Budding artists are invited to learn to paint with oils on canvas with local artist, Liz Pike, at the upcoming “Sip&Paint for Good” event at Reflection Plaza in downtown Washougal.  It’s scheduled for Wednesday, August 14 and will support the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance. It will run from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at a cost of $45 which includes all art supplies.  Space is limited to the first 25 participants who sign up and advanced registration is required.  Register by calling or texting 360-281-8720 or email pikeadvertising@comcast.net.  Participants will be invited to sip on lemonade and coffee as they create their masterpieces. 

“I am excited to partner with the City of Washougal to provide Sip&Paint for Good events,” said Pike. “Washougal is a very special place.  I love that they are leading the charge on all things art in east Clark County with their murals, public art pieces and the events that promote local artists.” 

As an artist instructor, Pikes says she has just three rules: 1. Relax, 2. Have Fun, and 3. Learn Something. “I teach in oils on canvas because it’s the only medium I chose to work in,” she explained.  “I love the unmatched textures of oil paint. My students learn a little bit about composition, how to use their light source effectively on their canvas, and basic brush stroke instruction for various techniques.” 

Participants will work on small format canvases which is ideal for beginners who have not painted before. According to Pike, within a two-hour period, everyone is able to successfully complete their painting.

“They leave the event with a painting and a smile on their face,” she said.

Sip&Paint
www.ClarkCountyRelocations.com

Pike’s students appreciate her relaxed teaching style and how with just some basic instruction, they can create a beautiful painting in their own unique style. “Most people also comment on how relaxing it is to paint,” she said “They are able to clear their mind and recharge. It’s a great way to leave the hectic world behind in exchange for some peace of mind.”

According to Pike, many people simply think they cannot paint, or perhaps someone along the way discouraged them or they’ve just been afraid to try something new.

“I believe everyone is an artist,” she said.  “Several friends of mine have started painting with me and they are wonderful artists. All they needed was a little nudge. I encourage the public to roll up their sleeves and come paint in the Plaza with me in beautiful downtown Washougal. I promise they will have fun and learn something new. Come to Sip&Paint, you’ll have lots of fun!”

The 2019 Washougal Art Festival not only brings nearly 30 professional artists to show and sell their works, but proudly features an exciting line up of music and dance performances.  The fourth annual event will be held Saturday August 10 from 9 am to 4 pm at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main Street, Washougal and is presented by Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) to raise funds to bring public art to Washougal.

The entertainment kicks off with the duo of Jay “Bird” Koder and Al Perez at 10:30 am  Each bring energy and soul to their music. At noon, a dance performance will be presented by Daniel and Lindsay.  Daniel Martinez is a dance instructor who loves to connect to his community through dance.  At 12:15 pm, local boy and crowd favorite, Wayne Havrelly will bring an upbeat mix of original music and creative covers with his show.  Capping off the afternoon is Rain or Shine trio specializing in vintage swing, blue grass, Brazilian and much more. Jeffree White, of the Washougal School of Music, is joined by Flauren Ricketts and Steve Cleveland.  

A portion of the funding for the performances was donated by the Washougal Business Alliance. 

Other event sponsors include Washougal School of Music, Camas Gallery, Joyce Lindsay, Susan Tripp, City of Washougal Lodging Tax Fund and The Paint Roller-Mobile Paint Party. Proceeds from this year’s festival will help fund an original Heather Söderberg casting of a life-sized bear to add to the public art of Washougal. 

Washougal Art

For a preview of participating Washougal Art Festival artists and their work, visit the WACA website at www.WashougalArts.org

While in Washougal, visitors are encouraged to discover works of public art using the WACA art map http://washougalarts.org/local-art/ which provides locations, artists name and the year for more than 30 installations around town.  Maps will be available at the event.

Did you know that chiropractic is not just for relief from back pain? In fact, many of the doctor’s patients do not suffer from the disorders typically associated with chiropractic, such as arthritis, backache, neck pain or headache. Instead, patients seek chiropractic care for a variety of benefits, which are supported by scientific research. Although your doctor at Davis Family Chiropractic does care for patients with back and spinal conditions traditionally associated with chiropractic, many of our patients seek care for a multitude of other reason. Below is a sampling of just some of those reasons.

Keep Abreast of the Latest Health Research

Several of our patient’s consider their regular Chiropractic visits not only opportunities to keep their spine in optimal conditions, but also occasions to learn about late-breaking research in wellness fields like disease prevention, nutrition, exercise, mental outlook and stress reduction. To this end, each week your doctor at Davis Family Chiropractic publishes an Optimal Health University® handout on a research topic. In addition, we offer preventive care and wellness workshops aimed at keeping our patients on the forefront of holistic research and warding off potential health challenges before the onset of symptoms.

Correct Extremity Conditions

Sure, you know that chiropractic alleviates pain and disability in the spine, hips, back and neck. You are probably aware that this drug-free approach to health wards off headaches, jaw pain and fibromyalgia as well. But did you know that chiropractic offers effective correction for problems in the joints of the upper and lower limbs (extremities) as well? Your doctor at Davis Family Chiropractic addresses maladies affecting the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders with a multifaceted approach. First, alignment in the extremities is influenced by spinal posture. Consequently, a misaligned spine may spark a chain reaction that throws limbs slightly out of balance, leading to uneven wear on joints. Your doctor examines the spine for areas where movement is restricted or spinal bones (vertebrae) are slightly out of place. These dysfunctional segments are called vertebral subluxations. This condition is corrected with specialized, gentle maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments. Next, chiropractic care targets the specific joint involved. This may include gentle adjustment to or manipulation of the joint. It may also involve physiotherapy techniques or exercises custom tailored to the patient’s unique circumstances.

Ergonomic advice is also a common component of an extremity care plan. Scientific evidence supports the use of chiropractic for extremity injuries. For instance, among a group of 30 patients with sprained ankles, researchers found that chiropractic ankle adjustments were superior to ultrasound therapy. Adjustments significantly reduced pain and increased ankle range of motion and function (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001:24:17-24). Another study demonstrated that not only can these adjustments subdue knee pain, but they also help restore proper tracking to the kneecap (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1990; 13:539). And, in another analysis, 24 patients with long-term elbow pain received either a placebo treatment or manipulative therapy. Findings showed “a significant and substantial increase” in the pain-free grip strength of 58 percent during treatment – but not during placebo or nontreatment phases (Manual Therapy 2001; 6:205-12)

Chiropractic
Woman having chiropractic back adjustment. Osteopathy, Acupressure, Alternative medicine, pain relief concept. Physiotherapy, sport injury rehabilitation

Improve Overall Health

Scientific research indicates that chiropractic care improves the immune response, which may lead to superior health overall. One study looked at the effect of chiropractic adjustments on specific white blood cells associated with immune function. Known as Pholymorphnulcear neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes, these disease busters help the body destroy unhealthy cells. The study revelead that “…pholymorphnulcear neutrophils (PNM) and monocytes were enhanced in adults that had been adjusted by chiropractors.” ( J Manipulative) Investigators also note that chiropractic care dramatically increases immune response in HIV-positive individuals. In one study, patients receiving adjustments had a 48 percents jump in CD4 cells (cells that play an essential role in immunity). However, test subjects who were not adjusted experienced a 7.69 percent drop in CD4 cells during the same six months (Chiro Research Journal 1994; 3:1)

Combat Visceral Conditions

Visceral conditions are disorders affecting the body’s organs. While chiropractic is usually sought to ward off dysfunctions of the muscles and bones, recent research supports patient testimonies that the benefits of chiropractic are wide sweeping – including possibly preventing visceral conditions. For Instance, findings show that chiropractic may help maintain normal blood pressure ( J Manipulative Phsiol Ther 1988: 11:484-8). Findings also suggest that chiropractic care may improve the likelihood of conception among woman struggling with infertility (JVSR 2003:1:6). Another study reveled that after undergoing chiropractic adjustments. 91percent of patients with multiple sclerosis and 92 percent of patients with Parkinson’s disease “showed symptomatic improvement and no further disease progression during the care period.” (JVSR 2004; 1:9) In one injury in 17 patients with the intestinal disorder Chron’s disease, 12 enjoyed substantial relief from chiropractic care (JVSR 2002; 4:2).

For instance, in a study of 46 children with ear infection, 92 percent recovered with chiropractic intervention alone. “This study’s data indicate that limitations of medical intervention and the addition of chiropractic care may decrease the symptoms of ear infection in young children.” (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1996; 19:169-77). It’s also been shown to help reduce bed-wetting (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1994; 17:596-600). And an analysis of 316 babies with colic found that 94 percent benefited from chiropractic care (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1989; 12). In addition, 76.5 percent of children with asthma in one survey reported improvements from chiropractic (Bull Eur Chir Union 1978; 26:17-34). Researchers also note that “chiropractic manipulation [adjustment] has the potential to become an important nondrug intervention for children with hyperactivity.” ( J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1989;12).

Boost Athletic Performance

Regular chiropractic care helps keep the entire body not merely pain-free but also in top physical form. That’s why professional athletes like Aaron Rogers and Tom Brady turn to chiropractic. Nearly all major professional sport teams work with doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractors tour with PGA and LPGA. And doctors of chiropractic can be found caring for athletes at the Olympic Games. But you don’t need to be an elite athlete to reap the performance-related rewards of thiscare. Recreational sports buffs enjoy bolstered functioning and reduced fatigue from chiropractic care.

Bolster Cognitive Function

Research indicates that these adjustments promote cognitive function and may boost short-term memory. In one study, 36 students were examined for signs of vertebral subluxations. Subjects received either chiropractic adjustments or placebo treatments. Volunteers were then timed to see how quickly they could differentiate between normal and mirror-reversed objects. Individuals receiving chiropractic adjustments improved their reaction time by 14.9 percent during the experiment, while controls enhanced mental processing by only 8 percent (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 200; 23:246-51).

Be More Productive at Work

Patients often report that chiropractic care enhances their productiveness at work. This productivity boost stems from elevated energy and reduced fatigue. In addition, these treatments ward off debilitating chronic pain. “Chronic pain had a larger impact on work performances then has previously been recognized,” researchers in Australia determined after analyzing the data from 484 study participants. “When both lost workdays and reduced-effectiveness workdays were summed, an average of 16.4 lost workday equivalents occurred in six month period, approximately three times the average number of workdays [for non pain reasons].” (Pain 2003; 103:41-7.) According to an alarming article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Lost productive time from common pain conditions among active workers cost an estimated $61.2 billion per year [in the United States]. The majorities (76.6 percent) of the lost productive time was explained by reduced performance while at work and not work absence.” (JAMA 2003; 290:2443-54.)

Get the Big Picture

More and more patients are giving up their narrow perception of chiropractic and discovering that this revolutionary holistic approach to health is for much more then back pain. If your friends or family have a “tunnel vision” of chiropractic, please share the research contained in this handout with them.
Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recommendations are appropriate in most instances. They are not, however, a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider such as Dr. Davis. Copyright, 2017.

Link to a previous article: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2017/10/chiropractic-evaluation-following-auto-accident.html

Dr. Marc Davis, Dr. Christina Kulesz and Dr. Andrew Wade adjust patients at Davis Family Chiropractic & Massage, a thriving wellness-oriented office located next to Fred Meyer in Fisher’s Landing. For FREE monthly tips and community events like us on Facebook or become a member of our website www.davisfamilychiro.com. To schedule a time to meet with Dr. Davis or Dr Christina, or to get information about having him speak at your club, church group or workplace, call (360) 823-2225. Mention “LacamasMagazine” and “Free Scan” to get your Computerized Back and Neck Scan (regularly $95) for FREE (limited time offer).

Dr. Marc Davis, Dr. Christina Kulesz, Dr. Andrew Wade
DAVIS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC AND MASSAGE, PLLC
www.davisfamilychiro.com
2415 SE 165TH Avenue, Suite 105
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 823-2225

Upside Down Pan Pizza. It’s been on my mind for days since I watched Tasty.co’s video tutorial about proper use and care of cast iron skillets.

I’m sure mom told me how to use them when I was a teen, but honestly I’ve forgotten. Once I seasoned the skillet as they instructed, it’s been non-stick and I’ve been cooking farm-fresh eggs from Shangri-La Farm, bacon, hash browns, and more — and it’s tasting so good.

So, Saturday night my journalist schedule cleared up, and I decided to make Tasty’s Upside Down Pan Pizza. The recipe is a good one, but for our family’s liking we will change a few things for next time: 1) Make thicker dough (methinks this is user error); 2) Use half a cup of less pizza sauce; 3) Don’t flip the pizza, simply cut it straight out of the cast iron skillet.

As I was getting ready to put it into the oven, I got a call from my youngest son, Aaron, who was with his buddies Ethan and Will, so I wasn’t sure it would be enough for so many hungry boys who just spent the day playing at the river.

Upside Down Pan Pizza
Pizza in progress.

It requires the following ingredients, per Tasty.co

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced into rings
  • nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
  • ½ cup pepperoni, sliced
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 7 slices provolone cheese
  • 2 cups pizza sauce
  • all-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 lb pizza dough
Pizza
In the oven.

Here are the instructions copied from https://tasty.co/recipe/upside-down-deep-dish-pizza

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch (30 cm) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the green pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Turn off the heat. Grease the pan with nonstick spray.
  5. Arrange the pepperoni in an even layer on the bottom of the pan. Top with the green peppers, onions, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Arrange the provolone slices over the shredded cheese in an even layer. Top with the pizza sauce and spread evenly.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch (30 cm) round. Gently lay the pizza dough over the pizza sauce, making sure the dough reaches to the edges all around. Brush the dough with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes, until the dough is golden brown.
  8. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Place a large baking sheet on top, then quickly invert the pizza onto the pan.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, until the pepperoni begins to crisp.
  10. Slice into 8 wedges, then serve.
  11. Enjoy!
Pizza
Ready Pizza!
Ready to eat
Taste testers.

First Friday is coming August 2nd and with the theme “Small Town Summer Fun–Downtown Goes Flamingo” from 5-8 pm.  All the shops, restaurants, galleries, and theater will have their air conditioning going so will be nice and cool for you :). Stop by Journey on 4th Avenue for games, crafts, and your activity list for the evening.

Come Celebrate Summer!

Activities will include:

  • Play the “What’s that Flamingo Saying?” game in downtown businesses & earn tickets to win great summer prizes!
  • Flamingo themed Fun & Games & Crafts
  • Live outdoor music & dining by Mesa!
  • 2 ribbon Cuttings: 5 pm: Coventry Gardens (602 NE 3rd) and 5:30 pm: Columbia Chiropractic Grand Re-opening with new owner Amy Reynolds (428 NE 4th)
  • Art shows and receptions in all downtown galleries
  • Camas High School Grad Night will be on hand with their “flocking” fundraiser opportunities!
  • Kona Ice Shave Ice will be here!
  • Papermaker Pride T-shirts will be selling their Camas Pride wear for a school district fundraiser with a limited flamingo pink printed Camas tee!
  • Wear your best Flamingo themed attire and get tickets to win!
  • Free kids’ rock painting sponsored by The Paint Roller Mobile Paint Party
  • Free Otter pops for the kids
  • Shop, dine, and stay cool!

The Camas Gallery will feature Russ Raybukin, Steampunk artist and founder of Old Barn Custom, from 5-8 pm. It’s a great time to meet and greet, and see so much of his amazing work, which is found exclusively at the Camas Gallery.

Steampunk

Join us for a fun and dynamic summer evening in Downtown Camas! Visit the First Friday Facebook page for more details and updates. See you soon!

You can also visit www.DowntownCamas.com or read a past First Friday article: https://lacamasmagazine.com/2019/07/camas-gallery-features-liz-pikes-field-of-sunflowers-on-first-friday.html

It’s August, and Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic has some great specials on Laser Genesis, Ultherapy, and laser hair removal.

What is Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis is a highly effective treatment for targeting enlarged pores, texture and fine lines. Patients often describe the treatment as relaxing and therapeutic. They report a gentle warming of the skin’s surface during the procedure. Patients who incorporate IPL and Laser Genesis treatments as a part of their beauty routine maintain radiant, youthful skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Genesis

How does it feel?

Patients report a warming of the skin that is quite relaxing.

What is the downtime?

There is no down time.

How long before I see results?

The benefits can be seen instantly with your skin showing a healthy glow and will continue to improve over the following week.

Are there any side effects?

There are no side effects.

The August Laser Genesis special is get a Free Microdermabrasion with the purchase of a Laser Genesis treatment.

Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis: Before and after.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that utilizes the power of focused ultrasound technology, and sound waves to simulate collagen to lift, tone and tighten the skin. The Ultherapy procedure can be performed on the eyes, brow, face, neck and under the chin and chest. This technology stimulates the production of collagen resulting in continuous improvement of the tone and tightness. An Ultherapy procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the area treated. Ultherapy delivers outstanding results without surgery or downtime.

The August Ultherapy Special is Purchase a lower neck treatment get the upper face free ($1,500 savings!)

Ultherapy
Visit www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a treatment that safely and effectively removes unwanted hair. It works by targeting the brown and black pigments in the hair, effectively reducing growth with each treatment.

Here are the current laser hair removal specials:

  • Small area $175 for 6 treatments
  • Medium area $275 for 6 treatments
  • Large area $375 for 6 treatments

Call 360.823.0795 to schedule your visit.

Vancouver Laser
Laser hair removal.

About Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic

When Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic (VLSCC) decided to move its offices to Downtown Camas, they brought more than 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and an array of treatments and products that rejuvenate skin and restore your youthful glow. They feel good when you look great. 

Their office at 715 NE 5th Avenue is charming, and peaceful, and is part of the history and future of Camas, a quaint and successful town that many say is a city about wellness.

“We love being part of this wonderful and historic downtown scene,” said Keller, who owns VLSCC. “And, we invite you to come see what we’re all about. — from pre-teen/adult acne sufferers to mature patients.”

VLSCC offers many services, including: IPL, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face and Leg Vein Removal, Botox, and more! 

Learn more at www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

Generation Headstrong. They’re new. They’re young. And, they’re bold.

The rock and blues band (that plays a little metal, too) formed just months ago, but the four boys – Jameson Reese Fyfe, 9; Aiden Baird, 14; Grayson Much, 14; and Bennett Fyfe, 11 — are moving pretty fast in the music world with regular performances in the region, and their eyes on an international competition.

The SW Washington band members knew other over the last three years, thanks to the Hammersmith Rock Institute in Vancouver, where they learn about music and practice. Eventually, the the stars aligned, and in February 2019 Generation Headstrong was born.

Not long after, the band heard about the International Blues Competition, and were approached by the Cascade Blues Association to represent the Pacific Northwest at the annual event in Memphis, Tennessee next January.

And in this short amount of time, they’ve quickly learned to connect and combine their talents to create their own style.

Aiden, a Camas resident, plays guitar and does backup vocals. Grayson, of Vancouver, is lead guitar player with vocals and background vocals. Bennett, the band’s deep thinker and organizer, plays bass and is the lead vocalist, and his little brother Jameson does drums and backup vocals.

“I have to do drums,” said Jameson. “It gets the hyper out of me!”

His older brother, Bennett, just shakes his head.

“We’ve connected to the point where our playing is meaningful as we connect onstage and offstage,” said Aiden. “We know what to do to make our playing a little bit better each time. We’re playing at levels some adults don’t play yet. It’s some complex stuff. One of the songs is ‘A Cult of Personality’. We’re starting off as a cover band. It was a hard song to learn. It’s faced-paced. It came along and it’s a really, really good song. We rehearse it a lot.”

Generation Headstrong
From left: Grayson Much, Aiden Baird, Jameson Fyfe, and Bennett Fyfe.

Rehearsals happen twice weekly at Bennett and Jameson’s house, and sessions typically last three hours. They’re also beginning to write their own music.

They continue to perform all over the area, including at A Beer At A Time in Downtown Camas. So, what can audiences expect when they perform?

“Usually we have two sets: one is a set of songs, then we do a second set,” said Aiden. “The first set is a little bit more low key. Sets are 45-50 minutes with 10-15 songs per set. We’re playing 2-3 hour shows right now.”

Leon Fyfe, who has his own history in music, manages the band, which has played at a lot of local youth jams.

They get paid for the gigs and each boy is a paid a little money, and the rest is being used to cover the Memphis trip.

“We have to cover all the costs to get there,” said Grayson. “It’s the last week of January. All of this brings us together and makes us feel comfortable. We want to be bigger. We play at the zoo, A Beer At A Time, Billy Blues, and we did a road trip to Enterprise, OR. We played two shows there. One place called Terminal Gravity and then the other was at Embers.”

A Rich History in Music

Grayson’s roots started with the piano, and 2.5 years ago he picked up the guitar.

“Mom found a place called Hammersmith Rock Institute at 1st and 172nd in Vancouver,” said Grayson. “Then mom asked me if I wanted to play guitar. I really liked it and learned from John Guffey. Shout out to him! He taught me for two years, I started at 11. In 2017, I met Aiden, and we started getting close.”

Aiden started out liking music because his family had a musical background.

Generation Headstrong
www.ClarkCountyRelocations.com

“Mom likes singing,” said Aiden. “I would play air guitar to songs on the radio. Grandpa and mom bought me a guitar when I was 5, and I took lessons for two years, then moved onto drums for a while then I was introduced to Hammersmith. We walked in and talked to the people there and I was enrolled in drum lessons. We’d play shows with Grayson and Bennett. We did rehearsals and shows together.”

The Fyfe boys also have a rich music heritage. Their mom, Trisha Fyfe, grew up with music and played piano while her father and grandfather were both in bands.

Jameson was the last to join the budding band, and he’s glad he did.

“It’s just so much fun,” he said.

So, where did the name ‘Generation Headstrong’ come from?

“The whole band and parents discussed it,” said Aiden. “We had multiple ideas and it stuck. Generation was something we all picked out. Headstrong means we’re smart. It means we’re determined.”

Their next performance is Friday, August 2 at 6 pm at A Beer At A Time.

Steampunk artist Russ Ray can’t sit still. When he’s not working in his landscape design and construction job, taking care of his family, or joyriding on his motorcycle, you can find him in his shop creating brilliant works of art.

“Steampunk industrial ideas have always been in my head, but now it’s really happening,” said Ray. “Maybe it’ll turn into my full-time job? My very first one was a table that has raw metal with heavy beams and it was turning into this steampunk. I didn’t design anything on paper, it was just in my head.”

That was just last winter. To date, Ray has completed 10 tables and nine lamps.

“Steampunk just happened,” he said. “I saw a few things on the Internet that amazed me. I love to work with metal, which is why I work with so much with it. For the antique tables I was using the old barn wood. I just sand it and apply a light layer of stain and oil.”

He finds the gears, scales, and old things at swap meets, antique shows, and all over the Internet. They bring materials from all over Portland to these venues, and to Ray, they’re treasures.

“The parts are not cheap,” he said. “The old wood isn’t cheap. A lot of these things are hard to find. Nothing can be built exactly the same. They’re one of a kind. It’s really hard to find exactly the same parts.”

So what is steampunk?

Officially, it’s a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction.

Wikipedia says “It is a mixture of the Victorian era’s romantic view of science in literature and elements from the Industrial Revolution in Europe during the 1800s.”

“It’s just what I do,” said Ray. “Steampunk.”

Ray, 42, a husband and father of 5, also refers to his work as industrial art.

“I got started last winter designing the work,” he said. “I have more time during winter and just keep building. Landscape work is seasonal.”

“This guy cannot sit still,” said his wife, Elena Bogomaz.

It’s true, he says.

“I cannot just sit still and watch TV. When we got snowed in he went into full panic mode. It pushed me to do something in the garage.”

Ray was born in the Ukraine, came to the United States in 1997, and has lived in Camas for past 17 years.

“We’re so glad he’s here,” said Marquita Call, curator of the Camas Gallery. “He’s our featured artist on August 2 during the Downtown Camas First Friday. We can’t wait!”

Since meeting with Ray, Call has added an entire steampunk section in the gallery, which is where you can view much of his work.

He says each piece gets better, and that he now builds two types of tables: Antique and industrial rustic. He started with industrial rustic and then moved into antiques.

“This is how it always works: I find a piece and then I work around it,” he said. “I just envision it in my head. I will start to build and then put it on paper but the final product will change a lot. The cool thing with steampunk is I build pieces with themes like Marines or Air Force. I pretty much stay with antiques now. I’m fine to build any of these tables for people who want them.”

Reception desks can be built for a particular location, and he also sees an increased demand for modern styles.

“The electrical work is something I learned from my construction experience,” he said. “For residential and commercial they’re different. Residential lamps are 2-wire.”

How long does it take to build a lamp?

“A simple one will take two days to build,” he said. “I spend 80 percent of my time scavenging for pieces. I call myself an American Picker. Mostly I look for gauges to put in all lamps. Gauges, water meters, different valves. Most of the pipes are old ones mixed with new ones. Some of the pipes are really old. The wood comes from old barns or schools that are 100 years or older. For industrial rustic most of the wood is newer. The antique tables are old wood. Older wood has thicker cuts.”

He invites you to attend his reception at Camas Gallery on Friday, August 2 from 5-8 pm. You can also find his work at www.OldBarnCustom.com

Camas Gallery is located at 408 NE 4th Avenue in Downtown Camas, Washington.

Friends and family are rallying together to assist Feast @316 Chef Benjamin Ortega, known to many as “Chef Ben,” “Benji” or “Benny” as he recovers from a serious car accident.

On July 17, Chef Ben was involved in a tragic car accident along the Oregon Coast. According to Feast @316 owner, Melissa McCusker, a log truck turned toward the highway without stopping, and Chef Ben didn’t have enough time to stop, causing his car to slide under the truck and become wedged underneath.

“It took first responders 90 minutes to get him out,” said McCusker. “Then they took him to Portland OHSU and he had a dislocated jaw, fractured vertebrae, broken collar bones, broken ribs. He had two surgeries. He’s at home now recovering. He has worked for Feast for four years, and has a four-year-old son named Chinook and a loving wife, Ingrid.”

McCusker said he has insurance covered through Feast, but the GoFundMe is there to cover the extra expenses.

Chef Ben
Chef Ben with son, Chinook.

“He’ll likely be out for a good three months,” said McCusker. “Everyone’s been pitching in in the kitchen.”

The GoFundMe organizers said “After seeing the photos of the accident it is unbelievable that he survived and the injuries were not worse. Surgery was done to fix the broken jaw and today he is home under the care of his family. It will be some time until Benjamin can go back to work. Until then, we humbly ask for your financial support to help with medical and living expenses.”

Feast patrons recognize Chef Ben for his creative culinary abilities and for his contributions to the excellent food prepared at their restaurant. Feast @316 is local steakhouse and a favorite destination for many. To learn more about Feast @316, visit www.CamasFeast316.com

To donate, click here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-show-love-amp-support-for-chef-ben-amp-family?fbclid=IwAR1scQFXCgU2BqJc3alEMY9rE-Q4AXdVpWKXGBBxWJzAPHfpABaVYjQw-So

Chef Ben
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Washougal’s popular, pirate-themed concert and festival has dropped its anchor at a new venue this summer on Cottonwood Beach at Captain William Clark Park.  Pirates in the Park, a family-friendly, festive community event, will be held Saturday, August 24 from 1 to 9 pm.

“Now in its fourth year, we decided to change things with a new location,” said AJ Bogue, Washougal Business Association (WBA) President.  “We love the idea of a natural park setting with the beautiful Columbia River close by. It is the perfect spot to host pirate fun!” 

The Pirates event features lively music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, children’s games and activities, beer garden, costume contests and more!  The Presenting sponsor is Mary Jane’s House of Glass. 

WBA and City of Washougal have teamed up to organize the event with proceeds to support WBA initiatives. “Although the event is free to attend, we hope people will come ready to have a good time and make a donation toward our work to promote Washougal businesses,” Bogue said. There is a suggested $5 donation for admission. 

The event kicks off at 1 pm with food and craft vendors and children and pet activities.  Children activities will include games, coloring and painting with The Paint Rollers. Leashed pets are welcome.  Pet activities finish at 4 pm and include an agility demonstration and course and a K9 unit demonstration.  West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is an event partner. 

The beer garden, operated by WBA, will open at 2 pm and will feature local breweries. The 21-year and older area will be open until 9 pm. Food vendors feature Washougal restaurants Alex Smokehouse, Smeads Pub and Peggy’s Place. “The WBA is working to ‘put Washougal first’ and provide our local businesses the opportunity to serve customers at events such as this,” said Bogue.

The evening concert begins at 4:25 pm with the musical mayhem of the Bilge Rats & Pyrettes from Portland. Their second set will begin at 6:20 pm. Additional entertainment will be provided by Circus Luminescence including a vaudeville circus show, a glow in the dark finale and more.  

Event goers are encouraged to come enjoy the day in their best pirate attire.  “To add to the fun, we will have judging and prizes for the best costumes in adult, children and pet categories,” said Bogue.  The children and pet contests will be at 3 pm and the adults will be judged at 6 pm.

“We are excited that WBA member businesses have agreed to extend special offers for event participants to redeem through August 31,” said Kimberly Harp, WBA Board of Directors, Membership and Sponsorship.  “The ‘Walk da Plank thru da Shoug’ promotion is a fun way to connect more businesses with locals and visitors who come to Pirates in the Park.  Customers will love all the great deals on food, drinks and purchases in many of their favorite Washougal stores and restaurants.  The pamphlet, full of offer details, will be available at the event.” 

Pirates in the Park – Event Schedule 

(Times subject to change)

1 pm: Festival Opens

1-4 pm: Dog Activities, Ball and Water Pools

Dog Agility Course (1-3 pm) High Expectations Dog Training Agility Demo (1:30 pm)                           

1:30 pm: Kids Activities, Paint Rollers, Coloring, Games, Sensory Activities by Nicki Mann

2 pm: Beer Garden Opens; K-9 Demonstration

2:30-3 pm:         Dance Lesson – Daniel Martinez, Dancing with Danny

3 pm:                  Pet Pirate Costume Contest + Kids Pirate Costume Contest

3:45-5:45 pm:     Ambient acts in the park:  stilt walking, juggling, hula hooping, contortion/hand balancing

4:00-4:20 pm:     Sword Combat Demonstration – Blade Fit Academy

                             Adult games start including corn hole, giant Jenga and canon ball toss

4:25-5:35 pm:    MAIN EVENT – Bilge Rats & Pyrettes – first set 

5:40-6 pm:         Circus Luminescence – Act 1: Vaudeville Circus Show featuring contortionist/hand balancing, juggling, and a crazy combination trick

Pirates
Lots of fun entertainment.

Additional event sponsors include Les Schwab Gunderson Tire Center, Best Western Plus and City of Washougal Lodging Tax funds.

For a complete schedule of the day’s activities go to www.cityofwashougal.us  

For more information about the Washougal Business Association, visit www.washougalbusinessassociation.com/

For information on events and activities in Washougal go to www.Visitwashougal.com