The Porch: March 19

WELL SAID: “Newspaper men and police must beware the sycophant.” — This from “Synonymous,” quoted by a letter-writer simply signed “Genie,” in a letter written to the editor following last week’s “letter a day column.”

Genie also writes, “Laundromats are amazing places to capture the pulse of a community. You can’t just eavesdrop though. You have to be folding towels and mating socks along with the rest of us.”

ALSO WELL SAID: “I just want a day when I’m not falling down/Is it just me or are things shifting underground?” — Shifting Ground, by Max Reitz of Cripple Hop, who performed their “fusiongrass” originals and covers at Springhouse Cellar Tuesday, the first of its Tuesday night music series. Prefacing a post-punk cover, one band member said, “We used to be a bluegrass band.” Next up, the “symphonic folk” of Small Souls, 6-9 p.m.; no cover.

WELL DONE: The work of the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, in particular the “Romantic Century” program last weekend. At the Performing Arts Center at Wy’east Middle School, the Hood River String Quartet performed a dynamic piece by Mendelssohn, and Mark Steighner directed the large ensemble Voci in a varied and soulful set of songs. Luke McMillan, HRVHS 2010, sang five songs including “Wo Bist Du” (Where Are You) by Franz Schubert, exhibiting the talent and range that got him accepted to the master’s program at Bard College this fall.

Meanwhile, friends of CGOA announced the Richard Parker Memorial Fundraiser, to be held May 14 from 5-7 p.m. at the Shoreline Room, Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, described as “a very special fundraiser to honor Richard Parker, who died in 2015. Musician, conductor, and drama director, Parker is recognized by all who knew him for his artistic influence on education, music, and theater in the Columbia River Gorge.” The fundraiser will benefit CGOA and its programs.

SEEN and Heard: Nordic skier coming down the trail at Teacup, breathing through an oxygen tube … On Third, a car left by its driver for a full 10 minutes behind the UPS truck parked, as per practice, in the street … beneath a tree, covered in a layer of needles and dust, a garden trowel, waiting to back into service, soon …

PRESS releases I never finished reading: “Ankomn announces Savior — world’s most powerful non-electric vacuum sealed food container ever built …”

BUMPER CROP: “Occupy Your Garden” and “Yeah, Bud” are just two fender-comments seen this week. Yeah, Bud — it has three meanings. It could refer to the collegial colloquial, or to a recently-legalized herb, or simply to one of spring’s fertile offerings. Take your pick, pick your take.

SCANNER Call of the Week: March 14: “… a woman who just crossed the Hood River Bridge said she gave a ride to a young man who had a dog who said he had taken it from somewhere in White Salmon. He told her the dog had been speaking to him and was his spirit guide. She was concerned both for him and for the dog.”

SPEAKING OF Spirit-ed dogs: “Jumping Jellyfish!” Are you Tintin-clined? Get ready to test your knowledge of Tintin, his dog Snowy, pal Capt. Haddock, and all their adventures at the Tintin Trivia Challenge at Hood River Library.

Participants at the April 1 Tintin challenge win points as they answer questions in a written round, relay round and a final Jeopardy round. It all starts at 5 p.m., and refreshments will be served. Perhaps a ‘Tin of cookies?

Members of the winning team receive a $10 gift card to Andrew’s Pizza. Extra points for your team if you come dressed as your favorite Tintin character.