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Clark College Orchestra Spring Concert Features Kreston in Lark Ascending

The award-winning Clark College Orchestra performs their Spring Concert of the 2023-2024 season under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Donald Appert on Friday, June 14, 2024, 7:30 pm at Columbia Presbyterian Church, 805 Columbia Ridge Dr. Vancouver, WA. The program features violinist Anthea Kreston as soloist performing Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending and Ravel’s  Tzigane.  The concert will conclude with Dvorak Symphony No. 9 “ From the New World”. The admission is free and open to the public.  

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Donald Appert has appeared as a guest conductor in Japan, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe.  In Italy La’ovadese wrote, “…the performance of the ‘Serenade in C Major’ of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration.  …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto… performed the Barber ‘Adagio’ with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.”  Giornale di Sicilla praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as “lyrical with an airy freshness,” and his conducting as “precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent.” He has guest conducted orchestras in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, El Salvador, and Japan.He currently serves as the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta and the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland.

Dr. Appert was awarded the 2020 Winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming. He won this same award in 2011 and in 2015 was named an Honored Artist by The American Prize Competition.  He is a recipient of the 2019 – 2020 Clark College Exceptional Faculty Awards, several ASCAPLUS Awards in recognition of his performances of his own compositions in Italy, Qatar, Europe, Central America, Japan, and the United States.  In 2014, Dr. Appert received the Clark County Arts Commission Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award, and in 2009, he received the Washington Community College Humanities Association Exemplary Status Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Humanities.

Violinist Anthea Kreston enjoys varied musical career. She has performed as a chamber musician in concert halls throughout Europe (from London’s Wigmore Hall to Berlin’s Philharmonie), through Asia, and the United States (Carnegie to the Herbst Theater in San Francisco). She was a member of the internationally renowned Artemis String Quartet, based in Berlin, Germany.  As a recording artist for Warner Classics, she has received both the Echo Award, Europe’s Grammy Award, and the Diaspason D’Or, France’s highest award from music critics. 

Anthea also enjoys writing, penning a popular articles for the London-based Slipped Disk, and as the curator of the Fortnightly Music Book Club.  She is the executive and artistic director of Majestic Chamber Music Series, and has taught at the University of the Arts Berlin and as a Master Teacher, the Queen Elizabeth Chapel in Brussels, and  the Curtis Institute of Music. Her teachers include Ida Kavafian, Shmuel Ashkenasi, the Emerson Quartet and Isaac Stern.   

The San Diego Reader said of her “… Anthea is a soloist of the Heifetz- Shaham-Vengerov caliber, whose musical instincts could make even a mere bagatelle thrill the soul and stir the senses to a frenzy.” 

https://www.antheakreston.com

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How Luxury Candles Elevate Your Home’s Ambiance

Throughout history, people used candles to light their homes, from a single candle for a small room to multiple candles in chandeliers that bathe a ballroom in light. Although electric lights have replaced candles for illumination, these waxen wonders still grace many modern homes for other purposes. Their soft, flickering lights set a tone and mood for whatever room they occupy. They can transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa getaway or turn an intimate dinner for two into a romantic event.

Unfortunately, since so many candles are made of paraffin wax, they contain ingredients that can cause pollution in the house or release toxins in the air. That is where luxury candles come in.

Unlike ordinary candles, luxury candles are made of high-quality ingredients such as coconut wax, beeswax, or soy. Because of this, they don’t contain any toxic ingredients. With their various colors and elegant packaging, they are also as beautiful to look at as well as beautiful to smell . Pure essential oils give them their rich, lovely scents and, because they burn more slowly, they last much longer. The experience can be savored even more.

Luxury candles elevate your home’s ambiance in so many different ways. They can bring about a feeling of relaxation and tranquility through the soothing scents of lavender and vanilla, chamomile, or sandalwood. They can help you sleep and help lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels.

They can also help boost your mood and energize you with smells of peppermint, citrus, ginger, or eucalyptus. These scents can also help you focus while studying or working, even boost your productivity and creativity. As mentioned before, luxury candles can also create an ambiance of romance and intimacy with the seductive scent of jasmine, rose, or musk.

How scents influence our moods

Scent is a powerful mood-setter. When you walk into a room where a luxury candle has been burning for a while, the first thing you notice is the scent filling that room. Our sense of smell is so closely connected to our emotions because sensory neurons in our noses transmit scents to the olfactory bulb in our forebrain, where smells are initially processed.

The information is then sent directly to the limbic system in the brain that controls memory and emotions. That’s why the smell of vanilla may remind you of being in the kitchen with your mother as the two of you bake sugar cookies. The smell of flowers causes you to reminisce about walking through a garden after a spring rain with someone you love. We associate certain smells with specific memories.

Importance of having a peaceful space

The use of luxury candles can also contribute to a calm, peaceful home. The importance of the latter cannot be overstated. When coming home from a stressful day at work, the last thing you want greeting you is more stress and chaos. We desperately need a quiet, tranquil place to unwind and decompress. Without a peaceful, soothing place to heal from the noise and confusion of everyday life, our health would take a turn for the worse.

A calm, tranquil atmosphere benefits us in so many ways. We sleep better, allowing our bodies to replenish themselves. It gives us a chance to balance ourselves and clear our heads.

We can focus more on our loved ones and enjoy the time we spend with them, which helps improve our relationships. A stress-free home is like a hug that comforts and makes us feel safe to be ourselves. When we go back out into the world, we feel more refreshed and energized, ready to face anything. Our thoughts are more coherent. We become more productive and creative.

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What Are the Top Backyard Renovation Trends for 2024?

Winter gives way to spring slowly in many parts of the country, but a new year still means new trends. You might not have thought much about your backyard in recent months, yet that should change as the days get warmer and longer. Get your backyard ready for spending time outdoors by knowing the top trends for outdoor landscaping in 2024, the advantages of having an outdoor space you can use, and the best times of year to get your yard refreshed.

Top Backyard Renovation Trends for 2024

Having a desire to improve your yard is one thing, but having the inspiration to make the right choices is another. Knowing the top outdoor living trends this year is a great place to start.

  • A Bonanza of Colors: Two competing trends seem to be moody versus bold plant colors. Dark, purple foliage sets a dramatic mood, but bold, vibrant colors bring a bright texture to your outside space.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: Herbaceous plants, clovers, and drought-tolerant greenery other than grass minimizes your need for water usage, and smart sprinkler systems help you conserve even more.
  • Leaving the Topography Alone: Instead of having professionals excavate your landscaping, work with what you already have for topical changes.
  • Low-Maintenance Plants: Ornamental grass and evergreen shrubs bring life and color to your yard without needing much upkeep.
  • Outdoor Living Spaces: Whether it’s a gazebo, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen, you should have a space where you can sit and read while sipping a beverage or share a conversation with a friend.
  • Smart Tech: In an age of remote-controlled lawnmowers and exterior lighting with Wi-Fi connectivity, you can use apps to connect many of your outdoor essentials.
  • The Edimental Bandwagon: Edimentals are a popular trend for modern growers who enjoy low-maintenance produce, be it herbs, asparagus, cabbage, and kale.
  • Vertical Spacing: Vertical planters or trellises can let your gardening go up without taking up much ground space for upward color.
  • Welcoming Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are struggling to survive, but borage, butterfly weed, and milkweed can give them haven while filling your yard with life.

Why Having a Nice Outdoor Space Is Important

Stress relief is very important in modern life, and spending time outside can minimize this and its negative impact on your life and health. Spending time in nature is known to directly benefit individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. If you enjoy particular activities outside, you can cater your yard to make them a regular part of your lifestyle.

The benefits of spending time outdoors extend to your rest and sleep. You’ll enjoy improved sleep patterns at night, which can prevent or minimize vision issues such as nearsightedness and eye strain. The vitamin D you get from sunlight exposure is a definite health boost.

Most people find that time outdoors improves their creativity, and it’s always a chance for a family to bond. An outdoor space is also a place to entertain friends and family you invite.

When Is the Best Time To Renovate Your Backyard?

If you’re reading this while it’s still winter in your part of the world, you can probably rule that out. The days are short and cold, and the ground might be hard; planting anything is close to impossible in many places. Summer could be better, too, as the heat can damage anything new that you plan at that time. Fall, however, can be a great time for a major makeover of your landscape. Cooler weather means pleasant planting, and it’s easy to water things.

Spring is a season that can be hit or miss, based on what you plan on doing. It’s great for planting larger perennials and many shrubs or trees, but seasonal temperature fluctuations might not be ideal for a huge landscaping overhaul. However, it’s a great season for evaluating what you’d like to have in your upcoming outdoor activities and environment and then refreshing the landscaping to match. Spring is a great time for mulching flower beds, sowing seeds, fertilizing, and transplanting. It’s also ideal for planting summer annuals and summer flowering bulbs.

In many cases, the best time to renovate your background is a simple combination of when your budget permits it and your landscaper is available to help you unless you’re doing it all yourself.

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Pieces of History: An Artifacts Timeline — Dedication Planned

Camas-Washougal, WA – Two Rivers Heritage Museum (TRHM) and Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) partnered to create an historical outdoor timeline exhibit that represents Camas and Washougal history and highlights the artifacts cared for at TRHM. “Pieces of History: An Artifacts Timeline,” is filled with stories and images recounting monumental moments and everyday events in these neighboring communities. The timeline can be viewed at the TRHM at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, Saturdays from 11am-3pm.

CCHM Public Historian, Katie Bush, served as the project manager for this work. She collaborated with TRHM Display Committee members Karen and Richard Johnson and Gayle and Ivar Godtlibsen, to research and select important historic information to be featured.

“Katie provided a long list of items and dates she identified from our collection and had us rate their importance to the timeline,” Karen Johnson explained.  “We whittled that list down over and over again. It was a difficult process to narrow the information with so many fascinating stories to tell.”

After repeated and thoughtful analysis, the final historic events and dates were decided.  The team then worked to identify exactly what object from TRHM archives would represent the timeline captions. “Selected events are memorable, personal and unique to the local community and represent major, minor, and micro moments in our history,” Karen Johnson explained.

History

Local photographer, Missy Fant, captured images of each object and Vancouver graphic designer, Masako Brachmann married together these elements into the sprawling timeline that stands 34-feet long along the back fence of the museum.  “The panel design and style match the historic street panels in Historic Downtown Camas,” said Karen Johnson.  “We are trying to stay consistent with historical signage for our cities.” 

“I’m excited to be a part of this collaborative timeline for the Two Rivers Heritage Museum,” said Bush.  “Community centered projects, such as this, offer great opportunities for heritage institutions to share local stories in engaging ways. I look forward to collaborating with Two Rivers and the Camas-Washougal community on future projects.”

While the building is in Washougal, TRHM represents two cities. “I would say our museum collection is divided pretty evenly between Camas and Washougal artifacts, photos, research, and archives,” said Karen Johnson.  “Our two towns, with totally different beginnings, melded into one awesome community.”

When asked which featured timeline events were most significant to the growth of the community the answers varied. Gayle Godtlibsen feels it was the year 1905 when the SP&S Railroad began operation on the north bank of the Columbia River.  “We hope that visitors come away from the timeline inspired to share their experience with others and, hopefully, that will help create more traffic to the museum,” she said. 

Richard Johnson identified 1886 and the start of the Camas papermill as the most impactful year. “I feel interacting with the timeline exhibit is the grand finale to a visit to the museum,” he said.  “I want people to feel they had a ‘complete’ experience here.”

The timeline creation and installation were completed by a team of dedicated people. TRHM Display Committee members Karen and Richard Johnson and Gayle and Ivar Godtlibsen; Masako Brachmann, graphic design; Katie Bush, CCHM public historian; Kevin and Curtis Barber of Core Powersports; Missy Fant Photography; J2 Blueprinting printed the panels; local historian Pepper Kim was editor and proofreader for the timeline narrative; John Kimbrough designed and fabricated timeline stand and helped with installation; Tommy Miller of Pomeroy Living History Farm helped with installation; and Bradley Richardson, Executive Director of CCHM helped on many aspects of the project. 

“Over the past six years, Two Rivers and the Clark County Historical Museum have fostered a deep and mutually beneficial relationship,” Richardson, a Camas-Washougal area native, said. “Through this project and other collaborative work, our organizations are demonstrating how communities are better served and more history is shared and saved when we come together.”

Funding for the timeline came from generous donations from the Tidland Family, Beales Foundation, and the Smead Family, who made their gift in memory of longtime teacher and historian Bernice Pluchos.

The new exhibit will be dedicated at a ceremony on Friday, May 31 at 5 pm at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.  City leaders, museum volunteers, staff, historical society members and community history lovers are invited to attend.  It can also be viewed any Saturday during regular museum hours from 11 am-3 pm.

“We are extremely proud of what we have created at Two Rivers,” said Dick Lindstrom, CWHS president. “Its purpose is to collect, research and preserve the history that tells the story of the development of the Camas/Washougal area.  We invite our community to take the time to experience what a treasure this place is.  And if people like what they see, we hope they become a member of CWHS or a volunteer to help us continue to tell the stories of our communities.”

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Camas Plant & Garden Fair: Celebrates 25 Years, Coming May 11

Camas, WA —The 25th annual Camas Plant & Garden Fair returns to Downtown Camas on Saturday, May 11th from 9am-4pm. Local nurseries, growers, and garden artists will line the streets, offering a diverse array of fruiting trees, vegetable starts, herbs, flowers, garden art and furniture, planters, birdhouses and feeders, pottery, metal art, hanging baskets, stone art, sculptures and more. This event, organized by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), offers family friendly fun and shopping in the heart of the charming and historic Downtown Camas.

Fan favorite returning vendors promise shoppers a vast selection of plants and garden products. Shoppers looking for dahlia tubers and growing advice should checkout Sweet Bloom Farms from Battle Ground. Anyone interested in adding some whimsical touches to their garden may want to see the birdhouses and colorful garden art fromOne Little Blackbird. Event goers looking for a major landscape overall can find all the ornamental trees and hardy perennials they need at Alicia’s Nursery, as well as the colorful annuals from Arai Nursery. Prairie & Fern Farm will be returning for their second year with a selection of dried flower arrangements and plant starts, grown in Camas.

The 25th year of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair features over fifteen new vendors bringing new and hard to find offerings to the event. Three not-to-miss vendors are Blue Gem Bakery, Bell Flower Farm, and Rhythm Seed Farm.  

Blue Gem Baking Co. – This woman owned micro-business features artisanal cookies and cupcakes, in plant and garden themed designs. Owner Mikenzie Drew was also a vendor at the Camas Farmer’ Market where she gained a following for her intricate piping work and fun themed items.

Belle Flower Farm– Vancouver resident Pam Richey Curtis will bring her curated selection of vintage vessels planted with homegrown succulents, as well as an array of gardening books, vintage tools and patio styling items. Curtis has been a favorite Camas Vintage & Art Fair Vendor since 2022. She also offers seasonal bouquet subscriptions with locally grown blooms.

Rhythm Seed Farm – This unique 501c3 nonprofit was born during the Covid era seed shortages of 2020. Founder Nick Canino had been growing hundreds of pounds of food in his yard for many years. He pivoted from food production to seed breeding and has now produced millions of seeds from over 50 different crops. With a commitment to donate half the seeds they produce, they have now given 3,000 seed packets to BIPOC and low income families in the Portland Metro area. Nick will be bringing his wide variety of hand harvested seeds, as well as rare native plant starts.

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The fair will feature nearly 20 designated vendor experts available for shoppers to consult on plants, effective gardening techniques, and related topics. Look for the “yellow sun” signs indicating expert booth locations. The full list of Plant Fair Experts and vendors is available at www.cwplantfair.org/vendors. Visit the DCA info booth at 4th & Cedar during the fair to pick up the Expert List and booth locations. Expert topics include:

  • Attracting pollinators
  • Attracting birds
  • Annuals
  • Carnivorous plants
  • Container gardening
  • Composting
  • Dahlias
  • Deep Mulch Dry Farming
  • Evergreens
  • Fuchsias
  • Fruit Trees
  • Herbs
  • Houseplants
  • Japanese maples
  • Landscaping and Garden Styling
  • Lavender
  • Olla Watering Systems
  • Organic Gardening
  • Perennials
  • PNW native plants
  • Rhododendrons
  • Roses
  • Seed Saving and Gathering
  • Succulents
  • Tomatoes
  • Transplanting

“We’re so excited to bring you the 25th year of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair!” says Jan Carter, of the DCA. “It takes a village to host an event of this size. We are so appreciative of all of our plant and garden art vendors, our dedicated volunteers, and of course all of the shoppers that come together for this pre-Mother’s Day plant and garden extravaganza! There’s truly something for everyone, and we can’t wait to keep bringing the Camas Plant and Garden Fair to Downtown Camas each Spring for years to come!”

The Kids’ Zone, open from 10am-3pm on Dallas Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, will offer free activities for children and families including the beloved hands-on rubber duckie flume from the Camas-Washougal Rotary, an obstacle course from My Gym, a planting and sensory station from Camas Washougal Parent Co-Op Preschool, and a take home seed sprouting activity hosted by the Camas Farmer’s Market. This area will also feature a free petting zoo with goats, bunnies, and more, hosted by the 4-Seasons 4-H Club. Many event sponsors will also be hosting activities for kids at their booths.  Children and theater lovers will enjoy Rhys Thomas who is returning with his Strolling Jugglemania Show including a giant rose puppet, themed juggling, performances on stilts and other activities.

Live music at 4th & Cedar will include Bret Malmquist playing acoustic jazz guitar from 10am-12pm and local singer songwriter Brenna Larsen performing from 12-3pm.

Scout troop #565 will be on hand with their trusty wagons to help citizens transport their purchases as needed. Donations welcomed.

The DCA will host the annual “Wheelbarrow Raffle Prize Drawing” with a large assortment of plants, trees, flowers, and garden art generously donated by fair vendors in a sturdy wheelbarrow donated by Lutz Hardware as well as a “Downtown Gift Card Raffle”. The items will be on display and tickets can be purchased at the DCA table on the corner of 4th and Cedar on the day of the event. The winner will be drawn at 3:00pm.

The DCA thanks the generous sponsors of this event which include our Signature Sponsor Waste Connections of Washington-Clark County, as well as Partner Sponsors Edward Jones, Robert Barber;  Clover Podiatry; NW Natural; tsmc Washington, Papermaker Pride; Renewal by Andersen; Hampton Inn and Suites; Lendor Home Solutions/Gutter Helmet, State Farm; Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Minuteman Press; and our Community Sponsors NW Natural, Blossom Natural Health and Wellness; Dr. Jared Bowyer, DDS; City of Camas and 4 Seasons 4H.

The DCA is a 501c3 nonprofit Main Street Program and works year round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For more information on the Plant Fair, see www.cwplantfair.org or www.fb.com/CamasPlantAndGardenFair. For information on the DCA and other downtown events and initiatives, visit www.downtowncamas.com. 

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Camas Native, Bestselling Author, Artist Exhibits Work in Second Story Gallery

Camas, WA — Kicking off May’s Second Story Gallery exhibit at the Camas Public Library, a reception for bestselling graphic novel artist and author Aron Nels Steinke will take place Friday, May 3, from 5-8 pm. The artist will be on hand for the event.

My Teacher is a Wolf: The Comics Art of Aron Nels Steinke is a retrospective of cartoon art from the creator of Mr. Wolf’s Class, the bestselling graphic novel series for children. This exhibit features over forty original pieces of art used in the creation of his graphic novels spanning his almost 20-year career.

On display will be art created when Steinke was a student at Lacamas Heights Elementary School. Visitors will also be treated to a sneak peek from Speechless, his next original graphic novel (Scholastic/Graphic 2025).

“We are honored to host this award-winning author and artist in the Gallery,” said Connie Urquhart, Library Director. “This exhibit will be enjoyable for all ages.”

Steinke, a Camas High School class of 1999 graduate, is the Eisner Award-winning co-creator of The Zoo Box with Ariel Cohn. The creator of Mr. Wolf’s Class and a former elementary school teacher, Steinke spent his childhood in Fern Prairie on the outskirts of Camas and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. He regularly visits schools to speak with students about making comics and finding inspiration from life.

The exhibit will run through May 31.

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Clark College Concert Choir Winter Performance, with a WORLD PREMIERE

VANCOUVER, WA —  The Clark College Concert Choir and Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk, present their Winter Concert on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 7:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd St, Vancouver, WA.  The admission is free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Choral Fund accepted at the door. 

What makes this program especially meaning is the programing of a world premiere performance of a work composed by Clark music student Benjamin Friend. The Concert Choir will perform Friend’s “One Last Time,” a work for choral ensemble and string quartet. This is a deeply moving work and we are eager for our community to hear it. Programmed alongside it are well known works like Dawson’s “Soon Ah Will Be Done,” and Runestad’s “The Peace of Wild Things.” The not oft performed “After Music” by Barnum and Hagen’s “On My Dreams” are also on the program, as well “Temporal” by Puerto Rican composers Diana V. Sáez and Suzzette Ortiz.

The Chamber Choir will begin the program with two songs concerning existential anxiety and closing with a one-on-a-part gorgeous piece about eternity. You do not want to miss this concert.

 For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Dr. Jacob Funk is the Director of Choirs at Clark College where he conducts three choirs in addition to teaching theory, ear training, music appreciation, rock history, and applied voice. Jacob completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the University of Missouri—Kansas City where he was a Graduate Assistant to the Choral Department, Associate Conductor of the Conservatory Concert Choir and co-conductor of the University Singers. While at UMKC he also served as Opera Chorus Master and the director of Canticum Novum. Dr. Funk earned his masters in choral conducting from the University of British Columbia, and his undergraduate degree in vocal performance from John Brown University. Before coming to UMKC he was on the music faculty of John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College, where he taught choir and voice. 

Dr. Jeongmi Yoon, currently, serves as the piano instructor and accompanist at Clark College. She has performed in numerous cities within the United States, China, and South Korea. As a soloist, she has performed with the Poland Katowice Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chonnam National University  Orchestra. In 2021, Dr.  Yoon received her D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas studying under Joseph Banowetz. Additionally, she holds a Masters’ degree from Portland State University and Bachelor’s degree from Chonnam National University. Dr. Yoon the faculties at the University of Portland and Clark College in January 2022. 

Clark College
Dr. Jacob Funk, Director of Choirs
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Let Streamline Events Host Your Wedding, Party, Major Celebration

Camas, WA — Locally-owned Streamline Events is a full service event and entertainment company offering DJ services, live music, and sound engineering for weddings, private parties, and corporate events.

“Streamline was born out of a passion for people and strives to deliver professional services that go above and beyond,” said owner, Aaron Turnage. “We do make your dreams come true, and it’s a great time to plan your wedding.”

Streamline takes great care into planning your wedding — from learning about your favorite songs, putting a precise schedule of activities for your special day, and even offering suggestions about wedding party staging. They’re great for corporate events, and do audio and lighting production.

“They did a fantastic job preparing for our wedding,” said Jordan Geigenmiller, who got married in August 2023. “Karlie and I got married in Portland, but we had our ring ceremony and reception at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie, WA. Aaron met with us months before the big day to ensure he knew what we wanted, what to expect, and he even helped us coordinate songs, and overall flow of the night. It was really special, and we both highly recommend Streamline!”

In addition to weddings, Streamline can also host epic birthday parties.

“I wanted to throw an epic birthday dance party for my wife and Streamline Events and Entertainment delivered! Aaron really wanted to understand my wife’s musical taste and overall vibe of the celebration,” said Michael Marcum. “The party theme was ‘sparkles’ so everyone dressed up and danced all night. Aaron’s sound equipment, lighting, and audio production are top notch resulting in an amazing looking and sounding party. Aaron set the tone for a fun, energetic, and engaging experience that everyone loved. We could not have been happier with the result! If making lasting memories are important to you, then Streamline Events and Entertainment is the right partner. I highly recommend them.

Turnage said “We are a live music solution for any event. We are your entertainment solution. We offer live music from a duo to a full band, as well as DJ services where we work with the clients to curate their special music and deliver more than they ever could have expected!”

The owner of Shangri-La Farm, Liz Pike, said “Streamline is a professional organization. We host events frequently at the farm, and Aaron and his team were punctual, and kept everything clean and organized. I highly recommend them!”

Stay tuned for Streamline Event’s upcoming podcast launch, and you’re invited to follow them on Instagram at @StreamlineSEE

To learn more about Streamline or to book your event, visit: www.streamlineeventsllc.com

Streamline
Aaron Turnage, owner of Streamline Events.
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Celebrate Pike Art Gallery’s 1st Anniversary Celebration March 1

Pike Art Gallery is celebrating its first anniversary just in time for Camas First Friday, March 1st. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition spot. During the special one year anniversary event from 5 to 8 pm on March 1st, guests will enjoy sumptuous appetizers and beverages along with Liz Pike’s famous chocolate truffles. A brand new body of original work will also be unveiled on this special evening. 

“I”m thrilled to be celebrating our one year anniversary,” said Pike. “I’m also very grateful to our Camas community for embracing art, following a record setting year in art sales.” 

Pike promises a lavish repeat of her opening night ribbon cutting event a year ago. 

“I’m working in several new palettes and having a lot of fun with my new works. Expose yourself to some great new art and join the fun at Pike Art Gallery,” she said.  

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7 pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7 pm. “We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Society of Washington Artists, the Ridgefield Art Association, the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Camas Association. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. Her first outdoor art festival on the calendar is the White Oak Art & Craft Fair on Friday and Saturday, July 5th and 6th in Washougal.  On Saturday and Sunday, Pike’s work will also be featured at the Fern Prairie Art Fest on August 3-4, and at the Camas Vintage and Art Faire on Saturday, August 24th in beautiful downtown Camas. (Featured Painting: “Vineyards of Paso Robles,” oil on 30”x48”canvas by Liz Pike).

PIKE ART GALLERY / TWO LOCATIONS

Downtown Camas: 302 NE Sixth Avenue, Camas 

Gateway to Fern Prairie: Shangri-La Farm, 26300 NE Third Street, Camas 

WEB: LizPike.Art  /  Email: PikeAdvertising@comcast.net

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Automotive: What Are the Top Rated Vehicles for 2024?

Modern shopping is full of conveniences that were unheard of just a few years ago! However, there’s still no shortcut when it comes to buying a car. That takes research. While dealers have made browsing easier than ever, shoppers still need to put time into finding the right cars. This snapshot of the best vehicles for 2024 is a great starting point.

Top-rated Vehicles for 2024

No list takes the pulse of the current vehicle market like the Edmunds Top Rated Awards list! For 2024, the company looked at 500 vehicles to identify the cars offering the best performance and value. Here’s a look at the winners by category:

  • Best of the Best: 2024 Kia EV9
  • Top Car: 2024 Toyota Prius
  • Top Electric Car: 2024 BMI i5
  • Top SUV: 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid
  • Top Electric SUV: 2024 Kia EV
  • Top Truck: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado
  • Top Electric Truck: 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning

This list represents the strongest picks for cars, trucks, and SUVs that customers can buy today. However, the casual observer might also notice that there’s a lot of range between these vehicles. Working your way backward by starting with the features that are the most important is a good way to narrow down the winners in your own personal category.

What Features Are Most Important?

Bells and whistles can certainly create an inspiring driving experience! However, safety remains the most important feature for most car buyers today. Consumers are increasingly seeking out high-tech features that help to increase visibility and awareness of the road. For example, new automatic emergency braking systems that prevent collisions when other vehicles are sensed can help to either prevent or reduce impact on the road. Similar systems can also detect pedestrians. Warning alert systems for blind spots are also making the must-have list for many shoppers. While rear-facing cameras have been around for a while, car buyers are increasingly looking for 360-degree surround-view camera systems that give the driver the ability to see the vehicle from a bird’s-eye view. This feature delivers unprecedented visibility to help drivers avoid hitting objects or people when backing up or parking.

Some must-have features for 2024 carry over from previous years. For instance, drivers still rely on built-in navigation systems for the safety and convenience they offer. Keyless entry and zoned climate systems are also holding steady as highly desirable features.

How to Get the Best Deal When Purchasing a New Vehicle

The best way to avoid overpaying for a new vehicle is to show up at the dealership knowing exactly what you want. After carefully researching the vehicle you want, narrow down the trim level and features that are right for you. You can use this information to set the price that you’re ready to pay for your new car. While a buyer’s ability to negotiate purchase price varies by dealer, all dealers base asking price on a vehicle’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Knowing the MSRP of the model you want to test drive allows you to avoid the time and hassle of a dealer “upselling” a pricier model.

The area where the buyer has the most control over a vehicle’s price is interest rate. If you’ll be financing a car, make sure you know your credit score ahead of time to gauge the types of rates that could be available to you. Like homebuyers, vehicle buyers are free to shop around for rates from different lenders when purchasing cars.

Finally, trading in a current vehicle can be a way to slash the price of a new vehicle. It’s important to go in with an understanding of the current value of your vehicle. Be sure to base your assessment on actual market data instead of making assumptions stemming from your personal attachment to a vehicle. Many shoppers go in with inflated hopes about how much they will get for a trade-in vehicle because they aren’t taking an objective, market-based view.

Electric or Gas Powered: Which Type of Vehicle Is Best for You?

The question of electric versus gas is becoming increasingly relevant for new car buyers. A driver’s lifestyle is often the biggest factor when determining which choice is best. When making the decision, it’s important to weigh your long-term financial and sustainability goals against what is feasible in terms of both budget and mileage capacity.

Electric and hybrid vehicles offer eco-friendly driving that can help drivers to ditch high gas prices. However, shoppers can’t ignore the fact that shorter ranges, long charging times, and higher initial expenses can put these high-tech vehicles out of reach for someone who simply needs a daily commuting vehicle that won’t break the bank. A traditional gas-powered car allows drivers to fill up easily without any anxiety about long ranges. Of course, this familiar choice comes with the burden of high fuel costs. Some drivers are also eager to get away from dependence on oil for environmental reasons.

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