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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 bbacon@cityofcamas.us 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: bbacon@cityofcamas.us
  • 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 bbacon@cityofcamas.us

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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Drug Take Back Event Coming to Washougal This Weekend

Washougal, WA — The Washougal Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Unite! Washougal to bring a Drug Take Back event to Washougal. The four-hour event will be held from Saturday, April 28, from 10 am to 2 pm at Silver Star Search and Rescue, 1220 A Street, Washougal.

The drug take back held last fall helped nearly 160 Washougal residents safely dispose of 595.25 pounds of unused and unwanted medications with local law enforcement officers and Unite! volunteers.

The drug disposal event will be held at four locations throughout Clark County. All pills will be transported for incineration by the DEA.

The Washougal Drug Take Back event will be sponsored by Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, Prevent, Vancouver Clinic, Downtown Washougal Association, and the City of Washougal. Other partners included: D Studio 21, Prevent Coalition, Orchard Hills Dental, Vancouver Clinic, St. Matt’s Lutheran, and Bethel Community Church.

Unwanted medications can be disposed of year-round at several collection sites across Clark County. Controlled substances, such as pain killers and tranquilizers, can be taken to participating law enforcement agencies. Non-controlled substances, such as over-the-counter medications, can be taken to local participating pharmacies and sharps can be taken to local participating transfer stations. For more information on both types of disposal, visit www.ClarkGreenNeighbors.org/meds

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Local Women’s Club Issues Challenge: ‘Reach for the Stars with Books’

Washougal, WA – Pre-kindergarten children and their families in Washougal are being challenged by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal to “Reach for the Stars with Books.”

“The goal of our program is to enrich the lives of young children through growth and learning skills prior to entering kindergarten and pursuing their academic journey,” said GFWC incumbent Vice President, Susan Bennett. “We received a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest to purchase age-appropriate books, backpacks and other educational tools for children ages birth to five years old.”

GFWC members have now begun distribution of the educational materials. The group was on hand April 11th at Hathaway Elementary School to reward students and parents who have attended six visits to “1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program,” a free, drop-in, interactive and educational program for families with pre-kindergarten children. In addition to the educational materials, students receive a light blue T-shirt after attending their sixth session.

1-2-3 Grow and Learn is offered through ESD 112 for parents and children from birth to 5 years and teaches school readiness activities and gives parents a fun way to play and learn with their child. The program is located at several Clark County schools. GFWC Camas-Washougal is assisting with the program at Hathaway Elementary, 630 24 St., Washougal. The Hathaway program, under the leadership of Julie Jacobson, EDS 112, meets each Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:30 a.m. through June 6. The 1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program will resume at the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

The Community Chest grant received by the women’s club compliments the ESD 112 program well. “Reach for the Stars with Books” focuses on parent-child time,” Bennett explained. “These gifts for learning are a reward to help reinforce to both the parent and child the importance of attendance and structure at an early age.

“By putting books into the hands of children they will grow their school readiness skills and strengthen their social skills through interaction with other parents and children,” she said. “We believe these gifts will spark the children and parents’ imagination and take them on a journey of a lifetime!”

 

Books

Left to right – GFWC President Carol Styles, Bonnie Walden, Susan Bennett, GFWC Vice President Pat Suggs, Washington State GFWC President Tina Bair and Michelle Aguilar (Child Care Aware Manager Early Care & Education, ESD 112) with active 1-2-3 Grow and Learn participants in their new t-shirts.

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#MSDKindness Message Continues to Grow at Washougal High School

Washougal, WA — Kindness matters at Washougal High School. That is the message being shared over two weeks in April during a student led effort to encourage acts of kindness.

Last month, Washougal Mayor Molly Coston proclaimed April as #MSDKindness Month, in recognition of the tragedy at Marjory Douglas High School. WHS senior, Bridgette McCarthy, who serves as a liaison to the City Council, helped spearhead the WHS project with members for the school’s Prevention Club and Unite! Washougal Coalition.

“We call ourselves Kindness Ambassadors,” said WHS senior Katie Boon, member of the Unite! WHS Prevention Club. “We are working to create an even more positive environment around school, especially with a focus on kindness. Being kind and looking for ways to show it are lessons the can be used throughout a lifetime.”

WHS freshman, Lauren Bennett, said the various planned activities to encourage kindness were developed during weeks of lunchtime meetings. “Involvement in the activities started slowly the first week, but after people saw what was going on more and more students have started to get involved,” she said.

Activities included distribution of free thank you cards, sending Smile Grams to friends and anyone needing to be cheered up, signing the Kindness Pledge and more.

A crowd favorite was the Compliment Battles which got started with WHS principal, Aaron Hansen pitted against WHS teacher Ryan Isaacson. Using portable microphones in front of a crowd of students in the commons, the two had a war of kind words. “I think it was Mr. Isaacson who actually told Mr. Hansen he had nice ears,” said Boon with a chuckle. Then students took up the battles, tossing quickfire compliments back and forth.

“The students were just shocked by it all,” Hansen said. “Once it got started you could see the students were really paying attention and there were a lot of smiles out there.” Hanson said Boon did an excellent job as the event MC and kept the crowd’s attention. “This has been a great student led project,” he added. “I really was impressed with the excellent job they did and with all the posters through the school too.”

On Friday, April 13, the activity was delivery of Smile Grams to classrooms. Freshman Zeke Mitchell-Hopmeier was surprised to receive a Smile Gram from non-other than his big brother, Elijah. “It makes you feel good and kind of happy that someone you know cares about you,” he said. “Maybe I should have sent him one too,” he added.

WHS Vice Principal, Sheree Clark, who has student discipline as a part of her duties, was delighted to receive a Smile Gram. “The majority of the kids are out there doing the right things,” she said. “We can get caught up in working with those kids who are in trouble and need us to work with them, so receiving this felt really good. In this world it is wonderful to be reminded to show kindness.”

Photo Gallery

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Events: World-Famous Harlem Wizards Coming to Town April 18

Get ready, Clark County! A high-flying, slam-dunking, rim-rattling basketball show is coming to town!

The world-famous Harlem Wizards will visit Union High School on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 for an evening of great fun and fundraising. The Wizards will play a game against a team of Evergreen Public School administrators, teachers, community leaders, and community members. Proceeds will benefit Harmony Elementary.

The event will feature a variety of fun interactive extras to complement the Wizards’ dazzling demonstration of hoops artistry: Pregame “Wiz Kids” warm-up, contests, comedy, awesome slam dunks, audience participation, merchandise giveaways, and more. The game will conclude with the Wizards’ signature dance extravaganza that will have the crowd on their feet!

“We are excited to host the Wizards,” says Katrina Roberts, Harmony Elementary PTA President. “They are superb showmen who deliver fantastic all-ages entertainment for a great cause.”

Founded in 1962, the Wizards have played over 15,000 games throughout the US that have raised over $25 million for schools and charitable causes. The Wizards have also played in over 25 foreign countries on five continents

Tickets are priced as follows:

  • Student Admission – $10 (pre), $12 (door) General Admission – $15 (pre), $17 (door)
  • General Admission – $15 (pre), $17 (door)
  • Reserved – $25 (available only online) Courtside Plus – $35 (available only online)
  • Courtside Plus ticket holders receive first or second row seating and meet privately with selected Wizard players before the game for a meet-and-greet and show. Only 75 of CSP seats) Courtside Plus tickets are available.
    To purchase tickets, and for more information, visit www.harlemwizards.com
Wizards

Coming to Harmony on April 18.

The home team players will be thrilled to play in front of family, friends, and fans, and spectators will delight in seeing their beloved teachers, principals, and community leaders run the court. Come out and cheer – you will not want to miss this fantastic experience that will benefit our most precious resource: The kids!

About the Harlem Wizards

Howie Davis was a larger-than-life entrepreneur, impresario, promoter, and visionary whose passion for sports, entertainment, and philanthropy culminated with his creation of the Harlem Wizards in 1962.

The idea for the Wizards started in 1959, when legendary basketball showman Goose Tatum approached Howie to organize a tour for Goose’s “Harlem Stars.” The Stars had a short but successful run that opened Howie’s eyes to the enormous potential of “show” basketball. Three years later, Howie launched the Wizards.

Under Howie’s leadership, the Wizards grew into a choice basketball destination for some of America’s best basketball talent. As the team’s reputation spread, professional athletes from across the sports spectrum took notice and joined the Wizards’ roadshow:
• Connie Hawkins, one of the top 50 NBA players of all time
• Nate “Tiny” Archibald, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame
• Elvin Hayes, one of the top 50 NBA players of all time
• Hawthorne Wingo, a New York Knicks fan favorite
• Mario Elie, a three-time NBA champion
• Nancy Lieberman, a WNBA star and Hall of Fame member

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