Tag Archive for: Camas

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Explore the History Behind Camas Homes at Upcoming CWHS Program

CAMAS, WA — The Camas-Washougal Historical Society invites the community to an engaging and informative program, “Camas Historic Homes and First Owners,” featuring the extensive research of Madeline Mesplay, a dedicated volunteer at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.

This free event will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 4 pm at the Camas Church of the Nazarene Community Center (2204 NE Birch Street, Camas).

Over the past two and a half years, Mesplay has uncovered rich historical details about nearly 400 Camas homes built between 1900 and 1939—including their first owners and, in many cases, their original builders. Her work has included walking neighborhood surveys, capturing original photographs, using Clark County GIS data, and conducting extensive research at the Washington State Archives in Olympia.

“My presentation will mostly follow a chronological timeline,” said Mesplay. “It’s fascinating to see the town’s development over the decades—some years saw a surge in construction, while others were quieter, even before the Great Depression. During the Depression, homes tended to be smaller and more modest.”

One area of focus for Mesplay is identifying homes built by prolific local builder John Roffler, who is credited with many of Camas’ most iconic structures. His first known project was the stately Leadbetter House on Lacamas Lake.

In addition to architectural and historical insights, the presentation will include personal stories of the early residents—some who lived quietly and others who made lasting contributions to the Camas community. Mesplay also discovered intriguing connections between the local housing market and the influence of the paper mill during that era.

Mesplay’s research background is extensive. She previously documented Washougal properties in a collection that spans five 3-inch binders. Each record includes a photo, address, plat description, and information about the first property owner, genealogical notes, and—when available—the builder.

“I first learned land research in Oklahoma, working with tribal allotment records,” she said. “Later, I volunteered at the Clark County Historical Museum, where I was trained in urban land research by Brad Richardson.”

To schedule an appointment to view this research or explore the TRHM’s extensive archives on local families and properties, call 360-835-8742 or use the contact form at www.2rhm.com.

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum is open to the public Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. through October. Group tours for eight or more can be arranged by calling the museum. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, and free for children under 5 and CWHS members.

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City of Camas to Launch New Utility Billing Customer Portal

Camas, WA — City of Camas residents will have a new way to access their utility bills when the City launches the new Customer Utility Access Portal, Monday, April 21. The new customer portal is part of the City’s upgrades to the utility billing software, which is part of the larger Tyler ERP conversion project the City has been undergoing.

In order to create an account in the new portal, residents will need their new account number and their customer number.

For most customers, the customer number will be their existing utility account number, and the new account number will be on the upcoming bill.  To help with this transition, the City’s Finance Department will host a series of open houses in the coming weeks to help residents navigate the new portal, including providing them with their new account number in advance.

The open houses will take place in City Hall at 616 NE 4th Ave., dates and times are as follows:

Tuesday, April 22: 9 a.m. – Noon

Wednesday, April 23: Noon – 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 24: 9 a.m. – Noon

Tuesday, April 29: Noon – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., and again from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 1: Noon – 3 p.m.

Staff will also host an open house, Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. – Noon, by appointment only. Residents interested in signing up for the Saturday open house can do so by sending an email with time preference to finance@cityofcamas.us This open house is subject to change depending on interest.

In addition to the new portal, the ERP conversion also includes a new City services app that allows residents to report issues, access City directories and link to other important City information. Residents will also be able to access their Utility Billing account and apply for permits and licensing once the app is fully completed.

More information and updates can be found at https://www.cityofcamas.us/finance/page/utility-billing or https://engagecamas.com/ubupdate

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Camas School District Cuts 38 Teachers From Payroll, More to Come 

Camas, WA — Due to a $13-$16 million budget shortfall for the 2025-26 school year, newer educators in the Camas School District are being laid off, with more cuts expected next week. Thirty-eight teachers received layoff notices this week.

Eight to 8.5 percent of the district’s teacher workforce will lose their jobs for the coming year, said Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone.

Provisional teachers (who have were hired in the last three years) will not have their contracts renewed, said the district’s Communications Director, Doreen McKercher.

To close the deficit, the district also needs to cut 13 percent of its classified, non-educator support staff, as well as 29 percent of its administrative positions. The cuts are due to the following factors: inflation, student enrollment decreases (which means less state money), the end of federal pandemic relief funds, and a smaller reserve fund. The district is also grappling with the possibility of losing federal funding (about 10 percent of its budget) due to its refusal to (under direction from the state) to comply with President Trump’s executive order to cease Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs district wide.

Cuts were also made in February, with the elimination of administrative positions at multiple schools district wide.

Anzalone said additional layoffs will come early next week.

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Preliminary Work Begins on Vancouver Washington LDS Temple Site

Camas, WA — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received approval to begin early construction work on the site of the future Vancouver Washington Temple. With the necessary permits in place, crews will start clearing the land, installing essential utilities, and realigning Bybee Road to accommodate the temple’s construction. These initial steps will prepare the site for further development and ensure proper infrastructure is in place.

“The commencement of this work marks an exciting milestone in the process of building a house of the Lord in the Vancouver area,” said Elder Gordon L. Treadway, Area Authority for the Church. “This sacred place will be a tremendous blessing for the many Latter-day Saints in the area and throughout Southwest Washington. We are grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration from the city of Camas.”

The building permit and design work for the Temple is ongoing, and while an official groundbreaking date has not yet been announced, an announcement regarding the groundbreaking will be forthcoming.

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are considered sacred places of worship, where members participate in religious ordinances that strengthen their faith and family bonds. The Vancouver Washington Temple will serve Latter-day Saints in the region, providing a place of peace, worship, and spiritual growth.

Further updates, including the groundbreaking date and additional construction milestones, will be announced as the project progresses.

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Copperworks Artist David Gerton Releases Indigenous Peoples Collection

Camas, WA — Copper Works Artist David Gerton has just released the first two pieces of his Indigenous Peoples Collection, and has this message:

Hello Everyone, 

I have always been fascinated with Native American traditions, cultures and legends. 

Copper Works Art is happy to present EAGLE PLUME and TASHENANAMI the first two pieces in the Indigenous Peoples of America Collection. These are Mixed Media Copper under crystal resin mounted in floating antique gold shadowboxes. Many more tribes will be forthcoming. 

FIND THE HEARTS! 

Native American culture sees color in Four Directions. From these Four Directions, West, North, East, and South, come the four winds. The special meanings of each are accompanied by specific colors, and the shape of the cross symbolizes all directions. Specific details regarding colors associated with directions varies by Tribe. 

To the West is Black where the sun sets, and the day ends. For this reason, west signifies the end of life … “toward the setting sun of his life”.  The great Thunderbird lives in the west and sends thunder and rain from its direction. For this reason, the west is also the source of water: rain, lakes, streams and rivers. Nothing can live without water, so the west is vital.

North brings the cold, harsh winds of the winter season. These winds are cleansing. They cause the leaves to fall and the earth to rest under a blanket of snow. If someone has the ability to face these winds like the buffalo with its head into the storm, they have learned patience and endurance. Generally, this direction stands for hardships and discomfort. Therefore, North represents the trials people must endure and the cleansing they must undergo.

The East yellow (gold). It is the direction from which the sun comes. Light dawns in the morning and spreads over the earth. This is the beginning of a new day. It is also the beginning of understanding because light helps us see things the way they really are. On a deeper level, East stands for the wisdom helping people live good lives. Traditional people rise in the morning to pray facing the dawn, asking God for wisdom and understanding.

South  is White (Silver). Because the southern sky is when the sun is at its highest, this direction stands for warmth and growing. The sun’s rays are powerful in drawing life from the earth. It is said the life of all things comes from the south. Also, warm and pleasant winds come from the South. When people pass into the spirit world, they travel the Milky Way’s path back to the south, returning from where they came.

These colors are particularly embraced by the Dakota and Lakota Sioux tribes.

“Tshenamani” also known as “Moving Robe Woman” was a Sioux woman warrior who fought against General George Custer in the Battle of Big Horn to avenge her brother, One Hawk, who had been killed by Custer and his soldiers when they charged on horseback into the large Lakota village near the Greasy Grass River.   She was 23 at the time. She died at age 81 in 1935.

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How Do 3D Glasses Work Anyways?

If you take a look around the room, you’ll notice that you already see in 3D. Yet, something changes once you start to watch a movie or view an image that causes everything you see there to take on a two-dimensional appearance. New technology has transformed how you can enjoy a movie today by offering the ability to wear special glasses that create a 3D experience. Naturally, being able to put on a pair of glasses and see things differently sparks curiosity. Whether you’re wondering how 3D glasses work or are preparing to teach a science or technology class, it’s fun to delve into the details of what makes this magical experience happen.

Start By Understanding How Normal Vision Works

The first thing you’ll want to know is that the human head already functions like a 3D viewer. Although it’s a part of your face that barely gets much thought, the space between your eyes plays an important role in how you see the world. This gap helps you to see items that are in the distance while also being able to judge the general location, depth and shape of the things that you see in your field of view. The reason why you only see things from a 2D perspective in a movie or picture is because the image is taken from only a single camera rather than how things would be perceived through two eyes.

Get a Basic Overview of How 3D Images Work

To make a 3D photo or image, the creator uses multiple angles that are eventually superimposed on each other. Since your eyes currently operate as a 3D viewer, this causes the 3D images to appear blurry and unfocused when you view them without the special glasses. Adding the right type of 3D glasses gives the images depth and distance so that your eyes can process them properly again.

Interestingly, the history of 3D cinematography involved creators considering adding special views to the floor of theaters to allow people to view the movies from there. Unfortunately, the installation process was too expensive for the average theater to feasibly include in their budgets. The good news is that the ability to create individual glasses for people to wear helped to make 3D movies affordable for theaters to show and more enjoyable for the typical moviegoer.

Know the Difference Between Polarized and Anaglyph Glasses

You might have noticed that various theaters and other entertainment sources sometimes have different 3D glasses that they hand out. Exploring how the two most common types of 3D glasses work gives you more insight into why you may want to pick out a specific pair.

Anaglyph glasses are the typical cardboard glasses that you’ve seen in theaters that have one red lens and one cyan, or blue, lens. The simplest way to understand how these glasses work is that the red lens serves as a filter that takes out the redness in an image while the cyan lens does the same for blue. When this happens, the image takes on greater shape and depth that is capable of being processed by your eyes. Despite the lenses in these glasses filtering out the colors, you’ll notice that your eyes make up the difference in colors to allow you to see all of the hues in the images.

Polarized glasses look similar to sunglasses, but they have a slight tint on the lenses. At first glance, it may be difficult to tell how these could ever function as 3D viewers. But, it makes a lot of sense once you understand the technology behind them. To work, polarized 3D glasses only allow light waves to pass either vertically or horizontally through them. These types of 3D movies are made using two different images that are meant for each eye, and the polarization ensures that your eyes only see the specific image they are meant to. This has the effect of creating an illusion of depth.

Now that you understand how 3D glasses work, you’ll be able to take a moment to appreciate the effects when you watch a movie or view an image. In fact, it’s fun to pick up both types and conduct a brief experiment to see how each one works as you view different types of images and movies. Now that you understand how your vision changes in response to lenses that reflect colors and light in unique ways, you’ll be ready to tell everyone you know about how amazing this type of technology is for enhancing your favorite movies.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for American Paper Optics

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Experience Clarkson’s Newest Alcohol Ink Paintings at RedDoor Gallery

RedDoor Gallery proudly presents the newest works of fine art by Matthew Clarkson at a special First Friday Art Walk reception on March 7th from 5 to 8 pm. The swanky artist reception features RedDoor Gallery’s complimentary refreshments and hospitality. Meet other represented gallery artists and discover what inspires their work.

“The world of pottery and painting exposes me to two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds,” says artist Matthew Clarkson. “Pottery is a tactile experience that seeks balance between form and function. I’m constantly aware of weight, feel and aesthetics as I’m hand building with clay.”

He says it’s very satisfying to create something with his own hands that someone else then holds in their hands in a functional way.  

Gorgeous hand-built clay works are just the beginning of Clarkson’s successful artistic pursuits. He is also an experienced painter. “I currently use alcohol inks in my paintings because they open up a  vibrant world of color and movement. I look to the outdoors for inspiration in my work,” said Clarkson. “The alcohol inks add a spontaneous element to my work and constantly surprise me as I explore abstract landscapes and horizons.”

“Matthew Clarkson has remained one of our top selling artists at RedDoor Gallery since we opened last May,” said Liz Pike, owner of the gallery. “Our clients love his original art and we are honored to represent his work. This new collection in large format are among Matthew’s finest works,” added Pike. 

Also on tap for First Friday, March 7th, RedDoor Gallery presents Shirley Bishop’s “Winter of Birds” Glass Workshops. The public is invited to these casual, drop-in classes on Friday, March 7th from 4-8 pm and on Saturday, March 8th from 12-4 pm at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas. There’s no need to register; cost is just $25 per glass bird. Shirley will skillfully guide students of all ages as they design their own fused glass birds in about twenty minutes or less! Choose from three glass designs including robins, hummingbirds or cardinals.

“These popular drop-in classes are super fun and really easy,” said Shirley Bishop.  

Since opening last May, RedDoor Gallery quickly became the “art hub of Camas.” RedDoor Gallery invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The art gallery is located in the historic building at 411 NE  Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Kimmie Burmaster, Matthew Clarkson, Wendy Davis, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, Gail Harrington, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike, Tamra Sheline, Catherine Snyder and George Throop.  

The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in  RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail pikeadvertising@comcast.net.

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5 Ways to Prepare for Your Spring DIY Projects Now

Over the winter months, you might have noticed parts of your property starting to degrade. Or, you might have big dreams for your backyard that you can’t wait to start working on. When you love DIY projects, it’s hard to wait for the winter to end. But, the recent warm weather serves as a reminder that sunny days are just around the corner. While you might still have a few weeks to wait before you can dig into your project, you can take steps now to prepare for your upcoming springtime renovations.

Start With An Overview of Your Project

Now is a great time to start creating strategies for your spring projects. Whether you’re planning a small update such as hanging string lights or a major landscaping overhaul, getting a plan in place helps you know what arrangements you’ll need to make in a few weeks. This is also a good time to brush up on any skill sets that the project requires. Reviewing how to sand wood or install a water feature gives you a head start on your seasonal updates. Since you’re starting out early, consider putting the plan into writing. You can also draw a general outline of what you plan to accomplish. Bringing your outline with you when you shop for supplies helps you get everything on your list.

Recruit Assistance With Heavy Lifting

If you’re planning a large-scale project, then you might need assistance as you work. For instance, building a shed could involve lifting heavy panels or boxes. Take a moment to review your plans and identify any areas where you might need help. Then, reach out to your family, friends and others who might be able to assist you with doing the work safely. As you work through this process, you might also need to connect with special service providers such as electricians.

Prep Your Truck For Hauling Materials and Tools

Owning a truck makes these kinds of projects easier, and you’ll be able to leave rental vehicles out of your budget. Yet, you’ll also want to consider how your project can impact your truck’s value. If you plan on hauling branches, heavy materials and other supplies for your project, then now is a good time to make sure the bed is up to the task. Choosing a truck bed liner requires thinking about your preferences for the final results, and you’ll be glad you put in the effort to update your vehicle when it’s time to throw heavy tools in the back.

Determine Your Preferred Disposal Method

If you have a solid truck bed liner in place, then you might be able to haul away trash and debris on your own to save on disposal costs. But, you might also prefer to contact your local trash services company to find out if they pick up large objects on specific days for free or if there are any community clean-up days hosted by your HOA that offer this service. If not, then you can also explore dumpster rentals for bigger projects such as tree removals that you know will generate large amounts of debris.

Establish Safety Protocols at the Project Site

After you have the main plan in place, you’ll be ready to finish up by focusing on a few of the easier details. For instance, you might want to pick up some caution tape, cones or other safety warning signs that let people know to stay away from the area while you work. This is especially important if you share the yard with children who might be curious about what is happening during the project. If your plans involve pouring concrete, then erecting barriers can also ensure that no one accidentally walks across the new surface until it is fully dried.

Taking some time now to plan for your spring projects helps you to break through the winter doldrums with thoughts of sunny weather in the future. You’ll also enjoy knowing that you have time to tackle smaller projects that are better to do before you begin the bigger ones. From maintaining your tools to updating your work truck, you’ll be ready to get to work on the first spring day with perfect weather for working outside.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Brumleve Industries

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See Dazzling Fused Glass Art by Shirley Bishop Inside RedDoor Gallery 

Brilliant colors are bursting forth inside RedDoor Gallery (RDG) at a special First Friday Art Walk reception which spotlights new fused glass works by Shirley Bishop along with her signature collection of Valentine themed art. The swanky artist reception happens on Friday, February 7th from 5-8 pm and features RedDoor Gallery’s complimentary refreshments and hospitality. Meet other represented gallery artists and discover what inspires their work.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, RedDoor Gallery presents Shirley Bishop’s Heart of Glass Workshops. The public is invited to these drop in classes on Friday, February 7th from 4-8 pm and on Saturday, February 8th from 12-4pm. There’s no need to register; cost is just $20 per person. Shirley will skillfully guide students of all ages as they design their own fused glass hearts in about twenty minutes or less! “These popular drop-in classes are super fun and really easy,” said Bishop.  

Shirley Bishop discovered the art of glass fusing in 2013. Since then she has established herself as a premier fused glass artist and fused glass art instructor in the region. Her “Studio 13 Glass Art” studio is nestled within the serene landscape of rural Washougal. It’s more than just a studio; it’s a sanctuary where creativity thrives. 

“I love sharing my passion for fused glass with both art patrons and students,” said Bishop. In addition to teaching others in the art of fusing glass, she also books private and group sessions at her Washougal studio.

For more information about her fused glass instructional programs, or to book a class, visit www.studio13glassart.com. 

Since opening last May, RedDoor Gallery quickly became the “art hub of Camas.” RedDoor Gallery nvites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The art gallery is located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Kimmie Burmaster, Matthew Clarkson, Wendy Davis, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, Gail Harrington, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike, Tamra Sheline, Catherine Snyder and George Throop.  

The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail pikeadvertising@comcast.net.

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All You Need is Love … & Chocolate! For Feb. First Friday

The community is invited to join chocolate-themed games, tastings, activities, art shows, and more at the “All You Need is Love…& Chocolate!” First Friday event in Downtown Camas on February 7th from 5-8 pm. The evening will also feature a ribbon-cutting for a new business and the launch of a new specialty cocktail and dessert series at an established local roaster. Shoppers can find romantic gifts and assorted sweet treats for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday all throughout town. This delicious fan-favorite event is brought to you by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and Downtown Camas merchants.

A 5 pm ribbon-cutting will celebrate the grand opening of the family-owned Backpacker Pizza at 421 NE Cedar St. Owners Jami and Rod Harris proudly offer local house-made ingredients and fresh hand-tossed dough. They also have a selection of gluten-free and vegan pizza options available.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees are encouraged to check out the new specialty cocktail and dessert series from Hidden River Roasters, 536 NE 5th. This new series, Hidden River After Dark, is planned for upcoming First Fridays from 5 pm-8 pm, with an eye on expanding during the summer months. The evening will feature hand-crafted cocktails, like the classic Espresso Martini and the sweet Raspberry Love, alongside Hidden River’s house-made desserts and pastries. Their full menu of beverages and light fare will also be available.

Treasure seekers and art enthusiasts can look forward to the new Art Hearts Scavenger Hunt activity for First Friday. Search for a little hidden glass heart around downtown (50 in all!), bring the heart back to the DCA tables in Journey Church and receive a certificate for a handcrafted ceramic heart created by Norris Arts and sponsored by a local downtown business. Find a Heart, Get a Heart! (one per person).

Other First Friday activities include:

  • Guess the candy jar amounts at each participating location and be entered to win the candy and other great Valentine’s-themed prizes
  • Art shows, receptions, and classes, including a special jewelry show at Gallery 408, 408 NE 4th; a gallery reception and classes with fused glass artist Shirley Bishop at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas; and “Buzz and Bloom: Art” by Joanne Adams Roth and Cindy Wilson Geffel at the Second Story Gallery, 625 NE 4th
  • Celebrate Love and the 7th anniversary of Nick & Tami Calais, who were married at the Liberty Theatre in Downtown on February First Friday in 2018. Get a selfie with them and receive a ticket to win a special prize.
  • Sample Healthy Chocolate from Downtown Camas specialty chocolate maker DownLow Chocolate at Journey, 304 NE 4th, and at Camas Cellars, 602 NE 3rd.
  • All ages singer-songwriter open mic at First Friday Unplugged, inside LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, hosted by Minor Record Label
  • Free kids’ activities and crafts hosted by Journey Church and Girl Scout Troop 30376, 304 NE Birch
  • Spin the “Name That Candy!” Wheel with the DCA in the Journey lobby. Guess the candy bar featured and get a raffle ticket for a Candy Bar Bouquet.
  • Special sales and chocolate treats throughout downtown shops and restaurants

“This First Friday is full of so many sweet activities!” says Brie Marais, Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “Between the new Art Hearts Scavenger Hunt activity, the wonderful art shows, the Valentine’s Day shopping and crafts, and all the delicious chocolate, it’s truly an evening full of joy and fun! We’re looking forward to officially welcoming Backpacker Pizza, and we can’t wait to see everyone come together for another First Friday in Downtown Camas!”

Passport & Activity lists are available at the DCA tables in Journey, 304 NE 4th, starting at 5pm.

First Fridays are art, activities, dining, and after-hours shopping-themed family-friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and develop community. For more information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/all-you-need-is-love-and-chocolate/ or the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook page. Sign up for the weekly DCA newsletter for more downtown event info at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/peBo4oV

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