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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
https://www.lesschwab.com/stores/wa/camas/2375-se-8th-ave?utm_campaign=gmb-homepage&utm_source=google-gmb

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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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Events: Summer Fun! Free Movies Return to Crown Park!

Camas, WA  –  The City of Camas Parks & Recreation’s free Movies in the Park series returns to Crown Park!  Two movies will be shown this year with the voted top-pick movie “Onward” kicking off this year’s short series and the live version of the Lion King ending the season.  

On Friday, July 30, “Onward,” a Disney/Pixar collaboration, tells the story of two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley, who get an unexpected opportunity to spend one more day with their late dad and embark on an extraordinary quest aboard Barley’s epic van Guinevere.  The movie will begin at 9 pm at the Crown Park shelter (NE Everett & NE 17th Ave.).

On Friday, August 20, the 2019 Disney live re-make of the movie favorite the “Lion King” will show at 8:30 pm, and will include pre-movie activities starting at 7:30 pm.  This 2019 live-action remake of the original animated version tells the same story of the young lion prince who, after the murder of his father, flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.  The well-known original songs are featured in the movie, making this new version a new favorite! 

Movies in the Park is in its 14th year (after a hiatus in 2020) and shows movies that are rated G or PG, to adhere to our family-friendly events criteria.  At the beginning of 2019, selected K-8 classrooms in the Camas School District were able to cast their votes for their favorite movies.  The top two winning movies from that vote are the ones we are sharing with our community this year. 

The Movies in the Park series is sponsored by Camas United Methodist Church.  At this time, movies will not feature a food vendor, so plan to bring your favorite dinner, movie snacks and drinks to the park.  Food can also be purchased at Top Burger, located across the street from the park, or from a variety of restaurants in downtown Camas, four blocks away.   Bring chairs or blankets for seating and note that, to allow fair viewing, chairs are placed in one-half of the park viewing area and blankets in the other half.  This is a free event.  No registration is required.  And, please note that alcohol and animals are not allowed in Crown Park. 

Movies in the Park is coordinated by Camas Parks and Recreation. 

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CW Chamber Announces New Washougal Summerfest July 23-24

Washougal, WA – The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce plans to host Washougal Summerfest Beer Garden in Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main Street, in beautiful downtown Washougal, on Friday and Saturday, July 23 and July 24 from 4 pm-11 pm each day.

This new community event is open to the public and features live music by rock and roll band “The Hot Shots,” along with dancing, great beer, and good cheer!  This event is for those 21 and older.  Admission is $5.

“With the State fully re-opening at the end of June, the Chamber wanted a celebration as things return to normal,” said Jennifer Senescu, Executive Director of the Chamber.  “We have been through a lot the past 15 months, it’s time to come together as a community.” 

Recently, the Board of Directors at the Chamber had approved hosting two events, one in Washougal this Fall and one in Camas over the traditional Camas Days weekend. However, this week, Chamber officials were notified their Special Events Application with the City of Camas to hold a smaller hybrid of Camas Days was denied by Camas City officials. 

Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Burton said Camas was unable to accommodate the request due to police staffing issues. Vacations for officers were approved months ago given the cancellation of Camas Days by former Mayor Barry McDonnell.

The Chamber then approached the City of Washougal, where officials provided rapid approval for Washougal Summerfest on July 23 and 24. 

“We appreciate the City of Washougal’s flexibility and graciousness in approving this event so quickly. The Chamber’s involvement in Washougal is long overdue and our entire Board of Directors is delighted that we are hosting an event to promote downtown Washougal,” said Senescu. 

The Chamber is in the process of obtaining approval for an Oktoberfest in downtown Camas. 

Washougal
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

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Community: IMPACT CW Food Box Program Helps Local Families

Washougal WA – The IMPACT CW (Camas-Washougal) food box distribution program, organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, helps hundreds of Camas and Washougal families with summer food supplies.  Now in its seventh year, the event continues to evolve to respond to COVID challenges and growing needs.

“In previous years, we have collected food donations and packed food boxes all at our community event,” said Beth Raetz, St. Matthew Lutheran Church Office Secretary. “However, due to Covid restrictions, last year we went completely digital and only collected monetary donations to purchase and deliver local grocery gifts cards to those school families in need.”

This year the event is a hybrid. The group will be collecting money only and pre-purchasing selected foods in addition to grocery gift cards for each family.  They will hold a food box packing event on June 6th from noon to 2pm at the Parker’s Landing Historic Park with the pre-purchased items.  “We really missed the hands-on community participation last year; so, there is great excitement to be able to get together again to pack boxes even though we will not be receiving food donations at that time. And while we won’t be having the community barbeque, we hope to bring it back next year.” 

Volunteers will be asked to stay socially safe and follow current guidelines for mask wearing.

IMPACT CW plans to assist approximately 150 families from both the Camas and Washougal School Districts.  They work directly with the school staff and counselors to help provide these gifts from the community.  

“We want to give a shout out to them for all of their support and assistance because it does add extra work for them at the end of the school year,” Raetz said.

Camas
www.gevurtzmenashe.com

So how can you help?
– Help sort and package food boxes at the packing event on Sunday, June 6
– Help deliver food boxes to Camas-Washougal Schools on Monday, June 7
– Give a financial gift (to pre-purchase all the food and gift cards).  The goal is to raise $12,000.  

Donors can give at a “Go Fund Me” account at https://www.gofundme.com/f/impact-camaswashougal-2021.  Checks can be made out to St. Matthew Lutheran Church and mailed to 716 Washougal River Road, Washougal, WA 98671 or dropped off Tuesdays-Fridays 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.

“We are so grateful for how generous our community is in helping us to provide these meals to families who are struggling,” Raetz said.  For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360-835-5533.

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2021 Washougal Studios Artists Tour Coming Mother’s Day Week (May 8-9)

Washougal, WA — Washougal area artists are once again opening their studio doors to offer a fascinating and art-filled family outing for Mother’s Day weekend.  The 2021 Washougal Studio Artists Tour, to be held May 8-9 from 10 am to 4 pm, will include 8 stops and features 15 local artists representing a vast array of creative works and mediums.

“We are excited to safely invite visitors back into our studios and outdoor display areas for this year’s event,” said Shirley Bishop, WSTA co-coordinator and local glass artist.  “Last year we held a virtual tour and promoted our artists online. It just wasn’t the same. The art experience is so much richer when a patron can visit an artist’s studio. They are able to see where the magic of creating art happens and learn about both the art and the artists.” 

Now in its fourth year, WSTA has drawn much interest and support from the local community and visitors from the Portland area and beyond.  

“We are delighted that many people taking the tour are discovering Washougal for the very first time,” said Bishop. “And they really enjoy the tour route that winds along the scenic Washougal River and through the Washougal foothills.  It’s nearly as beautiful as the art!”   

Washougal
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

The Washougal area boasts many high-quality professional artists. 

“It is no wonder,” said Bishop. “There is so much natural beauty to be found here that it serves as inspiration to these talented artists.”

New to this year’s tour are Trish Johnston, watercolor; Dana Bergdahl, acrylic & watercolor; Stu Ager, mixed media: organic metalwork design; India de Landa, contemporary art jewelry; Samuel Shrout, casted metal and wood, and Nancy Carkin, acrylic, oil and watercolor. 

Returning artists are: Char McHugh, ceramics; Anna Wiancko-Chasman, clay & mixed media; Cyndee Starr, mixed media; Kathy Marty, handwoven eco-friendly rugs; Shirley Bishop, fused glass; Tamara Dinius, mixed media; Toni McCarthy, original beaded jewelry; Sharon Ballard, acrylic painting; and Jean Hauge, multi-media.

New this year is the Runaway Kitchen food truck at tour stop #4, offering delicious meals and snacks for hungry shoppers. 

Preview participating artists’ work and see the tour map on the Washougal Studio Artists website 

www.WashougalStudioArtists.org   

You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Participating artists will also have copies of the map available, as well as many local businesses.

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CWCC Grant Brings ‘Hearts of Glass’ Documentary To Washougal

Washougal, WA — A recent Camas-Washougal Community Chest grant will support Washougal School District efforts to address historical, systemic inequalities for students with disabilities. The CWCC funds will provide the community with on-demand viewing access of the award-winning documentary Hearts of Glass on June 2-12, 2021.  This will be the first showing of the movie promoted in Washington State. 

This 2018 film follows the initial months of operation of Vertical Harvest, a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse that grows crops while providing meaningful, competitively paid jobs for people with disabilities working alongside people without disabilities.  

“Our goal is to bring awareness of the needs for competitive employment opportunities within our community for young adults with disabilities,” said Jessica Nickels Washougal Adult Transition Program Teacher.

A follow up webinar discussion panel will also be presented on June 9, featuring a Washougal community member, former WSD student, and the films’ cast and crew.  

“The discussion aims to create awareness of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities from the perspective of the individual and the employers,” said Nickels.  “This conversation and collaboration between the school district and community will also help improve employment outcomes for these young workers.”

Hearts
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

“Our goal is for the film and webinar to provide a platform to advocate for greater inclusion of individuals of differing abilities into all aspects of our community,” explained Heather Kassel, WSD ELA/EdTech Instructional Coach. “The discussion around the film is meant to serve as a catalyst for change and the creation of new partnerships between local businesses and the school district.”

“This film shows that innovation and inclusion can go hand-in-hand, benefiting citizens with disabilities and the community at large,” said filmmaker Jennifer Tennican in a press release.

“Our vision with this project is to align with the Washougal School District’s mission to Know, Nurture, and Challenge ALL students to rise,” said Kassel.  “The district strives to promote equitable educational opportunities for all students, and this film provides a model of what is possible.”

“It is our task as a school district to prepare students for successful post-secondary outcomes,” said Nickels. “It is our task as a community to recognize individual’s abilities and to work toward equitable inclusion into social and economic aspects of our community.”

Find the movie during the June 2-12 view period on the WSD website. The trailer can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuBSMUZa8wQ. For additional information about this film, please visit https://www.heartsofglassfilm.com/

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Third Thursday Downtown Camas Events Kick Off April 15

Camas, WA — Downtown Camas is hosting its inaugural Third Thursday event on April 15 from 5-8 pm.

According to the Downtown Camas Association, these events occur monthly, like First Friday, but have a “grown up” feeling which includes after-hours shopping, dinning, sipping and special activities or menus at participating downtown businesses.

April Third Thursday activities will include:

A Creative Twist (223 NE 4th):  “MOCK” Birthday Party– a chance to see what is offered at parties hosted here and different styles to choose from.  Parties booked this night are 20% off

Allure Boutique (407 NE 4th): Jewelry trunk show

Arktana (415 NE 4th): Extra 50% off sale racks;

Clover Podiatry (405 NE 6th Ave): Pop-up with foot health and shoe fit advice and shoe insert sale

Attic Gallery (421 NE Cedar): Wine, cake and live music by John Stowel for owner Tommer’s 60th B-day

Camas Antiques (305 NE 4th): Pop up shop with Brenda Calvert from Half Moon Farm

Camas Gallery (408 NE 4th): Camas Gallery Tax Relief Day–they will pay your sales tax on all purchases

Caps N Taps (337 NE 4th):  Special Battle of the Sexes Trivia Night starting at 8pm!

Feast 316 (316 NE Dallas): A Rainer Tall Boy & a shot of Woodenville Rye Whiskey for $15 to take the edge off of ‘Tax Day’…keeping it local!

Grains of Wrath (230 NE 5th): Rolling out new cocktails for spring/summer! Cucumber Basil Smash, Gin Mint Refresher, Raspberry Lemon Drop Shot, Breakfast Shots

Jazzercise Camas(514 NE Dallas): Free class at 7:00pm to new customers; call 360-980-0022 to reserve spot

Juxtaposition (425 NE 4th): Local artist Nancy Carkin will be painting live with her art on display; sampling of spa products; featuring new relaxing “Retreat” home fragrance

Lara Blair Photography (411 NE Dallas): Showcasing BLOOM portraits and doing a model call for their next creative project.

Lily Atelier (237 NE 4th): Jewelry trunk show including: Carynn Michelle Jewelry, Amy Leiner Designs, Yedomi, Jessica Alexander, Crystal Quinn

Camas
www.acreativetwistcorp.com

LiveWell Camas (417 NE Birch): Will have three Black Women owned pop-up vendors in their space: Shoebox by Ki (clothing), Asiyah Rose Candles (luxury candles), FloraNior (plants)

Naturally Healthy Pet (335 NE 5th): Naturally Healthy Pet celebrates 12 years! Drop by and Enter to Win prizes with a “12” theme including a 12 month supply of dog treats, a 12 month supply of canned food (dog or cat), 12lb of dog food and more. See store for details. Free goodie bags (while supplies last)

Papermaker Pride (339 NE 4th): Art Pop Up with Heidi Jo Curley

Salud Wine Bar & Italian Dining (224 NE 3rd): Girl Scout Cookie and wine pairing for $12.

The Soap Chest (521 NE Everett): In keeping with the theme, they will feature their Stress Relief products made with their proprietary blend of essential oils. Sampling Stress Relief Blend Spritzer, Massage Oil and Bath Salts.

Tommy Os at the Camas Hotel (401 NE 4th): Cara Cara Orange Margarita drink special and Pan Seared Steelhead trout with Asian stir fry and black rice as food special.

Restaurants will be hosting special happy hour, food and cocktail options with more details to be announced closer to the event.

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Chamber Eats Networking Series Kicks Off Thursday at Salud! Wine Bar

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its first Chamber Eats event this Thursday, April 8 at 5 pm at Salud Wine Bar in downtown Camas.

The twice-monthly Chamber Eats series is an informal networking event for Chamber members and the general public encouraging people to support local restaurants and reignite business connections.

“This is a step toward normalcy to begin networking in person and to support local restaurants,” said Jennifer Senescu, Executive Director of the CW Chamber. “We also think the food at Salud is fantastic.”

The Chamber Eats networking series is held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The second one will be held on Thursday, April 22 at A Beer At A Time in downtown Camas.

“We hope to see you at Salud on Thursday,” said Senescu. “The fun begins at 5 pm, but you’re welcome to attend at a time that’s convenient for you.”

Salud Wine Bar is located at 224 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607.

Salud Wine Bar serves Italian cuisine and offers a deep selection of wines. Its members are able to store their favorite wines in climate-controlled lockers and can enjoy outdoor dining in their back patio. Prior to the pandemic they offered live entertainment. The restaurant follows all COVID-19 safety protocols and recently expanded their kitchen.

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Local Groups Unite To Bring Awareness For Prevention Of Child Abuse

Washougal, WA — April is “Child Abuse Prevention Month” and General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal (GFWC) has a list of events that they will be participating in. GFWC will be planting pinwheel gardens in Camas and Washougal. Both Cities of Camas and Washougal have signed proclamations to help raise awareness about child abuse prevention.

“This is such an important issue that I feel passionate about raising awareness and getting the word out to our communities.” said Susan Bennett, Vice President of the GFWC Camas-Washougal. “We want families to know that there are resources and places to find help. We want families to feel supported in the important work of raising their children,” added Christine Kamps, President of GFWC.

Bennett serves as the Pinwheel Projects Committee Chair. In an effort to increase the reach and impact of the project this year, she reached out to Unite! Washougal Community Coalition to partner on this project and invited Unite! to plant gardens with the GFWC. “I was so excited to partner with the GFWC on this project!” said Ann Stevens, Unite! Washougal 501c3 President. “GFWC is such a hardworking and dedicated organization that really contributes to the good of our communities! In addition, improving the health and wellness of our youth, families and community is the core mission of Unite!, so this is a perfect project to partner together.”

GFWC, a 501c3 organization, has been serving the cities of Camas and Washougal since 1947. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is one of the world’s oldest and largest women’s volunteer service organizations. GFWC is a vibrant and connected sisterhood of women who are creating better communities, expanding their own possibilities, and extending friendship and support to women near and far.

Child
www.gevurtzmenashe.com

Unite! Washougal Community Coalition is a substance misuse prevention coalition that works with all sectors of the community to increase community connections and promote health and wellness. “We are always looking for community partners that want to promote connection, health and wellness in our community, remarked Angela Hancock, Unite! Vice President. “We also have other resources for parents and our community including parenting classes such as Incredible Years, and our semi-annual Drug Take Back on April 24th from 10 am to 2 pm.”

Both organizations are seeking new members who want to volunteer, learn new skills and serve their communities. For more information and resources to help prevent child abuse visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/resource-guide/  For more information about the General Federation of Women’s Clubs please email GFWC Camas-Washougal at [email protected], contact Susan Bennet at (916) 330-7932 or visit their Facebook page GFWC Camas-Washougal.  For more information about Unite! contact Margaret McCarthy at washougalunite.com or call (360) 954-3203. Unite! meets the 4th Thursday of every Month at 3 PM. Currently, meetings are by zoom. Check out our Facebook page or Website for more information. http://unitewashougal.org/

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