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Columbia River Swim Team to Compete at Summer Blast #2 This Weekend

The Columbia River Swim Team (CRST) heads to Mt. Hood Community College this Saturday to compete at Summer Blast #2. The first event begins at 5:45 pm.

CRST swimmers have had a string of successes this year. Tom Utas broke the senior boys 50 free record (21.28) in February’s 4A High School District Championship. Utas, team captain of Camas High School, lead the Papermakers to their first State Swimming Championships.  Utas won the 50 free in a new team record of 21.07, and he added another record placing 3rd in the 100 free with a time of 46.74.  Finn McClone added to the Papermaker Championship with a 7th place in the 100 free (48.85) and 5th place in the 100 back (54.27).  This was the first time in 50 years that a high school team south of Tacoma won the state team title.

Other CRST team members placing in the top 16 were:

  • Max Dolbinin 4th 100 free (47.25) and 5th 50 free (21.50)
  • Andrew Chang 8th 100 fly (53.23) and 12th 200 IM (2:00.15)
  • Kai Johnson 15th 100 breast (1:00.63)
  • Daniel Brown 13th 100 free (51.49)
Swim

CRST swimmers compete at Mt. Hood Community College last summer.

Winter Swim Competitions

In March, Sammy Empey and Nick Wahlman both won Age Group Sectional Titles this past weekend at the King County Aquatic Center.  Sammy won the 11 year old 50 Free (25.85), 50 Fly (28.11) and the 100 Fly (1:00.91).  Nick won the 13 year old 100 Breast (1:01.73), new team record.  Sammy was also 2nd in the 100 IM (1:05.30), 3rd in the 100 Free (57.27) and 7th 100 Back (1:05.17).

Others placing in the top 8 were Annette Chang 11 year old 100 Free 5th (58.11) and Daniel Brown 15-18 year old 50 Free 6th (22.72).

The relay team of Daniel Brown, Liam Johnson, Christian Madden and Andrey Khabibrakhmanov were 3rd in the 15-18 200 Free Relay and 8th in the 200 Medley Relay.

Other waveriders competing were Steven Wu, Justin Xue, Maddy Wick, Alexia Bravo and Paeton Lesser.

Swim

Competing at Mt. Hood Community College last summer.

Other CRST swimmers Sammy Empey, Justin Xue and Nick Wahlman all won Oregon Swimming State Titles in February at Tualatin Hills Swim Complex.  The Waveriders swam outstanding scoring 275 points and finishing 9th out of 31 teams.

Both Justin and Nick set multiple team records.  Below are CRST swimmers who finished in the top 10 individual events:

Annette Chang-8th 200 IM (2:28.53), 3rd 100 fly (1:06.95), 4th 100 back (1:07.68), 2nd 200 free (2:09.57), 4th 50 fly (29.17) and 2nd 100 free (57.93).

Dominic Colletto-8th 100 back (1:11.13) and 10th 100 IM (1:16.16).

Sammy Empey-1st 50 free (26.12), 1st 100 fly (1:05.25), 2nd 50 back (30.65), 2nd 100 IM (1:06.48), 1st 50 fly (28.90) and 3rd 100 free (58.70).

Meredith Grimshaw-9th 50 breast (35.90).

Paeton Lesser- 5th 500 free (5:30.11), 8th 200 free (2:01.33) and 8th 100 (56.26).

Alex Wahlman-7th 500 free (6:09.02), 4th 200 IM (2:33.10), 3rd 50 breast (36.93),4th 100 breast (1:20.15) and 9th 100 free (1:03.85).

Nick Wahlman-2nd 200 IM (2:07.17), 4th 500 free (5:12.42), 2nd 400 IM (4:35.17), 2nd 200 breast (2:19.33 Team Record), 1st 100 breast (1:02.30 Team Record) and 5th 200 fly (2:14.27).

Madison Wick- 7th 50 back (31.25).

Steven Wu-2nd 50 breast (36.81)

Justin Xue- 2nd 50 back (28.17 Team Record), 3rd 200 IM (2:13.43 Team Record), 2nd 50 free (24.35 Team Record), 1st 100 breast (1:05.12 Team Record), 7th 50 Fly (27.76) and 5th 100 free (55.85).

To learn more, visit www.crstwaveriders.org

Swim

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Hana Restaurant Brings Traditional Korean Cuisine to Camas

I remember the April day when family friend, Laura Ford, recommended we try a new restaurant in downtown Camas. “It’s called Hana,” she said. “And, it’s in the same location as Rice Time. They bought it from the previous owners.”

A few days later, I stopped by to check out Hana, and realized they serve Korean food. My eyes lit up. Would it be any good? Southwest Washington has brought Korean food here before, but it hasn’t measured up. Yeah, I’m a Korean food snob.

I’m happy to report that Hana is the real deal for those who know Korean food. No longer do we have to go to Portland or Beaverton for good Korean food. It’s right here!

Salivating at the menu, which offers Korean, teriyaki, noodles, bowls, combinations, and sides, I immediately ordered a Korean favorite, Bul-Go-Gi, which is thinly sliced marinated beef, stir-fried with vegetables and steamed rice. It has all the right Korean seasonings.

Eating quality Bul-Go-Gi puts me in my happy place. I married into a Korean family, and was introduced to Korean cuisine by dear friends, Pam Benzing and Jack Cleveland, back in the late ’80s as a teen. My childhood knowledge of Korean food would help me break the ice with my future mother-in-law. I knew how to talk the talk, and eat the eats.

Anyway, Hana makes it right. I couldn’t eat it fast enough. I recommend ordering any plate with the 3 Korean vegetable side, which includes kimchee.

Korean

Bul-Go-Gi (thinly sliced marinated beef), stir fried with vegetables, and steamed rice.

I make it a point to eat there once a week, and enjoy the Bi-Bim-Bap, which is steamed rice topped with assorted vegetables, egg, choice of meat (beef, chicken or tofu, or pork), and miso soup. It’s just $8.50, and again I recommend the 3 Korean vegetable side dish, for an additional $2.99.

Hana’s Korean Short Ribs (Galbi) should be something you try, and come back for more. It comes with four classic LA style beef with steamed rice. It’s $13.99.

Korean

Korean Short Ribs (Galbi).

Jap-Chae is made to perfection. The sweet potato noodles are stir-fried with assorted vegetables, served with steamed rice. I recommend you add Bul-Go-Gi for an extra buck.

Korean Sushi (Gim-Bap) is a little different from traditional sushi, and comes with pickled radish. It’s a beautiful thing.

Korean

Korean Sushi (Gim-Bap).

Korean food is known for its spicy cuisine, and the Spicey Pork doesn’t disappoint. The sweet and spicy marinated pork is stir-fried with vegetables and steamed rice.

Hana also serves a variety of Teriyaki plates, with offerings in chicken, beef, salmon, and pork. The orange chicken plate is a must. If you’re in a hurry, the bowls are a good to-go item.

About Hana’s owners and management

Phillip Park bought Rice Time from his uncle in November 2016 for his mom, Agnes Park, to operate. Agnes emigrated from Korea to the United States in 1986, bringing with her an array of great recipes. Together, with brothers Eric and Andrew, and some great staff, the Park family has converted Rice Time into Hana. They continue to make improvements to the locale, and the service is quick and friendly. Prices are reasonable.

Located at 412 NE 4th Avenue in downtown Camas, Hana is open Monday through Saturday 11 am-7:30 pm. They are closed on Sundays. 360-833-9111.

And, thank you, Laura Ford, for the tip. The Geigs are forever grateful.

Korean

The Park Family owns and operates Hana. From left: Eric Park, Agnes Park, Phillip Park, and Andrew Park.

 

Korean

Hana Restaurant is conveniently located in downtown Camas.

 

Korean

Hana’s Teriyaki Chicken comes as a bowl or plate with a side of vegetables.

by Ernie Geigenmiller

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Camas Farmer’s Market Kicks Off 2017 Season

The Camas Farmer’s Market kicked off its 2017 season Wednesday with an expanded number of vendors, large crowds, and good music.

Located in front of the Camas Library on 4th Avenue between Everett and Franklin streets, with the roads blocked, the market featured several fresh produce booths, multiple eateries, treats, and numerous local vendors offering an array of products and services.

Open from 3-7 pm on Wednesdays from June 7-October 4, the market continues to grow.

The market is a celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty brought to the charm that is downtown Camas. Freshly harvested seasonal produce, flowers, natural products, and a variety of prepared and hot foods fill the market. Guests enjoy chef demos, healthy living and gardening information, kids’ activities, and live local music.

The mission of the Camas Farmer’s Market is:

  • To create an agriculturally based farmer’s market in downtown Camas that provides access to local, sustainable foods,
  • To champion and support local farms and food producers,
  • To foster connections between farmers / producers and the community, including vulnerable populations,
  • To provide education and inspiration for growing, preparing and eating healthy foods,
  • To create a permanent space to bring our community together, and
  • To work with community organizations in furtherance of our mission.
Farmers

Guests visit the Truly Scrumptious booth at the Camas Farmer’s Market.

 

Farmers

Local farmers bring their bounty to the market each week.

Sponsors of the Camas Farmer’s Market:

  • Providence Health and Services
  • City of Camas
  • Downton Camas Association
  • Blossom Natural Health and Wellness
  • Rushing Water Yoga
  • Vancouver Vision Clinic
  • Riverview Community Bank
  • Rapisarda Family Dentistry
  • Whole Foods Market
  • Fuel Medical
  • Camas Washougal Community Chest
  • iQ Credit Union

If you’d like to learn more, visit www.camasfarmersmarket.com

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Travel: Take Your Pick of the Hood River County Fruit Loop

The Hood River Valley County Loop explores the heart of the area’s agricultural scene, and this gorgeous 35-mile scenic drive has something for everyone. The route passes by gorgeous pear, cherry, apple, nectarine and peach orchards, as well as numerous farm stands, wineries, cideries, alpaca ranches and lavender farms.

The Fruit Loop really comes into its own in summer and autumn, with a highlight being the numerous u-pick opportunities – strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pears, flowers and more. Hood River County Fruit Loop Stands offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh fruit pies, jams, syrups, fruit smoothies, local artisan gifts, all around the county.

In addition to the fruit stands and vineyards, enjoy local lavender, alpaca, and chestnut farms, plus you can experience our seasonal Blossom Festival, fruit celebrations, and fabulous eateries, including Hood River Cherry Days in July and Gravenstein Apple Days in August.

Top tip: Avoid the crowds by planning a mid-week trip, or by exploring farms on the Fruit Loop’s eastside.

To learn more, go to hoodriverfruitloop.com to find a calendar that lists what’s in season, along with a full calendar of farm events and a searchable map. Head to hoodriver.org for a listing of u-pick farms and a suggested Fruit Loop itinerary.

Some Fruit Loop Area Attractions

Hood River County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
The Hood River County Visitor Center welcomes visitors from around the world and provides information about all the things to see and do in Hood River.

720 East Port Marina Drive
Hood River, OR 97031
541-386-2000
800-366-3530
www.hoodriver.org

Hood River U-Pick Organic
Open:
Cherry season through Apple Season
8am-5pm daily
A Certified Organic Family Farm.  It’s all Organic U-Pick – Cherries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Heirloom Tomatoes, Honey Crisp Apples, Wedding Dahlias, Roses.  A fun day!
4320 Royal Anne Drive
Hood River, OR 97031
541-359-4481
www.hoodriverupick.com

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Travel: Car-Free Exploration of Hood River Wineries

Hood River is known for its active lifestyle, and is rapidly raising its profile as one of America’s unique wine areas. (It was named a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine). Visitors can experience both of those things at once with these fun cycling and horseback winery tours:

MountNBarreL: Hood River Wine Country Bike Tours. Bringing together two Gorge favorites – cycling and wineries – MountNBarreL is Hood River’s first wine country bike tours company, offering all-inclusive wine-tasting tours. Their standard tour is a leisurely seven-mile exploration of Hood River Valley’s west side. Pedal past orchards and breathtaking views of both Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood, and stop at three wineries – Phelps Creek Vineyard, Cathedral Ridge Winery and Marchesi Vineyard – with vineyard tours and food pairings. There are also seasonal stops for u-pick lavender, berries, vegetables and flowers. Owner Ali McLaughlin also offers custom bike tours of the Hood River Valley for up to 17 participants.

MountNBarreL
4480 Post Canyon Drive, Hood River
mountnbarrel.com

Wine

 

Self-Guided Winery Tour by Electric Bike: Oregon E-Bikes. New to Hood River’s cycling scene is Oregon E-Bikes, the Gorge’s first electric bike shop. Visiting local wineries is no sweat with these electric-assist bikes. Wrap up your e-bike adventure with a trip to the scenic, car-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail between Hood River and Mosier.

Oregon E-Bikes
207 Front St., Hood River
www.oregon-ebikes.com

Bike

 

Double Mountain Horse Ranch Wine Tours. Explore Hood River vineyards on horseback! Double Mountain Horse Ranch’s portfolio of original tours includes a Wine Tasting Tour. Relax on horseback along fruit orchards and vineyards with views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. Stretch your legs on the banks of the Hood River and then head to a variety of renowned local wineries.

Double Mountain Horse Ranch
3995 Portland Drive, Hood River
ridinginhoodriver.com

Wineries

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Dayley Dance Academy Presents “On a Journey”

Washougal, WA — Dayley Dance Academy is presenting their end-of-year performance, “On a Journey,” this weekend at the Washougal High School Auditorium. Show times are Friday, June 2 at 7 pm, and Saturday, June 3 at 11 am, 3 pm, and 7 pm.

The students have worked all year for this performance, which comprises a variety of dance genres and routines. They are in a variety of dance genres and routines. Brayden Meza will be performing his first place competition routine with Jenni Whitmeyer.

Tickets $11 (purchased ahead) or $12 at the door.

About Dayley Dance Academy and their Journey

Dayley Dance Academy was founded in 2007 by Mark & Sarah Dayley in Vancouver, WA.  Sarah has been teaching & coaching local area dancers and dance teams since 1996.

In 2007, a persistent parent group urged Sarah to open a studio that could provide more intensive technique classes to go beyond the dance team season. They had humble beginnings (in their garage studio) and quickly grew to capacity.  They expanded to reach not only East Vancouver, but also Camas/Washougal, serving two locations.

In spring of 2011, Dayley Dance Academy opened their second dance studio location in Washougal Washington and have been warmly welcomed by the area schools & community. This studio is growing quickly, and performs and participate in many local events, parades, and venues.

To learn more, visit www.dayleydanceacademy.com

Dance

Brayden Meza and Jenni Whitmeyer.

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Camas Boys, Girls Track and Field Teams Clinch 4A District Championship

Vancouver, WA — In a wet and cold second day of final Track and Field events, Camas clinched both the Boys and Girls  GSHL 4A District Championships Thursday night at McKenzie Stadium.

Track Coach Alisa Wise said the dual victories were a combination of “depth, strength, resilience, and consistency.”

Here are the results:

Nkem Aduka won the discus title for Camas with a distance of 115-6. She was the only competitor to throw over 100 feet.

Alexa Dietz won the Long Jump event Thursday, after winning the Triple Jump a day earlier. Her best leap was 16 feet, 4 inches.

Cooper McNatt placed second in the High Jump, clearing 5-10, which qualified him to compete at bi-districts.

Daniel Maton won the 800m run, while Papermaker Cade Greseth took third; both will compete at bi-districts.

Track

Daniel Maton won the 800m event at Districts.

Ellie Postma and Rachel Blair placed second and third, respectively, in the 800m run; both will compete at bi-districts.

William Sun won the 300m Hurdles event.

“I thought I was going to be behind Union,” said Will Sun, who won the 300m Hurdles event. “But the Union runner hit a couple of hurdles, and I was right there with him. This win feels really good.”

Track

Will Sun won the 300m Hurdles event at Districts.

Cambryn Gulzow bested the 300m Hurdles event, and heads to bi-districts.

Track

Cambryn Gulzow is the 300m Hurdles District Champion.

For a complete listing of all events and times, go to https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=311961#450

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Camas Track and Field Competes at Districts

Vancouver, WA — Several Camas Track and Field athletes are heading to bi-districts following a string of top-tier finishes at Wednesday’s GSHL 3A/4A District Championship Meet. This was the first of a two-day meet at McKenzie Stadium.

Here are the results:

Papermakers Emily Karkaren, Aliya Ponder, Cambryn Gulzow and Karsyn Quade earned second place for Camas in the 4×00, qualifying them to move onto bi-districts.

Daniel Maton won the 1600m run, while Yacine Guermali placed third. Both move onto bi-districts. Shortly after, Emma Jenkins won the 1600m run, and Rachel Blair won second place. Both girls also head to bi-districts.

Track

Daniel Maton won the 1600m event at Districts.

“We represented Camas well,” said Jenkins. “We practiced, met many of our goals, and we worked as hard as we can. I’m excited. I’m working toward a better time as we get ready for bi-districts.”

Blair said she’s had a rough year, but her game plan was to stay positive. “I’m excited about bi-districts,” she said.

Track

Emma Jenkins won the 1600m event at Wednesday’s 4A Track and Field District Championship. Rachel Blair is just a few steps behind her.

Union’s Michael Ugarov won the 110m Hurdles, while Papermaker Will Sun finished second in the 110 Hurdles, while Emma Ware earned second in the 100m Hurdles. Ahmika Kluka took second in the Javelin throw.

Madison Peffers tied her personal best high jump of 5-4 and was the only competitor in the field to clear 5-1. Peffers won the event and heads to bi-districts. Alexa Dietz clinched the Triple Jump championship with a personal best leap of 35 feet, 11.5 inches. Cade Greseth grabbed the 400m event for Camas.

The meet continues on Thursday, May 11 at McKenzie Stadium. Events begin at 3 pm.

For a listing of all times for all events today, go to https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=311961#450

Track

Union’s Michael Ugarov wins the 100m sprint event at Districts.

 

Track

Will Sun finished second in the 110m Hurdles at Districts.

 

Track

Will Sun hands off the baton to Zach Terry during the 4×100 event at Districts.

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Camas Plant and Garden Fair This Weekend

The 20th annual Camas Plant and Garden Fair continues to grow with more offerings, new vendors, and a variety of activities this Saturday, May 13 in downtown Camas from 9 am to 4 pm.

The event is always held the day before Mother’s Day, and provides a great opportunity to get into Spring.

Shoppers can browse through the products from local nurseries, garden artists, and farms. The annual event is filled with many outdoor gift items, such as trees, plants, garden art, furniture, planters, tools, metal art, hanging baskets, stone art, sculptures, herbs, and more.

While you shop, you can relax at one of many quality downtown Camas eateries and coffee houses.

The fair offers a free potting station where volunteers will help shoppers pot plants in containers purchased. Experts will be on hand to teach about plants and effective gardening techniques.

Visitors are encouraged to look for the Yellow Sun signs at designated booth locations to learn more about attracting birds and butterflies to your garden and other outdoor living spaces.

Children can enjoy the “Find the Ladybug” game, played throughout participating downtown businesses. Players can earn tickets to win a Family Gardening Basket for each ladybug found. The strolling Jugglemania Show will feature a giant rose puppet and themed juggling. The Kids’ Zone—open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—will include seed planting, making Mother’s Day cards, painting ladybug rocks, a ladybug habitat, a worm bin, seed exploration, and kid-friendly garden planting ideas. Returning this year is the free petting zoo, open all day.

A new addition this year is the Birch Street Wine Garden, which will be open from noon to 4 pm at 311 NE Birch Street.

To learn more, visit www.cwplantfair.org

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Clark College Jazz Ensemble: 6th Annual Big Band Bash

VANCOUVER, WA —  The Clark College Jazz Ensemble hosts the 6th Annual Big Band Bash on Saturday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. in the Gaiser Student Center on the Clark College Campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.  The concert is free to the public.

“We’re excited to have the Clackamas Community College Jazz Ensemble directed by Lars Campbell, join us on stage this year,” says Richard Inouye, Clark’s Director of Bands. “And we’re also featuring the community group, VanPort Jazz. If you like the sounds of the Big Band era, you’ll love this concert.”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

About the Clark College Music Department

Clark College offers an Associate in Music DTA/MRP degree with courses in music theory/ear training, instrumental and vocal performance training, and ensemble experience. Classes are designed to prepare the music major for advanced studies at a four-year institution while providing the non-major with the skills and background to fully enjoy music as a cultural pursuit.

Ensembles on campus include three choral groups, orchestra, concert band, and jazz ensemble. Three tenured and several adjunct faculty, provide professional instruction to the 500+ students that pass through Beacock Music Hall each year.

Jazz

Clackamas Community College Jazz Ensemble.

 

Jazz

Clark College Jazz Ensemble.

 

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