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Dave Stinchfield: Ultra Runner Conquers 200-Mile Bigfoot 200 Race

When Washougal dentist and ultra runner, Dave Stinchfield, decided he’d tackle a 200-mile race, he wasn’t totally sure he could do it. But, when he embarked on this remarkable journey that began August 9, deep in the Cascade Mountains, he realized all his preparation running 50K and 100-mile races paid off.

“I was really excited building up to it, I was really excited about the whole thing, but I thought could I actually do this 200-miler? Actually I thought there’s a 50/50 chance, so I was wondering where my weak point was going to be,” said Dave, about a week after the race ended. “There was actually no part of the race where I thought I needed to quit.”

Aided by his wife, Adina; daughter, Morgan; brother, Tom; and a team of pacers and supporters, Dave completed the Bigfoot 200 race in 85 hours, 10 minutes, crossing the finish line at 10:30 pm on August 12.

Making the race successful is a delicate balance of mental stamina, focus, support, proper nutrition, hydration and foot care.

Dave walks us through the adventures of each day.

Day One

“The first part of the race is the Mount St. Helens blast zone, it was like running on the moon, and then going into Coldwater Creek I heard the thunder in the distance,” said Dave. “I was going to get two to three hours of sleep and it was just dumping and the rain was so loud I couldn’t sleep. My next leg was 19 miles that went up 5,000 feet. That’s what I had ahead of me and there was lightning and thunder and I put on all my rain gear and it took me seven hours to get through that section, and it took me on mountain ranges and cliffs. I passed a lot of people who were getting really discouraged. That was the first night.”

The 160+ ultra runners were supported by aid stations (10-15 miles apart) and sleep stations that are dispersed throughout the race. The runners let support staff know they’re ready for sleep, or if they have a vehicle they use those, but you’re not allowed to leave the area. Dave used a roof top tent on his truck, which Adina drove.

Dave
Dave along the trail.

Nutrition

Dave fueled up on breakfast burritos, guacamole, veggie hamburgers, and protein gels eaten along the way. Ultra runners need lots of salt and carbs.

“You need salt because it gets depleted and it makes you tank and you lose your appetite so I was taking salt tabs,” said Dave. “I sweat salt. I drank a lot of water and a lot of electrolytes. I use Tailwind, which is an electrolyte, and it keeps you balanced. I figured I burned about 25,000 calories during the race! I wasn’t able to replace all of that with food. I lost weight. I usually lose 5-10 pounds on these type of races. And, when I was done I really wanted pizza.”

Dave

Day Two

On day two, the storm cleared out and Dave was joined by a pacer named Wes, from Sunnyvale, California, who ran three legs with him, which lasted the whole day and into the next night — a total of 50 miles.

“A lot of the trails were deep rutted and shaped like a V from water run off or motorcycles and there were angled surfaces,” said Dave. “That was the whole 50-mile climbing stretch. He stayed with me until Lewis River camp ground aid station where I got three hours of rest. You have to balance how much you sleep with how far you’re getting behind. I had four time goals set, and I finished only three hours off my awesome goal. I had a really good pace going. I’m typically in top third group and I wanted to stay there in that top third.”

Foot Care

Experienced runners know when you start getting hot spots on your feet that’s where blisters form and you have to take care of it.

“I changed shoes five to six times, and most of the time I’d get wet pretty quick,” he said. “If you run on soaking wet feet it will create worse blisters. After 100 miles I had blisters that hurt with every step. I learned to endure the pain in my feet, but my joints and muscles didn’t hurt too much.”

Dave
Dave and Adina have been married for 26 years.

Day Three

On day three, Dave was joined by his brother, Tom Stinchfield, who ran two legs with his older brother.

“We left there with a river crossing and we went through this thick wet, overgrown trail area that was soaking wet,” said Dave. “I had a bunch of climbing with Tom, and he stayed with me for 25-30 miles. So he got me to the next aid station in the late afternoon and then he dropped off and I got my feet taped off again. A group called Dirtbag Medic was there and they examined everyone’s feet, so I felt like I covered a lot of ground and realized I had 60 miles left. I felt good, my pace was good, my joints and muscles felt really good.”

“So I left that aid station alone and it had four river crossings, one of which had a five-mile relentless climb, and once I got to the top of that it was nighttime. It was 1 or 2 am on Monday and I slept for three hours.”

Dave told Adina he just wanted to wake up at a particular time, and once he laid down flat, he was gone.

“I took my socks off to air out my feet,” he said. “I had a pair of running shoes once size larger because the feet swell up. To prevent foot damage you go to a bigger pair of shoes. Julie, works with Adina, joined me there, and she ran two or three legs with me. That was beautiful, and we went up these areas with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams. We came across a runner who was passing a kidney stone on this ridge out of reach of anybody. He wasn’t able to move anymore. He ended up having the Air National Guard airlifting him out from a ridge up 4,500 feet.”

On these long races, Dave said you have to watch your urine output as you can be totally dehydrated. Urinating regularly is sign you’re properly hydrated. Runners take dirt naps or short breaks at the aid stations, but they’re focused on constantly moving.

Day Four

During one of the updates, Adina reported “Just a marathon left.”

Dave said there were a couple times in the last quarter of the race where nothing would hurt.

“I didn’t feel tired at all, my feet didn’t hurt, it was almost this euphoria,” he said. “I could just take off running way faster than I was going. It was really a runner’s high. I felt I was able to do it with a decent time. Everything feels good, and you just take off running. I did my last leg with Morgan and then she jumped on with a half-marathon to the finish and at that point that was mile 193 and ran into 206.5, which was a nice sunset. I came in around 10:30 pm. The finish line was at White River High School in Randall, WA. You finish on the track right there.”

Dave
Pacers helped along the way.

Lessons Learned

“I learned that with every increase of distance and endurance I was always wondering am I capable of doing that? I learned that it was possible. We’re all going through struggles and I learned I had to take it one chunk at a time. I took it into small little chunks. I think I just got to get to that aid station. I learned I can actually do it. I’m so grateful for Adina and all they pacers that got me through it. That middle section is really tough.”

Would he do it agin?

“Yes, I would do it again. I’m gonna do it again next year.”

There were 160+ runners that started, and 55 dropped the race. Dave was number 35. There were 70 runners that came after him.

“After the race, we went and got some pizza then we went back to the hotel, I took a shower and I went to bed and slept for eight hours. Then I went back to the track in Randall and kept my feet elevated while I watched the runners finish. There were people from all over the world. I made some really good friends and saw people that really struggled and overcame it. I stayed there until 6 pm when the last runner came in.”

He said his feet really hurt for the next four to five days, and a couple of toes are numb.

He uses a couple brands of shoes: Altra and an Italian brand called Los Portiva.

“I think I need different brands to keep my feet guessing. I use Ultimate Direction for gear. I go through two to three pair of shoes at once and they last four to five months.”

“Ultra running is catching on. There’s a slogan that says 200 is the new 100. There are lot of ultra runners out there and the Pacific Northwest is the best place to run with all our trails and varying terrain. People come from all over the world to run here.”

Ultrasignup.com is where you go to sign up for these races, and search for Bigfoot 200 to learn more about this particular race.

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Washougal High School Kicks Off New School Year w/ Special Freshmen Rally

Washougal, WA — Incoming Washougal High School freshmen, the class of 2023, were welcomed at a special, “We will graduate!” rally event on Monday, August 26.  After learning the school cheer and meeting class advisers, school leadership and counselors, each student was invited to sign a banner, pledging their commitment to graduate high school.

“We want the Class of 2023 to be the first class to have a 100 percent on-time graduation and leave a legacy for other classes to follow,” WHS principal, Sheree Clark (this is her freshman year as WHS principal) told students and parents seated on gym bleachers.  “Every thing you do at school the next four years will matter for you to reach the goal of graduating on time,” said Clark. “The good news is you are not alone.  You have your friends, parents and a whole team of people at WHS to help you get through!”  

The idea for the Freshman graduation commitment signing came from the Panthers Rising event held last spring that featured all graduating seniors who had made commitments for their post-high school education, including four and two-year colleges, apprentices, military and trade schools. They want students to be fully aware of all the options available to them post-graduation.

“We are challenging all of our WHS students to rise,” Clark said. 

After students signed the banner, WHS staff present also signed their commitment to help students reach this goal. Today is the first day of the new school year at WHS and all through the school district. #EyeOfThePanther

Lacamas Magazine will be covering events throughout the school year, including several community outreach programs that are being planned.

To learn more about Washougal High School, go here: http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs/home/school-homepage/

Previous article on Washougal High School: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/08/washougal-high-school-adds-computer-science-advancement-placement-class.html

Washougal
Washougal High School freshmen students sign a banner.
Gause Elementary
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County Medical Examiner Releases Identity of Lacamas Lake Drowning Victim

On Wednesday afternoon, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office released the name of the Vancouver teen who drowned at Lacamas Lake Tuesday evening.

The victim was 14-year-old Anthony Huynh, who was swimming with friends and jumping off the Lacamas Park walking bridge Tuesday as part of fun summer day outing. According to friends, once they noticed Huynh was missing they went looking for him and eventually called 911 for assistance.

Police quickly found his belongings, including his cell phone.

The cause of death is accidental drowning.

Shortly after 9 pm Tuesday, divers from Multnomah and Clark counties recovered the teen’s body from the lake after a 10-minute search. The Medical Examiner was called to the scene.

Through the day Wednesday, many have stopped by the bridge to pray, ponder and leave balloons, flowers and kind notes to the deceased and to his family.

Drownings have occurred in summer months at Lacamas Lake throughout its history.

Lacamas Lake
Anthony Huynh, 14, of Vancouver, drowned at Lacamas Lake.

In Washington, there were 98 unintentional drowning deaths of residents in 2017. Drowning along with fire/burns, were the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens ages 1 – 17 in Washington. Source: WA Department of Health, Washington Tracking Network Data, accessed June 2019

In 2017, there were 4,508 drowning deaths in the United States, an average of 12 deaths per day. 
Source: CDC, WISQARS Injury Mortality Report, accessed June 2019

Link to the first article: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/08/police-vancouver-teen-drowns-at-lacamas-lake-tuesday-evening.html

Lacamas Lake
www.MeuPilates.com

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Washougal High School Adds Computer Science Advancement Placement Class

Washougal, WA — Washougal High School is introducing a new Advanced Placement (AP) course titled Computer Science Principles this year, bringing the total number of AP courses to 13.  AP courses offer a rigorous, collegiate level curriculum that prepares students to succeed in college and other educational and training programs after graduation.  

The Computer Science Principles course will feature volunteer instructors through the Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS program, bringing subject matter experience and opportunities for students to learn alongside industry professionals.  In addition to computer science, students at WHS can take AP courses in subjects like art, calculus, biology, chemistry, English, music theory, physics, psychology, Spanish, and history.   Students who complete the course can register for the AP exam in May, and students who perform well on the exam can earn college credit, providing an opportunity to skip introductory coursework when they enroll in college.  

“We are excited about adding a new AP course subject for the 2019-20 school year,” said Aaron Hansen, WSD Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services. “Last spring we were intentional with our message to students that we wanted all of our students to challenge themselves academically. Our AP enrollment reflects the good work our counselors did as we have many more students enrolled in AP courses this coming school year.”

Computer Science

According to Hansen, students who take AP courses learn valuable college-level study skills that will benefit them in all their high school classes and beyond. One of the benefits of taking an AP class is the exposure to the level of thinking, rigor and academics that Washougal students will experience in college, not to mention earning college level credit. “We are planning to continue to add more AP offerings at WHS as well as continuing to encourage all students to stretch themselves,” he said. “The work our students are doing now is preparing them to compete in the global economy and be able to effectively participate in a rapidly changing world.”

“Some families or students may believe that AP offerings are only available to students who ‘already get it’ or who already have all of the skill sets necessary to be successful in an AP course,” said Sheree Clark, WHS Principal.  “This in fact is not the case at all.  While our AP courses are rigorous, there is a high level of support within a small classroom setting that will coach and teach our students the skills necessary to be successful in these programs.”

Additionally, Clark points out that some believe AP courses are only for students on a 4-year college track.  “While having AP courses on a students’ transcript for 4-year colleges can significantly increase a student’s chance for acceptance, these courses also provide essential 21st Century Skills needed for other post-secondary programs including apprenticeships, vocational programs and other career focused programs,” she said. “Many of these post-secondary programs and careers are seeking out candidates who are willing to take risks, work hard and challenge themselves.”

WHS students can also earn college credit while studying at WHS by taking College in the High School coursework in pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Spanish through a partnership with Central Washington University, and many additional courses through Dual Credit courses with Clark College and Mt. Hood Community College. 

Helping students be prepared and be able to contribute to their community through career and college opportunities is a pillar of the new WSD Strategic Plan.  These AP options prepare students academically to succeed in college and build job readiness skills to expand career opportunities.  Students and families interested in learning more about Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, or College in the Classroom coursework can contact their school counselor.  More information can also be found at http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs/dual-credit-classes/

“At Washougal High School we believe that students should have every opportunity and access to rigorous courses, we want to see more of our students challenge and stretch their thinking beyond what is easy; if you take on the challenge, we will provide the high level of support,” Clark said.

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Police: Vancouver Teen Drowns at Lacamas Lake Tuesday Evening

Camas Police confirmed a Vancouver teen drowned at Lacamas Lake Tuesday evening. He was just 14.

The police say the teenager had been playing with friends, jumping off the Lacamas Park walking bridge shortly after 6 pm when they noticed he had not resurfaced. They then called 911.

Friends weren’t sure if he had left them behind, so the police canvassed the the area, and quickly found the teen’s bag, clothing and cellphone on shore nearby.

Shortly after 9 pm, divers from Multnomah and Clark counties recovered the teen’s body from the lake after a 10-minute search. The Medical Examiner was called to the scene.

Police say the teen’s family has been notified. His identity has not been released, but it is believed he was an incoming Union High School freshman.

We will update the story as more information becomes available.

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Gause Elementary Receives Parking, Circulation Improvements Over Summer

Washougal, WA — A parking and circulation project was completed over the summer at Gause Elementary to enhance student and staff safety while increasing parking capacity.  These improvements were one of the final projects to be completed using funding by the voter approved 2015 capital facilities bond.

The Gause Elementary Circulation Project added a drive lane in front of the school with a pull-out lane that allows families to drop students off in the driveway rather than on the street.  This will reduce congestion along 34th Street during peak pick up and drop off times.

In addition, the north parking lot was expanded to accommodate additional vehicles, and to create a loop for cars to more easily enter and exit without drivers needing to do a 3-point turn at the end of the lot.  The parking area includes crosswalks for pedestrians to increase safety and trees to make the area cooler in the warmer months.

“Gause Elementary is excited to start the school year with a major redesign of the front of the school for safer and more efficient student pick up and drop off,” said Tami Culp, Gause Principal.  “We are also grateful for the extended north parking lot to provide more adequate parking for our families and community for the school day and events. 

“Student safety is a priority in the Washougal School District and these renovations align with the improvements needed to ensure the safety of our students,” said Culp.  “We wish to thank the Washougal community for the dollars provided by the Bond for these features to Gause.  I would like to invite the community out to Gause to see the investment they have made in our school!”

The Gause project was approved by the WSD Board in January 2018. It was paid for with excess funding resulting from excellent fiscal management of the 2015 $57 million capital bond.  This project had been identified as a needed safety improvement during the 2014 Long Range Capital Facility Planning process.

Gause Elementary
www.CaliberHomeLoans.com/tshaffer

The original bond funded safety and security remodel and upgrades at all schools, a new 550-student Columbia River Gorge Elementary (CRGE) and new 600-student Jemtegaard Middle School (JMS), a new Excelsior Building at Washougal High School, roof and HVAC improvements at Gause and Hathaway Elementary and building a new, modern transportation facility.

The other additional projects funded with excess bond funds were: construction of covered play areas for Gause and Hathaway Elementary Schools; construction of a dry storage building for athletic equipment at Canyon Creek Middle School; and improvements and upgrades to the Fishback Stadium (including replacing existing restrooms with ADA accessible facilities, relocating the concessions area, additional dry and secure equipment storage, replacing wood plank seating with aluminum seats, and installing new visitor side bleachers) all finished during the 2018-19 school year.

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Columbia River Water Feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park Opens

Vancouver, Washington – The highly anticipated Columbia River water feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park (695 Waterfront Way) officially opened to the public today. 

The interactive art installation was gifted to the City of Vancouver by City Council resolution on Monday, Aug. 5. The Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the water feature as it draws locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s waterfront for years to come. 

“I believe that carefully conceived environments can create places of meaning within communities,” said Larry Kirkland, the artist who designed the Columbia River water feature. “The best of public art can challenge, delight, educate and illuminate. But above all, it can celebrate the qualities that make each place unique and can create a sense of civic ownership. This pride of place is a building block for the future of these communities.”

Design and Details
The Columbia River water feature journey begins with the monumental structure called Headwaters. This 12-foot tall and 16-foot wide stone and bronze monolith is oriented north and south to the adjacent Columbia River.  

The east face is a cast bronze relief map of the Columbia Basin. The northern Rocky Mountains, Cascades and Coastal mountain ranges and river valleys are rendered in high relief to be touched and traced by human hands. 

The west face is an engraved stone with a topographic map of the origins of the Columbia, the “Great River of the West.” Water cascades down it in a variable flow, reflecting seasonal changes in the flow of the river. The one-inch deep river flows for 150 feet along a molded riverbed past variable-height stacks of textured granite representing each of the Columbia River’s tributaries. More water flows from between these rocks into the original river. The water is chlorinated and can be waded through and played in by visitors.

  • Columbia River
    Monument donors.
  • Columbia River
    Water feature.

Facts about each of the tributaries are engraved on the dry side of each granite grouping. Intermingled with the factual text are quotes from literature that reference water and the flow of rivers. Combined, the facts and writingsmerge into a poetic and contemplative experience. 

Donors to the $3.5 million project are recognized on the side of the Headwaters structure.

Donors are Steve and Jan Oliva, who also played a major role in the development of the Vancouver Waterfront, as well as the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Other key donors are Steve and Jo Hansen, Al and Sandee Kirkwood, Barry Cain, Alvin Charles Berg, Mary Jane Berg, Susan Lynn Berg, Jim and Shirley Johnson, The Columbian, Dean and Kristin Kirkland Family, Marilyn Denham, and Kenneth E. and Eunice M. Teter.

“We’re really happy to have this water feature built,” said Jan Oliva. “This entire Vancouver Waterfront project has been in the works for 12 years, and there are so many good, wonderful people here in Vancouver. Larry Kirkland is the artist and John Grant (John Grant Projects) is the one who built the fountain. It’s designed to show the inlets of the Columbia flowing into it, and the ocean is represented at the end.

“It’s going to be great for little kids. Since we’re involved in the whole waterfront development this is a key piece that is going to the city from the waterfront development group. We love what’s happening here because we feel it’s helping the whole area. There’s a great walking loop that connects us to the land bridge and the Fort Vancouver Historic Site. It’s a good thing, I’m just happy and pleased with it.”

Columbia River

Design and Details About the Columbia River Water Feature

  • $3.5 million gift to the City of Vancouver, accepted by City Council resolution on August 5, 2019, from Columbia Waterfront, LLC.
  • The water is chlorinated and can be waded through and played in by visitors.
  • The Columbia River water feature journey begins with the monumental structure called Headwaters.
  • This 12-foot tall and 16-foot wide stone and bronze monolith is oriented north and south to the adjacent Columbia River.
  • The east face is a cast bronze bas relief map of the Columbia Basin. The northern Rocky Mountains, Cascades and Coastal mountain ranges and river valleys are rendered in high relief.
  • The west face is an engraved stone with a topographic map of the origins of the Columbia River.
  • Water cascades down it in a variable flow, reflecting seasonal changes in the flow of the river.
  • The one-inch deep river flows for 150 feet along a molded riverbed past variable-height stacks of textured granite representing each of the Columbia River’s tributaries.
  • Facts about each of the tributaries are engraved on the dry side of each granite grouping. Intermingled with the factual text are quotes from literature that reference water and the flow of rivers.
  • Donors to the $3.5 million project are recognized on the side of the Headwaters structure.

McKeanSmith is one of the early tenants at the Vancouver Waterfront. Learn more about them here:https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/07/mckeansmith-law-firm-expands-into-murdock-vancouver-waterfront-tower.html

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City of Camas Answers FAQ’s Regarding New Plans for Crown Park

The following Crown Park information was prepared by the City of Camas:

Why not just replace the Camas Municipal Pool at Crown Park?
We understand that many people loved Camas Municipal Pool and have fond memories of their time there. However, through public outreach, the majority of Camas citizens have expressed interest in a community facility that is usable year-round and provides multiple recreational amenities. The Crown Park location cannot accommodate the size of such facilities or the parking and traffic enhancements that would be needed with them. Construction of another outdoor pool at Crown Park, though less in cost, would only provide use for roughly 10 weeks each year and would only fulfill a fraction of the features and programs sought by most Camas residents.

What’s the plan for Crown Park?
Public input gathered from 2017 to 2018 helped create the Crown Park Master Plan, which was presented to Camas City Council at its Nov. 5, 2018, workshop. Today, the plan serves as a vision for the park and a framework for future funding decisions. In 2019, we’ve been seeking bids, firming up costs, and starting to schedule work. Most improvements will be subject to the 2021-2022 budget cycle that begins next year. Here’s an overview of the proposed features included in the Crown Park Master Plan:

  • Interactive water feature
  • Large destination playground
  • Permanent restrooms
  • Outdoor amphitheater
  • Sports court
  • New ADA accessible pathways
  • Access improvements to Scout Hall
  • Flexible lawn space
  • New site furnishings
  • Upgraded irrigation system
  • Stormwater management gardens and updated plantings

Portions of these elements are already in the works:

Sports Court – In May 2019, an aging concrete slab that served as a basketball court was removed. In the upcoming months, we will be replacing it with a new multi-use sports court closer to Scout Hall and the play areas. Construction is anticipated for fall.

Sip&Paint
www.ClarkCountyRelocations.com

Upgraded Irrigation System – To ensure that new grass grows and thrives around the former pool site, an irrigation system is planned for installation in late July 2019, then the area will be reseeded. The orange fencing will remain until the grass is established, around late August 2019. Irrigation upgrades in other areas of the park will be made throughout the course of the project.

For more information on, please visit http://www.cityofcamas.us/parkshome/68-parkscat/819-parksprojects. Questions may be referred to Parks & Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson at jacheson@cityofcamas.us or 360-817-7990.

How does the Crown Park Master Plan relate to the proposed community aquatics center and sports fields?
When the Parks Commission and City Council approved the proposed features set forth in the Crown Park Master Plan, they made the requirement that the City continue to actively pursue options to fund and develop a year-round aquatic facility. Based on that requirement, we’re working on plans to bring a year-round community aquatics center to Camas at a location that can handle more amenities, parking, and access. The design for the proposed community aquatics center includes skylights and roll-up doors that will provide an open air experience and connection to nature.

Will any trees in Crown Park be removed?
No trees have been identified for removal. However, if a tree becomes identified as hazardous or bearing disease, it may be removed.

Here’s a link to a past article: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2018/06/city-of-camas-to-hold-public-hearing-on-crown-park-redesign.html

Crown Park
There are several plans for Crown Park.
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McKeanSmith Law Firm Expands Into Murdock Vancouver Waterfront Tower

Vancouver, WA — The law firm, McKeanSmith LLC, officially moved into their spacious new offices at the stunning Vancouver Waterfront on April 1, and they couldn’t be happier.

“I love the fact that Vancouver is reclaiming its waterfront,” said Collin McKean, the firm’s co-founder. “I find that being next to water is an inspiring place to be. I grew up living on a body of water and it’s a great way to give clients a calming location to do our work and help them through their life transitions.”

The firm, established in 2015, moved their nine employees from their downtown Vancouver office to the fifth floor of the Murdock Tower, which has commanding views of the Columbia River and the I-5 bridge. The nearly 3,800 square foot space gives McKeanSmith room to grow. Their Vancouver office provides legal services in the following areas: family law (including collaborative family law), employment law, business law, general litigation, and criminal law. They also have offices in Portland and Hillsboro.

“As lawyers, we work hard, sometimes long hours for our clients, and it’s important to be in a place you like to be in,” said McKean. “Given we have a front row seat to the waterfront, we’ve taken a unique approach to the gathering space. The location is also comforting to our clients, who are often going through major life changes.”

McKeanSmith
Several McKeanSmith employees at Vancouver’s Waterfront.

The move is also a reflection of the firm’s positive momentum.

“We have a good reputation so we continue to get referrals in from our clients for family law work, and our attorneys are very active in the community,” said McKean. “We value them, and invest in small businesses and support them. We’re looking to increase our employment law practice and support for small businesses. We’re handling typical small business issues with transactional litigation needs.”

And, their work isn’t going unnoticed by their peers.

“We’re proud our lawyers have been recognized in Vancouver for Best Lawyer designations. Annelisa Smith, Deanna Rusch, and I are Super Lawyer Rising Stars,” said McKean. “We’re also ranked top tier in the Portland/Vancouver metro area by US News and World Report, which ranks all firms.”

The office, with its modern touches, brings in a lot of natural light, and a nearly 180 degree view of the waterfront and downtown Vancouver.

“The office offers a calm and serene location and atmosphere because whether they’re new or existing they’re all in some form of turmoil, so you can’t underestimate the importance of that,” said Rusch.
“I have a beautiful view of Mt. Hood, the river and the I-5 Bridge, and kind of just the whole eastern part of the waterfront development that is still under construction. I like watching the boats go by.”

“Family law was the cornerstone of the practice so that was really what they had been doing. Since then, Collin especially has grown into other practice areas. So, when I joined the firm in October 2017 it was to continue my family law practice, which is mostly in Clark County. I represent anyone, mostly in divorces, and my clients range from little to no assets to high assets.”

Art
Art from Attic Gallery in Camas.

And, as part of their commitment to small business and things local, the firm invested heavily in local art to adorn their new office space.

Rusch put partners McKean and Smith in touch with Maria Gonser, owner of Attic Gallery in downtown Camas. Gonser works with local artists, and assisted them with the whole process, even taking a Sunday afternoon to hang the artwork in entrance, hallway, and conference room.

“The art on left-hand side in the conference room are from the Sandra Jones Campbell Pendleton series,” said Gonser. “She had 30 paintings in that series. The pieces on the other side are all from Pendleton. The ‘Broad Shoulders’ cowboy is her father. The ones on the right are inspired from old photographs. She’ll get a series of photographs from a particular era and she recreates those pictures in her paintings.”

McKeanSmith also bought an Earl Hamilton abstract, wood carvings by Monica Setziol-Phillips, and a massive piece by Cedar Lee.

“Collin and Annelisa went through this process with great detail,” said Rusch. “I’m very appreciative of their support and follow through.”

To learn more about their practice, please visit www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

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One Stop Home Furnishings: Success Through Three Generations

One Stop Home Furnishings has a rich Camas history and a proven track record at recognizing trends and being there for their customer base. We sat down with store owners Dave and Molly Fletcher as they answered questions about business, family, and local history. Please enjoy this Q&A format.

The store is located at 2140 SE 8th Avenue, right at the SR 14 roundabout and on-ramp.

How long has One Stop Home Furnishings been here?

The business started in 1954, when it was incorporated. My grandfather started it in the One Stop Shopping Center, the same complex where Domino’s Pizza is today. My grandmother was a driving force. My grandparents built that shopping center. It was one of the first in the northwest, and it was revolutionary. There was free parking. They had a grocery store, a shoe store, a hardware store, Nan Henriksen’s father had a drug store — all in one center. I remember as a kid going to some of those stores.

Hazel and Mickey Schwary were the ones who started it in 1954. Then dad and mom, Winn and Joanne Fletcher, came in 1958.

They started in the back side where the driving school used to be. Then after my father came in, they expanded, and added furniture and mattresses. Eventually, we moved into the anchor spot, and then we moved into this much larger location on April 1, 1998. We’ve been here 21 years.

We were in the old place for 44 years, and we’ve been here at this location for 21 years, so now we’re the oldest independent furniture store by quite a bit.

We bought the business from my mom and dad, and I’ve been working it since 1983. Molly came in seven years ago full-time. Needless to say, it’s a family business. We work pretty hard at it.

We’ve been here almost 65 years. And, there are several other longtime local family-run businesses, as well — such as Lutz, Gunderson Les Schwab Tires, Runyan’s, Westlie Ford, Columbia Litho and Washougal Lumber. We all have longevity. I believe that businesses don’t hang around a long time if they don’t treat customers well.

One Stop
This vibrant blue adds pop to any family living space.

What do you want to be known most for?

Good quality product at good prices and great values. I think also the fact that we’ve been here so long people can trust us. And, if a problem arises, we react quickly. We work hard to maintain a good reputation in the community.

We get a lot of five stars on our ratings, but this is how we grew up — by taking care of people. We take care of people, not account numbers.

It’s a pretty personal approach, we’re not on commission here. It’s a “turtle and the hare” type of approach, and we’re the turtle. The pace is a little different than some stores. Doing business this way is more comfortable and fun. This is the type of business we really enjoy.

We’re also very proud of the 59-year run we had selling appliances, but it got to the point where there were too few places to buy furniture, and many places to buy appliances. We felt there would be an increasing need for furniture and mattresses in our area, due to growth projections. The trick is staying current, and adapting to new trends.

My wife is so good with colors and decorating. We have designers that we work with, and we do have a few that we recommend.

I would say we have a friendly atmosphere, we go out of our way by helping people match up what they have in their minds with what we can offer. We don’t expect to close every sale, but we are very competitively priced.

One Stop
A reclining sectional sofa.

What are all the things you sell?

Stanton — we like them because they’re local and family owned, been around for 40+ years. Beautyrest, Serta, Ashley, England Furniture, which is owned by Lazy Boy, which is made in Tennessee. They have so many fabrics. Aspen makes case goods, anything with wood — bedroom sets, dining sets, occasional tables. Whittier Wood, made in Eugene, is also a very quality line. We have 12-15 brands that we do most of our business with.

Why should people visit One Stop Home Furnishings?

Price is always king. You don’t stay in business for 65 years if you’re not priced well. Plus, there’s there personal touch. If there are problems we will deal with them because it’s a personal thing to me. I take it personally if we goof up.

We really try to make sure that people get what they pay for, and we want people to know we care.
We say hello and let people absorb what we have, there’s no pressure here.

We have an upstairs bargain area, too. Our main focus, though, is selling quality items.

And, it’s been interesting over these 65 years, we’ve seen many brands that didn’t survive us.
I went to Camas High School, graduated in 1974, and I’ve seen a lot of changes to the area.

We go to two furniture markets each year and we keep up with new products, colors, fabrics, and styles. Every 18-24 months colors start to change.

Mattresses
One Stop Home Furnishings offers a great selection of mattresses and bed frames.

Even in today’s Internet world, we encourage customers to try it before they buy it. Lay down, sit down, recline, feel it. Usually with things you’re going to sleep on, you would feel more comfortable trying it instead of just hoping it works.

We’re quite a different store from 10 years ago by getting out of the appliance business and upgrading much of our furniture offerings.

People are usually surprised and, hopefully, impressed by what they see inside. If someone has never been in before, we always invite them to stop in for just a visit. Plus, come by and meet our four-legged mascots, Cubby and Cooper!

Visit www.OneStopHomeFurnishings.com to learn more.

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