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Clark College President Addresses CW Rotary; Club Recognizes Camas Student

Washougal, WA — Robert Knight, President of Clark College, addressed the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club Thursday morning on the benefits of community colleges, as well as plans for the school’s future. Rotarians also recognized Camas High School sophomore, Yozen Fang, for his academic achievements.

In his speech, Knight said he’s pleased with the strength of Clark College, which was established in 1933.

“The way we teach is changing,” said Knight. “And, our teachers are some of the best out there — I know our students are getting a quality education.”

He said two-year colleges like Clark address a demographic of youth that aren’t ready for the size of four-year universities.

“We get them ready, and with our small class sizes, around 20 students per class, teachers get to know the students by name,” said Knight. “And, as parents we’re saving you a lot of money. They’re getting the same quality education as they would at a large university for these first two years. They’re the same classes. Then you can go on to become a Duck, a Beaver, a Huskie, or a Cougar.”

He also discussed the growing demand for vocational education, and wants to change the attitude toward trades.

“Parents need to know there’s a growing demand for these kinds of jobs, and they need to know they’re paid high wages,” said Knight. “So we’re working on changing those perceptions. We also need to think about going to school year-round, instead of taking summers off. That’s a old way of thinking.”

Additional points:

  • Clark College owns several acres of land to build a northern campus in Ridgefield, of I-5 exit 14. The school bought the land several years ago, and is getting the funding to build there.
  • Clark College Columbia Tech Center Campus is a big success, and helps students in Camas, Washougal and East Vancouver get to Running Start classes quickly.
  • The Running Start program has 2,400 students.

Yozen Fang

Rotarians also honored Yozen Fang, a soft-spoken Camas High School sophomore, as their club’s Student of the Month, for his academic achievements.

“Students are always given praise by staff,” said Rotarian, Ron Carlson. “According to your teachers, Yozen, they say you’re an inspiration to the work ethic of CHS. Your ability to experience defeat and never give up is amazing. You are very successful, and … you are slowly … shedding some of your shyness in the school. Another teacher said ‘underneath that quiet exterior is a sharp and witty mind. He diligently works on his work and is faithful to every teammate he works on in his research projects. While he is quiet, his math work is excellent. He is very talented, very bright.’”

Fang writes in Japanese using highly skilled terms.

Fang said he loves to go on long walks, and read.

Rotary

Camas High School sophomore, Yozen Fang, was recognized as the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club’s Student of the Month at the group’s weekly meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Local Firefighters Continue to Press Camas for More Personnel

Camas, WA — During Monday’s Camas City Council meeting, local firefighters continued to press city leadership for additional staff to meet state requirements.

At issue is a state minimum requirement to staff each fire engine with three firefighters.

Adam Brice, president of East Clark Professional Fire Fighters, addressed initial findings from a recent Washington Department of Labor and Industry investigation that said the City of Camas and its fire department violated multiple workplace safety laws during a February 14 Prune Hill residence fire.

”The L&I investigation said laws were broken,” said Brice. “Our firefighters and citizens deserve a solution.”

Earl Shimogawa,president of the Parker Estates Home Owner’s Association (HOA) said he’s concerned about not having three firefighters per engine.

”I’m concerned about our Fouth of July fireworks and I request that the mayor and city council do what they can to put three firefighters per engine,” said Shimogawa.

”I feel like it’s sub-standard,” said firefighter, Josh Proctor. “We deserve a higher quality of life.”

 

Council

Camas City Councilor, Don Chaney, left, presents Gary Knopp, with the Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award.

City councilor and Mayor Pro-Tem, Don Chaney, presented Gary Knopp with the Mayor’s Volunteer Spirit Award.

”Gary is someone I know, and I have high respect for him,” said Chaney. “Gary has a history of making monthly blood and platelet donations to the Red Cross. Each platelet donation takes three hours.  Plus, he does volunteer work for the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and many other groups. And he doesn’t do it for the publicity. Thank you, Gary, from the citizens of Cams for your tireless and selfless commitment to our community. You’re a great citizen and a patriot.”

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

Council

Firefighter’s union leader, Adam Brice, addresses the Camas City Council.

 

Council

Mr. McGowan, president of the Parker Estates HOA, addresses the Camas City Council.

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Roadway Rule: Walk to Chicago, Then Change Communities From Within

Camas, WA —  Dale Rule doesn’t just walk. He walks with a purpose. As he prepares to embark on a 60-day walk to Chicago on June 17, he’s doing so to put a spotlight on obesity — and to change communities from within.

”Years ago, I weighed 335 pounds, and I dropped 102 pounds in six months by changing how I eat, and by walking,” said Rule. “So I just keep on walking.”

Two summers ago, Rule, a football coach and high school security guard, walked to San Diego, which is a major accomplishment, and this year he’s been training for another incredible trek. His strategy is to walk 2,150 miles from Portland to Chicago, averaging 35.5 miles per day, with his family accompanying him in an RV. That’s approximately 4.2 million steps!

His goal is to initially raise $20,000 for this journey: https://www.gofundme.com/dales-pdx-2-chi-walk

He’s also encouraging people to purchase T-shirts through his non-profit website, www.everyonewalk.com

But, that’s really just the beginning, he says.

“I want a million people to pledge $1.50 per month to build community parks, and I want the first one to be built right here in Camas,” he said. “We are dominated by obesity, and the health problems this epidemic brings with it. We see obesity, but we don’t see how others feel about themselves. It’s a symptom of a personal worth problem in America. I see every day how people try to live up to what other people think they should be. You see kids dress or act in a rebellious nature. They want to know they’re loved and want to be belong to a family or group. So, these kids do what they can to get attention.”

Rule believes that when families break down, the community needs to help repair the damage by working together. His vision is to build community parks, on 40-acre parcels, that have all the necessary athletic amenities necessary to help reduce obesity — and build communities without spending a single taxpayer dime. Each park would have athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, walking trails, etc. Each park would be funded by $1.50 per month pledges.

He ultimately envisions 20 percent of Americans pledging $1.50 per month to build and maintain these parks. That’s $97 million a month to accomplish his goal.

”I believe we can re-build communities from the inside out,” said Rule. “We’d need people to run these parks and facilities, and those would be the people in these neighborhoods. We have to teach people how to love themselves again. We have to give people a door so they have an option to change. When I was fat, I had zero discipline. I turned it all to food. And, that’s one of the problems we face today. There is generational poverty, generational obesity — that’s all some people know.”

Rule himself comes from a rough childhood with little security, and the absence of a father.

“Foootball probably saved my life,” he said. “Because before that I was a hotheaded, angry, smart mouth kid. I was very short tempered. The only consistent thing I had was Dale.”

As June 17 gets closer, Rule knows the trek is going to be incredibly hard. He knows he’ll get sick to his stomach. He knows his body will ache. He knows there will be moments he feels like dying.

“I know there will be moments when I ask myself ‘Can you do this, Dale? Do you have it in you?’ We’ll get it done.”

Rule

The Rule RV during the 60-day walking trek.

 

 

 

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3D Printing Brilliance: Washougal Student Earns Youth Achievement Award

Washougal, WA — High school education is often multidimensional.  For Washougal High School senior, Ulysses Ramel, his interest and skill in 3-dimensional printing helped him to broaden his expertise while he developed opportunities for other students to learn how to create 3D projects.

Ramel made positive and negative 3D mold examples for use in a new unit of instruction in the WHS Baking and Pastry class.  He also wrote step-by-step instructions for students to create a positive mold using class software.  This work, and the passion he exhibited to help others learn, earned him recognition in the 2018 Clark County Youth Commission’s Youth Achievement Award for education.

In the nomination submitted by WHS Librarian Hillary Marshall, she said his expertise helped her to teach and reach more WHS students.  “Ulysses demonstrated perseverance as Chef Hitchins and I were creating a brand-new unit of study and he created multiple molds as examples. His attention to detail was exceptional as he explained why designs worked or failed and helped me to understand the software, so I could deliver clearer instruction.”

“I was happy and surprised to receive this award,” Ramel said.  “I like sharing my knowledge about 3D printing and helping other students to have the fun of creating something new.  It is a nice feeling to make something for people to see.”

“Ulysses is helpful and wants to share his knowledge of 3D printing,” said Marshall.  “He is kind and approachable so working with him is encouraging.  He helped me giggle my way through learning a software tool that was uncomfortable and foreign to me, so that I could gain confidence under his guidance and deliver a clear, concise lesson to the Baking and Pastry class.”

Ramel is a student at the Cascadia Tech Academy Pre-Engineering program where he refined his knowledge of 3D printing.  His skills were put to the test when he was asked to help assemble the school’s 3D printer.  “By assembling it, I now understand the concepts of how it works so I can see how to work around mistakes and improve the product,” he explained. “Once you know how something works, you know more about how to fix an error.”

Beyond his Cascadia projects, Ramel has also created 3D key chains and drink coasters for the WHS Unified Sports to help the team promote itself.

Ramel is Filipino and arrived in Washougal during his freshman year from the Philippines.  At that time, he could understand some English language but was not able to speak it well. Now he plans to join the Air Force and go on to college for a degree in mechanical engineering.

“I am pleased Ulysses is receiving this Youth Achievement Award,” Marshall said.  “I wanted to recognize his talents and encourage his efforts and help him reach his dream of a career in engineering.  Ulysses is humble about his talents, but they need to be highlighted.”

“I did not expect to get an award for this,” Ramel said with a smile. “It makes me proud.”

 

Ramel

Ulysses Ramel received the Youth Achievement Award in Education for his work in 3D printing.

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Fireworks Hearing: Camas City Council Listens to 30 Citizens Monday Evening

Camas, WA — Thirty Camas residents spoke in a filled City Council chamber Monday night to express their opinions about fireworks usage within city limits.

The city is seeking public input about whether to make changes to the existing fireworks ordinance, and is considering four options:

  1. Keep the ordinance intact, as is.
  2. Limit fireworks usage to only the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve.
  3. Create a “safe and sane” ordinance, which limits which fireworks can be lit.
  4. Ban private Camas fireworks all together.

Mayor Scott Higgins opened the hearing and emphasized that citizens had a three-minute time limit.

“I urge you to be respectful and honor each other,” said Higgins. “Please don’t treat people negatively.”

Of the 30 who spoke publicly, 11 are in favor of a ban, while 21 are in favor of keeping the fireworks ordinance as is, or limit usage to only one day during the 4th of July holiday, and New Year’s Eve.

The first five citizens spoke in favor of banning Camas fireworks all together, and gave impassioned testimony supporting their positions.

”I only see one viable option,” said Gary Fields. “A total ban of fireworks. Do the right thing and outlaw them.”

Scott Culbertson said: “I think we need to consider a ban. We have a change in climate, and summers are getting hotter and drier. There’s too much noise, and I have to leave Camas and then worry that things will catch on fire.”

Mandy Stonewahld referred to Prune Hill as “Prune Hill Baghdad” while addressing the council.

“The fireworks continue for hours on end, from 8 pm to 2 am, and they last for days,” she said. “We are concerned about our elderly, we’re concerned about those with special needs and the undo stress it places on them. Camas military vets suffer from PTSD, and we watch our neighbors try to one up each other by spending more money. Maybe we can push for a compromise and limit them to one day?”

Gabriel Kern spoke in favor of keeping the fireworks ordinance as is.

“I’m an Eagle Scout,” said Kern. “I represent the young families of Camas, and we want our fireworks. We love our 4th of July celebrations. Some of my favorite memories are coming together on this holiday.”

Kern’s father, a retired military colonel, said: “Prune Hill is not Baghdad. I bring my family together for fireworks, and I love seeing neighbors getting together. We just need to manage it better.”

”I’m married to an ex-military guy,” said Julie Brown. “We teach our children to use them responsibly. This is a holiday that brings us together, and we need to teach our kids respect.”

The City of Camas will continue to gather public input in the coming weeks before presenting all information to the City Council. Council member, Steve Hogan, said the council expects to vote on this issue in June, and noted that any change won’t be effective until 2019.

The City of Camas welcomes your comments. Please email Bernie Bacon at [email protected] or call 360.817.1591.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

 

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City of Camas Holds Public Hearing on Fireworks Use Tonight

Camas, WA — The public is invited to attend the City of Camas Public Hearing on the use of fireworks in Camas, which is happening Monday, May 14 at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at Camas City Hall.

Options to be discussed at this meeting are:

  • Keep current city code – discharge on July 3rd & 4th and December 31st
  • Modify code to allow discharge on July 4th and New Year’s
  • Only allow discharge of safe and sane fireworks – nothing that projects into the air
  • Ban all fireworks

If you have an opinion or idea to share, the city wants to hear from you. According to city administrators, posts to social media cannot be accepted as official comment.

You can have your voice be heard using the following mediums:

  • EMAIL your written testimony to Deputy City Clerk Bernie Bacon: [email protected]
  • SUBMIT written testimony to the Clerk’s Office, located at 616 NE 4th Avenue
  • Hand-delivery or mail.
  • CALL the Clerk’s Office at 360.817.1591 to leave a message or provide testimony by phone. All options may be carried until the hearing’s completion.

Need more info on the budget or the public hearing? Contact Deputy City Clerk Bernie Bacon at 360.817.1591 or [email protected]

Fireworks usage has been up for debate the past several years as other nearby cities have banned or limited their use.

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100+ Women Who Care Clark County Raise $10,000 in 1 Hour For Senior Citizens

Camas, WA — For their second event, the newly created, and rapidly growing 100+ Women Who Care Clark County raised $10,000 in just one hour for Villages Clark County.

More than 100 women gathered at Salud! Wine Bar, in downtown Camas, and listened to how their previous donations to Children’s Home Society are being used to help kids. Following that presentation, members placed their preferred charity names into buckets, of which three were drawn: 1) Special Olympics Dolphins Swim Team; 2) Villages Clark County, and Fathers in the Field.

Representatives from each charity each spent a few minutes explaining what these charities do and answered questions. Following the presentations, the women voted for their preferred choice. The winner was Villages Clark County, which is part of a national network of “baby boomers” and senior citizens that are coming together to assist other senior citizens, and help them stay in their residences.

Helen Elder, the local chairperson for the organization, said senior needs are growing. She explained that seniors often are forced to leave their homes for the following reasons:

  • Health concerns
  • Mobility
  • Isolation
  • Finances
  • Concerns about burdening children

“One local woman felt she needed to leave her home because she could no longer mow her yard,” said Elder. “We network with local organizations, like churches, and the Boy Scouts, to offer assistance to our seniors.”

The group offers companionship, grocery shopping, housekeeping, pet care, running errands, and more.

To learn more, visit www.villagesclarkcounty.org

“I am so thrilled and humbled at the level of support the community has given our group,” said Christy Ribary, the founder of 100+ Women Who Care Clark County. They all feel empowered that they can make an immediate impact to our community. I am so inspired by all of this.”

To learn how you can join, visit www.100womenclarkcounty.com

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100+ Women Who Care Clark County To Hold Second Event May 9

Camas, WA — 100+ Women Who Care Clark County is holding their organization’s second event on Wednesday, May 9 at Salud Wine Bar in downtown Camas.

The social hour is from 5-6 pm, with the event officially beginning at 6 pm. The event’s guest speaker will be Andy Tucker, who is the Director of Washington Children’s Home Society — the recipient of the local organization’s first donation. He will be sharing with 100+ Women Clark County about how their previous quarter’s contributions impacted the organization, and how the funds were used in the community.

The group will also celebrate having 100 members with a champagne toast hosted by Arktana Shoes. This makes it one of the fastest growing chapters in the organization’s history. During the social hour, Salud is offering all glasses of wine for $5 and there will be free appetizers for everyone courtesy of Thrivent (one of the organization’s sponsors).

During the event, each member writes the name of a charitable organization on a piece of paper, and places that information into a bucket. Three names are drawn, and each organization is discussed. By ballot, the members vote on which charitable group they would like to donate to,  and the votes are tallied. By the end of the hour, the goal is to raise $10,000 ($100 from each member).

The group welcomes all women in Clark County to come and see what they’re all about — you do not need to be a member to attend the event. Come and learn about what their special group of women is doing to make immediate and powerful change in the community!

To learn more, visit 100womenclarkcounty.com

Women

www.Greshamroofing.com

 

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Washougal School District Announces New Superintendent – Mary Templeton

Washougal, WA — At a special meeting of the Washougal School District Board of Directors on April 27, 2018, the school board unanimously passed a motion to hire Dr. Mary Templeton as the next Superintendent of the district. Templeton and three other final candidates interviewed with the Board, district administrators, and representatives of the staff and community on April 25. She will begin her new job on July 1, 2018.

“The district started this process several months ago, gathering feedback from community, staff, and district parents, in an open and transparent process,” said Cory Chase, Washougal School Board President. “The board felt Dr. Templeton’s experience and background are best suited to the current initiatives and opportunities in our district. The board would like to thank all of the community members, staff, and others who participated in the process and provided feedback to help with this process. We are excited to welcome Mary to the Washougal community.” The board worked with Northwest Leadership Associates on the search process.

“I am so excited to be joining the Washougal School District as the new superintendent of schools,” said Templeton. “After spending time in the district this week, it was clear that there are great things happening here and that the community, staff, school board, and parents are committed to excellence for all of our students. I look forward to leading the Washougal School District with this vision for excellence into the future.”

 

Templeton is currently the Human Resources Director for Certificated Personnel for Spokane Public Schools, a role she has held for four years. She began her education career in the classroom, teaching German, English, and Drama for 15 years. She later served as a dean of students, principal assistant, and then worked as an assistant principal for four years.

Templeton recently received a doctorate in Education from Washington State University and has held a superintendent credential since 2015. She serves on a task force for the Public Educator Standards Board (PESB).

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Ernie Suggs Appointed to Replace Coursey on Washougal City Council

Washougal, WA — When Washougal City Coucilman, Dan Coursey, resigned his seat effective March 31, it set in motion an open process to fill the vacancy. That process ended Monday night with the appointment of longtime Washougal resident, Ernie Suggs, who was sworn in by Mayor Molly Coston.

A total of eight candidates applied for the open seat, and all appeared before the council Monday night to present themselves to the councilors. In a final 4-2 open vote, Suggs won.

“To be honest, it surprised me that I was sworn in at the end of the session,” Suggs said. “I applied two days ahead of the deadline, and we all presented ourselves to the council. I was fourth in line, and we all waited in a small room until it was our time. After that first round was done, the council voted on the top two candidates. Two other were tied for number two, then we talked again to the council, and answered one question from each council member. They voted agin, and it was 4-2 that they chose me.”

Suggs was encouraged to apply by several Camas and Washougal City Councilors.

“So, I thought, OK, I’ll give it a shot,” said Suggs. “To be candid, I was humbled and excited they chose me.”

Suggs is concerned about growth control and wants Washougal to build an adequate infrastructure to avoid major traffic congestion. He’s also a big proponent of inter-agency cooperation, local schools, and small business.

”I’m all about small business empowerment, and finding ways to help off-set the cost of running the city with a stronger tax base,” said Suggs. “We don’t have a lot of ways to bring in funds for the city.”

Suggs has lived in Washougal for 42 years, with his wife, Pat, who are the parents of six daughters, and grandparents of 13 grandsons. He worked for the Camas School District for 32 years as the Camas Community Education Director. He retired 10 years ago.

The council will get to fill another open seat when Washougal City Councilor, Joyce Lindsay, retires from public service effective May 31. The applicant process will begin anew. The city attorney said each council member could nominate for the next vacancy on the Washougal City Council.

Suggs

Ernie Suggs takes his City Council seat.

 

 

 

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