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SW Washington Tamale Festival Coming June 30 — Party Time!

Washougal, WA – The Southwest Washington Tamale Festival is a new event to celebrate the richness of Latino culture in Southwest Washington.   Presented by the Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens, the family-friendly event will be held in downtown Washougal on Saturday June 30, from 1 to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Tamales are a traditional and delicious part of Latino food culture and are the perfect focus for a festival,” said Carmen McKibben, SW WA LULAC immediate past council president and event organizer. “As you would expect, we have vendors offering delicious tamales to purchase and enjoy while supplies last. We will also have other food offerings with a Latino flair, a beer garden, lively music and entertainment.”  Entertainment will include guitarist Benjamin Rose at 2 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.; Ballet Papaloti Dancers at 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; and Son de Cuba performing at 7 p.m.

The event will also offer a craft area for kids, lead by student volunteers from LULAC National Education Services Center Vancouver.  “We will be doing lots of fun crafts with a cultural theme for elementary-age kids,” said event volunteer, Pat Cano.  “Activities will include making Ojos de Dio crosses with Popsicle sticks and yarn, creating paper masks and painting plaster Day of the Dead skulls.  It will be a whole lot of craft fun! Some cutting, weaving, painting and coloring!”

Rounding out the fun, there will be a tamale contest open to professionals such as restaurants, caterers and food trucks as well as individuals with their own family recipes.  Entry deadline is June 22, 2018 and details can be found at www.swwatamalefest.com.

Entries will be judged in three categories; Meat, No-Meat/Veggie and Sweet/Dessert.  Winners will be determined based on taste, technique, appearance and overall quality. Prizes will be awarded for the winning entries. Contest judges include Washougal Mayor Molly Coston and Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle.

“Tamale recipes are a source of pride not only with restaurants but among families as well,” said Hector Hinojosa, SW WA LULAC council president and tamale contest organizer.  “This contest will be a lot of fun and give some bragging rights to the winners!”

Event sponsors include SW WA LULAC, BNSF, Law office of Eulalia Soto, Molina Healthcare, IQ Credit Union, Riverview Community Bank and Vancouver Brew Fest.  It is also funded in part by City of Washougal Lodging Tax Funds.

Proceeds and donations collected from event will support future scholarship stipends for local youth.

For more information, contact the festival at [email protected], check their website  www.swwatamalefest.com or follow them on Facebook.

“We are excited to share our rich Latino culture with festival guests and start a new local tradition,” said McKibben.

Tamale

People are looking forward to this event.

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The Liberty Theatre Turns 91 — Brings on “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Camas, WA — The historic Liberty Theatre turns 91 on June 14, and the operators are having a low-key celebration with a special showing of Steven Spielberg’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“This isn’t a benchmark year, so we’re not not having all the hoopla and swag bags like we did last year,” said the theatre’s operator, Rand Thornsley. “We’re having a 6 pm special showing of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ which is a community pick. We put out a poll and that was the top pick of our customers. Last year was very successful.”

For the record, “Wizard of Oz” placed second in the poll.

Thornsley’s group took over theatre operations in 2011 on St. Patrick’s Day, which is their operational anniversary, but the community is more in tune with the historic anniversary — and its opening in 1927.

This summer, the Liberty will present a Drones concert, as well as some “Beatles” programs. And, they have a few anniversary classics coming: such as “American Graffiti” to coincide with the downtown Camas Car Show in July; Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” celebrate its 6oth anniversary in July; and “Treasure of Sierra Madre,” which celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Liberty

The theatre opened in 1927.

A few fun Liberty facts:

  • It’s classic vintage, not a multiplex. “We don’t do things like Regal does. We show a lot of different movies at a lot of different times,” says Thornsley.
  • Prices are more family friendly. General admission is $4.50 and $5.50 for adults. Tuesdays are $4.50.
  • Concessions are at a price point that’s affordable.
  • The big theatre seats 300. The little theatre has 29 seats.
  • They make it all happen with a staff of five.
  • Concessions — popcorn is simple, with no artificial ingredients. It’s quality popcorn, made with sea salt, and canola oil, plus butter if you want it.

To learn more, visit www.CamasLiberty.com

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Under Pressure, Washougal High Students Show Off Culinary Skills

Washougal, WA — Stepping into the Washougal High School Excelsior Building on Friday, June 8 was like stepping into a high-end restaurant with delicious made-to-order brunch food stations as WHS Advanced Culinary students showed their skills preparing food and serving eager staff and students.

“The goal of this project was to have these students perform in a work situation under pressure,” said CTE Culinary teacher at WHS, Brenda Hitchins.  “They all did very well, and it was a success!”

WHS Principal Aaron Hansen was a huge fan of the event and the food.  “This practice is taking the students to a whole new level of experience and culinary delights!” he said between bites.

The project began with students creating a survey to discover what menu items WHS staff and student body would prefer.  In addition, each station had a survey to collect diner feedback.  According to Hitchins, students were also working to test some action stations to showcase on Thursday the 14th (omelets) and Friday the 15th (pasta).

“We were a bit challenged by the time constraint of the classes,” she said. “Students prepped the items the day before and had 25 minutes to set up the stations the day of.  Because of the success of the event and all the mouths to feed, we went over the time, but the teachers excused them from their next class.”

“We are so proud of our students and the success of the program” says Margaret Rice, CTE Director for Washougal School District. “It is truly a team effort and if not for the support of all the WHS staff, we wouldn’t be able to pull it off.”

Senior Austin Jandreau seemed in his element as he efficiently took customers’ orders and prepared a stir fry dish with his station partner, Nate Beaver.  “I have always loved cooking,” he admitted.  “I have been cooking with my mom since I was seven.”  And there appears to be no end in sight with Jandreau planning to attend Clark College and study Culinary Arts.  The end goal is to someday have his own bar or bakery.

Jandreau enjoyed the live action of this experience and the positive feedback he was receiving from students he served.  The duo had to think quickly when the meat component to their menu item ran out before the time was up.  “We just changed our offer to a veggie stir fry and everyone was happy,” said Jandreau.

 

Culinary

WHS principal, Aaron Hansen, views the food being served.

“The take way from the event was the students showed they had skills to handle pressure situations, practice all the skills they have learned this semester and walk away with a sense of pride that they gave back to the school community,” Hitchins said. “We are fortunate to have the funding from CTE and the students’ fees to support these events.  Our next event is the Senior Tea in which the Baking and Pastry class will make all the food and students from all classes have an opportunity to volunteer to set up, serve and clean up.”

“With this type of real world practice these kids can go to any local restaurant and have pertinent experience to share on a resume and in an interview,” Hansen said.

Hansen then took a moment to look out at the tables filled with students at the Excelsior Building commons sampling the cuisine prepared by their peers.

“Just look at them! They are waiting patiently for their order, they are sitting at the tables engaged in conversation,” he said. “Phones are not out.  The kids are enjoying each other as they eat.  I think food does that.”

Culinary

Preparing the food.

 

Culinary

Serving guests.

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Experience Italy in a Way Like Never Before — An Insider’s Tour

If you ever wanted to explore Italy’s famous places along with its special, lesser-known areas, you may want to consider the Insider’s Italy Tour. There a multiple tours from which to choose, including two this Fall — and all are organized by local professional artist, Elida Field, and guided by Catholic priest, Father Bruno Segatta, who ran Gonzaga University’s Study Abroad program for 25 years.

The September 20-27 tour includes stops in Venice, Cinque Terre, and Florence. In Venice, explore famous sites and experience some very special, lesser-known areas of the city that contain beautiful architecture, art, and an abundance of history. In Cinque Terre, you’ll get to hike and explore five towns via train or boat, and soak in the beaches and scenic coastline. As a bonus, Father Bruno and Elida will introduce you to Porto Venere. Florence includes a walk with Father Bruno as he highlights the city’s most amazing treasures and history. You’ll also experience a private tour of a leather shop, a visit to Fiesole, or a walk through the lesser-known parts of the city.

Tour Details

The cost of the September 20-27 tour is $2,795 per person (excluding airfare), which includes:

  • 8 days and 7 nights in Venice, Cinque Terra, and Florence
  • Accommodations (double occupancy)
  • Two meals per day
  • Transportation between cities
  • Walking tours and museum entrance fees
  • Painting and Sharpie sketching instruction and materials

To register, go to www.elidaart.com/tours

Italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The second tour, which can be added to the first tour, or taken separately, runs from September 27-October 5, and includes stops in Florence, Rome, and the Italian countryside. In Florence, explore famous sights and unknown corners, enjoy majestic views of the city from Camp Michelangelo, climb the dome of the Duomo and sketch Michelangelo’s “David” at the Academy. Florence is Father Bruno’s old stomping grounds and he knows all the great stops, secret alleys, and best restaurants. In Cagli, you can escape the tourists, hike the countryside, and connect with locals.

Elida says they are often invited into someone’s home to enjoy their homemade wine, tour ancestral homes, or take a personal tour of historical areas. In Rome, you will be able to take in breathtaking views of the city, walk the ancient ruins and special sites, along with a semi-private tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel before it’s opened to the public.

Tour Details

The cost of the September 27-October 5 tour is $3,245 and includes:

  • 9 days and 8 nights in Florence, Cagli, and Rome
  • Accommodations (double occupancy)
  • Two meals per day
  • Transportation between cities
  • Walking tours and museum entrance fees
  • Semi-private tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
  • Italian cooking class and artistic instruction

Each tour requires a $500 deposit, and final payments are due by July 15.

Elida said they started the tours in 2010, the year after she met Father Bruno, who is a fellow artist.

“We met while I was in California visiting my grandma,” said Elida. “I went to his art show, which was at a private home, and we just connected. I later invited him to my art, women and wine class in Washougal, and he suggested we take a tour of Italy. At first, I thought I had no business planning a trip to Italy, but here we are. We’ve gone on 20 tours already!”

She encourages people to learn more about these great experiences, and to consider traveling on one of the tours. She also offers tours during Spring Break.

”Each trip is different and we work hard to make sure each tour is filled with fun, leisure, and good company,” said Elida. “You’ll have a great time!”

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Award-winning Camas Author Announces New Oregon-Based Mystery

Camas, WA — Award-winning Camas author and playwright Gary Corbin has announced the release of his fifth novel, The Mountain Man’s Badge, with launch events and book signings in venues around the greater Portland/Vancouver area.

The Mountain Man’s Badge will be released to bookstores on June 20, 2018, although it is available for pre-order on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, and on the author’s web page (www.garycorbinwriting.com).

The Mountain Man’s Badge is the third installment in Corbin’s acclaimed “Mountain Man Mysteries” series, from Double Diamond Publishing of Camas, WA.

About The Mountain Man’s Badge

Mountain Man Lehigh Carter, drafted into serving as acting sheriff of Mt. Hood County after exposing his predecessor’s corruption, is compelled to arrest his new father-in-law for the murder of Everett Downey, the most despised man in town.

Still learning on the job, Lehigh continues to investigate loose ends that don’t add up, but ambitious prosecutor Ray “The Reverend” Ferguson seems intent on blocking him at every turn. Soon, Lehigh suspects that those most intent on pinning the murder on George McBride have reasons far more sinister than blocking Lehigh’s agenda of reform.

Can Lehigh uncover the truth behind the crime without becoming the killer’s next victim?

Book Launch and Signings: CapsN’Taps, Vintage Books, and more

 To help promote the book, the author will kick off a series of release events and book signings. The first event is a launch party at Camas’ popular taproom, CapsN’Taps, on the book’s launch date, June 20, from 6-8 PM. Corbin will sell and sign books directly, and CapsN’Taps will offer $2 off any beer to customers who purchase a copy of the book at the event.

“CapsN’Taps hosted the launch party for my very first novel, Lying in Judgment, which was a blast,” Corbin says. “They’re also featuring my books as prizes in their Trivia Mondays in June, so folks who haven’t read the first two books could win a copy and catch up on the series before the 20th. Beer and books—what a great combination!”

On June 23, Corbin will read from the new novel and sign books at local favorite Vintage Books, 6613 E Mill Plain Blvd in Vancouver, at 1 PM. Copies of all books will be available for sale at the event.

“Vintage Books has been amazing at finding readers for my books, and they’re incredibly supportive of local authors,” Corbin says.  “Vintage was one of the first to put my books on its shelves. It’s a great local bookstore with great selection and terrific event programming. I can’t say enough good things about it.”

Other events include book signings at The Coffee Cottage in Newberg, OR on July 11, and at Jan’s Paperbacks in Aloha, OR on July 14.

Full details of all events are available on the author’s website, garycorbinwriting.com.

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Events: Camas First Friday All About Dog Days of Summer!

Camas, WA — June’s First Friday celebration is all about the Dog Days of Summer. Running this Friday, June 1st, from 5-8 pm, participants will get to enjoy a fun talent and fashion show with prizes, along with vendor booths, children’s craft stations, a dog breed guessing activity in participating businesses, and so much more.

There will also be a dog and owner look-alike contest! Bring your favorite pooch (leashes required) and make a fun night of it. The Downtown Camas Association thanks Naturally Healthy Pet in Downtown Camas for sponsoring this event.

The Doggie Fashion Show & Owner Look Alike Contest starts at 6 pm; and the Doggie Talent Contest starts at 7 pm. For the Fashion Show, the judging will be for Funniest, Cutest, and Most Creative. For the Talent Contest, the judging will be for most clever, most difficult, and cutest talents. Sign up when you get to First Friday at the DCA table, up to 15 minutes before each event. The contests, crafts and other fun will be between 4th and 5th on Cedar Street. No cost to enter.

There will also be vendors! Dog Specific Vendors coming to the “Dog Days of Summer” are:

PNW Visiting Vet

Must Love Dogs NW

Polka Dot Paws

Deborah’s Creations

Wigglin’ Home Boxer Rescue

Pup Town Cafe

High Expectations Dog Training

WCGHS (West Columbia Gorge Humane Society)

Other activities for First Friday include:

So much going on all over town! Shop, dine, enjoy the galleries, listen to live music, and more!

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IMPACT CW to Host Summer Meals Food Drive For Needy on June 10

Washougal WA — Camas and Washougal community members are being asked to help make an impact on the lives of school families who need a little help with summer meals.  IMPACT CW (Camas-Washougal), organized by St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal, will be held on Sunday, June 10 from 11am to 2pm at Parker’s Landing Historic Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal, to collect donations and fill food boxes.

“We are asking the community to drive up and drop off their food donations,” said Beth Raetz, Impact CW Committee Member and Church Office Secretary. “If they can, we’d love to have them stop for a while, help fill boxes, enjoy a free BBQ lunch and listen to an outdoor concert by the Camas-Washougal Community Orchestra.”

St. Matthew Pastor Bob Barber started the event and continues to be a driving force. According to Raetz, the event grew from a sermon series “Be the Difference,” which culminated in going shopping and packing boxes during the Sunday morning worship service for the first event.  Barber is the 2018 Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s selection for Citizen of the Year.

Although many people are conditioned to make food donations around the holidays, Raetz explains that there is another critical need at this time of year.  “We are targeting families in the schools who receive free breakfast and free lunches and are a part of the backpack programs,” she said. “When school stops for summer those meals end.  These kids may get into a summer meal program but there could be several weeks before they start.  These meals will help to bridge that gap.  It just gives them a boost.”

Now in its fourth year, IMPACT CW is growing. “This year we are continuing to invite groups to get involved and help out,” said Raetz.  “We have high school students working on their community service hours, scout troops, church groups, businesses and families volunteering to help.  It is so wonderful to see families from little ones to big ones all helping to fill up boxes.”

Once the boxes are filled, they will be packed in a U-haul truck and on Monday morning will be delivered to Camas and Washougal schools who will then connect the boxes with families in need.

Schools are currently working to identify those families who could use some help.  “Last year we made 140 boxes,” said Raetz. “This year we expect the need will grow to 200.”

Non-perishable food donations can be made in advance of the event and dropped off at St. Matthew Lutheran Church at 716 Washougal River Road ,Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am to 1:00pm.  Financial contributions can be made through www.gofundme.com/impactcw or checks made out to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

For more information, contact Raetz at the church office at 360-835-5533.

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“Fiddler on the Roof” Begins Its Production Run This Weekend

WASHOUGAL, WA – Journey Theater Arts Group presents “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and bookwriter, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof‘s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.  Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Performances are May 18-27, 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 May 19 at 7:00 pm with all tickets $10 in advance.  Tickets for all performances are $4 more at the door.

Public Performances

Friday, May 18th – 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 19th – 7:00 pm

Sunday, May 20th – 2:00 pm

Friday, May 25th – 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 26th – 2:00 pm

Sunday, May 27th – 2:00 pm

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Their 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

Fiddler

Playing the violin.

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Events: Dozer Day Coming This Weekend! It’s A LOT of Fun!

What is Dozer Day?

Dozer Day is like going to a fair only the rides are real heavy construction equipment. Kids hop in the driver’s seat and actually drive dozers, excavators and other heavy equipment with a professional operator at their side. Not only is it a dream-come-true for kids (and fun for the whole family), the event also benefits many children’s charities.

When is Dozer Day?

Dozer Day is ALWAYS the 3rd weekend in May. The next Dozer Day event will be held Saturday, May 19th and Sunday, May 20th, 2018, from 11am to 4 pm.

How much does Dozer Day cost and where can I get tickets?

Purchase tickets early to save money and avoid the long ticket lines on the day of the event. You can purchase tickets securely online or at participating IQ Credit Unions and Chuck’s Produce. Tickets are good for either day but not both. You must purchase a ticket for each day you attend Dozer Day. Admission is $8 for children (ages 2 – 12) and seniors (60+), $10 for adults and free for those under 2 years old. Tickets on the day of the event are $11 for kids and seniors and $13 for adults. Once admission is paid, the cost of most activities inside the event are free, including equipment rides.

 

Dozer

Having fun at Dozer Day.

Where is Dozer Day held?

Dozer Day will be at Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield, Washington for 2018 (17402 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield WA 98642).

What does the fairgrounds charge for parking?

The fairgrounds charges $6.00 to park and only accepts cash.

What is the ideal age for Dozer Day?

Dozer Day has activities for kids of all ages. When it comes to the construction equipment the younger kids get more help from the operators then the older ones. In addition to the heavy equipment there is also an ambulance and firetruck to climb in and around, PUD activities, and lots of sand and construction toys to play with as well. For the bigger kids… If you and the operator fit in the cab together you are good to go! Climb on in, grab the controls and have fun. If you are in the biggest kid category (Yes this includes adults) there are activities geared just for you as well. Have you ever wanted to drive a backhoe? excavator? roller? now’s your chance. Hop in and drive by yourself! In addition to that there is also a scavenger hunt, diamond dig, and shooting for prizes game that caters to big kids as well.

Can the ticket I purchased be used either day?

Tickets can be used either day but in order to attend two days you will need two tickets. You need one ticket per day/per person.

Dozer

Kids will get to see big trucks at Dozer Day.

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Washougal HS Cake Decorating Contest Connects With Library

Washougal WA – Start with the Washougal High School (WHS) Library and add a dash of WHS Advanced Baking class and you get a fun and creative project for students as a part of National Library Week in April.   Students used book titles to inspire and practice their cake decorating skills learned in class.

“To say these creations are amazing is an understatement,” said Fran McCarty, WHS Library Assistant.  “The students had a lot of fun choosing the book to illustrate with their cake. There was a lot of buzzing around the shelves.  If was fun.”

The WSH student body voted for their favorite.   All the cakes are currently on display in the library. The winning cake was an Alice in Wonderland theme created by Rose Elsensohn. Jennifer Whitmeyer, Hannah Moen, Rebecca McDonald.  “We chose Alice in Wonderland because it was so colorful,” said Elsensohn. “And there were so many different characters to create around the story.”

According to the winning team. the most challenging part was building the castle tower.  They tried to roll fondant but ended up using Rice Krispy treats.  They felt their attention to detail and ability to work as a team were the keys to earning them first place in the student vote.

The idea for the cake decorating project came to McCarty when she considered that culinary students create gingerbread houses during the holidays, so why not cakes?

“And by partnering this way we are getting some students into the library that normally may not come in very much,” she said. “The students all did a fabulous job!”

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