We Get Letters

Comments abound! Virtually or through traditional pen and paper – they come! Comments and opinions have literally been pouring in these past few weeks, and we absolutely LOVE IT! On our website, on facebook, phone calls and even letters have been coming into the Bugler.
valleybugler.com
You’ve given us everything from thanks to suggestions – Here are some thoughts from your fellow readers: (Which consequently entered them in the $100 drawing of “Let’s Chat”, just for sharing! Winner will be drawn on August 31st. and announced in the October issue).

@ our web site:
valleybugler.com

RE: Eagle’s Eye Column
“Great story, I have a roaming dog..and much to my surprise and amazement, he always finds his way home for dinner.
Animals are smart, we are the “stupid ones”, lol – out for hours looking….calling, when they are probably hearing us wondering what is this game…who is really the master?
I am not sure…Thanks for sharing, Bill!”
- Ginny Carlson, website

“Your cat knew who you were looking for. Like all cats I’ve ever known, your cat didn’t care.”
- Elliott Porter, website

“Whenever I read your stories, I can hear your voice in my head. You are a great story teller! The ones with your animals are always quite amusing.”
Malyssa P., website

RE: Open Season Column
“Hello Melvin, Willis here, and I read your article about “Getting Ready: Deer Season” and I like what you have to say about July being the time to scout out places and checking around for better archery gear or making sure your bow is ready and so forth. I thin if a person gets cramps in their legs by just walking through the woods for preseason scouting, they should really be thinking about how to stay off the couch more often!
I think ideally a person should be keeping track year round on the deer movements in their territories and be periodically keeping up with their equipment all year. Otherwise, good article! Keep it up, dude! ☺”
Willis Miller, website

RE: Sudoku Puzzles
“Your comments just cover the rules of the game. The ‘how to solve’ is a whole nother ball game. It’s best to first deal with the top three squares – the middle three and then the bottom three. The question you should be asking yourself is which numbers complete aslot into a square or a line. Ideally the top line horizontally is the first key. Try figuring out the position of numbers – with a carrom striker like action. some numbers are limited to the spaces between them. there’s a jigsaw like quality – in that logically positioning odd numbers – sometimes yields an almost domino like solution. Sometimes the last dozen or so numbers can only be finally positioned only on a trial and error method.
It’s more fun when you play collaboratively as a couple. we began playing when I was 67 – six years later – we’ve improved enormously.It’s addictive and a heap of fun. IT also keeps you humble – there are always days when you’re left floundering. ENJOY”
- Neville Johnstonee, website

@ FACEBOOK SITE:
facebook.com/valleybuglernewspaper
“I hadn’t read this paper before. A friend shared her copy with me and I really like it. I look forward to reading future issues”.
- Kaye Malchert, Facebook

“I love the Bugler. I can’t wait to read an article about the upcoming Squirrel Fest Day. What a fun idea those sandbaggers came up with for Longview, and the next bridge looks neat”.
- April Flanders, Facebook

“I really appreciated the ‘Blue Rose’ story in the latest issue! It doesn’t say who wrote it though. Was this written by someone local?”
- Amanda Kandoll, Facebook
[Note: ‘Blue Rose’ was written by an anonymous person].

“I like the paper, not only because its free, but also local info and funny stories. Not only that, but larger paperes are BORING…lol. All bad news and not much fun to read. I look forward to your monthly newspaper”.
- Mary LaJoie, Facebook

Do you have comments? Thoughts? Appreciation? Dislike? Please share it with us – and Let’s Chat!!

We Get Letters

Comments abound! Virtually or through traditional pen and paper – they come! Here are some thoughts from your fellow readers: (Which consequently entered them in the $100 drawing of “Let’s Chat”, just for sharing! Enter once per day for more chances to win.)

via eMail:
“Good morning, I discovered your paper maybe 3-4 years ago and always look forward to finding a copy of it. It is always upbeat, interesting and provides an outburst of laughter with your humor.
I just noted in the July issue on page 19, a neat sounding place called Lynn’s Ice Cream, with a coupon. However, there is no address or phone number provided? Hope you enjoy the 4th.”
- Bill Downey, eMail
**Editor’s Note: Thanks Bill! The coupon for the ice cream come notes in very small print that it is on Commerce Ave, and it is just down the street from Las Rocas Mexican Restaurant in Longview. There’s another coupon this month, on p.11, thanks to Mosby Insurance! Enjoy your ice cream!**

via FaceBook:
“I love the bugler…i cant wait to read an article on the upcoming squirrel day…what a fun idea those sandbaggers came up w for longview n the next bridge looks neat…”
- April Flanders, FaceBook

“I really appreciated the “Blue Rose” story in the latest issue! It doesn’t say who wrote it, though. Was this written by someone local?”
Amanda Kodall, FaceBook
**Editor’s Note: The Blue Rose story is an story by an anonymous author. ☺

“Thanks for putting out a good read every month! Especially enjoyed this month’s article about Project Joplin. Looking forward to updates in upcoming issues about this outreach and the restoring of Joplin.”
- Wendy Liasjo, FaceBook
**Editor’s Note: Thanks Wendy, me too!**

Heard Inside WINCO:
“Your paper is so refreshing! There are lots of positive and uplifting stuff inside!”
Joanee, WINCO
**Editor’s Note: Thanks Joanee! You should send that to us online or in an email or letter to enter the chance to win $100 in cash! **Spoken comments can’t count because we have no way to contact you if you win! So what are you waiting for, readers? Let’s Chat!**

We Get Letters

Comments from FaceBook, our web site or just heard on the streets…

“I really enjoy what you and Oscar have done with the Valley Bugler since you took it over almost four years ago. It has a nice look and very contemporary feel, while still maintaining a community interest. Great job and keep up the good work!”
- Bill Kasch, Longview

RE: Eagle’s Eye; ‘Smart Phone’
“I finally got over here (on my computer I mean!). I always enjoy reading your columns. They make me laugh. It is true that the young people know how to work the electronic devices. Us older folks can’t keep up, but you are doing pretty well!”
- Rosie, online @ web site

“I just wanted to share my blog with the Valley Bugler…I live in my 21’ fifth wheel in Longview, and I’m just about through with my cooking project that I call ‘Around the World in an RV’.
lifeinanrv.blogspot.com
- Laurrie Piland, Longview
(Posted on our FaceBook page)

Miracles DO happen
Re: Editor’s Note / Feb 2011
“Miracle of the Navy Boy” – Thomas Hickman from Vader, WA
Dear Michelle Myre,
Your testimony in the February issue of the Bugler is the best I have read in a very long time. It is so good to hear or read how God has worked and is working in one’s life.
Personally, in my 73 years on earth (not that I’ve been anywhere else) God has blessed me with three known miracles. I may be mistaken, but it seems to me that those miracles were so impressed into my brain, from those many years ago, that I wouldn’t forget them even if I some day develop dementia of some sort.
To describe just one of the three, I would first mention that I joined the air part of the Navy at age 17 right out of highschool. My major concern at the onset was, will I drift from God while in the military? Will I notice any Christians in my squadron that I can buddy with? Well, following boot camp there were several Christian buddy’s at my three duty stations. While serving at my longest and latest duty station, my only concern was what terrors would I face against an enemy if war breaks out.
The Miracle: On a saturday evening, at age 18, I had a dream that I was in a fox hole with my M-1 Rifle beside me, when suddenly the enemy (a man) had a rifle pointed at my face, and he took on an evil grin as he took his time pulling the trigger, just to make me suffer emotionally.
Then I noticed beyond him in the sky, something white descending. It was very small at first and I thought it was a piece of paper.
Then it came very close and it was a white robed man on a pure white horse (my mind knew immediately it was Jesus). When I looked into his eyes, I saw total salvation from the enemy! I saw complete compassion in his eyes to the effect that my brain (including my sub-conscious region) was totally devoid of all worry and negative thoughts.
The void was replaced with absolute euphoric joy that in no way could I describe with words.
Now, for the clincher to this miracle dream. The next morning, my buddy and I attended the Nanaikapano Protestant Church led by a Hawaiian pastor. His sermon was from Revealation 19:11, which told of Jesus on a white horse as Heaven opened. I sat bolt upright at those words since my dream the night before was of the same!
The dream was spectacular – the sermon was non-coincidental in it’s content as well as it’s timing. It’s lifelong affect is that when Satan tries to put doubts in my mind, I immediately think of the dream, along with the other two experiences.
Do you have a miracle to share with us? You may send in your written testimony (anonymously if you prefer) to our mailing address to the bottom of this article or eMail:
editor@valleybugler.com
We would love to share the little to the big miracles that God is conducting in our every day lives – to boost and encourage those around us. Whether we are looking for signs that God is real, or just to share in the joy of a miracle – go ahead and share with us. You know what they say, there is no miracle too big or too small!  ☺

We Get Letters

Comments from FaceBook or just heard on the streets…

“Just finished your March newspaper……LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!! You guys do a great job…makes me feel really connected to this area…didn’t know about so much going on!!!
Thanks for opening up my little world!! ”
- Theresa Newman, online

“WOW! There’s a LOT of stuff in here! (page turns again) WOW! Really a lot of good stuff in here! I’m impressed!”
- John Harvey, Longview

“Spell-ebration thank yous go to many. In particular: Red Canoe Credit Union, The Columbia River Reader and the Valley Bugler Community Newspaper (great articles in their community papers), Poouster Graphics, Continental Investment Services by Betty Trembley (note pads), and Banda’s Bouquets.”
- Altrusa Breakfast Club, online

“I love the way you have made the paper smart phone friendly with the addition of QR Codes, great job! ”
- Jon Randall, online

“The Valley Bugler is exactly what this community needs; a light in a dark world. Thank you for bringing that to us each and every month and for working so hard!”
- Lori Pedersen, online

“I just love the Valley Bugler! I want to give you a big hug in thanks! It is so positive and uplifting and incredibly refreshing to read! Now the whole staff wants one!”
- Celeste Woodman, Three Rivers Christian School

Miracles DO happen
Re: Editor’s Note / Feb 2011
“This is but one of many miracles to occur in my life, But one that was the most moving;
My Wife of many decades was in the hospital at St Johns to under go a MRI of her lungs due to her pulmonary doctor felt there might be some thing in her lungs as a result of a medication.
The Tech. proceeded with the MRI and for some unknown reason the table slid in further than he really wanted it to. He was able to see the tops of her kidney’s, and he saw something that caused him to go even further in the process and did a full upper body scan and there by discovered a very large mass on her left kidney the size of a grapefruit!!
This was later diagnosed as being a very large cancerous tumor that even the doctor that was asked to bi-opsy it refused to do so because it might bust and sped the cancer even more.
That was on a Thursday. On that Sunday evening we were attending the church where our Daughter and Son in law reside over the small congregation.
My wife had told me in the weeks before the final X-rays and scans that she could feel the tumor growing bigger and bigger.
There was a visiting evangelist there that evening whom we both knew and loved to hear preach.
His name? Ron Roper.
He kept looking at my wife Lois as he spoke. As he finished he look at Lois and asked her,
“Little Lady where is your Cancer?”
How did he know this? It is a mystery to this day to all of us, for nobody said anything to him before.
She told him where it was and he called her forward, and had his wife Lillie stand behind her as he laid hands on her and asked for her to be healed. Lois almost passed out and you could see the power drain from Ron’s body. He had to sit down and re-charge.
The tumor stopped growing and as he promised her, it would be removed whole and not spread.
She was totally cured of this affliction! Now to add to that story she also had the power of prayer from out little church – UMC of Rainier OR. You can not tell me the days of miracles is dead. I was not supposed to have her the rest of that year and I had her for ten more wonderful years after that.”
- Ronald Taylor, Rainier OR
[Editor’s Note: Thank you so much for sharing this miraculous healing of your wife’s cancer, Ronald! What a fantastic testimony to God’s power to those around you.]

Do you have a miracle to share with us? You may send in your written testimony (anonymously if you prefer) to our mailing address to the right of this article or eMail:
editor@valleybugler.com
We would love to share the little to the big miracles that God is conducting in our every day lives – to boost and encourage those around us. Whether we are looking for signs that God is real, or just to share in the joy of a miracle – go ahead and share with us. You know what they say, there is no miracle too big or too small!  ☺
Next month, look for the “Miracle of the Navy Boy” – a miracle outlined by Thomas Hickman from Vader, WA regarding an experience while fighting in the Navy.

We Get Letters

RE: Editor’s Note: February 2011

“I thoroughly enjoy the Valley Bugler each month, and I really enjoyed the story about the Editor’s miracle story with her knee and the one about the divorce (Fruits and Nuts column by Paddy Burrow). Keep up the good work!”
- Phyllis Keller, Oregon
[Editors Note: Thank you Phyllis! It’s positive and encouraging comments from great readers such as yourself that make this job so enjoyable!]

“Thank you so much for printing this good news paper for me to read! In Vancouver, British Columbia we do not have anything like this anywhere! This is so uplifting and encouraging, bless you for your efforts!”
- Irene K., Vancouver B.C. (called from the Red Lion Hotel)

“Dear Michelle Myre (Editor),
Your testimony in the February issue of the Bugler is the best I have read in a very long time. It is so good to hear or read how God has worked and is working in one’s life.
There are multiple reasons why we (many of us) don’t tell our church family or friends of a miraculous dream or vision or healing experience.
For just one example, I feel if I tell an acquaintance, friend or family member of a miracle, it will simply be looked on like I had imbibed on some spirits (not the Holy kind!) or any number of other excuses to brush it off as phony or made up.
Your testimony, and offer to hear of others experiences has opened it up to what can be a very interesting, if not encouraging and uplifting – ongoing column.
Personally, in my 73 years on earth (not that I’ve been anywhere else) God has blessed me with three known miracles. I may be mistaken, but it seems to me that those miracles were so impressed into my brain, from those many years ago, that I wouldn’t forget them even if I some day develop dementia of some sort…”
Thomas R. Hicker, Vader WA
[Editors Note: Thomas’s letter goes on in full detail to describe one of the miracles that he experienced in his life. We’d like to take Thomas’s advice, and open up a column titled “Every day miracles”, written by…you!
Yes, I’d like to invite you good folks to send in your own personal testimonies (under 500 words please) for publishing here in this new “column”. When we have a miracle submitted, we’ll do our best to get it printed for everybody to enjoy reading about the miracles happening in our lives.
We already have another one that was sent in by a Mr. Ronald Taylor as well, telling the miracle of his wife’s cancer healing. Look for that soon.
I hope you anticipate this new column as much as I do – and remember, no miracle is too big or too small to share. If it happened to you or an immediate family member or friend, please share it with us in your own words, and I will edit it accordingly.
Send to our mailing address on the front of the paper, or to:
editor@valleybugler.com

RE: Losing the weight saved this local woman’s life: Jan. 2011

“I met Brenda for the first time over a year ago. I thought I would try this plan for one month… and when it doesn’t work I could cross off another plan that I have tried that didn’t work. So after a month I lost 10 lbs. So I thought I would try it for another month.. and lost another 10 lbs.
Well…. I was hooked and decided to stick this the plan to see how much I could lose in one year. I lost 87 lbs and went from a size 24 to a size 12. I look younger and feel great. I can also do stuff that I thought I would never beable to do again. Brenda has made a big difference in my life and I love her positive attitude too.”
- Joyce Hudson, online

“What a wonderful story! I am so happy for Brenda! Take Shape for Life saved my life, too. I started on the program at 260 pounds and diabetic.
At age 55 and post-menopausal, I didn’t think it was possible for me to even lose weight, but I lost 120 pounds in just under 11 months and completely reversed my diabetes.
I’ve maintained my weight loss for over 2-1/2 years and am off of all medications. My husband lost 50 pounds in 3 months on this program and is also off of his blood pressure and cholesterol medications.”
- Cheryl Tooke, online

“Thank you for sharing your story I am a HC and will be sharing your story at my Weight Loss Expo. And you have motivated me to reach my goal to lose 80 more pounds. I am down 10 – a size 16 would like to be a size 10. God Bless”
- Tina Walker, online

We Get Letters! – January 2011

Editor’ Note: Throughout the month, we receive little notes from our readers, and sometimes significant contributions to be considered for publication. We have decided to include two contributions on these pages, as they are about animals.

If you have a story or submission for us to consider, please send to: editor@valleybugler.com! Enjoy!
Read more

We Get Letters – August 2010

OPEN SEASON
“I have tried Mel Larsen’s smoked Salmon…all I can say is W O W! The boy really knows how to brine and fixed smoked Salmon. Problem is he hasn’t had much time this season to fix up some more  of his very tastey delicacy lately. He makes me beg for another piece of his tender masterpiece…..and I admit I do till he graciously consents to give me some…the rascal.
You folks up there Castle Rock way who like smoked Salmon – try Mel’s way of brineing it. You will be most gald you have!”
- Br. Dutch, comment online
Read more

We Get Letters! January 2010

A Christmas Story of the White Envelopes:

“I’m glad to find proper attribution so this story is not just some anonymous thing people forward on to make their friends cry. Knowing who really wrote it and why, the story behind the story gives it much more meaning.”
- Capri, online
Read more

We Get Letters – December 2009

“Thank you for inviting me to your 10th birthday! It was a wonderful evening and I had a great time. I enjoyed seeing the people who write the columns. Thanks again!”
- Brenda Courser, Longview
Read more

We Get Letters! – November 2009

Online fun:  To get in with this online fun, visit our homepage at valleybugler.com and sign up to become a FaceBook fan or Twitter follower! We love our peeps!
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