Tag Archive for: Camas

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Camas-Washougal Chamber Honors Citizen, Business Person, Educators of the Year

Washougal, WA — The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet Tuesday honoring the Citizen, Business Persons, and Educators of the Years, as well as student scholarship recipients. Held at the Orchard Hills Golf Club, Executive Director Jennifer Senescu emceed the program. 

2023 Citizen of the Year: Pat Suggs

Contributions to the Community: Suggs has served the Camas-Washougal community for 47 years. During that time, she also raised six daughters. She was a volunteer teacher for the Camas Community Education Program, has been a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and although she doesn’t have boys, she was a Cub Scout leader, as well. 

Suggs has been the Young Women’s President at her church and is responsible for all of the 12-18 year olds. She runs a program to enhance the progressive growth of young girls. Suggs was also the Relief Society President at her church where she oversaw the activities of all Latter-Day-Saint (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) women ages 18 and over. It is the oldest women’s organization in the United States.

She works on food drives for the community. Including support for the Children’s Home Society of Washington. She also ran their backpack program for over 5 years. Suggs collects cups for Hathaway Elementary Schools Program of Affordable Gifts for Parents as well as clothing and shoes for the Family Resource Program for Washougal School District.  Suggs is a Book Fairy, which is a program that provides equitable opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive. 

Today at 74 years old, Suggs is still involved in the community.  She serves on the Drug Take Back Program, the Unite Committee, Two Rivers Heritage Museum Committee and is Co-chair on the Washougal Safe Board. 

Pat also volunteers at Hathaway Elementary School each week where she helps teach reading and Spanish.  And, according to her husband, she does all of these things for one simple reason. Her love of this community. 

2023 Businessperson of the Year: Chris Dierickx, Straubs Funeral Home  

As the owner of Straubs Funeral home in Camas, Washington, Chris Dierickx has been a member of this community for over 26 years. Dierickx has helped thousands of families during what is one of the the hardest times in their lives. He makes himself available all hours of the day and night. He is genuinely caring and extremely compassionate. In his service, Dierickx wears many hats, including,  a shoulder to cry on, guide, rock and a friend to those in need. 

The C-W Chamber received a record number nominations for Chris to be named Businessperson of the Year for 2023. 

“It is a clear testament to his commitment and work in this community,” said Senescu. 

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CW Businessperson of the Year Chris Dierickx (right) with CW Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Senescu and Washougal Mayor Dave Stuebe.

Educators of the Year: 

CCMS Science PLC Team at Washougal High School: Ryan Hooser and Patrick Rice

Ryan and Patrick, science teachers at Canyon Creek Middle School, are a high functioning team committed to their collaboration.  They use the instructional materials provided through the Amplify curriculum and supplement with hands-on experiments and activities for their students.  They spend time in each other’s classrooms learning and brainstorming new ideas on how to create engaging lessons for their classes. Their work, and focus on achievement, has resulted in state assessment scores far higher than the state average for science. 

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Washougal Educators of the Year Ryan Hooser and Patrick Rice with WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton.

2023 Camas Educators of the Year: Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton

Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton came together in the Fall of 2021 to restructure and redesign the Adult Transition Program at Camas High School. They work with students aged 18-21 served by Individualized Educational Plans in the newly named Adult Transition Training Center (A.T.T.C.) housed at The Heights Learning Center. Although there may be teams that have worked together for a longer length of time, there is no team more committed to providing a positive and exceptional experience for their students. In the short time they have worked together, they have been able to impact a large number of students and are directly responsible for many of the successes that these young adults have achieved. 

Together they are able to motivate and encourage students who would otherwise feel lost within the constraints of the regular curriculum. They work hard at establishing a strong rapport with each individual and their families. Each can always be found going the extra mile that can make a difference for these students. Eakins and Patton both promote community access for their students and work hard to facilitate opportunities that allow them to learn real-world applicable skills that will support them as they move beyond a high school setting. 

Eakins and Patton truly believe in the concept of “firm goals, flexible means” as they continually improvise and modify for their students. They see and serve all students and families as they ready them for the transition into the world beyond the public school system. 

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Camas Educators of the Year Stephanie Eakins and Whitney Patton.

2023 Camas High School Scholarship Recipient Olivia Brotherton  

Brotherton will be attending Oregon State University this fall where she plans on studying biology while she works toward becoming a veterinarian. At Camas High School, she is on The National Honor Society and is involved with the CHS Choir. Brotherton has volunteered with multiple local organizations including Buddy and Food Box Builder. She is involved with St. Joseph’s Church and has served as a Vacation Bible School Counselor. She has also served as an Equestrian Camp Counselor at Cantera Equestrian. Brotherton plans on doing an internship with Next-Vet this summer. 

2023 Washougal High School College Scholarship Recipient Carter Nichols

Nichols will be attending Eastern Washington University this Fall where he plans on studying nursing or pre-med. Three years ago, Nichols began as a volunteer at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital. He spent the summer of 2021 completing a volunteer internship program where he spent 72 hours assisting with discharges, delivering meals and checking in visitors. Since Nichols turned 16, he has been a caregiver in the memory care unit at Touchmark. 

Nichols began taking health classes at Cascadia Technical Academy his junior year. He says that is what truly sparked his interest in the medical field. It’s also where he learned that caregivers must be good listeners and empathetic conversationalists. 

Nichols is one of five siblings. His mother is a social worker and his father is a Firefighter/paramedic. 

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CW Scholarship recipients Olivia Brotherton and Carter Nichols.
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Downtown Homeless Person a Convicted Felon, Spent Time in Jail

Camas, WA — Carmen Copeland, a downtown Camas transient, who has been accused of desecrating US flags, squatting in public spaces, as well as yelling at and slapping pedestrians, has a criminal record dating back several years.

Copeland, 50, a Romanian native, has taken residence in public downtown Camas spaces for at least six months, and according to court documents, was convicted in a jury trial on November 3, 2020 of HARASSMENT – DEATH THREATS and sentenced to 85 days in jail.

Years previous, Copeland and her ex-husband, Mark Copeland, went through a nasty divorce. Mark was represented by attorney and former Camas City Council member, Deanna Rusch, who became the recipient of numerous death threats and harassment initiated by Carmen. In addition to the jail sentence, Carmen was issued a restraining order to never get within 1,000 feet of, and have no contact, with Rusch. That order expires November 4, 2025. 

According to her arrest documents, dated August 29, 2020, Carmen was arrested in Camas on charges of felony harassment against Rusch, who had been receiving numerous threats for years. 

The official arrest report says the following:

“On 8/27/20 at 0707 hrs, Chief Mitch Lackey of the Camas Police Department received an email from Carmen Copeland (carmencopeland68@gmail.com). 

“Carmen Copeland has had a long standing child custody dispute with her ex husband, Mark Copeland, who resides in Camas. Officers of the Camas Police Department, along with myself, are familiar with Carmen and this long standing child custody dispute. Deanna Rusch represented Mark Copeland during the divorce and won a judgement against Carmen. I called Rusch, who confirmed she knew Carmen and wasn’t surprised to receive such a threat.

“I contacted Copeland on 8/27/20 at 1907 hrs. I questioned Copeland about the email, and showed her the email on my phone. Copeland admitted to sending the email in question to Chief Lackey this morning. I asked Copeland why she threatened Deanna Rusch in the email. Copeland said she wouldn’t hurt Rusch and blamed the sentence “MAKE SURE DEANNA L RUSCH FAMILY LAWYER OF MARK WAYNE COPELAND AND JUDGE JOHN P. FAIRGRIEVE UNDERSTAND THAT SHE WILL BE CHOPPED TO HER DEATH FOR HURTING ME AND MY CHILDREN FOR SO LONG AND THEY ARE SEXUAL PREDATORS AND SEXUALLY DEVIATED GARBAGE JUST AS MARK WAYNE COPELAND” on the auto correct feature on her phone. I asked Copeland if she was intending to hurt either Rusch or Judge Fairgrieve, and she told me no, adding she was not a violent person.

“Later that evening, I contacted Deanna Rusch via email. I asked Rusch to explain her relationship with Carmen Copeland. Rusch told me Carmen has filed numerous civil actions against both her and her law office since she represented Mark in the divorce. Rush said Carmen has mental health problems and she isn’t sure what she is capable of. Rusch said since I had informed her of the threat, she has been afraid to go outside. Rusch said she has contacted co-workers, family, and neighbors to let them know about the threat. Rusch said she is considering obtaining a no contact order against Carmen and is genuinely afraid of her.

A criminal history check revealed Carmen Copeland has prior convictions for Criminal Trespass 1st Degree, and for violating a DV No-Contact Order.”

Camen’s prior criminal history includes:

  • Criminal trespass on October 2, 2018, for which she was convicted on December 6, 2019.
  • Domestic violence (court order violation) on October 2, 2018, for which she was convicted on December 6, 2019.

In divorce documents, Carmen was accused of child abandonment and neglect and having emotional or physical problems that impaired her ability to parent. Mark won full custody of their children, and Carmen was not granted any visitation rights until she sought psychiatric counseling. Carmen has also lost multiple appeals to her criminal convictions.

The divorce settlement left Carmen with a house, a vehicle, and financial resources. 

Downtown Camas merchants are very uneasy with the rising homeless and panhandling issues and the owner of 4 Ever Growing Kids, Amy Begley, presented their issues to City Council on Monday, pleading with the city to remedy these issues. 

City Council member Jennifer Senescu said at Monday’s council meeting she will work with police and encourage a staff report to find ways to resolve the present situation with Carmen. For his part, Mayor Steve Hogan apologized to veterans present at Monday’s council meeting for the desecration of the American flag incidents on Memorial Day, in which witnesses says Carmen removed flag, spit on them, and cursed them. 

Carmen
Probable Cause Information.
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Downtown Camas Merchants, City Face Growing Homeless Problems

Camas, WA — The homeless and panhandler problems in downtown Camas and in other areas of the city came to a head on Memorial Day when Carmen, a homeless woman who sleeps on sidewalk benches along 4th Avenue, was accused of desecrating American flags on display. Local veterans had placed the flags to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day.

“On Monday morning we heard a commotion, while having breakfast at Natalia’s Cafe, and we saw a lady who threw an American flag on the street and then she spit on it,” said Sonny Liston, a U.S. veteran, and commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW #4278).”

Liston said Carmen cursed the flag, and yelled “I don’t want this flag in my house!” 

“Other VFW members confronted her, called the police and things got heated,” said Liston. “She started yelling at all of us, and the police were called. The police talked to her and to all of us, but no arrest was made.”

It’s one in a string of incidents with Carmen, and others who continue to sleep and squat along 4th Avenue. A younger man, named Jordan, was asked to leave the premises last week while panhandling on Lutz Hardware property.

Barry Lutz, owner of the Lutz Hardware building, said his tenants have been a dealing with unauthorized use of the upstairs office bathrooms. A homeless man used the facilities to clean up and left a big mess on the premises. Lutz plans to place additional security measures inside his building.

“I’ve been involved in a couple of these experiences,” said Amy Begley, owner of 4Ever Growing Kids at 4th and Dallas Streets in downtown Camas. “We had one incident on Camas clean up day and while cleaning up Carmen (who has spent four months camping outside her store) was yelling at me in front of my children and I got into quite the argument with her. I called the police because I didn’t think this was appropriate for this to happen in front of all these families and instead of coming down to tell me what my rights were the police decided to give her a rundown of her rights. I don’t believe she has the right to use that space as she does. Her stuff is on the bench 24/7. She moves around during the day but she keeps her belongings here.”

Begley said the police “treat me like I’m the nuisance, like I’m the problem.”

Begley also reported an altercation Carmen had with a customer. 

“She (Carmen) smacked the hands of one of my customers who inquired about her being there, and she told them go away or she would call the cops on them.”

Lacamas Magazine also asked Carmen about why she uses this space, and she replied: “I’m busy, get out of my space.”

Jordan told Lacamas Magazine “I’m here because my family dropped me off to get money.”

The employees at Juxtaposition reported that their customers are concerned because they too have been threatened by several people wandering the streets, and said “unless the problem goes away we won’t shop here anymore.”

So, what can be done?

“I have received comments from several citizens and am aware of the incident that occurred on Memorial Day,” said Camas City Council member, Jennifer Senescu. “I have reached out to Mayor Hogan, Administrator Quinn and Chief Lackey requesting a discussion on how to best handle this situation.  I recognize the importance of addressing this matter and will work with my peers toward a resolution.”

The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) has also held meetings with city officials to address the growing issue. 

Downtown Camas employees have expressed feeling unsafe at night (when working late) as they see another homeless man wander the streets on an ongoing basis. And, the city was able to clear Goot Park of a homeless issue that arose there months ago.

“We are aware of the situation that occurred (on Memorial Day),” said Bryan Rachal, City of Camas Communications Director. “Camas PD was dispatched to the situation and determined that it did not rise to the level of arrest or citation. Homelessness in itself is not a crime, as such we follow standard protocol and connect the individuals with the Clark County Council for the Homeless. We understand the public’s concern and will continue to discuss options internally.”

Senescu plans to address the problem in official City Council sessions, and local merchants plan to formally address the homeless and panhandling issues.

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Carmen relocated to a city sidewalk bench in front of the Camas City Hall Annex building on 4th Avenue.
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Jordan said his family drops him off in downtown Camas to ask people for money.
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Camas High School Honors 16 Students at Letter of Intent Signing

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Athletics Department honored 16 student-athletes Friday morning who signed letters of intent for the colleges and universities they will be attending, and competing for, this Fall. 

Here are the student-athletes:

GRACE COMBS is heading up to Seattle to continue her education and athletic career at Seattle Pacific University where she is getting a full ride between athletic and academic scholarships. She was part of three league champion track and field teams in her time at CHS and she was a recognized all-league player. On campus, Grace was a pride inside winner and active with National Honors Society. She will be going into Nursing at Seattle Pacific. 

Parents Chris and Krista, Sisters Faith, Hope, and Joy. Memorable moment running in her first district meet and just the way the team felt like a family. 

JOSHUA DABASINSKAS is heading north to Bellevue College to continue his basketball career. Josh was part of the first boys’ basketball team to make it to the Dome that placed sixth this year. He was a two- time GSHL champion with the program. As a team captain he broke program records as the all-time leader in charges taken in a game, season, and career. At CHS, he took six AP classes and was a three-time state qualifier for DECA. He will be working toward a business degree at Bellevue. 

Parents Debi and Stephen, brother Jonathan – Memorable moment was the San Diego holiday tournament. 

MADISON HUBBARD is heading out to the Mid-West to attend Minnesota State University Mankato. Maddie was part of three district champion teams at CHS. She is the 100-meter school record holder, and place 3rd in the 100-meter race. Maddie excelled in the classroom as a Pride Inside Recipient who also has held a 3.97 GPA. She will be pursuing a degree in Aviation. 

Parents Deja and Nik – Memorable moment was the Bed Bugs at the Oregon Relays. 

ELI HUNTINGTON will be continuing his golf career while also serving our nation as he heads to the Air Force Academy. Eli was our league MVP twice, finished first at districts twice, and had two top five finishes at the state tournament. He led our team to a sixth-place finish in 2023 and fifth place finish in 2022. He will be studying Aeronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy. 

Parents Brad and Lee, Brother Owen – Memorable moment was playing two years with his brother on the team. 

THEO MCMILLAN is continuing his journey as a student-athlete at Seattle Pacific University. Theo was part of the record breaking 2023 basketball team that was the first boys’ team to make it to the Tacoma Dome where they took home a sixth-place finish. Theo ended his career with 49 wins and eleven other team records including the assist record for a game, season, and career. Theo also played soccer this year and was the GSHL defensive player of the year. He will be pursuing a degree in education and coaching science. 

Parents Sean and Jennifer, sister Lola and brother Eli – Memorable moment was beating Tahoma at the Tacoma Dome in the state playoffs. 

AMELIA MERRITT is heading down to Monmouth to run at Western Oregon University. Amelia lettered four straight years in track and cross country. She helped the track team tack home three district championships and get a 5th place finish in state in 2022. She showed her leadership through her senior project, she created and led her on offseason training group to get the team ready for the season. She will be going in to Dental Hygiene. 

Parents Zoe and Scott – Memorable moment was throwing up at district twice and still finishing her race. 

NORA MELCHER is heading up to Lacey to attend St. Martin’s University and play soccer. Nora is a three-time league champion, two time bi-district champion, and won a state championship in 2021. She was a two-time second team all-league player, and was honored as a first team player this season. She will be pursuing a nursing degree at St Martin’s.
Parents Jessica and Ben, brother Nick, sisters Ivy and Anna – Memorable moment was the San Diego holiday tournament. 

MARCO ORLANDO is heading down to McMinnville to attend Linfield University where he will play soccer. Marco was part of the 2023 League Champion soccer team at CHS, and was part of a state quarter finalist team as well. He is looking forward to Linfield as it is close to home, gives him an opportunity to continue playing, and thinks it is a great fit academically. He is undecided for what degree he will pursue. 

Parents Meredith and Joe – Memorable moment was riding buses to away games with the team. 

HAYDEN REICH is crossing the country to head to Florida and compete at the University of Tampa. Hayden has made a huge impact in our running programs during his time at CHS. He has been part of eight team league championships between Track and Cross Country, while competing with the team at the state level in 2021 and 2022 for cross country and 2022 and 2023 for track. As a two time all region first team runner and two-time league runner of the year, Hayden led the way the last two years. He will be going into business finance at the University of Tampa. 

Parents Erica and Henry – Memorable moment was running in the state cross country meet two times. 

OLAJUWON SOBOMEHIN is heading across the river to continue his wrestling career at Pacific University in Forest Grove. Juwon was part of the 2023 district champion CHS wrestling team. He placed at the district and regional tournaments this year, and got to wrestle at state in the Tacoma Dome. He has been a leader in our student body while being honored as a student of excellence by our social studies department. He will be pursuing a business degree at Pacific. 

Mom Rachel, Dad Niyo, and Stepdad Jon – Memorable moment was placing in regionals, going to state, and being named a team captain. 

JACOB SWENSON will be heading south to play baseball and attend Linfield University. Jake was part of two league championship baseball teams here at CHS while making it to the state sweet sixteen twice. Jake’s performance on the mound, at shortstop, and at the plate earned him first team all-league recognition this year. He lettered three years while also maintaining a 3.9GPA in the classroom. He will be going into Sports Management at Linfield University. 

Parents Diane and Gregg, sister Megan – Memorable moment was getting to play in the state tournament up north. 

ASHLEE TUPPER is heading to Viterbo University to continue pursuing her soccer career. She was part of two league championships, one bi-district championship and a state championship soccer team here at CHS over the two years she competed. She also competed with the Timbers FC Academy while maintaining a 3.86 GPA. She will be going in to Nutrition and Dietetics as she starts her college years. Parents Joe and Julee, brother Luke and sister Jasmyn. 

J.P. WARNELL is staying close to home and will be playing soccer for Clark College next year. JP was part of a league champion team in 2023 and also part of the team that made it to the state quarterfinals in 2022. As a team captain, he was the offensive player of the year this season while being first team all- league. This followed up a second team all-league selection as a junior. He looks to pursue a degree in business. 

Parents Rob and Niki – Memorable moment was the bus robbery in Puyallup his junior year. 

MORGAN WETZEL will also be heading up to Lacey and playing soccer at St. Martin’s University. As a three-time varsity letterman, she won three league championships and was part of the 2021 state championship team. She was a second team all-league selection this season. She also was a leader in our building as a Pride Inside winner in 2019. She will be going into Pre-Law at St. Martin’s. 

Parents Matt and Kirstin – Memorable moment was winning the state title in 2021. 

CHLOE WHITE is heading across the country to attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort where she will play soccer next year. Chloe played one year of soccer at CHS, and made it count as it was the state championship year in 2021. During her high school years, she was able to experience playing overseas in Spain with the Tovo Academy and Villanova FC. She will be pursuing a degree in sociology and criminology. 

Parents Sarah and Lloyd, sister Charlotte. 

KEELY WIECZOREK will be taking her goal stopping skills to Colorado as she will be attending Colorado Mesa University to continue her soccer career. Three league championships, two bi-district championships, one state championship, three first team all-league selections, two first team all-region selections, and one first team all-state selection, Keely racked up the accolades during her four varsity letter years at CHS. She did all that while maintaining a 3.95GPA and earning herself a Pride Inside award as well. She will be going into Biology at Colorado Mesa. 

Parents Ted, Linnea, and sibling Teddy – Memorable moment was winning the title in 2021. 

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Portland Commander Tina M. Jones Selected as Next Camas Police Chief

Camas, WA —  Following a nationwide search, the City of Camas announced today that Tina M. Jones will be the next Chief of the Camas Police Department.

Jones will assume the position effective July 3, 2023.  However, Council will have a vote to confirm the appointment at the June 5 City Council meeting.

Jones was one of four finalists brought in for a multi-day interview process, that included meeting with the public, the City Senior Leadership team and peer subject matter experts, among others.

“It is a great honor to be selected as the next Camas Police Chief,” said Jones. “I am very excited to join the excellent Camas Police Department team, and to serve this fantastic community.”

According to Camas Mayor Steve Hogan, Jones stood out as the clear choice for the role.

“Tina’s background and her commitment to law enforcement really stood out, but her understanding of our community and where we need to grow made her the right choice,” said Hogan. “While the other candidates were stellar, Tina had everything we need currently, and everything we want for the future of our police department. We’re very excited to see what she’ll bring to Camas.”

Jones currently serves as a Commander for the Portland Police Bureau, after joining the department in 2001 as an officer. Prior to working with the Portland Bureau, Jones served as a Corrections Officer for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office in California.

Jones will replace current Police Chief Mitch Lackey who is retiring from the City after 32 years of service.

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Step Back Into Local History at Second Annual Parkersville Day This Saturday

Camas-Washougal, WA — Camas and Washougal history will be celebrated and shared at the second annual Parkersville Day, on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Parker’s Landing Historical Park in Washougal, located at the Camas-Washougal Port Marina.

Parkersville Day harkens back to the olden days. In May of 1879, a Parkersville event advertised as a “Grand Excursion & Picnic at Catalpha Grove on the beautiful steamer City of Quincy” took place in Parkersville. The activities included swings run by horsepower, an aerial trapeze performance, fat men’s race, wheelbarrow races, croquet grounds, sack race, and greased pig race – all with prizes. There was a large dance floor with a fine brass band playing.

The Vancouver Independent reported on July 8, 1880, that “More than 1,000 people were present at Catalpha Grove at the celebration on Monday, and the festivities did not close until a very late hour.” 

Just like the event in 1879, the annual Parkersville Day offers brass bands, croquet and wheelbarrow races plus Corn Hole (bean bag toss) and Quoits (ring toss) – games played in the late 1800s. Scout Troop 562 will be running the event games with the help of volunteers from Lions, Rotary, Journey Church, and Jeff Carlson from the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port. Winners of all ages will receive their choice of historic candy prizes or an event souvenir sticker. Tootsies or Salt Water Taffy – both started in the 1800s – will be the candy choice for game winners. In 1896, Austrian immigrant Leo Hirshfield started the Tootsie candy in a small New York City shop. He wanted an economical chocolate candy that didn’t melt easily in the heat as an alternative to traditional chocolates. He named the candy his daughter’s nickname, Clara “Tootsie” Hirshfield.

When David Bradley’s shop flooded during a major storm in 1883, the salty Atlantic Ocean soaked his taffy. Mr. Bradley jokingly offered a customer “salt water taffy.” Joseph Fralinger popularized taffy in 1886 by boxing it and selling it as an Atlantic City souvenir. Fralinger’s first major competitor, Enoch James, refined the recipe, making it less sticky and easier to unwrap. James also cut the candy into bite-sized pieces and is credited with mechanizing the “pulling” process.

Parkersville Day introduces the community to the Chinook Indian Nation, Clark County Historical Museum, Two Rivers Heritage Museum, Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port, Parkersville Heritage Foundation, Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, Whiskey Flats Brass Band, WSU, Washougal High School Band, and an art contest organized by Washougal School District Art Specialist Teacher, Alice Yang, and sponsored by the Washougal Arts & Cultural Association (WACA). 

Alice Yang, Washougal Art Teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School and Canyon Creek Middle School was recognized with two Smart/Maher Teacher of the Year awards by VFW Post 4278 and VFW District 6 at an assembly on January 17, 2023. She is one of two teachers in Southwest Washington this year honored for her civic engagement and patriotism. She was recognized for being concerned about the younger generation and for making sure that they follow their dreams. Her students erupted in applause and were energized by seeing their teacher honored. Superintendent Mary Templeton is quoted as saying, “The sense of community that Alice Yang builds in her classroom is reflected in moments like this. Yang exemplifies Washougal School District’s mission to know, nurture, and challenge all students to rise.”

On June 3, 2023, start your family fun from 11 am-2 pm, celebrating National Trails Day at the Children’s Natural Play area in Washougal Waterfront Park. Then hop across the Best Western and Port Marina parking lots to Parkersville Day from 12 pm-3 pm to enjoy Chinookan history, music and dance, play free family-friendly games, eat ice cream, listen to music and story tellers that bring local history back to life, view Washougal schools art based on a Chinook theme of longhouses, dugout canoes, salmon, baskets, and camas bulbs, see local museum displays, take a WSU tour of the park trees, and meet park supporters.

For more event information, email ParkersvilleHeritageFoundation@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ParkersLandingHistoricalPark

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The Camas Car Show Returns to Downtown Camas With Autos for Every Aficionado

Camas, WA — The 16th Annual Camas Car Show, hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), will run from 2-7 pm on Saturday, June 24th  bringing classic and specialty cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the streets of historic Downtown Camas. This event also includes live music by The Robusto Rejects Band, dance performances by Virtuosity Performing Arts Studio, balloon art by Joe Mishkin, food vendors, multiple raffles, and shopping and dining specials throughout downtown. Admission is free to spectators.

For participating vehicles: $20 cash entry, open event, no preregistration necessary, though it is recommended to fill out the registration form ahead of time and bring with you for faster registration. Cars can start entering car show area at 12:00pm. See information online here for more details. Goodie bags to first 100 cars and dash plaques to first 250 cars.

Trophies will be awarded, including Best in Show, People’s Choice and a variety of Sponsors’ Picks. In addition to classic categories, 2023 brings new awards for more modern vehicles including Best Modern Muscle and Best Modern Custom. Best in Show award will be presented to winner by Camas Mayor Pro Tem Don Chaney and the car will be featured on next year’s Camas Car Show poster and promotions. The 2022 Best in Show winners were Richard and Janelle Cummins with their 1948 GMC Pickup.

Kids can enter to win a car themed coloring contest with prizes in 3 different age categories. Each participant will take home a free Hot Wheels car for participating. The coloring area will be near the DCA tables across from Camas Antiques on 4th Avenue.

“Downtown Camas is revving with excitement, and we can hardly wait for the Camas Car Show!” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “The variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other custom vehicles that come out for this show is truly remarkable. Watching the community connect over their love of all things automotive is such a treat for us. Kids will enjoy entering the coloring contest, and everyone can enjoy the live music, delicious hot food vendors, and the lovely dance performances by Virtuosity. Thank you to the City of Camas and all our generous sponsors for their continued support of this beloved event in our downtown.”

This event benefits the Camas Washougal Treasure House Food Bank. Bring two cans of soup, mac & cheese or canned tuna and get a free raffle ticket. Event sponsored by Carla Edwards–Realtor, Edward Jones—Robert Barber, Grains of Wrath, Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, Kings Cross Automotive,  Papermaker Pride, State Farm – Julia Lo, William & Son Jewelers, Amie Bittle Photography, Georgia Pacific, and the City of Camas. The DCA is grateful for all the community support. 

The DCA is a nonprofit community development organization that works year round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com, email promotions@downtowncamas.com or call 360-953-1326.

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FLYIT ACADEMY Takes Flight Towards Greener Future Using Alternative Fuel

Camas Grove Airport, WA —  FLYIT ACADEMY, a flight training school, proudly announces its commitment to going green with alternative fuel in the aviation community.  Under the leadership of owner Rick Andersen, FLYIT ACADEMY is spearheading a green revolution in the aviation industry, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Recognizing the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions and minimize the ecological impact of aviation, Rick Andersen has made it a top priority to pursue environmentally friendly solutions within his flight school. By introducing alternative fuel options at Camas Grove Airport (1W1), FLYIT ACADEMY aims to make significant contributions towards building a greener and more sustainable aviation community.

To celebrate this significant milestone, FLYIT ACADEMY will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand debut of the alternative fuel truck Thursday, June 1st, from 4-6 pm at Grove Field Airport. The entire FLYIT ACADEMY team and the Port of Camas Washougal are excited for this inspiring occasion, bringing together aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and environmental advocates to witness the positive impact that sustainable choices can make within the aviation sector.

“We are excited to help pioneer this crucial endeavor in the aviation industry,” said Rick Andersen, owner of the flight school. “As a responsible member of the general aviation industry, we believe it is our duty to take proactive steps towards minimizing our carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner future. We are proud to be the first airport in the state of Washington to offer alternative fuel, and we hope this initiative will inspire other aviation communities to join us in our commitment to sustainability. 

ABOUT FLYIT ACADEMY:

FLYIT ACADEMY’s goal is to teach the art of flying for everyday people with a healthy community and that includes a healthy environment. Lead is not healthy in our community. That’s why they’ve invested not only in the fuel truck but in a brand new state of the art certified light sport Vans RV12is for the future of our training direction. Its FADEC system averages 3.5 gal per hour which is 1/3 the fuel consumption of a comparable Cessna 172 and it is designed for unleaded fuel. We are committed to creating solutions for a greener future.”

FLYIT ACADEMY has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment four years ago, a testament to the high-quality training and dedication to safety exemplified by the flight school. The introduction of alternative fuel options further solidifies FLYIT ACADEMY’s position as a forerunner in the aviation community, demonstrating their commitment not only to producing skilled pilots but also to preserving the environment for future generations.

FLYIT ACADEMY extends its sincere gratitude to the Port of Camas-Washougal for playing a pivotal role in making the introduction of alternative fuel a reality. Their unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in this groundbreaking achievement.

FLYIT ACADEMY is a leading flight school committed to providing high-quality pilot training and aviation education. With a focus on safety, skill development, and community-building, FLYIT ACADEMY aims to produce exceptional pilots while championing environmental sustainability within the aviation industry.

For more information visit www.flyitacademy.com 

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Camas Athletics Boosters Preparing for Black & Red Rendezvous Fundraiser Event

Washougal, WA — The Camas Athletics Boosters Club is busy preparing for this Saturday’s Black & Red Rendezvous event, which is a major fundraiser for local athletics programs.

Beginning this Saturday, May 20 at 5:30 pm the Westlie Ford dealership showroom will transform into a casino night with festivities presented by Wild Bill’s Casino. Ticket buyers (21 and older) will get to enjoy a night of blackjack, craps, roulette and Texas hold ‘em poker. 

“It will be a lot of fun,” said Amy Stoller, of the Camas Athletics Booster Club. “We hope to meet our financial goals for this event.”

Attendees may dress formal, casual or crazy creative, but it must be black and red. There will be bragging rights and prizes for the best dressed.  The event also includes a silent auction, as well as a live auction at 9 pm. 

Tickets cost $75 a person or $125 per couple. To purchase tickets, visit www.camasboosters.org

The Camas Athletics Boosters Club fills in funding gaps to support Camas athletics programs. Over a five year period the organization has raised $500,000, and those funds are dispersed to local teams through an official grant process. Examples of grants given include Camas High School scoreboards, girls wrestling uniforms, cheer uniforms, trainer’s cart for all sports, boys basketball travel gear, swim team travel gear, basketball and volleyball lockers, girls soccer warm ups, and much more. Grants are given to both Camas High School, as well as middle schools.

The board consists of 10-15 volunteer members and four officers. Money is raised through major fundraising events like the casino night, the annual golf tournament, concession sales, apparel sales at home football games, and general donations.

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Then and Now: Parker’s Landing Historical Park Events

Camas-Washougal, WA – The development of Parker’s Landing Historical Park at the Port of Camas-Washougal has been and continues to be a collaborative, community effort which includes a history of special events and dedications. Currently it is the site of the annual Parkersville Day held on the first Saturday in June, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm celebrating local history.

The Parkersville Site in Washougal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 11, 1976. Nearly 10 years later, a 25.4-ton rock was moved there for a Department of the Interior plaque to be mounted upon. The plaque was unveiled at the opening of Parker’s Landing Historical Park and Archaeological Site on June 1, 1986.

John Buchholz, and E. Snoey landscaped an arrowhead design planter framing the boulder plaque display. Jeff Buchholz, grandson of John, attended the park opening. “All I remember about the opening was standing next to Grandma Ester,” Jeff Buchholz recalls. “She told me how proud she was that Grandpa worked so hard on the landscaping of the park.  I didn’t notice that the planter was shaped like an arrowhead until she pointed it out to me.  At that time, I was only 10.”

Jeff Buchholz now serves on the Parkersville National Historic Site Advisory Committee to the Port (PAC) and the Parkersville Heritage Foundation (PHF). His grandfather served on the initial Parkersville Site Development Committee (PSDC).  The PSDC, now operating as PAC, is a permanent committee established under the authority of the Camas-Washougal Port Commission to protect and preserve the Parkersville National Historic Site and to design and continue to develop the 3.88-acre site known as the Parker’s Landing Historical Park.

Washington became a state on November 11, 1889, the only state named after a U.S. president. A Centennial Commission was established in 1982 by a state law act to organize, fund, and coordinate events, artwork, and publications. 

Big news for the park arrived on December 13, 1988, in the Camas-Washougal Post Record which read, “The Washington State Centennial Committee and the Washington Centennial Committee of Clark County have certified and approved four centennial projects to be constructed upon the historical site.”

Parkersville
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“HWY 14 / EXIT 14”

Soroptimist International Club of Camas-Washougal implemented the plans for Centennial Project #1, the Old Silo Base, on September 14, 1988. A bronze plaque with the State Centennial logo engraved on it was donated by the Soroptimists and mounted on a rock in the center of the Old Silo Base planter. The planter continues to host beautiful flowers and is managed by the local Soroptimists.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for Centennial Project #2, the Rose Arbor, on November 11, 1989, and was completed in January 1990 by members of the PUD and Kiwanis. They were led by Michael O’Hearne. A new wooden sign for the historical park, visible from the highway, was erected in September 1998, made possible by Port and PHF shared funding.

The third centennial project was the marking of the VanVleet homestead structure. The Van Vleet Plaza, where the 100-year-old historic home once stood, was dedicated in 2002.

Long-term PAC Member and Secretary/Treasurer, David Parker, continues to advocate for the fourth centennial project, a view structure, which has not been completed. Over the years, the PAC has discussed adding a replica of the Parker’s Landing maritime light, a project once pursued by park founder, and former PAC member, Rosalee Macrae. 

Eight new historic interpretive panels inside a wood kiosk were dedicated in 1997 and in 1999, the Community Garden Club (CGC) planted a pink dogwood tree near the west side of the park. They placed a granite plaque in the grass nearby honoring decades of volunteer gardening in the park by members.

When the Chinook Plaza was dedicated in 2009, long-term president of the PAC, Bruce Fuerstenberg, engraved the stone Chinook Chiefs Tayi, and provided the transportation of it. His family company, Vancouver Granite Works, Inc. was owned by his parents before him, and now by his son. The company engraved all the bricks that are throughout Van Vleet Plaza and waterfall area.  The first bricks placed in the plaza tell local history with names of Chinook chiefs, Donation Land Claim and later Homestead owners and the year they arrived in the area.

In 2022 a new annual Parkersville Day was launched, to be held annually on the first Saturday in June. It will be held June 3, 2023 from 12 pm to 3 pm. This free, family friendly event celebrates local history, with a look back at the historic town of Parkersville in 1854, and the grand events there in 1878-1880. The event features a Chinook blessing, storytellers, historic displays, 1800s games and prizes, ice cream, a park-themed art contest, band music from the 1800s, and, in 2023, a new Parkersville Day song played by Washougal High School Band with band teacher, Dave Duarte, conducting. Mark your calendars now.

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