EFNEP improves the nutritional health and well-being of families with low-incomes and in rural communities. In 2023, EFNEP educators worked directly with 50,649 adults and 204,222 youth across 76 Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension programs. Of these participants, 400 adults and 2,272 youth were graduates of the EFNEP program in Washington state.
Data shows that EFNEP graduates show significant improvements toward health, wellbeing, nutrition, and food security. In 2023, 99 percent of participants reported improvements in diet quality and 88 percent increased their physical activity levels. EFNEP peer educators are members of the communities they serve and adapt teaching methods to embrace family dynamics and cultural differences.
EFNEP also leads to public savings. Research shows that better health is associated with reduced health care costs, less absenteeism from work and school, and less dependence on emergency food assistance. A pilot study documented $8.70 in health care savings per $1.00 spent on EFNEP in Washington state.
“When kids and families know how to prepare nourishing meals and identify nutritious options at the store, they have healthier and brighter futures,” Gluesenkamp Perez. “By ensuring EFNEP has robust funding, we can equip folks in rural and low-income communities with the tools they need to lead healthy lives.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15093438/DSC7383-3-scaled-e1715791209252.jpg11392560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-15 09:46:432024-05-15 09:46:50Glusenkamp Perez Leads Bipartisan Effort to Fund Food, Nutrition Ed Program
Camas, WA – The Camas Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of its Nature-Smart Library. The initiative combines an innovative collection with programming, which together aim to bridge the gap between library enrichment and the great outdoors, offering patrons unique opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with nature.
With the Nature-Smart Library, patrons may check out games intended for outdoor play, along with Discover Passes to state parks, and themed nature kits intended for children and families to explore the outdoors.
The Nature-Smart Library is a testament to Camas Library’s commitment to environmental education.
“Local community engagement efforts have shown how important nature, green spaces, and the environment are to our community,” said Connie Urquhart, Library Director. “In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to foster a connection to nature. Through this initiative, we aim to empower individuals of all ages to explore the wonders of the outdoors and discover the wealth of knowledge it has to offer.”
The Library chose to focus on the Nature-Smart Library this year as part of their current strategic plan, wherein one of its key initiatives is collaborating with organizations that focus on the natural world. Many local organizations are partnering with the Library to help bring this organization to life, with primary financial support from a Camas-Washougal Community Chest grant.
The Nature-Smart Library includes a collection of items to check out, and programs to enjoy.
Items to Check Out
Discover Pass Packs: Each backpack contains a Discover Pass, Washington State Birds pocket guide, Washington State Trees & Wildflowers pocket guide, two Washington State Parks maps, and a pair of binoculars.
Nature Kits: Each kit is equipped with tools and resources for outdoor exploration and discovery. Themes include bees, birds, bugs, flowers, general outdoors, hiking, insects, night, rocks, and trees.
Birdwatching for Beginners, Forest Bathing, Introduction to Pacific Northwest Ecology, Nature Walks, Outdoor iPhone Photography, Storytime in the Park, and Storywalk. Please check the Library’s online events calendar for details, including event location.
IMPACT Camas-Washougal, organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, is celebrating ten years of making a difference and impacting local lives. Their annual event to pack food donations for school families needing assistance during summer break is Sunday, June 9 at noon at Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal. The entire community is welcome.
IMPACT CW started as a call to action from Pastor Bob Barber of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. It began with the last sermon in a series titled “Be the Difference.” But instead of delivering a sermon that Sunday, Pastor Barber told the congregation “We’re going shopping today.”
“This was the culmination of the sermon series, emphasizing the fact everyone in our community is our neighbor and it is our call from Christ to aid our neighbors,” explained Scott Friedrich, Impact CW volunteer. “In the first year the focus was on the need of the families of students at Excelsior High School in Washougal for food items to get them through the month-long gap between the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer food program.”
After Pastor announced the intent of that Sunday, Irene Kratzke, long-time church member said “This is something we always needed to do. We just needed someone to show us how.”
During the actual shopping, one of the church members was asked by another shopper “Is this a scavenger hunt?” to which they gleefully replied “No, it’s church!”
Over the past decade, Impact CW has grown from that semi-spontaneous act of kindness, into a meticulously planned and executed event that serves every school in the Camas and Washougal School Districts. The event day is not just the prepping of the food boxes, but also a free BBQ and concert by the Community Orchestra, for anyone who shows up.
Dedicated volunteers spend the whole year preparing, planning, raising funds and getting the word out about Impact CW. The focus is more than serving the community, but to encourage the community to get involved. Last year they had over seventy volunteers from the community come out to help pack and load the food boxes.
“I’m hopeful that when people help people they will want to continue to pass that kindness on to others and make kindness a part of their everyday lives,” said Marylin Yates, who has been integral to Impact CW from its start.
Brandon Roberts, who volunteered alongside a sizable group from Windermere Crest Realty Co. in Camas, comments “It’s just a way to give back and help the community in which we serve.”
Beth Raetz, church Office Administrator and volunteer from the inception of Impact CW, when asked what impact this has made on the community said, “It’s been very rewarding to be able to touch the lives of the people in our community who are our neighbors. Not just those we help with the food, but also all the many people who get involved and help make Impact CW possible. Counselors from each school are also an integral part of the process.”
When asked what the biggest difference he has seen over the past ten years of Impact CW, Pastor Bob remarked, “We have significantly more volunteers from the community now. It has become a true community event. Much more streamlined and efficient. The first couple of years it took all day to pack twenty-five or thirty boxes. Now, with the help of the community, it takes about an hour to pack nearly 200 boxes.”
“St. Matthew is a church dedicated to our community and going out into that community to help. Impact CW is just one aspect of what has become a congregational attitude of willing service,” said Friedrich.
For those unable to attend the event who want to help, they can make a financial gift (to pre-purchase all the food and Safeway gift cards). Donors can visit www.impactcamaswashougal.org or send a check to St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 716 Washougal River Road, Washougal, WA 98671. Checks can also be dropped off at the church Tuesdays-Fridays 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360-835-5533 or stmatthewlcms@comcast.net / impactcamaswashougal.org
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15082536/Impact-CW-2023-volunteer-e1715786774902.jpg6971271Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-15 08:32:552024-05-15 08:33:03IMPACT CW Food Drive Back for 10th Year Helping Local Families
VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark College Treble Ensemble & College Chorale under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk, present their Spring Concert on Thursday, June 13, 2024, 7:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd St, Vancouver, WA. The admission is free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Choral Fund accepted at the door.
The Treble Ensemble will start the concert with a set list largely comprised of exciting folk song arrangements. The songs are filled with percussion, soloists, fireflies, and joy! Featured languages are Japanese, French, Acadian inspired nonsense syllables, and English.
Next on the program is The Chorale. You will experience lightning, the destruction of brookside flora, Shakespearean drama, and the persistence of music through the mud and scum of things. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, we have that too! Songs of togetherness and the limitless possibility of the self.
This is the final performance of the year for these two groups, and each group is sounding fantastic! Please come out and join these musicians for a wonderful night of beauty.
Dr. Jacob Funk is the Director of Choirs at Clark College where he conducts three choirs in addition to teaching theory, ear training, music appreciation, rock history, and applied voice. Jacob completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the University of Missouri—Kansas City where he was a Graduate Assistant to the Choral Department, Associate Conductor of the Conservatory Concert Choir and co-conductor of the University Singers. While at UMKC he also served as Opera Chorus Master and the director of Canticum Novum. Dr. Funk earned his masters in choral conducting from the University of British Columbia, and his undergraduate degree in vocal performance from John Brown University. Before coming to UMKC he was on the music faculty of John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College, where he taught choir and voice.
Jiyoun Oh, a South Korean pianist, is currently in her fourth year of pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano at the University of North Texas, where she studies with Elvia Puccinelli and Steven Harlos. There, she served as an opera teaching assistant and répétiteur. Ms. Oh was the winner of the Oregon State Music Teachers’ National Association (MTNA) Young Artist Competition in 2014. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul and completed two Master’s degrees at Portland State University, studying Collaborative Piano with Chuck Dillard and Piano Performance with Julia Hwakyu Lee. Ms. Oh has participated in master classes led by Craig Terry, Russell Miller, Jeffrey Kahane, Thomas Hecht, and the Pacifica Quartet. She has also performed at Buam Art Hall’s “Young Artist Concert” in Seoul and participated in the International Keyboard Institute & Festival in Manhattan. Additionally, she has performed for the Puccini Society of Dallas, UNT Opera Fans, and at outreach concerts in the Dallas area.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/14162012/20230610-8P5A1924-scaled-e1715729001724.jpg12112560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-15 07:31:012024-05-15 07:31:13Clark College Treble Ensemble & Chorale to Present Spring Concert
Washougal, WA — Washougal Mayor David Stuebe recently declared his candidacy for State Representative (LD-17) to succeed Paul Harris. With a distinguished career in public service and a commitment to community, Stuebe is bringing a wealth of public service experience and a local perspective to the race.
A retired Marine Colonel, Stuebe pledges to champion critical issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and the development of stronger communities in Southwest Washington.
“Having served our nation in the Marine Corps for decades, I understand the importance of safety, security, and unity,” Stuebe said. “As Washougal’s Mayor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our community. Now, I’m ready to take that experience to Olympia and work tirelessly to address these issues at the state level. I have always finished what I started and intend to remain Mayor of Washougal.”
Throughout his tenure as Mayor, Stuebe has demonstrated a commitment to an environment where families can thrive, businesses can prosper, and everyone can feel safe. His platform prioritizes public safety initiatives that aim to bolster law enforcement resources, promote community policing efforts, and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Stuebe said he is dedicated to tackling the pressing issue of affordable housing and recognizes the strain it places on families across the state. He plans to advocate for policies that promote access to affordable options, address the homelessness crisis, and alleviate the burden of skyrocketing housing costs.
Stuebe emphasizes the importance of building stronger communities through investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. With a vision of collaboration, he seeks to bridge divides and promote unity among Washingtonians from all walks of life.
For more information about David Stuebe’s campaign call 503-504-3099.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07155247/Image-33.jpg4791030Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-07 16:01:362024-05-07 16:01:43Washougal Mayor David Stuebe Running for State Representative
Camas, WA — Award-winning Camas author and playwright Gary Corbin has announced the release of his tenth novel, Under the Banner of Valor, with launch events and book signings in venues around the greater Portland/Vancouver area.
In this exciting, character-driven police procedural by acclaimed author Gary Corbin, second-year policewoman Valorie Dawes and the WAVE Squad get called into action after Clayton’s family planning clinics receive ominous threats: Close the clinics, or else.
Val takes this threat personally, as her closest friend since childhood, Beth, discloses that she’s pregnant and is considering an abortion.
Can Val support her friend and keep her safe from the armed madman? Or will Beth’s stubborn recklessness thrust her into harm’s way?
Not your typical police procedural, this fast-paced but character-driven mysterypits a young, tough, intuitive policewoman, Val Dawes, against a shadowy alliance of extremists whose chief weapons are violence and terror—and whose principal targets are pregnant women.
Advance readers describe it as “intense, emotional, and suspenseful.”
Book Launch and Signings: CapsN’Taps, Vintage Books, and more
To help promote the book, the author will kick off a series of release events and book signings. The first event is a launch party at Camas’ popular taproom, CapsN’Taps, on May 9, from 7-9 pm. Corbin will sell and sign books directly, and CapsN’Taps will offer $1 off any beer to customers who purchase a copy of the book at the event. There will also be surprise giveaways and other promos, and all ten of Corbin’s books will be available—signed by the author, of course.
“CapsN’Taps hosted the launch party for my very first novel, Lying in Judgment, which was a blast,” Corbin says. “Beer and books—what a great combination!”
On June 8, Corbin will read from the new novel and sign books at local favorite Vintage Books, 6613 E Mill Plain Blvd in Vancouver, at 2 pm. Copies of all ten books will be available for sale at the event.
“Vintage Books has been amazing at finding readers for my books, and they’re incredibly supportive of local authors,” Corbin says. “Vintage was one of the first to put my books on its shelves. It’s a great local bookstore with great selection and terrific event programming. I can’t say enough good things about it.”
Other events include online author interviews and promotional pricing at various online outlets.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07134505/headshot-woods-2020-300x300-1-e1715115086674.jpeg169300Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-07 14:05:452024-05-07 14:09:34Camas Author Celebrates Release of 10th Novel at Caps N’ Taps on May 9
Vancouver, WA — We Got Next! Is a Community focused event hosted in partnership by the Vancouver Volcanoes Basketball Club, and local non-profit Hoops for Hope, that highlights local vendors and entrepreneurs, youth basketball clinics, and fun basketball activities! This year’s Community Fest will be held outside in the parking lot of Hudson’s Bay High School from 3-7 pm on May 25th, at which time guests and vendors will be welcomed into the gym for the final home game of the Volcanoes regular season, starting at 7 pm.
Hoops For Hope will set up an outdoor basketball court in the parking lot of Hudson’s Bay High School, and will be promoting sign ups for their 3 vs 3 summer basketball tournament, while the Volcanoes provide free youth clinics and opportunities to support the Salvation Army fundraising game that evening. IQ Credit Union will be supporting youth in the event with a financial literacy program and the Boys and Girls Club will be onsite with their digital trading card booth. To add to the fun, there will be a DJ playing music to go along with on-court basketball activities.
The Vancouver Volcanoes will be promoting sign ups for their Nike Basketball Camps this summer, during the event. Nike Basketball Camps will be held from July 15th-19th, and July 29th-August 2nd at Evergreen High School in Vancouver.
Guests of the Community Fest will be given a stamp for coming to the event, granting them free admission into that night’s Volcanoes game! Come support local vendors, local non-profits, and the Volcanoes at the 2024 We Got Next! Community Fest, May 25th from 3-7 pm.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/07124141/Hoops-e1715111556799.png4371090Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2024-05-07 13:00:142024-05-07 13:00:24Vancouver Volcanoes to Host Community Fest w/ Hoops for Hope May 25th
Camas, WA — The public is invited to experience RedDoor Gallery (RDG) for the first time on Friday, May 3rd from 5-8 pm. Renovations are complete at the new art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas. An official ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration will follow on Friday, June 7th. The gallery will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.
RDG’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. The vibrant art space is designed to include a small artist community within the building for individual painters who desire a private art studio on a lease basis.
RDG seeks to promote the joy and transformative power of art while actively supporting the work of local visual artists. Artwork on display features diverse fine art from ten locally acclaimed artists: Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.
“We are developing a thriving art space that will last for years to come. Camas has a history of supporting a vibrant arts community and we are very excited about this new artistic partnership,” said Liz Pike.
She is joined by business art/partners Heidi Curley and Tamra Sheline in the new venture. In addition to having fine art in the gallery, Curley and Sheline will also occupy a spacious portion of the upstairs mezzanine as their personal art studio space as well as teaching several on-site art classes each month.
Pike noted her affection for the space at 411 NE Dallas Street. She opened her first art gallery there in 2005. “I love this building; it feels like coming home,” said Pike.
Curley and Sheline also have history with the space, having leased art studio space there previously.
“We are thrilled to be involved with this new art experience in Camas,” said Curley. “We look forward to sharing art with the general public,” added Curley.
“We are delighted to open our space up to the community to create an authentic art hub for creative people and art patrons alike,” added Sheline.
In addition to hosting an upscale First Friday Art Walk reception from 5 pm to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month, RDG will also host weekly Thirsty Art Thursday featuring a live painting demonstration from 5-7 pm. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas,com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com
Washougal, WA — The Washougal School Board of Directors has named Aaron Hansen as the interim superintendent for the 2024-2025 school year. Hansen, who has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Student Services for the last five years, will begin in the new role on July 1, when current Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton starts her new role with the Lake Stevens School District.
Hansen has worked for Washougal School District for 23 years. He has 31 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Prior to his current role, Hansen served as the WHS Principal from 2011 to 2019. He began his teaching experiences with Washougal at Washougal High School and at the former Excelsior High School, where he was a Math and Science teacher providing alternative learning experiences and customized learning opportunities for students. Prior to joining the Washougal School District he was a Math and Science teacher at Rogers High School in Spokane for eight years. Hansen also taught English for one year in Taiwan.
“Aaron has a demonstrated track record of service to Washougal’s students through his various roles,” Board president Angela Hancock. “Aaron brings experience with nearly every aspect of the district’s work to this role, and the strong relationships he has built with students, parents, teacher, staff, and community members will help him be successful in the interim role. The board is confident in his ability to continue the great progress the district has made to increase student achievement and the graduation rate.”
Templeton praised the selection, saying, “Aaron is an exceptional leader and educator with a passion for ensuring each student is on a bright pathway to the future. He has leveraged community partnerships and the energy and excitement students have to help the district rise.”
Hansen said, “As I step into the role of Interim Superintendent for the Washougal School District, I am filled with both excitement and humility. Washougal is a community that stands out for its strong tradition of supporting education, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to lead in such an amazing environment.”
He added, “Our district is home to outstanding teachers and staff who dedicate themselves daily to creating enriching and powerful learning experiences for our students. I am eager to engage directly with classrooms, collaborating with students, families, and educators. Together, we will continue to advance towards our shared vision, building on the solid foundation of support and commitment that characterizes the Washougal community. It is a privilege to continue to be a part of the WSD community, and I am committed to ensuring that we keep moving forward, making a positive impact on every student’s life.”
Hansen has an undergraduate and master’s degree from Eastern Washington University. He holds a superintendent credential from Washington State University.
The board took action to appoint Hansen during the April 30, 2024 special board meeting, and noted that it will be gathering community input into a permanent replacement for Dr. Templeton in the fall. As part of the cost saving measures needed in school year 2024-2025, the Assistant Superintendent position is being eliminated to help solve the district’s $3 million budget shortfall.
Aaria Lankireddy from Skyridge Middle School won three awards at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF) on April 5. Aaria was awarded first place in 6th grade for the Thermo Fisher Scientific for Advancing Equity Through Innovation Award & Oral Health Care Award by the Washington State Dental Association with an invitation to present her science project at the PNW Dental Conference.
Her scientific research project was titled: “Can Himalayan and Bolivian Pink Salt Gum Reduce Dental Plaque Without Impacting Blood Pressure?” Aaria participated in the after school Youth Research Scholar club at Skyridge, which was run by mentors from the Camas High School Magnet program. This opened up a whole new door of opportunities in conducting science STEM research skills for middle schoolers. Aaria made a new innovative discovery in her research with the two types of pink salt incorporated as two new dental gum flavors that helps in removing dental plaque and improves oral health. She gives special thanks to all her volunteer helpers, her MST mentors at Camas High School and to NHS Oral Consultant, Dr Sekhar Reddy, MDS, FRCSed, UK for his professional guidance.
Aaria is also selected for Clark County Youth Achievement Award for her contribution to the community in enhancing elementary literacy reading skills from the age of 8 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Her love of books was instilled by her 1st grade teacher at Prune Hill Elementary, Patti Landers and Librarian Sharon Loniewski.
Aaria has for years championed community engagement in literacy ideas, guiding fun books to youngsters, hosting readings at book stores and reaching out via social media platforms during the pandemic.
At the age of 12, Aaria will now receive a commemorative pin and Youth Achievement Award certificate by Clark County in late May.