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Clark County Opens New COVID-19 Free Community Testing Site

Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health announced a new community testing site, which is available at no cost to the public. The health department also provided an update today on COVID-19 cases as the state enters its first week of the governor’s new Healthy Washington re-opening plan. 

The Tower Mall COVID-19 Community Testing Site will open at 9 am Tuesday in the Tower Mall parking lot, 5403 E Mill Plain Blvd. The site offers free drive-thru and walk-up testing 9 am to 3:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday. The site will operate for several months.

Testing is available at no cost to everyone, regardless of income level, health insurance coverage or immigration status. 

Testing at the site is recommended for people ages 4 and older who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Visitors are encouraged to pre-register for testing and sign-up for an arrival time at www.ClarkCountyCOVIDTesting.org, but on-site registration will also be available.

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Monday COVID-19 update: 

  • 523 new cases over the weekend (avg 174 cases/day)
  • 14,876 cases to date
  • 4 new deaths (3 confirmed, 1 suspect)
  • 154 total deaths to date (141 confirmed, 13 suspect)
  • 1,076 active cases (in isolation period)
  • 78 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 5 people hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results

Here is additional information about the four new deaths:

  • Confirmed: Man in his 70s with underlying conditions
  • Confirmed: Man 80+ years old with underlying conditions 
  • Confirmed: Man 80+ years old with underlying conditions 
  • Suspect: Man 80+ years old with underlying conditions 

A confirmed death means COVID is listed as cause of death or contributing factor on the death certificate and the case has a positive COVID test. A suspect death means COVID is not listed as a contributing factor on the death certificate (but wasn’t ruled out as cause of death) and the person died after testing positive for COVID within 28 days.

You may learn more at the COVID-19 data webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-data

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Two New First-Year Washougal Teachers Begin Career During Pandemic

Washougal, WA — Remote learning has been a challenge to navigate for all students, teachers and administrator, but for two first-year teachers at Washougal High School, the challenge comes as they begin their careers in education.  

Jered Barker, WHS 9th and 10th Grade Algebra/Geometry teacher said his biggest challenge has been to build a relationship with students.

“Relationships are the key to any successful classroom and in the virtual world it has become increasingly difficult,” he said. “Students rarely have their cameras on, so I don’t even know what some of my students look like outside of one picture in their Skyward account. I love building relationships with my students so I have done the best I can with what they will give me.”

Elise Piet, WHS 9th Grade English and 10th Grade World History agrees. 

“It is difficult to get to know my students and their needs,” she said. “I have to help my Freshmen navigate high school and the demands of it, without them ever having set foot in the building.”

Both Barker and Piet use conversation starters in their ZOOM classrooms to help develop connections.

“I spend time every class talking with the students about their interests, things that have happened to them,” explained Piet. “The time I spend getting to know the students has paid off ten-fold as they are more likely to come to class, engage, and feel valued in my classroom.”

Barker starts his class with a silly question that has nothing to do with academics.

“The goal is to get the students talking to me and to each other,” he said. “This has built a sense of community in our classroom. I get to learn what they like and dislike and interesting facts about each student.”

Barker came prepared for the distance teaching having attended Western Governors University, which is a completely online University.

Washougal
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

“All my classes were taught using a webcam with a teacher sometimes I never even saw,” he said. “All the work was left up to me to complete at my own leisure, so I know how the students are feeling because this type of learning involves a lot of self-motivation to get work done.”

Piet attended Washington State University Vancouver, and her program focused a great deal on restorative practices. 

“That relationship building aspect has helped me navigate classroom management and community and culture,” she explained.  “I also took a Technology in the Classroom course that has helped me navigate online learning, so I am able to better help my students when they have questions with tech.”

“For both of these educators; the first year of teaching is a scary and tumultuous time,” said Sheree Clark, WHS Principal. “The fact that they were not only willing but excited to start their first year of teaching during a pandemic, speaks to their dedication as educators.” 

Clark has heard feedback from both parents and students that Piet’s class is engaging and the students feel truly cared for.

“Elise also has a way of making history come alive and connect it to current world issues,” said Clark. “And Jered brings with him an energy that engages students yet challenges their math thinking skills. He has taken bold technical steps by using multiple platforms to help students engage during remote learning.  We are delighted Jared and Elise are both Panthers!”

Piet said she feels students are much kinder to not only their peers, but to themselves, which is a positive result of remote learning.

“They have really stepped up to the plate and are trying to help each other get through this,” she said. “Not just in my classroom, but district-wide students are volunteering, helping out, sending virtual hugs, and checking in with each other.”

An unexpected positive for Barker has been having more time at home with his newborn daughter. 

“It has been a blessing to get to work from home and see my daughter all day and help my wife out by changing diapers in between lessons,” he said. “It has not been easy or the first year that I expected but I am grateful to have a job and work with an amazing staff,” Barker admits. “I know going forward this will only make me a better teacher because I have learned new ways of teaching that I never would have thought of without the distance learning. I cannot wait to get into my classroom and see my students, some for the first time!”

Washougal
Jered Barker, WHS 9th and 10th Grade Algebra/Geometry teacher.
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Champ Pizza to Donate 20% of January 12 Sales to Mariah Corbin’s Family

Camas, WA — To assist longtime Camas resident, Mariah Corbin, who is fighting a rare form of brain cancer, locally owned and operated Champ Pizza is donating 20 percent of their sales on Tuesday, January 12.

“We will donate 20 percent of all revenue on January 12 at all three of our locations — Camas, East Vancouver, and Salmon Creek,” said Champ Pizza’s managing partner, Tyson Cook. “We hope everyone orders a pizza, some wings, and desserts so we can raise as much money as possible for this Mariah and her family.”

You can order by phone (see the list of phone numbers) or at www.champpizza.com

Champ Pizza phone numbers:

  • Camas: 360.210.5262
  • East Vancouver: 360.828.7029
  • Salmon Creek: 360.573.8569

Update on Mariah

“Mariah has been recovering super well from her second brain surgery which took place just over 3 weeks ago,” said her father, Derrill. “She’s more tired than she was in her recovery from the first surgery. However, with all she’s been through over these months, it’s completely understandable.”

“She’s been relatively pain-free for more than 2 weeks, only needing Tylenol, which is nothing short of miraculous! One significant point to note is that this last surgery caused a permanent field cut in her right eye. This means that she lost a major part of her sight on the right side. And while we knew it was probable, it is disappointing and something we’re praying for recovery from.”

Champ Pizza West

(Serving NW Vancouver/Salmon Creek) 

13317 NE 12th Ave Vancouver, WA 98685

(360) 573-8569


Champ Pizza East

(Serving East Vancouver)

1900 NE 162nd Ave Vancouver

(360) 828-7029

Champ Pizza Camas/Washougal

3252 NE 3rd Ave

Camas WA 98607

(360) 210-5262 

Corbin
Champ Pizza.

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Inslee Extends Current ‘Stay Home-Stay Healthy’ Proclamation to January 11

Olympia, WA — Governor Jay Inslee today announced a one-week extension of the current “Stay Safe–Stay Healthy” proclamation, along with the statewide restrictions imposed, according to a statement from his office. The extension of the statewide restrictions will now expire on January 11, 2021. No changes were made in the proclamation aside from the expiration date.

“Our consistent mission has been keeping Washingtonians safe and ensuring health care system and hospital capacity,” Inslee said. “We understand the profound impact COVID is having on our healthcare system, families, and businesses, but I am heartened by the number of Washingtonians who continue to do the right thing. If we continue distancing from others, wearing facial coverings and avoiding social gatherings, we will make it to the other side of this pandemic together.”

The restrictions, set in place due to the statewide rise in COVID-19 cases, was set to expire on January 4, which includes a ban on indoor dining and indoor gyms.

Inslee announced these activity in mid-November after record-breaking levels of COVID-19 spread across the Evergreen state. Those rules were set to expire Dec. 14, but that was pushed to January 4.

Washington’s Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah sees “some improvement” with the restrictions in place, but cautions that the state is “not out of the woods.”

“We want to continue to see those numbers come down,” said Shah. He also said the week extension gives business owners some certainty of what they can expect after the upcoming holiday weekend. He did not say what might happen after January 11.

The Governor’s office said an updated reopening plan is currently being developed to provide a pathway for businesses and workers impacted by this order to reopen safely. The updated plan will be released next week. 

Here is a link to the full proclamation: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/20-25.11%20-%20COVID-19%20Stay%20Safe-Stay%20Healthy%20%28tmp%29.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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18th District Reps. Hoff, Vick Announce 2021-22 Committee Assignments

Olympia, WA — Washington State House Republicans recently announced ranking member and House committee assignments for the 2021-22 biennium. Eighteenth District Reps. Larry Hoff and Brandon Vick will both serve in leadership roles.

Hoff, R-Vancouver, has been promoted to ranking member of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee. The committee reviews all legislation related to industrial insurance, unemployment compensation, collective bargaining, family leave, safety and health standards, occupational health, and employment standards.

“After the disastrous performance of the state’s Employment Security Department this year, I look forward to working with my friends in the majority to ensure these mistakes never happen again,” said Hoff. “In order to restore Washingtonians’ trust and ensure the agency is performing as expected, we must enact stricter accountability and transparency measures. The status quo simply cannot continue. The committee will also be tackling a number of other issues important to Washington families and workers. I’m optimistic we’ll be able to work in a bipartisan manner to deliver positive results for those in the 18th District and across the state.”

Hoff will continue serving on the House Appropriations Committee, and is set to join the House College and Workforce Development Committee.

Vick, R-Vancouver, will continue in his role as ranking member of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee. The committee considers an array of consumer protection issues, as well as the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions, the regulation of consumer credit and lending, and the regulation of securities and investments.

“I am honored to continue in my role as ranking member of the Consumer Protection and Business Committee,” said Vick. “We have a lot of work ahead of us to rectify the tragic impacts of the coronavirus and the associated lockdown orders placed on our small business community. My team and I will work tirelessly to make sure Washington’s business climate is friendly and advantageous, while simultaneously working to support the many small business owners who have struggled so mightily this year.

“I am also eager to continue working on occupational licensing reform. Washington state should be a partner, not an obstacle, when it comes to our neighbors having the opportunity to work in their chosen career path. In order to achieve this goal, I have been working on a slate of bills that will be ready to go on day one of session. I look forward to continued bipartisan support for these efforts.”

Vick will continue serving on the House Finance and Commerce and Gaming committees.

The remote 2021 legislative session will begin Monday, Jan. 11.

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Camas Names Director of Communications, New Director of Parks & Rec

Camas, WA – The City of Camas has selected two new department heads: former City of Boulder Deputy Communications Director Bryan Rachal will become Camas’ first-ever director of communications and current University of Portland Associate Vice President for Land Use and Planning Trang Lam will become the director of Parks and Recreation.

“Today I am pleased to announce two wonderful additions to our City of Camas staff,” said City Administrator Jamal Fox. “I am certain they will not only carry on a legacy of excellence within the organization but also bring new ideas for enhancing our commitment and connections to Land, People and Honesty throughout the community.”

Director of Communications: Bryan Rachal

“Bryan’s energy, positivity and overall experience in communications make him the perfect choice for our first director of communications. He is excited to bring his family to Camas and make it their home,” said Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell.

Rachal (pronounced ra-SHALL) has over 12 years of experience and earned his accreditation in public relations (APR) in 2016. As deputy director of communications for the city of Boulder, Colorado, Rachal served as a spokesperson and worked closely with city leaders on cohesive communications strategies.

Prior to joining the Boulder team, Rachal served as the director of university communications for the University of North Alabama. There he managed a team of award-winning professionals in the Office of Communications and Marketing, helping to rebrand the institution. During his time in Alabama, Rachal was a member of Rotary International and served as a board member for Downtown Florence Unlimited.

A storyteller at heart, Rachal has also worked as a reporter for NPR affiliate KUAF in Northwest Arkansas, and as a reporter and news producer for ABC and NBC affiliates in Colorado and Arkansas. Rachal’s credentials include a B.A. in journalism from the School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Rachal has been married to his high school sweetheart, Andrea, since 2006; they have two children, Alex (12) and Annabelle (9). The Rachal family is an outdoors family, enjoying hiking and evening walks with their two Brittany Spaniels, Lolli and Cocoa. They are also a foodie family and look forward to experiencing all the restaurants the area has to offer. Rachal is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fly fishing and skiing.

A graduate of the of the University of Arkansas, you can usually hear Rachal cheering on the Hogs most weekends in the fall. Rachal is a voracious reader of news and books alike and also a movie buff. He’s even named his cat Fredo in honor of his favorite movie of all time, The Godfather.

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Director of Parks and Recreation: Trang Lam

“Trang has a true passion for parks,” said McDonnell. “Her leadership and experience combined with her energy will help us take our parks and recreation department into the future.”

Lam comes to the City of Camas with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles at the University of Portland, Portland Parks & Recreation, and Prosper Portland, and as an entrepreneur.

She has led high-performing teams focused on outcomes that promote people’s health and wellbeing through connection to nature and recreation; community development that centers on economic opportunity and prosperity for small business and underserved communities; and, at the University of Portland, the creation of campus spaces that foster a complete learning environment for future leaders, across academia.

Prior to her work as a civil servant and in higher education, she led her family’s fledgling food manufacturing company and grew the company to a traded sector business.

Lam immigrated to Portland when she was four, and her family has called the Pacific Northwest their home ever since. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Portland State University. On her time off, you can find her and her husband in the great outdoors hiking and kayaking.

Timing and Selection

Rachal will begin his communications post Jan. 11. He was selected from a pool of 130 candidates from across the country.

Lam will fill the former role of Jerry Acheson, who retired October 31 after 30 years of service, starting Jan. 25. The city received 60 applications for the parks and recreation position from candidates nationwide.

Both positions were advertised on local, regional, national, and diversity job boards. Prior to selection, each candidate went through a multi-week process that involved input and involvement from all staff levels as well as an initial round of video interviews followed by multiple virtual interviews with a variety of panels.

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Vancouver Parent Starts ‘Adopt a 2021 Senior Clark County’ Facebook Group

Clark County, WA — As parents and students of the Class of 2021 in Clark County and throughout the region navigate a school year without in-class instruction and the normal activities that come with a senior year one Vancouver parent sprang into action and created a fun and innovative Facebook group called “Adopt a 2021 Senior Clark County, Wa”

“Essentially, this is a way to provide seniors with something special so they can have some positive memories,” said Dionna Hickox, of Vancouver. “It’s a way to make it special. It’s not an ideal year for them. It stinks they are missing out on their senior year, and a friend in the mid-West asked if our county has this adopt-a-senior program. They can be adopted and supported. My son (a senior at Skyview) just received two cards in the mail.” 

How does it work?

A parent, guardian, or even a senior will make a post on this Facebook group on what they’re like, what they want in the future. The original post will say “not adopted” and if a member of the group wants to adopt the child, and if you’re comfortable with the person you can give them your address to send cards or words of encouragement. Then once the senior is adopted, they will have a sponsor, and the post will change to “adopted.”

“I’m finding that people are getting adopted quickly, they’re finding a match to support,” said Hickox.

What are people doing?

“I just started it last week,” she said. “My son got a gas card, and a Subway gift card with words of encouragement. We’re in the infancy stage so it’s early to tell what will really happen.”

It’s a public group. The parent or student is the gatekeeper and they will be able to make decisions on who they communicate with. 

“I find a lot of Camas people enjoying the group, but there’s a lot of support at Skyview, as well,” she said. “We are encouraging the students to get the word out. I have another friend whose daughter attends Fort Vancouver, so we’re trying to expand.”

To participate, go to Facebook and search for ‘Adopt a Senior — Clark County, Wa’ to join. 

Senior
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Senior
Maddox Hickox, a Skyview senior.
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Camas, Washougal Have Varying New Year’s Eve Fireworks Ordinances

Camas and Washougal have varying New Year’s Eve fireworks ordinances that the public needs to know about, says Camas Washougal Fire Marshall, Ron Schumacher.

“This year like in the last three years, the city limits of Washougal doesn’t allow mortars that explode in the air,” said Schumacher. “Washougal only allows the ‘safe and sane’ fireworks that travel vertically nor more than a foot, and horizontally no more than 6 feet.”

Camas, however, does allow the mortar fireworks. 

You can purchase these products at any fireworks stand, which will be on sale December 29-31 in Camas and Washougal. You can only use them on December 31 — in both cities until 1 am, says Schumacher.

In Washougal, you can be fined $250 on the first offense, which is a civil fine. Camas will not fine residents for using mortars.

“Safe and sane” fireworks are those that are neither projectile nor explosive—basically anything that doesn’t leave the ground.

This includes:

  • Fountains
  • Sparklers
  • Smokeballs
  • Snake-type
  • Ground-spinning
  • Pinwheels
  • Most novelty
  • Toy-trick noisemakers
  • Some crackling items
Fireworks
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ILLEGAL

Fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than one foot into the air or more than six feet on the ground.

This includes:

  • Firecrackers
  • Salutes
  • Chasers
  • Rockets
  • Aerial missiles and spinners
  • Mortar-type fireworks
  • Roman candle-types
  • Any other device (combination or novelty) that is structurally or functionally similar

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Washougal School District Prepares Weeks of Holiday Take Out Food

Washougal, WA — Spending time with family in the kitchen cooking during the holidays is a tradition for many. And thanks to an extension of USDA Federal funding to Washougal School District (WSD) and some ingenuity, food kits will be created for Washougal families who participate in the district’s meal distribution program, to prepare meals together.

“Typically, we would not offer meal service when schools are closed and staff are on break,” said Margaret Rice, WSD CTE Director. “But with the pandemic we have seen a higher need and each week provide food for 400 students through our meal takeout and delivery options.  We were excited to get the news that the program can extend over the winter break.  Our team was compelled to take advantage of this opportunity to provide additional food service for children 18 and under in our community.”   

WSD offered additional meal pick up Friday, December 18 and will again on Monday, December 28 for students participating in the program.

The challenge came in providing a week’s worth of meals on the second distribution date while WSD staff are on break and the facilities closed.  Culinary services employee, Sheri Cranford, had attended a State child nutrient webinar and heard that other districts were offering grocery style food kits over the holiday break.

“She brought the idea to the team and everyone grabbed hold of it,” said Rice. “So, our students will receive fresh components and recipes to create their own delicious meals at home.”

The next challenge was to create meals for a week with limited staff and access to facilities available to cook them.

“We believe we’ve been able to secure enough of our staff coupled with some outstanding community and student volunteers to get the job done,” Rice said. “It has been a real showing of support and teamwork. The proposed menu for the two weeks of Winter break include items like Penne Pasta with Marinara Sauce, Beef Vegetable Stew, Cheesy Green Enchiladas, Ham & Cheese Ciabatta and Chicken Ranch Sandwiches with build your own meal kits with ideas like, English muffin Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Yakisoba with veggies, Italian Sausage Bowtie Pasta and Carnitas Street Tacos.”

“We created simple, playful recipe directions to accomplish the dishes,” said Johnattan Curiel, WSD Sous chef.  “And we hope families will share with us the finished product using #Washougalchefsintraining on social media.”

“The idea is to encourage students to spend time together with their families in the kitchen,” said Rice.  “There is a special feeling of togetherness you get while cooking.  We hope these meals will not only nourish our students but provide some joy and a fun activity to do while at home during the break.”

The food service meals have changed significantly since they transitioned to scratch cooking at the start of the school year.  “It feels like we are providing a better, healthier product,” said Glenda Huddleston, of Food Service.  “The meals are fresh and not processed and prepackaged.  It is so not really more work but different work, and so much more rewarding.”  

“It definitely feels fulfilling to be helping our students and community in this way,” Curiel added. 

The federal food program has been extended through June 2021.

Food
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com
Food
WSD food workers help get meals ready.
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Washougal School District Prepares For 2-Day/Week K-5 Hybrid Learning In January

Washougal, WA – Washougal School District is making plans to reopen a two-day per week hybrid learning model in January.  Following Washington State Department of Health updated guidelines for school reopening released this week, the district will begin the phased implementation of its hybrid model, starting with students in grades K-3.  The hybrid model features both school and remote learning components.

“We are so excited to welcome additional students back in-person, we know how critical this is for student success,” said Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent.  “We know this will be a huge support to our students and their families, and make so much more learning possible.”

These new state guidelines include new metrics, based on emerging research and data gathered by state and national officials, that will allow schools to have increased in-person learning opportunities for students.  

“We are working with our teachers and staff, public health officials, and other area school districts to review our safety protocols,” said Aaron Hansen, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Support, in a letter to parents and staff.  “We will get students into classrooms as quickly as we safely can within these new frameworks.”  School and class schedules will be posted as soon as they are available.

The WSD timeline calls for grades K-3 to begin the hybrid model starting Tuesday, January 19, 2021.  Grades 4 & 5 would begin the hybrid learning model starting shortly thereafter, as long as transmission in the school environment is limited.  Students are placed in small cohorts, or groups of 15 or fewer students per group.  They will be assigned their group alphabetically by their guardian’s last name. 

“We want our families to know they have a choice to come back to the classroom in the hybrid learning model, or to stay in distance learning,” said Templeton.  “Families can let the school office know if their student will remain in full-time distance learning, and teachers are provided time each week to support these students.”

According to state guidance, plans for middle and high school will be available once the spread of COVID in our community declines to levels specified in the updated reopening guidance (average cases per 100,000 over 14 days below 350 for middle school, below 200 for high school).  “In order to serve more students in our classrooms safely, all of us must wear masks, watch our distance, and wash our hands,” added Templeton. “Health officials studying the spread of COVID emphasize these simple, but critical steps the entire community can take to enable next steps in our reopening.” 

For more information visit the WSD website at:   http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/covid-19-communications/

Washougal
www.champpizza.com
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