Camas, WA — On Saturday, September 14, the Camas Athletic Boosters Club will hold its annual Tom Wallenborn Golf Tournament and charity auction at Camas Meadows Golf Club.
This will be the 13th annual golf tournament and charity auction, which raises significant money for local athletic programs. Registration begins at 7:15 am, and the tournament begins at 8:30 am.
“It’ll be another great event,” said Ryan Dickerson, of the Camas Athletics Boosters Club. “Last year, about 150 players came out for a fun round of golf supporting our local athletes. Last year, we raised a little over $58,000 and are hoping to beat this number this year. Also this year we will be having a meal after the golf tournament. At the meal we will be having a live auction and many different raffles to raise money. Tickets will be on sale at the event. If people are interested in coming to the lunch and auction please email the boosters — we’d love to see you there.”
The objective of the golf tournament is to raise funds to supplement any needs of the student athletics programs from middle school level up through high school. The club also provides money for scholarships that the boosters gives away each year for seniors who are continuing to college.
Dickerson said community members are free to come walk around and enjoy the afternoon.
“We have many local businesses that have sponsored this tournament and many of the different sports teams have put together baskets and different items for the auction,” he said. “We have some great trips, vacation homes, football games, and reserved 50 yard line seats with parking at the remaining Camas home games.”
Vancouver, WA — Class is in session at Firstenburg Community Center (700 N.E. 136th Ave.) thanks to a new program designed to serve families who homeschool their children.
Starting in September, Vancouver Parks and Recreation will host engaging, secular classes for homeschool students ages 6-18 during the school year. With over 30 subjects to choose from, classes are offered from 9 am to 3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, in 6-week sessions.
“We are excited to serve families in this new way,” said Stacey Allington, recreation assistant with Vancouver Parks and Recreation. “Firstenburg Community Center is already a vital resource when it comes to community education and wellness. Providing high-quality homeschool courses is a continuation of our mission to serve the community.”
The elective-style classes are taught by educators, experts and qualified parents. They are designed to supplement home instruction in multiple content areas and provide multi-age peer interaction. Homeschool classes at Firstenburg Community Center will cover a diverse array of subjects including literature, writing, geography, theater, sign language, foreign language, music, design, financial literacy and science. There are also plenty of physical education opportunities like dance, yoga, rock climbing, swimming and team sports.
“The partnership in planning these classes with Vancouver Parks and Recreation has been phenomenal,” explains homeschool parent Erin Robertson, M.Ed. “In addition to the quality content in each class, students have the opportunity to meet new friends, learn from different teaching styles and experience truly unique course offerings.”
Homeschool classes are open to city residents and non-residents, as well as students using other non-traditional educational environments like online learning. Students enrolled in two or more classes per day will have access to a public swim at the Firstenburg Pool on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. or Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at no additional charge. Multi-child and multi-class discounts are also available.
Vancouver Parks and Recreation builds upon the City’s strong legacy of parks, natural areas and recreation dating back to the dedication of Esther Short Park in 1853. Each month, the Parks and Recreation Department provides hundreds of recreation opportunities for youth, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities at its two community centers. Parks and Recreation operates 1,600 acres of parkland at 113 sites, including 91 parks, 20 miles of trails and many natural areas for the City of Vancouver. The Parks and Recreation Department cultivates community in the City and beyond through on-going special events and volunteer programs that celebrate the City’s natural spaces.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075800/A930EC0C-7747-4089-909C-30C98F3B4FA5-e1567109772219.jpeg5461167Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-29 13:44:062019-08-29 13:44:58Homeschool Classes Begin at Firstenburg Community Center
Washougal, WA — Incoming Washougal High School freshmen, the class of 2023, were welcomed at a special, “We will graduate!” rally event on Monday, August 26. After learning the school cheer and meeting class advisers, school leadership and counselors, each student was invited to sign a banner, pledging their commitment to graduate high school.
“We want the Class of 2023 to be the first class to have a 100 percent on-time graduation and leave a legacy for other classes to follow,” WHS principal, Sheree Clark (this is her freshman year as WHS principal) told students and parents seated on gym bleachers. “Every thing you do at school the next four years will matter for you to reach the goal of graduating on time,” said Clark. “The good news is you are not alone. You have your friends, parents and a whole team of people at WHS to help you get through!”
The idea for the Freshman graduation commitment signing came from the Panthers Rising event held last spring that featured all graduating seniors who had made commitments for their post-high school education, including four and two-year colleges, apprentices, military and trade schools. They want students to be fully aware of all the options available to them post-graduation.
“We are challenging all of our WHS students to rise,” Clark said.
After students signed the banner, WHS staff present also signed their commitment to help students reach this goal. Today is the first day of the new school year at WHS and all through the school district. #EyeOfThePanther
Lacamas Magazine will be covering events throughout the school year, including several community outreach programs that are being planned.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075859/77699F38-569D-41C3-B0A4-3C3E92E38A42.jpeg11632395Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-27 13:02:072019-08-27 13:02:14Washougal High School Kicks Off New School Year w/ Special Freshmen Rally
On Wednesday afternoon, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office released the name of the Vancouver teen who drowned at Lacamas Lake Tuesday evening.
The victim was 14-year-old Anthony Huynh, who was swimming with friends and jumping off the Lacamas Park walking bridge Tuesday as part of fun summer day outing. According to friends, once they noticed Huynh was missing they went looking for him and eventually called 911 for assistance.
Police quickly found his belongings, including his cell phone.
The cause of death is accidental drowning.
Shortly after 9 pm Tuesday, divers from Multnomah and Clark counties recovered the teen’s body from the lake after a 10-minute search. The Medical Examiner was called to the scene.
Through the day Wednesday, many have stopped by the bridge to pray, ponder and leave balloons, flowers and kind notes to the deceased and to his family.
Drownings have occurred in summer months at Lacamas Lake throughout its history.
Anthony Huynh, 14, of Vancouver, drowned at Lacamas Lake.
In Washington, there were 98 unintentional drowning deaths of residents in 2017. Drowning along with fire/burns, were the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens ages 1 – 17 in Washington. Source: WA Department of Health, Washington Tracking Network Data, accessed June 2019
In 2017, there were 4,508 drowning deaths in the United States, an average of 12 deaths per day. Source: CDC, WISQARS Injury Mortality Report, accessed June 2019
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075923/649B141D-4460-4E30-99A9-6D0C8EF802C2.jpeg12062373Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-21 19:39:212019-08-21 20:11:32County Medical Examiner Releases Identity of Lacamas Lake Drowning Victim
Camas Police confirmed a Vancouver teen drowned at Lacamas Lake Tuesday evening. He was just 14.
The police say the teenager had been playing with friends, jumping off the Lacamas Park walking bridge shortly after 6 pm when they noticed he had not resurfaced. They then called 911.
Friends weren’t sure if he had left them behind, so the police canvassed the the area, and quickly found the teen’s bag, clothing and cellphone on shore nearby.
Shortly after 9 pm, divers from Multnomah and Clark counties recovered the teen’s body from the lake after a 10-minute search. The Medical Examiner was called to the scene.
Police say the teen’s family has been notified. His identity has not been released, but it is believed he was an incoming Union High School freshman.
We will update the story as more information becomes available.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07075929/0106ABD7-F8D6-46EF-840A-B0589C7F870B-scaled.jpeg12202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-20 23:34:582019-08-20 23:35:12Police: Vancouver Teen Drowns at Lacamas Lake Tuesday Evening
Vancouver, Washington – The highly anticipated Columbia River water feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park (695 Waterfront Way) officially opened to the public today.
The interactive art installation was gifted to the City of Vancouver by City Council resolution on Monday, Aug. 5. The Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the water feature as it draws locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s waterfront for years to come.
“I believe that carefully conceived environments can create places of meaning within communities,” said Larry Kirkland, the artist who designed the Columbia River water feature. “The best of public art can challenge, delight, educate and illuminate. But above all, it can celebrate the qualities that make each place unique and can create a sense of civic ownership. This pride of place is a building block for the future of these communities.”
Design and Details The Columbia River water feature journey begins with the monumental structure called Headwaters. This 12-foot tall and 16-foot wide stone and bronze monolith is oriented north and south to the adjacent Columbia River.
The east face is a cast bronze relief map of the Columbia Basin. The northern Rocky Mountains, Cascades and Coastal mountain ranges and river valleys are rendered in high relief to be touched and traced by human hands.
The west face is an engraved stone with a topographic map of the origins of the Columbia, the “Great River of the West.” Water cascades down it in a variable flow, reflecting seasonal changes in the flow of the river. The one-inch deep river flows for 150 feet along a molded riverbed past variable-height stacks of textured granite representing each of the Columbia River’s tributaries. More water flows from between these rocks into the original river. The water is chlorinated and can be waded through and played in by visitors.
Monument donors.
Water feature.
Facts about each of the tributaries are engraved on the dry side of each granite grouping. Intermingled with the factual text are quotes from literature that reference water and the flow of rivers. Combined, the facts and writingsmerge into a poetic and contemplative experience.
Donors to the $3.5 million project are recognized on the side of the Headwaters structure.
Donors are Steve and Jan Oliva, who also played a major role in the development of the Vancouver Waterfront, as well as the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. Other key donors are Steve and Jo Hansen, Al and Sandee Kirkwood, Barry Cain, Alvin Charles Berg, Mary Jane Berg, Susan Lynn Berg, Jim and Shirley Johnson, The Columbian, Dean and Kristin Kirkland Family, Marilyn Denham, and Kenneth E. and Eunice M. Teter.
“We’re really happy to have this water feature built,” said Jan Oliva. “This entire Vancouver Waterfront project has been in the works for 12 years, and there are so many good, wonderful people here in Vancouver. Larry Kirkland is the artist and John Grant (John Grant Projects) is the one who built the fountain. It’s designed to show the inlets of the Columbia flowing into it, and the ocean is represented at the end.
“It’s going to be great for little kids. Since we’re involved in the whole waterfront development this is a key piece that is going to the city from the waterfront development group. We love what’s happening here because we feel it’s helping the whole area. There’s a great walking loop that connects us to the land bridge and the Fort Vancouver Historic Site. It’s a good thing, I’m just happy and pleased with it.”
Design and Details About the Columbia River Water Feature
$3.5 million gift to the City of Vancouver, accepted by City Council resolution on August 5, 2019, from Columbia Waterfront, LLC.
The water is chlorinated and can be waded through and played in by visitors.
The Columbia River water feature journey begins with the monumental structure called Headwaters.
This 12-foot tall and 16-foot wide stone and bronze monolith is oriented north and south to the adjacent Columbia River.
The east face is a cast bronze bas relief map of the Columbia Basin. The northern Rocky Mountains, Cascades and Coastal mountain ranges and river valleys are rendered in high relief.
The west face is an engraved stone with a topographic map of the origins of the Columbia River.
Water cascades down it in a variable flow, reflecting seasonal changes in the flow of the river.
The one-inch deep river flows for 150 feet along a molded riverbed past variable-height stacks of textured granite representing each of the Columbia River’s tributaries.
Facts about each of the tributaries are engraved on the dry side of each granite grouping. Intermingled with the factual text are quotes from literature that reference water and the flow of rivers.
Donors to the $3.5 million project are recognized on the side of the Headwaters structure.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07080033/2C02E001-7142-46D1-B440-6319ED1A8348-scaled.jpeg9822560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-09 16:10:092019-08-09 16:10:20Columbia River Water Feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park Opens
The following Crown Park information was prepared by the City of Camas:
Why not just replace the Camas Municipal Pool at Crown Park? We understand that many people loved Camas Municipal Pool and have fond memories of their time there. However, through public outreach, the majority of Camas citizens have expressed interest in a community facility that is usable year-round and provides multiple recreational amenities. The Crown Park location cannot accommodate the size of such facilities or the parking and traffic enhancements that would be needed with them. Construction of another outdoor pool at Crown Park, though less in cost, would only provide use for roughly 10 weeks each year and would only fulfill a fraction of the features and programs sought by most Camas residents.
What’s the plan for Crown Park? Public input gathered from 2017 to 2018 helped create the Crown Park Master Plan, which was presented to Camas City Council at its Nov. 5, 2018, workshop. Today, the plan serves as a vision for the park and a framework for future funding decisions. In 2019, we’ve been seeking bids, firming up costs, and starting to schedule work. Most improvements will be subject to the 2021-2022 budget cycle that begins next year. Here’s an overview of the proposed features included in the Crown Park Master Plan:
Interactive water feature
Large destination playground
Permanent restrooms
Outdoor amphitheater
Sports court
New ADA accessible pathways
Access improvements to Scout Hall
Flexible lawn space
New site furnishings
Upgraded irrigation system
Stormwater management gardens and updated plantings
Portions of these elements are already in the works:
Sports Court – In May 2019, an aging concrete slab that served as a basketball court was removed. In the upcoming months, we will be replacing it with a new multi-use sports court closer to Scout Hall and the play areas. Construction is anticipated for fall.
Upgraded Irrigation System – To ensure that new grass grows and thrives around the former pool site, an irrigation system is planned for installation in late July 2019, then the area will be reseeded. The orange fencing will remain until the grass is established, around late August 2019. Irrigation upgrades in other areas of the park will be made throughout the course of the project.
How does the Crown Park Master Plan relate to the proposed community aquatics center and sports fields? When the Parks Commission and City Council approved the proposed features set forth in the Crown Park Master Plan, they made the requirement that the City continue to actively pursue options to fund and develop a year-round aquatic facility. Based on that requirement, we’re working on plans to bring a year-round community aquatics center to Camas at a location that can handle more amenities, parking, and access. The design for the proposed community aquatics center includes skylights and roll-up doors that will provide an open air experience and connection to nature.
Will any trees in Crown Park be removed? No trees have been identified for removal. However, if a tree becomes identified as hazardous or bearing disease, it may be removed.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07080058/0CBBD710-30C3-4A03-BFD7-D4151F70F69B-scaled.jpeg12482560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-08-08 11:58:402019-08-08 11:59:55City of Camas Answers FAQ’s Regarding New Plans for Crown Park
Friends and family are rallying together to assist Feast @316 Chef Benjamin Ortega, known to many as “Chef Ben,” “Benji” or “Benny” as he recovers from a serious car accident.
On July 17, Chef Ben was involved in a tragic car accident along the Oregon Coast. According to Feast @316 owner, Melissa McCusker, a log truck turned toward the highway without stopping, and Chef Ben didn’t have enough time to stop, causing his car to slide under the truck and become wedged underneath.
“It took first responders 90 minutes to get him out,” said McCusker. “Then they took him to Portland OHSU and he had a dislocated jaw, fractured vertebrae, broken collar bones, broken ribs. He had two surgeries. He’s at home now recovering. He has worked for Feast for four years, and has a four-year-old son named Chinook and a loving wife, Ingrid.”
McCusker said he has insurance covered through Feast, but the GoFundMe is there to cover the extra expenses.
Chef Ben with son, Chinook.
“He’ll likely be out for a good three months,” said McCusker. “Everyone’s been pitching in in the kitchen.”
The GoFundMe organizers said “After seeing the photos of the accident it is unbelievable that he survived and the injuries were not worse. Surgery was done to fix the broken jaw and today he is home under the care of his family. It will be some time until Benjamin can go back to work. Until then, we humbly ask for your financial support to help with medical and living expenses.”
Feast patrons recognize Chef Ben for his creative culinary abilities and for his contributions to the excellent food prepared at their restaurant. Feast @316 is local steakhouse and a favorite destination for many. To learn more about Feast @316, visit www.CamasFeast316.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080233/815A07D1-ECCA-4F97-933A-83B9E93DC055.jpeg378760Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-31 19:57:062019-07-31 19:57:14Feast @316’s Chef Ben Recovering From Serious Car Accident
After months of preparation, Ducky Derby 2019 is a wrap.
A few hundred spectators gathered along the Washougal River Sunday afternoon to see if their ducky would win the annual race — and an array of great prizes. The Ducky Derby is a fun community event that raises significant funds to benefit local student scholarships, school programs, and humanitarian projects.
Here is the official list of winners and the prizes won:
1 week Alaska Cruise plus $1500 cash: Kristen Boos
$1000 cash: Awna Underwood
$500 cash: Gene Cox
$1000 hand crafted table: Kate Davis
$800 Traeger Grill: Amy Rasmussen
$400 HP Laptop Elitebook: Rich Biggs
$275 4 Rounds of Golf with Cart at Orchard Hills: Lynda Taylor
“The winner of the last place duck prize is Barbara Gutzler,” said CW Rotary president, Nan Henriksen. “She will be receiving a water cooler jug full of prizes and rubber ducks. This prize is a reminder that every duck in the race is a winner because each represents dollars that enable us to make a positive difference in our community and our world.”
Each year, community members buy tickets for $10 apiece, which are sold by Camas Washougal Rotary Club members directly and at events, such as the Camas Car Show and the annual Camas Days festival. The club is grateful for local sponsors, donors and ticket buyers.
Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is part of an international service organization that works to improves communities by assisting with education, health services, charitable giving, and disaster relief. The local chapter meets every Thursday morning at Orchard Hills Golf Club, and holds several special events throughout the year.
The annual Camas Days is fast approaching with festivities beginning Thursday night.
The annual event, which is organized by the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce, has some changes this year.
“We are placing 114 assorted vendors, 12 food vendors this year, of which two are brand-new: Coast to Coast Seafood, and Bao Quach Sides (Vietnamese cuisine),” said Brent Erickson, CW Chamber Executive Director. “We’re bringing in Beth Willis Band, they are opening. Hot Shots, which was previously called Wise Guys will be perforating, as well. The Kid’s Street climbing wall, fast pitch, and caterpillar crawl are all coming back.”
This year’s Camas Days has 56 parade entries, with the main parade starting at 11 usually ending by 12:30 pm on Saturday.
“Having organized the event for 19 years it brings back memories for me about what a community festival was like in my time in the 1960s,” said Erickson. “So, Camas Days today is a huge community festival to bring everyone into the downtown core, young and old, for people to meet up for class reunions, and to see friends again. It brings in 12,000 people into the downtown corridor. Camas Days would not be as successful as it is without the 100+ volunteers it takes to run the show, be it the wine garden and the microbrew, and the people who help Tim Hazen on the parade.”
We’ve included a full schedule of events.
THURSDAY
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CONCERT IN THE PARK @ Crown Park featuring Brian Odell Band (Funk, Fusion & Folk Rock)
4:30 pm – 8:00 pm ENCHANTED EVENING SENIORS PROM @ Columbia Ridge Senior Living: 4:30 – 5:30 Formal Dinner; 5:30 – 8 pm Dancing. RSVP to Columbia Ridge (360) 335-1238. Dinner cost for guests $15.
FRIDAY
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: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.
11:30 am KIDS PARADE LINE UP & JUDGING: In front of City Hall, 4th & Franklin. 12:15pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS
5:00 pm – 11 p.m. (Gates close at 10:30) A TOAST OF CAMAS: Wine & Microbrew Street. 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 – 7:00 The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 11:00: The Hot Shots
SATURDAY
7:30 am – 11:00 am BLUEBERRY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Camas United Methodist Church at 14th & Garfield.
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 Thursday 10 am-6 pm, Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm and Monday 10 am to 3 pm (bag sale, bring a bag and fill it for $5!).
11:00 am – 8:00pm KIDS STREET: Climb For Fun! Rockwall, fast-pitch, jump house, slide and more on Dallas & 4th.
11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Candyland” themed parade! 4th Avenue, Oak to Adams.
5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) A TOAST OF CAMAS: Wine & Microbrew Street. 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 – 7:00: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 11:00: The Hot Shots.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Steak Feed at Grove Field: Field BBQ your own steak! (chicken available). Dinner includes 6 oz Steak, Salad, Baked Potato, Lemonade, Pork & Beans, & Cake $15 per person (PRICE INCLUDES INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP IN CWAA). Proceeds benefit CWAA scholarship fund. Bring your own steak knife!
SUNDAY
8:00 am – 7:00 pm ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT ASA sanctioned “D” tournament at Ione & 19th.
10:00 am-4 pm GROVE FIELD OPEN HOUSE: Raffle, plane rides @ $25, Airplane displays, soft drinks.
12:00 pm DUCKY DERBY Watch from the 3rd Ave Bridge on the Washougal River as the C/W Rotary Club launches all its ducks and a grand prize winner is chosen!
11:00am – 4pm PICNIC IN COLOR: Held in downtown Camas on Cedar between 4th and 5th Avenue.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080423/C2FCE467-9ECF-4D0C-A9A0-D8075849AB93-scaled.jpeg18953971Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-24 00:08:502019-07-26 00:03:06Camas Days 2019 To Feature ‘Candyland’ Parade; Fun Starts Thursday
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