CRR Aug 2017

E N R D E IP I TO U S S WON D US RO N G I L S Z U R M E Z M I S

CRREADER.COM • August 15 – September 14, 2017 • COMPLIMENTARY Helping you discover and enjoy the good life in the Columbia River region at home and on the road

page 30

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

2 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

I

hope you’re having a wonderful summer, full of surprises and joy. I am — so much, in fact, I’ve almost been wondering if I’ve died and gone to heaven. Imagine my thrill to attend my umpteenth Neil Diamond concert, make it to my 50th High School Class Reunion, and experience a total solar eclipse — all in the space of one month!

Sue’s Views

When they finished gazing adoringly at each other and slithered away from their table, I leaned over and snatched their empty wine bottle, to save for what purpose I still cannot say.

A souvenir, of sorts, I guess. Maybe the tropical sun made me more susceptible to being star-struck.

By pure serendipity I learned Neil Diamond was doing a 50th Anniversary tour this summer. As his #1 fan, I was shocked no one from his organization had bothered to notify me. Do they not realize who I am??

I only found out in conjunction with Patrick Kubin’s story, while searching the Internet for shows to list in the “If You Go” sidebar alongside (see “Still Rockin’,” page 14).

After stumbling upon the news that Neil Diamond would be in Portland July 28 — and recovering from my fainting spell — I lucked out and got tickets on very short notice. Thank you, Pat!

The sun, the moon, Rod Stewart and serendipity

I also learned that Rod Stewart is currently on tour and will be performing in Las Vegas. This made me wonder… could I possibly handle one more exciting event? I’ve always liked Rod Stewart’s persona and music. His “Maggie May” takes me back, much like Neil Diamond’s “Cracklin’ Rosie.”

Years ago, Ned and I visited the Kapalua Resort on Maui, then a rather secluded and very swanky place. It was a business trip (for Ned, then a life insurance agent) and we weren’t on our own nickel, or we might have been staying at Howard Johnson’s instead.

Publisher/Editor: Susan P. Piper Columnists and contributors: Tracy Beard Dr. Bob Blackwood Karla C. Dudley Brooke Hendrickson Patrick Kubin Michael Perry Ned Piper Perry Piper Marc Roland Alan Rose Jay Ryan Alice Slusher Greg Smith Gordon Sondker

ON THE COVER “Vintage Cocktail Party,” © dalinas-fotolia

Cover Design by

Production Manager/Photographer: Perry E. Piper Editorial/Proofreading Assistants: Merrilee Bauman Lois Sturdivant Michael Perry Marilyn Perry

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

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

Advertising Manager: Ned Piper, 360-749-2632

Reader submission guidelines: See page 26.

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Subscriptions $28 per year inside U.S. (plus $2.34 sales tax for subscriptions mailed to Washington addresses).

At dinner one evening we were seated at the table right next to Rod Stewart and his blonde, Barbie doll-like companion. Think “The Girl from Ipanema.” She and Rod shared a bottle of wine, although she probably wasn’t old enough to drink.

CRREADER.COM Visit our website for access the current issue and the archive of past Columbia River Reader issues (from January 2013),

When it was time to pack up and fly home a few days later, I stood holding the empty wine bottle and staring at my open, brim-full suitcase. The sensible inner voice of my future self said: “Really? Really?? Susan: Get a grip.” I put the bottle in the trash. (I must note, however, that if I’d ever picked up Neil Diamond’s empty wine bottle, I would still own it.)

At his recent concert, Neil sang my favorite of all his songs, which I had never before heard him sing live.

ECLIPSE WATCH I hope everyone enjoys the eclipse. Viewed from Longview, the first contact by the moon occurs at 9:06am, with maximum obscuration (97.33%) at 10:19am. Use proper eye protection at all times during the partial eclipse (see page 29). Eclipse food ideas, page 13; Eclipse events, page 17.

About mortality, it’s called “Done Too Soon,” which might be one reason I’ve been thinking I’m maybe in heaven.

Was he singing it just for me?

The song starts out loud and raucous, naming famous people one by one, then abruptly slows to a lovely, gentle soft ending: “...and each one there does one thing share...they sweated beneath the same sun... looked up in wonder at the same moon...and wept when it was all done, for bein’ done too soon.”

I just hope none of us are done yet.

At least not until after the eclipse, when we can gaze at the sun and moon simultaneously. May the rest of this sizzling summer be filled with serendipity and wonder for us all.

Sue Piper

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

In this Issue

4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19 22 24 26-27 28 28 29 30 32 33 34 34 36

Letters to the Editor Dispatch from the Discovery Trail Besides CRR...What Are You Reading?

Cover to Cover ~ Bestsellers List / Book Review Biz Buzz Northwest Wines ~ Is It Drinkable?

Miss Manners Eclipse Food My Slant: Still Rockin’ The Vietnam War: New Ken Burns Documentary Out & About: Eclipse Events / Highlander Festival Out & About: Dreamy Days in Cambria End-of-Summer Quick Camping Getaway Dr. Blackwood on Movies: Two Very Different Films Outings & Events Calendar /Farmers Markets Listing Lower Columbia Informer ~Dreams on the Davenport Quips & Quotes Astronomy ~ Mind Your Eyes / Get Thee to the Path Columbia River Dining Guide Master Gardener ~ Your Trees Need a Drink!

Where Do You Read the Reader?

The Spectator ~ What’s New in Our World What’s Up Under the Bridge?

Generation Eclipse Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 3

Letters to the Editor Memories of the Hotel Monticello I am a faithful fan of the Reader and I look forward to each new edition.

After reading the article on the Hotel (Monticello) remodel, I thought I’d share with you my first visit to the Hotel.

It was the Fall of 1956 and I was a senior at Rainier (High School). At that time the bridge toll was $1 both ways. In 1956, that was a lot of money and we didn’t go to Longview very often. When a bunch of us kids decided to spend the evening in Longview, we pooled our money to pay bridge toll.

At that time LCC had a football team.

My brother, Bert, was going to school at OTI (now called OIT) in Klamath Falls and he played football. They were scheduled to play LCC in Longview, so we made the trip over to go to the game.

The game was played at R.A. Long, and the temperature hovered at 10ºF. We put on all the clothes we could, but it was so cold! The football players wore gloves, but I don’t think it helped much. They didn’t have hand warmers at that time...

After the game, we went to the Hotel, where the team was staying, to see my brother. My experiences in life were pretty limited at that time, and the Hotel lobby was luxurious and elegant. I’m sure I was standing there gawking with my mouth hanging open.

The thing I remember most were the beautiful paintings. I hope some have survived and they will be used in the renovation.

Dawn Dilley Fowler Clatskanie, Oregon Editor’s note: Indications are that the Joseph Knowles paintings depicting the early years of the settlement of Western North America are to remain in place in the Hotel lobby.

Media asleep at the wheel You are to be commended for being diligent and proactive early on, but the rest of America has only just woken up to the eclipse story and is consuming all inventories of shades. I saw an article that one of the top makers printed 37 million in advance, based on orders, only enough for about 10% of the American population. This compares to 137 million novelty glasses for a recent Super Bowl promo. Says a lot about the vacuousness and skewed priorities of the American public, when an annual sports event gets better billing than a true natural wonder.

Sadly, most people will do without, and this situation could have been avoided with advance promotion.

The media COMPLETELY dropped the ball in reporting this eclipse... and suddenly in the last two weeks it’s exploded, as soon as the media decides to start reporting the story. This eclipse required careful advanced promotion, including PBS specials to educate the public. Nada, no such thing, complete dead air until mid-July.

Jay Ryan Cleveland, Ohio Editor’s note: Jay Ryan is the astronomical educator/cartoonist whose work has appeared as half-page features in CRR each month since Sept. 2016 (see page 36). Mr. Ryan has worked to educate the public about the coming eclipse and promote full engagement in and enjoyment of this woundrous event. Visit americaneclipseusa.com.

CRR ordered 250 eclipse glasses in April 2017, followed by four subsequent orders totaling 1,400 pair of the shades, and we are now sold out of the glasses; they may still be available at other outlets, such as Fred Meyer and Lowe’s. See page 29 for directions to make a safe viewer.

CRR interesting/informative The day the July Eclipse issue of the Columbia River Reader hit the newsstand I started out of town heading for PDX to fly to Phoenix...I picked up a couple of copies to take with me to share with my southwestern friends. I especially enjoyed “Sue’s Views” of her past Black Sea cruise eclipse experience of August 1999 and her travel notes on the Black Sea, August 11, 1999.

Additional interesting stories were “Get thee to the path!” and “The eclipse cometh!” with the map of the eclipse path, by columnists Dan McGlaun and Greg Smith, respectively. Another good read was the column “The Spectator,”

by Ned Piper, long a favorite column of mine. Ned’s eclipse expectations and memories and description of the USPS Solar Eclipse Forever stamp... were well received with my friends. None had heard of the Solar Eclipse stamp prior to reading about the stamp in the CRR. Driving home, we had the opportunity of staying in the eclipse path of central Oregon. Most locals are excited about the influx of visitors to Oregon giving their economy a lift and the excitement of having the eclipse in their backyard.

Others were apprehensive and fearful that the crowds would be rowdy, trespass, litter and damage their property, and be an expensive law enforcement burden for the taxpayers to bear.

Governor Brown is calling up the National Guard to help law enforcement with policing and crowd control, which is a welcomed relief for locals living in

4 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

the path. For myself, I will not “get me to the path” for the eclipse but I have my eclipse glasses from the CRR which I will be wearing on August 21, 2017, in Cathlamet during the eclipse to see what I can see!

Other exceptional articles of interest to my wife Rose and me were “The Bloom is On in Castle Rock” and the Fort Vancouver article ...We took a trip to Castle Rock to see the blooms and beautiful hanging baskets that line the streets. It had been many years since we had visited Castle Rock and we marveled at how quaint, clean, and beautiful the little city is. While in

Castle Rock we discovered the “River Front Walk” which is a beautiful paved walking trail along the Cowlitz River.

It was a wonderful place for both of us to walk with our lab, Berkeley...

In the 20-plus years we have lived in Southwest Washington, we have never visited historic Fort Vancouver. A visit there soon is now planned. Reading Tracy Beard’s article and viewing her pictures have made the Fort and area a “must go and see” destination!

Thank you, CRR staff for your very interesting and informative publication!

Bob Rendler Cathlamet, Wash.

Lewis & Clark Lewis and Clark’s Corps of discovery returned to St. Louis on September 23, 1806, officially ending their 28-month exploration of the west.

Located on the Missouri shore of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, the Gateway arch (above) is an elegant monument to the westward expansion that followed. The 630foot tall stainless steel arch, finished in 1975, cost about $13 million to build and was opened to the public on July 24, 1967.

The Home Stretch

L

ast month’s column told about the accidental shooting of Captain Lewis by one of his own men on August 11, 1806. A day later, with Lewis lying on his stomach in the bottom of a canoe, his party caught up with Captain Clark in western North Dakota. It had been five weeks since the Corps of Discovery split up after crossing the Rocky Mountains, and the entire party was together once again and anxious to get to St. Louis.

Back at Fort Mandan

Two days later, they arrived at Fort Mandan, where they had spent the winter of 1804. Clark wrote, “Those people were extreamly pleased to See us.” Sadly, their fort had burned while they were gone. Before starting the journey in 1803, President We are pleased to present Jefferson told Lewis to bring some Installment 27 of Michael Perry’s Indians with him when he returned to popular 33-month series which began with CRR’s April 15, Washington, D.C. Lewis convinced Big 2004 inaugural issue. During White, a Mandan chief, to make the trip the 2004-2007 Bicentennial with his family and a French fur trapper, Commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, each who would serve as an interpreter. installment covered their travels 200 years prior. We are repeating the series for the enjoyment of both longtime and more recent readers. To find prior installments visit crreader.com Click “Features,” then “Archives.”

Checking out Early

Private John Colter requested a discharge so he could join a couple of fur trappers who were heading up the Missouri.

Colter had no desire to return to a “lonely” life in the civilized world. The

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captains agreed and, as Sgt. Ordway wrote in his journal, “Settled with him and fitted him out with powder lead and a great number of articles which completed him for a trapping voyage of two years.”

Colter would soon discover the geysers and steam vents that would become Yellowstone National Park – but when people heard what he had seen, they thought he was crazy.

Goodbye to Sacajawea

At Fort Mandan, Clark wrote, “we took our leave of Touisant Charbono, his Snake Indian wife and their child, who had accompanied us on our rout to the pacific ocean in the capacity of interpreter and interpretess.” Charbonneau was given a voucher for $500.33 for his services, but Sacajawea cont page 8

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Looking for Captain Merry

E

ven though Spain had officially given the Louisiana Territory back to France in 1800, and France sold the land to the United States in 1803, Spanish officials were not at all happy when they learned about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Two months before the Corps set out from St. Louis in 1804, the Spanish military governor of Louisiana had given orders to arrest “Mr. Merry Weather Lewis, Captain of the Army of the United States.”

Four different Spanish expeditions set out from Santa Fe in search of the Americans over a two year period. The first, in August 1804, made it to the Platte River in central Nebraska, but Lewis was already well north of there. A second effort in October 1805 ended almost as soon as it began when Indians attacked. In April 1806, a third effort failed due to mass desertions.

The final Spanish expedition set out in the summer of 1806, just as the Corps was heading down the Missouri from Fort Mandan. This time there were 105 Spanish soldiers, 400 New Mexico milita men, and 100 Indians. By September 1st, they had made it to a Pawnee village on the Republican River in south-central Nebraska.

If they had continued on for another week, they most likely would have met the Corps of Discovery at the junction of the Missouri and Platte Rivers. The Pawnees objected to the Spanish expedition; rather than push the issue, the Spaniards turned around and went back to Santa Fe. Who knows how the Lewis and Clark story might have ended if the Pawnees had let the Spanish forces pass.

Michael Perry enjoys local history and travel. His popular 33-installment Lewis & Clark series appeared in CRR’s early years and began an “encore” appearance in July 2015.

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Albom has created a fictional character (Freddie Presto) but has set his story in actual historic events (from war-torn Spain to Woodstock) and incorporates real musicians (with their permission when possible) as part of the story.

Musical greats like Wynton Marsalis, Lyle Lovett, Duke Ellington and even Paul Stanley from KISS have Karla Dudley Bell is a longtime local p i a n o t e a c h e r, community volunteer, animal lover and outdoorswoman. See her story on a recent visit to White Pass Campground (page 22).

encounters with Freddie.

He has also used real musical references and there is now a soundtrack available. How interesting that there is actually a soundtrack recording for a book! It is a book about the power of music, but even more about the power of the human spirit — a kind of musical Forrest Gump story.

And, perhaps, the best part for me is that music is the narrator or “voice” of the story.

Music introduces us to Frankie at the beginning of the book: “I was there when Frankie was born but I am on loan and not a possession. When Frankie is gone I will gather up his talent and spread it on other newborn souls who reach out to me and I will do the same with yours one day. There is a reason you first glance up when you hear a melody or tap your foot when you hear the beat of a drum.

All humans are musical. Why else would the Lord give you a beating heart?”

This is an epic story of one man, the greatest guitar player who ever lived, and the six lives he changed with his six magic strings. It takes the reader from classical guitar music to Elvis Presley and travels from a convent to Nashville to Carnegie Hall. There are references to musical terms but they are there mainly to help move the story along.

FIND Albom is a lifelong musician JAN MARINI and his passion for music is evident on every page.

SKIN CARE His main message is that PRODUCTS “everyone joins a band in AT ESTETICA this life” and that most of us have several “bands” we make music with.

•••

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If you’ve read a good book lately and would like to be mini-interviewed by CRR Book Reviewer Alan Rose for a future “What Are You Reading?” spotlight, please contact him at alan@alan-rose.com or contact the publisher/ editor at publisher@ crreader.com.

Cover to Cover Brought to you by Book Sense and Pacific Northwest Booksellers Assn, for week ending July 30, 2017, 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

Top 10 Bestsellers PAPERBACK FICTION 1. All the Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr, Scribner, $17 2. Homegoing Yaa Gyasi, Vintage, $16 3. A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman, Washington Square Press, $16 4. Ready Player One Ernest Cline, Broadway, $16 5. The Nightingale Kristin Hannah, St. Martin’s Griffin, $16.99 6. Milk and Honey Rupi Kaur, Andrews McMeel, $14.99 7. Commonwealth Ann Patchett, Harper Perennial, $16.99 8. The Handmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood, Anchor, $15.95 9. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry Fredrik Backman, Washington Square Press, $16 10. The Woman in Cabin 10 Ruth Ware, Gallery/Scout Press, $16

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1. The Late Show Michael Connelly, Little Brown, $28 2. A Gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles, Viking, $27 3. Norse Mythology Neil Gaiman, Norton, $25.95 4. Magpie Murders Anthony Horowitz, Harper, $27.99 5. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness Arundhati Roy, Knopf, $28.95 6. The Underground Railroad Colson Whitehead, Doubleday, $26.95 7. Camino Island John Grisham, Doubleday, $28.95 8. Into the Water Paula Hawkins, Riverhead, $2 9. Meddling Kids Edgar Cantero, Doubleday, $26.95 10. Paradise Valley C.J. Box, Minotaur, $27.99

1. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry Neil deGrasse Tyson, Norton, $18.95 2. You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me Sherman Alexie, Little Brown, $28 3. Al Franken, Giant of the Senate Al Franken, Twelve, $28 4. Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) David Sedaris, Little Brown, $28 5. Hillbilly Elegy J.D. Vance, Harper, $27.99 6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck Mark Manson, HarperOne, $24.99 7. Devil’s Bargain Joshua Green, Penguin Press, $27 8. The Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben, Greystone Books, $24.95 9. The Book of Joy The Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Avery, $26 10. Born a Crime Trevor Noah, Spiegel & Grau, $28

BOOK REVIEW

By Alan Rose The Novel of the Century: The Extraordinary Adventure of Les Miserables

By David Bellos

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Farrrar, Straus and Giroux $27

he century is the nineteenth, and the “novel of the century” is Victor Hugo’s Les Misèrables.

Even if you haven’t read this gargantuan work (at 1,500 pages, it makes Moby Dick look like a quick read,) you have probably seen one of its many film, stage, or TV adaptations, or the hugely popular musical, “Les Mis.” One might wonder at other contenders for the title of Novel of the Century: say, War and Peace (1863-1868,) The Brothers Karamazov (18791880,) or even more provincial, less

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Writing to change the way we see the world epical works like Madame Bovary (1857,) Middlemarch (1871-72) and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885.)

Or maybe one of the novels by that Dickens fellow. But it is the story of Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister and her children, that remains for many the seminal epic of social injustice and misères.

Victor Hugo, admired as the greatest writer of his day and already famous for his poetry, dramas, and historical novel, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, published his masterpiece in 1862.

He was one of the most progressive thinkers of his age, opposing the death penalty and advocating for child labor laws, and active in the turbulent politics of his times as a true republican. He also traveled openly with his wife and his mistress (Oh, those French!)

For writers like Hugo, what’s important is that their writing makes a difference. Maybe changes minds and the way people see the world —

Alan Rose, author of The Legacy of Emily Hargraves, Tales of Tokyo, and The Unforgiven, organizes the monthly WordFest events and hosts the KLTV program “Book Chat.” For other book reviews, author interviews, and notes on writing and reading, visit www.alan-rose.com.

Valjean does not represent directly any particular political or religious position. What he models is the potential that the poorest and most wretched have to become worthy citizens. His repeated victories over physical, moral and emotional obstacles make him a hero, of course, but they also assert, against the attitudes prevalent at the time, that moral progress is possible for all…It is not a reassuring tale of the triumph of good over evil, but a demonstration of how hard it is to be good. ~ from The Novel of the Century

stamps to “the poor” in the abstract; much harder when you see the actual child and the single mother working two part-time jobs who you’re denying food stamps to.

What’s amazing is that 155 years after Les Miserables was published, many of the same attitudes toward the poor operate in our society today: that they are lazy, they are criminals, they are irredeemable. Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and I suppose, so will such attitudes toward them.

May there always be a Victor Hugo to remind us that the poor have human faces.

•••

Not an easy task since most of us prefer our world views corroborated rather than changed.

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the poor were considered not as products of their circumstances, but as a separate criminal class. Hugo, like Dickens across the Channel, put a human face to the poor. Fantine the prostitute, Cosette the orphan, Valjean the convict, all became sympathetic characters with whom the reader could identify and care about. It’s much easier to deny food

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Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 7

Lewis & Clark

from page 5

received nothing. Clark “offered to take his little son, a butifull promising child who is about 19 months old” to raise and provide the best education available. Clark wrote, “They observed that in one year the boy would be Sufficiently old to leave his mother… if I would be so friendly as to raise the child in Such manner as I thought proper, to which I agreed.” However, it wasn’t until 1811, after Charbonneau went

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to St. Louis to redeem his voucher, that he and Sacajawea left Pomp with Clark.

It’s Downhill all the Way

St. Louis was 1,500 miles downriver from Fort Mandan. On August 20th, Clark wrote they traveled “only” 81 miles that day; in 1804 while rowing upstream, they were lucky to travel a tenth that distance in a day. On August 29th, Clark reported seeing a herd of at least 20,000 buffalo. Meat was once again plentiful and, with wild fruit such as pawpaws found along the river, everyone had enough to eat.

Breaking News

The party passed by several Indian villages and met dozens of trappers and traders heading upstream. They stopped to exchange information about what was upstream for news from the United States. They learned that Jefferson had been re-elected president, Aaron Burr had killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804, that war had been declared, waged, and won against Tripoli, that relations with England and Spain were strained and war seemed possible.

They also learned the Spanish army

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had been looking for them the last two years, and that many people thought they had been captured. “We had been long Since given up by the people of the U.S. and almost forgotton.” But, Clark was told, “the President of the U. States had yet hopes for us.”

On September 4th, the men stopped at the grave of Sgt. Floyd who died of a burst appendix on the journey up the Missouri in 1804. They discovered the grave had been opened by Indians, so they refilled it.

The Bar is Open!

On September 6th they met another trading party and Captain Clark bought a gallon of whiskey, “the first Spititous licquor which had been tasted by any of them Since the 4 of July 1805” at Great Falls, Montana. Some of the men traded to get linen shirts to replace their buckskin clothing. A few days later, Lewis had healed enough to walk with ease and could even run a little.

Another group of traders told Lewis that Jefferson had sent out two more expeditions to explore the Louisiana Purchase: Zebulon Pike explored the Rockies in what is now Colorado, and the Freeman-Custis expedition went up the Arkansas and Red Rivers. They also learned that the Arikara chief who had gone to visit President Jefferson in 1805 had died in Washington, D.C. Stuart Anderson’s Ranch?

On September 20th, the men let out a cheer when they saw cattle in a field – a sure sign they were approaching civilization. Clark wrote that the men. “Sprung upon their ores” as they approached a village, and fired a salute that was answered by boats at the dock. “Every person, both French and Americans, Seem to express great pleasure at our return, and acknowledged themselves much astonished in Seeing us return. They informed us that we were Supposed to have been long lost Since.”

A day later they arrived in St. Charles and again were greeted by people who

were surprised to see them alive. The men saw women walking along the river and with “great dexterity” they rowed to shore for a closer view of the first white women they had seen in 28 months.

Home at Last

After traveling 8,000 miles in 28 months, they arrived back in St. Louis on September 23rd. A messenger from St. Charles had informed the thousand citizens of St. Louis that the Corps of Discovery was coming. The men “Fired three Rounds as we approached” and “The people gathered on the Shore and Hizzared three cheers.” After landing, Lewis immediately asked when the next mail dispatch was scheduled and learned it had already left. He sent a messenger to hold the mail until the next day so he could write a letter to President Jefferson.

Dear Tom…

Lewis spent most of the night writing.

He opened his long letter by saying, “It is with pleasure that I announce to you the safe arrival of myself and party at 12 OClk. today… In obedience to your orders we have penetrated the Continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean… and sufficiently explored the interior of the country to affirm with confidence that we have discovered the most practicable rout which dose exist across the continent by means of the navigable branches of the Misouri and Columbia Rivers.” He went on to explain that there was no all-water route; Jefferson’s vision of a Northwest Passage had been put to rest. It would take a full month for his letter to reach Jefferson.

The men had succeeded in their mission and the expedition was over.

There was still a lot of work to be done to study all the information and all the plant, animal, and geological samples they brought back. And, there would be a book to write.

••• Next month’s column will cover what happened when they returned.

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Biz Buzz What’s Happening Around the River Biz Buzz notes news in local business and professional circles. As space allows, we will include news of innovations, improvements, new ventures and significant employee milestones of interest to readers.

Please email publisher@crreader.com to share the local buzz.

Rotary Club of Kelso recently inducted board members and new officers: Marilyn Young Skogland, president; Andy Hamilton, president-elect; Julie Rinard, vice president; Camela Sutton, secretary; and Janet Cole, treasurer.

John McMeekan, Lisa Nathan and Cliff Rubert were elected to the board and Lisa Straughan continues to serve on the board as immediate past president.

“My favorite project this year was the upgrades to the Catlin Rotary Spray Park,” Straughan said in a press release. The project required close collaboration with two Rotary clubs in Longview and the Kelso club. “It was great to come together with other Rotarians for our community and it was also good to meet other folks with similar interests in Cowlitz County. I joined Rotary for the professional relationships but it has become so much more than that for me. I gained friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Rotary Club of Kelso is well known for the annual Quacker 5000 raffle and their food wagon that travels around the community.

T h e s e activities generate funds for local scholarships, crime prevention, literacy projects, local youth projects, grants to local nonprofit organizations and international projects, such a polio eradication.

Incoming president Marilyn YoungSkogland said she had an “ahah!” moment while attending the district conference shortly after joining Rotary, realizing she had just joined an organization that was much more than a professional stepping stone.

“Ordinary business people — Rotarians from around the world — are tackling the crippling disease of polio, bringing wells to villages in South America, and

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Front row: Vickie Rhodes, treasurer. Second row: Valaree Squires, secretary, Morgan Wentworth, immediate past president, Third row: Teresa Wentworth, VP-education, Jim Jesska, president. Not pictured: Art Byman, VP-membership.

Encouraging Words Toastmasters recently installed club officers for 20172018. “I am proud to serve as president of Encouraging Words,” said Jim Jesska. “The club members are always there to nurture and encourage each other’s personal and professional growth. I invite anyone to come for a visit. It truly is the best hour of the week.” Since the club’s chartering in 1982, its members have acquired the skills and practical experience necessary to become better speakers, listeners, and leaders. The club meets each Thursday at 7pm at Canterbury Park in Longview. For more information or to get involved with Encouraging Words Toastmasters, please visit http://4777. toastmastersclubs.org/ dictionaries to every 4th grader in their hometowns by working together, she said in a press release. “Rotary Club of Kelso is a family of business folks who have been filling gaps and making a difference in this community for 95 years. It makes me smile to think about it!”

Peter Kung, of Longview Orthopedic Associates has been busy traveling and instructing his fellow orthopedic Dr. Peter Kung surgeons on the newest techniques and procedures. In June, Kung was in Naples, Florida, to teach at Arthrex’s Fellows Forum, a meeting that all graduating sports fellows in the United States are invited to attend. He was a lab instructor for minimally invasive arthroscopic shoulder procedures and for knee replacement procedures. He also gave four lectures, sat on four panels, and moderated a session. md,

“It’s an honor to be invited to instruct at this course,” Kung said. “These young surgeons are about to go out into the real world and treat their own patients.

If you can give them some pearls and pointers to help them treat those patients more effectively, it can really make a difference.”

In mid-June, Dr. Kung and Dr. Patrick Denard from Medford, Oregon, cochaired the inaugural Bend Way Meeting hosted in Bend by Steelhead Surgical, bringing together 20 Pacific Northwest surgeons to address controversial topics in shoulder and knee surgeries. Kung led the knee discussion while Dr. Denard addressed shoulder topics. In September, Dr. Kung will instruct at the annual arthroscopy bootcamp for orthopedic residents at Oregon Health Science University. He has also been invited to teach another course in Florida this fall.

“Treating patients is my passion and what I get the most enjoyment from,” Kung said, “but it is also rewarding to help educate surgeons who will go back to their communities and do a better job treating their own patients.”

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Roland on Wine

Worth putting a cork in it Drinkability makes a good wine I overheard my brother the other day talking to a customer at the winery and he was telling them that he thought our wine was very drinkable. A complement. His comment made me think about what does make a good wine. I think he nailed it — drinkability.

I read a lot of wine magazines in order to keep up on what’s happening in the wine world, but also to see what score the experts are giving to other Washington wine producers. I’ll have to admit, I have never heard a critic refer to a wine as “drinkable.” Why is this? I can only venture a guess.

It could be that it is just too simple of an explanation. People who make a living tasting wine feel obligated to look beyond whether a wine is just plain good. No one would pay them to say that the wine brings amazing pleasure and drinks well. Instead, they need to look beyond the surface and analyze its flavors and characteristics, thus displaying their vast knowledge of wine. I’m fine with that because wine is so complex and interesting, and I want to learn more about wine myself, but ultimately, I want to know if it’s any good to drink.

Let’s talk about the drinkability factor because there is a reason why wine is drinkable. I think we can say that a

drinkable wine is one that is in balance.

It shouldn’t be too sweet, too acidic, too tannic, too fruity, or too dry, or too flabby (lack of acid). It’s not that easy to achieve this balance because Mother Nature doesn’t always give us perfect grapes. Good winemakers can do a lot to fix balance issues by blending with other wine that has the missing element.

Some wineries try to achieve that balance too soon by using a plethora of additives that mimic natural processes that require time and skill. Ninety percent of all wine sold in the United States is consumed within 24 hours, so manufacturers have no incentive to make wine that is better than just acceptable, but in my book that doesn’t make it drinkable. They will find the easiest and cheapest way to make a wine taste better earlier, such as adding sugar or oak powder to simulate barrel aging. I agree that this manipulation can cover wine faults and make it taste better sooner, but I would argue that this doesn’t equate to drinkability.

So what are the signs of a drinkable wine? My bottom line test is: Do I want another glass? The answer is “No” if the wine doesn’t capture my attention somewhere in the drinking process.

Some may call a wine drinkable if it goes down smooth and doesn’t challenge your taste buds too much. Like mashed potatoes — I have to have something on them, even if it’s just butter. There has to be flavor.

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Another test would be when you get up the next day after enjoying wine, did you leave the remaining wine sitting on the bar or did you take the time to put the cork back in it? It’s hard to find a wine that is both drinkable and good.

Winemakers who chase awards or who are more focused on pleasing the most developed palettes tend to not factor in whether it will be approachable within a reasonable amount to time or if it will ever be drunk (many iconic producers know that their expensive wine may never be drunk). And if they do get opened too early, they may be a terrible disappointment.

I think the lesson here is that the cheapest wine may taste good at first, but fails to produce enjoyment after the first glass, and the most expensive wine may not be good for decades.

Where it gets sticky is in the middle where there are thousands of wines — some delicious, some not. Look for wines that are balanced but flavorful, wines that make you want to have another glass, and wines that continue to please your palette and don’t fade quickly after each sip.

••• Longview resident and former Kelso teacher Marc Roland started making wine in 2008 in his garage. He and his wife, Nancy, now operate Roland Wines at 1106 Florida Street, in Longview’s new “barrel district.” For wine tasting hours, call 360-8467304.

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Meet Washington State Poet Laureate at Art on the River

T

suga Gallery of Cathlamet, Wash., announces its first-ever Cathlamet Art Festival, “Art on the River,” set for September 15 and 16. The event will include music, demonstrations and an art walk.

Todd Marshall, Poet Laureate of Washington State, will headline local authors reading from their own work.

The Festival will open Friday night, Sept. 15, with a reception at the Tsuga Gallery and an open mic for artistic reminiscing, along with live music, snacks and beverages. Music at the historic Pioneer Church, the Cathlamet Hotel and the Julia Butler Hansen House Garden (weather permitting) will be scheduled on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Saturday will feature art vendors, demonstrations, an art walk and more music. The Festival will feature a two-hour workshop on poetry

by Poet Laureate Marshall, as well as workshops by Debbie Neely (print making), Dan Westlind (steampunk art), Debbi Littlefield (colored pencils) and Bob Kizziar (art appreciation).

Tsuga Gallery was formed in 2011 by benefactor Janet Cimino in a century-old building on Main Street of Cathlamet. Her goal was to bring artists and locals together in a community based art program. Tsuga Gallery aims to continue Cimino’s dream, bringing artwork to the Northwest. For more info about the Tsuga Gallery and the Cathlamet Art Festival, visit www.tsugagallery.org.

Fine art and crafts vendors can find application forms and information at www.tsugagallery.org or call the Tsuga Gallery at 360-795-0725.

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Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 11

Civilized Living

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One thing that always leaves me stumped is what beverages to have on hand. We don’t drink much except water, tea, wine and beer in our home, and those seem to suffice for casual guests. But for a dinner party or houseguests, are there certain beverages that are considered basic necessities of a civilized home?

Just as an example, we don’t drink coffee, but houseguests sometimes do.

Should I continue sending my dear husband to the corner cafe for the guests’ morning lattes, let them fend for themselves, or is it time to invest in a coffeepot (even though it would gather dust the rest of the year)?

And what to do about those quirky guests who only drink a certain brand of cherry-flavored diet soda, which could hardly have been predicted? It seems everyone has their must-have drink of choice. What are good hosts to do?

GENTLE READER: Their best.

Reasonable hosts should have basics on

While it is not your duty to maintain a full-fledged bar or packaged goods store, it is, however, gracious to take note of what your more regular guests prefer and stock it when they come.

And if a cheap but functional coffeepot is less effort and expense than your husband’s trips to the cafe, then perhaps consider that as well. Miss Manners is particularly fond of her French press, which she notes has many functions besides making coffee — like brewing tea and straining shellfish. Although probably not together.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was out with friends last night and a lovely man was being very sociable and buying drinks past my capacity. Today I feel very unwell, and I’m wondering what my obligation is to drink a drink that I didn’t ask for or consent to, but is already paid for. cont page 31

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Easy Eclipse Eats

Total Solar Eclipse Tostadas

A

H

Sunny Savories & Sweet Treats ugust 21st is the perfect morning to host a brunch. While you and your guests watch the moon take its bite out of the sun, you can take your bites out of a few tasty items.

Besides Total Solar Eclipse Tostados (at right), Eclipse Benedict would be a natural for this festive event. Cook up any variation of sunnyside-up eggs served on English muffins or toast, perhaps topped with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.

Or maybe make a quiche or scrambled egg casserole, decorated with Canadian bacon rounds covered with chopped black olives.

For libations, Tequila Sunrises make “total-ity” sense. Or make an Eclipse Cocktail with orange soda on the rocks with an ounce of dark rum floated on top (don’t stir), garnished with a circular orange slice. Beer lovers might enjoy a Black and Tan (fill a glass halfway with pale ale, then add stout. Pour the top layer slowly over an upsidedown tablespoon placed over the glass to avoid splashing and mixing the layers). Or how about Bloody Marys, garnished with skewered golden cherry tomatoes and jumbo black olives?

A salad might include sliced roasted beets (golden slices, topped with purple ones) on a bed of lettuce, drizzled with vinaigrette and sprinkled with blue “moon” cheese crumbles and fresh cracked pepper.

For dessert, concoct any combination of sunny yellow and gold, with black or dark brown goodies. Serve orange sherbet or crushed pineapple in a shallow soufflé cup topped with a chocolate Ding Dong, Oreo cookie or cupcake.

Or make “Big Dipper” cones with scoops of butter brickle, peach, dark chocolate or licorice ice cream. Or use any flavor of golden ice cream or sherbet for a “celestial” hot fudge sundae.

Almost any egg dish can pay tribute to the sun, accented with darker-colored ingredients.

A Te q u i l a Sunrise is made with 3 parts OJ, 1 part tequila and a dash of grenadine.

Dark chocolate ice cream represents the moon over a carved-out orange cup or fresh peach half.

Recipe and photos from Alisonsallspice.com ave you started making plans for the total solar eclipse yet? I am lucky enough to live in southern Illinois, the best place in the world to experience totality in the greatest duration! It is so exciting to watch the hustle and bustle of town preparing for 50,000 tourists interested in seeing this spectacular event on August 21st. My total solar eclipse tostadas recipe has a dark moon (refried black beans) over the sun (fresh tomato and corn salsa). Celebrate the eclipse on August 21st with these total solar eclipse tostadas!

Total Solar Eclipse Tostadas

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins Vegetarian/Gluten-free Yield: 8 Tostadas Ingredients

Eight 6-inch corn tortillas ½ cup sour cream ½ cup cheddar cheese 1 cup diced tomato (from 1 large tomato, or 3 small) 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 red jalapeno or red banana pepper (milder), minced ¼ cup chopped sweet onion (optional) ¼ tsp salt 3 Tbl milk (cow’s, soy, etc) 1 16-oz can refried black beans, seasoned to taste with salt and olive oil.

Preheat oven to 375º F. Place tortillas on a baking sheet so that they are not touching, do batches if necessary. Cook in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes.

Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes or until crispy. Cooking time will vary based on your oven and the freshness of the tortilla.

When the tostadas are hot, sprinkle 1 Tbl cheddar cheese over the top to melt.

(Place the tostadas back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to accelerate melting) Once melted, spread 1 Tbl sour cream over top.

Mix together tomato, corn, garlic, jalapeno and salt. Divide the tomato corn salsa among the tostadas, pressing into the sour cream to make it stick.

Mix refried black beans with milk of choice. This will make it thin enough to easily spread over the salsa.

Dollop 3-4 Tbl refried black beans into the center as the dark moon. Carefully spread into a circle, leaving a bright tomato corn salsa border. Serve immediately.

Alison Edmund is a self-taught cook and food blogger. Her blog (www.alisonsallspice.com) focuses on fish and vegetarian recipes. When she's not in the kitchen, she enjoys bird watching, gardening, fishing, and relaxing with her cats. She lives in southern Illinois.

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 13

Still rockin’

My Slant

By Patrick Kubin

How to prepare for a rock concert

S

o, you’re going to a rock concert?

You’ve always wanted to see (insert favorite 60s, 70s or 80s band name here) and now they are on tour, and appearing in your home city?

Wonderful! I’m sure they have hardly aged a bit.

But, kidding aside, this is sure to be a thrill for you and your spouse. Dressing up in the vêtements du jour, or clothing of the day, circa 1977, enjoying an evening out on the town, capped by wailing guitars and screeching vocals, or, in the case of Billy Joel or Elton John, crooning warbles. Or is it warbling croons? Not sure. Will get back to you on that.

Nonetheless, you must prepare for this event. After all, it’s been at least 20 years since you went to a rock concert, and things have changed. Mostly you have changed. You are older, sleepier, possibly wider, likely greyer, and may have a hearing problem. So, what to do, before seeing Foghat live?

Let me tell you.

First, prepare. This is a marathon event and you must treat it with the same seriousness you would a marathon — like Rush’s hit song “Marathon.”

Sleep. Get lots of sleep the night before. You’re going to be up way past your bedtime at the Steppenwolf show.

And even after the late show, there is the drive, taxi, Uber, or walk home.

So, get a solid eight hours the night before. Then, take a mid-afternoon nap. Yes, you heard me right: think Kindergarten. You need to charge those batteries for the Electric Light Orchestra. These shows can go late; possibly 2am by the time you get home. Trust me: take a nap before Paul McCartney. I’m sure Paul will, too; he is, after all, 75 years old.

Hydrate: drink lots of water the day of the Bob Dylan show. You’re likely to eat rich food, and maybe even have a glass of wine or three. You want to be fully hydrated, not just pickled.

Eat well. You want to plan a nice preshow dinner. But if you are done with dinner at 6:30pm, and Robin Trower

Besides, the venue makes a profit on $9 beers, and don’t you want to support the venue, so they will live to rock another day? Maybe they will bring Led Zepplin back some day. Hey, it’s possible.

takes the stage at 10:30, you might be a bit peckish by the time he’s done.

Carry a candy bar or power bar for the just-before-the-show snack.

Have a shot of caffeine after dinner.

Remember how worried you’ve always been that a cup of coffee will “keep me up all night.” Well, cupcake, this time you WANT to be up all night. Or at least until 1am. I find a shot of espresso with a teaspoon of sugar is the perfect zip-me-up for a rock concert. But, hey, you wanna pre-Styxx latte? Have a latte.

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14 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Drink a beer. Maybe two. Yes, I am serious. It will chill you out for the stumble through the massive crowd, the long wait in line to get in to see The Beach Boys, the search of your person by security personnel young enough to be your grandkids, etc.

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Bring hearing protection. This is no joke. When the concert starts you’re going to remove your hearing aids and stow them carefully in their case.

But even then the show is going to be loud. Deep Purple was once called the “loudest band on earth.” Rock concerts are frequently over 100 decibels, and sometimes 120 db. And while normal earplugs will reduce the noise level, they will also dampen the sound a lot too.

You really should get some higher-end products that reduce the sound equally across the spectrum, so the sound quality does not diminish too much.

cont page 15

IF YOU GO

UPCOMING CONCERTS Check waconcerts.com or orconcerts.com or other online sources for details

Rod Stewart Aug 18–Sept 3, in Las Vegas Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Aug 19, Safeco Field, Seattle ZZ Top & Doobie Bros. Aug 25 in Woodinville; Aug 27 in Eugene ZZ Top Aug 26 Maryhill Winery Chicago Aug 26 in Woodinville (Chateau St. Michelle) Huey Lewis & the News Aug 26 at Tulalip Amphitheatre, Marysville, Wash.

Kenny Loggins Aug 30, Comcast Ampitheatre, Salem, OR Guns & Roses Sept 3 • Gorge Ampitheatre, George, Wash Australian Pink Floyd Show Sept 4, Woodinville, Wash Foreigner & Cheap Tricks Sept 9, White River Amphitheatre, Auburn, Wash.

The Lettermen Sept 22-24, Las Vegas U2 Sept 19 in Glendale, AZ; Sept 22 in San Diego Paul Anka Oct 4 with Portland Symphony, Nov 17 in Las Vegas Depeche Mode Oct 23 • Portland Moda Center Santana Nov 1-Dec 17 in Las Vegas Billy Joel Dec 8 • Portland MODA Center Johnny Mathis Feb 13 • Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

cont from page 14

Try something like Hearos or EtyPlugs (my favorites), which are about $15 a pair. At the end of the show your ears won’t be ringing. Trust me. If you want to be able to hear your spouse say, “Can we leave yet?” when you suggest hanging out backstage for Steve Miller’s autograph, or “How the heck do we get out of here” after ZZ Top’s last licks, you will appreciate hearing protection.

Finally, think long and hard about transportation. You may well be on your feet for hours. There is walking from parking to the concert.

Standing in line. Standing in the audience peering around the Lew Alcindor look-alike at the show and shuffling out in a crowd at the end will sap your AARP legs. Consider parking relatively far away and taking an Uber to the show. They’ll drop you at the front door. After the show, walk four blocks away and summon another Lyfft, or just walk to your car.

But remember those beers I told you to drink? Consider whether you really want to drive at all. Many older folks, like me, prefer including a hotel room in the price of admission and staying in town. That avoids the necessity of driving after alcohol consumption, or, in Nevada, Oregon, Washington Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, or California, after cannabis ingestion.

You DON’T want a ticket, although you might possibly bump into some old buddies from your high school graduating class down at the old pokey if you’re busted. That might be fun. Or not.

A final note: Always wanted to see one of your faves, and never did?

Do it now. If you don’t, it may be too late. We’ve already lost Michael Jackson, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Chris Squire, Johnny Winter, Keith Emerson, and many,

many more. Mick Jagger is already 74. What is his life expectancy? And what’s yours?

Just do it.

••• Patrick Kubin is an attorney and community leader, currently volunteering with the Longview Sandbaggers in putting SquirrelFest together. He enjoys travel, skiing, writing and photography.

Niechelle Guzman, L.Ac. Nancy Goodwin, L.Ac. CPGT Essential Oils, WA Pediatrics • Women’s Health NAET/ Allergy Elimination Pain Relief • Anxiety Digestive/IBS • Sciatica Neck / Shoulder Pain Motor Vehicle Accidents Carpal Tunnel • Sinusitis Headaches / Migraines Sports Injuries Chinese Herbal Medicine GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

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eBill computer. tablet. phone sign up today at 360.423.2210 or https://www.cowlitzpud.org/ebill Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 15

Social / Historical Reflections

Shedding new light

Ken Burns speaks on new Vietnam War film airing on PBS in September Columbia River Reader

A

t a recent sold-out, OPB-sponsored lecture at the Arleen Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, the audience heard from Ken Burns and enjoyed a 56-minute sneak preview of his new documentary.

“The Vietnam War,” a 10-part, 18-hour documentary film series directed by Burns and Lynn Novick, will premiere Sept. 17 on PBS stations nationwide. The first five episodes will air nightly from Sunday, Sept. 17, through Thursday, Sept. 21, and the final five episodes will air nightly from Sunday, Sept. 24, through Thursday, Sept.

28. Each episode will premiere at 8:00pm ET with a repeat broadcast immediately following the premiere (check local listings).

The film features testimony from nearly 100 witnesses, including Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as Vietnamese combatants and civilians from both the winning and losing sides.

The OPB host onstage thanked the filmmakers “for bringing alive a period which Americans know almost nothing about.”

In presenting this film project, Burns said their goal is to reach as many people as possible and spark a national discussion in a way that only public

television can. Recently, he said, increasing numbers of baby boomers have started to reflect on Vietnam and ask, “What happened?” The voices of John Kerry and John McCain were not included in the documentary, Burns said. “We wanted to represent the experiences of others as a way for the audience to keep an open mind.

We wanted to shed new light.”

Burns asked Vietnam veterans in the audience to stand, followed by those who didn’t serve in the military but, rather, protested the Vietnam War. Both groups were applauded.

Also onstage was General Merrill McPeak, who said he still gets angry about Jane Fonda. But, he added, “most of the protestors I have met since were every bit as patriotic as I was.”

The war was divisive, he said, occurring during a confluence of a number of movements… race relations, women’s roles, the ecological movement, all “accompanied by the most wonderful music that you could possibly imagine.”

Burns told about a dinner event he attended where Barack Obama asked him what project he was working on. When Burns replied, “Vietnam,” the President said, “That’ll be your most controversial film.”

16 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

OPB host, Ken Burns, collaborator Lynn Novick and former Air Force Chief of Staff and retired Four-Star General Merrill McPeak discuss the new documentary to be aired in September.

“Yes” Burns joked, “ but only among those who don’t watch it.”

Burns said they worked more than 10 years on this film and it was hard to show only 56 minutes of clips in this special preview. “We’re locking the door,” he teased the audience.

“We’re gonna show all 10 episodes.” Kidding aside, he said the 56 minutes were like the “overture to the whole series.”

•••

Community Heritage

Solar Eclipse Events W

hether you plan to be standing on the path of totality at 10:19am on Aug. 21 or experiencing a partial eclipse closer to home, it’s a great time to join with others to learn, look up and celebrate this natural wonder.

Celebrate Kelso’s Scottish link at the Highlander Festival

Eclipse Presentation at Lower Columbia College

K

elso, Washington, was founded in 1884 by Peter Crawford, a native of Kelso, Scotland, who made a homestead land claim on the east bank of the Cowlitz River in 1847.

To celebrate these Scottish roots, men dress up in kilts, toss tree trunks and rocks to prove who is strongest, and play their bagpipes every September in Tam O’Shanter Park.

LCC is hosting a free, public solar eclipse event on Aug. 21, with a presentation in Health & Sciences Bldg #101 at 9am, followed by heading outside to view the eclipse. Solar viewing glasses will be available.

Eclipse 101, Longview Public Library

On Wednesday, August 16, NASA Ambassador, Greg Cermak, will be at the Longview Public Library presenting “An Eclipse to Remember” at 6pm. Learn about the solar eclipse on August 21, how to enjoy a partial eclipse, why a total eclipse is a big deal, resources for viewing the eclipse, the sun and space weather, 1859 – the week the Sun touched the Earth, and NASA’s STEREO mission and highlights. At 5:30 p.m., before the presentation, attendees can join Greg outside to view the sun directly – and safely – through a pair of astronomical binoculars with solar filters mounted on a tripod. Free eclipse glasses, provided by STAR_Net, will be available following the presentation. No registration is necessary. For more info, call the library at 360-442-5300.

Senior Solar Celebration!

In conjunction with National Senior Citizen’s Day, Monticello Park, 605 Broadway, Longview, Wash., is throwing a party starting at 9am on Monday, August 21st with live music and a brunch. Solar glasses will be available to watch the eclipse, along with solar cocktails. As part of the event, nomination forms will be available for participants to acknowledge older adults for the positive contributions they have made. An award ceremony will be held at Monticello Park in September to spotlight the selected Outstanding Senior Citizen. To RSVP, call 360575-1778.

Kelso’s Highlander Festival started in 1962 as a summer festival to replace the KonTiki raft races held on the Cowlitz River in earlier years. Ten years later, a bagpipe band was featured John Odden at a past Highlander Festival. Courtesy photo. at the 1972 Festival, laying the groundwork for today’s festival. This takes place at 12:30 pm Saturday. At year, pipe bands will play at 1:15pm and 1 pm you can watch the Clan Gordon 2:30pm. In 1976, the Highland Games Pipe Band performance, followed by the Fort Vancouver Pipe Band at made their first appearance.

2:15.

The Festival features something for everyone. The 5K Kilted Fun Run begins The popular duo, Men of Worth, at 7:00 am on Saturday. The Highland will perform at 1:45pm, 3:45pm Dance Competition sessions are at 9 am on Saturday and 11am and 3pm and 1pm. The parade from downtown on Sunday. Rogues End perform Kelso to Tam O’Shanter Park starts at at 11:45am, 3pm and 4:45pm on Saturday. The Wicked Tinkers 10 am. perform at 12 noon and 4:15pm on Opening Ceremonies, with the posting Sunday. of the colors, marching of the massed bagpipe bands and the Parade of Clans, cont page 18

Aug 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse To: Centralia, Olympia Mt. Rainier Yakima (north, then east) Tacoma/Seattle

Oysterville •

Ilwaco

Columbia River

101

Chinook

Cathlamet 4

101

Seaside

Pacific Ocean

WestportPuget Island FERRYk

Warrenton • Astoria

• Woodland Tourist Center I-5 Exit 21 Park & Ride lot, 900 Goerig St., 360-225-9552

Mount St. Helens

Skamokawa

• Grays River

• Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelso Visitor Center I-5 Exit 39 105 Minor Road, Kelso • 360-577-8058

504

Castle Rock

• Naselle

Long Beach

Washington

FREE Maps • Brochures Directions • Information

Winlock

Raymond/ South Bend

Ocean Park •

VISITOR CENTERS

Birkenfeld

Ape Cave •

Longview Kelso

Clatskanie Rainier

Woodland

503

Columbia City St Helens

• Ridgefield

Scappoose• rnelius NW Co ad o R s s a P

To: Salem Silverton Eugene Ashland

Sauvie Island

Vancouver 12

Portland

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

Local in

for

Points o mation f In Recre terest Special ation Dinin Events Arts & Eg ~ Lodging ntertain ment

• Pacific County Museum & Visitor Center Hwy 101, South Bend, WA 360-875-5224 • Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau 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 • Astoria-Warrenton Chamber/Ore Welcome Ctr 111 W. Marine Dr., Astoria 503-325-6311 or 800-875-6807

Col Gorge Interp Ctr Skamania Lodge Bonneville Dam

Troutdale Crown Point

97

Goldendale

• Seaside, OR 989 Broadway, 503-738-3097; 888-306-2326

•Yacolt

Vernonia

Oregon

Cougar •

Kalama

• Wahkiakum Chamber 102 Main St, Cathlamet • 360-795-9996 • Castle Rock Visitor Center Exit 49, west side of I-5, 890 Huntington Ave. N. Open 10–2.

Maryhill Museum

Stevenson Hood River Cascade Locks Bridge of the Gods

The Dalles

To: Walla Walla Kennewick, WA Lewiston, ID

Map suggests only approximate positions and relative distances. Consult a real map for more precise details. We are not cartographers.

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 17

Highlander Festival from page 17

At 8:00 am Sunday, you can join the Kirkin’ of the Tartan worship service in the park, based on Scottish history and legend. If you miss the early service, visit Kelso’s First United Methodist Presbyterian Church, 206 Cowlitz Way, at 10am for a repeat.

If you’ve never watched the competition at the Highland Games, you are missing out! The strength, stamina, accuracy and agility of both men and women will be tested by throwing large stones, hammers, and cabers (“telephone poles”). The heavyweight games begin at 9am on both Saturday and Sunday.

For those who think they have some Scottish heritage, many of the 30+

Clan Tents will have books with every name that can be traced back to Scotland. If you can’t find your name in one book, try another tent with a bigger book!

Food and Craft vendors will be open both days. The annual Kilted Klassic Golf Tournament will be held at the Longview Country Club (call CASA, 360-577-8659 for info). And don’t

forget to buy a ticket for the Kelso Rotary Club’s annual rubber duck race that will take place on the Cowlitz River at 2 pm Sunday.

The whole family is bound to have a great time and since admission is free, there is no excuse not to go and check things out.

•••

Join Us for the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild 2017 Quilt Show

Quilting for the Art of It

Over 160 quilts Cowlitz County’s Largest Quilt Show Fri. Oct. 6: 10 am to 7 pm Sat. Oct. 7: 10 am to 4 pm $5 Admission

Youth & Family LINK 907 Douglas Avenue Longview, WA

• Workshops • Demos • Fashion Show • Door Prizes • Vendors • Country Store • Bed Turning • Raffle Quilt

Join Ladies of the Lake on Facebook!

Additional Information at: www.lolquiltguild.org

Proceeds Support FISH Food Bank and Local Veterans

www.columbianartists.org Facebook.com/artintheparklv

Winner of LCCA 2008 HOME OF THE YEAR Award One of a kind custom home with many custom features. Beautiful hand scraped hardwood floors on main level. Master suite w/walk-in closet w/ Solar Tube, jetted Jacuzzi tub, tiled dual-head walk-in shower, large windows and 9-foot French doors to private deck. Custom slab granite in kitchen and utility, Surround Sound in & out, propane fireplace in living room, custom cabinets, SS appliances. Fully finished daylight basement with extraordinary custom bathroom.

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1700 Hudson Street, Suite 101 • Longview, WA 18 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

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OUT • AND • ABOUT

Dreamy Days in Cambria

Story & photos by Tracy Beard except Hearst Castle photos

Central California coast offers serene getaway

F

amous Carmel, California, is no longer the quiet coastal town it used to be, but you can still enjoy secluded beach walks, glorious gardens, succulent farm-to-table food, and boutique shopping, further south in Cambria, California.

It’s an elegant and serene place to escape for a few days any time of year. The town offers a variety of restaurants, local history, and plenty of outdoor activities.

The roomy garden venue, country-style nooks and crannies, and a working fireplace fashioned a cozy atmosphere. The culinary staff works to bring together sumptuous meals using the abundance of fresh produce, local meats, a variety of cheeses, and delicious wines from the area. Owners Robin and Shanny Covey said their establishment features one of the largest assortments of vegetarian dishes along the coast of California.

Connie and I shared a plate of crunchy Brussels sprouts gently sautéed, tossed in walnut vinaigrette and sprinkled with blue cheese, pinenuts, and sliced radishes (at right). My entrée of succulent short ribs braised in red wine harmonized flawlessly with the risotto, which was dotted with English peas and Parmesan cheese (bottom photo). The grilled asparagus rounded out the plate to perfection. I paired my dinner with a glass of Pessimist by Daou, a beautifully bold blend of Syrah, Petite Syrah, Zin, and Tannat, produced in nearby Paso Robles, California.

I left home, met with my friend Connie in the Bay Area, and we drove together to Cambria, where Surfers near Cayucos. we found ourselves in paradise.

Cambria is reminiscent of Carmel in days gone by. It is smaller and less crowded but still parades a beautiful coastline, quaint shops, a plethora of restaurants, and some of the most amazing, colorful gardens.

Morning muffins

We arrived early in the morning at Creekside Gardens Restaurant to enjoy breakfast. The aroma of fresh baked goods greeted us at the door. The restaurant features a variety of innovative muffins each day. I savored a warm and crunchy pecan apple muffin, while Connie indulged in the fruity essence of one made with pineapple.

My hearty breakfast of hot, lean, bacon, crispy hash browns, two eggs cooked sunny side up, and a cup of coffee on the side filled me for the morning. Connie enjoyed the restaurant’s “Country Brown” plate, a mountain of layered roasted house potatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, spring onions, melted cheddar cheese, medium-hot salsa, sweet red peppers, and a fried egg, all under a few dollops of sour cream.

Connie partook of a vegetarian dish, Thai Red Curry with Tofu, made with local vegetables and bathed in curry-spiced coconut milk.

Cashews added crunch, and tiny pieces of pineapple sweetened the dish.

She also enjoyed the cucumber salad, which is great for cooling the palate after a spicy curry. “We should bring half of the entrées back to our room and put them in our refrigerator for tomorrow,” Connie said, The meal was so big and so delicious that we determined to relish the culinary delights again the next day for lunch.

The gardens at Cambria Pines Lodge, typical of many in the area. Below: Quaint boutiques also abound.

After breakfast, we journeyed about 30 minutes down the coast to Morrow Bay to browse the shops. On the way back, we stopped in the little town of Cayucos for lunch. After eating, we walked onto the pier and gazed out into the ocean while watching surfers catch the waves along the coastline (top photo).

In the afternoon we checked into Cambria Pines Lodge. The suite featured a gigantic bedroom with a king bed, side patio, and a huge bathroom boasting a Jacuzzi tub and shower.

The living room, furnished with a Murphy bed, couch, chairs, table, desk, and fireplace, completed the suite. The varying shades of green and brown, mixed with the overstuffed couch and refined chair, made for a well-balanced motif and comfortable ambience in the suite. We unpacked and changed clothes for dinner at Robin’s Restaurant.

On to San Simeon

The next morning, we drove 10 miles to Hearst Castle. The tour began with a movie at the visitor’s center featuring the life of William Randolph Hearst, the famous newspaper publisher of the San Francisco Examiner.

The movie discloses the story of how William’s father built his financial success and depicts William’s early travels as a boy with his mother. It reveals how he created his own financial cont page 20 The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle was rebuilt three times to suit its owner’s tastes. Its centerpiece is the facade of an ancient Roman temple Hearst imported to California.

By Zlatko - My camera. Previously published: Free., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36362081

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 19

Cambria

OUT • AND • ABOUT

three times over the years to accommodate larger and larger planes for more and more guests.

from page 19

empire, and exposes his obsession with building the perfect estate on the very spot where he camped and spent his summers as a child.

Elephant seals

Nearby is Piedras Blancas on the shores of the Central Coast of California, home to a rookery.

Elephant seals venture here twice a year to breed, molt, give birth, and rest. The E-Seal News describes current seal activities for each month of the year. In April, the seals molt and sleep; during the summer months juveniles and larger females leave. Adult males depart in August and September, but some large males continue to camp out on the beach and participate in sparring behavior over the summer months.

In December, the beaches are most alive with males fighting as they try to establish dominance and the winner gets his pick of the ladies. We watched the elephant seals and then headed a short drive away over to Moonstone Beach.

A shuttle bus transported us to the castle. Riding up the hill, we were blasted with an explosion of color as we experienced our first views of the castle grounds. Gardeners groom the trees, bushes, and flowers to perfection while statues from various eras speckle the gardens, bringing a sense of life to the scene. Mr. Hearst collaborated on the castle from 1919 to 1947, working with well-respected architect Julia Morgan who, according to Wikipedia, is responsible for designing more than 700 buildings in California. Millions of visitors have passed through the doors of this 165-room Mediterranean revival estate since opening to the public as a California State Park in 1958.

Top photo: The mile-long wooden boardwalk at Moonstone Beach. Bottom photo: “The Flower Bed” at Cambria Pines stars an old bed chockfull of colorful flowers.

If You Go Cambria Pines Lodge 2905 Burton Drive Cambria, CA • 800-966-6490 Hearst Castle 750 Hearst Castle Rd San Simeon, CA • 800-444-4445 The Rookery 4 miles north of Hearst Castle on Highway 1 Robins Restaurant 4095 Burton Dr. Cambria, CA 93428 (805) 927-5007 Coast Starlight Amtrak Kelso/Longview Station (KEL) 501 South 1st Ave, Kelso, WA Departs 12:29pm, (Portland 2:25pm), arrives SLO 3:20pm next day San Luis Obispo Station (SLO) 1011 Railroad Ave San Luis Obispo, CA Departs 3:43pm, arrives Portland 3:40pm, (Kelso 5:14pm) next day

Car Rental in San Luis Obispo: Gusts of wind accentuated the cool, Enterprise Rent-A-Car dreary day at the beach. We donned 2989 Broad St •805-546-6270 our raincoats and walked the one-mile Budget Car Rental • 2800 Broad St wooden boardwalk along Moonstone Beach. The trees appear to reach inland, attempting to escape the wild winds and sea. Soon chilled, we ducked into a nearby restaurant and warmed up with a Spanish coffee. Now toasty from cont page 21

Photo, at left: By Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=123645

Benefiting our community library

Columbia City Celebration

Egyptian remnants at the Hearst Castle.

Inside the castle is an overwhelming display of Mr. Hearst’s eclectic taste.

Art and antiques from a multitude of countries saturate each room in a mosaic of color and style. Hearst’s tapestry collection, set out for all to see in the great dining hall, covers each and every wall of the room, and the expansive movie theater appeared to me as if it could hold 100 guests.

The prominent tennis courts appear pristine, and I could easily imagine myself luxuriating in the indoor Roman pool.

Though formal and stuffy in appearance, the castle was once the home of a man who loved to entertain, and entertain he did. This stanch museum accommodated wild parties. Famous people of all types spent their weekends at the castle.

Guests presented spontaneous plays, participated in fierce tennis matches, and lounged quietly by the pools. The private airport required rebuilding

Saturday ~ September 16 • 8am–3pm

• Pancake Breakfast in the Community Hall, 7–10 am • $8 • Craft Fair & Vendors • Hot dogs • Hamburgers • Handmade Quilt Raffle • Beach House Raffle • Art Show • Book Sale • Silent Auction • Kids Activities • Music by “The Decades” • Emergency Preparedness Fair

A day of

fun

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SHOW AND SHINE CLASSIC CARS 8am–2pm

Sponsored by Friends of the Columbia City Community Library PO Box 189, 2000 2nd St., Columbia City, OR 97018. 503-438-5258

Columbia City is 2 miles north of St.Helens off Hwy30

20 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Columbia City School field. All vehicles welcome!

Registration Fee $15. Dash Plaques & Awards.

Info: Gordon, 503-396-5658 www.facebook.com/col.city.celebration

cont from page 20

the inside out, we prepared to cruise the boutique shops in Cambria where various artists live and sell their masterpieces in local shops.

We returned to the lodge and toured the grounds. Cambria Pines bursts with an assortment of gardens. Produce from the kitchen garden supplies the lodge with herbs and vegetables throughout the year. The white garden, comprised of a manicured lawn with green hedges, showcases an abundance of white flowers sprinkled throughout, just perfect for weddings. The rose garden demonstrates an excess of color, and the gazebo is the perfect centerpiece for any wedding ceremony.

Take some time off this year and travel to Cambria like I did. The sea, tranquility and dreams are just awaiting your arrival, whether by plane, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight or car.

••• Vancouver resident Tracy Beard (at left) loves food, wine, exploring solo and with friends and family. She writes travel and adventure stories for several publications. Read more about her at tracybeardwrites.com.

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Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 21

End of Summer Getaway

Boutique Camping

Travel just over White Pass to hidden gem Story by Karla C. Dudley • Photos by David Bell & Karla C. Dudley

D

uring our recent hot spell when everyone was heading west to the beach, we decided to drive east to the mountains to one of our favorite campgrounds. It’s a hidden gem just on the other side of the White Pass ski area, on the northeastern shores of Leech Lake.

It’s a wonderful little park with only seven campsites. Even at the peak of camping season, it still had empty sites.

The lake is fly fishing only, which means no motors, making for peaceful evenings. All sites are secluded and on the lake. It’s a rustic campground, with pit toilets and no water. It is also a place where people park who are hiking part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

This is a first-come, first-served campground (no reservations) and the price is right —$10 a night and $5 with a senior access pass. This is a great little place for a quick getaway before the winter weather comes.

To get there, drive I-5 North, turn right onto Hwy 12 and drive through Packwood to White Pass.

Turn left just past the ski area. 120 miles (one way) and a nice drive.

•••

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Karla Dudley and David Bell in various stages of relaxation with their dogs, Sampson (black lab) and Bravo (poodle) at White Pass Lake Campground. Note the camp bird relaxing alongside Karla.

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Gardening Tip

How to get RED tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest

B

By Alice Slusher

RIPENING IN A BOX

eginning in mid-August, the blossoms on large tomato varieties won’t mature or ripen by the end of our short growing season. Here’s what to do:

1. Pick mature green tomatoes (3/4 to full-size fruit) in early September before the cold nights begin.

2. Bring indoors, rinse with cool water and allow to completely air-dry.

3. Discard damaged tomatoes or use in green tomato recipes.

Ripening ON THE VINE 4.

Place the tomatoes in a single layer (with some 1.) Remove the blossoms and immature tomatoes space between them) in a cardboard box with a lid. It from the plant. will take about two weeks to ripen at 65-70 degrees.

2.) Either stop watering or reduce watering in ••• the last couple weeks of August. This will stress the plant, but will help the remaining tomatoes See Alice Slusher’s WSU Master Gardener column, page 32. to ripen.

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against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **The PowerView App is available on Apple®iOS and Android™mobile devices, and requires the PowerView Hub for operation. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q3NPDSSC2

All Makes, Models & Years Welcome! Pre-register by mail

($20) or upon arrival the day of the event ($25). Registration includes Dash Plaque for first 100 entrants.

All ages invited to display your car.

926 Delaware Street, Longview, WA Across from McClelland Arts Center

3:00–7:00pm • Awards announced 6:30pm Sponsored by Delaware Plaza

For registration info call 360-423-3333 or email delawareDCR@koelschsenior.com

Thank you for making Stewart Title the #1 choice in Cowlitz County for Title and Escrow!

We appreciate your trust and the opportunity to serve the Cowlitz County Real Estate community.

Member SIPC

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 23

Dr. Bob on Movies

L

uc Besson, the French director of “The Professional” and “The Fifth Element,” has an interesting science fiction/action film out in “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” (PG-13). Dane DeHaan plays Major Valerian, a young handsome officer with a flashing pistol, while the gorgeous Cara Delevingne backs him up as Sergeant Laureline. These clever agents travel, under orders, to a metropolis, Alpha, where intelligent species of all kinds try to survive, and there are evil entities about to be overcome. It is based on a French comic book, but I enjoyed every visual treat in the film.

Two very different films for summer viewing

By Dr. Bob Blackwood

DUNKIRK (PG-13)

T

he story of Dunkirk, where the British people as well as their navy rescued more than 180,000 British and 140,000 French and Belgian troops from their German enemy in 1940, is familiar to many people of my age but not necessarily to younger folks. Christopher Nolan took up the challenge of telling this story and has succeeded. As CRR goes to press, “Dunkirk” has already brought in $100 million gross. And this is not the usual Hollywood war film with two-fisted Americans and Brits wiping out the hated Nazis. It is a film of a defeated Allied army which is rescued as much by the small boats of the British people as by the British Navy.

Of course, our two heroes come up against some really ugly folks, but we expected that.

I have read that the film may have cost more than $225 million; I can only say that your eyes will be getting your money’s worth. If you want great thoughts, try the Bible.

We don’t see much, if anything, of the A crowded troopship sailing back to England from Dunkirk. Distributor: Warner Brothers.

German troops, but we see plenty of the German military planes—Stukas and Messer-schmitts — striking terror into the hearts of everyone. We follow a RAF pilot (Tom Hardy) taking on bombers and other planes. The troops often had to wade into the water and wait to climb into small boats which, on occasion, would unload onto larger ships for the trip back to Cillian Murphy & Tom GlynnEngland.

The danger was great as we see in the experiences of a civilian captain (Mark Rylance) whose private boat is soon jammed with exhausted soldiers. We follow a battered soldier (Fionn Whitehead) who is desperate to escape the horrors as many of his colleagues are killed while they stood in the sea hoping for small boats to come in.

•••

Carney as sailor and soldier sailing back to England in a small private boat in “Dunkirk.”

Distributor: Warner Brothers.

Dane DeHaan as Valerian and Cara Delevingne as Laureline fight evil in the 28th Century in “Valerian.” Distributor: STX Entertainment.

CLATSKANIE ARTS COMMISSION 2017–2018 SERIES

TICKET ORDER FORM NEXT PAGE

k

Thus, the viewer will see the extended story of the battered soldier, the events of the civilian boat captain and his two lads, and the Spitfire pilot battling the bombers and fighters of the Luftwaffe.

It is roughly a three hour film which definitely was keeping the interest of the audience in my theater and across the country.

••• Dr. Bob Blackwood, professor emeritus of the City Colleges of Chicago, co-authored with Dr. John Flynn the book, Everything I Know about Life I Learned from James Bond. Mr. Blackwood lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Performances held at these Clatskanie venues: Birkenfild Theatre (BT), 75 S. Nehalem St. and Donovan Wooley Performing Arts Center (CMHS), 471 BelAir Drive.

For more informtaion contact Elsa Wooley, 503-728-3403 or visit our Facebook ~ Clatskanie Arts Commission CLATSKANIE ARTS COMMISSION provides a variety of entertaining programs and events which enrich the lives or people of the Lower Columbia Region.

24 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Never be cold again! We sell steamers, Fireplace Tool Sets, Fireplace Screens, Echo Fans & MORE.

END OF SUMMER!

ENDEAVOR STOVE

Cooktop surface • 2.2 cubic ft. firebox • Takes 18-inch logs Maximum burn time: 10 hours • Heats 1,200–2,000 sq. ft.

Bypass damper for quick, smokeless start-up Efficiency up to 79.5% • EPA Certified: 19 grams per hour

Pellet Stoves / Inserts • Woodstoves / Inserts • Gas Stoves / Inserts Chimneys and Accessories • Green Mountain Pellet Grills BBQ Pellets • Spas • Free Local Estimates • High Quality Pellet Fuel

Check out our awesome Thrift Shop!

503-556-3580

222 B. West • Rainier, OR 97048 • Open Mon – Sat

2017-2018 Performing Arts Series

Decorations • Party favors Garden art • Patio décor SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Everything you need for • Picnics, BBQs & Box Lunches • Reunions & Road trips • Camping & Beachcombing • Sand & Water toys

Clatskanie Town Center

640 E Columbia River Hwy. Suite B • Clatskanie, OR 503-728-3300 • M-Sat 10-6 • Closed Sun OPEN D A ILY

Jo’s

Country Market

Hoarder’s Paradise!

Clatskanie Mini Storage

503-728-2051 • 503-369-6503 Oregon’s best insulated units Largest size selection

What’s Good in Season Hermiston melons, canning peaches & tomatoes, corn on the cob, apples Chips & Salsa,Kettlecorn too!

w& Longvie Also atria Markets 27 Asto gs, page see listin

360-957-3098 Hwy 30 • Clatskanie

YOU DREAM IT...

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Scott Taylor

503-789-5769

Jason Taylor

OREGON CONTRACTORS LIC#172496 • WASHINGTON CONTRACTORS LIC #TAYLOCH888QH

k

SERIES DETAILS FACING PAGE

Tickets will be mailed out two weeks prior to the first performance.

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 25

e l e ,

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

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

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

Unsolicited submissions may be considered, provided they are consistent with the publication’s purpose. Advance contact with the editor is recommended. Information of general interest submitted by readers may be used as background or incorporated in future articles.

Outings & Events calendar (free listing): Events must be open to the public. Non-profit organizations and the arts, entertainment, educational and recreational opportunities and community cultural events will receive listing priority. Fundraisers must be sanctioned/sponsored by the benefiting non-profit organization. Businesses and organizations wishing to promote their particular products or services are invited to purchase advertising (contact info, page 3).

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR NON-PROFIT EVENT IN CRR Send your non-commercial community event’s basic info (name of event, sponsor, date & time, location, brief description and contact info) to publisher@crreader.com Or mail or hand-deliver (in person or via mail slot) to: Columbia River Reader 1333-14th Ave Longview, WA 98632

Cornucopia of Wine to benefit Redmen Hall

T

he Friends of Skamokawa announces their annual fundraiser “A Cornucopia of Wine,” wine tasting and auction, Saturday September 9, from 6:30–10pm at the Skamokawa Grange, located at 18 Fairgrounds Rd., Skamokawa, Wash.

This event d r a w s visitors from throughout the Northwest.

There will be fine wines to sample with a delectable m e n u prepared by Don and Kitty Speranza. Join us for a spirited evening of bidding on exciting auction items including getaways to local bed and breakfasts, paintings, ceramics, blown glass, gift baskets, river kayaking, gift certificates to local restaurants, breweries, farmers markets and much more! Auctioneer Brian McClain will be presiding over the open auction with his friendly, fast paced style. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. This is Friends of Skamokawa’s main fundraiser of the year with all funds directed to the maintenance and operation of the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/ Redmen Hall. This is an opportunity to help keep this beautiful building standing tall.

Advance tickets are $15 each or two for $25, available at Daisy Chain Floral in Cathlamet, the Skamokawa General Store and at the River Life Interpretive Center/Central School/Redmen Hall in Skamokawa. Tickets sold at the door will be $20 each or two for $30.

Questions? Call 360-795-3007, send an email to fos1894@gmail.com, or stop by The River Life Interpretive Center, 1394 W. SR4, Skamokawa, Wash., during our open hours, Thurs–Sun 12–4pm.

Aren’t we just adorable?

Submission Deadlines Events occurring Sept 15 to Oct 20:

by Aug 25 for Sept 15 issue.

Events occurring Oct 15–Nov 25:

by Sept 25 for Oct 15 issue.

Calendar submissions are considered for inclusion subject to lead time, general relevance to readers, and space limitations. See Submission Guidelines, above.

Ginger

Victoria Findlay’s dog

Smokey Man in the Kitchen’s cat

26 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Outings & Events

Performing & Fine Arts Music, Art, Theatre, Literary Broadway Gallery Artists co-op. Year-round classes for all ages, workshops and paint parties.

Aug: Guest artists Donna Graham, Nancy Zieg, Richard Graham (abstract paintings); Tammie Painter (colored pencil) and Janice Taitano (stained glass); Sept: Guests artists Mary Ducall (photography, painting), Stan Gibson (pottery), Maili McDaniel (glass). Gallery hours: Mon-Sat 10-5:30. 1418 Commerce, Longview, Wash.

360-577-0544. www.the-broadway-gallery.com Tsuga Gallery Fine arts and crafts by area artists.

Thurs-Sat 11–5. 70 Main Street, Cathlamet, Wash. 360-795-0725.

Redmen Hall History and art. 1394 SR-4, Skamokawa, Wash. Thurs-Sun, 12-4pm. Info: 360-795-3007 or email fos1894@gmail.com.

US Air Force Band of the Golden West Aug 21, 7:30pm. Free concert by The Commanders Jazz Ensemble. Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash.

Info: www.columbiatheatre.com or www. bandofthegoldenwest.af.mil. Box office: 360575-8499.

AAUW Summer Book Discussion Group Aug 22, 11:30am, at Cassava , corner of Broadway and 14th Ave., Longview, Wash. Discussing The

Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Nohost lunch. Anyone interested in the book or AAUW is welcome. Details: Edith Uthmann, 360-636-2433.

Roles You’ve Wished to Play but Couldn’t Have you always wanted to play a part but encountered barriers of age, ethinicity, sex, etc.?

Pine no more. Prepare a monologue, dialogue or show tune and bring to Stageworks Northwest, 1433 Commerce Ave., Longview, Wash., Fri, Sept 8, 7:30pm. Register in advance by emailing leslie.slape@gmail.com, for call 360-431-5332 for more info. Admission is pay-what-you-will.

DINNER MUSIC

Mark your calendars for dinner with SWW Symphony at Teri’s Restaurant in conjunction with Give More 24! Sept 21, 5–7 pm. $24 dinner special: Two entrees from a choice of five, two glasses of house wine and a dessert to share. More details, Sept 15 CRR.

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS 13 Nights on the River St. Helens, Ore. FIRST THURSDAY • Sept 7 Broadway Gallery Enjoy refreshments and meet the artists! See artists listed above.

Reception, 5:30-7:30pm.

Live music by Steve Harvey.

PLUS: Call to Artists for Gallery membership!

Inquire at the Gallery or its website, www.the-broadway-gallery.com 1418 Commerce Ave. Downtown Longview, Wash.

Aug 24 Quarterflash

6–9pm Thursdays, St. Helens Columbia View Park, Old Town, St. Helens, Ore. Info: 13nightsontheriver.com

Concerts at the Lake Longview, Wash.

Aug 17 The June Bugs

6–8pm Thursdays, Martin’s Dock, Lake Sacajawea Park, Longview, Wash. Bring blankets, low-backed chairs. Picnics OK,, food available. No alcohol.

Info 360-442-5400.

Outings & Events

Recreation, Outdoors, Gardening History, Pets, Self-Help Cowlitz County Museum New exhibit, “Cowlitz Encounters.” Open Tues-Sat 10am–4pm. 405 Allen St, Kelso, Wash. www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/ museum. Info: 360-577-3119. July 26–29, Bush Cabin at the Cowlitz County Fair.

Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum Logging, fishing and cultural displays. Open 1-4pm, Th-Sun. 65 River St, Cathlamet, Wash.

For info 360-795-3954.

Appelo Archives Center Historic exhibits, Naselle-Grays River area. 1056 State Route 4, Naselle. T-Fri 10–4, Sat 10–2, or by appt. 360484-7103. appeloarchives.org.

Art in the Park Sat, Aug 19, 9-5, Longview Civic Center directly across from the historic Monticello Hotel in conjunction with Squirrel Fest. Download application at columbianartists. org. Mary Fortner, 360-274-5844, maf43@ comcast.net or Vicki Brigden, 360-425-9906, vickiamb@msn.com.

CCA (Coastal Conservation Assn) Lower Columbia 9th Annual Banquet Sept 22, doors open 5pm. Kelso Elks Lodge. Live & silent auctions, raffles & games, dinner. $60 single, $110 couple. $400 reserved table of 8. Attendees receive 20% Off coupon Bob’s Sporting Goods. Tickets: 222.ccawashington. org/lowercolumbia. Info: 360-694-4300.

Longview Bridge Club Weekly duplicate bridge games Mon 10:30am, Thurs 6:30pm, Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave. New players welcome. For info or help finding a partner: Rich Carle, 360-425-0981 or rhcarle@msn.com.

R Square D Dance Club Sept 8, first dance of the regular dance schedule (Septr thru May).

Dances on 2nd Friday, 4th Saturday. Plus: 7– 8pm, Mainstream with rounds: 8–10pm.

Craig Abercrombie, caller. Lonnie Sycks, Cuer. Kelso Senior Center, 106 NW 8th Ave, Kelso, Wash. More info: www.r-square-d.info. or 360-414-5855.

Managing Chronic Pain Workshop Best practices for managing chronic pain. Thursday, Aug 17, 3pm, Kelso Senior Center, 106 8th Ave., Kelso, Wash. To register, call (360) 5751778. 53rd Threshing & Gas Show Aug 26-27, Robert Herren Farm, 3.5 miles north of Toledo , Wash., on the Jackson Hwy. $5 admission (kids 12 and under Free). Threshing Bee Band, Potato Bar Fri night $8, ,threshing both days on the hour, antique farm machinery and cars. Info: 360-880-0549.

Bingo Bash Sept. 13. Oct 11.Featuring $75 pot, refreshments and door prizes. Begins 12:30pm. Purchase game cards prior to start time. Hosted by Longview Senior Center, 1111 Commerce Ave., Longview, Wash.

Sponsored by Monticello Park Senior Living second Wednesday each month. Questions?

Call Longview Senior Center, 360-636-0210.

SquirrelFest Sat, Aug. 19, Longview Civic Circle.

Food, music, family fun.

The Odd Couple

Women’s Day of Equality Aug 26. (197 anniversary of American women obtaining the right to vote) 10am–12noon, Longview’s Civic Center. Non-partisan walk in celebration of American rights. Suffragette or “protest” costumes, or red, white & blue apparel encouraged. Sponsored by Lower Columbia Indivisibles. Info: Sue Rutherfor, 360-431-5675. th

Kelso Highlander Festival Sept 9-10. Tam O’Shanter Park, Kelso, Wash. Highlander dance competition, bagpipe bands, parade, music by Wicked Tinkers, Men of Worth, Rouges’ End, Free. Norwegian Waffle Breakfast X-Xam at Sons of Norway Hall (224 Catlin St., Kelso, cost?). See story, page 17; ad, page 12.

Police Women’s Breakfast Sept 12, 8:30am. All women serving in law enforcement are invited.

RSVP 360-575-1778. Hosted by Monticello Park Senior Living in honor of National Police Women’s Day. “I’ve Had My DNA Tested...Now What?” presented by Mary Kathryn Kozy. Sept 14, 7 pm.

Lower Columbia Genealogical Society meeting, Somerset Retirement Apartments (dining room), 2025 Tibbetts Drive, Longview.

Info: 360-575-9379.

(female version)

Stageworks Northwest presents Neil Simon’s classic comedy with a twist, directed by Scarlett Clark.

Oct. 6-7-8, 13-14-15, 20-21-22

Kelso Bridge Market

Sundays • 10–3 thru Oct 6 Downtown on 12th, just west of Hwy 30, Astoria, Ore. • 503-325-1010 www.astoriasundaymarket.com

Castle Rock Saturday Market 9am–

2pm thru October. 209 Huntington North, Castle Rock, Wash. In Touch of Wheatlands’ parking lot. 360-967-2436 CRSMarket@hotmail.com

Sundays • 10–3, Three Rivers Mall Kelso, Wash. Info: 360-957-2515.

Puget Island Farmers’ Market Fridays, thru Oct. 13 • 3–6pm 59 West Birnie Slough Rd, Cathlamet, Wash.

Info: Rob and Diane 360-849-4145 More on Facebook

Clatskanie Farmers’ Market

St. Helens Open Air Market

Columbia-Pacific Farmers’ Market

Scappoose Community Club Farmers Market

Saturdays• 10–2 Thru Sept. 30 Copes Park. From Hwy 30, turn north on Nehalem, east on Lillich. Produce, jewelry, soaps, arts/crafts, food cart. Food prep demos. Live music. clatskaniefarmersmarket.com Info:clatskaniefmmanager@gmail.com Fridays • 3–6pm, Thru Sept 29 Downtown Long Beach, Wash. www.longbeachwa.gov Info: 360-642-4421

Thursdays, Thru Aug 24 • Opens 4pm.

Music 6:30pm alternate Thurs, special 5-day concert series June 29–July 3, Columbia View Amphitheatre, St. Helens Plaza, St. Helens, Ore. Info: christina.13nights@gmail.com or 620-654-8205. See Facebook for info.

Saturdays, thru Sept 30 • 9–2 E. 2nd Street (street closed during market), Scappoose, Ore. (between City Hall & Library - visible from Hwy 30) wwwscappoosefarmermarket.com Info: Bill Blank 503-730-7429

Cowlitz Community Farmers’ Market Tues and Sats • 9–2 thru Oct 7th Ave, Cowlitz Expo Center, Longview, Wash. www.cowlitzfarmersmarkets.com Info: John Raupp 360-785-3883 Jrshamrockhill3@aol.com.

Woodland Farmers Market

Saturdays • 10–3 thru Oct. 14.

Closed June 17 for Planters Day. PRODUCE VENDORS ARE NEEDED Hoffman Plaza, downtown across the street from fire station (100 Davidson St) Woodland, Wash.

Info: Carrie Riebow, 503-504-4186. www.woodlandfm.com

Ilwaco Saturday Market

Saturdays • 10–4 thru Sept 30 Port of Ilwaco, Ilwaco, Wash. www.portofilwaco.com Info: Bruce Peterson 503-338-9511

Fri-Sat 7:30pm • Sun 2pm TICKETS $15 general, $12 students/seniors.

Group rates available.

stageworksnorthwest.org

360-636-4488

1433 Commerce Ave., Longview.

TAKE A

HIKE

This friendly club welcomes newcomers. For more info please call the hike leader or visit mtsthelensclub.org.

RT(round trip) distances are from Longview.

E=easy, M=moderate, S=strenuous, e.g.=elevation gain.

Wed, Aug 16 • Lake Sacajawea (E) Walk around the whole lake (3+mi.) or walk half the lake (1+ mi.) Leaders: Trudy & Ed, 360-414-1160.

Wed, Aug 23 • Bradley Trail (E/M) Drive 42 mi. RT, hike up to 6 miles with 600 ft e.g.. Come hike the forest northeast of Cathlamet on a trail that winds gently up and down. Trail is 3 miles long. We will hike up and back, so you can go any distance up to total of 6 miles. Leaders: Kim, 360-431-5530 and Art, 360-4253140.

Resume/Cover Letter Writing Oneon-one assistance. Weds 6–8pm or by appointment, Project Read area of Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana St., Longview, Wash. More info at the Information Desk at the Library, call 360442-5300 or visit www.longviewlibrary.org.

or 360-431-6725

with

Mt. St. Helens Club

Sat, Aug 19 • Serene Lake Loop (S) Drive 240 mi. RT. Hike a classic 12.7mile, 2,000 e.g. loop past alpine meadows and lakes with views of Mt. Hood. Leader: Bruce, 360-425-0256.

Congestive Heart Failure Facts & Fiction Seminar Sept 14, 3pm. For caregivers and CHF patients’ loved ones. Longview Senior Center. Refreshments will be served. Register by calling 360-575-1778.

Call to artists/vendors - Cathlamet Art Festival (first ever) seeks fine arts and crafts vendors. Sept. 16, 9-4, Cathlamet, Wash, a charming town on the banks of the Col. River very conducive to artistic atmosphere. Sept 15 Reception and music; Sept 16 activities on Main Street incl art walk, musicians, authors and poets, demos and classes plus fine arts and crafts vendors. Vendor and artists application forms and info, www.tsugagallery.org or 360-795-0725.

Community / Farmers’ Markets Astoria Sunday Market

Sat, Aug 26 • Cloud Cap to Gnarl Ridge (M/S) Drive 250 mi. RT, hike 9 mi. with 2,400 ft. e.g. We’ll start at Cloud Gap and hike the Timberline Trail through some very scenic country to the Gnarl Ridge Viewpoint at 7,300 ft. This is an out-andback trip, so folks can hike as far as they want and return to the trailhead. Leader: Dan, 360-578-2849.

Mon, Aug 28 • Owyhigh Lakes (M) Drive 240 mi. RT. Hike 6 mi. RT with 1,100 ft. e.g. National Park pass required for each car.

Wildflowers, scenery. Bring mosquito repellant.

Leaders: Pat D, 360-259-0570 and Bruce, 360425-0256.

Sat, Sept 2 • Tom, Dick and Harry (M/S) Drive 200 mi. RT. Hike 6 mi. with 1,700 ft. e.g. Forest walk with two great payoffs: lovely Mirror Lake and at the top, scenic views of Mt. Hood. Leader: Susan M, 360-571-1255.

Wed, Sept 6 • Seminary Hills Nature Trail (M) Drive 90 mi. RT. Hike 3 mi. with 500 ft. e.g. Large urban natural area, occupies hilltop properyt overlooking Centralia and the Chelhas and Skookumchuck River valleys. Leader: Art, 360-425-3140..

Sat, Sept 9 • Van Trump Park (M/S) Drive 210 mi. RT. Hike 7 mi. with 2,300 ft. e.g. to a scenic alpine meadow with an awesome, in-your-face view of Mt. Rainier. Pass 300-ft Comet Falls on the way. Leader: George W, 360-562-0001.

Wed, Sept 13 • Round Lake-Camas (E) Drive 100 mi. RT. Hike 3 mile loop with 380 ft. e.g. on nice trails. Views of lake and forest. Leader: George S, 360-425-8099.

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 27

the Lower Columbia

Informer

by Perry Piper

Dreams on the davenport Digitize your memories and media

W

hile it’s a complex and long process, I highly recommend you embark on a project for yourself or your family. It’s a joy being able to click a button from anywhere in the world and enjoy your favorite films, share old photos with the party and, most importantly, rest easy knowing your descendants will have an organized collection of their family history.

I’ve recently begun this project myself: converting and gathering our family’s photos, videos and music to digital format and using Netflix-like software called PLEX. It organizes and presents the media in a stylish way and makes it accessibile from anywhere in the world on any brand of laptop, phones or Xbox type consoles. For digital photos and home videos you already have, while PLEX does similar things, Google Photos is free and has more advanced features. Simply installing the app on all your devices and signing into your Google account backs them up to the same cloud library in a “set-it-andforget-it” fashion.

Take Inventory

The first step is to describe media type, like VHS or DVD, location, like who currently has possession and where in their house it is and, most importantly, decide if it is worth the cost and time to convert to digital. An example would be if you have the Beatles discography on vinyl, it’d be better to simply buy it again digitally for about $120 vs. paying someone to convert your hard media or for you to buy the gear and spend 7+ hours doing it yourself. Home movies, of course, cannot be purchased, so you’ll have to decide if they are really important or if you can let them go. Part of the process may be to watch hours of old media if labelling isn’t very good.

The Easy Way

A service called Legacy Box will process a collection of old media you send in.

If you can get your church or other community to do it together through Groupon, you can even save as much as 74%! Their individual customer prices start at $75 for three videos or 3 sets of 25 photos all the way up to the master “trunk” option at $1,000 for 40 videos

or up to 40 sets of 25 photos. The trick with their pricing is that you can never have more than three items for the starter kit or 40 total items for the trunk option, 25 photos being counted as a single item.

Just be sure to opt for the thumb drive and NOT the DVD, as that technology is already obsolete and would need to also be converted down the road as well. And you may need multiple DVDs, whereas jump drives can hold as much as 125 DVDs! Do it Yourself

If the idea of sending your life memories in the mail scares you, or you think doing the conversion process yourself would be a fun family project (or if you can rope in a tech savvy grandchild), it’s pretty easy. You can get what’s called a “capture card” for your laptop or desktop computer. Entry options include a small $10 USB adapter you’ll plug your VCR or other analog video device into, hit “Play” and record on the computer software. For home movies on CDs or DVDs, the process is as simple as inserting the disc into your computer and dragging the files over, or using a free program like Handbrake to convert them, more on that below.

If you don’t care about the time, especially since each video takes a few minutes to set up and the computer then does all the work in 30 minutes to an hour, use Handbrake’s h.265 (HEVC) .mp4 format at “20” on the quality scale, as this will give you the smallest possible file size with no visible quality loss. If you aren’t using the newest devices across the board and don’t plan on upgrading anytime soon, use h.264 with the same settings, as this is the older format with greater compatibility and processes twice as quickly. If you opt for PLEX and plan to convert TV shows, use the S01E01 file naming format, signifying “Season 1, episode 1,” and so on, in sequence so that the files can be picked up by the service. Handbrake allows you to make 30-second test conversions so you can test the filetype with all your devices to ensure subtitles, audio and video are how you want them before you begin the hours-long process for real.

The Extra Mile

You might want to digitize your commercial movies — complete with parental controls — to get rid of disc

28 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

clutter or to access while on vacation, with a program called “AnyDVD.” An important note here is that this project is meant for personal use only for your already-owned media and shouldn’t be used to copy (steal) friends’ movies.

“AnyDVD” unlocks DVD and Blu-ray discs that you can then use Handbrake to convert into a digital file. Pricing is $130 for lifetime membership (note that in the tech world, “lifetime” should be viewed only as about five years, since companies can change their policies at any time) or about $70 per year. Sadly, you can’t just buy the digital movie file, since they almost always require you to use their host service, like iTunes or Youtube, etc.

So converting the files yourself is my recommended way to create a unified private experience and make sure you don’t lose access to your media over the years. In my experience, if company servers fail and even after hours on the phone with them, I’ve permanently lost purchased movies!

A Night on the Couch with your Memories

PLEX is free for the basic things or requires single time activation fees for each device app you’d like. For people who want a full-blown home theater experience, the Plex Premium Pass

Q

UIPS & QUOTES

•Every bride has to learn it’s not her wedding but her mother’s.

~ Luci Johnson Nugent

service is $5 monthly or a one-time fee of $150. The service automatically pulls album covers, text synopses and ratings for each title. It also remembers where you left off and, in the premium version, shows trailers for new movies. Even from the airport Wi-Fi, you can save movies to your device before travelling to a destination where Internet may be spotty. The service works when you leave your host computer with all the files on 24/7, allowing others to access them. You can use any modern computer, build your own server or purchase a standalone box (like the 4 TB Western Digital PR2100 Pro for $600, supporting three people simultaneously watching movies, with space to store 600 HD movies or 800,000 photos or songs!).

If you think this project might be worthwhile, I recommend you get started before it’s too late. If you have any questions or would like me to assist you with the process, contact Perry Piper Productions: perrypiper@hotmail. com or 360-270-0608.

••• Perry Piper is planning his next travel adventure to Bogotá, Columbia. There, he will get to meet Evelyn, the 16-year-old girl he’s been sponsoring for the past four years through Children International.

Stay tuned for a report.

Selected by Gordon Sondker

•God created dogs and kids to remind us not to take things too seriously. ~ Frank Fletcher

• Plain women know more about men than beautiful women.

~ Katharine Hepburn

•The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight.

~ Theodore Roosevelt

•Falling madly in love with someone is not necessarily the starting point to getting married. ~ Prince Charles

•We must indeed all hang together or, most assuredly we shall all hang separately.

~ Bemjamin Franklin

•Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.

~ Herbert Hoover

• Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with reason and justice. ~ Harry S. Truman

• Men are what their mothers made them. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson •The thing that impresses me most about America is the way parents obey their children. ~ Duke of Windsor

•He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.

~ Benjamin Franklin •Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue. ~ Roger C. Anderson

Longview resident Gordon Sondker, 90, is enjoying life and sees encouraging signs of the economic front. “Amazon is looking for ways to get Christmas help,” he said, “and it’s only August. There are plenty of opportunities out there!”

Eclipse Mania Astronomy gets to be in the limelight again

A

By Greg Smith

s we have been reporting the last few months getting prepared for “The Great American Eclipse,” a media frenzy will be covering this spectacular event. TV stations will be holding two and a half hour marathons of local eclipse viewing, with shots from other parts of the country and the crowds viewing it. More people will view this one eclipse than any other single eclipse in history. People are traveling from many parts of the U.S. just to get in the shadow. Others are traveling from many parts of the world to be part of this daytime sky extravaganza. All this mayhem for a 2 – 2 ½ minute show. Astronomy gets to be in the limelight again.

It seems that astronomy gets the limelight more often than any of the other sciences. It also happens to be the most accessible to the general population.

Dinosaurs, for all their popularity, don’t get this much media time. Earthquakes and tsunamis get a lot of attention, but only after the disasters happen. Astronomy is the only major science that is predictable. We can predict lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, and we may even predict the appearance of a comet. Everything else is after the fact.

But what comes next? What happens in the sky after an eclipse? We return to the normal sky: planets, nebulas, multi-star systems, varied colored stars — the regular beauty of the night sky.

“The regular beauty” — doesn’t that just sound pathetic? What is regular about beauty? A glorious sunrise, an awesome sunset, a mysterious moonrise — is this regular beauty? Doesn’t the view of the rings of Saturn just take your breath away? The moons of Jupiter making their daily dance around the striped planet are part of this regular beauty of the sky, too. This regular beauty is, in a way,

Astronomy

comforting — comforting in its sameness, comforting in its steadfastness. You know what to expect; if something surprises you, it too is beautiful.

The Last of the Summer Sky

The rocky planets of Mars, Venus and Mercury are visible in the morning, just before sunrise. Jupiter is heading for and will soon disappear behind the sun at sunset. Saturn will stay with us for a while longer. Those of you with a desire to see Saturn in 3D with your telescope, keep a close eye on the planet as the shadow of Saturn falls on the rings this September. The rings are at their highest tilt in 15 years and over the next months, will be slowly decreasing that wide view. Small telescopes will reveal Saturn’s bright moon Titan just a ways from the planet it orbits. It will be the brightest point of light near its parent.

The great square of Pegasus and the galaxy in Andromeda are rising in the east and taking command of the late summer and early autumn sky. The stars of the Summer Triangle — Vega, Altair and Deneb — are overhead as the midsummer grouping. Lyra has the star pair known as the “double double” sitting right next to bright Vega.

Cygnus, with its tail star, Deneb, flies down the Milky Way; at its head is the gorgeous yellow and blue double star Albireo. Altair, the eye of the Eagle, is in the southeastern and southern sky.

Near Saturn, in the low southern sky, is the twinkling red star Antares. It twinkles due to the amount of warm summer air the light has to pass through. It would look like a red Altair if it was not so low on the horizon. If your southern sky is not full of light pollution, look next to Antares with your binoculars, and find the fuzzy ball of light that is a globular cluster of thousands of stars in a tight gravitationally bound sphere known as M4.

There is more to see in the sky than the Great American Eclipse. Keep looking up.

Longview resident Greg Smith is an active member of Friends of Galileo, a familyfriendly astronomy club which meets monthly in Longview. For info about the club, call Chuck Ring, 360-636-2294.

The closest thing to living at home

MIND YOUR EYES

I

want to reinforce safety about viewing the August 21 total solar eclipse. Southwest Washington and Northwest Oregon will NOT be in the shadow of the moon. We will have about 97-98% coverage of the sun, but the remaining bit of the sun is WAY too bright to view without proper shielding.

As this issue goes to press, Columbia River Reader is sold out of cardboard eclipse glasses, but Fred Meyer and Walmart still have them. If still available, get a pair.

Otherwise, use welder’s #14 glass, or make your own simple and safe viewer for the local partial solar eclipse.

Do not look at the sun without protection at any time during the partial eclipse. You may only remove them during totality (2 minute max) if you are standing somewhere within the 60-mile wide band of totality spanning Oregon from Lincoln City-Salem-Madras-John Day, etc. ~ Greg Smith TWO EASY-TO-MAKE ECLIPSE VIEWERS 1. Box Viewer Cut a one-inch square hole in one of the small ends of a shoe-box or larger longer box and cover it with dark paper/aluminum foil. Punch a hole in the dark paper/aluminum foil with a sharp pencil. On the inside of the other end of the box, place a piece of white paper. You do not need the box lid. Just look through the open side.

With your back towards the sun; aim the end with the hole in it at the sun. When you see the circle of light on the white paper, you have aligned your viewer. You are now looking at an image of the sun and should be able to see the moon crossing in front of the sun.

2. Cardboard Squares Take two pieces of cardboard and cut a one-inch square hole in one and tape dark paper/ aluminum foil to cover the square hole and punch a small round hole in the dark paper with a sharp pencil. Tape white paper on the other piece of cardboard, Stand with your back to the sun and hold the white cardboard below the one with the small hole in it. Hold the cardboard with the small hole near your shoulder and move it till a round dot of light is on the white paper. The farther the cardboard with the hole in it is from the cardboard with the white paper, the larger the dot. Now you should be able to see an image of the moon crossing in front of the sun.

10 locally-owned, privately-operated adult family homes in Longview serving our community

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 29

Astoria Fulio’s Pastaria 1149 Commercial St., Astoria.

Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Steaks, pasta, veal scallopini, lamb. Full bar, wine. Open 11:30–9, 7 days a week.

503-325-9001.

Clatskanie

COLUMBIA RIVER

dining guide

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

See ad, page 11.

Kelso 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

1260 Commerce Ave. Serving lunch & dinner Mon–Sat 11am–10pm. Full bar, banquet space, American comfort food. 360-703-3904. www.millcitygrill.com. See ad, page 9.

Rainier Alston Pub & Grub 25196 Alston Rd., Rainier 503-556-4213 11 beers on tap, cocktails.

Open daily 11am.

503-556-9753 See ad, page 11.

Conestoga Pub Cornerstone Café 102 East “A” Street Microbrews, wines & spirits Prime rib Friday & Sat. Open M-F 6am–8pm; Sat-Sun 7am–8pm.

503-556-8772. See ad, page 11.

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

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

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

See ad page 11.

Hometown Pizza 109 E. “A” St. Take-and-bake, Delivery, To-Go and dine-in. Lunch Buffet M-F 11–2.

Open daily 11am; close M-Th, Sat 9pm, Fri 10pm. 503-556-3700

Fire Mountain Grill • NEW Location 9440 Spirit Lake Hwy, Milepost 19.

Lunch & Dinner: Burgers, sandwiches, salads, steaks seafood, chicken & dumplings, housemade cobblers and infamous Bigfoot Burger. Riverside dining. Open daily 10am–8pm. 360-2745217. See ad, page 15.

St. Helens, Oregon

My Thai Kitchen Grounds for Opportunity 413 S. Pacific Ave. 360-703-3020 Wed– Sun 7am–3pm. Breakfast and Lunch available all day.

Longview

421 20th Ave., Authentic Thai food, i.e. Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai, Green Curry. Tues–Sat 11:30– 2:30pm, 4:30–7:30pm. 360560-3779.

The Original Pietrio’s Pizzeria Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant 640 E. Columbia River Hwy Fine Mexican cuisine. Daily specials.

The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. Sports bar.

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

Toutle/Mt St Helens

Homestyle cooking from the 1960s-1970. All natural ingredients. Beer and wine available. Open Wed. thru Sun, 7am–8pm. See ad, page 9.

The Carriage Restaurant & Lounge

Full breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily drink special: Bloody Mary $5. Homemade soup 6am–2pm. Full bar in lounge, open 6am.

1334 12th Ave. 360-425-8545.

614 Commerce Ave., Longview. 18 varieties of pizza. Salad bar, Lunch buffet all-you-can-eat. Beer & wine. Mon-Fri open 11am, Sat-Sun 12 Noon. 360-3533512.

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

33 draft beers. Full bar. Family-friendly, weekly jazz and acoustic dinner hour sets on Weds. 360-636-1616. See ad, page 18.

Sunshine Pizza & Catering 2124 Columbia Blvd.

Hot pizza, cool salad bar. Beer & wine.

503-397-3211 See ad, page 12.

Scappoose Fultano’s Pizza 51511 SE 2nd.

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

M–Th, Sat 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm. Full bar service ‘til 11pm Fri & Sat. Deliveries in Scappoose.

503-543-5100.

Ixtapa Fine Mexican Restaurant

Locally roasted espresso, fine teas, fresh pastries daily, smoothies, beer & wine, homemade soups. Breakfast and lunch. 1333 Broadway. 360-425-7700 See ad, page 4.

Country Folks Deli 1329 Commerce Ave., Longview. Open for lunch and dinner. 360-425-2837.

See ad, page 33.

Freddy’s Just for the Halibut. Cod, halibut & tuna fish and chips, oysters & clams., award-winning clam chowder. Prime rib every Thurs. Beer and wine. M-W 10–8, Th-Sat 10–9, Sun 11–8.

1110 Commerce 360-414-3288.

See ad, page 5.

Hop N Grape 924 15th Ave., Longview M–Th 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm. BBQ meat slow-cooked on site. Pulled pork, chicken brisket, ribs, turkey, salmon. World-famous mac & cheese. 360-577-1541 See ad page 8.

1210 Ocean Beach Hwy., Longview. Fish & chips, burgers, more.

Beer & wine. 360-577-7972.

30 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Roland Wines 1106 Florida St., Longview Authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, wine, and beer.

Casual ambience, music, al fresco and indoor dining. 5–9pm Wed-Sat, 1–5pm Sun See ad, page 25.

Teri’s 3225 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview.

Lunch and dinner. Fine dining, with specials, fresh NW cuisine. Happy Hour.

Full bar. Mon–Sat open 11am. Closed Sundays. 360-577-0717.

Fresh-roasted coffee, snack and pastries. 1335 14th Ave., M-F 9am–4pm, Sat-Sun 9am–4pm.

360-232-8642 Second location: 931 Ocean Beach Hwy (Inside seating plus drive-thru).

M-F 6am–8pm, Sat-Sun 8am–8pm.

360-232-8642. See ad, page 9.

Castle Rock Parker’s Restaurant & Brewery 1300 Mt. St. Helens Way. I-5 Exit 49.

Lunch, Dinner. Burgers, hand-cut steak; seafood and pasta. Restaurant opens 11am, Lounge 12 Noon. Closed Monday.

360-967-2333

33452 Havlik Rd. Fine Mexican cuisine.

Daily specials. The best margarita in town. Daily drink specials. M-Th 11am–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 11am–11:30pm; Sun 11am–9pm. 503-543-3017

Warren Warren Country Inn 56575 Columbia River Hwy. Fine family dining. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Fri Prime Rib special, Taco Tuesday. Karaoke Fri-Sat. Full bar. M-Th 8am–9:30pm, Fri-Sat 8am–10:30pm, Sun 9am–9pm. 503-410-5479.

Woodland The Oak Tree 1020 Atlantic Ave., Woodland. Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Fresh from scratch cooking. Great happy hour menu. Sun 7am–9pm, M-Th 8am–9pm, Fri-Sat 7am–10pm. 360-841-8567

To advertise in Columbia River Dining Guide call 360-749-2632

Miss Manners

from page 12

GENTLE READER: Do you have any idea how horrified Miss Manners is at the notion that politeness requires you to down an unwanted drink because it has been paid for? She is beside herself thinking of all the trouble you could get into that way.

Please memorize this sentence: “It’s very kind of you, but no, thanks.”

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Occasionally I receive business correspondence where the sender simply signs his/her name. A few of my clients are foreign, and I am unable to discern whether they are male or female. How do I respectfully address them in my return letter?

GENTLE READER: This was a more challenging problem in the pre-Internet days, when companies

did not post their employees’ titles, pictures, biographies and favorite water sports on their corporate websites.

But assuming that photographs are either not provided or not definitive in answering your question, there is always the telephone. Miss Manners suggests calling someone other than your correspondent so that you can ask your question directly. It will be a familiar question if addressed to the assistant of a boss with a non-genderspecific name.

Internal Medicine & Preventative Care Open Every Day for Your Convenience Holidays & Weekends Included

••• 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, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Now taking appointments

Dr. Don Zeilenga, FACP, FACC Cardiology & Internal Medicine

Richard A. Kirkpatrick, M.D., FACP

David B. Kirkpatrick, MA, MMSc, PA-C

Kendra Preilipper, MPAS, PA-C

Stephen J. Ahearn, ARNP

Britta Fischer, PA-C

Bev Search, RN, FNP, MA, ARNP

Karen L. Joiner, MSN, ARNP

Carol Sayles, MSN, ARNP

Vlad Bogin, MD, FACP

Neal R.Kirkpatrick, Emeritus

We Accept Most Insurance Plans Extended clinic hours: Mon-Fri, 8am to 8pm Sat, 9am to 1pm Sun, Noon to 4pm

360-423-9580

1706 Washington Way, Longview

ON THE CIVIC CENTER www.kirkpatrickfamilycare.com

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

Ye a r s Over 20 rience of Expe

• Fungal Conditions Mark Rawson, DPM, Podiatrist

• Wound Care

360-575-9161

783 Commerce Ave. Suite 120 BOTH BUSINESSES UNDER SAME OWNERSHIP Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 31

Master Gardeners

Are your trees thirsty?

Humans aren’t the only ones who need a drink!

S

ummer was a long time getting here this year, but once it started, Mother Nature turned off the spigot. Our last appreciable rainfall was in the third week of June!

Most of us in the Pacific Northwest never even think about watering our trees and shrubs during the summer. Drought stress may not kill a tree outright, but symptoms such as those mentioned at right may continue for a couple of years after normal rainfall returns. Remember those hot, dry summers we had in 2014-2015? At the WSU Plant Clinic, we are still seeing tree and shrub problems that started three years ago. Prolonged heat and water stress makes a plant more vulnerable to pest infestations or bacterial and fungal infections.

There are several strategies to keep your woody plants healthy and vigorous when we have these long, hot JulyAugust-September conditions: Remove competition; Mulch; Water properly.

Get rid of the competition

Grass competes with trees and shrubs for water and nutrients. It’s a very good idea to remove all grass from under the “drip line” of a tree. The drip line is the area under shade of the tree’s branches.

If you’re watering a conifer, remove the grass another three feet beyond the tree’s drip line.

Mulch

To keep the soil from losing moisture from evaporation, mulch with 2-4 inches of coarse wood chips or bark. Don’t use bark dust, which mats up and can actually create a water barrier. If you are using bark dust, be sure to rake it to break up the

Signs of drought stress • New growth is stunted and/or wilting, older leaves may be curling or crispy around the edges.

• The leaves may turn brown between the veins, progressing until the entire leaf turns brown.

• Trees or shrubs with shiny leaves may have a dull look.

• Plants with green leaves may look dull green or bluish gray.

• Leaves may drop prematurely.

• On conifers, look for yellowing or reddish second-year (interior) needles that drop prematurely (losing needles on the inside of the tree may be a normal seasonal occurrence for conifers such as pine and arborvitae).

mats before you water. Don’t “volcanomulch,” as I’ve seen some people do, piling mulch up around the trunk of the tree. This can promote abnormal root growth and create an ideal habitat for plant diseases and insects. Keep the mulch 6-8 inches from the trunk.

How to water

Contrary to popular belief, tree roots that take up most of the water and nutrients are no deeper than 12-18 inches below ground. We need to water slowly, deeply, and thoroughly to encourage the formation of deep roots.

The best way to water is using the plain old garden hose. The general rule of thumb is to give the tree 10 gallons of water for each inch of trunk diameter (measured at shoulder height). You can easily estimate this by turning your hose on to a medium trickle, fill a container such as a 5 gallon bucket, and note how long it takes to fill. Let’s say, for example, that you have an established

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Canning Tomatoes & Salsa Aug. 18, 9am to 12noon. Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District, 35285 Millard Rd., St. Helens, Ore. Class by Jenny Rudolph, OSU Educator.

By Alice Slusher

Hands-on Harvest Workshop for Kids K-5 Sept. 16, 2–4pm.. What did you grow this year in your garden? Let’s explore what we can do with our harvest!

Floral Building at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds in Longview, Wash.

tree with a trunk diameter of 5 inches.

You need to get 50 gallons of water delivered to the entire area under the tree’s canopy. If it takes 5 minutes to fill your 5 gallon bucket, you’ll need to water under the tree’s canopy area for 50 minutes. Place the end of the hose midway between the trunk and the drip line of the tree so the water can spread in all directions. You’ll need to move the hose so the entire area under the tree is watered.

Family STEM Night, Friday, Sept 22, 4-7 pm at Lower Columbia Community College, Longview, Wash. Lot’s of fun learning taking place!

Master Gardeners Info: Cowlitz County, Wash. 360-577-3014 Columbia County, Ore: 503-397-3462

If your hose won’t reach a tree, you can use a bucket to slow-water your tree.

Get one of those 5-gallon plastic paint buckets. Drill a few small holes in the bottom, fill with water and transport to your tree. Continue until your tree has been completely watered.

How often should you water your trees?

If you haven’t watered them at all this summer, do it today! Here are some general guidelines: Established trees/shrubs: Shrubs and trees (1 to 15“ diameter) every two weeks Large trees (16“ diameter) once a month.

To be sure that you’ve watered adequately, check the next day by digging a small hole 5-8 inches deep with a screwdriver or trowel close to the dripline. Check that the soil is moist—like a sponge that’s been wrung out. Water again if you need to. Water in the morning or evening to make your watering more efficient. You will lose water to evaporation if you water in the heat of the day.

For trees planted this spring: Water as often as needed to keep the soil moist.

They haven’t had time to develop an extensive root system yet.

•••

You would not believe how much fun building this rag!

Kalama resident Alice Slusher volunteers with WSU Extension Service Plant & Insect Clinic. Drop by 9am– 12noon Wed. at 1946 3rd Ave., Longview, with your specimen, call 360-577-3014, ext.

8, or send question via cowlitzmastergardener@ gmail.com.

Serving the Community & Surrounding Area since 1971

Flowers speak from the heart...

We deliver to:

BACK TO SCHOOL Appreciate your teacher!

Susann Pulse OWNER

www.weatherguardinc.net 32 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Winlock Toledo Vader Ryderwood Castle Rock Toutle Silver Lake Longview Kelso Kalama Downtown Rainier

Where do you read

THE READER?

Bavarian bliss Left to right: Nancy and Jim McCoy, of Cathlamet, Wash., Rainier, Ore. residents Sherry and Dave McCoy. in May. “Going up the Tegelberg Gondola (near Schwangau in Bavaria, Germany, was breathtaking,” wrote Nancy McCoy.“You could see Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles in the distance. Hang gliders were going off the top; sunny and warm weather. We took our coats off and sat outside at the picnic tables and drank beer and ate bowls of goulash. Wonderful!”

WHERE DO YOU READ THE READER?

No cigar! Michael and Carolyn Caines, of Kelso, Wash., in Havana, Cuba, on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, at the Christ of Havana statue, 20 meters high, overlooking the bay.

Send your photo reading the Reader (high-resolution JPEG) to Publisher@ CRReader.com. If sending a cell phone photo, choose the largest file size up to 2 MB. Include names and cities of residence. Thank you for your participation and patience, as we usually have a backlog. Keep those photos coming!

Nice boat Don and Debbie Clark of Kelso, Wash.; Steven Michels, Bend Ore.; Harley and Carol Michels, of Longview; Cindy Pihl and Ron Pihl, of Longview. In St. Maarten on one of their traditional family trips, this time a Caribbean cruise.

LUNCH * DINNER Open ‘Til The Cows Come Home Monday 10–3 Tuesday & Wednesday 10–8 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10–9 1329 COMMERCE AVE. LONGVIEW, WA

360-425-2837

TITLES TONNAGE LICENSES FAX SERVICE MAILING SERVICE NOTARY SERVICE QUICK TITLES CARS TRUCKS BOATS CYCLES TRAILERS TRIP PERMITS HOURS: M-F 8:30am–6pm Sat 10am–3pm

Pick us to renew your auto license & transfer titles • Quick In & Out • Friendly Service • Handy Parking

957 14th Ave., Longview • 360-577-3972 POSTAL SERVICE: Cash & Checks only LICENSING SERVICES: Debit/Credit Cards, Cash & Check NOTARY SERVICES: Cash only

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 33

the spectator by ned piper

What’s new in our world

A

s many of you may know from recent stories in the Reader, our family was pleasantly surprised to learn that when my late brother served in the Vietnam War, he fathered a child, Quoc Van Ngo. Quoc and his wife and son moved to Longview in January. Four months later, they re-located to Springfield, Illinois, to join their soon-to-immigrate daughter and son-in-law.

In a recent phone call from Springfield, we learned that all five of them will fly to Longview for a short visit in late September. It will be very good to see

our extended family and to discover how much English they have learned while re-starting their lives in America.

When Sue learned that renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns was presenting a preview of his ten-part series on the Vietnam War in Portland, she bought tickets. Given our new connection to this war and to Vietnam, Burns’ presentation seemed like a perfect opportunity to enhance our knowledge of that troubled time. The series will begin on Sunday, September 17th. See story, page 16.

The solar eclipse

Are you ready for the coming amazing natural wonder where the moon lines up between earth and sun and darkens our world for a few minutes? It’s called the eclipse of the sun. Those who travel to Oregon or Idaho to view a TOTAL eclipse will get the most out of the experience.

Those who witness it closer to home will find the partial eclipse interesting, but likely not “soul shaking,” as Sue describes her experience 18 years ago. No matter where you are the morning of August 21st, be sure to wear your eclipse glasses so as not to damage your eyes by looking directly at the sun. Regular sunglasses are simply not adequate to protect from the sun’s harmful, direct rays (see page 29).

Interest is very high for the eclipse, evidenced by the fact that we sold 1,400 pair of the special glasses here at the CRR office on 14th Avenue in downtown Longview.

HaikuFest goes Hawaiian

Committed to helping you find Bill Maxwell

Carrie Medack

360-901-9633

360-431-0998

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THE RIGHT MORTGAGE.

NMLS#190268

Programs available to qualified borrowers. Rates and programs subject to change without notice. Underwriting terms and conditions apply.

1541 11th Ave., Suite A Longview, WA

Another popular event on the horizon for CRR is the Annual Haikufest. In previous years, we’ve hosted a celebration in the Reader office. It’s always been well attended by Haikufest participants. Gary Meyers, the gentleman who founded and organizes the contest, flies in from his home in Hawaii for the party and “awards” ceremonies. This year, marking the 10th Anniversary CRR’s Haikufest, we’re holding the party in Honolulu in late February. You read it right, folks.

Participants are invited to gather for the festivities, meet the esteemed judges and enjoy the warm tropical sun. Snorkeling is optional.

Hearing this news, my boyhood friend, Lee Quarnstrom — now a California resident who says his favorite place in the world is Hawaii — has already sent in a couple of original haikus. Details of Haikufest 2018 are yet to be determined (watch for the announcement in September’s CRR), but if the judges accept early entries with a Pacific Northwest theme, these could be winners: Smelt

Tasty memories: Tiny, kippered, smoked, sautéed.

What a mighty fish!

MMMM!

Painful, bloody hands, fingers pricked by bramble thorns.

Oh, blackberry pie!

We do try to keep things interesting at the Reader and we appreciate the loyalty and support of all our readers, advertisers and friends.

••• 34 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

WHAT’S

UP

UNDER THE BRIDGE?

By Brooke Hendrickson

W

hat a crazy month July was! Between Port Tours and the Cowlitz County Fair, it was a whirlwind of a month that I genuinely enjoyed and that is all thanks to the lovely people who make up this community.

All month long I had the opportunity to meet, talk to, and interact with a huge portion of this community and learn your thoughts about the Port of Longview, what you’d like to learn in the future and how you perceive the Port.

What an ideal situation for any communications professional!

Our Tours went really well – great questions were asked and answered, a lot of new community members learned about, and saw for the first time their Port in action. Considering it was the first Summer Tour Series I had been a part of, I feel really proud of it.

As soon as our Port Tours wrapped up, we went straight into the Cowlitz County Fair, an event that I have a new appreciation for. I was able to meet even more community members and learn about their interests in the Port, as well as hear lots of questions and comments about Willow Grove Park. It was refreshing to hear what people liked, what people didn’t like, how people were feeling about their Port.

With summer wrapping up, we hope you enjoy what is left of it.

Stay tuned for announcements about next year’s summer events – including Port Tour dates, Cowlitz County Fair announcements and more!

••• Brooke Hendrickson is Communications Associate with the Port of Longview. Reach her at bhendrickson@portoflongview.com or 360-703-0256.

Columbia River Reader / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / 35

Joint Pain? Longview Ortho Has Answers More than 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. This crippling disease can cause swelling and severe joint pain, leading to a loss of mobility.

Dr. Turner

The good news is that new surgical techniques and technology have reduced postsurgery rehabilitation time.

If hip, knee, or shoulder pain is limiting your quality of life, contact Longview Orthopedic

Dr. Kretzler

Dr. Kung

360.501.3400

625 9th Ave • Longview, WA 98632 • longvieworthopaedic.com 36 / August 15 – September 14, 2017 / Columbia River Reader

Associates to schedule a consultation with Bill Turner, Jon Kretzler, Peter Kung, or Tony Lin. The Lower Columbia’s most experienced orthopedic team will assess your condition and recommend solutions.

Dr. Lin