Camas, WA — At Monday’s Camas School District’s (CSD) Board meeting, the five-member board voted unanimously to begin a district-wide layoff process by ratifying Resolution No. 22-04, a Modified Educational Program.
CSD has been working for months analyzing where to make budget cuts to bridge at $7.4 million budget deficit. Monday’s vote gives the CSD cabinet the authority to formally begin the process to make those cuts, which will include layoffs to certificated, classified and administrative employees.
This is the board’s resolution:
WHEREAS, the Camas School District No. 117 (“District”) faces financial issues due to inflation, increased staffing costs, reductions in enrollment and the state funding model;
WHEREAS, all general fund cash reserves and contingency funds have been considered for use by the Board;
WHEREAS, the District formed the Superintendent Budget Committee, sought input from and conferred both collectively and individually with the Camas Education Association (“CEA”), Public School Employees (“PSE”), Camas Association of Educational Office Professionals (“CAEOP”), building administrators, unrepresented employees, and other community stakeholders;
WHEREAS, the District will identify all persons within the CEA, PSE, CAEOP, building administration & unrepresented employees who willingly will agree to a Reduction in Force through resignations, leaves of absence and/or retirement;
WHEREAS, unless corrected, budget and cash flow analysis by the District anticipates a budget deficit of approximately $7.4 million for the 2023-2024 school year;
WHEREAS, the District has determined that unreserved/unassigned cash reserve of approximately $1.4 million should be budgeted for the 2023-2024 school year.
WHEREAS, the Superintendent has recommended that the Board adopt a Modified Educational Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of Camas School District No. 117 as follows:
The Superintendent is directed to implement a Modified Educational Program; and
The Superintendent is directed to prepare a 2023-2024 operating budget that reduces expenditures nearly to the level of reasonably anticipated revenues and reasonably available fund balance, subject to unreserved/unassigned cash reserve limitations noted above; and
The Superintendent is directed to take such action as may be required by law to notify certificated, classified, and administrative employees who will be affected by reductions in positions; and
The Superintendent is authorized to make such other plans to implement the reduced educational program as are necessary to comply with the legal obligations of the District.
RESOLUTION adopted this 27 day of March, 2023.
Board members are: Connie Hennessey, Corey McEnry, Erika Cox, Tracey Malone, and Bamini Pathmanathan
The Camas Education Association (CEA), who represents a majority of certificated teachers, responded with this statement:
On March 27, the School Board passed Board Resolution 22-04. The title of the resolution is “Modified Educational Program.”
The resolution is more commonly known as the RIF (Reduction in Force) Resolution, which directs the Superintendent to begin the process of laying off staff, thereby reducing the amount of support our students receive at school.
During the Public Comments portion of last night’s meeting, CEA Vice President Michael Sanchez urged the Board to reconsider any and all cuts.
Along with the rest of the community, the Camas Education Association is saddened to hear that this resolution unanimously passed. Cuts always mean that our students are the ones who ultimately suffer the most.
Last night’s meeting was standing room only, with many first-time attendees. These attendees aren’t necessarily familiar with the machinations of school budgets, and they’re certainly not as up-to-speed as those who deal with this on a regular basis.
Customarily, members of the Board will discuss among themselves the Motion to adopt a resolution of this magnitude.
At least, Board members should.
However, at last night’s meeting, the Board did not see fit to offer any sort of rationale that would be entered into the public record. For the many people who were attending their very first Board meeting and were there to advocate for their schools, they heard ZERO discussion from their School Board that evening regarding the RIF Resolution.
CEA finds this especially galling, especially from a District that claims to value transparency.
The School Board missed an important opportunity to provide those observing the proceedings with insight as to how they arrived at their decision.
We hope that in the future, the School Board will take the time to give even the most perfunctory statements the next time they make decisions with such far reaching consequences.
-The Camas Education Association Executive Board
Layoff notices will be distributed before this school year ends.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/29134026/IMG_0694-scaled.jpeg12292560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-29 13:47:062023-03-29 13:47:17Camas School Board Votes to Begin Layoff Process; Cites $7.4 Million Deficit
The Camas-Washougal Community Chest and its partners, the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of 31 grants totaling $140,000 to non-profit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and families in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service above Self also adds volunteers to the mix as they work to make a difference for many families.
The grants will fund such diverse services as emergency food assistance, aid to families in crisis or needing emergency services, safe temporary shelter for at-risk youth, a Safe Stay overnight car park program at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, a homeless family day center located at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Camas and water quality monitoring in the Lacamas Creek watershed.
New organizations receiving grants for the first time are offering services such as financial help to cover registration and transportation costs for members of the Camas robotics team, help purchase supplies and maintain equipment for local children attending preschool, help purchase supplies and uniforms for students attending local technical academy, help fund planting of pollinator habitat and beautification along SR14 near Washougal, help fund basic living expenses for individuals in need who are transitioning out of foster care and help fund emergency financial assistance to normally self-supporting people who are unable to work and pay all their bills during cancer treatments.
Some of the non-profit organizations being funded in 2023 include Inter-Faith Treasure House, Children Home Society’s East County Family Resource Center, Janus Youth Program, Pink Lemonade, Family Promise of Clark County and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. First-time grantees include Camas Robotics Booster Club, Camas – Washougal Parents Co-op Preschool, Cascadia Technical Academy.
Journey Theatre.
Foundation, East County Citizens’ Alliance, Komak and YWCA Clark County. For a complete listing of the grant awards see the grant summary below.
Thanks to CWRF, CLF and major donations from the GP Foundation, GP employees, Camas School District employees, City of Camas and Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Windermere Foundation, and Watercare Industrial Services, CWCC is well on the way to funding these grants.
To reach its 2023 fundraising goal, however, the CWCC needs additional donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org
The CWCC, CWRF and CLF are registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes.
2023 Grant Program Summary
Total number of grants awarded – 31 Total value of grants awarded – $140,000 Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 30,500
Community Programs/Projects Funded in 2023
Boy Scouts of America – Cascade Pacific Council
Helps fund Campership Awards so that Camas and Washougal families in need can send their scouts to summer camp.
Camas Farmers Market
Helps fund “Produce Pals”, a weekly activities program to educate children about where and how food is produced. Kids completing weekly program receive a $2 token to spend at Camas Farmers Market for locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Camas Robotics Booster Club
Helps fund registration and transportation costs for students in financial need to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) classes and activities. Will also help fund STEM education and outreach activities in the Camas and Washougal area.
Camas Washougal Parent Co-op Preschool
Helps fund operating budget, including buying classroom supplies and helps with maintaining and upkeeping the preschool in order to provide a safe place for the preschoolers to learn and play.
Cascadia Technical Academy Foundation (aka Clark County Vocational Skills Foundation)
Helps students to purchase required uniforms and supplies such as chef jacket for Culinary, scrubs for Applied Medical Science, tools and tool bag for Construction and textbooks. Also helps student’s family to meet emergency needs such as a gas card so parents can get to work, paying for a few nights lodging while temporary housing is found and buying food from CTA’s food pantry.
Let the cool furniture at One Stop Home Furnishings transform your home or office. https://onestophomefurnishings.com 2140 SE 8th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607. 360-834-1234.
Children’s Home Society – East County Family Resource Center
Helps fund operations at Resource Center. Helps fund parent education groups, youth support groups, emergency basic assistance, behavioral health services and health care services provided by ECFRC or by a partner agency.
East County Citizens’ Alliance
Helps fund a native pollinator habitat by planting native wildflowers in a state highway plot 200 feet long and twenty feet wide east of the Washougal River Road / SR – 14 roundabout. This is a first of its kind project in Washington and WSDOT is providing a landscape designer as a coordinator/ advisor.
Family Promise of Clark County
Helps fund an expansion of FPCares program that proactively assists families with services that will prevent them from losing their homes and entering the shelter system. Services may include rental assistance, payments for rent in arrears, security deposits, landlord mediation, locating housing and filling out applications.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation – Washougal Branch
Supports the Washougal Community Library’s summer reading program for kids and adults.
Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library
Helps fund several 100-year centennial projects including four special exhibit displays in the Second Story Gallery, six speaking engagements in a History Speaks! speaker series and the library will be collecting oral histories throughout the year and posting those stories to a hosted website.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Helps fund the Explore the Gorge classroom lessons and outdoor environmental education program for sixth graders in Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle schools in Washougal School District.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs
Helps General Federation of Woman’s Clubs with purchasing books for all children in Pre-K programs in the Camas and Washougal School Districts. The program is aimed at all Pre-schoolers to grow their reading skills.
Impact CW – St. Matthew Lutheran Church
Helps buy food and grocery gift cards for families in need in the Camas and Washougal School Districts.
Inter-Faith Treasure House
Helps pay utilities (electricity, water, sewer, garbage and natural gas) so IFTH can continue to operate the east county food bank.
Janus Youth Programs
Provides funding for outreach efforts and overnight facility stays for Camas and Washougal runaway youth at risk for abuse and neglect. Re-introduces kids to safe housing. Provide case managers to help youth access community services to help them achieve stability.
Journey Theater Arts Group
Helps fund a portion of the Washburn Performing Arts Center rental fee to present the March production of Junie B. Jones, the Musical.
Kawanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki
Helps fund their Outdoor Environmental Education Program by offering campers meaningful outdoor activities that support fun, healthy living, nurturing personal growth plus leadership and nature-based skills. Goals include better physical and mental health, increased self-esteem, respect and kindness for others, ability to lead, community participation and stewardship of natural resources.
Komak
Helps fund emergency financial assistance to normally self-supporting people who are unable to work and pay all their bills during cancer treatments.
Lacamas Watershed Council
Helps pay for volunteer training and buying water quality monitoring equipment and supplies. Water quality samples will be collected in the Lacamas watershed, including Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes and Lacamas Creek.
Lifeline Connections
Helps fund youth activities, field trips and transportation costs to Camp Mariposa (they use Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki’s facility) for children of families in need or suffering from substance abuse.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
Provides classroom lessons and outdoor applied learning programs for youth, including habitat enhancement projects adjacent to Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Campen Creek in Mable Kerr Park.
Meals on Wheels People
Helps fund an expansion of the Medically Tailored Meals Program, an evidenced-based nutritional intervention tailored to clients needs. These meals include higher quality food and provide more diversity and variety of foods.
Pink Lemonade Project
Helps fund Pink Practicalities, a financial aid and assistance program. Covers costs that health insurance doesn’t, such as groceries, transportation services, lymphedema sleeves, lost wages, rent/mortgage payments, etc.
REACH Community Development
Helps buy groceries, baby essentials, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and similar basic household needs. Buys school supplies and holiday food baskets. Serves Gateway Gardens and Towne Square communities in Washougal.
ReFuel Washougal
Helps buy supplies such as sturdy clamshells, lidded bowls and heavy duty plastic forks and spoons to provide to-go meals during Friday meal nights. Also helps buy heavy duty raincoats for homeless or low income people in need.
St. Anne’s (Episcopal Church) Safe Stay Program
Helps fund a portion of St. Anne’s Safe Stay program including cleaning of the port-a-potty, use of outdoor electrical outlets, use of the Internet WiFi and use of showers, laundry and church kitchen.
TreeSong Nature Awareness and Retreat Center
Helps fund a ductless wall heater and the electrical wiring to complete its installation in the recently completed 30-foot yurt.
Unite! Washougal Community Coalition
Helps fund Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program at Washougal High School; Positive Community Norms Campaign “Love Your Life” in the Washougal Community; the Support Our Guiding Good Choices Parenting classes and the Support our Ambassador Youth Program.
Washougal School District – Principal’s Checkbook
Helps Washougal school principals provide for basic student needs to give low income or homeless students equal opportunities at school. Funds a portion of Adult Transition Program which trains students with disabilities for transition into appropriate work placement. Funds supplies such as shoes, clothes, hygiene products and food for Panther Den. Funds mobile laptop cart for families without access to technology and internet services. Funds Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative activities on all Washougal District school campuses.
West Columbia Gorge Humane Society
Helps fund the following programs and services designed to keep pets and people together during hardship, crisis or emergency: pet food pantry, temporary pet boarding, impound/owner surrender fee relief and veterinary assistance. Also funds a portion of the cost to supply ReFuel Washougal with pet food to distribute to the pets of homeless and low-income people using ReFuel’s other services.
YWCA Clark County
Helps fund a portion of the YWCA’s Independent Living Skills Program. The ILS program helps youth transition out of foster care to independent living by providing physical things such as clothes for job interviews, rental assistance, and furniture for new living spaces. The ILS program also provides education and training opportunities to help participants with their transition to independence.
Camas, WA — Camas history will be celebrated while ushering in the spring season during the Camas First Friday “Spring into History” event on April 7. This event will run from 5-8 pm and will feature a historic talk and walking tour, a colorful ribbon cutting, art shows, Camas history games, after hours shopping and dining, arts and crafts and more.
Please note that the event start location will be different this month. Please pick up your passport inside the Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch (the building behind Journey where you usually start).
New this Year! Everyone is invited to make some history of their own with the first annual “Capture Camas History” black & white photography contest. Submit your favorite black & white images of Downtown Camas to promotions@downtowncamas.comby Friday March 31st.
Three winners from each age group (12 and under, 13-18, 18+) will be displayed at First Friday, and attendees will vote for People’s choice. The winner will receive a Camas prize basket. Images will be collected over the years and printed in a “Capture Camas History” album, planned for 2033. For full details about the contest, go to downtowncamas.com/event/april-first-friday-spring-history.
History buffs can learn more about the complex and interesting past of Downtown Camas by attending “Tea with Virginia” with 98-year-old life-long Camas resident Virginia Warren at Caffe Piccolo (400 NE 4th) from 4pm-5pm. Virginia has established herself as an invaluable keeper of Camas history and enjoys passing her knowledge to younger generations. Tea will be served compliments of the DCA. The educational fun can continue with a historical walking tour led by Brad Richardson, Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum. Meet inside Fuel Medical (314 NE Birch) at 6pm to take part in the walking tour.
Camas present and future will be celebrated with the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration at The Pink Room, (223 NE 6th), a new women’s clothing and accessory boutique. Owner Madora Doremus is a Camas High School Graduate and former Camas DECA member and has already shown a flair for combining marketing savvy with local support by enlisting current Camas DECA members as her brand ambassadors. Come see the paper fashion displays and photo ops they will have at the shop that evening.
Let the cool furniture at One Stop Home Furnishings transform your home or office. 2140 SE 8th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607. 360-834-1234.
Other First Friday Activities include:
Play the “Guess About Camas”history passport game in participating businesses and be entered to win Camas themed prizes. This year’s questions are all about the Camas Public Library, which is celebrating its centennial this year.
Make paper in the GP Mill Interpretive Lobby, 401 NE Adams, and learn about mill history including the pictorial mill timeline.
Celebrate Spring with Golden Egg Hunt Activities for kids at participating downtown merchants. Eggs will have prizes and tickets to win a spring themed prize basket.
Peruse the Camas history displays in the Fuel Lobby and learn why Camas is such an exceptional town.
Play the “Historic Camas” games with the DCA in the beautiful Fuel Medical Lobby, 314 NE Birch, and earn tickets to win: GP Toilet Paper Toss, Camas Cornhole, Camas History Plinko and the Camas Prune Drop. Play the “course” and be entered to win a GP paper prize package.
As an additional nod to our paper history, local artists will be creating Paper Dresses & Accessories that will be modeled throughout Downtown.
Juxtaposition, 425 NE 4th, will be hosting the Easter Bunny and treats from 4-7pm and local author Ernie Geigenmiller, owner of Lacamas Magazine, speaking to the recent history of Camas during the pandemic from 5-8pm.
Paper Straw Rockets at Fuel Medical, 314 NE Birch, with Kathy Marty of Camp Windy Hill and talking about Michael Barratt, an astronaut from Camas.
Kids Crafts and Toilet Paper Pong at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, with the Girl Scouts
After-hours shopping and dining with so many new offerings for Spring.
“I’m a nearly lifelong Camas resident, and I’m shocked about how little I knew about my hometown!” says Leah Nichelson, staff member at the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “This event combines historical facts with fun history themed games, hands on activities, awesome after-hours shopping, and awe inspiring art shows. We’re excited to see the submissions for the ‘Capture Camas History’ photography contest, and we’re so thrilled to welcome Madora and The Pink Room to the fabulous selection of Downtown Camas clothing stores. History is made every day, and we hope you’ll make some history and some memories at the “Spring into History” First Friday on April 7th.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/21132122/4th-AVE-in-Downtown-Camas-taken-in-1947.jpeg12741837Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-21 13:45:382023-03-22 10:31:28Downtown Camas Prepares for ‘Spring Into History’ First Friday Events
Camas, WA — Join Camas Parks and Recreation for the 32nd annual Easter egg hunt, “The Camas Egg Scramble!” This special event will take place at Crown Park, on Easter Sunday, April 9 at 1:30 pm.
All egg hunting areas start at the same time, so don’t be late! Candy and prize-filled eggs will be hidden in designated egg hunting areas color-marked for age groups 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12. This Easter egg hunt is unique in that all ages start at the same time from their designated areas.
Please provide supervision, as all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should also bring a basket or bag in which to collect their eggs. Adults are not allowed in the hunting areas, except the area for ages 2-3, or to accompany a participant with special needs.
All abilities are welcome to join us for this fun event. A designated “Egg Stroll” has been developed to prioritize accessibility and enhance this inclusive activity for all ages. If you have needs that the city may help accommodate, please contact Krista Bashaw at 360-834-5307.
Prizes in the eggs will include candy, toys and prize tokens which can be turned in at the event to claim a prize. So, make sure you open all the eggs at the event, and please return the empty eggshells so they can be used again next year. The Traditional Easter Bonnet and Contemporary Hat contest will take place at 2 pm, at the covered shelter. This event will be hosted and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cascade Park. And the Easter Bunny will make an appearance at Scout Hall in the park for photographs between 12:30-2:30 pm.
No registration is required for the egg hunt or the bonnet/hat contest. But please note, this is one of our most popular events, so please allow time for parking, as spaces are limited. In addition, an accessible parking and a drop-off area has been arranged along NE 15th & NE Dallas St. Crown Park is located at NE Everett & NE 17th Ave.
The city could not do this without sponsors, which includes Kiwanis, VFW Post 4278, VFW Auxiliary, and WinCo.
Camas, WA — 100 never looked so good, and the Camas Library is in celebration mode.
On April 4, 2023, the Camas Library will officially turn 100 years old, and you can help this Camas gem celebrate all-day and into the evening.
On April 4, 1923, the Women’s Club of Camas formed what is now the Camas Public library and since that date, it’s been bringing joy to this community. Now, 100 years later the Camas Library is hosting a full day of events that will include goodies, treats and a scavenger hunt for kids.
In addition to the festivities, every 100th person to enter the library will receive a special prize in honor of the momentous occasion.
At 4 pm, swing music and dancing will kick-off the evening portion of the festivities, which will also include a free raffle at 6 pm.
According to Camas Library Director, Connie Urquhart, this is a great opportunity to invite the whole community to visit the Library.
“It’ll be a fun time, plus it’s a great chance to look back at history,” said Urquhart. “It also gives the community a chance to remember the good times, and to also think about what the future could hold!”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/15101038/IMG_9788-scaled.jpeg14452560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-15 10:40:382023-03-15 10:40:47Events: Help Celebrate Camas Library’s Official Birthday on April 4
Camas, WA — Camas Police are searching for a homeless man who tried to set up camp inside the Liberty Theatre Thursday night, according to Rand Thornsley, the venue’s owner.
Thornsley said the man, whom police identified as Victor (based on security camera footage), is a local homeless man, who found his way into the theatre after it closed for business Thursday night. He is alleged to have broken into Washougal Times restaurant earlier this week, as well.
“He was discovered on Friday afternoon when the opening manager, Avery, went into the theatre,” Thornsley said. “He was in the balcony area and the other manager, Jakob [Potter], was right behind her, and they had him detained but he got away. He appeared to have stayed the night in the theatre and kept the back door open so it wouldn’t lock. Jakob was the one who tried to detain him.”
Thornsley said the intruder looked like he planned to stay a while.
“We think he left the building after we closed, went and brought his stuff and brought it back into the theater,” said Thornsley. “There are closets upstairs in the balcony area and he moved his stuff up there. Avery and Jakob made the report, provided the security camera images to the police, and they came through and swept through the building and the basement. It looked like he planned to stay there a while. They thought they had the back door secured.”
Then the intruder returned.
“Friday night he returned and was able to get the back door open and then he broke into the office,” said Thornsley. “He got into the lock up where we keep our cash. He took cash and keys, so we had the whole building re-keyed and put reinforcements on the doors. Jakob is handling things really well. He spent the whole day getting the theatre revamped, and made sure nothing was bothered. We are back to business as usual.”
Thornsley said police are searching for him.
“Now that he has some cash I think he’ll get out of the area,” he said. “Thats’s my personal opinion. This is a bummer, but it’s fortunate he wasn’t destructive.”
Police are hoping the public can help them find the intruder. Call 311 during the day, and 911 at night.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/12132902/unnamed-3-e1678653209725.jpg439725Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-12 13:44:402023-03-12 13:44:51Camas Police Search for Liberty Theatre Intruder, a Homeless Man
Camas, WA — Artists and art lovers will gather to admire and purchase original small-scale works of art at the Little Art Camas event on March 24th and 25th in Downtown Camas. This two-day community exhibition features “little” works of art created by artists of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, from local professional artists to promising art students.
Each participating artist has created 3 individual pieces that can each be purchased for $20. Little Art Camas is hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and is a fundraiser to further public art efforts.
Local art collectors will also enjoy the new silent auction featured at this year’s event. The auction will be comprised of works in multiple mediums, all generously donated by local artists and galleries. Among other offerings, event goers will have the opportunity to bid on a hand painted and hand thrown stoneware bowl with a Downtown Camas theme by artist Anna Norris, a classic Corvair painted by artist Keith Russel, a patriotic piece of copper artistry by David Gerton, and a hand painted ceramic cat by budding 8 year old artist Lexie Keels.
Tickets to the event are $5 at the door and good for both Friday and Saturday. Children 12 & under are free. The ceremonial ringing of the cowbell Friday evening will kick off the art buying excitement. Art sizes include 5×5, 5×7 and 8×8. The event will be hosted in the beautiful Fuel Medical Building lobby in Downtown Camas, 314 NE Birch.
“Little Art Camas is a special event that makes art collecting and appreciation available for everyone!” says Jan Carter, Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “The artists truly put their passion and heart into their artworks, and it brings us so much joy to see someone walk home with a new piece of art that speaks to them. The silent auction will be a welcome addition, and we are thrilled about the pieces that were donated to us. This event truly celebrates the diverse and thriving art scene in Downtown Camas!”
The event on Friday, 5-8pm, will have live music by jazz guitarist Bret Malmquist and appetizers and wine will add to the fun. The event continues Saturday, 12-4pm, with an “Art Refresh”. Patrons are encouraged to attend both days, as many new pieces will be added on Saturday. Purchased art can be picked up after the exhibit on Saturday or on Sunday so that all art can be enjoyed both days. See details in the Event Schedule below.
Event Schedule
Friday, March 24th, Exhibit Opens
5-6 pm Art Preview
Preview art and register for your Buyer Number and buy up to 5 “Buyer’s Buttons”. Your Buyer’s Buttons are stickers with your Buyer Number on them. The silent auction will run the entirety of the event on Friday and Saturday.
6 pm The “Cowbell” Rings
The bell rings and buying starts.
6-8 pm Exhibit Browsing and Buying
Use your Buyer’s Button stickers to mark your chosen treasures by replacing the Artwork Number sticker with your Buyer Button. That signals other browsers that this work is taken. You may start placing your Buyer’s Buttons when you hear the “cowbell” ring at 6pm. Return your Buyer’s Card with the artwork numbers on it to the registration desk before you leave for the evening.
Saturday, March 25th, Exhibit Continues with “Art Refresh”
12-4 pm Exhibit Browsing and Buying
Many new art works will be added to the exhibit that were not displayed on Friday.
4-5 pm Art Pick up (continues Sunday).
Both buyers and artists of unsold works can pick up their artwork during this time.
Sunday, March 26th
12-2 pm Art Pick up continues
Please pick up purchases and/or unsold works by the 2 PM deadline. If unable to make these times, please send a friend.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/02161334/wsi-imageoptim-LAC-logo-1.png836916Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-02 16:30:282023-03-02 16:30:35‘Little Art Camas’ Returns to Downtown Camas March 24-25
Camas, WA — Artists Liz Pike and Blue Bond are exhibiting new works at Pike Art Gallery in uptown Camas, located at 302 NE Sixth Avenue. The public is invited to an upscale First Friday Art Walk Reception on March 3rd from 5-8pm featuring delicious appetizers and beverages. The new gallery space opened last month at the corner of NE Sixth and Birch Street.
“In addition to my own works of art, I’m honored to feature beautiful oils on canvas by the talented Blue Bond at Pike Art Gallery,” said Pike. “The public is invited to a welcoming First Friday Art reception each month.” Pike and Bond both work in oils on canvas and have been painting throughout their respective lifetimes. This new setting is a second location for Pike Art Gallery which opened a few years ago inside a stand-alone building at Pike’s organic Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie.”
Bond is known nationally as a prize-winning portrait artist. Pike has been juried into Clark County Open Studios Tour each year since 2017. Pike also shows her work at several regional art festivals including the Fern Prairie Art Fest, Washougal Art Festival, Battle Ground’s Art in the Park, and Camas Vintage and Art Faire. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Visit LizPike.art on the web.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/02161344/Super-Buck-Moon-at-Shangri-La.jpg14051409Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-03-02 16:18:522023-03-02 16:32:23Pike Art Gallery Features Latest Works by Bond, Pike in New First Friday Exhibit
Camas, WA — In response to social media posts about local teachers, parents and supporters rallying to save Hayes Freedom School from the chopping block, Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent, Dr. John Anzalone, issued a clarifying statement Wednesday afternoon to parents.
The Camas Education Association (CEA), the local teacher’s union, rallied supporters beginning Tuesday night to meet at next Monday’s CSD School Board meeting to express their support of Hayes and the work they do there. They had received credible information that closing Hayes was part of a broader cost cutting measure to save the district $6 million.
“I was able to get more information and the proposal was to move Hayes and merge it with Discovery, not ‘close’ the program,” said Marci Zabel, CEA President. “While I understand that is good for business, that would not be good for the population of students served at Hayes Freedom HS. No decision has been made as of yet, it is an option they are considering. We will continue to push our members and community members to urge the CSD School Board to keep HFHS where it is and come up with another solution that does not have such a negative impact on students.”
In today’s statement, Anzalone said the following:
“We are aware of posts and comments on social media implying that Hayes Freedom High School will be closed due to impending budget cuts. This information is false, and I’d like to clarify our process and outline our budget development timeline.
“We mentioned in our communication on February 1, 2023, that our leadership team is examining ways to reduce our budget by a target of $6 million, representing 5% of our budget. One of many options under consideration is looking for ways to share staffing among our smaller, choice high schools: Camas Connect Academy, Discovery High School, and Hayes Freedom High School. I want our community to know that we will not eliminate any of our high schools during this arduous budget process, and Hayes Freedom High School will not be relocated.
“Our exploration and planning, which are still in development, will include reductions at the central office, building administration, classified staff, and certificated staff. In order to minimize impacts on students, we will first focus reductions on district office personnel and building administration.
“As we continue to examine possible areas for reductions, these principles will help guide decisions, including reducing staff positions and programs. Each principle is just one lens; we acknowledge that some may create tension when put up against others.
We will continue to use Seeing and Serving EACH Student as a guide and filter.
We will reduce or delay non-employee-related costs first.
For each reduction, we will consider the impact on students, particularly those with the highest needs.
Whenever possible, we will use attrition and consider not filling vacant positions.
We will look at our current initiatives and consider which are having the most impact on learning.
We will consider reductions that create closer alignment with the state’s prototypical school funding model.
We will focus on additional operational efficiencies and consider what the impacts would be.”
The following represents a general budget and staffing timeline, said Anzalone:
Late February to early March – Possible board resolution to reduce the budget by $6M. There would be no specificity regarding how the reductions are made. This is the formal first step in the budget reduction process.
Mid-March – First round of staffing cuts announced
End of March – Target date to notify all impacted staff
May 15 – Contractual deadline to notify impacted certificated staff
June 1 – Contractual deadline to notify impacted classified staff
This is the graphic used in social media posts to support Hayes Freedom.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/22150939/Hayes-Freedom-High-School.jpg4001200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-02-22 15:20:242023-02-22 15:20:34Camas School District: Hayes Freedom High School Not Closing
Camas, WA — Jennifer Senescu, Executive Director of the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, was appointed to the Camas City Council Friday night with a 4-2 vote following a formal interview process with six candidates, which was conducted by Mayor Steve Hogan and council members.
The following Council members voted for Senescu’s appointment:
Tim Hein
Leslie Lewallen
Don Chaney
Marilyn Boerke
She will be sworn in on Tuesday, February 21.
Senescu ran for mayor in 2021, and has been running the Chamber since 2020.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/17195838/IMG_7107-scaled.jpeg14292560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2023-02-17 20:11:062023-02-17 20:11:15Jennifer Senescu Appointed to Camas City Council Following Candidate Interviews
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