Opinion: A Few Things We Should All Stop Doing Right Now

This is just a list of things I’ve observed over the years that I think contribute to a negative culture — it’s just my opinion. I’m having a bit of fun with this list, but there are some serious points to consider. We welcome your input.

  1. Stop yelling at each other. Sometimes we feel we need to raise our voice to get our point across. Let’s stop and listen to what others have to say. Stop what you’re doing and look at them directly. Listen.
  2. Stop gossiping about your best friend behind his or her back. Kindness goes a long way.
  3. Stop hate-following people on your social media accounts. Let’s lift people up.
  4. Stop binge or over-drinking. Nobody likes it, and it doesn’t become you. Try a Perrier.
  5. Stop adding explanations to your apologies. We all screw up from time to time, and most people just want an apology and that negative behavior to end.
  6. Stop buying things based on what other people might think. If you like the car, jacket, or furniture–get it. I think of my neighbor who bought the ’78 Thunderbird last week. It’s hideous, but he loves it. Be you!
  7. Stop picking up your cell phone during dinner. It’s just rude. I’m sure you’re smart enough to engage in a good conversation.
  8. Stop texting your friend or relative that’s in the same room with you — or right next to you. Just talk. It’s nice to just converse with someone.
  9. Stop blaming the refs after your team loses. Own up and be respectful. Besides, it’s just a game.
  10. Stop waiting for success to come. Make it happen. You can do it! Start today.

What would you add to the list? And, by the way, I’m working on a list of things we SHOULD do.

Write us note in the comments section below or send an email to admin@lacamasmagazine.com

Thanks for reading!

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Camas XC Teams Take Home Two Trophies From State Meet

PASCO, WA — As the Cross Country world in Washington started to leave Sun Willows Golf Course, Camas High School runners reflected on the drama and results of the day. The outcome wasn’t what they expected, and the final milliseconds of the State meet will likely be on Papermaker Daniel Maton’s mind for months, if not years, but Camas did end the day on the awards podium multiple times, continuing a drive for success and excellence.

Taking home two team trophies, the lady Papermakers placed second, losing to Lewis and Clark by nine points. Their second place finish was propelled by Emma Jenkins, Camryn Mock, Halle Jenkins, Madison Child, Ellie Potsma, Jenna Lukowiak, and Brooke Roy.

The boys earned fourth place, led by Daniel Mason, David Connell, Spencer Twyman, Jackson Lyne, LJ Floyd, Sam Geiger, and Luke Utheza.

Senior Emma Jenkins earned the first Papermaker medal of the day with a fourth place finish (17:59.8). Mock placed 22nd (18:46.9), Jenkins placed 24th (18:49.4), and Child placed 25th (18:51.3). The team had focused on beating reigning State XC Champion Issaquah, which they did, but “didn’t see Lewis and Clark coming,” said Coach Laurie Porter. “They surprised us.”

For the past six seasons, the Camas Girls XC team has taken home three State titles, and three second place trophies.

The 4A boys team ended in dramatic fashion with Maton running neck and neck with Central Valley’s Ryan Kline to the bitter end. Maton took the lead by a step, then Kline took him, and at the last moments Maton pushed forward, lost his balance and fell across the finish line, settling for second place, losing by just two-tenths of a second.

Connell got a personal best (15:55.5) and underclassmen Floyd and Twyman continue to improve their times.

On the Washougal side, for 2A, Junior Amelia Pullen’s performance stood out with her third place finish (18:36.3).

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

XC State Meet Image Gallery

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Soccer Playoffs: Camas Beats Todd Beamer; Maddie Kemp Breaks Goal Record

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Varsity soccer team shut out Todd Beamer last night at Doc Harris Stadium, winning 9-0. The state qualifier, loser out match means the girls advance to play Rogers, of Puyallup, this Saturday at 2 pm at Ingersoll Stadium.

Four players scored goals early in the match as the girls seek a return to the State tournament. Five more goals were scored in the second half.

Jazzlyn Paulson and Maddie Kemp broke records on the same play, as Paulson earned her 16th assist, and Kemp scored her 82nd career goal. Kemp is a Junior. Both records are brand new to the Papermaker soccer program.

Soccer Match Stats

Goals (assists):

Jenna Efraimson

Kierstyn Heilbrun (Jazzlynn Paulson)

Paulson (Maddie Kemp)

Kemp

Paulson (Efraimson)

Carla Jooste (Kemp)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp

Goalkeeper saves: Falissitie DePasquale 1

Halftime: 4:0

Again, let this sink in: With Thursday’s match, Paulson has the single season all-time assist record with 16.  Kemp has the all-time career goal record with 82. They happened on the same play.

The girls won the Washington State Championship last year, and hope to return to the Championship game this season. Their season record is 13-2-2. Camas hasn’t given up a goal since October 3.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

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Zarcone: Papermaker Grad Finds Success in Collegiate Rugby, Business Management

We recently caught up with 2015 Camas High School graduate, Cole Zarcone, who is presently a Junior at Central Washington University (CWU), in Ellensburg, WA, majoring in Business Management. While at CHS, Zarcone played Varsity football and ran sprints for the Track and Field team.

Question: What do you like most about Central Washington?

I love the small town feel of Ellensburg because it makes me feel like I’m back home. We have about 12,000 kids and I think it is the perfect size for a college. The campus is beautiful and the people here are amazing, as well.

Question: What’s happening with rugby?

The rugby season is just getting under way. Our 7’s season is short in the fall with two tournaments. We had the first tournament, called West Coast 7’s in San Francisco on Treasure Island. The team did great in our first tournament together, lots of new faces with our freshman, but we performed really well. There were 16 colleges from across the West Coast. We played well both days and ended up playing the University of Arizona in the championship game and won 17-15. This win for Central Washington Rugby was the biggest tournament win in the school’s history, so I am very blessed to be a part of it. I was honored to be named the MVP of the tournament, scoring 10 tries in our 6 matches. All the success I had on the pitch would not have happened without the help of my teammates and I’m so thankful for all of them.

What we have next is the Silicon Valley 7’s tournament, which is held at Avaya stadium in San Jose. This is an international 7’s tournament, with teams such as USA, Canada, South Africa and many others playing against each other. Eight college teams, us being one of them get to play in the stadium when the international players have a break from their tournament play, which is an experience of a lifetime and I’m very blessed. Very excited for this tournament which is this Friday, November 3-5.

Our 15’s season start in January with another trip down to California. We have a great schedule this year against top teams across the country. The team is hopeful to make a run in the playoffs this year, with the main goal of winning a national championship.

Cole

Celebrating a major victory.

Question: Why the switch from football to rugby?

Why I switched from football to rugby was because I just didn’t love the game as much as I did when I was in high school. I will forever love football and I’m so thankful for all that the sport brought into my life. My older brother, Austin Colvill, played football for Camas as well but ended up playing rugby for Western Washington University, and he was a big reason I found my love for rugby. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done because I left a sport I had played my whole life to go play a sport I had never played before. I was worried and doubted myself at times, but God showed me that this was what he wanted me to do, as he continued to open so many doors for me in rugby and I’m so blessed to be where I am today. Luckily, I ended up being at a school with a rugby team that is nationally ranked year after year. It was time for something new and I am so happy I choose to play rugby because it has brought new life to me in sports and the experiences I have got from it will last a life time.

Question: What do you enjoy most about rugby?

The thing I enjoy most about rugby is how loving and caring our teammates are for each other. I’ve been on amazing teams, but ever since I have played rugby I have learned what true brotherhood looks like. It’s special and leads into lifelong friends.

Question: What did you enjoy most about your time at CHS?

What I enjoyed most about CHS was living in a one high school town. I loved everything about camas. We are very blessed to have the facilities, teachers and coaches we do at Camas.

To learn more about the CWU rugby program, click here: http://www.wildcatsports.com/index.aspx?path=mrugby

Zarcone Images

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Images: Camas Junior Varsity Football Ends Season With 8-1 Record

Camas, WA — The Camas Junior Varsity Football team won their last game of the season Thursday night, beating Union 27-12 on Titan’s turf. The team has continued to learn and grow throughout the season, said coach Jack Hathaway, who teaches Physical Education and Health at Camas High.

Many of the players do double duty, playing different positions for both Junior Varsity and the Varsity teams. #4 Andrew Boyle does double Papermaker duty — playing both Quarterback for the JV team (and sometimes Varsity) and kicks for the Varsity team. #33 Zach Terry is a running back for both teams.

At game’s end Coach Trevor Gentry told the boys: “It begins in the weight room, on and off season. Get stronger, focus, and some of you will play Varsity next season. You’ve worked hard all season, so continue to work, and it will pay off. Thank you for a great season, and for your commitment. We will miss seeing you every day.”

Some of the players will continue postseason play with the Varsity, however, most saw their season end last Friday as the regular season came to a close.

The Varsity team lost to Union 14-13, and will play in Auburn later this week.

To learn more, visit, www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

JV Football Image Gallery

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Camas Girls Varsity Soccer Team Cliniches League Title

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Girls Varsity Soccer team clinched the league title Tuesday night and are the No. 1 seed into the Bi-District Playoffs.

Tuesday night’s 8-0 win against Battle Ground secured their standing.

Here are the stats from Tuesday’s match:

Goals (assists):

Jenna Efraimson (Maddie Kemp)

Jazzlyn Paulson (Kemp)

Perri Belzer

Elizabeth Parker (Kierstyn Heilbrun)

Kemp (Carla Jooste)

Kemp (Carla Jooste)

Kemp (Justine Pauly)

Kemp (Paulson)

Kemp

Keeper saves: Falisstie DePasquale 0

Halftime: 4:0

The Camas Junior Varsity Girls soccer team beat Battle Ground, 1-0.

The girls play again tonight at Doc Harris Stadium against Skyview. It’s the final league match of the season.

The Junior Varsity soccer team plays tonight at 5 pm, and the Varsity soccer team follows them at 7 pm. It’s Senior Night, as well.

Last year’s Camas Varsity soccer team won the Washington State Championship.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

League Play Image Gallery: By Kris Cavin

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Images: Papermaker Volleyball Team Earns League Champion Title

Camas, WA — It’s been a busy week for the Papermaker Varsity Volleyball team with three games during Homecoming week, but Coach Michelle Allen says the girls just stay focused.

The girls are now league champs, and undefeated in league play this season.

“They’ve put in a great effort,” said Allen. “Stand outs this year are Aubrey Stanton, Keelie LeBlanc, and Whitney Quist, but really I have five seniors that are key players.”

This week they’ve played Olympia, Battle Ground, and face Heritage on Thursday night.

Results from Battle Ground Volleyball Match:

Camas 3, Battle Ground, 0

25-18, 25-14, 25-20

Stats:

Aubrey Stanton – 1 ace, 4 kills, 25 assists; 9 digs

Emma Villaluz –  3 aces, 11 digs

Genevieve Crowston –  2 kills, 5 digs

Madison Gilcrist – 1 ace, 16 assists; 6 digs

Keelie LeBlanc –  16 kills, 2 digs, 3 aces

Marianna Payne –  1 ace, 3 kills, block, 2 digs

Madison Pfaff – 1 ace, 2 assists, 30 digs

Whitney Quist – 10 kills, 5 digs

Results from Olympia Volleyball Match

Camas 3, Olympia 0

25-17, 25-12, 25-21

Stats:

Aubrey Stanton: 5 Aces, 6 kills, 19 assists, 9 digs

Emma Villaluz – 2 Aces, 6 kills, 5 digs

Genevieve Crowston – 2 kills, 2 digs

Madison Gilchrist – 16 assists, 6 digs

Keelie Leblanc – 1 ace, 11 kills, 9 digs

Kylie Loewen- 2 digs

Mary Pipkin – 1 ace, 2 kills, 3 blocks, 1 dig

Marianne Payne – 1 ace, 6 kills, 1 block, 2 digs

Madison Pfaff – 1 assist, 25 digs

Whitney Quist – 4 kills, 2 blocks, 1 dig

J.V. Won.

C1 beat Olympia in 3 games last night. Cassidy S had 3 aces and 4 kills

To learn more, visit www.papermakervolleyball.com

Volleyball Image Gallery — Photos by Jon Pugmire

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To learn more, visit www.papermakervolleyball.com

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Camas Abandons Plans for Senior Living Center By Round Lake

After hearing from numerous Camas citizens regarding the possible sale of public land near Round Lake to build a senior living center, and begin the process of rezoning that property, the city has decided to halt the entire process.

Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell, issued the following statement today:

The City of Camas received a conceptual plan for a senior living facility to be constructed on public open space property located on Everett Street, south of Lake Road. The plans for this project included provisions for trails and parking spaces for use by the public, as well as providing emergency and maintenance access to the dam and creek.  The City is always looking to better its parks program and with a sale of the property there was a potential to leverage the funds received to obtain a grant in excess of the value of the potential sale proceeds.”

With these ideas in mind, the City felt the idea was worth reviewing.  There were multiple hurdles that would need to be crossed if the City did decide to go forward with a sale. The City first needed to alert the State that the zoning and comprehensive plan designation might be changed for this property.   City staff planned to discuss the possibility to surplus and rezone the property at several public meetings and public hearings, the first being at the Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, October 25th at 5:00 pm and culminating in a series of workshops and public hearings which would have to be held before the Planning Commission and the City Council.  The onset of these discussions did not commit the City to sell the property to anyone.  In addition, there remained multiple elements which would be negotiated only in the event the property was deemed surplus and in the best interests of the City.

After a discussion with City Council at a workshop on October 16th and the subsequent article in the Camas-Washougal Post Record on October 19th, numerous emails and Facebook messages were received indicating that our community treasures our open spaces and would not support selling the property.

The City is sensitive to the will of its citizens.  While the City believes there was merit in having a public discussion about this proposal and vetting it through the many steps outlined above, City staff have received enough feedback and understand how the community feels about the project and will immediately stop the consideration process of the proposal.

The property will remain as open space in public ownership.

Senior

A local developer had planned to build a senior living center adjacent to Round Lake, in Camas.

A number of the comments we received insinuated that something improper had occurred in the submission of this proposal from an assisted living group that Tim Hazen is affiliated with.  Council members are subject to specific limitations outlined under the Code of Ethics laws of the State of Washington.   Council members are also citizens and are not denied an opportunity available to all other citizens to acquire and maintain private economic interests.  As noted, the planned process would follow all of the required steps with numerous opportunities for the public to comment before a final decision was rendered by City Council. Mr. Hazen further resigned at the start of the process according to both the regulations under the Code of Ethics laws of the State of Washington and general ethical practices, to avoid any hint of impropriety.

Mr. Hazen was an excellent City Councilor and served his constituents in an exemplary manner. Please thank Mr. Hazen for his service to the community. I hope that he will still be willing to serve as a volunteer and leader in our community.

Pete Capell

City Administrator

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

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Undefeated Camas Slow Pitch Softball Team Claims District Title

Vancouver, WA — The undefeated Camas High School Slow Pitch Softball team (22-0) handily beat Heritage Monday night, 6-1, claiming the 4A District title.

The team heads to State competition in Richland this Saturday to compete against seven other teams.

Pitcher Emery Miller did well, and was backed up by a solid defense, allowing only one run early in the game.

“We were the number one seed in league, 19-0, then we played Columbia River for tournament play, we beat them, then we played Hudson’s Bay, which qualified us for State in Richland,” said coach Dale Lundy. “Four teams come from our area, and we’ll play the best four teams from Spokane.”

Taija Souki scored early in the game, and was followed by Sophie Franklin, who brought in the second run. Addison Cagle scored the third run, and Maddie Ellis scored the fourth. Sophie Franklin scored again (fifth run) by sliding into home; and Megan Bauer scored the final run of the game.

Game Stats

  • Sophie Franklin was 3-for-3 with 2 runs.
  • Payton Bates was 3-for-3 with two RBI.
  • Cameron Schroeder was 2-for-2.
  • Megan Bauer was 1-for-3.
  • Maddie Ellis was 2-for-3.
  • Ava Lathim was 1-for-3 with 2 RBI.

“We all worked hard to support each other,” said Emery Miller, who pitched the entire game.  “We put in the time, and the work.”

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

Slow Pitch Image Gallery

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Proposed Round Lake Senior Living Center Hearing Set for Oct. 25

Camas, WA — Camas residents aren’t too thrilled about the City of Camas selling public lands to build a senior living center near Round Lake on Everett Road. Opponents of the development will hear details at a City of Camas Parks Board meeting, to be held this Wednesday, October 25 at Lacamas Lake Lodge.

The Parks Board will review the proposal, and may ask for additional input to continue the discussion, or they may settle on a recommendation and forward that to planning. Additional public hearings will be scheduled to discuss the matter and give citizens input.

The uproar began when Camas City Council members last week approved the first re-zoning step that would turn a 2.7-acre parcel of public land into a new development for seniors. Additional private lands would also be purchased. The proposed development is a 125,000 square-foot, 81-unit senior living center with underground parking, as well as a 48-bed memory care center.

The councilors were informed that city staff was approached by a developer who wants to purchase public lands to construct the facility. It was learned soon after that developer is Tim Hazen, who abruptly resigned from his city council seat last week.

Hazen is the owner of Premiere Senior Living

The city of Camas purchased the 5-acre open space from the Moose Lodge in 2002 for $200,000.

Citizens are concerned that once you lose an open space property, it will never be preserved for future generations.

“My thoughts are that the city shouldn’t be able to sell public land without the consent of its citizens since it IS public land,” said local resident, Liana Gulzow. “And the fact that Tim Hazen would benefit from this — and he was a former city council member — is just not sitting well with a lot of people. I’m concerned that this huge senior living facility is so close to Round Lake that it could affect the use of the trails that so many of us frequently use. And, not to mention the traffic situation.”

Camas residents have taken to social media to express their concerns, as well.

“Our city should not be selling public park land,” said Ammon Child. “Especially to a recently resigned city council member who clearly has been working on this behind the scenes!”

In order to re-zone, Camas leaders must hold a series of public meetings to change the parcel’s zoning, which is currently parks open space.

City Councilwoman Bonnie Carter said she thinks the city is setting a bad precedent.

“The only thing that was requested of the council was to direct staff to submit paperwork to the state to have the parcel of land considered for re-zoning,” said Carter. “This request was unusual because it did not first go through the normal channels of review before going to council, but it is legal. The rezoning request deadline to the state was last Wednesday, hence the unusual request. Mr. Hazen’s experience on council and city planning knowledge played into the timing.”

Carter assures that the project will still go through the appropriate channels starting with Wednesday’s meeting.

“Lack of information concerning the actual request of council and what will still happen has many folks upset,” said Carter. “And rightfully so.”

Hazen will present his proposal, and there will be an open process wherein citizens can express their opinions on the matter.

To learn more about this process, visit http://www.cityofcamas.us/businessdev/plancommission

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