Tag Archive for: Camas

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

It’s the first time since 1983 that the Papermaker’s have won the team title.  

The team won a total of 14 individual medals.

Freshman Micah Bennett, freshman Arthur Jarrell, sophomore Kannon Freschette, junior Simon Jarrell, and senior Luke Webb all take home gold medals. 

Senior Beau Harlan takes home a silver medal and junior Alec Fraser wins Bronze. 

On the women’s side, Jasmine Cha wins a silver medal and Avery Vega Padilla wins her second Clark County title!

With a new presidential administration onboarding, the estate planning landscape is shifting beneath our feet. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to create or update your estate plan, there’s no time like the present, which presents opportunities and urgencies that demand attention. With anticipated changes on the horizon and favorable conditions that won’t last forever, understanding your options has never been more critical.

In this two-part series, we’ll explore what we know for certain, what remains unclear, and most importantly – what you can do about it. Next week, we’ll look at strategies for protecting loved ones who may be especially vulnerable in the coming years. But this week, we focus on taxes, interest rates, and asset protection. Let’s dive in.

What We Know About Taxes and Interest Rates

Here’s what we know: The current estate planning environment offers some significant advantages that won’t last forever. The estate tax exemption for 2024 sits at $13.61 million per person ($27.22 million for married couples) – the highest it’s ever been. That number increases in 2025 to $13.99 million per person (or $27.98 million for married couples). You can transfer substantial wealth to your loved ones without triggering federal estate taxes. This creates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many families to secure their legacy and protect their assets from future estate tax exposure.

However, we also know that this generous exemption is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2025. Without new legislation, the exemption amount will drop significantly – to approximately $7 million – on January 1, 2026. This means that gifting assets out of your estate in 2025 could give you a $7 million opportunity to move assets that otherwise could be subject to estate tax rates that have been as high as in the past. When you are considering whether to gift assets out of your estate in 2025, remember to consider:

1. Not just the current value of your assets, but what they will grow to over your lifetime;

2. You can gift assets in ways that allow you to maintain aspects of control and even use. Call me and let’s discuss it.

3. The earlier in the year you get started on your considerations, the less expensive your planning will be, and the more likely we can get it done in time, so if you are likely to have an estate over $7 million in value at the time of your death, call me immediately to schedule.

Pausing here momentarily, I want to point out something important: Your estate may be larger than you think. For tax purposes, your estate includes your home’s fair market value (minus the mortgage) and any other real estate you own, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other assets. So, while you may have assets that total less than the $13.99 million exemption in 2025, you very well could be affected by the 2026 exemption. If you want to know for sure, I can help. Read on to find out how to book a call with me.

Additionally, 2024 gift tax laws allow you to give up to $17,000 per person annually without triggering any tax consequences. For married couples, you could give up to $34,000 to each child, grandchild, or anyone else to protect assets and pass them to your loved ones without tax liability. This is separate from the lifetime estate tax exemption and represents an additional tool for reducing your taxable estate. In 2025, the gift tax exclusion will increase to $19,000 per person.

Interest rates are another crucial factor. After a period of historic high interest rates intended to curb inflation, rates have finally begun to decline (though at the time of publishing, rates are fluctuating). Lower interest rates could make specific estate planning strategies particularly effective, especially if you want to transfer wealth to future generations. To learn more, book a call with me below.

Now that you’re clear on the current state of taxes, interest rates, and asset protection, let’s shift gears and discuss what’s uncertain.

What Remains Uncertain

We can anticipate changes with the new presidential administration and legislative session, but what those changes are is unclear. Different administrations often have vastly different approaches to tax policy, which can significantly impact estate planning strategies.

Here’s what we don’t know:

  • Whether new legislation will freeze the current exemption and stop the estate tax exemption from dropping in 2026
  • How long interest rates will continue to decline
  • What changes might come to the gift tax exclusion and other wealth transfer tools
  • Whether state-level estate taxes might change in response to federal shifts
  • How treatment of retirement accounts and inherited IRAs might evolve
  • Whether new restrictions might be placed on currently available planning strategies

With all this uncertainty, you may feel tempted to sit back and see what happens. However, waiting could mean missing valuable opportunities to protect your family’s financial future. History shows us that when tax laws change, they often do so quickly and with limited opportunities to act before new rules take effect. So, the time to at least have a conversation and start the discussion is now.

Why You Need to Take Action Immediately

Combining what we know and what remains uncertain creates a clear imperative: you should take immediate action. Here’s why:

Current Benefits: Today’s high exemption amounts and declining interest rates create optimal conditions for transferring wealth. By acting now, you can lock in these advantages before they potentially disappear. Many of the strategies available today might be limited or eliminated in the future.

Future Protection: I help you create a properly structured Life & Legacy Plan that can help shield your assets from future tax changes. While we can’t predict what changes will come, we can build flexibility into your Life & Legacy Plan to adapt to various scenarios. This might include using specialized trusts, family-limited partnerships, or other advanced planning tools that can provide long-term benefits regardless of how tax laws change.

Peace of Mind: Beyond tax considerations, creating a Life & Legacy Plan ensures your wishes will be honored and your loved ones protected, regardless of what changes come at the federal or state level. This includes ensuring your healthcare directives are current, your power of attorney designations are appropriate, and your asset protection strategies are robust. I also help you keep your plan updated over time so your plan always works – no matter who’s in office.

Family Security: The actual value of estate planning goes far beyond tax savings. It’s about ensuring your family has the resources and guidance they need when you can no longer provide them. This includes protecting your children’s inheritance, providing for family members with special needs, and ensuring your charitable goals are met.

Speaking of family members with special needs, check back next week. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore specific strategies for protecting vulnerable family members and preserving family harmony through times of change. We’ll also discuss planning considerations for LGBTQ+ families, families with children who have special needs, and other situations requiring special attention in today’s environment.

Your Next Steps

I understand that these changes and uncertainties can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a Life & Legacy Planning® Session designed to help you understand exactly how these current conditions and upcoming changes might affect your family.

Don’t wait until the last minute to act. While tax considerations are important, the real value of estate planning lies in protecting your family and preserving your legacy.

Take the first step toward securing your family’s future by booking a Life & Legacy Planning Session.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Camas, WA — The Downtown Camas Association is excited to host the 2025 Volunteer & Community Engagement Summit. This event aims to connect local people with nonprofit organizations serving Camas and Washougal to build connections that strengthen everyone involved. Individuals and families can explore service opportunities, collect information about local programs, and learn more about all the important work performed by nonprofits in their community. The event will take place on Saturday, January 25th, from 11am-3pm, inside the Fuel Medical lobby located at 314 NE Birch Street in Downtown Camas.

Attendees interested in volunteerism will be able to meet with 14 unique local organizations. It will be an open house format, where people will leisurely walk through and connect with the organizations at their own pace. The goal of the event is to foster meaningful connections and help make engagement opportunities easier between organizations and potential volunteers. People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Employers that offer corporate volunteer initiatives are also welcome. Whether you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity for a few hours a month, or a longer-term commitment, you will find an organization that fits your interests. From supporting education and literacy initiatives, bolstering local food access, promoting environmental sustainability and community development, each organization offers unique opportunities for individuals to get involved and make a difference.

Participating organizations at the summit include:

100 Women Who Care Clark County

Camas Farmer’s Market

Camas Ivy League

Camas Lion’s Club

Camas Washougal Community Chest

Downtown Camas Association

EatWell Camas Community Garden

Impact-Camas Washougal

Lacamas Watershed Council

LiveWell Camas

Read NW

Refuel Washougal

Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal

Unite! Washougal

“We are thrilled to bring this event back for a second year,” said Leah Nichelson, Event and Special Project Manager for the Downtown Camas Association. “We often hear that people want to volunteer but don’t have time to research which organization is right for them. This event is a low-pressure way to meet so many great nonprofits under one roof! You can find the group doing the work that you’re most passionate about. It’s also a great opportunity for people new to the area to connect and start building a community for themselves.”

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Cedar Street Bagel Co.

New residents to the area are encouraged to attend and can pick up a Welcome Packet from the Downtown Camas Association, with information about Downtown and a special gift from Sweet Intention Gift Boutique (while supplies last).

Attendees can also explore incredible deals and discounts at participating Downtown Camas merchants during the Once in a Blue Moon Sale. Happening concurrently with the event, this sale offers the perfect opportunity to shop, save and support local businesses.

This event is organized and hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). The DCA is a 501c3 nonprofit that works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, public art engagement, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on this and other DCA events, downtowncamas.com/events-and-festivals/. Sign up for the weekly Downtown Camas Association newsletter at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/peBo4oV