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Art Gallery Opens on 2nd Floor of Lara Blair Photography Studio

Camas, WA – Lara Blair’s grand opening of The Loft art gallery will be August 27, 2022 in her studio located at 411 NE Dallas St, Camas, WA. The inaugural show is titled A Sense of Place and features two exhibits, Aloft and Confectionery Landscapes.

In addition to running a portrait studio, Blair is a working artist who has featured her fineart photography and mixed media work in Northwest galleries and business establishments. The gallery on the upper floor of her studio will be a permanent home to display current work four times a year.

These two exhibits represent an energy and a rhythm to the streets we walk, fields we run through and horizons we take in. Confectionery Landscapes is a collection of candy colored architectural scenery and iconic buildings. Aloft is a series of large mixed media pieces featuring a bird’s eye view of farmland. The overall vision of the show is: whether standing in front of a man made structure, or taking in the vast picture of the world from above, we feel the spirit within it.

The opening celebration is open to the public at 7 pm on the 27th. There will be music, beverages and portrait studio giveaways.

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Living: How to Improve Your Mobile Home’s Curb Appeal

Mobile homes often have a reputation for being plain and unexciting. Many people may not consider them the most exciting or interesting when it comes to outdoor projects. However, there are several ways to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home. Here are just a handful of our favorite projects for you to consider.

Adding a Front Garden

Flowers and other plants are a great way to add some color and vibrancy to any front lawn and increase your home’s curb appeal. It’s a good idea to keep any large shrubs or bushes away from your home’s skirting if you ever need to make repairs or replace it, but adding some plants is a great way to spruce things up. Consider some of your favorite flowers or small trees to make your home stand out more. Aside from a garden, keeping your grass manicured and watered adds a more vibrant green that looks lush and inviting.

Installing a Deck

Many manufactured homes have stairs leading up to the front door. Consider installing a front deck if you have the space for it and your neighborhood allows such modifications. Decks offer a lot of curb appeal and give homeowners a place to relax outside and wave to passersby. There are many different size and style options when constructing your deck and varieties of stairs to grant people access. Consider investing in unique columns for your new deck to give it some visual flair for extra curb appeal.

A New Front Door

Sometimes the simplest way to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home is to install a new front door. Many manufactured homes have functional but simplistic doors that don’t do much to stand out—finding a door with an ornate glass design or color that brings out the rest of your home does wonders when looking for simple renovation ideas. However, we recommend picking a door that matches the décor of your home well enough that it doesn’t become too distracting.

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How to Create a Productive, Positive Work Environment

People start fulfilling careers at their jobs. Therefore, it’s important to make the workplace a great space. Learn how to create a productive and positive work environment and implement these changes at your company today. 

Improve the Onboarding Experience

Starting a new job is difficult for anyone. And you can make the adjustment period better by improving the onboarding experience. New employees should feel like an important part of the team while learning about the workplace. Simple things like pairing seasoned employee with new workers, clarifying job duties, and sharing expectations allow people to understand the environment. Ultimately, better onboarding creates a good experience for new workers. 

Upgrade Workplace Lighting

Dimly lit rooms with little access to natural lighting aren’t ideal for workplaces. It may induce fatigue and make employees feel sluggish throughout the day. Luckily, a lighting upgrade can enhance the space. Follow the guide to commercial office lighting fixtures and select the option best for your workplace. 

Additionally, you can let employees take breaks outside to soak up the natural sunlight and return to the building feeling refreshed! 

Encourage Active Listening

Productive and positive work environmentsthrive on employee engagement. And the most common way to engage with colleagues is through communication. Active listening proves that you care about employee’s thoughts as you give them your undivided attention. Additionally, it’s important to encourage active listening among all workers. 

Create the Right Work Space

You can only be productive with the right tools. After all, how can a graphic designer do their job without a computer, or a cashier complete transactions without a register? Ensuring that your employees have essential tools creates the right workspace. 

Whether you provide cubicles, comfortable seating, technology, or other work accessories, employees must have everything they need to fulfill their responsibilities. This will improve productivity and daily operations. 

Prioritize Shout-Outs and Incentives

Simply put, people like praises from their bosses and colleagues. To create a positive environment, prioritizing shout-outs and incentives will encourage employees to work harder and undergo personal (and professional) development. You can give shout-outs during weekly meetings or reward star employees with gift cards or extra pay. 

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New Artists, Offerings Will Delight at Camas Vintage & Art Faire

The 13th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire will return to the tree-lined streets of Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 27, from 9 am-3 pm. This event will feature over 60 vendors including local artists and artisans in a variety of styles and mediums, as well as merchants featuring vintage, antique, and repurposed items.

Artists will showcase their professional paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled works, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, metal work, and more. Vintage vendors will feature a wide variety of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, as well as vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry, and accessories. The event is located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, near Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue.

Washougal fabric, multimedia, and collage artist Sandy Moore of Sandy Moore Arts will join the faire for the first time this year. Her portrait and seascape collages combine hand dyed fabric, paints, ink, and free-motion stitching. Other new art vendors include Kary Lane Photography, who features images from the Pacific Northwest. Recycle With Soifer offers creatures made from upcycled metals and other materials. Keith E. Russell showcases realistic paintings of classic cars and other automobiles. Other returning art vendors include, Girl in the Pearl, Liz Pike Art, One Little Blackbird, Windy Hill Weavers, Women, Wine & Words, and many others.

Belle Flower Farm is also a new vendor at this event. Pam Richey Curtis offers home-grown flowers in vintage vessels. Her designs feature vintage teapots, bushel baskets, and curated antique vases. Lady Outlaw Antiques will add a Western flair to the faire with her collection of vintage boots, cowboy hats, and jewelry.  Moltwear, who creates apparel and accessories from vintage lace, buttons, and textile remnants will return for 2022. Other returning vendors include fan favorites like Dora Louin her vintage pink and white travel trailer, H Street Alley Antiques, Dickey’s Décor, Lil Red Barn and many more. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

Bret Malmquist will play jazz guitar from 10 am-12 pm and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio will perform their unique blend of French jazz and pop from 12:30 pm-3 pm. In addition to our many popular downtown restaurants, additional dining options will include Getta Gyro, BlackDog Hotdogs, Doug’s Kettle Corn, and treats and pastries by Truly Scrumptious.

“We so look forward to this event each year. It’s such a lovely combination of funky finds and truly breath-taking works of art, all on the streets of our dynamic downtown.” Says Jan Carter, Event Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association. “Chatting with local artists and collectors from all walks of life is one of the highlights of our whole Summer.”

Vintage Vendor registrations are still being accepted and registration information can be found here: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

The Downtown Camas Association hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire,  and the event is sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  

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Health: The Factors That Are Disrupting Your Sleep Cycle

Needing more sleep is one thing all people can agree on. However, some things we do impede getting a good night’s rest. These factors that disrupt your sleep cyclemay be unavoidable for some and simple to manage for others.

Dramatic Change in Diet

Being conscious of the food you put in your body is the main cog of a healthy life. Although you will reap the long-term benefits from a change in your diet, the short-term ramifications may be frustrating. One side effect of a dramatic diet change is the lack of good sleep.

Many individuals may not notice their lack of sleep until lunchtime, realizing their eyes are feeling heavy, and it isn’t easy to keep them open. You should change your diet slowly rather than immediately cutting calories or fasting. Your body will thank you for making the slow adjustments. 

Too Much To Drink

Food isn’t the only thing you consume that can impair your sleep cycle. If you have too many alcoholic beverages or drink a caffeinated beverage before bedtime, you could have trouble falling and staying asleep. 

The best strategy is limiting yourself to the number of drinks you indulge in and cutting yourself off at a specific time. No soda or coffee after lunch, and one glass of wine at dinner should help you recalibrate your sleep cycle. 

Different Sleeping Environment

Where you sleep plays a huge factor in your sleep cycle. Even if you are off in dreamland, your body subconsciously wants the same environment every night. That includes the same temperature, noises, and darkness. Any deviation from that can confuse your circadian rhythm, preventing you from falling into a deep sleep. 

If you travel constantly for work, consider the changes in climate and time zone before departing and adjust accordingly. Otherwise, you will have a restless night of sleep ahead of you. 

Mental Struggles

When your sleep cycle gets interrupted every night, it might be because your mind refuses to shut off, dwelling on the day ahead. Anxiety and stress are a nuisance when you’re awake throughout the day, and bringing them to the bedroom isn’t helping you snooze.

The adage of not taking your work home with you is a wonderful credo to live by; otherwise, the inner struggle between your ears may be never-ending. Let your future self deal with tomorrow. For now, relax—you deserve it!

Undiagnosed Sleeping Disorder 

Sleep problems can be frustrating if you eat well, don’t drink, sleep in the same bed every night, and have a positive outlook on life. If you fall into this category, you might have an undiagnosed sleeping disorder. You don’t need a pre-existing condition for a sleep disorder to affect you. Insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy can inflict anyone, so see a specialist if you fear the worst. 

Recognizing these factors that disrupt your sleep cyclekeeps you aware of what you can do to fix your current situation. While some things are beyond your control, there are aspects you can control that better your well-being.

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Fern Prairie ART FEST Features 10 Local Artists July 30-31

Fern Prairie, WA — The third annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31 from 10 am to 4 pm. The ART FEST is staged in the peaceful and tranquil setting of Shangri-La Farm, located 1.5 miles north of Lacamas Lake just outside the city limits of Camas, Washington. A total of 10 artist booths will be featured in the juried show.

“These fine artists are excited to show and sell their work at ART FEST,” said organizer and local artist Liz Pike. Liz will be joined by artists Sarah Bang, Bev Birdwell, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Suzanne Grover, Charlene Hale, Amy Jan Ernst, Cheryl Mathieson, and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, pottery, fused and enamel glass, jewelry, pen and ink, and copper mixed media.

The public is invited to take in original works of art surrounded by the beautiful gardens at Shangri-La Farm. Attendees will park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests may either walk the 1/4 mile trail through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take the free “Sunflower Mobile” shuttle service. The Sunflower Mobile is an art piece all on its own, hand painted by Liz Pike in oils on fiberglass in her signature sunflower motif. The free shuttle will be available to transport attendees from the airport parking lot to Shangri-La Farm on both days, Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31 between 10am and 4pm.

For more information, contact Liz Pike at 360-281-8720 or email [email protected]. 

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Living: Top Three Tips for a Functional Garage Workshop

A functional garage workshop makes a difference in how well you finish projects. When your space is unorganized, cramped, or dark, it’s hard to stay focused and get motivated. 

But you don’t need a big budget or an interior designer’s mind to make your space work for you. Follow these top three tips for a functional garage workshop.

1. Select or Build Your Workbench 

Your workbench needs to be sturdy so that you can safely complete projects. And it needs to be the right size for your available square footage. Choose between wood, plastic, or steel workbenches.

Or, if you’re handy and have the tools for it, consider building your own custom workbench. Keep in mind that even when you have enough floor space, a larger workbench won’t always improve your space. Also, think about whether you want to put the workbench against the wall or away from it.

2. Light Up the Room 

In most standard garages, lighting is limited or ugly. Therefore, the next tip for a functional garage workshopis to upgrade the lighting. The better the lighting, the easier it is for you to see what you’re doing, and the less likely you are to strain your eyes. You can hang an LED shop light directly over your workbench to keep it illuminated. 

You don’t have to add lights everywhere to lighten the room either. Adding a diamond plate backsplash behind your against-the-wall workbench is a great trick for reflecting the light. And since one of the benefits of cosmetic diamond plates is durability, you’ll protect the wall from debris as you work.

3. Store Tools and Supplies Neatly

Use vertical storage space as much as possible. This will conserve your available floor area and can make it easier for you to find your tools and supplies. People commonly use pegboard to hold lightweight tools. And you can use a slatwall fitted with hooks, shelves, baskets, and bins to store larger and heavier items.

Place small items in drawers and use dividers to keep things organized. For miscellaneous small objects, consider using small storage bins. Label the bins, then keep the items you need the most often closest to you.  

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2 Rivers Bar & Grill Revamps Summer Menu w/ Amazing New Dishes

Washougal, WA — 2 Rivers Bar and Grill has completely revamped their summer menu, which includes some amazing small plates, pastas, entrees and greens. Chef Max Whitmore, under the director of owner Michelle Ford, has worked with his team to create some delicious dining options that will please your palate, and ensure many returns.

“I shut down the restaurant for a month to rethink how we did everything; we shook things up,” said Ford. “We’re committed to being part of this great community.”

Whitmore was the chef at 360 Pizzeria and he brought several new ideas to 2 Rivers. 

Lacamas Magazine sampled several dishes, all of which had new twists on traditional cuisine, along with some pleasant surprises.

Small Plates

2 Rivers offers 10 appetizers that are great to eat alone or share. You could even order several and make a fun night with small plates. I sampled the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Clam Chowder, and Charred Carrots. 

The shrimp plate is served in a bowl, can almost be eaten like a soup, and has a little bite to it. After you’re done eating the delicious shrimp, you can soak up the sauce-like broth with the toasted baguette that complements the plate.

The Clam Chowder comes with fresh clams, bacon lardon, and jalapeño, and it was a surprising and different take on a traditional soup. We’ll go back and have that again for sure.

One to love vegetables, I had to have the Charred Carrots, which comes with whipped cream, spiced green sauce, and walnuts. Delicious!

Pastas

2 Rivers offers five pasta options, of which I sampled the Fennel Sausage Ragu.

The Fennel Sausage Ragu is presented quite nicely with housemade fennel sausage, roasted red peppers, fettuccini, oregano and parmesan. There’s enough yummies on this plate to share.

2 Rivers
Ragu and Fried Chicken.

Entrees

Six new entree options are available, and I sampled the Fried Chicken, which is served with housemate jalapeño cheddar cornbread, along with collard greens and guajilo honey. It’s total comfort food. 

I also sampled the Cast Iron Flank Steak, which comes with horseradish yogurt, roasted beets, fresh herbs and olive oil. The meat is prepared to perfection.

They also offer a full bar with an assortment of wines, beer and speciality cocktails. 

Located at 1700 Main Street in the heart of downtown Washougal at Washougal Town Square, 2 Rivers opens at 2 pm Tuesday through Saturday. They close at 8 pm Tuesday through Thursday and at 9 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

2 Rivers

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Camas Days Parade Features Marquita Call as Grand Marshal on July 23

Following two years of pandemic related restrictions, the Camas Days Hometown Festival is roaring back to life on Friday and Saturday, July 23 and 24th. One of the highlights is the Camas Days Parade which attracts more than 10,000 spectators. This year, Marquita Call will serve as Grand Marshal. Marquita was named business person of the year by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce in 2021. 

Marquita Call was raised in Camas and has deep roots here. Her dad, Art Gaiani, built more than 50 homes in Camas. Her grandmother Marie Eymer played piano at the Liberty Theatre when it opened in 1927. Marquita graduated Camas High School in 1962. Her first job was at the Ideal Corner Cafe at the age of 15. She also worked at Dairy Queen with classmate Denis Hayes, the International Chairman of Earth Day. She and her friends started the first recycling center in Camas in the late 60s. She taught Sunday school at Zion Lutheran Church for 20 years, where her mother Lenora Gaiani served as superintendent. 

Marquita has owned Camas Gallery for the past 12 years. Her gallery has been voted Best of Clark County for seven years in a row. In 2012, the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) honored Marquita with its “Something New” award and then in 2013, the DCA presented her with its “Spirit Award.” 

Marquita is known for her infectious personality. She welcomes visitors to her gallery with warmth and enthusiasm and freely shares her historic knowledge of Camas. One visitor claimed Marquita is to Camas what Dolly Parton is to Pigeon Forge, TN.

“One thing that will never change about Camas is its sense of wellness,” says Marquita. “I love this very special town,” she said. 

In addition to the popular Saturday Camas Days parade, a children’s parade is on Friday, July 22 at 12:15 pm. Most of the events continue over two days, Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23. Two day events include a beer and wine garden with live music from 5 pm to 11 pm along with a street festival featuring more than 80 artisans and vendors, and family fun on Kids’ Street, open from 11 am to 8 pm. Visit CWChamber.com to download full schedule of events. For more information, contact Camas Washougal Chamber at 360-834-2472. 

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Camas Days: ‘Experience The Magic of Camas’ Schedule of Events

The annual Camas Day celebration is returning Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, with extended events on Sunday, July 24. There will be a special concert on July 21.

Sponsored by Georgia Pacific – Camas Mill, Waste Connections, Wafertech LLC, Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver Clinic, The Columbian Newspaper, You Move Me, Minuteman Press Camas, Sip & Paint for Fun Art Farm, Camas Boutique Hotel, The Camas-Washougal Post Record, City of Camas and the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, July 21

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CONCERT IN THE PARK @ Crown Park featuring Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes (Blues)

FRIDAY, July 22nd

10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts, food and more!

10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites!

11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: 50ft inflatable slide, obstacle course, games and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:30 am KIDS PARADE LINE UP & JUDGING: In front of City Hall, 4th & Franklin. 12:15 pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) BEER & WINE GARDEN. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only.

Entertainment: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 10:30: The Caddies

Camas Days

SATURDAY, July 23

10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts food and more.

10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites.

USED BOOK SALE at the Camas Library Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: 50ft inflatable slide, obstacle course, games and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Experience the Magic of Camas” themed parade.

4th Avenue, Oak to Adams.

Immediately following the grand parade – SENIOR ROYALTY LUNCHEON honoring Camas Days’ Royal Queen, Molly Coston, at Zion Lutheran Social Hall 3rd and Garfield.

1:00 pm BATHTUB RACES 4th & Franklin. Sign up sheet is on the Chamber website.

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) BEER & WINE GARDEN. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only.

Entertainment: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 10:30: The Hot Shots

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm STEAK FEED AT GROVE FIELD: Flyit Hangar, Grove Field Airport CWAA Steak Feed!

$30.00 per plate!
A 12 oz. top sirloin steak barbecued to how you like it!
Baked potato, salad, and rolls.
Cake for dessert.
Barbeque Auction!!
The Ever Popular Pie Auction!!!
First 100 Steaks to sell, first-come, first-served!

Proceeds benefit CWAA scholarship fund. Bring your own steak knife!

SUNDAY, July 24

8:00 am – 7:00 pm ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, contact George Eckman (360) 713- 2510.

11:00 am – 4pm PICNIC IN COLOR: Held in downtown Camas on Cedar between 4th and 5th Avenue.

12:00 pm DUCKY DERBY drawing at the Picnic in Color!

Camas Days

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