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April 28 Fundraiser to Assist With Camas-Washougal Skate Park Renovations

Camas, WA —The only outdoor skate park in East Clark County, is ready for a refresh. Built in 2002, the Camas-Washougal Skate Park, while currently functional, is desperately in need of renovations.

Camas Parks and Recreation is currently working with a host of partners to design plans for multiple new features at the park.  But with new features, come new costs. To help offset those costs, the City is working with the Camas Parks Foundation to kick off a month-long fundraising campaign, starting with a classic skate movie at Liberty Theatre, April 28.

Join the Camas Parks Foundation, and Camas Parks & Recreation at the Liberty Theatre, Thursday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m., for the showing of “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” (rated PG for some strong language). Bones Brigade is a classic skateboard movie featuring skateboard stars Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Tommy Guerrero and Mike McGill.

Admission is $7.50, and tickets will be pre-sold, and seats pre-selected by visiting: https://www.camasliberty.com/movie/129019/Bones-Brigade-An-Autobiography  All ticket proceeds will be donated towards the Camas-Washougal Skate Park improvements! 

In addition, the month-long fundraising effort will also include an on-line silent auction which will begin April 28 and run through June 4, culminating with a skate event at the Camtown Youth Festival! Check out the amazing auction items, stay up to date with the progressive fundraising efforts, or donate directly on the “Donate to the Skate Park” button at:  https://www.camasparksfoundation.org/skatepark 

Major contributors to this project include Camas Parks Foundation, Collective Concrete, Grains of Wrath, Liberty Theatre, Live Well Camas, Lunch Money, Nest & Love Photography, Poler, Parks Foundation of Clark County and Yew Skateboards. You can view all the donors, sponsors and contributors by visiting the Camas Parks Foundation web page at: https://www.camasparksfoundation.org/skatepark 

For questions or more information contact: Krista Bashaw at 360-817-7991 or [email protected]

For questions or information related to the on-line fundraiser, contact: Vicki Kerr at 503-730-5300

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Shangri-La Farm Invites Public to Country Style Easter Egg Hunt

Local artist and Clark County Master Gardener Liz Pike is organizing a community Easter egg hunt at her organic Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie on Saturday, April 16th. The Port of Camas Washougal, Minuteman Press, ART FARM and Shangri-La Aviation are also co-sponsors of this country style Easter egg hunt. Visitors must park at Grove Field Airport, 632 NE 267th Avenue, just around the corner from Shangri-La Farm. The Easter Bunny will be driving the farm’s all-electric Sunflower Mobile; transporting attendees from the airport parking lot through the woods on a forest trail to the farm. 

The Easter egg hunt is actually three events in one, separated by ages. There’s a Tots Egg Hunt for ages 0-4 at 10:00a.m., followed by a Kids Egg Hunt for ages 5-8 at 11:00a.m., and a Big Kids Hunt for children over 9 years of age at noon on Saturday, April 16th. “We are inviting our community to experience Spring on a farm,” says Liz. “There’s lots to see this time of year including baby chicks and newborn lambs.” 

While at the farm for Easter egg hunt festivities, Liz invites the public to tour her lush gardens and see honeybees and happy chickens in action. Wander around raised vegetable beds and stroll the meandering trails through botanical flower gardens. See berry patches and fruit orchards along with Shangri-La Farm’s “e-crap station,” an environmentally conscious recycled animal poop composting system. There’s also a quaint farm stand open year round which sells farm fresh eggs from free-range chickens as well as organic fruits and vegetables during the season. 

Easter

Activities at the farm are as diverse as the plant life. Liz has a working art studio, an exhibition art gallery and an instructional studio at the farm, where she teaches oil painting workshops. Her ART FARM Sip&Paint studio accommodates up to nine students for scheduled classes. A complete schedule can be found at http://lizpike.art. Guests are invited to tour all of the art studios while attending the Easter egg hunt. 

Shangri-La Farm has been part of the Clark County Natural Garden Tour in 2018, 2019 and 2020. This year’s Tour is slated for Sunday, July 17th. Liz and her husband Neil Cahoon established Shangri-La Farm in 2010. 

“After eleven years of blood, sweat and tears, we enjoy sharing our farm with the public,” said Liz. “All year long, visitors stop in to purchase fresh items at our roadside farm stand. We invite them to tour the gardens and experience the changing beauty of the season.” 

Liz and her husband understand the importance of fostering a local, sustainable food system. 

“We realize people have food choices and we appreciate the support we receive from local families. This Easter egg hunt is one small way we can give back,” added Liz. 

For more information, Liz can be reached at 360-281-8720 or email [email protected]. Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie is located at 26300 NE Third Street, Camas, WA 98607. 

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Events: Washougal Youth Art Gallery Opens March 25

Washougal, WA – Washougal School District and Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance have joined forces again to shine a spotlight on student art during Washougal Youth Arts Month (WYAM). March is recognized nationally as Youth Art Month.

The cornerstone event for WYAM is the Washougal Youth Arts Month Gallery, showcasing student works created in art and Career and Technical Education classes from all Washougal schools. This year it will be held in a new location at the Washougal High School Excelsior Building at 1401 39th Street on March 23-25 from 5-7 pm and March 26 from 2-5 pm.  It’s free! 

“Our young artists have been working hard all year to create art to share with our community,” said Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School art teacher and WYAM gallery organizer, Alice Yang.  

Art pieces to be displayed include multimedia, watercolor, clay, video, and include works by WHS Career and Technical Education students with photography, metal and wood pieces.  In addition to the displays of art, music has been added to the gallery with WHS choir students Lily Barrett and Megan West to perform one song each on Saturday at 4:20 pm.

“Making the event even more special, the student-operated Panthers’ Cafe will be open on Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm for coffee creations for purchase,” said Margaret Rice, WSD CTE Director. “And on Saturday from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm CTE Culinary program students will be serving free appetizers they prepared in class, while supplies last.”

Yang will also have a loom set up for gallery visitors to be a part of a community weaving project to create fabric art. 

“The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance has a wonderful partnership with our schools and have funded and helped facilitate a number of student-created public art pieces,” said WACA Board Member, Rene Carroll.  “But our favorite collaboration is WYAM and the gallery specifically.  The level of talent these young artists exhibit is impressive. It is wonderful to help share this work with the community and give students recognition for their efforts.”

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Like so many other events in 2021, last year’s WYAM gallery was presented online. 

“Although the online gallery was so beautifully done, there’s nothing like seeing an artwork up close and personal,” Yang remarked. “The art teachers and students are so excited to have an in-person art show this year.” Past in person WYAM galleries have hosted hundreds of families and art lovers stopping by each day to enjoy the student work.

Washougal Youth Arts Month received formal recognition from both the City of Washougal and Washougal School Board with proclamations being signed at City Council and School Board Meetings last month.

“By collaborating in this rich arts endeavor with our community, we are supporting a partnership opportunity to know, nurture, and challenge all students in Washougal to rise to their creative potential,” said WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton. 

Youth Art Month started nationally in 1961 when the Council for Art Education and National Art Education Association named March as Youth Art Month to recognize art education and the value of art to create a better quality of life for all people.   Research indicates that high-quality art educational opportunities can improve critical-thinking skills and even help to foster important values such as empathy and acceptance.

For a full list of scheduled art activities and events throughout the month of March, go to http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/

WYAM
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Events: Disney’s ‘Descendants’ Musical Coming to Vancouver

Vancouver, WA —  Journey Theater is excited to be back in the theater to bring you this high-energy show based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical.  

It is present-day, and in the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the terrifying villains and troublesome sidekicks they have banished to the magic-free Isle of the Lost. That is until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of the evilest villains. Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos – the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar – are welcomed to Auradon Prep to attend school with the children of their parents’ sworn enemies. Now entering a completely foreign world and way of life, the four Villain Kids have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550.  Adult tickets are $16.  Youth and senior tickets are $12.  Tickets for all performances will be $2 more at the door. 

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Performances at Fort Vancouver High School

  • Friday, April 22nd @ 7pm
  • Saturday, April 23rd @ 2pm and @ 7pm
  • Friday, April 29th @ 7pm
  • Saturday, April 30th @ 2pm and 7pm

About Journey TheaterJourney 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.

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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Culture: Two Rivers Heritage Museum Offers Group Tours

Washougal, WA — Wet and cold weather finds many of us indoors during the winter. The Camas-Washougal Historical Society is inviting groups searching for an interesting activity to step into history at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal.

“Although we are currently closed to general admission for our annual winter maintenance and display work, we are happy to host groups of eight or more to enjoy our museum this time of year,” said Lois Cobb, CWHS Volunteer Coordinator.  A team of knowledgeable docents will help guide guests through the interesting displays which tell the stories of the history of Camas and Washougal.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday and need to be arranged by contacting Cobb at 360-835-5449.

Museum volunteers have been working hard during maintenance and COVID closures to refresh, update and expand existing displays and curate new historic information from the extensive artifact archives in storage. 

“Volunteers have taken a deeper look at our displays and created more detailed signage,” said Cobb.  “This adds to the enjoyment for guests as they understand more about the history and stories behind what they are seeing.”

A few of the interesting displays include Native American baskets and stone tools, mining relics, logging and dairy equipment, cobbler and carpenter tools, local doctor photos and their medical instruments, a pioneer kitchen with wood fire oven and ice box, military uniforms and toys that teach.

Another highlight is the new Gathering Place as Washuxwal, a long house inspired structure that was completed this fall.  The pavilion will be home to CWHS educational presentations and will help tell the stories of local Native Americans who were the first inhabitants of the area.  

Tour prices are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and just $2 for students.  The museum will be open for general admission on Saturdays from 11am-3pm from March through the end of October. For more information about the museum and volunteer and membership opportunities, visit www.2rhm.com and follow them on Facebook.

“We are proud of our museum and the stories we tell there,” said Cobb. “We want our community and visitors to the area to enjoy it and come away with a new appreciation of those who came before us. The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is where history lives for Camas and Washougal.”

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Lighted Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Returns to Downtown Washougal Dec 2

Washougal, WA — Stop by early at 5 pm for photos with Santa. Starting at 6 pm, the parade will run along Main Street culminating with the tree lighting ceremony in Reflection Plaza. For those unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed on the City’s Facebook page (https://facebook.com/WashougalGov).

The City is accepting applications from local businesses, organizations, and community groups to participate in the parade. Entry is free and all floats or groups must be lighted in some fashion. Awards will be given for Best Use of Lights, Best Use of Music and Santa’s Choice. Applications are due by Monday, November 30 and can be found at City Hall and online at http://www.cityofwashougal.us/ParadeApplication.

“Entries include local clubs, businesses, organizations and others throughout the community,” said Rose Jewell, Community Engagement Manager and parade organizer. “Being a part of the parade is a wonderful way to let people know about your group and show support for our community. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends in Washougal’s downtown living room.”

During and after the parade, the City is serving complimentary cookies and hot cocoa. Entertainment will include performances from the Washougal High School band and choir.

Santa Claus is always the very special guest and will bring up the end of the parade. He will be passing out candy canes and will be available for photos with kids of all ages.

Other sponsors include Waste Connections, Riverview Community Bank and Washougal Coffee Company.

“This community holiday event is a great way to get into the spirit of the season!” Jewell added. “I hope everyone will come and join us after missing out last year!”

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Clark College Concert Band To Perform For Audience – 1st Time in 18 Months

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark College Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris, presents its Fall Concert on Friday, December 3, 7:30 pm in the Durst Theater, VSAA, 3101 N Main St, Vancouver. Admission to the performance free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Music Department are welcome at the door. Masking, socially distanced seating, and contact tracing sign-in are required.

The concert features William Latham’s “Brighton Beach” concert march, Percy Grainger’s take on Handel, Aaron Copland’s “Down a Country Lane,” Frank Ticheli’s commissioned work “Cajun Folk Songs,” and Jan Van der Roost’s commission to honor the 110th anniversary of the Belgium Royal Saint Martinus Fanface Band.

“It is so fantastic to be back on campus creating music together,” says Dr. Harris. “We are looking forward to sharing our music with an audience in a few weeks.  We also invite college and community musicians to play with us in Winter and Spring quarters as we rebuild our band after four quarters off!”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz band, and choirs, please see the full calendar.

About Doug Harris

Dr. Doug Harris joined the faculty in Fall 2018 year as Director of Bands at Clark College 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.

Clark College
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Clark College
Concert Band.
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Public Invited to Church of Jesus Christ Open House Saturday

Camas, WA — Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are inviting the public to attend a special Open House on Saturday, November 13 from 11 am-2 pm at their Prune Hill chapel.

The meetinghouse is located at 3017 NW 18th Street, Camas, WA 98607.

Guests are invited to learn about how the church operates, what each organization within the faith does, and may tour the building.

Church leaders, who are not paid for their service or time, will be present to answer questions.

“We invite all to come unto Christ,” says Bill Stephens, who recently received the Mill Town Pride Award for his volunteer work at Prune Hill Elementary School. “We look forward to meeting you.”

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Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Hometown Holidays Returns to Camas

Camas, WA – The City of Camas is set to once again host Hometown Holidays. That means photos with Santa, crafts, the lovely lit holiday tree, entertainment, food and refreshments – it’s all back this year, albeit with some modifications, according to the City of Camas.

Hometown Holidays will be held Friday, Dec. 3, from 5- 8 pm, and Downtown Camas will be bustling once again with live and pre-recorded entertainment, modified photos with Santa (bring your camera), crafts activity bags for the kids, street food vendors, and downtown restaurants and shops open for business. The event begins at 5 pm, to coincide with Downtown Camas Association’s First Friday.

The event and all activities are free of charge thanks to the financial support of Columbia Credit Union, Windermere Real Estate, Downtown Camas Association, Equipment Rental Services, and in-kind donors and volunteers. However, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase food from Camas’ various downtown restaurants and food vendors, and to shop for holiday gifts in Camas’ picturesque historic downtown.

The Camas Library will hold its annual Hometown Holidays book sale Thursday, Dec. 2, to Sunday, Dec. 5, open until 8 pm, during Hometown Holidays. Thousands of donated items, from children’s picture books, to cookbooks, to juicy thrillers and romances will be featured. With something for everyone, it’s a fantastic opportunity to do some holiday shopping. All proceeds go to the Friends & Foundation of the Camas Library.

“We are so happy to be bringing back this favorite event after a year’s hiatus,” said Krista Bashaw, special events coordinator for the City of Camas.  “It gets us in the mood for the holidays and it brings our community together to share some of the joy of the season.”

Visit https://www.cityofcamas.us/hometown2021 for more information.

Please note, face coverings must be worn by all attendees at all times in accordance with the governor’s Proclamation and order of the Secretary of Health.  Additionally, city officials ask that you practice social distancing when possible.

Holidays
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Thursday’s Concert at Crown Park Rescheduled to Aug. 17 Due to Heat

CAMAS, WA — Due to extreme heat conditions forecasted for later this week, Thursday’s concert featuring Dancehall Days has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 17.  

Summer Concerts in the Park wraps it up with your favorite ‘70s/‘80s Classic Rock hits performed by Dancehall Days!  The concert will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at Crown Park (122 NE 17thAve.).  Registration is not required for this event.

Dancehall Days will end this year’s shortened concert series with a blast of upbeat, fun and danceable classic tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s.   You won’t want to miss this powerhouse band of vocal talent and musical skill!  Check out their music here:  https://www.dhdband.com/music  

No food vendors will be on site, but picnic dinners are welcome.   A few small picnic tables are available upon a first-come, first-served basis.  Chairs and blankets are encouraged.  Alcohol and dogs/pets are not allowed in the park. 

Washington State COVID guidelines are in effect.  Masks must be worn by unvaccinated individuals; social distancing is not required. 

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