Development will also feature the Archery District Business Park, bringing convenience of new urbanism and walkable communities to Camas Meadows area

Camas, WA – Construction has officially begun on the most anticipated development in Southwest Washington. The long-awaited Parklands at Camas Meadows will feature 41 single-family lots nestled between Lacamas Lake and the Camas Meadows Golf Course. The City of Camas has permitted the project, and workers began construction earlier this Spring. Phase 2 of the development will also include the Archery District Business Park, with retail and commercial properties to round out the development and make it a complete live-work-play environment.

Demonstrating the popularity and demand for this project, 50% of the home lots have already been reserved. Lot sizes range from 15,000 to 18,000 square feet, and all are zoned for the possibility of an additional dwelling such as a guest house or “mother-in-law” unit. Every home will be unique and built to suit. Home values will be $1.2M and above. Lots of this nature have not been available in the area since Lacamas Shores was completed in the late 1990s.

Therapeutic walking trails connect the properties and intersect with the Heritage Trail which borders Lacamas Lake. Situated right next to Camas Meadows Golf Course, the development is within 2 miles of plentiful retail and public services, and approximately 25 restaurants and brewpubs in Camas and East Vancouver. Within Camas city limits, Parklands is also within the Camas Public Schools district, rated one of the top school districts in the state of Washington.

Locally owned and managed, the Parklands project has been developed entirely by private funders. Investment opportunities in this SEC 506(c) are available through www.Mark4Fund.com.

To learn more about the Parklands at Camas Meadows, or to inquire about lot sales, please visit www.TheParklandsatCamasMeadows.com or contact Heather DeFord at 360.608.4321 or heather.deford@cascadesir.com.

Camas, WA — The Camas Public Library officially began its Summer Reading Program, titled “Build a Better World,” and is open to young children, teens, and adults.

The purpose of the Camas Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is to encourage youth to read and participate in community activities during their school break. Youth who read during the summer will practice their comprehension skills, and are likely to start school in the Fall more prepared and ahead of their classmates.

The program measures reading time and community participation rather than number of pages or books. With this method, youth of all ages and abilities can accomplish their goals with comparable effort.

The program itself includes games, events, and weekly summer movies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as reading for the Summer Reading Program? Books, magazine articles, graphic novels, eBooks, audio books. The library has many downloadable audio books.

What is the first day people can participate? June 24.

Do I have to participate in the program to attend the free events? Nope!

The program is sponsored in part by:

  • Burgerville
  • Squeeze & Grind
  • Clark County Fair
  • Camas/Washougal Community Chest
  • Lacamas Swim and Sport
  • City of Camas
  • Oaks Park
  • Vega Programs
  • Camas Farmer’s Market
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park
  • Friends of the Camas Library

Summer Movies

Every Wednesday features a summer movies. The first one, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” is on June 28 at 2 pm.

The second movie is “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which will be shown on July 5 at 2 pm.

The third movie is “Iron Giant,” will be shown on Wednesday, July 12.

Each movie is projected in the upstairs library big screen. Popcorn will be served.

To learn more, and to sign up for the program, visit: http://www.ci.camas.wa.us/index.php/librarykidsteens/summer-reading-program

Washougal City Councilman, Dan Coursey, will officially kick off his Washougal Mayoral campaign tonight at 6 pm at the Port of Camas-Washougal office. The address is 24 S A St, Washougal, WA 98671.

Tonight’s event features special guest speaker Eileen Quiring, a Clark County Board Councilor. Also, State Representatives Liz Pike and Vicki Kraft, and others will be in attendance. Food and beverages will be provided, and the forum will give voters an opportunity to ask questions.

The first-term councilman has called Washougal home for the past for 12 years, and has spent years working in local politics as a Precinct Committee Officer (PCO), campaign manager, and general volunteer. The computer systems engineer says if elected he will go into semi-retirement to focus on leading Washougal.

“Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve promoted transparency, ethical behavior, and accountability,” Coursey said. “I strongly believe in those things. I respect the voter and the taxpayer. When I ran for office two years ago, I knocked on 1,750 doors — and you learn a lot when you do that.”

Reasons Coursey is running

The candidate discussed several reasons why he’s running: 1) Economy; 2) Affordable living; and 3) Create more recreation spaces for families in Washougal.

On the economy: “A mayor should be a leader and advocate for businesses to come into town,” he said. “A mayor should discourage over-regulation. For example [as a city councilman] I’ve voted against raising car tab fees.”

On affordable living: “Everyone knows that Washougal water costs are too high,” he said. “Let’s see how we can lower the water rates, and look at reasons why it’s too expensive.”

On recreation spaces: “One thing I learned knocking doors is that there are many young families who want more family venues in town,” Coursey said. “We did a survey in 2016, and the one thing Washougal voters wanted most was a community center. But, who pays for it? Some small part will come from the city budget, but we need a third party to come in.”

He said there are new development plans at the Port of Camas-Washougal, and he hopes that private owners can come to a final agreement so development can proceed. He says construction of that new development could provide a new venue for families.

“I’m very expense conscious,” he said. “We don’t want undo hardships on our families. If local residents are wiling to pony up for family venues, we can do that. I’m for good roads, and fixing them.”

He is running for the position that is being vacated by current Washougal mayor, Sean Guard, who decided not to run for re-election. His opponent is Molly Coston, who is a former Washougal City Council member that Coursey defeated two years ago.

“It’ll be a re-match,” said Coursey.

Coston will be interviewed in a future article.

On background

Coursey grew up in an agricultural community, and has been married to Margie for 22 years. She works as a project manager in the financial industry. Coursey currently works as a systems engineer, and previously worked in the banking industry doing technical projects, financial analysis, commercial lending and mortgage underwriting.

To learn more, visit www.dancoursey.net

#dancoursey

 

Camas, WA — Hayes Freedom High School honored 41 graduates on Saturday during Commencement exercises at Liberty Middle School. The school just completed its 10th year, and featured several speakers, songs, and a special number by Jenny Huckvale, who was part of the first Hayes Freedom graduating class of 2008. The school provides opportunities for youth who thrive in smaller class sizes. Hayes Freedom High School is a community of learning with high expectations, caring and hope. The educational culture supports learning and growth, is intentional, connects with the community, and is reflective. The curriculum and instruction gives opportunity, direction for a new beginning and hope to every student.

School’s Core Beliefs

  • Students thrive in a small caring community
  • The student/teacher relationship promotes the unique success of all students
  • Students receive more personal attention in a smaller environment when directed and supported by adults who know them well
  • Guidance and learning occurs best within a respectful and nurturing relationship
  • Intellectual development is essential to academic success and personal fulfillment
  • Curriculum and instruction should engage the talents and abilities of each student
  • Hayes Freedom will provide avenues to empower students to make change
  • There are many ways to learn and demonstrate academic skills
  • The curriculum and instruction are responsive, flexible, and creative
  • Students demonstrate responsibility by contributing to their community
  • Student commitment is essential to their own success and learning

To learn more, visit: http://schools.camas.wednet.edu/hayesfreedom

Photo Gallery

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Camas, WA — Sitting in the main Commons area at Camas High School (CHS) as the rain falls with great intensity, veteran CHS Track Coach, Alisa Wise, reflects on coaching a sport she loves, and why this was her last season.

On background, she started coaching in Utah, then became the assistant coach at Washougal, before her long run at Camas.

So, what are some of the top things Wise learned as a coach?

“After coaching for 20 years, I’ve learned that relationships are most important,” said Wise. “I’ve learned that you don’t remember the specifics of most meets, or the medals, but you remember the laughter, the moments on the bus, the disappointments, the emotions — all the things that aren’t attached to the points. I remember coming home from Jesuit — at midnight — to the kids dancing to the music on the bus. You do remember the crazy meets, you know the ones with ALL the rain and cold, the girl that got clipped with spikes, and cut her cheek open, and the trip to the ER. You remember the big blue van breaking down, and having to go rescue all the hammer throwers.”

Wise also said she’s learned to be more relaxed, and to keep perspective. Where she used to let her identity be tied to a victory or loss, it’s not like that anymore.

“The kids’ reactions have shaped me,” she said. “I still hate to lose, and I really like to win, but I’m able to let it go when the game is over. Sports teaches you hard things, and if things don’t go your way you, don’t let it crush you.”

She also emphasizes to NOT let the expectation level get too high, urging athletes to be push themselves, but to be honest and realistic with their abilities.

“You see some kids participate that may never place, but they can be part of a team,” she said. “You never know when a kid will have his or her moment.”

What are some the greatest accomplishments at CHS?

“Winning Oregon Relays in 2011 and 2014,” Wise said, without any hesitation. “That’s bigger than State! Plus, we’ve taken this small 3A school without much success, and turned it into a larger program with a lot of depth. These great kids continue to work hard, and they know how to represent.”

Wise is also touched by so many alumni who return and coach the sport.

“Look at Sienna Pittasi who now coaches at Heritage,” she added. “Tanner Boyd is coaching at Western Washington.”

Alumni Perspectives on Alisa

“The first thing you’ll notice about Coach wise is her smile and her individuality,” said Grayson Anderson, CHS Class of 2014. “I remember, it was the State track meet, I was in contention for winning the whole thing, and being the nervous 18 year-old I was I look to Coach Wise all the way across the track, leaning against the fence for advice. She waves me over and the first thing she does is crack a joke. As much as I wanted to be serious, I laughed and totally forgot why I even came over. In the biggest meet of the year, a jump away from a state title, here she is making me laugh. And this is Alisa’s gift. Her ability to connect with her athletes and discover what makes them laugh, smile, cry, what drives them and what will spark a fire inside them, is very special. She knew I needed to laugh and just relax even when I didn’t know that’s what I needed. Alisa Wise is so much more than a coach. She is a mentor, a friend and one of the most caring and involved individuals I’ve ever met. Her attention to detail and her passion are what make Coach Wise so exceptional at her craft.”

Alisa

The 2016 Girls 4A District Champions.

“In big, stressful moments, she knew what to say to get me zoned in and ready to go,” said Anderson. “But the moments we’ve shared off the track, traveling to meets, sharing life experiences and just getting to know each other are what I appreciate most about her. She has a huge heart and truly cares about each and every athlete. Her team is her family. To this day Alisa and I have stayed in touch and regardless of how much time has passed she always greets me with a big smile, a big hug and a dozen questions about how my family and I are doing. And that’s what we love about her. She is a one of a kind soul, an exceptional coach and an amazing friend.”

“She was my High Jump coach and I always appreciated her energy!” said Adam Peterson, CHS class of 2014. “She always made me excited to be out there and she was always eager to give us chances to learn and grow not just as athletes but as leaders.”

What’s Next?

“Well, I’ll still teach,” said Wise. “I’m not dead. I just won’t have the time commitment that comes with coaching. It really begins in early January, and goes all the way to May. High school sports requires some much energy, and you simply have no balance in your life during the season. I need to focus on my grandkids, my family.”

She regrets missing her son’s birthdays through the years, but “they’ve forgiven me.”

Going forward, Wise will continue to compete individualy, and plans to do some specialized coaching. She’s just gotten certified as a USA Triathlon coach.

“I’m so grateful for all the coaches, and the support they’ve given me over the years,” she concluded. “Love Rod Raunig (the boys head coach). We worked very well together, we complement each other. I love Track, it’s been a part of me since I was 10. It’s part of my identity, and it will always be a part of me.”

 

Alisa

Alisa Wise competes in several events each year, including triathlons.

Camas, WA — Liberty Theatre fans packed the house Wednesday night as the historic venue celebrated its 90th birthday with a special 30th anniversary showing of the pop culture classic, “The Princess Bride.”

Moviegoers waited out into the sidewalk to get in as many reminisced about going to see movies there as kids. Many came to celebrate both anniversaries.

“We’re really big fans of ‘The Princess Bride,'” said Adam Corey, who brought his wife, Kati, and two sons, Jacob and Will, to celebrate. “We love the comedy, the characters, Andre the Giant. Plus, the Liberty is small, intimate, they have great service, and they serve beer here!”

Corey said they come when it fits their active schedule, and they always try to come here first — before going to other theaters.

“And we love Rand (Thornsley) the owner,” Corey added.

Liberty

The Corey family at the 90th birthday of the Liberty Theatre. From left: Katie, Jacob, Will, and Adam Corey.

 

Liberty

The concession stand was super busy.

On this day in 1927, the Liberty Theatre first opened its doors. At that time, it was called The Granada. Local leaders and several investors raised the money needed to build the structure, which cost $75,000. That was an incredibly large sum of money in 1927.

The first film at the theatre was “Lost at the Front.”

Since then, the theatre has changed hands many times, and went into disrepair. Previous operator, Greg Wood, did a lot of renovations in the 2000s, bringing some state-of-the-art sound equipment and a new screen. When he tried to purchase the historic theatre, negotiations failed, and he left to operate a theatre in Portland.

The Liberty closed in 2009, and remained dark for nearly two years — until Thornsley reopened its doors, breathing new life into the downtown marquee.

The first 100 guests at Wednesday’s event received a special commemorative poster for the occasion.

To learn more, visit www.camasliberty.com

LibertyMoviegoers wait in line for concessions. Gotta have popcorn!

Showtimes!

Camas, WA — Camas Little League announced their 2017 Baseball and Softball All-Star teams Monday afternoon, commencing the organization’s post-season. In all, six teams were announced — three baseball, and three softball.

Baseball teams are divided into three age groups: 9/10, 10/11, and 11/12. Softball teams are organized into three groups: Minors, Majors, and Juniors. The All-Star teams will compete in District level competition culminating in a winning team that will claim the District title. The champions in the older divisions will compete at the State level, and have the potential to play in the World Series, in August.

All-Star Baseball Team Rosters

Baseball 9/10                                                                             

  • Manager Josh Pike
  • Coach Joe Glassmire
  • Coach Ted Wieczorek
  • Parker Castellani
  • Boris Christensen
  • Sawyer Clifton
  • Thomas Clute
  • Cai Davis
  • Anthony Forner
  • Jared Forner
  • Alec Fraser
  • Mason Glassmire
  • Lukas Morse
  • Lucas Peterson
  • Brevin Pike
  • Teddy Wieczorek
  • Jack Williams

Baseball 10/11 

  • Manager Nick Kralj
  • Coach Ryan Meyer
  • Coach TJ Trujillo
  • Aaron Forsyth
  • Aaron Geigenmiller
  • Andrew Kralj
  • Owen Meyer
  • Grady Milholen
  • Carter Phelan
  • Hayden Reich
  • Jaxsen Rodgers
  • KJ Thiemann
  • Diego Trujillo
  • Trevor Wong

Baseball 11/12

  • Manager Casey Taylor                                                                                                                                                                                                          
  • Coach Bryce Gehlen
  • Coach Bryan Williams
  • Cannon Bauman
  • Stephen Behil
  • Zach Blair
  • Kaisen Burr
  • Cade Gehlen
  • Carson Gilligan
  • Ethan Hubbell
  • Jackson Knuth
  • Easton McCarty
  • Tyler Stewart
  • Aaron Sung
  • Jacob Swenson
  • Justin Taylor
  • Holt Williams

 

All-Stars

Camas Little League Mariners players talk during a time out.

All-Star Softball Team Rosters

Softball Minors

  • Manager Mark Daniels
  • Coach Dennis Jackson
  • Coach Ken Schweitzer
  • Lilia Boyd
  • Isabella Brustad
  • Claire Daniels
  • Chloe Koprowski
  • Grace Martin
  • Harmony Martin
  • Lila McGeachy
  • Lauren Mitchell
  • Charli Parker
  • Riley Sanz
  • Ainsley Schweitzer
  • Isabel Shattuck
  • Kalli True

Softball Majors 

  • Manager Rochelle Gittings
  • Coach Tawnia Chenette
  • Grace Barsness
  • Kennedy Boatwright
  • Gracie Buzzell
  • Mercy Canifax
  • Kasey Clifton
  • Samantha Gittings
  • Reagan Jamison
  • Amelia Marcum
  • Alyson Ohnstad
  • Candice Owen
  • Molly Peebles
  • Keira Williams

 

Softball Juniors

  • Manager Kim Ritter
  • Coach Ryan Bushnell (Cascade)
  • Coach Jason Cagle
  • Claire Burton (Cascade)
  • Addy Cagle
  • Natalie Collins
  • Courtney Edmunds (Cascade)
  • Gabby Esparza
  • Maggie Lyons
  • Adrianna Puckett (Cascade)
  • Darian Reeves (Cascade)
  • Alycen Templer
  • Cassie Templer
  • Avery Thamert (Cascade)
  • Kamryn Walker

To learn more, visit www.camasll.com

Mt. Hood Community College — Sixty-four members of the Columbia River Swim Team (CRST) swam into the night Saturday at the Summer Blast #2 meet, in which five clubs competed in 17 events. It’s all part of a strategic effort to prepare for the Long Course championships in late July.

“The kids try to hit state qualify times at these events,” said CRST Head Coach, Darlene Hill. “We’re one of a few club teams that does this over the summer, which is why you see so many age groups.”

CRST athletes swam alongside Chehalem, Portland Athletic Club, Canby, and Forest Grove swim clubs in mixed gender races that provide excellent training for the youth.

Swim

CRST Swimmer Ashley Lin.

This was the second of three Summer Blast events that help the young swimmers prepare for other competitions, such as the Long Course, and the Future Nationals in August. Hill said the kids each compete in three events.

“We’re in summer training now,” said senior Max Dolbinin. “We practice two hours in the morning, and two hours in the afternoon so we can be ready for the Long Course championships. I think we eat 6,000-8,000 calories just to fuel up.”

Dolbinin has swam competitively for many years for Vancouver-based CRST, and enjoys the challenges the sport brings. He also swam for Heritage High School for four years, with good success.

“Even if you let up for a few days, it can affect your performance,” he said. “When we go to Hawaii for 10 days, and come back it’s hard to get back to where you were.”

Swim

Max Dolbinin competes in the 50 Free.

Andrew Chang Interview

Union High School Senior Andrew Chang has enjoyed his many years at the club, and considers fellow swimmers some of his best friends.  He says they’re really like a family.

“Today wasn’t a bad swim,” Chang said. “It was my first Individual Medley (IM) of the season.”

CRST Successes

CRST continues to build on a string of successes in 2017, and in years past, that sees many swimmers go on to compete at the collegiate level. CRST alumnus Andrea Young was recently named Oregon State University 2017 Swimmer of the Year.

The meet started at 5:45 pm, and lasted until 10 pm. Swimmers competed in the following events:

  • Mixed 50 Backstroke
  • Mixed 100 Free
  • Mixed 50 Free
  • Mixed 100 Breaststroke
  • Mixed 200 IM
  • Mixed 50 Free
  • Mixed 100 Backstroke
  • Mixed 50 Breaststroke
  • Mixed 100 Butterfly
  • Mixed 200 Freestyle
  • Mixed 200 Backstroke
  • Mixed 200 Breaststroke
  • Mixed 400 Freestyle
  • Mixed 200 Butterfly
  • Mixed 400 IM
  • Mixed 800 Freestyle
  • Mixed 1500 Freestyle

To learn more, visit www.crstwaveriders.org

CRST Photo Gallery

Camas, WA — Longtime baseball umpire and sports enthusiast, Joe Pleckinger, officiated at his final game at Forest Home Park Friday night. Age age 87, he felt it was time to hang it up.

Friday night’s game ended an umpire career in multiple sports that started in 1958.

“I was a Parks and Rec Director, and we weren’t paid a lot of money,” said Pleckinger. “So, I found some opportunities to umpire — for the extra money. I’d take the 60 bucks I’d make as an umpire, and then I would go down to the lumber yard and finish off my basement. This was in Minnesota.”

Pleckinger then moved his family to Northbrook, Ill. and got contacted to umpire in a suburban league, which comprised eight big schools in Chicago.

“We officiated at multiple games with a four-man crew,” said Pleckinger.  “We were there for three seasons, and then moved back to Minnesota.”

In the early 60s, he officiated at games in Minnesota. He umpired small college and high school baseball, basketball, and football games. Often, he’d get called on short notice to umpire games.

“It’s still like that,” he says. “You know how it is.”

In 1978, the Pleckinger’s moved to Olympia, Washington, but his job prevented him from officiating for several years. But that changed when they moved to SW Washington, and in September 2005, he resumed umpire duties for the Little League.

“I like being around the people — the fans and the kids,” he said. “I enjoy base umpiring because it’s not so physically strenuous. I enjoy honest competition. I enjoy golf, football, baseball, and a good track meet on television.”

Umpire

Joe Pleckinger gets ready to officiate at his final game.

About Youth Sports Today

“I think in the situation we’re in, I like the parent involvement we have in Camas,” said Pleckinger. “I think the parents do a good job of leaving the game on the field. Sometimes we have a few people upset, but it’s usually from somebody that doesn’t own the call. That’s why I make my calls loud and clear. The ball isn’t caught until it’s secured. Often the first baseman’s foot isn’t on the base.”

Advice?

“I think the kids are learning they’re going to get out of it what they put in it,” he adds. “If they don’t put in extra time, they won’t excel. Parents need to be involved. It’s a good thing.”

The whole family loves sports. The Pleckinger’s have watched for years their grandsons (Jake and Zack Blair) compete, and rarely miss a game. And, Joe is affectionately called “Grandpa Joe” by those who know him well.

“Joe focuses on teaching the kids, and so does my son-in-law, John Blair,” said Carol Pleckinger, Joe’s wife. “They use each situation as a teaching moment.”

She says they do this naturally.

“Last night’s game, I was talking to kids who don’t usually play on second base — I tell them to not stand on second base because it’s interference. It’s a teaching moment.”

Little League umpires are volunteers. They’re not paid for their work, but are typically given a bottle of water, Gatorade, and a meal after their work is completed.

 

Umpire

Calling a foul ball.

 

Umpire

Joe Pleckinger speaks with Orioles catcher, Jackson Knuth, between innings during his final game.

 

Camas, WA — The Camas Little League (CLL) regular season closed this week with the Majors Royals team (15-3) winning their division title. They won their final game Friday night against the Orioles, 24-22.

The boys brought their bats to the games, but they also impressed defensively.

“Our top line pitchers were as good as anybody in the league,” said manager/head coach, Casey Taylor. “Aaron Sung, Zach Blair, Dom Colletto, Jake Swenson, and Justin Taylor. What else stood out? Patrick Phelps, who hasn’t played since T-ball, is a 12-year-old now, and is by far the most improved player in the league. He made some big plays for us. Big plays defensively, big plays offensively, and all the kids were real easy to coach.”

Royals

Zach Blair at bat. Jackson Knuth catching for the Orioles.

John Blair and Will Speakman also coached the winning team. The coaches have spent countless hours over the span of many years coaching Little League teams, both regular and post-season.

“It was always fun to play against the Royals,” said Reds player, Easton McCarty. “They’re a good team. We had a lot of fun on the Reds team, too.”

Teams were drafted in March, and competitive play began in April. Post-season All-Star teams will be announced this week.

Royals

Coach Casey Taylor helps Zach Blair warm up before Friday’s game.

Royals Team Roster

  • Asher Asbury
  • Zach Blair
  • Dominic Colletto
  • Cai Davis
  • Beck Gummer
  • Grady Milholen
  • Patrick Phelps
  • Reagan Speakman
  • Aaron Sung
  • Jacob Swenson
  • Justin Taylor

Camas Little League has been a part of Camas for more than 50 years, and brings youth (ages 5-14) together each season to play ball. To learn more, visit www.camasll.com

Royals

Aaron Sung warms up.

Royals

Reagan Speakman.