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Events: Camas High School Graduation, Little League Fun Day

2017 Camas High School Graduation | June 16 @ 7 pm

The Class of 2017 will be honored at their graduation ceremony on Friday night, which begins at 7 pm at Doc Harris Stadium. Tickets are required for entry.

Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale | June 16 + 17 from 9 am-5 pm

Used book sale for Washougal Library
Hardcover $1.00 Softcover $0.50
Children’s Corner
$3.00 bag sale Saturday 4-5 pm
Help the Friends raise money for a larger library.

Events

 

Camas Little League Family Fun Day | June 17 @10 am

Sat, June 17, 10-2:30, Forest Home Park. Closing Ceremonies, Team Picnics, Equipment Exchange, Turn in uniforms, and a really fun carnival!

All-Stars

Aaron Geigenmiller, of the Camas Reds, competes with a Cascade Little League team.

Eco-Blitz at Steigerwald Lake NWR | June 17 All day

At the Eco-Blitz, scientists, families, and community members will work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The event is free and open to all ages. No experience is necessary! Volunteers will receive brief training on using the iNaturalist app and experts will be on hand to help identify species.

Registration is required. Snacks and beverages are provided!. You can sign up for one or more walks. Free water bottle for participants who register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steigerwald-lake-nwr-eco-blitz-tickets-33912550351?aff=eac2

7:30am-9:30am Birding
7:30am-9:30am Tracking/Mammal
10:00am-12:00pm Insect
12pm-2:00pm Reptiles and Amphibians
12pm-2:00pm Plants
8:30pm-10:30pm Bat

Where: Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Washougal, Wa 98671
When: Saturday June 17th, 7:30am-10:30pm (time shifts of various species identification groups given at registration)
What to Bring:
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen, bug repellent and a hat
• Good walking shoes
• Dress for the weather
Event Hosted By: Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards and the US Fish and Wildlife Service

Alpenrose Dairyville Returns | All Summer

Oregon’s oldest family-owned dairy is bringing back a time honored annual tradition celebrating summer and the community it has called home since 1916 with the opening of Dairyville on Sunday, June 4.

The annual celebration dating back to 1956 offers families a wholesome activity every Sunday of the summer until Aug. 27 with the opportunity to explore the Pioneer Exhibit, Dairyville School, post office, Great Western Bank, and model train display. Visitors can also take a peek into the confectionary and, of course, no visit would be complete without stopping by the Ice Cream Parlor for a delicious scoop of Alpenrose ice cream.Dairyville remains free for the public and opens every Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. through Aug. 27.

Location: 6149 SW Shattuck Road, Portland, OR

To learn more visit www.alpenrose.com

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Events: Liberty Theatre Turns 90, Farmer’s Market, Lots More

There are some fun events this week!

Liberty Theatre Turns 90!

Celebrate the 90th Birthday of the opening of the Liberty Theatre in Camas, which took place on June 14, 1927. To celebrate the occasion, the movie theatre will host a special screening of “The Princess Bride” from 1987, rated PG, the 30th anniversary of the film. The show begins at 5:30 pm. There will be free Liberty commemorative posters and some swag for the first 100 guests. Visit www.camasliberty.com for more information.

Camas Farmer’s Market

Wednesdays, June thru October 4, 3-7 pm – Come to sample some great foods, and shop at some great vendor booths. The market has a variety of local produce, plants, and food all from local vendors. The market is located on 4th Avenue in front of the Camas Library.

Flag Day at Fort Vancouver

June 14 from 5-7 pm @ Fort Vancouver Historical Site

Address: 1001 E. Fifth St. Vancouver, WA

Celebrate our country’s stars and stripes during the 23rd annual Flag Day at Fort Vancouver. The ceremony is held at the historic bandstand across from the Grant House, complete with National Anthem, a Flag History Quiz that pits fifth graders versus Clark County mayors, the mayors’ patriotic tie contest and a Declaration of Independence Skit.

After the ceremony, there will be more activities, including a tour and flag etiquette at different activities stations, with snacks, water and flags available for attendees.

2017 Camas High School Graduation

The 2017 commencement ceremony begins at 7 pm at Doc Harris Stadium.

Camas Little League Family Fun Day

Sat, June 17, 10-2:30, Forest Home Park. Closing Ceremonies, Team Picnics, Equipment Exchange, Turn in unis, and a really fun carnival!

Alpenrose Dairyville Returns

Oregon’s oldest family-owned dairy is bringing back a time honored annual tradition celebrating summer and the community it has called home since 1916 with the opening of Dairyville on Sunday, June 4.

The annual celebration dating back to 1956 offers families a wholesome activity every Sunday of the summer until Aug. 27 with the opportunity to explore the Pioneer Exhibit, Dairyville School, post office, Great Western Bank, and model train display. Visitors can also take a peek into the confectionary and, of course, no visit would be complete without stopping by the Ice Cream Parlor for a delicious scoop of Alpenrose ice cream.Dairyville remains free for the public and opens every Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. through Aug. 27.

Location: 6149 SW Shattuck Road, Portland, OR

To learn more visit www.alpenrose.com

Portland Opera Presents: Man of La Mancha

June 9 @ 7:30 pm to Saturday, June 17

The great American musical that won five Tony Awards® on Broadway will inspire you and lift your spirits!

Starring Grimm’s Reggie Lee as Sancho Panza. Author Miguel de Cervantes is about to go before the Spanish inquisition.

In this play-within-a-play, he invites his fellow prisoners to “enter into his imagination.” Assuming the character of Don Quixote, he engages them all in a tale of chivalry, undoing wrongs, and bringing justice to the world. With songs like “The Impossible Dream,” it remains one of the most enduring—and endearing—works of American musical theater.

To learn more, visit www.portlandopera.org

July First Friday (Downtown Camas)

A fun celebration of dogs on July’s First Friday! July 7th, 5-8pm. Doggie talent show with prizes and new this year, a parade sponsored by Miss Nola’s Cafe with a Mardi Gras theme in honor of the Barkus Parade at Mardi Gras! How fun! There will be Cajun Zydeco music as well by The Mudbugs from 5:30-7:30pm compliments of Miss Nola’s!

Vendors, kids’ crafts with a mardi gras dog theme, a dog breed guessing activity in participating businesses, and more! There will also be a dog and owner look-alike contest! Bring your favorite pooch (leashes required) and make a fun night of it! Parade and music sponsored by Miss Nola’s Cafe and talent and look alike contests sponsored by Naturally Healthy Pet in Downtown Camas.

The Camas Car Show!

Saturday, July 8, 2017, 4-8:30pm – It wouldn’t be summer in Camas without the Annual Camas Car Show!  Come downtown to check out all the classic and custom cars while local merchants celebrate the height of summer throughout town!

Camas Days

For two full days in July (21 -22), Camas celebrates with a parade, music, street vendors, a wine & microbrew street, and kid’s activities. Crafts and food court: 10am-8pm. Wine, microbrew and music: 5-11pm.

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Camas Little League Announces 2017 All-Star Teams

Camas, WA — Camas Little League announced their 2017 Baseball and Softball All-Star teams Monday afternoon, commencing the organization’s post-season. In all, six teams were announced — three baseball, and three softball.

Baseball teams are divided into three age groups: 9/10, 10/11, and 11/12. Softball teams are organized into three groups: Minors, Majors, and Juniors. The All-Star teams will compete in District level competition culminating in a winning team that will claim the District title. The champions in the older divisions will compete at the State level, and have the potential to play in the World Series, in August.

All-Star Baseball Team Rosters

Baseball 9/10                                                                             

  • Manager Josh Pike
  • Coach Joe Glassmire
  • Coach Ted Wieczorek
  • Parker Castellani
  • Boris Christensen
  • Sawyer Clifton
  • Thomas Clute
  • Cai Davis
  • Anthony Forner
  • Jared Forner
  • Alec Fraser
  • Mason Glassmire
  • Lukas Morse
  • Lucas Peterson
  • Brevin Pike
  • Teddy Wieczorek
  • Jack Williams

Baseball 10/11 

  • Manager Nick Kralj
  • Coach Ryan Meyer
  • Coach TJ Trujillo
  • Aaron Forsyth
  • Aaron Geigenmiller
  • Andrew Kralj
  • Owen Meyer
  • Grady Milholen
  • Carter Phelan
  • Hayden Reich
  • Jaxsen Rodgers
  • KJ Thiemann
  • Diego Trujillo
  • Trevor Wong

Baseball 11/12

  • Manager Casey Taylor                                                                                                                                                                                                          
  • Coach Bryce Gehlen
  • Coach Bryan Williams
  • Cannon Bauman
  • Stephen Behil
  • Zach Blair
  • Kaisen Burr
  • Cade Gehlen
  • Carson Gilligan
  • Ethan Hubbell
  • Jackson Knuth
  • Easton McCarty
  • Tyler Stewart
  • Aaron Sung
  • Jacob Swenson
  • Justin Taylor
  • Holt Williams

 

All-Stars

Camas Little League Mariners players talk during a time out.

All-Star Softball Team Rosters

Softball Minors

  • Manager Mark Daniels
  • Coach Dennis Jackson
  • Coach Ken Schweitzer
  • Lilia Boyd
  • Isabella Brustad
  • Claire Daniels
  • Chloe Koprowski
  • Grace Martin
  • Harmony Martin
  • Lila McGeachy
  • Lauren Mitchell
  • Charli Parker
  • Riley Sanz
  • Ainsley Schweitzer
  • Isabel Shattuck
  • Kalli True

Softball Majors 

  • Manager Rochelle Gittings
  • Coach Tawnia Chenette
  • Grace Barsness
  • Kennedy Boatwright
  • Gracie Buzzell
  • Mercy Canifax
  • Kasey Clifton
  • Samantha Gittings
  • Reagan Jamison
  • Amelia Marcum
  • Alyson Ohnstad
  • Candice Owen
  • Molly Peebles
  • Keira Williams

 

Softball Juniors

  • Manager Kim Ritter
  • Coach Ryan Bushnell (Cascade)
  • Coach Jason Cagle
  • Claire Burton (Cascade)
  • Addy Cagle
  • Natalie Collins
  • Courtney Edmunds (Cascade)
  • Gabby Esparza
  • Maggie Lyons
  • Adrianna Puckett (Cascade)
  • Darian Reeves (Cascade)
  • Alycen Templer
  • Cassie Templer
  • Avery Thamert (Cascade)
  • Kamryn Walker

To learn more, visit www.camasll.com

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Camas Farmer’s Market Kicks Off 2017 Season

The Camas Farmer’s Market kicked off its 2017 season Wednesday with an expanded number of vendors, large crowds, and good music.

Located in front of the Camas Library on 4th Avenue between Everett and Franklin streets, with the roads blocked, the market featured several fresh produce booths, multiple eateries, treats, and numerous local vendors offering an array of products and services.

Open from 3-7 pm on Wednesdays from June 7-October 4, the market continues to grow.

The market is a celebration of the region’s agricultural bounty brought to the charm that is downtown Camas. Freshly harvested seasonal produce, flowers, natural products, and a variety of prepared and hot foods fill the market. Guests enjoy chef demos, healthy living and gardening information, kids’ activities, and live local music.

The mission of the Camas Farmer’s Market is:

  • To create an agriculturally based farmer’s market in downtown Camas that provides access to local, sustainable foods,
  • To champion and support local farms and food producers,
  • To foster connections between farmers / producers and the community, including vulnerable populations,
  • To provide education and inspiration for growing, preparing and eating healthy foods,
  • To create a permanent space to bring our community together, and
  • To work with community organizations in furtherance of our mission.
Farmers

Guests visit the Truly Scrumptious booth at the Camas Farmer’s Market.

 

Farmers

Local farmers bring their bounty to the market each week.

Sponsors of the Camas Farmer’s Market:

  • Providence Health and Services
  • City of Camas
  • Downton Camas Association
  • Blossom Natural Health and Wellness
  • Rushing Water Yoga
  • Vancouver Vision Clinic
  • Riverview Community Bank
  • Rapisarda Family Dentistry
  • Whole Foods Market
  • Fuel Medical
  • Camas Washougal Community Chest
  • iQ Credit Union

If you’d like to learn more, visit www.camasfarmersmarket.com

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Camas DECA Makes History at International Conference

Anaheim, CA — The Camas High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) team had its best showing in history at this week’s International Career Development Conference, which concluded on April 29.

Finalists from Camas are as follows:

  • Liz Schwartkopf placed 1st in Automotive Services Marketing Series;
  • Ashley Miles placed 1st in Restaurant and Food Service Management Series;
  • Kevin Chen and Cami Kirby placed 2nd in the Creative Marketing Project; and
  • Skylar Becerra and Xiansheng Yan placed in the top 10 in Business Service Operations Management.

All these competitors qualified for finals in the morning at Achievement Awards Ceremony.

On Wednesday, April 26, nearly 20,000 DECA members, advisors, business partners and volunteers came together in Anaheim, Calif., for the largest-ever conference the organization has ever held.

The conference itself is an opportunity for each attendee to show his or her uniqueness and value the diversity of DECA membership, while coming together to celebrate as #OneDECA.

This year’s conference theme was Own Your Future, and included a message of unity – coming together as #OneDECA to support the organization’s mission, which is to celebrate personal strengths, to appreciate the diversity that each of our members represents, and to signify a strong organization that members want to be part of.

About the organization

Camas DECA strives to integrate learning into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to businesses, and promote competition. We are preparing the next generation to be academically prepared, community orientated, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders. The club’s adult advisors are Dave Johnson and Suzie Downs.

To learn more, visit www.camasdeca.com

DECA

Some of the Camas ICDC qualifiers with Meyers Leonard, of the Portland Trail Blazers at the LAX airport.

 

DECA

Kevin Chen and Cami Kirby placed second in CMP.

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Huckvale Earns Prestigious Eagle Scout Award

Camas Senior, Luke Huckvale, was honored Thursday night with the presentation of his hard-earned Eagle Scout Award, which is the highest honor a youth can earn in the Boy Scouts of America.

Huckvale, 18, of Camas Boy Scout Troop 694, entered the program seven years ago, and had to earn six rank advancements to achieve the Eagle honor. The ranks are Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. Within each rank, the requirements become more challenging, and require numerous tasks, merit badges, service hours, and leadership roles.

To achieve the Eagle rank, a youth must complete a challenging, and often rigorous service project that benefits the local community.

“It’s designed to demonstrate leadership, and challenge the young man,” said Ron Shake, a local District advancement chairman. “It’s designed to be hard.”

For his project, Huckvale gathered volunteers to clean up and repair several damaged and vandalized tombstones at the Fisher Cemetery in Vancouver. The group also repaired a fence which was damaged by fallen trees, and built a wooden bench, which was placed at the war memorial at the site.

Each Eagle Scout also has the opportunity to select a mentor, a person who guided the scout along the journey. Huckvale chose Scott Murphy as his mentor, and honored him Thursday evening.

“I chose Scott because he was there to not only help me with my scouting needs, but also other needs I had like emotional physical and educational needs,” said Huckvale.

Huckvale also expressed what he loved most about scouting.

“I like the brotherhood and loyalty that it brought between my friends and I,” he said. “And I loved Camp Meriwether the most because it was just a very good environment for doing everything scouting and there was a beach so that made it ten times better.

“Regarding tonight, I’m glad that all of my work finally came to fruition, and it was especially good to see how many people cared enough about me to come to my court of honor and support me.”

Nationwide, only about 5 percent of scouts earn the rank of Eagle. Since the organization’s inception, a total of 2 million boys have earned Eagle.

To learn more about Boy Scouts, visit www.cpcbsa.org

 

Eagle

Eagle Scout, Luke Huckvale, speaks at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

 

Eagle

Luke Huckvale hugs his mother, Shannon Huckvale, while his father, Derrick, looks on.

 

Eagle

A look at Luke’s scouting history.

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Calwell: “Our Kids Need Us As PARENTS”

by Sandy Calwell, Author and Swim Mom

Much has been said about the Stanford swimmer rape case. Everyone has formed an opinion, it seems, in the court of public discourse. Besides my heart breaking for the two young people whose fates collided that tragic evening, I am burdened by the feeling that many parents, in the years when parental guidance is most needed, are not stepping up and teaching and modeling how life should be lived as a teenager, and then eventually, as a mature adult.

While most will say I’m old fashioned, out of touch and naive, I still believe we can teach our young people that underage drinking is wrong and risky on a lot of levels, and that sex is not a recreational activity or a power play.

Where theory and reality collide is when we assume that others maintain the same understandings or moral guidance we do. As women we are never really safe. Even as a middle-aged woman now, out on a run I am looking around the environment where I am…because I am female, I am vulnerable…almost always when around men.

Not that all men are predators. Most men are not. But I cannot effectively determine who the bad ones are, and so must constantly be on guard. It is the human condition of a woman. That’s how I see it. In theory it shouldn’t be so, but in reality it is.

To add alcohol and a decreased level of control and awareness into the mix, you will never know what you’ll get. The odds are not in your favor.

I believe we as parents, largely, haven’t gone for a high enough bar. We expect kids to drink and have sex and assume there is nothing we can do to stop them. But I still maintain that this is faulty thinking and lazy parenting.

We must. We must model self control by how we handle ourselves with alcohol and around those of the opposite sex. Young men will not respect women if they are not taught to. Culture will teach them otherwise.

A woman’s body is beautiful and alluring. It will draw attention whether she wants it or not. Real men know this to be true and will honor her, while honoring themselves in their conduct and speech.

So there it is. A mom of a son, who’s a collegiate swimmer in California, who has found herself sleepless over the anguish of both sets of parents, and over the girl who was so violated and mistreated that she believes her value will always be lessened because of that night. I am praying for them all.

Our kids need us as parents. Our kids need to know God loves them, values them and holds their bodies and minds in highest regard.

If I could talk to every high school and college kid, I would tell them, “You are loved, dear and precious. Don’t risk your future, safety or reputation for things that don’t satisfy. It’s a lonely and disappointing road. Take the high road. Be the one who stands against the tide. Stand strong…and pray to the God who loves you. He will be there for you.”

Calwell is the author of “What If Parenting is the Most Important Job in the World?”

Her Facebook page is: Sandy Calwell Books

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Clark College Jazz Student Receives Highest Award

Vancouver, Wash.— The Clark College Music Department is proud to announce that music student, James Powers, has been awarded the University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festival’s highest award, a tuition scholarship to attend the world famous Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.  Powers was recognized as one out of only four recipients to receive this prestigious award from the 8,000 participants who performed at the national jazz festival.  James is currently a resident of Gresham, Oregon but graduated from Heritage High in Vancouver.

The Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop is recognized as being one of the best intensive programs for mastering jazz improvisation.  The festival features the nation’s leading jazz educators and performers and is dedicated to providing an intensive learning experience for musicians of all ages and levels. Theory Classes, Ear Training, Combo Performance, and Master Class Sessions allow the opportunity for attendees to grow and develop to their fullest potential, and each evening attendees get to listen to faculty jazz recitals presented by some of the leading jazz musicians around the world.

To learn more, visit www.clark.edu

 

 

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Camas Places 4th Overall at Oregon Relays

Eugene, OR — Attending Track and Field events at Historic Hayward Field is always fun, and to some it’s disappointing that Camas athletes placed fourth overall at this year’s Oregon Relays, in contrast to winning it all in 2015, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

You see, life is about balance, and Camas athletes chose to attend their junior and senior proms on Saturday, April 16, so by 4:30 pm Papermakers had left the field and went home to get ready for their big night. Points were left on the track, for sure. It’s OK.

But, until that point, the Papermakers made an impressive run, and for most of the meet they were way ahead of eventual meet winner, Summit, who won by 12 points. Grant High School placed second, and Mountain View, of Idaho, placed third. At one point, Camas was ahead by 30 points. Had they been able to stay, most observers say they would have picked up another meet victory.

“Camas should be SO incredibly proud!” said team coach, Alisa Wise. “There were the likes of Coronodo (San Diego), Mountain View of Idaho, Valor Christian of Colorado, Canadian National Athletes, Cerritos of California, Long Beach (Wilson) of California, and of course all the “bigs” of WA and OR. Camas led the entire meet …. then our kiddos needed to headed to PROM mid afternoon which left us with no more “dogs on the fight” so to speak. It was tough to sit and watch as those talented teams racked up some points against our pretty solid lead as Camas had to leave some points on the track for our amazing kiddos to attend PROM.”

“I’m amazed at the commitment level and fortitude of our athletes!” she continued. “Our athletes came and competed in every event they could up to the time they would need to leave for PROM…and then some…leaving in the afternoon, scooting home with parents to clean up and make it home. We even had one gal get her hair done IN EUGENE, run the 4 x 800m relay, then jump in the car, change into her dress on the way home and meet her group!”

There were some impressive results, such as Caliegh Lofstead’s Pole Vault numbers (2nd place at 12-09.50), the Boys 4×800 relay (2nd place) and the Camas team’s first try at the Steeplechase.

So, here’s how things turned out:

Camas Boys Team Oregon Relay Results

3000M: 3rd: Yacine Guermali, 8:32.15

3K Steeplechase: 4th: Dustin Zimmerly, 10:08.20

4×800 Relay: 2nd: Adam Ryan, Cade Greseth, Yacine Guermali, Dustin Zimmerly, 7:54.42

SM 200-200-400-800m: 4th: Zach Terry, Jason Driver, Adam Ryan, Cade Greseth, 3:35.44

DMR 1200-400-800-1600m: 3rd: Daniel Maton, Adam Ryan, Dustin Zimmerly, Yacine Guermali, 10.26.94

Shot Put: 12b.: Dakota Napierkowski: 43-07.25

Javelin: 9th: Cooper McNatt: 162-01

Hammer: 9th, Mason Ellis, 140-06; 17th, Grant Jones, 106-09.

Freshman 100: 8th: Zach Terry.

Oregon Relays

Dustin Zimmerly was the last leg of the 4×800 Relay at the Oregon Relays on Saturday.

Oregon Relays

Adam Ryan competes in the 4×800 relay.

Camas Girls Team Oregon Relays Results

1500m 11th: Emma Jenkins, 4:48.58

3K Steeplechase: Emily Wilson, 11:49.24

4×200 Relay: 17th: Emily Karkanen, Cambrian Gulzow, Aliya Ponder, Karsyn Quade, 1:49.37

4×800 Relay: 5th: Emma Jenkins, Alex Jones, Rachel Blair, Ellie Postma, 9:56.56

SMR 200-200-400-800m: 5th: Aliya Ponder, Karsyn Quade, Cambryn Gulzow, Ellie Postma, 4:21.29

DMR 1200-400-800-1600m: 4th: Emma Jenkins, Ellie Postma, Maddie Woodson, Rachel Blair, 12:16.10

Shot Put: 14th: Nkem Aduka, 35-09.25

Discus: 23: Nkem Aduka, 101-02.

Pole Vault: 2nd: Caleigh Lofstead, 12-09.50

Long Jump: 19th: Alexa Dietz, 15-08.25

Hammer: 7th: Haleigh Lubbock, 156-00; Maggie Wells: 16th, 99-02; Morgan Kielty, 20th, 88-01

To learn more, visit www.athletic.net

 

Oregon Relays

Mid-way through the 4×800 Girls event at the 2016 Oregon Relays.

Oregon Relays

Rachel Blair runs at Historic Hayward Field.

 

Oregon Relays

Zach Terry competes in the Freshman 100.

Oregon Relays

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Camas Resident in Ecuador Safe After Quake

Guayaquil, Ecuador — Although her parents haven’t heard directly from her, Camas resident and 2013 Camas High graduate, Paige Jackson, who is currently serving an 18-month LDS mission in Ecuador, has been accounted for, and is safe following the largest earthquake to hit the region since 1979.

President Maxsimo Torres, who heads the Ecuador Guayaquil South LDS mission (where Jackson has been assigned) issued the following statement:

“Terremoto en Esmeraldas 7.8. Todos los misionero (a)s en la misión estamos bien. All missionaries in our our mission accounted for and doing well. Gracias al Senor por sus tiernas misericordias! We are grateful for the Lord’s tender mercies!”

Residents along the Ecuador coastline were most affected by the 7.8 earthquake, which struck Saturday at dusk local time, turning hundreds of thousands of lives upside down.

Jackson’s parents, Jeff and Temple Jackson, found out about the massive earthquake about 9:30 pm Saturday. Their family has been active contributors to the local community for 20 years. Paige, and her twin sister, McKenna, played on the Camas High School Girls Varsity Basketball team, and siblings Brynn and Jefferson “Bubba” currently attend CHS.

“We spent most of the night hoping she was OK,” said Temple. “We’re glad to know the missionaries are all accounted for.”

Ecuador Earthquake

Hermana Paige Jackson, center, blonde hair, is safe and accounted for in Ecuador, following Saturday’s devastating earthquake. This photo was dated March 15, 2016.

The death toll soared from under 100 on Saturday night to 238 on Sunday afternoon — and it’s expected to rise, according to CNN. At least 1,500 people were injured, said Ricardo Peñaherrera of Ecuador’s national emergency management office.

The cities of Manta and Porteviejo were the hardest hit, with buildings totally collapsing, and roads and overpasses destroyed. The earthquake hit Saturday night causing houses to collapse and knocking out power in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s most populous city, authorities said. People left their homes and wandered around, some sleeping in the streets.

Ecuador Residents Describe Earthquake

Zoraida Gallegos, a Duran, Ecuador resident, said “The earthquake hit right at 8:50 pm and the lights went out immediately. Electricity was out all night. It’s been very scary, but we put our faith in God.”

Gallegos provided most of the images in this article.

Local officials asked residents to not travel on Sunday, so emergency personnel could get help where it’s most needed.

Ricardo Blum, who lives in Babahoyo, Ecuador, said “there were several families who lost their home last night, and they are currently staying in the local church. I’m grateful my family is fine.”

He said there’s a lot of devastation, but that people are helping each other.

“We’re grateful that nothing really terrible happened in Duran,” said Carlos Pincay. “We did feel the quake and it lasted a long time. A few things fell down. It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like that. In other parts further north many have died, and there is much devastation. Today, nobody attended church, and we hope there won’t be any aftershocks.”

Angel Romo, who lives in the mountains, in a city called Ambato,  said “We felt the quake up here in the mountains, but we didn’t have the devastation they had on the coast.”

In a race to help residents, Ecuador deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the affected areas. The armed forces built mobile hospitals in Pedernales and Portoviejo and set up temporary shelters.

In addition, because of destroyed highways, first responders are having trouble transporting water and other much needed supplies to the hardest hit areas.

Pincay said local communities and church members are sustaining each other until additional help arrives in those areas.

Technology also played an interesting role in this tragedy. In order to not tie up phone lines, many Ecuador residents, with connections to United States citizens, have used the Facebook Safety Check App, which allows family and friends to connect during emergencies.

That’s how this reporter found out about the earthquake. My phone lit up with alerts about friends in Ecuador. Thank you, Facebook.

The Jackson family will provide updates on Paige as they learn more.

Ecuador Earthquake

The Facebook Safety Check alerts family and friends about the status of loved ones during a tragedy.

 

Ecuador Earthquake

Porteviejo, Ecuador, was one of the hardest hit areas in this quake. Photo provided by Zoraida Gallegos.

 

Ecuador Earthquake

Porteviejo, Ecuador, was one of the hardest hit areas in this quake. Photo provided by Zoraida Gallegos.

 

 

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