Fern Prairie, WA — For more than a decade, Shangri-La Farm has hosted an end of summer celebration known as its famous annual Hootenanny. But this year, the event will transform into a fundraiser on Saturday, September 30th from 5-9pm to benefit the Maui Strong Fund. This fund provides financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the Maui wildfires.
As of September 14th, $120,730,844 has been donated to the Maui Strong Fund which is administrated through the Hawaii Community Foundation.
“The public is invited to attend this event at our Shangri-La Farm,” said organizer Liz Pike. “Attendees will be treated to a delicious western BBQ dinner and homemade pie. We encourage folks to wear their cowboy or Aloha attire for an evening of fun, music and dancing.”
Tickets are $40 per person and advance registration is required by September 25th. A limit of 200 tickets will be sold. To RSVP, please text or call Pike at (360) 281-8720 or email: [email protected] . Pre-pay $40 per person with Venmo to Shangri-La Farm or pay $40 at the door. All net proceeds from the event will be sent to Maui Strong Fund.
The Hootenanny features live music by Kista Roberts and Whiskey Blue Band. Guests are also encouraged to bring $5 and $20 bills to play Chicken Poop Bingo.
“My ties to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands run deep,” said Pike. “I lived on the Island of Oahu for about ten years and my twin children were born in Honolulu in 1989. Like most Americans, my husband Neil and I have enjoved vacations in the Hawaiian Islands. When we heard about the horrific wildfires on Maui, we decided this year’s Hootenanny should be about helping those in need.”
Guests will park at Grove Field Airport, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas. The Port of Camas Washougal is contributing the use of the Grove Field airport parking lot for this fundraising event to partner with Shangri-La Farm to benefit Maui Strong Fund. From the airport, follow the meandering trail 1/4 mile through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take a fun ride on the free Sunflower Mobile shuttle to the farm.
For more information, contact Liz Pike at Tel. (360) 281-8720 or email
Camas-Washougal, WA – The Community Garden Club’s decades of service in Parker’s Landing Historical Park ended in 1999 with a granite plaque placed in the grass near the garden volunteers’ garden shed and a dogwood was planted nearby. The expressions of gratitude to the club was most likely initiated by Rosalee MacRae, park advocate and founder who was also a Community Garden Club member. Rosalee served as the Parkersville Site Development Committee Secretary, continuing her service as a Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee (PAC) to the Port member until her passing.
In 1971, Rosalee attended a shower hosted by Mary Van Vleet in her guest house (formally the “little green house”) that had been converted into living quarters by Louis and Nina Chevron in 1942 when they discontinued their Parker’s Landing Dairy, also called Chevron and Sons. They closed their dairy due to the cost of pasteurization and decision to move out of the Van Vleet home they rented to be able to move in their son Vernon and his family.
In 1978, just before moving out, Mary Van Vleet invited Rosalee to her home. She had heard of Rosalee’s interest in seeing the inside of the 100 year-old main house. That year the paper reported others asking the Port to make the Van Vleet site a park, a request denied. At an American Association of University Women (AAUW), Dorothy Pionek put Rosalee in contact with Bernice Pluchos. In a public meeting called by the AAUW the idea of forming a historical society was put forth resulting in the Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS). That year Mary passed away in August and in October the Van Vleet home was burned to the ground by an arsonist.
In 1980, a petition of nearly 1,200 names was submitted to the Port requesting the site become a park in perpetuity. In 1985, notices were published in the newspaper inviting all interested citizens to join a committee named Parkersville Site Development Committee (PSDC). A month later a preliminary plan was presented to the Port with a 50-page park plan prepared by the PSDC and presented to the Port in 1986 with estimated costs to start the park. The first step was mounting the Department of Interior and State Bronze Plaques on a 25-ton Basalt boulder obtained from Fisher Rock Quarry. The dedication of the Parkersville National Historic and Archeological Site and opening of the Parker’s Landing Historical Park was held on Saturday, June 1, 1986.
At the Community Garden Club of Camas-Washougal (“Garden Club”) September meeting, Susan Tripp will share more about the park history and how Rosalee recruited her to join the PAC which led to being a PHF Director when Rosalee died. Susan’s presentation kicks off a new dedicated Garden Club team that will continue the club’s important history in the park. Learn more at the Community Garden Club of Camas-Washougal meeting in the Camas Community Center on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 1 pm. Meetings are open to the public.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/17155718/Parkers-Landing-Historical-Park-Entry-by-Boulders-with-National-State-and-County-Heritage-Registration-Plaques-scaled-e1694993000941.jpg12672560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-09-17 16:27:412023-09-17 16:27:50Garden Club Returns to Historical Park Stewardship
Camas, WA— Members of Camas Education Association (CEA) voted Thursday to ratify a new two-year deal, ending a strike that lasted seven days that is causing a rippling effect in the school calendar.
Teachers went back to the classroom Friday.
Camas School District (CSD) negotiated with the CEA that class sizes will be reduced over the next two years to between 21-24 students for elementary students, and secondary school sizes are supposed to shift to having a baseline and maximum sizes for each class.
The new deal also sought equity in PE, music and arts funding across CSD schools, and the agreement “establishes a resource fund that is distributed on a per-student basis” that goes up to $140,000 during the 2025-26 school year.
A teacher raise was also agreed upon. In this school year, their pay will increase by 6.4 percent and another 6.6 percent in the 2024-25 school year. Union officials wanted 8.9 percent, and the District said publicly that 5.7 percent was their final and best offer.
“Quick Summary: Two year contract with salary increase spread out over those two years,” said Shelley Lee, a Camas teacher, and former CEA President. “Phased in classroom reductions over next two years. Letter of agreement for three years for earmarked money for PE, health, library, and music. Lots more to the overall CBA but those were the three sticking points at the end. Overall I think CEA feels like this contract is fair and moves us forward. It’s time now to work together to pass the next levy which will continue to benefit our students.”
The debate ended, but lingering hurt feelings may there a while.
“We’re tired,” said Mark Gardner, a Camas teacher. “This never should have happened, and we should have started negotiating with the District in March, not May.”
During the process, the school board voted to authorize legal action against the teachers if the strike lingered. And, it was the end of a very challenging first year for Camas Superintendent John Anzalone, who also oversaw budget cuts in the Spring.
“This contract reflects our shared dedication to providing the best possible educational experience for our students,” Anzalone said in a statement after the deal was ratified. “Our teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, role models, and often, beacons of stability for our students. Their love for teaching and their unwavering dedication to their students are the very qualities that excite me for our students’ futures and the future of our district.”
Washougal, WA — Local residents and community leaders are invited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eagle View Park, a stunning addition to Washougal’s recreational landscape. Nestled between Ninebark Apartments and the Columbia River riparian area, Eagle View Park spans 1 acre and features a concrete paved walking path, meandering trails with seating, artwork, and community gathering spaces.
In a unique collaboration, Ninebark’s developer, Killian Pacific, partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to exchange land, aiding the Master Plan for the Camas-Washougal waterfront. The Port gained the property west of Ninebark, while the land Ninebark occupies went to Killian Pacific for its development. Killian Pacific created the 1-acre public park as part of the deal. The park is managed and maintained by the Ninebark community for 8 years, at which time the city will assume full responsibility. Ownership of both the park and the land lies with the city of Washougal.
WHERE: Eagle View Park, 600 S Marina Way, Washougal, WA 98671.
WHEN: Thursday, September 7 at 4 pm
General parking for the ribbon cutting ceremony is in the lots near Washougal Waterfront Park. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event, as this will give you the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to the ceremony site.
For individuals with accessibility needs, designated parking is reserved in front of Riverside Retreat, situated on the southern side of Ninebark Apartments adjacent to Eagle View Park.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/06201827/Tipped-Aerial-Disco.jpg10801920Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-09-06 20:37:202023-09-06 20:37:29Thursday’s Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of Eagle View Park
Camas Gallery together with Pike Art Gallery will be hosting the newly renamed “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” on Friday, September 1, 2023. Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery and founder of the annual Plein-air art event, passed away unexpectedly on August 29th.
“Our community is still reeling from the news of Marquita’s death,” said Liz Pike, local artist and longtime friend of Marquita. “Marquita was loved by all who knew her. Since opening her Camas Gallery in 2010, she quickly became the unofficial Mayor of Camas because of her passion for the city and its residents. Having grown up in Camas, she was a living history book for the town. Her quick wit, million dollar smile and can-do attitude touched the lives of so many. Camas residents and visitors alike were welcomed as family, once inside Marquita’s Camas Gallery.”
Pike noted it is both fitting and necessary to rename the event to honor Call. According to Pike, Call was a driving force to reignite fine art in downtown Camas. Undaunted by the Great Recession, Call marched ahead to open what would become the most popular art gallery in town.
“Through her work at the gallery, Marquita helped launch the successful art careers of many local artists,” said Pike. “With grit and grace, she was a one-woman, non-stop promoter of local artists and the arts in our community.”
Marquita founded the Plein-air art event several years ago to help connect the Camas community to local art. Since its humble beginnings, more and more artists participate each year on the first Friday of September. Marquita believed such an event would attract people to downtown Camas and help struggling merchants during those lean times of the economic downturn.
Participating local artists will take to the streets beginning at 9 am to paint the town this Friday, September 1st. Artists must start and finish their respective plein-air art between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm on September 1. Beginning at 4 pm, artists will move their easels and finished art to the sidewalk area in front of Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue, where the public may view all of the finished art in one location. As in past years, the community will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite finished work of plein-air art and also purchase any of the pieces for a flat rate of $200 each from 5 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, September 1st.
Proceeds from the sale of all plein-air pieces will be split between the selling artist and Camas Gallery.
Artists may pick up an application form to participate in the newly named “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” at Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue or at the Pike Art Gallery at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Birch Street in #UptownCamas, 302 NE Sixth Avenue. All artist applications must be returned with a $10 entree fee to Camas Gallery no later than 9 am on September 1st.
For more information or questions about the plein-air event, contact Liz Pike at 360.281.8720.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/30192017/IMG_8627-scaled.jpeg13322560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-08-30 19:28:512023-08-30 19:29:04Friday’s Art Festival Renamed ‘Marquita Call Memorial Plein-Air Event of Camas’
Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone announced Sunday evening that Camas schools will be closed Monday.
This is his letter:
Dear Camas Community,
Camas Education Association (CEA) has informed our district that there will be no school tomorrow. They are striking.
Today, CEA presented a comprehensive proposal with higher than previously requested salary increases as well as lower than previously requested class sizes. Our district’s bargaining team is disappointed that CA is regressing.
Our district has presented its last, best, and final offer. In it, we offered to raise salaries in 2023 by 5.7% and in 2024 by 5.9%. Our district’s proposal would make CEA teachers among the highest-paid educators in the region. Our highest-paid teachers would earn over $118.363 in 2023-24 and $124,991 in 2024-25.
Conversely, CEA’s request puts the highest-paid salaries from $121,653 for 2023-24 up to $129,746 for 2024-25.
CEA’s request in its third year of the contract would put the highest-paid teachers at $135,886.
The latest information is available on our Labor Relations website.
We are incredibly disappointed in the outcome of these negotiations.
Sincerely,
John Anzalone
Statement from CEA: “Because Camas School District was unwilling to invest in students, CEA members will strike beginning Monday, Aug. 28, the first day of student instruction. Bargaining broke off for the day today (Sunday, Aug. 27) after the district refused to make commitments to reasonable class sizes or equitable funding for music, PE, and libraries. The district is instead stockpiling nearly 1 out of every 5 student dollars, amassing $15 million in the bank while student needs are unmet. Educators are meeting tonight (Sunday, Aug. 27) to make final preparations for picketing in the morning.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/25170215/IMG_8389-scaled.jpeg19202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-08-27 18:58:412023-08-27 18:58:53Camas Schools Announce No School Monday; Negotiations Stall at 5.7% COLA
While late negotiations between the Camas Education Association (CEA) and Camas School District (CSD) bargaining teams continue, educators and community members rallied Friday at 11:30 am for about 45 minutes to have their voices heard. Both sides are working today to iron out a tentative agreement that would avoid a teacher’s strike on Monday, August 28, the first day of the new school year.
Rally supporters heard from CEA President Marci Zabel, the union’s Vice President, Michael Sanchez, as well as among others. Lacamas Magazine also spoke to former CEA President Shelly Lee.
The CEA voted this week to authorize a strike if a tentative agreement isn’t reached by August 28, which is the first day of school.
“Both CEA and our district negotiation teams are hard at work finding solutions that provide needed supports for students and staff, as well as competitive, sustainable compensation. It is our fervent hope that we can solidify an agreement as soon as possible,” said Dr. John Anzalone, Camas Superintendent.
The CEA claims the District is holding $16 million in reserves that aren’t being used to help students. Earlier this year, the Camas School Board voted to use $8.5 million in reserve funding, which helped offset Spring layoffs.
So, how much reserves does CSD have?
The $8.5 million spend down of reserves started this year:
2022-23: $3.0M
2023-24: $2.7M
2024-25: $2.8M, with an anticipated 8% minimum fund balance.
CSD will end the current fiscal year on August 31, 2023, with a fund balance of 10.3 percent ($12.8M). And, many teachers who were laid off were able to be hired back.
“Most of the teachers who received reduction in force notices (RIF) in the spring shifted to other positions in the district based on seniority and teaching endorsements,” said Doreen McKercher, CSD Communications Director. “We then hired a few positions back after the legislative session was completed, and we were allocated additional funding.”
Lower Class Sizes: Proposing lower class sizes in key areas, such as Kindergarten. The CEA says Camas School District (CSD) returned their proposal by suggesting schools raise class numbers for grades 4 and 5. CEA is proposing teachers get compensated for exceptionally large classes at all secondary levels in order to discourage creating huge classes.
Camas High School teacher, Tom Sawyer, says his classes are typically 38-40 students, which he says is “hard to manage.”
Cost of Living Allowance, or COLA: CEA wants CSD to honor the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which has been in their contract for three years, and was bargained for in 2020. CEA says “… the District wants to switch to the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD). Last year, CPI (5%) was lower than IPD (5.5%) and CEA didn’t push back.”
CSD is offering a 4.7% COLA at this time. CEA is asking for more (an exact amount has not been given).
McKercher confirmed: “It is 4.7% on salary, increased Professional Development, and an extra ½ day for training on Qmlative. (Qmlativ is the student information system that is replacing Skyward next summer.)”
Consistent Language around Work Hours: CEA wants their contract to include clarity around fundamental information such as work day start and end times. CEA says “This would also help to ensure equitable experiences across all of our buildings. Having reasonable and realistic start and ending times supports effective collaboration and preparation for our students.”
Manageable Student Caseloads: CEA proposes caseloads that allow Special Education teams to effectively provide student support and additional inclusive opportunities.
Protect Curriculum Planning Time: CEA says CSD wants to take away several additional Wednesday planning periods.
“No, our District has proposed giving teachers more prep and collaboration time, and the parties have reached a tentative agreement on this issue,” said McKercher.
CEA says: “While this impacts all members, it comes at the highest cost to our elementary members. Our highly educated and experienced educators need time to plan, create essential lessons, and collaborate with peers to best serve all students they serve.”
Equitable Funds for Student Resources: CEA says CSD has an obligation to invest in student programs, but they’re leaving distribution of funds for music, library, and PE at principals’ discretion. That means students have wildly different experiences in these classes. CEA wants these funds to be distributed equitably among buildings and programs.
The general fund budget for the District is $119.9 million for the 2023-24 school year.
Lacamas Magazine will provide updates as these negotations continue.
Camas, WA — Incumbent Camas mayor Steve Hogan announced this week that he is seeking a second term. Hogan won the November 2021 election to finish the term of Barry McDonnell, who resigned earlier that year. He now seeks a full four-year term which would begin in January 2024.
“We’ve accomplished a lot in a short time,” Hogan said, “but there’s much more work to do.”
Hogan cites several accomplishments in his short tenure, including:
Protecting Camas’ natural resources by completing plans for North Shore Subarea and Lacamas Lake
Repairing key partnerships with local businesses and schools
Strengthening public involvement and reinstitution a culture of empowerment, transparency, accountability and public service
Earning awards for safety, affordability and public budgeting, and a Global AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s
Hogan’s campaign has made his experience in both business and government key focuses. Camas’ mayor acts as CEO, managing more than 280 employees and a $125 million budget. Hogan has over 40 years in private sector business management, 16 years on Camas City Council, and two years as Camas mayor.
Another focus is partnerships.
“Steve’s a team builder,” says former mayor Nan Henriksen, who endorses Hogan and chairs his re-election advisory committee. “He brings people together to get things done—important things the city can’t do all on its lonesome.”
A third focus is his vision for Camas’ future.
“My vision for the next four years,” Hogan says, “is for a safe, livable and thriving city—not just for today, but for future generations.”
Hogan, a 29-year Camas resident, is proud that both his children chose to raise their own families here, a few short blocks from the house he and his wife, Mary Beth, call home.
Other priorities include protecting Camas’ parks, trails and green spaces; implementing the North Shore, Lacamas Lake, and Downtown Camas Comprehensive plans with open, transparent public involvement processes; continuing to diversify and expand the city’s revenue base with balanced, sustainable development; and ensuring that Camas remains an open, inclusive community with a hometown feel.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/28131704/Hogan_Downtown-e1690575460178.jpeg10572251Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-07-28 13:21:182023-07-28 13:21:28Camas Mayor Steve Hogan Seeking Second Term in Office
If you’re working in the construction sector during the summer, especially if you’re handling large machinery, it is important that you know all the details of every piece of equipment and the construction safety tips. It’s also imperative that everyone on the construction site knows how to run large machinery and handle any issues that may arise. Staying safe during the hot summer months means understanding and controlling the risks of extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips to help you conduct your construction work without difficulties and keep your machinery functioning properly during the summer.
1. Inspect the Drain Filters of Your Excavators
If you do not regularly check the drain filter of your machinery, especially during the summer, you could endanger it. Over 90 percent of premature excavator failures are due to a clogged drain filter. If your machine’s final drive drain filter is clogged, fix the issue early. You can get experienced professionals to help you unclog your machine’s drain filters.
2. Stay Up-To-Date With Safety Precautions
Stay on top of safety measures in the construction industry to avoid serious problems. The construction industry usually develops measures that ensure the safety of workers during different seasons. For instance, when summer arrives, workers will be advised on what to wear, how to stay healthy, and how to avoid the heat.
3. Keep Water Everywhere
Plenty of water near you is an excellent way to protect yourself from heat illness during hot weather. Ensure you drink water frequently to avoid dehydration. This water will keep your body from dehydrating and overheating. The more you drink water, the healthier you are. Ensure you drink water instead of other drinks such as soda, energy drinks, or other beverages.
4. Eat Healthy Foods
Heavy and high-fat foods will leave you feeling potentially nauseous and bloated, which is not good with extreme temperatures. Opt for lighter meals that will keep you active during the hottest part of the day. Eat sandwiches and fruits instead of French fries and a greasy burger.
5. Dress to Beat the Heat
You work in a construction zone, so you should wear protective garments to protect you from the heat and potentially hazardous environment. It is best to choose lightweight safety clothing in the summer; it provides free air movement and prevents heat from being trapped in your garments. Also, ensure you have a sunscreen to protect your skin. You can use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVB and UVA protection and a significant sun protection factor (SPF).
6. Plan Your Job’s Timing
It is best to plan a job only when the heat isn’t as intense. Arrange your work for the morning and evening hours. If you have outdoor and indoor work, plan the outdoor jobs in the morning and the indoor work in the afternoon. You can easily tackle the tough tasks when you’re still fresh and the rest when the sun begins to set.
Final Word
Summer is the best season for construction work because the weather is mostly predictable and pleasant. Still, when working during the summer, it is important to be mindful of the heat. You should take plenty of fluids, eat healthy meals, wear protective gear, get a good night’s sleep, and work when the heat is not intense to protect yourself from heatstroke, exhaustion, and sunburns.
Washougal, WA — As the school year comes to a close, 2024 Regional Teacher of the Year Donna Schatz prepares students to apply tangible job-readiness skills in her engineering class at Washougal High School. Schatz was recently recognized as 2024 Regional Teacher of the Year by ESD 112 for her adaptability, understanding, and creative application of classroom skills to solve real world problems.
Students in Schatz’s class are creating their own proposals for managing stormwater runoff issues in the Washougal High School student parking lot. Kyle Rogers, local architect and internship program director at LSW Architects in Vancouver, visited the class to discuss design proposals with the students. Schatz develops these partnerships to bring job opportunities into the classroom.
“The most valuable part of this project is that students feel a sense of ownership over their school and a purpose to their work,” said Schatz.
The project exposes students to real world applications for classroom work. “We’re creating rough draft proposals to add more green infrastructure to the parking lot, because the parking lot isn’t draining correctly and a bunch of parking spots aren’t usable when it rains because a huge puddle forms,” said Abraham White.
Students get creative to propose modern and realistic solutions to the problem at hand.
“We’re looking at how adding permeable surfaces and plants can help the parking lot to drain better,” said Emylie Guido.
Students complete this work in the classroom and outdoors on class visits to analyze the parking lot site. As the district begins planning processes with the City of Washougal and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, these student proposals will provide some insight to student perspectives on the future of the Washougal High School student parking lot.
Schatz designs learning activities that are scaffolded, engaging, and relevant to both the students and the content standards. Engineering is one of many Career & Technical Education (CTE) course options available at Washougal High School. CTE combines technical, leadership, employability and academic skills to prepare students for success in education and in life. Students can learn about STEM careers as early as 7th grade continuing through high school in engineering, applied math and computer science classes or explore one of the nine other career clusters offered at Washougal High School.
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