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

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

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

Director of Communications: Bryan Rachal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blood
www.acreativetwistcorp.com

Director of Parks and Recreation: Trang Lam

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

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

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

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

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

Timing and Selection

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

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

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

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POLITICS: Congresswoman Herrera Beutler Applauds COVID Relief Package

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) applauds the final agreement on a recently passed COVID relief package in the House and Senate.

“With so many Americans out of work, small businesses on the brink of permanent closure, and families struggling to make ends meet, I’m relieved to have helped Congress reach agreement on another COVID relief package that will provide immediate aid to individuals and communities,” Herrera Beutler said. “I’ve been tirelessly working to get this relief to those who need it, both by developing the framework for the agreement with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and keeping the pressure on Democrat leadership with a discharge petition to circumvent D.C. gridlock and pass a small business relief bill.”

“This relief should have been delivered to the American people months ago. Nevertheless, residents will benefit immensely from additional forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans that have been small business lifelines, an unemployment insurance extension, direct cash payments, assistance for our frontline health care providers, and funding for more readily available COVID vaccines and testing.

“I remain confident that America will get through this crisis and thrive on the other side, and I’m going to continue doing everything I can to maintain the bridge to get us there.”

COVID relief legislation highlights:  

  • $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program for first-and second-time borrowers
  • Federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, for up to 10 weeks, for the period of December 26, 2020 – March 14, 2021
  • $600 Economic Impact Payments for adults and dependents
  • $82 billion for schools and universities to assist with reopening for safe in-person learning
  • $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen
  • $68 billion for vaccine purchase, distribution, testing, and existing provider relief fund

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

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

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

How does it work?

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

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

What are people doing?

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

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

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

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

Senior
Winter wear at www.lilyatelier.com
Senior
Maddox Hickox, a Skyview senior.
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Camas, Washougal Have Varying New Year’s Eve Fireworks Ordinances

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

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

Camas, however, does allow the mortar fireworks. 

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

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

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

This includes:

  • Fountains
  • Sparklers
  • Smokeballs
  • Snake-type
  • Ground-spinning
  • Pinwheels
  • Most novelty
  • Toy-trick noisemakers
  • Some crackling items
Fireworks
www.champpizza.com

ILLEGAL

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

This includes:

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

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Washougal School District Prepares Weeks of Holiday Take Out Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The federal food program has been extended through June 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washougal
www.champpizza.com
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Pop-Up Blood Donor Center Event Coming to Black Pearl in January

Washougal, WA — For the first time ever, Washington State and Oregon held Blood Donor Day on December 18 to commemorate the Amtrak 501 passenger train heading from Seattle to Portland that was tragically derailed on December 18, 2017, prompting immediate action by first responders to aid everyone aboard the train. Injured passengers were transported to local hospitals, and cared for with the blood donations made by our community. The care provided was only possible because our shelves were stocked, weeks prior, with enough blood.

“But our efforts to keep a health and safe blood supply doesn’t end there,” said Lauren Reagan, of Bloodworks. ”Bloodworks needs all donors to keep donating throughout the winter season to help our preparedness plan and be ready for anything. Donating blood is a simple act that can mean so much to those in need.”

Today’s special day is also preparation for January, which is National Blood Donor Month.

“January is National Blood Donor Month, so what better time to make a donation and impact someone’s life? That “someone” could be a loved one or friend,” said Reagan. “It’s the time of year when local blood supplies are dipping due to high patient demand. Don’t wait until a person close to you needs blood, act now by giving at a Pop-Up Donor Center near you.

The next Pop-Up Donor Center will be held January 4 and 5 at the Black Pearl on the Columbia, which is located at 56 South 1st Street, Washougal, WA 98671. Hours are 8:30-2:30 pm each day.

• Link to Book Appointment:  https://schedule.bloodworksnw.org/DonorPortal/GroupLanding.aspx?s=686b

• Bloodworks Vancouver Donation Center: 9320 NE Vancouver Mall Blvd Ste. 100 Vancouver, WA 98662

All donations are by appointment only. The one hour donation appointment is a safe and essential action to support local hospitals and patients. The pop-up centers are being conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines. No walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. All donors are required to wear masks during their appointment. Bloodworks has posted information addressing questions and concerns for blood donors at bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus.

Blood
www.acreativetwistcorp.com
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Tech Scene: Easy-to-Use New Camas Info App Goes Into Beta Testing

Camas, WA — The new Camas Info App, which is currently in beta testing, was built to help connect Camas businesses, residents, and visitors. Designed as a local business directory and news aggregator, it offers perks for users and benefits for local businesses. 

“The Camas App is a simple business directory that provides users with useful information about local businesses and makes it easy to discover new ones they may not be aware of,” said Joseph Graves, Owner of Workshed.

Workshed and Lacamas Magazine shared several clients and were discussing ways to help more businesses when the idea for a Camas App came up in conversation.

“I had an idea about a cool local business directory app, and Joe said he was already working on it,” said Ernie Geigenmiller, Editor & Publisher of Lacamas Magazine. “So, we’ve been working like crazy to get it built.”

“It’s a great way to leverage the power of the Lacamas Magazine audience to further strengthen our local economy” said Graves. “We’re working hard to make the app super easy to use and give local businesses a powerful way to connect with new customers for their products or services.”

At launch, Camas businesses will have several in app marketing opportunities including standard listings, premium listings, and Daily Deals, with more planned for the future. A portion of the revenue will be shared with local nonprofits — Community Chest, Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Camas Association.

“Users will be able to see what’s happening with their favorite stores and businesses in one place,” said Geigenmiller. “It’s a win-win for residents, visitors, and businesses. Companies are signing up very quickly, and the waiting list is growing.”

To register for early access to the app, visit www.camas.info.

Invitations will go out when it’s ready for general use, and Lacamas Magazine will provide regular updates.

This is a short video overview: https://youtu.be/RyZNhjfii68

App
What is the Camas App?
App
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com
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Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies Find Body of Missing Camas Teen

Camas, WA — Late Wednesday night, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they found the body of Tyler Schmidt, 15, a Camas resident who has been missing since Monday.

Deputies on the scene said they went searching for Schmidt in the woods near Discovery High School, and about 200 yards from the road — Nan Hendricksen Way— is where they discovered his body. The deputies said it appears to be a suicide, and don’t suspect foul play.

Schmidt went missing Monday at 11 am after leaving his home in the Winchester Hills neighborhood in Camas. The report said he threw his cell phone in a moment of anger, and left the residence. 

This story will be updated.

Deputies
Tyler Schmidt flyer.
Deputies
Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies near the site where Schmidt’s body was found.
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Open Camas Schools Group to Hold 2nd Rally, ZOOM Blackout Thursday

Camas, WA — Parents and students in the Camas School District are holding their second rally along with a ZOOM classroom blackout December 17 to once again ask the district to open Camas Schools to wider in-class instruction. 

This Thursday, December 17 at 3:30 pm (setup at 3 pm), parents and students will meet in front of the Camas School District office located at 841 NE 22nd Avenue and at 4 pm march to 5th Avenue and proceed down 4th and 3rd Avenues. 

Andrea Seeley, one of the event’s organizers, said “the group is gathering in a safe, socially distanced manner aimed at sending a message to the Camas School District that we want our students to have the choice to be back in school, in person. We are marching in solidarity with other Clark County school districts (Hockinson, Ridgefield, Evergreen and Vancouver) on the same day to their respective district offices.”

Seeley added: “We believe our teachers and our schools are essential and that kids need and deserve the option to return to in-person learning. On this day, December 17, our students will not be engaging in any classwork, attending any ZOOM classes or doing homework.”

Heather Deringer, who is also helping with the rally, said parents and students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend, wearing masks and with their own homemade signs. 

The group has partnered with several local businesses to set up stations to sign petitions for a return to a broader in-person learning option. Currently, Camas School District has about 600 students in the classroom. Petitions will be set up at Hidden River Roasters (536 NE 5th Ave), A Beer at a Time (216 NE 3rd Ave), Camas Barber Shop (214 NE 4th Ave), Squeeze and Grind (537 Cedar St) and Salud (224 NE 3rd Ave). 

“We encourage the community to sign the petition and order takeout at these businesses at the same time, supporting our local community during the recent extension of the shutdown in Washington State,” said Seeley.

The Open Camas Schools group cites a growing body of evidence at the national and state levels, including the Director of the CDC, UNICEF and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who  have all stated that schools are the safest place for kids to be. 

“Washington State School Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, recently acknowledged the failure of distance learning to appropriately engage students,” said Seely. “Numerous research studies around the world have documented the alarming rise of depression, anxiety, suicide, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse as a strong driving factor that support the return of children to in-person learning.  The skyrocketing number of failing kids is a trend that needs to be addressed differently and immediately. Other Washington state school districts and private schools within the state where COVID case numbers are similar are open to in-person learning and are providing good models for moving ahead safely and effectively.”

Today, Governor Inslee encouraged school districts statewide to start re-opening.

“Now that we have a better understanding of how the disease spreads and have developed health and safety protocols specific to schools, we are in a better position, we have more confidence when it comes to phased-in, in-person learning,” he said.

Inslee said that while he does have the ability to close schools for emergencies, he does “not have the statutory authority to make them reopen.”

He is, however, hoping that these new recommendations will give school districts the confidence to begin in-class instruction.

Open
Open Camas Schools rally on Everett several weeks ago.

Inslee’s new reopening guidelines include the following:

  • Districts where COVID cases are less than 50 residents per 100,000 people: In-person learning should be made available to all students.
  • Districts where COVID cases are between 50 and 350 residents per 100,000 people: Districts are encouraged to phase in in-person learning, starting with elementary and middle school students.
  • Districts where COVID cases are greater than 350 per 100,000 people: Districts are encouraged to bring elementary students “and those with the highest needs” back into classrooms in small groups of 15 or fewer.

Clark County has 450 cases per 100,000.

The Washington Education Association (WEA) issued a statement following Inslee’s announcement that said:

“The trust and confidence that we can safely return to school is something that must be earned. It would have been easier to build that trust with educators with more communications in advance from the Governor about these pending changes.

“We agree with the Governor that the spotlight should be on L&I safety requirements, which are key for building trust with educators, students and families. Districts must meet those requirements on day one. We need to know that there is adequate PPE, distancing, ventilation, an active and trained safety committee in each building, effective plans for contact tracing, testing and clear communications regarding protocols for what happens when a case is detected in school.

“Implementing these guidelines in areas where school is still remotely operating will take time. We are concerned that the way these changes were rolled out implies that school can resume before there is time to put these safety measures in place.

WEA’s focus will be to advocate that these requirements are fully in place before any expansion of in-person teaching and learning.”

The Open Camas Schools group feels they represent many students.

“Students are not being heard,” said Seeley. “Their pleas to return to school and resume extracurricular activities fall on deaf ears as administrators from school districts to teacher’s unions to health districts all seem to want to point fingers in other directions without taking responsibility. Nobody is asking students what they need or listening to their voices. Open Camas Schools believes that the district needs to put the students first.  We are hopeful that Dr. Snell will renew his focus on the Camas School District and its students, teachers and staff. Our hope with the event is to keep the focus on putting ALL kids first.”

School
Rally and march map.
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