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Camas Plant & Garden Fair: Celebrates 25 Years, Coming May 11

Camas, WA —The 25th annual Camas Plant & Garden Fair returns to Downtown Camas on Saturday, May 11th from 9am-4pm. Local nurseries, growers, and garden artists will line the streets, offering a diverse array of fruiting trees, vegetable starts, herbs, flowers, garden art and furniture, planters, birdhouses and feeders, pottery, metal art, hanging baskets, stone art, sculptures and more. This event, organized by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), offers family friendly fun and shopping in the heart of the charming and historic Downtown Camas.

Fan favorite returning vendors promise shoppers a vast selection of plants and garden products. Shoppers looking for dahlia tubers and growing advice should checkout Sweet Bloom Farms from Battle Ground. Anyone interested in adding some whimsical touches to their garden may want to see the birdhouses and colorful garden art fromOne Little Blackbird. Event goers looking for a major landscape overall can find all the ornamental trees and hardy perennials they need at Alicia’s Nursery, as well as the colorful annuals from Arai Nursery. Prairie & Fern Farm will be returning for their second year with a selection of dried flower arrangements and plant starts, grown in Camas.

The 25th year of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair features over fifteen new vendors bringing new and hard to find offerings to the event. Three not-to-miss vendors are Blue Gem Bakery, Bell Flower Farm, and Rhythm Seed Farm.  

Blue Gem Baking Co. – This woman owned micro-business features artisanal cookies and cupcakes, in plant and garden themed designs. Owner Mikenzie Drew was also a vendor at the Camas Farmer’ Market where she gained a following for her intricate piping work and fun themed items.

Belle Flower Farm– Vancouver resident Pam Richey Curtis will bring her curated selection of vintage vessels planted with homegrown succulents, as well as an array of gardening books, vintage tools and patio styling items. Curtis has been a favorite Camas Vintage & Art Fair Vendor since 2022. She also offers seasonal bouquet subscriptions with locally grown blooms.

Rhythm Seed Farm – This unique 501c3 nonprofit was born during the Covid era seed shortages of 2020. Founder Nick Canino had been growing hundreds of pounds of food in his yard for many years. He pivoted from food production to seed breeding and has now produced millions of seeds from over 50 different crops. With a commitment to donate half the seeds they produce, they have now given 3,000 seed packets to BIPOC and low income families in the Portland Metro area. Nick will be bringing his wide variety of hand harvested seeds, as well as rare native plant starts.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

The fair will feature nearly 20 designated vendor experts available for shoppers to consult on plants, effective gardening techniques, and related topics. Look for the “yellow sun” signs indicating expert booth locations. The full list of Plant Fair Experts and vendors is available at www.cwplantfair.org/vendors. Visit the DCA info booth at 4th & Cedar during the fair to pick up the Expert List and booth locations. Expert topics include:

  • Attracting pollinators
  • Attracting birds
  • Annuals
  • Carnivorous plants
  • Container gardening
  • Composting
  • Dahlias
  • Deep Mulch Dry Farming
  • Evergreens
  • Fuchsias
  • Fruit Trees
  • Herbs
  • Houseplants
  • Japanese maples
  • Landscaping and Garden Styling
  • Lavender
  • Olla Watering Systems
  • Organic Gardening
  • Perennials
  • PNW native plants
  • Rhododendrons
  • Roses
  • Seed Saving and Gathering
  • Succulents
  • Tomatoes
  • Transplanting

“We’re so excited to bring you the 25th year of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair!” says Jan Carter, of the DCA. “It takes a village to host an event of this size. We are so appreciative of all of our plant and garden art vendors, our dedicated volunteers, and of course all of the shoppers that come together for this pre-Mother’s Day plant and garden extravaganza! There’s truly something for everyone, and we can’t wait to keep bringing the Camas Plant and Garden Fair to Downtown Camas each Spring for years to come!”

The Kids’ Zone, open from 10am-3pm on Dallas Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, will offer free activities for children and families including the beloved hands-on rubber duckie flume from the Camas-Washougal Rotary, an obstacle course from My Gym, a planting and sensory station from Camas Washougal Parent Co-Op Preschool, and a take home seed sprouting activity hosted by the Camas Farmer’s Market. This area will also feature a free petting zoo with goats, bunnies, and more, hosted by the 4-Seasons 4-H Club. Many event sponsors will also be hosting activities for kids at their booths.  Children and theater lovers will enjoy Rhys Thomas who is returning with his Strolling Jugglemania Show including a giant rose puppet, themed juggling, performances on stilts and other activities.

Live music at 4th & Cedar will include Bret Malmquist playing acoustic jazz guitar from 10am-12pm and local singer songwriter Brenna Larsen performing from 12-3pm.

Scout troop #565 will be on hand with their trusty wagons to help citizens transport their purchases as needed. Donations welcomed.

The DCA will host the annual “Wheelbarrow Raffle Prize Drawing” with a large assortment of plants, trees, flowers, and garden art generously donated by fair vendors in a sturdy wheelbarrow donated by Lutz Hardware as well as a “Downtown Gift Card Raffle”. The items will be on display and tickets can be purchased at the DCA table on the corner of 4th and Cedar on the day of the event. The winner will be drawn at 3:00pm.

The DCA thanks the generous sponsors of this event which include our Signature Sponsor Waste Connections of Washington-Clark County, as well as Partner Sponsors Edward Jones, Robert Barber;  Clover Podiatry; NW Natural; tsmc Washington, Papermaker Pride; Renewal by Andersen; Hampton Inn and Suites; Lendor Home Solutions/Gutter Helmet, State Farm; Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Minuteman Press; and our Community Sponsors NW Natural, Blossom Natural Health and Wellness; Dr. Jared Bowyer, DDS; City of Camas and 4 Seasons 4H.

The DCA is a 501c3 nonprofit Main Street Program and works year round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For more information on the Plant Fair, see www.cwplantfair.org or www.fb.com/CamasPlantAndGardenFair. For information on the DCA and other downtown events and initiatives, visit www.downtowncamas.com. 

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Camas Native, Bestselling Author, Artist Exhibits Work in Second Story Gallery

Camas, WA — Kicking off May’s Second Story Gallery exhibit at the Camas Public Library, a reception for bestselling graphic novel artist and author Aron Nels Steinke will take place Friday, May 3, from 5-8 pm. The artist will be on hand for the event.

My Teacher is a Wolf: The Comics Art of Aron Nels Steinke is a retrospective of cartoon art from the creator of Mr. Wolf’s Class, the bestselling graphic novel series for children. This exhibit features over forty original pieces of art used in the creation of his graphic novels spanning his almost 20-year career.

On display will be art created when Steinke was a student at Lacamas Heights Elementary School. Visitors will also be treated to a sneak peek from Speechless, his next original graphic novel (Scholastic/Graphic 2025).

“We are honored to host this award-winning author and artist in the Gallery,” said Connie Urquhart, Library Director. “This exhibit will be enjoyable for all ages.”

Steinke, a Camas High School class of 1999 graduate, is the Eisner Award-winning co-creator of The Zoo Box with Ariel Cohn. The creator of Mr. Wolf’s Class and a former elementary school teacher, Steinke spent his childhood in Fern Prairie on the outskirts of Camas and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. He regularly visits schools to speak with students about making comics and finding inspiration from life.

The exhibit will run through May 31.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.
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Clark College Concert Choir Winter Performance, with a WORLD PREMIERE

VANCOUVER, WA —  The Clark College Concert Choir and Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk, present their Winter Concert on Saturday, March 16, 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. 

What makes this program especially meaning is the programing of a world premiere performance of a work composed by Clark music student Benjamin Friend. The Concert Choir will perform Friend’s “One Last Time,” a work for choral ensemble and string quartet. This is a deeply moving work and we are eager for our community to hear it. Programmed alongside it are well known works like Dawson’s “Soon Ah Will Be Done,” and Runestad’s “The Peace of Wild Things.” The not oft performed “After Music” by Barnum and Hagen’s “On My Dreams” are also on the program, as well “Temporal” by Puerto Rican composers Diana V. Sáez and Suzzette Ortiz.

The Chamber Choir will begin the program with two songs concerning existential anxiety and closing with a one-on-a-part gorgeous piece about eternity. You do not want to miss this concert.

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

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. 

Dr. Jeongmi Yoon, currently, serves as the piano instructor and accompanist at Clark College. She has performed in numerous cities within the United States, China, and South Korea. As a soloist, she has performed with the Poland Katowice Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chonnam National University  Orchestra. In 2021, Dr.  Yoon received her D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas studying under Joseph Banowetz. Additionally, she holds a Masters’ degree from Portland State University and Bachelor’s degree from Chonnam National University. Dr. Yoon the faculties at the University of Portland and Clark College in January 2022. 

Clark College
Dr. Jacob Funk, Director of Choirs
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Let Streamline Events Host Your Wedding, Party, Major Celebration

Camas, WA — Locally-owned Streamline Events is a full service event and entertainment company offering DJ services, live music, and sound engineering for weddings, private parties, and corporate events.

“Streamline was born out of a passion for people and strives to deliver professional services that go above and beyond,” said owner, Aaron Turnage. “We do make your dreams come true, and it’s a great time to plan your wedding.”

Streamline takes great care into planning your wedding — from learning about your favorite songs, putting a precise schedule of activities for your special day, and even offering suggestions about wedding party staging. They’re great for corporate events, and do audio and lighting production.

“They did a fantastic job preparing for our wedding,” said Jordan Geigenmiller, who got married in August 2023. “Karlie and I got married in Portland, but we had our ring ceremony and reception at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie, WA. Aaron met with us months before the big day to ensure he knew what we wanted, what to expect, and he even helped us coordinate songs, and overall flow of the night. It was really special, and we both highly recommend Streamline!”

In addition to weddings, Streamline can also host epic birthday parties.

“I wanted to throw an epic birthday dance party for my wife and Streamline Events and Entertainment delivered! Aaron really wanted to understand my wife’s musical taste and overall vibe of the celebration,” said Michael Marcum. “The party theme was ‘sparkles’ so everyone dressed up and danced all night. Aaron’s sound equipment, lighting, and audio production are top notch resulting in an amazing looking and sounding party. Aaron set the tone for a fun, energetic, and engaging experience that everyone loved. We could not have been happier with the result! If making lasting memories are important to you, then Streamline Events and Entertainment is the right partner. I highly recommend them.

Turnage said “We are a live music solution for any event. We are your entertainment solution. We offer live music from a duo to a full band, as well as DJ services where we work with the clients to curate their special music and deliver more than they ever could have expected!”

The owner of Shangri-La Farm, Liz Pike, said “Streamline is a professional organization. We host events frequently at the farm, and Aaron and his team were punctual, and kept everything clean and organized. I highly recommend them!”

Stay tuned for Streamline Event’s upcoming podcast launch, and you’re invited to follow them on Instagram at @StreamlineSEE

To learn more about Streamline or to book your event, visit: www.streamlineeventsllc.com

Streamline
Aaron Turnage, owner of Streamline Events.
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Celebrate Pike Art Gallery’s 1st Anniversary Celebration March 1

Pike Art Gallery is celebrating its first anniversary just in time for Camas First Friday, March 1st. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition spot. During the special one year anniversary event from 5 to 8 pm on March 1st, guests will enjoy sumptuous appetizers and beverages along with Liz Pike’s famous chocolate truffles. A brand new body of original work will also be unveiled on this special evening. 

“I”m thrilled to be celebrating our one year anniversary,” said Pike. “I’m also very grateful to our Camas community for embracing art, following a record setting year in art sales.” 

Pike promises a lavish repeat of her opening night ribbon cutting event a year ago. 

“I’m working in several new palettes and having a lot of fun with my new works. Expose yourself to some great new art and join the fun at Pike Art Gallery,” she said.  

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7 pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7 pm. “We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Society of Washington Artists, the Ridgefield Art Association, the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Camas Association. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. Her first outdoor art festival on the calendar is the White Oak Art & Craft Fair on Friday and Saturday, July 5th and 6th in Washougal.  On Saturday and Sunday, Pike’s work will also be featured at the Fern Prairie Art Fest on August 3-4, and at the Camas Vintage and Art Faire on Saturday, August 24th in beautiful downtown Camas. (Featured Painting: “Vineyards of Paso Robles,” oil on 30”x48”canvas by Liz Pike).

PIKE ART GALLERY / TWO LOCATIONS

Downtown Camas: 302 NE Sixth Avenue, Camas 

Gateway to Fern Prairie: Shangri-La Farm, 26300 NE Third Street, Camas 

WEB: LizPike.Art  /  Email: [email protected]

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Automotive: What Are the Top Rated Vehicles for 2024?

Modern shopping is full of conveniences that were unheard of just a few years ago! However, there’s still no shortcut when it comes to buying a car. That takes research. While dealers have made browsing easier than ever, shoppers still need to put time into finding the right cars. This snapshot of the best vehicles for 2024 is a great starting point.

Top-rated Vehicles for 2024

No list takes the pulse of the current vehicle market like the Edmunds Top Rated Awards list! For 2024, the company looked at 500 vehicles to identify the cars offering the best performance and value. Here’s a look at the winners by category:

  • Best of the Best: 2024 Kia EV9
  • Top Car: 2024 Toyota Prius
  • Top Electric Car: 2024 BMI i5
  • Top SUV: 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
  • Top Electric SUV: 2024 Kia EV
  • Top Truck: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado
  • Top Electric Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning

This list represents the strongest picks for cars, trucks, and SUVs that customers can buy today. However, the casual observer might also notice that there’s a lot of range between these vehicles. Working your way backward by starting with the features that are the most important is a good way to narrow down the winners in your own personal category.

What Features Are Most Important?

Bells and whistles can certainly create an inspiring driving experience! However, safety remains the most important feature for most car buyers today. Consumers are increasingly seeking out high-tech features that help to increase visibility and awareness of the road. For example, new automatic emergency braking systems that prevent collisions when other vehicles are sensed can help to either prevent or reduce impact on the road. Similar systems can also detect pedestrians. Warning alert systems for blind spots are also making the must-have list for many shoppers. While rear-facing cameras have been around for a while, car buyers are increasingly looking for 360-degree surround-view camera systems that give the driver the ability to see the vehicle from a bird’s-eye view. This feature delivers unprecedented visibility to help drivers avoid hitting objects or people when backing up or parking.

Some must-have features for 2024 carry over from previous years. For instance, drivers still rely on built-in navigation systems for the safety and convenience they offer. Keyless entry and zoned climate systems are also holding steady as highly desirable features.

How to Get the Best Deal When Purchasing a New Vehicle

The best way to avoid overpaying for a new vehicle is to show up at the dealership knowing exactly what you want. After carefully researching the vehicle you want, narrow down the trim level and features that are right for you. You can use this information to set the price that you’re ready to pay for your new car. While a buyer’s ability to negotiate purchase price varies by dealer, all dealers base asking price on a vehicle’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Knowing the MSRP of the model you want to test drive allows you to avoid the time and hassle of a dealer “upselling” a pricier model.

The area where the buyer has the most control over a vehicle’s price is interest rate. If you’ll be financing a car, make sure you know your credit score ahead of time to gauge the types of rates that could be available to you. Like homebuyers, vehicle buyers are free to shop around for rates from different lenders when purchasing cars.

Finally, trading in a current vehicle can be a way to slash the price of a new vehicle. It’s important to go in with an understanding of the current value of your vehicle. Be sure to base your assessment on actual market data instead of making assumptions stemming from your personal attachment to a vehicle. Many shoppers go in with inflated hopes about how much they will get for a trade-in vehicle because they aren’t taking an objective, market-based view.

Electric or Gas Powered: Which Type of Vehicle Is Best for You?

The question of electric versus gas is becoming increasingly relevant for new car buyers. A driver’s lifestyle is often the biggest factor when determining which choice is best. When making the decision, it’s important to weigh your long-term financial and sustainability goals against what is feasible in terms of both budget and mileage capacity.

Electric and hybrid vehicles offer eco-friendly driving that can help drivers to ditch high gas prices. However, shoppers can’t ignore the fact that shorter ranges, long charging times, and higher initial expenses can put these high-tech vehicles out of reach for someone who simply needs a daily commuting vehicle that won’t break the bank. A traditional gas-powered car allows drivers to fill up easily without any anxiety about long ranges. Of course, this familiar choice comes with the burden of high fuel costs. Some drivers are also eager to get away from dependence on oil for environmental reasons.

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Five Ways to Renovate a Used Car, Make it Sparkle Anew

Reconditioning an old car is a great way to save some cash. Slightly changing just a few things can make a used car look just like new. Not only can you make your car look better, but you can also improve its functionality. Here are five approaches to reviving used cars and making them look like new.

1. Freshen Up the Paint Job

The most apparent way of refurbishing a used car is through repainting. The paint on a car can chip and fade with time, making the vehicle look old, but a fresh coat of paint completely changes that. You can allow a professional to do it for you or decide to take the challenge on yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you clean and sand the car before painting so that there are no bumps. You can experiment with custom paint kits to add a personalized feel. There is a wide range of colors and patterns that you can select to make your car unique to you.

2. Upgrade the Interior

The interior quality of a car is essential to those who ride in it often. If the seats are worn or there is a crack on the dashboard, it can make the car look old. This can be easily fixed with interior upgrading. First, vacuum and polish the inside of your car–especially on the carpeting. If the seats are beyond repair, consider getting them reupholstered or adding seat covers for a different modern look. You can replace any cracked or faded plastic panels on the dashboard as well as add accessories, such as new floor mats or a steering wheel cover, to provide an updated look.

3. Install New Headlights and Taillights

The headlights and taillights are important from both a visual and safety standpoint. Over time, these lights could fade, becoming foggy and making them inefficient. When changing them, you can decide between the same stock lights or switching to the energy-saving LED ones. Consult the car manual to ensure that the lights you buy will connect properly to your car. This change will not only make your car look better, but it will also give you a clear night view.

4. Add New Wheels and Tires

The wearing out of the wheels, tires, or both has a massive effect on how a car appears. The switch to contemporary wheels and tires makes your second-hand vehicle look more stylish as well as elegant with a single sweep. You can opt for various designs and sizes depending on your car’s style and size. In addition, upgrading to good quality tires can also boost the performance and safety of a car on the road.

5. Repair Mechanical Defects

Restoration of a secondhand car does not only mean cosmetic changes. Mechanical repairs are just as important, if not more so. Have your car fully checked by a mechanic if it hasn’t been run in some time. This will allow you to detect any potential issues and thus fix them before they get worse. Minor repairs like fluid replacement, worn-out belts, and switching out old filers can improve your used car’s efficiency and safety.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Liquid Concepts

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Health & Wellness: Infrared Exercise For Stress Reduction, Mental Clarity

Striking a balance between work, home life, and obligations to ourselves can be mentally and physically draining. In the search for stress reductions and mind clearing people are inventively opting trying out techniques, one of which is infrared exercise.

Usually, an infrared exercise involves the use of infrared saunas and workout equipment which utilizes infrared light to penetrate body and produce heat. This unique form of exercise produces various effects such as the reduction in stress and improved mental health.

Infrared Exercise Can Have Many Benefits Including Stress Reduction and Improving Mental Wellbeing

Infrared exercise stands out as a highly efficient method in the reduction of stress. The infrared rays penetrate deep into tissues that result to a very relaxing muscle tone, improved blood flow and circulation. This physiological response allows to get rid of the accumulated physical stress giving rise to a peaceful state. Additionally, the heat produced during infrared exercise causes an endorphin release, which are natural stress relievers. These released endorphins are natural mood elevators, which stimulate a flood of positive feelings to negate stress and contribute to overall feeling good. Infrared exercise not only relaxes the body, but also provides a therapeutic retreat for the mind an invaluable practice for those reduced to frenzied living.

Aside from the physical impacts, infrared exercise contributes positively to mental wellbeing as it works on the delicate balance between body and mind. When the stress hormone cortisol is released in large quantities, it often disrupts mental health. Infrared exercise is known to control the cortisol levels thereby avoiding the adverse effects of chronic stress. The achieved hormonal balance results in better concentration, sharpened cognitive clarity, and also a more balanced emotional state. Furthermore, infrared exercise, especially mindful forms such as infrared yoga also focuses on the mind-body connection. Heat produced by activity complements intentional movement and activates such high level of consciousness that people manage to clean their minds off, gain mental clarity. And including infrared exercise into a wellness routine, individuals can find the perfect balance of physical and psychological effects leading to a stable foundation for overall mental health.

What Are Some of The Other Benefits of Infrared Exercise?

1. Weight Loss

Infrared exercise makes the body sweat even at deep cellular level which to detoxify removing harmful waste materials from the body and ensure burning of calories effectively. With the proper diet and regular exercise, it can help with weight loss.

2. Improved Sleep Quality

The sleep quality will improve because of the relaxation that comes with infrared exercise. With a decrease in stress levels, people tend to have much better and more refreshing rest forcing them to get more energy towards further living.

3. Detoxification

Infrared light heat penetrates deeply into the skin and motivates detoxification by enhancing the elimination of toxins through sweat. This purging procedure thus can help to contribute and make skin well even in general become healthy.

4. Cardiovascular Health

Infrared exercise boosts cardiovascular activity, which improves blood circulation and heart function. Participation in regular sessions may lead to lower blood pressure and better general cardiovascular health.

Who Benefits Most from Infrared Exercise?

1. Busy Professionals

For those busy people who have stressful jobs and highly pressurized schedules, infrared exercise helps relax the body and keep minds clear to ensure wellbeing.

2. Fitness Enthusiasts

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can use infrared exercise to improve their recovery, reduce muscle soreness and increase performance.

3. Individuals with Chronic Pain

People suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia may benefit by using infrared exercise for its analgesic properties.

4. Anyone Seeking Overall Wellbeing

Infrared exercise is very effective because of its versatility and accessibility that allows everyone to practice regardless of individual preferences.

Infrared exercise benefits are much more than simple body fitness exercises. The fact that it lowers stress, improves mental wellbeing, and helps with weight loss, makes it an excellent addition to anyone’s healthy lifestyle regimen. Whether you are an athlete trying to promote recovery or just someone in search of a holistic approach toward stress management, applying the infrared exercise will certainly present you with a highly functional and efficient tool for your health benefit realization. Think about adding this revolutionary form of fitness to your everyday life and reap the drastic changes that it can bring both physically and mentally.

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60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival Results Announced

VANCOUVER, WA — After three full days of the return of the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, the outstanding musician awards and the evening finals results for the 60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival have been announced. For 2024, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy was awarded to Bothell High School Jazz 1, Bothell, WA

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Middle School Silver division jazz ensemble finals results:

1st place – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

2nd place – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

3rd place – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

A Division:     

1st place – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

2nd place – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

3rd place – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musician certificates were presented to:

Cody Halley – Laurin Middle School, Battleground, WA

London Coy – Laurin Middle School, Battleground, WA

Tyson Ruark – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Henry Ormson – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Oliver Armstrong – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Elliot Foster – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Daniel Liu – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Jacob Weinstock – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Dylan Her – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Nate Richardson – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Emily Chen – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Ellie Bailey – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Margo Cox – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Oren Sternberg – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Rowan Armintrout – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Charlotte Summers – Liberty Middle School Camas, WA

Katie Evert – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Gavin DeMoss – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Eli Lennick – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Marilyn Ruthruff – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Iris Ruthruff – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Nate Lyon – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Lhamo Doryang – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Judah Macarro – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Dante Churchill – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Lizzy Bloom – View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, WA

Danica Jahr – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Zach Pan – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Ben Mittge – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Maxton Hill – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the A Division were presented to:

Olin Nelson – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Corbyn Orchard – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Lincoln Toland – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Jackson Pierce – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Basil Middlemas – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Joseph DiPrima – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Parker Zaemann – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Kyler Dixon – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Stephen Samwel – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Danny McCarthy – Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

Jason Nguyen– Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

Anna Zendt – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

August Peterson – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

Jeremy Solis – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Graham Rank – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Kristin Dunlap – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Dominic Stub – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Aleks Chygasov – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Jordan Stout – Adna Middle/High School, Adna, WA

Myra Medina – Adna Middle/High School, Adna, WA

Stacti Dore – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Emma McCaullough – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Sam Purcell – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Harland Wakefield – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Friday, January 26, 2024 AA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AA Division:  

1st place – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

2nd place (tie) – Richland High School Freshman, Richland, WA

2nd place (tie) – Lakewood High School, Lakewood, WA

Outstanding middle school and high school musician awards for the AA Division were presented to:

Michael Grove – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

Naomi Halbrook – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Cynthia Reyes-Mendoza – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Jocelyn Cole – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Preston White – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

Amanda Linwood – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Parker Morrison – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Zandy Owens – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

Henry Van Mason – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Victor Zinchuk – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Leo Sandoval – Lakewood High School, North Lakewood, WA

Isaias Fuentes-Palominos – Lakewood High School, North Lakewood, WA

Hayden McCarty – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Chloe Kalson – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Thilo Kluth – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Jack Smith – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Levi Brown – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Adam Haunreiter – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Blake Bruning – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Saturday, January 27, 2024 AAA and AAAA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AAA Division:           

1st place – Heritage High School Jazz I, Vancouver, WA

2nd place – Bothell High School Jazz II, Bothell, WA

3rd place – Battle Ground High School Intermediate Jazz I, Battle Ground, WA

AAAA Division:        

1st Place – Bothell High School Jazz I, Seattle, WA

 2nd Place – Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens, WA

3rd Place – Grant High School Jazz I, Portland, OR

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAA Division were presented to:

Cooper Givens – Union High School, Camas, WA

Kieran Iyer – Union High School, Camas, WA

Liam Purcell – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Cadence Sempk – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Nathan Lauruhn – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Cannon West – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Tyler Hornell – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Heidi Anderson – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Ryan Jackson – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Allison Llubit – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Mark Rodeheaver – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Christian Oversvee-Choi – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nathan Bardsley – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Sachita Kadievelu – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Aliah Bragg – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Logan Gillespie – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Janae Clark – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Gavin Williamson – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Sam Arslanian – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

McKelvey Brewer – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Kyle Davenport – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA

Judah Bollock – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA

Maggie Roth – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Felix Lewis – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

James Brady – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Henry Rice – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Gavin Bunbury – Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Addisyn Johnson – Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Henry Goss – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Nathan Doyle – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Kono Tiyaamornwong – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Will Damrose – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Trevor Nix – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Alejandro Santana – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Sean Malcom – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Ethan Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Ian Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Izzy Cryan – Union High School, Camas, WA

Evelyn Lo – Union High School, Camas, WA

Andie Townsend – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Carter Stafford – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Phineas Ruji – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Jack Santos – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Sasha Burns – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Xander Buck – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Oli Rangle – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Dylan Reed – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Thomas Holmes – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Aaron Mamula – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nicholas Ang – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Congratulations to all the fine bands who participated!  

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Visit Pike Art Gallery’s Once in a Blue Moon Sale Saturday

Pike Art Gallery is participating in the downtown Camas annual “Once in a Blue Moon Sale” happening this Saturday, January 27th from 10 am to 5 pm. 

The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition spot. During the special sales event, all fine art is offered at 15 percent off. Plus, pick up a FREE gift of ART for your Valentine, one per family, while supplies last on Saturday, January 27th.

“Come visit us this Saturday at our Once in a Blue Moon Sale and get a sneak preview of new works of art ahead of our next show on First Friday, February 2nd,” said Pike. “All that snow and ice provided an abundance of quality time in my studio,” said Pike. “I’m thrilled to share my latest original works of art on canvas with the public.”

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7  pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Society of Washington Artists and the Ridgefield Art Association. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at 360.281.8720. Her next festival on the calendar is HeART Fest on Saturday, February 10th at Lacamas Lake Lodge in Camas. The HeART Fest is presented by Artisans Guild of Camas and is open free to the public from 10 am to 4 pm.

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