Last Christmas season, in an effort to support locally owned and operated businesses, I made a point to shop FIRST in downtown Camas, Washougal, and other small companies in Vancouver. My goal was to buy as much as I could without going to the mall, or into the traffic congested streets of Portland — or even going online.

The results amazed me! I was able to make 80 percent of my purchases before going anywhere else. I found some really cool treasures, some really fun gifts that my sons continue to enjoy. Once I did all I could at these sweet little shops, I ventured to the malls, struggled to find a parking space, listened to the madness, and made other purchases.

Yes, the mall has some great things, too, and I was happy to support the local business there, as well. But, I was all too pleased to leave and return to the peace of Downtown Camas to sip a hot chocolate at Caffe Piccolo, or enjoy a burger at Feast.

Small

Inside Lily Atelier, in Downtown Camas.

I see daily the up’s and down’s that local small businesses contend with, and I appreciate their steadfastness and continued hard work to serve us. So, I went to several local shops, and asked them what we can do to support them.

Here’s the list:

  1. When you visit the store, check-in on social media.
  2. Snap a photo of a product you like.
  3. Post the photo and tag the store on social media.
  4. Share your favorite store’s social media posts. Like, follow, share, share, share.
  5. Bring in your out-of-town guests.
  6. Follow the store on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
  7. Word of mouth. Simply tell your friends to shop there for Christmas purchases.
  8. Get to know the retailers and how they support other businesses, including local artists, jewelers, card designers.
  9. Choose in-store products that give back to charitable foundations.
  10. Boost a store’s Yelp presence by giving them a positive review.

And, of course, buy, buy, buy!

 

For those looking for a Hallmark Card-perfect holiday experience, you need to look no further—and go no farther—than Hood River. The picture-perfect historic downtown is alight with holiday spirit, and with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop and warm cafés and restaurants for refueling, there’s no more picturesque place to get into the holiday spirit.

Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy stress-free shopping in Hood River’s historic downtown, where there’s something for everyone on their list, and support small businesses at the same time. (You won’t get views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood while shopping in a mall or from your couch!)

To help make holiday shopping stress-free, the City of Hood River will host free metered parking from December 10-25 (Sunday parking is always free!). For zero driving stress, those coming from the Portland area can leave the car at home as the Columbia Gorge Express bus service is continuing through winter, with a new Hood River stop location right in front of Full Sail Brewing! Check the Columbia Gorge Express website for the winter schedule, which begins on December 3.

Shoppers can reward themselves with handcrafted drinks from one of Hood River’s breweries or cideries, enjoy a meal that’s locally inspired, and then spend the night in a historic hotel, cozy bed-and-breakfast, or riverside lodge.

Eastern Gorge, OR — When the original Columbia River Highway (CRH) was built through this area in 1921, it was necessary to build two tunnels to get through a high rock point. These tunnels and the nearby cliffs were a troublesome spot on the CRH: rockfalls were common and accidents happened all too frequently. A new road was completed in 1954 near water level and the tunnels were abandoned. They were soon filled with rock rubble and forgotten.

A trip to the west portal in the early ’90s found the road near the tunnels completely buried in fallen rock, with trees growing in the roadway. Only a quarter of a damaged tunnel portal was visible. In 1995, work was begun to reopen the tunnels for tourist use. This involved the removal of the rubble, rebuilding and resurfacing the road. The area opened to tourist use in 2000. Today, the old highway is known as the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail (HCRHT).

From the parking area, the path begins along the shoulder of Rock Creek Road, joining the old road about 0.2 miles down the hill. Walk through the gate and onto the old highway. The first part of the hike is through a large rock field, spotted with pine trees. The trail comes to the edge of the Gorge and turns west. Here, you’ll walk past stone guardrails and look down on Eighteen Mile Island. About a half mile from Rock Creek Road, a new stone-walled lookout has been built over the Columbia River. The grassy area around this lookout is a great place to see balsamroot and other wildflowers in April and May. Just past the lookout is the east portal of the east tunnel.

Kindness

www.resultsfitnesstraining.com

You’ll find milepost 72 inside the tunnel as well as carved graffiti from 1921, detailing the names of people that were trapped in the tunnel during a snowstorm. There are side passages leading to windows known as adits. West of the tunnels is a 700 foot structure designed to catch rocks falling from above. Beyond the tunnels, the trail continues another 4 miles to the Mark Hatfield West Trailhead, near Hood River.

History
Abandoned in 1954 with the construction of Interstate 84, these tunnels were filled in with rock and the road right-of-ways were reverted back to private owners. As Gorge legislation was being considered, thoughts of reconnecting the entire old highway gained momentum and the idea made its way into the National Scenic Area Act. Reconnecting the highway between Hood River and Mosier meant re-purchasing right-of-ways, closing several gravel pits and digging out and refurbishing the two tunnels. The highway and tunnels were finally reopened in 2000 as a result of hard work and generosity on federal, state, county and private levels. Consider biking this paved, 14-mile out-and-back (round-trip distance) section of the highway from Hood River to Mosier.

From gorgefriends

Welcome to our Weekly Food + Dining Guide! This week, The Hammond Kitchen and Craft Bar is launching four new entrées.

Wednesday, November 21

Black and Blue Alaskan Cod: Cajun spiced, blue cheese butter, caramelized onions, five grain, Fall veggies — $26

Friday, November 23

Seafood Cioppino: Salmon, cod, mussels, prawns, clams and baby scallops in a tomato seafood broth with garlic focaccia toast — $28

Saturday, November 24

Jumbo Scallop and Crab Risotto: Seared scallops, crab risotto, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, cilantro pesto and beurre blanc — $36

Sunday, November 25

Pesto Seafood Pasta: Salmon, scallops, cod, and wild mushrooms, tomatoes in a light Pesto Cream sauce — $22

Dining

Seafood Cioppino

Located at 4857 NW Lake Road, #200, Camas, WA 98607.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-9 pm; Friday, 11:00 am-10 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am-10 pm; Sunday, 10:30-10 pm; Social Hour, Monday-Friday 3-6 pm, plus Saturday + Sunday, 3-6 pm.

Phone: 360-954-5620

Visit: www.TheHammondKitchenandCraftBar.com

 

CAFFE PICCOLO — Downtown Camas

Dining

Marion Berry Fazoletti, Orange Glazed BlackBerry Bun, Apple Turnover.

Caffe Piccolo always has fresh pastries from Marsee Bakery!

Each day, you may also come try a new soup for lunch, along with ne of our great espressos, lattes and speciality coffee drinks — featuring Caffe Umbria. For breakfast or brunch, we have delicious breakfast sandwiches and panini’s. Come to relax, unwind, or open your laptop and have a remote office. People love to meet her socially or for casual business meetings. We’d love to see you. 400 Northeast Fourth Avenue, Camas, WA, at the corner of Fourth & Cedar

Hours: Open Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday 8 am – 4 pm, Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

Phone: 360-834-7044

Visit: www.caffe-piccolo.com

 

NUESTRA MESA — Downtown Camas

Dining

Cucumber Mint Margarita.

Our Cucumber Mint Margarita, made with 100% Agave Silver Tequila, Fresh Mint and Cucumber, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and our House Made Chili Piquin Tincture for added spice!

Mesa serves Brunch every Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.

Located at 228 NE 4th Avenue, in Downtown Camas, Mesa offers gourmet Mexican cuisine. It’s a family friendly location.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm; Friday + Saturday, 11:30 am-10 pm; Sundays, 10 am-3 pm (Brunch only).

Phone: 360-210-5311

Visit: www.NuestraMesa.com

 

FEAST @316 — Downtown Camas

Dining

A simple salad at Feast @316.

Feast @316 prepares steak just how you like, with an abundance of menu options and quality service.

Located in the heart of historic Downtown Camas, Washington, Feast @316 offers one of the best dining experiences in the Northwest with Fresh Seafood, Certified Angus Beef, Craft Cocktails, and Signature Wines. Located in Downtown Camas at 316 NE Dallas St.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm; Friday + Saturday, 11:30 am-10 pm; Sunday, 4-9 pm; Happy Hour, Monday-Friday 3-5 pm.

Phone: 360-210-7498

Visit: www.CamasFeast316.com

 

GRAINS OF WRATH — Downtown Camas

Dining

Grains of Wrath just won the DCA Best Downtown Improvement Award — Exterior.

The Fried Chicken Sando is back! Grains also won the DCA’s Best Downtown Improvement Award – Exterior.

Happy Hour Monday: Happy Hour drinks prices all day Monday! Tuesday Tacos and Crowlers: Taco specials every Tuesday, plus $8 Crowlers. Pizza Wednesday: Pizza specials every Wednesday! $4 rotating beer special during games! Washington State Cougs: $4 rotating beer special during games!

Come check it out!

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 am-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, 11 am-12 am; Sunday, 11 am-9 pm; Happy hour is 3-6 weekdays. They are located at 230 NE 5th Ave. Camas, WA 98607

Phone: 360-210-5717

Visit: www.gowbeer.com

 

2 RIVERS BAR AND GRILL — Downtown Washougal

Dining

Wine is half price on Wednesdays at 2 Rivers.

Every Wednesday, 2 Rivers has Half Price on all their wines! They just opened its doors three weeks ago and it’s already a hit, filling a giant void left by Hearth when it shuttered it doors at the Washougal Town Square.

The upscale restaurant and bar is a scratch kitchen serving up small plates, burgers, entrées, with nightly specials and many beers on tap.

Using locally sourced ingredients, 2 Rivers is all about serving up fresh food. Popular dishes include the beer-battered Fish and Chips, Salmon Cakes, Steak Bites, Prime New York Steak (priced in the mid-$20 range), and Bone-in French Cut Pork Chops with Apple Chutney.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill is located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 110, Washougal, WA 98671.

Phone: 360-210-7987

Hours: 11-9 Monday-Thursday; 11-midnight Friday and Saturday; Sundays: 11-6

Find them on Facebook: @2Rivers Bar & Grill

 

NAVIDI’S OILS & VINEGARS— In Downtown Camas

Dining

Truffle Olive Oils will add pop to your mashed potatoes.

Jazz up your mashed potatoes this holiday season with truffle oils and salt. It’ll make you the hit at Thanksgiving dinner!

Navidi’s has a long tradition of providing the best olive oils, vinegars, speciality salts and seasonings to make your meals extraordinary. Visit us today to sample our fabulous oils and vinegars, which also make great gifts. 322 NE Cedar Street, Camas, WA 98607

Hours: Monday thru Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday noon – 5 pm.

Phone: 360-210-5921

Visit: www.navidioiols.net

TOMMY O’s — Downtown Vancouver

Enjoy our great restaurant in Downtown Vancouver!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Hour and Weekend Brunch destinations in Vancouver, they also offer a full Sushi menu with creative and delicious options. For lunch and dinner, choose from selections like Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Kona Coffee Rubbed Flat Iron Steak, or Island style cuisine like Teriyaki Chicken, Kalbi Ribs, and Coconut Shrimp. We also offer many gluten-free and vegetarian options. Located at 801 Washington St Vancouver, WA.

Hours: Brunch, Saturday-Sunday, 9 am-noon; Lunch, Daily 11 am-4 pm; Dinner, Daily 4-9 pm; Aloha Hour, 3-6 pm

Lounge Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3 pm-6 pm; Friday-Saturday, 3 pm-11 pm; Sundays

Phone: 360-694-5107

Visit: www.tommyosaloha.com

 

HEY JACK, — Downtown Camas

Hey Jack, has great Thursday 3-Course Dinner for $30! They’re also proud of their new Downtown Cama Association (DCA) Something  New in Camas Award.

Location: 401 NE 4th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607

Reservations call: 360-954-5053

Email: [email protected]

Dining

Hey Jack won the DCA’s Something New in Camas Award.

Don’t wait until you get sick to start taking care of yourself! These tips are easy to incorporate everyday and will build up your immune system, which can help you avoid illness and if you do get sick, reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

1) Incorporate immune-boosting foods like garlic, turmeric and ginger daily. These spices have a long history in terms of protecting us from bacteria and viruses. Make these spices a part of your everyday routine to boost your body’s natural defense system: use garlic in almost any savory dish, sip on ginger tea or try Golden Milk to get a dose of turmeric. A curry would be a great way to combine all three!

2) Take care of your gut. Did you know that researchers are now saying that up to 80 percent of your immune system resides in your gut? Keep it healthy by consuming fermented foods regularly (think sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt), taking a probiotic supplement and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. The fiber from fruits and veggies helps nourish the good bacteria in your gut, making it more likely to flourish over potentially harmful bacteria.

Immune

Kimchi is a great food.

3) Apple cider vinegar is a traditional folk remedy. You’ve probably been told at some point to try apple cider vinegar for some health complaint you were experiencing. Not only is it good for your gut, but the acid in the vinegar can help fight off pathogens that threaten to make you sick. If you’re already sick, apple cider vinegar can help thin out mucus. Try taking 1 – 2 tbsp in a cup of warm water or using it in cooking and in salad dressings. No need to do straight shots, which may do more harm than good!

4) Vitamin D supplementation. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we’re accustomed to being mindful about our vitamin D levels, but did you know vitamin D plays a role in our immune system as well? Adequate levels of vitamin D are protective against infection. Make sure to take your supplement with some fat to maximize its absorption.

5) Less stress, more sleep. Stress wrecks our immune systems by throwing off the healthy microbes in your gut, which is a big blow to your body’s defense system. This time of year is notoriously stressful, but try to minimize stress as much as you can. Find tools that help you manage your stress – a deep breathing practice, yoga, a walk in the woods, having a few quiet minutes with your coffee in the morning. When we sleep, our body gets to work on healing us and keeping us healthy. The more sleep you get this time of year, the better off your immune system will be!

Emily Penn is a Holistic Nutritionist based in Camas. She offers nutrition counseling, meal delivery, pantry clean outs and grocery store tours through her business, Good Medicine Nutrition. Food is our best medicine and she wants to help you use it.

You can follow her at www.goodmedicinenutrition.com

Immune

Emily Penn is a Holistic Nutritionsit.

 

Washougal, WA — This charming stage musical is an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol.” Scrooge tells the timeless story of the quintessential miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, as he’s visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-To-Come. They lead him through a fanciful journey as he comes to terms with his miserly ways and has a change of heart.

Performances are November 30 – December 9, 2018 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671. Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $12. Youth and senior tickets are $10. Our “family day” performance is December 1 at 7:00 pm with all tickets $10 in advance. Tickets for all performances are $4 more at the door.

Public Performances

Friday, November 30th – 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 1st – 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 2nd – 2:00 pm
Friday, December 7th – 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 8th – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 8th – 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 9th – 2:00 pm

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Our mission: “Growing youth in character, confidence and creativity, in a Christ centered community.” Throughout the Portland/Vancouver area, Journey offers dozens of classes for ages 6-18, in drama, dance, voice and more. In addition, we produce 12 Broadway-style shows in four locations during the school year, improv competitions, multiple summer camps and professional-level community theater musicals for all ages in summer. Journey is a 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

Photo Gallery

Camas, WA — At Thursday’s Camas-Washougal Rotary Club meeting, member Tina Simmons announced she would be having a book signing for her book, “Zandreal.”

Wait, what?

Simmons, who works for a wine labeling company, and whose pen name is Tee Griffen, spent a year writing and editing “Zandreal,” and got it published in 2016.

“It’s really not a new book,” said Griffen. “But because of life issues, I had to delay its marketing, so we’re doing that now.”

“Zandreal” is young adult fantasy fiction about a young girl named Andrea and she finds out she’s not quite human. So, she must figure out why she’s here, and she ends up doing a lot of external travel,” said Griffen. “The book is about our responsibility to share our gifts with the world, taking care of the Earth, and working together.”

Griffen’s no stranger to writing, as she previously was the ghost writer for two books — the first was “Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran” by Clyde Hoch. The second one was a book called “Turbo Charge Your Life,” by Troy Spring. Those were written in 2011 and 2012.

“I’ve always liked to write, but being an author wasn’t my goal in life,” said Griffen. “I went to school for Graphic Design at Cazenovia College in upstate New York. ”I wrote this as part of self-exploration. I’m an observer, a healer, a worrier, a wanderer, and a seeker. All the elements were there. I couldn’t write it fast enough. Once those five parts came to me, they formed the characters and the storyline came together.”

Initially, she worked with a publisher, but it didn’t move fast enough for her, so Griffen chose the self-publishing route.

“It was hard to self-publish,” said Griffen. “I felt more out there on my own, because with the publishing house I felt I would have had more support. The Kickstarter campaign was set in 2016 and I raised $4,000. It wasn’t hard to get, but it took a lot of marketing. They told you to find champions ahead of time. They also supported me. I had a community. It was an emotional roller coaster because it feels like baring my soul to the world.”

Sunday’s book signing at Caffe Piccolo in Downtown Camas is the only book signing she has scheduled for now. She’s been talking to the school districts about getting into the classrooms.

“I think it’s time to get the book out there,” said Griffen. “I feel like our country is very polarized, and I think we could use a little bit of unity.”

The book is available at www.Amazon.com and you can learn more at www.teegriffen.com

 

Welcome to your Weekly Food + Dining Guide!

For those who know and appreciate Korean food, Hana is the real deal. Located in Downtown Camas, Hana offers Korean, teriyaki, noodles, combinations, and sides at reasonable prices. A customer favorites are Kalbee (short ribs, featured above), Bi Bim Bop, as well as the Bul-Go-Gi, which is thinly sliced marinated beef, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed rice. Portion sizes are generous. Located in the heart of Downtown Camas at 412 NE 4th Ave.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 am-8:30 pm

Phone: 360-833-9111

NUESTRA MESA — Downtown Camas

Dining

This is Mesa’s new brunch cocktail, the Lavender Paloma.

Mesa serves Brunch every Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm. Try their new brunch cocktail, the Lavender Paloma! Made with 100% Agave Silver Tequila, lavender infused simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and cold pressed grapefruit juice.

Located at 228 NE 4th Avenue, in Downtown Camas, Mesa offers gourmet Mexican cuisine. It’s a family friendly location.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm; Friday + Saturday, 11:30 am-10 pm; Sundays, 10 am-3 pm (Brunch only).

Phone: 360-210-5311

Visit: www.NuestraMesa.com

 

2 RIVERS BAR AND GRILL — Downtown Washougal

Dining

Wine is half price on Wednesdays at 2 Rivers.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill just opened its doors two weeks ago and it’s already a hit, filling a giant void left by Hearth when it shuttered it doors at the Washougal Town Square.

The upscale restaurant and bar is a scratch kitchen serving up small plates, burgers, entrées, with nightly specials and many beers on tap.

Using locally sourced ingredients, 2 Rivers is all about serving up fresh food. Popular dishes include the beer-battered Fish and Chips, Salmon Cakes, Steak Bites, Prime New York Steak (priced in the mid-$20 range), and Bone-in French Cut Pork Chops with Apple Chutney.

2 Rivers Bar and Grill is located at 1700 Main Street, Suite 110, Washougal, WA 98671.

Phone: 360-210-7987

Hours: 11-9 Monday-Thursday; 11-midnight Friday and Saturday; Sundays: 11-6

Find them on Facebook: @2Rivers Bar & Grill

 

FEAST @316 — Downtown Camas

Dining

Curried Carrot Soup is a great starter at Feast @316.

Feast @316 prepares steak just how you like, with an abundance of menu options and quality service.

Located in the heart of historic Downtown Camas, Washington, Feast @316 offers one of the best dining experiences in the Northwest with Fresh Seafood, Certified Angus Beef, Craft Cocktails, and Signature Wines. Located in Downtown Camas at 316 NE Dallas St.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-9 pm; Friday + Saturday, 11:30 am-10 pm; Sunday, 4-9 pm; Happy Hour, Monday-Friday 3-5 pm.

Phone: 360-210-7498

Visit: www.CamasFeast316.com

 

CAFFE PICCOLO — Downtown Camas

Dining

Chai-der (Chai + Apple Cider) now available at Caffe Piccolo.

It’s that time of year to enjoy Caffe Piccolo’s Chai-Der, which is a delicious combination of Chai and Apple Cider.

Each day, you may also come try a new soup for lunch, along with one of our great espressos, lattes and speciality coffee drinks — featuring Caffe Umbria. For breakfast or brunch, we have delicious breakfast sandwiches and panini’s. Come to relax, unwind, or open your laptop and have a remote office. People love to meet her socially or for casual business meetings. We’d love to see you. 400 Northeast Fourth Avenue, Camas, WA, at the corner of Fourth & Cedar

Hours: Open Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday 8 am – 4 pm, Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

Phone: 360-834-7044

Visit: www.caffe-piccolo.com

GRAINS OF WRATH — Downtown Camas

Dining

Beer on tap at Grains of Wrath.

Happy Hour Monday: Happy Hour drinks prices all day Monday! Tuesday Tacos and Crowlers: Taco specials every Tuesday, plus $8 Crowlers. Pizza Wednesday: Pizza specials every Wednesday! $4 rotating beer special during games! Washington State Cougs: $4 rotating beer special during games!

Come check it out!

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 am-10 pm; Friday-Saturday, 11 am-12 am; Sunday, 11 am-9 pm; Happy hour is 3-6 weekdays. They are located at 230 NE 5th Ave. Camas, WA 98607

Phone: 360-210-5717

Visit: www.gowbeer.com

NAVIDI’S OILS & VINEGARS— In Downtown Camas

Dining

Caramel sauces now available at Navidi’s!

They have some fantastic caramel sauces, which come in several flavors. They’re great to jazz up your upcoming holiday feast!

Navidi’s has a long tradition of providing the best olive oils, vinegars, speciality salts and seasonings to make your meals extraordinary. Visit us today to sample our fabulous oils and vinegars, which also make great gifts. 322 NE Cedar Street, Camas, WA 98607

Hours: Monday thru Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday noon – 5 pm.

Phone: 360-210-5921

Visit: www.navidioiols.net

THE HAMMOND KITCHEN & CRAFT BAR — Camas

Dining

Social Hour at The Hammond starts at 3 pm.

Cheers to this amazing weather with these craft cocktails at The Hammond:
chasing Summer 12
3 Howls spiced rum, lemon, muddled figs, dash of orange bitters
Sweet, fresh, delicate.
hot spiked cider 11
Green Mountain hot spiced cider with your choice of:
BSB Brown sugar bourbon or Belwood spiced pumkin liqueur
Topped with fresh whipped cream.
So warm and toasty.
the falling leaf margarita 12
1800 reposado, Cointreau, Harvest simple syrup, orange, lemon and lime
tart with a sweet spice
A little trip to mexico in the fall.
fall MANHATTAN  12
Stampede whiskey, Mud Puddle chocolate vodka liqueur, Grand Marnier
Aromatic, strong, complex.
Classic with a new twist.
the bad apple 11
3 Howls spiced rum, Wicked D’s baked apple cider, lemonade
Bright, refreshing, irresistible.
The taste of Summer with the hint of Fall.
the harvest 12
Bellwood apple gin, Clear Creek Cranberry Liqueur, apple sour, harvest simple syrup
Sweet, dark, juicy
Bet you can’t drink just one.

Located at 4857 NW Lake Road, #200, Camas, WA 98607.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-9 pm; Friday, 11:00 am-10 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am-10 pm; Sunday, 10:30-10 pm; Social Hour, Monday-Friday 3-6 pm, plus Saturday + Sunday, 3-6 pm.

Phone: 360-954-5620

Visit: www.TheHammondKitchenandCraftBar.com

TOMMY O’s — Downtown Vancouver

Dining

Tommy O’s

Happy Hour and Weekend Brunch destinations in Vancouver, they also offer a full Sushi menu with creative and delicious options. For lunch and dinner, choose from selections like Macadamia Crusted Halibut, Kona Coffee Rubbed Flat Iron Steak, or Island style cuisine like Teriyaki Chicken, Kalbi Ribs, and Coconut Shrimp. We also offer many gluten-free and vegetarian options. Located at 801 Washington St Vancouver, WA.

Hours: Brunch, Saturday-Sunday, 9 am-noon; Lunch, Daily 11 am-4 pm; Dinner, Daily 4-9 pm; Aloha Hour, 3-6 pm

Lounge Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3 pm-6 pm; Friday-Saturday, 3 pm-11 pm; Sundays

Phone: 360-694-5107

Visit: www.tommyosaloha.com

HEY JACK, — Downtown Camas

Dining

Hey Jack Special! www.heyjackkitchen.com

Camas, WA — Imagination, determination, and overcoming adversity were the main topics addressed by 2008 Camas High School graduate, and new book author, LK Walsh, while addressing Liberty Middle School students Friday afternoon.

Her book, “The Lavender Soul,” released in April through PelianWords Publishing House, is a fantasy novel about a young girl born with lavender eyes, portending she will be the annihilation of evil, or the impetus of world-consuming darkness. It is an adventure through a fantastical world with reimagining of classical characters, such as fairies and dragons, along with new beasts crafted from Walsh’s imagination. It’s about the main character, Vera, who is seeking out her purpose.

Now living in Lompoc, CA, Walsh is in town for the Portland Book Festival, and was invited to spent time in her hometown.

“I’m here to talk about dreams and how you can help them come true,” said Walsh. “I was a senior, and had my life plan right on track, and I had already applied to several universities. I was set. I was ready to go to Chapman to study Music Therapy. Chapman said they were ending the program, and that affected my scholarship. I was high and dry, and my mother had to call and begged to get to other schools. I had worked for years to become a music therapist, so I decided to become a Humanities major and went to Concordia in Southern California.”

 

She appreciated the experience, and was able to explore many things.

“I went into journalism, but that wasn’t for me,” said Walsh. “Then I worked for an art newsletter. That wasn’t for me. So, I decided to get into publishing.”

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities Creative Writing from Concordia in 2011, she spent 18 months writing “The Lavender Soul” after spending eight years imagining it. Once completed, she went through the agony of finding a publisher, and after 38 rejection letters, she found a home with PelianWords Publishing House.

“I am fully able to admit that I felt like a failure because it really hurts when people say no,” said Walsh. “But failure isn’t real. You can fail because you didn’t pass a test. If you choose not to learn from the failure, then it’s a real failure. You have to learn from it.”

She said there’s “one key to success in any field and that is imagination, which is key to making all of your dreams come true.”

She encouraged the middle schoolers to always have imagination.

Walsh

LK Walsh addresses students at LIberty Middle School in Camas.

“Logic, science and math are not separate from imaginations,” she said. “Sometimes people give up on their dreams because of money. Authors don’t make money. My dream is to create worlds. My dream is to spread imagination. Dreams have such great value because it takes courage to dream. Every time you have a thought it creates a physical pathway in your brain. The easiest thoughts are negative ones. It takes imagination to be positive. Imagination gives you the courage to dream. Dreams don’t always have to be those huge paychecks. They don’t even have to make sense.”

Walsh has spent the last several weeks traveling to promote her book, and is working on a prequel, which has been approved by her publishing house.

Cat Rushing, Walsh’s mother, created the cover illustration, based on vision provided by Walsh.

To learn more, or to purchase her book, visit www.lkwalshauthor.com

Washougal, WA — Second grade art students of Columbia River Gorge Elementary are already getting into the holiday spirit by created ornaments for Washington Governor, Jay Inslee’s Christmas Tree.

CRGE art teacher, Joanna Sickels, saw the opportunity and applied to have CRGE participate in the project. “It is important for students to share their work and have it seen by a wide audience,” she said.  “Projects that bring works out into the public like this help kids to invest in their art. This is also such a great opportunity to highlight our new art elementary program and let the state know that Washougal School District offers art instruction to all K-5 students.”

Since 2013, the Governor’s Mansion has requested ornaments made by students from around the state to decorate the mansion’s Christmas Tree.  The mansion receives a high number of visitors during the holiday season and guests greatly enjoy seeing the work of K-12 students from Washington State that decorates the tree.

“I’m delighted that Columbia River Gorge Elementary applied to participate and was selected,” said Anne Banks, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Learning and Teaching Program Supervisor.  “This year the theme is “Sea Creatures” and we are all looking forward to seeing the ornaments they are creating!”

Once Sickels learned the school was selected and the ornament theme, she emailed the staff to find out who was teaching about the ocean.  “That is a second-grade subject so second graders were selected to create fish, integrating the two subjects,” she said.  “I tell students that science and art are best friends, and math and art are best friend.  Integrating arts in classroom subjects can show students how art is connected in so many ways to what they are learning.”

For their project, Sickels chose traditional Japanese paper-folding to create an origami fish.  After folding the fish, students used decorative papers to collage and create attractive designs. “Origami is a beautiful medium,” she said. “The project allows them to use their personal creativity to make it their own unique fish ornament.”

According to Banks, the response this year was huge from classrooms across the state who wanted to participate, however, just twenty-two classrooms could be a part of the project. They were selected based on their art descriptions, ESD region, and whether they were an elementary, middle, or high school so that all regions and grade bands were represented in the statewide opportunity.