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Travel: Hood River Fruit Loop Turns 25 — Go Explore, See What’s There!

Hood River, OR — 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the Hood River County Fruit Loop – the popular 35-mile scenic drive that provides the ultimate self-guided tour of the area’s acclaimed agritourism, with numbered stops at farm stands, u-pick farms, wineries, cideries, and lavender farms. New for 2018: Updated number signs that makes finding each stop even easier!

To get there from the Portland Metro area, take I-84 Exit 64 and head up Hwy 35 towards Mt. Hood. To get a feel for the variety of agriculture that defines Hood River Valley, stop at Panorama Point where you’ll also have a view of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams on a clear day.

We recommend you stop at all the locations on the Fruit Loop map, but here are some suggestions to help get you started: The Gorge White House is a working pear orchard that offers wine tasting from most all of the Gorge region wines. Here you can also sample and purchase local fruit, u-pick berries, and u-pick flowers.

Fruit Loop Fun Facts:

  • Started in 1993 with 19 stops
  • Of the original members, four are still on the Fruit Loop today: Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Mt. View Orchards, Smiley’s Red Barn, The Farm Place (formerly Rasmussen Farms)
  • Current number of stops: 28
  • In addition to the self-guided driving tour from April through November, the Hood River County Fruit Loop also offers annual special events, including Cherry Days (June), Lavender DAZE Festival (June), Summer Fruit Celebration (August), Gravenstein Apple Days (September) and Pumpkin Patches (October).
  • Things you can do on the Fruit Loop: Pick (fruit, flowers, pumpkins), sample (fruit, cider, jellies, pies, and more!), sip (cider & wine), pet (baby goats, bunnies), swing (Draper Girls Family Farm), picnic, photograph (orchards in bloom, Mount Hood & Adams, fruit galore), fill (growlers of cider, stomachs), relax, recharge.

More food for thought:

  • The lavender farms offer u-pick lavender starting at the end of June, all the way through October.
  • The upper valley offers berries in July and August, and Heirloom Apples and Pears in the fall.
  • The Fruit Loop is beautiful year round, but be sure to visit during the April Blossom Fest time to see acres of orchards in bloom, and the Fall harvest when the fruit is piled high in the bins.

The Fruit Loop is also famous for its many festivals. Get all the details here: http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/

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Journey Theater Arts Group Presents: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”

Washougal, WA — Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Performances are July 27 – Aug 5, 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 $18.  Youth and senior tickets are $12.   Our “family day” performances are July 28th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm with all tickets $12 in advance.  Tickets for all performances are $4 more at the door.

Public Performances

Friday, July 27 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, July 28 – 2:00 pm

Saturday, July 28 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, July 29 – 2:00 pm

Friday, August 3 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 4 – 2:00 pm

Saturday, August 4 – 7:00 pm

Sunday, August 5 – 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.

 

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First Friday Events: Camas Poker Tour in Downtown Camas

Camas, WA — The annual Camas Poker Tour is always a fun night! And, it’s happening today, Friday, July 6th, 5-8pm. The 13th annual Camas Poker Tour, is sponsored by Camas Antiques, throughout participating businesses:

  • Collect a “poker card” from each participating merchant
  • Turn in your cards to the dealer at Camas Antiques by 8:00pm
  • You will be dealt playing cards to match the number of business “poker cards” that you have (the more businesses you visit, the more chances for a great hand!)
  • Great prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to the 5 highest hands! Good Luck!

Enjoy other family-friendly games throughout town and earn tickets to enter to win a prize basket from the merchants!

  • Jackpot Plinko!
  • Lucky Rollers
  • Spin and Win
  • Downtown Dice
  • Card War
  • Toss it in
  • More!

 

Poker participation and activity lists can be found at the DCA table at Journey Church and at participating shops.

Other activities for First Friday include:

  • Ribbon Cutting at 5pm to welcome Hey Jack to Downtown Camas!

 

Poker

A salmon entree at Hey Jack,

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

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

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Summer Outdoors Recipe: Orange Campfire Cinnamon Rolls!

We tried this recipe at a recent camping trip at Cold Creek in Yacolt. The result is a fun food activity that’s easy to prepare and when fully cooked, the rolls have a flavor of smoked orange. It’s delicious!

Two Cooking Methods

Cooking Method #1: On Pan Over Coals

  1. Cut four oranges in half, and scoop out fruit (eat for breakfast with your cinnamon rolls).
  2. Put one Pillsbury Orange Cinnamon Rolls in each of the orange halves (cinnamon side up).
  3. Put orange halves on old baking pan on grill over campfire. Cover loosely with foil.
  4. Bake until they rise and look done (keep checking on them).
  5. Cool a few minutes, then top with icing.

Cooking Method #2: Directly On Coals

  • Cut the tops off of four oranges (save tops), then hollow out the oranges.
  • Stick one cinnamon roll in each orange and put the cap back on.
  • Put the oranges in heavy duty foil and wrap up the bundle fashioning a handle at the top.
  • Rest them in the coals of your campfire, and bake them for about 12 minutes.
  • Cool, then take the caps off and drizzle with icing.

We got this great recipe from our friends at https://www.organizedchaosonline.com

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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 swwatamalefest@gmail.com, 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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