For those looking for a Hallmark Card-perfect holiday experience, you need to look no further—and go no farther—than Hood River. The picture-perfect historic downtown is alight with holiday spirit, and with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop and warm cafés and restaurants for refueling, there’s no more picturesque place to get into the holiday spirit.

Throughout the month, visitors can enjoy stress-free shopping in Hood River’s historic downtown, where there’s something for everyone on their list, and support small businesses at the same time. (You won’t get views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood while shopping in a mall or from your couch!)

To help make holiday shopping stress-free, the City of Hood River will host free metered parking from December 10-25 (Sunday parking is always free!). For zero driving stress, those coming from the Portland area can leave the car at home as the Columbia Gorge Express bus service is continuing through winter, with a new Hood River stop location right in front of Full Sail Brewing! Check the Columbia Gorge Express website for the winter schedule, which begins on December 3.

Shoppers can reward themselves with handcrafted drinks from one of Hood River’s breweries or cideries, enjoy a meal that’s locally inspired, and then spend the night in a historic hotel, cozy bed-and-breakfast, or riverside lodge.

Lori Keller, Master Aesthetician, and owner of Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic, located in Downtown Camas, answers common questions about laser benefits.

Why are laser aesthetics so effective?

It reverses the signs of aging and sun damage with minimal to no downtime.

When you come in, we will do a complimentary consultation to create a program for your skin care needs. For example, if a client wants to reduce wrinkles, we do a combination therapy which includes laser, microneedling, and peels, depending on the severity of the wrinkles or sun damage.

What are common myths and misconceptions about aesthetic laser treatments?

Does it hurt is the most common question. The answer is sometimes there is none to minimum pain level, depending on treatment being performed.

Another common question is “does it work?” The answer is yes — we have lasers that correct and ultrasound to lift and tighten the skin without surgery.

Going on the Internet and seeing mistakes being done by people who are unqualified or inexperienced. I have more than 30 years of experience.

What kind of equipment do you have?

The Cutera XEO platform is the laser we use, which I’ve been using for 20 years, and I’m happy with the results this awesome technology offers. We also have the Ultherapy ultrasound for lifting and tightening the skin without surgery.

Laser

BEFORE/AFTER: Limelight treatment for brown spots and sun damage.

What makes our treatments a good Christmas gift?

Start the New Year with renewed self-confidence! You can see the results pretty quickly, depending on skin type. We feel that lasers offer great results in skin rejuvenation. Bring in the New Year with your best face forward. It’s about giving the gift of confidence at any age — male or female, young, middle-aged or more mature all benefit from our services at Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic! Lasers produce fabulous results, as well as facials,  microdermabrasion, chemical peels and ultrasounds for lifting and tightening without surgery.

We have special offers that are very affordable. It’s giving the gift of beauty.

What services does Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic offer?

Intense Pulse Therapy (IPL), Chemical Peel Treatment, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face/Leg Vein Treatment, Botox/Fillers, and we offer Jane Iredale mineral makeup (makeovers), and medical level skins care products that perform!

We invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation today. 360.823.0795 or visit us at www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

Laser

Lori and Jen hard at work at the clinic.

During a quiet stroll on 4th Avenue in Downtown Camas, you can’t miss Lisa Lê Properties and her 24/7 Window Vision Display. It looks really fun during the day, but it’s even more entertaining at night with its lights, touch pad, and numerous real estate listings. She’s also using the space to promote preferred local businesses and services.

Lê, who opened up this office in January, is a veteran real estate broker and longtime Camas resident, and may be the town’s biggest promoter and cheerleader.

“I’m all about Camas and promoting what we’re all about,” said Lê, who refers to Lisa Lê Properties as a Boutique Experience. “We know that buying or selling a home can be stressful, so our talented team members take care of all the details. We work hard to make your experience quick, painless, and even joyful.”

Lê’s experience has taught her that no two clients are alike, so her team spends time with each client to listen and tend to their needs — and that’s where the boutique experience comes into play.

“We custom tailor our boutique services to fit your needs,” said Lê. “So we do things differently here.”

The boutique experience includes the following:

  • Free Home Staging — The Lisa Lê Properties staging experts come into a client’s home to make it look its best, and sell faster at a higher price.
  • Curb Appeal — Does your home’s exterior need a little touch-up? Lê’s team will help.
  • Guest Services — If you’re moving to Camas, Lê’s team will provide up to a two night’s stay at the historic modern Camas Hotel.
  • Celebration — Once the deal is done, Lisa Lê Properties will treat you to a finely catered party for 25 of your closest family and friends.
Lisa

Lisa Lê Properties has a 24/7 Window Vision Display at their office in Downtown Camas.

“I’ve spent many years selling homes in the area,” said Lê. “I build long-term relationships with my clients. I take the time to know you, learn your needs and understand your goals. Your satisfaction is my priority.”

As part of her commitment to all things local, Lê also organized a group called Collaborative Camas, which helps local businesses meet, cross-promote, and explain what they do. They meet every two weeks. She’s also heavily involved in the local Soroptomist group, which raises funds to help families, with a focus on educational expenses.

To learn more, call 360.213.7864 or visit www.LisaLeProperties.com

PHOTO GALLERY

 

Camas, WA — With over 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and expertise, Master Aesthetician, Lori Keller, knows that looking and feeling confident play a big part in our well-being.

“If you like how you look, you feel more positive and content in your daily life,” says Keller. “But environmental factors such as sun exposure, and physiological factors such as genetics and aging, all can play a role in changing your outward appearance. We help restore confidence by repairing some of the damage our environment and aging can cause.”

When Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic (VLSCC) decided to move its offices to Downtown Camas, they brought more than 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and an array of treatments and products that rejuvenate skin and restore your youthful glow. They feel good when you look great. 

Their new office at 715 NE 5th Avenue is charming, and peaceful, and is part of the history and future of Camas, a quaint and successful town that many say is a city about wellness.

“We love being part of this wonderful and historic downtown scene,” said Keller, who owns VLSCC. “And, we invite you to come see what we’re all about. — from pre-teen/adult acne sufferers to mature patients.”

VLSCC offers many services, including: IPL, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face and Leg Vein Removal, Botox, and more!

Laser

BEFORE/AFTER: Lower face using Ultherapy.

IPL

IPL-Intense Pulse Light Laser is a safe and effective light treatment that will rejuvenate and renew the skin for a more youthful appearance. IPL is an effective treatment for uneven skin tone, brown spots, Rosacea, fine lines, broken capillaries and redness.

Chemical Peel Treatment

VI Chemical Peel® is a safe, effective approach to achieving younger looking skin and provides superior results. Two to four VI Peels per year, along with proper home care, reverses sun damage, treats hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne and acne scarring, aging skin and rosacea. Patients of all ages will benefit from their treatments, from pre-teen acne sufferers to mature patients wanting to reverse the signs of aging. The peels are suitable for the face and body.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a therapy in which a device delivers tiny needle pricks to stimulate the skin’s natural healing processes—it can minimize wrinkles and improve the appearance of scars in all skin types and with minimal recovery. The technique works great for sunken areas on the skin caused by acne. It can also help smooth small thin wrinkles, such as those around the eyes, and on upper lip wrinkles.

Ultherapy®

Ultherapy® is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that utilizes the power of focused ultrasound technology, and sound waves to simulate collagen to lift, tone and tighten the skin. The Ultherapy procedure can be performed on the eyes, brow, face, neck and under the chin and chest. This technology stimulates the production of collagen resulting in continuous improvement of the tone and tightness. An Ultherapy procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the area treated. Ultherapy delivers outstanding results without surgery or downtime.

Face and Leg Vein Treatment

Their state-of-the art laser treats a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veins quickly, safely and effectively. Clients with dark, light or tanned skin can experience outstanding results with minimal bruising. Blood blisters and cherry angiomas also respond very well to their treatment program, usually with just one treatment. 

Botox®

Botox® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxin) is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of both moderate to severe crow’s feet lines and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults.

Our Mini-Magazine

We also created a “Mini-Magazine” to print up and share with friends. Enjoy!

Vancouver Laser Mini-Magazine FINAL

Please call for a complimentary consultation to see how VLSCC can help you. 360.823.0795, or visit www.VancouverLaserSkinCareClinic.com

Vancouver, WA — The McKean Smith Law Firm, which was founded in 2015 by Collin McKean, a native Washingtonian, and Annelisa Smith, a native Oregonian, is preparing to occupy brand-new office space on the fifth floor of the Vancouver Waterfront Building.

The plan is to occupy the fantastic 3,610 square foot space, which overlooks the Columbia River, in January 2019. The office has spectacular views of Mt. Hood and will provide a great working environment for this growing firm. The new Vancouver Waterfront space will accommodate their current successful Vancouver team and give that office the ability to expand over the next several years. McKean Smith knows that Clark County and the Vancouver community requires a committed office with attorneys and staff committed to supporting the SW Washington practice from a centralized and distinctive location at the Vancouver waterfront.

The firm has been working with Ankrom Moisan Architects to help apportion, design and build out the space. Ankrom Moisan has been a part of the Vancouver Waterfront project for several years and McKean Smith looks forward to leveraging their deep knowledge of the space and its surroundings.

McKean

Outside the Clark County Courthouse. From left: James Wriston, Gabe Foster, Deanna Rusch, Collin McKean.

“We understand that when clients first walk through our doors there is often a feeling of uncertainty of what their futures have in store,” said McKean. “But while this uncertainty may seem daunting at first, we want our clients to find solace in the fact that our offices will always provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where we work together making solutions for a brighter future. We care about our Clark County clients and we want to show them that by providing them a beautiful office with truly serene views.”

The firm has ten attorneys, nine of which are licensed to practice in Washington. The firm is committed to supporting SW Washington communities and represents clients in domestic relations matters, business transactions, trusts and estates, real estate, criminal justice, personal injury, and civil litigation matters. Clients working with McKean Smith understand that a broad level of knowledge and experience can make all the difference. McKean Smith attorneys work to achieve complete solutions to complex legal matters.

McKean Smith provides substantive one hour consultations to help you understand your legal rights and the procedures you must follow to make sure you get to exercise those rights. They will help you figure out the right way to get the legal advice and support you need. They support you at each stage of your case and encourage mediation and settlement whenever possible. However, family law sometimes requires using the tools available through the litigation process.They want to help each client achieve their goals.

To learn more, visit www.McKeanSmithLaw.com

Camas, WA — After listening to three hours of presentations and public comments Monday night, the Camas City Council unanimously voted to approve the Grass Valley Master Development Plan, which is a combination of new commercial and residential construction.

The site, located at 192nd Ave and 38th Street, will be the new headquarters for Holland Partner Group, and is expected to bring 1,500 jobs to the area, said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. Holland’s campus development plans call for three new office buildings, totally 272,000 square feet with 1,000 parking spaces. The master plan includes a 20,000 square foot market, 12 apartment buildings (each with 24 units), a pool, and complex leasing office.

The apartment buildings were the source of great concern for a majority of the Awbrey Glen residents (off 192nd Ave). Thirty Awbrey Glen residents attended the long session, with six making public comments.

At issue is the height and location of apartment building structures to be built on the site’s southern border, which is adjacent to the Awbrey Glen subdivision. Residents feel the developer’s fence and proposed greenbelt weren’t enough to insulate them from the light, activity and noise that apartment life would bring.

“Awbrey Glen residents propose a compromise, they don’t want to stop development,” said Jiri Vasat. “We want to extend the green belt on the south side to 50 feet from the Awbrey Glen property line.”

Roger Young echoed Vasat’s comments, and asked developers to reduce the southern apartment buildings to two stories, rather than three. He also expressed concern about traffic congestion.

“We don’t want their windows looking into our living spaces,” said Young.

Others discussed their SEPA appeals, water runoff issues, and green belt mandates.

Attorney Randy Printz, who represented the project, presented the plan and offered multiple responses to the SEPA appeals and said the “development meets all code requirements” and urged the council to vote to deny the appeals, and clear the way for the development to proceed.

Camas City staff and councilors have been reviewing project plans for many months.

 

Grass

The campus that will be built.

 

After three hours of presentation and public comments, City Councilor Deanna Rusch motioned that the SEPA appeal be denied, which was seconded by Councilor Anderson. The council voted unanimously, which constituted a final order on the matter. The Grass Valley Development project will begin as soon as possible.

”I encourage residents to work with developers to discuss remaining issues,” said Camas Mayor, Scott Higgins.

Rusch said “this is a healthy development for Camas.”

Printz said the developers will break ground this summer, and completion will be some time in the summer of 2019. The project is a $164 million private investment.

”We will likely build a large component of it at one time to minimize the construction related impacts, so it’s not under construction for several years,” said Printz.

Project Images

 

Camas Bike and Sport is celebrating their 9th anniversary on June 19th.

The public is invited to join their team for a casual group ride from the shop as they celebrate nine years in business!

All riders are welcome.

“We will take a route we feel is the safest for commuting from Downtown Camas to Downtown Washougal and back with a bonus section on the gravel Dike trail over to Cottonwood Beach for a treat break,” said Ed Fischer, owner of Camas Bike and Sport. “This will be a casual no drop pace and any type bike will be okay, however real skinny road tires will struggle on the gravel a bit, we recommend 28mm tire and wider. Weather looks to be great so grab your bike and helmet and come along.”

They advise you to bring plenty of water as it will be a bit warm. Kids are welcome as well but remember they will be riding on the road with traffic. If you are bringing a younger rider, the suggestion is 12 and over for this one! Route distance will be about 12 miles and we will stop at Grains of Wrath on the way back to the shop.

Here is profile of general route: https://www.strava.com/activities/1477383623

Camas Bike and Sport is a specialty bike shop with full repair facilities, and is located on 5th Avenue in Downtown Camas. The store is a frequent sponsor of educational activities dedicated to promoting cycling and its benefits.

To learn more, visit www.LogOffAndRide.com

Camas, WA — When Ed Fischer and his wife, Katina, opened Camas Bike and Sport in 2009, they said a lot people didn’t think they’d last. Nine years later, the business is thriving in their expanded location on 5th Avenue in Downtown Camas.

”I think we’re successful because we welcome everyone — we’re very inclusive,” said Fischer. “It’s a special place for everyone who wants to get on a bike — from young kids to adults, beginners to enthusiasts.”

Fischer said biking is a sport you can do for life.

“Bikes are a lifestyle sport that you can adapt — as long as you want to stay active,” said Fischer.

A lifelong bike enthusiast, Fischer practices what he preaches, and gets on his bike as often as possible.

“Instead of driving to the grocery store, take your bike,” he said. “Instead of driving to work, take your bike. Feel like getting an ice cream with your kids, or your friends, take your bike. It’s good exercise, takes a car off the road, and usually you get the best parking spot right up front.”

Fischer calls it Live By Bike.

Camas Bike and Sport is about getting people together.  Thousands in the community ride bikes, and their store likes to bring cycling enthusiasts together for rides, competitions, and to see what new products are coming.

It is a specialty store, and carries a wide range of products that meet a certain level of quality.

They offer a wide range of road, mountain, gravel, cycleocross, kids, city, BMX, eBikes (electric assist) and women’s bikes — from manufacturers like Specialized, Norco, Haro, and Felt. We also have a fleet of demo/rental bikes where you can try a bike before purchasing — or just rent out for special occasions.

“We have everything for the novice rider to the enthusiast,” he said. “We have a great selection bikes, apparel, accessories, shoes — plus a complete repair shop and bike fitting studio. We fix everything related to bikes — from a flat tire to a complete overhaul. Whatever our customers need. We also provide winter sports services, including snow shoe rentals, and we have a full ski and snowboard service shop for tuning and waxing.”

Fischer is also a big advocate of the Washougal Bike Park (still under construction, which has been stalled) and enjoys promoting bike trails. He frequently holds community meetings for bicycle leagues, cycling competitions, and promotes anything bikes. The shop is also going to foster a youth mountain bike team in a new Oregon league, for 6th to 12th grade youth. To learn more, visit Lacamas Freedom Riders

“We really love what we do here,” he said. “Stop on by and see what’s here, we’ll help you #LogOffAndRide.”

To learn more, visit www.camasbikes.com

Our blog is www.logoffandride.com

403 NW 5th Avenue

Camas, WA 98607

360.210.5160

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series of articles about Papermaker history — telling part of the story about the Camas Mill. The first article looked at the mill’s history from its inception until the 1920s.

Camas, WA — The Camas Mill has undergone many name changes, renovations, additions, and has a Papermaker history filled with fascinating stories dating back to the 1880s.

Longtime mill employees Anna Fry and Caroline Mercury (who recently retired after 36 years) spent considerable time gathering the history (artifacts, logs, books, photos, tools, etc.) and have created a Mill Interpretive Center, or museum, that gives visitors a comprehensive look at what turned Camas into a town, and why we’re called the Papermakers.

The Interpretive Center is open on First Fridays, near the mill’s main entrance on Adams Street (with the black canopy) and provides visitors with an excellent 10-minute movie that provides a light overview of the mill’s history, the people who built it — and those who continue to work there today.

Key Historical Points:

  • 1920 — The wood mill installed the first drum barker and the first Jensen towers in the sulfite mill.
  • 1924 — The first sulfite mill bleach plant was installed.
  • 1925 — A new dock was built.
  • 1926 — The first Kraft mill at Camas started up.
  • 1928 — Crown Willamette merged with Zellerbach Paper to become Crown Zellerbach.
  • 1930 — Newsprint manufacture ceased and was replaced with specialty papers. The converting plant started up and began producing “Zee” bathroom tissue.
  • 1941 — The mill machine shops were converted to shipyard parts manufacture for the war effort.
  • 1946-48 — A Kraft mill bleach plant was added and production capacity increased to 750 tons per day. Five digesters, two paper machines (14 and 15), and a new wood mill were installed.
  • 1950 — Facial fold napkins were produced for the first time.
  • 1955-57 — A major expansion included a 300-ton capacity Kraft bleach plant, a 350-tons per day recovery furnace, a new lime kiln, and eight stationary digesters. The Central Research Division was formed.
Papermaker

Architect’s rendering of the mill’s research center.

 

Photo Gallery

Camas, WA — Vigial and funeral services for slain Camas woman, Luz Guitron, will be held this Tuesday and Wednesday in Milwaukie, OR at the St. John The Baptist Catholic Church.

The vigil begins Tuesday, March 27 at 6 pm and lasts all night — until 8 am.

Funeral services begin Wednesday, March 28, at noon with the Rosary starting at 11 am.

Guitron was born November 4, 1982 to her parents, Luz and Roberto Guitron, in Jalisco, Mexico.
She was murdered in her Camas home on March 18, and the primary suspect is still at large, according to Camas Police.

She will be remembered by her three children, family and friends. Luz worked at the Moda Center and she had her own food establishment during Camas Farmer’s Market.

Each week during the Camas Farmer’s Market, patrons would see Guitron’s quality Mexican food for sale — including yummy tacos and tamales. And, if you knew Spanish, it was fun to speak with her in her native tongue while making your dinner purchase.

A financial account has been created to help her three children:

https://www.gofundme.com/support-luz-guitron-family

Her family said the following: “Let her Rest In Peace and let the light shine wholeheartedly for her in the glory of God.”

This is the location of the services:

Saint John the Baptist
Catholic Church
10955 SE 25th Ave
Milwaukee, OR  97222

 

Photo Gallery