Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic, located in the heart of Downtown Camas, is having some November specials — in time to pamper yourself before the holiday season.
Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation: 360.823.0795
Here are the November specials:
Laser Genesis or IPL
Buy one laser genesis or IPL treatment get the second area free: Face, Neck, Chest or Hands. Laser Genesis Treatment for texture, pore size, fine lines, wrinkles, and scaring. IPL Limelight Treatment for brown spots and facial redness.
Laser Genesis or IPL.
VI Peel
$50 off first 5 people! Come in for a free Consultation.
VI Peel.
Hair Removal Specials
Small Area $175 (for 6 sessions); Medium Area $275 (for 6 sessions); Large Area $375 (for 6 sessions).
Laser hair removal.
Botox $11 Per Unit
Botox.
Experience Matters
With over 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and expertise, Master Aesthetician, Lori Keller, knows that looking and feeling confident play a big part in our well-being.
“If you like how you look, you feel more positive and content in your daily life,” says Keller. “But environmental factors such as sun exposure, and physiological factors such as genetics and aging, all can play a role in changing your outward appearance. We help restore confidence by repairing some of the damage our environment and aging can cause.”
When Vancouver Laser Skin Care Clinic (VLSCC) decided to move its offices to Downtown Camas, they brought more than 30 years of aesthetic laser and skin care experience and an array of treatments and products that rejuvenate skin and restore your youthful glow. They feel good when you look great.
Their office at 715 NE 5th Avenue is charming, and peaceful, and is part of the history and future of Camas, a quaint and successful town that many say is a city about wellness.
“We love being part of this wonderful and historic downtown scene,” said Keller, who owns VLSCC. “And, we invite you to come see what we’re all about. — from pre-teen/adult acne sufferers to mature patients.”
VLSCC offers many services, including: IPL, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Ultherapy, Face and Leg Vein Removal, Botox, and more!
What started as a small business networking group 12 years ago has turned into an annual Camas and Washougal School District food drive to benefit Children’s Home Society, the C.A.R.O.L. program and the American Legion of Skamania County.
It’s called Stuff the Bus.
“Typically we raise on average 60,000 pounds of food,” said Tabitha Shaffer, a Stuff the Bus organizer. “A couple years ago we hit 80,000 pounds, and we literally stuff the buses. There are usually two or three buses from each high school. A total of four to six buses, and we drive around to all the local schools and pick up literally tons of food! It’s a great event!”
Beginning November 1, the area schools will begin collecting food in designated bins.
“We pick up all the food on December 6 from the schools in Camas and Washougal,” said Angie Cherry, a Stuff the Bus organizer. “We collect from everyone who has participated, and all of the kids get a high five as they help us load the food in the bus.”
Each bus is weighed before it’s filled so organizers know how many pounds have been collected. Last year, Washougal beat Camas — but it’s a friendly competition. The students bring in canned food from home and sometimes classrooms are even rewarded for their efforts.
Beginning November 1, the Stuff the Bus organizers will rally the schools to start collecting food. Volunteers will stand out in front of Safeway (November 23, 24 and 27 from 10 am-6 pm) asking for food or money donations, and Grocery Outlet also runs a promotion for food bags that can be purchased, which helps Stuff the Bus get more food for their program.
“Our goal is to provide enough food for the entire year so that our beneficiaries can give to people in need,” said Cherry.
The C.A.R.O.L. Program gathers and delivers toys for kids 18 and under, as well as family food boxes during the holiday season. The American Legion of Skamania County distributes food baskets to Veterans and Children’s Home Society distributes about 365 bags of food to families in need per month.
Children’s Home Society also supplements the backpack program.
“Every year we count on our community to support the program with cash and food donations,” said Shaffer. “We usually raise about $7,000 per school district, which goes directly to the cause with the exception of our operating costs. Starbucks in Camas and Washougal also donates coffee and hot chocolate.”
And it all comes to a fun finish on December 6, kicking off with a meeting at each High School. They load kids on the buses and then they go to the schools and collect from the area middle schools — all with a fire and police department escort.
It’s literally stuffing the buses.
Once collected, the goods are delivered to the non-profits.
Stuff the Bus is looking for businesses or people to sponsor the event. Sponsors get their name on T-shirts and get advertising on their website — www.CWBusinessAlliance.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074648/7D8ADD06-34BE-4336-B8A0-2D8473DA7F17.jpeg6561280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-02 09:41:272019-11-02 09:50:28Annual Stuff the Bus Campaign Now in Full Swing — in Washougal & Camas
The brand-new roundabouts on State Route 14 in Washougal were officially open for business earlier this week at an official ribbon cutting at Steamboat Landing Park, which was attended by local dignitaries including Mayor Molly Coston, Washougal City Council members, Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioners, and State Senator Ann Rivers.
“It is officially open to traffic, and is functionally complete,” said Tamara Greenwell, Communications Director for WSDOT’s SW Washington Region. “They are the way they’ll need to be to move forward. We still have a couple slip lanes closed, and there will be landscaping and touching up loose dirt and planting, then finishing all the electrical work. Electrical work is all of the lighting on the sections, which is being updated and we’re waiting on electrical cabinets to power the lights.”
They are installing a Washougal sign and the roundabouts feature stunning metal artwork/sculptures by Angela Ridgway. They are now there on the grounds.
“It’s a really beautiful welcome to Washougal,” said Tyler Yeoman, the project’s chief inspector. “We still have soil and plants to make it look better.”
The total cost for both roundabouts is $7.5 million, which includes design, construction, new lighting, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and landscaping.
At the ribbon cutting.
The new ITS equipment will track traffic and alert WSDOT about any issues. That will be installed in November. There are minimal traffic impacts, and Greenwell said the project will be 100 percent complete by the end of the year.
The started in late May — right after Memorial Day.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074659/E63A7849-1F99-4F82-8F25-D3E5CB70BCC2.jpeg305640Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-01 16:40:402019-11-01 16:40:56WSDOT: Washougal SR 14 Roundabouts Officially Open For Thru Traffic
I enthusiastically support Cassi Marshall for Port Commissioner. Along with many local elected officials, I was hoping to do so quietly in the background, not making an issue of it. But Bill’s campaign manager has publicly announced my position and made some misstatements about why I support Cassi.
First, I want everyone to know that this is decision between good and really great. I like and respect Bill for his many qualities and his years as a public servant; I just know Cassi is going to be amazing. Most importantly: she understands the values of compromise and partnership in public life.
Second, there are no plans to expand the runway at Grove Field. Quite the opposite: we as a commission have decided to shelve any such discussion while we focus on the Washougal Waterfront. While I continue to believe that expanding the airport would be a great economic driver for our community, I agree with Larry, Bill and staff that we can do much more good elsewhere. Cassi has told me she also supports this position as well.
One of the most important skills a public servant needs is the ability to clearly state their position, find a compromise that group supports, and then move on in partnership. One of the many things I respect about Cassi is that she understands this.
Sincerely,
John Spencer, Commissioner, Port of Camas-Washougal
Cassi Marshall is running for Port of Camas Washougal Commissioner.
The 2020 Camas High School Grad Night committee has organized a special fundraiser by selling Christmas wreaths, centerpieces and swags.
Share the joy of the holiday season with fragrant evergreen gifts grown fresh and handcrafted in the Pacific NW. Choose from wreaths, centerpieces and swags.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07074717/4DE1D4E1-1F0E-4992-A0B5-D68007AA1FE1.jpeg7461293Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-29 17:37:172019-10-29 17:37:27Holiday Evergreen Sale to Raise Funds for 2020 Camas High Grad Night
Vancouver, WA — The Carolyn Long for Congress campaign announced she raised over $600,000 in the first 12 weeks of the campaign, out raising Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler by $150,000, and setting a new quarter fundraising record for the Long campaign.
The Long campaign was able to do this from 4,782 individual contributions from over 3,200 individual contributors. 90.7% of all money raised from individuals this quarter came from in-state and 87.8% of individual contributors were low-dollar donors. The report indicates no money was donated to the Long campaign from corporate PAC’s.
“I am so incredibly humbled by the groundswell of support we have seen across the district. I am honored to have received the trust and support of over 3,000 people to flip this district bringing effective representative back for Southwest Washington,” said Carolyn Long. “We deserve to have someone in the other Washington who has our back and fights hard every single day for us, and right now we don’t even have someone willing to meet with or hear from her constituents. It’s well past time that we had affordable and accessible health care, lowered costs of prescription drugs and important investments in our infrastructure including bringing high-speed internet to every corner of Washington’s third.”
Herrera Campaign Response
“Carolyn Long and her D.C. money machine will do whatever it takes to grab hold of Southwest Washington’s third Congressional district. We have to show these extremists that our home is not a seat in Congress to be purchased to advance a socialist agenda. Long’s support for a $2,300 tax hike on working families would be just a start, hardly enough to foot the bill for her $32 trillion government takeover of our health system.”
Rep. Larry Hoff, R-Vancouver, has been appointed to the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) by Acting House Speaker John Lovick. Hoff, who serves as the assistant ranking member on the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, will represent the House Republican Caucus on the council.
“As someone with a 35-year background in business, I understand how challenging—and costly—it can be to navigate state agency rules and regulations,” said Hoff. “I look forward to working with my fellow members on the council to ensure the state building code makes sense and serves Washingtonians well.”
The SBCC provides independent analysis and objective advice to the Legislature and the governor’s office on state building code issues. It also establishes the minimum building, mechanical, fire, plumbing and energy code requirements necessary to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of Washington by reviewing, developing and adopting the state building code.
“The actions we take will affect developers and consumers in both the short- and long-term, so it’s imperative we approach every decision with thoughtfulness and care,” Hoff added. “We must also be mindful of the fact we’re facing an affordability crisis that’s affecting many of our friends and neighbors. We have an opportunity to be part of the solution through the decisions we make as a council, and I sincerely hope we take advantage of it.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/07082515/3CD50BD1-CFEF-48D4-8A19-6FBDDECDE7EE.jpeg5441125Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-28 15:34:302019-10-28 15:34:40Rep. Larry Hoff Appointed to Washington State Building Code Council
Washougal, WA — Washougal area employers, business leaders and educators came together for an evening of collaboration on October 17 at Washougal High School to help the Washougal School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department leverage existing school programs to connect with and prepare the future workforce.
“Businesses are asking us for skilled workers,” said WSD CTE Director, Margaret Rice. “We want them to understand the current work being done and the programs offered here to prepare our students for their post-secondary education and careers. An important step in this process is to create meaningful standards that, once met, demonstrate to potential employers that this student has learned the skills needed to be successful in a specific industry.”
Keynote speaker Brock Smith, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Precision Exams, works with local and state education and workforce development agencies to connect workforce and CTE in ways that help students make more informed decisions on their pathway and career options. He explained to the nearly 50 attendees that standards are the common language between industry and schools to help quantify the education experience for employers. One key aspect is then communicating employer information back to the appropriate candidates as demonstrated by individual aptitude. “We need industry to be involved and help to set these standards to assist in shaping curriculum and prepare students to be the future workforce,” he said.
As part of the assessment platform, provided by Precision Exams, employers can signal to students and future candidates which of their earned credentials represent the desired knowledge, skills and aptitude for the positions those employers are hiring. “Employers can use this tool to become a part of the ongoing review and revision of the standards, assessments and available certificates of more than 190 CTE offerings,” Smith explained. “This ensures that by the time a student has earned a certificate, or a stackable credential, that the knowledge and skills employers desperately need are represented and recognized by those very same employers.”
“I love that this Business Connections workshop is becoming an annual event,” said Rice. “Creating meaningful opportunities for business and industry folks to partner with education has not been an easy endeavor, with the typical ask being more than most can give.” Rice pointed out that this industry engagement tool is not only simple to participate in, it’s easy to pass on to others. “It also provides the added bonus of a direct benefit to students by way of certifications,” she said. “It’s a win-win-win all the way around.”
According to Smith, the ability to connect industry and education with a tool to review and give input on standards will result in teachers teaching and students learning the skills employers look for when making hiring decisions. “When businesses dedicate time to review education standards in subjects their future workers are learning, it benefits more than just their business; it helps our local economy, is a tremendous help for educators and is a great advantage for students,” Smith said.
“Helping a student discover an aptitude and area of interest early in their education provides greater purpose, empowers them, builds confidence and brings meaning to learning,” Rice said. “It answers the question every student has, ‘When am I ever going to use this?’ because they apply their learning in a practical way that links to their career pathway which keeps them more engaged. Our State recognizes the importance of this too and has created a variety of Pathways that students can take to graduate from high school related to their post-high school education and career plans.”
That engagement is why research shows that CTE students graduate at a 12 percent higher rate than those students who are not CTE concentration completers (360 hours of CTE instruction in one focus CTE area of study). The positive impact of a high school graduate on a local economy is significant and measurable in increased consumer spending and an increase in contributed state and local taxes.
The evening was sponsored by current business partners; Courtney Wilkinson branch owner of Country Financial sponsored the dinner and Mallorie Henker owner of Outlaw Coffee sponsored the coffee bar. The event was staffed with skilled WHS students from Advanced Culinary who planned, prepared and served the dinner, by members of Future Business Leaders of America, SkillsUSA and our Associated Student Body who welcomed guests and assisted participants with signing in. Even the artistic table centerpieces were created by Fine Arts Woodworking and Metals Craft & Production students.
Talking to CTE members.
“Our goal this evening was to help bring awareness to local businesses of the programs we offer as well as our work to connect classroom learning with the skills businesses are looking for in their employees,” said Rice. “Input from local industry coupled with recognition of the Career Skills certificates adds tangible value for students as it directly ties the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a pathway leading to high-demand jobs with local employers.”
Rice is working with her teachers to expand WSD local partnerships to gain insight into the needs of industry. One way they are doing this is through their Program Advisory Committees. These committees focus on providing direction, help to set and achieve goals, and assist in accessing resources to support students within specific program areas within the CTE Department.
“We have found that the key to developing the future workforce is partnering with employers to connect them with the right students and job candidates early in their educational process,” Rice said. “We also want employers to see the validity of these certifications and give students who have met the standards they have helped develop an opportunity to show them what they know maybe through a professional interview or internship.”
A Washougal School District teacher and a long-time school volunteer were recognized as Real Heroes of Clark County through the Learn Here project honoring individuals for outstanding service to students and education in Clark County. Dani Allen, art teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School and Rona Ager, parent, Booster Club member and STEAM advocate, were recognized at an award program on October 17 with 21 other honorees.
The countywide program, created by Identity Clark County, recognizes educational staff and volunteers in partnership with educational institutions for their efforts to serve the Clark County school communities. Sponsors of the award program were RealLiving Real Estate Group, Port of Vancouver USA and NW Capital Mortgage.
Dani Allen
Dani Allen is an outstanding art teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School, a position she has held for the past five years. She has worked for the Washougal School District for 12 years in a combination of Special Education and Art positions. Allen is a passionate advocate for public art, partnering with the City of Washougal and the Washougal Art and Culture Alliance to showcase student art through projects like murals in parks, art displays at City hall, and art galleries as part of Washougal Youth Art Month. She and her Club 8 students recently completed a mural on a retaining wall in downtown Washougal at D and Durgan Streets.
Allen cultivates an appreciation for different artistic styles and media, with a program that engages youth in art that is relevant and meaningful to them. Students share that Allen helped them understand art as an idea, and grow an awareness of the importance and beauty of their ideas, and that she helps build their confidence, supports them when they are not having a good day, and teaches them that they can do amazing things with their lives. Allen continues her work with students through projects in the school’s Club 8program, which offers after-school enrichment activities and interest exploration. Allen leverages student interest in technology to expand their artistic skills, with creative lessons involving stop motion animation and film making.
Pork Belly Bites at Tommy O’s at the Camas Hotel. Available during Happy Hour! Visit www.tommyosaloha.com
Allen is a champion for students with special needs and differences, too. She started a Unified sports program in 2014, first with soccer, then later with multiple teams, and eventually multiple sports. The Unified sports teams include students with special needs and abilities, helping them grow their skills so they can practice and compete with other teams around the region. Her soccer team won the silver medal at the state tournament last season. Allen was also a Gay Straight Alliance advisor for students in several schools, recognizing the impact these clubs have on promoting student inclusion and well-being, as well as fostering a safe school climate for all learners.
Rona Ager
Rona Ager has been volunteering in classrooms and supporting the Gause Elementary Boosters for nearly 10 years. She is known for spearheading and taking the lead on numerous Booster projects and is always available to help where needed around school.
Ager created and oversees the grade level enrichment program and Booster supported assemblies, bringing in at least two or more fun and unique experiences for students each year. A personal goal was to help organize with other elementary schools to negotiate discounts when contracting for presentations. This idea paid off with a guest storyteller assembly last year and this year with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Museum.
Her special interest in the support of STEAM projects lead her to organize a Science Night five years ago which has become a family STEAM Night. The past two years, the event included a Science Fair with a student science project competition during the school day for ages kindergarten to fifth grade.
She organized volunteers to help support Booster and classroom activities, took care of the bulletin boards and display case/communications, led the BoxTops and Labels collection fundraisers (one year bringing in more than $2,000 in box tops), enhanced and organized the Mustang Market, managed and started the monthly birthday display case, and has stepped up to hold various Booster Club officer roles through the years.
When beloved Gause teacher, Alisa Vail, passed after a battle with cancer, Ager organized the purchase, installation and unveiling ceremony of a Buddy Bench to honor Vail.
Ager stepped up to lead the Mustang Hall of Fame Celebrations which rewards positive student behavior, she broadened it from an extra recess to now include shows, games and special activities three times a year. She has also arranged events honoring veterans at the Veterans Day assemblies for Gause Elementary School and Jemtegaard Middle School (JMS) as well as the “Honor roll/On a roll” at JMS. She has assisted with Sport-a-Thon, Family Fitness Night, Artists in Residency and Teacher Wish List programs.
“None of what I have done over the years has been without collaborating with so many other fantastic and committed volunteers and staff doing all kinds of other things as well as backing up and supporting the areas I have led,” she explained. “It truly is a team activity to support our schools and students. It’s been an honor being a part of making great things happen in the Washougal School District!”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07074751/4795E89C-3311-4D4F-B732-45A931357941.jpeg10352328Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-18 15:34:442019-10-18 15:34:53Washougal Teacher, Volunteer Named Real Heroes of Clark County
Camas, WA — A formal Camas Mayoral debate has been set for Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 pm at the Grass Valley Fire Station in Camas, and the public is invited to attend.
All three candidates for Camas mayor — Shannon Turk, Barry McDonnell, and Melissa Smith — were invited to attend and participate in the 90-minute debate, which is being organized and hosted by Lacamas Magazine and Clark County Today.
Doors for the event will open at 6 pm, and residents are encouraged to come with questions.
“Although all the rules haven’t been set and approved by the candidates yet we encourage Camas residents to attend the event, and come prepared to ask questions,” said Ernie Geigenmiller, publisher of Lacamas Magazine. “It will be a real debate in which the candidates are asked questions by moderators, their opponents will offer a rebuttal, and there will be opportunity for real dialogue between them — as well as an opportunity for residents to directly ask questions. There are also rules of decorum at public facilities like the fire station that will need to be followed. More details to come.”
Mayor Turk and McDonnell have accepted the invitation, while Smith, citing health concerns, said she will not attend the debate.
Turk ran unopposed until early October when McDonnell, a newcomer to politics, announced his write-in candidacy. Days later, Smith, a veteran Camas City Council member, also started her own write-in campaign.
“I am excited that this has come to fruition and am looking forward to it,” said McDonnell. “I think public debate is important for an authentic democratic process and regardless of outcome, this will be a win for the citizens of Camas. I hope we get a great turnout!”
Turk didn’t issue a formal statement, but welcomed the opportunity.
The mayoral race became competitive after weeks of increasing concern about Proposition 2, the community aquatics center and sports field bond, which is on the November ballot.
We encourage you to post your questions in the comments section of this article — or on our Facebook or Instagram social media sites. You may also email us: admin@lacamasmagazine.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/07075335/4A07F9C4-A3D7-4B4C-A140-A751F09BD0B5.jpeg328600Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-10-16 15:01:392019-10-16 15:03:40Camas Mayoral Debate Set for October 22; Public Invited
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