 4 Months!

Before: 262.8 lbs

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

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

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

Contact me, TODAY to learn more...

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

REAL ESTATE Let us help make all your real estate dreams come true

Happy Spring!

360-577-7200

After: 192 lbs

JUST ANNOUNCED! ALL NISSANS PURCHASED from Columbia Auto Group NOW include a

10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY Effective 3/6/13 NOT AVAILABLE ON COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Kelso/Longview • 360-636-4663 209 W. Main Street, Suite 200 • Kelso, WA

Cathlamet • 360-795-0552 102 Main Street, Suite 200 • Cathlamet, WA

Mon- Fri: 8:30–5:30 • www.longview-kelso.windermere.com 6 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

4/30/13

Biz Buzz What’s Happening Around the River Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we will include news of innovations, improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones of interest to readers. Please phone (360)636-1143 or (503)556-1295 to share the local buzz.

Banda’s Bouquets has moved to a larger space at 1414 Commerce Ave. in Longview. Owner Lisa Allen estimated the retail space in the new shop, which was previously occupied by the Gift Garden, at three times the space in her former location at 1310 Broadway. Allen expanded her business to include not only full-service fresh floral, but also six consignors/craftsmen of antiques and collectibles, rustic furniture and home and garden accessories, along with Theresa Bradley, former Gift Garden operator, who semi-retired but still wanted to offer her Lisa Allen favorite gift and food product lines. Allen, who bought Banda’s Bouquets in September 2005, said the recent move was “a ground floor opportunity. Downtown needs a place like this.” Consultants often praise Longview’s “great bones,” she said.

“We need to fill Downtown with unique shops. We want to bring a little bit of Portland and Seattle sophistication — but with Longview pricing.”

Arizona developer from Longview to invest here At Cowlitz EDC’s annual Don Cardon and CEDC chairman, Biana m e e t i n g Lemmons and president, Ted Sprague. on April 9, former Longview resident Don Cardon, now of Phoenix, spoke about his planned project in Downtown Longview.

Cardon Development Group has secured four properties opposite Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Workers will demolish them in September to make way for a $14–16 million mixed use commercial complex Cardon expects to be completed within 12-14 months.

The building will include a ground floor restaurant and 100-130 apartments, including 50 units for LCC students.

A custom built tent with lighting will cover the plaza area during festivals and events, in case of rain.

Cardon is credited with completing the largest-ever multi-use commercial project, CityScape, involving four blocks in downtown Phoenix. Later, Gov. Jan Brewer appointed him CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.

Considered one of Arizona’s top innovators, he left the state position last July and re-energized his development company. Some may wonder why a major developer would be interested in Longview.

“Because my heart is here,” said Cardon, who lived in Longview for 17 years and served as Longview Housing Authority director and the City’s economic development director. “I grew up here, professionally,” he said, and he remains fond of the community.

FOR RENT SMALL SPACE ABOVE CRR’s OFFICE

next to ZoJo Coffee on 14th Ave., Longview

Ideal office, salon or studio for hairstylist, writer, artist, consultant, tutor, etc. View of Longview City Hall.

• Good vibes, great light • Energized neighborhood • Central location • You’ll enjoy working in historic downtown Longview!

Call 360-749-2632

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

The Planet

Civilized Life

Miss Manners

Earth Day Celebration

“Celebrate, Educate and Get Into Action!”

Saturday, April 20 • 10 am – 3:30pm Cowlitz County Expo Center 1900 7th Ave., Longview, Wash.

Weddings, wakes & pop-in guests

By Judith Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Would it be inappropriate to have a wedding reception three years after the wedding?

GENTLE READER: In what possible sense would this be a wedding reception? There is no wedding attached to it, even remotely.

Unfortunately, Miss Manners can guess the intent. So, she warns, will your guests. Couldn’t you wait two years and give a party for your fifth anniversary? Or, better yet, go ahead and throw a party now, but make it a party to please your guests, not to honor yourselves.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does one politely chastise an attendee at a social event who has not RSVPed as requested on the invitation? Perhaps “chastise” is too strong a word, and I certainly don’t want to interrupt my own event with scolding, but this is an increasing problem that I feel should be addressed — in a polite way, of course.

GENTLE READER: Certainly guests should never be scolded; they should be greeted with enthusiastic hospitality.

In this case, Miss Manners suggests exclaiming: “What an unexpected pleasure! When you didn’t answer my invitation, I figured it could only be because you were away.”

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I would like to know if it is strange that my

ex-wife has asked my son to walk her down the aisle for her third marriage.

My son walked her down the aisle for her second marriage without my knowledge. I’ve never heard of such a thing, with her father, brother and uncle still alive. I’m just a little “creeped out.”

GENTLE READER: Frankly, so is Miss Manners. Yet it is often done.

The almost universal notion that a bride must be given away by a man is, of course, highly anachronistic. But that does not bother Miss Manners.

If anything, she is rather charmed by seeing a proudly independent lady reverting, on this important family occasion, to being daddy’s little girl.

But there are situations in which the symbolism becomes offensive. A common one springs from mistaken, upside-down thinking that counts gender as more important than shared history in what they call this “role.”

And indeed, many think of it as a role to be cast with someone who looks the part of a father, rather than someone who has actually played the part, as it were.

Thus a single mother may be overlooked while a male who had little or nothing to do with rearing the bride is chosen.

And for a son to “give away” his mother is particularly unfortunate symbolically.

Logically, a previous husband might give her away, as he doesn’t need her any longer, but Miss Manners does not recommend that.

Mother Earth!

Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20th at the Cowlitz County Expo Center from 10am to 3:30 pm.

It’s a FREE event, but attendees are invited to donate a can of food at the door to benefit the CAP Warehouse. Numerous exhibits and hands-on displays will be featured, including a petting farm, a climbing wall, tree seedlings, face painting and auto emissions testing.

•Tree seedlings •Live music •Hands-on exhibits •Educational booths •Cowlitz Community Farmers Market •OMSI Science Festival •Roving Ronald McDonald •Reptile Roadshow •Pioneer cabin •Auto emissions testing •Cameron the Caterpillar The event is free; participants are invited to bring a canned food donation for the CAP Help Warehouse. For more info, call City of Longview Public Works Division, 360442-5209.

Spring Clean-Up Event

St. Helens/Scappoose/Columbia City April 27 • 8am–Noon Sponsored by a multitude of government, community organizations and businesses.

Get rid of yard debris, old batteries, scrap metal, old appliances, etc. Drop sites at St. Helens High Schopol, Columbia City School, Scappoose High School.

Earth Day was initiated by Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) at a conference in Seattle in 1969. Intended as a teach-in For details, visit www.ci.st-helens.or.us/ about the environmental hazards and find the link to the Spring Clean-Up of the day which Rachel Carson’s Event flyer under the “Essential Resident book Silent Spring had exposed Resources” section. (and Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River bursting into flames had exemplified), it’s now an international day of awareness which pushes us to give due respect to the “mother” image Earth has had for a millennium. The yearly celebration at the Expo Center is a great opportunity for entire families to consider taking action in caring for “her.” — Mary Lyons (Also see Mary Lyons’ “Earth Day Greetings/Other Mothers,” in Letters to Editor, page 4.)

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

Writing Workshops

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Lois Leveen

Featured Author

The Secrets of Mary Bowser along with Jack Hart,

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

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

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

follow us on Facebook Kalama Word Catcher

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

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

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

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

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

Cover to Cover

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

1. The Orchardist Amanda Coplin, Harper Perennial, $15.99 2. The Snow Child Eowyn Ivey, Reagan Arthur/Back Bay Books, $14.99 3. The Paris Wife Paula McLain, Ballantine, $15 4. The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern, Anchor, $15 5. Life of Pi Yann Martel, Mariner, $15.95 6. The Language of Flowers Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Ballantine, $15 7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky, MTV Books, $14 8. Canada Richard Ford, Ecco Press, $15.99 9. The Prisoner of Heaven Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Harper Perennial, $14.99 9780062206299 10. Cloud Atlas David Mitchell, Random House, $15

1. Quiet Susan Cain, Broadway, $16 2. Proof of Heaven Eben Alexander, M.D., S&S, $15.99 3. Drift Rachel Maddow, Broadway, $15 4. How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You Matthew Inman, Andrews McMeel, $14.99 5. Let’s Pretend This Never Happened Jenny Lawson, Berkley, $16 6. The Swerve Stephen J. Greenblatt, Norton, $16.95 7. Bossypants Tina Fey, Reagan Arthur Books, $15.99 8. Gifts of the Crow John Marzluff, Tony Angell, Atria Books, $15 9. The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest Lorene Edwards Forkner, Timber Press, $19.95 10. The Righteous Mind Jonathan Haidt, Vintage, $16

BOOK REVIEW

HARDCOVER FICTION 1. Gone Girl Gillian Flynn, Crown, $25 2. Tenth of December George Saunders, Random House, $26 3. Where’d You Go, Bernadette Maria Semple, Little Brown, $25.99 4. Benediction Kent Haruf, Knopf, $25.95 5. A Memory of Light Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Tor, $34.99 6. A Dance With Dragons George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $35 7. A Tale for the Time Being Ruth Ozeki, Viking, $28.95 8. Vampires in the Lemon Grove Karen Russell, Knopf, $24.95 9. Bad Blood Dana Stabenow, Minotaur, $25.99 10. Blasphemy Sherman Alexie, Grove Press, $27

Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, for week ending Sunday, March 24, 2013, based on reporting from the independent bookstores of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. For the Book Sense store nearest you, visit www.booksense.com

HARDCOVER NON-FICTION

MASS MARKET

CHILDREN’S INTEREST

1. I Could Pee on This Francesco Marciuliano, Chronicle, $12.95 2. Lean In Sheryl Sandberg, Knopf, $24.95 3. The Drunken Botanist Amy Stewart, Algonquin, $19.95 4. Wild Cheryl Strayed, Knopf, $25.95 5. Daring Greatly Brene Brown, Gotham, $26 6. The Fast Diet Michael Mosley, Mimi Spencer, Atria, $24 7. Help, Thanks, Wow Anne Lamott, Riverhead, $17.95 8. Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher Timothy Egan, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28 9. My Beloved World Sonia Sotomayor, Knopf, $27.95 10. Vegetable Literacy Deborah Madison, Ten Speed Press, $40

1. A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 2. A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 3. A Feast for Crows George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 4. Ender’s Game Orson Scott Card, Tor, $6.99 5. A Storm of Swords George R.R. Martin, Bantam, $9.99 6. The Name of the Wind Patrick Rothfuss, DAW, $8.99 7. Force of Nature C.J. Box, Berkley, $9.99 8. Bossypants Tina Fey, Reagan Arthur/Little Brown, $8.99 9. The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien, Del Rey, $8.99 10. The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary, 4th Edition Merriam-Webster, $7.50

1. The Fault in Our Stars John Green, Dutton, $17.99 2. The One and Only Ivan Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illus.), Harper, $16.99 3. The Book Thief Markus Zusak, Knopf, $12.99 4. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Sherman Alexie, Ellen Forney (Illus.), Little Brown, $14.99 5. Drama Raina Telgemeier, Graphix, $10.99 6. Wonder R.J. Palacio, Knopf, $15.99 7. A Little Book of Sloth Lucy Cooke, Margaret K. McElderry Books, $16.99 8. Chomp Carl Hiaasen, Ember, $8.99 9. Looking for Alaska John Green, Speak, $9.99 10. LEGO Ninjago: Character Encyclopedia Claire Sipi, DK Publishing, $18.99

CLIP AND SAVE for easy reference at your bookstore or when browsing at your local library, bookshop, e-book source or book-loving friend’s shelf.

Portland author tells Civil War tale: African-American woman who spied for the North The Secrets of Mary Bowser

By Lois Leveen Harper Collins Publishers 2012 $15.99 (paperback)

Review by Alan Rose

M

ary Bowser was a real person, but very little is known about her: she was born into slavery in 1846 (maybe 1839); she was apparently freed by her Virginia owner and went to live in Philadelphia; she returned to the South in time for the Civil War and spied for the North as a servant in the house of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy.

From these few facts, Portland author Lois Leveen has spun a novel about this pivotal time in our nation’s history as seen through the ideas of a bright, educated African American woman.

Nobody left slavery without leaving somebody behind, I knew that well enough myself. And nobody came out of slavery all at once, neither bought nor manumitted nor escaped.

Being freedom bound wasn’t like putting on a new overcoat. More like shaking off a long illness. Only over time did freedom truly take hold. ~ from The Secrets of Mary Bowser

From Mary’s first-person narrative, we get a sharp picture of the ante-bellum South and of those issues and events that were driving the United States, less than 100 years old, along the inexorable path to civil war: the Dred Scott decision, and the Compromise of 1850; the underground railway by which slaves escaped to the North; John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry; the initial disappointment in Lincoln—he was a moderate on the question of slavery, a compromise candidate, which is how he became elected President; the publication of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s incendiary

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

novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which “has proven quite popular, stirring up as much response from Southerners who haven’t read it as from Northerners who have.”

And as the horrible reality of war drags on, the reader gets a sense of the magnitude of loss on both the national and the personal scale (“The only Lois Leveen is the featured hearts left unbroken author at this year’s Kalama in Richmond are Word Catcher event, the many that have Saturday, April 20. See ad, stopped beating.”)

Living in Philadelphia, Mary finds that the status of the African American is page 8, for information. not much improved Lois Leveen has given over conditions in us a familiar chapter the South. She experiences “the in our history, but she has offered it daily humiliations that reminded through an unfamiliar lens that allows Pennsylvania negroes we might not us to see that time in a new way. be slaves but we sure weren’t equals.”

••• Even churches that were active in the abolitionist movement retained “colored sections” in their worship services where African Americans were to sit apart.

As the inevitable war ramps up, we witness the excitement and the bands and speeches and promises of glory that always presage the slaughter: “…Richmond bloomed in a riot of color. Military companies from all over the South poured into the new capital, each donning its own gaudy hues. Reds and purples and yellows were festooned with every sort of cockade and ribbon, as though the Confederates’ strategy were to blind the Federals.”

The Brits Tea Shoppe 1427 Commerce Avenue Longview, Washington

www.alan-rose.com

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

The Brits English Tea Shoppe & Café

BREAKING NEWS GRACE’S ANTIQUES

Mother's Day Brunch

75 YEARS

Sunday, May 12th 9:30am – 2:30pm

IS STILL HERE AFTER

Tea • Pastries British Fare Scones • Salads Sandwiches • Soups Beer & Wine

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP SINCE MARCH 2010

High Tea daily Call for reservations Catering • Special Events

Providing our customers with the best possible prices customer service

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

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

VOTED BEST IN COLUMBIA COUNTY FOR BEST ANTIQUES

360-575-8090

Our menu includes:

Baron of Beef • Teriyaki Salmon Eggs Benedict • Breakfast favorites Soups • Salad bar • Fruits • Breads • Desserts • and more!

Adults: $26 Seniors: $22 Kids ages 12 and under: $13 • Kids under 5 eat FREE - Please call for reservations -

Celebrating 90 Years!

In the heart of downtown on Longview’s historic Civic Circle • 360-425-9900

Photo by Dave Kovac

Grace’s Rivertown Antiques “It’s spring! Time for frolicking outdoors!” ~ Bob the Dog

Join the CEDC to participate in the economic health of our region.

315 Strand St St Helens • 503-397-0798 Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5 • Sun 11-4

Located in Historical District St. Helens

Hop N Grape

The joint Cowlitz Economic Development Council/Kelso Longview Chamber Economic Summit. Photo courtesy of Mr. C’s

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

360.423.9921 • www.cowlitzedc.com

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

360.577.1541 • 924 15th Ave • Longview WA

10 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

From the Bedside Manor

Visit Rainier!

Looking ahead to Obamacare

Lucky Town Restaurant

The friendly waterfront town

Chinese Food

Lunch Special Menu 20% OFF

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

LUIGI’S PIZZA

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

503-556-4213

10% Off with this ad thru 5/15/13

TO GO Phone 503-556-1187

Evergreen Pub & Cafe OPEN DAILY 8AM Family Dining Homemade Soups • Salads Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Burgers in the Area

Daily Specials Serving Halibut and Cod Fish & Chips Full Bar

One physiciasn’s view: What you should do NOW to prepare for future “restrictions”

P

By Richard Kirkpatrick, MD

eriodically I get an “ah-hah” of major impact. Like the Russian meteor, one hit me recently.

An 85-year-old woman from a medical family has severe arthritis of her right knee. For the past 10 years, many injections of cortisone and chicken cartilage have made life tolerable and allowed her to remain very active.

Despite no change in her symptoms this year, her attitude has done an about-face. Previously, she avoided surgery like the plague, but now she is extremely eager. Why? Worse pain?

Less activity?

No, the only difference is Obamacare.

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

503-556-9935

She’s a medically sophisticated woman who remembers the early days of kidney dialysis, when a committee scored applications and decided who got the lifesaving treatment and who died.

Her concern reflects the realization that health care expenditures are beyond reasonable. With a federallycontrolled health care system, she sees more centralization and less efficiency. And common sense and the doctor-patient relationship replaced by “guidelines and rules.”

Unnamed, unelected bureaucrats with no personal knowledge of the details of her health, will decide what treatment she receives.

Given all the “hungry mouths” including welfare programs, educational subsidies, military maintenance, green energy research, and thousands of pork barrel programs, how many congressmen, senators, and Administration officials will raid health care for more “immediate” needs?

Although nobody likes to use the word “rationing,” there will have to be some ranking of services, treatments, procedures, testing, and a “datadriven” analysis of what is effective and what is not, and for whom.

Billions of data, entered from clinics by “meaningful use” computerized medical record systems, will supposedly allow computer analyses that settle which drugs, tests, treatments, etc. are “effective.” Note that all this will

apply to large cohorts of patients; and these decisions, formerly made by the doctor in consultation with his or her patient, will now be made by committee fiat, or formulae created by bureaucrats and researchers.

A snapshot of the future The fabled Oregon Health Plan provides a snapshot of what will likely happen, particularly as re-Governor Kitzhaber (himself an ER doc by trade) is again pitching the plan that he set up years ago during his first round as chief executive of the State of Oregon.

In that system, all treatments for a couple hundred diseases were ranked on the basis of (supposed) effectiveness and cost. “Best buys” had lower numbers like 1,2,3 and least cost-effective treatments had high numbers. Forecasted incidences of all conditions, and their usual costs, were tallied and compared with the amount of money in the budget. If the budget allowed coverage down to number 70, then those 70 highest ranked diseases and treatments were funded. If the rank was below 70, then the treatment was “not covered.”

No debating about whether or not it was appropriate or effective or humane for the patient, it was just not funded. (Of course, as with any bureaucratic situation, special-interest considerations created exceptions and adjustments in the order, for example, when some important official had a family member with Syndrome X or Disease Y.) VP nominee Paul Ryan referred to the panels making these lists under Obamacare as “death panels,” incurring a thrashing from the media for doing so. But in reality, if your condition had a relative low place on the totem pole, you would not get treatment without bankrupting your resources or, as in Robin Cook’s novel Death Benefit, selling your life insurance policy for cash (10-15 cents on the dollar, in the book) and paying cash…(unaffordable due to unconscionable markups in prices for treatments, sometimes over 10x the resource costs to provide them). So, if you’re below the cutoff, you just die. cont page 13

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

LCC Community Conversations to focus on Cowlitz County’s growing international connections

L

ower Columbia College’s Community Conversations series for spring quarter, titled “Cowlitz County: Our Growing International Connections,” will examine emerging opportunities for economic growth and development of the future.

Lectures take place Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 pm in Wollenberg Auditorium at the Rose Center for the Arts. The free lecture series is

ReWork ReStore

Support your neighbors Shop • Donate

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

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

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

SPECIAL OCCASION CATERING

Be a guest at your next event!

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

open to LCC students and the general public each quarter. College credit is available by enrolling in Humanities 106 (Community Conversations).

The first lecture, “Educating Our Future International Workforce,” was presented by Suzanne Cusick, Longview School Superintendent, focusing on Chinese teacher exchanges and the Chinese language program. Other speakers in the series include Paul Laufman, retired CEO of United Paradyne; Chris Bailey, president of Lower Columbia College; Erin Shinfield, president, Wo r l d Tr a d e C o u n c i l and chief of staff, Seattle Chamber of Commerce; Ted Sprague, director, Cowlitz Economic Development Council; Peter Bennett, VP of business development, Millenium Bulk Terminals; and representatives from the Port of Longview, Port of Olympia.

LCC president Chris Bailey believes the college has an important role in helping to identify and respond to strategic opportunities to embrace emerging international connections.

He sees this as vital to the future economic development of the region.

“LCC wants to be a powerful force for improving the quality of life in the community,” he said at the Cowlitz Economic Development Chris Bailey Council’s April 9 LCC President annual meeting.

“International trade will be a major focus of what makes Longview even better in the future.”

“There’s excitement in the air.”

•••

Community Conversations Lecture Schedule April 18: Lower Columbia College’s Role in the Region’s Future April 25: Increasing Washington’s International Competitiveness May 2: A Look into the Future Economy of Cowlitz County May 9: Benefits and opportunities in International Education May 17: Space Policy and its Entrepreneurial Impact in the Pacific Northwest.

May 23: Connection of our Major Industries to World Markets and Producers May 30: Longview Sister City Commission: Expanding Our Intercultural Connections June 6: Our Regional and International Transportation Connections June 13: How Globalization Affects Labor: Past, Present and Future For more information, please contact Susan Groth, (360) 4422110 or sgroth@lowercolumbia. edu.

You can count on

Scappoose Business & Tax Service OTB00973

• Income Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor • Complete Payroll Services • Training & Support Open all year ~ Call or stop by for FREE consultation SCAPPOOSE 503-543-7195 52698 NE First scapptax1@ados.com ST HELENS 503-397-6993 445 Port Ave, Ste C scapptax2@ados.com Regular Hours Mon – Thurs 9 – 5 After-hours by arrangement scappoosebusinessandtax.com

12 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

HOT PIZZA FRESH COOL SALAD BAR THE BEST AROUND!

IN ST HELENS 2124 Columbia Blvd.

503-397-3211

Perfect

for the bride looking for something else

Available in yellow, pink white or even blue

s ’ e i r e l a V V inc.

1329 Broadway Ste 208 Longview

Diamond Lady Fine Jewelry Studio

360 501 6700

Obamacare

Make your dream a reality with unique style and stone combinations

www.vdiamondlady.com

cont from page 11

So, back to my patient. She is 85, has an asymptomatic heart condition and is overweight. Age, weight and heart diagnosis will in all likelihood lower her level on the list, and could bump her into the “No Go” zone.

Hence, she wants the procedure done now, while it is still covered by Medicare. Many less savvy seniors will soon see it this way.

Advice to Boomers And for the newer Baby Boomers, my advice is to maximize your health and minimize your health risk factors NOW, so that in a contractedcoverage system, you are not denied joint replacements, bypass surgery, and other medical treatments.

In particular, stop smoking NOW. Go on that low starch diet NOW. Start that exercise program NOW. Modifying weight, cardiac capacity and muscle strength can take years of dedication. Start NOW, so you can enjoy better health and be positioned to receive modern medical care in a “R” (“R” actually means rationed, but to be “politically correct,” I’ll just say “restricted”) health care system.

••• Editor’s Note: Dr. Kirkpatrick practices medicine with Kirkpatrick Family Care in Longview. He is a regular contributor and expresses his own opinions, not necessarily those of CRR. We realize the health care debate is complex and controversial, but do not plan to host an ongoing reader forum on our pages.

However, if a local practicing physician with a differing view wishes to express it, CRR will consider publishing it.

TIME TO SHINE. TIME TO SHOP. COLUMBIAN ARTISTS ASSOCIATION SPRING ART SHOW 3/24 - 4/14, NEAR MACY’S

FEATURED ARTIST JESSIE CAMERER. OPEN MALL HOURS. DETAILS AT COLUMBIANARTISITS.ORG

COWLITZ GAMERS FOR KIDS 4/13, 10AM TO 5PM, CENTER CT.

FREE PLAY ARENA, ARCADE SPANNING ATARI TO XBOX. ALL AGES WELCOME. SUGGESTED ADMISSION IS $5 AND IS DONATED TO THE CHILDREN’S JUSTICE & ADVOCACY CENTER (CJAC).

PET ADOPTION

4/18 - 4/19, 11AM TO 4PM, NEAR SW ENTRANCE SPONSORED BY THE HUMANE SOCIETY.

SPRING MODEL SEARCH 4/20, 1PM, CENTER CT.

FREE MODEL SEARCH SPONSORED BY NFI PRODUCTIONS. FIRST 100 RECEIVE A GOODY BAG. PRIZES FOR TOP MODELS. OPEN TO AGES 4 & UP.

SPRING FASHION SHOW 4/27, 2PM, CENTER CT.

FIND OUT WHAT’S FRESH FOR SPRING, PROM AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS. SPONSORED BY NFI PRODUCTIONS.

SENIOR FAIR

5/1, 10AM TO 3PM, MALL WIDE

SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES JUST FOR SENIORS.

PRINCESS PARTY

5/4, 2PM, CENTER CT.

FREE MEET & GREET WITH YOUR FAVORITE PRINCESS. PRINCES AND PRINCESSES AGES 4 AND UP JOIN US FOR REFRESHMENTS. DANCE, SING AND PLAY. SPONSORED BY A SIMPLE WISH PRINCESS.

MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY CONTEST 6/1, 1PM CENTER CT.

FREE EVENT OPEN TO BABIES AGE 2 AND UNDER. AGE SPECIFIC GIFT CARDS & PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED.

OVER 40 SPECIALTY SHOPS & EATERIES INCLUDING MACY’S & JCPENNEY (360) 577-5218 THREERIVERSMALL.COM

Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 13

Lemons in the Kitchen its own Fail Now schedule, and nobody COOKING WITH THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

Appliance anxiety Don’t look now: There goes the mixer

C

By Suzanne Martinson

ooking can crash with a moan, a flash, an unanswered click.

The toaster stops popping, the blender stops beating, the coffee pot develops age spots and begins to resemble your great-grandfather.

Small appliances wheeze and desist. Yet they seldom require the equivalent of a monthly car payment to replace. Not so large appliances. We’ve had trouble with three. A refrigerator, make that two. The fancy second one, twice. The

I’ve circled around the range. Grew up with electric, but had a temporary fling with gas in Pittsburgh. When I became a food editor, Ace suggested we switch to gas. We shopped around the corner.

kitchen range. My glorious mixer, a machine so powerful I might have mixed cement.

The first to go was the garage refrigerator, which had lived in four states with my husband, Ace, and me, starting in our honeymoon log cabin in Rainier, ending with its timely demise in Lexington.

Fancy-schmancy Refrigerator No. 2 crashed shortly after we bought it — a computer board, of course. Then another.Each appliance arrives with

New PatientsWelcome

Dr. Rick Still

predicts a breakdown (unless I need a cup of coffee and I need it now).

• Same day appointments • Provider for most insurances • Auto accidents & work related injuries • 5 licensed massage therapists • Relaxation, deep tissue, pregnancy, hot stone, therapeutic & raindrop therapy • Couples massage & spa packages

Linda’s Lemon Drizzle Cake

Flour for dusting the pan 1 stick butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan 3/4 cup superfine sugar 2 large free-range eggs, beaten Finely grated zest and juice of 3 lemons 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup milk 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted Preheat oven to 350º, and butter and flour a 9-inch nonstick loaf pan.

Call to schedule your appointment Mon-Tues-Wed-Fri 9am -5:30 pm Thurs and Sat by appt only

FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE 1815 Hudson • Longview • 360-636-2636

Everyone deserves music!

Piano Lessons A great investment in yourself or as a gift

Martin E. Kauble Longview, WA

360-423-3072

(www.kaublepianostudio.com)

In a medium mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with a wooden spoon (we started with the KitchenAid).

Gradually beat in the eggs and mix until light and fluffy. (Mixer died, switched to food processor.) Stir in the lemon zest (our lemons were humongous, so we used zest and juice from only two), flour and baking powder and mix well. Add 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and mix well again. Then beat in the milk.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes.

In the meantime, mix the remaining lemon juice and the confectioners’ sugar together in a small bowl to make a glaze.

When it’s ready (35 minutes in my new oven), take the cake out of the oven and cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then turn it out onto a plate. Pierce the top of the cake all over with a thin skewer. Spoon the lemon glaze carefully and evenly over the cake until all of it is absorbed. Ready to eat. Serves 6.

Recipe from “Food” by Mary McCartney, Town and Country magazine (April 2013)

technique • theory • performance

453533

NEW

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Wed. April 17, 1-7pm

Cowlitz County Regional Conference Center 14 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

“My electric stove still works — I’ll trade it in,” I tell the salesman.

“What color is it?” he asks.

“Harvest gold.”

“Give me 20 bucks, and I’ll haul it away.”

After our fancy refrigerator was fixed the second time, the range that came with our Lexington house began to falter. I was in the midst of baking dozens of cookies for my niece Kelsey’s wedding in Michigan.

As we say in these parts, I was really logging. I’d worked weeks to create a Pittsburgh Cookie Table, a treasured tradition in Western PA, where relatives bake hundreds of cookies for the reception.

The wedding cake? It steps modestly aside, as grannies, aunties and boy cousins mob The Cookie Table to fill tummies and then bag sweet treats for the road. Down to the-second-to-last batch, I watch my oven’s electronic controls blink, change numbers, turn into an unruly teen. Then darkness.

We call Emergency Repair. He comes.

“The oven seems OK,” he says. The controls were the culprit. He spends all afternoon trying to locate parts.

No surprise. Not available. I finish the cookies, by guess and by gosh.

Ace, prone to spoiling his cook, buys me an Electrolux, the Cadillac of ranges. It has a control panel so complicated, it could fly me and my cookies to Saturn. The 55-page instruction book is augmented with a fold-out Quick Reference guide, with special sections on Perfect Turkey and Probe, as in space travel.

Last week, the third member of my kitchen family — a top-of-the-line KitchenAid Pro mixer that Ace bought me before checking the price tag — died with a shudder and a moan. I am in the middle of lemon cake. My Cuisinart winks, we continue.

The KitchenAid, accessorized to the hilt, is . . . how old? Not much younger than our 33-year-old daughter. Replacement price: $550 (the mixer, not the daughter). Then a cont next page

OVER 80 Businesses Join US! “FREE” C H A M B E R

O F

C O M M E R C E

The Voice of Business

Call today 360.423.8400 or register online www.kelsolongviewchamber.org

Farmer’s Daughter cont from page 14

miracle. Ace finds a Portland company to repair it. A hundred bucks, back in business.

My mother, Ann, who turns 94 in May, has worn out three Mixmasters: her wedding present, her mother’s, her mother-in-law’s. I may use her fourth to make the Lemon Drizzle Cake (see recipe, sidebar page 14) for Mother’s Day.

As we’ve aged, the new appliances have gone gray, too. What next? I’m looking at you, black GE dishwasher.

You might be harvest gold.

••• Suzanne Martinson retired as food editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and is author of The Fallingwater Cookbook.

Reach her at acesmartinson@comcst. net.

Community & Farmers Markets Astoria Sunday Market Sundays • 10 – 3 thru Oct 14 Downtown on 12th, just west of Hwy 30, Astoria, Ore. Info: Cindi Mudge, 503-325-010 Columbia-Pacific Farmer’s Market Fridays • 4 – 7 June thru Sep Downtown Long Beach, Wash.

Info: Sarah Shapiro 503-621-6311 www.longbeachwa.gov/ farmersmarket Cowlitz Community Farmers Market Sat • 9 – 2 thru Oct Tues • 9–2 May thru Oct 7th Ave, Cowlitz Expo Center, Longview, Wash. Info: John Raupp Jrshamrockhill3@aol.com www.cowlitzfarmersmarket.com Downtown Bridge Market Sundays • 10 - 3 May 5 – Sept 29 The Merk parking lot, 14th Ave between Hudson and Broadway, Longview, Wash.

Info: Betty Erickson 360-957-2515 betty.erickson@comcast.net Ilwaco Saturday Market Saturdays • May thru Sept Port of Ilwaco, Ilwaco, Wash.

Info: Bruce Peterson 503-338-9511 www.portofilwaco.com

Rainier Saturday Market 1st & 3rd • 10 - 3 mid-May thru Sept 5 Riverfront Park, Rainier, Ore. www.rainierchamberofcommerce Info: Mike Kreger 503-320-8303 michael.a.kreger@gmail.com Two Islands Farm Market Fridays 3–6:30 pm 59 West Birnie Slough Rd, Cathlamet, Wash.

Info: Mike and Kim 360-849-4492 or Rob and Diane 360-849-4145 www.twoislandfarmmarket.com Scappoose Community Club Farmers Market Saturdays • 9 –2 May 18 thru Sept E. 2nd Street (street closed during market), Scappoose, Ore. (between City Hall & Library - visible from Hwy 30) Info: Bill Blank 503-730-7429 wwwscappoosefarmermarket.com Toledo Farmers Market Thursdays • 2–7pm thru Sept Corner of 2nd and Cowlitz Toledo, Wash.

Info: Renee 360-219-8534 Woodland Farmers Market Fridays • 4–8 June 14 thru Sep 27 Hoffman Plaza, 100 Davidson Ave. Woodland, Wash.

Info: 360-852-2670

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

Northwest Gardener

There’s a winner here!

Story and Photos by Nancy Chennault

A

Northwest gardener is often in the garden 12 months a year. We are blessed with a temperate climate in the Lower Columbia region and the garden is rarely covered in snow for more than a few days at a time. Imagine the frustration of those in the midwest waking to 10 inches of snow at the end of March, as we gladly garden in the rain. When winter turns to spring and the mild mist of April showers bring the May flowers, the first warm days ignite the fire to add something unique to the garden.

The quest for the new introductions begins the moment the warmth of the spring sun penetrates the parka ….. It’s time to shop!

A collection of colorful

New introductions lure eager gardeners

that will first be available in garden centers and nurseries this spring. In August and September the gardens are open by appointment and guests are welcome to wander throughout the garden to see what’s new and what attracts their attention as something worthy of their vote What’s with all the flags?

Each guest receives one flag and each flag represents a category of visitor to the gardens. Pink flags are the home gardeners. Orange represents garden club members and Master Gardeners.

Blue was reserved for retail garden centers and wholesale growers and yellow flags were for plant

We created The flags placed in the basket of Kent Beauty Oregano Gardens @ Sandy creates an eye-catching Bend in 2005 as display. trial gardens for the evaluation of many types of plant material. National and international plant breeders and suppliers began sending their new introductions to Castle Rock. Shrubs, trees, ornamental grasses and perennials formed the “bones” of the budding garden. Spring deliveries include a large amount of annual flowers for the following spring season. For instance, The late summer sun highlights the curling leaves of the Twisty Baby Locust. last summer’s garden included plants

suppliers and breeders. Votes are tallied in October and shared with those who supply and grow the plants for spring sales. Growers see trends in types of plants and colors and will often base their inventory for spring on those trends. With so many plants to choose from and so many different visitors, it seems unlikely that there could possibly be a tie, but in the summer of 2012, that is exactly what happened. Kent Beauty Oregano (a perennial ornamental herb) tied with Proven Winners brings another unique flower color to its Twisty Baby Locust, (a shrub) collection with the introduction of Supertunia “Picasso in for first place (see photos at left).

Pink.” As vigorous as the popular Supertunia, “Pretty Much Picasso,” the 2012 trial basket of Supertunia If there are any similarities in “Picasso In Pink” was covered in blooms well into fall. the two plants it could be the

overall “softness.” The layered flowers of perennial Kent Beauty Oregano rustle when touched. Lavender florets are inset into light green, papery shells and are everlasting. Give this sun-loving plant impeccable drainage. Twisty Baby Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia “Lacy Lady”) is classified as a small tree or large shrub. The apple green leaves form “ringlets” that adorn the contorted branches. The leaf curls are soft to the touch and turn a pleasing yellow in the fall before they drop. A winter highlight: Twisty Baby shows off its unique branching structure when planted as a focal point without distractions (see photo, page 28). cont page 29

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

run ahead of the pack

If you feel like Mother Nature is invading, we have a solution!

Animal and pest control

Mice and deer and slugs, oh my!

We have raccoon and squirrel traps, bug sprays and traps, super bands, weed and blackberry killers, too!

UTV’S

In Stock

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

COWLITZ RIVER RIGGING - Fully stocked parts & service department -

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

360-414-9663

240 Tennant Way • Longview WA

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

1540 Industrial Way • Longview, WA 98632 (360) 425-6720 • 1-800-488-3127 Mon-Fri 7:00am-6:00pm • Sat 8:00am-2:00pm

OUT • AND • ABOUT Fish Tale

At The Lake

By Alex Roberts, age 11

T

he first fish I ever caught was at the Kids Fish In that Parks and Rec sponsored. All I remember is feeling the fishing line go taut and panicking.

The next thing I know my mom and dad were yelling, “Reel it in, reel it in!”

So, that’s what I did. Just as I did this, the fish fell off the line and was flopping around on the ground in front of me.

One of the helpers (who happened to be my grandfather) picked it up and put it in a bag. After that the whistle blew to signal the end of the time.

Alex Roberts

By John Perry, age 65

A

s a kid growing up in Longview in the 1950s I spent many happy hours fishing in Lake Sacajawea.

Surrounded by expansive park lawns, the mile-and-a-half-long lake offered ample opportunities for kids to fish and learn about the outdoors.

One of my earliest memories is of the annual spring Fishing Derby sponsored by the Longview Elks Club at “the lake.” In addition to bluegill, perch, crappie, bullheads, carp (considered “big game” by kids) and the odd bass, Lake Sacajawea was stocked with a few thousand hatchery-reared trout just before the Saturday morning derby.

Hundreds of kids participated, most accompanied by a parent or two. Age class prizes were awarded for the largest fish caught, the most fish caught and for any unusual catches. I remember one kid reeled in a sizable western

Hooked on Fishing

KIDS FISHING EVENTS

Lake Sacajawea, Longview, Wash.

April 27 for 500 kids ages 5–14. Preregistration is required with Longview Parks & Recreation. Registration fee is $7 per participant. The first of seven sessions starts at 8am and the last starts at 2pm. Equipment will be provided and no personal equipment is allowed. Sponsored by Smiles Denistry, City of Longview and Cowlitz Game & Anglers.

cont page 18

Locally-grown BEDDING PLANTS AND BASKETS ... also baked goods and crafts!

FARMERS MARKET

Horseshoe Lake, Woodland, Wash.

May 11, Registration fee is $3 at the lake 8am–1:30pm. Ages 3–5 accompanied by an adult, 6–14, no adult required.Equipment is provided by the Moose Lodge. Photo, fish cleaning and prizes.

Vendors welcome - 360-785-3883 OPEN Sat. 9-2 Tues 9-2 May-Oct Jrshamrockhill3@aol.com www.cowlitzfarmersmarkets.com

Kress Lake, Kalama, Wash.

May 18. Registration starts at 10am. Free. Registration will be closing around 1:30pm. Equipment will be provided. Sponsored by Kalama Fire Dept.

Trojan Pond, Rainier, Ore. April 27, 9am–2pm. Info, Jeff Fulop, 971-673-6034.

Vernonia Pond, Vernonia, Ore. May 4, 9am–2pm. Info: Ron Rehn, 503-842-2741 ext. 244.

For more info or other Oregon locations, visit the Oregon Fish & Wildlife website: dfw.state.or.us

7th Ave. across from Expo Center Longview

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

Oysterville •

Castle Rock

• Naselle 101

Chinook

Cathlamet 4

101

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Astoria

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

• Grays River

Warrenton •

Seaside

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

504

Long Beach

Columbia River

VISITORS CENTERS

Winlock

Ocean Park •

Ilwaco

Washington

Birkenfeld

Ape Cave •

Longview Kelso

Clatskanie

Cougar •

Kalama

Rainier

Woodland

503

•Yacolt Vernonia

Oregon

St Helens

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

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

97

Goldendale

• Ridgefield Vancouver Scappoose

rnelius NW Co ad Pass Ro

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Portland

12

Stevenson Bonneville Dam

Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 17

Kids’ Fishing

OUT • AND • ABOUT

from page 17

pond turtle (now rare in Washington due to roadkill and bass predation) and won a prize for it. Everybody had fun.

I was never lucky enough to win any prizes at the fishing derbies but I developed something more valuable... a love of fishing and the outdoors that has lasted a lifetime.

Today it is difficult to pry kids away from their computers and video games.

Few will learn the joys of fishing on their own. They need someone

Open Everyday

E E FR

Bowling

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

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

Not valid with other offers.

Valid with coupon until 5/15/13.

$5WithOFF $25 Purchase

Cannot be combined with other offers.

With Coupon thru 5/15/13

to show them how, to provide the necessary gear, and to take them to the lake.

and while more difficult to prepare than a trout, a mess of batter-dipped bluegill fillets is hard to beat.

In my opinion, the best way to get a kid started is with an inexpensive spinning rod and reel combo, a few hooks, some small lead sinkers, and a bobber. Earthworms dug from the garden or compost pile are the bait of choice. Impale the worm on the hook, rig the bobber so the bait is suspended 18 to 24 inches below, cast out 15 or 20 feet into the lake; then wait and watch. When the bobber moves it’s called “a bite.” When it dips below the surface it’s time to set the hook with a short, sharp jerk of the rod. Then, if all goes well, its “fish on!” and you reel in your catch.

It’s spring! Take a kid fishing.

“You clean, I’ll cook” In our family, my mother was happy to cook fish we brought home but she made us kids clean them. Each species of fish has a different texture and taste.

Trout were considered the best. But the most common fish was the bluegill John Perry, pictured here with his dog Crater, is retired after a career in industrial forestry. He lives on a farm near Brownsville, Oregon, where he grows Christmas trees and improves wildlife habitat.

Note: It is important to know and understand sport fishing regulations set forth in free booklets available at license dealers and online. Check for any specific regulations on the body of water you plan to fish. In Washington kids through age 14 fish for free, in Oregon kids through age 13 fish for free. Both states have “Free Fishing Weekend” the first weekend in June after the first Monday. This year it falls on June 8 and 9 when no licenses are required for freshwater fishing.

To Cook Trout

Brush 6 fillets with 3 Tbl melted butter.

Arrange 2 medium lemons, thinly sliced, on top. Place fish in wire grilling basket coated with cooking spray; turn often while grilling over hot coals 10–12 minutes or until fish flakes when tested with a fork. Discard grilled lemon slices.

Arrange fish on platter and drizzle with sauce, garnish with parsley sprigs and two more lemons, sliced.

Sauce: Melt 3 Tbl butter in small saucepan over low heat until golden brown (be careful not to burn). Stir in 1/4 tsp. pepper and 2 Tbl lemon juice.

Provided by Gerry Bosh, from Cooks.com

The Broadway Gallery www.the-broadway-gallery.com

Calla Lily Zinnias

by Marisa Mercure

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

Discover Fine Art in Full Bloom 360-577-0544 10am - 5:30pm • Mon - Sat

Be our guest ~ dine in style!

Enjoy JT’s fresh NW cuisine & warm ambience OPEN Mother’s Day 4–8pm Special Menu FREE Strawberry Shortcake for Mom Mon-Fri Lunch 11–3 Mon-Sat Dinner 4-9 Closed Sundays

360-577-0717

1203-14th • Longview 18 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

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

OUT • AND • ABOUT

Enjoy a spring outing to the gorgeous Columbia Gorge Wildflowers and waterfalls Story and Photos by Lois Sturdivant

A

pril and May are the perfect months for exploring the Columbia River Gorge.

Spring rains and snowmelt swell waterfalls, and wildflowers begin their annual show, making the Gorge a photographer’s paradise. An easy day trip along the Oregon side of the Gorge takes you past six waterfalls and an array of spring wildflowers. How many you see is limited only by how far you want to walk.

On a waterfall “test trip” March 25, my hubby and I took exit #18 just past the bridge over the Sandy River. This section of old Hwy 30 winds past the river and eventually up the hill to Corbett, Oregon. You can take the Corbett exit #22 from I-84 to the East Historic Columbia River Highway, also called Crown Point Highway. Be sure to stop at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint for a fantastic view of the Gorge, including Crown Point and Beacon Rock. The view is impressive even if it is overcast.

Crown Point Although not a waterfall, a stop at Crown Point presents phenomenal views and a wonderful gift shop in the Vista House.

Be prepared for strong winds. Crews are currently working on the road that loops below Crown Point, with flaggers on each end.

The parking lot is partially filled with construction equipment.

Latourell Falls 224 feet • 1 drop Latourell Falls are located in Guy W. Talbot State Park. A moderate trail leads to the base of the Falls, and a steeper one to a viewpoint. A fork to the left continues to Upper Latourell Falls, but the loop trail back to the highway is no longer open for safety reasons. The Falls were named for Joseph Latourell, who was appointed postmaster of the Rooster Rock Post Office in 1887. The land’s original owner, Guy W. Talbot, donated the land and falls to the Oregon State Parks system in 1929.

Bridal Veil Falls 118 feet • 2 drops Bridal Veil Falls is accessed from Bridal Veil Falls State Park. A trail winds 1/3 of a mile to the viewing decks overlooking the Falls, including a series of steps. The park also offers views of the Gorge both East and West from rocky bluffs.

In the twentieth century, the Falls were quite different in appearance than today, with the upper tier about 30 feet taller and the lower tier about half its current size. The creek squeezes through a narrow notch, which has been filled with debris, changing the height of the waterfall’s tiers.

Across the road from the entrance to the park is the Bridal Veil Lodge B&B, which dates from 1926.

Wahkeena Falls 242 feet • 2 drops Wahkeena Falls are about a half mile west of Multnomah Falls. Originally known as Gordon Falls, after the completion of the original highway in 1915, the falls were renamed Wahkeena (a Yakama Indian word meaning “most beautiful”).

Wahkeena Trail #420 leads to a stone bridge at the base of the Falls. The trail starts at a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek; stay right, turning left will take you to Multnomah Falls. A steep 3.7 mile loop trail continues to Fairy Falls.

Multnomah Falls Photos, from top: Westerly view of the 635 feet • 3 drops Columbia River from Bridal Veil Falls; Members of the Lewis and Horsetail Falls; Bridal Veil Falls; mossy Clark expedition were the railing along the historic path. first whites to see Multnomah Falls as they floated down the Columbia River in 1805. The name has Shepperds Dell Falls been in use since at least 1860, possibly as an 220 feet • 8 drops attraction for Steamboat tours of the Columbia Shepperds Dell State Park is about Gorge. Climb to the Benson bridge for a view of 1.75 miles west of Bridal Veil Falls. one of the best falls in Oregon. If you happen to There is parking on the east side of make this stop around lunchtime, the Multnomah the bridge, with a 4/10-mile trail Lodge restaurant serves great food along with leading to a viewpoint by the lower views of the waterfall. Plus, an espresso stand is a portion of the Falls. Though not an welcome sight on cool spring days! official name, Shepperd’s Dell was Oneonta Creek named for the wife of pioneer George Although Oneonta Creek does not offer a Shepperd, who in 1915 donated the waterfall viewable from the road, it is worth land that later became the state park. stopping to view the narrow gorge the creek The bridge spanning the gorge dates flows through. Also, a tunnel on an old section back to 1913, when the original of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway has Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway been reopened next to the viewing bridge. The was constructed, and it is registered Oneonta trail leads to Triple Falls, 3.2 miles as a National Historic Landmark. roundtrip. cont page 28

Wildflowers, from top: Fairy Slipper; Columbia Kittentails; Mitrewort.

Lois Sturdivant has been part of Columbia River Reader since before the first issue.

A skilled wordsmith, layout assistant, photographer and bookkeeper, she also brings her love of rhododendrons, quilting, and Northwest natural history to the mix.

She lives in Lexington, a suburb of Kelso, Wash.

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

OUT • AND • ABOUT

We’re all divas now Theatre professor explores archetype

T

he Four Bitchin’ Babes, a group of musicians and actresses who refer to themselves as a “renegade sorority,” arrive in Longview to present their cabaret show Diva Nation on April 19. Comedy and music drive the work of Bitchin’ Babes. Their songs and promotional copy show that they’re fast with the word play and the catchy tunes; they also trade on nostalgia for “girl group harmonies” for audiences of a certain age. Their show reflects the way telling honest, funny stories about the reality of women’s lives has become not just the topic for feminist theatre, but totally mainstream.

In Italian, “diva” means goddess.

Sometime in the 19th century, breathless press write-ups started referring to celebrated female opera singers as divas. This image implies how divine the performances could be and the way that fans worshipped extraordinary performers.

But, in some ways, time domesticated the diva across a century: Roseanne Barr called herself a domestic goddess and didn’t mind being judged as being difficult to work with. Now, almost any imperious behavior can get you called a diva, and, conversely, almost any woman can be a diva when she’s excelling in her proper realm.

Stars aligned Then the term took on connotations about great talent combined with impossible backstage behavior. By the 1990s, diva was a term for pop stars, too. I think of the 2001 recording of “Lady Marmalade,” performed by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink and produced by Missy Elliott for the “Moulin Rouge” soundtrack as so powerful because of its triumphant combination of divas — like all the stars in the universe aligned. Drag performers are divas too, of course. And I hear my students refer to men as divas pretty frequently, if they are demanding backstage. In fact, there’s an opera-pop crossover group called Il Divo that trades on that gender fluidity: four young men who position themselves as musical stars akin to the gods.

The Bitchin’ Babes cabaret covers this whole range of imagery in sketches, songs, and comedy sequences. The quartet of Babes —Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Dierdre Flint, Marcy Maxer— plays a formidable range of musical instruments. Their performance experience includes work with artists like Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, and Mary Chapin Carpenter, appearances on radio shows like A Prairie Home Companion, Dr. Dimento, All Things Considered, and awards ranging from Grammys to Wammies (Washington D.C. Area Music Awards).

Movement to end violence “The Vagina Monologues” blends the shocking and the endearing, the international and the personal, the old and the young. Created and performed by Eve Ensler Off Broadway in 1996, it is now part of the V-Day global movement to end violence against women. Its signature speeches concern how women admit to what they know and don’t know about their “down there,”

Longview’s

HOTTEST HAPPY HOUR

RESTAURANT & WINE CLUB

20 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

This vision of a laughing, bonding, empowered audience of Divas owes something to both breakthrough activist theatre pieces like Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” (Fingerett performed in a national tour of this show) and to commercial juggernauts like “Menopause The Musical.”

cont page 33

The Bistro

Sara Freeman grew up in Longview and now lives in Tacoma, where she is associate professor of theatre at University of Puget Sound.

She is an occasional contributor to CRR.

By Sara Freeman, PhD

Diva Nation: where music, laughter and girlfriends reign These ladies are clearly Divas themselves. For the show, however, their website emphasizes the divas in their audience more, celebrating Diva Nation as a place where “music, laughter, and girlfriends reign” and suggesting that today you’ll find a diva “putting out fires, possibly from her own hot flashes! But there she is, in your mirror.”

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

LIVE MUSIC

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

Saturdays 6–9pm

ted # VoFine Dining

1

The Daily News Readers Choice

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

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

Aaron Dawson, CPA

Jen Dawson, CPA

George Opsahl, CPA

Matt Lee, CPA

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

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

Mark your calendar for Cinco de Mayo, May 5th Come celebrate the biggest fiesta around!

$5 off lunch or dinner valid any time with food purchase exp date 5-30-13

Southwest Washington’s Premier Cruise Center

Azteca Mexican Restaurants • KelsoAzteca.com 420 Three Rivers Dr. Kelso, Wa 98626 • (360) 577-9087

360-578-5464 travelkings.com 1408 12th Avenue • Longview, WA

ff

O 0 0 1 $ l a n o i t i Add

Visit EntekHVAC.com

Built to keep you cool

on lin

Coup e o when ns need you them pr int or d

ig it a l

LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED WA:entek*893we/OR:ccb*4902

24 Hour Service • Residential • Commercial • Industrial • 360.423.3010 Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 21

You can learn to love technology!

All you need is a little help!

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

Perry Piper

SKILLED • PATIENT • KIND

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

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

GIFT

CERTIFICATES

Where do you read

THE READER? WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER? Send a photo showing where YOU read the Reader (highresolution JPEG, 2 MB max) to Publisher@CRReader. com. Include name and city of residence. Thank you for your participation and patience. Keep those “Where Do You Read the Reader?” photos coming!

Reading in the mist

Longview residents Lloyd and Helen Smith at Iguazu Falls, Brazil in March 2013.

STORY FIELD AT LOWER COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Keeping afloat Longview resident Karen Roggenkamp off

the coast of Sanibel Island, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico with her aunt, Jean Carriker of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and cousin, Julie Mulford, from Taylors Falls, Minnesota.

Snowed in? Bonnie Larson Drewes at Holden Village, a

Lutheran retreat center in the North Cascades. Originally from Longview, she has lived most of her adult life in Bellingham, Wash., and is spending a couple of years at Holden Village.

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

Stop by and Try Three Wheels

t See us a ia b m lu o C aer’s River Re t the booth a po.

Ex April 17 upon, Bring co age 8) (p zes! to win pri

doTerra Essential Oils Pediatrics • Women’s Health NAET/ Allergy Elimination Pain Relief • Anxiety Digestive/IBS • Sciatica Neck / Shoulder Pain Motor Vehicle Accidents Carpal Tunnel • Sinusitis Headaches / Migraines Sports Injuries

CANYONVIEW CYCLERY

Fast, Safe, Healthy and Effective

Service is our Specialty

360-200-5550

• • • •

Bicycles Sales Service Repair

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

WEIGHT LOSS NO COUNTING

Calories, Carbs or Points I’ve been able to maintain my 30 lb. weight loss for 29 months!* - Diane M. Lough, Longview, WA

56 Free Meals with

Chinese Herbal Medicine

New Client Orders Requires signup on the BeSlim program

Most Insurance Accepted

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

CALL

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

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

360-577-8989

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

360-431-6946

Adult Diapers Aren’t the Only Way to Deal with Incontinence Fifteen million American women suffer the embarrassment and anxiety that accompany incontinence.

The problem is caused when the urethra cannot close tightly enough to hold urine in the bladder.

Childbirth and age are the two biggest contributors.

If you suffer from incontinence, Longview Urology has treatment options available to address a wide range of bladder control problems.

Longview Urology is located at 625 9th Avenue at Pacific Surgical Institute in Longview.

Call 360.425.3720 to schedule an appointment.

Chad Chesley, MD

Patrick Lassen, MD

John Mansfield, MD

Longview Urology is a veteran-owned company

www.longviewurology.com 24 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

End of an Era

Community, Symphony to say fond “Farewell” to Ryan Heller April 21 Young maestro sparked 10 years of zestful excellence

Story by Dick Uthman Photos by Gary Lindstrom

I

t seems appropriate that the S o u t h w e s t Wa s h i n g t o n Symphony began its first concert season with Conductor Ryan Heller with the concert theme of “Scary Stuff” and then repeated the theme ten years later for Ryan’s final season.

That first concert was the beginning of a dramatic and uplifting association with a rising young maestro who challenged, encouraged, browbeat, and demanded that the orchestra rise to new heights of making music together.

When Ryan walked into the rehearsal hall, he knew exactly what he wanted from the orchestra, and then proceeded to draw it out from the musicians gathered there. In spite of the widely varied abilities and experience of the members, from high school students to professional musicians, somehow he managed to mold them into a proud performing group.

The young audience arrives by yellow bus.

More than 20,000 school children over the past 10 years were treated to music by a live symphony orchestra, many seeing a live musical performance for the first time and hearing classical music played just for them. The annual Children’s Concerts at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts were greeted with delight by the children, as demonstrated by the many letters from the children afterwards.

A few firsts Under Mr. Heller’s baton, the symphony did several “firsts”: the dedication concert of the Lower Columbia College Rose Center for the Arts and first performance on the Bösendorfer grand piano; the performance of a symphony for wind instruments only (Gounod’s Petite

The April 21 performance of Beethoven’s N i n t h S y m p h o n y, “ T h e C h o r a l Symphony,” by the Southwest Washington Symphony will be a fitting tribute to a conductor, musical director, and friend who is moving on to greater heights in his chosen career. Thanks Ryan, for a great ride. Come back any time.

Dick Uthman is a longtime local music teacher, currrently teaching band at St. Rose Parish School. He is Southwest Washington Symphony’s librarian and has filled the role of principal clarinetist since 1973. He lives in Longview with his wife, Edith, and enjoys gardening and woodworking.

•••

YOU NEED A PLAN Symphony); and the young artist solo on an unusual instrument, soprano recorder, by Danny Vogel. For its 40th anniversary, the symphony performed the world premiere of the Festival Overture by Ryan Heller. Even jazz was included in the musical offerings, with the Northwest Jazz Orchestra joining the symphony for some “cool jazz.”

Hallelujah! A new tradition The symphony has also begun a new tradition of Christmas concerts at the Longview Community Church to replace the annual performances of Handel’s “Messiah.” Portions of the “Messiah” are still performed (it doesn’t seem like Christmas without the “Hallelujah Chorus”), and the traditional finale of “O Come All Ye Faithful” with combined audience, choir, and orchestra was a thrilling experience for everyone in the church.

Mr. Heller’s enthusiasm and boundless energy have led him to be a soughtafter performer nation-wide and internationally. He has appeared in Italy, Germany, Estonia, Sweden, and most recently, in China, where he led combined choirs from Texas at the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing and at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. In 2009 he assumed the role of Conductor/Artistic Director for Chorus Austin in Austin, Texas.

In 2011 Ryan and Chorus Austin received a Critics Choice award for their performance. Ryan is in frequent demand as conductor, singer, and coach by instrumental and choral groups across the United States.

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

Financial Network • Member SIPC

Terry Barnes Grambo Financial Advisor

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

360-423-1962

Goble Tavern Good times roll at the historic

od Fo•od o G • s rew Scratch-Its MicroK-eBn • • r e e B Cold eo Poker • • Doarts • Vid Pool

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

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

503-556-4090

OPEN 11am DAILY

Now taking reservations for Mother’s Day Brunch

Rutherglen Mansion Sunday, May 12 • 10–4

Dinner Theatre • April 19,20,25,26,27

Caroline Wood’s original production of “Is It Destiny, or Just Me?” 7pm Dinner, 8pm Play.

Four dinner options, glass of wine, tax & gratuity included, $50 per person. Call for reservations.

• • • •

Casually elegant dining

themansion@rutherglenmansion.com

Wednesday Wine Tasting Sunday Brunch Buffet Fine Family Dining Your Headquarters for special occasions!

Hours: Sunday • 10am – 3pm Wed – Sat • 5pm ‘til . . .

360-425-5816

420 Rutherglen Rd • Longview, WA • Off Ocean Beach Hwy at 38th Avenue Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 25

360-425-5816

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

The Bistro 1329 Commerce Ave, Longview 360-425-2837 • Music Thurs 6–9; Fridays 6–10, Sats 6–9 thebistrobuzz.com The Birk Pub & Eatery 11139 Hwy 202, Birkenfeld, Ore 503-755-2722 • thebirk.com The Brits Friday & Sat Nights 1427 Commerce Ave, Longview 360-575-8090 Live Music 7–9pm facebook.com/TheBrits/122919501062224 Goble Tavern 70255 Col. River Hwy, Rainier 503-556-4090 • gobletavern.com The Mansion 420 Rutherglen Rd, Longview 360-425-5816. rutherglenmansion.com Wed 5-7 pm Winetasting Buffet $20 Mark’s on the Channel 34326 Johnson Landing Rd Scappoose, OR 503-543-8765 Live music on Saturday nights. marksonthechannel.com Monticello Hotel 23 Club 1405 17th Avenue, Longview 360-425-9900 ”The Original Monticello” Karaoke every Thursday Weekend Music 9 pm–1 am Fireside Lounge Porky’s Public House 561 Industrial Way, Longview 360-636-1616 facebook.com/pages/Porkys-CafeLounge/11041404898298

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

“Art in the Park” seeks artists, non-profit food vendors for summer event The Columbian Artists Association and the Longview Parks and Recreation Department are seeking artists and non-profit food vendors for the fifth annual juried “Art in the Park.” The fun-filled event will be held Saturday, August 17, 10am to 5pm on Hemlock Plaza at Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview, Washington.

The show, open to artists 18 and older, will feature fine art and crafts, including paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media), woodcarving, pottery, china painting, jewelry, photography, stained glass, and more. No commercially manufactured items will be allowed.

Artists must supply their own display equipment. The cost is $40 for a 10’ x 10’ space. No commission will be collected from sales.

For info and an entry form, visit columbianartists.org; “Like” us on facebook.com/artintheparklv; email artintheparklv@gmail.com; call 360-430-7985; or send USPS mail to Columbian Artists Association, PO Box 2862, Longview, WA 98632.

Love art?

Love Downtown Longview?

Able to inve$t?

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

Inquire via email to Publisher@ crreader.com

BOO!! HISS!!

This summer’s melodrama is

“Dirty Deeds at the Depot” Auditions

April 28th • 6:30pm

Prepare 30–60 sec. monologue and 16–32 bars of a song.

Some singing roles and some nonsinging roles.

Please come and join us!

stageworksnorthwest.org

To list your music venue here, call Ned Piper, 360-749-2632 26 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Outings & Events

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary Broadway Gallery Artists co-op. April: Nancy Knowles (pastels) Mary Fortner (jewelry), John Crocker (photography), Joy Winther (fiber art). May: George Broderick (paintings), Masami Kusakabe (jewelry), Gayle Kiser (pastels), Elmer Bates (woodworking). Mon-Sat 10-5:30.

1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360577-0544 Broderick Gallery Fine contemporary art from England, Cuba and South America along with George Broderick’s lively paintings. Fri-Sun 11-5 or by appointment. 313 B Street, Rainier, Ore. www.broderickgallery.com Koth Gallery Through April 24: Scott McRae (paintings). April 25–May18: Longview history. Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-8, Wed 10-5, Fri 10-6, Sat 12-5.

Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana, Longview, Wash. 360-442-5300.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center May 13–31: Student Art Show. Gallery hours: Mon-Tues 10-6,Wed-Fri 10-4. Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington Way, Longview, Wash. 360-442-2510.

Lord & McCord Artworks April: Will McCreary (woodturning); May: Ken Knodell (fused glass), Karen Leback (watercolors). McThreads (inside Lord & McCord Artworks) April: Beth Norwood (baby hats), Cathy McCausland (jewelry).

May: Ken Knodell (fused glass jewelry).

Tues-Fri 11-5, Sat 12-4. 1416 Commerce, Longview, Wash. 360-423-9100.

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

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

360-795-0725.

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

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

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

FirstThursday Downtown Longview, Wash. April 4. See Listings page 27.

Lower Columbia College W ind Ensemble & Jazz Band May 10. 7:30pm.

LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave at Washington Way., Longview, Wash.

Adults $8, Seniors $7, 12 and under Free.

Thoroughly Modern Millie April 18-19, 7pm; April 20, 2pm and 7pm. Scappoose High School. Tickets at door. $7 adults, $5 students and seniors. Info, Tom Weaver 503-410-9805.

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

Diva Nation Apr 19, 7:30 pm. Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts. Tickets $26.50–36.50. www.columbiatheatre. com. Box office:1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash., or call 360-575-8499.

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

It Happened at the World’s Fair!

Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts. Sun, May 5th, 2 pm. Tickets $5 each or 6 for $25. 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. 360-575-8499.

The Secret Garden April 12-May12, Fri & Sat at 7:30pm (no performance Sat, Apr 20); Sat & Sun at 2pm (Except Sun Apr 21 at 1pm). 1433 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash. www. stageworksnorthwest.org (see ad, page 18) Southwest Washington Symphony Spring concert. April 21. See ad, facing page.

Fern Hill Bluegrass Band Saturday, May 4th, 7pm. Doors open 6pm. Admission $10. Children free. Fern Hill Grange, 72162 Fern Hill Road, Rainier, Ore. Info: Paul Smith, 503-556-1252 St.Stephen’s Celebration Series Annual Kaleidoscope Concert with organ, choral and handbells on Mother’s Day, May 12th at 3pm. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 22nd and Louisiana St., Longview, Wash. Free will offering to benefit the restoration of the organ. More info: Gary Lindstrom, gwlindstrom@gmail.com Call for artists 2013 Arts & Vines Showcases fine arts and wines; artists stationed at venues in Castle Rock and along Hwy 504 to Mt. St. Helens.

Show and sale June 29-30, preceded by artists’ reception Fri evening, June 28.

Artists will be juried, limited to fine art produced by the individual artists. $40 fee per person. Application deadline: May 15. Entry forms/info: Castle Rock Exhibit Hall or call Karen Johnson, 360274-66034.

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening Pets, Self-Help, Living History Kids Wednesday Workshop at Cowlitz County Museum. April 17, May 27.

3:30–5pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash.

Pre-registration is required; sign up at front reception desk or call the museum, 360577-3119. Each workshop limited to 20 students and they must be accompanied by an adult. Info: www.cowlitzwa.us/museum.

Relay for Life Garage Sale Women of the Moose. Sat, Apr 20th, 8am–3pm. St Helen’s Moose Lodge, 57317 Old Portland Road, Warren, Ore. Info: 503-397-5354.

Spaghetti Feed and Bake Sale Apr 20, 5:30-7:30pm. St Helen’s Moose Lodge, 57317 Old Portland Road, Warren, Ore. Tickets: $6, available at Bertucci’s, 2017 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, Ore., or at the door. Proceeds to fund travel to Europe this summer, Girl Scouts Troop 11380.

“Under Our Skin” Program on Lyme disease. April 21, 3–5pm, Longview Women’s Club, 835-21st Ave., Longview, Wash. Naturapathic physician Derenda Richardson will present the award winning documentary, “Under Our Skin,” followed by discussion of ways people can protect themselves from ticks, and what to do if bitten by one. Q&A. Snacks served.

Gifford Pinchot:The Making of an American conservationist. Sunday, April 21, 1pm. “In Their Footsteps” monthly Sunday forum. Lewis & Clark National Park. Netul River Room, Fort Clatsop’s visitor center. Free. Info: 503-861-2471.

served basis, deadline: April 22. $7 registration fee includes rod and reel, bait, hooks, line, weights, bobbers and instructions. Forms available at Bob’s, Wal-Mart and Longview Parks & Rec office, 2920 Douglas Street, Longview, Wash. Or register online: mylongview. com/reconline. For more info, call 360442-5400. See story, page 17.

Spring Rock Auction sponsored by SWWashington Mineralogical Society.

Sat, Apr 27, rock preview at 2 pm, auction 3 pm. Catlin Grange, 205 Shawnee Street, Kelso, Wash. Info: Nicole, 360-785-4417 or Vicki, 360636-4491.

LCC Community Conversations 12 Noon Mondays through June 13. Wollenberg Auditorium, Lower Columbia College Rose Center for the Arts, Longview, Wash. See details, page 12.

Rose Valley Elementary Rummage Sale Sat-Sun, May 4-5. Rose Valley Grange, 1520 Rose Valley Rd., Kelso, Wash.

Proceeds benefit school’s garden project.

Longview Historical Preservation Events throughout the month of May. See details, page 29.

28th Annual Powwow–In Honor of Our Children May 18, Kelso High School, Noon - 9:00 PM. Grand entries at 1pm and 7pm. Dancing, drumming, adult and children’s raffles, vendors and food carts.

Info: Shelley Hamrick, 360-501-1655.

Shore Birding at the Washington Coast Willapa Hills Audubon Society. Thurs, Apr 25, 11am, Lynn Point on Willapa Bay. In coordination with Grays Harbor Shore Bird Festival Apr 26-28. To sign up email jgreen2317@aol.com or call John Green, 360-575-9238.

Great Vow Monastery Retreats April 25–28: “The Satisfied Heart.” $200 plus donations for teacher. May 3–5: Beginner’s Mind, $150. Retreats follow monastic schedule, allowing temporarily dropping what’s outside and going deeply into inner work. Basic meditation techniques, posture, breath, formal meals. Great Vow Monastery, PO Box 18, 79640 Quincy Mayger Rd., Clatskanie, OR 97016. For more info, directions, and/or to register, visit zendust.org or call 503-728-0654.

Fern Hill Grange and Flea Market Apr 2627, 9am-6 pm. For info call Mary Curtis.

503-556-5033.

Spring Book Sale Varied titles, thrifty prices April 26, 10am–5:30pm, April 27, 12–4:30pm. Longview Public Library Auditorium, 1600 Louisiana St., Longview, Wash. Friends of the Longview Library fundraiser to enhance Library services and programs. Info: Elizabeth Partridge, 442-5321 Smiles Dental Kids Fish-In April 27.

Conducted by Longview Recreation, Cowlitz Game & Anglers Club and WDFW. Kids 5–14 years old can fish in statewide program created to promote fishing. Fishing area at Lake Sacawaea will be netted and stocked with trout.

One-hour fishing slots 9am–2pm. Preregistration required, first come, first

Spring Concert Ryan Heller, Conductor

Sunday, April 21 3:00 pm - Wollenberg Auditorium LCC Rose Center for the Arts 1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA Young Artist:

Former Young Artist:

~ First Thursday ~ May 2 Mix and mingle with new friends and old as you enjoy an artful evening downtown.

Broadway Gallery 1418 Commerce

www.the-broadway-gallery.com/ George Broderick (paintings), Masami Kusakabe (jewelry), Gayle Kiser (pastels), Elmer Bates (woodworking).

Reception 5:30-7:30pm.

Live music by John Crocker.

Koth Gallery Longview Public Library 1600 Louisiana St. Longview History Exhibit.

Gallery open ‘til 8pm.

Lord & McCord ArtWorks

1416 Commerce • www.lindamccord. com/ 3rd Anniversary Celebration Ken Knodell (fused glass), Karen Leback (watercolors).

Reception 5:30–7:30pm. Refreshments Cowlitz County Historical Museum

405 Allen St., Kelso, Wash. www.cowlitzwa.us/museum/ “Longview Homes – The Stories They Tell,” by Longview Historic Preservation Commission. 7pm program includes many early photos. Museum open until 9pm.

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

Come show us your talent!

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

Talent fee: $25

PRIZES:

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

Sponsored by Kiwanis of Kelso Dakota White, violin

Tom Walworth, cello

Beethoven Symphony #9 with Symphony Chorale and soloists: Gina Osborn, Alison Askeland, Dennis Boaglio, Brent LiaBraaten Ticket Price - $20 available at Columbia Theatre Box Office to purchase tickets online go to swwasymphony.org for more information call 360-703-3647 Sponsored by Donald and Margaret Fuesler Foundation

Pick up applications at CTPA Box Office or by email

For ticket info: 360-957-2515

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

Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

BEYOND THE ERUPTION By Alice Dietz

Mt. St. Helens; Mountain Half Full or Half Empty?

T

his month, I’d like to talk about my position and why the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Cowlitz Economic Development Council (CEDC) have formed a partnership.

The largest function of my position as Director of Programs at the CEDC is community engagement with the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the USFS. More often than not, my position is referenced as tourism-focused. It’s not. Although tourism is important, plays a huge role in our economy and can always grow – it is not why I’m here at the CEDC. Since the eruption, our community’s relationship with the monument and the USFS has revolved around pain, devastation and the change to our landscape that the eruption created.

My goal is to bring awareness and help our community focus on the roots of what makes Cowlitz County so great and unique.We need to come together and recognize why this is such a great place to live. I would like to see increased awareness of the abundant amenities we have that many counties lack. I can’t and I won’t try to erase the pain and devastation, but I do want to assist us all to better understand our strengths and all that we have rather than what we lack.

I will continue to update you with information about what is going on around the monument. Stay cool, Cowlitz County.

Mount St. Helen’s Institute’s Cowlitz Views and Brews next program: Thursday, April 18, 6:30pm at the Smokehouse Pub at Hop and Grape, 924 15th Avenue, Longview, Wash.

Program: “Stories in the rings: prehistoric eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides of the Pacific Northwest… and the buried forests that tell their tales,” with Pat Pringle, Assoc. Professor of Earth Science at Centralia College.

••• Alice Dietz is Director of Programs with Cowlitz Economic Development Council and collaborates with Mt. St. Helens Institute and the US Forest Service. She enjoys good food, good Northwest beverages, good people and good fun. Reach her at dietz@cowlitzedc. com

Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 27

VISIT

Waterfalls and wildflowers

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

cont from page 19

Horsetail Falls 214 feet • 1 drop Less than a mile after Oneonta Creek, Horsetail Falls is impossible to miss (see photo, page 19). There is a parking area across from the falls. For the more adventurous, Ponytail or Upper Horsetail Falls is located on Horsetail Falls Trail #438. Follow the steep trail for about 4/10 mile, then take a right at the junction.

The falls is formed where Horsetail Creek is shot through a narrow crack into a large pool in front of a deep recess, allowing the trail to pass behind the falls.

NW Gardener/New Introductions cont from page16

Total mileage between Crown Point and Horsetail Falls is about 13 miles.

Allow four to six hours to explore. For more info: nwhiker.com and portlandhikersfieldguide.org.

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

503-728-3608 • Best Burger in Town!

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

Applewood Smoked Prime Rib

Travel Notes & Ice Cream Tip! On our recent trip, I found Trillium, Columbia Kittentails, Spring Beauty, and Saxifrageom. Bridal Veil Scenic Viewpoint had lots of Camas foliage, but no blooms yet. In mid-to-late April the bluffs at the viewpoint are so covered with Camas blooms that they are visibile from I-84. Other April are Western Meadow Rue, Mitrewort (“wort” means Hoarder’s beauties plant), Fairy Bells, Monkey Flower and Fairy Slipper.

Paradise!

Oregon’s best insulated units Largest size selection

Clatskanie Mini Storage 503-728-2051 503-369-6503

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

503-728-4122

LE’S

Income Tax, Inc.

Virginia L. Leloff Licensed Tax Consultant Michelle L. Graves Licensed Tax Consultant

CONSULTANTS ASSN

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

Our Servingnts Clie 76 9 Since 1

WE OFFER

The rocky cliffs on the north side of the Gorge are also home to many lichens and mosses. Check out the cliffs by Oneonta Gorge as an example.

By the time you reach Horsetail Falls, you may be on sensory overload. Head east for about eight miles and get back on I-84 at exit #35. Your destination is Cascade Locks and the East Wind Drive-In restaurant. Located at the east end of town, the restaurant serves old-fashioned vanilla-chocolate swirled soft ice cream cones. Drive down under the train tracks to Marine Park to visit a museum, restrooms, play equipment, or just watch the river and Canada geese while you enjoy your ice cream. True to the name of the restaurant, the east wind can be strong and cold this time of year.

•••

SHOP CLATSKANIE FOR ALL YOUR YARN & FRAMING NEEDS

The Bag Ladies Yarn Shop

For Mother’s Day

• BEAUTIFUL new yarns from Japan • Handmade Gifts

503-728-3414 Fax: 503-728-3921 Toll Free: 1-800-700-3414

Across from City Hall 90 S Nehalem • Clatskanie

• Gift Certificates

Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm 265 W. Columbia River Hwy Clatskanie, OR • 503-728-9276

Nancy Williamson Framing & Fibers New & Exciting Yarns!

Manos Del Uraguay - Fino Classic Elite - Canyon MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Bring in this ad for a 15% discount.

Offer good through 5/31/13

Sat: 10am - 4pm • Mon: 3 - 7pm ~ AND by appointment ~ 160 N Nehalem St, Clatskanie, OR 503-728-3793

The striking silhouette of Twisty Baby branches are captured against a backdrop of winter-frosted panels.

Could there be a winner here?

Pacific Northwest gardeners enjoy five “summer” months of flower display continuing well into fall. It is no accident that the new introductions of annual flowering plants number in the hundreds. If early spring interest is any indication, the new petunia from Proven Winners, Supertunia “Picasso in Pink” is going to be a smash hit (see photo, page 16). The sibling of the 2010 phenomenon, Supertunia “Pretty Much Picasso,” PIP has the same chartreuse edge to the flower.

With no dark eye this time, the flower is a true pink and very floriferous.

These petunias seem to thrive where summers are not too hot, so they are perfect for the Pacific Northwest climate. Be sure to plant in baskets or window-boxes, well above the ground as they have been known to cascade to more than 6 feet in length.

Local nurseries and garden centers are overflowing with many choices in stunning plants at this time of year.

Finding a novel favorite is one of a gardener’s official “rights of spring.”

Join the hunt and add an innovative discovery to your garden this spring.

•••

Sporty sez: I am very sorry for not voting for you, Mr. Obama. You are awesome for helping my MAMA* *MAMA stands for “My American Money Account.”

Much love, Sporty Why pay more somewhere else when you can pay more here?!

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

275 West Columbia River Hwy •Clatskanie • 503-728-2712 28 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

Happy Mother’s Day! Choose from our great selection of useful, beautiful & affordable items to show Mom your love & appreciation!

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

503-728-3300

Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 • Closed Sun

High Quality • Original • Local All about the good life Affordable Ad Rates • Month-long readership Reach Reader readers. Call us at 360-749-2632.

Ad Deadline: 25th of each month.

Turning Point Community Center

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

May: Longview Historic Preservation Month Special Events

Eric Atcheson); tour of Longview Women’s Club & Elks Memorial Building (led by Councilman Ken Botero); tour of Foursquare Church, 416 20th Avenue (led by Pastor Ryan Snowley).

Thurs., May 2, 7pm “Longview’s Old West Side Homes and the Stories They Tell,” by Jonell Kenagy. Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St., Kelso, Wash.

Longview’s Founder Sat., May 4, 10am Tour Robert A. Long Sat., May 18, 10am of Longview Community Open tour of newlyChurch & Museum, acquired Longview Theatre, 1433 2323 Washington Way. Led by Commerce Ave., plus 30-minute Pastors John Williams and Harlan story of Stageworks Northwest (led Gilliland. Awards ceremonies and

by Board Chairman Tim Cusick).

90th Birthday Cake presented by ‘23 Club in Fellowship Hall.

All events are free. Everyone is welcome. For info, call Bill Kasch, Sat., May 11, 10am Meet at First 360-423-6704.

Christian Church, 2000 E. Kessler Boulevard (tour led by Pastor

Celebrating Longview’s 90th Birthday THE RED HAT and Red Hat Too

Furniture • Clothing • Books Collectibles • Household & More

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

Movies

Blackwood remarks on two new flicks

By Dr. Bob Blackwood

R

o m a n Coppola, son of Francis Ford Coppola, has directed his second film, “A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III” (MPAA: R).

Roman has been scriptwriting lately with Wes Bill Murray, Charlie Sheen and Patricia Arquette & others glitter in A n d e r s o n a n d Roman Coppola’s “A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III.” h a v i n g s o m e Photo: Paramount Pictures with a smirk on his face in his vintage notable successes: Caddy with Bacon decals on one side “The Darjeeling Limited” (2007), directed and Eggs on the other.

by Wes Anderson, and Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012).

The film fails, but it has its moments.

You can argue about why it failed. How This film, solely written by Coppola, is many films are worthy of that? under attack, but it is worthy of comment.

He attempts at making a film for adults. Note the solid cast: Charlie Sheen as Charles Swan, a graphic designer who is losing his woman; Bill Murray, Charles’ accountant who is having problems with his wife; Jason Schwartzman as his rocker friend hoping for a dynamite cover for his latest album; and Patricia Channing Tatum (left) clears the air with Dwayne Johnson in “G. I. Joe: Retaliation.” Photo: Paramount Pictures Arquette as Charles’ grown up and helpful sister with children. on Chu’s “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” (MPAA: PG-13) is an action film, like Unfortunately, Charles hasn’t grown its predecessor, based on the Hasbro toys. up, unlike Guido, the central character The action sequences are like ballets — of Fellini’s “8 ½,” played by Marcello well-rehearsed. The performances are Mastroianni, a film very reminiscent flawless. I would just like to have a of this one. Both men have fantasy little characterization. Dwayne Johnson sequences of the women in the past and is pretty close to his The Rock persona, present of their lives. Both men also too bad. He has become a good actor; have fantasy sequences of the men they try “Snitch” sometime. Bruce Willis work with, trying to get things done. (In gives the standard Bruce Willis action one of Coppola’s fantasies, Bill Murray performance with only one funny line is laughable, dressed as John Wayne in this film. He usually gets more than from “The Searchers” about to attack that. The other actors hit their marks an Indian village. This village is full of every time. half-naked lovely squaws, not John Ford’s ••• Comanches led by the bloodthirsty Scar.)

J

HOME FURNISHINGS AND SLEEP CENTER

Your only local Comfort Studio

We’re family-owned, locally- owned and we’re here to stay!

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

Mastroianni played his role as a mature man. He felt pain; he felt bewildered. He understood that the women sometimes knew him better than he knew himself, and Fellini made you believe that they did, too. Charlie Sheen plays it as his TV character from “Two and a Half Men.” He always has a knowing grin on his face. A man can’t be desperate about losing the woman he alleges to love and drive around in late 1970s-looking L. A.

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

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

Clatskanie

Castle Rock

Karaoke.

503-556-8323.

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

10am to close.

New ownership. 503-728-3702.

Goble Tavern 70255 Columbia River Hwy. (Milepost 31, Hwy. 30) Food, beer & wine + full bar, Live music. 503-556-4090 See ad page 25.

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

503-556-9935. See ad, page 11.

Lucky Town Restaurant

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

Unforgettable scones, On-theGo Breakfast & Lunch.

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

503-728-4222

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

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

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

M-Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm 503-728-2922.

Luigi’s Pizza 117 East 1st Street 503-556-4213 Pizza, spaghetti, burgers, beer & wine. See ad, page 11.

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 640 E. Columbia River Hwy Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials.Sports bar.

M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017

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

El Tapatio 117 West “A” Street, Rainier Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar. Karaoke Fri & Sat 9pm–2am Riverview dining. Sun-Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri-Sat 11–11, Bar til 2am. See ad, page 36.

Links on the Corner

COLUMBIA RIVER

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

Bar: 7am–12pm, 2am weekends.

Restaurant: 6am–10pm; Sun 7am–9am 503-728-4122 See ad, page 28.

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

360-575-8090 See ad, page 10.

Cassava

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

Country Folks Deli 1329 Commerce Ave., Longview. Opens at 10 for lunch. 360-425-2837

The Bistro Restaurant & Wine Club

1329 Commerce Ave., Longview (alley entrance).

Fine dining, happy hour specials. wine tastings.

Wed-Sat opens 5pm.

See ad page 22.

30 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

dining guide

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

BBQ meat slow-cooked on site.

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

See ad page 10.

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

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

See ad page 18.

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

360-425-9900. See ad page 10.

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

9:30am–6pm. 360-636-4558.

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

Fish & chips, burgers and more.

Beer and wine.

Morenita Tacos

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

Mon-Sat 11:30am9pm; Sun 11:30am–6pm.

360-425-1838

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

360-636-1616

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

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

360-425-5816 See ad page 25.

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

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

Kelso Azteca Mexican Restaurant 420 Three Rivers Mall Dr., Kelso. 360-577-9087. Sun–Th 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm.

Try the wonders of our premier Mexican cuisine. Full bar. See ad, page 21.

Lexington 3 miles north of Kelso on West Side Hwy, or take I-5 Exit 42, turn left (south) after crossing Cowlitz River.

Lexi’s Pizza Pub 1613 West Side Hwy 360-575-1960 Classic & specialty pizzas, fish & chips, outdoor seating, lounge, live music every Friday, TVs, jukebox. M-Tues 2–9pm, W-Sat 2–10pm, Sun 3–9pm.

Ernesto’s Espresso & Deli 1626 West Side Hwy 360-353-3507.

Specialty sandwiches, breakfast, build-your-own sandwich, homemade soups, desserts, smoothies, espresso, Italian sodas.

Open Fri 6am, Sat-Sun 7am.

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

Clam chowder every Friday.

Parker’s Restaurant & Brewery 1300 Mt. St. Helens Way Exit 49 off I-5. 360-967-2333 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Home of the Rockin’ Burgers, handcut steak; seafood and pasta.

Restaurant 8am–9pm (‘til 10pm Fri & Sat); Lounge 11am– midnight.

Scappoose Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

Family style with unique pizza offerings, hot grill items & more!

“Best pizza around!”

M–Th, Sat11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm.

Full bar service ‘til 11pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose.

503-543-5100

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant

33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm.

503-543-3017

Mark’s on the Channel floating restaurant.

34326 Johnson Landing Rd. McCutty’s Marina, South Scappoose. 503-543-8765.

Live music Sat nights. Full bar.

See ad, page 5.

St. Helens Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

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

Beer & wine. See ad, page 12.

Bertucci’s

2017 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Mon–Fri 9–5; Sat 10–4.

Breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, espresso, chocolates.

See ad, page 12.

El Tapatio 2105 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens Authentic Jalisco cuisine from scratch. Full bar.

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

Get High-Speed Internet

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

Easy to Order Call for a FREE Site Survey

Call Today!

360 414-5990 www.cni.net

Lower Columbia Pathologists The Best Care Is Local Care

At times, it may seem like you have no control over what medical provider you are referred to or what distance you must travel to receive care.

But you have the right to decide where you will receive pathology, clinical lab and other medical services within a 30-mile radius of your home. This is guaranteed by Washington State law.

Helen H. Kim, MD

Morrill T. Moorehead, MD

If your insurance provider schedules you with a physician in Portland or Vancouver, you are not obligated to make this trip if comparable care is available locally.

sponsoring youth, high school, college and semi-pro sports teams; contributing to theatre projects, bike parks, and wildlife efforts; supporting programs for high school scholars and athletes; and much more.

Lower Columbia Pathologists and many other area service providers have been solid contributors to the quality of life in our community for many years,

Educate yourself and make your own decisions about what is best for you, your family, and your community.

Sheila Lynam, MD

Hasan G. Osman, MD

Robert E. Sandstrom, MD

William Elton, MD

Laila A. Naqib-Osman, MD

Michael Wang, MD

Northwest Medical Analytic Laboratory Pacific Surgical Institute 625 9th Avenue, Suite 210 Longview, WA 98632 360.442.7931

Proud sponsors of the Cowlitz Black Bears

Main Laboratory 720 14th Avenue Longview, WA 98632 360.425.7915 Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 31

Antiques Collectibles Gift Baskets Fresh Flowers We Deliver!

One-of-a-kind gifts for Mom 1414 Commerce Avenue • Longview, Washington www.BandasBouquets.com • 360-577-3824

Let Kent keep you rollin’!

Fair rates • Honest work

KENT’S CUSTOM DIESEL, INC

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

the LowerColumbia

Informer

By Perry Piper

S

European reflections

tepping aboard the Condor flight in Frankfurt to return home, I reflected about the incredible adventure we had just completed, but not before getting a few pounds of chocolate at the airport!

I t ’s a m a z i n g h o w m a n y warnings and horror stories braced us for a dangerous or theft-ridden Europe. Really, The beautiful lake in Bled, Slovenia. though, I ran through the large blank stares. And Americans consider historic cities, many times this such a taboo, it’s really quite alone, while seeing a few bars before silly! When I questioned my German trekking back home to the hostel. acquaintances about this, they agreed Never once did I feel threatened, it was normal and were surprised when watched, looked at in a strange way I told them how friendly people were or afraid of imminent attack for my in the southern United States. money. Europeans are actually more shy than Americans! The only funny Baptized and born again thing I will say is that Germans do a I feel as if I’ve been baptized in great deal of staring. Not in a foul or adventure and born again as a selfhumorous way — just emotionless, embodied Lewis and Clark. Before

You’re

INVITED Up to

50% OFF Carpet, Vinyl, Linoleum, Tile & Hardwood Help celebrate our

47th Anniversary!

Hours: 9–5:30 pm Sat 9–4pm

your partner for success 105 B. Street West Rainier, OR Phone: 503-556-0171 Toll Free: 800-886-0171 WA LIC. COLUMR529 LQN, OR: 145 www.Carpetone.com 32 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

the trip, I was incredibly frugal with my money and would worry about wasting $20 to drive to Portland for a quick “Hello” to friends. I thought I was “saving money,” when in reality I was being overly conservative and passing up good times or new experiences.

Diva Nation

the freedom of discovering your own sexuality, the use of rape as an act of war in the Balkans, and an ongoing discussion of each woman’s unique personality, as different voices declare what their vagina would wear.

Though much lighter in content than The Vagina Monologues, Diva Nation shares its format of short pieces in a collage that allows most any audience member a way to empathize with at least one character. Likewise, The Bitchin’ Babes’ focus on women’s lives, women’s issues, and women’s friendships affirms that these stories matter, drawing on the proposition made by feminist theatres since the 1970s that telling women’s stories can change the world.

Our trip was less expensive than expected Now I want to tell everyone about it, without coming off as some crazed pyramid schemer. I find myself more willing to travel by car, train or plane now that I’m home and if an event is “further than Portland,” I’ll now make the trip and not complain about how much gas I’m using or shekels I’ll have to allocate away from smoothies for a month. We all have budgets, but we live a life full of experiences, too. It’s okay to splurge in small bursts while saving money for the future.

Still, the Bitchin’ Babes focus on fun anecdotes and change-of-life reflections in a way that aligns their work with Menopause The Musical and the whole set life-cycle musicals cycling through the commercial theatre circuit since the late 1990s. Harmonizing about the extraordinary and ordinary embarrassing and wonderful phases of motherhood, divorce, menopause, or marriage, these shows present lively rewrites of popular songs, a thin story, and a lot of affirmation. Where the Bitchin’ Babes clearly leave these shows in the dust is that they write their own music. Their cabaret, stand up comedy, folk music concert format also removes the need to construct an artificial plot and allows each vignette to emerge delightfully. Some of the vignettes are hysterical, some are emotional, and some are satirical.

After dreaming about cities like Prague, it wasn’t any one place I fell in love with, but traveling itself. A building, no matter how old, is still just a building.

Speaking with a person who grew up in a different place from you, now that’s where the magic happens. My traveling companion, David Thorson, and I spoke to so many travelers and witnessed a plethora of different cultures that I think we returned home with very different impressions of our own country.

Standing in the line for customs reentering the US was incredible The guards encouraged us to cut in front of foreigners for a quick, 5-minute passthrough, while one German woman I spoke with reported a two-hour wait time! Contrasting the ease with which Americans enter Europe with the lengthy screening European Union members endure makes you realize how incredibly security-conscious the United States is.

cont from page 33

Photos, clockwise from top left: Snow buildup outside the chocolate museum in Hamburg; Roman street magicians collect big tips all day; Vatican Museum sculpture, or as I like to say, the alien fusion reactor Vatican scientists reverse-engineered to maintain the force field around the city; a street accordion player sets the mood in Hamburg; I don’t think this Vatican exit complies with safety and fire regulations; a typical canal seen in Venice. Photos by Perry Piper

The Columbia theatre’s motto for this season is “just pure fun.” The Bitchin’ Babes are fun, and serious, and beautiful singers, so they are the best type of fun and the best type of divas.

The fun and the skill of the performance makes an audience into a “nation” of people of who’ve shared something and are changed as a result: a Diva Nation.

•••

I feel like I could safely lie naked on a West Coast beach, reading the newspaper about North Korea’s impending missile attacks and chuckling merrily.

My European tour has changed me for the better and given me experiences I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to get on the next plane...

•••

Perry Piper lives in Longview and works as CRR’s production manager and technical consultant (see ad, page 22) Columbia River Reader / April 15 – May 14, 2013 / 33

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

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

M e d a ! y o o c n i a C t ies

F

Celebrate with us All day May 5th!

Live music from 9:00 pm to 1 : 30 am

chi LIVE Maria pm BAND • 5–9 out!

Don’t miss

ors • Party Fav ls ia c e p S k Drin

Our Rainier Staff 117 West “A” St (503) 556-8323

Our beautiful outdoor patio ...

What a view!

We have the best customer service anywhere!

Outdoor Din ing (weather p ermiting)

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant

Open 7 days Video/Lotto Sun - Th • 11 am - 10 pm • Fri - Sat • 11 am - 11 pm Games available Authentic Jalisco Cuisine Lounge • 11 am - 2 am with Karaoke

Smoking on the Patio 36 /April 15 – May 14, 2013 / Columbia River Reader

No Cans in Our Kitchen • Everything Fresh from Scratch Many Flavors of Margueritas • Catering Available—up to 50 people