CAMAS, WA — Local leaders are asking for volunteers to place wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 16, 2017, 11 am, at Camas Cemetery, where 847 veterans have been laid to rest. No signup needed. There will be a brief ceremony followed by the laying of wreaths, and finally cookies, coffee & cocoa for all.

More about the event: Each December, the Wreaths Across America organization carries out its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

The organization encourages every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.

“We are not here to decorate graves. We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives,” says Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America. “A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.”

To learn more, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Camas Cemetery is located at 630 NE Oak St, Camas, WA 98607.

Downtown Camas brings in the Christmas season with their annual “Hometown Holidays” event Friday night from 5-9 pm, and features the tree lighting, photos with Santa, crafts, hay rides, entertainment, and hot cocoa provided by Journey Church.

The tree lighting happens at 6:30 pm, and will be accompanied by fireworks.

The city has already gotten festive as the city streets are lined with bows and Christmas bells to ring in the fun season.

First Friday’s entertainment will be provided by each school in the Camas School District.

This year’s tree is provided by Majestyk Mountain Tree Farms of Bear Prairie.

Come with empty stomach as the downtown restaurants will be open, along with vendors such as Getta Gyro, Papa Murphy’s, and the Tequila Mexican Grill.

There will also be many crafts and activities for children at the Journey Church, which is located on 4th Avenue directly across from Liberty Theatre.

You may also enjoy a special showing of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at the historic Liberty Theatre. The show begins at 8 pm, and admission is $6.

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Camas, WA – Varo Interior Design just announced that the Motor Yacht Chasseur has won best power yacht in the 40m to 65m category by the International Superyacht Society.

The M/Y Chasseur was built by local Vancouver, WA based Christensen Shipyards and designed by Tonya Lance of Varo Interior Design, a Camas company. Chasseur was also the recipient of a ‘Special Achievement’ award at the at the Showboats Design Awards earlier this year.

“When we started the process, I met with the owner to see his vision, and learned he loves the modern design,” said Lance. “I got his reaction to every sample, which included fabrics, carpets, wood, and stone. I brought as many materials as I could for him to view, and then started to build pallets for each room. We selected every piece of wood and stone, and every door is custom.”

Lance said most communications with the owner were by email, but that major presentations were made at Christensen Shipyards, which is located right on the Columbia River. The project took 36 months to complete.

The yacht’s interior really is the pinnacle of refined luxury. Each detail was mindfully designed to pleasure the most selective connoisseur. Milk glazed figured Sycamore walls filled with an abundance of impressive windows graciously surround Chasseur’s light, modern, elegant interior. Her classic teak interior flooring is beautifully accented with holly inlays and adorned with plush silk area rugs. Each piece of furniture is customized to offer the highest level of comfort and performance.

Her handcrafted Santos Rosewood casegoods are embellished with elements of polished stainless steel and shagreen. Chassuer’s main stairwell is a sculptural work of art showcasing glass and woven leather walls with floating glass treads. Her six luxurious staterooms with en suite bathrooms comfortably accommodate 12 guests. Each stateroom is equipped with autonomous control of an extensive movie and music library, U.S., Caribbean and European satellite television, iPad interface, and the fastest internet speeds available. Every guest bathroom aboard the vessel is clad in exotic onyx stones sourced from the finest quarries around the world. The interior and exterior bar surfaces are composed of backlit crystal agate and mirrored glass. The outdoor living areas provide abundant opportunities for dining, entertaining and basking in the sun. The Sun Deck arrangement features a full height bar, large Jacuzzi tub and lavish lounge areas. The bridge deck will offer two alfresco dining arrangements as well as a chic open air lounge area. The main aft deck provides a lavish seating arrangement and a full height service bar area. All exterior decks will be fully equipped with ample room designated for a helipad and toys.

“The yacht has a natural progression from the outside to the inside,” said Lance. “There’s no tinting on the windows, which keeps it in harmony with nature.”

The yacht is owned by a U.S. resident, but will be docked in the Mediterranean, and is currently en route to France.

M/Y Chasseur is 160 feet long, has a range of 4,000+ nautical miles, and has a maximum speed of 16 knots.  It is powered by two CAT 3512C series engines with a C-rating 1650 HP at 1800 RPM maximum continuous rating.

Yact

Chasseur Sky Lounge.

About Varo Interior Design

Varo Interior Design was started in 2007 in Vancouver, WA by Lance. Varo Interior Design’s mission is to gracefully design, plan and manage optimal environments through inspired collaboration and interactive process. Varo Interior Design takes a client-driven approach to every project.

“We are guided by integrity to create designs that will last and be loved,” said Lance. “We accomplish this by carefully detailing interiors in ways that encourage the highest levels of flexibility, durability, performance and appreciation. Our designs capture the spirit and vitality of the surrounding context, focusing on the integration of the project goals with the heritage of the built and natural environment.”

She said from client to client the context may vary, but they always produce designs inspired by the surroundings and reflect the uniqueness of each individual situation. Their inherent nature is to be creative and artistic problem solvers, and believe that only through a collaborative process can excellent design be achieved. To that end they are open and inclusive, welcoming inspiration from all. They also like to challenge the status quo.

About Tonya Lance

With over 17 years of professional experience, Lance is eager to help clients achieve optimal comfort and visual harmony. Tonya is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of clientele. She is noted for achieving high echelons of design within any budget. Tonya continually strives to develop strong working relationships to foster open communication and overall clarity. She is continually developing and in search of innovative design solutions. Her formal education includes a Bachelors of Art in Interior Architecture for Marylhurst University as well as a Certificate in Architectural Project Management from Portland State University.

To learn more, visit www.varodesigns.com

Yacht

John, Oliver, and Tonya Lance, of Camas. Photo by Jennifer Barnes.

About Christensen Shipyards

Christensen Shipyards was founded in 1983 in Vancouver, Washington by Dave Christensen, and builds state of the art yachts of 120’ and more for discerning clients who recognize Christensen’s global reputation. Christensen Shipyards has been a staple in the yachting community and the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years. The shipyard encompasses over 300,000 sq. ft. of climate controlled manufacturing space and employs over 100 craftspeople. State of the Art facilities and modern manufacturing techniques enable Christensen to adhere to high manufacturing standards and build yachts of unsurpassed quality and beauty.

To learn more, visit www.christensenyachts.com

Yacht Image Gallery

All photos by Jeff Brown.

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There’s fresh snow on Mount Hood, which means it’s time for winter vacation planning. Hood River is the perfect winter destination with something for everyone, both on and off the slopes.

Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Hood River is a welcoming winter destination for art lovers, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone just looking to get away from it all. Here are just a few compelling reasons to plan a winter vacation to Hood River this year:

1. There’s no better place to take a nature bath. When you stay in Hood River, you’ll find lots of ways to get back to nature. Go for a hike on one of the local trails. Cross-country ski or snowshoe in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Take a bike ride on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Or check out the area’s beautiful vineyards during Thanksgiving Wine Weekend.

2. Hit the slopes! Just 45 minutes from downtown Hood River are two great ski options: Mt. Hood Meadows, the mountain’s biggest ski area, and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, which is perfect for families. A huge extra incentive: Throughout the winter season, those who stay at participating Hood River lodging partners gain access to special Ski & Stay deals for Mt. Hood Meadows (see below for additional details).

After an awesome day on the slopes, ease back down from the mountain via the beautiful Highway 35 (avoiding congested Highway 26). Once in town, refuel at one of Hood River’s great brewpubs or restaurants, and then spend the night. Need a down day? Go wine tastingmuseum hoppingor shopping in historic downtown.

3. A cornucopia of art. The winter season is jam-packed at the Columbia Center for the Arts (215 Cascade Ave.), which offers a full calendar of eventsranging from live performances to lectures to painting classes—and just about everything in between. Spend a sunny day discovering the unique sculptures along Hood River’s BIG ART Walk. This 4.5-mile walking tour of public art winds its way around the community, including stops at local eateries. Or you can browse the numerous galleries and shops featuring local artists.

4. Breathtaking scenery. With a dry, arid climate and fascinating geology, the eastern Columbia River Gorge offers year-round hiking opportunities. Located within a 20- to 30-minute drive from Hood River, local hiking trails such as Catherine Creek, Columbia Hills State Park, and the Deschutes River Trail are off the beaten path and nothing short of spectacular. After your hike, go wine tasting at one of the area’s beautiful vineyards.

5. Post-holiday recovery. With its Gorge-ous views, spas, coffee shops and more, Hood River is the perfect place to unwind in January and recover from the holiday season. The historic Columbia Gorge Hotel is also home to Spa Remedease, where you can immerse yourself in one of their relaxing spa treatments, from a holistic facial to a couples massage. Want to kick back with a good book? Stop by Waucoma Bookstore in downtown to find their staff picks for good reads. Then head to local favorite Dog River Coffee for a freshly brewed cup of joe or tea while sitting in cozy armchair.

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The Portland Choir and Orchestra will be ringing in the Christmas season this Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 25 at 2 pm and 7 pm at the Newmark Theater in Downtown Portland. This year’s event features special guests Edmund Stone of All Classical Portland Radio, and Bells of the Cascades.

Tickets may be purchased directly from the Newmark Theater by phone (503-274-6551), ONLINE, at the box office, or from choir members. Newmark fees may be lower at the box office, and specific seat choices can only be secured directly from Newark.

Newmark Theater address:

1111 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205

“The choir currently has 100 members, and the orchestra has 45,” said choir member, Curtis Bedont. “We have two to three concerts a year. One is the Christmas concert, and then we have one in the late spring. This season we will have three concerts — in November, March, and June. There are many members that have been singing with them since its inception. Others come and go as their schedules and life circumstances permit. We are always recruiting new singers! We would actually like to be a little bigger, at 110-120 choir members.”

The Portland Choir & Orchestra has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in February to perform Durufle’s Requiem, and they are also preparing for that event.

Choir

Portland Choir and Orchestra.

About Portland Choir & Orchestra

Since its founding concert in 2005, the organization has been delighting audiences with excellent, inspiring choral and orchestral music.  Each year, thousands of Oregon and Washington residents turn out to hear PCO’s wide variety of concert programs including the annual Celebration of Christmas, master works for choir and orchestra based on sacred texts, and patriotic and pops-style concerts that celebrate humankind’s rich heritage of Faith, Music, Family and Liberty.

Portland Choir & Orchestra has performed the Star Spangled Banner at multiple Portland Trail Blazers’ Games and has also performed with the Newport Symphony Orchestra, the Willamette Falls Symphony, and with national stars like Grammy-nominated and acclaimed concert violinist Jenny Oaks Baker,  renowned Mormon Tabernacle Organist Clay Christiansen and Broadway actor and recording artist Dallyn Vail Bayles.  Local celebrities such as Bill Schonely and Ray Summers have also collaborated to provide inspiring collaborations of music and narration like Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.

To learn more, visit www.musicinportland.org

Join the fun this Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in downtown Thanksgiving. In celebration of shopping locally, many downtown Camas  merchants will each have a little box of coupons, special gifts, and other surprises for you to draw from.

The event goes from 10 am to 6 pm on November 24.

It’s their way of giving you a little something extra for supporting local businesses.

You will also receive a free raffle ticket in each location and an extra ticket with any purchase to be entered to win a gorgeous holiday merchant basket.

If you spent $100 in downtown on Little Box Friday, you will receive two free regular movie tickets from the Liberty Theatre. You will need to turn in receipts to the theatre on November 24 by 8 pm. The free tickets are good for any regular show through December 31 — one set per person.

It’s a great way to kick off your Christmas shopping.

Participating merchants:

  • 4Ever Growing Kids
  • Allure Boutique
  • Arktana Shoes
  • Attic Gallery
  • Caffe Piccolo
  • Cake Happy
  • Camas Antiques
  • Camas Beauty Bar & Boutique
  • Caps N’ Taps
  • Lizzabeth A
  • Navidi’s Olive Oils and Vinegars
  • Salon Magnolia
  • Salud Wine Bar – Event Center – Wine Storage
  • The Soap Chest
  • The Wild Hair Camas

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Washougal, WA—City of Washougal and the Downtown Washougal Association (DWA) are teaming up to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 7. This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Scott Campbell. The parade will run along Main Street and begin at 6 pm. It will end at Reflection Plaza where the tree lighting will take place at 6:30 pm.

The City is now accepting applications for parade participants. Entry is free and all entries must be lighted in some fashion. Awards will be given for Best Use of Lights, Santa’s Choice and, for the first time this year, Best New Entry. “Entries include local clubs, businesses, organizations and others throughout the community,” said Rose Jewell, Assistant to the Mayor and parade organizer. “Being a part of the parade is a wonderful way to let people know about your group and show support for our community. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends in Washougal’s downtown living room.” Applications are due by Monday, December 4 and can be found at City Hall and online at http://www.cityofwashougal.us.

During and after the parade, the City is serving complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and coffee. Entertainment will include musical and dance performances by high school students. “The Downtown Washougal Association encourages everyone to come early and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or shop at one of the local businesses, before and after the parade. By supporting our local businesses, you help the business and our community thrive,” says Heena, DWA Board President.

Santa Claus is always the very special guest and will bring up the end of the event. He will be passing out candy canes and will be available for free photos with kids of all ages, compliments of Windows on Life Photography.

Other sponsors include Waste Connections, Riverview Community Bank and Starbucks.

“This community holiday event is a great way to get into the spirit of the season!” Heena added. “I hope everyone will come and join us!”

Parade Image Gallery

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In order to earn their Girl Scout Bronze Award, local twins Julia and Grace Hines decided to help out the Portland VA Fisher House by donating board and video games to ensure children of Veterans and active duty service members have something to do, and to life their spirits during their temporary stay.

“Thank you to local Girl Scouts and sisters Julia and Grace who donated board games and video games to the Portland VA Fisher House last week! The sisters raised their own money to purchase the games …,” said Fisher House in an official statement.

The VA Portland Fisher House, located on the Vancouver Campus, is “a home away from home” for families of Veterans and military service members who are hospitalized. It may also serve family and caregivers of Veterans who are receiving extended outpatient specialty care, such as oncology care, at our various specialty clinics.

Julia and Grace are 11 year-old twins and have been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten. They developed a plan to help Fisher House to earn their Bronze Award, which is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can receive.  The goal of the Bronze Award is to make a lasting impact in an area of need in the community. The girls had to identify a community need, make a plan to help, put that plan into motion and then spread the word. They identified Fisher House as having a need.

“Fisher House is a ‘home away from home’ for families of Veterans and military service member who are hospitalized,” said Gina Hines, the twins’ mom. “It may also serve family and caregivers of Veterans who are receiving extended outpatient specialty care, such as oncology care, at their various specialty clinics.”

Julie and Grace contacted Fisher House and found out they needed board and video games for the young residents ages 8-15 as they didn’t have many games to play. The girls raised all the money themselves by organizing, cleaning, tagging and selling their toys and clothing at the local JBF sale. They then took all that money and shopped stores, garage sales, and thrift stores looking for the perfect games for older kids who stay at Fisher House.

The goal was to buy as many engaging games as possible that would provide entertainment, stress relief and lift the spirits of children of Veterans and active duty service members who stay at the Vancouver Fisher House. Julia and Grace plan on starting their Silver Award next year. They also plan on starting a charity project (or two) and a business to help pay for their Girl Scout projects.

Their participation in Girl Scouts has helped them build courage, confidence, and has given them a desire to help give back and improve not only their community, but the world around them, said Hines.

Fisher

Julie and Grace presented the VA Fisher House with new board and video games.

 

This month’s Downtown Camas First Friday, to be held November 3 from 5-8 pm will be filled with fun activities centered around being “thankful for pie!”

Start the evening at the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) tables at Journey Community Church at 4th and Birch for your pie passport and activity list.

First Friday activities include:

  • Pie tastings in participating businesses — vote for your favorite pie and be entered to win prizes from the merchants, which include the pies themselves.
  • Pie Walk parties start at 7 pm at Journey Church — you can win a delicious pie, some other treats and have fun dancing. Truly Scrumptious and Cake Happy are donating some of the pies.
  • There will be a pie raffle at the DCA tables inside Journey Church, which is sponsored by Carla Edwards from allclarkcountyhomes.com
  • Kids’ autumn crafts at the DCA tables and painting with The Paint Roller.
  • Family friendly gratitude activities
  • Art shows at Camas Gallery, located at 408 NE 4th Avenue; Second Story Gallery, located at 625 NE 4th Avenue (featuring Annette Jackson); and Attic Gallery, located at 421 NE Cedar, featuring Mike Smith and Terri Axness.
  • S’mores roasting at Journey (weather permitting).

And, be sure to stop by at the fine restaurants in downtown Camas.

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Pie

Summer berry tart with custard cream, food

The Papermakers (8-1) will load up and head north to Auburn at noon tomorrow, says Camas Varsity quarterback, Kyle Allen, to begin what the team hopes is a five-game winning streak to the State Championship.

Everyone is invited to the game Friday at 7 pm. The address is 801 4th Street, Auburn, WA 98002.

After losing the District Championship game to Union 14-13 last week, the team has been busy getting prepared.

“We’ve been doing the same thing we do every week,” said Allen. “Watch a lot of film and practice hard knowing that next week is not a guarantee.”

“They (Auburn) are a strong competitive team with a lot of good athletes,” said Allen. “Should be a fun one.”

Path to State Championship

Auburn

Reflections on the Season

“It has taught me about how I can be the best football player I can be and the best person I can be,” said Allen. “I’ve learned how to better deal with pressure and how it doesn’t just take individual athletes to win, but a united team to win. Also, I’ve made many great friendships with teammates and coaches along with memories I’ll remember forever.”

Homecoming Images

Photos by Jon Pugmire

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