From the Editor’s Desk

The month of “love” is upon us, and our staff at the Bugler wants to take this opportunity to share with you just how much we “love” you!
Yes, that’s right – somebody loves you! ☺
Our readers and advertisers are the most important parts of our business, as if we didn’t have YOU – we would simply cease to exist.
So, in return – do you “love” the Valley Bugler? If you enjoy this publication coming across your path once each month, we would ask but one simple thing. Just one thing to show your appreciation!
I’m guessing that most of you probably already know what I’m going to request.
Yes, you’re correct, we would ♥“love”♥ for you to share with our advertisers that you enjoy seeing them in the Valley Bugler. Share with shops and businesses that you see advertising within these pages your appreciation. Call them or when you are shopping there (because they’re all local, you know!) tell them you saw them HERE!
In this time and economy, I can’t stress to you the importance of our beloved advertisers hearing that their ads are being viewed and seen by our thousands upon thousands of local readers. The economy is tough, and understandably, businesses have to tighten their belts with fiscal expenditures.
If you want them to continue helping get this community paper into your hands each month, then we would encourage you to showcase your “love” by expressing your gratitude.
Being that we are one of only a few free community papers, it is essential that our advertisers continue seeing the impact of their dollars that are spent here to help publish and produce this paper.
Show a little ♥ and share a little ♥!
Speaking of showing and sharing love, I’d like to invite you to a special Theatre production that is happening at our very own Columbia Theatre here in Longview from the 16th – 19th showcasing a “Love Story”!
The infamous ‘Cinderella’ will grace the stage, full of local talent (including yours truly…)!
Yes, I decided to take a leap and get back into the musical theatre world, after having been more in “Mommy Mode” raising three small children for over 8 years.
The last major role that I performed was “Marian the Librarian” in The Music Man, as seen on Mainstage in 2001. Wow, was it really that long ago?
Since then I have done small performances that don’t require the intensive rehearsal schedule that a major production entails, such as Cinderella.
The only possible way I could do this was with the loving support of my sweet hubby, Oscar. He makes sure that he is home every night so we can have dinner together before I brush my teeth, kiss the kiddos and rush off for a 3-hr rehearsal.
In return, I am working my tail off with a great Director, Ron Daum, from Portland, Musical Director Dorothy McMillan, and a local cast that has some of my dear buddies in it as well.
I was cast as the floor-scrubbing girl, one who is always dreaming of being somewhere else than where she really is – like, the Prince’s ball!
Yes, I am Cinderella – so if you would like to come and say hello to me after the show, I would absolutely love it. I do hope that all the little girls get their tiaras and princess dresses out and that the mommy’s and daddy’s glam up as well. I hope to see lots of little Prince’s in their best suits as well, because every princess needs a prince! ☺
The show is sweet and frought with laughter and unexpected twists and turns. Laura Ouellette Tack and Katie Jansen play my “Stepsisters”, and with Lorraine Little at the helm of the “Stepmother”, you will be rolling in the aisles with laughter at their antics.
My own daughters are eager to see the show, and my son has demanded to as well, although I am guessing his 3-year old attention span wouldn’t quite survive the duration.
We hope that you enjoy the sweet love story within ‘Cinderella’ if you can make it, which is running during the “Month of Love”.
So until next month, I’ll be at rehearsals preparing for the show, and sharing with those around me just how much I love and appreciate them in my life. There are wonderful suggestions and tips found on page 10-11 for those who lack their own burst of creativity.
Sitting in my own little corner,

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor’s Desk

It’s a new year! A new year full of opportunities and the feeling of a “fresh new start”!
Just recently, we celebrated the 3rd Birthday of our son, Oscar Myre V. It seems like only yesterday that I was playing with my little two year old daughter and waiting for our second daughter to be born. Now, I have the blessing of an almost nine year old, almost seven year old and a three year old!
I really feel as though we’ve moved into that “new phase” of life. Especially with the happy fact that we are now out of diapers! Happy dance! Happy dance!
And even though I am doing the happy “dance”, my heart and soul is somewhat sad that we have moved past the “baby years” and into a new time with our kids, who are growing into such beautiful little people.
It’s now a time of deeper discussions, harder chapter books and much harder math that mommy tries to keep up with…my children are brilliant!!
This new year of 2012 presents so many new ideas and perspectives. Isn’t it interesting that just a “season” or “time period” of life can change your outlook on everything in your world?
Many people decide that it is time to “get healthy” and go on a new path with new resolution to make a positive change in their life.
Some make resolutions to change their attitude and how they approach relationships, while still others just laugh at all the “hoopla” that goes into those New Years Resolutions.
I think resolutions are wonderful, and should be explored by each one of us, in solitude. Really, a resolution is something for you, not for anybody else. In conjunction, your resolutions affect those around you, because when you change – your world changes. And there are people in that world.
Many of our advertisers this month offer wonderful options for helping you reach your New Years Resolutions, and staying on that path. From acupuncture to weight loss, financial responsibility and management – please take a moment to assess what these locally owned businesses can offer your “new world”. There is a feature centerfold of businesses on pages 12 and 13, with advertising throughout the entire paper, too.
My own resolutions include simple things that I hope to achieve more and more each year, not just “this year”.
I want to be a better wife to my incredible husband.
I want to be a better mommy to my three beautiful children.
I want to laugh more. (Heck, it burns calories, so I can kill two birds with one stone….)
I want to build stronger friendships and deeper, meaningful relationships with those in my life.
I want to share more the incredible love and acceptance that Jesus offers everybody.I want to travel somewhere I have never been before.
I want to travel somewhere I have been before, and look at it from a different perspective.
I want to help others experience Joy as I have found it, even in the middle of some incredible pain and sorrow.
I want to help teach my children how wonderful they are, and learn something new about themselves with them.
I want to share the healing properties of NeriumAD with others as I experience it with my own problematic skin.
I want to have a healthy garden this year.
I want to learn more about interesting subjects, like gardening and solar and wind power.
I want to find more quiet time with God, to refresh my soul through prayer and worship.
Oh my friends, I could go on and on. These are my goals in life, as I try to remind myself of them each and every day, not just in the new year.
Setting goals is a fantastic personal development technique, and it is the process of planning to reach those goals that really does the shaping.
I would encourage you to set goals for your life – and enjoy the process and road that you travel in order to accomplish them. Would you like to share them with us? We would love to hear…

Publisher / Editor

From the Editor’s Desk

Are your halls decked? Do dreams of sugar plums dance in your head? Do you even know what a sugar plum is? ☺
For those of us who have no idea what a sugar plum is, this Editor decided to do some holiday investigating of this one line of the infamous Christmas poem “The Night Before Christmas”, as well as the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from the Nutcracker.
Visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
Alright, this obviously inspires pictures of little children snuggled in their warm blankies, sleeping and dreaming of sugarplums. But just what in the world is a sugarplum?
It turns out I am not the only one to ask this question, and thankfully, Google is full of answers. A sugar plum, according to the Food Network site, is a “small confection, often consisting of cruit such as a candied cherry or dried apricot surrounded by fondant.” They don’t even need plums in them!
The term “plummy” seems to originate back in the early 19th Century, where things were referred to as “plummy” if they were sweet.
So, in short, sugar plums are sweet treats. No wonder children are dreaming of them before Christmas. Their stockings are sure to have some sweet treats inside, and it’s usually the only day of the year that they are allowed to eat it before breakfast!
Now the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, is a sweet treat for the artist or any enjoying great ballet and physical beauty.
So I suppose that anything “Sugar Plum” related is simply sweet.
This issue is just ‘plummy’ for me to produce. I absolutely love it. Quite literally it is one of the issues that I hold most dear to my heart.
It holds such a true sweetness in the fact and truth behind why we celebrate Christmas. Now, I know that Jesus Christ wasn’t born in December – it was probably March or April.
I know all those facts, and yet still this is the time of year that we have chosen to celebrate His birth.
A sweet time of life in the midst of a dreary winter season. A ray of hope for all who are frustrated with life, providing a day on which to simply celebrate the joy of giving.
The joy of giving because we were first given to. God gave us His greatest Gift of all in His Son. His Son then reciprocated the greatest gift to us Himself, by dying on the cross so we could have eternal life and be blameless in the eyes of the Father.
He died for our sins – covered us and made us blameless. That is, if we choose to accept His birth, life and death as the truth that it is.
Newborn babies are a sweet blessing to us, and this Newborn baby, born so long ago, was the sweetest gift of all.
We wish you a ‘plummy’ Christmas season, filled with love and the joy of giving gifts from your heart to those you love so dearly. Merry Christmas!
Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor’s Desk

Whether we like it or not, the holiday season is fast upon us. I think we were well for-warned with the Christmas decorations in department stores showing up around late September and early October.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas! It is my favorite holiday of the year next to Thanksgiving and Easter. Oh wait, I love them ALL, but Christmas does hold a special place in my heart.
That being said, I think that Thanksgiving gets overlooked. The short end of the stick. It is the perfect precursor to a holiday celebrating the perfect Gift of all, so I love that they are literally back to back. But…
Here’s my dilemma. When to decorate? No sooner have I just gotten up my fall decorations, pumpkins and autumn leaves into my home than a few short weeks later, I am tempted to begin decorating for Christmas.
So why can’t we have the best of both worlds? What do you do?
I am thinking that this year I am going to surreptitiously slide in Christmas Decorations amidst the turkey and acorns. We already do that in our Christmas shopping, do we not?
There is an onslaught of Bazaars, found on page 5 of this issue, where we are already sinking into the joyous holiday mood of “twinkling lights” and “bowl full of cherries” ideas.
I say let’s make the most of both! Keep up your Thanksgiving decorations, and entwine them with Christmas, just as the two holidays are entwined together – let’s give the poor Christmas decorations a chance to shine longer in our homes.
At least – that’s in my house.
No longer! I have resolved to include Christmas with our Thanksgiving jovial decorations, and make it feel welcome in our house for as long as I can get away with.
I’m thinking the second week of November is a good time to start.
We’ll see what my husband has to say when he starts seeing my darling Christmas Snowmen begin to appear.
For him, he gets to start telling his horrid “favorite” Christmas joke again, I suppose!
This issue is dedicated to all that is Thanksgiving and Christmas. Entwining two of our beloved holidays that really dance well together.
We are so thankful for the gift of our readers and advertisers, here at this community paper. Without that symbiotic relationship, we would totally cease to exist.
There have been a few readers ask me lately what they can do to show their thanks for our paper. The best way you can show your thanks is to tell everyone about how much you love the Bugler, or extol your favorite columnist to your friends via eMail or on FaceBook.
Also, chatting with businesses who are spending their advertising dollars with us, and letting them know that you appreciate their support in helping bring GOOD NEWS to the area is a fantastic way to show you are thankful. This is one of the only ways they can track that you have seen their advertisement. Call them or stop in and say “Thank you”.
Our thanks comes to you each month, via a fresh new paper, put together with loving and tender care, with you in mind! Happy Thanksgiving to you, our friends, our readers!

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor’s Desk

Here in the Northwest, we were blessed with an unusually long and beautiful Indian Summer – I’m sure to make up for the horrid March – July.
The children’s issue is always one of my favorite issues, because kids are near and dear to my heart – and every single one of us can relate. Don’t shake your head! You were once a child, full of abundant life and seemingly limitless energy and questions.
It is one of the subjects that we are all a part of, have all experienced and maybe will fondly remember – at least I hope so!
Our annual Children’s issue incorporates a focus of articles concerning children’s health, issues and of course the “Kiddy Korner” of laughter and riddles just for kids.
Chloe, my daughter, scours the Bugler each month for the “jokes and riddles” so she can practice memorizing them and sharing with her friends and our family. The innocence of having a good belly laugh at a clean joke is refreshing and will hopefully turn up the corners of your mouth in a perky grin.
Kids are back to school, hopefully in the grind of being industrious and curious little scholars, and this issue is dedicated to this group. The children who delight us with their antics one moment, and terrorize us the next with something else. It’s just the joy of children!!
Of course, my own children are perfect angels, and would never do anything to destroy that image. Yeah, right! How many of you believe that one? Hee hee!
Oscar and myself work hard at developing the “deep breath” of patience and always try to share with them that we love them no matter what.
Any parent or guardian knows that the rollercoaster ride of raising children is one that requires full body armor and safety straps!
I once read somewhere that the average child laughs 400 times per day! And a sad counterpart is that the average adult laughs only 4 times per day…
Well, we decided to try and encourage more laughter this month with our childrens issue, and so you will find more than the usual joke fodder and riddles.
Isn’t there a saying that “Laughter is the Best Medicine”? Happily, I found out that it is indeed true.
According to multiple studies, in addition to the “domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body”, authors Melinda Smith, M.A., Gina Kemp, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. reported in May of 2010.
In short, humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, help diminish pain, boosts energy and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Who knew that the Valley Bugler Newspaper could contribute to your long, healthy and happy life?!?
Well, to be honest….we did!
Wishing you much laughter between these pages, hopefully bringing you a lighter sense of life, inspiring your hopes and bringing you a “healthier” you! Go on – give a good belly laugh outloud….we dare ya!
Until we meet again during Turkey month, giggle away!

From the Editor’s Desk

September is here, with all of its beautiful “Indian Summer” possibilities, as we cling to remnants of warmth. The crisp reminder is in the air that it’s soon to be time to batten down the hatches for winter, but that doesn’t mean that activities have slowed down around these parts!
And that’s a very nice fact for me, since this also happens to be my birthday month! I get gads of fun things to do, including my kids starting school, the Rock & Gem Show, The Highlander Festival and The Woman’s Affaire
Each one of these things has its own draw for fun, and also happens to be free to attend, which I thoroughly enjoy. (The Woman’s Affaire has a $2 entry fee this year that is being donated to the Relay for Life).
The Rock and Gem show has many fascinating things to study and my kids particularly like the gold dig and other kid games there.
The Highlander Festival is a delicious hoot, and I love visiting all the booths while people watching. Lots of folks dress up in their Scottish garb for this event, as do the dancers. It’s a great time for the whole family to “get a taste” of the Scottish clan.
Then we have the Woman’s Affaire, at Canterbury Park, where women line up down the road for at least half a mile to get in, due to the “Goody Bag” giveaway that boasts free items and goodies for us to enjoy.
You don’t have to be a woman to get in, either – I’ll have you know. But it is safe to say that at least 90% of those attending are of the female persuasion! And the vendors that are present always have freebies or demos of their products and services. Free massages anyone?
It’s perfect timing for me – I love to spend some of my birthday money at this event. The jewelry and candles and chocolates make it a worthwhile journey for the senses.
Hey guys! Wake up! This is the perfect event to go shop for the woman in your life! Products are in vast supply and you will find something to tickle your lady’s fancy, whether it be a birthday, Christmas or “just because” type of present – because we like those “just because” types….
One sad thing about September is remembering 9/11 on Patriot Day. That horrific day that our country was viciously attacked and over 3,000 people lost their lives at the hands of terrorists, and the Twin Towers crashed down.
Please take time to remember the fallen heroes and our nation’s sorrow on Patriot Day this year.
September also heralds the beginning of fall and the ending of summer. I feel like we didn’t really get to enjoy the summer in its fullness.
My poor poor little container garden did not do so well, but I am comforted by the fact that I’m not the only one. A friend of mine expressed jealousy that she saw tomatoes that were actually ripe on my tomato plants, albeit there were only 14 total fruits this year.
Hers didn’t give her ANY!
Our family crammed in a full summers worth of fun into about two weeks. I hope that you were able to get outside and PLAY this summer, even with our rain and grey skies – at least it is warm enough to go do something physical outside without hypothermia setting in.
I look forward to the changing of the leaves, and that crisp taste of fresh air that only Fall can provide.
Until next month, remember that we still are offered fresh local produce and products at our Farmers Markets, and can enjoy the bounty of a long Indian summer for quite a few more weeks!

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor’s Desk August 2011

Right now at the Valley Bugler, through August 31st, 2001 we are running our “Let’s Chat” contest, where sharing your thoughts could win you $100 in cash, along with other prizes!
We wonder if there are folks out there who think they can win this? We’ve only had a handful of entries, so your chances for winning are big.
Enter up to one time every day by following the rules listed below.

We like to hear from YOU!

Let’s Chat! Did you like this issue? Which articles caught your fancy? Who do you share your Bugler with? Where is your favorite place to pick one up? Do you have a favorite section or columnist?
Share your thoughts with us on any topic concerning the Valley Bugler Newspaper between June 27th and August 31st, and be entered to win our Grand Prize drawing for $100.00 in cold, hard CASH. Select comments will also be printed in the September issues, and other giveaways!
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “A penny for your thoughts”!!
You can send those to us with your FULL NAME and phone number:
• eMail: Use our Contact Form
- Write “Thoughts” in the subject
• Online: www.valleybugler.com

Comment on ANY of the articles posted at our website
• FaceBook: visit the link below
facebook.com/valleybuglernewspaper
- “Like” us and post your thoughts!
• Snail Mail to address below:
705 Vandercook Way
Longview, WA 98632
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We’ve heard from a few of you awesome readers, as shown in our “We Get Comments” column found on p.20 – maybe yours will appear there next month for bragging rights?
This month’s issue offers a wide array of fun stuff to do in the sun, now that it has finally decided to show its face. At least for now.
Although it has come to play, I am still wearing socks, and to my own dismay I have turned on the heat a few times this summer.
Disgraceful.
As we sit and mold quietly here in our corner of the States, I should be glad that we are not literally baking and being blown around like the rest of the Americas.
Record temperatures, months long droughts and swollen rivers disgorging themselves all over our beautiful countryside have filled the news.
I’m glad to live in our temperate Washington climate, where our biggest concern this summer is whether or not the moss will die.
There are heroic stories about local people traveling from the local area to visit these disaster stricken places, such as Joplin, Missouri and Minot, North Dakota. Taking time from their beautiful summer vacations, crowds from the Northwest are swelling our hearts with pride with their outreach missions to help where they can.
Not only do we have wonderful friends and neighbors in our communities giving to those that live elsewhere, we also see people caring and sharing with those around us in need.
Programs such as CAP providing meals for the hungry or less fortunate, and amazing organizations like LOVE, Inc – who are reaching out to those that most other people look right over.
I’m proud to live in such a place where I can be sure that a vast majoity of the people I meet will be helping someone else in their life, in some way, shape or form.
It’s this mentality and life practice of neighborly love that carries us through those dark times that fall on us all. I believe that’s one reason why we were created – to learn to love God through loving and caring for one another.
Whether it’s picking up your neighbor’s fallen garbage can or bringing a cherry pie to an invalid veteran down the way, we are all doing something to care for others. And if you’re not? Well, don’t you think it’s high time you found out all you’re missing?
Until next month, I hope to hear what you think, so Let’s Chat!

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor July 2011

Even though we have been dealt one of the crummiest hands of weather in my memory for this spring and beginning of Summer, I have to do a HAPPY DANCE!
It’s Summer! It’s Summer! Oh-oh-oh-yeah!!! Time to get the grill going and if you haven’t been to the local farms or farmers markets, then it’s time! Check out page 21 for a complete list!
Even if I have to wear socks with my Birkenstocks this summer, which I am right now, my heart is full of anticipation for July and August. Full of Fairs, Fireworks, Festivals and Farmers Markets, my spirit could simply sing it is so full of happiness to be at this time of the year. Now if only the sun would cooperate and bless us with its warm rays and growing magic. My poor vegetables and flowers would sure appreciate it.
This issue is packed with all the local happenings, trail reviews and Farmers Market locations, as well as local farm locations and what type of produce or meat they offer. We are so blessed to live in an area that offers such a wild abundance! Visit page 21 for local farm listings.
It’s also baseball season, and I bet that the Cowlitz Blackbears will be happy to have some warmth outside, so the stands will sport some fans that aren’t shivering under blankets and umbrellas!!
If you haven’t caught a BlackBears game yet, you should really try to take advantage of this team that plays right here in our own backyard. Tickets are CHEAP at only $7 a pop, and if you’re looking for even cheaper, just hit a Tuesday game, where everything including tickets is only $2.00!! It’s some fun entertainment and excitement for a family-friendly evening.
The summer can tend to zip quickly by, so I would encourage you to get out your calendar, and mark the events that you are thinking about attending. Even if you don’t make it – at least you will have a reminder that something is going on, should you want to go have some fun. For example, coming up in August is the 1st annual Squirrel Fest, as seen at left in their ad, on August 6th – coinciding with the Longview Criterium at the Civic Center.
>>Go nutty when you read the Squirrel Fest article found on page 15.<<
As always, a special thank you goes to our advertisers, who keep this publication running strong! Our team here at the Valley Bugler would like to encourage you to visit our advertisers and give us a “pat on the back” by telling them you saw them in the Bugler!
This helps them to know their ads are being seen, and their advertising is appreciated from our readers!!

We like to hear from YOU!
Let’s Chat! Did you like this issue? Which articles caught your fancy? Who do you share your Bugler with? Where is your favorite place to pick one up? Do you have a favorite section or columnist?
Share your thoughts with us on any topic concerning the Valley Bugler Newspaper between June 27th and August 31st, and be entered to win our Grand Prize drawing for $100.00 in cold, hard CASH. Select comments will also be printed in the August and September issues, and other giveaways!
Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “A penny for your thoughts”!!
You can send those to us with your FULL NAME and phone number:
- Write “Thoughts” in the subject
• Online: www.valleybugler.com
- Comment on ANY of the articles
posted at our website
• FaceBook: visit the link below
facebook.com/valleybuglernewspaper
- “Like” us and post your thoughts!
• Snail Mail to address below in the
“blue Publishing Info” ad
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Until next month, catch you at the Farmers Market, or lounging in the sun somewhere with the kiddos. Try to hit the beaches, and for goodness sake, get outside and play!!  ☺

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor – June 2011

June! The month where statistically speaking, the most people get hitched! Congratulations to some of those statistics, who happened to have made it over 40 years – Tom and Toni Reich! My lovely parents are celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary this June 20th, and share that date with many other lovebirds who decided to make it official on that special day. Congrats mom and dad!
June also holds some other special days that many people celebrate in this great nation. Father’s Day (Pages 12-13) and Summer (Pages 15-18)!! ☼
If you haven’t busted out your flip flops yet in anticipation of this delicious season that is almost upon us, then you probably haven’t lived through this soggy spring! My feet are still cloaked in socks, which is usually unheard of for me at this time of the year, but it will be even that more exciting when I can expose my footies to the warm rays!
Those warm rays beckon you to dust off the grill and and start up one of the infamous pasttimes of Americans. BBQ’s. Grilled pork, burgers, veggies and salmon tickle the tastebuds and incite much drooling from people such as myself. The online realm holds virtually every recipe ever created for barbecuing, so if you are so inclined to deviate from your normal concoctions, visit a web site such as www.recipes.com or even just Google it for some fantastic ideas that even have reader comments after them. That makes it nice, when you can read when other people have tried the recipe and can vouch for it’s ‘goodness’.
Many of us celebrate Father’s Day with said BBQ. Of course, sometimes the dude behind the grill is Daddy-O himself, but I think that guys find a secret pleasure in burning food.
Special thanks to our own BBQ master in this house – Oscar Myre IV, as such a wonderful father to his three little kiddos. He fills their spirits and little hearts with positive words, fun tickles and positive guidance and discipline. Here’s a pic of him and Cora, right before they headed out for the first “Daddy – Daughter Ball”. Chloe was next…he wanted to take each girl to their own dance. Aww..
Thanks Oscar, for being the best daddy that you can be – and for striving to be even more, under the calling of God. You are awesome, what can I say? I’m blessed. I’m also extremely blessed to have my own “Poppy”, who helps me edit this paper, and is one of the best all-time grillers I know! And of course, my waterskiing fantatic Father-in-Law, Oscar Myre III. Love you Dads!!!
Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads out there! Until next month, catch you at the Farmers Market!

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

From the Editor’s Desk – May 2011

Most of you might know that I was professionally trained as a musician, and received a degree in Music as a Vocal Educator. With that degree, I taught many thousand little local kiddos the joys of singing and the benefits of music over a five year span.
After having three children, and the youngest is now two, I have decided to venture back into some lessons. This is absolutely a shameless plug and promotion to get some voice students into my small studio.
I say small because I am only going to be taking two group lessons and three private student lessons into my fold. It’s something I enjoy, so I don’t want to go full time – I don’t want to go part time – I just want a few hours each week diving into the glorious realm of music and helping others realize their own potential, and learning something along the way.
My rates are reasonable, as I haven’t raised them since ten years ago – they are $35/hr for a private lesson (weekly) and $15/hr for a group lesson of no more than four in a group. I can also offer vocal coaching in preparation for performances, solos and competitions or auditions.
Maybe down the road I will offer a select choir opportunity, but one day at a time, right?
I was trained classically, but know all genres of music, including pop, jazz, musical theatre and on and on. It’s my firm belief that all good singing comes from a core foundation of proper technique, from which you can sing just about any style with ease.
So, if you or someone you know is interested in learning how to build their singing voice – any age over nine – send them my way!
eMail: music@michellemyre.com
or, they can call: (360)414-1246
I look forward to getting to know some new students this year!
Actually, I am excited about a lot of things this upcoming May and summertime. It doesn’t take much, with the mention of the word summer for me, but we do have some great new things happening.
Our Spanish section, found on pages 23-24, includes two articles written by Mark Morris High School students taking Spanish III. The articles detail the exchange program that is happening this September with 24 students from Spain. Next March, Mark Morris students will travel to Spain to tour and stay with the same students who came over here! Fun! (You do have to know Spanish to read it, though….) ☺
Camille Stanberry, Mark Morris High School World Language Department Chair helped spread the good news about the Valley Bugler offering opportunities to students for publishing. (As well as extra credit!)
Teaming up with other teachers, Camille is offering an outlet for her Spanish students to practice writing their newfound language. If you or a student you know would like to write for our paper, please have them contact the office @ (360)414-1246. Students may write in English or Spanish.
That’s pretty exciting news, and really brings out that “former teacher” in myself. I figure, once a teacher, always a teacher!
Another exciting adventure waiting for your reading enjoyment is our Visitors Guide, found on pages 15-19 in this months issue. Through August, we will detail local attractions and stories about our beautiful SW Washington area and things “to do”. Ranging from the Kite Festival at Long Beach to adventurous climbs up Mt. St. Helens, there are so many inspiring activities around this area in which to partake.
Waterfalls, lakes, rivers and the ocean provide our cooling options for hot summer days, and fun venues like the Cowlitz County Fair and Garlic Festival invite our senses to a visual feast.
Let’s face it, this is one of the best times of the year! Oh wait, that’s the sun-lover in me shining out….
But the sun does bring with it some marvelous bounty for our enjoyment. The Farmers Markets are started up, running on Tuesday and Saturday for the Cowlitz Farmers Market, located at the Cowlitz Fairgrounds, fresh produce, homemade items & free parking.
The Sunday Bridge Market happens on Sundays, located at the spray park next to JoAnn Fabric in Kelso and running Sundays from 10am-3pm through September.
There’s also the 31st anniversary of our own Mt. St. Helens herself coming up on May 18th. I can’t believe it has been that long already. I was a little five year old, who knew something was going on – but didn’t quite understand the panic in my parents’ voices. And we lived all the way up in Seattle! ☺
So until next month, I hope that May begins to dry us all out, as we wring out the soppiness left over from March and April, and start our dive headlong into a fantastic summer season!
Catch you at the Farmers Market with fresh produce in hand!

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor

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