Page 2 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
From the Editor’s Desk
After the Thanksgiving issue hit the streets, we were pleasantly surprised to receive a touching phone call. A lovely retired couple, whose name and contact information has been swallowed up by my excuse for a desk, rang up one evening with a concern. (If you read this - give me a call!) Concern for our daughter, Chloe, since I had shared with you about her surgery and resulting diagnosis. Traveling the I-5 corridor on a consistent basis between their home in Renton, WA and their daughter’s in Longview, they picked up the paper and felt the need to do something. Sharing with their group within their retired community housing, they felt even more compelled to give us a call. To see how Chloe was doing. To see how they could help. To say what a good job we’re doing. It literally blessed my socks off, and rendered me to a puddle of tears after I got off the phone. I forget how many people this paper reaches. How many hearts are touched and moved as I share experiences, and articles. How easy to forget, since I’m holed up in this little office, typing furiously away for three days straight after ads are sold, getting each paper ready for the press. I want to thank the couple who called, and I want to thank you, our readers. Thank you for sharing in our journey, and caring enough to connect. Many of you have, through facebook and eMails, phone calls and “virtual hugs”. As we enter into this season of Giv-
ing, I’m reminded just how much you “give” me. You give me the strength to continue, even when I’m exhausted. You give me joy when I hear how much you enjoyed a certain article. You give me the chance to express myself in a creative manner through designing each page. You give our advertisers the opportunity to offer their services and products in your community paper. How could I even need anything more for Christmas? Thank you, and may this paper be our gift unto you. I hope that our labors of writing, finding fun articles, and searching out interesting community events and stories will be a gift to you this Christmas and beyond. And I hope that you are able to push past the bustle of presents and wrapping paper, and search through to the real meaning of Christmas. The birth of a little baby in Bethlehem, to a virgin mother named Mary. Embrace His gifts of hope, peace, joy and unfailing Love. They are eternal, they are ever-present and available for anyone. Merry Christmas. Chloe’s Update Corner: Life continues on, and so does Chloe’s healing process with her jaw. The Doctor told us her healing was “going marvelously well”, and you couldn’t tell she had just had surgery! That was super good news! Eating foods is still somewhat of a challenge, as she can’t directly bite into anything. No use of her front
Publication Information Valley Bugler, LLC Longview, WA (360)414-1246 www.ValleyBugler.com eMail: editor@valleybugler.com
(Special thanks to our advertisers and readers!)
Editor/Publisher................................Michelle Myre Cover Design / Web Mngr.............omOriginals Marketing! (360)575-9839 Distribution.........................................Diana Jones Advertising Sales.............................Michelle Myre Columnists.........................................Listed below Paddy Burrow - Fruits & Nuts Georgia Butterfield - Adorable Adoptee Georgia Cox - Castle Rock Seniors Bill Eagle - Eagle’s Eye Humane Society - Adorable Adoptee Oscar Myre IV - Geek Speak /valleybuglernewspaper Blake Peterson - Movie Reviews Jeff Petersen - Peacemaking Lawyer PeaceHealth - Living Well Laurrie Piland - Baked Lava Pat Nelson - Window to Woodland **The Valley Bugler newspaper publishes content supplied from the above columnists, and is not responsible for factual mistakes or anything other than the occasional spelling error. The Valley Bugler does not endorse views expressed, but retains a neutral stance on all issues presented. Please call our offices or eMail the columnist with comments or concerns**
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EMAIL: EDITOR@VALLEYBUGLER.COM teeth for biting off a hunk of sandwich, apple or ANYthing for that matter. For an eleven year old tween, that can be pretty frustrating! Heck, for a maid of my own age, it would be frustrating. Needless to say, she is handling it with the grace of a professional, and never complains. She is amazing. We get to see the Doctor again in January, and then again in March for the bone scan. Hopefully, we will see lots of lovely bone growing into the
gaping hole left by the surgery. If you’re of the praying sort, we could use some. That the bone is regrowing, and she won’t lose her teeth. That would be a complete and utter miracle! Thank you again, and the Merriest of Christmas Blessings to you ALL! Light up that Christmas Tree! Michelle Myre Publisher / Editor
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 3
SW WA Dance Ensemble presents:
The Nutcracker Ballet
Jingle All the Way 5K Run/walk on 12-20-14 It’s back with bells on! Jingle All the Way to this annual mega holiday event. Run, walk and be entertained by local musicians. Visit Santa and his holiday friends. Experience downtown shops and eateries. Festive holiday costumes are encouraged as prizes will be awrded to best individual and group attire. Get on board for a magical evening with your friends, family and heck, bring a neighbor or two! Prizes awarded to the 1st three male and female finishers. 4:00pm The Rudolph Run A special Kids Event, where Kids can run for Free, aged 9 and under. No registration required, but parents must sign a waiver for children to participate between 3-4pm at race location. Prizes are awarded to top 3 finishers of ages 6-9 heat and ages 5 and under heat.
5:00pm 5k Run/Walk At Commerce & Broadway in Downtown Longview. Cost: $25 with shirt, $20 no shirt, $65 family of 4, including 4 shirts. (More family registrations can be purchased for additional $10 with shirt). A portion will benefit the Chamber’s Lower Columbia Professional Scholarship Fund. Contact the Chamber Office for company discounts. Registration Deadline is Friday, December 5th to get a shirt, and Registrations receiving no shirt will be available through day of race. Register at the Chamber, or online at: www.kelsolongviewchamber.org Packet Pickup is December 19th at the MERK Building from 10am 5pm. Please call the Chamber with any questions. Kelso Longview Chamber (360)423-8400
City Christmas Tree Lighting & Parades are Here! December 5th: City of Kelso Tree Lighting Festivities @ 6-8pm. Santa expected to arrive for the fun at 6:15pm. There will be food, music and children’s crafts to ring in the Christmas Season! Head to the Train Depot in Kelso, WA for the Holiday fun. December 6th: Parade Day Festival in Downtown Longview and Tree Lighting Ceremony Tons to do for the whole family in Downtown Longview on Parade Day! Start out the day with Breakfast with Santa! Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for this popular family tradition. Breakfast, crafts, face painting & entertainment. Fun holiday singalong and puppet show. [See article next page for tickets and additional information.] Starting at 12pm and lasting until right before the big Parade at 5pm, there will be: Longview’s Gingerbread Haus Contest, Gift Bazaars, Pedicab Rides, Live music, and of course delicious treats from local restaurants. In Downtown, at The Broadway Gallery, the annual Gingerbread Haus contest will be on display from Noon 5pm, where you can see all the houses and sweet creations. Then, at 5pm, The Parade will begin! Winding around Downtown, this cheery and flashy parade will finish at the Civic Circle in front of the Monticello Hotel, with the arrival of the famous big guy himself, Santa Claus and his lovely wife, Mrs. Claus, from the North Pole. Once the switch is flipped, and the entire Civic Circle is lit up by beautiful lights, little boys and girls can sit on Santa’s lap to tell him their special Christmas wish.
December 7th: City of Rainier, Oregon Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 5pm - 7pm The City of Rainier and the Rainier Chamber of Commerce proudly present the Annual Festival of Lights, a Tree Lighting Celebration on Sunday, December 7th @ Rainier City Hall. (106 West ‘B’ Street, Rainier OR. Caroling starts at 5:00pm on the City Hall stairs, and Santa arrives to light the tree at 5:15pm. But stick around for pictures with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and lots of great raffle prizes. Bring the family and enjoy sharing the Holiday Spirit with friends and neighbors. December 13th Castle Rock Festival of Lights See article on p.5 for details!
Dec. 12th, 7:30pm Dec. 13th, 2:00pm & 7:30pm Dec. 14th, 1:00pm & 5:30pm Southwest Washington Dance Center’s performing company, Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble, will present their 19th annual production of the full-length Holiday classic “The Nutcracker”, under the expert direction of Danielle Brosco. The ballet will take place in the “state of the art” Corbet Theatre, on the campus of Centralia College, in Centralia, WA. This year especially, the ballet is full of new choreography, costumes, and lots of surprises. The over 100 member cast is very excited to share this year’s production with a continually supportive community. It’s a magical experience for the whole family. Many area businesses and individuals have also contributed to making “The Nutcracker” a success. Ticket prices are: $22.00-Adults $15.00-Seniors 62+ and children, 18 and under. All seating is reserved, and there are 2 special ticket deals offered: There will be a “Pay What You Can” Performance on Thursday, December 11th at 6:00pm. Tickets for this special show are sold at the door, starting at 4:30pm and you are encouraged to get them early because they sell out fast.
There is also a “Family Package” available, Buy 4 tickets, get 5th ticket free for the Sunday, 5:30pm performance ONLY. Contact the Dance center directly for the Family Package purchase. For Tickets: swwdance.org 360-748-4789 455 N. Market Blvd, Chehalis After Dec 7th, tickets only available online, at box office of Corbet Theatre on campus of Centralia College from the hours of 1:00-9:00 pm or by telephone. All seating is reserved. (See ad below for additional info)
Page 4 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
Please enjoy this extensive and hopefully comprehensive list (up to date when published), and keep it handy throughout the month!
Saturday /Sun. Dec. 6th-7th:
Friday / Sat / Sun Nov 28-30th
Community Home Health & Hospice 1035 11th Avenue, Longview December 7th, 9am-3pm Benefits Community Grief Center
Portland Expo Christmas Bazaar 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland OR November 28-30 December 5-7 F/S 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-5pm
Handcrafted Holiday Bazaar McClelland Center 951 Delaware, Longview December 7th, 10am - 3pm Home-made & hand-crafted items!
Serendipity, w/ Vicki & Roxanne 1707 S. Kelso Drive, Kelso November 28,29, 9am-4pm November 30, 10am - 3pm Benefits Meals on Wheels
Monticello Park Holiday Bazaar 605 Broadway, Longview December 6th, 9am-3pm Benefits Salvation Army
Kelso Eagles Christmas Bazaar 609 S. Pacific, Kelso Nov. 29, 9am-5pm Nov. 30, 9am-4pm Benefits Kelso Eagles charities
Saturday, November 29th Festival of Trees / Christmas Lights Main Street, Cathlamet WA @ 3pm
Thursday, December 4th: Artisan Guild Holiday Sale @ Cassava’s on 14th & Broadway Thursday, Dec. 4-5, 10am-5pm Benefits Humane Society 6th & Final “Recycled Christmas” 104 Mets Road, Castle Rock Dec.4-5, 8am-7pm Benefits Castle Rock Lions
Friday, December 5th: Carrols PTO Holiday Bazaar 3902 Old Pacific Hwy., Kelso December 5th, 3:30pm - 6:00p, Bake Sale, Photos with Santa Highlands Baptist Holiday Bazaar 317 - 20th Ave, Longview December 6th, 9am - 3pm
(proceeds to benefit summer children program)
Amalak Christmas Tour of Homes & Bazaar from NOON - 9pm Hendrickson Mall, Main St Kalama; Benefits Women’s Club December 11th
Sunday, December 13th: Castle Rock Women’s Club Bazaar 206 Cowlitz Ave W., Castle Rock
4th Annual Emmanuel Youth Bazaar 2218 E. Kessler Blvd, Longview December 6th, 9am-4pm Benefits Youth missions/ministry
Red, White & Blue Bazaar 5050 Spirit Lake Mem. Hwy Toutle, WA December 6, 9am-4pm Benefits Veterans & Families Rose Valley Grange Bazaar 1520 Rose Valley Rd, Kelso December 6, 9am-4pm Benefits Community Hospice Toledo Holiday Bazaar Toledo Elementary Gymnasium December 6, 9am - 3pm 45+ booths, food & raffle!
Thursday, December 11th:
Columbia Hts. Christmas Bazaar
3609 Col. Hts. Road, Longview December 13, 9am - 3pm Benefits Celebrate Recovery (Also find bazaar info online)
Breakfast with Santa! Dec. 6th
Rainier Senior Center Bazaar 48 W. 7th St., Rainier OR December 6th, 9am-4pm December 7th, 11am-4pm Benefits Senior Center
St. Mary’s Parish Bazaar 120 Powell Road, Castle Rock Lunch from 11:30am - 1pm December 6th, 10am - 3pm Proceeds to benefit Hospice
December 13, 10am - 8pm Benefits Flooring Fund
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on the morning of December 6th for this popular family tradition. Breakfast, make & take crafts, face painting and entertainment included. Penny’s Puppets from Portland will lead us in
a fun holiday puppet show and sing-along. (pennypuppets. com) A winter time treat for the whole family! Pre-registration required, no tickets sold at the door. Pictures with Santa are only $5. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This breakfast is held on Sat, Dec.6 at the Merk in downtown Longview, 1339 Commerce Ave. Choose from sessions at 8:30 am (146928) or 10:45 am. (#146929). Create unforgettable Holiday memories for just $9.00 per person. No refunds or transfers for this event. For more information or to register call Longview Recreation at 442.5400 or register online at: www.mylongview.com/reconline
Enter GINGERBREAD HAUS Contest It’s time to bust out the gingerbread, icing and candies for the annual Gingerbread Haus Contest! Do you think you have the best Gingerbread decorating skills
in the Northwest? Well, ok, in the Cowlitz County area? Well, you need to get your application over to The Broadway Gallery, or Teague’s Interiors, both located on Commerce Avenue in Longview. (Applications available at both locations). Then, after you have created your masterpiece extraoardinaire, the house needs to be gingerly delivered to The Broadway Gallery for judging and display. Application Deadline - Dec. 3rd Contest Judging - Dec. 6th (Judging is done prior to the Home for the Holidays Christmas Parade). We looked high and low for some helpful hints and tips for you creative ginger-geniuses: 1. Don’t eat it. No, really. This is the most important one! Your creation will not be judged if it is contained in your belly. 2. Don’t let other people eat it. Ok, so this is the second most important rule of all. Keep snacking strangers and exploratory children’s fingers away from the creation unless they are helping build it. After all, a construction worker has to eat, right? 3. If it breaks, just ‘icing’ it back together. That’s the glory of using lots of sticky icing. It will work! 4. Keep icing covered with a damp towel - it will prevent it from drying. 5. Don’t limit your candy usage. Have fun with sprinkles, crunched up candy, pretzels, striped gum, cereal, crackers, lollipops, ribbon candy and more -- animal cookies playing in the yard, anyone? 6. Most of all, have FUN!
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 5
Castle Rock’s
Christmas JOY Telethon - LIVE! Friday, December 12th @ 6pm-11pm
Friday December 12, 2014 6 pm to 11 pm The Electric Bean 946 Washington Way Longview, WA 98632 ChristmasJoyTelethon.com LIVE from The Electric Bean join us for the 4th Annual Christmas JOY Telethon! We will have face painting, pictures with Santa by Jen White Studios, Candy Cane Hunt and other activities. Musical performances by Paul Mauer, Carl Wirkkala and The Ghost Town Boys, and Claire Beck will fill the air with joy! Funds collected will be used in our community by Living Ministries, Hearts For Homeless Outreach and Canz 4 Toyz. Living Ministries is a volunteer-run, non-reporting nonprofit in the State of Washington; all monies donated go back to the community through various ministries and community projects we donate to. Thank you to sponsors: Allied Hearing Aid Specialists, Ray Baker, Candy Caton-Brown, Copies Today Speedy Litho, The Electric Bean, Exclaim Media Video & Marketing,
Above: A Festive truck adorned by thousands of lights makes its annual trek down the route. At Left: Previous years Festival of Lights are shining with excitement, and crowds of merry Festival attendees share in the Holiday Spirit. All photos provided by Festival of Lights Committee.
By Shannon Cahoon What do Sasquatch and Christmas have in common? The Castle Rock Festival of Lights, of course! Take the short drive to Castle Rock on December 13th and you’ll be in for one big, hairy good time. Claim a spot of sidewalk along Cowlitz St. or Front Ave. for the hometown parade, starting at 5:30pm. A very well decked-out Castle Rock Fire Department, several local businesses, and yes- even Sasquatch, are waiting to wish you a Merry Christmas as they stroll by. Following the parade, the official tree lighting ceremony will begin near the Post Office at 126 W Cowlitz St. Santa will lead the countdown and we’ll flip the switch, illuminating the charming downtown with thousands of glittering lights. Following the lighting ceremony, the Castle Rock High School band and the Castle Rock Men’s Ensemble will lead the crowd in classic Christmas Carols. “It is such a magical moment! You see all the lights, have hundreds of people around you singing carols… time just really slows down for a few minutes,” says Festival committee member and local barbershop owner, Laura England. “This is the fifth annual Festival of Lights celebration,” explains Stephanie Misner, Head Elf of the Festival. “Each year we add more lights, and we’re hoping this will be our best year yet.” Businesses will be decked out, each trying to win the coveted Best Decorated Storefront award. The committee also encourages attendees to come early and stay late to enjoy restaurant and shopping specials throughout town, on both exit 48 and 49. Festival goers can also enter to win fantastic raffle prizes being drawn the night of the celebration. And of course, Santa will be mak-
ing his annual stop for free pictures with all the good little boys and girls, inside the Visitors Center located at 147 Front Ave. Whether this is your first year, or your fifth year, you are sure to have yourself a merry little Festival of Lights. There’s a lot to do in this little town! For complete details and a schedule of events, please visit the Castle Rock Festival of Lights Facebook page. A special thank-you to a few of this year’s sponsors: Comcast, Fibre Federal Credit Union, Mt. St. Helens Motel, Heritage Bank, and Papa Pete’s Pizza.
Family Chiropractic , Janice Forbes, Jen White Studios, Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, Prographyx, and the Valley Bugler Community Newspaper. 2014 Performance Lineup 6 pm Opening Ceremonies 6:15-7:15pm Music by Paul Mauer 7:15-7:45pm Interviews & Acts 7:45-8:45 pm Music by Carl Wirkkala & Ghost Town Boys! 8:45-9:15 pm Interviews & Acts 9:15-10:15pm Music by Claire Beck 10:15-10:30pm Closing Ceremonies
Pictures with Santa Live Music Funny Acts Interviews Face Painting *Non-Profit *FUN!!
Page 6 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
‘A Christmas Meditation’ By Bill Eagle Valley Bugler Columnist
Christmas is a time when families can be together, it is a time when people can share, with one another and also retell the story of our saviors birth. It is also a time when people can share stories and traditions. The Traditional time of gift giving, as celebrated by the Orthodox Churches, is Epiphany or January 6th. The 6th is officially the last day of Christmas. According to tradition, Epiphany was the day that the Magi brought their gifts of Gold, perfume (The incense of the Franks) and valuable sweet smelling oily resin (Myrrh). (the dried sap of the tree Commiphora myrrha). People are often confused with stories about Santa, Father Christmas, and Saint Nicolas. Nicolas was the Christian Bishop of Myra, a Greek colony in what is now the country of Turkey. He was known for his many charities. I have heard stories about how in the dead of night; he would leave gifts of gold, toys and clothing for the poor. One story that I heard (reminiscent of Santa) is that he tossed bags of gold down chimneys. The origin of Santa can be traced to Finland. His home should be in Lapland, not the North Pole, since it is pri-
marily Laplanders who use reindeer to pull sleighs in wintertime. What Santa and St. Nick represent has been perverted by commercial interests to encourage people to spend lots of money. That is not the way it should be. Santa represents the spirit of giving, care for children, and concern for the poor. He represents love and charity, the very essence of the Christian faith, not buying sprees and end year profit statements. Some people have tried to say that the Christmas Tree is a pagan symbol. In many ways our adopting a tree has an even greater meaning for people of faith. It is pretty much accepted that Martin Luther brought the Christmas Tree to Germany. The story is that Luther was walking through a forest in Saxony German and he was so struck by the beauty of moonlight shining down through the branches of the fir trees that he chopped a small one down and brought it home for his family. Martin Luther attached candles to its branches to recreate moonlight and in doing so invented the worlds first decorated tree. From a Christian Standpoint, some of the things that the Christmas tree represents are:
The triangular shape of the tree represents the trinity Fir branches seem to reach up and point to God Evergreens represent the eternal Green represents life On an evergreen tree, needles grow upward like hands praising God Lights on a tree represent the lights of God’s creation The gifts underneath represent care, concern, generosity and love It really does not matter who invented the Christmas tree, nor does it matter who Santa is and what his origins are. What does matter is that we take the time to rekindle friendships. Take
time to gather with people we love, and most important, to share the love that God gave us when he sent us our Savior. We should share, not necessarily presents, but love, compassion and concern for all on this very special day. The day that we celebrate the birth of our Savior. God Bless! We wish you all a very Merry and meaningful Christmas!
Submitted by Georgia Cox DECEMBER Events Every Monday: Our infamous Cinnamon Rolls and coffee will be served to the public from 10am to NOON. Suggested donation is only $1.50! Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Get that heart rate up and get healthy with the exercise classes from 9:30am to 10:30am! Facts show that exercise helps keep your body healthy and functioning as well as possible. Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday: “Write your Life Story”, and will meet in the Center from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Every Wednesday: CAP offers Nutrition Meals for Seniors at the Center at NOON. Suggested donation is $3.00, but PLEASE call #6362118 (by Monday) for reservations. *Paper Tole classes will be held from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Every Thursday: Fun Quilting projects will take place from 12pm to 3pm and Pinochle games are played in the Center later at 7pm and is open to all who are interested, so bring your game! Every Friday: Lunches by reserva-
tion only, will be served in the Center at NOON. Must Reserve by calling 274-7502 by Monday. Every Saturday: BINGO games are played from 1pm - 3pm, get ready to have some fun! SPECIAL EVENTS: Tuesday, December 9th: Our Christmas Program and Potluck lunch! There will be a Christmas musical concert, performed by the Castle Rock High School Choir, beginning at 11:00am and followed by a potluck lunch at high NOON. The raffle drawing for the beautiful quilt and several other items will be held immediately following at 1:00pm. Thursday, December 18th: Commodities will be distributed from 10am - 1pm. Have a valid punch card. Saturday, December 20th: A fun game of Turkey BINGO will be played from 1pm - 3pm. NOTE: The Center will be closed from December 24th through December 28th for the Christmas Holiday.
Bill Eagle loves letters and he also appreciates the comments of others. eMail him: eaglew@sthelensupdate.com, or make an online comment at: www.valleybugler.com
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 7
‘Walk ‘N Knock’ Food Drive set for December 6th
Visit
Bethlehem...in Kelso!
Have you ever longed to visit the birthplace of Jesus? To walk through the ancient city of Bethlehem? To visit the shepherds on the hills? For many of us that is an impossible dream, not only because of the cost, but also because of the conflict between Jew and Palestinian today. Journey to Bethlehem has been telling the story of Jesus’ birth for over a decade now through a unique outdoor personal experience. You’ll journey back in time and make the journey with your family’s guide to the little town of Bethlehem. You’ll see the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the aromas of this bustling town. You’ll not only hear the story, but be part of it. We encourage you to dress warm, come early, and be prepared for a wait indoors where you can hear some music from our local area to help get you in the Christmas spirit. The Journey begins Thursday, December 11th and continues each evening through Sunday, December 14th. Times are Thursday & Friday, 6-9pm and Saturday & Sunday, 5-9pm; and the doors to the indoor seating open an hour before the start times.
This event takes place on the campus of the Kelso-Longview Community Seventh-day Adventist Church the second weekend of December every year. To help preserve the ancient atmosphere, no flash photography is allowed once on the journey. Though the journey is relatively short, it is well worth the wait. You can feel the oppression of this time period in which the Christ Child was born. Over 150 people in period costume create an authentic feel to the city. You actually feel like you have been transported back in time!! You can see the poverty of the beggars and lepers and hear the story of the promised Messiah to come, even while you participate. Sights and smells of an ancient era literally transport you back in time. Experience the shop keepers pressure “sales” of their various goods and wares, along with a real live camel! Make it a part of your family’s Christmas season. Journey Adventist Church 1185 Westside Hwy, Kelso WA (360)423-7344
Castle Rock Fair News Castle Rock Fair elected their officers for the coming year. They are Gary Boshart, president; Jim Johnston, vice president; Janet Prince, secretary and Barbara Rider, treasurer. They meet the second Monday of each month from March through November. The board is looking for people who are interested in the fair and are willing to work. One can contact Barbara at 274-4136. An appreciation dinner was held at the fairgrounds for all who had helped at the fair and concession stand during the year. At that time, President
Gary announced that Janet Kolk will be our Grand Marshal for next year. Also the theme for next year is Celebrating Small Treasurers and Big Memories submitted by Terry Forsyth. This will be the 50th anniversary of the Mini Carnival built by Bill Boss. A celebration will take place during the fair. The fair took first place in their division in the scrapbooks. Yvonne Knuth took the best theme in t-shirts for their division. Knuth did a workshop on decorating your area for the fair.
The Pioneer Lions annual Walk ‘n Knock Food Drive for the entire Cowlitz County area is set on the calendar for Saturday December 6th, 2014. In Longview and Kelso from 9am - 12pm. Bags will be in the Daily News the first week of December. Food raised for CAP. Toutle & Silver Lake Communities and Castle Rock. December 6, 2014. 8:30 – 2pm. Toutle & Silver Lake community members will meet at the Toutle Lake Fire Station and collect non-perishable items from area households in the Toutle Lake School District- Kroll Road East on Spirit Lake Highway to Kid Valley, Tower Road, and South Silver Lake to Headquarters. If you
wish to help out call Kellie or J.D. Smith 274-8997 or by email: septsong@centurylink.net
We serve lunch for our volunteers! If you live in the town of Castle Rock or go to Castle Rock Schools and want to help with their drive call Carl Krebb at 360-749-7282, they will be meeting at the Castle Rock Food Bank on Huntington Drive at 8:30 a.m. We encourage all students seeking community service hours and community minded people to volunteer to drive and to collect food for this important service that fills the Castle Rock Lions food bank. The food bank serves Toutle, Silver Lake and Castle Rock families in need year round.
You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. ~Author Unknown
Full Day ECEAP Classroom to Open in Castle Rock Beginning in January, low income preschool children in the Castle Rock and Toutle area will have in a free, full day ECEAP classroom available for them. The six hour, five day a week classroom is located at the Head Start Center behind the Castle Rock elementary school. The class will serve 17 children 3-5 years of age and doubles the number of Head Start/ECEAP classes in the Castle Rock service area. The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is funded by the Washington State Department of Early Learning. Services to children and families include the free quality preschool classroom, nutritious snacks and meals, medical and dental services, social services, mental health, disability services, and opportunities for parent engagement. Pathways 2020 Director, Paul Youmans, says he is excited to see the classroom open up and begin impacting the lives of the students and families. The full day program is designed to meet the needs of families who are going to school, in training, or working. No transportation is provided. Applications and enrollment information are available at the Castle
Rock Center located at: 620 Roake Street, Castle Rock or by calling 360-501-5409. Children who are in Foster Care, homeless, or receiving TANF are automatically eligible for the full day classroom. In the spring of 2015, Head Start will celebrate 50 years of serving children and families in our nation. ECEAP and Head Start are programs of Lower Columbia College and serve 532 children from birth to five years of age throughout Cowlitz County. Information on other program services and locations in the county is available by calling 360-422-2800.
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Page 8 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
By Ray Miles Valley Bugler Columnist We recently had an older Honda brought in that the customer wanted us to check out for a pre-purchase inspection. Don’t think I’ve ever had an easier inspection. The owner had kept every repair and maintenance bill on the car since it was bought. I spent maybe 20 minutes looking thru the various receipts and knew this was going to be an easy one. Popped the hood and visually inspected the fluids, which verified what the previous paper work indicated and a quick road test to check for drivability and noise issues and the only thing left was raise it on a lift to look underneath and check brakes and suspension items. From a mechanics point of view, these are the cream puffs. It doesn’t take a large effort on the owner’s part to retain these records, but when it comes time to sell, it can add hundreds, even thousands of dollars to the selling price because of this small effort. As I’ve said many times in the past, an automobile should be considered an investment, not an expense. The way to ensure this is to perform all required maintenance as listed in the vehicle owner’s manual and the advice of your trusted mechanic, as not all drivers treat their vehicles the
same. By this, I mean that different driving habits, distances traveled and weather conditions, to name a few, all contribute to the types and frequencies of service required over the life of the vehicle. Some examples we are all familiar with, such as LOFs and air filter changes are routinely done, but other types of maintenance is often overlooked. These can include transmission and final drive fluid service, brake fluid flushing, and coolant replacement. In the case of transmission fluid, it is imperative that dirty and overheated fluid be flushed when needed. This is often times much more often that recommended by the manufacturer as their schedule is based on “regular or average” driving. Pulling trailers and extended mountain driving can create tremendous heat in the fluid which breaks down the lubricity very quickly and can lead to an expensive overhaul. Brake fluid is agroscopic, meaning it has an affinity for water and absorbs it readily. The reason for this is that water freezes which could cause a loss of brakes in colder weather. By absorbing the water into the fluid, it won’t freeze, but it will cause corrosion to brake parts such as calipers and wheel cylinders, so it is imperative to flush these compromised fluids when needed. This becomes especially true now that almost all cars and trucks have anti-lock features, which can dramatically raise the cost of repair if these components become contaminated. Coolant replacement is another item to be on top of particularly now that manufacturers have almost all
gone to extended life fluids. Yes, they can be left in more than a year or two, but when these fluids degrade, they seem to do it with a vengeance. We have found that replacement on a two year schedule is still the best policy though with the proper testing, a shop can determine if the coolant will last longer. I tend to err on the safe side as opposed to the alternative. All of this maintenance talk might scare you into thinking how much this is going to cost, but over the life of the vehicle, doing maintenance when it is needed is always much less costly
than letting items go and having to perform overhauls. As I’ve stated many times before, it just kills me to see people discard what could have been a very valuable car or truck because the cost to repair a major item is more that the vehicle is now worth. And it could have been so easily prevented, but for a little maintenance. Happy Motoring, Ray Ray Miles is the owner of R & R Motors in Castle Rock, WA. After taking a hiatus from writing, he has come back to the paper again! Welcome back, Ray!
Un-happy New Year? These “legal” documents can also be confusing or vague. And without the direction and advice of an attorney We’ve all heard the tales of messy involved in the process, a drafter will celebrity estate administration batnot know the many options and details tles, and many of us have direct exwhich could be added to the perience through family or documents to ensure they Poorly friends. Maybe Grandpa will successfully achieve crafted his own will and drafted estate the person’s goals. did not execute it properly Finally, it is part of a plans are in good or there is conflicting eviestate planning atdence as to his real intentorney’s job to help you plentiful supply tions. A judge who didn’t anticipate the unforeseeeven know Grandpa will online... able in designing an eshave to sort it out in court. tate plan. Perhaps a long lost relative You can just imagine how many suddenly appears and wants a piece heirs have thought to themselves, of the inheritance pie even though ‘How I wish Mom (or Dad) had conthey were not specifically provided sidered that possibility.’ for. The next step is often a court There are so many things to conbattle, right when the family needs sider, not just to honor your personal to focus on grieving the loss of their wishes, but to avoid putting unnecloved one. essary burdens and stress on loved Poorly drafted estate plans are ones. in plentiful supply online or in office Do yourself and your family a favor: supply stores. I have personally seen have your existing plan reviewed by hundreds of confusing, conflicting, an estate planning specialist, or if you and downright terrible wills, powers of haven’t got a plan yet, make certain attorney, and living trusts from these you create one that will work as inplaces, and let me tell you – many of tended. them do not meet the bare minimum You will have true peace of mind legal requirements. and your heirs will be happy to reThese documents are rarely, if ceive your thoughtful gift later in life. ever, state-specific. Every state has ©2014 Jeff Kurt Petersen differing statutes and court rulings is an Attorney and Mediator on estate administration matters, so with Three Rivers Law Cenyou want to be certain that all relevant ter in Longview, WA. 360documents meet the legal require442-4101 www.3rlaw.org ments in your state. By Jeff Petersen Valley Bugler Columnist
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December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 9
SOUND OFF!
Bugler fans share their Favorite Christmas Traditions:
“My wife makes personalized ornaments for all the kids and grandkids.” - Hal Palmer
“Every year one of the presents is pajamas. That gift gets to be opened on Christmas Eve night. Another favorite is setting out the cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. My children get so excited about the magic of it all. Their eyes are sparkling as we get the plate ready.” - Kamber Kubitz
“We go sledding at mt. St Helens every year on Christmas day.” - Jerrica Binkley
“Baking a billion delicious Christmas cookies, driving around to look at Christmas lights, and of course decorating the
“Eating Lebkuchen (German cookies). The day after Thanksgiving parade in Seattle. Hanging all the Christmas cards on the back of the door.” - Angie Waibel Miske
tree with my family! Growing up we always got to open one present the night before - and it was always Christmas pajamas that we would promptly put on, enjoy all night, and wear them for pictures in the morning!” - Pam Reich “Having the Star of David on top of the Christmas tree” - Brian Stone ‘“Christmas Eve service followed with driving around town looking at Christmas lights and finishing up with hot chocolate!!” - Kim Hash
“We have a family breakfast first. Then, as we move from the dining room to the living room to open the gifts under the tree, we form a Christmas Train..... organized by height, shortest to tallest. I’m always thankful for new nieces and nephews that allow me to move farther back in the line :)” - Patty Shields Stevens “Elf on the Shelf....best tradition by far!” - Gary Chapin “Going Christmas tree shopping with our Kids and Grand kids.” - Jean Harper
COUPON Central • CUT • CALL • SAVE *Zojo Coffee Coupon found on p.13
Page 10 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
Time to visit the
Marching to a Different Drummer by the Memphis symphony. Dave By Paddy Burrow sings on it and you can find it on YouValley Bugler Columnist One of my favorite contemporary Tube. Dave also wrote a Martin Luther Christmas carols is The Little DrumKing, Jr. program that he and his band mer Boy. Besides the lullabye effect perform at schools up and down the of the “rum-pa-pum-pum” part, I love East Coast in January and February. the story-line of the song that reminds (Can you tell I’m a little proud of my us that even a little child son?) can offer a baby King a But there is One Drum‘But there is One wonderful gift (playing mer I have learned to on his drum) if he puts Drummer I have always listen for: Jesus his heart into it. Christ. learned to always In college, I dated His Voice is always (and later married) a listen for...’ “music to my ears”. I love West Point cadet who my quiet times with Him, was also a drummer in just reading His Word and letting His a dance band called The Chocolate truths wash over me. To know I am Kangaroo. (I know... REALLY?!) loved unconditionally by the CreBut yes, the music was fun and the ator of everything brings me to tears drumming was hypnotic, at times. again and again. (Although I wished he could have He loves you, too, you know. And danced with me at those dances, he I hope this month brings you many was providing the beat so the rest of moments to savor as we celebrate the kids there could dance.) His birth together. We married, had four kids and our Let us walk to the beat of His drum. oldest son, Dave LeMieux, is curHis heartbeat of love for humanity rently in Dubai and then travelling to can become our own as we learn to India to play HIS music at churches yield to Him.. “Joy to the world, the and schools there. LORD is come!” Dave has a 16-member Christian Find Dave’s Band at: jazz band, and he tours the world www.MTMonline.org spreading the good news of Jesus in any way he can. He calls himself “a Paddy Burrow invites your musicianary!” feedback. eMail her at: paddy.burrow@gmail.com This past year, he wrote a ChristOr call her at (360)751-5231 mas musical that has been recorded
They say a picture tells a thousand words, and in this case, it’s more like a thousand candies! Our local Candy Bouquet in Downtown Longview, has plenty of choices to satisfy your sweet tooth, and also your gift giving needs. Want a custom Seahawk bouquet, done up with all your favorite halftime sweets? How about a gorgeous purple bouquet for Christmas as a gift for your boss who loves purple? Thank a friend for being “so sweet” this past week? Send some love to a family going through a rough time? Need to stuff some stockings? Any type of situation is a good time to call up Barb Starkey, owner and operator of the Candy Bouquet, and say, “What can we do?” In reply, I’m sure you’ll find out the answer is just about anything you want.
Top Left: The centerpiece of the store, with hundreds of candy choices; Other photos: various candy bouquets. Photos by Barb Starkey.
“I can put together anything that you want, using candies from your childhood, or specialty candies arranged into a Christmas design”, Starkey explained. “It’s a nice alternative to sending flowers or getting a gift for that someone who has everything”. Visiting her shop through the front door has been hard since the construction work began, but many don’t know there’s a second entrance through the Merk building. Simply walk towards the back of the Merk, and you’ll see the candies beckoning you from her open shop door. Can’t manage to get out? Barb accepts phone orders, and of course offers delivery to get your gifts into the hands of cherished recipients quickly. Not to be ignored are the fantastic selection of chocolates, specialty chocolates, seasonal candy not found elsewhere and a multitude of other candies offered throughout the year. My guess is that now you have a few creative ideas flowing through your head regarding some affordable and creative gift ideas for those around you. Go ahead, make it a sweet day and give Candy Bouquet a call. Candy Bouquet 1339 Commerce, #112 (Merk)
(360)414-0778
facebook.com/candygrandma
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 11
NEW DOG IN TOWN The Longview Outdoor Gallery (LOG) has compiled the over 1000 ballots cast by members the community for their favorite sculpture. The most popular sculpture of LOG’s second installation of sculptures is “Hound Dog,” capturing 266 votes. Dan Klennert, again, proved to be the public’s most popular People’s Voice artist and “Hound Dog” will join his sculpture “See Horse,” winner of thefirst round. Second place goes to “Earth Spirit” (197) by Kris Vermeer, while “The Healer” (140) by Leon white came in third. “Beginning” (128) by Sabah also ranked high in the voting. LOG thanks the 1042 voters who participated. Artist Dan Klennert lives in Elbe, WA. Since the age of six, in Crookston MN, Mr. Klennert has been drawing and collecting found metal. As a young adult, working for Ditch Witch of Washington, he learned to weld and practiced on broken gears from his workplace. He then combined the two things he loved – “scrounging metal” (better known as recycling these days) and art into works of art. He loves preserving older pieces of metal that contain some history, and giving new life to the tools and scrap metal that made America what it is today. Regarding Hound Dog, Mr. Klennert
states, “I got my inspiration for this piece from the pump handles which I use to represent the front legs…I ask you please to not only look at what I have created, also look at what I have used to create them.” He maintains a 4-acre sculpture park at the base of Mount Rainier where people from all over the world view his works. “Every one that visits leaves with a smile on their face.” LOG will purchase “Hound Dog” and donate it to the City’s permanent collection. It will be relocated to the Theatre and Arts district, which is currently undergoing beautification via the City’s Streetscape project. This purchase would not be possible without the financial support of the many contributors to the September 18th Give More/24 fundraiser sponsored by the Community Foundation of Southeast Washington. LOG raised over $7000. LOG’s mission is to provide a rotating exhibit of outdoor sculptures and to acquire new pieces for the city of Longview’s permanent art collection. [Photo above: The winning sculpture, “Hound Dog”, won out over a chorus of other choices, and will be purchased by LOG and donated to the City of Longview’s permanent collection. Photo provided by LOG.]
7 Tips to Avoid the Holiday Blues By Clay Peet, LICSW The holiday season can have many positive times, and times of stress and sadness too. Here are some tips to help get through the holiday blues. 1. Acknowledge your losses. If you’ve been through loss this year (divorce, health problems, death, etc.) these difficulties will be present during the holidays too. Giving yourself permission and setting aside time to experience your hurts (sadness, anger, fear) will clear the way for more joy for the positive parts of the holidays. 2. Have realistic goals. Expecting things to be perfect can have a greater negative effect on you than how things really turn out. Set realistic goals for how much you spend, how much you clean, cook, decorate, or do for others. If you’re on a limited income, others know this and they don’t expect you to spend a lot. 3. Stick to healthy habits. Get enough sleep, get some exercise, continue taking your medications. Such activities will keep you going stronger and the routine will help you feel less disoriented by holiday busyness.
4. Don’t over-do. Avoid too much alcohol, food, staying up late wrapping gifts, etc. Over doing leads to fatigue, burn out and lower moods. 5. Avoid your triggers. If certain people or situations are harder to handle (IE you can’t stand your aunt), then don’t go for a visit, or have a plan to leave after a brief stay. 6. Plan ways to cope. Plan to say no when your schedule starts to fill up. Take breaks (15 minutes of alone time can help relieve stress and reenergize you), take a few deep breaths when the stress starts to increase. 7. Delegate tasks. Let your spouse do some shopping or put up decorations, or ask a family member to help clean up. And, if you have health problems or limitations, be realistic with yourself. Others who know and care for you don’t expect you to suddenly become healthy or healed over the holidays. They’re probably more worried about you over doing it. Happy Holidays!
‘Plan to say no when your schedule starts to fill up.’
Clay Peet is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker , working for the PeaceHealth Outpatient Behavioral Health Center.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW a special section! p.10-13
RAM Jewelers
Top: Publisher Michelle Myre’s newly redesigned 1904 styled wedding ring by Josh Lamb at RAM Jewelers. (Photo by Michelle Myre); At Left: Wedding Ring by RAM; At Bottom: One of the many display cases at RAM Jewelers in Longview, WA. Photos by RAM Jewelers.
INVITE YOU TO THE HOLIDAY GALA: SAT. DEC. 6TH!
By Michelle Myre Valley Bugler Newspaper For you who are lucky enough to already know those at RAM Jewelers in Longview, you’re probably already aware of the invitation to party! For those of you who haven’t met the staff and owners at RAM Jewelers are in for a serious treat at one of their infamous shin-dig parties being held after the Christmas parade on Saturday, December 6th. Teaming up with neighbor Spa Euphoria, the 2 businesses are inviting the community to their Holiday Gala, where delicious nibbles and warm drinks will be served, along with traditional Christmas cheer. Door prizes and special drawings should entice those looking to warm up after the Christmas parade. Music tunes will complete the evening and fun will be in large supply. Last year, the first Annual Holiday Gala was held with great attendance and overall Christmas joyfulness. “We had such a fun time with everyone, that it was an obvious choice to do it again this year”, shared RAM Jewelers owner, Nichole Lamb. It could be the perfect opportunity for you to catch a glimpse of the custom work that Josh Lamb, Graduate
Jeweler with a GIA degree, has been crafting in his shop. Or take advantage of the $5 watch battery replacement. The ring shown at the top, on the dark grey background, was a custom work created specifically for a very important client. Me. ♫☺♪ My wedding ring was originally my grandmother’s, dating back to 1904 in a German style set. I loved it. The original piece was so damaged from years of use and wear, that we initially took the setting and placed it
on a band of white gold, sixteen years ago. Unfortunately, a negative “tipping” experience with another “not to be named” jeweler left us with a badly mangled wedding piece that wasn’t anything like the original. Sad tears. After many years of not being happy with my wedding ring, I finally relinquished its re-creation into the skilled hands of Josh Lamb at RAM Jewelers. We began the custom process, and together, did research on the original setting style and came up with a ring that I truly believe captures the original wedding ring in its entirety.
It is stunning and I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome. There are rumors that Lamb creating a “pool table” ring, an “elk” inspired ring, and many many custom rings, necklaces, earrings, etc. If you can dream it - he can make it. I know, directly from a fantastic experience! Thank you Josh!! 1265 - 14th Ave, Longview WA (360)425-3068 Monday - Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday, 10am - 2pm
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 13
These shops are ready to share some Holiday Joy with you! Come visit Downtown for the Christmas Season!
First Thursday December 5th
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The reason... It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind. God’s Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn’t how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, “a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift.” God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope. How are you doing this Christmas? Are you having a hard time finding
hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here’s a suggested prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Bring peace to my world this Christmas. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, believe it right now and Christ has already arrived, as He promised. If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you and that you have eternal life. Connect with a local church or someone you know to be a follower of Christ. If you do not know anyone who is a Christian, the best start is to call a local church, and go from there.
Stollens make Christmas special Commonly known throughout the world as a Christmas Stollen, this tasty dessert bread is laced with candied fruits and nuts. It was first baked in Germany and Austria in the 1400s, but at the time people used up their meat and meat by-products, such as butter and milk, before the fasting period of Advent. Because of this, the Stollens of the era were fairly tasteless. In 1650, bakers in Dresden appealed to Prince Ernst von Sachsen, who successfully petitioned Pope Urban VIII to allow the use of butter before Christmas, creating a rich taste and a lasting baking tradition in seasonal Stollens. Christmas Stollen Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup butter 1/2 teaspoonsalt 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 5 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ounce active dry yeast 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup candied citrus peel 1/2 cup almond slivers 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar. Directions: Scald milk. Add granulated sugar, butter and salt. Cool to lukewarm. Add 2 whole eggs, and 2 yolks. Mix. Add to 3 cups flour and yeast in food processor. Process and let rise until double. Add spices, raisins, citron, almonds, and rest of flour. Process and put on floured board and knead. Let the dough rise in greased bowl. When risen, cut into 3-4 pieces. Roll each into an oval, butter, and fold in half lengthwise. Put on greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise until double. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove to rack. When cool, dust with confectioner’s (powdered) sugar. As an option, the dough may be cut in half and a mixture of marzipan or other filling inserted before baking.
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The history of the candy cane The candy maker’s witness: A long time ago, a candy maker wanted to make a something that would be a witness to his faith. He started with a stick of pure white candy. The color would symbolize the Virgin Birth, and the rock hard candy the foundation of the church and the firmness of God’s promises. The candy maker formed it into a “J” to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as the Savior of all mankind. The J also represents the staff of
the Good Shepherd, with which He reaches down into the world to lift up his fallen lambs. Then he colored the J with small red stripes to represent Jesus’ flowing blood before the crucifixion. One large red stripe was for His blood shed upon the cross so mankindwould have the promise of eternal life. As time passed, other candy makers made what has become known simply as the candy cane. But it still bears witness to the wonder of God’s gift.
HUBBUB celebrates 9 years and rings in Holiday Season HUBBUB recently celebrated 9 years of bringing color and creativity to Historic Downtown Centralia. The celebration, says owner Rebecca Staebler, was a great kick off to the holiday season, with customers
Check out HUBBUB’s website, blog, and Facebook page for new arrivals, specials, and interviews with artists. This season, let HUBBUB help you add a little color to your holiday! (They’ll even do the wrapping for you!)
buying gifts for others and filling out their personal wish lists. “It’s always so much fun to see the people who have been a part of HUBBUB over the years and to share all that’s new in the store.” HUBBUB, which features products that are artisan-made and made in America, carries an ever-changing selection of home accessories; creative toys for all ages; unusual purses, totes and wallets; and unique jewelry, clothing and shoes. At holiday time, the shop is bursting with gifts, stocking stuffers, and seasonal decor.
HUBBUB 505 North Tower Avenue Centralia, Washington 98531. phone: 360.736.1517 website: www.hubbubshop.com
[Photos by Rebecca Staebbler[
Santa snickers *If you see a fat man who’s jolly and cute, Wearing a beard and a red flannel suit, And if he is chuckling and laughing away, While flying around in a miniature sleigh, With eight tiny reindeer to pull him along ...your eggnog’s too strong.
Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the spring. Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa’s reindeer, every single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a female. We should’ve known. Only women would be able to drag a fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night and not get lost.
*The mall Santa Claus was surprised when a young lady walked up and sat on his lap, smiling nicely. Although he had never taken a request from an adult, he asked, “And what do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?” “Something for my mother, please,” the young lady said. “Something for your mother? That’s very thoughtful of you.” The Santa smiled. “What do you want me to bring her?” Without blinking, she replied, “A sonin-law!”
*Maria went to the post office to buy stamps for her holiday cards. “What denomination?” the clerk asked. “Good heavens! Have we come to this now?” she said. “Well, give me 30 Methodist and 30 Baptist ones.”
*According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summertime, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to midDecember.
*Christmas is weird. What other time of the year do we sit in front of a dead tree in our living room and eat candy and snacks out of our socks? Q: Why was Santa’s little helper depressed? A: Because he had low elf esteem. Q: Why does Santa have 3 gardens? A: So he can ho-ho-ho. Q: What nationality is Santa Claus? A: North Polish.
Page 18 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
December is the month that things start to go a little wild in our families. Not including Christmas and New Year, there are a total of 8 birthdays in the span of 6 weeks. FUN! So, happy birthday, to our dear sweet little boy, who is turning 6 this Christmas! You are looking more and more like a little man as the days go on! Tall and charming, even when you’re running around the house to get out all that energy! You are such a smart and loving little boy and just filled to the brim with personality! You are truly my little buddy, and I cherish the times we get together playing and our snuggles, as well as seeing you learn so much at school and about God...WE LOVE YOU, SON! ☺
Baby Oscar... ...“not-so-baby” Oscar...
...Oscar now!
Sweet son, you are a light in our lives, and make our family such an interesting place to be. We love your humor and intelligence! We can’t believe that you are turning 6 years old! Happy Happy Birthday, Buddy!! We ♥ you!! Photos by Michelle Myre.
Hanukkah oil & wine: Remembering Judith
Above Left: Happy Birthday Colby James! Uncle Oscar and I are so proud to call you our nephew!! Thank you for being such an upstanding young man for Jesus! Above Right: Sweet Miley! You have blossomed into such a beautiful young lady, and we couldn’t be happier to call you our niece! Happy Birthday! At Right: Happy Birthday, Grandma Jill! We have enjoyed getting to see you so much more, and savor all of the “retired time” you are sharing with our family! We love you!!
Hanukkah, the festival celebrating Jewish religious freedom, and known as “The Festival of Lights”, starts on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev and is celebrated for eight days and nights. This year, Hanukkah began at sundown on Tuesday, December 16th and ends in the evening of December 24th. Hanukkah embraces many traditions and one of them centers on foods that are eaten during the celebration. Foods cooked in oil and dairy products, especially cheese, are served most often. The foods cooked in oil are in remembrance of the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days during the purification of the Temple in Jerusalem. Latkes and sufganiyot (a jelly doughnut cooked in oil, pictured above) are the most popular of the Hanukkah foods.
Latkes are often served interchangeably with potato pancakes, but they can also be made from ingredients such as corn, zucchini, and cheese. These may be accompanied by applesauce or sour cream. Some say eating the foods cooked in oil relates to the oil miracle, in which the Jews had only a one-day supply of oil to burn the great menorah. The jug of oil refilled itself every day for 7 days. The eating of dairy products is done in honor of the memory of Judith who saved the city of Bethulia by feeding the attacking Syrian general Holofernes wine and cheese until he fell into a drunken stupor. Then Judith took the general’s sword and killed him. When the Syrians discovered his body, they fled. Want to visit some Jewish roots this Hanukkah? Learn some of the beautiful prayers, history of its development, and always include Latkes.
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 19
Movie Reviews By Blake Peterson
In memory of Ann Piland By Laurrie Piland Valley Bugler Columnist It’s been quite the hectic month around this RV. My dear, dear mother-in-law, Ann Piland, passed away on October 22nd. We’ve been in a state of shock around here. Ann was THE BEST mother-in-law that anyone could ever ask for. I’ll sorely miss our morning telephone chats and I’ll miss hearing about her childhood growing up in Boston. I can only hope that she will forever rest in peace. So, therefore, I dedicate this column to her memory. She always urged me to write and to cook. I am in her debt for that. There is a little restaurant here in Woodland. It’s called America’s Family Diner. Bob and I discovered it, quite by accident, one morning while searching for a place to have breakfast. As much as I love to cook, breakfast is just not one of my favorite things to prepare. Not that I can’t, but I just don’t like to. Anyhow, I begged for the recipe for their Carrot Cake Pancakes. You see, I’m NOT a pancake fan. If I never eat another pancake again, I’ll be completely fine...but these pancakes, they are to-die-for!! One of the reasons that I wanted to include America’s Family Diner’s recipe is that they cater to our military and our veterans. My father-in-law, mother-in-law, my husband, two of my husband’s brothers and his sister are all military veterans, so this Carrot Cake Pancake recipe is perfect.
(Note: They provided the ingredients, but I concocted the measurements!)
America’s Family Diner Carrot Cake Pancakes 1-1/2 cups buttermilk pancake mix 3/4 cup milk 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup raisins 1/3 cup shredded carrots *Mix all ingredients together until thoroughly combined. *Heat oil in a skillet, add scant 1/4 cup batter to skillet and cook over medium-high heat until the edges set and start to bubble. *When browned, flip over and cook on the other side until cooked all the way through. This should make 10-12 pancakes. Top with: Cream Cheese Icing 1 stick butter, room temperature 1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 4 cups confectioner’s sugar 3 teaspoons half & half *Beat butter with cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. *Gradually add in confectioner’s sugar and half & half. If mixture is too thick, add 1/2 teaspoon half & half at a time until desired consistency is reached. This should be just a bit thinner in consistency than frosting because you’ll want to drizzle this over these delicious pancakes. So, until we meet up in January of 2015, keep cooking and PEACE! RV cook extraordinaire.. proving to the world that RV food can be gourmet. Even from her RV galley in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens!
‘St. Vincent’
Starring: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy Directed by Theodore Melfi Running Time 1 Hr., 43 Mins., PG-13 My Rating: B
Bill Murray is at his best when he’s playing sarcastic, curmudgeonly inhibited men. Yet it’s been 10 years since he’s been front and center as a grumpy, Bill Murray-type. “St. Vincent” feels like a return to form. Though the film would rather lean towards schmaltz than realism, Murray is hard-edged enough to add some needed sourness to the sweet. Vincent (Murray) is having a hardtime. Nearing 70, he is an alcoholic, bitter war-veteran who is both in debt and without purpose. His sole responsibility is to act as the father to his unborn child; too bad the mother (Naomi Watts) is a stripper by day and a prostitute by night. His routine of gambling and drinking is spun around when a single-mom named Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her son, Oliver (Jaden Lieberher), move in next door. Maggie doesn’t know anyone in town, and in desperation, asks Vincent to babysit Oliver while she works long hours. Vincent demands $12 an hour and refuses to stop bar-hopping and smoking. For dinner, he concocts Oliver plates of sardines and crackers. But because this isn’t a Dardenne brothers film and deadly tragedy isn’t an option, Vincent and Oliver begin to hit it off. Vincent teaches Oliver to fight, gamble, and assert himself. But when Maggie’s husband suddenly demands that he get full custody, Vincent’s sordid past may hurt her chances. “St. Vincent” is smart to focus more on Murray’s character than the whole Maggie/Oliver situation; it both levels the sentimentality and provides Murray
with one of his most fully-formed roles. At first, Vincent is despicable, but that’s only what meets the eye. As we get to know him, as we begin to understand him, he goes from sickening to sympathetic. We see the world hasn’t been kind to Vincent MacKenna, so why should he be kind back? Maggie and Oliver’s sudden appearance doesn’t feel like a plot device; it’s a saving grace. At the beginning of the film, Vincent makes it seem as though committing suicide wouldn’t be too much of a hassle. But by the end, he has more purpose than ever. es, it may be predictable, but Murray is so likable that an unhappy ending wouldn’t match the whole nowhere-togo-but-up tone the film sets so well. “St. Vincent” is Theodore Melfi’s directorial debut, and he has a clear eye when it comes to comedy and tender drama. Yet the film’s biggest assets seem to lie in its performances. Murray is a sure-fire Oscar bet, Watts gives the film some of its biggest laughs, and newcomer Lieberher is freshfaced and charming as the awkward Oliver. However, the most subtle delight stems from McCarthy. After playing the crazed comic relief for years, she finally gets the chance to play it straight, a loving mother who would work 12-hour shifts just to provide for her child. Most of the film’s acclaim has been placed onto Murray, but McCarthy plays against type and knocks it out of the park. The film could be better if it were a little more fickle and quiet, but “St. Vincent” is amusing and gives Murray one of his most juicy roles. As a huge fan, I simply cannot complain. A student of R. A. Long, Blake is an aspiring film critic that enjoys music, movies and art. For more reviews, go to: petersonreviews.com
Page 20 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
4 UX Tips for Redesigning Your Website By Oscar Myre IV Valley Bugler Columnist With 2015 quickly approaching, many organizations are getting ready for a website redesign. I’ve redeveloped my fair share of websites over the years. In my quest to make websites better, I’ve learned a lot of best practices for design and technology. I’ve also done a lot of learning about giving the User the best possible experience. This process is referred to as user experience design (UX, UXD, or UED). UX focuses on all aspects of a person’s interaction with website (or other IT system). Sounds like geeky fun, right? It all boils down to this: Happy Customers = Happy Businesses. Let’s say you asked, “What UX tips would you give a an organization considering a re-development of a corporate website?” Thanks for your hypothetical question. Here are my top 4 tips for rebuilding your new website. 1. Find Out What Your Customers Really Want. Most businesses that I talk to believe they know exactly what their customer wants. But, when we are honest with ourselves, do we really
know what motivates our clients? What are their expectations of your website? What do they want to do when they arrive at your website? Business often make assumptions, and we know what assumptions make. So you might ask how do I find out what my customers want? (I hope you ask anyways). Here are two quick answers to a much larger question. - Check your Analytics. Your website stats show what people are doing on your current website. This can be fairly good indicator of what people want to do on your website. Unless of course what they found isn’t what they wanted. - Ask Users. Ask Real customers or potential customers (not anyone that works at your company) the following questions; What would you want to see on a web site that offers X?, Why would you go to web site that offers X?, What would you expect to see at web site that offers X? As you might guess X would be your service/product. Be sure to listen and record to at least 8 Users. 2) Decide What You Really Want.
After you’ve learned what your customers want. It is time for you to want what they want. Remember, Happy Customers = Happy Businesses.?! 3) Give Them What They Want. Knowledge is key, but you need to take make sure that you actually give them what they want. Creating a website that both you and your customers will love is not the most difficult thing on the planet to achieve, as long as you follow some simple guidelines and are prepared to devote the necessary time and resources to making it a success. 4) Test. When your website is finished, it is really just the beginning. Sorry, but
your Customers will thank you. ~:-) The best websites aren’t completed and left alone. The best websites are living documents. When they are completed the are continually tested, analyzed, and refined. UX designers use an iterative process that is a cycle of improvement. I’d like to say that is it. My emphasis here is to learn what your customers want and go after it. Oscar Myre IV is the Creative Director & Owner at omOriginals Marketing! a Washington based Web firm for over sixteen years. Serving National and International clients of all sizes. Call them at (360)575-9839 or omOriginals.com
Apple’s New Products Still the Subject of Chat and Text The watch. The watch won’t be available until after Christmas. Wall Street mourns. But it remains to be seen whether Apple’s new smartwatch will be the new must-have accessory. Apple CEO Tim Cook says the list of its features is “a mile long.” Customers can change faces on the watch and customize it in many ways. It knows the difference between a touch and a tap and works with Siri so you can ask movie times, for example. It serves as a locket for photos, and you can zoom in. It can display maps and give directions. It knows the difference between a touch and a tap and works with Siri so you can ask movie times, for example. It serves as a locket for photos, and you can zoom in. It can display maps and give directions. It will work with iPhone5 and 6. But all this snooty smartness comes at a salty $349. The new iPhones. The Mac press is calling the problem: Bendgate. It seems the problem is (as Apple acknowledged in September) that
the skinny, skinny, skinny iphone when placed in equally skinny jeans, bends. It bends because thin metal bends when pressure is applied. Fashion here defeats function. However, Apple in September said they had a total of nine complaints of bending phones, a phenomenon first reported by the Website MacRumors. So far the only solution seems to be loosen those pants or lose weight. At any rate, the iPhone 6 has more than a million pixels and measures 4.7 inches. The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch screen with more than 2 million pixels. It makes a huge difference in picture display and video. The iPhone 6 starts at $199 for 16 gigabytes or $299 for 64 KGB. The 6 Plus start at $299. The 5c phone is still available and it’s now free. The 5s costs $99. BrydgeAir Keyboard. iPad Air 1 & 2 owners looking for an easy way to turn their tablet into a MacBook-style, lap-friendly portable computer need look no further than the new backlit BrydgeAir keyboard. A well-built, well-designed accessory for just $169.
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 21
KIWANIS CLUBS focus their community service hours to the welfare of children.
CATHLAMET 1st Tues. 6 p.m. at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church; 3rd Tues. at Sugar Lillies at noon. CHEHALIS - Thursday 12 p.m. at “The Restaurant” in Sunbirds. CLATSKANIE - 1st & 3rd & 5th Tues 6 p.m. at Fultano’s; 2nd & 4th Tues 12 p.m. Colvin’s. KELSO - Thurs. noon at 3 Rivers Mall, Comm. Room. LONGVIEW - Thursdays. noon at JT’s. SCAPPOOSE- 1st & 3rd Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Windemere Real Estate Office) ST. HELENS - Thurs. noon at the Elks Lodge (350 Belton Rd, St Helens). ST. HELENS DAYBREAKERS - Tues 7 a.m. at Warren Country Inn, Last Tues 6pm Columbia Soil and Water District Office AMERICAN LEGION GLEN HOYER POST 175 meets in Castle Rock every 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. For info call 423.9542. The LADIES AUXILIARY to Glen Hoyer Post #175 of the American Legion meets first Thursdays. For info call 423-9542. AMERICAN LEGION GUY RATHBUN Post #25 meets the 2nd Thurs. of the month at 7 p.m @ Kelso Eagles For info Kandi 423.2504 BUFORD ROCKAFELLOW POST 101, The American Legion, and Auxiliary meets the 2nd Friday of each month at the Winlock Community Building. Potluck 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m.. For info Post Commander Wendy Carolan 360-785-0929 or Adjutant Phil Carolan at (360) 785-0929. The FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION (FRA), an organization of Naval Service Veterans, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard. Lower Columbia Branch 363 meets 6:30 p.m., 2nd Friday, each month at the Longview VFW building, 4311 Ocean Beach Highway. For more information contact: Ray Hegr at (360) 425-6981 or E-mail at fra363@yahoo. com. FLEET RESERVE AUXILIARY #363 meets the 2nd Friday of the month at the VFW Hall, 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. A potluck at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7:30 p.m. All people who have active, retired, or reserve status family members who are now serving or have served with the US Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome. Info 425.4688. KELSO-LONGVIEW ELKS LODGE #1482 meets Thurs at 7:30 p.m. for our members only. Dinner is served before Lodge at 5:30 p.m. Lunches are served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. One of our many projects is to serve the youth of the communities. 900 Ash St., Kelso. 360.425.1482. TOUTLE VALLEY VFW POST & AUXILIARY #10882 meets the 1st Tuesday @ 7 p.m. at their Post Home, 101 Hansen Road in Toutle. For more information, contact John at 274.4350 or Nikki at 274.5263. TOLEDO VFW 3429, Reg. Meeting 1st Monday, Potluck at noon, meeting at 1 p.m. COWLITZ VALLEY VFW POST 1045, Tues. Bingo @ 6 p.m., 5 p.m. dinner; Auxilary mtngs at 11 a.m. every 2nd Wednesday. Breakfast for veterans served 1st Sat. of each month $6 each from 9 - 11 a.m. The COWLITZ VALLEY VFW LADIES AUXILIARY POST #1045 meets the 2nd Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall located at 4311 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview. For info or questions please call Ruby at (360) 577-0414 or Jeannette at (360) 414-4053. COWLITZ PRAIRIE GRANGE #737 meets 2nd Wednesdays 6:30pm potluck, 4th Wednesdays 7:30pm dessert. 5180 Jackson Hwy, Toledo, WA 864-2023 SUNNYSIDE GRANGE #129 meets the 2nd & 4th Saturdays. 6:30 for potluck, 7:30 meeting. Call 274.6013 for information & rental hall. SILVER LAKE GRANGE 2nd and 4th Thurs. Potluck 6:30, meeting at 7:30 p.m. Info & rental 274-5263. CATLIN GRANGE #199 2nd & 4th Fri. 6:30 p.m. Potluck dinner 2nd Friday. 7:30 meetings. More info: 425.2973. PLEASANT HILL GRANGE # 101 2nd & 4th Mon. 6:30 p.m. Potluck, meeting @ 7:15 p.m. Community Service group. Info & rentals call 425-6101 Junior Grange meets 1st & 3rd Mondays 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. CASTLE ROCK WOMANS CLUB meets every 2nd Monday at 1 p.m. 206 W. Cowlitz Street. Business meeting & program. Public iinvited. Info: 274.8149. THE PYTHIAN CASTLE 24 holds their meetings every 2nd and 4th Thursday @ 1 p.m. at the Castle Rock Womens Club, 206 Cowlitz St. West, Castle Rock. THE CASTLE ROCK LIONS CLUB meets the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at Hattie’s Restaurant @ 5:45 p.m. The club sponsors newspaper recycling.
LONGVIEW MONTICELLO LIONS meets 6:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays, dinner and speaker at The Carriage Restaurant on 12th LONGVIEW EARLY BIRD LIONS meets at The Carriage Restaurant on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:45 a.m. THE VADER LIONS CLUB meets the 1st Thursday @ 6 p.m. and the 3rd Thursday @ 7 p.m. at the club’s building on Hwy 506 in Vader for a potluck dinner and meeting. Info: 295-3087 or 295-3801. KALAMA LIONS CLUB - www.kalama-lions.com. LONGVIEW PIONEER LIONS CLUB meets every Tuesday at noon at the Longview Eagles Club (152612th Ave) Provide humanitarian service to the citizens of the area, visitors are welcome. WINLOCK LIONS CLUB meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 12 p.m. at Guadalajara Restaurant, off SR 505. Visitors welcome. Call 7853744 info KELSO LIONS CLUB meets 1st & 3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m. in Longview Kelso Kels Building. Call Richard (360)425-5876 ROSE VALLEY GRANGE #953 meets 2nd Tues. @ 1pm, & 4th Tuesdays @ 6 p.m. 1520 Rose Valley Road, Kelso. Info: Becky 575-3977 or Debbie 414-9627 COWLITZ COUNTY VETERANS ASSOC. meets the second Friday of each month. CALL 577-6757 for locations. LONGVIEW REBEKAH LODGE NO. 305 Meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday each month at the IOOF Hall, corner of Pacific and Pine, Kelso, 1 p.m.. Info: 1-866725-3507 CASTLE ROCK EAGLES, celebrating their 100th birthday, meets at the Eagles Aerie on Huntington Ave. @ 8 p.m. every 2nd & 4th Tuesday for the Aerie & Auxiliary. KELSO EAGLES meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. Aux., Aerie meets at 8 p.m. Initiation 3rd Tuesday. BINGO MonWed-Fri @ 6:30 p.m. Special Charity BINGO Monday 12 - 3 p.m. Call 425-8330 for info. CASTLE ROCK FREEMASONS 3rd Mon @ 7:30 p.m. at Lodge located on SW First Ave DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, MaryRichardson Walker Chapter. rootsweb. ancestry.com/~wamrwcdar/ FRIENDS OF CASTLE ROCK LIBRARY, 1st Mondays from 10 - 11 a.m., Library 137 Cowlitz St. West in Castle Rock WORSHIP & RECOVERY meeting, Sunday @ 1 p.m., refreshments. Positive faith group meeting. 1260 12th Ave., LV S.C.O.R.E. - Free counseling & guidance for small businesses by the nation-wide of S.C.O.R.E., Kelso/ Longview Chamber of Commerce, 1563 Olympia Way, Longview, WA. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: 1st Fri of the month at 1 p.m. @ 1639 10th Ave. 577-5890, and Auxiliary meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 11 a.m. 423-3125 MT. ST. HELENS CLUB - meets 2x week to hike on a rural trail in SW Washington &/or NW Oregon. Location and info: mtsthelensclub.org or 360- 673-2799 NATIONAL ASSOC. OF ACTIVE & RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES Longview - Kelso Chapter 1070, meet the 1st Wednesday @ 11:30 a.m. at the Monticello Hotel, Longview. Info: 423.6032. LOWER COLUMBIA WOODCARVERS Tues 5 - 7 p.m. Brook Hollow Rec. Center & Thurs. @ LV Senior Center 1 - 4 p.m . 274-3175 ROSE VALLEY GRANGE #953 2nd & 4th Tues. 6 p.m. potluck, meeting 7:00. Info: 423-6952, Rentals 423-8270, or 560-5140. LONGVIEW BORDER CROSSINGS Volks walking meet on 2nd Tuesdays at St. John’s Hospital, Longview, @ 6:30 p.m. Cafeteria Sam Korff 503-728-0400 KELSO ROTARY Meets Thursdays at 12 p.m. Lunch available to purchase. Kelso Longview Elks Lodge Call 414-5406 for more information ALTRUSA of Longview/Kelso meets Thursdays from 12 - 1 p.m.. 1st - Board; 2nd - Business; 3rd - Committee; 4th - Program; Lunch served for $5 at all meetings except Board. Meet at Altrusa room at CAP. THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM Christian Intervention program for the chemically dependent, meets Wednesday 6 p.m. at Landmark United Pentecostal, 4333 Ocean Beach Hwy, 360-636-0580 LONGVIEW GARDEN CLUB meets at 10 a.m. the 4th Thurs. Jan. - November; Sept. - Oct. Due to holidays, Nov. & Dec. meetings are on the 3rd Thurs. Most mtngs Grace Lutheran Church in Longview. Info: 425-0755 COWLITZ BEE ASSOCIATION meets the 3rd Thursday each month @ WSU Extension Office, 7 p.m. OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS of Longview meets Monday @ 7:00pm or Thursday @ 7:30pm at Longview United Methodist Church. 2851 30th Ave, Longview. For info call Vee (503)449-6005 or www.oa.org
Abernathy Assembly of God 702 Abernathy Creek Rd. Longview Phone: 360-636-1620 Website: www.AbernathyAoG.com Sunday Service 10:45 AM Apostolic Lutheran Church 248 Cowlitz St. W., Castle Rock Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Church at 11 a.m. Information Dave Kandoll 295-3461 Baha’i Faith Vader 360-751-3181 Centralia 360-807- 4313 Packwood 360-494-4767 Longview 360-423-4105 Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church 2900 Parkview Drive, Longview Office: (360)577-8240 Pastor Shelley Willem Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Castle Rock Christian Church 542 Huntington Ave. S, Castle R. Sunday school – 9 am (all ages) Sunday Worship – 10 am Dr. John Leffler, Senior Pastor 6th-12th Gr. youth Wed, 6-7:30 pm 360-274-6771 M-F, 9:30a -1:30pm Call for home groups/studies www.cr-cc.org
lvfirstchristian.org revericatcheson.blogspot.com Grace and Truth City Church 525 Third Ave SW – Castle Rock Pastor David Beer Worship 10:15am, 749-2289 Grace Bible Fellowship 300 S.10th Ave, Kelso Worship: Sunday 11:00am Bible Study 9:30 a.m. www.GraceIsReal.org (360)423-4035 Grace United Methodist Church, Vader, 295.3402 Rev. Steven A. Caskey, pastor Sunday worshipndservice – 12:15 p.m. Potluck every 2 Sunday Quilting on Mondays & Thursdays House of Prayer for All Nations 868 9th ave. Longview, WA Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Service 11:15 AM Evening Service 6 PM Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 2200 Allen Street, Kelso (360) 423-3650 M & F Daily Mass 12:15 PM Sat Vigil Mass 5:30 PM Sunday Mass 10:30 AM
Kalama Baptist Church, Pastor Wes Eader 112 Vincent Rd, Kalama WA - Sunday School Castle Rock Church of the Nazarene 9:45am - Worship 456 Pioneer Ave. NE, Castle Rock 11:00am Sunday School classes 9:30 a.m. www.kalamabaptist.com Call 673-5570 Worship Celebration 10:45 a.m. Evening church service 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible study Th 10:30am Kelso First United Methodist Church Rev. Reo McBride, 206 Cowlitz Way, Kelso Pastor - 274.6546 Contemporary Service 9:00 am Sunday School 9:20 am Traditional Service 11:00 am Castle Rock First Baptist Church Wed: Children (Grade 1-12) 5:30-7 pm 211 Front Ave. NW, Castle Rock Pastor Vonda McFadden Pastor Joel Royce 274-4113 Sun Bible Study all ages: 9:45am 360-423-7480 www.kelsofirstumc.org Worship 11a.m. Tues. Adult Bible Study 1:30pm Lexington Bible Fellowship 98 Garden Street, Kelso (Lexington) Castle Rock United Methodist Sunday school @ 9:45am 241 First Street, Castle Rock Sunday worship @ 11am Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jerry Hancuff Worship 10:55 a.m. Sunday www.lexingtonbible.org Youth Group: Sundays 2 p.m. Rev. Pam Brokaw - 274.4252 Life Center Corner of Rock & Pine in Centralia Sundays at 10:30am or Central Christian Church Oyler Rd & Hwy 12 in Ethel 401 Crawford St., Kelso Sundays Worship -11am (Sunday school 9:00am 360-736-5898 9:30am) Wednesdays @ 6pm (Youth @ 6:45 www.yourlifecenter.com Bible Studies - many available Russ Tevis, Minister Living Hope Church 360-425-3420 Church Office 2711 NW Andreson, Vancouver 11:00am Sundays Pastor Dean Jenks (360)944-3905 Church of Christ 300 St. Helen’s St., Toledo, Wa Longview Church of the Nazarene Sunday Bible Class 10 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. 814 - 15th Ave, Longview Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Bible Class 11 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m. Celebrate Recovery Thurs at 6 p.m 360-577-1100 John Gadberry, Minister 360-274-8570 Longview Community Church, 2323 Washington Way - Longview Emmanuel Lutheran Church service Sunday 2218 E. Kessler Blvd. - Longview Worship Contemporary Service 8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship - 8:30am Traditional Service 11 a.m. Sunday “Celebration” - 11 a.m. Pastor John Williams 423.6380 Thursday Worship - 6:30 p.m. LongviewCommunityChurch.org Child care available at all services Pastor David Martin, Senior Pastor Longview Presbyterian Church Church office - 360-423-3250 3808 Pennsylvania St., Longview www.elclongview.com Worship and Children’s Class: Sun. 10am Faith Fellowship Lutheran Brethren; Pastor Meghan Davis (360)577-8951 www.longviewpresbychurch.net Church 210 Fishers Lane, Kelso Pastor Chris Leingang New and Living Way Church Worship at 10:00am 951 Delaware St., Longview www.fflbc.org Sundays 10am & 6pm Church Office (360) 425-4390 Wednesdays 7pm 703-3340 newandlivingwaychurch.org Fathers House Church 1315 Commerce Ave Oak Point Community Church Downtown Longview 445 Oakpoint Rd, Longview Worship Sundays: Sunday School 9:30 a.m. 9am, 10:30am Pastor Chuck Tilton 423-7826 Sunday Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Thursday Bible Study 7 p.m. www.FathersHouseChurch.com Pastor Doug McMurray; 360-577-6037 Fireside Fellowship 271 Atmore Road, Toutle The Rock Worship Sunday 10:00 a.m. Meeting at 1955 Huntington Ave S, facebook.com/thefireside Castle Rock Worship 10 a.m. every Sunday First Christian Church Wednesday @ 7pm Service (Disciples of Christ) Pastors Jerry & Angie Hughes 2000 East Kessler Blv - Longview 274.7480 360.425.4220 Rev. Eric Atcheson Rose Valley Friends Church
1437 Rose Valley Rd. Kelso 360-425-3222 Church Office 9:30am Sunday School Hour for all 10:45am Worship Service 5:00pm - 7:00pm Valley Youth Group 6-8pm Wednesday-JValley Youth 6-8pm -Sunday-JValley Youth Ryderwood Community Church,
315 Jackson St. PO Box 161, Ryderwood, Pastor Bill Bowlby, 360-295-3962 Service Opportunities 11 am Sunday
St. Mary Catholic Church 120 Powell Rd., Castle Rock 274.7404 W & Th Daily Mass 8:30A Sunday Mass 8:30A St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 412 Pioneer Ave., Box 1467 Castle Rock Worship 10 a.m. Sunday - 274.9393 St. Paul Lutheran Church 312 First Ave. SW, PO Box 847, Castle Rock 274.6604 Worship Service: 9a.m. & 11 a.m. SundayE40! (education) @ 10:10 a.m. Wed: 5th & 6th grade Youth Group - 6 p.m. Wed: 7th-12th gr Youth, 7:30pm Pastor Bob Sinclair St. Rose Catholic Church 2571 Nichols Blvd Longview, WA 360-425-4660 The Salvation Army Church 1639 10th Ave, Longview Sunday School @ 9:45am Holiness Meeting @ 11:00am 360-423-3992 St. Stephens Episcopal 1428 - 22nd, Longview WA Office: (360)423-5600 Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 10:00am www.sslv.org Seventh Day Adventist Church 7531 Old Pacific Hwy -Castle Rock Worship 11 a.m. Saturday Pastor Ben Moore 274.6090 Seventh Day Adventist Church Journey Church 77 Solomon Road, Kelso WA Office: (360)423-7344 Saturday Worship: 11:05am Pastor Marcia Stone journeyadventist.com Stella Lutheran Chapel P.O. Box 546, 124 Sherman Road, Longview Pastor Carol Plummer Sunday Worship 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Office (360) 423-3795 (Wed. Only) Toledo New Life Assembly of God 420 Silver Street, Toledo WA (360)864-4366 Worship: Sun. @ 10am, Wed. @ 6pm Dinner on Wednesdays @ 5:15pm Food Bank: Last Tue/Wed of month Toutle Christian Fellowship 5067 Spirit Lake Hwy – Toutle Worship Service Sunday 9 a.m. Childcare provided Pastor Denny Martinez www.toutle.org (360)274-6305 Vader Assembly of God Church 302 - 6th St., Vader, WA (360)295-3756 Pastor Tracy Durham Sunday Worship: 10:30am & 6:00pm Sunday Youth Group: 6:00pm Wed. Adult Study, Kidz Church: 7p.m. Valley View Church of God 1435 - 33rd Ave, Longview WA Pastor Dwayne Cothron (360)636-6787 Worship Sundays @ 10am & 6pm If you would like to have your church updated or added to our director y, please email
editor@valleybugler.com
Page 22 • Valley Bugler • December 2014
Get Puzzled!
‘Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.’ ~Norman Vincent Peale
Holiday Decorating Gets Personal It’s time to start unpacking strings of lights, shiny ornaments and sparkly tinsel for another season of Christmas decorating. But wait . . . it’s not just the house that gets decorated these days. Some men go shopping for Santa suspenders, red shirts and holiday socks. Women often buy new Christmas outfits and visit their hair salons for a color or a new style. But one of the most popular forms of personal holiday decorating involves nails . . . no, not the kind you pound with a hammer . . . I’m talking about fingernails and toenails. Nail techs will be busy through the month of December applying special holiday art to glossy, just-polished nails. Customers will have a tough time not only selecting the perfect color from the racks but also deciding between hundreds of examples of holiday nail art. Will it be Christmas trees, peppermint candies, stars or snowflakes? Or maybe reindeer, snowmen or a thin brushing of glitter to represent falling snow? Gift packages topped with bows, Christmaslight strings draping from one fingernail to the next or penguins in a row? Or something different on each finger and toe? If you are unsure of which designs to choose for your next manicure, use a Google search to do your homework before you head to the shop. If you arrive at the shop still undecided, ask your nail techs to show you some photos of nail art they have painted. At Solar Nails and Spa, 1309 Lewis River Road, Woodland, next to Ace
Hardware, customers are already asking owners Joanne and Greg Huntsman for ideas. Joanne has
been doing nails in Woodland since 2003 and has seen more and more clients become interested in adding art to their nails. Some like to have every finger decorated. Others are happy to spend $5 to have a design painted on one finger of each hand. Joanne started the shop, and when husband Greg (pictured above) joined her as a nail tech, he already had 13 years of painting experience, but not in a shop like hers. Before learning to paint nails, Greg worked at a body shop where his canvases were a lot larger . . . he painted cars. Working in that career, he was proud to send out his paint jobs looking their best, just like he is today. After he applies shiny coats of polish, many of today’s customers want some special detailing . . . and Greg is happy to paint designs on their nails. His work and that of all of Woodland’s nail artists will be on display this season at holiday parties and around Christmas trees, and guests will admire not only the home’s decorations, but also this unique form of personal holiday decorating . . . nail art. [Photo by Pat Nelson.] Pat Nelson, is co-creator of three humorous and sometimes edgy anthologies: ‘Not Your Mother’s Book: On Being a Parent’ (Amazon.com & retailers); On Being a Grandparent; and On Working for a Living.
Sudoku Answer
December 2014 • Valley Bugler • Page 23
Deer Season:
Tips for a safe & successful hunt
(StatePoint) Hunting can be a rewarding sport, providing billions of pounds of organic, free-range deer meat to outdoorsmen each year. By following certain guidelines when hunting deer, elk or any other animal, you can ensure a more successful hunt and fill your freezer. “Deer can be some of the craftiest, smartest big-game animals. Matching wits with one requires skill, experience and a few tricks,” says Scott Bestul, Field Editor for “Field & Stream” magazine and Co-Author of the new book, “Total Deer Hunter Manual: 301 Essential Skills.” Whether you spend all year plotting and preparing for your ultimate deer season, or just enjoy a few trips yearly with your buddies, Bestul, along with co-author Dave Hurteau, deputy editor of “Field & Stream,” are offering hunting advice for a safe, successful season. Gun Safety The best policy in hunting is to be overly cautious. So assume every gun is loaded, even when you know it isn’t. “Extra caution guards against human error and over-confidence,” says Hurteau. Triple-check your target and keep your safety on until the moment before shooting. When you’re not using your gun, unload it. Tree Stand Safety Treestands provide hunters with a birds-eye view of the land and animals below, but being high above ground comes with inherent risks, the most common of which is falling. “One of the very dumbest things a deer hunter can do is hunt from a treestand without using a safety harness,” says Bestul.
How to Dress Because deer can spot colors in the ultraviolet spectrum, if your hunting garments contain UV brighteners or are blue, you’ll actually appear to glow in low light to deer. Opt for camouflage, which makes it harder for deer to spot you from a distance. But don’t neglect to wear at least the required amount of hunterorange clothing, to be visible to other hunters. Body Odor When it comes to managing body odor during a hunt, it’s not just a matter of politeness toward fellow hunters. The human nose has about five million olfactory receptors, the neurons responsible for the detection of odor. Deer have an estimated 297 million. The way you smell can scare off a deer. “The goal is to delay the inevitable -- to fool a buck’s nose long enough to make a shot.” Use pine, acorn, earth, and, if you’re up for it, skunk scents to cover your smell. And you could even draw a buck to you by using deer urine scent. Follow the Rules Whether they’re for safety or deer population management, be sure to follow the rules of the park or grounds on which you are hunting. Clean up after yourself and never trespass. Safety tips and deer hunting advice for all skill levels can be found in “The Total Deer Hunter Manual.” For more information, visit Bestul and Hurteau’s blog at www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/whitetail-365
Before heading out for your hunting excursion, brush up on new skills and old hunting basics. Sometimes the best knowledge comes from those who have been hunting for decades, know the lay of the land, and might even give up one of their “favorite spots” to bring in a deer.
[PHOTO: Provided with permission from “Total Deer Hunting Manual: 301 Essential Skills.”]
Adorable Adoptee
Meet ‘Andy’ Ready for take home this Christmas! Andy was a celebrity of sorts- a darling at AKC dog shows since he was just a puppy. Then his beloved master got sick, and was not able to continue this life style with Andy. Andy became a favorite pet, and the new lifestyle seems to agree with him. Andy now has his “summer cut”, has settled in nicely in his foster home and is awaiting his Forever Family.. Lowchens, or “Lion Dog” are a playful, intelligent little dog, and make a great family addition. Andy is neutered, current on his vaccinations, and has a microchip. If you would like to complete our Adoption Application, please visit
our web site (listed here) and download an application. Be sure to put the animal’s name and ID number at the top of the application and save the document to your computer. Return the saved document to us at: rpaws@hotmail.com For questions and adoption info rpaws.petfinder.org 673-7373
Page 22 • Valley Bugler • December 2014