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Clark College Orchestra Fall Concert Celebrates 35th Season with Appert

Vancouver, WA — The award-winning Clark College Orchestra performs their Fall Concert of the 2024-2025 Grand Finale season under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Donald Appert on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 7:30 pm at Skyview High School, 81300 NW 139th St. Vancouver, WA. 

The program features works by Coleridge-Taylor, Harty, and Chadwick as well as one of Dr. Appert’s compositions, “Vignette for String Orchestra.” The admission is free and open to the public.  

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.

Donald Appert has appeared as a guest conductor in Japan, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe.  In Italy La’ovadese wrote, “…the performance of the ‘Serenade in C Major’ of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration.  …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto… performed the Barber ‘Adagio’ with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.”  Giornale di Sicilla praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as “lyrical with an airy freshness,” and his conducting as “precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent.” He has guest conducted orchestras in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, El Salvador, and Japan.He currently serves as the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta and the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland.

Dr. Appert was awarded the 2020 Winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming. He won this same award in 2011 and in 2015 was named an Honored Artist by The American Prize Competition.  He is a recipient of the 2019 – 2020 Clark College Exceptional Faculty Awards, several ASCAPLUS Awards in recognition of his performances of his own compositions in Italy, Qatar, Europe, Central America, Japan, and the United States.  In 2014, Dr. Appert received the Clark County Arts Commission Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award, and in 2009, he received the Washington Community College Humanities Association Exemplary Status Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Humanities. 2024-2025 marks Dr. Appert’s 35th year of teaching at Clark College and of conducting the college orchestra. Under his leadership, the orchestra has grown from 15 to over 80 musicians and the orchestra library has grown from 100 titles to over 470.

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The First Stevenson Mushroom Festival Shares Success

Festival Draws Mushroom Lovers and the Fungi-Curious of All Ages to the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson, WA – In its inaugural year, The Stevenson Mushroom Festival captivated attendees of all ages with a celebration of the fascinating world of mushrooms. The weekend kicked off with the Mushroom Gala at the Columbia Gorge Museum, hosting 140 guests. Tickets sold out prior to the October 18th event. Gala attendees enjoyed a gourmet array of mushroom-themed small plates from Cherry City Catering, beer from Walking Man Brewing, regional wines and special adaptogenic cocktails. With a dress code described as “Fungi Flare,” partygoers were decked out in everything from mushroom prints to full fungi regalia. 

“The Stevenson Mushroom Festival brought kindness, creativity, and enthusiasm to our little town. Whether you were new to the soil, or a fully-fledged mycophile, there was always something fun to learn and a friend to share it with. Gala costumes dazzled, the carefully crafted fare was a delight, and the artistry and attention to detail showcased our shared love of community and nature,” shares festival attendee, Amy Collins. 

Festivities continued October 19th, with a curated family-friendly passport adventure throughout the scenic town of Stevenson, Washington.  The “Mushroom Hunt,” drew 350 participants to collect stamps from various locations and invited them to attend special events, presentations and demonstrations. Local restaurants created an array of special mushroom-centric dishes and “hunters” were encouraged to forage for discounts at local retailers.  

Angie Martin, Executive Director of the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce recounts, “The Mushroom Festival was a tremendous success, selling out entirely in its inaugural year! It was fun to watch families exploring downtown Stevenson, shopping, dining, and enjoying the variety of activities.  We heard great feedback from the local businesses about the increased foot traffic the event generated.  From residents to tourists, this festival invited attendees to experience all that Stevenson has to offer.  Hopefully this becomes an annual tradition – I know I will definitely attend again!”

The festival organized participation from thirteen brick and mortar businesses, three community locations, several local artists and a host of volunteers. Mycophiles Jordan Weiss, Julie Beeler and Michael Beug provided educational presentations and demonstrations.  ArtBliss Hotel, Hotel Stevenson and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins offered a discount for weekend stays. The Columbia Gorge Museum hosted free admission for passport holders and Gorge Photo Booths created a custom backdrop and props for visitors to capture themselves enjoying the weekend.

Participating Businesses, Locations & Community Partners: 

77 Cork & Tap Bistro, Aries Art NW, ArtBliss Hotel, Big River Grill, Bloomsbury Flower Shop, Cherry City Catering, City of Stevenson, Clark & Lewie’s Traveler’s Rest Saloon & Grill, Columbia Ace Hardware, Columbia Gorge Museum, Community Art Studio of Skamania, DJ FRACTAL, El Rio Texicantina, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Gorge Photo Booths, Gorge-Us Face Painting & Airbrushing, Heart to Hearth Bakery, Hotel Stevenson, Jordan Weiss, Julie Beeler, Michael Beug, Moon River Home & Living, North Bank Books, Out And About, Out On A Limb, Red Bluff Tap House, River Talk Weekly News, Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, Skamania Dance, Stevenson Downtown Association, Stevenson Community Library, Stevenson Farmer’s Market, Tom Sikora, Traverse PNW Market, Walking Man Brewing and Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins.

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was first conceptualized as a fun shoulder season event to highlight the vast array of mushroom-themed gifts, treasures and foraging gear available at Traverse PNW Market. The idea was to create an additional reason for mushroom enthusiasts to visit Stevenson. The concept grew to include educational elements and an opportunity for the entire town to participate.  

“As a Stevenson business owner for over a decade, I know the challenges small business owners face in the shoulder seasons. I wanted to create something that not only helped my businesses, but supported and uplifted the entire community,” said Tabatha Wiggins, Event Coordinator. “I am proud and excited The Stevenson Mushroom Festival brought so many locals and visitors together and for the benefit it provided to our town.  For me, that’s what success looks like. I want to thank everyone who participated; you brought this festival to life in 2024! I hope to see you all there in 2025!” 

For those that missed out on the festivities in 2024, Wiggins is hopeful to make The Stevenson Mushroom Festival an annual event.  Plans include ramping up attendance and adding to the list of family-focused events, educational presentations and vendors. Seasoned mycologists, blossoming enthusiasts and the fungi-curious of all ages can anticipate celebrating the enchanting world of mushrooms next fall in Stevenson, Washington. Dates for 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks.  

For future details and information about The Stevenson Mushroom Festival, including dates and happenings, please visit stevensonmushroomfestival.com.

About the Stevenson Mushroom Festival 

The Stevenson Mushroom Festival was designed to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms through education, events and promotions throughout Stevenson, Washington in the Columbia River Gorge. The 2024 festival was presented by Traverse PNW Market and sponsored by River Talk Weekly News, City of Stevenson, Columbia Gorge Museum, Stevenson Downtown Association and Skamania County Chamber of Commerce.  

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Clark College Fall Jazz Band Concert: Introducing Jazz Band II

Vancouver, WA —  The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris present their Fall Concert on Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm in the Gaiser Student Center, Clark College Campus. Admission to the performance free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Music Department are welcome at the door.

 “How often do you have a chance to witness history? Well, on November 23rd, 2024, you have the opportunity to do so! I am proud to introduce the newest ensemble at Clark College: our second Jazz Band! The growth of the program at Clark has been amazing and we are so excited to share it with you,” said Harris. “Our first concert this year showcases both Jazz I and II and we will present the music of a wide range of composers, to include Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gordon Goodwin and Mercer Ellington, among others. Along with the first performance of Jazz II, Jazz has begun its preparations for our upcoming trip to Cuba in the Spring of 2025…sure to be a life-changing experience for all of us. We look forward to seeing you there.”

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

Bio

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since 2018 after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at both Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. 

His conducting teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Dr. Raymond Chobaz, Dr. German Gutierez, Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton, and has studied with Douglas Akey, Stanley Derusha, John Paynter and Frank Batiste. At his most recent high school, Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, FL., his concert and jazz bands were recognized as being among the elite in the state, regularly receiving highest marks at district and state festivals. The Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the University of Florida Invitational Concert Band Festival as well as the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis. The top jazz band performed at, and won, jazz festivals in Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and has earned praise while performing with jazz notables such as Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, Marc Dickman, Christian Tamburr, Maynard Ferguson, David Steinmeyer, Bobby Shew and Portland’s own Charlie Porter.

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Journey Theater Presents ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’ Beginning Nov. 23

Vancouver, WA — The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Journey Theater is thrilled to provide family-friendly musical theater, featuring a cast of talented, local youth, to the greater community! Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Adult tickets are $19. Youth and senior tickets are $17. Tickets are be $2 more at the door.

Performances at Fort Vancouver High School

  • Saturday, November 23rd at 2 pm and @ 7 pm
  • Sunday, November 24th at 2 pm
  • Saturday, November 30th at 2 pm and 7 pm
  • Sunday, December 1st at 2 pm

Journey is a Jesus-centered theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world.

Serving Clark County since 2002, Journey is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org 

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Artists Snyder, Burmaster and Harrington Join RedDoor Gallery 

Camas, WA — RedDoor Gallery downtown Camas is proud to announce three new artists whose work is now on exhibit for show and sale. Area residents are invited to view original pastels by Catherine Snyder, original oils by Kimmie Burmaster and original acrylics by Gail Harrington at a special First Friday Art Walk reception in their honor on Friday, November 1st from 5-8 pm. The reception features complimentary refreshments, delicious charcuterie and RedDoor Gallery’s signature chocolate truffles.

Since opening in May, the art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl  Folkers, Dave Garbot, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.  With the recent remodel of RedDoor’s new Mezzanine Gallery exhibition space, RedDoor Gallery is also representing acrylic artist George Throop and oil paint artist Wendy Davis. A reception for Throop and Davis will take place at First Friday on December 6th. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

Pastel artist Catherine Snyder is inspired by music, beautiful settings, loving acts of kindness and extraordinary courage.

“I have a passion for color and love to experiment with pastels,” said Snyder. 

Her work has garnered many first place awards in shows around the region. See it now in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Kimmie Burmaster paints in oils on canvas and appreciates the rich texture and flexibility of working in oils. 

“People are among my favorite subjects to  paint,” says Burmaster. 

She also enjoys painting still life and landscape paintings. A variety of her work is now on exhibit in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Lastly, Camas artists Gail Harrington has also joined RedDoor Gallery. She works primarily with acrylic and mixed media. 

“I’m inspired by nature, music, scripture and other artists’ work,” said Harrington. 

Her work illuminates, with a quiet yet expressive freedom. See her large format works of art at RedDoor Gallery for the first time on Friday, November 1st.

Quickly becoming the “art hub of Camas,” RDG invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The gallery’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. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

RedDoor
“Misty River” original pastel by Catherine Snyder

RedDoor
“Green Vase” original oil on canvas by Kimmie Burmaster
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Journey Theater Presents: Finding Nemo, Jr. Beginning Nov. 7

Battle Ground, WA — Journey Theater is bringing “Finding Nemo, Jr.” on stage beginning November 7. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Tickets on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Youth and senior tickets are $13. Adult tickets are $16. Tickets for all performances will be $2 more at the door. School day performances take place on November 14 and tickets start at $7.

Performances at Manor Evangelical Church 17913 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground

  • Thursday, Nov 7-6 pm
  • Friday, Nov 8-7 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 9-2 & 7 pm
  • Friday, Nov 15 – 7 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 16 – 2 & 7 pm

About Journey Theater 

Journey is a Jesus-centered, nonprofit theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world. Journey has been serving Clark County families and patrons since 2002. Offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org

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9th Annual Clark College Fall Choral Festival Coming Nov. 15

Vancouver, WA — The Clark College Music Department is hosting the 9th Annual Fall Choral Festival on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Gaiser Student Center on the campus of Clark College. A total of 18 area middle and high school chamber and concert choirs will sing in this non-competitive festival which runs from 8 am to 4 pm.  Tickets are $5/person for the day.

Clinicians for this festival include: Dr. Katy Green, Dr. John Guarente, Dr. Shohei Kobayashi, and Dr. Tiffany Walker.

“I’m thrilled that we’ll have so many choirs visiting campus for our festival and I’m excited to hear the great work they are doing,” says Festival Director Dr. Jacob Funk, who is also the Director of Choirs at Clark College. “Participating choirs get the chance to work with some highly skilled clinicians and receive written feedback on their performance. Each choir will also get to have a mini-clinic onstage, allowing for the other schools to see how a different choir learns new ways to succeed. Two of the Clark College Choirs will perform for all the participating choirs in the middle of the festival. It will be a wonderful time of music making, learning, and supporting each other in song.”

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.

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Washougal Studio Artists to Host Holiday Art Market Tour Nov. 16

Washougal Studio Artists proudly presents their 4th Annual Holiday Art Market Tour, Saturday and Sunday, November 16th and 17th, 10 am-4 pm.

This is your opportunity to visit 13 artists’ studios and enjoy the work of 25 talented local artists. Come learn what inspires the artists and learn how they have developed their processes. Ask questions and experience the creative studio environment where art is being made. The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a biannual event that draws visitors from all over the region, and we are excited to share it with you. Explore an amazing array of works in fused glass, textiles, bronze sculpture, painting, jewelry, mixed media, collage, ceramics and photography.

Participating artists include the following:

  • Studio #1: Trish Johnson (studio owner), watercolors; Keith Russell, painting and drawing.
  • Studio #2: Sandy Moore (studio owner), mixed media fabric collage and home decor; Sharon Buckmaster, mixed media wearable art; Jeanine Clark, painting, drawing, wearables.
  • Studio #3: Tamara Dinius (studio owner), mixed media; Phyllis Carter, fused glass; Toni McCarthy, beaded and metal jewelry.
  • Studio #4: Liz Nye, mixed media, photography, textiles.
  • Studio #5: Regina Westmoreland, mixed media.
  • Studio #6: Debbie Nagano, mixed media.
  • Studio #7: Judi Clark, painting, drawing.
  • Studio #8: Ellen Nordgren, mixed media.
  • Studio #9: Shirley Bishop (studio owner), fused glass & home décor; Kathy Marty; hand-woven rugs and home décor; Marina Pearson, acrylic painting and drawing; John Relyea, woodworking.
  • Studio #10: /Susan Fronckowiak (studio owner), painting, photography; Anna Norris, painting, ceramics; Blythe Ayne, photography.
  • Studio#11: LesleyAnne Ezelle (studio owner), ceramics and alpaca fiber;
  • Studio #12: David Van Zandt (studio owner) bronze sculpture & acrylic painting; Charlene Hale, glass.
  • Studio #13: Mica Wilson (studio owner), painting, drawing; Elaine Lim, painting, drawing.
  • The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a wonderful way to spend the day. There is a great joy in experiencing art firsthand, buying local and giving your special friends and loved ones original pieces of art. Here is your chance to meet the makers, to

learn about their processes, and to find truly special holiday or birthday gifts. Or maybe you’ll be inspired to sign up for a class. 

Many of these artists also offer classes from their studios. For further information: Shirley Bishop 360-991-3081 —

– https://www.washougalstudioartists.org/

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Witch’s Night Out Comes to Camas Oct. 24 at Participating Merchant Locations

Camas, WA — The day after Camas’ famous Boo Bash, downtown Camas merchants are inviting the public to enjoy Witch’s Night Out – an enchanted evening of thrills, deals and chills. All the bewitching fun happens on Thursday, October 24th from 4-8 pm. Dress up in your favorite witch attire and compete for prizes in a costume contest inside Gallery 408 at 6 pm. Shop for spooky deals and specials at each location and enjoy complimentary treats in the historic district of downtown Camas.

Witch’s Night Out is sponsored by Gallery 408 and RedDoor Gallery. In addition to both art galleries, participating merchants include Allure Boutique, Arktana, Autumn Leaf Books, Camas Antiques, Camas Cheese Co., Camas Cellars, Lily, Lane Cellars and Sweet Intentions Gift Boutique. Vampire Unicorns is also doing a pop up sale at Lily.

“Who doesn’t love dressing up as a witch,” said Joanne Cavallaro, one of the sponsors from Gallery 408. “On October 24th, downtown Camas will be taken over by witches and their ghoul friends as they stop into local retailers, eateries and drinkeries to have a night on the town.”

For more information, call Joanne Cavallaro at 512-659-2351 or Liz Pike at RedDoor Gallery at 360-281-8720.

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What Exactly is Travel Insurance and Why Do You Need It?

Planning a big trip is exciting. If you’re considering overseas travel to a destination wedding or to a cruise port, you and your luggage will go through a variety of steps. If your luggage ends up chasing you on a long tour, you’re going to need replacement clothing and toiletries.

What Travel Insurance Is and What it Normally covers

Travel insurance is a great investment if you’re planning to travel outside the country. Your health insurance may not cover all costs of an accident or illness overseas, but travel insurance can. If you’re injured before a trip, such as a cruise, you can get a full refund even if the cruise line or airline company doesn’t allow it.

If you get to your destination but your luggage doesn’t, you can get that loss covered while you’re out without waiting for the 21 day loss period. If you need to replace more than basic vacation wear and toiletries, extra coverage is a great idea.

Benefits of Having Travel Insurance

If you’re planning a big trip after retirement, travel insurance can actually protect your budget before and after your trip. Should you start the trip with no troubles and find that an emergency back home requires you to cut your trip short, travel insurance may allow you to gain a partial reimbursement.

Your ultimate destination may have a weather event that causes travel delays. If you need an extra night of hotel coverage or a bit more room in your budget for restaurant meals, your travel insurance can cover it.

Use All the Travel Insurance Services

Travel insurance policies often come with perks that your regular insurance company would never need to offer. Review your policy to see if there’s a concierge contact number. Your travel insurance may offer an app that includes support specific to being away from home.

Those planning to travel overseas may also be worried about a language barrier. There are many travel insurance plans that offer multilingual support. Those planning the trip of a lifetime may be ready to commit to a travel insurance that will cost 10% of their total travel costs. If language is a big concern for you, take the time to check out travel insurance providers online and over the phone. In the event of an injury or illness, you want to be confident that you can easily communicate your needs.

Cases Where Travel Insurance May Not Be Necessary

If your auto insurance offers coverage for your rental car, you may not need to use the secondary coverage provided by your travel insurance. Similarly, if your medical insurance will completely cover the cost of an accident or illness away from home, you won’t benefit from making a claim against your travel insurance.

For those planning a long road trip, travel insurance may not be necessary. If you’re doing the driving and using your own car, you may want to purchase a different form of insurance, such as a thorough car check-up or new tires. However, if you’re planning a road trip that includes booking multiple hotel rooms and putting down deposits, trip insurance may be a worthwhile investment.

Your trip is worth protecting with travel insurance. As a general rule, travel insurance is worth the money if you’re putting down a deposit on your travels. If you have any health concerns that can impact your travels, buy the insurance. If you’re traveling during a season of weather uncertainty or to a region with questionable weather events, travel insurance is a good investment.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Generali Travel Insurance

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