Valley Bugler Newspaper - Longview, WA

How do you spend Mother’s Day?

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:59 +0000

Mother’s Day is a time of commemoration and celebration of mom. It is a time of breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and greeting cards that say “I Love You”.
One the best ways to celebrate Mother’s Day is to give your mom the day off. Let her take it easy while you do the work.
Many families begin the day with breakfast in bed. Usually, dad and the kids will let mom sleep late as they prepare her favorite breakfast.
After the food is cooked, it is arranged on a tray. Children can pick a flower from the garden and put it on the tray in a vase. When everything is ready, the tray is carried, along with her favorite sections from the newspaper, to her bedroom.
Many families take mom out to eat at her favorite restaurant. It lets her see what a wonderful family she has. If you go, wear a traditional red rose. Give your Mom a red rose if her own mother is living and a white rose if her mother has passed on.
If your mom lives in another city, be sure to call her on Mother’s Day. It’s also a great day to visit grandmothers and great grandmothers in their homes or nursing homes.

FREE Community events planned in honor of Historic Preservation Month in Longview, WA

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:59 +0000

Members of the Longview Historic Preservation Commission have helped to organize four different events for community members to celebrate and learn about Longview’s history. All events are free and everyone is welcome.
“The object of all of these activities is just to offer some good, free fun to the community at no cost to taxpayers. We’ve been running this for four years now, and people really seem to enjoy it,” said Bill Kasch, one of the major organizers and spearheads of the events.
On Saturday, May 5th,The event will begin with the Presentation of the RA Long award and then the tour will commence.
A historical tour of the high school will take place led by Mayor Dennis Weber. Tour begins at 10am and will end with the Presentation of the RA Long award after the tour.
(Paid event) Friday-Saturday, May 11th & 12th: “Our Town” presented by Mainstage Theatre at RA Long High School Auditorium. All seats $5.00 and shows begin at 7:30pm.
On Saturday, May 12th, meet at Kessler and Maple at 10 a.m. for a walking tour of Old West Side homes. The tour will be led by City Mayor Dennis Weber, and will cover about half of the homes included in Doris Disbrow’s guide book of Old West Side homes. Meet at Kessler & Maple. Should prove to be very interesting for locals and tourists alike.

Thursday, May 17th & Saturday, May 19th: “Our Town” is showing.

Saturday, May 19th, you can enjoy walking tours of Japanese Gardens at Lake Sacajawea Park, led by former Park Superintendent Al George. Meet at 10 a.m. at Kessler and Hemlock at the children’s playground.The event is expected to last about 1 and ½ hours, and dress for the weather…
Finally, on Sunday, May 20, join us for a family bike ride around historic Lake Sacajawea. This leisurely, family-friendly ride will begin at 2 p.m. in front of the Monticello Hotel.
City Councilman Don Jensen will greet everyone and then lead the ride down Larch Street to Lake Sacajawea Park. Owners of Highlander Cycling Scott and Janice Forbes, will be participating and directing riders along the way. (Everybody, please wear your helmets).
For all of these fun activities, prepare for some good, ole fashioned chatting and potentially beautiful weather! If you’re new to the area, visiting or lived here fifty years – you will learn something new and have fun at the same time.

For more information, call Bill Kasch at #423-6704.

Castle Rock cleans up

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:58 +0000

The community of Castle Rock offers an annual “Clean-Up” day, which takes place regardless of rain or shine. This year, the sunshine decided to grace the many hands who came out to help take action and make their town even more beautiful. Flowers and shrubs, fresh potting soil, new signs and great attitudes prevailed this past Saturday in late April. Take a journey to quaint Castle Rock and see the new changes! Photography by Melody Kranz of Storytelling Photography.

Tomato juice protects bones

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:57 +0000

A new study shows that lycopene, a substance that makes tomatoes and other fruits red, reduces the bone resorption linked to osteoporosis.
At the University of Toronto’s Calcium Research Laboratory, researchers say lycopene from tomatoes has previously been shown to have a protective effect on bones. Their new finding suggests that lycopene can be used as a natural complementary or alternative supplement for the reduction of bone absorption. It is especially recommended for women who are age 50 or more.
The doctors say it’s possible that drinking a couple of glasses of tomato juice a day could keep osteoporosis away.
Other foods with high levels of lycopene include pink grapefruit, watermelon and guava. Among prepared foods, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and paste, and ketchup are loaded with lycopene.

Take a HIKE Local trails reviewed

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:57 +0000

Information found at:
www.VisitMtStHelens.com

Hiking is spectacular in Southwest Washington, with numerous opportunities to enjoy solitude, silence, and magnificent vistas.
Storm damage in recent years has resulted in a number of road closures. Before planning your hike, contact the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters at 360.891.5000 for the latest information.
In October 2004, the Washington Trails Association selected eight hikes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that provide spectacular views of Mount St. Helens. Trail reviews are provided.
*Badger Peak Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 10-mile roundtrip; elevation gain 1,600 feet with a high point of 5,664 feet. The best spot in the Dark Divide roadless area for dramatic views of Mount St. Helens and the blast zone.
*High Rock Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 3-mile roundtrip; elevation gain 1,400 feet with a high point of 5,658 feet. A steady climb to a lookout with views of Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens.
*Strawberry Mountain Lookout Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest .75-mile roundtrip; 500 feet elevation gain with a high point of 5,464 feet. Drive most of the way to view the volcano from this awesome lookout sight.
*Tongue Mountain Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 3.5 mile-roundtrip; elevation gain 1,300 feet with a high point of 4,750 feet. Hike through groves of pine trees to a lookout where Adams, Rainier, and St. Helens are all magnificent on the horizon.
*Juniper Ridge Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 8 miles round trip; elevation gain 2,000 feet; high point 5,611 feet. A classic hike with dramatic views of volcanoes and the Cispus River below.
*Sunrise Peak Trail to Jumbo’s Shoulder: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 7-mile roundtrip; elevation gain 2,000 feet with a high point of 5,500 feet. This steep trail takes you through fall-foliage meadows to a view of the volcano.
*Silver Star Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 11-mile roundtrip; 2,000 feet elevation gain with a high point of 4,390 feet. On a clear day, the panorama includes St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Hood.
*Hamilton Butte Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 1.5 mile-roundtrip; 900 feet elevation gain with a high point of 5,772 feet. This area was buried in pumice when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. A great short hike.

Dutch Oatmeal Delights

Laurrie Piland — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:57 +0000

This month we have a muffin recipe from Deanna Ogle who lives in Bellingham, WA. Deanna is a gem of person, without whom, my private Facebook group would not run as smoothly as it does. She is my right-hand (wo)man and also one of my administrators, pro bono!
She worked as a bookkeeper until she got burned out on that, then she became a baker and, finally, at the age of 30, she went to school and got her nursing degree. She grew up cooking in 4H, her parents were 4H leaders and her mother ran the cooking groups. When she was 11 years old, she placed second at the state 4H fair for a streusel coffeecake in the bread-baking competition.
Like I said before, Deanna was a baker. She worked in a Dutch bakery in Lynden, WA and the following recipe is her variation of a classic Dutch muffin recipe. She said the Dutch tend to love coconut, raisins and walnuts and this muffin recipe utilizes all three.

Dutch Oatmeal Delight Muffins
1-1/2 cups boiling water
1-1/2 cups oatmeal
3/4 cup soft margarine (I used unsalted butter)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger *optional
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup flaked coconut
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine boiling water and oats in a bowl and set aside.
Cream margarine with sugars, then add eggs and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Stir in nuts, raisins and coconut, then add the softened oatmeal.
Scoop into paper-lined or sprayed muffin tins.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until done.
(I baked mine at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Please keep in mind that I am using a small propane oven and it is a more true heat than an electric oven, so baking times will vary)
NOTE: An ice cream scoop works well to portion out the muffin batter. You can mix a larger batch of batter up and keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and bake off fresh muffins whenever you want them! I was able to get 24 regular sized muffins from this recipe, and they were delicious!

April was one of my busiest months, to date, and I even took a break from cooking around the world! I’m starting again, very soon, with Montserrat, and then I should be back on track. We are still house hunting because the time has come for us to get out of this RV and into a normal home again. Follow my blog!
http://lifeinanarv.blogspot.com to be able to join in on my upcoming giveaways. So, until we meet up in June, get those international recipes in (especially if they’re delicious, like this one is) and PEACE!

Building and Business for Sale

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:53 +0000

Recently featured in a Daily News story regarding her rescue of some horses and donkeys, Karol Lee is ready to retire from the beauty industry.
Karol Lee has been working for forty years and it’s time to retire. The call of working with horses and animals on her farm is beckoning strongly.
“Now if I could find a buyer for the business and the building, I could really retire!” commented Karol in a recent interview.
“I’ve also got the station for rent for anybody who is looking to build their own business or take their clientele over here”.
The Building for Sale is the one that houses Karol Lee’s Beauty Salon, on 122 “B” Street, on Highway 30 in Rainier. The building complex offers Commercial and 4 apartment rentals, all with long-time tenants. There are 2, 2-bedroom one bath and 2, 1-bedroom one bath units with solid tenant activity.
The building takes up 1/4 of a city block, and is available for $375,000.
If interested in either the Beauty Salon business, station for rent or the Building for Sale, please contact Karol Lee at (360)749-5395.

Out of the mouths of babes

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:52 +0000

Boy or Girl?
We took our children to a restaurant named the “Captain’s Table”.
Our youngest went to the bathroom but soon returned, confused and embarrassed.
“Couldn’t you find the way?” I asked him.
“Oh, I found it”, he replied, legs crossed. “But I don’t know if I’m a buccaneer or a wench!”

Memory Lapse
Some parents took their first-grader on a car trip to Canada. To help pass the time, the boy practiced his new reading skills by calling out road signs.
He fell asleep just before they entered Quebec.
When he awoke, he saw the French highway signs and shouted in a worried tone, “I forgot how to read while I was asleep!”

Happy Birthday Sandy!

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:49 +0000

Welcome to Rainier, Oregon

Valley Bugler — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:07:49 +0000

Rainier, Oregon – population somewhere around 1,600 or so and friendliness meter off the charts. This little town across the river from Longview, WA offers a wonderful excursion to get away from “home”, yet at the same time staying “close to home”.
Information found at the City’s website promote its waterway location as the main attraction. Rich with history, Rainier Oregon was originally founded in 1851 by Charles E. Fox as Eminence. Rainier, Oregon provides a nice variety of scenic views, historical landmarks, local area entertainment, fishing, camping, and outdoor exploration; as well as easy access to City Life and Entertainment in Longview, WA and Portland, OR. River beach access within minutes and ocean beaches within 50 miles.
This area shares an amazing variety of history; including the ‘Lewis & Clark Trail’ and a view of our namesake Mount Rainier and the impressive view of the northwest volcano, Mt. St Helens.
The Columbia County frontage of the Columbia River offers some of the best Sturgeon Fishing year around, and also perfect for camping and water recreations.
There are a few different beach access points if you’ve got your yearning for the water, and can be reached at:
Dibblee Beach
Off Dikes Road, Rainier.
Dibblee Beach is just Off Hwy 30 – Northeast on Rock Crest St, left on Kike Rd. - Follow signs on Right to Dibblee Beach
Laurel Beach
Laurelwood Road, Rainier
503-397-2353
1.5 miles south of Rainier, Hwy 30
Prescott Beach County Park
73125 Prescott Beach Dr., Rainier
503-556-2128
5 miles south of Rainier, Turn off Hwy 30 at Graham Road, 1.75 miles to park entrance
Rainier Riverfront Park
Along the riverfront, on ‘A’ Street
One block off Highway 30 in Rainier, Oregon. This is the park where the infamous “Rainier Days” takes place the weekend after the Fourth of July. Fantastic fireworks, carnival and music await all families and adventurers.
Rainier Riverfront Park is a beautifully maintained facility that offers a play area for kids and beautiful views on the river.
This section, ‘Cross the River, is intended for multiple purposes. One, to inform the residents of Rainier / Clatskanie areas about certain community events and activities in their area, as well as those happening ‘Cross the River in the Longview/Kelso area.
It is also a specific place for area businesses to advertise and promote their services and products to the entire readership audience – not just Rainier and Clatskanie folks!
So enjoy this new little section, and all that it has to offer, as the lovely places across the river offer so much fun and adventure.
We welcome our new readers from that area, and hope that you make the Valley Bugler newspaper a monthy pickup! If you have suggestions for drop locations, please call us and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.