The Clark College Orchestra performs De Falla’s Three Cornered Hat and Chabrier’s Espana, directed by Don Appert, this Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 pm. Guest violist Brett Deubner solos in Don Appert’s Fantasy for Viola and String Orchestra, as well as Hindemith’s Der Schwanendreher for Viola and Chamber Orchestra.

Location: Durst Theatre, at the Vancouver School of Arts & Academics.

Admission is FREE.

There are several other musical performances happening this week, as well.

Women’s Choral Ensemble & Chorale Concert

The Clark College Women’s Choral Ensemble & Chorale perform on Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 pm. Directed by April B. Duvic. Special guests, Seton Catholic Prep Concert Choir directed by Janet Reiter, opens the program. The Clark College Women’s Ensemble continues with several riveting selections about love, hope, heaven, and revelation. The men of Seton Catholic and the Clark College Chorale combine for the concert’s inspiration, Grieg’s “Brothers, Sing On” before the Chorale shares its varied program of choral classics. The concert concludes with Chorale and Seton Catholic bringing down the house with a choral arrangement of Mozart’s famous Rondo alla Turca.

Location: Gaiser Center, Clark College

Admission is FREE.

 

Concert Band & Concert Choir

This performance will feature the Concert Choir (April B. Duvic, Director) on the concert title, Musicks Empire, a song about the origin of music and Jubal who “tamed” the music of nature and created man-made music. The event will be held on Sunday, March 13 at 3 pm. Other eclectic highlights from the choir include Magnificent Horses based off the Mongolian folk tune; a French song, Dirait-on, and A Boy and a Girl, based off the English translation of a poem by Octavio Paz. The Clark College Concert Band (Richard Inouye, Director) will feature well know pieces inspired by the tradition of the American wind band. Highlights include Frank Ticheli’s Blue Shades, and Spoon River by Percy Grainger.

Location: O’Connell Sports Center

Admission is FREE.

This season was made possible with the generous support of the ASCC, Clark College Foundation, Mark Moreland Violin Shop, Beacock Music Center, the David Kerr Violin Shop, Music World, Dr. Peter Phillips Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, Gillespie Dentistry, the Blind Onion, and the Heathman Lodge.

For more information, http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts/

The Touchjet Pond Projector turns any flat surface (wall, ceiling, table) into a supersized 80” interactive touchscreen that you can use with just the click of a stylus. It has a built-in Android operating system, so you can download any apps directly to the device itself— everything from Angry Birds and Scrabble to Skype and Netflix.

It’s ultra-portable and easy to use. All you have to do is turn it on, grab a stylus and you can instantly start interacting: play games, write on documents or watch videos, all in one place. It’s roughly the size of a day planner, so you can easily fit in a briefcase, backpack or purse.

The power is in the stylus. Simply touch the stylus to the projected images with pinpoint accuracy, just like the smartphones and tablets you are used to.

The process is the same as giving commands with your fingers on a tablet screen. You can even zoom in or out by using two pens at once. Just move the pens on the projected screen in essentially the same combined motion you would use for expanding or pinching together two fingers on a touch screen. You can also give commands with the accompanying remote, which doubles as an air mouse. You move the remote to move a mouse pointer on the screen, and then give the equivalent of a touch command by pressing a button.

The Pond itself weighs about 10 ounces and measures 1.3 by 3.8 by 4.3 inches (HWD). That built-in computer, which runs Android 4.4.2 and, according to Touchjet, offers 18GB of available memory for storing apps and data. The weight of the device itself doesn’t include the power block, the two interactive pens, or the combination remote and air mouse. Add those in, along with the hard-shell case Touchjet includes to hold everything, and the total weight is a still highly portable 1 pound 8 ounces. The case measures roughly 2.5 by 9 by 9 inches (HWD).

To learn more, visit www.touchjet.com

Touchscreen projection

The product is very lightweight and simple to use.

TouchJet Pond Projector Launch Video

This video provides a general overview of the product.

Camas — Four Liberty Middle School bands showcased their developing musical talents Thursday night at the school’s gymnasium in a program led by the school’s band director, Greg Henion.

The 6th, 7th, 8th and Jazz Bands all played various songs throughout the 90-minute program, showing family and friends the skills they’ve been learning since the last concert.

The 6th grade band played four songs, all written by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowland, including “March Across the Seas,” and “The Good Life.”

Seventh grade played “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Andrew Balent, and “Plaza de Toros” by Mark Williams.

The 8th grade band features “Blue Ridge Ocerture” by Frank Erickson, “Newfoundland Folk Song” by by Jim Duff, and “Normandy Beach March” by John Edmondson.

Jazz Band

Eighth grade student, Kenny Wright, plays the electric guitar for the school’s jazz band.

Henion took time between each performance to update the audience on the band’s progress, and thanked the voters for the recently-passed levy, which will help the school’s musical program.

The Jazz Band assembled to play a fun performance of “The Pink Panther” by Henry Mancini. Their next number was “Gospel” by Carl Strommen. “Gospel” was followed by “It Had to Be You” by Gus Kahn and Isham Jones. Their final was “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles. The audience loved it!

Henion reminded the audience of upcoming Hazel Dell Parade, on May 21, which is for the 7th and 8th grade bands. And, the final Liberty concert of this school year will be held at the Camas High School Theater on June 7, at 7 pm.

To learn more about the music program, visit www.camas.wednet.edu

Music

Students play the French horns at a recent Liberty Middle School band concert.

 

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Liberty Middle School Band Director, Greg Henion, speaks to the audience prior to a performance.

Allergies are a chronic problem for millions of Americans. The key to successful treatment is determining which allergens are responsible for triggering your symptoms. To accomplish this, your doctor will administer allergy testing.

Allergy Testing: Skin v. Blood

There are two types of allergy tests commonly used: skin tests and blood tests. Each has their pros and cons, but skin tests are preferred by most doctors as they are safe, inexpensive and provide the most reliable results.

Three methods of skin testing exist. In a skin prick test, a drop of the suspected allergen is placed somewhere on the skin (typically the arm or back). A scratch is made in the skin, allowing the allergen to penetrate. If any redness or swelling develops, the results are considered positive. In an intradermal test, the allergen is injected directly into the skin. This type of test is usually reserved for testing a very specific allergen such as insect venom, and used when results from the skin prick test are inconclusive but the allergen tested is still believed to be responsible for the symptoms. A skin patch test utilizes a small patch that has been treated with drops of the suspected allergen; this is taped to the skin and left in place for 24-72 hours. It’s used to test for contact dermatitis specifically.

Fuel Medical LogoAllergy skin testing rarely causes discomfort or complications. There may be a little redness, swelling and itching, but this typically subsides quickly. In extremely rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur immediately.

Patients who cannot tolerate skin testing may be given blood tests. These are less reliable than skin tests because they don’t show a physical reaction. Instead, an allergen is introduced into the bloodstream, and the antibody levels produced by the body are measured. An increase in antibodies is usually indicative of an allergic response.

If a food or drug allergy is suspected, “use or elimination testing” may be recommended. This involves avoiding, or alternately using, suspected triggers to see if they cause a reaction.

Editor’s Note: Fuel Medical provides a wide variety of practice management and growth services to multi-specialty and single speciality practices. To learn more about them, visit www.fuelmedical.com

Due to a sewage spill that began Thursday at Pacific Rim Blvd in Camas, Clark County Public Health officials are advising residents, and their pets, to avoid the water in and around Lacamas Lake, which is a popular destination for runners, walkers, hikers, cyclists and boaters.

The spill was discovered late in the day along Pacific Rim Blvd. and workers urged drivers to slow down to prevent raw sewage from flying around, said a local witness.

Chuck Harman of Clark County Public Health said the leak was reported to the Department of Ecology, and was repaired, but it caused contamination in Dwyer Creek, Lacamas Creek, and Lacamas Lake. Workers continued to monitor the situation during the night to make sure no more leakage would ensue. A backup malfunction caused a leak in a pipe in the main sewer line.

Clark County Public Health estimates that 100 gallons of raw sewage was spilled per minute. Residents and their pets should avoid contact with water from the area of the spill and the path of the water downstream. Public Health staff have posted warning signs.

The DOE is coordinating the response to the spill.

Harman said more information is coming as the Department of Ecology monitors the situation.

Nostalgia artist and designer, Mario AC Della Casa, was recently named Artist of the TV Land Award bottle, an honor given to him after years of creating one-of-a-kind artwork enjoyed by fans worldwide. Each year, the award show’s winners are given their own customized bottle as a gift when they receive their TV Land honor.

“The TV Land Award’s winners all get my bottle,” said Della Casa. “So, I made bottles for all of them. It’s fun being the official artist of the TV Land Award’s bottle. I made about 90 bottles for the show, which went to the stars, directors and producers.”

Several years ago, Della Casa was granted the only license to re-create customized “Jeannie” bottles that are just like the ones used in the 1960’s hit comedy, “I Dream of Jeannie,” which starred Barbara Eden, the late Larry Hagman, also of “Dallas” fame, and Bill Daley. Della Casa frequently travels with Eden on publicity tours, which promote the show — and the bottles.

“I absolutely love what I do,” says Della Casa, “and I’m grateful to TV Land for giving me this great opportunity.”

The artist has certainly found a market for his work. He says people who buy his bottles and artwork are people who appreciate the history of television, particularly in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He has also painted many celebrity portraits, including Joan Collins, Lucille Ball, Linda Gray, Lindsey Wagner, and many others.

“People love the Jeannie bottles because it reminds them of a simpler time,” he says. “They remember when they were kids or young adults, and they fell in love with these characters and the actors who played them. My work represents those times, and those talented people.”

 

TV Land Show

Mario AC Della Casa, and his mother, appear on the set of the TV Land Awards show.

 

 

In addition to having his work featured at the TV Land Awards show, he is also the official artist for the Roger Neil Oscar Suite. He said any show has suites that are sponsored by an individual or company. His bottles get signed by celebrities and then go up for auction at charity events.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds. “Celebrities like Barbara Eden and Faye Dunaway are some of the celebrities we’re working with.”

Della Casa greatly misses his friend, and mentor, Larry Hagman, who passed away in 2012. He says Hagman inspired him to market his artwork and achieve his dreams.

“He was a great talent and friend,” he adds. “I really miss him.”

To learn more about Della Casa’s artwork, please visit www.JeannieBottles.com

 

Charlene Tilton

Mario AC Della Casa, right, takes a photo with “Dallas” star, Charlene Tilton.

On Wednesday, Miss Nola’s Cafe owner, Tim McCusker, announced that Camas resident, Bonnie Carter, won the $100 restaurant gift certificate that was recently promoted by Lacamas Magazine. The contest asked readers from the magazine’s Facebook site what they liked most about Miss Nola’s Cafe, which serves quality Southern comfort food in the heart of Historic Downtown Camas.

The responses were fun to read.

Carter, the head secretary at Skyride Middle School, was selected as the contest winner as names were drawn.

” I love Miss Nola’s and all of Tim’s ventures,” said Carter, the mother of four sons. “I think Miss Nola’s is a fun and delicious culinary treat to complement the other dining options in Camas. “I see date night in my very near future at Miss Nola’s, but I believe we’ll bring friends to share in my good fortune. My husband and I are jambalaya fans, and of course, hush puppies will be the first thing ordered.”

Miss Nola’s Cafe offers a wide selection of great eats, and customers are given a complimentary order of hush puppies as they await their order. The hush puppies are one of Carter’s favorite items on the menu. Executive Chef, Shelby Lin Schmidt, works hard at preparing fine dishes for the restaurant’s patrons.

McCusker has received numerous accolades and awards for his culinary accomplishments, and has traveled  extensively to perfect his craft, also runs another local restaurant, called Feast@316. Miss Nola’s Cafe currently occupies the former Harvest Restaurant, which was also a popular destination.

“I love making food that puts a smile on people’s faces,” he said. “We’re happy that Bonnie won the gift certificate, and we hope she enjoys her next meal here. She’s always been a great supporter of our restaurant and our efforts here in downtown Camas.”

To learn more about the cafe, and downtown Camas, visit www.downtowncamas.com

 

Miss Nola's Cafe

When the author of “Shackleton’s Folly” started writing this intriguing book, he wanted to write Sci-Fi in the classical sense, to be filled with foreshadowing and enticing plots.

“It’s an adventure story about redemption,” says the author, Todd Yunker, who spent the better part of a year writing the book, which is part of a lengthy Sci-Fi series.

In this Sci-Fi story, Earth has been destroyed, few humans remain, and Shackleton, the novel’s central character, is determined to redeem his murdered father’s reputation by honoring his mission, namely to save the human race.

Integral to the story, Shackleton finds himself in a desperate race to solve an ancient legend of a lost tribe that long ago ventured into the stars. He seeks to find that tribe.

“Finding that tribe is key to solving his father’s dream and saving the human race from extinction,” says Yunker, who’s pleased with the effort. “I love how it turned out, and I’m already 115,000 words into the next novel in the series, which is called ‘Shackleton’s Critical Point.'”

Shackleton's Folly

 

Sci-Fi: A love for adventure

Yunker says he’s always loved a good adventure story.

“I’m old school,” he adds. “I like the classics. I like well-written stories and well-written plots. And, I always enjoy storytelling and entertaining others.”

He says it’s also been a good way to engage his son, Alex, who’s been battling cancer for the past few years. “The book has helped him cope with the cancer, as he’s been my beta reader.”

The reviews at Amazon are good, as well.

Says reader, E.A. Gray: “From the earliest part of the book, I realized the quality of the writing, the writer’s understanding of foreshadowing, and the progressive movement of the plot and characters. Alec is a superb protagonist that is a multidimensional individual. His love for his father’s work is respectable and his grit really rounds out his character. This guy is a real brick-laying tough guy that also happens to have a big heart, as well. His sidekick Dancer is a one-of-a-kind construct who’s easy to acclimate to. Before you know it, you are fully suspending disbelief and developing a strong bond with these characters: A testament to the author’s skill at character development.”

Shackleton's Folly3

 

Another reader,  David Bowen says: “Shackleton’s Folly” hit all the right buttons for me. I feel a wistful sense of loss that almost no one is writing classic-style SF adventure stories, ones that echo with the touch of the ghosts of Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov and the other luminaries of the Golden Age of Science Fiction. “Folly” has a similar feel to the classics without being derivative. The driving plot is paced more like an Indiana Jones adventure, but the big ideas are there. When I say big…I mean big. The concept behind the Lost Wonder in this book is staggering, any other word is an understatement. I truly appreciated the author had obviously spent the money on professional copy editing. It nearly doubled the pleasure of reading the story. I’ve read nearly 500 books since I got my first Kindle, many by new authors, some of which are now in development as movies.”

Todd300x300

A little more about Yunker: He grew up in Salem, OR, and grew up with a passion for the science fiction genre. As a child, he was an avid reader, and relished the old sci-fi movies.

“Shackleton’s Folly” is the equivalent of 321 pages in a handbook, and is 408 pages in its current paperback version. It’s also available on Kindle, for $2.99 at Shackleton’s Folly on Amazon

 

KELSO — For the second weekend in a row, a Camas High School team has won a District title. Last week, it was Wrestling. This weekend, it was the Camas Boy’s Swim team. And, it wasn’t just a story of wins, it was also a story of old records being smashed. Really old records.

The Papermaker victory, with a final score of 403 points, was a solid effort lead by several freshmen and sophomores, who are doing things that usually happen to juniors and seniors.

SONY DSC

The entire team enjoying the moment of victory.

 

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Holding the District Championship Trophy. From left: Daniil Timchenko, Eric Wu, and Noah Macia. Photo by Blake Schnell.

 

While, the Papermakers won multiple events, one of the best stories of Saturday afternoon at the Kelso High School pool, was sophomore Mark Kim’s victory in the 500 Free event with a time of 4:37.62, breaking a meet record, and a pool record held since 1973. He broke the record by 4 seconds. In swim speak, my friends, that’s jaw dropping.

“It feels great,” said Kim, who had little time to savor his victory. He needed to move onto his next event, the 200 Free Relay. His teammates say he just gets the job done, day in and day out. He loves what he does.

“Everybody is excited and happy,” said Kim. “We’ve had a lot of great swims today.”

 

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Mark Kim savoring his victory in the 500 Free, as he broke a record that was made in 1973. Photo by Blake Schnell.

Setting the tone early

Earlier in the meet, Kim won the 200 Free (1:44.93). And, the tone of the meet was set at the beginning when Papermakers Eric Wu, Finn McClone, Chris Xia, and Austin Fogel won the 200 Medley Relay (1:43.95).

Then Freshman Eric Wu won the 200 IM (1:57.07).

 

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Tom Utas entering the pool during one of the events. Photo by Blake Schnell.

 

“This is just surreal what’s happened today,” said Wu. “Countless years of practice with club swimming (at Lacamas Swim and Sport) have resulted in such a successful day. I look forward to State, and will try to make it to Finals.”

In the 50 Free, Max Dolbinin, of Heritage, won the event (21.64). Papermaker Tom Utas placed second (22.36).

Union’s Andrew Chang bested everyone in the 100 Fly (53.61), and Max Dolbinin blew everyone away in the 100 Free, setting a new meet record (47.83).

Camas again returned to the No. 1 spot in the 200 Free Relay with Luke Albert, Eric Wu, Mark Kim, and Tom Utas, delivering a time of 1:31.85.

Finn McClone won the 100 Back (55.11) and Jeff Fadlovich placed second (56.17).

“It’s been a great meet,” said Fadlovich. “I got a PR (personal record) and the team overall did very well.”

Wu delivered another first place finish in the 100 Breast (1:01.49), followed by Christ Joa, of Mountain View (1:06.07).

And, in the final event of the District Championships, Camas won the 400 Free Relay with a time of 3.19.97, setting a new pool and meet record. The team consisted of Luke Albert, Chris Xia, Mark Kim, and Tom Utas.

 

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The 400 Free Relay winners: From left, Chris Xia, Tom Utas, Mark Kim, and Luke Albert. Photo by Blake Schnell.

The top 5 teams were as follows:

  • Camas (403 points)
  • Mountain View (245 points)
  • Union (217 points)
  • Skyview (103 points)
  • Battle Ground (86 points)

All first and second place winners move onto State competition at Federal Way.

 

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Ian Pinch enters the water. Photo by Blake Schnell.

 

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Daniil Timchenko enters the pool. Photo by Blake Schnell.

 

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Luke Albert warms up prior to victory in the 400 Free Relay. Photo by Blake Schnell.

 

 

 

 

LONGVIEW, WA — This is a video about the Camas High School Boy’s Swim Team adventures at the Southwest Washington Swimming Invitational, which had some major glitches. Because of a septic overflow, the meet was suspended for an hour, and the athletes ended up playing hoops in swimsuits and caps. Several even wore their Speedos on the court. It was hilarious!

Plus, it didn’t help matters that some of the athletes tampered with drains, causing the problems to increase.

The athletes resumed the intense competition after the sewage overflow was cleaned up, and the pool was deemed safe (meeting health codes) by meet officials.

Swimming in Review

“Overall, it was a great meet,” said Jeff Fadlovich, who made some personal records at Longview. “Our team is pretty young, but we’re making great strides with our freshmen and sophomores. People like Mark Kim, and Eric Wu are making a huge difference, especially after losing State champions Lucas Ulmer and Kasey Calwell.”

Camas has been building up its program over the last 7-8 years, drawing talent from club swimmers who have been active in the sport most of their young lives.

Camas did end up winning the Invitational, by a large margin.